Holiday 2013 Issue of Green Child Magazine

Our 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Guide!

Merry Memories How to Get Great Photos of Your Kids

Everything You Need

for a Healthy, Happy & Stress-Free Holiday

Vintage-Inspired Fashion Holiday 2013

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More than a generation ago, a young mother and herbalist founded Motherlove to empower women with the wisdom and healing strength of nature.

Today our commitment spreads around the world; helping women to discover the bond between motherhood and mother earth.

Experience this wondrous connection yourself through our herbal care products for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and babies; formulated to soothe and nurture both body and soul.

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www.motherlove.com

Contents

8 Eco Fab

These are a few of our favorite finds, inspired by nature & health!

10 Sleep Peacefully

Help calm & soothe with our herbal vapor rub recipe.

12 Nutritional Nuggets

From healthy cooking to picky eaters, expert Louise Goldberg has you covered!

14 Encouraging Independence

Tips from certified positive discipline educator, Kelly Bartlett.

18 Merry Memories

How to get great photos of your kids.

22 Green Your Holiday Gatherings

Tips to lighten your environmental load this holiday season.

24 Gifting Safe Toys

What to know and look out for when shopping.

28 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Guide

Inspired gift ideas for everyone on your list -- even the furry members. No matter the person or the price point, you’ll find something to make the season bright.

46 Flexitarian Holiday

Bending the rules to ease the pressure of this social holiday season.

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Contents 50 That’s the Spirit

Holiday traditions, as shared by some of our favorite eco-conscious mamas (and grandmas)!

53 Guided Relaxation Beach Relaxation

54 Good for Goodness’ Sake

Fill your holiday with the joy of giving.

On The Cover Encourage Independence p14

How to Get Great Photos of Your Kids p18

60 Holiday Magic

3rd Annual Holiday Gift Guide p28

62 10 Tips to Simplify Your Holiday

Vintage-Inspired Fashion p72

Sharing the joy of the season.

By simplicity expert and author, Sandy Kreps.

C

64 Look Listen Read

M

Our editors’ top picks in books, apps & more.

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CM

MY

66 Conscious Kitchen

CY

Frout Souffle

CMY

K

68 What’s in Season

Try out our delicious recipes featuring seasonal favorites!

72 Fashion

Vintage inspired holiday fashions.

78 ‘Tis the Season

Sustainable ideas for the holidays.

83 Green Grandma

Questions from our readers answered.

84 DIY Tutorial

Christmas Tree Ornament

Our 3rd A Holiday G nnual ift Guide!

Merry Me How to G mories e Photos of t Great Your Kids Holiday 2

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Everythin g You Nee d for a Hea lt hy, Happ y ree Holid ay

& Stress-F

Vintage-I

nspired F

86 Community Marketplace

A collection of artisan shops & resources for today’s green family

90 Your Green Child

A peek into the lives of our readers.

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Cover Photography by

MNStudio

ashion

PAIRSinPEARS pairs fun with learning!

Packed with 8 fun and educational activities plus two competitive word games, PAIRSinPEARS grows with your family, from the pre-reader stage all the way through adulthood. It’s a game you’ll keep coming back to for years to come!

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Contributors

Alia Einstein-Diez Kelly Bartlett Jo Clark Jen Eyers-McLaughlin Dana Govern Anne Michelsen Megan McCoy Dellecese

Katie Bugbee Sandy Kreps Kelly Suggs Amelei Jo Alana Beall Lauren Taylor

Publisher & Editor

Amity Hook-Sopko

Creative Director Amanda Hearn

Columnists

Photo by Squigfried

Mellisa Dormoy Louise Goldberg, RD, CSP, LD, CNSC Hana Haatainen Caye

Copy Editor

Gretchen Sowers

Media & Other Inquiries 6

media@greenchildmagazine.com

from our publisher & editor I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. ~ Maya Angelou It’s easy to run full steam ahead through your to-do list this time of year. And that’s precisely why it’s even more important to slow down and reflect upon what makes the holidays meaningful.

For me, last year’s reflection was all about the little things… and how they actually turn out to be the ones you remember far more clearly than getting the toy you wanted for Christmas or how clean Aunt Susie’s house was for the holiday party.

This year, with our family in the middle of a 700-mile move, my mind is increasingly more focused on Maya Angelou’s words above about the liberation of giving.

As a child, it was something that happened organically. I spent a great deal of time with my grandmother, and she gave all year round.

From making dolls for charity or quilts for church raffles, to sending us down the street with a plate of food for an elderly friend – she was a living example of one of her favorite sayings, “You can’t outgive God.”

During the holidays, my parents were part of a small group that delivered meals to families in need. One of my favorite memories is of my mom choosing a family from our church to buy gifts for, and how we spent hours thinking up ways to sneak the gifts to them on Christmas Eve. Thinking back to these events, it’s a reminder that it just feels good to give. Not for the tax deduction. Not because someone expects it.

But because you chose to share your blessings with someone else. So this year, if you’re looking for charitable inspiration, you’ll love our “Good for Goodness Sake” article filled with ideas on giving back (p. 54).

Giving from the heart means sharing more than just money or things. Your time, passion, talent, and spirit can be even more valuable than sharing the contents of your wallet.

And when you get that warm, satisfied feeling in your heart, enjoy every moment of it.

Happy Holidays!

-Amity 7

EcoFab

Who says sustainable gift wrap has to be bland? Our editors share their favorite tools for standout gifts -- without creating needless waste.

Seed Paper Gift Tags

Even your gift tags can give back!

Made from recycled materials and wildflower seeds, these tags will bring beauty to your home long after the holiday snow has melted.

4.95

Acorn Ornaments

Made of felted wood roving and real acorn tops, these ornaments are an elegant touch of nature.

18.00/set of 5

Washi Tape

Wrapping a gift in newspaper or plain craft paper? Made from renewable sources like bamboo, decorative Washi tape adds a pop of festive color!

3.20

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Beeswax Tapers

Give as a fun and elegant hostess gift. Or spruce up any furoshiki style wrap by tucking one of these inside the bow.

38/dozen

Recycled Canvas Bucket

From Chewing the Cud, these versatile buckets are perfect for creating a gift within a gift... or for stylish holiday storage.

12.00

Reusable Gift Bags

Of the many fabric bags we’ve tested, these gorgeous prints from Living Ethos are best at truly keeping your gift a surprise (even the light prints!)

8.00 9

Sleep Peacefully 10

|by Alia Einstein-Diez

Herbal Vapor Rub Recipe If you’ve ever watched your baby struggle to sleep with a cough or cold, the deepest feeling of helplessness. If only you could give him something to help him breathe or stop her cough.

you know

Fortunately, there’s an indispensable baby remedy that can help: .

a vapor rub

Most commercial chest rubs are made with petrolatum (aka: petroleum jelly), a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Additionally, these salves often contain synthetic fragrances, with any number of toxic ingredients known to cause allergies, dermatitis, or reproductive issues.

What’s a mom or dad to do?

Make your own vapor rub using organic vegetable oil and all-natural essential oils!

When making home remedies, it is extremely important to know which essential oils are safe for infants. Many essential oils can burn a baby’s sensitive skin or are toxic to their tiny bodies. The child-safe oils in this recipe are also effective for fighting infection and releasing mucous. Be sure to read labels before purchasing. Eucalyptus Radiata, for example, should not be confused with Eucalyptus Globulous, which should not be used on small children.

Herbal Vapor Rub Recipe Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (2 oz.) organic vegetable oil (olive, almond, apricot kernel, or coconut oil) • 1 tbsp. (1/2 oz.) beeswax • 20 drops Ravensara Essential Oil • 20 drops Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil • 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil Instructions:

1. Grate the beeswax with a wide-hole cheese grater.

2. Place grated beeswax into a double boiler to melt (or you can simply put the wax into a measuring cup and the cup into boiling water to melt it).

3. Add the vegetable oil and stir.

4. Let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils or they will evaporate.

5. Pour into tins or jars.

The more beeswax, the thicker the salve. Test the consistency by placing a teaspoon of the liquid mixture in the freezer for a minute. Take it out and see how it feels. If it’s too hard, add more oil; if too soft, add more beeswax.

Once the salve is cooled and solid, rub it on your child’s chest, back and throat. If stored in a cool, dark place, it should last for months or even years.

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Nutritional Nuggets Expert Louise Goldberg answers your questions!

I want to offer my daughter whatever food we are eating and just blend it in the baby food grinder at the table, but I’m worried that the spices aren’t good for her. Is it okay to season our food or are we destined for bland meals over the next year?

After your daughter has tried a food without an allergic reaction, it is okay to gradually add spices, as well. Seasonings are a great way to introduce her to different cultures, but avoid spicier foods until she is able to communicate in some way whether it bothers her or not. Sodium can also be a concern when feeding an infant from the family’s foods. To prevent her from consuming too much sodium, you can limit or avoid salting the dishes until after you’ve pureed her portion.

I am not a cook. Just the thought of getting in the kitchen sends me into a cold sweat. But I love the idea of my family getting homecooked meals...or a delivery guy, so I’m willing to try. Where is a good starting point and what is the most important thing I learn how to make?

You aren’t alone! However, sometimes the fear of the unknown is more terrifying than actually doing it. I recommend starting out with 12

straightforward tasks like scrambling eggs, boiling pasta or roasting veggies. There are several websites that have brief “how-to” videos for cooking, e.g. Epicurious, Chow and YouTube. If your children are old enough, include them in this challenge! Have them help by picking one new dish a week, shopping for the ingredients and helping to prepare it. It’s good for them to see you conquer this fear out of your desire to provide healthy nourishing foods. Once you’ve mastered a couple basics you may find you’ve discovered a new passion!

My son is obsessed with granola bars. He’s been underweight and I’ve let him eat whatever he wants just so we could get the calories in him but is there any harm to this?

It is normal for children to go on “food jags” where they want only one or two foods for a short period of time. During this phase, look for quality granola bars (that include some fiber and protein but less than 10 grams of sugar) so his limited food selection is still providing good nutrition. When a child is underweight, parents feel additional pressure to offer the child only the food he will eat and in an unlimited quantity, but it is best to continue to offer a variety of foods so they are available when he decides he is ready to include more.

My baby is exclusively breastfed and the pediatrician told me to start giving her Vitamin D drops. Is this necessary or is there something I can include in my diet to boost Vitamin D in my milk?

Vitamin D is important because it helps with the absorption of Calcium, which is critical for your baby’s bone development. It is activated by sunlight on the skin for approximately 15 minutes several times a week; however, due to the risk of sunburn it is not recommended babies be exposed to the sun for this amount of time. Breastmilk is very low in Vitamin D, but is well absorbed and should be adequate for baby if mom’s body has adequate levels. If mom has darker skin or very little skin exposure to sunlight, a supplement is needed for baby. If you don’t meet the “at risk” criteria for Vitamin D deficiency, discuss with your child’s doctor whether the supplement is still necessary and make a plan for monitoring to prevent compromising your child’s bone health.

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How to Encourage Your Child’s

Autonomy |by Kelly Bartlett

Certified Positive Discipline Educator

“I can’t do that.” My son’s 5-year-old friend was over for lunch and was staring at the ketchup bottle on the table in front of him. He had just asked for some ketchup, and I had passed the bottle to him.

of responsive parenting, was I inadvertently enabling my children to be unable to complete basic skills on their own? Was I assuming immaturity or incompetency when neither was true?

I clarified, “You can’t squirt your own ketchup?”

As parents, we responsive parenting, take care of our was I inadvertently kids, hour after hour, day after enabling my children day, year after to be unable to year. It becomes complete basic skills easy to develop habits of doing on their own?” things for them that they are eventually able to do themselves.

When we’ve been in the habit of doing them for so long—such as squirting their ketchup— we may not recognize the point at which children are capable of taking over these tasks for themselves.

“No, I don’t know how.”

I quickly recovered from a moment of genuine surprise and said, “Well, you start by flipping open the cap…Great, now turn the bottle over and squeeze some on your plate.”

After some initial hesitation and uncertainty about the outcome of this action, our little friend got the ketchup he needed and went home with a new skill that day. It turns out he had always had his condiments squirted for him and hadn’t the confidence to do it himself when presented with the opportunity.

It made me wonder what kinds of services I might be doing for my kids that they are capable of doing for themselves. In the name

“In the name of

The age of autonomy emerges around age 1-2 years old, about the time when a child begins to say things like, “Me do it!” or yells and pushes your hand away when you try to help with her work. Autonomy is a natural part of the

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How to Encourage Your Child’s

Autonomy

developmental process. It is internally driven— a basic human need. Your job as a parent is to recognize it in your children and encourage its maturity by giving kids plenty of chances to exercise it.

It becomes worthwhile to periodically step back and make a conscious effort to ensure kids are as autonomous and capable as possible—to teach them new skills and establish new expectations. In short, try not to do things for children that they can do for themselves.

Completing their own tasks and skills helps to instill in kids a necessary sense of confidence and pride. Kids are quite capable, and with each new skill acquired they feel it.

omy, process is more important than product.

That is, when you give your kids the opportunity to learn new skills, expect and embrace the mistakes that will occur. Though sometimes in opposition to efficiency, cleanliness, or speed, mistakes are a necessary step in a child’s learning process. Mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn. The inconvenience of a mistake is worth more to your child’s development of autonomy than the order maintained in doing a task yourself.

“Celebrate your child’s effort and share your appreciation for their accomplishment with words of encouragement.”

Ask for Help

When your child is old enough, make a point to ask for their help with household tasks.

Toddlers and young children love to do “real” work with mom and dad, and this is a healthy habit to get into. There are many tasks around the house that kids can help you do, and in the process will learn a wide variety of skills.

Here are some great things kids can start doing on their own from an early age: • • • • • • • • • •

Scooping the pet’s food Putting on their own coat Dusting Serving food to others at dinnertime Fastening their own seatbelt Watering plants Clearing and scraping their plate Sorting laundry Wiping counters and tables Shelving books

Don’t Expect Perfection 16

When it comes to the development of auton-

Celebrate your child’s effort and share your appreciation for their accomplishment with words of encouragement. Thank you! Wow, look at what you can do by yourself! I really appreciate your help! Remember, while it’s important for children to learn new skills, it’s not important how well they “perform” during the early learning process.

Here are some skills to try incorporating into your child’s routine (without worrying about perfection): • • • • •

Cutting their own food Choosing their own clothes Getting dressed without help Pouring their own cereal Wiping their hands and face after mealtimes • Helping put away groceries • Helping wash and prep food

How to Encourage Your Child’s

• • • •

Making a bed Pulling weeds Mixing batter Washing windows

Trust

Above all, remember to trust your child.

Trust that she is capable. Trust that she can do things that are difficult. Trust that if she can’t do it, she can figure it out. Trust that she’ll ask for help when she needs it. Trust that she can solve problems and recover from mistakes. A parent’s trust in a child is crucial for the development of confidence and competence.

A few other tasks with which children can be trusted: • • • • • • • •

Autonomy

Pouring their own drink Transferring food from kitchen to table Putting on their own shoes Washing their own hair and body Preparing their own sandwich Packing their own carry-on for trips Unloading utensils from dishwasher Setting the table

As you look for those opportunities in your daily routine in which your child might be able to take over more responsibility, just keep in mind her age and development.

There are always ways to involve young kids in learning new skills at home. At every age, children are capable, they are autonomous, and they are open to learning. Find the opportunities that work best for your child to strengthen those attributes each day.

R

Join us online www.ageofmontessori.org for FREE informational resources for parents!

FREE webinar

replay

“Montessori

in the Home”

Your gift this season can help educate a child.

96 Matching Vocabulary Cards $18.95 click here

(406) 284-2160

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Merry Memories

how to get great photos of your kids

|by Jo Clark

BluElla Photography & Clickin Moms Member

When photographing your children this holiday season, remember that documenting their experiences is supposed to be fun for all involved. Whether you’re shooting with a phone camera, point-and-shoot, or DSLR, these tips and tricks will make it less stressful and more filled with the happy memories you want to relive for years to come.

Capture them as they are.

We dream of these perfect images of our children dressed to the nines, sitting perfectly still for the camera with giant, genuine smiles. But that’s not real life! Let go of perfection and work on taking more meaningful images, even if it means your child is wearing an ensemble only he could put together. Memory capturing should be about preserving the moment as it is happening and recording all the little quirks and adorable idiosyncrasies of your kids at the current stages of their lives.

Shoot natural moments.

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When your children are engaged in natural play or exploration, capturing meaningful memories becomes second nature. Your children are much more likely to exhibit real smiles and emotions when they’re enjoying the moment. It can be challenging to rewire

your brain to avoid the traditional “smile for the camera.” But for telling the story, they don’t need to be looking at you. Try to capture them without direction while they are in the moment, engrossed in a scene or activity.

Relax, but engage them.

Kids pick up on adult stress. So don’t approach it with the expectation of getting the perfect picture today. Not having stringent expectations and just shooting when the moment feels right can relieve a lot of stress from you and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved. So what if you don’t get amazing images today? There’s always tomorrow! While you are in that relaxed mindset, make sure you keep up engaging interaction with your kids. The more engaging you are, the more engaged they will be, thus providing you with many clickable moments that will capture the true essence of who they are when they’re with you.

Choose your moments.

It’s easy to let the camera take over when you set out to photograph your children. It’s wise to have it on and ready, but make sure you don’t let it monopolize the time you are sharing together. You don’t need 45 pictures

Photography by BluElla Photography

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your subject can end up underexposed.

This is where you would want to take manual control of your device to get the brightness on their faces or bodies and not worry about losing detail in the window light.

Include the whole scene & details.

of them hanging an ornament on the tree.

Shoot a few and move on, immediately returning to the activity you are engaged in with them. If you put the moments first and the image taking second, your child or children won’t be frustrated with the constant pressure to perform or break from their enjoyment. You can easily capture wonderful memories of them while remaining in the moment if you pick and choose the most important seconds.

Look for good light.

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It may help to walk 360 degrees around your child to see where the light is falling.

You may be surprised how this can create different compositions. Window light is extremely versatile and can provide many different looks depending on its orientation (side, front, or back). Be careful, however, when shooting with a window to your child’s back. Cell phones and pointand-shoots have difficulty exposing and

Capturing your children, especially during the holidays, is very much about their surroundings and the little details. Try to capture some “whole scene” shots where you can clearly see where they are and what they are doing. Don’t be afraid to take images like this with them as tiny components of the frame. This way you will be telling the story of the experience by setting the stage. Make sure you get the little

Merry Memories

how to get great photos of your kids

details of what they are doing by composing and focusing on just their hands or a single object they are manipulating. Children find magic and joy in so many of the things we don’t notice or we take for granted so be sure to make this a part of the memory making with your family.

Get in the picture.

Don’t forget that you are a pivotal part of your family!

Make sure you capture images of you with your child or children, even if it’s the handheld “selfie”. Years down the road when they want to relive these precious memories, they will want to see that you were there, too.

Print your images.

The experts say 90% of all digital images taken are never printed. Give to your children what you had as a child...the chance to flip through albums and see memories of themselves and their family in print.

Whether it’s an album, fridge magnets, or individual prints, get them off your phone or computer and print them. You’ll be so glad you did!

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Greening

Your Holiday Gatherings

|by Jen Eyers-McLaughlin 22

‘Tis the season to gather with the ones we love to celebrate good food, laughs and gift exchanges. Despite what the toy catalogs tell you, the best holiday doesn’t have to be over-the-top. Your gatherings, big or small, can return to simplicity when you focus on what really matters.

Deck the Halls Naturally Let nature inspire your decorating.

Ferns, pinecones, pine branches and evergreens are great alternatives to plastic decorations. My standard holiday centerpiece is a glass bowl with a candle surrounded by pinecones. Add color with whole cranberries floating in a glass vase that is filled with evergreens. Skip the toxic petroleum-based scented candles and opt for evergreens combined with simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, orange peels and cloves.

Less is More If waste-free isn’t completely doable, you can still be “waste mindful”. While the average American throws away 25% more during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years, you can easily ensure your family isn’t part of this statistic through planning and creativity. Skip the disposable plates and plastic cutlery and instead use real dishes and silverware. Don’t have enough pieces? Borrow from a friend or stock up for cheap at a thrift store or IKEA. Once you have a stock of party

plates and cutlery, you can use them for any gathering that you have… or even lend them out to friends and family for their parties.

Don’t buy “landfill” toys that break after 30 minutes of play. Look for gifts that are free of bulky plastic packaging that can’t be recycled. You probably won’t find gifts like this in your local chain toy store. Check out Etsy, your local market, or craft fairs. And when it comes time to wrap these gifts, think outside the roll and make your own paper. Blankets, towels, craft paper and packing paper all make great alternatives to traditional wrapping paper. We draw ridiculously inaccurate holiday images on the paper and then wrap our handpicked gifts with it. It may not meet Martha Stewart’s standards, but it is re-purposed, recyclable and a whole lot of fun.

Meaningful Memories Start a new tradition by shifting the focus away from things, and more toward experiences. Make your holidays about adventure, love, fun and memories.

Custom dinners with farmers, baking classes, museum passes, winery tours and art classes are all on my list of experiences to look into for our friends and family. You can introduce this concept into any portion of your gift giving; including buying hostess gifts for any holiday parties that you may attend.

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Give Toys With

Love

not toxins |by Dana Govern As holiday lights begin lining neighborhood streets, new toys fill the shelves of stores everywhere, leaving parents with hundreds of choices on what to buy. Especially for those with younger children, who have the tendency to put everything in their mouths, deciding on items often involves much more than just visual appeal. Questions like “Does this toy contain small parts that could be swallowed?” and “Are there any sharp edges?” loom in parents’ minds. But along with common safety concerns, there are other potentially dangerous aspects of toys that often get overlooked: whether or not they contain toxic chemicals.

A 2013 study by Environmental Health News (EHN) found ‘chemicals of high concern’ in thousands of toys -- from plastic building blocks to dolls and baby accessories. The report shows children’s items from America’s largest companies contain low levels of dozens of harmful industrial chemicals including cobalt, ethylene glycol, bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, parabens, and mercury.

Some of the most prevalent chemicals used by 24

manufacturers came as a surprise, with cobalt being the most commonly reported. Cobalt is used in many blue dyes and other pigments and turned up in 1,228 products in 40 categories. Some health issues that may be caused by cobalt exposure include lung and other cancers, testicular atrophy, reduced fertility, and reduced organ function.

A 2013 study by Environmental Health News found ‘chemicals of high concern’ in thousands of toys -- from plastic building blocks to dolls and baby accessories.

Ethylene glycol, the second most widely found chemical, showed up in more than 1,000 products. Commonly used as antifreeze and to make polyester and plastic water bottles, the EHN analysis also found ethylene glycol in baby feeding bibs, dolls, soft toys, educational and developmental toys, fancy dress costumes, and games. Health effects due to exposure of ethylene glycol may include developmental problems in humans (if oral exposures are high

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give Love not toxins enough), airway irritation from breathing it for prolonged periods, and kidney damage.

Interestingly enough, the report did not analyze the toxic chemical, lead, since most lead began being phased out of toys in 2009; however, older toys may still contain high levels of the chemical. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), and children’s health groups have found high levels of lead paint on older toys as well as in older vinyl lunch boxes, bibs, and children’s costume jewelry. However, another thing to remember is that lead not only accumulates in the body over a lifetime, causing potential health problems down the road, but it also can be toxic even in small doses.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, lead can impair cognitive and physical development even at low levels, especially for children whose young brains are growing quickly. And since lead is a neurotoxin, it can permanently damage not only a child’s brain but their hearing and kidneys, as well.

While it may feel overwhelming, safer toys are available. Here’s how to find them: • Check the material used to make the toys.

Toy brands should clearly state that their products are made with materials safe for children to breathe in, touch their skin, and put in their mouths. Natural woods, non toxic paints and dyes, and organic cotton are all materials used to make many safer toy alternatives.

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• Shop from trusted retailers. Finding safer options can be confusing and time consuming at the big box stores.

Fortunately, there are retailers out there,

like Wild Mint, that do the research for you.

These shops only offer toys they’ve found to be safer for children and make the selection process much easier.

• Test for lead levels at home. You can buy a lead test kit at a local hardware store for about $10. With this invaluable tool, you can easily test children’s toys or other products to determine if they contain lead (remember even low levels can be harmful).

• Check for toy recalls. You can check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for anything that has been deemed hazardous to children. This can help you with your purchasing decisions and in determining if anything you already own is not safe.

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Green Child Magazine’s 3rd Annual

Holiday Gift Guide 29

gifts for the

Children in our lives

FanFan the Fawn

This adorable fawn is brought to you by the same people who make Sophie le Giraffe! $25 from Vulli

Newborn Fluff

The all-new newborn all-in-one cloth diaper! $15 from GroVia

Gentle Soaps Gentle care gift set. $27 from Little Twig

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Who?!

Who blankie, book & rattle gift crate. $40 from Apple Park

Stripey Pajamas

Classic stripe organic footie pajamas. $30 from New Jammies

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gifts for the

Children in our lives

Bodymagnet

Help your little one learn about her body with this fun and educational game. $30 from Janod

Ka-Ching!

This well crafted cash register is made in the US from locally sourced materials! $60 from Pure Play Toys

Ferry Boat

This adorable bath toy is a fun new addition to the Green Toys line. $24.99 from Green Toys 32

Natural Play Makeup This fun kit is all about dressing up, creating characters, playing, having heaps of fun and doing it safely. $27 from Pure Poppet

Peg Doll Kit

Fun DIY & Fair Trade craft kit. $28 from Goose Grease

Fashionista Dolls

These dolls come with DIY clothing kits that provide hours of creative fun and a sense of pride in a job well done. $99 from Marie Kruse 33

gifts for the

Big Kids in our lives

Art Journaling Kit

Keep artwork neatly confined with an art journal (that’s sure to become a keepsake!). $13 from Artterro

Headphones

Made with earth-friendly materials. $45 from House of Marley

Mind Puzzles Set of five. $20 from Uncommon Goods

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Kindle eReader

While electronics aren’t typically considered “green” the environmental impact of an eReader equals that of approximately 23 books, making them a great choice for avid readers! Starting at $69 from Amazon

Glass Water Bottle

Help keep them hydrated in style. $23 from Lifefactory

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gifts for the

Women in our lives

Horseshoe Necklace

Add a little luck made with responsibly harvested wood. $58 from Tinsel & Timber

Natural Perfume

TOGETHER brings a harmonious contrast between classic and modern and is incredibly all natural. Each bottle gives 10% back to the Cancer Support Community Society. $95 from Pour le Monde

Eye Pillow

Help her relax in aromatic comfort with this organic lavender and flax linen eye pillow. $28 from Winter Solstice Dreams

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Shower Bomb

The tricked out little sister of the bath bomb. Drop in the bottom of the shower near your feet and let the stress melt away. $8 from Level Naturals

Family Photography Session Want a gift that will truly “Wow�her?

Gift her a home-style family portrait session with a local photographer. These sessions vary in price, but are sure to be a gift she (and you) will always remember.

Barnwood Frame

Rustic, beautiful and made from reclaimed barn wood. $13 at Rustic Decor

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gifts for the

Men in our lives

The Porthole

Perfect for infusing spirits, oils, water and more. $99 from Crucial Detail

Seed of the Month Club

Gardening is therapy that gives back. Help inspire him with an organic seed of the month club! $49.94 from Cubit’s Organic

Solar Light & Device Charger

This little solar-powered devide provides hours of bright, safe light and can fully charge a smartphone in under two hours! $79 from Waka Waka

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Stainless-Steel Grill Set Professional-grade stainless-steel construction. $35 from Metro

Reel Mower

While not a traditional gift, this reel mower is a great idea for the eco-minded guy with a small lawn to think of. $90 from Great States

Wooden Collar Stays

Help him dress in eco-style. $22 from SIR. by Edward Charles & Co.

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thoughtful

Trinkets & Stuffers PITS!

Naturally deodorant $8 from THinc. Skin

Dark Black Truffles $8 from Alter Eco

Body Balm

$12 from Kevin’s Closet

Green Child for iPad

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Give the gift of your favorite parenting magazine. $10 for a year of in-hand viewing on the iPad!

Veggie Crayons

Don’t worry about petroleum or other toxic additives in these crayons... They are made with organic ingredients! $12 from Wee Can Too

Who Owl Teether $18 from Apple Park

Tooth Fairy Mouse

This charming mouse keeps your child’s tooth safe and sound while waiting for the Tooth Fairy. $20 from Moulin Roty

Starfish Teether $16 from Teething Bling

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gifts for our

Furry Friends

BarkBox

Full of healthy options for your pup, these subscription boxes are available for dogs big or small. $19/mo from BarkBox

Fleece Pullover

Help your pup stay warm this winter with a fleece pullover made from recycled materials! Starting at $34 from Gold Paw Series

Reusable Puddle Pad

Meant for cloth diapering, these changing pads double as adorable, reusable puddle pads. $21 from Charlie Banana 42

PURE Taste Treats

Grain-free treats with the taste of fresh salmon. $4 from CANIDAE

Grass Garden Kit

Grow a gift with this grass kit for cats. $10 from Rocket Cats

Cat Scratcher & Lounge Sleek and neutral design made of ecofriendly, recycled corrugated cardboard. $50 from PetFusion

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gifts for children with

Super Powers Numbers

Learn to count from 1 to 10 in American Sign Language or Braille. $20/set from Plan Toys

Carousel Bells

Music and learning go hand-in-hand, and a portion of every purchase supports Free the Children. $25 from Battat

Melody Mix

Encourage creativity and help improve motor skills with this musical best seller. $105 from I’M Toys 44

Dress Up Pirate

This plush pirate teaches dressing skills with a button, snap, zipper, shoe tie and more... Savvy? $25 from Manhattan Toys

Eggspressions

Help your child learn to identify and express their feelings in a fun, and funny, way. $25 from Hape

Geared Robot Shape Sorter Tuning fine motor skills has never been so much fun! $25 from P’kolino

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|by Anne Michelsen 46

How are you looking forward to the holidays? With eager anticipation? Or are you already feeling the temptation to indulge in foods and traditions that no longer match your lifestyle?

Seasonal festivities are meant to be fun, but we all know they can also be the source of stress. One strategy that may help ease the pressure for your family is to take a flexitarian approach to the holidays.

What’s a Flexitarian?

Reduce Holiday Stress

the Flexitarian Way

The word “flexitarian” was coined to describe people who are mostly vegetarian, but who make the occasional exception and eat meat or fish once in a while. For example, eating turkey once a year on Thanksgiving, or ordering a meat dish rather than going hungry if there is nothing vegetarian on the menu.

and ice cream so they don’t feel like freaks at birthday parties, you’re already going flexi. Another example would be letting your perfectly healthy child stay home from school for a day to spend time with a visiting grandparent.

Now, if you are a strict vegetarian, or a strict anything, for that matter, you may be thinking, “No way!” But this isn’t about sacrificing your most sacred beliefs for the sake of convenience.

(There are definitely situations where you won’t want to go flexi, as we’ll see in a moment.)

Instead, think about it as a mindset you can apply to your life wherever and whenever it is appropriate for you and your family. It’s a kind of consciously relaxed, not-quite-perfectionism that makes room for real life while still setting higher standards.

The flexitarian approach has obvious benefits, especially during the holidays. Perhaps the most common reason to bend the rules is to ease the pressure of social interactions. You might find it worth breaking your no-sugar rule and accepting a small piece of Aunt Martha’s famous Triple Chocolate Fudge Disaster in order to avoid her obvious disappointment that you don’t appreciate her contribution to the festivities. Or you might feel more comfortable just eating whatever is served in order not to feel like you’re a burden to your host.

Flexitarianism isn’t limited to those interested in limiting their meat consumption. You can apply a flexitarian approach to other dietary restrictions as well, or indeed to just about any discipline. If you avoid sugar in your family, but allow your kids the occasional taste of cake

The flexitarian mindset allows you to make these decisions consciously ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the occasion, rather than feeling pressured into breaking your rules and beating up on yourself afterwards for caving.

Why Go Flexitarian?

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the Flexitarian Way Flexitarianism can also help you ease into a healthier or more positive habit with a minimum of stress and/or resistance from your family. For instance, if you are working on reducing your kids’ video game exposure, and suddenly find yourself at a gathering where all the kids are plugged in, consider declaring the night a video free for all. That way you’ll be removing the temptation for them to sneak behind your back, and allowing yourself to relax and enjoy the party without having to play the role of video police for the evening. Allowing occasional indulgences can help avoid the tendency to develop resistance to a new habit, and teach kids the value of self-regulation.

When NOT to Take a Flexitarian Approach There are three situations when flexitarianism is not the answer: 1. When you have deeply held moral or religious beliefs. (For example, if you are orthodox Jewish you obviously can’t be flexitarian about eating Kosher.)

2. When breaking a particular rule will have dire and serious consequences – either immediate or delayed. Allergies are an example.

If your child is celiac, there’s no wiggle room on gluten consumption. What can be a little trickier is when the consequences aren’t immediate. Take the video game example again. Perhaps your child is easily overstimulated, and likely to be a complete basket case the day following excessive gaming. In this case you’re probably better off sticking to the usual rules.

3. When you know that you are unable to practice moderation. Many recovering alcoholics rightly refuse even one sip of anything alcoholic, because they know that the tiniest taste will send them all the way back to the bottom of that slippery slope. Even if you are 48

not an alcoholic, you may be aware of some areas where you just can’t seem to control yourself. For instance, can you eat just one piece of a large bar of chocolate? Or once you take a nibble, are you virtually guaranteed to find yourself gobbling down the rest? Do you know from experience that once you’ve splurged on purchasing one over-budget gift, you feel compelled to match the extravagance for everyone in your extended family?

If so, you are probably better off not allowing exceptions to your rules governing that particular area.

Even if you can’t or don’t want to bend the rules in one area of your life, you can still take a more flexible attitude by making concessions in other areas that don’t compromise your values. The key is to relax your expectations consciously, temporarily, and only if doing so results in a higher quality of experience.

Relax With a Flexi-Holiday So the next time you find yourself standing in the middle of your kitchen hyperventilating and wondering how you’re going to survive this or that aspect of the holiday, relax. Take a deep breath, and assess where you can give yourself a break. You may not be willing to compromise on certain things, but you’re almost certain to find some way to make your life easier. Will your children really suffer if you don’t make no-refinedsugar candy alternatives to bring to the family gathering? Or if they will, in what other areas can you allow yourself a break? Maybe you can skip mopping the floor, or suggest an easier solution (like exchanging floral centerpieces) to the frenzied annual shop-till-you-drop gift-giving scene.

Regardless of how you try it, the flexi approach can help you relax and actually enjoy the holidays – which may be the best gift you could ever give yourself and your family.

Christmas Check list:

Trim the Tree Bake Cookies Wrap Gifts Put on my Favorite Christmas Jammies

20% off order Code: GC529 Exp. Nov 25th

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That’s the Spirit

We asked some of our favorite eco-conscious mamas (and grandmas) to share their favorite holiday traditions with you!

Amy Appleton

AppleCheeks Cloth Diapers “My favorite holiday traditions include sledding with the kids (we are in Canada after all), going to church as a family and celebrating Hanukkah with Ilana’s family. While my husband and I are devout Christians, we love celebrating this wondrous Jewish tradition.

Last year, as I was talking to my 8 year old about the miracle of Hanukkah, he said to me, “But are we even Jewish?!” My answer, “We are a bit in our hearts.”

Peggy O’Mara peggyomara.com

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“Every year when my kids were growing up, we would make five unbreakable ornaments. This solved the problem of the fragile glass ornaments when the kids were small and added to our trove of ornaments every year. We made painted wood ornaments, “quilted” cloth ornaments we drew on and then stuffed with batting before sewing together, felt ornaments cut into holiday shapes, and simple baked clay ornaments. Paper clips make great ornament hangers.”

Kim Rosas Dirty Diaper Laundry

“On Christmas Eve, after baking cookies, we pull up the NORAD Radar to track Santa’s progress. The kids love seeing his progress and we love scooting them to bed in order to start laying out the stockings and gifts!”

Lori Popkewitz Alper Groovy Green Livin’

“We celebrate Hannukah by lighting candles each night and eating too many potato latkes. We spend a lot of time talking about all the different holidays celebrated this time of year. It’s interesting listening to all the questions my three boys have about other religions. Christmas is one of our favorite days because we do absolutely nothing together.”

Anna Hackman Green Talk

“Lighting the candles and eating latkes for Hanukkah. Since we don’t celebrate Christmas, we love to go out Christmas Eve and look at all the bags and candles lined up. It is one of the most beautiful nights.”

Carissa Bonham Creative Green Living

“We make an advent calendar where we wrap books in numbered packages and put them under a separate tree in our home. I love unwrapping a book each day with my son and reading it together.”

Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff Mommy Greenest

“The annual Posole Caroling Party!

(Or PCP as we like to call it.) I make a big pot of New Mexican posole (it’s easy, I can give you the recipe) and everyone brings something to contribute--desserts, drinks, appetizers, salads, etc. All the kids get together and trash the house, and then we walk the block, stopping anywhere that has a light on. We sing random non-denominational carols, skipping parts that get too heavy.

Every year, someone on a doorstep cries as we stand before them. Maybe it’s because we’re out of tune, but I prefer to think it’s because we feel the magic of the holidays--it doesn’t come in a box--and they feel it, too.”

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www.attachmentparenting.org

guided relaxation

“Beach Relaxation”

with Mellisa Dormoy of Shambala Kids

Our minds are so creative and powerful that we can transport ourselves to any place we desire, just by imagining it in our minds. As the weather turns colder outside, we can still bring warmth within through our guided imagery meditation this month. We’re going on an unforgettable adventure to the ocean. We’ll enjoy all the scenery and calm the beach has to offer!

and exhaling slowly and calmly. Paying attention now, you slow down your breathing even further and allow your muscles to relax. Feel the warmth of the sun melting your muscles into complete relaxation. Slowly and easily your body relaxes more and more …. releasing tension or frustration, releasing any worries or doubts you have. Inhaling deeply again breathe in calm and peacefulness.

Close your eyes and bring yourself to a calm, quiet place in your mind. Just stay here and relax for a few moments. Breathe deeply and comfortably and notice how amazing the sound of your breath is. Just listen as the air moves in and out.... in.... and out. It is a quiet and beautiful sound.

Your body is now relaxed; your mind is relaxed now too. You can empty your mind of all worries or thoughts that have been bothering you. Just enjoy this moment you have now.

Right now, only this matters, just relaxing and enjoying this moment. Breathe in deeply and allow the relaxation to flow to any part of your body that needs it. Imagine the beautiful golden warm sun penetrating each and every cell and muscle, making you feel so wonderful and alive! I’m sure you can feel the peace that surrounds you now, letting you know that everything is all right. Take in a nice, deep breath again and bring your attention back to where you are..... along with all the calm, peaceful feelings of relaxation and rest. I know you are feeling energized and peaceful now, ready for a wonderful night’s sleep.

( pause )

Now imagine transporting yourself magically to your favorite spot on a beach. If you have never been to a beach, just imagine what you think it would be like. Imagine yourself there now. On the beach you feel the lapping of the warm waves against your toes. You dig your toes deeply into the cool wet sand. The sun shines brightly and gently warms your skin.

It’s as if the sun is reaching down and pouring its love on you.... so warm and so nice.

Feel the rhythm of the calm waves flow over the sand – it relaxes you. Notice how your breathing becomes calm and even. Inhaling

This a perfect time to discuss what your child felt during the relaxation, or any worries or stress that came up. Know that your child is in a highly susceptible state right now, so saying positive, loving things is the key to setting up your child’s subconscious mind for success!

For more meditations and guided relaxation audios, visit Shambala Kids online.

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Good For Goodness’ Sake Fill Your Holiday with the Joy of Giving |by Megan McCoy Dellecese

The holiday season brings cozy joy. Chilly drifting snow begs for creamy hot chocolate and cuddle breaks over black and white movies.

Your heart fills to the brim when finding gift after gift to perfectly display your love toward your lucky recipients.

Thoughts of a gentle, jolly fellow who rewards lovely children (okay, okay, almost all children) with fun toys and gadgets provides an annual tradition you hope will linger. Stuffing bellies with good, homemade foods and sweets, all while relaxing your guilty mind, knowing that everyone will be gaining a little weight, too. It’s a good time to be alive.

We all celebrate the holidays with a particular reason in mind, be it our religious convocation, an excuse to show appreciation for friends and loved ones, or just to get in touch with the goodwill of the season. Being one of the rare times of the year when it becomes easier to work quite hard, all of the joy as a known outcome, it’s also a time that our thoughts lead from the sweetness to the bitterness of life.

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We have so much, yet so many are unable to give their families the basic necessities. There are children starving or lacking potable water in all corners of the world. Abused animals are facing overcrowded, deplorable living situations. The list goes on and on.

The empowering part is - you can help! There are ways, big and small, to interweave the joys of the holiday with the humble glow of humanitarian help, all while touching the part of your child’s brain and heart and imparting the true meaning underlying the “stuff ” of the season.

Some of these ideas have been “recycled” like a fake Christmas tree and some are fresh like a Balsam, but even if you pick just one to implement, your holidays will surely hold a little new meaning.

Get Local Every community has opportunities to give, be it by giving directly to families in need, or through a local shelter (homeless, abused women and children, or animal), trustworthy humanitarian organization, or church. If you’re not sure where to start, keep your eyes peeled for a community bulletin board at the post office while sending Christmas packages, while stocking up at the grocery store, or at your municipal building. If you can’t find anything, contact your police or fire station, or reach out to pastors to find out what efforts they’re making in the community and how you can help.

If you find that efforts are lacking, put the ball in motion. Ask your children what they think would be helpful for your community and

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Good For Goodness’ Sake

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work out their ideas as a family. Getting their hands dirty is the first way to plant the seeds of compassion and empathy.

Driving Force People love drives! They’re easy for folks to drop off their goods (or money into a bucket) and go about their busy days. Find or start a food drive, coat drive, toy drive, “red bucket campaign”, or come up with a creative, new idea (kids are great at this, often far better than adults). Have a local school or transportation company provide an unused bus on a random Saturday and sponsor a “Stuff the Bus” event. Track down some local personalities to get involved, be they from the local news and radio stations, a local politician, or well-known business person. Attaching their names to the event can only provide them with good PR, and help get the word out about your event. Be sure to utilize social media and create your own hashtag to promote whatever event you choose, and have your kids make handmade posters to hang around town.

Make It Personal Find a “Giving Tree” and select a person or family to purchase or donate items for at church or school (giving trees are rampant and if you can’t find one, help your child organize one). As an educator, I pick several children from our school’s tree every year but never find out who the kids are. It’s hard not to wonder, but the thought of making a personal connection even anonymously creates a special sort of warm, fuzzy buzz that epitomizes the season.

On an even more personal note, I recall an episode of the television show “7th Heaven” 56

from way back when (I’m dating myself) in which the kids get gifts for each other but don’t BUY anything. They can make something, do a kindness, or come up with another creative way to meet the challenge. Genius! Difficult, but genius! You may be inspired by seeing just how creative your child can be, and how thoughtful the resulting gifts are.

Small Strides Make Big Impacts Go through a list of local shelters (or “think big” and look at worldwide organizations that give to causes such as education for girls, providing healthy meals and drinking water, or teaching skills to villages to promote sustainability) with your kids and discuss what each one does. Decide which one(s) your family would like to “adopt.” Then contact your shelter or organization to find out what their needs are. You’ll find that, while many places are in need of food, many are desperate for toiletries and linens, or toys for children or animals.

What’s greener than finding a new purpose (and I do mean purpose) for unneeded goods?

Clean blankets, sheets, and towels can find new homes at battered women’s shelters or humane societies, gently used toys that your children no longer want can be passed along to children who have little to nothing, and treats and toys that your pets never took to will be a welcome distraction for animals awaiting their forever homes. And a side perk? Cleaning out and simplifying your own storage, although the main focus is about giving to others.

Show Me the Green As your children get older and have a better understanding of the bigger picture, discuss

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whether they’d like to receive less “stuff ” (not zero gifts, unless they really choose it). If they’re truly interested, suggest that they ask relatives for a donation to a particular organization rather than a sweater that hardly gets worn or yet another DVD to add to the pile.

You can select a charity together or have each child pick their own, and send a sweet Christmas card (or e-card) to relatives with their intentions. What would be more heart-warming to receive in your inbox than the thoughtfulness of children?

If you’re having a family get-together, when folks are invited, request a donation (be it canned goods or monetary) in lieu of a hostess gift. Have your kids “play Santa” and collect these donations as guests arrive.

No Greater Gift Than Time Not only is the gift of time free, but it’s often the most appreciated by others. Especially in the midst of holiday craziness, it’s important

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to keep in touch with reality and take time for those in need. Try finding the time to work at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or church on or around the holidays if you have a couple of hours to spare. Even caroling with plates of homemade cookies to hand out will touch strangers’ hearts in a way we can’t even imagine.

Consider those in need beyond material things, like the lonely and broken-hearted, such as homes for the aged and veteran groups. Handin-hand with these ideas, consider making a family New Year resolution to start volunteering their time to give to others. This way, you’ll be able to carry the spirit of giving into the new year, and into your lives in a regular basis.

These ideas, along with any other wonderful ideas I’m sure you or your little ones can stir up, will help to make the joys of this holiday season all the more memorable for your family, but also for all the lives that you’re sure to touch.

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Here are some links to a few organizations to help you kickstart your holiday charity activities: • For animal lovers (and who isn’t?), consider choosing a donation option through the World Wildlife Fund Gift Center, or use The Shelter Pet Project Find-a-Shelter lookup to find a local shelter where your family can donate goods or time.

• Don’t forget the vets (whether they’re currently serving our country or served back in the day)! Choose from several ways to give back to our troops through Operation Shoebox. It’s a grassroots operation that works to send their signature “We Care” packages, “Wounded Warrior” bags, children’s items (to aid in humanitarian efforts by allowing troops to distribute these items in conflict areas) and much, much more. Donate money for shipping and goods or items.

• Planet-friendly charity options are rampant, so it’s relatively easy to find one that speaks to you and your child(ren).

• The World Land Trust works in a variety of ways to help save habitats (particularly rainforests) and species worldwide, even offering a chance to protect a particular animal or “purchase” an acre of land as a gift in someone’s name.

• The Environmental Defense Fund is another group making huge strides in the U.S. and all over the world, using science and economics to find the most useful and lasting solutions to the world’s greatest environmental problems.

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• And, of course, lest we not forget our country’s oldest conservation group, the John Muir-founded Sierra Club. This charity’s goals run the gamut from fighting unclean energy choices to connecting to inner-city kids and military families to provide outdoor adventures. Your teenage environmentalist might even consider getting involved with the Sierra Student Coalition, a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and discover that you’re never too young to impact the future of our world.

• Humanitarian charities are another great way to reach out and help individuals in need. It’s important to realize that by empowering women and girls, in particular, and providing practical resources for them to flourish, in turn they will impart their knowledge to future generations. It’s a beautiful cycle, in addition to pulling women out of dire situations. Such groups as Equality Now and CARE provide wonderful opportunities to do just that.

• In order to find and research a charity of your own, try Charity Navigator, which rates and classifies charities, and even provides reliable list of worthwhile (and even not so worthwhile) companies.

As with many acts of kindness in our current society, it’s imperative to stay vigilant and use your discretion that the organization you’re donating your monies or energy towards is a viable, transparent, honest-to-goodness, taxexempt charity.

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Magic

Sharing the

of the Holiday Season

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|by Katie Bugbee

In our family, there are many people who love to spoil my children. Seven grandparents, nine aunties, four generous godparents, an uncle, a nanny, Santa – and then there’s us, the parents.

While it’s great to be loved by so many adoring people, it means my kids get a lot of gifts around the holidays.

It’s too much.

As a parent, I struggle with how my kids handle it. Do they appreciate their new things? Is this spoiling them? Do they understand the meaning – and really, the magic – of this holiday?

Instilling compassion and appreciation for the beauty and peace the season brings is important to me. Even toddlers and preschoolers can understand this. In fact, it’s probably the best time to start. We might not stop the “gimmes” and the pleading tearful “I wants” entirely. But we’ll slow down. Look around. Hear the music.

Reflect on the beauty of snow. Spend quiet time as a family -- without technology. And maybe, at some point, they’ll understand more about why these holidays are so magical – without the toys.

Here are some ideas I’m planning to try this year:

make homemade gifts Get kids to create a list of their friends, teachers and helpers who they’d like to give a present.

Browse craft ideas on Pinterest or this list of our favorite 33 holiday crafts. Once done, wrap in decorated “homemade” newspaper and allow the kids to give each gift in person. Seeing the joy their craft can give another person can instill that feel-good giving-feeling.

go on a wintery walk Check out your neighborhood lights with a family stroll. Go right after the sun sets and the sky starts sparkling. Make it a scavenger hunt adventure so the kids have to find certain colors, shapes and symbols. Talk about the beauty of this season and why this time of year is so special. Then head inside for some hot chocolate and cozy story telling under the glow of your own holiday décor.

take care of strangers If your kids tend to get inundated with gifts, scale down your own shopping. Explain that Santa will surely take great care of the kids this year, but it’s our job to take care of others. Let them pick where their gifts will go: kids without a home, kids who need food, animals who need help. Then donate money or buy gifts for these other children (or animals). Involving your kids in the spirit of helping those less fortunate should have a long-lasting effect.

furry & feathered friends Take care of the snow birds and animals who spend the winter in your backyard. Make a garland of dried fruits, popcorn and apples and string around the trees. Let kids watch and take pictures of the animals enjoying their new treats.

elf friends “Ghosting” is very popular in my town at Halloween. This is when you ring a friend’s doorbell and run away, leaving a bag of treats on the front step. Continue this giving spirit around Christmas and Hanukkah with “Elfing.” The giddiness of giving is contagious.

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10 Tips to

Simplify Your Holiday Simplicity expert Sandy Kreps

shares 10 tips from her new book, Simply Christmas, to help you streamline your holidays so you can enjoy the season and what matters most.

1. Prioritize the activities and events that are most important to you and your family.

Then organize your schedule around them.

If family tradition dictates a big tree decorating party on the weekend before Christmas, schedule it in and skip some lesser events.

Don’t feel obligated to go to every party, dinner, or parade you’re invited to attend.

Choose meaningful, memorable activities and enjoy them to the fullest.

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4. The Christmas spirit is about more than gift giving, cookies and decoration overload. Make a point to share the spirit of the season with the receptionist, postal worker, security guard, and coffee barista by smiling and greeting them cheerfully. Thank them for their services and wish them holiday blessings. These are simple ways to share the spirit that can start a chain reaction of good cheer… and they don’t cost a cent.

5. Purge your decor before the holidays. When 2. Make a list of the things you don’t like you start decorating for the year, pull out about the holidays--then avoid those things. any decorations or supplies you don’t need Feel like the holidays are too commercial? anymore. Offer them up on Freecycle, local Spend some time creating handmade gifts or organizations or to friends and neighbors so writing heartfelt Christmas letters. Don’t like they can use them for the season, and you Christmas cards? Bow out of sending them. can free up storage space.

Dislike that certain holiday party that comes up each year? Don’t go. Eliminate what you 6. Almost 30 billion pounds of food is wasted dread about the holidays, and the season each year – that’s nearly 100 pounds per becomes more enjoyable. person. When making your holiday menus, think simple. Do you really need stuffing, 3. Keep your expectations in check. If you’re mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes? Three hosting a party, remember it’s just a party. It’s types of fruit salad? Six pies? Create a simsupposed to be fun, not perfect. Release the ple holiday meal of your favorite items, and stress and enjoy it! don’t cook like you’re feeding an army.

7. Giving out of obligation is not necessarily 9. Instead of going overboard buying gifts for generosity. Many gifts these days feel like obyour children, consider this 4-gift strategy: Want, Need, Wear, Read. Each kid gets ligations rather than true gifts. Giving fewer gifts does not make you a Scrooge. Generossomething from their wish list, something they actually need (such as a new backpack ity is a year-round attitude — it’s not defined by the number of presents you wrapped last to replace the one with the broken strap), year. There’s no reason to feel guilty about something to wear (such as a new outfit or new coat or gloves), and a new book to read. giving fewer gifts, so don’t feel obligated to give a gift to everyone you know. Trim your 10. Not ready to go full-tilt on a streamlined gift list, and the resulting relief might just holiday? No worries! Changing holiday inspire your holiday giving with a newfound traditions doesn’t happen overnight. Try sense of excitement. trimming the things you’re ready to let go…

8. Need to keep the kids busy? Let them make even by 10 percent. That could mean fewer decorations, cutting back the gift list, a littheir own gifts for family and friends. Patle less baking, a smaller holiday meal, fewer per collages, framed artwork, hand-stamped potholders and aprons, beaded necklaces, Christmas cards sent. Once you feel the freedom of less, you can always cut more. If painted sun catchers, stamped garden stones you find you’re missing something, you can — there are plenty of crafty ideas to thrill the always add it back. kids and make nice gifts for loved ones.

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Look Listen Read The Gentle Parent: Positive, Practical, Effective Discipline

by L.R. Knost

When it comes to gentle parenting, we always advocate that you, as a parent, find a supportive community. L. R.. Knost’s brand new book is the next best thing to having a group of gentle mamas to meet with twice a week for coffee and play dates. If you find yourself in tears as you read her touching words, it’s because you know deep within you that this is the style of parenting we all craved. A refreshing and real-life look at how to instill patience, compassion, and wisdom in our children. Read it for yourself. Read it for your kids. And then pass it along to a friend. $8 Paperback, $4 Digital

The Fresh 20

by Melissa Lanz

With the New Year approaching, two things come to mind: health and simplicity. This cookbook delivers both.

Melissa Lanz helps you cut out processed foods and replace them with delicious, healthy, budget-friendly meals for your family using locally grown, unprocessed foods. $20 Paperback, $13 Digital 64

The Christmas Owl

by Angela Muse

Children are instantly drawn to this sweet little Barred Owl who is shown kindness from his forest friends during his time of need. Parents will love the rhythm of this story that shows how even though the other animals are unsure of the owl at first, they take him in and help him heal.

On Christmas Eve, the owl returns with gifts of gratitude for each of his new friends. This story wraps up compassion, holiday spirit, and the joy of giving into a beautifully illustrated, nature-themed classic. $8 Paperback, $1 Digital

Alphablock

by Christopher Franceschelli Preschoolers delight in engaging alphabet books, and this one by Christopher Franceschelli doesn’t disappoint. Just like in Montessori classrooms, children love tracing each letter, learning about (or laughing at) the word, and eagerly awaiting to see what’s on the next page. Thick enough to withstand toddler play, this little book make a fun stocking stuffer or birthday gift. $15 Board Book 65

Conscious Kitchen |by Kelly Suggs Did you know there is a significant nutrient difference between eggs from the grocery store and the eggs you’ll find at your local farmer’s market?

When chickens are free to run around in the open air, scratch and hunt for their favorite foods (bugs, worms, grass), and are exposed to sunlight, their eggs are naturally more nutrientdense than eggs from chickens who have lived in a cage without fresh air or sunlight.

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Fruit Souffle • 4 – 5 pasture raised eggs (room temperature works best) • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or cane sugar • 1 tsp vanilla • 2 tsp cinnamon, separated • ½ teaspoon of nutmeg • 2 cups of in season fruit such as apples or pears, chopped (in a pinch, cinnamon applesauce works really well!)

• 2 tablespoon of coconut oil or butter Preheat oven to 350.

Wash and chop fruit and place it in the bottom of a pie pan. Add coconut oil or butter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Using your hands, mix the fruit, cinnamon and 66

Many people take it for granted, but eggs are somewhat seasonal. As the daylight hours wane, so does egg production… meaning grocery store eggs usually sit in large coolers for several weeks to months awaiting their turn in your cart.

There’s a good chance the eggs from the farm or farmer’s market were laid fresh this morning.

oil/butter well. Place this in the oven while making the egg mixture.

Crack and separate your pasture raised eggs, setting aside the yolks. Whisk the whites on high until stiff peaks form (don’t walk away, this doesn’t take very long).

While the whites are whipping, add the maple syrup or cane sugar, vanilla and remaining cinnamon to the egg yolks. Mix well.

When the whites have formed stiff peaks, add in the yolk mixture. Gently combine by hand, so they don’t get over mixed.

Take the fruit out of the oven and top it with the egg mixture.

Bake for 16-20 minutes or until golden on top and cooked through the middle.

Head out to the local farmer’s market and ask about the chickens who laid the eggs!

Are they allowed to roam freely, or do they live in cages?

If the answer is that they are allowed to roam or live in a large run, take home some eggs. Your family will marvel at their color and taste!

Photography by Amanda Topel

Conscious Kitchen

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Photography by Laura Watt of Cubit’s Organics

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What’s In Season There’s nothing like a warm, nourishing bowl of soup. Maybe it reminds us of coming in after a long afternoon of playing in the snow--that warm feeling spreading from the inside out. Or perhaps we equate it with the love and care our mother or grandmother gave us when we were sick.

Your memories of the healing, soul-satisfying power of soup can be passed along to your children this holiday season... and

you can introduce new ways to try a variety of veggies.

Carrots A tasty, kid-friendly root vegetable, carrots can be found in a variety of colors, though most commonly they are orange.

Carrots are not only easy to make - bake, roast, steam, grill, or eat them raw - they are a great source of vitamin A, fiber and are rich in anti-oxidants.

Garlic Historically, a powerful antibiotic, garlic is also known for helping to reduce heart disease, prevent cancers, and can tremendously help with inflammation associated with arthritis. It also adds a rich flavor that enhances the flavor of any soup.

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What’s In Season

Chickenless Soup

Ingredients: • 16 oz Dry Gnocchi Pasta • 2 Cups Celery, chopped • 1 Large Onion, chopped • 2 Cups Carrots, chopped • 2 Cups Broccoli, chopped • 12 Cups Chicken Flavored Vegetable Stock (3 Boxes) • 2 Bay Leaves • 3 Cloves Garlic, chopped or sliced • 1/2 Tsp Poultry Seasoning • 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning • 1/2 Tsp Pepper • 3 Tbs Olive Oil or Butter Directions: Heat oil in pot, add celery, onion, carrots, broccoli and garlic. Cook on medium heat until onions are translucent.

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Add vegetable stock and all seasonings.

Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer 10 minutes. Add noodles, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes longer, or until noodles are cooked.

Blackbean Soup

Ingredients: • 2 Cans Black Beans • 3 Cups Broth (Chicken of Vegetable) • 1 Onion, chopped • 2 Garlic Cloves, chopped • 2 Roasted Red Peppers, chopped • 1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped • 1 Tsp Chili Powder • 1/2 Tsp Pepper • 1 Tbs Olive Oil or Butter Directions: Put chopped onions, garlic & peppers in a sauté pan with a tbs of butter or olive oil. Sauté until translucent.

While onions are cooking combine, beans, broth and seasonings in a pot.

Bring to a boil and then turn down to low and let simmer.

Add in cooked onions, garlic & peppers.

Add in the cilantro and taste test. Add salt and/or pepper if desired.

Stir and let simmer for about 15 minutes.

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Vintage Inspired

Holiday Fashions

Styling by Amelei Jo Vintage Inspired Kids Photography by Alana Beall 73

Snow Birds Twirl Skirt $45.00

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Little Miss Candy

Stripe Ruffled Bodysuit $45.00

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Vintage Santa

Tee $30.00

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Custom

Christmas Tops $35.00

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‘Tis the Season to Be Sustainable |by Lauren Taylor

Crisp air and seasonal foods are already here.

After getting your pumpkins, poinsettias and pulling out the seasonal colors, try out some of these tips to decorate, and celebrate, sustainably and waste-free.

It’s all about the centerpiece!

Place seasonal flowers or candles into a few label-free mason jars or wine bottles, and then arrange them in the middle of your table for an easy centerpiece.

For a fun activity, help your kids decorate them with paint or markers!

DIY Upcycled Gifts with Purpose For about $20 at your local craft store, you can pick up glass etching cream which works quickly, is very easy to use, and allows you to make decorative glassware and one-of-a-kind gifts. You can make ‘oil’ and ‘vinegar’ bottles

with wine bottles like the ones below, or personalize a glass to make the perfect gift.

Make Memories with Homemade Ornaments Make your own ornaments using things lying about the house.

You can use pieces of unused CDs to create flashy designs, or old small toys for the kids that you don’t mind stringing up. The TerraCycle design team suggests using extra holiday or seasonal greeting cards to make cool ornaments, such as the ones seen on this page.

By bringing sustainability to the holiday season, you’ll be giving your entire family, and the earth, something to truly be thankful for.

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‘Tis the Season to Be Sustainable

Funkins Cloth Napkins

These cloth napkins are perfect for entertaining, or even wrapping small gifts furoshiki style.

7.99

Christmas Advent

Start a new tradition by hanging this banner December 1st and enjoy the magic with your family!

69.95

Window Bags

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Reusable snack bags make a great stocking stuffer or way to send family and friends off with holiday treats.

7.99

#GI

ING TUESDAY

TM

GIVINGTUESDAY.ORG 81

Imagine not being able

to afford clean diapers

for your baby.

30% of families struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their little ones in clean diapers.

Photography by Fernando Garcia

8% of families report “stretching” the diapers they have by leaving wet diapers on, or partially cleaning the diaper and reusing it.¥

Click now to learn how you can help those in need, or to find where to you can reach out for help.

82¥ SOURCE

American Academy of Pediatrics “Diaper Need and Its Impact on Child Health” http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/07/23/peds.2013-0597.full.pdf+html

Ask Hana Haatainen Caye

Darci writes: My in-laws are coming for Christmas dinner and my MIL always complains that my house lacks “holiday spirit” because it doesn’t have that “Christmasy smell.” I refuse to burn candles and I’m not plugging in or spraying any toxic air fresheners just to appease her. Do you have any suggestions? I’d love to surprise her with some non-toxic holiday spirit!

GG: Oh Darci, I feel your pain! One of my favorite things about the holidays used to be the smell of candles burning in my home. It is something I really miss. But there are ways to bring holiday cheer to our olfactory glands.

• Spray – Add pure essential oils to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Consider using ginger, clove, cinnamon, orange, pine, and nutmeg.

• Decorate – Create holiday-themed patterns by pushing whole cloves into lemons, limes, or oranges and placing them on a bed of pine needles. Add pine cones for a woodsy look, or dress it up with silver or gold ornaments.

• Simmer – Fill the air with the steamy goodness of holiday scents by adding fragrant cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, citrus peels, and/or nutmeg to water simmering in a small pot on the stove.

• Vase It – Pick up a bunch of eucalyptus from your local florist and place it in vases around your home. Add holly or silver branches for a festive look.

I hope one or more of these ideas work for you, Darci, and that your MIL captures the “holiday

spirit” in your home at last!

Felicity writes: With all the stuff my kids accumulate every Christmas, I’m dreading yet another year of over-indulgence, not to mention the fact that our living room ends up looking like a toxic wasteland by the time all the gifts are open! I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I need to do something to change things. Is there a way to get this message across without alienating family members?

GG: More and more parents are facing the same challenge, Felicity, and I’m not sure there is any way to avoid ruffling some feathers. However, you have to do what is best for your children and if that includes eliminating certain types of toys, etc., you have no choice but to inform the gift-givers.

I recommend sending out a note to everyone involved letting them know how much you appreciate their past generosity. After you thank them, politely advise them that you would like to cut back on the amount of gifts everyone in the family receives. You can simply tell them you’re running out of room.

Then add, “Please consider donating to a local shelter in lieu of gifts, or if you’re looking for suggestions, here are a few websites we love that carry non-toxic and safe products for the kids.” End by telling them how much everyone enjoys the gifts they get and that “whatever you give them, I’m sure they’ll love.” If you still end up with too many, keep in mind that there are many children who would love to have what you would rather not keep!

Hana Haatainen Caye, is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author of the book Vinegar Fridays, who shares her passion for common sense greener and healthier living.

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DIY Tutorial

Upcycled Activity Christmas Tree Ornament

One of our favorite holiday traditions is making ornaments for the tree with our children. It’s even better when these ornaments are made using recycled and found items. These simple recycled Christmas tree ornaments fit the bill and are super fun to make, too.

|by Jennie Lyon

Materials: • • • • • • •

Wooden ice pop sticks Glue Natural paint Glitter Stickers or found items Scrap paper Baker’s twine

Instructions:

1. Glue 3 wooden ice pop sticks into a square shape –by adding a touch of glue to each corner.

2. Paint the wooden ice pop square green.

3. Immediately add glitter on top the green glue – allow the square to completely dry.

4. Lightly shake the square so the excess glitter falls off. Then add the stickers, found items or paint ornaments on the square.

5. Cut a scrap piece of paper for the trunk and glue it into place.

6. Cut a scrap piece of baker’s twine into a loop for hanging your ornament on the tree.

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GCM Community Marketplace

You already ensure your child is in a comfortable, toxin-free environment - now treat yourself to luxurious, safe & innovative menstrual care with organic bamboo reusable pads from Domino Pads!

We carry affordable Natural, Organic, Eco-Friendly products for baby & toddler. Created by a mom, we understand the importance of chemicalfree products for our children and environment.

Sparkle is an online resource for high-quality audio stories for children and families. Our stories inspire a sense of wonder and magic in life, encourage creativity and a strong sense of self.

GRC Eco Store is your destination for educational, all natural, eco-friendly products. Schools, homes & offices love us. You will too! Use coupon code GCM10 to enjoy 10% off your purchase.

Free shipping on all US orders over $45!

SCB carries a full line of cloth diapers & accessories from brands you know and trust! In business over 6 years and still working diligently to give full attention 86 to order details and personal customer service.

Artterro Eco Art Kits inspire creativity with gorgeous, natural materials & fun open-ended projects. We make it easy to unplug and enjoy art with family & friends! Assembled by hand in WI.

New customers receive 10% off!

Use Code: TRYUS10

Moraki is a mama owned, conscientious manufacturer that creates high quality, innovative & stylish cloth diapers (and more!) while stirring awareness in sustainable living and waste reduction.

Funkins are bright, reusable cloth napkins made especially for kids. They are ideal for lunch boxes, and are perfect for meal and snack time at home, and on the go!

Effie’s baby clothing, accessories, and toys are handmade by women around the world. We sell 100% fair trade items, so you know the artisans were paid a fair wage to support their own families.

LooHoo’s wool dryer balls are a reusable, energysaving alternative to dryer sheets, that help protect your family’s health and the environment. Conserve energy, save money, and reduce chemicals in your laundry!

BumpBundle’s are highly curated care packages featuring products specifically selected for momsto-be, brand new littles ones and breastfeeding mothers. Perfect for gifting to others, or yourself!

Body care that works to moisturize and soothe the skin without all the harsh chemicals. Our products nourish the skin of moms and children everywhere.

Eco-Friendly gifts, body care bundles & more.87

GCM Community Marketplace

The only baby food book you’ll need! With more than 150 recipes, feeding & storage tips, and allergy alerts, this book shows you how to make fresh, nutritious and delicious foods for your baby.

100% Wool, Cloth Diaper Safe Dryer Balls.

Decrease your drying time, soften fabrics naturally, save money. Made in the USA. Retail and Wholesale Opportunities also available.

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$ Little Love Buns is an eco-friendly cloth diaper detergent and accessories company! Their mission is to help create a healthier, more earth friendly way of cleaning and living!

Disposable menstrual products often contain harmful toxins. Reusable products made from more natural & less processed materials can provide women with safe options & deep savings!

“Simply Christmas” by Sandy Kreps contains 101 tips to help you simplify the holidays where you can, organize the rest, and vow to have fun with 88 friends and family this year.

Written by Hana Haatainen Cay, Vinegar Fridays offers tips on how to use vinegar for cleaning, pet care, diet, healthcare, car care, beauty and more.

The perfect guide for greener & healthier living!

A safe, environmentally friendly cloth diaper and laundry detergent that rinses out completely, leaving no ammonia-causing residue behind.

Available in hard and soft water formulas.

Wholesale Distribution of Quality, Eco-Friendly Goods for Mom & Children. No minimum ordering.

Deep in-stock selection. Make ordering for your store easy and simple with one-stop shopping.

Fancy Cloth Baby offers adorable dolly diaper gift sets that are just perfect for all of the little mamas and papas out there! FCB also makes yummy fitters, newborn diapers and one-size all-in-twos!

Search from over 200 brands and models including bumGenius, Fuzzibunz, Smartipants, GroVia, Happy Heiny’s, WAHM brands, and more! Read user reviews or add your own.

An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting With Louise Goldberg RD, CSP, LD, CNSC A registered dietitian with over a decade of experience working with children and families to find realistic solutions for their nutrition concerns.

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Click here to learn everything you ever wanted to know about cloth diapers, plus a FREE printable, shareable guide to cloth diapers download!

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Your Green Child

Sydney, age 1 & Samantha, age 3

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Elliot, age 5

Brady via

The

Reese, age 10 Primitive Homemaker

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