Summer Fish Tacos

Summer and fish tacos are two of my favorites and they go hand in hand! They are also one of those rare meals I can get everyone to eat (disclaimer, Ella gets grilled chicken to put on hers). It is so easy to swap ideas for this recipe and my girls love building their own tacos. I serve this with a cold mexican quinoa salad (recipe is on blog) for a simple, healthy and delicious summer dinner.

I am sharing our favorite but I will also mention some substitutions and additions as well!

Fish Tacos:

1 lb fresh halibut (can also use mahi mahi, cod, any flaky white fish will do)

2 avocados diced

2 mangos diced

cole slaw (recipe shared below)

creme fraiche or sour cream

lemon or lime wedges for serving

flour tortillas or hard taco shells (whichever you prefer)

olive oil

seasoning (I keep a jar of this homemade seasoning handy):

1 tsp salt

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 stp onion powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

All the fixings!

1. Brush fish with a thin layer of olive oil and season to liking, you can also do a simple salt and pepper, especially if you have fresh fish

2. Prepare cole slaw (see my recipe below)

3. Arrange toppings in separate bowls

4. Grill or sauté fish until it flakes, white fish cooks quickly. Squeeze fresh lemon or lime over fish before serving

5. Warm tortillas or taco shells in oven for a few minutes before serving

6. Serve, assemble, and enjoy!

Quick and Easy Cole Slaw:

1 small head red cabbage finely shredded

1/4 cup chopped parsley

3 carrots shredded

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbs dijon mustard

1 Tbs apple cider vinegar

Juice from half of a lemon

1 tsp celery seeds

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Combine parsley, cabbage and carrot in a bowl and top with dressing. Give it a good stir and refrigerate a few hours before serving. You can also make this a day in advance. I find cole slaw to always bet better the second day once all the flavors soak in.

Short on time?

I love this coleslaw kit from Trader Joe’s©. My daughter likes my dressing better so I usually just end up using the mix, adding parsley and whipping up my homemade dressing.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is one of my absolute favorite summer salads. It is super versatile and can fit with any meal. I always make extra for lunch during the week since it holds up so well. I alternate between a Mediterranean and Mexican. You can pretty much add anything you like and you can’t go wrong.

You will need:

1 cup organic quinoa (rinsed)

1 cup liquid (I use water then making salad but if you want more flavor you can use chicken or veggie stock)

Cook Quinoa according to directions. I add both quinoa and liquid to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower to simmer and cover for about 15 minutes. I always set the timer or I forget and timing is key with quinoa. Overcooking will leave you with a mushy mess. I take a quick peak when the timer goes off and make sure all the water is absorbed. Once it looks done, remove from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Transfer to a large bowl and refrigerate for a few hours.

Prepare toppings and dressing according to version below. Mix quinoa, toppings and dressing until thoroughly combined. I wait to add avocado to the very end or serve on the side if you are planning to have leftovers. Avocado is the one ingredient that doesn’t keep well. The best part of both of these recipes is how easy it is to substitute if there is something you don’t like. Enjoy!

Mexican:

one can black beans

two avocados diced

1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn

one cup grape tomatoes halved

one small red onion chopped

Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 lime (juiced)

1/4 cup cilantro or parsley

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/4 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp chili powder

Mediterranean:

one can garbanzo beans

two avocados diced

1 cup grape tomatos halved

one cucumber peeled and chopped

one small red onion chopped

one red pepper chopped

1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives

1/2 cup fresh feta cheese

Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

one lemon juiced plus 1 tsp of zest

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp oregano

2 cloves fresh minced garlic

1/4 tsp chopped parsley

* I love to garnish with fresh scallions and/or chives.

My favorite Hillary’s© veggie burger makes the perfect addition to leftover quinoa salad for a quick and easy lunch!

Safer Swaps for BRAND NEW MAMA'S

This tiny bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby wash is my “why”. It is why I chose to lend my voice to the better beauty movement. This is what was used in the hospital for my oldest daughter, Ella’s first bath. You see, six years ago I didn’t know... I didn’t know that it was okay for companies to put harmful ingredients in our personal care products let alone a product made for newborn skin. I didn’t know the loophole behind the word fragrance on our labels. Did you know companies aren’t required to list ingredients in the word fragrance? It could literally be a known carcinogen or other ingredients with links to human health issues.

“Many consumers are unaware of the “Fragrance Loophole.”  Look at all the cleaning products under your sink and at the personal care products in your bathroom. You may find the vague word FRAGRANCE on product labels – FRAGRANCE appears to be a singular ingredient but it’s not. FRAGRANCE is used in lieu of disclosing the actual chemical ingredients, which could be hundreds. These secret chemicals may be linked to cancer, reproductive issues and hormone disruption. And this is legal in America. While Europe has banned nearly 1,400 chemicals in its products, only 10 are restricted in America – and that’s by design.” (www.stinkmovie.com)

“Because of the Fragrance Loophole, Americans don’t get to choose the chemicals their families are exposed to; the fragrance, cleaning, chemical and personal care industries gets to choose for us and they don’t have our best interest in mind.” (www.stinkmovie.com)

Now let’s take a look at some of the other alarming ingredients in this gentle, hypoallergenic, pediatrician and dermatologist recommend formula:

-PEG’s- (polyethylene glycol) used in personal care products as thickeners and softeners. They also speed up absorption allowing both safe and harmful ingredients to be absorbed faster and deeper into skin. If used on broken or damaged skin, it can cause irritation and system toxicity. In addition, PEGs can also reduce the skin’s moisture levels.

-Cocomidopropyl Betaine- Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant; it has been linked to irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, reactions that could be due to the ingredient itself or to impurities present in it, such as 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. (ewg.org)

-Quaternium-15 (Formaldehyde Releaser) -Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use restrictions, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Contamination concerns (ewg.org) Yes, you ready that correctly, many products contain chemicals and ingredients that act as a preservative, they actually slowly release formaldehyde to extend shelf life. Formaldehyde is not on the ingredient list but the chemical reactions in the bottle create what is known as a formaldehyde releaser. YIKES!!!

Ella struggled with eczema and skin sensitivities her first few years. It could have been the laundry detergent I was using, the lotion I was slathering on her skin to “help” the eczema (containing a known skin irritant), or just a combination of not knowing about the harmful ingredients in so many of our products.

Fast forward six years to our third daughter and a mother who has empowered herself to know better and do better. Your newborn baby doesn’t need soap for their first bath, they have been soaking in water for the past 9 months. Once you are ready to add a wash, be sure to opt for something with minimal ingredients and no fragrance or scent. Newborn skin can be extremely sensitive so take the less is more approach. My personal favorite is the Beautycounter Baby All Over Wash. Specially formulated for babies‚ this two-in-one hair and body wash is ideal for delicate skin and free of irritants and hidden, harmful ingredients. The gentle, tear-free formula effectively cleanses and nourishes from head to toe without stripping away moisture.

Here is an image of what they were going to use in the hospital to bathe Leah if I didn’t speak up.

Here are a couple of my other safer hospital swaps:

1. Skip the petroleum jelly based products. My favorite swap is Beautycounter’s Baby Daily Protective Balm. This balm is a free of any irritants and hidden, harmful ingredients. I still use this on both my six and four year olds for dry skin, chapped lips, and under noses during cold season. Petroleum jelly on the other hand is a byproduct of the oil refining process. This means it is not sustainable or eco-friendly, and it also has potential for harmful contaminants. Avoid the words Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Liquid paraffin, or Paraffin Oil on your labels.

2. I love Badger Nursing Balm for nipples if you are breastfeeding. This balm is a simple and organic blend of Sunflower Seed Oil, Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, and Carnauba Wax. I opted for this over lanolin based nipple creams which are for the most part considered safe. However, there is the potential of GMO’s and pesticides in many nonorganic lanolin products due to the sheep being directly sprayed with pesticides. This can be especially harmful to breastfeeding newborns. Check out this Mamavation blog for more information.

3. Ecopiggy Pacifier- Thanks to the recommendation from a friend, we discovered a safer more sustainable pacifier option. We didn’t bring this to the hospital but many mama’s do and offering a ecofriendly rubber pacifier makes complete sense considering this is going directly into your baby’s mouth. Ecopacifier offers plastic-free pacifiers and natural rubber teethers, made of 100% natural rubber. These natural pacifiers are sustainably made without chemical softeners or colorants.

www.naturalpacifier.com

Now some safer swaps for mama!

I think we all know after childbirth we are going to bleed… a lot. This means wearing some sort of pad or liner for weeks, potentially months postpartum. Using a safer organic pad is important. I wore the hospital pads and very stylish mesh underwear (ha!) while at the hospital because the bleeding was pretty heavy. However, once I was home I switched to Seventh Generation Free and Clear Overnight Maxi Pads for the first week and eventually to the thinner pads which both worked great. These pads contain a naturally absorbent material derived from wheat. They are free of fragrances and dyes and are whitened without chemicals containing chlorine.

www.seventhgeneration.com

Last but not least, I recently discovered these two postpartum must haves from earth mama organics. The Herbal Perineal Spray and Perineal Balm are amazing. The spray is a blend of Witch Hazel , Cucumber Fruit Extract, Organic Lavender Flower Oil, and Organic Peppermint Leaf Oil. The spray is super convenient and easy to use, perfect to pack in your hospital bag and use as frequently as you like. It even has a modified spray nozzle designed to spray upside-down-genius!

The Perineal Balm is 100% organic blend of Organic Olive Fruit Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Seed Oil, Organic Lavender Oil, Organic Peppermint Leaf Oil, Organic Witch Hazel Leaf Extract, Organic St. John’s Wort Extract, Organic Calendula Flower Extract, and Organic Yarrow Extract. I use this post shower and before bed.

Both products can be stored in the refrigerator for extra cooling and if you still have some left after you are all healed you can use on bug bites to relieve the itch- perfect for kiddos as well!

What is in Your Kitchen Sponge?

We have all heard about the bacteria that gets trapped in kitchen sponges, but what you may not be aware of is the toxins lurking in your sponge. If you are reading this blog, chances are you are starting to make small changes in your home to lead a “cleaner” lifestyle. You may have already switched to a safer dish soap. My personal favorite is the Honest Company Grapefruit Grove. Kudos to you for switching to a safer dish soap but guess what? You may also want to swap out your kitchen sponge that could otherwise be completely reversing your green cleaning swaps.

Many everyday sponges are derived from polyurethane which is a petroleum-based byproduct. Many conventional sponges are made from tiny plastics that are also harming our environment as they get washed directly into our water streams.

Are you using an anti-bacterial or odor eliminating sponge? Chances are these sponges contain triclosan. Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as being a pesticide. The FDA recently banned triclosan from antibacterial soaps (wait, don’t celebrate too soon). The ban only affects a small portion of the products on the market containing the chemical. Triclosan has been linked to hormone disruption as well as other developmental issues and is still used in many other personal care products including toothpaste.

The final issue I have with sponges is the waste. I would use a kitchen sponge for 1-2 weeks and then toss it in the garbage because I was worried about bacteria spreading.

Here are a few alternatives I have found that work great and last!

1. R.S.V.P - Best Multipurpose Washable

   These make a great alternative to Brillo pads which are filled with harmful chemicals. I love the R.S.V.P scrubby cloths because they work on all surfaces and you can toss them in the dishwasher or washing machine. These work amazing on pots and pans and are made from recycled cotton. These do contain a nylon coating, so while these are eco-friendly in the sense they last forever and use recycled materials, they are not biodegradable. This is what I have found work best for a really good scrub and can be used anywhere in the home. They are by far the most long lasting even after rounds and rounds in the dishwasher to sanitize.

2. Twist Clean 100% Plant Based- Best Everyday Use Plant Based

   Twist gets its claim to fame as the world’s first 100% plant based kitchen sponge. Twist does not use any glues or dyes in the constructions of their sponges but instead uses 100% plant based materials in the manufacturing. The wood pulp for their cellulose is from FSC Certified sources and all of scrubbers and sponges are hand sewn onto their cellulose bases. I really like the loofah sponge for everyday use and the fact that these are 100% biodegradable make them a great sustainable option. In full disclosure I didn’t love the scour pads because I felt like they didn’t hold up although they are designed for tough scrubbing.

3. Rowen Stillwater -Best Investment

   This is the sponge of all sponges and an investment in cleaner living. I came across Rowen Stillwater on Etsy when searching for paperless towel options. This brand is located in the U.K. and focuses on sustainable, vegan homewares for a zero waste life. I am definitely not living a zero waste life but am working hard towards less waste and using sustainable materials. This company has some really awesome options for living a plastic free lifestyle so definitely worth checking out their Easy shop Rowen Stillwater.

   The UnSponge is plastic free alternatives to disposable dish sponges - ideal for eco-friendly cleaning or a zero waste home, they also make great house warming gifts for green-conscious friends! 
   
   The UnSponge comes in a pack of 3 for $19.95. This heavy duty sponge is made with a strong, wide-mesh hessian top for added scrubbing power and a brushed cotton core. These are biodegradable and washable but again don’t last as long as the R.S.V.P scrubbers. These can be tossed in the washing machine and air dried.

Overnight Oats

I absolutely love Overnight Oats. I make about 10 jars on Sunday evening that get my husband and I through the week. They are the perfect quick, easy and healthy breakfast to take on the go. It also makes a great mid-day or late night snack. There are various combinations and an endless list of ingredients you can add. I make in leftover mason or jam jars.

Here is my favorite recipe combo:

Ingredients for one jar:

1/4 c old fashioned organic oats

1/4 c milk -I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk or oat milk (any kind of milk will work)

1/3 c yogurt -My favorite is plain Bulgarian which may be hard to find, Greek works great too!

Drizzle of maple syrup or honey depending on your sweetness level-you don’t have to add any!

2 tsp chia seeds

2 tsp hemp seeds

handful of blueberries

To assemble:

1. Start with adding oats to jar

2. Add milk to cover oats

3. Add yogurt

4. Drizzle with syrup or sweetener

5. Add chia and hemp seeds

6. Top with blueberries

7. Shake jar to mix it all up (make sure to close lid!)

8. You can top with more blueberries after shaking

9. Store in fridge up to 5 days

The BEST Roasted Chicken

I love recipes that are a huge hit with my entire family AND are super easy to make- win, win! I based this recipe off of a recipe for a whole roasted chicken and added a few more ingredients (like garlic) to boost the flavor. Did you know garlic has many health benefits including the fight against the common cold? Whenever a recipe calls for garlic, I usually double it for the added health boost.

You will need:

1 yellow onion

4-5 carrot (I used multicolor)

1lb bag new potatoes (I used golden)

whole chicken cut up into pieces or 2 breasts, 2-3 legs/thighs with skin on

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp oregano

2 lemons

4 cloves garlic

1/4 c olive oil + 2 TBS

salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees

2. Chop onions, carrots, and potatoes and add to a cast iron skillet (you can also use a baking dish)

3. Drizzle with 2 TBS of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp oregano, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder, toss to combine.

4. For marinade: combine 1/4 C olive oil, juice from one lemon, and minced garlic in a bowl

5. Assemble chicken on top of veggies and brush marinade on to both sides

6. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle juice from second lemon as well as remaining 1/2 tsp of oregano on top

7. Roast in oven for 30 minutes, remove and toss veggies, place back in over for about 10 minutes or until chicken reaches 162 degrees.

8. Remove from oven and put chicken pieces on a separate plate, cover with foil for about 10 minutes

9. Toss veggies and put back in oven while chicken rests- this allows veggies to get extra roasted

10. Once veggies are done place chicken back on top and serve

Favorite Lunchbox Finds

It is hard to believe I have a kindergartner, where does the time go?  This is our first year that I will be packing lunch every single day.  I am going to have get creative! 

The school lunchroom can be a wasteful place filled with single use plastics, napkins and containers.  By giving your child reusable items, you are not only cutting down on trash but also teaching your child a valuable lesson about the importance of eliminating waste. 

Here are a few of our favorite school lunch finds:

1. PlantetBox Lunchbox

Okay so this one is definitely a splurge.  It took me two years to pull the trigger on purchasing, but I am so glad I finally did it!  Now that Ella is entering kindergarten and will be using this everyday I absolutely think it is worth the investment.  This lunchbox is durable, easy to use, kid friendly, and adorable.  PlanetBox comes in a variety of sizes and you can add on a carrier and water bottle to complete the collection.  The lunchbox also comes with super cute magnets that kids can stick right on their box and you can also purchase new magnets each school year to make it seem like a new lunchbox for less than $10.00.  PlanetBox is currently running a back to school promotion, 25% off your entire purchase using code "school25" through the end of August.  

You can also check Amazon for deals on PlanetBox.

Buy on Amazon

2. LunchBots

These stainless steel containers come in a variety of sizes and colors.  These have been our go to for travel and picnics the past few years and have held up well.  LunchBots containers are durable and a good bang for your buck.  They are the perfect stainless steel bento box for kids. My biggest downfall would be they are not as easy to clean or as easy to open as PlantBox.  But still, a great find!

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

3. UKonserve

This is by far our favorite insulated thermos container.  Perfect for packing soup or pasta, it definitely does a great job of keeping food warm (and cold!).  We also have a few of the smaller UKonserve containers for snacks;  perfect for nuts, berries, and hummus. UKonserve is a great company to support, it was founded by two mothers who wanted to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. 

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

4.   Stasher Bags

If you know me, you know how much I LOVE Stasher Bags.  These bags are the perfect alternative to Ziplock's.  These reusable, silicon storage bags come in a variety of sizes and colors.  They are great for lunch boxes or snack bags for kids. They are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.  Stasher Bags contain an air-tight, pinch-press seal to keep food fresh and safe from spills.  They are made from 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone and are safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher and boiling water. You can purchase on Amazon or take the plastic-free pledge on the Stasher Bag website to receive 25% off your entire purchase. 

Buy on Amazon

5. Gina's Soft Cloth Napkins

Don't forget to pack a reusable napkin in your child's lunchbox.  We love Gina's Soft Cloth Shop.  These napkins are hand made from 100% organic cotton and come in a variety of colors and prints.  You can search my blog for more information on these great alternatives to paper towels and disposable napkins. 

Buy on Amazon

Also love these adorable, pick your print, cotton napkins.

Buy on Amazon

Don't forget to pack reusable straws and utensils! Here are our favorites:

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Safe Cutting Board Basics

We have slowly been switching over many items in our home.  One of the first places I started making safer swaps was in our kitchen.  I started with swapping out plastic food containers, dishes, kids plates, etc.  One of my biggest struggles for finding a safer alternative was our cutting board.  To me, this is no brainer swap.  Our family's biggest monthly expense is food.  We spend a lot on purchasing organic and local produce and the last thing I want to do is contaminate any of the food with a plastic or treated wooden cutting board.  Many plastic cutting boards are treated with triclosan which was recently banned from hand soap.  Also, there is no conclusive evidence stating they are any less likely to harbor bacteria.  

Now for the hard part, choosing the safest wooden board; this can be a challenge.  Lucky for you, I have spent a lot of time researching and will be sharing my safest find in this post.  

One of the first "safer" cutting boards I purchased is Epicurean.  Here is why it important to do your research and always dig a little deeper.  I purchased this cutting board about 5 years ago, before I knew what I know now.  When I bought from this company, I was excited about the eco-friendly philosophy.  Epicurean prides themselves on crafting products that are not only simple, functional and long-lasting, but also environmentally responsible from start to finish. They choose materials which are both durable and eco-friendly, and use a production process that minimizes  waste. It sounded like a great alternative.  

Once I started doing some more research, I came to find that these cutting boards are made from  layers of paper that are then soaked with phenolic resin and cured to create a solid sheet.  I have come to find (thanks to Wikipedia) that phenolic resin is a combination of phenol, which was first extracted from coal tar, and formaldehyde. Ummmm, no thank you!! 

Another alternative I tried a few years ago, was bamboo.  Bamboo is a relatively inexpensive wood and is appealing to look at.  However, the problem with bamboo cutting boards is knowing the source and how the bamboo was grown.  Most bamboo is not grown organically, and it is important to understand the finish used on the wood.  In my research, one of the most popular finishes is mineral oil which is an oil we want to avoid. 

Drumroll please!!!! Meet Urthware, solid wooden cutting boards made by hand. I invested in 2 cutting boards, a large and a small.  It took about 4 weeks to arrive as they are all made to order by hand.  Believe me, it well worth the wait.  When I first started poking around on the website (www.urthware.com) I was struck by the mission:

"To make naturally safe cutting boards and kitchenware without the toxic, synthetic and/or petroleum based chemicals found in most cutting boards.  From our 100% Canadian locally sourced (100 mile) ethically harvested lumber, to our organic finishes, to our all natural gum tree rubber feet. We go out of our way to create products that are as natural as possible and healthy for your family to use.  Why buy expensive organic food just to place it on either a plastic cutting board, a glue filled bamboo board (usually an untested glue) or a wooden board containing toxic glues (untested) or scrap lumber or lumber obtained in unethical ways? When you now do have a choice. Urthware, naturally safe kitchenware."

Here is why I recommend Urthware:

1. These handmade cutting boards are made from organic solid wood. Urthware uses 100% Canadian Hard Maple sourced within 100 miles of our facility and all ethically harvested and/or FSC certified.

2.  Urhtware doesn't use any petroleum based products, chemical sprays, insecticides, fungicides, etc. Each board is made from one solid piece of wood eliminating the need for any glue. 

3. Each board contains rubber feet to prevent any slipping while cutting. The rubber comes from handmade natural gum tree.

To maintain the quality of your board you will want to oil it regularly.  I use an organic beeswax polish, but there are many other options including coconut oil, walnut oil, carnauba wax, etc. 

Summer GREEN Salad

We recently visited one of our favorite local farm to table restaurants and had the most delicious salad.  I decided to try and recreate it at home.. Here is what I came up with:

You will need:

4 oz pea shoots 

4 oz microgreens or arugula 

1 bunch asparagus (local if possible)

1/4-1/2 C peas (fresh if you have them, I used frozen)

1 block local feta cubed (you can use as much as you like) I use Maplebrook Farm

Dressing:

2 TBS olive oil

1 TBS fresh lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

1. Place asparagus on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until tender.

2. While asparagus roasts add the rest of the ingredients to a large bowl. Once the asparagus cools, slice into 1 inch pieces and add to salad. 

3. Drizzle with dressing and ENJOY.

Organic Paperless Towels

A few months ago I posted about Swedish Dish Cloths and how they are a great alternative to paper towels.  I love our dish cloths and use them daily for clean up and wiping the counters.  However, I was looking for something in particular to help with kiddo clean up and wiping faces after mealtime.  We were still grabbing and wasting many paper towels.  In our effort to produce less waste, these organic cloths are the perfect solution.  

Both of my daughters have graduated from the most wonderful Waldorf parent-child class imaginable.  If you ever have the opportunity to experience a Waldorf early childhood program, I highly recommend you give it a try.  It is magical to say the least. 

The reason I speak of this experience, is because this is where I discovered  the softest, most durable organic cloths I have found.  I decided to order a couple of sets for our family to use as napkins and for clean up.  After using these for a  couple of months, I give them 5 stars.  

Here is why I love them:

1. They are made from organic, unbleached cotton.  

2. They are soft, durable and super easy to throw in the washing machine.  They actually get softer with each wash.   I just throw them in anytime I do a load of laundry.  If they get stained I will presoak with Oxi Clean FREE and it works like a charm. 

3. Cloths come in a variety of colors. The border of each cloth is hand sewn and my girls love the rainbow colors.

4. Gina's Soft Cloths are the perfect alternative to paper napkins.

5. They are handmade in West Virginia. For those of you who don't know, my husband is from WV and my in-laws still live there. Pretty ironic considering I discovered these in Vermont.  You can shop a variety of ways;  Gina Jordan has a website, Etsy shop, and sells on Amazon, my favorite way to shop.

In addition to the paperless towels, Gina also makes napkins, dish towels, and washable baby wipes.  I have actually been using these as washcloths to wash my face at night.  I prefer the two ply for napkins and kitchen clean up.  The one ply work well for washcloths, especially for kids and babies.  Give these a try, I promise you will LOVE them! 

Shopping information:

www.GinasSoftClothShop.net

www.GinasSoftClothShop.etsy.com

Buy on Amazon

Favorite Kid Snacks

I did a blog post awhile back about favorite toddler snacks and now that I am officially no longer the mama of a toddler I thought I would share a few of our favorite snacks.  As much as I would love to say we don't consume processed snacks; that would be a lie.  However, I do try and limit the girls to one processed snack each day which usually consists of a granola bar, crackers, graham crackers, rice cakes, etc. I will list a few of our go to processed snacks (gluten free too!) at the end of this post. 

My two biggest tips for getting your kiddos to eat a healthy snack are, first, give them a choice of a few options so they still feel empowered in their decision making.  Second, prep, prep, prep!! It is so much easier to offer a healthy snack when they are already prepared and ready to go.  I am guilty of opening the fridge and looking at an entire cucumber or block of cheese and not offering it to my kids since I would have to take the time in that moment to cut it up. When you have choices prepped and ready to go, I promise it will be a whole lot easier on everyone. 

Here is my list of whole food snacks that are prepped and ready to go eat in the fridge/pantry:

1. Cucumber Sticks

2. Sliced Peppers and Carrot

3. Homemade Popcorn (we love our Whirly Pop popper)

4. Cheese (sliced from a block of local cheddar)

5. Berries (washed and ready to snack on)

6. Melon Cubes (when in season)

7. Yogurt and Homemade Granola (see recipe on blog) 

8. Hummus (with veggies). There are so many great homemade recipes!

9. Nut mix (I purchase nuts in bulk at our local grocery store and make my own mix) I use raw almonds, raw cashews, unsalted pistachios, and lightly salted peanuts.  You can add whatever you'd like but be conscious of sugar and salt consumption.  You can also create a trail mix "bar" and kids can make their own mixes. 

10. Bananas or Apples with Peanut Butter 

A few of our favorite GLUTEN FREE grab and go snacks are:

1. Made Good Granola Bars and Bites- these are completely allergen friendly 

2. HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs (so good!)

3. Roasted Chickpeas 

4. Pretzel Sticks (Quinn)

5. Dried Fruit (be careful of sugar intake!) My kids favorites are raisins, craisins, mango,  apricots, and goji berries 

Guide to Safer Cookware

I have received many questions as of late about choosing safer cookware. Many traditional nonstick and teflon pots and pans contain a coating that can leach harmful chemicals into our food and ultimately our bodies.  I personally spend a lot of money on organic food and would rather not contaminate it with toxins from cookware.  The worst offender is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a coating on many nonstick pans that turns to toxic Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at high heat.  PFOA has the potential to be a health concern because it can stay in the environment and in the human body for long periods of time.  It has also been potentially linked to cancer.  If you currently have any cookware in your home with this coating, I would toss it. 

Here are my favorite safer options.

1. Ceramic

I have fallen in love with my Emile Henry Dutch Oven.  I use it for stovetop and oven cooking.  It is perfect for soups and stews and I also use it to bake salmon and chicken. I love that you can saute on the stove and then pop right in to the oven.  I also can use my immersion blender without scratching the surface. All Emile Henry products are direct freezer-to-oven.  They are easy to clean and lighter than cast iron which is a huge plus. 

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2. Cast Iron

Cast iron has been around forever and is a great option as it can also go from stove to oven.  I have a large cast iron skillet that I absolutely love for frying and sautéing,  I find that cast iron is not as easy to clean as ceramic and is also heavier.  Be sure to season your cast iron before using it, so that food won’t stick.  Many cast iron pans come pre-seasoned, like my Le Creuset which is an enameled cast iron.  To clean, I simply use a cast iron brush and warm, soapy water.  

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is also a good option. I received our stainless steel cookware set as a wedding gift almost 12 years ago and it has held up well.  I personally like to use stainless steel for pasta, rice, quinoa and other grains.  It heats fast, is low maintenance, and stands the test of time. 

4.  Eggs

A few years ago, I tossed any nonstick cookware we had in the house.  My husband (the king of breakfast) was having a hard time making his world famous omelettes. I did a lot of research on a safe nonstick pan for eggs.  I discovered a few brands, but ultimately went with a brand called Ozeri.  Ozeri pans are coated with a German nonstick coating called Greblon, free of both PFOA and PTFE. This coating is ceramic based, scratch-resistant, and safe to cook with.  Ozeri makes both a Green Earth pan and Stone Earth pans made with a chemical-free stone-derived nonstick coating.  I highly recommend this option if you miss the convenience of nonstick. Ozeri is easy to clean, durable, and safe. 

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Earth Day, Every Day Favorites

America has become a land of convenience and waste, but the good news is there is an increasing sense of awareness.  I think as a nation, we are becoming more aware of making small changes every day to better ourselves, as well as our planet.  Over the past few years I have become more concious of reducing waste and using less plastic.  This year, the Earth Day Campaign is dedicated to ending plastic pollution. Plastic is poisoning the oceans and marine life,  disrupting human hormones, and littering our earth.  Check out a few startling statistics about plastic and the environment. (earthday.org)

-Humans buy about 1,000,000 plastic bottles per minute.  Only about 23% of plastic bottles are recycled in the United States.

-It is estimated that 4 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year.  Only 1% of plastic bags are returned for recycling.  Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags annually. 

- Over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used each day in the United States.

- 500 billion disposable cups are used every year.

This is a list of my top ways to reduce the use of plastic in your home.  Every little bit helps and be sure to pass on this knowledge to your friends and family. 

1. Reusable Bags

When you go to the grocery store be sure to bring your own reusable bags and produce bags.  I often buy in bulk so I will bring my own glass jars as well.  Here are my favorite product bags, you can also use them for bulk items like rice, pasta, nuts, oats, etc. 

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2. Stasher Bags

Stasher Bags are a great alternative to zip lock bags. These bags are self sealing, come in a variety of sizes, and made from 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone.  Stashed bags are safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher and boiling water.  Unlike plastic bags, Stasher bags contain no petroleum, no PVC, and no latex.

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3. Reusable Straws

The amount of plastic straws polluting our oceans is staggering.  You can easily make a difference by politely refusing straws when dining out and encourage friends and family to do the same.  You can also reach out to local restaurants and eatery's in your community and suggest they only give straws to patrons upon request.  I have been carrying stainless steel straws in my bag for my kids to use when we are out. This a great way to reduce straw pollution and also teach the next generation to be earth conscious.  

This my favorite straw set, it includes a variety sizes, two brush cleaners and a muslin bags to keep straws sanitary in your  bag. 

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4. Bee's Wrap

I have blogged about this great alternative in the past.  This product is the natural alternative to plastic wrap.  Bee's Wrap is handmade in Bristol, VT by infusing organic cotton with beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin.  Bee's Wrap is washable, reusable, and compostable.  And the best part...it works!  

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5. Reusable Stainless Steel Tumbler

If you are anything like me, I am always running out the door in the morning.  As much as I would love to quietly sip hot coffee on the couch, it rarely ever happens.  I am huge fan of the french press.  Each morning I make coffee and pour it into a stainless steel reusable tumbler to bring with me on the go.  This keeps my coffee hot and tasting fresh all morning.  If I need to stop at a coffee shop for a refill, I have my reusable cup on hand.  

Did you know that paper coffee cups are not recyclable?   I just learned this startling fact. Though they are made largely of paper, disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic polyethylene, which is tightly bonded to the paper making the cups waterproof and therefore able to contain liquid.

My favorite is the Yeti, it keeps your favorite drink hot or cold for hours! 

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I also highly recommend this book to keep on hand as a resource for greener and cleaner living while keeping your sanity. 

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A Day in the Life of a Lobbyist

Never in a million years did I imagine lobbyist or political activist would be on my resume. When I learned about Beautycounter a little over two years ago, I made the decision to join based on the mission of the company.  I vividly remember reading about the lack of regulation in the personal care product industry and was baffled by it.  I started scanning products in my bathroom that I thought were safe and was shocked to see the results.  I was a victim of green washing.  I was fooled by the terms all natural, dermatologist and pediatrician recommended, and even organic.  How are companies allowed to stamp these terms on their labels if the products contain ingredients such as formaldehyde, parabens, fragrance, PEGs, etc. I consider myself a pretty health concious person and felt compelled to share this information with my friends and family. 

Here I am, two years later, returning from my second trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for more heath protective laws in our country. This go round, I felt a bit more seasoned.  The first time I attended this trip I was relatively new to Beautycounter and had no idea what to expect.  I didn't really know anyone, but met some of the most incredible women who have become some of my most cherished friends. I can’t begin to explain how incredible it is to be apart of a company that puts such a strong emphasis on advocacy and bringing women together to empower each other.  I have learned so much about the corruption of the beauty industry as well as the political side.  It still boggles my mind that there has not been a major federal law passed in the personal care product industry since 1938.  A lot has happened since that time, including the introduction of over 80,000 chemicals into commerce with less than 10% being tested for links to human health issues. Unfortunately, we are the guinea pigs, our children are the guinea pigs, and there children will be unless we can move our mission forward. 

On March 4th, 2018, in honor of Beautycounter’s 5th birthday, 100 consultants (2 per state) were invited to Washington, D.C. to meet with senators and members of congress on the need for more health protective laws.  After a day filled with training, we spent Monday on Capitol Hill attending over 100 meetings with representatives from all 50 states.  We were there to ask the senate to co-sponser the Personal Care Products Safety Act (PCPSA, S.1113) introduced by Senator Feinstein from California and Senator Collins from Maine.  We were also there to discuss the safety standard and lack of funding to move this bill forward. This legislation will protect consumers from unsafe ingredients in personal care products.  This bill will allow the FDA to assess cosmetics ingredients for safety, regulate cosmetics that are unsafe and have the ability to recall products. Finally, this bill would require companies to label ALL ingredients on the product. On the house side we want them to introduce legislation that will protect consumers from unsafe ingredients in personal care products.   It is difficult to comprehend that under current legislation, consumers are not given the information needed to make informed decisions. We do the best we can with the information we have,  but unfortunately it is not enough. 

Senators were surprised to hear that a company like Beautycounter is able to successfully showcase that reform is good for our health AND business.  Beautycounter is pro-commerce and pro-regulation.  

The highlight of my trip was chatting with Senator Bernie Senators about the work Beautycounter is doing and why we need his support.  The moment was as bit surreal as most of our meetings on the hill took place with staffers.  As we were standing outside of Senator Sanders' office waiting for our meeting to take place, I looked up and there is Senator Sanders himself walking down the hall wheeling his suitcase as he just arrived from Burlington, Vermont.  I didn't even think but instead just shouted his name and wanted to introduce myself.  He asked why we were here and was genuinely interested in listening.  This is a bipartisan issue that effects every single person in our country. 

There are many ways to get involved and support our mission. I am asking that you please take about 5 minutes today to text betterbeauty to 52886.  You will receive a text message back with a link to directly email your local members of congress.  The email is already generated for you, please just fill in required information and SEND.  The common theme during all 8 meetings was that senators need to hear directly from YOU and that you care about this issue.  

On the morning of our meetings 100 women with a bold red lip made a statement. We were there to make our voices heard and tell our stories. Stories of cancer, lack of education and options in many communities, infertility, children with severe allergies, the list goes on. This is not a women issue or about makeup, this is about every single person in our country deserving access to safer products.  We have all been directly or indirectly affected by this issue and something needs to change!

Salmon for Days

I absolutely love recipes that I can make get two meals out of and I recently discovered a new family favorite while serving an old family fav.  I have been making a New York Times roasted salmon recipe for quite some time that we absolutely love.  It is simple, requires no prep, and is family favorite! My two year old asks for it every night.  We had leftover salmon and roasted potatoes from that meal, so I turned it into salmon cakes that we had two nights later and were another big hit! 

Here is how to make meal numero uno:

You will need:

1.5-2lb wild salmon (this will feed about 3-4 people for both meals)

2-3 Tbs butter

1/4 cup fresh herbs (I use dill and parsley)

salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees

2. Once oven is heated, in a roasting or baking dish, melt butter and about half of the herb mixture for about 5 minutes or until it starts to sizzle.

3. Salt and pepper your salmon

4. Once butter is melted, place salmon skin side up in the dish and roast for about 4 minutes. Take salmon out of the oven and using a fork, remove the skin (which should peel right off).  Turn salmon over roast for another 3 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.

5. Once salmon is done top with remaining fresh herbs and fresh lemon juice.

I serve this dish with roasted new potatoes when I want to make salmon cakes (just toss with salt and pepper, garlic, and any other seasoning you like)  I also like to add fresh Parmigiana.  When I am not making salmon cakes I serve with rice. Add a tossed salad, or roasted green veggie (asparagus, broccoli, green beans) and dinner is done! 

Dinner numero dos!

Using your leftover salmon and roasted potatoes, mash together and add leftover butter and herbs from roasting pan.  This mixture can stay in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.  Once you are ready to use you will need:

salmon, potato mixture

1/2 chopped onion

1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped

1 Tbs fresh dill, chopped

1 Tbs fresh lemon juice

1 egg, beaten

salt and pepper to taste

1. Place salmon, potato mixture into a large mixing bowl.

2. Add chopped onion and mix well.

3. Stir in herbs and lemon juice.

4. Mix in beaten egg, salt and pepper and stir until combined.

5. Form patties and saute about 3-4 minutes a side over medium heat until golden brown.

You can serve with fresh squeezed lemon juice and I also like to make a dijon mustard sauce with just 1 Tbs mayonnaise and 1 Tbs dijon mustard mixed together.  Salmon cakes are delicious served over a bed of fresh arugula. Enjoy! 

8 Tried and True Ways to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

Last year was our year.  The year we just couldn't get healthy during cold and flu season.  I swear we had everything you could possibly get from December through March.  This year has been a different story. Granted, we are all doomed to have a (pardon my French) winter from hell so these methods may or may not work for everyone. However, I have found them helpful this year and I also have peace of mind.  Here are my top ways to keep your family as healthy as possible this winter. 

1. Nasal Spray

I read an article a couple of years ago about using a nasal spray before traveling on an airplane.  The dryness from the cabin can wreak havoc on your sinuses and a nasal spray can keep the moisture in your nose.  The same holds true during winter months.  The excess amount of time spent indoors can cause your nasal passage to dry out and crack, making you more susceptible to bacterial infections.  Be sure to read your labels before purchasing a nasal spray. Many over the counter saline solutions have an added preservative to keep bacteria from growing in them.  The trouble appears to be with the most common preservative, benzalkonium chloride,  which can kill off important cells found in the nose.  The brand I use is XLEAR and for my kids, Naturade.  You can use a few times a day, but I find before bed does the trick.

2. Wash Your Hands

This seems pretty common sense, however I have seen recent articles about hand washing not being affective.  I, on the other hand (haha) completely disagree.  Since we are not often in an area with soap and water I always carry a hand sanitizer in my bag.  My favorite is The Honest Company hand sanitizer spray.  It is a safer alternative and is free from parabens, triclosan, synthetic fragrance, and benzalkonium chloride which is a known skin irritant.  It ranks a 1 on the EWG Healthy Living App.  Make sure to download this incredible resource to check the toxicity of your personal care products. 

3. Vitamins

I am a firm believer in taking a daily multivitamin.  I take one every day and so do my kids.  It should not act as a replacement for any nutrition you get from eating a healthy and balanced diet, but instead help with nutritional shortfalls, especially during cold and flu season. My favorite brand for both myself and kids is Garden of Life.  The kids organic line of gummies is packed full of real fruits and vegetables, and steers clear of processed sugars and syrups, artificial colors and flavorings, animal products, and GMOs.  I also boost the girls Vitamin C intake during the winter with an additional Vitamin C gummy, UCUBES is the brand we use. 

4. Essential Oils

Essetail oils have a ton of health benefits and can help plague common illnesses before resorting to less holistic measures.  I love to diffuse a blend of oils during the winter, especially at night to help clear any congestion.  There are many great essential oil companies and many to be more cautious of.  I personally recommend Young Living and Rocky Mountain.  Young Living also makes a Kidscents Sniffleease that I recently tested out and love! It is already diluted and you can diffuse or put a roller top on and roll onto kids chests before bed to help clear congestion.  Both of my girls loved this! 

5. Humidifier

Again, the cold dry air of winter months can cause a lot of problems.  A humidifier adds moisture to the air and can prevent the movement of germs.  I run humidifiers in the bedrooms at night to help breathing and congestion, and it is good for your skin.  Make sure to clean your humidifier weekly to prevent any mold build up.  I empty the basin every night and use vinegar to clean weekly.  You can find great tutorials online showing you the best way to clean your humidifier. 

6. Raw Manuka Honey

I could do an entire blog post on the benefits of Manuka Honey.  It has incredible health benefits and is worth every penny at almost $45 a jar.  Manuka honey is very expensive because of its medicinal value. It can boost your immunity as well as help fight the common cold and flu. Try taking a teaspoon of Manuka Honey 1-2 times per day as a boost to your immune system. I also love adding a spoonful to tea every night.  You can also sip a teaspoon of manuka honey to help with a cough.  Try taking about 15 minutes to sip a spoonful, it will soothe your throat and help decrease irritation.  Manuka honey is also great for kids. The brand I recommend is Wedderspoon. I usually buy KFactor16.  The higher the KFactor the higher the percentage of manuka pollen grains. This will also effect the price of your honey.  I recommend a KFactor of at least 10. 

7.  Elderberry Syrup

My husband swears by Elderberry!  Elderberries are an incredible source of vitamins A and C, which are beneficial in helping the body stay healthy.  Elderberry syrup also contains bioflavonoid which boost the body's immune system by increasing antioxidant levels.  Try taking 1-2 teaspoons daily.  Our favorite company is a local Vermont father-daughter duo called Earth Soothers.  Our favorite is cinnamon and the girls LOVE it too! 

Here is a link to their website: Earth Soothers

8. A Cup of Tea

There is something very comforting about drinking a cup of tea during the winter months.  We drink tea almost every evening as soon as the weather gets cool.  Tea is another great source of antioxidants. I have been brewing the Yogi Echinacea Immune Support which contains black elderberry exact and mullein – herbs traditionally used to support respiratory function. It also contains peppermint, lemongrass and licorice to boost your immune system. 

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The Best Alternative to Paper Towels

I set quite a few goals for 2018 and one of them is to use less paper towels.  We are pretty excessive about paper towel consumption in our house.  They are usually the first thing I reach for when there is a  spill, to wipe down the counters, or to wipe messy faces.  Paper towels are convenient, but definitely not environmentally friendly.  I have a couple friends who don't use ANY paper towels, I have always been so impressed by this.  Although I am not quite ready to ditch paper towels for good, I am determined to use about half the amount we have used in past years. 

I recently discovered my favorite alternative.  They are Swedish dishclothes.  These little bad boys are amazing.  You can use them for just about anything and then throw them in the washing machine or dishwasher to reuse! And the best part is that once you are finished with them completely (about 50 washes) they are 100% biodegradable.  

They are made from all natural materials (wood cellulose and cotton) and are made in Sweden with water based inks.  The patterns are adorable and they make great gifts as there is literally a pattern for everyone.   According to marketing, they absorb 15 times their own weight in water.  

Here are my top 5 reasons to try Swedish Dishcloths:

1. They are multipurpose.  You can use these to wash dishes, wipe your counters, clean up spills, They do the work of a sponge without the bacteria, and paper towel without the waste.

2. They are pretty.  Okay, I know that is a ridiculous reason, but they really are.  They come in the cutest designs and can brighten up your kitchen and make you smile!

3. They are environmentally friendly.  Like I mentioned, they are washable and 100% biodegradable.  I toss them in the washing machine and then lay flat to dry.  I did make the mistake of putting in the dryer and my dishcloth survived.  It looked like it shrunk, but once it got wet it was back to normal. 

4. They last a long time! Swedish dishcloths are designed to be washed at least 50 times so these are well worth the investment.

5. They are affordable. Speaking of investment, they are worth every penny.  The dishcloths cost about $6 each.  I have found them at local stores as well as Amazon.  I have linked my favorite Amazon set below. 

Swedish Cleaning Cloth Kitchen Bathroom Dish Wash Reusable Natural Eco-Friendly Sponge Towel Chickens (Set of 4)

Swedish Treasures

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I had a miscarriage

I had a miscarriage.  Those are hard words to say, and I understand why many women are afraid to say them.  A miscarriage is personal, it's emotional, and it can be private.  The reason I am choosing to share this openly and publicly is because of the number of women I know, or have met that have experienced this directly.  The statistics are baffling, 1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage...that is 25%.  Think about that, if you are in a room with 3 other women, according to statistics, one of you will have a miscarriage. 

I never thought I would be a part of that 25%.  I have had two healthy pregnancies, I eat healthy, exercise, avoid toxic chemicals, but it happened.  I am going to share my story so that you know this can happen to anyone and it is important to remember that many times there is nothing you could have done to change the outcome. 

My husband, Chris and I have always talked about having more children. The truth is, we love being parents. But it's hard and exhausting, and a little scary to imagine going back to the newborn phase.  Things feel good right now. Stable. Easy.  We definitely were not planning on going for baby number 3, at least not at the moment.  So when I found out I was pregnant in August while on a family road trip I literally cried, and not tears of joy. I always think about that moment when I saw those two pink lines and started crying and wonder is that why I miscarried? Because I wasn't excited about being pregnant?  The doctors reassured me that my initial feelings had nothing to do with the outcome. But I can't help but wonder... 

I told Chris right away and continued crying tears of fear as he cried tears of happiness.  His excitement actually helped me.  Once I came to grasp with the fact that I was pregnant and things don't alway go as planned, I started to imagine life as a family of 5 and it made me smile.  The idea of Ella and Anna getting to be big sisters was so exciting and I began embracing the pregnancy. 

Everything was going as expected, the nausea appeared right at 6 weeks and I felt like I already had a little baby bump.  I had to travel to California for work at 8 weeks and felt pretty good while I was away.  Actually, a little too good.  I noticed the nausea was subsiding but I figured it was because I had packed enough ginger snacks and saltines to last a lifetime.  I was overly concious of making sure I wasn't getting nauseas, that I wasn't too worried.  

I returned home from California and started to get really sick, like couldn't keep anything down sick, which didn't happen with my first two pregnancies.  I ended up going to the doctor about 5 days before my initial appointment to try and get some relief.  They decided to do an ultrasound that day just to make sure everything was okay.  As soon as the doctor showed me the screen, I knew something wasn't right.  I saw a little bean on the screen, but it was so tiny.  It didn't look anything like the my first two 8 week ultrasounds.  The doctor then told me that the baby was measuring about 6 weeks when it should have been a little over 8 weeks. The doctor couldn't find the heart beat, but reassured me that my dates could be off and I would have to come back the following week for another ultrasound.  I didn't know what to do or how to react.  I was alone on the ultrasound table trying to hold back tears. My husband was working at the time so I called my mom but could barely stop crying long enough to tell her what was going on.  She was reassuring and hopeful, as was Chris, but I knew...Something just didn't seem right.  That next week was one of the longest of my life and everyone around me tried to be so positive. I remember feeling almost angry at Chris for not understanding that I knew the outcome without having to confirm it with an ultrasound.  

The final ultrasound confirmed my intuition.  I had what is called a missed miscarriage.  This happens when the fetus dies but the body doesn't recognize the pregnancy loss so therefore doesn't miscarry naturally. This explained why I was getting sick and still felt pregnant.  It is a cruel trick that your body can play. At this point, I was given four options:

1. Wait.  This would mean waiting possibly weeks for my body to expel the tissue. This to me was the last option.  I just wanted this over with. It has been a long few weeks and I felt like I needed to move on. 

2. Take medication to help my uterus contract and miscarry.  I was hesitant because this option doesn't always work.

3. D&C (dilation and curette) which is done at the hospital.  It is an outpatient procedure that is relatively quick and painless.  You are under local or twilight anesthetia and it is a minor surgery that removes the lining of your uterus. 

4. In office manual vacuum extraction. This procedure is done in the OB office and no sedation is necessary.  The procedure takes about 10 minutes but can cause discomfort.  

After weighing out the options, I chose the D&C which could be performed the next day.  I chose this option because in my mind, it would be the quickest and cause the least overall discomfort.  

Although a D&C is a relatively minor procedure, it is still surgery. I had to be at the hospital  by 6am and prepped for pre-op.  The procedure itself went smooth and I was home by noon.  The days following were okay emotionally but I still physically wasn't feeling great which is unusual.  I ended up having to go back to the doctor for another ultrasound since I was still having cramping. It turns out I had blood and clotting in my uterus which was causing cramping.  My cervix closed before my uterus could completely empty which only happens in about 5% of cases.  This was hard to digest. I remember laying in the table with my husband by my side and just crying.  I couldn't believe this ordeal wasn't over.  I so badly wanted to feel better and to move forward.  I wanted to stop telling my four year old that my tummy hurts and that is why I have to keep going to the doctor.  The doctor assured me that this would be it. I ended up having to have the vacuum extraction in office right then and there. It was definitely uncomfortable and hard to bare, but I remember telling myself that it can't be worse than childbirth (which of course it wasn't). 

The reason I am sharing this experience so openly is because through it all we heard so many stories.  Stories from friends and acquaintances that have gone through similar situations.  I think miscarriage is one of those experiences that until you go though it, you just can't understand, no matter how hard you try.  But through it all, I remain hopeful about our future and a little heavyhearted about the past.  I often find myself wondering who that baby would have been.  I have learned from this experience and although I like to control all aspects of my life, this is something that was truly up to a higher power. 

If you have a friend or family member that is going through a miscarriage here are some things I found helpful:

1. Check in.  Just send a text, phone call, or email asking how they are doing and that you are thinking about them.  That little bit goes a long way.

2. Send a card.  One of my most thoughtful friends sent a card and it put a smile on my face.

3. Send flowers.  A group of my closest friends sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers that were delivered to my house.  It brightened up our day.

4. Ask if they need to talk. Most likely the answer will be no, but knowing that there is a listening ear is always a help. 

5. Share this blog post.  It is so important that women understand they are not alone when they go through this. 

I think we are often afraid to say the wrong thing, but just letting that person know you're thinking of them means the world.  

Black Raspberry Oat Crumble Squares

I try to be good about keeping homemade snacks in the house and avoiding processed food as much as possible. But let's be serious, prepackaged snacks are God's gift to parents (and kids!).  I recently saw an Oh She Glows recipe for Raspberry Oat Crumble Squares made with homemade chia seed jam.  At first glance, I thought it sounded like way too much work but I was wrong! Not only are these pretty simple to make, but are by far the best bar my entire family has ever tasted.  These versatile bars are perfect for on the go, breakfast or dessert AND they are healthy!  

You can make these with store bought jam and save yourself some time, however we had a fridge full of fresh picked black raspberries that I thought would be perfect.  And the jam was so easy to make. I made it a couple days before making the bars since you need to let it cool completely. I have never made homemade jam before, but it is simple as can be:

Just place 3 cups berries in a medium saucepan. Add 3 Tbs maple syrup, one Tbs chia seeds and bring to low boil.  Simmer over medium-low for about 15 minutes stirring frequently.  I used a potato masher at the end to break apart any whole berries.  This recipe calls for adding 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract once the jam is cooled.  It is delicious either way! 

Okay now on to the bars! I had my sous-chef with me for this part.  

You will need:

-1 Tbs chia seeds

-1/4 c water

-1/3 c melted coconut oil

-1/4 c pure maple syrup

-2 Tbs brown rice syrup (could sub honey)

-1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 c rolled oats

1/2 c oat flour 

1 c almond flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.  Allow for overhang since you will be lifting entire slab out once bars are cooled.

3. In a small cup mix together water and chia seeds to make a chia egg. Let sit a few minutes so seeds can expand.

4. In a large bowl mix melted oil, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, vanilla and chia egg.  Stir until combined. I found that a whisk works well for this.

5. One by one, add the rolled oats, oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, and salt.  Stir after adding each ingredient and make sure mixture is well combined.  The dough will come together as you continue mixing. 

6. Set aside 1 cup of dough to use for topping.

7. Spoon the remaining dough onto the parchment lined pan and press down to spread evenly.  It should cover the entire base of the pan. 

8. Pour your jam (about 1 cup) on top of the oat mixture and spread evenly. 

9. Crumble the remaining dough over the jam.

10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is firm to touch.

11. Cool for at least 30 minutes and then place in refrigerator for at least an hour.

12. Once cooled you can lift parchment paper and slice into squares.  You should have about 12 bars. 

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for about one week.  You can also freeze for up to 6 weeks. 

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are AMAZING! This is another of my favorite Oh She Glows recipes.  The girls love them and they are my husbands favorite.  They are super simple to make and a healthier alternative to traditional peanut butter cookies.  The original recipe is vegan so it calls for vegan chocolate chips, I use regular chocolate chips. I love that this recipe uses ground flaxseed as an egg substitute.  This is common in many vegan baking recipes, but you don't have to be vegan to appreciate it.  

Flaxseeds are an amazing nutrional additive to your diet. I like to sprinkle flax over granola or oatmeal and have added it to smoothies and muffin recipes.  This is another great way to use this superfood.  Flaxseed has been linked to many types of cancer prevention (specifically breast and prostate) as well as cardiovascular diseases.   Flax is also a great source of fiber and those healthy omega03's!

 I make these cookies once a week, enjoy! 

Here is what you need:

1 Tbs ground flax

3 Tbs water

1/2 c shredded, unsweetened coconut 

1/2 c rolled oats

1/2 c packed brown sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 c chocolate chips

1/2 c smooth peanut butter (I love our local grocery stores own honey roasted grind)

1 tsp vanilla

2 Tbs maple syrup (I have been using Runamok' Maple cinnamon and vanilla infused for baking and it unreal!)

Here is what you do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water, set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and chocolate chips. 

4. Add the peanut butter, vanilla, and maple syrup to the flax mixture and stir to combine.  The mixture will be thick.

5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir.  I like to use my hands to mix the batter.  The dough will be sticky.

6. Using slightly wet hands roll the dough into 12 balls, about the size of golf balls.  If any chocolate chips fall out you can just lightly push them back in.  Once you have the balls on your cookie sheet, press each ball down to flatten slightly.  

7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bottoms are slightly browned.  Let cool about 10 minutes.