All Organic Eggs Are Not Created Equal

We have been eating Organic Eggs for quite awhile. Eggs are a good source of protein for toddlers if they are not allergic to them. Fats and cholesterol do not need to be restricted before the age of 2 so they are a good choice and easy for busy Moms to prepare.

A few months ago I came across some important information from the Cornucopia Institute. They are "in support of ecologically produced local, organic and authentic food." They have a rating system for eggs. The Organic eggs I had been buying....did not get a score to my liking.

Needless to say we switched to Vital Farms eggs that we found at Whole Foods. They are actually better!!! The eggs themselves look healthier, the yolk is more vibrant in color. The shell is firmer than our other brand. I am sure they come from happy hens!!! Check out The Cornucopia Institute Organic Egg Scorecard to see how your eggs rate. Or you can raise organic chickens in your backyard and play them classical music so they lay happy healthy eggs!!!

Valentine's Day ideas with a "Green" theme

Valentine's Day is less than a week away!!! Instead of buying cards for your kids to send, why not use the backs of the Christmas Cards that are collecting dust and make fun cards. You can glue on buttons, beads, and whatever you have around the house. Add sparkles, ribbon or just use crayons or markers to make personalized cards. Already tossed the cards...use construction paper for a fun project.

If you are looking for sweet treats, look for Organic or Fair Trade Certified Chocolates. The way Chocolate is produced is bad for the environment, uses pesticides, and employs child labor. So give some sweet treats that mean something more the usual fare.

For the flower lovers out there...FTD now has Go Green option
I really love the variety at Organic Bouquet. Flowers are a quick option that most people enjoy receiving.

If you are trying to set the mood with candles this Valentine's Day, please use natural soy, beeswax or bamboo candles and avoid those overly fragrant brands which are actually releasing toxins into the air. Not very romantic is it???

Whatever you plan for Valentine's Day, try to make it a GREEN one!
Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Toddler and Baby Snacks in a snap!

If you have a toddler, you know that at times feeding becomes a challenge. I have been making almost all of her baby food. The exception is when we go out for errands or are in a hurry to feed her and nothing is prepared. It can also be difficult to find some varieties of fruits and veggies that are organic at this time of year. I have found several brands of BPA free options that are delicious and nutritious for babies and tots.

Happy Baby has several varieties of organic meals. My favorites are the Amaranth Ratatouille and the Salmon Lentil. The time and cost to make both of these would be too great if I were to find all organic ingredients. Brooke also likes the Turkey! While she's moved on from these, occasionally I mix it with something new that I am trying to introduce to her.

She also loves the Plum Organics mixes of Blueberry, Pear and Purple Carrot as well as the Spinach, Peas, and Pear. She will now even eat our healthy version of Creamed Spinach made with Goat Cheese/Spinach puree since she was introduced to spinach at such a young age!! I sometimes mix these with her goat yogurt, brown rice or quinoa. Plum Organics also has a great selection of other flavors. They even have Gluten-Free Fruity Fingerfuls which is a cereal with either freeze-dried Banana, Apple or Strawberry.

She also likes the Ella's Kitchen "Green One" Smoothie Fruit which has organic Kiwi. I have never been able to find organic kiwi anywhere!!! They also have a Strawberry/Apple which she devours. Unless you find organic frozen strawberries, fresh are impossible to find in January unless you are in CA or FL. Ella's flavors are great to mix with plain goat yogurt once your baby moves on to solids.

Another quick snack that we always have on hand is homemade pickles. We cut up organic cucumber into bite size toddler pieces and soak it in rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, agave nectar, salt and garlic. She loves this snack and it eases her teething pain!

You can find the Plum Organics, Happy Baby and Ella's Kitchen at Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, Whole Foods or your local market or online at Diapers.com. Getting toddlers to eat can be challenging, so if you find something they love, mix it with something new to help them get the proper nutrition they need. Here is a helpful reminder "The Dirty Dozen List" of what foods should definitely be organic from Environmental Working Group.

Neti Pots for a Healthy New Year!!

A few years ago I happened to be in Whole Foods and noticed a display of Neti Pots. They have been around for centuries but are now becoming more popular in the US. They were featured on Oprah and Dr Oz. I had already been using one so I was already hip to the Neti Pot Health Scene!

At first I thought it was a tea pot but as I began to read what it was all about, I thought I had to try it. Apparently it is popular among people who do Yoga. I do Yoga, but had never heard of it. It makes perfect sense since you want to breath deeply during Yoga. I did find a book written about the use of the Neti Pot. Maybe it will tell the full history more accurately for those that want to know.

I have been using mine off and on for awhile and definitely notice a difference in my breathing after I use it. I guess I should use it more often to avoid colds!! I add the Neti Pot salt recommended and add warm water. At first it is a little awkward, but then you figure out how best to use it. (over a bathroom sink preferably!!!)

Web Md explains it well. You can buy one online or at your local health food stores.

Last minute Eco-Friendly Gifts for Tots!

Want to find a last minute gift for your baby or toddler and be Eco-Friendly?? There are options!! I have found several at Giggle.com I really like Giggle's options available for babies and toddlers that are non-toxic. Each item is rated by Giggle's own criteria system to help you choose what is best for your child. I had my baby registry at this store and found them to be above and beyond compared to other stores. Many products are made from Organic Cotton, Replenishable Rubberwood, or Recycled Materials.

Pictured above are 2 of Brooke's favorites!! The Baby Bjorn Babysitter Balance is a must!!! We found this to be so useful for going to the beach or by the pool because it folds flat and is made from organic cotton. The Jungle Playmat speaks for itself! It is the ONLY mat I have found on the market that is made from organic cotton. The monkey and elephant are also removable so I can use them on the stroller as well!! She loves this mat and I have been able to wash it on the gentle cycle.
Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!!

Eco-Friendly Gifts Galore!!!

Looking for a unique gift this year??? Want to get something useful or thoughtful?? Why not find an Eco-Friendly gift this year instead of a tie or a sweater. There are several websites that can help you find just the right gift and have it in time for Christmas.

Try Gifts.com

The Ultimate Green Store.

There is also Green Depot.com They have recycled gift paper, ribbons, gift tags, packing materials and unique gifts.

If you want to send a food basket, Pristine Planet has great options!!

If you don't want to wait for shipping, I found Eco-Friendly Gift bags at Kmart!!! As well as an Ecosmart/PVC free computer bag and backpack!! If you look hard enough you can find an Earth Friendly gift. Or you can always bake someone cookies, fudge, or make a card.

If you are looking for a gift, try to find something made from Organic Cotton or Bamboo that is carried at Target. Most stores carry these types of items now. Even Walmart has options.

Happy Shopping!!!

LEED Certified/Eco-Friendly Hotel- Viana Hotel and Spa, near NYC

Over the past 2 months we have stayed at 4 hotels. Why you ask?? The first was business related. The other 3 hotel stays were because of a boiler replacement gone wrong. I have to say that finding an Eco-Friendly Hotel is becoming easier than I thought. My favorite hotel thus far was the Viana Hotel and Spa in Westbury, NY.

It is a new LEED Certified hotel. It doesn't have that offensive "New" smell due to the off-gasing of chemicals in carpet and paint because they have used Eco-Friendly materials in the hotel. Anyone who has chemical sensitivities will greatly appreciate this hotel. The towels are bamboo and the cups in the bathroom are GREENWARE biodegradable. The parking lot is made from recycled tires so the new black top smell isn't lingering. The hotel even has Feng Shui design.

We stayed in a suite with a kitchenette which makes life so much easier with a child. There was a whirlpool tub and a shower in the bathroom. There was also a great amount of storage space in the suite as well. I could have just moved in permanently! With 2 flat screens and a 3rd in the bathroom, I know my husband could have stayed longer!! When we stay at hotels, we always put the DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door to avoid the housekeeping crew. At the The Viana Hotel and Spa, we welcomed them because they use Earth Friendly Products, so no toxic fumes!!!!! I can't say enough of how impressed I was with this hotel's effort to be GREEN and ECO-FRIENDLY. My husband even spoke with the chef to check that they had Organic Eggs to feed our baby for breakfast!!! How rare is that??? If I only had a nanny I could have taken advantage of the Hotel Spa!

Next time you need to stay at a hotel, why not Google one that is Eco-Friendly? More and more are going GREEN. Maybe something else will force us to go to a hotel and we will stay the Viana Hotel and Spa again!