gWipes Kits Winners

Congratulations Kristin Englert, Amy Lawrence and Paola Andrea. You are the winners of the 3 gWipes kits.
Please send you shipping address to EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com to receive your prizes. You will love it!

Big prize winner will be announced on August 4!

Chocolate Cookie & Walnut Crunch Ice Cream (Lean and Healthy)

Mmmm Chocolate ice cream is especially good in the Summer. And this recipe is quite lean and healthy. Oh, and it is delicious. Kids will love it!

Chocolate Cookie & Walnut Crunch Ice Cream (Lean and Healthy)

Servings: 8 portions

• 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 cups low-fat milk, divided
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 14-ounce can nonfat sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 ounces chopped unsweetened chocolate
• 3/4 cup chopped chocolate sandwich (or wafer) cookies
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts, (see Tip)

Sprinkle gelatin over water in a small bowl; let stand, stirring once or twice, while you make the base for the ice cream.
Pour 1 1/2 cups milk into a large saucepan. Add cocoa and chocolate to the milk.
Heat the milk mixture over medium heat until steaming. Whisk egg yolks and condensed milk in a medium bowl. Gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking until blended. Return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the back of the spoon is lightly coated, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not bring to a boil or the custard will curdle.
Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean large bowl. Add the softened gelatin and whisk until melted. Whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
Whisk the ice cream mixture and pour into the canister of an ice cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. During the last 5 minutes of freezing, add chopped cookies and walnuts to the ice cream maker. If necessary, place the ice cream in the freezer to firm up before serving.


Toasting chopped nuts: Cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. Cool toasted nuts completely before adding them to the ice cream maker.


Per serving: 308 calories; 11 g fat (4 g sat, 3 g mono); 89 mg cholesterol; 46 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 3 g fiber; 151 mg sodium; 607 mg potassium.

Source: EatingWell.com

Final Weekend to Participate: Big Prizes this Saturday!

This is the Big Weekend! We are giving away the gSweet Bundle and also 3 gWipes kits. A total of 4 lucky winners this weekend!!
Have you entered to win it yet? Winners will be randomly selected this Saturday!

Check out the Prizes for July 31, 2010:
- 3 gWipes kits.
- 1 Big Prize*: gDiapers Sweet Bundle, a $99 kit that includes everyday g's 6-pack of little gPants PLUS your choice of a case of gRefills or 2 packs of gCloth inserts PLUS gWipes.

How to Participate (so easy!): 
Become fan (a.k.a. "Like") of EcoLogical Mom and gDiapers on Facebook by July 31, 2010:
- Three (3)  winners of gWipes kits will be announced on July 31. Each kit includes 2 packages of 70ct gWipes.
- Invite 5 additional friends to become fans (a.k.a."Like") of both Facebook pages and be entered to win not only the weekly gWipes kits, but also the Big gDiapers-gWipes Prize*. You will be entered after e-mailing the names of your 5 friends to EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com, and they become fans of both Facebook pages. The winner will be announced on August 4, 2010.

All participants and friends must be fans (a.k.a. "Like") of both Facebook pages until the end of the Eco-Giveaway.


Click here to become fan of Eco.Logical.Mom  
Click here to become fan of gDiapers 


gDiapers are  breathable and combine the best  features of cloth and disposable  diapers. Plastic-free  biodegradable gRefills keep babies dry and happy. And the new gWipes are hypo-allergenic and biodegradable:  perfect for babies and Mother-Earth!  They are fragrance and alcohol-free,  with a touch of aloe vera and vitamin E.  Ideal for messy  mouths, sticky fingers and wet bottom!

Good luck!

Winners will be chosen at random.
 "Sweet Bundle and gWipes" are provided by gDiapers.

3M Driving Sustainability

3M has just launched a green version of its Post-It product line. Great timing as parents are now buying school supplies. And if you use the new eco-friendly Post-its and register them at www.post-it.com/onetree, Post-it will plant a tree! What a great program; kudos to 3M!

For more information, logon to 3M

Natural Cures We Can Trust

Msnbc and Prevention publications released today an interesting report about 9 natural cures we should trust. It is definitely worth reading. Here is a summary:

• Massage for depression.
• Tai Chi for insomnia and balance improvement.
• Bromelain for swelling - it is a medicinal compound extracted from the stem and juice of the pineapple plant speeds healing of acute injuries such as cuts and bruises.
• Acupuncture for chronic pain.
• Glucosamine/chondroitin for joint pain - a natural compound found in healthy cartilage.
• Cocoa for hypertension - flavanols improve blood vessel function by helping artery walls relax.
• Green tea for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rhodiola for anxiety.
• Hypnosis for hot flashes

Sources: Prevention and msnbc.com

Safe Cosmetics Act

Reps. Jan Schakowsky from Illinois and Edward Markey from Massachusetts introduced the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 today. If passed, it will be the first meaningful effort to give the FDA the tools to protect consumers from harmful products that are used in cosmetics.
Some of what the legislation calls for includes:

• Ingredients linked to cancer and birth defects being phased out of personal care products.
• Health-based safety standards for all ingredients in cosmetics that includes protections for children and other vulnerable populations.
• Required listing on product labels of all chemical ingredients in personal care products, including fragrances and contaminants.

Check out this educational video about toxic elements in cosmetics:





Source: Aol.com

Doodles at Lunch

Keeping kids entertained in restaurants can be a challenge. We always welcome new strategies and gadgets to help us with this task.
We've come across this low-tech Doodles at Lunch Tear Off Placemat Book.  Each page illustrates step-by-step how to turn an A into an alligator, a B into a butterfly, and so on.  So now your kid can doodle while waiting for his noodles, and he’ll have a masterpiece of a placemat to help keep the table clean.

By Deborah Zemke

Great Deal, Great Set

We spot a great deal on key pieces for babies' clothing. The set includes a wearable blanket (SleepSack), a L
Layette, a Bodysuit and a Hat. Inverted zipper on the wearable blanket and layette zips from top to bottom so it's harder for baby to unzip, and the zipper won't catch on baby's chin. It also makes diaper changes a bit easier. Sleeveless sack reduces the risk of baby breathing into the sleeve, and is easy to slip on baby when he or she is sleeping.
Certified organic cotton with no chemical dyes or finishes.
Only US$40 and free shipping at Amazon.

Made by Halo.

Car Keys Fascination

There is something about keys that absolutely fascinates babies and toddlers. Kids can spend hours entertained at restaurants and airports just playing with our car keys. However, we hate the fact that keys are never sanitized, and can set the car alarm!

We've found a great solution, the FunKeys. They look quite real (toddlers don't fall for very "toysy" looks anymore!), and come with 4 fun car sounds, push-button flashlight and a handy belt clip. Also, they are made of stainless steel, a safe material for chewing. The only negative is the requirement for 2 AAA batteries (included), if you want the sound and flashlight working. Still a much better option than chewing on dirty car keys!

Made by Battat, Inc

Mini TukTuk

As international moms (I'm Italo-Brazilian), we always encourage kids to learn about other cultures and languages. We believe it's a key education component to prepare kids for a global world.
We found a very cute toy that brings a bit of Asian culture to our kids, the Mini Tuk Tuk, the Thai Taxi. It is made from environmentally friendly rubberwood, non-toxic water-based paints and biodegradable fabrics. Very green, very global!

Made by Wonderworld

San Fran Pizza. Yummy!

We "looove" pizza, but understand that traditional versions are not the healthiest. Well, we came across this recipe loaded with vegetables and tree nuts. It is "beyond delicious", especially if you like pesto sauce. Did we mention it is very easy to make?
Here it is, to a healthy and tasty week!

San Francisco Pizza

Servings: 12-16 servings

• 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1-1/2 cups firmly packed fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup firmly packed fresh parsley sprigs
• 1/2 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 12-inch purchased Italian flatbreads (focaccia) or Italian bread shells
• 1 cup chopped red sweet pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
• 1/2 cup red onion cut in thin wedges
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For pesto, place almonds in a food processor bowl or blender container. Cover and process or blend until finely chopped. Add spinach, parsley, and basil; cover. With the machine running, gradually add oil in a thin, steady stream, processing or blending until the mixture is combined and slightly chunky. (If using a blender, stop occasionally, scrape sides, and push mixture into blades. The blender produces a smoother mixture than the food processor.) Add the 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, the orange peel, orange juice, salt, and black pepper. Cover and process or blend just until combined.

Place each bread on a baking sheet or 12-inch pizza pan. Spread pesto over breads. Top with vegetables, crushed red pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Makes 12 to 16 servings.


Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Creating a Healthy Nursery for your Baby (and the Planet!)

We are very excited to introduce Claudia Kalur, a European interior decorator and founder of A Room for Frances. Claudia will be our guest writer for the next 8 Mondays, providing amazing suggestions and tips on designing eco-friendly nurseries and children's rooms.

Thinking Long Term - Part 1
As you await the arrival of your baby, you will (like I did, I am sure!), start day-dreaming about the nursery and how to decorate it! This will be the room where your baby and your family will be spending many, many hours for the next few years, so consider eco-friendly options that will make the nursery not just a safe but also a healthy environment. It is a lot easier than you may think!
Before I go into more detail on the aspects of sustainably decorating a room, however, let me suggest to you one of the "greenest" things you can do when thinking of creating a space for you child (or any space, really): think Long Term.
Even if you plan on moving to a new house or simply switching your child to a new room later, think of ways to arrange your prospective child's room in a way that will evolve with them as they grow.
A wall color can be changed easily - wallpaper not so much. A changing table will have later use if it is adaptable to a dresser. Some cribs can become toddler beds and even a twin size bed. An armchair with a classic fabric or a slipcover, where you rest while your baby sleeps, or where you feed him or cradle him to sleep, can be used later on somewhere else in the house, including in your future teenager’s room!
Good quality furniture can be expensive, so make sure you can give it use for a long time. It is important that we adjust our thinking away from rampant consumerism and the purchasing of goods that are destined for the landfill after short use.
Therefore, don't just look forward in time, look backwards too - vintage, hands-me-down, antique and sometimes just brand new furniture and decor that someone else did not need or use are truly one of the best ways to be eco-friendly.
In all the rooms that I design my primary concern is this: how can I make this space grow with this child while providing him or her with a healthy, safe and balanced environment? It is my intent with this series of articles to share with you how I try to answer that question.

Stay tuned for coming weeks when Claudia will be discussing sustainable flooring, lighting and walls for children's rooms and nurseries.

Claudia Kalur is the founder of A Room for Frances, Nursery and Children's Room Design. She lives in rural Connecticut with her husband, Steven (an architect who specializes in green building systems), their 18-month-old daughter, Margot, and their doggy, Bayou.

Two Cool Toys in One!

Very cool! Raffy, the rocking horse is multicolored and suitable for ages 1+. Back rest secures the younger child and can be removed as he/she grows. Rocking base can be removed so Raffy can be used as a stand alone toy as well.
It is made from environmentally friendly rubberwood, non-toxic water-based paints and biodegradable fabrics.
Don't you wish you were a kid again?

Made by Wonderworld

Super Weekly Eco-Giveaway Winners - Week 3

Congratulations Michelle Hutchison, Melissa L. Hughes and Charmaine Williams. You are the winner of our weekly gWipes Eco-Giveaway. Please e-mail us your shipping address to EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com. You will receive your gWipes kit shortly after.

gDiapers-gWipes Eco-Giveaway: You Still Have Time to Participate this Weekend!

Have you entered to win our Super Weekly gDiapers-gWipes Eco-Giveaway yet? We are announcing the third set of 3 winners this Saturday.

Check out the Prizes:
- 12 weekly new gWipes kits.
- A monthly Big Prize*: gDiapers Sweet Bundle, a $99 kit that includes everyday g's 6-pack of little gPants PLUS your choice of a case of gRefills or 2 packs of gCloth inserts PLUS gWipes, for one lucky winner at the end of July! 

How to Participate (so easy!): 
Become fan (a.k.a. "Like") of EcoLogical Mom and gDiapers on Facebook by July 31, 2010:
- Three (3) weekly winners of gWipes kits will be announced July 10, 17, 24 and 31. A total of 12 winners!  Each kit includes 2 packages of 70ct gWipes.
- Invite 5 additional friends to become fans (a.k.a."Like") of both Facebook pages and be entered to win not only the weekly gWipes kits, but also the Big gDiapers-gWipes Prize*. You will be entered after e-mailing the names of your 5 friends to EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com, and they become fans of both Facebook pages. The winner will be announced on August 4, 2010.

All participants and friends must be fans (a.k.a. "Like") of both Facebook pages until the end of the Eco-Giveaway.


Click here to become fan of Eco.Logical.Mom  
Click here to become fan of gDiapers 


gDiapers are  breathable and combine the best  features of cloth and disposable  diapers. Plastic-free  biodegradable gRefills keep babies dry and happy. And the new gWipes are hypo-allergenic and biodegradable:  perfect for babies and Mother-Earth!  They are fragrance and alcohol-free,  with a touch of aloe vera and vitamin E.  Ideal for messy  mouths, sticky fingers and wet bottom!

Good luck!

Winners will be chosen at random.
 "Sweet Bundle and gWipes" are provided by gDiapers.

Exciting News: EcoLogical Mom Newsletter is Coming!

Sign up for our coming EcoLogical Mom Weekly Newsletter! It will cover hot green topics and news on Healthy Living and Eco-Friendly Parenting, including easy-to-make healthy recipes for the whole family.

Not all topics featured in the Newsletter will be posted on our social media, another great reason to sign up and try it. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We will be launching it soon. Sign up now! Just click here, or use the link below.
http://eepurl.com/zgVP

Herbed Leek Tart

Leek is a favorite vegetable. Mild taste, a touch of sophistication, perfect for healthy pies and soups. We came across a very rustic recipe that turned out to be a top dish for a family. Kids and parents love it!

Herbed Leek Tart

Servings: 20-24 slices

• 9 medium leeks, thinly sliced (3 cups)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped organic red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence or dried basil, crushed
• 6 ounces Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese, shredded (1-1/2 cups)
• 1 15-ounce package folded refrigerated unbaked piecrust (2 crusts). Whole wheat versions available in fine grocery stores.
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds or walnuts

Cook leeks and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat; stir in sweet pepper, mustard, and herbes de Provence or basil. Cool slightly; stir in cheese. Set aside.
Unfold piecrust according to package directions. Roll one piecrust into a 12-inch circle atop a baking sheet. If desired, trim edge with a pastry wheel. Spoon half the leek mixture into the center of piecrust, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold border up over leek mixture. Brush milk onto top and sides of crust. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the nuts. Repeat with remaining piecrust, filling, milk, and nuts. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until crusts are golden. Cool 10 minutes on baking sheets. Cut each tart into 10-12 wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: Based on recipe from Better Homes and Gardens

Bamboo Party: Elegant and Eco-Friendly

Bamboo plates, utensils and trays are a great eco-friendly alternative for parties, outdoor and indoor events. Made of 100% organically grown bamboo peeled directly from the stalk, these plates are quite elegant, and studier than paper versions. This line was recognized by Fortune Magazine as Best Product Design 2004.
Biodegrades in 4-6 months after disposal.
Package of eight plates costs US$8. Available in either 7" Appetizer, 9" Salad, or 11" Dinner plate sizes.

Sold at Remodern

Eco-Dough Fun!

If you prefer eco-friendly/non-toxic molding doughs but doesn't love the idea of making it yourself, here is a great option. Eco-dough is handmade with flour, salt, cream of tartar, organic rosemary oil, vitamin E oil, canola oil, coconut oil, potassium sorbate, citric acid, natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, blueberries and tomatoes. Colors are great, and so is the scent!
Each set contains five jars of dough in luscious green, lemon yellow, golden orange, berry pink and deep blue colors.

By Eco Kids

Tips for Adventurous Eaters

We came across a list of tips for raising adventurous eaters, and figured it could be useful to parents. We truly believe that every kid is different, and incorporating your family's culture to their routines is your best choice. But this list compiled by Julie Ryan Evans has some interesting general tips. Take a look!


"1. Sit Down!
Now is the time to teach that meals play an important role in our day. Make breakfast-lunch-dinner definite sit-down-to-eat occasions, even if it's just for 10 or 15 minutes at a time.
2. Doesn't This Look Good?
Talk it up! Comment on the yummy smells from the oven, or how pretty and juicy the steak looks. Little kids "eat with their eyes" just like adults do.
3. It's a Dinner, Not a Diner!
And that means no short order cooking! From earliest eating days, children can and should eat what everyone else at the table is eating.
4. Focus on the Whole Meal
If you're serving chicken, peas, and rice for dinner, then your kid should have chicken, peas, and rice on her plate, too. What if she scarfs down the rice and wants more? Not until she has a bite or two of the rest of the items in the meal. 
5. Spice It Up
Don't be afraid to let your child sample spicier dishes, like those found in Indian or Mexican cuisines. If it's really too hot, stir a little milk or sour cream into his portion, so that he still gets the flavor of the dish, without the full effect of the heat.
6. Pour Out the Juice
Kiddie beverages all have one thing in common: They are sweet, sweet, sweet to the taste. Don't start your little one off believing that drinks have to be sweet to taste good. Stick to plain milk and water.
7. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
If at first your child doesn't like spinach or Brussels sprouts or broccoli, try, try again. Researchers have found that up to 15 separate introductions of a food may be required before it will be accepted by some children. Wait several days or weeks, but don't drop the offending item out of the menu entirely.
8. And Nix the Other Kiddie Products
Children's menus in restaurants, children's cereals and snack foods, packaged toddler meals: If it's a food product made for and marketed to kids, chances are it's going to be inferior in taste and flavor to comparable adult products. Avoid these, and you will be way ahead in the game of preventing picky eating."

Source: Shine

Night and Day Blocks and Sounds

Cool sound blocks by Wonderworld. They show night and day, sun and moon, light and darkness. Can be played as blocks and shaken for sounds. The unique interlocking pieces allow for countless different constructions, developing kids' imagination and creativity.

Made of environmentally friendly rubber wood, using non-toxic paints, dyes and lacquers and formaldehyde free glue.

Made by Wonderworld

Meowsic Fun

Meowsic is a beautiful toy designed by Battat, Inc. It includes 27 songs, retractable sing-along mic, control volume (for parents' sanity!), beat and tempo. It also comes with an auto-off feature. It is clever, and incredibly cute!
The toy contains no lead or phthalates.

By Battat

Like a Leaf Floating in the Breeze

So elegant! We really enjoy sleek design for children's furniture. This eco-friendly baby seat has a shape of a leaf, and features 100% organic cotton insert. It sways back and forth powered by hands only. A motion lock allows it to stay in a stationary position for feeding.

Made by Nuna

Another Set of Lucky Winners: gWipes-gDiapers Eco-Giveaway

Congratulations to Kristin Englert, Monique Nadon-March and Tania Cooper! You are the second set of lucky winners! You've just won a gWipes kit that includes 2 packages of 70ct gWipes. 
Please send us your shipping address to EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com to receive your prize. You will love it!


It is not late to participate. Please continue entering to win our Eco-Giveaway. Check out this fabulous prizes:
- 12 weekly new gWipes kits.
- A monthly Big Prize*: gDiapers Sweet Bundle, a $99 kit that includes everyday g's 6-pack of little gPants PLUS your choice of a case of gRefills or 2 packs of gCloth inserts PLUS gWipes, for one lucky winner at the end of July! 

How to Participate (so easy!): 
Become fan (a.k.a. "Like") of EcoLogical Mom and gDiapers on Facebook by July 31, 2010:
- Three (3) weekly winners of gWipes kits will be announced on July 10, 17, 24 and 31. A total of 12 winners!  Each kit includes 2 packages of 70ct gWipes.
- Invite 5 additional friends to become fans (a.k.a."Like") of both Facebook pages and be entered to win not only the weekly gWipes kits, but also the Big gDiapers-gWipes Prize*. You will be entered after e-mailing the names of your 5 friends to EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com, and they become fans of both Facebook pages. The winner will be announced on August 4, 2010.

All participants and friends must be fans (a.k.a. "Like") of both Facebook pages until the end of the Eco-Giveaway.


Click here to become fan of Eco.Logical.Mom  
Click here to become fan of gDiapers 


gDiapers are  breathable and combine the best  features of cloth and disposable  diapers. Plastic-free  biodegradable gRefills keep babies dry and happy. And the new gWipes are hypo-allergenic and biodegradable:  perfect for babies and Mother-Earth!  They are fragrance and alcohol-free,  with a touch of aloe vera and vitamin E.  Ideal for messy  mouths, sticky fingers and wet bottom!

Good luck!

Winners will be chosen at random.
 "Sweet Bundle and gWipes" are provided by gDiapers.

Peasant Skirt: Perfect for Playtime and Dressier Occasions

We couldn't resist this tiered peasant-style skirt. So cute! Featuring an elastic waist and scallop edging, the below-the-knee skirt is cool and comfy. Great for playtime, and also dressier occasions. Made with certified organic cotton, available in olive or poppy with natural trim. Sizes 6 months thru 6 years.

Made by Positively Organic