Vintage Indie

Organic & Whole Living: You can't be afraid to get messy.

This is one of my most favorite pictures of our sweetie girl. She's covered in roasted beets and sweet potatoes.  She's been eating this way from the beginning of solid foods. She's only 9 months here. I did a lot of research early on, on baby-led-weaning. Although I'm not trying to wean, she started showing interest in our food at about 7 months. We started giving her little nibbles from our food then and now she's eating a bit of whole foods daily at her request. 

This is what a typical Sunday at my house looks like, baby food prep. Except, I'm not mashing, blending or pureeing anything. I simply roast everything on a pan, remove things that cook a little faster, remove the tough skins, dice them up into baby finger size and freeze for the week. I can't tell you how easy this is! It is also easy on the budget, but that's just a bonus. 

 This whole experience has been wonderful for baby, mommy, and daddy. We are loving feeding her whole foods, picked ripe for eating and without any processing or extra unnecessary added ingredients. We're not including grains, or corn for a long while as we feel this is best for developing her tummy to handle those sorts of things and we're avoiding GMO's like the plague. For now, whole fruits and vegetables are on her menu. Just recently we've started to scatter in some organic roasted chicken and egg yolks here and there. 

What Baby is Eating: 

Sweet Potatoes

Butternut Squash

Apples (baked)

Carrots

Roasted Beets, Golden and Purple (her favorite)

Asparagus Tops

Cauliflower

Peas

Green Beans

Egg Yolks

Organic Roasted Chicken

Pears

Banana

Avocados

and adding weekly.....

We're staying away from cruciferous (except cauliflower) vegetables on the moment as those seem to be harder on the digestive system.

There are all sorts of books, blogs and websites devoted to baby-led weaning. I'm not an expert on the subject, but if you're intrigued to do your own research I've included some of my favorite links below.

Wholesome Baby Food 

Nourished Kitchen on Baby-Led Weaning

Real Food for Mother and Baby by Nina Planck

Simple Bites - Embracing Baby-Led Weaning

Organic & Whole Living: Special Guest Jennifer of Homemaker Gone Natural Organic Fruit Popsicles

Jennifer is in sunny Arizona, but most of us on the east coast are gearing up for spring and summer weather. When the fruit is ripe and the warm sun is heating things up, this delicious recipe will have your kids begging for a healthy treat like Jennifer's Organic Fruit Popsicles. Please help me give Jennifer a warm welcome to Vintage Indie and while your'e at it stop by her new blog Homemaker Gone Natural full of fabulous recipes, natural cleaning tips and more.  

 

Do your children love popsicles in the summer?  Mine do, so I came up with a healthier version that we make right here at home, and the great thing about them is they are organic and healthy!

 

Organic Fruit Popsicles

• 1 kiwi sliced up
• 1 lg strawberry sliced up
• 12 blueberries
• 1 blackberry sliced up 
• 4 green grapes halved
• 4 red grapes halved
• 1 T honey (I use local, raw honey)
• Orange Juice to top off (About 1/2 cup ish)

All ingredients I use are organic. 

Mix together honey and orange juice. Divide fruit up evenly into 4 popsicle molds top off with orange juice mixture. Freeze over night. Serve.

 

Jennifer Hoover began HomemakerGoneNatural.com after discovering the benefits of a natural, organic lifestyle.   She was diagnosed with several chronic health issues that prevented her from continuing in her then current field.  Thus she began her endeavor as homemaker and discovered that with some extra effort in the kitchen, she could control her health and live life without being constantly medicated.  She is sharing with you her journey of learning to take control of eating and living a natural and chemical free life at www.homemakergonenatural.com

 

Organic & Whole Living: A Perfect Breakfast Beet Greens & Eggs - Paleo Friendly

When I get on a food kick, usually when fruits and veggies are in abundance around here. I start to get really excited about food. I love that my children are getting the best nutrition that they can and that I'm making good choices. I'm eating food for breakfast, instead of just having a cup of coffee. Recently one of my favorite breakfasts has been this simple but  oh-so yummy beet greens & egg with a side of fresh grapefruit. 

Ingredients: Whole Grapefruit - sliced, diced or peeled however you like it. 

1 clove of garlic

1 t-T of coconut oil

1 bunch of beet greens 

2 organic eggs (from a friend, those are the best kind)

pink salt 

What to do? 

 - Melt your coconut oil in a sautée pan. Add in you crushed or sliced garlic. Next, add the beet greens and sautée until they are slightly wilted. Pour out on the plate making a bed of greens for your eggs. 

 - Fry your egg, over easy is how I like my eggs with the greens. Add to the top of the greens. 

 - Season with pink salt and pepper. 

Eat and be happy! 

Related articles

Organic & Whole Living: Gluten Free! Quinoa, Kale & Butternut Squash

Organic & Whole Living: Gluten Free! Quinoa, Kale & Butternut Squash

 I'm always looking for new ways to use quinoa. It is such a yummy grain (seed actually) and so good for you. Quinoa provides all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. This has to be one of my favorite recipes. I even had it for breakfast the next day. Enjoy! 

1 cup quinoa 
2 cups organic chicken stock low sodium or veggie stock
1 bay leaf
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into small chunks
2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted on your baking sheet to coat the pan
1 small organic yellow onion chopped finely
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
3 ounces curly kale, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
1-3 T cup chopped toasted almonds

Directions:

Prepare the quinoa; 1 cup of quiona to 2 cups of liquid. Use what you have if you like veggie stock, use it. If you like chicken stock, use that. If you don't have either, use water! Add your bay leaf to the stock and quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer/cover for 15 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Put a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil on your baking sheet and put it in the oven while warming. This will melt the coconut oil needed for the recipe and coat your pan all at the same time. 

Toss squash with melted coconut oil (be careful as your baking sheet will be hot) and salt. Spread the pieces evenly on your sheet.  Roast for 30 minutes, until everything is nice and soft and starting to brown slightly on the edges. I like to check on mine in 15 minutes and give it a toss. Depending on the size you cut your squash you may need a little more time or a little less. Just keep an eye on it.  Remove from oven and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium to large cast iron skillet or saute pan add 1/2 T of coconut oil. Add the onion and saute until soft. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute more.Reduce the heat and add the chopped kale and saute over low heat just until the kale has wilted.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, vegetables from the saute pan, and raisins. Stir until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Just before serving, top with chopped and toasted almonds, if desired.

Leftovers? 

Warm this mixture and add a couple of spoon fulls to romaine lettuce leaves and roll up for a yummy lunch! 

 

In the Kitchen with Katie: Sweet Potato Asiago Frittata

Ok, so you know how there are those movies or lines in movies that just stick with you no matter what you do, where you go, or how many times you watch the movie? For me, a frittata is forever branded in one movie with one actors voice. . . Harrison Ford in "Morning Glory".

I truly hope you have seen the movie "Morning Glory," Starring Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, and Harrison Ford, because it truly is a jewel of a movie. Rachel McAdams is a harebrained producer of a failing morning show, where there are two anchors, (Keaton, and Ford.) Who don't work so well together. . . Off topic. . . Anyways, Ford is constantly talking about Frittata. . . He is so bitter and over the top with his crazy deep, raspy voice, commentating on everything and everyone, oh its priceless!

Now, everyone in my house thinks or just says out loud in their best Harrison Ford voice "Frittata?" Whenever I create the eggy breakfast magic. And as Harrison would say "The beauty of the Frittata, is.. . ." You really can make it with whatever you have in your fridge. . . That sweet potato I used was probably one day away from the garbage disposal, so think waste not, want not, and you will soon be dining on a tasty (lets all say it in our best Harrison voices.) FRITTATA! 

Sweet Potato Asiago Frittata 

Ingredients:

1/2 Onion, Diced

1/2 Green Pepper, Diced

1 Cooked Sweet Potato, Diced

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

1 Tbsp Oil

5 Large Eggs

1/2-3/4 Cup Milk

Basil & Thyme to taste

1) Preheat oven to 350 and heat oil over medium high heat and begin to saute the onions and peppers. After they have softened add garlic and sweet potato and saute until aromatic.

2) In a bowl whisk together the eggs and milk.

3) Pour egg mixture over the veggies and turn heat to low, garnish with slivered asiago cheese, torn basil and thyme.

4) Continue to cook on low until the outside edge has set up. Turn the heat off and transfer the skillet to the oven, cook for 10-15 minutes until the eggs are set up but not too much color on top. Allow to cool for atleast 5 minutes and then cut however you would like.

My favorite memories growing up always revolve around the kitchen, or cooking. Stringing green beans on the swing with my Grandma Sebert, making pie dough with Grandma Jo in the kitchen at the farm, or baking and decorating an array of cookies with my Mother.  So it came as no surprise to me when I quit nursing school midway to do what I loved most . . . Cook, and Bake!

 

Since I began Culinary School, I have undertaken an array of different venues from an Italian kitchen, a quaint local bakery, and most recently a cruise ship kitchen. My journey is only just beginning as I set out to learn, share and bake my way through life. - Katie Kelley

Please like Katie's new facebook page Sunshine Baking, where she's sharing yummy goodness! 

Organic & Whole Living: The Video Monsanto Does NOT Want You to See! Brought to you by Nutiva and Elevate

To all of our California friends. Please vote yes on Proposition 37! 

This issue is about our freedom of choice! 

xoxo Vintage Indie Family 

In the Kitchen with Katie: Salted Caramel Latte Popcorn

I have an obsession with popcorn. . . Morning, noon, night, regardless of the time of day, I could pick up a handful of popcorn and go to town; sometimes I just rule out dinner and have popcorn. More recently I have taken to just popping large batches on the stovetop and putting it in bags in the pantry so I don't have to pop some at all hours of the day, I mean who really wants to stand over a big pot waiting for those precious kernels to work their yummy magic when they get a case of the munchies. There is nothing like grinding your own sea salt and peppercorns with a mortar and pestle and sprinkling that freshness over the hot popcorn. Chocolate chips tossed into the warm goodness then allowed to cool makes the best movie companion a girl could ask for. There are so many things you can do with popcorn, its a wonderful open plate for tons of flavor combinations. . . So go to town, have fun and mix your favorite flavors, just do it with popcorn, its always better with popcorn!

 

Ingredients

•                1 cup packed dark brown sugar 

•                1/2 cup light-colored corn syrup

•                1/3 cup butter

•                1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

•                1/2 teaspoon baking soda

•                1/2 teaspoon salt

•                12 cups popcorn

•                3 Tbsp. Macerated Coffee

 

1) Pop 12 cups worth of popcorn, stovetop or air pop . Follow whatever instructions on the packaging.

2) Use a mortar and pestle, or a coffee grinder and grind the coffee as fine as you can.

3) In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt. Allow to boil for 2-3 minutes, add the coffee and then the baking soda. The soda will make the caramel fluff up as it reacts and makes it easier to coat the popcorn. Pour mixture over the popped corn and turn over and over until evenly coated. Turn out onto a pan sprayed with oil and allow to cool.

4) You can easily add all kinds of goodies to this mix, its delicious with white chocolate chips, pretzels, whatever sounds good to you!

 

 

 

My favorite memories growing up always revolve around the kitchen, or cooking. Stringing green beans on the swing with my Grandma Sebert, making pie dough with Grandma Jo in the kitchen at the farm, or baking and decorating an array of cookies with my Mother.  So it came as no surprise to me when I quit nursing school midway to do what I loved most . . . Cook, and Bake!

 

Since I began Culinary School, I have undertaken an array of different venues from an Italian kitchen, a quaint local bakery, and most recently a cruise ship kitchen. My journey is only just beginning as I set out to learn, share and bake my way through life. - Katie Kelley

Please like Katie's new facebook page Sunshine Baking, where she's sharing yummy goodness! 

 

In the Kitchen with Katie: Pumpkin Granola

 

 

Pumpkin Granola

 

2 Cups Steel Cut Oats (Do not use quick cooking oats)

¼ tsp Salt

1 ½ tsp Cinnamon

2 Tbsp Milled Flax Seed

¼ Cup Stevia in the Raw

½ Cup Raw Almonds

1 Tbsp Vanilla

¾-1 Cup Canned Pumpkin

¼ Cup Brown Sugar

¼ Cup Honey

3 Tbsp Virgin Coconut Oil

 

 

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put Oats, Salt, Cinnamon, Flax Seed, Stevia, and Almonds in a mixing bowl.

2) In a saucepan, combine Vanilla, Pumpkin, Brown Sugar, Honey, and Coconut Oil and heat until the honey and coconut oil is viscous and combined.

3) Pour the liquid mix over the dry ingredients and mix until its all combined.

4) Spread mixture onto a sheet tray and place in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

5) Remove from oven and turn the granola over with a spatula, making sure it will be baked evenly. Lower oven temp to 325, and repeat this process for another half hour, turning the granola over after 15 minutes.

6) Once done, the granola will be a dark amber color. It will not be crispy until completely cooled so allow to cool then eat away!

My favorite memories growing up always revolve around the kitchen, or cooking. Stringing green beans on the swing with my Grandma Sebert, making pie dough with Grandma Jo in the kitchen at the farm, or baking and decorating an array of cookies with my Mother.  So it came as no surprise to me when I quit nursing school midway to do what I loved most . . . Cook, and Bake!

 

Since I began Culinary School, I have undertaken an array of different venues from an Italian kitchen, a quaint local bakery, and most recently a cruise ship kitchen. My journey is only just beginning as I set out to learn, share and bake my way through life. - Katie Kelley

 

Organic & Whole Living: Organic Cotton

Summer is upon us and I refuse to think about winter, so I'm here with navy blue summer fashions, handmade by SevenBlooms. 

Organic & Whole Living: Vegan Cold Process Handmade Soaps

Call me weird but I find handmade artisan soaps to be very art like. Afterall it is a skill and a process to create beautiful handmade soaps. Today, I'd like to introduce you to PrunellaSoap. Handmade, Vegan & Organic Soap from Portland, Oregon. 

Top Left: Lavender Vanilla Soap Sticks. What a clever idea for traveling. A soap stick is just the right amount of soap for one time use, perfect for camping and travel if you're sensitive to commercial made soaps. 

Bottom Left: Peppermint Poppy. Sounds very refreshing! 

Top Right: A Sample of Guest Bars 

Bottom Right: Perfect for gift giving, soap favors! 

 

Go Shop> prunellasoap 

Organic & Whole Living: Solay Wellness Salt Crystal Lamps

We've been home with our little bundle of joy now for a couple of weeks (more on her soon) and we're starting to get the hang of things, including nightly breast feedings. During my research for night lamps, and the perfect accessories for the nursery, I came across Solay Wellness Salt Crystal Lamps. 

Himalayan Salt Lamps are something unique, as well as a beautiful conversation piece for any room.

"All organic matter resonates at a certain frequency. Their natural resonance frequency makes our medium-size Solay Himalayan Crystal Salt lamps ideal for neutralizing EMFs (electromagnetic fields) in your workspace while filling your room with healthy, ion-charged air." - Solay Wellness

You may not realize it but the electronics in your bedroom, alarm clock, iphone, cordless phone, television, computer etc. all produce electromagnetic fields in the room that they are in. These are not ideal for sleeping. To aid in cleaning the air and creating a restful night's sleep it is said that these salt lamps; freshen and ionize air,aid for modern ills, can help mitigate EMF fields. With baby in our room, it gives me piece of mind since we do sleep with an alarm clock close by. 

My favorite part about this salt lamp is the warm glow it gives to the room. When nursing time strikes in the middle of the night, the dimmer is a perfect addition to the salt lamp. It creates the perfect amount of light to see baby girl to change her diaper and to nurse peacefully. I think my husband also appreciates the lamp when he's trying to get his beauty rest during our nightly feedings. 

If you're curious about the benefits of the Himalayan crystal salt lamps, visit Solay Wellness's  health benefits information page. There is also quite a bit of research and information available online about the wonderful benefits of these lamps. 

A special thank you to  Solay Wellness for providing this salt lamp for our review. 

Truth in Review/ The above salt lamp and shipping for the item was provided free of charge for our review from Solay Wellness. We were not paid for any content in our review or sponsored feature. The review is that of our personal opinions. - Gabreial Wyatt, Editor. Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure Page for more info.

Organic & Whole Living Pregnancy: The Amazing Chia Seed! For Heartburn?

I'm sure most of you have heard of a chia seed, ya know those little seeds to grow "pets" out of. They were all the rage in the 80s and you can still find them on store shelves today. Today, I'm not talking about growing them, I'm talking about eating them! 

Chia seeds have amazing qualities and attributes that make them a great addition to your pregnancy. 

Doctor Oz and Michael F Roizen, authors of "You: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy," suggest eating chia seeds during pregnancy as one way to slow how quickly your body absorbs sugar. He also has " The Ultimate Pregnancy Smoothie" on his website which contains chia seeds.  

I've recently discovered a little trick with the chia seeds for heartburn. Mix 1 Tablespoon with 1/2 cup-Cup of water. Let sit for 15 minutes and drink down the now gelatinous chia seeds. The seeds soak up the acid in your stomach to help ease painful mild heartburn. 

 

Image Copyright © MoonlightMicroFarm

Please note, I am not a medical doctor and am only sharing information I've found based on my personal research. As with any food, supplement, please consult your own physician. 

 

MoonlightMicroFarm (photo above) is a sweet little etsy shop offering seeds, sprouts and more. Give them a visit :) 

Organic & Whole Living: Homemade Blended Iced Mocha

So I have this thing for iced or blended coffee right now. The problem is that most of it is probably not healthy (I get decaf so baby isn't bouncing off my ribs) and most of it is not healthy for my budget! I thought I would try my hand at making something similar to my favorite coffee "bucks" place and try to satisify my cravings on a healthier and more budget friendly way. 

So for you, I have my Blended Iced Mocha. 

 

 

Blended Mocha Iced Coffee © Vintage Indie 2012

 

What You'll Need: 

1/4 Cup warm/hot water

2 t Instant Decaf Coffee, I use Trader Joe's ( or full caf) 

1T Organic Sugar

1T Organic Trader Joe's Midnight Moo Chocolate Syrup

1/2 Cup of Almond Milk

1 Cup of ice (plus a few extra if you like it thick)

Splash of Organic Heavy Whipping Cream 

 

Directions:

Dissolve the instant coffee in your warm water. Add the remaining ingredients with the coffee to the blender and whip it up!

 

 

Blended Iced Mocha

 

Enjoy! 

xoxo Gabreial

(ps. I can fill that glass up about 3 times with this recipe, maybe I need a bigger glass) 

Organic & Whole Living: The Scoop on Sunscreen

Image Copyright © SolhfulPrintShop

When it comes to sunscreen, I let the experts at the Environmental Working Group guide me to what is safe for my family. 

Sunscreen Guide - EWG's Skin Deep® | 2012 Sunscreen Report

If you don't know, sunscreens are so full of chemicals that many of them have been linked to cancer themselves, which defeats the purpose of the sunscreen in the first place! 

 

A few interesting and important points on sunscreen. 

"Which sunscreens are best and why?

An ideal sunscreen would block both UVA and UVB rays with active ingredients that do not break down in the sun (so that the product remains effective) and would contain active and inactive ingredients that are proven to be safe for both adults and children. Unfortunately, there is no sunscreen on the U.S. market that meets all these criteria, and no simple way for consumers to know how well a given product stacks up on any of these measures. That’s why EWG created this guide to safer and more effective sunscreens. To see how we conducted our analysis and ranked products, read our methodology."  - Environmental Working Group. 

 

"Doesn’t the government ensure that sunscreen protects us?

No. After 34 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year issued sunscreen rules that have the force of law. The FDA will allow American sunscreen makers to claim their products are “broad spectrum,” even though they offer much poorer UVA protection than is provided by sunscreens sold in other countries. Based on the products in our 2012 database, EWG calculates that half of the products that pass muster with the FDA would not be sold in Europe due to inadequate UVA protection. There, manufacturers voluntarily comply with a European Union recommendation that all sunscreens provide meaningful UVA protection in relation to SPF.   And still legal under the new FDA rules are products with sky-high SPFs that prevent sunburn but leave users at risk of UVA-related skin damage. The FDA  still permits powder and spray products that can be harmful when inhaled.  The agency has not approved sunscreen ingredients that are widely available in other countries. The U.S. is decades behind in sunscreen safety."  - Environmental Working Group

 

What can you do? Visit the Environmental Working Group:

 - Download the EWG Sunscreen App

 - Read up on the Best Sunscreens 2012

 - Visit the Hall of Shame and toss the offenders. 

 

Thank you Environmental Working Group for putting this together for consumers! 

 

 - I'm not affiliated with EWG. They don't know me from Eve, I just appreciate this resourceful tool every year for my families health, and I hope you do too! 

 

Organic & Whole Living: Interview with summer must-have, NaturoKits

NaturoKits is one of those companies that I stumbled upon and knew from the beginning that it would be a perfect fit for the VI household. I've already been able to use so much in the first aid kit during the past month that I'm splitting this feature into 2 parts. 

To prepare you for my review and to find out more about NaturoKits, I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to interview NaturoKits first hand about their products. 

Can you tell us how you started NaturoKits? 

NaturoKits was founded by two naturopathic physicians and mothers: myself and Padeen Quinn, ND. Years ago we used to compile rough versions of NaturoKits’ natural first aid kits for ourselves, friends and family, and patients to have on hand for home, school, and travel use.  We assembled these “kits” because the remedies that we would choose and use ourselves weren’t available conveniently assembled together anywhere. 

 

Then we realized that there are many more people who would benefit from having high-quality, doctor-selected, naturopathic remedies assembled into convenient kits.  We imagined that people would greatly appreciate having detailed instructions on how to use each remedy (an area that is often touted as being scary or confusing for those not familiar with naturopathic remedies).  And we could see that busy folks (especially moms) would love the portability and simplicity of NaturoKits’ package design. 

 

By developing NaturoKits we saw that we could help consumers make better personal health care choices by providing them with products to treat their symptoms in an effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly way. 

 

NaturoKits is a company that empowers families everywhere to take charge of their personal health in a holistic way with safe and non-toxic natural medicines.  It is our desire to make naturopathic medicine widely available, easy to understand, and simple to use.

 

 What is your favorite product in your First Aid Kit? 

 This is a tough question to answer because depending on the situation, each remedy has the potential to be my favorite in that instance!  And I truly use and wholeheartedly recommend all the remedies as they've been selected to be safe, effective, and applicable to multiple situations. But overall the remedy that I probably use the most is the Activated Charcoal for all sorts of stomach and digestive complaints.  It works so well!  Even my son asks for "black applesauce" (applesauce with a charcoal capsule emptied and mixed into it) when his tummy is bothering him.  Having said that, my favorite remedy as far as formulation goes is the Crisis Calm.  It's made from Columbia River Gorge Flower essences (local flora for Oregon) and it works superbly for emotional calming and centering.

How can your customers learn more about Naturopathic Medicine?

 For a better understanding of what naturopathic medicine is, what the training entails, which states offer licensure, and to find an ND in your area, please check out the website for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians [http://www.naturopathic.org]. 

Some books that I would recommend for someone interested in natural remedies but an absolute rookie are:

Naturopathic First Aid – a Guide to Treating Minor First Aid Conditions with Natural Medicines, Karen Barnes, ND- includes a concise introduction to naturopathic medicine – nutritional, botanical, acupressure and homeopathic – then applies these practices to treating common first aid conditions.

Doctor Mom’s Natural Healthcare for Children:  Alternative Medicine for Injuries and Diseases, Kathy Duerr – a great little introduction to natural healing for parents and others who care for children. The author, Kathy, was the bookstore manager at National College of Natural Medicine when we were students there, and she relies on her experience of raising three children using natural remedies as a foundation for this book.

Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines , Stephen Cummings, MD and Dana Ullman, MPH - A popular guide, this book teaches step by step how to select the correct homeopathic remedy for numerous common aliments and injuries.

See our Resources page [http://naturokits.com/resources.html] for a longer list of books and articles.

 

Do you have any suggestions for families just getting started in Naturopathic Medicine use in their home?

 

I would suggest starting with some of the basic remedies that address some of the most common benign situations.  Purchasing remedies from a trusted source and getting information about how to use them correctly from an experienced, knowledgeable professional is very important.  We at NaturoKits created our first aid kits with precisely these parameters in mind.  We are here to help people learn about and experience the benefits of using naturopathic medicines with confidence!

 

USE:DCVINTAGEBABY for 10% off through June 10th.  Can't be combined with other offers such as sales.

 

A special thank you to NaturoKits. We appreciate the interview. Stay tuned for our product review of this summer must have! 

 

Virtual Baby Shower: Giveaway #3 Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Gift Set!

Vintage Indie is thrilled to bring you another giveaway for our Virtual Baby Shower. We welcome Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps! If you didn't catch my review on their Sal Suds, be sure to go and read it. I've inlucluded many helpful links for choosing safe products for your skin.

This giveaway is perfect for anyone, not just moms and babies! 

Items included in the giveaway;

2 Baby Mild Liquid Soap - 8 oz. - DESCRIPTION:
Our unscented baby contains no fragrance so is great for people who have allergies or sensitive skin. Of course it is great for babies as well. All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

1 2oz Organic Fair Trade Hand Sanitizing Spray Lavender - DESCRIPTION:
Certified under the same National Organic Program that certifies food, our hand sanitizer is free of gmo-alcohol and petro-carbomer thickener.

2 Baby Mild Body/Tattoo Balms - DESCRIPTION:
Certified to the same USDA National Organic Standards that certify foods, our baby balm is based on pure organic oils and beeswax free of petrochemically modified ingredients. The organic jojoba oil with organic beeswax avocado and hemp oils soothes baby’s dry anywhere. Available in 0.5 oz container.

1 Lavender Bar Soap 2oz  -  DESCRIPTION:
A relaxing fragrance for tired and stressed-out souls lavender calms the nerves and soothes the body. Perfect just before bedtime or to start your day out with a tranquil peace of mind.All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Wrapped in 10% hemp-flax / 90% post-consumer recycled paper from Living Tree Paper Co.

2 Sample Size Baby Mild Liquid Soap

ENTER GIVEAWAY SCRIPT

 

 

Truth in Review/Giveaway: The above products were provided free of charge for our giveaway. We were not paid for any content in our review/giveaways and the review/giveaway is that of our personal opinions.  - Gabreial Wyatt, Editor. Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure Page for more info.

Virtual Baby Shower: Product Review Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds

 

It's week two for our virtual baby shower! Things are all abuzz with babies here as we're expecting our third. With all of that buzzing we're talking about things like what to use on her skin as a newborn and what to use on my skin pre/post par-tum. We've also talked about Nursing Bras 101 and giving away a gift certificate to boot! 

We haven't talked a whole lot about preparation and all of those other chemicals you bring into your home and onto your skin. Have you thought about that in awhile? Sometimes we get into the motions of every day life, and pick up whatever cleaner is easiest, premade and ready to be sprayed and scrubbed without thinking about the harmful effects on our bodies. Today, I hope to change that thinking a bit and give you some options.

I've touted the wonderful resource that is the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database before and I can't recommend it enough to you again if you're expecting. This is a great place to start when researching the chemicals that are in every day products, even name brand baby wash that is full of nasty things. 

When preparing for a new baby, I like to make sure everything is as clean as possible in my home. It doesn't mean it is going to be perfect, but I like to try to make sure bathrooms, kitchen, counters and things are clean and fresh. It helps me to relax and not worry about the dirt when I'm home trying to concentrate on the important first week of bonding and nursing the baby. I was truly excited to team up with Dr. Bronner's to review some of their products for you and to see if they "really worked".

 Up first for my review was Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds or what I like to call my "everything" cleaner. First there are No Preservatives, No Added Color  and complete ingredient disclosure so I can be confident that even my children can use it. 

Other wonderful facts about Sal Suds: 

 - Only 1-1/2 teaspoons per gallon of water will clean your whole house. While I haven't tried this, I have used it to clean just about every surface in our home and I love it. It is a very mild smell for cleaning, but pleasant enough to enjoy that clean home smell. 

 - Mix with baking soda and you have yourself an awesome foaming, scrubbing soap wonderful for bathtubs, ovens, and any tough grime. A little elbow grease and a sponge and you've got yourself a deal! 

 - I love that you can clean all day with Sal Suds and your skin isn't damaged, burning and dry and crackling from harsh chemicals. 

From Dr. Bronner's Website "Sal Suds is a balanced formulation of naturally derived surfactants with pure fir and spruce essential oils: it cleans and rinses with exceptional power yet is mild and gentle on the skin. Sal Suds is not soap-based and is formulated especially for all-purpose hard-surface cleaning. Available in 32 oz. bottle. Perfect for general household cleaning: dishes floors laundry etc. Equally effective in hard or soft water rinsing freely hot or cold. Concentrated and self-preserving: no hidden preservatives or ingredients. No synthetic dyes or fragrances: all ingredients fully disclosed and described. Biodegrades rapidly after doing its job. Pure high-quality fir and spruce essential oils: no cheap harsh pine stump oil. No animal testing: Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics certified."

I have found I like to use Sal Suds to do a sink full of dishes. It does the job, cuts grease and is effective. After all, easy cleaning is what we all want right? 

I hope you enjoyed this review from Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds and I hope you'll start thinking more about the chemicals your bringing into your home. 

Want to know how all of this pertains to our Virtual Baby Shower?

Stay tuned later today for an awesome giveaway from Dr. Bronner's! Perfect for anyone! 

 

Truth in Review: The above product was provided free of charge for our review. We were not paid for any content in our review and the review is that of our personal opinions. - Gabreial Wyatt, Editor. Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure Page for more info.

 

Virtual Baby Shower: Giveaway #1 Earth Mama Angel Baby

I haven't talked much about our birth plan, but I plan to do so during the virtual baby shower. Our goal is to have a natural birth in a hospital, that's also stress free. How are we going to do this? We're going to prepare! On our birth plan, we have decided that we are going to give the baby her first bath. With that in mind, we also want to be in control of the chemicals that are first introduced to her body and what the hospital provides is not good enough for us. We've chosen Earth Mama Angel Baby to use for our little darlings first bath.  

We're excited to have Earth Mama Angel Baby  with us during our virtual baby shower! 

 

"We think that all babies deserve a toxin-free first bath, diaper change, and massage! That's why Mama created the Birth & Baby Kit- with both the baby's and mama's needs in mind. Camera? Check. Nursing pillow? Check. Baby’s first organic cotton onesie? Checkarooney! Your birth bag’s ready, but don’t forget to pack what you need most to take care of your hurty mama parts after you’ve pushed a baby into the world!Earth Mama Angel Baby makes it easy with safe, natural products that comfort and heal a brand new mama, as well as pure, organic products for your brand new baby.

Mama’s Birth & Baby Kit - travel size will get you through the first postpartum days with toss-and-go travel sizes of Earth Mama essentials Worry-free products to comfort mama and baby? That’s a big check!"

The Birth & Baby Kit - travel size includes

Organza Bag - Travel

For mama:
New Mama Bottom Spray - 1oz
Mama Bottom Balm - 4 samples
Organic Monthly Comfort Tea - 4 samples
Organic Milkmaid Tea - 4 samples
Natural Nipple Butter - 1oz

 

For baby:
Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash - 60mL
Angel Baby Oil - 1oz
Angel Baby Lotion - 2oz
Angel Baby Bottom Balm - 1oz

 

*Please note, giveaway open to United States addresses only. Thanks! 

 **Earn one BONUS ENTRY for subrscribing to Vintage Indie's RSS feed! 

I've personally already tried the Angel Baby Lotion and I have to tell you it is divine. It absorbs easily without a greasy feeling and smells good enough to eat (of course you don't want to do that)

 

Angel Baby Lotion - 2oz- NSF/ANSI 305 certified organic pure, safe baby lotion

• The first product manufactured in the U.S. certified to the new NSF/ANSI 305 Contains Organic Ingredients Standard
• 100% organic alcohol herbal extract preservative system
• Used topically to help ease skin irritations like eczema
• Easily absorbable for baby massage
• Moisturizing lotion for adult bodies too
• Organic Vanilla extract and organic Sweet Orange essential oil combine for a naturally light irresistible scent
• Certified vegan and cruelty‐free

Ingredients: (double check your bottle to make sure it is gluten free. this is the new ingredient list)

Angel Baby Lotion was formulated with extra care, because what goes on your baby goes in your baby. The first US personal care product certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard, Angel Baby Lotion contains organic ingredients but of course zero toxins and no artificial preservatives, fragrances or dyes. Just pure ingredients to moisturize and protect sensitive, delicate skin, for babies of all ages - top to bottom, cheeks to cheeks.

Made with organic Rooibos, soothing to eczema, skin allergies and diaper rash, and smells so naturally good you'll have to nibble on an adorable little tootsie or two! Gluten free.

• NSF Certified Contains, Organic Oils
• No Artificial Fragrances, Preservatives or Dyes
• Zero Toxins
• Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth

Aloe barbadensis (organic aloe) leaf juice, Olea europaea (organic olive) oil, Olea europaea (organic olive) oil, Aspalathus linearis (organic rooibos) extract, Calendula officinalis (organic calendula) extract, Olivoyl hydrolyzed oat protein, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl oleate, Glyceryl stearate, Kosher vegetable glycerin, Vanilla planifolia (organic vanilla) extract, Butyrospermum parkii (organic shea) butter, Citrus Sinensis (organic sweet orange) oil, Xanthan gum

 

Truth in Review: Earth Mama Angel Baby  provided us with a travel kit for our own personal review (coming in late July, early August) and a giveaway for you in exchange for our review.  We were not paid for our review/giveaway, any contents of our review/giveaway or required any certain context within the review. We speak truly from our hearts and hope that you and your family will gain trust from Vintage Indie.  All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial

Visit our Disclaimer for more info.

 

 

 

Organic & Whole Living: Treating Poison Ivy From Your Yard!

It took my oldest son to bring bring back memories of last summer's poison ivy debacle. Although it wasn't a horrible case of it, it doesn't take much to remember the aggravation of that itch, burn and flat out  unpleasantness of poison ivy on your skin. 

 His first line of defense, the band aid. On his own he grabbed a band aid in hopes to cover up the poison ivy patch on his arm. In his mind, he was going to cover the problem and forget about it and hopefully not be tempted to scratch. Unfortunately the nagging itching didn't take long for him to take matters into his own hands again. With my permission he asked if he could head outside to grab some plantain. 

Image from Wikitonary

 

From our previous learning last year with the Wildcraft! game, we knew that plantain was a great source for soothing itchy skin. I've also read in The Handbook of Vintage Remedies by Jessie Hawkins, "Plaintain offers anti-inflammatory properties that help relive the rash and irritation and reports have even made it into the New England Journal of Medicine about the effectiveness of the her for poison oak and ivy." 

If you're in a pinch you can simple pick some "non-treated with pesticides" plantain and chew it up making a juice with your saliva, then spread the mixture onto the poison ivy. He opted to bring his leaves in, wash them, break and crush them with his hands. Then he added a few drops of water making a greenish liquid appear. He simply spread this mixture on his arm and let it dry. I can honestly tell you, I never heard another word about his poisy ivy patch again. From there, there was no itching and the poison ivy dried up and went away.  

 

Of course with any plant it is important to know what you're putting on your skin or ingesting. Herbal remedies can be used with ease, but you should be sure of what you are using. 

 

 

The above Vintage Remedies link is an affiliate link. 

Organic & Whole Living: Trading in Sugary Packaged Drinks for the good stuff!

 

 

 

Homemade Limeade

 

This recipe couldn't be any easier.  

To make a full gallon of limeade you'll need about 8-9 limes 1/2 cup of honey, coconut sugar or your preferred sweetener substitute. 

Juice 8-9 limes (depending on the size of your limes you may need more or less). You should end up with about 3/4th cups of juice. 

Melt 1/2 cup of honey with equal parts water in a saucepan to make a simple syrup.

Fill your gallon jug/container with a couple cups of ice, pour juice and simple syrup over the ice. Finish with cold filtered water. 

Extra Tip: Make yummy limeade popsicles with this recipe by pouring the limeade into ice cube trays, cover with foil and prop up popsicle sticks in the middle of each "cube". 

Variations: Add strawberries, orange juice, pineapple juice or any of your other favorites to make a blend of your own. 

Enjoy! 

Raising Healthy Kids with Special Guest Nicole Bennett Simple Homemade: 3 Points of Encouragement

Raising healthy kids is such an important topic to me, even more so now that I need to refreshen my memory on many things with the baby coming. Today, I am thrilled to have a very special guest with us Nicole Bennett from Simple Homemade. If you haven't had a chance to visit Simple Homemade you are simply missing out on some wonderful mom-mom information on raising healthy kids and what this really looks like in a real home. Please help me by sending Nicole a warm welcome!  

 

3 Points of Encouragement for Raising Healthy Kids

 

It's funny how having kids changes you. And I don't mean in the obvious ways like learning to deal with less sleep, never-ending laundry and chaotic dinners. I'm thinking more along the lines of healthy living. For me, it wasn't until I had my first baby that I began really caring about avoiding toxins and eating real food. Now, just about five years later (five!), this "healthier" way of life is basically second nature to me. I still have lots to learn myself, but more and more I'm thinking about passing on what I've learned to my kids. After all, concern for their health and safety is what started this whole shift. Here are a few ways I'm working on leaving a legacy of a more natural lifestyle to my kids.

Make it Familiar The most important way I can teach my kids about a healthy lifestyle is by modeling one for them. I hope as they grow older, they'll remember and embrace ways they've seen me take care of my body, our family and the earth. I eat the same healthy, real food I expect them to, I use the same non-toxic (often homemade) personal care products I put on them and I try to set the example of reusing, repurposing, upcycling and all that goodness in my own wardrobe and in our home. Routine helps, too. By now, my kids are used to our daily afternoon smoothies. And I'll be the first one to praise the yumminess of a smoothie filled with healthy addition such as leafy greens and chia seeds.

Make it Normal To be honest, my kids are young enough to not really know any different than to use cloth napkins and eat sautéed swiss chard. They think drizzling honey on plain Greek yogurt is a treat and that we avoid "fake"-colored foods because they aren't real and aren't good for our bodies. I try to explain why we do the things we do in a way that makes sense. I don't want them blindly doing what I do, because after all, I am teaching them to be able to live like this without me someday! One of my best tactics is to promote healthy things, such as eating vegetables that appear unappealing to toddlers, is to constantly talk it up as normal and "mature." Oh, you'll probably love that when you're older, I'll say. I learned about talking about how our palate matures from Amy of New Nostalgia and have already seen that tactic work in my little girl who never "liked" sweet potatoes until she was a big four-and-a-half-year old It's normal to have preferences (I hate raisins myself after all), but I love to talk up the good stuff in hopes that my kiddos will learn to appreciate what's good for them in the long run.

Make it Fun Healthy and natural living doesn't have to just be boring and "normal" though. My kids love the excitement of seeing what's in our latest CSA box, and visiting the farm each year, and picking berries for enjoying and using to make jam. They're excited when I let them help pick out a homemade ice cream flavor (and they don't miss the fillers and preservatives) just like my daughter loves picking fabric for a new mama-sewn dress. Healthy living can mean helping mom mix up a batch of granola bars -- and that's way more fun (not to mention less-processed) than just picking a box off the shelf. And I can't wait for the day when my kids get to gather up eggs from the backyard chickens I hope to have someday. And they are going to LOVE that. We don't have to lie, convince or coerce our kids into a healthy, natural lifestyle. Going back to basics is more fun, and as we model this "new normal" in our homes and daily lives, our kids will hopefully follow in our footsteps, carrying on the legacy we've been striving to create. We can't control the choices they'll make as they grow older, but we can lay a strong foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

 

Nicole Bennett is married to a handsome guy and has three little kiddos. She loves sharing her passion for baby-stepping towards a more natural, handmade lifestyle. She is the editor of Simple Homemade, and also occasionally blogs at Gidget Goes Home. She loves to read, sew, surf and watch baseball, and can often be found in the kitchen as well. She'd love to connect with you on Twitter or Instagram (@simplehomemade).

Raising Healthy Kids Month 2012: How to keep your kids from choosing "blue" food.

With Easter just passing, I thought it would be a great time to talk about food dyes and how to get your children to choose wisely. You know after you've had your fill of brightly colored marshmallow bunnies.

 The truth of the matter is, I am no expert on food dyes. There has been so much said already, that my plan of attack was to find some of the best articles without the scare tactics and share them with my children.

Just the same as I had shared Jamie Oliver's Letterman "Beaver Anal Gland" comment with them (see below)

 

I also find it important to share with them artificial ingredients, food colorings and things that are unnatural in our food system. For us it has been the best approach. The same as we teach our children to not run out in the middle of traffic, we can teach them how to take care of their bodies and put good things into them that would otherwise cause them harm.

I'm not saying we're perfect parents here but again, without the knowledge of something that harms our bodies, we just continue down the path of "what I don't know, can't hurt me". We all know that's not true! 

This is an excerpt from Dr. Mercola's article Are You or Your Family Eating Toxic Food Dyes, that I shared with my children. I just let them do the reading. 

Food dyes are one of the most widely used and dangerous additives. While the European Union has recently placed regulations on labeling food dyes to inform consumers of the health risks, the United States has no such requirement.

Here are some of the most common food dyes used today, according to the Food Freedom Network:

• Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue)
  
  

  An unpublished study suggested the possibility that Blue 1 caused kidney tumors in mice. What it's in: Baked goods, beverages, desert powders, candies, cereal, drugs, and other products.

• Blue #2 (Indigo Carmine)
  
  

  Causes a statistically significant incidence of tumors, particularly brain gliomas, in male rats. What it's in: Colored beverages, candies, pet food, & other food and drugs.

• Citrus Red #2
  
  

  It's toxic to rodents at modest levels and caused tumors of the urinary bladder and possibly other organs. What it's in: Skins of Florida oranges.

• Green #3 (Fast Green) 
  
  

  Caused significant increases in bladder and testes tumors in male rats. What it's in: Drugs, personal care products, cosmetic products except in eye area, candies, beverages, ice cream, sorbet; ingested drugs, lipsticks, and externally applied cosmetics.

• Red #3 (Erythrosine)
  
  

  Recognized in 1990 by the FDA as a thyroid carcinogen in animals and is banned in cosmetics and externally applied drugs. What it's in: Sausage casings, oral medication, maraschino cherries, baked goods, candies.

• Red #40 (Allura Red)
  
  

  This is the most-widely used and consumed dye. It may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice. It also causes hypersensitivity (allergy-like) reactions in some consumers and might trigger hyperactivity in children. What it's in: Beverages, bakery goods, dessert powders, candies, cereals, foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

• Yellow #5 (Tartrazine)
  
  

  Yellow 5 causes sometimes-severe hypersensitivity reactions and might trigger hyperactivity and other behavioral effects in children. What it's in: Pet foods, numerous bakery goods, beverages, dessert powders, candies, cereals, gelatin desserts, and many other foods, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

• Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow)
  
  

  Caused adrenal tumors in animals and occasionally causes severe hypersensitivity reactions. What it's in: Color bakery goods, cereals, beverages, dessert powders, candies, gelatin deserts, sausage, cosmetics and drugs.

 

As you can see there are some pretty scary facts listed there, and the rest of the article goes on to site scientific studies and other useful information.

As far as those brightly colored bunnies go? My children were on a mission to read the lable of every single piece of candy gifted to them. They even had me look up ingredients on all of their chocolates, as artificial flavored vanilla wasn't sounding so good to them anymore. Sandly we found that even some of the "best brand" chocolates had artificial flavorings. 

Raising healthy kids is a mission of mine. I find it pleasing with God's help that we haven't spent a day in the doctors office this year and as a matter of fact maybe none last year as well. I can only attribute that to God himself and for new knowlege being shared with me daily. I hope this article wasn't a "guilt trip" of sorts for you, but some encouragment to take control of what you're feeding your kids. Once they go to the real, natural and whole living foods, they'll start noticing taste differences in the other. I think it is a win-win for all of us. 

A couple of other great articles on the topic of food additives and food dyes. 

I'm so Mad I'm Turning Red (no. 5) from the same site Keep an Eye our for Artificial Dyes  

The Dangers of Artificial Food Colors from Natural News

 

Raising Healthy Kids Month 2012: Organic & Whole Living Recipe: Chewy Granola Bars

After all of the GMO talk lately, I'm tired of packaged products. I'm tired of having to read every single label, every single ingredient and even then, I have to look up ingredients and research said company just to prove to myself the ingredients are safe for consumption. So this past weekend I was inspired to make-from scratch, some yummy snacks for my kiddos and hubbs. 

I've created two Chewy Granola Recipes that I think you'll love, and if you don't they are super easy to change to your taste. 

 

This is what I call the base of the chewy granola recipe. The best part? No corn syrup of any kind and no questionable ingredients! 

What You'll Need:

1/2 cup of nut butter, peanut, almond, sunflower seed etc. 

1/3 cup of honey (I use a little less if I'm adding sweet "mix-ins" 

1/4 of Coconut Oil, this time I used Artisana (thanks to Artisana for providing the Coconut Oil)

Base Directions: Mix all of your base ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer from med-low to med. Watch so that you don't really cook the ingredients, you're just wanting everything to melt and to combine really well. 

Next you'll want your "mix-ins" 

1 full cup of any of these mix-in combination; almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumkin seeds, hemp seeds (great for extra protein), chia seeds, ground flax seeds, dried fruit, dark chocolate bits etc.

1 Heaping Cup of Oats. 

 

Almond & Raisin Chewy Granola Bars (Our family's favorite) 

For my 1st recipe I used the following;

1/4 cup raisins,

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1T ground golden flax seeds

1-2 T dark chocolate bits

1 heaping cup of oats.

Simply pour your melted mixture over your oats and mix-ins and stir to combine. Press firmly into an 8x8" pan. Let cool for a few hours or until "chewy set". 

These aren't going to harden up like a normal granola would, that's why they are chewy bars! 

Cut into squares and wrap for easy snacking on the go later! 

 

Walnut & Cranberry Extra Protein Chewy Granola Bars

For this recipe you'll need;

1 cup of oats (not heaping, this recipe is a little dryer than the other one above)

1/2 Cup chopped walnuts

1/4 Cup chopped dried cranberries

1 T chia seeds

1 T golden flax seen meal

2T of hemp seeds  

 Simply pour your melted mixture over your oats and mix-ins and stir to combine. Press firmly into an 8x8" pan. Let cool for a few hours or until "chewy set". Cut into easy to grab and go servings! 

 

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as our family has. 

What kind of "mix-ins" do you like to add to your granola? 

 

Artisana Review: We created this recipe usuing Artisana Coconut Oil. I can truly say that I absolutely love this product. I love the fact that it is Organic & Raw. We often use the coconut oil in its raw state in our smoothies as well. "

"Artisana Organic Raw Coconut oil is non-hydrogenated, cholesterol-free and comprised of medium-chain fatty acids which are broken efficiently by the body, providing an immediate source of energy.When cooking or baking, use as a substitute for butter or margarine."

 

Truth in Review: Artisana provided us with Coconut Oil & Coconut Butter that we used in these recipes.  We were not paid for any contents of our review or required any certain text within the review. We speak truly from our hearts and hope that you and your family will gain trust from Vintage Indie reviews so that you may enjoy learning opportunities like this one and more.  All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Wyatt, editor in chief. 

Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure Page for more info.

Organic & Whole Living: Awesome Deal $18.00 for $40.00 at Ecomom.com

I usually don't publish deals like these at Vintage Indie, but maybe I should. This one, I just couldn't pass up. Plum District is offering a great deal $18.00 for $40.00 at Ecomom.com. We recently made a large wipes purchase for baby from Ecomom.com and couldn't have been happier with our transaction with them. 

So what's the deal? $40 vouchers to EcoMom.com for just $20. Get an extra $2 off the deal with promo code Visa10 if you use a Visa card, bringing the price down to just $18 for $40 worth of shopping at EcoMom.com! That’s over 50% off.

Ecomom.com offers all kinds of great products for the eco-friendly, organic minded families includes skin care, baby care, house and home, gifts and organic food. Many of the products which have good ratings according to the Environmental Working Group's website Skin Deep. 

Head over to Plum District for all of the details, as I'm sure this is one that won't last. 

Happy Shopping! 

xoxo Gabreial 

 

ps. the links are rewards type links if you make a purchase, I get a deal, and if you pass the deal along you get a deal. 

Organic & Whole Living: Preview Hungry for Change a Food Matters Film Today

As some of you know I am a fan of the film Food Matters. Food Matter has recently begun the launch of their new film Hungry For Change. You can sign up to watch it for free if you register in time. 

 

 

 

 

HUNGRY FOR CHANGE exposes shocking secrets the diet, weightloss and food industry don't want you to know about. Deceptive strategies designed to keep you craving more and more. 

Could the foods we are eating actually be keeping us stuck in the diet trap?

In this free online premiere event you'll discover:

• How to navigate your supermarket - what to buy and what to avoid
• The real truth behind "DIET", "SUGAR-FREE" and "FAT-FREE" products
• How to overcome food addictions and cravings
• Why fad diets dont work
• What food additives to avoid and how to read labels
  
• What is fat and cellulite and how do we get rid of it for good
• The most effective detox and cleansing strategies, and
• How to eat for clear eyes, glowing skin and healthy hair

Find out what's keeping you from having the body and health you deserve and how to escape the diet trap forever.

Featuring interviews with best selling health authors and leading medical experts plus real life transformational stories from those who know what it’s like to be sick and overweight. 

Learn from those who have been there before and continue your health journey today. - Hungry for Change