Mindful Momma

Inspired Healthy Dinner: Pizza Puffys

Looking for ideas for an inspired healthy dinner tonight? Here's one that's in frequent rotation at our house. Pizza Puffys are a cross between a German pancake, an omelet and a pizza. They are simple to make, very filling and best of all, customizable!

Start with a simple batter made with flour, egg and milk. Put it in the oven and watch it puff up dramatically. Then, top it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. We love the Mexican version (beans, corn, salsa, avocado), which is perfect for a meatless meal. Just add a green salad and you're good to go! I wish I had a better photo to share, but you'll have to trust me, Pizza Puffys are fun to make and even better to eat!

Here's the recipe, straight from my book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Ecofriendly Decision Making. Use organic and sustainably produced ingredients whenever possible.

What's your favorite healthy, inspired dinner?

Favorite Multi-Tasking Beauty Products

Multitasking. We all do it, for many different reasons. Here's a reason you might not have thought about: using products that have multiple purposes is better for the planet! It means you are buying less and reducing waste, two very important aspects of lowering your environmental footprint.

The beauty aisle is a great place to look for multitasking products. Next time you are shopping for personal care or cosmetics, look for a power product that can do the job of 2 or 3 individual products. Here are some of my personal faves:

Revolution Organics Beauty Balm

• This all-in-one beauty balm gives cheeks, lips, eyes and decolletage a healthy glow
• 100% natural, made with 85% certified organic ingredients
• Hydrating formula contains organic olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter and more
• Mineral-based pigments for natural color
• Buy it!

True North Organic Body Butter

• Softens skin from head to toe
• Reduces frizz and adds shine to hair
• Great deep conditioning treatment for hair
• 100% USDA organic
• A whipped blend of shea butter, coconut and other moisturizing oils
• Wonderful natural scents
• Buy it!

J.R. Watkins Soothing Baby Balm

• Not just for babies!
• Use as a boo-boo healer, a lip balm or a hand softener
• 100% natural ingredients including extra virgin olive oil and soothing camomile and calendula extracts
• Fragrance free
• Convenient stick makes it easy to take on-the-go
• Buy it!

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer

• Daily moisturizer with full spectrum, SPF 15 sun protection
• Made with at least 85% certified organic ingredients
• Organic fruit juice base is loaded with antioxidants, and phytonutrients for age-defying benefits
• Buy it!

What are your favorite multitasking beauty products?

 

(Full Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products in exchange for my honest opinion.)

How to Green Your Laundry Room

So you’re on a mission to eat healthy and live more lightly on the earth, but how do your laundry habits stack up on the eco-friendly scale? You may not realize it but conventional laundry products and practices can have a negative impact on both your health and the environment. Many products contain questionable ingredients that are not regulated and not even listed on the label.

Read the rest of my post about greening the laundry room over on the Clear Conscience Blog at J.R. Watkins....

(Image credit: clarita via morgefile)

New Sponsor: Heritage Botanicals {+ a Giveaway!}

 

Please help me give a green & healthy welcome to my newest blog sponsor, Heritage Botanicals!

 

About Heritage Botanicals

Do you love handmade beauty products but don't have the time to make them yourself? Do you prefer to support small, family-run businesses instead of enormous companies? Then Heritage Botanicals might be exactly what you are looking for!

This tiny little company was started by two sisters who wanted to care for their babies skin without chemicals. After a bit of research, they developed a line of balms and skin creams for babies made with 100% natural ingredients and completely free of preservatives. They eventually branched out into natural beauty products for women and men as well.

Favorite Products

I had the opportunity to sample a few of the baby products and there isn't one I wouldn't recommend:

Calendula Baby Balm - A super-rich blend of oils and botanicals formulated to soothe and prevent diaper rash - but there's no reason not to use it on yourself!

Sleepy Baby Moisturizing Cream - An all-purpose body cream scented with calming lavender essential oil.

Aromatherapy Balm - A menthol-based balm to relieve nasal and chest congestion. It's a healthier alternative to Vicks Vapor-Rub.

Rose-Tint Lip Balm - A mix of organic cocoa butter and organic oils, lightly colored with alkanet root.

Note: Because Heritage Botanicals products contain no preservatives, they should be stored in a cool, dry location and used up within about 1 year.

The Giveaway!

Heritage Botanicals is giving away a Baby Sampler gift set including 2-oz sizes of the Calendula Baby Balm, Sleepy Baby Moisturizing Cream and Satin Baby Skin Cream plus a lip balm. (Retail value $29.99). Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

 

Non-Toxic Art Supplies

As a parent, there is nothing quite as special as the drawings, paintings and other artwork made by my children. I proudly display them on the walls and tables in our home and finally tuck them into a box to save for later, when childhood is just a memory.

The power of children’s artwork is why Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families is holding an art contest this month.  It is a great opportunity to get creative with our kids and also send a powerful message to our Senators.  We need Congress to pass the Safe Chemicals Act, so let’s create artwork with our children to show our nation’s leaders how our children see a healthy and safe future.

The best way to encourage artistic creativity for this contest is to talk with your kids about people, places and things in their life they want to be safe and healthy - then ask them to paint or draw something that helps to show that. 

To do this fun project with your kids, you’ll need to have plenty of art supplies at the ready. But before you run out and stock up on supplies, keep in mind that not all art supplies are created equal. Many popular art materials contain toxic ingredients and may actually be detrimental to your child’s health.

Because of the lax regulations governing the use of chemicals in our country, untested, dangerous chemicals are allowed in many products that we use every day, including art supplies. Children are especially vulnerable to these hidden health hazards because of their small size and immature immune systems.

Lucky for us, there are plenty of non-toxic art supplies available to keep our little artists in business! Keep these tips and suggestions in mind next time you purchase art supplies:

Paints

Beware of oil based paints containing chemical solvents like methyl alcohol and toluene that emit dangerous volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Also avoid paints colored with pigments made from highly toxic metals such as cadmium, arsenic, and lead. Children should always use water-based paints instead of oil based paints.

Safer alternatives:

• Glob – Water based paints made with pigments found in vegetables, fruits, roots, herbs and spices.
• Clementine Art - Tempura paints made with Mayan mineral earth pigments.
• Eco-Kids  - Finger paint made with fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from annatto seed, beets, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage and spinach, and other natural ingredients.

Markers

Many markers contain highly toxic chemical solvents like xylene or are alcohol-based. Stick to water-based markers for kids.

Safer alternatives:

• Clementine Art - Markers made from naturally derived ingredients.
• Liqui-Mark – Non-toxic water-based markers made with 25% recycled plastic.
• Note: Water-based markers are safer and easier to clean up too!

Crayons

Conventional crayons are made with petroleum based paraffin wax and artificial, chemical-based colors.

Safer alternatives:

• Clementine Art – Natural soy and beeswax crayons colored with mineral pigments.
• Stockmar - Beeswax crayons made with food-grade pigments that pass tests for detection of pesticide residues, PCB's and heavy metals.
• Earth Grown Crayons – Etsy shop selling fun-shaped crayons made with natural soy wax and nontoxic mineral pigments.

Colored pencils

Traditional colored pencils use chemical based pigments and may be coated with toxic varnish.

Safer alternatives:

• Artemis - Cedarwood pencils with natural, plant-based colors.
• Trimax – Natural pencils made from reforested wood with a safe lacquer finish.

Modeling clay and play dough

Polymer clay, used for modeling, is typically made with PVC material and softened with toxic phthalates. Most play dough, although labeled non-toxic, is colored with artificial colors.

Safer alternatives:

• Pastilina – Vegetable based modeling clay
• Clementine Art - Modeling dough from made with simple ingredients plus natural colorings like turmeric and spinach.
• Eco Kids – Handmade eco-dough colored with real ingredients like blueberries, beets and carrots.
• DIY play dough – Here’s a recipe from Katie at Non-Toxic Kids.

Glue

Avoid rubber cement and model glues that emit toxic VOCs. Stick to water-based glue instead.

Safer alternatives:

• Clementine Art – Washable, natural glue
• Eco Kids – Rice flour and corn starch are the base of this non-toxic eco-paste for kids.

Art Smocks

Skip smocks made with toxic PVC vinyl material.

Safer alternatives:

• Mimi the Sardine – Organic cotton with a water-based acrylic coating in adorable prints.

Drawing Pads

Choose eco-friendly art pads to go along with your non-toxic art supplies.

• Eco Kids – “treeless” paper made from banana fibers and recycled materials
• Glob – Art pad made from 100% post consumer, recycled, chlorine-free paper.

Resources:

Clementine Art http://www.clementineart.com  

Glob – paints -  http://www.globiton.com/index.html

Hazelnut Kids - http://www.hazelnutkids.com/cgi-bin/category/art_supplies

ChildTrek - http://www.childtrek.com/arts-crafts-toys.html 

Eco Kids http://www.ecokidsusa.com/index.html

Eco Art Works http://www.ecoartworks.com

Stubby pencil studio http://www.stubbypencilstudio.com

Nature of Art Kids http://nature-of-art-kids.com

Mighty Nest http://mightynest.com/shop/toys-art-supplies/art-supplies

Note: It has come to my attention that P'kolino paints contain a toxic para-formaldehyde ingredient. Because of this, I have removed P'kolino products from my list of recommendations.

(Image credit: jdurham via MorgueFile)

(FYI - this post is linked up over on Your Green Resource and the Green Moms Carnival hosted by Groovy Green Livin)

Free Your Sole with Nada Shoes

 

Have you ever run barefoot? By now you've probably at least heard of the barefoot running trend. It's not for everyone but some people swear it's better and easier on your body to run without the weight and barrier of shoes on your feet. Since most people don't really want to run barefoot in the streets or on rough terrain, companies have created shoes using minimal materials that simulate the barefoot experience while providing some protection for your tender little tootsies.

Nada shoes were designed for exactly this purpose. Nada shoes have an ultra-thin 6mm midsole and they weigh only 3.5 oz. The minimalist design claims to naturally strengthen your feet, improve posture and alignment and reduce the likelihood of injury in the long run.

 

Eco Strengths

This small company is pretty eco-progressive compared to most shoe manufacturers:

• 25% recycled rubber in the midsoles
• Recycled polyester mesh upper
• No toxic foams or adhesives used in manufacturing process
• Carrying bag made from recycled polyester
• Boxes made from 100% post consumer waste 
• Factory runs on 50% solar power

Fav Products

I am not much of a runner and I don't have a lot of interest in running barefoot, except maybe at the beach. Lucky for me, Nada makes two styles of shoes. The flagship running shoe is called the Nada but they also have a cute little ballet flat style called Zip for everyday use.

I've been wearing a pair of Zip shoes around the house. It's a perfect slipper substitute! Come warmer weather I will try wearing it on my walk over to the gym for yoga class or to the park with the kids.

Second Thoughts?

$75 to $85 a pair seems like a lot for such a minimal shoe. If I were an avid runner, I probably wouldn't hesitate but I might think twice to purchase a pair just for breezing about town.

Nada shoes are currently only available in women's styles.

Are you a barefoot runner? Have you ever tried a pair of minimalist shoes?

(Full Disclosure: I received a free pair of Nada shoes in exchange for my honest opinion.)

 

Eco-Friendly Stain Removers

With two boys in the house, we get a lot of stains on clothing - grass stains, pen and markers, dirt, blood....you name it! So having an arsenal of stain removal stuff is pretty important to me. Still, I like to spend as little time as possible doing laundry so I appreciate products that are easy to use. Here are a few that I have tried:

Stain Removal Products

Vaska SpotOff - A spray-on spot remover made with botanical surfactants that will not harm fabric.

Thumbs up: Just grab and spray - it's so easy! Free of NPEs, chlorine, phosphates and optical brighteners. Biodegradable and color safe.

Second thoughts: Full ingredient list not available. Seems a bit pricey at approx. $10.99 for a 22-oz bottle but it will last you a long time.

Ecover - A plant based stain remover gel with a built in brush.

Thumbs up: Use brush to rub stain remover into stubborn stains. Affordable at $4.50 for a 6.8 oz bottle and you only need a smidge per stain. 

Second thoughts: According to Goodguide and Skin Deep, there are a couple of questionable ingredients in the formula, including 2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL, a preservative linked to immunotoxicity.

Roux Maison - Fragrance free, naturally derived liquid stain remover.

Thumbs up: Readily biodegradable and free of the usual nasties like parabens, SLS, phthalates and formaldehyde.

Second thoughts: Complete ingredient list not available. Expensive at $8.95 for an 8-oz bottle.

Home Remedies

If you would rather try your hand at home remedies, here are some ideas from my book:

What are your tried and true stain removal techniques?

(Full Disclosure: I received samples of Vaska SpotOff and Roux Maison stain removers in exchange for my honest opinion.)

(This post is linked on My Green Resource over at Live Renewed. Check it out for more green living ideas!)

Power Bites: A Healthy & Sustainable Snack

There are quite a few reasons why I hardly ever buy energy bars. First of all, they are expensive. Second, I'm not always thrilled with the ingredients. Third, I don't like all the wasteful packaging. Still, I love the idea of a nutrition-packed snack to get me through the afternoon or to send with the kids to school or sports.

So I created my own recipe for what I call Power Bites. They are most similar to Lara Bars, which contain minimal ingredients and no GMOs. Power Bites pack a punch of nutrition, are inexpensive to make and involve no wasteful packaging. What's not to love?

Power Bites are super easy to make too. Here's why:

The ingredients are basic: Start with a base of dates - either whole or chopped (just make sure they are pitted). Add some type of nuts and something fun for added flavor - coconut, cherries, lemon, apples, blueberries, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger - the possibilities are endless.

The prep is simple: Mix everything in a food processor and shape into balls or press into bars.

Here is the recipe as it was published in my book Practically Green: Your Guide to EcoFriendly Decision-Making:

 

What are your favorite healthy & sustainable snacks?

Looking for more healthy recipes and food ideas? Here ya go!

Naturopathica 30 Day Skin Transformation Challenge

I'm pretty picky about what I put on my face, but when Naturopathica asked me if I would join their 30 Day Skin Transformation Challenge, I immediately said YES! Having already tried their Sicilian Bergamot Body Lotion, I knew their EcoCert certified products were top notch.

The challenge involves using one of Naturopathica's new Regimen Kits for one month. I choose the Age Defense Kit because (ahem!) I am at the age to need such a thing. I've been using the kit for a week now and so far I'm really pleased. The natural, herbal scent of the products make me smile every time I use them. My skin feels soft and very smooth. My only complaint is that the moisturizers are a little light for my super dry skin. I need to add a second coat to keep my skin from feeling tight instead of moisturized.

Look for a more thorough review of the four products in the Regimen Kit closer to the end of the challenge. Meanwhile, would you like to try the Naturopathica 30 Day Challenge? Use the code NY2012 to get free shipping on your order.

Have you tried Naturopathica products? What do you think?

 

Mama Jess Pasta Sauces: Organically Good

 

Raise your hand if you have a convenience food or two (or three or four) that you rely on regularly to get a meal on the table for your family. My hand is up there with the rest of yours! Even though I love to cook (and cook a ton), it can be a trade off to spend time in the kitchen vs. working, playing with my kids and oh so many other things....

 

One of my pantry staples is jarred pasta sauce because it's such an easy starter for a meal the kids will love! I usually add extra veggies to the sauce to make it a tad more healthy. Imagine how happy I was to discover a pasta sauce that was already packed with extra veggies and nutrition!  Mama Jess was started by a mom of 2 boys with a passion for nutrition, and a background in the food industry. When her two year old announced that he didn't like carrots and sweet potatoes, she embarked on a mission to make a more nutritious pasta sauce.

So far Mama Jess makes two varieties of healthy, organic pasta sauce:

• Bean Good - Organic white bean puree blended with tomato, garlic and onions, making it a great source of protein and fiber.
• Garden Good - Organic 5 veggie pasta sauce including carrot, sweet potato, red bell pepper, squash and of course, tomato.

Eco  & Health Strengths

• Certified USDA Organic (means ingredients are at least 95% organic)
• Loaded with 92% RDA Vitamin A (Garden Good) and extra protein and fiber (Bean Good)
• Tastes as close to home-cooked as you can get in a jar
• Recyclable glass jars

Second Thoughts?

You'll pay a premium for this organic, fresh-tasting pasta sauce. Mama Jess Pasta Sauces cost about $7 a jar vs. $3 to $5 a jar for conventional jarred sauce. Hopefully demand will bring prices down in the future 'cause this sauce deserves to be tasted!

Favorite Products

I was most excited to try the Bean Good (and it proved to be very tasty indeed) but it was the Garden Good that impressed the heck out of me! The flavors were so bright and vibrant , I immediately had my husband and kids try it, right out of the jar! Garden in a bottle would be an appropriate description.

Sale - Today Only!

Pick up a 2-pack of Mama Jess Pasta Sauces at Abe's Market for 50% off - today only (Thursday, January 26, 2012)!!

(Full Disclosure: I received 2 free jars of Mama Jess Pasta Sauces in exchange for my honest opinion.)

What are your favorite, healthy convenience foods?