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.

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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!

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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

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

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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. 

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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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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5 Must-Have Baby Items for the First Year

I have compiled a list of my top 5 baby items for the first year.  I could have definitely expanded the list but these were the 5 items I really felt we couldn't live without (other than the staples). These also make great gifts as most of these items are not on traditional registries. 

1. Zutano Booties

This Vermont-based company knows how to make cozy booties that actually stay on tiny baby feet.  The booties come in both fleece and cotton fabrics and have adjustable snaps to grow with your baby.  We lived in these as soon as the weather was cool and throughout the entire winter.  The prints and patterns are adorable and they are machine-washable.  

2. Amber Teething Necklace

I get a lot of compliments on my girls necklaces since most people think they are fashion accessories.  Aside from being adorable, Baltic Amber teething necklaces are a must have for a teething baby. My four year old still wears hers because she loves it.  Now there is no science behind these beads and the theory is that Baltic Amber contains healing oils that work as a natural anti-inflammatory.   Baltic Amber has been used for centuries for its natural healing powers.  Both of my girls wear these necklaces and neither have had serious teething issues other than excessive drool.  I personally think they help.  When choosing a Baltic Amber necklace make sure to purchase from a reputable company that sources their amber to be 100% authentic.  I personally love the company Spark of Amber.

3. Beautycounter Baby

Beautycounter's baby line launched in 2016 and has been a life saver for our family.  What you put  on your baby's skin matters and the simpler the ingredients, the better.   This collection was featured in Real Simple Magazine as the #1 safest baby line.  Not only is it safe, but actually works.  The collection includes a head to toe wash, soothing baby oil, baby protective balm, and a brand new calming diaper rash cream. The entire line is mild, gentle and contains no scent which is exactly what you want for infant skin.  Trust me, invest in the entire collection, you won't regret it.  The head to toe wash is nourishing and will keep your baby's skin soft and hydrated.  The baby oil is the perfect alternative to harsh lotion.  The oil is a blend of coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil- that's it! Perfect for cradle cap and also makes a great eye makeup remover for mom, a win-win!  I love how the oil is easily absorbed, not greasy at all! The baby protective balm may be my favorite, it  has so many uses that will grow with your baby and I use it on myself as well.  It can be used on diaper area, eczema patches, dry skin, chapped cheeks and lips, and so much more! It is the perfect barrier to protect babies delicate skin.  The balm is a blend of organic shea butter and jojoba oil which is the perfect combination for sensitive skin for both babies and mamas!  And finally, Beautycounter's brand new diaper rash cream prevents irritated skin by using safer ingredients.  Beautycounter uses non-nano zinc oxide to reduce and prevent redness, it is soy and nut free, safe to use with cloth diapers, and perfect for sensitive skin.  This also makes a great gift!

4. Klean Canteen Water Bottle/Sippy Cup 

Over the past couple of years I have tried really hard to reduce my family's use of plastic.  I switched over our food storage containers to glass and water bottles to stainless steel.  Klean Kanteen makes the best water bottles for kids and you can purchase a sippy cap separately which is perfect for babies around  6 months old.  This water bottle never leeks, is completely kid-proof, and BPA-free.  Water bottles come in a variety of sizes and colors and are perfect for the entire family, they even make a baby bottle.  It is the perfect way to keep drinks cold or hot! 

5. Wooden Suction Bowl 

Again, I am trying to reduce the use of plastic in our house and there are some great alternatives for kid dishes.  I love the brand Avanchy for wooden bowls and plates.  My youngest daughter is queen of picking up her bowl from her highchair and either tossing it on the floor or on her head.  Avanchy makes beautiful wooden bowls with a suction bottom that attaches to any flat surface and actually stays put!  There is a release-tab that parents can pull for easy removal.  The bowls and plates are made from biodegradable bamboo and BPA-free food grade silicon. 

Traveling with Tots

I am definitely not an expert on traveling with toddlers, kids, or babies but we have done a fair amount over the years and both girls have been awesome.  And as they get older it definitely gets easier.  Ella, my 4 year old is completely content with an iPad and headphones, although I do try to engage her in other activities while traveling. But honestly, flying is not easy and as long as they are content, that is all that really matters.  Ella has been happy watching the iPad while traveling since she was about a year.  Anna on the other hand...total opposite.  She is my can't sit still, wild child! So I was kind of freaking out when figuring out what to do with her on our 3.5 hour flight to Turks and Caicos. I packed a giant bag full of surprises! 

I have compiled a list of some travel necessities when flying with kids. I didn't include the obvious items like diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, water bottles, etc. 

1. iPad (or tablet) and headphones.  Ella never uses headphones other than on an airplane so they are pretty speical.  She loves them! And it is hilarious when she starts talking (yelling) with them on.  I usually download a couple new movies or old favorites.  Ella is obsessed with the Wizard of Oz at the moment so she spent the entire time watching that.  I also downloaded a few educational games, her favorite is Endless Alphabet.  You have to drag and drop the letters in the right order to spell words.  Once you complete this task, it tells you the definition and shows a little cartoon to go along with the meaning, pretty clever. And Anna was actually entertained for about 20 minutes with a Sesame Street app where you tap the door to reveal different characters.  She thought it was hilarious! 

2. SNACKS! Holy snacks! You can NEVER have too many snacks when traveling with kids.  Whether it's one hour or five hours, pack tons of snacks.  I also packed little Bento Box lunches for the girls since our flight was over lunchtime and this was a huge hit. My oldest loves mealtime and loves picnic lunches so she was most excited about getting to eat out of her lunchbox.  I also think this stems from the fact she doesn't stay at school for lunch, but still sees the lunch boxes of the kids that do.  She has total lunch box envy.  Inside the Bento Box we had PB&J, cheddar bunnies, dried strawberries (these are amazing if you can find them), string cheese, and a special treat (cookie).  I also packed apples, dried mangos (great for ears), granola bars, fruit pouches (also great for ears), yogis, and carrot sticks. Obviously you want to be careful to only pack food that won't easily spoil. 

*note about packing pouches: look for the smaller 3oz pouches as opposed to the 4oz.  The 3oz pass through security with no problems. The 4oz require an extra security measure. Our favorite are the Ella's Kitchen fruit smoothies. 

3. Lollipops!!! These could be listed with snacks but deserve to be on their own.  Not only are lollipops a delicious treat that help relieve the pressure in kids ears, but they also provide a good 30 minutes of entertainment.  Our only rule-no biting!  I also found these Frozen (movie) lollipop holders that spin around when you press a button, these were life savers for Anna.  She was on the verge of an epic meltdown when I pulled out this trick.  She spent the next half hour pressing the button on the lollipop spinner and putting the lollipop in and out of the holder.  I also think sucking the lollipop relieved the pressure in her ears because she was fine the rest of the flight.  Our favorite lollipops are Yummy Earth organic lollipops.  

4. Sticker books and dry erase books. Around Christmas time I did my first Usborne book order and the girls are loving the books.  They have these great wipe-clean workbooks that Ella loves.  I got Anna a few sticker books that kept her entertained.  She loves peeling off the stickers and sticking them on the pages. These are easy to pack and travel with, also great for the car and restaurants. I love that they are reusable, even the sticker books! If you need an Usborne rep, let me know, I have the BEST.  Also good old crayons and paper will do as well! 

5. Books.  Books in general are great to pack.  As active as Anna is, she will sit and read for awhile. She LOVES books!  I packed a few of her favorites and also a couple new ones.  When you travel always pack something new, a small toy or book is the perfect little airplane surprise. Look for a book that relates to the place you are traveling to.  For example, I found a great lift the flap book called Where is Baby's Beach Ball? that Anna loved! 

Have fun wherever you are going and remember that kids are kids and don't feel bad if they cry or melt down.  Traveling is hard on everyone. We just got back from an amazing family trip to Beaches Turks and Caicos.  I can't recommend this place enough! It was the best and easiest trip to take with young children.  

My Top 9 (cleaning products)

I have done a lot of research on safer cleaning products that actually work.  I use the Environmental Working Group's website ewg.org as a guide to find the safest products to use in my home.  I love this resource.  It is extremely important to read your labels and research each individual product.  Don't assume that a product from a certain "green" company is safe, ingredients vary in each product so check your labels and use the EWG as a resource.  You can find guides for food, personal care products, sunscreen, and more!  Vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap, and lemon go a long way but for specific tasks I have created a list of my favorites.  

1. Favorite Dishwasher Detergent: Seventh Generation Dishwasher Packs 

I used to use Cascade (ugh, I know) and hated when I would open the dishwasher and there would be a harsh chemical smell.  It truly smelled toxic.  I became really aware of this once I had my daughter. I absolutely love these Seventh Generation packs! What we use to clean our dishes is really important.  Chlorine bleach, fragrance, and sulfuric acid are all common ingredients in many dishwasher detergents.  READ YOUR LABELS! 

2. Favorite Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover: BioKleen

This is a great solution for carpets, sofas and even clothes.  I use it mostly for carpet stains.  With having two little ones running around it is important to have a safe stain remover.  BioKleen uses plant-based formulas and essential oils in their products.  There is no artificial fragrance or colors. 

3. Favorite Dish Soap: Honest Co Honest Dish Soap, white grapefruit

I am a big fan of the Honest Company.  I started with their diapers and wipes and now also get their essentials bundle.  I love the dish soap, its gentle and mild but actually works.  My favorite is white grapefruit.  I also really love Seventh Generation dish soap, this one may be a tie. 

4. Floor Cleaner (both tile and hardwood): evover floor soap

I became very aware about what I was using to clean my floors once I had kids.  I would watch my daughter crawl all over the floor and then stick her fingers in her mouth.   I started wondering what chemicals were in my current floor cleaner, two words, not good!  I have used a variety of floor cleaners in the past and have made my own.  I really like ecover because it works well on hardwood and tile floors.  It is very concentrated so you just add a small amount to water and you are all set! 

5. Laundry Stain Remover: Good old OxiClean  

I almost always have a bucket filled with OxiClean and water in our laundry room soaking with kids clothes.  I am always amazed that after soaking and being thrown in the laundry the stains have disappeared, it is seriously magic.

6. Laundry Detergent: Honest Company 4 in 1 Laundry Pods Free and Clear

I remember when I was pregnant and my mom suggested Dreft detergent to wash all of my newborn clothes in.  That is what she believed to be safe and why not? It is marketed to brand new babies.  I wish I knew then what I know now.  All I can do is move forward and continue to educate myself and my daughters. I have tried a few different safe laundry detergents and so far this is my favorite.  It also received an A on ewg.org. Not all Honest Company products are as clean, but these are a keeper!

7.  Wood Cleaner:  Seventh Generation wood cleaner

I love this wood cleaner.  It smells refreshing and works well on our wood table.  It is coconut oil based and uses lemon and chamomile essential oils for scent.  It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and contains no phosphates.  I also use it to clean our cherry cabinets.  Can't say enough about this product. 

8.  Bathroom Cleaner: Seventh Generation Tub and Tile Natural Cleaner

This works great on tubs, tile, and sinks.  Literally just spray and wipe.  The ingredients are nontoxic and biodegradable.  NO fumes, chlorine, petroleum baed solvents, glycol ethers, phosphates, dyes or strong acids. 

9.  Honest Company Wet Mopping Pads

I love these for a quick floor clean.  These fit perfectly on my old Swiffer (eeeeek) mop.  I also use these for our mudroom floor in the winter that is constantly dirty.  They work well on tile and won and smell wonderful. 

Perfect Fall Mommy Bag

I am finally reaching that stage (again) where I don't need to carry around a huge diaper bag.  I still need a bag that can hold a lot, but I don't need 8 billion pockets, bottle holders and changing pads.  I was on the hunt for a classic fall bag.  Since joining Beautycounter, I have become very conscious of how products are made.  I try to support companies that are ethical and sustainable as much as possible, which is a total work in progress.  

After doing some research, I came across a really helpful website www.thegoodtrade.com.  This website features 16 companies who make ethical, eco friendly, and fair trade bags.  All the companies listed have pretty incredible stories and contain American-made, B Corps, vegan, and up cycled options.  These companies are dedicated to both social good and environmentally friendly options. 

After much debate, I finally decided to invest in a Parker Clay beauty.  Parker Clay is dedicated to empowering women and making beautiful and artisan made bags for both women and men.  The company is founded on the values of making the best products possible, creating economic and social endowment, and being good to one another.  If only all companies followed these guidelines, right?  Parker Clay's founders Ian and Brittany Bentley were visiting Ethiopia in 2008 and were influenced by the number of orphans and disadvantaged women living there.  In 2011, they adopted Selah and soon after moved to Ethiopia to continue their work to provide job opportunities to those in need.  Parker Clay is committed to helping women get out of the commercial sex industry and partners with the nonprofit Women At Risk.  Parker Clay gets its name from the Bentley's two biological children, Parker and Clayton. 

I chose the All Leather Purpose in solid camel.  This bag is beautiful! It has an outside pocket perfect for your cell phone and two inside pockets that definitely come in handy.  I have gotten a ton of compliments and I love sharing the Parker Clay story.  Who would have thought a bag could be such a conversation piece? 

Parker Clay uses the highest quality material to make timeless and unique bags.  Check them out!

My Top 10 (and least expensive ways) to keep it clean

1. Shop seasonal and freeze.  I love the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies we can get in the summer months.  Prices are so much lower on organic berries (especially pick your own).  Plus everything tastes better.  My neighbor just brought over 2 freezer bags of fresh corn kernels that I can add to soups and chili this winter.  Blueberries are another great one to freeze and add to smoothies or even cereal in the winter.  It is also fun to shop seasonal in the fall and winter and get creative with root veggies! 

2. Try homemade cleaning products.  I posted an all purpose spray on the blog that you can check out.  What I love about homemade cleaning products is that they work and are made with ingredients you most likely already have in your home.  Water, vinegar and baking soda go a long way.  Vinegar and water work wonders on glass and stainless steel.  Actually, vinegar and water work on just about anything (including toilets).

3. Go glass! Switch over your plastic tupperware to glass.  This is a one time investment with huge benefits.  I love glass for food storage and you can even reheat in the oven up to 350 degrees.  One less reason to use the microwave! This Rubbermaid set is perfect and easy to store. 

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Glass Food Storage Container, 22-piece Set, Red (1865887)

Rubbermaid

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4. Buy in bulk.  I think people often have a negative connotation with purchasing in bulk but I love it.  It is so much cheaper and the product is just as good.  My favorite bulk items are organic oats, organic quinoa, whole wheat pastry flour, nuts, nut butter, and spices.  

5. Keep the EWG dirty dozen list stored on your phone.  This is a great reference when trying to figure out what to buy organic while shopping. 

6. Start a garden in the summer.  We are fortunate to have extremely generous neighbors with a green thumb.  We do have a small garden with tomatoes, lettuce and plenty of herbs,  A great way to use up your herbs is to store them in ice cube trays with olive oil.  You can add a cube to just about any dish in the winter.  I also love to make tons of pesto at the end of summer because it freezes so well.  We also planted blueberry bushes this year which has been fun for the girls. 

7. Check your personal care products.  This is something that I have learned a ton about since joining Beautycounter.  We don't think of our skin as our largest organ.  What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in it.  Start small, you are investing in yourself.  Think about the products you use every day (deodorant, shampoo, face wash, moisturizer, toothpaste, etc).  The EWG has a wonderful app called Healthy Living.  Download the app to find out the score of the products you are currently using.  You may be surprised! And don't forget about the many uses of coconut oil and olive oil on your skin. 

8. Remove shoes before entering the home.  This is such a simple task with HUGE benefits.  Our shoes carry in a ridiculous amount of bacteria that gets transferred all over your house. GROSS! 

9. Drink water.  Another no brainer!  Purchase a good quality water bottle and take it with you wherever you go.  My favorite water bottle is the S'well Bottle.  It's stainless steel and keeps water cold all day.  Water increases energy, helps with digestion, flushes out toxins, helps boost immunities, and so much more. 

10. Educate yourself.  This is something that we don't do enough of.  At least I don't.  Make sure you are reading labels when it comes to food, personal care products, clothing, cleaning products, etc.  

Bee's Wrap

If you haven't heard of Bee's Wrap, prepare to be amazed!  I read about Bee's Wrap a few months ago (I can't even remember where) and never followed up with purchasing.  I was so excited to stumble across Bee's Wrap at an amazing little store in Stowe, Vermont called the Country Store on Main.  This adorable shop recently opened and is already one of my favorites.  Perfect for unique kitchen items, gifts and local products.  I could literally spend the entire day here, there is something for everyone.  Plus, it is owned by the adorable Cristina Mink.  She and her staff make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.  Make sure to check it out when you are in Stowe!

Okay, back to Bee's Wrap.  This product is the natural alternative to plastic wrap.  I have been focused on making changes in our home to safer alternatives.  One small change I made was switching over our plastic tupperware to glass storage.  However, I often use plastic wrap to cover bowls or wrap partially used veggies and was not sure how to eliminate this.  Enter, Bee's Wrap!  This product is awesome.  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!  It keeps food fresh and tightly wrapped.  It is also super simple to use.  You just use your fingers to mold the Bee's Wrap to your container.  The warmth and pressure from your hands creates a seal.  The wraps come in a variety of sizes to fit your need.  I purchased the 3 pack of large wraps but will definitely be adding a variety of sizes.  

To wash your Bee's Wrap, you simply use soap and water and hang to dry.  Once dry you can refold to store.  The beeswax and jojoba oil contain antibacterial qualities that help keep food fresh and allow you to reuse for about a year.  Pretty impressive, right?  

Bee's Wrap Sustainable Food Storage Assorted 3 Pack

Bee's Wrap

EZPZ Happy Mat

I have discovered the best toddler place setting!  The EZPZ Happy Mat is the answer to containing kid messes and keeping kids happy.  My 3 year old loves compartmentalizing her meals.  This mat keeps food separated and suctions to any surface to eliminate spills.  We use this on our granite countertops as well as wooden table and it works great on both!   The EZPZ mat also makes clean up a cinch!  Just peel the mat from the surface, rinse and place in dishwasher.   The mat is made from 100% food grade silicone and is BPA, BPS, lead and phthalate free.

I love how these mats can be used for any kind of food, even cereal with milk fits nicely!  We have had these mats close to a year and they still look brand new.  It is seriously genius, my only complaint is I didn't think of the idea first!  

ezpz Happy Mat - One-piece silicone placemat + plate (Blue)

ezpz

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Body Butter? Yes Please!

I absolutely love summer!  My 3 year old, Ella and I are always making lists of things we love to do once the weather warms up.  Living in Vermont, we spend as much time as possible outdoors soaking up the sun!  Spending time outside means bug bites and summer skin.  You know that feeling after a day spent outside in the sun where you skin feels hot and itchy no matter how many times you applied sunscreen? Well, I do!  And nothing has soothed our skin more than Beautycounter's Enrich Body Butter.  It is truly amazing!  I have been using our Hydrate Body Lotion for months and absolutely love it which is why I was hesitant to make the switch.  However, after one use of our body butter I am convinced.   Beautycounter's Enrich Body Butter contains shea butter and mongongo oil to quench and nourish your skin, while organic sunflower oil, aloe and chamomile soothe and smooth.   The body butter is rich and creamy but absorbs so quickly and effortlessly.  I have tried many body butters in the past that have felt greasy, but not this one!  Literally absorbs within seconds.  And the best part is I can use it on our entire family.  

http://www.beautycounter.com/gilliansmart/social/101394-June+2016?goto=body-hair%2Fmoisturizers%2Fenrich-body-butter.html

Finger Food Ideas for Little Ones

I recently had an old friend from high school send me a message on Facebook asking me how I get my little ones to eat so well.  I definitely don't have any tricks and I am very fortunate to have two kids that overall eat very well.  

With both girls I made most of their food. My older daughter ate purees longer because I was so worried about choking (typical first time mom, right?), but the second time around I knew better.  Anna, my younger daughter started finger foods much earlier and really enjoys them.  She loves the independence of feeding herself.  Both girls love food and love meal times.  I think sitting down as a family and enjoying a meal together is so important to creating healthy eating habits.  

Anytime a friend asks for tips about getting their little one to eat better, I usually give the same advise.  Keep introducing and reintroducing!  Kids go through so many phases and their taste buds constantly change.  Anna loved avocado when I first introduced it, and then she wouldn't eat it for awhile and now she likes it again. Keep offering and they will come back around.  I also tell people to spice it up!  Kids love flavor.  Traditional baby food is so bland.  My kids both love garlic and onion, you can try fresh herbs and spices or powdered, both do the job!  My last piece of advise is to order the book Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron.  I used this book with both girls.  It gives great suggestions on foods to introduce based on age. It was my baby food bible! 

I created this list of my girls favorite finger foods.  I would love to hear comments on anything your kiddo's love. I am always looking for new ideas. This list is based on a baby between 7-8 months old, which is when  I started introducing finger foods.  Anna was an early crawler and was able to sit up on her own so make sure you baby is ready, there is no rush! 

Ella and Anna's Favorite Finger Foods:

*Roasted Butternut Squash with olive oil, salt and pepper

*Cheese (any kind!)

*Bread with hummus

*Avocado with hummus

*Cottage Cheese

*Black Beans

*Chickpeas

*Roasted Broccoli (cut small)

*Scrambled Eggs

*Blueberries (cut in half)]

*Applesauce (homemade in a crackpot with cinnamon and maple syrup)

*Roasted Carrots with maple syrup 

*Crackers with peanut butter

*Avocado Toast

*Peas (smashed) 

*Cucumber Sticks (around 10 months)

*Ripe melon cut into small pieces (honeydew is a big hit!)

*Peeled apple (around 10 months) I give Anna the whole apple and loves it

Blend11

I am loving this new mix of superfoods I found at my favorite local grocery store.  Someone from this Australian based company was handing out samples and I figured I would give it a try.  I have to admit when I took my first bite of these superseedes mixed with yoghurt I had mixed feelings but I figured I would try a bag because who doesn't love superfoods?

After a few days of mixing this blend with my yogurt and berries every morning I have noticed a huge difference in how I am feeling.  This stuff totally helps with digestion! I love the healthful benefits as well as added protein. You can add to smoothies, shakes, yogurt or anything else you can think of.  I have added it to oatmeal for added nutrition and it is delicious! 

Here is list of what exactly makes Blend11 so amazing. 

Chia seeds – Protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, omega 3’s, fibre, anti-oxidants.
Goji Berries – Anti-oxidants, amino acids, traditional medicinal qualities (kidney, liver, eye tonic etc)
Cacao nibs – Anti-oxidants, magnesium, amino acids.
Amaranth – Protein, manganese.
Millet – Low -reactive, alkalising grain.
Pepitas – Zinc, fibre, essential fatty acids.
Sesame seeds – Calcium, magnesium, fibre.
Linseeds – Essential fatty acids, fibre, phytosterols.
Buckwheat – Chromium.
Coconut – Lauric acid (good fat, immune support)
Almonds – Calcium, magnesium, fibre.

FYI you can order online if you can't find it locally.