GiveThemRoots

A 24 hrs. St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T10:23:00.005-04:00

From sunrise to sundown here's some fun ways to go "green" with your kids today!

Breakfast: Shamrock French Toast

Using a shamrock shaped cookie cutter, cut the center out of bread slices. Prepare following your favorite recipe.

Adventure: Walk to a local park, picking up any trash you see along the way. When you get to the park have a 4-leaf clover hunt!

Snack: Pistachio nuts (naturally green!)

Lunch: Irish Bread PB&J's

Try an easy Irish Bread recipe HERE. To add a touch of green to your PB&J lunch, serve it with sliced kiwi & green grapes and raw broccoli & celery slices.

Education & Craft: Painted Blarney Stones

There's a world famous stone in Ireland called the Blarney Stone. For over 200 years people have been leaning upside down to kiss the magic stone. The legend says that whomever kisses the Blarney stone will be gifted with eloquence. Nobody is sure how the stone's powers came about, some say it is the stone that gushed water when Moses struck it. But, there are many stories of the Blarney's origin.

Help your child find a Blarney stone (any rock), clean it off and paint the rock like a rainbow or any other fun design they want using craft paints & their fingers.

Adventure: Plant an indoor patch of Clover.

Who couldn't use the luck of the Irish? A pack of seeds is fairly inexpensive and your little one can hunt for 4 leaf clovers year-round! You could also plant the seeds outside (they are spring seeds) but be cautious not to plant them near gardens or lawns that you don't wish clover to grow in.

Dinner: Pot of Gold Peppers

Cut the top off a green bell pepper, remove seeds. Layer cooked rice, black beans and corn so that the corn is the top layer of your pepper. Pierce the sides of the pepper with a fork and bake on 375 degrees for approximately 30 minutes.

Dessert: Scoops O'Lime

Serve up a little bowls of lime sherbet. Yum!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!!!

Sanitized Streak Free Shine

2010-03-12T11:30:00.006-05:00

I have spent the last hour of my life cleaning a window. Yes, {a} window. Said window resides in our living room, wears a set of wooden blinds that possibly weigh 100lbs (maybe more) and were covered in a layer of hybrid dust. Wondering what hybrid dust is? Specifically, it's the dust in my house. Dust, so advanced that as soon as you clean it off and move on to the next area, a new impressive layer has formed. THAT is hybrid dust. I beat the hybrid dust and have sparkling clean windows! Here's how.

Step 1: Remove curtains and wash.
Step 2: Vacuum blinds to remove top layer of hybrid dust.
Step 3: GO TO TOWN on the blinds with alcohol on a clean rag.
Step 4: Clean windows with alcohol and newspaper (lint free).
Step 5: Don't laugh when the bird hits the window.

Disclaimer: this is not my weekly routine. This is my spring cleaning method. I prefer to use alcohol because it sterilizes. This way, I know my hard work is well worth it and my house is truly clean.

You can use two forms of alcohol.. rubbing alcohol (like you'd clean a cut with) or vodka, which is odorless and can even be sprayed on furniture and unwashables (is that a word?) to disinfect. Both evaporate away, leaving a non-toxic surface.

Another reason I use alcohol to disinfect...

WARNING: Causes eye and skin irritation. Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.

For sensitive skin or prolonged use, wear gloves.
Odors may irritate. Use only in well ventilated areas. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapor.
Not recommended for use by persons with heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or obstructive lung disease.
Harmful if swallowed.

Apply carefully, this product contains bleach. DO NOT use or mix with other household chemicals, such as products containing ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners or acidic cleaners, or with other Lysol products, as hazardous gases may be released. Avoid contact with clothes, fabric, carpet, wood, rubber, vinyl, painted and paper surfaces. Prolonged contact with metal, old porcelain, worn Formica and marble may cause discoloration.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

That is an excerpt from Lysol All Purpose Cleaner's MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) found on the US Dept. of Health & Human Services Household Product Database. I think the US Dept. of HHS would be giving more justice to the American people by removing products from the shelves, not posting info on a site that 90% of consumers don't realize exists, but that's a topic for another day.

Off my soapbox and back to cleaning... more spring cleaning tips to come!

7 Days of Spring Cleaning & Organizing

2010-03-10T15:43:00.007-05:00

I ~~hate~~ loathe spring cleaning. This year I'm tackling the chore early so I don't waste a second of beautiful weather stuck indoors! You can too with the help of Audrey, today's guest blogger, and her easy 7 day solution. I'll post more tips on how you can make your spring cleaning, green cleaning.

Starting today, for 7 days straight, I plan to do a spring organizing and/or spring cleaning project each day. Here's what's on my agenda...

DAY 1 Begin outside clean up, including getting rid of any leftover winter brush, snipping dead branches from plants to get them ready for the warmer weather ahead and sweeping the walkway and driveway.

DAY 2 Put away any winter clothing for the season that is still in our closets, and bring out our spring and summer wardrobes. Iron anything that requires it.

DAY 3 Begin sorting through the outdoor toys (including sports equipment, skate boards, bicycle, etc.) from last year and determine what my son has outgrown and will no longer be using. I will create a list of a few items to supplement to provide him with items that are more age appropriate for this year.

DAY 4 Clean areas in our house that get neglected most of the year, such as the tops of our high cabinets, under the fridge and the bookcase shelves (empty, dust, and return all books again).

DAY 5 Begin to plan our family’s summer vacation for the end of August. By reviewing our budget and discussing ideas with the family, we will formulate a vacation plan so we will be ready when the end of summer comes around. (It arrives before you know it!)

DAY 6 Empty the fridge and freezer and clean them out before returning our perishables back inside. Also, defrost the freezer we keep in our garage.

DAY 7 Although I belong to a homeowners association, I suggest making arrangements for your summer help, including the lawn mowing service, and grass, tree and plant service. Check the outdoor furniture that was left out over the winter to see if it needs any repair (mine is made of wrought iron and might need to be repainted). It’s also a good time of year to make an appointment to have the car detailed.

By the end of these 7 days, I know we'll feel great and a lot will be complete and we can enjoy the Spring!

-----

Audrey Cupo is a full-time Professional Organizer and sole proprietor of A BETTER SPACE based in Bucks County, PA. She specializes in residential organizing and focuses her business on helping busy moms and women entrepreneurs get organized with her in-home services and her U Can Do It product line. To sign up for her free monthly newsletter "Organizing News You Can Use", go to www.4abetterspace.com

Drop TOMS not Bombs!

2010-03-03T15:55:00.007-05:00

Have you heard about TOMS shoes? The amazing company that donates shoes to needy children 1-for-1 worldwide? That's right, every single shoe you buy from TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need! Does it give you warm fuzzies? And make you want to shop?

Generally speaking, consumerism isn't the most eco-friendly thing to do, so when you do need to buy something make it really count. Look for organic, recycled, refurbished, local, or sustainable products. The more you shop for products that meet that criteria, the higher demand for that type of products! Which means more companies making quality eco-friendly gear at lower competitive prices!

Now, TOMS makes the cut a different way. TOMS shoes emit goodwill & compassion. An equally fabulous feature. Several of TOMS shoes are made from sustainable materials and they also have a vegan shoe line! Check out our family's shopping cart (favorites) below!

Above: Youth White Canvas (x2) for the twins.

2 blank canvas (shoes) just begging to be drawn on. What kid doesn't love that?

1 pair of Tiny Toms Remarque

"Make Art Not War." - for the 2 year old (Maybe he'll stop hitting?)
1 pair of TOMS Madrina... for the Momma.

1 pair of TOMS Chocolate Canvas Stitchouts for the Rad Bad Dad.

Now, we just have to wait for our sizes to be in stock!!! I have a warm fuzzy feeling that it's well worth the wait. I'd love to hear from our lovely (and ever so silent) readers: what do you think about TOMS? Have you tried them? Think you will?

p.s. the tshirt in the first picture.. yeah, it's purchase donates a pair of shoes too!

Snapple, you let me down.

2010-03-01T10:53:00.007-05:00

My husband, being the great guy that is, knows that I love Snapple and he also knows that I'm trying to get back into a bikini this summer. While he's standing in the refrigerated beverage section of the store he sees something new... Snapple Refresh, a low calorie juice drink. The bottle reads "Naturally flavored Noni Berry juice drink with other natural flavors." Sounds good right? He grabbed a bottle (along with my favorite) to try. Food Tip #1: never put anything in your mouth without reading the full label. That being said, let's take a look at the Snapple Refresh label.

Per bottle:

-30 calories

-0 fat

-3g Sugar

-3g Carbs

-15 mg sodium

Lookin' good Snapple, on to the ingredients:
Filtered Water, Pear & Noni juice concentrates, citric acid, potassium citrate, natural flavors (what does that even mean?), ASPARTAME, Vegetable and fruit juices (for color), natural green tea extract, CAFFEINE, Acacia gum, SUCRALOSE. PHENLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE. (even Snapple put this one in bold/caps font)

2 artificial sweeteners & 30mg of caffeine.

Snapple, "Made from the best stuff on Earth."

SNAPPLE: FAIL

Spring Cleaning

2010-02-24T13:17:00.005-05:00

I don't know why anyone calls it "spring cleaning". When you have children, it's more like four seasons, and I'm not talking about the hotel chain. There is one thing about spring cleaning that I love... consignment sales!

Consignment sales are a great way to declutter but, even better, consigning is a great way to recycle! Last year I featured an article about Children's Consignments and how you can follow the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle) way of life by shopping and selling at consignments. If you missed it, you can read it HERE.

Again, here's a link to my favorite local consignment sale, Kids Everywear! The Kids Everywear consignment in Morrisville, NC just keeps getting bigger and better every year. This year's spring and summer sale runs March 6-15, with preview sales starting on the 6th and general public sales start on the 12th! Sign up to volunteer or consign because, the more you do, the earlier you shop!

Check out these great sites to find consignment sales in your area.

http://www.consignmentmommies.com/

http://www.consignmentsalequeen.com/

http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com/

p.s. don't forget to use your own shopping bags to reduce plastic!

Nursing Bra Nonsense

2010-02-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

That's exactly what I thought of nursing bras with our first 3 kids...nonsense. Total nonsense. I mean, seriously, do the shoulder straps really have to be the width of my infant's leg? Why does the back strap constantly slide up? Can I please get a bra that doesn't look like my grandma's? I tried numerous brands before I totally gave up on nursing bras with my third son and opted for regular bras. I pulled a crazy maneuver to get my arm out of one strap every time I needed to nurse. There is nothing convenient about that. And, there is nothing attractive or sexy about nursing bras. Nothing. Or is there? Welcome to 2010 and HELLO Bella Materna!

Yep, that is a nursing bra.

No really, it is and are you ready for this?

You can even get matching panties!

It gets even better; Bella Materna specializes in Full/Plus cup sizes. Until recently I thought Full/Plus cup sizes meant they were for plus size women. WRONG. They are also for larger cup sizes! Example: I was wearing a 34D bra and the back always slid up, highly annoying but I tolerated it because I couldn't find a 32E, which is what I really needed. I had no idea the difference that a well-fitting bra could make until I tried Bella Materna's new Smooth Cup nursing bra. INCREDIBLE! Underwire-free, smoothing finish, easy one hand clipping feature (which is trademarked), thin straps, and it has a ballet back! This bra really is the cream of the crop. Check it out below.

So, you've seen a sexy lace number for the hubby. You've seen an awesome everyday bra. What about when you want to go for a jog, hit a yoga class or spend an hour at the gym sculpting your post-babe bod? From my experience, regular sports bras do not support the "girls" when they are full of milk. Nothing stinks more than an aching back from lack of support and not from the workout. Bella Materna solved the problem...

A sports bra! Hooray!

Bella Materna offers a wide variety of products from bras, nursing camis & tanks, and sleepwear for both maternity and nursing! One thing Give Them Root's loves about Bella Materna, all of their lingerie is made right here in the good ole' United States... gotta love that!

Because I love you guys, and so does Bella Materna, we're giving away my favorite nursing bra, the new Smooth Cup bra shown above! It's easy to enter just complete the form below and for added fun, get an extra entry by emailing your friends about this giveaway! Just be sure to keep me in the loop by CCing the email to givethemroots@gmail.com!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED! The winner was randomly selected using Random.org. And the winner is.... Andrea H.

One last thing, 3 things to look for in a nursing bra:

No Underwire. Underwires can cause painful problems, such as clogged ducts which can lead to mastitis, a very serious infection that can cause hospitalization.
Support. There's going to be some extra weight in those bad boys (or better yet, girls). Make sure you find a bra that gives proper support. You will look and feel better!
Proper Fit. Your bra should fit like a glove, not too loose & not too tight. Here's a few signs that your bra doesn't fit correctly: strap slides up your back, bulging of skin on the back, overflowing from the cups, discomfort, or lack of support.

Breastfeeding & 10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About It- by Alpha+Mom

2010-02-18T15:21:00.007-05:00

Alpha+Mom's post is Must-Read for expecting parents. Note, I said parents not mothers. Breastfeeding. Isn't. Always. Easy! Sometimes common problems cause unwanted stress & can make a new mother feel like she's failing. The important part of that sentence is "common problems", every mother experiences "a glitch in the Matrix" and this article can help prepare you for those glitches!

Here's the 10 things but you have go to Alpha+Mom's site HERE for the rest of scoop (and for it to make sense)!

1. Your first time breastfeeding might not be magical.
2. Your baby is born knowing how to suck, not latch.
3. If you don't ask for help, you will not get any help.
4. All. Purpose. Nipple. Ointment.
5. Knowing the difference between "eating sucking" and "comfort sucking", can save your nipples from a lot of unnecessary wear and tear.
6. Yes, it hurts at first, but it will stop hurting. If it keeps hurting, something is wrong.
7. Tongue Tie! Tongue Tiiiiiiiie.
8. Take Probiotics before you starting nursing - before you give birth, even- to ward off Thrush.
9. Oh my God, Take a Tylenol already!
10. When breastfeeding works it is the awesome sauce.

What are you waiting for? GO!!! already!

Special thanks to Amalah @ Alpha+Mom for being so dang smart!

The Great Nursing Cover Debate

2010-02-17T14:21:00.008-05:00

Are you on Facebook? I signed on Facebook and a few of my friends had joined the group "If my breastfeeding offends you put a blanket over YOUR head.". I have to admit that I giggled, more than once. But, personally, I'm not covering up for your benefit, I'm covering up for my own! Some moms are comfortable whipping the boob out when it's time to feed their baby, and some mothers are not. I fall into the {not} category. For me, it's just a vanity issue. Yes, I mean vanity not modesty. I have love handles. It's true. And, I don't want everyone staring at my exposed bright, white love handles, or (gulp) breasts. I mean, I know it's natural and breasts shouldn't be viewed as a sexual thing when a woman is breastfeeding but just because it isn't sexual for ME, doesn't mean that Joe Blow sitting across the room isn't getting his jollies while my baby fills up his tank, ya know?

It's a huge debate though and mothers all over the country are being told they "have to cover up or leave", for example what happened to the mother in the NC Denny's restaurant. It causes an out lash almost every time from both supporters and opposers. Simply put, it ridiculous that in the "land of the free" mother's are dealing with this. There is an easy way to avoid this confrontation though. Mothers can discreetly nurse in public and still bond with their baby by making the important eye contact babies desperately want when they nurse. How? Nursing covers. I own 3 different brands: Bebe Au Lait (a.k.a. Hooter Hiders), Udder Covers, and Balboa Baby. One of the covers is hands down my favorite and today, I'm giving one away! Drum roll please.....

BALBOA BABY

Balboa Baby's nursing covers are the bomb.com, seriously! I'm not the only one that thinks these Dr. Sears developed, tested, and recommended covers are awesome. The Balboa Baby nursing cover is an iParenting Media award winner and gets the GreenParentsList.com seal of approval (gets the GiveThemRoots seal of approval too)!

There are 3 enormous differences in the Balboa Baby covers -vs- other brands.

Large Contoured Cover: The overall dimensions are considerably larger allowing mothers to truly be discreet. My biggest issue with nursing in public is that my shirt is always hiked up exposing my sides. See vain declaration above. The Balboa Baby nursing cover is wide enough that I can almost wrap it completely around me. Did I mention it's also contoured? This helps the fabric lay perfectly to keep mom covered. LOVE!
Reinforced Neckline: Yes, it's true you can get a free nursing cover from Udder Covers but it won't have the durable neckline that the Balboa Baby will have. Out of the 3 covers that own Balboa Baby has the thickest and longest neckline support. It truly stands away from the chest so mom sees baby and baby sees mom!
Wider Neck Closure: I don't think Balboa Baby lists this as a feature but they should! The fabric on the closure is wider, which means that it doesn't get twisted and tangled in the wash or when I quickly ball it up to toss in my diaper bag. Both of the other covers I own are a tangled mess when I wash them. I have 4 kids, I don't have time to iron out my nursing cover. Really, I don't.

The cover also sports a generously sized pocket that is big enough to hold nursing pads, a burp cloth, or as I've done before, a bottle of water! I also love the natural wooden closure -vs- the metal D-rings. I ♥ Balboa Baby nursing covers, and you will too.

Gotta have it? Enter below for a chance to win!

This giveaway has ended! The winner was randomly selected by Random.org.

And the winner is.... Rebecca F.

Fabulous Breastfeeding Resources (giveaway)

2010-02-16T07:00:00.004-05:00

Chances are during some point of your breastfeeding journey you'll have a question. Here's a list of great resources that are jam packed with answers and information specifically for breastfeeding moms!

Wonderful Websites

Recommended Reads

(Click any of the photos to go to Amazon & find out more.)

And a GIVEAWAY!

I {heart} Etsy. The handmade touch makes everything better! :) I recently had the opportunity to try Etsy Seller, Forever My Baby's adorable nursing pads. I love the fun prints, eco-friendly reusability (is that a word?) and the economical price tag! Forever My Baby nursing pads are made from 100% cotton and 4 layers of 100% cotton flannel. They are sold in sets of 2 for under $3 or save even more by purchasing a 5 pair set for $10.50! They wash up beautifully and are so much softer than store brands. Want to win a pair?

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED! Congrats to Sarah G., who was selected via Random.org

Love is Patient, Love is Kind. Love is Breastfeeding?

2010-02-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

This seemed appropriate for the day after Valentine's Day. It's truly impressive how many ways love can be defined. So impressive that Dictionary.com defines the four letter word 28 different ways. If it can be defined at least 28 ways, then I'm guessing the possibilities are endless for showing love. I'm currently (as in, while I'm typing this) loving my 2 month old by breastfeeding him. Go ahead and re-read that but you probably read it right the first time. Let me explain.
Every time I nurse my baby I'm creating a stronger bond with him. He feels safe and secure in my arms, the sound of my heart soothes him, and he ultimately feels loved. Because I want the best for him, I chose to follow the advice of experts and breastfeed. Every 3 hours, all day long for the first year of his life. That's a serious commitment. It's not always easy and it's not always convenient. And {THAT} to me, is one of the reasons that breastfeeding is an act of love. If breastfeeding was always easy then it would be no different than brushing your teeth, just another part of the daily routine. Instead, it's a journey you take with your baby. There are a few things you can do to help keep "that lovin' feeling" while you're on the journey.

5 Simple Ways To Promote Positive Breastfeeding

Before you begin feeding your baby grab a glass of cold water and a snack! Who says you both can't have a treat? Your baby will get the nourishment it needs, make sure you do too.
Get comfy. You can buy nursing stools, pillows, etc. but it doesn't mean that's the right way. Find the way that you and your baby are the most comfortable.
Always make sure your baby is properly latched. The majority of breastfeeding problems, such as clogged ducts, nipple soreness, etc. come from an improper latch. Here's a great LINK for position suggestions and way to check for a proper latch on.
Read your favorite book... out loud. Babies love the sound of their mother's voice and this gives you approximately 15-30 minutes every feeding to sneak in your favorite author.
Breathe. Relax. Give yourself a pat on the back! You deserve it!

This week is dedicated to Breastfeeding, an act of love. We'll have a few awesome giveaways and tons of helpful information! Become a subscriber and be sure you don't miss a single thing!

Green To Grow

2010-02-07T16:35:00.007-05:00

The dangers and risks of Bisphenol A (BPA) use in food products and other products is probably not new news to most of us. Well, the FDA, CDC, and HHS are acting like it is. They have finally acknowledged the dangers and announced in January that BPA has harmful effects, especially for infants and small children. They are still trying to determine the full effects of BPA and will be investing $30 million dollars to figure it out but they've estimated this will take close to two years. Wait, what about the next two years? Well, for the time being they have asked for the removal of BPA from all infant products (ie, bottles, cups, formula containers, etc.) until further research can be done. You can read the full announcement HERE for ways to protect your family from BPA exposure.

There is one simple way to protect your baby, and nature provides you with this way: Breastfeed. Milk directly from the breast is definitely BPA-free! Although, us Mom's are not completely unrealistic, and we do realize that there might be a time when baby gets a bottle (hopefully of expressed breast milk) and that's OK! However, if it's a plastic bottle, even a BPA-free bottle, it could contain toxins in various forms. The solution = USE GLASS BOTTLES!
I [not so] patiently waited for the arrival of my newest little man for many reasons. One of these reasons was to try the new glass bottles from Green To Grow! For weeks the cute little glass bottles sat in my kitchen cabinets practically begging me to use them. It's just a bottle, right? I know what you're thinking - "This girl has officially lost it." - but it's so much more than your typical bottle. It's a sigh of relief. It's peace of mind. And, it's SAFE!

First Glance:
Adorable modern artwork instantly grabs my attention. I pick up the bottle and love the contoured shape. Nipple turns off and on easily without any hassle. Adore the embossed measurements on the side of the bottle.

Test #1: Breast Pump Attachment
Yes, you're reading that right. Green To Grow glass bottles are compatible with Medela breast pumps!!! {insert jumping up and down} And, the bottles fit together like they were made for each other (wait- maybe they were). FABULOUS!! Now, I can pump directly into the bottles that I plan to use to feed baby.

Test #2: Freezer
For decades, previous generations canned and froze food... in glass jars! Why not store your breast milk in glass too? So, I did. I didn't want to put the silicone (nitrosamine-free) nipple in the freezer so I used a Medela storage top from the bottles that came with my breast pump. I left a little room for expansion of the milk and sealed it up. Nice and tight fit. Milk froze without any problems! Ready to thaw & use! *disclaimer: if you overfill a glass bottle it could crack, although the Green To Grow bottles are such a thick glass that I highly doubt that would happen, it still could. Use with caution.

Test #3: Baby

Evan, our son, is a nipple connoisseur. He has tried them all in various forms of pacifiers and he made it loud and clear that he has favorite. Because of this, I was terrified he wouldn't take the Green To Grow bottles. Maybe it's because he likes to eat or maybe this nipple was exactly to his liking because Evan took the bottle without a wince. SUCCESS!!! (A special thanks to Green To Grow for giving us back our "Date Nights".)

Test #4: Cleaning
This was my favorite part. Plastic is impossible to clean- if you put it in the dishwasher it comes out with water all over it, even on the dry cycle. If you hand wash plastic, 1/2 the time it has a haze on it. The glass bottles are a cinch! Just rinse it, toss it on the top shelf of the dishwasher and watch it come out DRY, and spotless.

Overall Rating: A++++! We will never go back to plastic bottles!

If you aren't familiar with Green To Grow, they offer a full line of BPA-free and PHTHALATE-free baby bottles, in both plastic and glass. If you chose to use plastic bottles then that's exactly what you want to look for: bottles free of BPA and Phthalates!

GREAT NEWS!!! Big thanks to Green To Grow, who is giving away a set of the new glass bottles!

This contest has ended. Congratulations to Erin! Random.org's #21 & the winner of the Green To Grow glass bottle giveaway.

A Homemade Valentine's Day

2010-02-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sure, the cartoon covered Valentine's Day cards beckon to my kids just like any other child. But, rather than buying a box of full of 2"x4" flimsy paper cards, that will get tossed in the trash by the parent of some unsuspecting child, this year we're spreading a little love homemade-style!

My sons love to color. Unfortunately, my 2 year old breaks crayons like nobody's business and I have a cup full of broken crayons to prove it; A cup that drives my hubby crazy. After all, they are [broken] crayons. So, why am I hanging on to crayon shrapnel? To make new crayons, obviously! :)

This Valentine's Day my little cuties will be passing out a homemade heart shaped crayon wrapped up in a page from their favorite coloring book! And your kiddo can too! Here's how.

Mess-Free Heart Shaped Crayons

Heart shaped muffin pan
Broken crayons

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

2. Break large crayon pieces into pea size.

3. Fill muffin cups 1/2 way for thin crayons or all the way for "chunky" crayons.

4. Bake for 15 minutes or until crayon pieces are melted.

5. Remove from oven, gently tap pan to remove air bubbles.

6. Allow crayons to cool completely before removing. Tip: If you have trouble removing them, place them in the freezer for 1 hour.

EASY! EASY! EASY! Make them multicolored for added fun by combining the crayon pieces before baking or place them in separate muffin cups for solid color crayons!

Happy Valentine's day & happy crayon recycling!

photo credit: Martha Stewart Kids

Black History Month

2010-02-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

To celebrate Black History on Give Them Roots, here's 5 influential people I'll be teaching my kids about this month. These are just a few highlights of their lives. Check your local library for some great children's books about each of them.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was an amazing woman; an abolitionist, humanitarian and even a Union spy during the American Civil War! Harriet Tubman's life is fascinating to little ones and jam packed with American history and strong morals. Tubman liberated hundreds of slaves and was one of the biggest activist for women's suffrage. Harriet Tubman was also a big part in gaining a woman's right to vote!

Rosa Parks

You probably know Rosa Parks as the strong-willed, stubborn, and feisty black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man during a bus ride which sparked the Montgomery Bus Strike and fueled the Civil Rights movement. What you may not know about the "Civil Rights Pioneer", Rosa Parks, is that she caused our next influential person to rise to national prominence in the movement.

Rosa Parks with Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Wow! Where to start with such an inspiring man. Martin Luther King Jr. might be the biggest activist our nation has ever seen. He fought not only for his beliefs, freedoms, and rights but for every Black man and woman's. Martin Luther King Jr. traveled over 6 million miles and spoke over 2,500 times to fight injustice, to lead protests, and to be heard... and he was. Sadly, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated before a protest in 1968, but his voice continues to be heard. Not only is his voice heard but because of Mr. King, you can hear the voices of all Black men and women, with the right to vote. The list is endless for this Noble Peace prize winner. Speaking of Noble Peace prize winners...

Barack Obama

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, has definitely earned a spot in our top 5. He is the *first* African-American President, that's pretty historical in itself. We stand behind President Obama during his Presidency because of his drive to correct 3 major issues affecting not only our country but the entire world: climate change, nuclear weapons, and conflict. His steps towards closing Guantanamo Bay Prison are HUGE in the development of humane treatment of all people. After all, we are the country that has been slowly built on "the means do not justify the end.", has been said about slavery, equal rights, and several other battles that have been fought to create our great nation. However, the thing I'm most influenced by and the thing that I will strive to teach my children is "Stand out, go against the grain, and fight for what you believe in. Even when it isn't popular." President Obama is definitely not the most popular but he is continuing to fight for what he believes will better our country and our people; even if it means the end of his political career, and that my friends, you won't find every politician doing. Influential indeed.

Muhammad Ali

When you hear Muhammad Ali, I bet you think boxer. World-class fighter. Float like a butterfly, sting like bee. But, do you think activist or humanitarian? He was one of the greatest! Ali was against the Vietnam war (where thousands of Vietnamese were slaughtered, and yes, I do mean slaughtered.) and refused to be drafted into the military, which resulted in Ali being banned from American boxing, stripped of his Heavy-weight belt, and temporarily imprisoned. It also resulted in a jump start of one of the biggest anti-war movements in our history. He staged well publicized fights in countries that most didn't think of, creating awareness of developing countries. He holds annual "Fight Night", a charity event that donates millions of dollars towards Parkinson disease and research. Muhammad Ali has done multiple goodwill missions from delivering medical supplies and food to securing the release of 15 Americans hostages during the Gulf War.

Inspired? I am. So, who inspires you during Black History Month?

CSA101: Intro to Community Supported Agriculture

2010-02-01T10:06:00.010-05:00

photo credit: www.biteofthebest.com

It's that time of year again! CSA farms all over the country will begin accepting deposits and applications for this year's harvest. If you aren't familiar with community supported agriculture then hopefully this post will serve as an intro to CSA, or rather CSA101.

CSA Definition: abbreviation for Community Supported Agriculture, also known as Local Harvest

What is a CSA?
A CSA is a farm/community partnership. Think of it like stock in a company. By making a financial commitment to the farm you become a CSA member or "shareholder". In return for your monetary contribution the farm provides you with weekly baskets of fresh produce during "crop season".

Why join?
Joining a CSA is a great way to get fresh, local produce and support your local farmers! The produce is usually cheaper than in the markets or stores. You'll also receive larger quantities, making it perfect for canning and storing for the winter! Local produce is fresher & healthier for you than shipped, store bought produce. Grocery stores buy the cheapest produce available, not the healthiest and not the closest. Why support a mondo farm in Florida when you can support Farmer Brown down the street?

How does a CSA work?
Now, I can't speak for all CSAs but our local farm requires a down payment (around February-March) so they can begin planning this year's crop. Once you make the down payment you are officially a member of the CSA. Each week, for the 20 weeks of April- August (NC crop season) we go to our assigned pickup location to receive our basket of freshly picked produce. Each week the basket contents vary with 5-7 difference items but this is an example of one week of a large share (2 adults 2 kids):

-2 lbs. organic strawberries

-1/2 lb. organic baby lettuce

-1 lb. local early tomatoes

- 1 lb. organic potatoes

-2 lbs. organic carrots

-2 lbs. organic broccoli

$28 value- you pick it up free with a paid CSA membership.

Our local CSA is a 100% certified organic farm but not all farms will harvest all organic crops. NOTE: FRESH LOCAL NON-ORGANIC IS STILL HEALTHIER FOR YOU THAN SHIPPED PRE-PICKED PRODUCE! And definitely healthier than frozen or even worse, canned. (bleck!)

How can I find a CSA near me?
There are over 2,000 CSAs in the United States. Find one near you by going to www.localharvest.org/csa

Here's a few questions to ask your local farmer before deciding on a CSA. (courtesy of LocalHarvest.org)
1. How long have you been farming?
2. How long have you been doing a CSA?
3. Are there items in your box grown by other farms, and if so, which farms?
4. How did last season go?
5. I'd like to talk with a couple of your members before I commit. Could you give me contact info for a couple of "references"?

For example: #3, our CSA sometimes has cantaloupes in the baskets but they do not grow cantaloupes. They are buying these from another local farm that uses the same environmentally safe farming techniques our farm uses. Good to know!

Check out a CSA near you this year and find out just how delicious buying local can be!

Do you have a question that I didn't cover? Don't be shy.

Great Deal on BabyLegs

2010-01-28T16:06:00.004-05:00

If you haven't figured it out yet, I really love BabyLegs. Complete adoration. I really didn't need another reason to buy more BUT, go ahead, twist my arm...

Head over to BabyCheapskate to find out how to get two free pairs of BabyLegs and donate to Haiti!

URGENT: Milk Donations for Haiti Infants

2010-01-26T10:44:00.003-05:00

I received the following message from the United States Breastfeeding Committee this morning. Monetary donations are not the only way to help Haiti.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Urgent Call for Human Milk Donations for Haiti Infants
Washington, DC--The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), International Lactation Consultant Association/United States Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA/USLCA), and La Leche League International (LLLI) are jointly issuing an urgent call for human milk donations for premature infants in Haiti, as well as sick and premature infants in the United States.

This week the first shipment of human milk from mothers in the United States will be shipped to the U.S. Navy ship Comfort stationed outside Haiti. Comfort is currently set up with a neonatal intensive care unit and medical personnel to provide urgent care to victims of the earthquake. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant stationed at the U.S. Navy base in Bethesda, MD is assisting with providing breast pump equipment and supplies to Comfort. Dr. Erika Beard-Irvine, pediatric neonatologist, is on board to coordinate distribution of the milk to infants in need. HMBANA, USBC, ILCA/USLCA, and LLLI are responding to requests to provide milk for both premature infants and at-risk mothers who have recently delivered babies on board the USNS Comfort, but an urgent need exists for additional donations.

At the current time, the infrastructure to deliver human milk to Haiti infants on land has not yet been established. As soon as that infrastructure is in place, additional donations will be provided to older infants.

Mothers who are willing to donate human milk should contact their regional Mothers' Milk Bank of HMBANA. A list of regional milk banks is available on the HMBANA Web site at (www.hmbana.org/index/locations).

Currently milk banks are already low on donor milk. New milk donations will be used for Haiti victims as well as to replenish donor supplies to continue to serve sick and premature infants in the United States. Donor milk provides unique protection for fragile preterm infants. Financial donations are also strongly encouraged to allow HMBANA, a nonprofit organization, to continue serving infants in need.

UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the Emergency Nutrition Network, and medical professionals all recommend that breastfeeding and human milk be used for infants in disasters or emergencies. Human milk is life-saving due to its disease prevention properties. It is safe, clean, and does not depend on water which is often unavailable or contaminated in an emergency. Relief workers, health care providers, and other volunteers are urged to provide support for breastfeeding mothers to enable them to continue breastfeeding, and to assist pregnant and postpartum women in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding.

For more information, contact HMBANA at 408-998-4550 (www.hmbana.org). Additional information can be provided from the United States Breastfeeding Committee at 202-367-1132 (www.usbreastfeeding.org), ILCA/USLCA at 800-452-2478 (www.ilca.org or www.uslca.org), or La Leche League at 847-519-7730 (www.llli.org).

The USBC is an organization of organizations. Opinions expressed by USBC are not necessarily the position of all member organizations and opinions expressed by USBC member organization representatives are not necessarily the position of USBC.

United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC)

The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is an independent nonprofit coalition of 41 nationally influential professional, educational, and governmental organizations. Representing over half a million concerned professionals and the families they serve, USBC and its member organizations share a common mission to improve the Nation's health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. For more information about USBC, visit www.usbreastfeeding.org.

An Apple A Day...

2010-01-25T16:00:00.006-05:00

Have you ever wondered why apples are so darn cheap in the winter? Apples seem to be the only fruit that goes on sale during chilly temps, not that I'm complaining! I love apples. The only thing I love more than apples is bisque. Tomato bisque, lobster bisque, cheese bisque, bisque, bisque, bisque... I haven't met a bisque that I didn't completely adore. Now, you can just imagine how elated I was to find The Grove Park Inn's, Chilled Ginger-Apple Bisque recipe (courtesy of NC's department of Agriculture). This is a bisque that even the kids will gobble up.

Grove Park Inn's Chilled Ginger-Apple Bisque:
•16oz apple butter
•2oz fresh ginger-peeled
•8oz plain low fat yogurt
•8oz apple cider
•2oz honey

Blend all together in blender. Serve chilled. Makes 1quart.

Don't go running to buy apple butter or apple cider from the store just yet. Try making it from scratch using these recipes from allrecipes.com.

All Day Apple Butter

Homemade Apple Cider

I'm going to warn you, the All Day Apple Butter does in fact take ALL DAY, but it's worth the wait. Just plan accordingly and enjoy a home filled with the aroma of fresh baked apples. What are you waiting for? Stop reading and get to work. :)

Skin MD Naturals Giveaway

2010-01-22T22:19:00.003-05:00

I got this exciting email from Skin MD Naturals today:

I'm just writing to let you know about our newest giveaway in case you would
like to share it with your readers. {And of course I want to share it with you!}
...The giveaway will end Feb 8th to allow enough time for shipping before Valentines Day. For entry into the giveaway visit our entry page: http://www.skinmdnatural.com/forms/valentines-giveaway.php ...

The prize basket is valued at $100 and contains the following:
- Bottle of Skin MD Natural shielding lotion
- Bottle of Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 shielding lotion
- One pound of See's dark assorted chocolates
- Pack of Starbucks VIA Ready brew coffee pouches
- Kiss Me coffee mug
- A Cuddly teddy bear
- Lollipop Bouquet

If you remember from my review of Skin MD Naturals, then you know I love this stuff! The shielding lotion is a little piece of heaven. GOOD LUCK! I hope one of my fabulous readers win!

Children's Media

2010-01-20T21:23:00.005-05:00

Guess what I just surfed into and couldn't wait to tell you about?

Little Green!

In our tech savvy world, even preschoolers are learning how to turn on the computer and navigate to their favorite website. There is a plethora of educational children's websites like PBS Kids, Nick Jr., Club Penguin, etc. that can help your child learn the ABC's and 123's. What if you want to teach your child about the Earth? Or Recycling? Well, there's a site for that too but I personally recommend opening a book. Even better, try both! And you can at Little Green! Check out the Little Green website for cute games and a list of children's books that can teach your child the importance of recycling, gardening, exploring the outdoors, and more!

What I love about Little Green books, you don't have to be a tree hugger to teach your kiddo this stuff! Each book has a list of vocabulary words with definitions! Learn exactly what "post-consumer" means with your child while you spend a little quality time snuggled up with a good book. I also love that Little Green books are more than just adorable, they are also affordable! Little Green books range in price from $3.99-$9.99.

Don't forget to check out the Green Tips for children! Your kiddo will love it and so will the planet.

Drinking Coffee = Feeding Orphans

2010-01-19T00:05:00.004-05:00

You've heard the expression "Have your cake and eat it too.". How about drink your coffee and feed an orphan? That's exactly what you will be doing when you purchase a bag of coffee from Saint's Coffee. If feeding orphans hasn't completely won you over (which I know it did), it is also 100% certified Fair Trade organic coffee.

I pretty much adore what this company (or organization?) is doing. Saint's Coffee donates 1/3 of the net profits from each sale to Children's HopeChest and Fivefor50, two non-profit organizations that provide needs to orphans in Swaziland, Ethiopia, Uganda and Russia. The donated money allows an orphaned child to eat for one month! Saint's Coffee offers several different roasts, mugs, gift packs, etc. Take a peek and give them a shot... the beans and the children.

"There are only three things that are important in life:

to be kind, to be kind, and to be kind."
-Guy de Maupassant

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better...

2010-01-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have new vice in my life; a blog, Knock-Off Wood. This blog could change it's web address to the bomb dot com, it's {that} good. The author or I should say carpenter, Ana, creates do-it-yourself furniture plans that mock those pricey beauties in expensive retail stores like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Restoration Hardware. Ana creates easy to follow plans that even a beginner, like myself, can make! Check out a few of my favorites plans from Knock-Off Wood, the first one is on the top of my list. And best of all they are both eco-friendly!

The Recycling Center: inspiration from Pottery Barn

What I love most about the plans for this recycling center is that Ana has created two drawer options, sliding or tilt. We're building this and using it in our kitchen/breakfast nook as a console table as well. THANKS ANA! Maybe with the extra money we will save I can talk my husband into a hot pink KitchenAid Mixer. Wouldn't that be the perfect cherry on top of my recycling center?

The Farmhouse Table from Salvaged Lumber: inspiration from Restoration Hardware.

Why I love it? It's a farmhouse table!! Slide a couple benches under the sides, what's not to love? AND, it's recycled wood. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? You can at Knock-Off Wood! LOoooove IT!

Check out the rest of Ana's Knock-Off Wood plans at http://www.knockoffwood.blogspot.com/.

photo credits: Pottery Barn & Restoration Hardware

Speaking of Vegetarians...

2010-01-15T12:03:00.003-05:00

Check out this awesome cookbook, boasting over 250 mouth-watering vegetarian recipes!

The Vegetarian Revenge:Better Living Without Chemistry

by Karen Q:Peterson Mann and Philip Mann

I particularly love this cookbook for one main reason, fresh ingredients. If the recipe reads tomato sauce, grab your tomato and start pureeing. If the recipe calls for corn, grab an ear start shucking. Not every recipe is "can-free" but most of them are. This would be a great cookbook for anyone considering the Paleo Diet we mentioned early this week. These recipes do require some extra prep time because of the fresh ingredients but you'll be rewarded with generous overtime pay by your taste buds!

Try out one of my favorites recipes, Zucchini With Fresh Tomato Sauce:

2 pounds of tomatoes, peeled and chopped

salt

pepper

1 pound zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick

2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

1. Cook tomatoes gently, uncovered, until soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 1 hour.

2. Puree and add salt and pepper. Heat uncovered.

3. Bake zucchini slices at 325F for 4 minutes.

4. Serve topped with heated sauce and sprinkle with chopped oregano.

Simply divine. I like mine served over steamed rice but it's just as scrumptious served alone. You can find this recipe in The Vegetarian Revenge: Better Living Without Chemistry at Amazon.com

"Let Vegetarianism Grow On You." PETA

2010-01-15T11:17:00.008-05:00

Vegetarianism is today's lifestyle diet.
Check out Alternet.org's Top 10 Reasons To Go Vegetarian by Bruce Friedrich below.

1. Helping Animals Also Helps the Global Poor
While there is ample and justified moral indignation about the diversion of 100 million tons of grain for biofuels, more than seven times as much (760 million tons) is fed to farmed animals so that people can eat meat. Is the diversion of crops to our cars a moral issue? Yes, but it's about one-eighth the issue that meat-eating is. Care about global poverty? Try vegetarianism.

2. Eating Meat Supports Cruelty to Animals
The green pastures and idyllic barnyard scenes of years past are now distant memories. On today's factory farms, animals are crammed by the thousands into filthy windowless sheds, wire cages, gestation crates, and other confinement systems. These animals will never raise families, root in the soil, build nests, or do anything else that is natural and important to them. They won't even get to feel the warmth of the sun on their backs or breathe fresh air until the day they are loaded onto trucks bound for slaughter.

3. Eating Meat Is Bad for the Environment
A recent United Nations report entitled Livestock's Long Shadow concludes that eating meat is "one of the ... most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global." In just one example, eating meat causes almost 40 percent more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, and planes in the world combined. The report concludes that the meat industry "should be a major policy focus when dealing with problems of land degradation, climate change and air pollution, water shortage and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity."

4. Avoid Bird Flu
The World Health Organization says that if the avian flu virus mutates, it could be caught simply by eating undercooked chicken flesh or eggs, eating food prepared on the same cutting board as infected meat or eggs, or even touching eggshells contaminated with the disease. Other problems with factory farming -- from foot-and-mouth to SARS -- can be avoided with a general shift to a vegetarian diet.

5. If You Wouldn't Eat a Dog, You Shouldn't Eat a Chicken
Several recent studies have shown that chickens are bright animals who are able to solve complex problems, demonstrate self-control, and worry about the future. Chickens are smarter than cats and dogs and even do some things that have not yet been seen in mammals other than primates. Dr. Chris Evans, who studies animal behavior and communication at Macquarie University in Australia, says, "As a trick at conferences, I sometimes list these attributes, without mentioning chickens and people think I'm talking about monkeys."

6. Heart Disease: Our Number One Killer
Healthy vegetarian diets support a lifetime of good health and provide protection against numerous diseases, including the United States' three biggest killers: heart disease, cancer, and strokes. Drs. Dean Ornish and Caldwell Esselstyn -- two doctors with 100 percent success in preventing and reversing heart disease -- have used a vegan diet to accomplish it, as chronicled most recently in Dr. Esselstyn's Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, which documents his 100 percent success rate for unclogging people's arteries and reversing heart disease.

7. Cancer: Our Number Two Killer
Dr. T. Colin Campbell is one of the world's foremost epidemiological scientists and the director of what The New York Times called "the most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease." Dr. Campbell's best-selling book, The China Study, is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about cancer. To summarize it, Dr. Campbell states, "No chemical carcinogen is nearly so important in causing human cancer as animal protein."

8. Fitting Into That Itty-Bitty Bikini
Vegetarianism is also the ultimate weight-loss diet, since vegetarians are one-third as likely to be obese as meat-eaters are, and vegans are about one-tenth as likely to be obese. Of course, there are overweight vegans, just as there are skinny meat-eaters. But on average, vegans are 10 to 20 percent lighter than meat-eaters. A vegetarian diet is the only diet that has passed peer review and taken weight off and kept it off.

9. Global Peace
Leo Tolstoy claimed that "vegetarianism is the taproot of humanitarianism." His point? For people who wish to sow the seeds of peace, we should be eating as peaceful a diet as possible. Eating meat supports killing animals, for no reason other than humans' acquired taste for animals' flesh. Great humanitarians from Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi to Thich Nhat Hanh have argued that a vegetarian diet is the only diet for people who want to make the world a kinder place.

10. The Joy of Veggies
As the growing range of vegetarian cookbooks and restaurants shows, vegetarian foods rock. People report that when they adopt a vegetarian diet, their range of foods explodes from a center-of-the-plate meat item to a range of grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables that they didn't even know existed.

I've been a practicing pescatarian, meaning that I follow the vegetarian diet but sometimes (once a week or less) eat fish, for the past 2 years. I can honestly say that I have more energy, my blood pressure and cholesterol are perfect, and overall, I feel the best I ever have! If you've considered quitting meat, look further into it. You'll be surprised by how easy it is to "let vegetarianism grow on you". http://www.goveg.org/

Let's Help Haiti

2010-01-13T11:38:00.004-05:00

My heart aches for the people of Haiti every day, most especially today. It's feared that thousands are dead after Haiti experienced a magnitude 7.0 earthquake just 10 miles outside of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital yesterday. An earthquake of that magnitude would be catastrophic for any country, particularly an impoverished country like Haiti.

Here's a few links that are accepting donations for relief aid. I'd like to challenge and encourage each of you to take a moment to donate. Even $5 can go a long way in helping the people of Haiti.

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

You can also donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting "HAITI" to 90999. The donation will automatically go to the Red Cross.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the vicitms of yesterday's earthquake. Wish I could do more...