The Cloth Diaper Covers by RethinkCrafts have a great design and a variety of prints to choose from. The covers are lined with a layer of waterproof polyurethane laminate and secured by strong Velcro. This diaper cover is very lightweight and should be worn with a pre-fold insert.  My long and slender 1 year old is wearing a size Large which is adjustable and will fit him well for months ahead.  Great product and at a great price, only $13 each!

The Prize:
We’re giving away a Cloth Diaper Cover (Medium) by RethinkCrafts to one of our lucky readers.

The Rules:
There are many way to enter the giveaway, each of the ways described below is equivalent to one entry. (You can do one or all)

1. Visit RethinkCrafts Shop and leave a comment here telling me what you would like to see your little one styling in.
2. Leave a comment here on your experience with any item from RethinkCrafts collection.
3. Blog about us or this giveaway on your blog with a link back to us. (leave a comment here with the link)
4. Add us to your Blogroll or add our button to your side bar. (leave a comment here with the link)
5. Subscribe to our feeds by email. (on our homepage, be sure to confirm your email address and leave a comment after)
6. Subscribe to our RSS Feed. (leave a comment here after subscribe)
7. Follow Us On Twitter. (leave a comment here after)
8. Add us your Technorati favorites. (leave a comment here after)
9. Digg / Tweet / Stumble - Digg, Tweet, Stumble this post or our site. (leave a comment here with details, you can also use another social networking site.)

The Fine Print:
- You must follow the rules as outlined here.
- You must leave a valid e-mail address in your comment so you can be contacted when you win.
- The winner will be chosen at random. They will then have 3 days to reply or another winner will be drawn.
- Contest limited to residents of continental United States only.
- Contest ends March 12, 2010 at Midnight EST.
- Please allow some time for comments to appear as they may be caught by spam filters.

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Whats wrong with non stick cookware and what are the healthier alternatives? Non-stick cookware has been very popular as it is very convenient to use and clean. But what most people don’t know and don’t consider is that this Teflon emits very toxic fumes. Non-stick surfaces are aluminum pans coated with a synthetic called polytetrafluoroetheylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon. Toxic fumes from the Teflon chemical are released from pots and pans at high temperatures, potentially killing pet birds and causing people to exhibit flu-like symptoms. However, ingesting particles that flake off scratched non-stick cookware isn’t toxic because solid PTFE flakes are inert. Who would of thought? You might be saying to yourself, well, I don’t overheat my pans, but studies showed that after only a few minutes on the stove top, Teflon coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases.

What are the possible health dangers from using Teflon cookware?

“When you breathe kitchen air polluted with fumes from overheated Teflon, you’re at risk for developing flu-like symptoms (yes, “Teflon flu”). The long-term effects of routine exposure to Teflon fumes, and from Teflon flu itself, have not been adequately studied. However, chemicals from this family are associated with smaller birth weight and size in newborn babies, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation and weakened immune defense against disease.”, says the EWG.

Manufacturing PFCs and the consumer products that contain them poses great risks to the environment and wildlife. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says PFCs present “persistence, bio accumulation, and toxicity properties to an extraordinary degree.

A safer alternative to the popular Teflon products are cast iron and stainless steel. Although they are harder to clean, the extra hassle is well worth it. Lodge, America’s oldest family-owned cookware manufacturer, refers to its cast iron cookware as “natural non-stick.” Cast iron is extremely durable and can be pre-heated to temperatures that will brown meat and will withstand oven temperatures well above what is considered safe for non-stick pans. I am looking forward to replacing my pans for Lodge Logic cookware.   Anyone have any tips or advice on using safe alternative cookware, please share.

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tblsp oil (vegetable oil, safflower oil, coconut oil etc.)
• 2 tblsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• Coloring or scents are optional

In a bowl, we combined all of the above ingredients, including dried red cabbage powder for color. When the mixture was well-combined, we poured it into a pot, turned the heat to medium and stirred constantly until stiff. When done, let it cool, and enjoy!
We store our homemade play dough in airtight containers in the fridge, where they should keep fine for several weeks. ]]> http://www.greenourkids.com/featured-articles/home-made-play-dough-great-play-dough-recipe/feed/ http://www.greenourkids.com/raw-recipes-for-kids/green-giveaway-win-an-organic-earth-bodysuit-and-pant-set-by-adooka-organics/ http://www.greenourkids.com/raw-recipes-for-kids/green-giveaway-win-an-organic-earth-bodysuit-and-pant-set-by-adooka-organics/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:06:06 +0000 greenourkids http://www.greenourkids.com/?p=582 I love Organic! I support it, I suggest it and I really try to be organic all around. What I love even more is an organic company with a mission that will make a positive, enriching impact on our lives as well as the lives of our children. That is exactly what Adooka Organics,  an organic baby clothing line, is doing.   Anne MacGilvray, the co-founder of Adooka Organics,  set out to support the green industry by manufacturing close to home.  A lot of green companies are seeking to support Fair Trade,  which is great, but being truly Eco-friendly means keeping the supply chain local, both to avoid the extra fossil fuel consumption and packaging materials involved in shipping overseas. By doing so, this encourages and supports green businesses here in the United States as well as Canada. Manufacturing close to home also provides more people with jobs, and we all know it,  with the economy swindling,  we are in desperate need, as a country, to have more work opportunities.

Now to get to the even better part, I had the opportunity to check out one of the outfits by Adooka Organics, and let me tell you, it is so luxuriously thick and soft you will love having your baby wearing one. All products are made from 100% certified organic cotton fabric and dyed under Oeko-tex guidelines with low-impact, fiber-reactive dyes free of heavy metals and toxins.  Even the embroidery thread is Oeko-tex certified and no adhesive backings are used in the embroidery process.  Talk about paying attention to detail!  Organic, high quality, safe, and most importantly comfortable - can it get better then that?

The Prize:
We’re giving away an adorable Organic Earth Bodysuit and Pant set (size 6-12 months) by Adooka Organics to one of our lucky readers.

The Rules:
There are many way to enter the giveaway, each of the ways described below is equivalent to one entry. (You can do one or all)

1. Visit adooka.com and leave a comment here telling me what you would like to see your little one styling in
2. Leave a comment here on your experience with any item from the Adooka Organics collection.
3. Blog about us or this giveaway on your blog with a link back to us. (leave a comment here with the link)
4. Add us to your Blogroll or add our button to your side bar. (leave a comment here with the link)
5. Subscribe to our feeds by email. (on our homepage, be sure to confirm your email address and leave a comment after)
6. Subscribe to our RSS Feed. (leave a comment here after subscribe)
7. Follow Us On Twitter. (leave a comment here after)
8. Add us your Technorati favorites. (leave a comment here after)
9. Digg / Tweet / Stumble - Digg, Tweet, Stumble this post or our site. (leave a comment here with details, you can also use another social networking site.)

The Fine Print:
- You must follow the rules as outlined here.
- You must leave a valid e-mail address in your comment so you can be contacted when you win.
- The winner will be chosen at random. They will then have 3 days to reply or another winner will be drawn.
- Contest limited to residents of continental United States only.
- Contest ends November 6, 2009 at Midnight EST.
- Please allow some time for comments to appear as they may be caught by spam filters.

Living in the fast paced world that we are in today, many parents have found comfort in feeding their little ones with store bought organic baby food rather then preparing it themselves. Believing that they are providing their children with the best nutrition, most don’t consider the quality of food they are getting and how long the food is standing on the shelves before reaching their baby’s digestive system.

Not so long ago, I heard on the news that an Organic Baby Food Plant was accused of using spoiled, moldy vegetables while preparing their baby food. The managers of this company said that moldy sweet potatoes containing maggots were used. Company officials have denied all of the allegations and an investigation was being done. How can we trust mass production? I would never expect this from a baby food company. I find the thought of a little baby eating maggot contaminated food extremely disturbing. The truth is, you can never know exactly what goes on in the Food Plant and this is one of the many reasons why baby food should be prepared at home.

Why not treat your little one to fresh or steamed veggies and fruits, blended or pureed? Preparing your baby’s food at home gives you total control over what is put inside; you know it’s free of additives and hidden preservatives. You also know the quality of food you are using. Equip yourself with a hand blender and you are ready to feed baby delicious fresh food. Give it a try and you will be surprised to see how easy and simple it really is.

1. Your Breast - There is absolutely nothing more green and organic then breastfeeding. If you could, you should, and if you cant, you should try anyway. It is best for baby, its best for mom, and it doesn’t leave a footprint. You never have to worry about forgetting your bottle at home, never worry about the milk being too warm or too cold and best of all, its always fresh! It is natural and beautiful and the perfect way to nurture your child. Like the saying goes, breast is best.
2. A good, reliable baby carrier - I have tried several baby carriers such as the Baby Bjorn, Moby wrap, Pea in a Pod sling, Kangaroo Fleece Adjustable Pouch (KFAP), and the Ergo. For all of those considering baby wearing, please spare your backs and your wallets and do not purchase a Baby Bjorn. Your backs are guaranteed to hurt after as little as 15 minutes. Ouch! The Moby wrap is awesome and was used quiet often for the first 2 months. There is a learning curve, but once you get in the groove of it you are bound to love it. Baby feels nice and snug and its a great transition from the womb to the outside world. Another great carrier was the Pea in a Pod sling by Mom and Me Creations. I say “was” because I don’t think they are being sold anymore for personal reasons.. but it wouldn’t hurt to find out. It is an adjustable pouch made out of hemp fleece that is soft and very durable. Baby Kev spent a lot of time in there when he was between 2 and 4 months. I have also used the KFAP pouch which was pretty comfortable, but being made out of polyester it always made me and baby very sweaty. The last and best carrier which I am still using daily and see myself using well into the 2nd year is the ERGO. I love love love this carrier. I have carried my 23lb baby ALL day long with no aches and no pains. The sleeping hood is perfect for private breastfeeding sessions and is great for giving baby that quiet time when nap time approaches. It is hands down the best carrier I have ever used.
3. Hand Blender and Chopper - Every Eco friendly and health oriented mom should be preparing their own baby food - no ands, ifs or buts about it. It is quick, easy and no jarred baby food could compete with it nutritionally. This hand blender by Cuisineart gets two thumbs up. I have been using one for the past 4 years and it has proven to be very durable and reliable. I have used it to make baby food, chopped salads, ground flax seeds and more. It is a great value for the price.
4. Eco Friendly Diapers - More and more parents are turning to cloth diapering as the Green Revolution takes place. Many reviews make cloth diapering seem so easy breezy that it tempts the eco friendly seekers to give it a shot. Cloth diapers are obviously incomparable to any disposables when it comes to comfort for your baby. I love the idea of having organic fibers caressing my baby’s tush. However, not everyone can make cloth diapering work for them. In my household we use a combination of Eco Friendly disposables and organic cloth diapers. Baby NatureCare disposable diapers are made with non chlorine absorbent materials and are biodegradable, plastic and latex free. They even use 100% compostable consumer packaging. They are soft and comfy and come very handy when we are on the go.
5. Sophie the Giraffe - This is one of the most popular natural teethers around, and for a good reason - babies love it! Handmade in the French Alps, Sophie the Giraffe is made from phthalate-free rubber and food quality paints. Soft, light and easy to grasp, Sophie the Giraffe is perfect for little hands and makes a happy squeak when squeezed. My son loved it from the first time he munched on it. Chewing on Sophies head and feet delights him each and every time. I love that it offers natural relief to his aching gums.
6. Weleda Calendula Baby Cream - I love this cream. I have used it with both boys and we have never had a diaper rash if the cream was in use. I feel very safe and assured using this cream on Kevs delicate skin and even use it on my hands when they are in need. It smells nice and is easy to apply, not too thick or greasy.
7. Cherry Wood Rattle by Camden Rose - Constructed from high quality, non toxic materials, this maple and cherry wood rattle can keep a little one entertained for quiet some time. This toy serves two purposes in our household, my little one seems to love the beautiful music he makes with it, and it acts as a great teether when he is looking to chew on something hard. It is one of those toys that always makes my “to go” tote. This rattle seems to be so durable that I think it will be a great pass down to the next generation.
8. Eco Friendly Baby Shoes - Many parents get all hyped up with trying to be as Eco friendly as possible and in the search for greener alternatives they neglect to consider foot wear. I like to try and buy from companies that are walking on the sustainable path. This is where I came across TOMS Shoes. They work on a One for One basis meaning that for every pair of shoes that you buy, they will give one pair of shoes to a child in need. They use the purchasing power of each individual to help someone in need. Their website states that they have given away over 150,000 shoes and are planning to reach 300,000 by the end of 2009! I think for this reason alone, people should be motivated to make a purchase from them. TOMS should be updating their children shoe selection in the later part of October, but check out a pair for yourself. They are made from recycled rubber and cotton canvas.
   IsaBooties is another Eco Friendly brand that carries a nice selection of baby shoes great for pre walkers. Though they are not made from natural fibers, Isabooties do refer to their products as Eco Friendly as they are 100% animal free, formaldehyde free, and are made in the USA under fair trade.

With the new logo design came a whole new taste, which i might add is easily distinguishable, and a slash in the wholesome nutrition provided by the milk. The once rich, thick and creamy milk has been replaced by a watery like consistency which is far from being delicious. Evaporated Cane Juice (aka Sugar) has replaced brown rice syrup, the vitamin content has decreased to such an extent that some of the vitamins have taken a 50% cut, and the price - you guessed it, it went up! How do you take a product that is close to being perfect, ruin it, and expect it to make a larger profit?! What a disappointment the new TEMPT by LIVING HARVEST is!

As our hemp milk stash approaches the end, its time to try and replicate the milk so that my son can keep on indulging.

Soooo, I asked myself, how can I comeback in a more nutritionally powerful way - my solution? A shopping spree! I anxiously logged into Amazon, my favorite site for quick and hassle free shopping and started adding to cart all of the super foods I have been longing to have. Spirulina, Chlorella, and Goji berries are just a few items to mention. Yum.

My order was awaiting for me by my doorstep today. I munched on delicious Goji berries immediately before moving on to the interesting green powder - Spirulina.

Some might be asking, what is Spirulina? Spirulina is a blue-green algae that can be found in fresh water bodies.  It is 70% percent complete protein providing one with all the essential amino acids, and is one of the best plant sources of vitamin B-12.  It seems clear that Spirulina is a necessity for all vegans (including raw vegans).  It is also rich in a lot of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, folic acid, phosphorus, zinc and more.  It is considered safe for people of all ages and is hypoallergenic. Many proclaim amazing health benefits from its use. It is known to correct anemia, malnutrition, asthma, reverse cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and more.

Like usual, before trying out new foods I like to use my senses to get an idea of what I will be tasting.  Being an algae, I was expecting it to smell rather fishy.  To my pleasant surprise it had a slightly fruity smell somewhat resembling raspberries.  I dipped my finger into the forest green powder and gave it a lick. Its definitely an acquired taste but a pleasant one at the same time.  I decided to sprinkle some on my coconut milk ice cream and really taste it out. My picky 4 year old was interested so I let him try it out hoping for the best. It was a hit, he loved it.  Yey! We went on to enjoy our bowl of nutritionally packed dairy free ice cream together.

In the evening, as dad was approaching home, it was time to prepare a green smoothie.  I added 3 bananas, frozen mango, swiss chard leaves, 3 tablespoons of chia seed gel and a teaspoon of Spirulina to our Oster blender. The result - a sweet, delicious, bright green smoothie that the whole family, including our 9 month old baby gulped down.  Delicious and nutritious.  Green Smoothies, we are back!