Winner Cozy Cocoon Eco-Giveaway!

Congratulations LINDSEY MARTA. You are the winner of our Cozy Cocoon Eco-Giveaway!!! Please contact us at EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com to redeem your fabulous prize!!

Homemade Oatmeal Packets: Awesome!

We've found this fabulous recipe for a a variety of healthy snacks at work, or school: Homemade Instant Oatmeal packets.
Awesome idea, very nutritional, flexible and delicious!

Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

Basic Recipe:
- 3 cups Quick-Cooking Oats
- Salt
- Small sized Zip Baggies


Put 1/2 cup oats in a blender and blend on high until powdery. Set aside in a small bowl, and repeat procedure with an additional 1/2 cup oats. If you're using a food processor, you can do the 1 cup of oats in one batch. Put the following ingredients into each zip baggie: 1/4 cup un-powdered oats, 2 Tbsp. powdered oats, and 1/8 tsp. salt. Store in an airtight container.

To serve: Empty packet into a bowl. Add 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir and let stand for 2 minutes. For thicker oatmeal, use less water - for thinner oatmeal, use more water.

Variations:
Add different dried fruits and flavorings to taste:
- 1 TB raisins, 1 TB brown sugar, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon, and 1 TB chopped walnuts.
- 1/2 cup frozen dried strawberries and bananas.
- 1 TB date sugar, 2 TB freeze dried apples, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon, and 1 TB chopped pecans.
- 2 TB dried blueberries, 1 tsp. sugar, 1/8 tsp. orange zest, and 1/4 tsp. vanilla powder (found in the bulk spices section at my local health food store).
- 1 TB finely shredded coconut and 2 TB chopped dried pineapple.

So many options, just use your imagination and it will never get boring!

Sources: Stretcher.com and Vegan Lunch Box

Last Weekend to Participate! Cozy Cocoon Eco-Giveaway

If you are not participating yet, act now! Just 2 more days. It is so easy.....

It is the cutest Eco-Giveaway: be entered to win a  Cozy Cocoon! The winner will be able to choose one of the following:

- Organic Sweet  Pea and Pea  Pod Hat set
- Organic  Leopard Tassel  Bunting and Tassel Hat set
- Football  Bunting and Cap  set
- Flowers Bunting and Tassel  Hat set

Cozy Cocoon is designed in soft stretchy cotton knit. You simply roll it up and the baby is completely covered  and held. A perfect solution to swaddling!

Become Fan of Eco.Logical.Mom (a.k.a."Like") on Facebook  by May 30,  2010 and be entered to win one of these fantastic Cozy Cocoons! 

All Facebook fans of Eco.Logical.Mom are automatically entered. The winner will be announced on May 31, 2010. 


Good Luck!

Click here to become fan of Eco.Logical.Mom  

Cozy Cocoon products are provided by Cozy Cocoon Corp.
Winner will  be chosen at random.

gCake

Absolutely gorgeous! The Blue Polka Dot Monkey gDiaper Cake is the perfect gift for expectant eco-friendly parents. Made with 56 size Small gDiapers, it includes a boxed gDiaper starter kit that is incorporated in the bottom layer of the cake so the new parents have everything they need to start using gDiapers right away!

Included in boxed starter kit:
- 2 little gPants
- 4 water-resistant snap-in liners
- a swishstick and hook for easy access
- Handy User’s Guide
- $2 gDiaper coupon

The cake stands 15” tall, 11x12” wide at the base, is constructed with internal support for safe shipping and comes in a cello bag tied with coordinating ribbon for gifting.


Source: Simply Baby Cakes, an Etsy store

Toxic America

We have been approached by a CNN collaborator to promote next week's Dr. Sanjay Gupta-hosted Toxic America premiere, where the second night focuses on the unseen toxins we pass on to our children.
The documentary will be aired in the US on June 2 and 3 at 8pm EST  

On June 2: Toxic Town, focuses on the specific story of Mossville, Louisiana residents who have been struggling for decades to get government help for problems they say are related to toxic chemical plants.  After a year-long study, Dr. Gupta goes on location to investigate and try to get answers.

On June 3: Toxic Childhood, focuses on the hidden effects of toxins on all people, especially pregnant mothers.  The team will dissect how to minimize risks to pregnant woman and children from potentially harmful chemicals found in the air, in homes, and in common household products.

We've been asked to put together questions from our visitors to be submitted to Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Please write your questions on the "comments" field below by Monday, May 31.

Make Your Play Dates Even Friendlier

Play dates are quite important for kids development, and can be fun for adults as well!
We came across a list from Shine, a Yahoo publication, of 6 play date "rules" that make a lot of sense. They definitely make play dates an even friendlier time. Check them out!

"Timing is Everything.  Just as you wouldn't want a real date to show up 30 minutes late, keep on schedule with any appointments you have for playing.  Likewise, avoid being too early.  Most moms I know are still finishing up with their tidying just minutes before guests walk in the door, or a child's napping schedule may be affecting by an unexpected arrival.

Come Prepared.  While everyone forgets a diaper at one time or another, some parents have been known to use a host home as their own personal retail outlet.  Bring a well-stocked diaper bag, complete with an extra change of clothes, and anything your child would need on a typical afternoon out.  Just because your host home has socks in your tyke's size, doesn't mean they want to lend them out --- indefinitely.

Ditch Dietary Demands.  It's probably OK to let your host home know if your child has a serious or life-threatening food allergy, but beyond something high-risk, it's usually not appropriate to dictate the dinner menu.  If strange eating preferences (your kid won't eat anything orange, for example) could leave your child hungry after snack time, make it easy on your host by bringing your own.  (And if at all possible, use the experience as a way to encourage an expansion of Junior's eating habits.)

Be Watchful.  This isn't the hair salon, and while it may be tempting to turn play time into an excuse for unfettered adult conversation and the chance to “shoo” kids into another room, it's still your responsibility to keep an eye on your kid.  Not only should you be checking on the children regularly to avoid any incidents, but doors should remain open at all times.  While it would be nice to trust that all kids are well-intentioned, lack of supervision can encourage the worst of behaviors (even in your own “angels”.)

Leave it Better Than When You Came.  If you're one of those parents who never requires your kids to clean up their own mess, play dates may not be for you.  Not only should kids be encouraged to keep toys and clutter under control during the course of the play date, but each parent should follow up to make sure that everyone is instrumental in the final cleaning of any play areas.  Be sure to allow 15-30 minutes at the end of each play period to get things looking as good as when you arrived.

Turnabout Is Fair Play. You may never get to the place where you're comfortable hosting the next play date at your home, and it may be understandable if you're experiencing extreme circumstances (a smaller-than-average home, a spouse that works the overnight shift, or a house that is located in an area too far away for comfortable driving.)  Make every effort possible to keep your turn in the rotation, however.  If you have to take play time to a relative's home, pitch a tent at a park, or turn the time into an opportunity for a field trip, for example, then do it!  The variety may be more welcome than you think, and the parents will appreciate that you're giving as much as you are receiving from the arrangement."

Source: Shine

Top 10 Chocking Hazards

According to a 2008 study, the 10 foods that pose the highest choking hazards for young children are hot dogs, peanuts, carrots, boned chicken, candy, meat, popcorn, fish with bones, sunflower seeds and apples.

Peanuts caused the highest frequency of injury, and hot dogs were most often associated with fatal outcomes. Age younger than 3 years was the highest-risk factor.
Hard, round foods with high elasticity or lubricity properties, or both, pose a significant level of risk.

Dr. Gary Smith, the lead author of "American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement on food hazards", says some foods should simply not be given to children under 4 or 5: he mentioned raw carrots, marshmallows, peanuts, popcorn, hard candies and gumballs.

If feeding a young child a hot dog, he said, cut it lengthwise before slicing it. (Simply slicing it into nickel-size chunks makes it more dangerous than not slicing it at all.) Cut grapes into quarters. Flat lollipops are safer than ball-shaped suckers.

Sources: NYTimes and International Journal of Pediatrics

Kids Sunglasses

To protect your baby’s eyes from the suns harmful rays, sunglasses may be a great option.

We looked a few options and liked Baby Banz sunglasses. It fits securely using the neoprene strap, and is rated for 100% protection from harmful UV rays, meeting the stringent UV block out requirements of ANSI Z80.3 - 1996. It was originally designed for use in one of the toughest UV markets in the world, Australia.

The lenses can be popped out and replaced with prescription lenses as well. They come in blue, red or green.
Suitable from birth to approx 2 years.

Check them out!

Grilling Weekend!

We are approaching a holiday in the US, and most important, a weekend everywhere in the world! This is always an inspiration for grilling outside. We found a very healthy recipe for delicious burgers for the whole family. You have to give it a try! Very nutritious... (check out nutritional facts at the bottom!)

Burger with Olives
Servings: 4 portions

- 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef (at least 90 percent lean)
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted green olives (2 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- Cooking spray

Combine the turkey or beef, olives, parsley, cumin, and pepper in a mixing bowl and mix until well incorporated. Shape into 4 burgers.
Spray a grill pan with cooking spray and preheat over a medium-high heat or prepare an outdoor grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
Serving suggestion: Serve on whole-wheat buns, garnished with slices of tomato and lettuce, with ketchup and mustard on the side.

Nutritional Facts:
(Turkey)

Calories 145; Total Fat 4 g; (Sat Fat 0 g, Mono Fat 1.5 g, Poly Fat 0.5 g) ; Protein 28 g; Carb 1.5 g; Fiber 0 g; Cholesterol 45 mg; Sodium 305 mg
Excellent source of: Protein, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin K, Manganese, Selenium, Zinc.
Good source of: Fiber, Iron.

(Beef)

Calories 155; Total Fat 7 g; (Sat Fat 1.5 g, Mono Fat 3.5 g, Poly Fat 1 g) ; Protein 22 g; Carb 1 g; Fiber 0 g; Cholesterol 60 mg; Sodium 305 mg
Excellent source of: Protein, Vitamin K, Manganese, Selenium.
Good source of: Fiber, Iron.

Source: 2008 Ellie Krieger, All Rights Reserved

A Lasting Favor

We love this eco-friendly idea for party favors: handmade organic soap bars wrapped in seeded paper that can be planted to grow flowers! It works great for baby showers, weddings, etc.

Soap bar options are:
- Cilantro Mint Basil
- Papaya Ginger Lemongrass
- Mangosteen White Tea Bergamot
- Turmeric

Soaps are made with organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, organic shea butter, essential oils, and exotic herbs and spices. No chemical preservatives, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

The party favors can be customized with your name and date of your party. It will last for years!

Made by Unearthmalee (an Etsy Store)

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Kid's Clothes

ThreadUp allows you to easily swap outgrown kids' outfits. In just a few minutes, you can pick out a box of gently-worn clothing that will fit your child, pay a few bucks to have the box shipped to you, and you received right-sized outfits. Then you put outgrown clothing into a free USPS box, write a general description of the box's content on the ThredUP site and wait for someone to request the box from you, which ThredUP arranges. And you don't pay anything to mail it out.

You can also create an "inner circle" of friends and family and keep your swaps within that group.
Check it out!

Honey Moist Cake

Who doesn't love cakes? It is even better when wholesome and filled with fruits and natural spices!
If you are with us, you have to give this recipe a try...

Honey Cake
Servings: 10-12 portions

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar*
- 1/2 cup honey (*we used 1 cup of honey and no sugar, and it was awesome!)
- 2 eggs
- 1 small unpeeled orange, quartered, seeded
- 1 small unpeeled apple, cored, chopped
- 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 1/4 cups flour (we used whole wheat flour)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup golden raisins

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two loaf pans with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, mix oil, sugar, honey and eggs until combined. In food processor, combine orange and apple, pulsing until finely chopped. Pulse in coffee until mostly pureed. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt.
Add a third of fruit and coffee mixture to oil, honey and egg mixture. Stir in a third of the flour to mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are combined. Stir in raisins. Pour batter into pans. Bake until tester comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in pans on rack.

Source: Daily Green 

Safety Crib Tips

We've seen so many crib recalls lately. Almost scary! Check out these great recommendations from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute regarding safety guidelines:

1. Look for a crib certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
2. When choosing a crib, be sure slats or spindles are spaced no more than 2 3/8" apart.
3. Don't buy a crib with any cutout areas on the headboard or footboard — such cutouts could allow your baby's head to get trapped.
4. Don't select a crib with corner posts over 1/16" above the end panels (unless they are over 16" high to support a canopy).  Babies can strangle if their clothes become caught on corner posts. Unscrew or saw off the corner posts and sand the remaining end panels until they are smooth.
5. Don't use a hand-me-down crib unless you are sure it meets current federal and ASTM standards.
6. When assembling a crib, make sure you follow the crib manufacturer's instructions.
7. Check all crib hardware and tighten nuts, bolts, and screws frequently.  After a crib is moved, be sure all mattress support hangers are secure. Check hooks regularly to be sure none are broken or bent, since loose or open hooks may allow the mattress to fall.
8. Do not repair any part of the crib without hardware that's approved by the crib manufacturer.
9. If you have a crib with a drop down side, always make sure the drop side latch cannot be easily released by your child, and frequently check the hardware to make sure it is not damaged or deformed. If it is, you should stop using the crib immediately.

Source: Yahoo and Good Housekeeping Research

Last Week to Participate: Cozy Cocoon Eco-Giveaway!

If you are not participating yet, act now! It is the last week, and so easy.....

We are celebrating May with the cutest Eco-Giveaway: be entered to win a  Cozy Cocoon! The winner will be able to choose one of the following:

- Organic Sweet  Pea and Pea  Pod Hat set
- Organic  Leopard Tassel  Bunting and Tassel Hat set
- Football  Bunting and Cap  set
- Flowers Bunting and Tassel  Hat set

Cozy Cocoon is designed in soft stretchy cotton knit. You simply roll it up and the baby is completely covered  and held. A perfect solution to swaddling!

Become Fan of Eco.Logical.Mom (a.k.a."Like") on Facebook  by May 30,  2010 and be entered to win one of these fantastic Cozy Cocoons! 

All Facebook fans of Eco.Logical.Mom are automatically entered. The winner will be announced on May 31, 2010. 


Good Luck!

Click here to become fan of Eco.Logical.Mom  

Cozy Cocoon products are provided by Cozy Cocoon Corp.
Winner will  be chosen at random.

Bubble Umbrella for Tots

We spotted this bubble umbrella, and thought it would be very useful for tots!
The bubble shape protects them a lot better from the rain and wind, and they can still see through.  It comes in fun colors and patterns.

Another great feature is the price: under US$9!

Made by Totes

More on Sunscreen Safety

The latest Environmental Working Group's annual report to consumers on sunscreen examined 500 products, and considered only 39 of them safe and effective to use. The problems are primarily based on the following:
- The use of the hormone-disrupting chemical oxybenzone, which penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream.
- Overstated claims about SPF performance.

Another concern is with the inclusion of vitamin A in sunscreen formulations for its anti-oxidant properties to  slows skin aging. EWG researchers found the initial findings of an FDA study of vitamin A's photocarcinogenic properties, which means the possibility that it results in cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight.

The EWG warns consumers not to depend on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection available!

Check out the hall of shame in baby sunscreen including top brands!
Both links are free to access.
The full list of the best and worst sunscreens can be found on the EWG's searchable database.


Source: EWG and Aol News

No-Bake Cookies...Less than 5 Minutes!

Fresh cookies made to order are usually insanely good. Check out this recipe for No-Bake Peanut Butter cookies. You can't take more than 5 minutes to prepare them.
Easy to make and very healthy. You just can't beat that.
What's more, kids will love making and eating them!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Graham Cookies
Servings: 4-8 cookies, depending on size

- 8 whole-wheat graham cracker squares, finely ground
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons honey
- 4 teaspoons unsweetened coconut

Combine ground whole-wheat graham crackers, raisins, peanut butter and honey in a small bowl. Pat into 8 cookies and press lightly in coconut.

Source: Eating Well

Allergy Mates

Many kids have allergies, mild or life-threatening. No matter the type of allergies, it is always important to alert potential caregivers about specific conditions.

We found this brilliant Allergy Wristband. They are cute and fun! And they come in different colors and types: peanut, nut, egg and dairy allergies. Check them out!


Sold by Amazon. Made by Awearables

Unhealthy Processed Foods

A new Harvard study found that eating one serving of processed meats a day was associated with a 42 percent higher risk of heart disease and 19 percent increased risk of diabetes. Processed meats include bacon, salami, sausages, hot dogs or processed deli or luncheon meats.


The problem was related to the high levels of sodium and chemical preservatives. Processed meats had about four times more sodium and 50 percent more nitrate preservatives than unprocessed meats.

Yet another evidence that processed meats should stay away from school cafeterias and lunch boxes!


Sources: Journal Circulation/American Heart Association; and NYTimes

Defining the Best Water for You

Several reports have been released about how safe tap water can be in many countries, highlighting the benefits of tap versus bottled water. Learning what contaminants are in your local water supply will help you determine the best filter options for you!

Please click here to access a water quality database per city, provided by EWG.org. That will allow you to make informative decisions about drinking water options at home.
If you decide that tap water is the best option in your neighborhood, please click here to access a filter buying guide.

The Power of Stacking

Never underestimate the power of stacking cups. They seem quite simple, unsophisticated toys, but will keep most babies and toddlers entertained for hours, during months and months.

Something with the different shapes and stacking process fascinates them more than many expensive and elaborate toys. Definitely try it out, if you haven't yet. They are cheap (under US$6) and quite good for their cognitive development as well.

This one is BPA, PVC and phthalate free. It includes 8 stackable cups with draining holes, for bath time.

Made by Green Sprouts