Mindful Momma

A Very Merry Christmas to You!

The presents are all wrapped and we're packing up the car for our roadtrip to Madison, Wisconsin, where we will spend the next 6 days hanging out with relatives and eating & drinking too much.  Now if we can just make it through the day without a certain 6 year old going ballistic with excitement, we will be happy. :)

I've got a huge tin full of Christmas cookies and gifts of homemade Nutella (look for a new post covering the many variations I've tried - I think 5 or 6 - sometime in the New Year!) to share.  I'm looking forward to doing some sledding with the kids, some cooking with my Mom, having memorable conversations with family and perhaps even some relaxing moments with my husband!

I hope your holiday is all you want it to be!  See you in the New Year!

{image by ccharmon via flickr}

Paper-Free Gift Wrap Ideas

Who says you have to use wrapping paper to wrap gifts?  I enjoy the challenge of coming up with creative ways to wrap gifts using items that can be reused again and again. Admittedly, these ideas are not entirely paper free - I used some tissue paper and card stock for gift tags - but there was no traditional wrapping paper involved!

My teenage nephew's gift is wrapped in a snack sack:

A large dishtowel was big enough to wrap up an assortment of gifts for a teacher:

For the first time ever, I made a bunch of cloth gift bags.  I found this pretty material with a decorative selvage edge at a garage sale years ago and was so happy to finally find a use for it!

 

 

My Mom made this cute frog bag for me awhile back. I decided to pass it on to my niece with a gift inside!

And finally, this cardboard Equal Exchange box is serving double duty as a gift box.  I think it looks plenty festive with a red ribbon on top!

For even more eco-friendly wrapping ideas, check out these previous posts including making gift tags out of cereal boxes and a peek at how I used scarves from the thrift store to wrap gifts one year.

What creative, earth-friendly gift wrap ideas have you come up with?

(This post is linked to a round-up of DIY ideas at Healthy Child Healthy World.)

The Gift of Imagination

Last Monday, on a rare snow day here in Minnesota, my 6 year old had a 6-hour playdate with a friend.  The amazing thing wasn't the amount of time they played together, but the fact that they never asked to watch TV or go on the computer.  Not once!!  Hard to believe, in this day and age of digital everything.

Instead, they played make believe games (dragons and princesses, I believe) for hours on end, only stopping for a little indoor picnic when they got hungry. 

It got me thinking about what a special gift imagination is. It's not the kind of gift you can wrap up and put under the tree.  Everyone is born with at least some sense of imagination but if you cultivate it, it will grow and grow!  This holiday season and perhaps as a goal for the New Year, think about what you can do to nurture the gift of imagination in your children:

Tell Stories - "Tell me a story Mom" - I can't even wager a guess on how many times I've heard that request.  My husband and I love to make up stories for our boys.  They often involve favorite characters from books or movies, good friends and neat places that we have visited.  Usually, somewhere along the way, the kids will want to chime in and tell some of the story too.  You should hear my husband's Lucky the Chicken series....man that chicken goes on some crazy adventures!

Read Books - This one's kind of a no-brainer, but there's nothing like a good book to really get your imagination running.  We have boys, so of course we're well versed in the exploits of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the like.  My 10 year old is moving into some historical fiction too - like Shackleton's Stowaway - a great story about a boy's adventure as a stowaway on a ship.  Both our boys admit to making up imaginary games based on characters from books they have read.  Gotta love it! 

Go Adventuring - Whether it's a hike in the woods, a camping trip or a family vacation, kids get so much out of going new places and seeing new things.  I love listening in spying on playdates sometimes and hearing the kids work in people they have met and places they have been into their imaginary play. 

Foster Creativity - Sometimes kids need a little helping creating the space to inspire their imagination.  Help them make a fort out of chairs, pillows and blankets.  Get out the craft supplies to make props for their games.  Have an assortment of dress-up clothes available for imaginary play.  Anything you can do to keep them engaged will help!

Winter break just started and I have no doubt that my boys will be begging me for extra screen time during the next 2 weeks.  Frankly, I don't have a problem with that as long as it is not all they do. Nothing makes me happier then when I hear them playing with their friends and letting their imaginations run wild!

What do you do to help cultivate your child's imagination?

Great Green Gifts: Wooden Toys for Kids

Do you have a small child to buy a gift for this year?  Sadly, I don't.  My little ones are all grown up (OK - maybe 6 isn't exactly all grown up, but he is clearly moving away from "little kid" toys at this point.)  Clearly there is no shortage of toy options for infants and small children, but my favorite gifts by far are timeless, long-lasting wooden toys.  We have some wooden trucks and blocks that we will treasure forever and surely pass on to the next generation!

Maybe you have a wonderful, locally owned toy store that you prefer to patronize, but if you don't here are a few wooden toys that might be worth ordering online.  If you order now, you can probably still get them in time for Christmas...but I wouldn't wait much longer!

Just Hatched - This Mom & Pop Etsy shop creates stunningly beautiful, nature-inspired wooden puzzles and play sets.  All pieces are painted with AP certified non-toxic watercolors and finished with homemade natural beeswax polish.  I'm pretty sure you couldn't go wrong with this wooden fruit set.  Or the outer space set. Or the leaf puzzle. Or the.....

The Talking Tree - The minute I saw him, I fell in love with Limey the wooden turtle!  And at 10 bucks, he would make a very affordable gift for the toddler in your life.  Be sure to check out the sports cars and the set of 12 wooden blocks as well.  At $12 the natural wood blocks are the best value I've seen.  They are made from FSC-certified maple, cherry and black walnut and are stain & finish free for safe teething.

Little Alouette - Blogger Amy Sharp and her carpenter husband have made quite a business for themselves designing organic wooden toys for wee ones.  I heard her speak at the Creative Connection event this fall and her passion for business is very clear!  If my boys were younger I would buy them this wooden bowling set for sure.  And if you have an infant to buy for, check out the safe, natural wood teething toys in a variety of lovely shapes.

Tegu - Have you heard of Tegu blocks yet?  There's been quite a social media storm going on about them lately.  These magnetic wooden blocks may be mass produced but they are no less special because of it. Brothers Chris and Will Haughey started the company to provide living wage jobs for people in Honduras.  The blocks are made from sustainably sourced hardwoods native to the area and non-toxic, water-based finishes.  With the magnets stored safely inside the blocks, there is no worry about swallowing small parts and the creative play is literally endless. Best of all, a portion of each purchase goes toward making life better for the people of Honduras.  The downside?  The blocks are a bit pricey at $55 for a 26 block set. (save a bit by using discount code 12DAYS for 25% off now through X-mas)

Do you have a favorite wooden toy company?  Please share!

 

Inspired Dinner: Lentil Stew with Indian Spices

What's your favorite comfort food? For some people it is creamy noodles, for others it's meat and potatoes, for some a bowl of soup. For me it is anything hearty and rich with flavor.  Now that the temp has dropped below freezing, I am hankering for comfort food almost every day. 

I found plenty of recipes to soothe my soul in the new book by Academy Award winning producer Laurie David (An Inconvenient Truth), called The Family Dinner. The Family Dinner is much more than just a cookbook (although it has over 75 recipes!) It's more like a users guide to dinnertime (and what parent doesn't need one of those?) The subtitle of the book Great ways to connect with your kids, one meal at a time - is a more meaningful description than cookbook, I believe.

What I love is that The Family Dinner shows us that dinnertime is about more than just the food on the table. Much more! It's about the interactions, the conversations and the connections that happen during a meal. Inside, you'll find a chapter on table talk with creative ideas for keeping the conversation flowing, a discussion of the importance of showing gratitude for a meal, ideas for going green at dinnertime and even a chapter on family dinner after divorce. 

And the recipes?  Creative (Pea Nutty Noodles - pick your own garnish). Easy (Bang, Bang Chicken Parmesan). Kid-Friendly (Crispy Smashed Potatoes). Healthy (Wheat Berry Salad). And Totally Indulgent (Little Chocolate Pocket Pies)!  My copy of the book is full of tabs for recipes I plan to make!! 

The recipe that jumped out to me on a recent, winter day was Lentil Stew with Potatoes and Warm Indian Spices. It not only rocks in the comfort food department but it's super healthy and is a meatless meal as well. WIN.WIN.WIN!!! (BTW - the recipe called for Garam Masala spice blend. My local grocery didn't have it and I didn't have time to visit a specialty store to get it, so I made my own blend using this recipe.)

Lentil Stew with Potatoes and Warm Indian Spices

Here is a gentle Indian lentil stew, its flavors soft, fragrant, and comforting. But by all means, stir in some cayenne pepper if you are looking for some excitement.

YOU NEED

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

1 tablespoon good quality garam marsala (see the Cook’s Tip)

1 cup diced carrots

1 large potato, peeled and cut into small cubes

2 cups brown lentils, rinsed

1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or light coconut milk)

5 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 cup frozen defrosted peas

Salt and pepper to taste

Yogurt, for garnish

TO MAKE 4–6 SERVINGS

In your soup pot, heat a drizzle of oil and fry the onions until wilted and golden, then add the garlic, ginger, and spices and stir for a moment until they are fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the spices, as this will make them bitter.

Take half of this mixture and set it aside for later. Add the carrots, potato, lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and stock. Let the stew simmer, without a lid, for about 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes and lentils are tender.

Fold in the remaining onion-and-spice mixture. Add the peas to the stew last to keep their brilliant color. Simmer for another few minutes until the stew is heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve with a dollop of yogurt, warm naan bread or pita, and perhaps some brown rice, plain or cooked with a cardamom pod.

Cook’s Tip:

Garam is the Indian word for “warm” or “hot,” and the blend of dry-roasted, ground spices known as garam marsala (gah-RAHM mah-SAH-lah) adds a sense of “warmth” to both palate and spirit. You can find a blend in the spice aisle of any well-stocked grocery store, or see Resources at the end of this book.

Leftover Tip:

The next day, put the stew into a blender and blend until smooth. Then thin it with a bit of milk, broth, or coconut milk so it becomes a soup and give it a fancy new name, like Princess Jahanara’s Wedding Soup.

Recipe Credit:  THE FAMILY DINNER by Laurie David, Kirstin Uhrenholdt, p. 84, Nov. 2010, Grand Central Life & Style, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing.

(Full disclosure:  I received a free copy of The Family Dinner.  The opinions on the book are my own.)

I've linked this post to Real Food Wednesday over at Kelly the Kitchen Kop. Check it out for lots of great real, healthy food ideas!

Great Green Gifts: For Teachers and other VIPs

It's a common dilemma - what to get for those very special people who make life easier for you and your family throughout the year.  While they may have a big influence on your life, you might not know their personal taste all that well....so it can be hard to choose a gift that you know they will like.  In my humble opinion, the best gifts are the ones that can be eaten, used up or reused again and again.  Here are my go-to categories for VIP gifts:

Homemade Treats - It's hard to go wrong in this department unless your re-gifting a fruitcake or something equally revolting. This year I'm making chocolate hazelnut spread (a homemade version of Nutella!).  Last year I made Crunchy Chicken's peppermint bark - delicious!  Other years it's been assorted Christmas cookies, spiced nuts, chocolate truffles, peanut butter cups.....if you make it, they will eat it!

Food Gift Sets - If making your own holiday treats is not your thing then consider a food-themed gift set.  I have fun collecting goodies from my local co-op, Whole Foods and specialty stores and putting them together in a basket or reusable gift bag.  Many pre-made gift sets are also available in stores or online like these nice fair-trade coffee-themed sets from Equal Exchange or these gorgeous artisan chocolates from local Twin Cities chocolatier B.T. McElrath (I've given a ton of these!)

Indulgences - Who doesn't love getting something they wouldn't normally buy for themselves?  Indulgent body care products usually fall into that category for me.  Again, I love collecting products at my favorite stores...but sometimes I can't resist digging around a bit on Etsy.  There are so many wonderfully indulgent body products to love on Etsy...like Soapwalla Kitchen or Mirasol Farm...not to mention tons of other gift ideas!  Finally, don't rule out gift certificates....preferably to be spent on a nice meal out instead of a bag full of groceries!

Reusables - If you've been reading my blog lately, you know that I'm on a big reusables kick this year.  There are so many things in this category that a teacher or other VIP might appreciate....like a thermal coffee mug, a stainless steel water bottle or some gear to support a waste-free lunch.  Last week's reusables post has even more reusable gift ideas! 

What kind of gifts do you like to give to those very important people in your life? Any favorite eco-friendly gifts you'd like to recommend?

{Full disclosure: There is an affiliate link for Equal Exchange in this post}

Great Green Gifts: Reusables (WOOT - there's a Giveaway!)

Last year, I focused mostly on handmade gifts for the holidays.  This year my personal gift giving focus is on reusables - durable items that can be used over and over, reducing the need for wasteful disposables.  Come see what's on my shopping list this season:

Snack Sacks - Perfect for cut up fruit & veggies, nuts, sandwiches, these snack bags from PB Green are an indispensable part of a waste-free lunch.  PB Green is a small, home based business started by a former elementary school teacher who was tired of all the waste she saw during lunch period.  Paige hand-sews the bags out of cotton fabric (in adorable prints!) on a sewing machine her Mother gave her.  Even better, the bags are lined with a water-resistant fabric that is free of any yuckiness like BPA or plasticizers.  How would you like to win a 3 bag set from PB Green?  It includes 2 snack bags and a larger, sandwich bag.  Leave a comment on this post with your favorite reusable idea for a chance to win! The giveaway will be open through midnight, central time on Thursday, October 9th.  (Only one comment per person and you must have a US shipping address)

Bento-Style Lunch Boxes - My 2 boys have been fighting over the sample of this way-cool lunch box we got from Bright Bin.  This New Generation Lunch Box is made of safe, durable plastic and has enough compartments to satisfy the pickiest of eaters.  It can be used as a lunch box on its own or inserted into an insulated lunch bag (that's what we do).  To make it easier on your pocketbook, owner Stephanie is offering Mindful Momma readers 20% off a New Generation Lunch Box using the code green20 (through December 31, 2010).  If you buy one, you'll be supporting a Mom-owned business with your holiday dollars!

The Anti-Bottle - When I first read the press release about the Anti-Bottle from Vapur I thought it sounded a bit odd.  But when the sample arrived in the mail, I realized it made perfect sense!  The Anti-Bottle is soft plastic bottle that can be flattened when empty - making it great for taking on hikes, packing in a suitcase or, in our case, packing in my older son's lunch box. They are BPA-free of course and intended to withstand the dishwasher, the freezer and probably even your 2-year old. We love 'em!!

Produce Bags - Once I got the reusable shopping bag thing down pat, I started to focus on remembering my produce bags.  I'm doing pretty well at it, thank you very much!  Now, I'm going to work on the rest of my family.  Some of them will be receiving these nifty produce bags from Chico Bags from me this year.  Chico Bags offer not one, but 3 different types of produce bags, depending on what you are putting inside.  Hemp/cotton for leafy greens, recycled PET plastic for broccoli and PET mesh for fruits.  Who knew produce bags could be so much fun?

Reusable Grocery Bags - Last but not least, my favorite new way to shop for groceries:  using my Carryall Tote from Esse Reusable Bags.  This handy tote comes complete with 3 really durable grocery bags, 2 mesh produce bags and a compact everyday bag that's perfect for your purse.  I don't leave home without it! 

(Full Disclosure:  I received free samples of some of the products in this post.  All of the opinions are my very own.)

Healthy Alternatives: Three Sisters Cereal (Win Some!)

Most of the food we eat around here is homemade but I must admit, we do have a penchant for breakfast cereal.  I make my own granola but we just can't seem to give up that cardboard box of cereal completely.  So I was more than happy to oblige when asked to review a new brand of breakfast cereal called Three Sisters that comes in a bag instead of a box....hey at least it saves a little bit of packaging!

When I first heard of Three Sisters, I was hoping there would be a good story behind the brand....about the three sisters who started the company in their kitchen....or something along those lines.  But that was not the case: Three Sisters is a division of Malt-O-Meal, a cereal company which just happens to be based not far from the Twin Cities, where I live.  OK, so there's no cool story, but what about the product itself?

Three Sisters offers bagged cold cereal as well as instant oatmeal in boxes of individual packets.  The first thing I noticed is that the cereal has more sugar than the types I typically buy (O's, flakes or squares; low to no sugar).  Of course, my boys were thrilled to gobble up the Marshmallow Oaties and Cinnamon Sweets and Dark Chocolate Oatmeal samples we received but I told them not to get too used to having marshmallows and chocolate in their cereal!  I inquired about whether any unsweetened or lower-sugar cereals were on the horizon but aside from plain oatmeal packets, there isn't anything at this time. I was also disappointed that the cereal is not Organic or GMO-free, something I consider pretty important and worth paying extra for.  As for the oatmeal, I try not to buy wasteful, individual packets but these would be great to take camping or keep at the office - especially because the packet has a built-in measuring cup.

On the plus side, all Three Sisters cereals are made without HFCS or any artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, giving them a leg up over conventional versions.  As I mentioned before, the cold cereal comes without a box (yeah, no box!) and the company purchases windpower credits to offset the electricity used to produce the cereals.  And the taste....my boys gave everything they tried a big thumbs up except for the chocolate oatmeal which one loved and the other did not.  My fav was the Brown Sugar & Maple oatmeal - a nice morning treat!

Overall, Three Sisters has some sweet things going for it but it probably won't make it on my shopping list very often.  Primarily because of the sugar content.  But for those times when a sweeter cereal does make it into my cart, Three Sisters is a healthier alternative than many of the artificially flavored and colored cereals out there.

Would you like to try some Three Sisters cereal to see for yourself?  I've got a month of free cereal to give away to one lucky Mindful Momma reader!!  The winner gets 4 coupons - each for a free package of cereal - which should be enough to last you a month. (Caveat:  you'll need to live near a Whole Foods because that's the only place the brand is available at this time.)  If you'd like a chance to win, just leave me a comment telling me what interests you about Three Sisters cereals.  Extra entries for subscribing to Mindful Momma by RSS feed or email and following me on Twitter (three chances total per person).  The giveaway will run through midnight, central time on Wednesday, December 8th. 

This is the first of a series of Healthy Alternatives posts I will be doing on this blog.  Keep your eyes peeled for the next one about So Delicious Coconut Milk products.  Hint:  it will have a giveaway too!!

And the winner is.....Beth, who is very glad that Three Sisters cereal does not contain HFCS!  Enjoy!