Summer 2015 Issue of Green Child Magazine

Summer 2015

A health & family focused digital magazine & community.

Mariel Hemingway on mindful living

Summer Sun Safety Guide Finding Your Balance Setting Effective Screen Time Limits Fresh Summer

Recipes

Inspired Ideas for Family Travel 1

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Contents 8 Eco Fab

A few of our favorite summer finds, inspired by nature

10 Finding Balance This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest

12 Nutritional Nuggets

From getting out of a food rut to the benefits of collagen-rich foods, expert Christina Towle answers your questions

14 Stretch into the Sun

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

18 Screen Time Limits

Attachment parenting expert Kelly Bartlett shares actionable tips for setting effective screen limits

22 How I Conquered My Fear of Gardening Our Stable Table’s Carrie Saum shares her first experiences in her community garden, plus a delicious recipe for red sauce

26 Free Range Kids

Finding the balance between independence and supervision

28 Sage Spoonfuls

Tomato & Watermelon Salad, Blueberry Peach Frozen Yogurt Popsicles, Banana Coconut Tofu Pudding

32 Conscious Kitchen

Anti-inflammatory Cocktail, Morning Energy Drink 3

Contents 34 Summer Cookout Recipes

Springtime “cocktails,” Veggie Kabobs, Saba Noodle Summer Rolls, Strawberry Popsicles

40 The More You Know Eco

Water Conservation - using water wisely benefits all of us

42 One Room @ A Time

Create a healthy space for room sharing with your baby

44 Out Came the Sun

Green Child Magazine talks with Mariel Hemingway

48 Eco Travel with Kids

From faraway to local, Anne Michelsen will inspire your family vacation with ecomindfulness and fun

56 Summer Sun Safety

76 Your Green Child

A peek into the families of our readers

78 Little Artists

Sharing the talents of our youngest community members.

On the Cover: Mariel Hemingway p44 Sun Safety p56 Finding Balance p10 Screen Time Limits p18 Recipes p28 Family Travel p48 Summer 201

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A health & fam

ily focused dig ital magazine

Everything you need for a fun, safe day at the pool or beach

& community .

58 Back to Nature

The benefits of plant medicine for your family

62 Look Listen Read

Our editors’ top picks in books, apps & more

64 Making the Switch

The benefits of cloth menstrual pads

69 Guided Relaxation

A beautiful meditation for your child on releasing worry, sadness, and stress

71 Green Grandma

y

on mindfu

l living

Summer Sun Safety G

uide

Finding Yo

ur Balance

Setting Effe Screen Tim ctive e Limits Fresh Summ

Recipes

er

Natural Dis

For the Old

cipline

er Child

Farm Fresh

Recipes

72 ReUse Craft

Inspired Id GC for Family eas Travel Earth Mama M talks to Summer 2 founder M Angel Baby 014 elinda Olso n

74 Community Marketplace

Cover Photography by

Questions from our readers answered No-sew beach bag

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Mariel Hem ingwa

Eco-friendly products & services from our collection of artisan shops & resources

Chris Baldwin

1 in 3 families struggles to afford cloth diapers.

We can help.

Visit our website to see if your family qualifies.

www.givingdiapersgivinghope.org

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Publisher & Editor Amity Hook-Sopko

Creative Director Amanda Hearn

Advertising Director Tracy Carter

Copy Editor

Megan McCoy Dellecese

Columnists

Liza Huber Mellisa Dormoy Megan McCoy Dellecese Christina Towle Hana Haatainen Caye

Contributors

Megan McCoy Dellecese Molly Westerman Kelly Bartlett Carrie Saum Nicholas Sopko Anne Michelsen Susie Lyons Tracy Puhl

Media & Other Inquiries

media@greenchildmagazine.com

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from our publisher & editor

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. ~ e.e. cummings Can we just be real for a minute?

By the time you find this issue in your inbox or your social media feed, you’ve probably seen dozens of images on your phone or computer.

A perfectly packed bento lunch with carefully sliced fruits, veggies, and just the right amount of protein and healthy fat. Those pins of your dream home with sweeping views of the ocean, master chef ’s kitchen… and more pillows than the Pottery Barn catalog. Your gorgeous friend from high school smiling radiantly in her postpower workout selfie (wait – did she really Photoshop her workout pic?)

I don’t know about you, but some days I find it exhausting. It’s as if I could toil away incessantly, and I’m never going to manage the healthiest meal with the cleanest kitchen, with the most organized laundry room and the smartest children, all the while having the whitest teeth and the thinnest thighs.

We can remind ourselves that social media is essentially everyone’s highlight reel, but it doesn’t make it any less overwhelming. So then what? Are we supposed to airbrush our photos and join in the perfection pageant?

I don’t think so.

I had the great pleasure of speaking to Mariel Hemingway for this issue, and I was struck by her transparency. Her life has been a journey to overcome the stigma of mental illness that plagued her legendary family, yet her openness is a true mark of the beauty of imperfection.

Had she swept her “flaws” under the rug, she would have missed the opportunity to validate and inspire countless people impacted by mental disorders.

Does it make you wonder how many of us are missing out on life by trying to be someone we’re not?

I hope this issue inspires you to find your authentic self and share it with the world.

-Amity 7

EcoFab

Indugle a little with these Summer must-haves, hand-picked by our editors!

The Wet Brush Wet hair is elastic and easy to damage with traditional brushes, but those tangles won’t get themselves out.

The Wet Brush is designed specifically to meet the needs of wet hair and has become a fast favorite with stylists! $8 at Amazon

Sanuk’s Yoga Joy Sanuk is the Thai word for “fun.” It’s no wonder these summer must-haves will carry you to your happy place. Made from yoga mats, you’ll be winning with eco-style in these comfy, durable flip flops. $30 at Sanuk 8

Green Salve by Motherlove If it itches, Green Salve to the rescue. This allnatural, versatile salve quickly and effectively takes the itch out of insect bites, bee stings and poison ivy. It soothes and eases the discomfort of rashes, chapped and irritated skin. A must for every mom’s medicine cabinet. Made with 100% certified organic ingredients. $9 at Motherlove

DYLN Living Alkaline Water Bottle DYLN Living Alkaline Water Bottle - Alkalinity helps to promote optimal health in the body, while acidity has a negative impact. Now you can enjoy the benefits of alkaline water without the waste of single use bottles. $34 at DYLN

FEED Wine Bag To date, Lauren Bush’s FEED Project has helped provide more than 85 million meals all over the world. Now her classic natural fiber tote is available in a wine bottle size. Keep your best vino secure while you help provide 5 school meals with every purchase. $22 at FEED 9

finding your balance this summer |by Megan McCoy Dellecese

Summer is a perfect chance to rejuvenate your life. It’s both restful and exciting at the same time. If you work outside the home, your schedule may loosen and you find good excuses to take some of that well-deserved vacation time. If you work inside the home, you, too, may grow a bit more lax in your scheduling, enjoying more non-structured free-time with your young ones and adhering to less strict bedtimes. No matter your situation, it’s simply a wonderful time to recharge.

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Here are a handful of ways to help create some new, healthy habits during this sunny season.

• Get Zen. Take some quiet time to yourself and start meditating at the same time each day (yes, even if it involves getting up earlier), or take up a yoga class. By using some of your extra summer free time to learn how to properly focus and find inner peace, you’ll get into a great habit and continue it throughout the rest of the year (the times when you really need it).

• Take advantage of the sunshine.

It’s difficult NOT to be happy on a gorgeous, sunny day, isn’t it? Get outside when nature allows the chance, whether it’s just to garden or do yard work while the kids run around, or on a more structured nature walk. Just be sure to use natural sun protection for any prolonged exposure!

• Establish a family reading time.

meal plan for when things get busy again.

• Allow for unstructured play. Okay,

most of us do this during the summertime, anyway, but the point here is to create the habit, then see it through. Allow for an allotted time of unstructured play during the same block of time (if possible) everyday. When the autumn hits along with the busyness of school and added responsibilities, try to maintain that daily hour or so (before or after dinner, for little ones after a nap, etc) for creativity and imagination to bloom. This is also a time for you to relax and allow your own creative juices to flow, which can be far more powerful than parents may realize.

Many studies prove that children who are raised by parents who model good reading practices (even if it involves reading a magazine or newspaper) have a far greater chance of becoming life-long readers (and learners). So, block out a quiet time for the family to read, whether separately or all in the same room. Make regular visits • Get in touch with your inner child. to the library to allow your child to try We can get serious and, at times, grumpy new and different books. Talk about the when things get stressful. Use the open flow things you’ve read, especially any ideas that that summer brings to not only get back in popped into your heads or questions that touch with your actual children, but with might have arisen. Your child is also likely your own inner child, as well. to have less of a summer Throw on your own “play learning gap when they Ultimately, it’s all about clothes” and get down in the return to school in the fall taking a step back from dirt with your little ones. Blow since their brains were the fast-paced environment bubbles and look for shapes in still “exercising” all sumwe all experience daily the clouds. Truly listen to the mer long. You’ll even noand filling our summer with conversations your child starts tice your brain sparking moments of calm and joy. and reciprocate, no matter quicker in the process! how silly or nonsensical they may be. If playtime doesn’t help, try journ• Focus on food. Summer is the perfect aling to find your true voice again (it’s not time to get creative in the kitchen. During just for teenagers; most people jotted down this time, meals aren’t as rushed, grilling short diary entries a century ago). allows you to prepare foods in new ways, and the abundance of fresh farmers’ marTake just a couple of these steps to heart and ket products gets your wheels turning. If see if they help to rejuvenate your spirit this you’re feeling super adventurous, purchase season. Ultimately, it’s all about taking a step a CSA (find some near you at Local Harback from the fast-paced environment we all vest), which can actually last you well into experience daily and filling our summer (and the fall. Either way, be mindful while you beyond) with moments of calm and joy. cook and add some new recipes to your

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Nutritional Nuggets Expert Christina Towle answers your questions!

Question: I recently read about collagenbased supplements and powders to combat aging and capture youthful looking skin. Is there truth behind this trend?

The quest for the fountain of youth...and collagen! It is true that as we age, collagen production slows, resulting in the thinning/ sagging of the skin. The good news is we can certainly make efforts to keep our collagen engine functioning optimally through our food choices.

Adding collagen-boosting supplements and powders will likely not have a negative affect on your body, but I would save my money and eat real foods that include the full nutritional package of collagen, plus a variety of nutrients and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Tomatoes and beets with Lycopene help increase collagen production; Omega-3 fatty acid fish like salmon & tuna are good, Vitamin C rich greens like kale & spinach and fruit like mangos help boost production too.

White tea is believed to prevent enzyme activity that breaks down collagen, along with high quality protein like eggs and grass-fed beef. If it’s difficult to include these foods in your diet, than you can seek out grass-fed animal protein-based shakes as your source.

Also, complement your diet by monitoring sun exposure, getting lots of fresh-oxygen daily through deep breathing, exercise, and outdoor play to naturally maintain youthful skin and radiance.

Question: I’m bored!! I feel like I buy, serve, and eat the same foods day-in, dayout. What do you suggest I do to liven up my meals and get me excited about food again?

I hope I can inspire! Especially since dietary boredom often leads to mindless overeating, less variety of nutrients, and less satisfaction.

A few tips:

1. Ensure that your kitchen is an inspiring environment. Perhaps pick up a few books on Feng Shui to guide you on creating kitchen calm. Clean your space before each meal. This will help work up an appetite, slowly starting the engine of digestion instead of shocking the body, which causes poor digestion. Put on music, light a candle, relax - the Sistine Chapel was not painted in a day, likewise, your body is worthy of time.

2. Envision your masterpiece meal.

Coaches, psychologists, and spiritual advisors recommend the power of imagery. If you envision a healthy meal, you will eat one. A simple way to achieve a vision is to find a recipe for dinner, ideally one with a gorgeous picture.

Display the pic in your kitchen or laptop and get ready to smile and enjoy it for dinner that night.

3. Use a variety of colors in your preparation. Colored food provides fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals.

Specifically, purple and blue help memory function; green fruits and

vegetables boost immunity; white and tan fruits maintain healthful cholesterol levels; Yellow and orange fruits promote eye health; red fruits and vegetables promote urinary tract health; and brown whole grains, legumes reduce the risk of colon and other cancers.

4. Finally, frame your creation. Take pictures of your meals to create a showcase of health. You’ll track your success while gaining a portfolio of pride.

I hope these tips help spice things up for you!

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Stretch into the Sun Celebrating the Summer Solstice

|by Molly Westerman Hot afternoons, wild thunderstorms, and nights filled with fireflies! The summer solstice, or midsummer, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and learn about the warmest season with our families.

• light, heat, fire, and sun • the earth in full bloom: flowers and greenery • life in full bloom: joy, pleasure, creativity, and stretching into the long day

At the Peak of the Light

This is the time of Midsummer Day, St. John’s Day, Litha, and the Midnight Sun Festival (including Nome, Alaska’s icy Polar Bear Swim!).

In some historical and cultural locations, the summer solstice has also been a magically potent day—and especially night—when healing herbs should be gathered and when witches and fairies are abroad. It is a lovely time to read, perform, or see Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with older children and to enjoy tales of summer magic with people of all ages.

The word “solstice” brings together two Latin words: sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). At the winter and summer solstices, the sun as seen from Earth appears to pause in its seasonal motion and then reverse its path.

The summer solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to rise highest in the sky, following its longest and tallest arc, and rises and sets at its northernmost point on the horizon. This is also the longest day and shortest night of the year, with the difference in daytime hours more noticeable at high latitudes— closer to the north or south pole, farther from the equator. In the northern hemisphere, our summer solstice occurs around 21 June each year. (In the southern hemisphere, this date marks the winter solstice; 21 December is their summer and our winter solstice.)

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Summer festivals and personal observances of the solstice often reflect the following themes:

Celebrating with children How tall is my shadow?

At noon on each solstice day, measure from your child’s toe to his or her shadow’s top. Have the child measure your shadow, too, and record the numbers. After gathering data on all four holidays, you can ask your child to guess which shadow was longest, compare your shadows’ changing heights with your own heights (when did it come up to your knee? when was it about

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Photography by Christie Brown Photography

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

as tall as you? when would it be too tall to stand up in your living room?), discuss the changing angles of the sun, read up on our solar system and the Earth’s seasons, and experiment with a flashlight and a globe.

Sun foods Children of all ages can help choose, prepare, and eat foods and beverages that remind us of the sun. Think shades of orange, red, and yellow, as well as foods that can be circular in shape: oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, pancakes, fried eggs, sun- or flower-frosted cupcakes, brightlycolored juice or punch, and so on.

Flowers and greenery Make real or paper flower crowns to wear at your solstice celebration. Bring flowers or beautiful greenery into your home.

Draw or paint a tree, leaf, or flower in its full summer glory.

Music Many songs celebrate the sun and the long, fun days of summer. Put together a playlist and dance or sing together.

Light a fire Bonfires and fireworks are summer solstice traditions in many countries.

Go outside If the weather is pleasant, this is a wonderful day for a picnic, for playing outside, and for staying out late to witness the enduring light.

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Make a sundial Instructions for projects—from very simple to elaborate—are readily available online.

Constructing a sundial is an engaging way to learn about how our days and seasons work.

Looking forward, looking back This observance can take place with your family or alone. On paper, out loud, or simply in your thoughts, reflect on these questions or others that suit you better: What bright lights and simple pleasures illuminate your life this summer? How can you stretch into the season’s opportunities?

What do you miss from winter’s darkness, and how might you hold onto those gifts in this very different time?

Read These picture books are great family readalouds for the vernal equinox.

• The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice (Wendy Pfeffer) introduces the science, history, and cultural traditions surrounding this solstice. The book also includes projects and recipes to try at home. For a more fanciful approach to a summer celebration, try The Flowers’ Festival (Elsa Beskow).

• Mama, Is It Summer Yet? (Nikki McClure) is a sweet, simple book about wanting—and getting—summer. Its cut paper illustrations offer lots to point out and discuss. Beach Feet (Kiyomi Konagaya) is another favorite for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

• Summer Sun Risin’ (W. Nikola-Lisa), Summer Days and Nights (Wong Herbert Yee), Come On, Rain! (Karen Hesse), Hot Day on Abbott Avenue (Karen English), and Think Cool Thoughts (Elizabeth Parry) all explore the height of summer with wonderful sensory details and energy.

www.attachmentparenting.org

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- simple tips for setting effective -

Screen Time Limits |by Kelly Bartlett Too often parents take responsibility for their kids’ screen-free time by structuring activities for them. They think that if kids are upset or bored without electronic entertainment, they must provide another activity for them to do. But this is just another form of rescuing. When parents are quick to step in with activities to distract kids from boredom or anger about not having their screens, they inadvertently rob children of the opportunity to develop problem solving skills and resilience.

Turning off the TV is a challenge for many kids and families. Have faith in them to work through this “suffering” to feel more capable in managing their time. When you have faith in your children to handle their feelings, they will learn to have faith in themselves, too.

It is important that parents do not make children suffer, but sometimes it is most helpful to “allow” them to suffer with support. Parents too often (in the name of love) want to protect their children from struggle.

They don’t realize that their children need to struggle, to deal with disappointment, and

to solve their own problems so they can develop their emotional muscles and the skills necessary for the even bigger struggles they will encounter throughout their lives.

When allowing children to suffer...

1. Express empathy. “You are really angry about not being able to play your video game right now. I understand.”

2. Avoid lectures.

3. Do not rescue. It’s OK to feel upset.

4. Let them know you have faith in them to figure out what to do.

When a child “suffers” because she can’t watch the show she wants, allowing her to endure this experience can help her develop her resiliency muscles. She learns that she can survive the ups and downs of life, as well as the decision of what to do with her time when there are no screens to watch.

The support parents can offer is to validate her feelings, but avoid solving the ultimate problem of what to do instead. Say, “I can see this is very upsetting to you. It can be 19

Setting Screen Time Limits

disappointing when we don’t get what we want.” Period. Some parents overdo validating feelings; they go on and on with the hope that validating feelings will take away the suffering.

Validate a child’s feelings and then allow her to recover from those feelings. Then comes the tough part— no rescuing and no lectures. Simply have faith that she can get over her disappointment and figure out what she can do with herself.

Children will learn to get past the disappointment of reduced screen time, and they will be able to develop their imagination and creativity in solving the problem of, “What should I do?” Parents just need to provide an atmosphere of loving support that does not include “bawling them out” (lecturing on how many other toys, games, crafts, and activities there are available to do), and “bailing them out” (fixing their boredom by providing a new activity). Have faith in your children; they will grow stronger for it.

Decide What You Will Do

You have set a limit on screen time with kindness and firmness. You have faith in your children to handle their unhappy feelings about the limit. Now comes the part where you must decide what you will do.

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Rather than rescuing a child from solving their problem of, “Now what can I do?” when the screens are turned off, have faith in them to work it out themselves. Since this usually takes time, it is helpful for you to decide what to do that does not include lectures or rescue in the presence of their turbulent feelings.

• “No TV until after homework is done.

I will be in the kitchen making dinner.

Anyone is welcome to come work in there with me.”

• “You may watch a half-hour of TV. You can turn it off when the time is up, or I will.”

• “Everyone must turn their phones off during dinner. I will put mine away and meet you at the table.”

• “We’re not going to play video games today. I am going for a bike ride and would love for you to join me.”

• “We have discussed the responsibilities that go along with the privileges of having electronic equipment. When you don’t keep our agreements for the responsibilities, I will confiscate the equipment until you are ready to try again.”

• “I know you are disappointed and I’m going to give you a big hug; so you’d better run if you don’t want one.”

Stating what you will do allows children to decide what they will do in the face of a limit that has been set. You are communicating, “I decided what I will do; what will you do?” They may continue to cry, complain, and have difficult feelings about the limit, and that’s OK. They may simply need more time to express and recover from their disappointment. By deciding what you will do, you are providing an example, while ultimately turning the decision over to the child.

Follow Through

Many parents have great intentions to set limits around and manage their children’s screen time, but for one reason or another, the limits are never held. Or they’re not held consistently. Sometimes a lack of follow through on screen time limits is due to losing track of time—you tell your kids they can watch a half-hour of television, and before you know it, an hour or more has gone by because you were absorbed in other tasks. Or maybe you don’t really want screen time to end because t will mean the kids will go back to their arguing, bickering, or fighting; the screen is a welcome distraction and you’re not ready to handle the problems that come when it gets turned off. Or perhaps you just don’t want to be “the bad guy” and have to tell your kids that screen time is over. They’re enjoying the time, and it’s tough to be the one who brings it to an end.

Whatever the reason, not following through on a limit you have set about your child’s time on front of a video screen sends a few messages: • Limits on screens are not important.

• You don’t care what they do with their time.

• You don’t really mean what you say.

• It’s OK to keep playing or watching, even when you’ve said stop.

• You don’t prioritize family engagement.

• You lack confidence as a parent.

Children know when you mean what you say and when you don’t. It is really that simple. If you say it, mean it, and if you mean it, follow through. Parents sometimes believe that giving children what they want will show them that they are loved. But children will suffer much more throughout their lives if they develop the belief that love means others should take care of them and give them whatever they want.

They will suffer when they don’t learn they can survive disappointments in life—including setting limits around electronics—and discover how capable they are in the process.

Permissiveness is not the way to help children develop initiative or any other valuable social or life skill. Parents who say what they mean and mean what they say do not have to use a lot of words. In fact, the fewer words used, the better. When you use a lot of words you are lecturing, and children tune out lectures. One reason you may use a lot of words is that you are trying to convince yourself, as well as your child, that what you want is okay. If what you are asking is reasonable, have confidence in your request.

When it is time for TV or video games or computer play to be over, ensure that it does indeed end in a timely manner. You may need to help your children stick to the media limits by following through with kind and firm action. It may take a while for kids to get used to your decisiveness about the limits, but when you are able to follow through each time, they will understand that you mean what you say when it comes to limits on electronics. Say it; mean it; and follow-through.

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how i

conquered my fear of gardening |by Carrie Saum

This year, I conquered my fear of gardening.

As with anything involving a toddler, things did not go as planned.

I have a gorgeous little community plot, 20 feet from my front door. I’ve tried to muster up the courage to begin growing food for years, and as a chronic Black Thumb, I worried that I would kill all of the things. So, I conducted an experiment. I bought a basil plant, and vowed if I could keep this one small plant alive for at least a month in my house, I would try my hand at gardening this summer.

My Zen feelings about gardening with my kiddo dissolved about 10 minutes into our first foray at the plot. I was trying to dig holes to plant our tender starters while E tried to pull up all of the green things and my progress right along with it. And because this is a community garden, he pulled up plants that were not ours. I stopped every 30 seconds to still his hands with mine and quietly say, “Gentle touch. Everything that grows is precious. Green things belong in the ground.”

Then E would immediately resume his Tasmanian devil activity as I began mentally writing notes of apology to our neighbors who found onions uprooted or baby kale shredded to bits.

As it turns out, I was fearful for no reason.

The basil plant survived, and is currently thriving in my small plot of budding earth, just past my doorstep.

Gardening requires some work, but I genuinely enjoy interacting with nature through cultivating, caring and digging in the dirt. I engage my body and mind, and find myself humming horrible 90’s tunes while pulling up weeds and spreading compost. Somehow, MC Hammer and my old food scraps make magic together.

I decided if I was really going to do this, (and I am a person who does things full-out or not at all); I had to bring my toddler, E, into the garden with me. Since he is old enough to be active, I figured he might be old enough to enjoy learning about the broader aspects of organic horticulture and getting filthy in the process.

Luckily for us, E is well loved and tolerated by our little garden village, so nobody held a grudge. In fact, a few showed E their plots, explained which plants were which, and encouraged him to smell the blossoms and touch the leaves. He loved the special interaction and listened closely as our neighbors explained the plants to him, absorbing a little bit of information and 100% of the attention.

I figured out small ways to involve E along the way. I gave him his own set of tools I found at a gardening store, as well as a space to work on his own plants and weeds. He quickly caught

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how i

conquered my fear of gardening on to watering the plants, breaking up the soil, getting his hands caked with mud, and talking to the garden. And by talking, I really mean yelling “Daaaaaa!” at the top of his lungs ad infinitum while racing up and down the rows.

Our hours in the garden became a bit easier when I resurrected the baby pool from last summer and brought it down to the garden so E could splash and play while I kept a watchful eye on him as I pulled weeds, watered my growing plants, and harvested wild lemon balm, peppermint, and rosemary I found rising up along the edges of the property. Now I love pulling off my shoes and dipping my feet in the shallow water for a few minutes and splashing with him before gathering our things and walking home, wet, muddy, tired and usually in good spirits. Fellow community members and I use the water from the wading pool to quench our thirsty plants after E is finished with his fun, and we are careful to use all of our resources, especially in the droughtparched West Coast.

Our community garden lives up to its mission. We are growing together, raising vegetables and babies and awareness around organic, sustainable, urban gardening. We are also building a sweet little community that loves to eat and play and work together.

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This year’s community garden veggie selection includes heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, kale, green onion, cauliflower, and green beans.

One of my favorite community meals to make with this abundance? Zoodles with Red Sauce.

Anyone can make it, and you don’t have to be a green thumb or even a culinary wizard to make this dish. It just takes a little time to prep and simmer, and once it’s made, it freezes like a dream. I love thawing a batch of red sauce in late fall for a nourishing meal, or share with a

friend who has just had a baby and needs easy, healthy food with minimal effort.

Carrie’s Red Sauce Feeds 6 regular people, or 3 growing toddlers.

I n g r e d i e n t s : • • • • • • • • • • •

6 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced 3-4 Tbsp butter 1 bulb garlic, minced 1 medium onion, diced 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 3 Tbsp cup fresh basil, chopped 1 Tbsp fresh or dried oregano 1 Tbsp fresh or dried thyme ½ tsp cumin salt pepper

D i r e c t i o n s : 1. In a large stockpot, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and sauté until barely golden, stirring often.

2. Add tomatoes and dried herbs. Add cumin, salt and pepper.

3. Bring to a bubble (not boil), stirring occasionally. Once it’s bubbling, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally.

4. Add fresh herbs and simmer covered for another 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Taste sauce and add salt and pepper and more herbs as needed. Remove from heat and serve over your favorite pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles, or allow to cool and transfer to storage containers.

6. This sauce can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and freezes for up to 6 months.

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s d i K e g n a R e Finding the balance e r Fbetween independence and supervision

|by Megan McCoy Dellecese Let’s play a game. Visualize your childhood playtime routine.

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Go ahead!

outside until the street lights came on (at which point you knew you’d better get home and fast)? To many of us, this was a very close facsimile of childhood.

Was it filled with running, playing and exploring in your backyard (and all your friends’ yards)? Did you ride your bike through your surrounding neighborhoods and maybe even to school to use the jungle gym ad nauseam?

Were your summers permeated with spraying sprinklers, green rubber hoses, worn jump ropes, entire days spent outside, and skinned knees? Did your evenings entail playing ball

Today, these kids would be referred to as “free range.” Their parents would be practicing “free range parenting” (also called “simplicity” or “slow parenting”). It often involves more unstructured free time, less of a focus on the use of electronic devices, and less hovering of parents around children as they play or make new discoveries. Children are ultimately allowed to explore the world at their own pace.

It is said that free range parenting is in response to the widespread trend for parents to schedule many activities and classes after school, solve problems for their children, and often “helicopter” around their children to help with any issues that arise. Others contend that this less hands-on, more independenceinducing style is simply a return to the style in which many of us were raised.

It is important to note some of the positives of free range parenting. The free range lifestyle allows children to develop many valuable skills, such as problem-solving, self-confidence, and creativity, to say nothing of the value of a well-honed imagination. Children with an active, exploratory life have lower risk of mental health and emotional issues and higher development of motor skills. It is said that the more time kids spend in the great outdoors, as well, lower their chances of developing asthma, allergies, and have a general immunity against many illnesses. They are also far better able to bounce back from the disappointments of life after gaining hands-on troubleshooting experience in their day-to-day activities.

But, as with most forms of parenting, opinions differ and controversies arise.

With a greater awareness of child abuse and neglect, many are on the lookout for strange or “off ” behavior - such as seeing children out walking or playing without supervision. Although each case and scenario is different and unique, many times we see in these news stories that the children ultimately get picked up by police and, due to proper procedure, taken to Child Protective Services before finally allowing the parents to have contact with their “missing” children.

There are two schools of thought here. One - those poor parents must have been frantic!

Two - the same parents would feel worse if their children had gone missing for real. Both are completely valid points.

However, it’s important to note that America, in general, is at its safest point in years. According to a recent child mortality report put together by numerous government agencies, childhood mortality has never been lower. In 1935, there were 450 deaths per 100,000 children aged 1 to 4, compared with today’s number of 30. Some of this can be attributed to a rise in the use of vaccines (do your homework and decide if this is right for you), but the rates have nonetheless continued to drop in recent decades. Homicide rates are at a low of 1.5 per 100,000 children under 14, as well.

Beyond these facts, though, comes the worry.

It’s not just about a child’s possible death (although that’s huge). What about an abduction or disappearance? According to the FBI National Crime Information Center, reports of missing juveniles under 18 since 1997 are down 40%. This information also tells of the fact that a vast majority - 96% - of all missing person reports are runaways. A very minute percentage of these cases are what we might consider a “stereotypical kidnapping.” More details can be found through this informative Washington Post article, but the point is, basically, that things are pretty darn safe on average, depending on your particular life situation and neighborhood demographic.

As parents, we all know that parenting isn’t “one size fits all.” Every child is unique and every parent reacts to situations differently.

Hopefully, we can all agree that as long as children are in a loving, cared-for scenario even if it’s completely different than our own - there’s nothing to worry about.

It is up to us to use our common sense and intuition to recognize when something is seriously wrong, or that we simply need to back off and allow other parents the courtesy to make their own choices for their families.

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Photography by Liza Huber

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|by Liza Huber CEO & Founder of Sage Spoonfulstm

Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad This summer salad is sure to be the hit of any barbecue or gathering. Refreshing and nourishing for everyone, but we’ve made to sure to slice these in the perfect finger food size for older babies (12 months and up) and toddlers to easily handle.

Ingredients

Directions

• 1/2 organic watermelon - cut into cubes

1. Place the watermelon, tomatoes and basil into a mixing bowl and toss with the salt.

• 1 pound organic heirloom tomatoes washed and chopped

2. Place into a serving bowl or dish, drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

• 1 tablespoon organic fresh organic basil - washed and cut into strips

3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

4. Enjoy!

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • ½ teaspoon coarse grain sea salt or pink salt

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Blueberry Peach Frozen Yogurt Popsicles I can’t think of a better treat for summer than homemade popsicles. They’re easy-to-make, delicious and healthy. The best part is that you avoid all of the artificial ingredients found in most store-bought popsicles. Suitable for babies 10 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults.

Ingredients

Directions

• 1 cup organic vanilla yogurt – can use 1. Place a slice of banana into each jar and place a dairy, coconut milk or almond milk yogurt wooden popsicle stick into each slice.

• 2 ripe organic peaches or nectarines – washed, peeled and chopped • 1 cup organic blueberries – washed • 4 banana slices • Wooden popsicle sticks

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2. Put the yogurt, peaches and blueberries into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into each jar or popsicle mold until about ¾ full.

3. Place into your freezer for 4-5 hours. When you are ready to serve, run the jar or mold under warm water for a few seconds to release the popsicle – enjoy!

Banana Coconut Tofu This mix of banana, coconut and tofu tastes like pudding and I love it - so do the kids! It’s a healthy, protein packed treat! Suitable for babies 10 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults.

Ingredients

Directions

• 1 large ripe organic banana

1. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy!

• 1 cup of organic tofu - can use soft or firm

Photography by Liza Huber

• 1 heaping tablespoon organic finely grated, unsweetened coconut

2. Banana Coconut Tofu will stay fresh in an airtight container, like Sage Spoonfuls jars, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Some discoloration of the banana is to be expected, but does not affect taste. Mix well before serving.

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Conscious Kitchen Springtime Cocktails

|by Cherie Calbom The Juice Lady

Anti-Inflammatory Cocktail Fennel is an anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, analgesic, & antioxidant.

Apples inhibit the development of allergies because rich in histaminelowering quercetin. Cucumber has analgesic (pain killing) properties and is an antioxidant that prevents the synthesis of the inflammatory compound prostaglandin. Broccoli is anti-carcinogenic, prevents gastric mucosal damage (suggesting potential histamine-lowering action), and finally, ginger is as effective as an H2 receptor antagonist prescription drug.

• • • • • •

1 green apple ½ large fennel with fronds 1-inch-piece ginger root 1 large broccoli stem 3 leaves kale ½ cucumber, peeled if not organic

Cut produce to fit your juicer. Start by juicing the apple and finish with the cucumber. Drink as soon as possible.

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Morning Energy

Beets contain unique phytonutrients called betalains, which have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification effects.

• • • •

1 cucumber, peel if not organic 1 handful spinach or several chard leaves ½ lemon, peeled 1-inch-piece ginger root, scrubbed, peel if old

• 1 – 2 carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed • ½ small beet, with leaves

Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube. Juice all ingredients and stir. Pour into a glass and drink as soon as possible.

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34

Summer Cookout |by Jennifer Katzinger

Excerpted from Gluten-Free & Vegan for the Whole Family

Sizzlin’ Kabobs

Photography by Charity Burggraaf © 2015 by Jennifer Katzinger. All rights reserved. Excerpted from Gluten-Free & Vegan for the Whole Family by permission of Sasquatch Books.

Kebabs are such a festive summer food. The whole family will enjoy having a meal cooked on the grill. You might want to grill up some extra vegetables that have been marinating too!

• • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 small red onion, minced 2 cloves garlic 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes 1/3 cup maple syrup 1⁄4 cup blackstrap molasses 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons mustard powder 1 teaspoon chile powder 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 to 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika

1. To make the sauce, in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened and transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, maple syrup, molasses, vinegar, mustard powder, chile powder, salt, pepper, and paprika to the saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cook, uncovered, for 1 hour. Puree the sauce, using an immersion blender, or in batches in a blender or food processor. Return the sauce to the saucepan and continue simmering for 30 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let cool.

• • • • • • • • •

4 wooden skewers 8 crimini or button mushrooms 12 shiitake mushrooms 12 cherry tomatoes 1 small orange bell pepper, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces 2 small baby bok choy, leaves separated 1 yellow summer squash, cut into bite-size pieces 1 (8-ounce) package tempeh, cut into bitesize pieces Cooked rice, for serving

2. Prepare the wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 15 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Skewer the vegetables and tempeh in a colorful pattern. Brush the kebabs generously with the sauce. Grill the kebabs for 3 minutes on each side. You may need to brush the kebabs with more sauce after flipping to the other side. The kebabs are ready when the vegetables are slightly browned and seared. Serve over rice. Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.

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Summer Cookout Soba Noodle Summer Rolls There is so much goodness in these mouthwatering summer rolls—bright antioxidant-rich vegetables, creamy avocado loaded with vitamin E, powerful immune-supporting shiitake mushrooms, protein-rich tofu, and satisfying buckwheat noodles! The rice paper wrappers are very sticky, so they hold the rolls together beautifully.

• • • • • • • •

10 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1/3 cup tamari 3 oz 100 percent buckwheat soba noodles 1⁄2 cup sesame seeds 12 rice paper wrappers 14 ounces tofu, cut into thin rectangles 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned

1. In a small bowl, combine the mushrooms and tamari to marinate.

2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the noodles for 8 minutes. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Slice the noodles into 2-inch lengths.

3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, roast the sesame seeds until they brown slightly and smell fragrant.

4. Prepare a large container of cold water to soften the rice paper wrappers. (I use a large sauté pan because the size and shallow depth work well.) Assembling 1 roll at a time, lay 1 paper in the water until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Put the softened wrapper on a flat surface and arrange the mushrooms, noodles, tofu, cucumber, carrots, avocado, basil, cilantro, onion, and the sesame seeds 36

• • • • • • •

1⁄2 avocado, cut into thin slices 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped 1⁄2 small red onion, minced (about 1⁄2 cup) 2 teaspoons chile oil 1 cup rice wine vinegar 1 green onion, minced

in a line down the center of the wrapper.

Sprinkle with oil and, working with your hands, lift up the edge of the rice paper below the filling and fold it over the filling toward the center. Next, fold in the sides of the rice paper toward each other. Finally, roll up the roll. Continue in this way with the remaining filling and rice papers.

5. To make the dipping sauce, in a small bowl, combine the vinegar and green onion. Slice each roll in half to expose the vibrant colors of the filling. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Note: Softened rice paper wrappers are very sticky, so to keep the rolls from sticking to one another in a packed lunch, wrap a bit of parchment paper around each before packing snugly in a container.

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Summer Cookout

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Strawberry Surprise Popsicles

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These popsicles have a surprising ingredient—cucumber! Cucumber not only adds a refreshing note, but it’s a good source of B vitamins. Strawberries contain vitamin C in great abundance. Try throwing some basil in with the mint for an even brighter flavor.

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• • • • • •

3 cups fresh strawberries 1 cup chopped peeled cucumber 1/8 cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1⁄2 cup fresh mint leaves 1⁄2 cup water

1. In a high-powered blender or food processor, blend all the ingredients until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into 6 popsicle molds and freeze for at least 3 hours.

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More you Know

eco: Water Conservation |by Nicholas Sopko

Oak Meadow Distance Learning 7th Grade Student Water is very necessary for human life. Our bodies need water to live. We use water to grow our crops and to clean our environment.

The earth’s water supply is being contaminated and depleted by overuse and pollution.

Our planet has a water problem, and we have to figure out what to do about it and devise steps to prevent further waste.

Although water makes up 71% of the earth’s surface, we are having trouble saving it. Take California, for instance. They are now undergoing a major drought and by the next year, according to NASA, will be out of water. This could happen in more places if we are not smarter on water conservation.

The easiest way to save water is to not use it when you have no need for it. For instance, you can run some warm water in a sink then plug it up to rinse the dishes instead of running it the whole time, or turn the water off while brushing your teeth.

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You should recycle as much water as possible. When washing fruit, you can save the

water and use it to water your plants. When you change your pet’s drinking bowl, use it to water your plants. When you clean out your fish tank, put the water in a plant. When an ice cube falls out of your refrigerator, put it in your plant.

Always check your water bill. If the bill is higher than usual, you may have a leak in your home. Phone your local water company and ask for them to check for leaks in or around your home. Take 5-minute showers instead of baths. Reward kids for the water saving tips they use.

All of these things can help us save and use water more wisely, and when we save water, we can help other lands or people if they are low, like California. It’s up to everyone now to make a change and conserve water, because while water is considered a renewable resource, we’re not getting any more of it on this planet. There is only so much of it and we need to preserve what we have. The best way to do that is to follow these tips and save as much as we can.

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gre en

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One Room @ a Time

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Tips to g your lif reen e... one room a t a tim e!

Musical Friend Sweet distractions and gentle sleep soothers can come in handy. We love this pull-string musical lovey and all of its chewy goodness. $45 at Käthe Kruse

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Extra Organic Sheets Whether you bedshare or not, baby will likely make a visit for a midnight feeding, diaper change, or other haphazard sleepy happening. Extra sheets are a must. Starting at $50 at West Elm

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SnapPower Guidelights These outlet covers include a sensor and ultra energy efficient LED lights that are perfect for illuminating hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens for late night needs. Starting at $15 at SnapPower

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Lullaby Earth Healthy Support Mattress in Leaf Pattern Keep baby safe and close with this fully waterproof mattress weighing a mere 7 lbs. It offers firm and durable construction, square corners for a snug fit, and no harmful chemicals or allergens. This mattress meets the strictest GREENGUARD® certification standards for eliminating chemical emissions and is proudly made in the U.S.A. Available in regular or 2-stage firmness. $199 at Lullaby Earth

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Gentle Cleaner More imprortant than ever, gentle cleansers like vigenar and water are tough on germs and messes, but leave behind no toxins to harm indoor air quality where baby sleeps. Free in your kitchen.

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Smart Cookies!

Having snacks on hand when trapped beneath a sleeping, or nursing, baby can be a lifesaver. These smart cookies from Bitsy’s Brainfood are full of real fruits and veggies to help provide vital nutrients for mom or a hungry sibling.

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44

Out Came the Sun

Green Child Magazine Talks with Mariel Hemingway

Much of my generation knows Mariel Hemingway as a celebrity who uses her status to advocate for mental health and mindful living. While we certainly remember her grandfather, iconic American writer Earnest Hemingway, I realized in preparing for this interview, not all of us were aware of the depths of the Hemingway family “curse” of mental illness and suicide.

Mariel’s new books: “Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide in My Family,” and “Invisible Girl,” a similar memoir written in her own teenage voice, show us how a legendary family wasn’t above a stigma that plagues so many families.

After reading her books and having the pleasure of speaking to her, I’m touched by the poignancy of Mariel’s story, told with graciousness and understanding toward her family. By shining a light onto her own dark history, she’s helping countless people open their hearts, be conscious, and learn to heal.

Amity: In one way or another, every one of us has been affected

by mental illness. Yet most of us are scared or embarrassed and don’t want to talk about it. I’ve been watching the reaction in the brief time since the book has been out, and it’s tremendous. You’re connecting with SO many people.

Mariel: Thank you. You know, it’s time for this. People want

to talk about this issue. It’s been around longer than any of the diseases we put time and energy into, and yet, it’s the one we want to pretend doesn’t happen.

45

Out Came the Sun Amity: Your perspective in the books is

almost like reading your journal. It’s beautiful how you were able to write about your parents and sisters in an objective, yet kind and compassionate, way. How do you think you remained less affected than the other members of your family?

Mariel: I think some of us put ourselves in

a world where we want to get better. Some people grow up embedded in deception and denial. It’s the reality of what we’re taught and what we perpetuate. It’s really hard to make the choice to change. It isn’t a place to think you’re better than anyone else or the people you came from.

If you want to be healthy – body, mind, spirit – and really connected, you have to do that digging and discovering. And it’s so rewarding.

Memories really can’t hurt us. They’re so scary in our head, but the minute you say them or write them down, it’s like, “Oh ,that’s not so bad. Nothing came out and bit me.” So we have misconceptions. Our fears are the fears of things we allow to be buried. But they kind of have a voice and they speak to you, so you push them away. Ultimately, you can push something away so long that eventually it slams you. And the outcome of that can be physical illness, mental illness, poor relationships, inability to communicate.

There are so many ways it manifests, but we all have the choice to change. We all have the choice to be healthy. We really do. And that’s just becoming conscious about all the choices we make. How we parent, what we eat, whether we remember to breathe or take time to be silent. The things that seem little… but they’re

46

actually big and have a profound effect on our growth and expansion into the world.

Amity: Our readers are quite interested in

food, and I know they’ll be interested in your thoughts. In the books, you talk about how you used food as a way of exerting control in your life. So you had lots of rules about what you would or wouldn’t eat. We joined you with Dr. Greene and Ed Brown for a webinar last year, and you’re very involved in the real food movement. Are you at a healthy place in your life with food?

Mariel: Yes, for me food is all about local

– gardening, farmer’s markets – doing what you can to be connected to your food. Again it’s about nature. How do we make the circle back? I’m not vegan anymore. I used to be everything with a rule or regulation. But now it’s like: How can I just be mindful? Can I eat fewer animals? And when I do have meat, can I choose animals that weren’t abused? So it’s just about being conscious.

Amity: Having taken on the caregiver role

when your mother had cancer, you seemed to be formulating a plan of how you were going to parent your children. So often that pattern is repeated, but you raised your daughters in a completely different way.

Mariel: I think there’s always someone in

a family that says, “I don’t want to carry this on.” You’re not conscious of it when you’re young. You live in fear, you don’t feel safe, but at the same time you don’t know anything different. So you think maybe feeling unsafe is normal... until you realize that’s actually not how you’re supposed to be.

Amity: How old are your daughters now?

Mariel: They’re 25 and 27. I remember

all of it like yesterday. You never lose that connection. Actually, Langley and I just did a Mother’s Day project for Coach. They interviewed us separately. It was so cool to hear what she said about me; you just get choked up when you realize you did a pretty good job and your kid likes you!

Amity: Of course she does! Your thoughts

on mindfulness and spirituality completely inspired me. Can you share more on that?

Mariel: I don’t think of spirituality as

a separate thing we do. Everything we do is related to everything. Spirituality is an extension of eating good food in the morning, taking a mindful approach to all that you do.

You know, “Chop wood, carry water.” Do one thing at a time. I think our lives are so complicated now because we have technology up the wazoo and nobody knows when to turn it off. I’m as guilty as the next person.

But we have to learn to compartmentalize and also learn to take time for yourself; when to be conscious, when to slow down, when to speed up, when to make all kinds of choices. To me, living life is a spiritual experience if you’re living in the present moment.

Amity: It’s perfect, truly. Another way you

inspire us is your Instagram feed. It’s so calm and peaceful. Our whole team just breathes more deeply when we look at your photos.

And your sweet dog!

Mariel: No, I love your magazine images

with kids in nature!

Growing up, that was the only thing I had that made sense to me. Nature was like, “Ahhh, this is real. This is life.”

It’s always there, it doesn’t judge. I feel like nature is such an important part of our lives that we’re not paying enough attention to. I really feel like nature is where God lives. That’s where I feel a connection. That’s my religion, and where I can feel most still and grounded.

So I think when you’re trying to find a place to tune in to your instincts, that’s where you go. That’s what will allow you to hear your inner voice.

Amity: And that constant of nature is

grounding, too. The stream you sit by is the same today as it was yesterday, and last year, and maybe even from when you were a child. Something that remains unchanged feels really important in a world where your Twitter feed is completely different in five seconds.

Mariel: It’s true.

And it’s all about allowing, with no expectation.

Read on in Mariel’s new books: “Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide in My Family” & “Invisible Girl” 47

Tread Lightly — Eco Travel

with your kids! |by Anne Michelsen

Eco travel? With kids?

You bet.

For many people the term “ecotourism” brings to mind exotic (and expensive) adventures in far-off places. Many people do enjoy adventure traveling with kids. But if the idea of changing diapers atop a pitching whitewater raft or hiking for miles through the steaming jungle with your toddler in a sling doesn’t make you want to book a flight this minute, don’t despair. There are sustainable travel options to please every family – regardless of your interests and the ages of your kids.

What is eco travel?

48

You might be wondering if the term “eco travel” is perhaps an oxymoron. It is true that everything we do has an impact on the environment. It can be difficult to plan a trip without increasing our environmental footprint.

However, keep in mind that ‘impact’ can be positive as well as negative. A well-planned trip can bring positive benefits to the com-

munities you visit. In fact, tourism provides a much-needed economic incentive for many communities around the world to protect their natural and cultural heritage.

Traveling with your kids is also a wonderful way to expose them to different cultures and allow them to experience first-hand the wonders of the natural world. This can help them develop tolerance, confidence, and an open-hearted love of and interest in the world – critical attitudes to foster if our society is ever to learn to live in harmony with the earth. “Eco travel is full of what educators call teachable moments or, more definitively, unplanned opportunities to explain a concept that has unintentionally captured a child’s interest,” says Irene Lane, president of the eco-travel agency Greenloons. “Whether it is touring the rainforests of the Amazon, observing blue footed boobies throughout the Galapagos Islands or understanding the water issues that surround the Okavango Delta in Botswana, eco travel is a vacation experience that provides boundless opportunities to teach younger generations about the fragility of ecosystems and the significance of heritage.”

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Tread Lightly — Eco Travel

with your kids!

Here are some ideas to consider when making your sustainable travel plans:

Think local Your vacant home still consumes resources even while you’re away. One way to avoid excess consumption is to plan a vacation at home or “staycation”. Many people get so caught up in their daily lives that they never take the time to discover and enjoy the wonders that surround them. Chances are you have a week’s worth of attractions just a short drive or bike ride away from your home. Why not use your vacation time to visit them? Visit your local tourist center or talk to friends for ideas. If you are blessed with sensitive or high-need children who get overstimulated easily, this can be a wonderful option. You can even plan a rest day in the middle of the week where you don’t go anywhere, just to help them recharge.

50

like Servas or Couchsurfing. Our kids (born in 1987 and 1992) grew up with it. As adults, both of them have stayed members of Servas.”

Homestays can, and often do, result in deep mutual appreciation and even lifelong friendships between members of diverse cultures.

How you get there counts Eight times out of ten, Americans jump in the car when they get the urge for leisure travel.

But car travel may not be the most sustainable choice for your trip. According to research by the Sightline Institute, even air travel trumps the average car for fuel emissions per passenger, when driving solo. Adding passengers improves your stats (as does driving a fuel-efficient car), but it does make sense to explore alternatives.

Even if you decide to travel away from home, you can still think local. Locally owned, boutique hotels and local restaurants and markets offer unique tastes and experiences you will never experience elsewhere. Patronizing them also helps support the communities you visit in a big way. “With most hotels, only 4% of their profits go local,” explains adventure travel consultant Dana Johnson of Open Leaf Excursions. “When you stay in a boutique hotel, an average of 70% of the profits stay in the local economy.” Supporting these smaller businesses helps keep the communities you visit vital and alive.

If you are traveling to and within urban centers, consider taking the train or bus. These forms of transportation typically consume half the fuel of flying or driving. And as Corinne McDermott of HaveBabyWillTravel. com explains, riding them can add to the fun.

“Getting around a new city by public transit is a green way to explore a destination that kids absolutely love. Not only are you reducing your carbon footprint, you’re saving money too by not taking expensive cabs. Children enjoy taking buses and trains, and you experience more of your destination this way as well.” If you’re planning a long trip, consider booking a sleeper compartment on the train.

Kids love the novelty, and it makes travel a lot more comfortable.

As an alternative, consider arranging a home stay. Green business consultant Shel Horowitz says, “(Our family has) been doing that all the way back to 1983, through homestay networks

If you really want to travel green, consider bicycle touring. Bikes are amazingly versatile: they can go places cars can’t, and you can even take them on many trains and buses. Bicycle

touring with kids is not as hard as you might think. If you’re unsure about it, start small, as software engineer and cycling blogger Richard Masoner suggests:

“Among bike people, we have a concept of the S24O or the Sub 24-hour overnight trip. You find a destination within easy biking distance for you and your family, and you don’t even need fancy or expensive touring gear. My family and I did this with inexpensive city bikes and heavy car-camping gear, camping overnight in a nearby state park. In California, many state parks even have camping sites reserved just for those who bike or walk into the site.”

Richard did this when his kids were 9 and 13, but don’t discount bike travel with younger kids, as well. My husband and I traveled 4,000 miles across the U.S. on our honeymoon. On the way, we overtook a young family doing the same thing. The mom was pregnant, and the dad was pulling their 2 year old in a trailer behind him. He was happy as a clam at 40 miles a day! Tandem extensions can help bridge the gap for kids who are too big for a trailer and too small to go far on their own. And if you’re worried about safety in traffic, plan your trip for an established, dedicated bike trail.

Ultimately, you’ll need to consider more than just carbon emissions when planning your mode of travel. No matter how you choose to go, purchasing carbon offsets can help you make amends to the planet for your travel impact. Sustainable Travel International’s Carbon Calculator for travelers is a useful tool that lets you calculate your impact and offset it by donating to reforestation, renewable energy, and other sustainable projects.

Leave no trace

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Tread Lightly — Eco Travel

with your kids!

impact. Sustainable Travel International’s Carbon Calculator for travelers is a useful tool that lets you calculate your impact and offset it by donating to reforestation, renewable energy, and other sustainable projects.

Leave no trace Wherever you go with your kids, use it as an opportunity to teach respect for the environment and for others. Whether or not your trip involves outdoor exploration, consider teaching your kids to follow the Seven Principles established by the Leave no Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: • • • • • • •

Plan Ahead & Prepare Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Some of these principles are specific to camping. Challenge your older children to come up with alternatives that apply to non-camping situations, too!

Take a balanced approach Of course you want your vacation to be as eco-responsible as you can make it. But keep in mind that stress is unsustainable, too! Do what you can to plan a trip that supports your family’s values and expectations – whether it’s positive social impact on the local community, the availability of good food, access to natural areas, availability of shuttles, bicycles, public transit and/or safe walking paths, green 52

housekeeping practices, or something else entirely. Do your own research by making phone calls to places and chatting with folks as well as reading third party eco ratings and social media reviews. Once you make the decision that feels the best to you, let go of the rest.

“The last thing you want your eco-vacation to become is tense and frustrating because you are constantly searching for the best sustainable choice,” says Hillary Mizia, executive Director of Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge in Grand Lake, CO. “Allow yourself to be immersed in the culture and welcome social sustainability on a new level. Expose your kids to happiness while traveling. Give your family the gift of being present. Enjoy yourself!”

David Leventhal, owner of the Playa Viva hotel in Guerrero, Mexico, agrees. “My number one peice of advice is find a place that allows for kids to interact with nature and then do NOT try to schedule,” he says. “We are so prone these days to schedule every moment of our kids’ lives, but if you take them to the right Eco location…the kids will become kids again and their sense of curiosity and especially around nature will emerge.”

“The last thing you want your ecovacation to become is tense and frustrating because you are constantly searching for the best sustainable choice,” says Hillary Mizia, executive Director of Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge in Grand Lake, CO. “Allow yourself to be immersed in the culture and welcome social sustainability on a new level.

Expose your kids to happiness while traveling. Give your family the gift of being present. Enjoy yourself!”

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top

green family travel ideas |by Anne Michelsen

Not sure what to plan for your next family vacation? Here are our top eco-friendly picks:

1. National Parks Between them, the U.S. and Canada boast nearly 100 national parks, offering spectacular landscapes and awesome outdoor experiences for families of all ages. Many require reservations for camping and lodging, so plan your trip in advance.

2. Glamping Not a hardcore camper? No worries.

Glamping (glamour + camping) resorts offer a cushy alternative – the outdoor experience wrapped in luxury. Staying in a yurt, treehouse or other cool structure with ready access to running water and other necessities is a relaxing experience the whole family can enjoy - including special needs families or those with very young kids. For more information on glamping visit InspiredCamping.com [http://www.inspiredcamping.com/].

3. Volunteer vacation Family volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the communities you visit and

empower your kids to be a positive agent of change. There are volunteer vacations available worldwide; for more information visit GoEco.org. [http://www.goeco.org/ tags/family-volunteering]

4. Farm or Ranch Stay Imagine your kids’ faces as they collect their own eggs to eat for breakfast, pull carrots from the farm garden, eat blueberries right off the bush, then race to the creek running through the property to splash and wash off messy hands. Farmstays offer families a chance to experience life in the country, to understand where and how your food is grown or raised, and to connect families with the natural world, with farmers, and ultimately with each other.

FarmstayUS.com offers a searchable database of farm and ranch stays nationwide.

5. Alternative Transportation Tours Why not make the journey itself the destination? Besides bike touring, there are lots of other non-motorized options: trips by canoe, kayak, horseback, or even covered wagon!

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Summer

Sun Safety

Ah, a day in the summer sun!

You set off with the family to the beach, a campsite, or perhaps you’re off for a fun-filled day at an amusement park. You’re excited for a day of adventure, lounging, swimming, or searching for shells.

“Time flies when you’re having fun.”

It’s easy to let the hours slip by without even realizing just how long you’ve been out (we’ve had the red shoulders to prove it!). Sun safety is vital, and we hope that these tips, along with a few of our favorite items, will help you have a sun-safe summer!

Sunscreens: Both sunscreen use and skin cancer rates have increased in the past several years. It’s not a coincidence.

Conventional sunscreens are loaded with harmful chemicals, some even known to cause cancer, the very thing you’re trying to prevent. You can find a great list of non-toxic sunscreens on our website.

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B C

A D

Beach bag must-haves!

Make your day at the beach (or pool) a breeze with these must-haves. A) Eco Lips SPF 30 Lip Balm B) Vapour Nail Polish (for touch ups!)

C) Blue Planet Eyewear D) Earth Mama Angel Baby Mama Bottom Balm (perfect for bug bites, scrapes, and minor burns) Prices vary.

UV Protective Clothing

Extra coverage means less sunscreen to slather on a wiggly little guy in a hurry to get to the water. And with sun protection of UPF 50+, you won’t have to worry about drying him off to reapply. Soft, stretchy, and super comfortable, these colorful swim shirts are chlorine and salt water resistant. $29 at UV Skinz

Bug Stick One touch of this silky smooth botanical butter, and you’ll never want to use another spray insect repellant again.

Rather than drying out your skin, Dr. Fedorenko’s Bug Stick hydrates and protects with an effective blend of pure essential oils to keep biting insects away for hours.

Plus, it smells amazing! $30 at Amazon

EWG Top-Rated Sunscreen With aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, and blood orange extracts, Protect All Over’s non-nano UVA and UVB formula hydrates skin with moisture and antioxidants. Lightweight and water-resistant, this non-nano zinc oxide formula blends into skin, which means you won’t be sporting the iridescent white sheen this summer. The light lemon scent is refreshing, and so is the fact that this sunscreen is safe for the whole family. $26 at Beautycounter

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Back to Nature

plant medicine for your family |by Susie Lyons

Education is Key

Reduce.

Reuse.

Recycle.

Many of us remember this early mantra of the “Green” movement.

Embracing a green lifestyle is about more than a nice catch phrase. While we know those activities are a huge part of going green, once you really embrace organic foods, cleaning with environment friendly products, recycling as much as possible, the next logical step is to care for yourself and your family naturally as well.

Transitioning from over-the-counter and prescription medications for every ailment to treating with diet, herbs and essential oils (a/k/a “plant medicine”) is a huge change for many people. Popping a pill for every illness is so easy and has become so engrained that a change to plant medicine can seem a daunting task. As with any other lifestyle change, it is a process and not one to be taken lightly. That being said, the long term rewards are great if you make the change the right way.

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As a society, we are constantly bombarded with information about side effects caused by every possible medication. Just as with medications, there are side effects caused by herbal remedies and essential oils as well. If you’re using herbs and oils for medicinal purposes, you need to educate yourself about what you’re using before you use it.

You need to know not only what to use but when and how to use it. Just as you wouldn’t self-prescribe medication (hopefully) for a serious medical condition, you should treat plant medicine with the same respect. Always get a sound diagnosis before treating with plant medicine just as you would with any other medication. At the outset of your path toward natural health, find a good local naturopath to talk to when you need additional information or help. And always consult a naturopath, a midwife or other licensed healthcare professional well versed in natural healing if you have any of the following issues: • Acute pain that doesn’t go away • Your condition changes suddenly or drastically (and not in a good way)

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Change is Good!

plant medicine for your family • Your symptoms keep coming back • Your symptoms don’t improve after a full week of consistent treatment If you’re serious about using plant medicine, it is vital to find a trusted source for information. Folklore and traditional healing are educational and fascinating but make sure you’re getting information that has been thoroughly researched. Some highly regarded sources are Earth Mama’s Herb Gallery, Aviva Romm, Rosemary Gladstar, the American Botanical Council, Dorene Peterson and the American Herbalist Guild.

Safety First When using plant medicine, more is not necessarily better. You’re much better off using small doses on a scheduled, consistent basis than giving a big dose at one time, especially with children.

As Melinda Olson, founder of Earth Mama Angel Baby says “Something to remember about plant medicine is it is processed by your body the same way your body processes food. Nettles, for example, are delicious when steamed and eaten like spinach. But, the antihistamine effect is short lived. You wouldn’t ask your body to be sustained long term with steamed spinach, you need to eat again to be sustained. Herbs usually go through your body quickly, which means the benefits do, too.” This is a great rule of thumb to remember when thinking about how plant medicine works in the body.

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“You wouldn’t ask your body to be sustained long term with steamed spinach, you need to eat again to be sustained.

Herbs usually go through your body quickly, which means the benefits do, too.”

Other things to keep in mind when using plant medicine or essential oils are: • Children are smaller and their ability to process drugs or herbs is not the same as adults. Always use a reduced dosage for children.

• Mild infusions or weak teas (¼ teaspoon or ½ teaspoon of herb to one cup of boiling water) are a good way to give herbs to your children. Always make a fresh batch each time.

• Use mild herbs for children.

• When using essential oils topically on children, use about 1 drop to 4 teaspoons of carrier oil. Their skin is thinner and they will absorb more than an adult.

• Consider the age of the child you’re treating. Some oils and herbs should never be used for infants and still others shouldn’t be used on children under the age of 10.

• Inhalation is one of the best ways to use essential oils for children. Invest in a good quality diffuser and distilled water. Diffuse for thirty minutes, stop for thirty minutes, diffuse for another thirty minutes, stop for thirty minutes, etc.

Start Small As with any lifestyle change, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of information out there. Don’t expect to be an expert overnight. Start small with a few good, all purpose herbs and oils and go from there.

When asked which five herbal remedies or plant medicines she would always keep on hand, Earth Mama Melinda Olson recommended lavender (for its antibacterial, calming and uplifting properties), yarrow (as an

antifungal, antibacterial and for its ability to stop bleeding), calendula (a wonderful wound healing herb, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties), lemon balm (for tension, restlessness and irritability) and nettles (a great antihistamine and a must have for spring tonics).

Start with these five herbs, some organic jojoba, coconut, olive or almond oil, self-sealing tea bags, a glass pot or teapot to heat water and you have a great starter kit for herbal healing. Five simple herbs may not seem like much but that is one of the wonders of plant medicine. One herb can have several constituents that make it effective for several conditions or ailments. Instead of taking a handful of pills every day, imagine having a cup of herbal tea instead! The more you learn, the more you’ll add as you see what works best for your family and what you can do without.

Have Fun! Above all else, have fun with compiling your plant medicine chest.

Find local wild crafting experts and take your children on a nature walk and pick your own plants and herbs.

Get your children in the kitchen for a nightly ritual of making homemade chamomile tea.

Start your own herb garden. You can do this in minimal space and it makes a wonderful family project.

If you start them early and make it fun, you will be giving your children a lifetime of healthy living and family traditions to pass on for generations to come.

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Grow Healthy. Grow Happy. The Whole Baby Guide

by Becky Cannon

From the founder of trusted company i play, this truly is the only guide for whole family living you’ll need.

With sections on raising a whole baby (including wellness, spirit and learning broken down in practical and theoretical terms), a foundation of whole foods (on establishing holistic eating habits from the start with mouth-watering recipes included), and a whole living resource on healthy and unhealthy substances in items we buy and a product guide, it’s chock full of incredible information. $23 at Amazon

The Green Foods Bible

by David Sandoval

A great summer read for parents, this title gets your wheels turning about the deep power that comes from plant consumption. We all know that we should be eating more fruits and vegetables, but in this well-researched book, Sandoval covers the exact benefits of plant-based diets along with some fascinating, at-times controversial theories.

Ultimately, though, anyone can leave this “bible” with some great tips to incorporate into our diets and some fresh food for thought. $13 at Amazon

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The Best Homemade Kids’ Snacks on the Planet

by Laura Fuentes

With the kids home for the summer, this book offers simple, fast snack recipes made with real ingredients. The founder of MOMables.com includes great tips throughout, from creating a homemade snack pantry for fast, on-the-go treats (that are better alternatives to packaged foods) to finding grass-fed gelatin in bulk online. We foresee relying on Laura’s freeze pops to make it through the summer! $17 at Amazon

A, B, C, Disgusting

by Catherine Dawgert

This isn’t your average predictable ABC book! If your little one is all about the interestingly gross things of life (we’re talking burps, poop, zits and, yes, farts), this is a great book to add to your collection. Not a book to shy away from the fascinating and sometimes silly realities of life, it includes awesomely quirky illustrations created with a variety of mediums that take the book to the next level. Only read this if you’re ready for your child to dissolve into a fit of giggles (and you don’t mind some gross language). Winner of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for curiosity, discovery and learning through books and reading. $10 at Amazon

Oh, Ranger! Parkfinder If you’re looking for inexpensive, healthy fun this summer, download this free app for help! Look up parks near home or abroad on vacation with ease, and narrow down your results based on your family’s interests. From viewing animals, hiking and picnicking to camping, historical touring and caving, there are enough categories to satisfy any passion.

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Making the Switch

the benefits of cloth menstrual pads |by Tracy Puhl While your period may come with cramps or bloating, it is part of the process that helps create life.

How cool is that?

Unfortunately, we tend to focus on the less pleasant parts of menstruating and forget to take care of our bodies that are hard at work.

As women and moms, we’re often too busy putting others’ needs above our own.

But your period can be a monthly reminder to take extra care of yourself. And one of the best ways to care for your body is to choose safer menstrual products.

Cloth pads are good for your body Conventional disposable products can contain plastics, artificial fragrances, adhesives, and chemical gels – things you don’t want next to one of the most sensitive parts of your body!

Cloth pads are free from irritating materials, so you can avoid unnecessary exposure to the synthetic ingredients in disposable pads and tampons.

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One of the lesser-known benefits of switching to reusable menstrual pads is the period positivity that comes along with it. The men-

strual cycle is a healthy and natural process.

Many of us grow up believing that it’s a messy inconvenience or, worse, a disgusting diseaselike condition. The embarrassment or shame we feel about our periods is often a result of negative cultural conditioning. Many women have experienced profound positive transformations in our feelings toward our menstrual cycles after ditching the disposables!

Cloth pads are good for the planet The average woman will use 12,000 to 16,000 disposable pads, panty-liners, and tampons in her lifetime. That’s a lot of waste! Plus, think of the manufacturing, shipping, and packaging impact over the years. Cloth pads last for years, helping you keep your environmental footprint small and saving you from monthly trips to the store. Make sure to choose a brand that’s plastic and nylon free, and uses natural fibers only.

Cloth pads are good for your budget Once you purchase a full set of cloth pads, you’ll have reliable menstrual protection for years to come. Most are made to last for five years, but many women report that their pads have lasted much longer! It can seem like washable cloth pads cost more than disposables,

PHOTO PROOF PHOTO PROOF PHOTO PROOF PHOTO PROOF PHOTO PROOF PHOTO PROOF

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but they actually are much more economical when compared to the cost of disposable products over your lifetime.

Remember those 12,000 to 16,000 disposables the average woman will use? If she’s a buying box of 20 tampons or pads at $5 per box, she’ll throw away upwards of $3,000.

It’s kind of like equipping your kitchen with ceramic plates: it would be tremendously expensive (not to mention wasteful!) to continuously purchase disposable paper plates, so we buy plates that we can use indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cloth Pads How many pads will I need?

The short answer: it depends. How long is your cycle? How heavy is your flow?

How often do you plan to wash your pads?

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These are all questions you can consider when thinking about how many cloth pads you’ll need. In general, six to twelve day pads and a few night pads and panty-liners are sufficient for most women. You can always start with just a few and add to your stash as you learn more about what works best for you!

How do I choose the right style / size?

While there are endless styles of cloth pads on the market, they can be broken down into three main groups: panty-liners, day pads, and night pads. Remember, you’ll probably want a variety of styles for different days of your cycle!

Choose panty-liners if…

• you want back-up for a menstrual cup or tampon • you have very light flow, including at the very beginning or end of your cycle • you want to wear everyday protection

the benefits of cloth menstrual pads Choose day pads if...

• you typically use standard disposable day pads • you sometimes leak urine when you sneeze or laugh (happens to the best of us!)

• you have moderate flow Choose night pads if...

• you have just given birth and need postpartum protection • you tend to leak over the front of back of your pads • you have heavy flow How do I use them on the go or traveling?

When you remove your pad, you can put it in a waterproof bag in your purse or backpack until it’s time to wash. Then follow the washing instructions below.

How do I wash cloth pads?

There are two main washing techniques: the dry method or the soaking method.

You may choose to keep a small zippered wet bag next to the toilet for used pads. At the end of your cycle, fill a tub or container with cold water and let the pads soak for about 30 minutes. Adding a presoak cleaner helps reduce staining. Drain the water and toss the now wet pads into the washing machine with the rest of the load. You can also just put your used pads directly in the washing machine if you want to skip the tub soak.

Some women prefer to use the soaking method, and keep a small container in the bathroom in which to soak their pads before washing. If you do this, adding a

presoak cleaner and changing the water every day will keep your soaking container free from mildew and odor.

Whatever you choose, make sure to use a mild detergent free from harsh chemicals, fabric softener, or bleach, as these will reduce the lifespan of your pads. Click here to find more tips for making your cloth pads last longer.

You’ll want to store your cloth pad collection somewhere free of moisture, and only put them away when they are fully dry.

You might find, as many women do, that the monthly ritual of caring for your pads gives you feelings of satisfaction -- because taking good care of your body feels good!

Quick Tips for washing cloth pads

• Cold water helps keep stains at bay • Change soaking water daily, or wait to soak • Avoid bleach, fragrance, and fabric softener • Dry on lowest setting What about leakage?

Leakage is the #1 worry of women thinking about using cloth pads -- and for good reason. No one wants to be the girl with a stain on the seat of her pants! Fortunately, lots of women find that cloth actually works better for them than disposables. Cloth pads won’t bunch or twist like adhesive pads can, and most pads have an absorbent core to keep you leak-free. To stay comfortable and leak-free, just make sure you change your pad frequently enough (about as often as you would a disposable) and choose the right absorbency for your flow.

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guided relaxation

“Lakeside Meditation ”

In this meditation, we will help children release worry, sadness and stress.

Create a peaceful atmosphere with dim lights and a blanket. You can even add soothing music in the background and diffuse lavender essential oil to set a calming atmosphere. Take in a slow, deep breath and begin reading using a relaxing, soft voice.

Take in a deep breath and gently close your eyes.

Easily imagine these scenes while you continue to breathe in slowly and calmly. See yourself relaxing by a beautiful, calm lake. The breeze softly blows over the lake and you watch the thousands of tiny ripples it creates on the surface of the lake.

Your surroundings here are so calm and pleasant that it brings a feeling of complete peace that washes over your entire body and mind. You breathe in deeply and allow the peacefulness to fill you. You notice the birds singing in the trees…. softly chirping and singing songs of their simple happiness.

You take the time now to release any worries, any disturbing thoughts, any sadness you may be feeling. Let those feelings float up, out and away… floating far away. Whatever has happened today that has bothered you, it is time to let that go.

Know that you are really in control of your mind and your body. You can choose to allow these

with Mellisa Dormoy of Shambala Kids

bothersome emotions to leave. In doing so, you will free up space in your heart and mind for positive things to come. Life is all about creating what you want and choosing good thoughts that make you feel good. When you focus on the positive, you get more positive experiences in your life. Releasing any negative thoughts serves like an umbrella on a rainy day – sure the rain is there, but it doesn’t have to affect you.

In your mind’s eye – picture yourself now in a stormy rainy situation. As you open up your umbrella of positivity, you see how you are really protected from all that is going on outside. You are safe. You don’t have to be a part of rainy difficulties. It truly is your choice how you react to whatever comes your way. Know that you have all the tools you need within, just choose to use them. You can see your life from a happy perspective. Worry, disturbing thoughts, or sadness are choices of thoughts you think, and you can simply say NO to them.

Release all the things that have been stressful to you and you can make peace with yourself.

Make peace now with the amazing person that you truly are on the inside. Nurture yourself with your loving thoughts – release any negative images or ideas about yourself. You have a choice in what you believe. Your mind is your greatest asset and your best tool. Now take in a deep breath, allow good feelings to fill up your heart and your mind…. peacefulness and calm are all around you. Open your eyes when you are ready and stretch fully.

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

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“Summertime is always the best

of what might be.”

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- Charles Bowden

Ask Hana Haatainen Caye

Anonymous writes: HELP! Our laundry stinks so bad! It’s a sour smell that is spreading on to more and more of the clothes. None of the natural detergents are working, and I’ve tried them all. I’m tempted to buy the most fragranced version of Tide available to mask the stench! Any other options before I break our 8-year streak of safe laundry soap?

GG: Yikes! Don’t reach for the Tide! There is hope. Have you tried vinegar? I recommend not only adding it to every load of laundry, but also to clean your washer and your dryer. Also, I’m guessing you have a front loader, since this is a common problem with them. What happens is leftover soap scum starts to breed mold, mildew, and bacteria. Yuck!

It’s time to reach for the baking soda and distilled white vinegar.

To clean your washing machine, dissolve ¼ cup baking soda in ¼ cup water and pour into the detergent container in your machine. If you have a top loader, just pour it into the drum.

Next, dump 2 cups of vinegar into the drum (in a front loader) or the fabric softener dispenser (in a top loader). Run it through a hot cycle. This should do the trick to eliminate odors in your washer that are transferring to your clothing, towels, and sheets. Repeat the process if odor remains and, for maintenance purposes, do once every month or so, especially if you have a front loader. Also, it is advisable to leave the door open on the washer so that it can dry out between loads.

Now, you’ll want to take care of the dryer, too. Using a 50/50 blend of distilled white vinegar and water, wipe down the entire inside of your dryer and then dry it with a clean towel. If you’re using wool dryer balls, you can lightly scent them by adding a few drops of essential oils to each ball, although the purpose is to add some fragrance to your laundry and not mask telltale odors of mildew and mold.

Good luck!

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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Get Crafty

DIY : No-Sew Beach Bag Have you ever needed a bag in a pinch? Or perhaps you are tired of spending on bags that just don’t hold up. This no-sew beach bag can be ready in just a few minutes, to get you out the door and ready for a day of fun!

Materials: • Tank Top • Large Safety Pins • Optional: A complimentary colored jersey knit top or fabric • Optional: Needle & Thread

Instructions: 1. Turn your tank inside out and fold in half lengthwise, with the side seams at the center.

2. Use safety pins to created a gathered seam along the bottom of the tank top, about 4-5 inches up. You can make the bag deaper or shorter, depending on wehre you place the seam.

3. Turn the bag inside out again so that the gathered section is now on the inside the bag.

4. Voila! You are done. Instant beach bag!

5. Add a fun flower embellishment by creating two circles of a contrasting color. Jersey knit is perfect, as it won’t fray.

Grab the center of the circles and bunch them up! Secure with a small rubber band and cut off the end. Secure the base of the flower to your bag with two safey pins, from the inside out, in an X pattern.

6. If you have more time, or just want to, you can skip the safety pins and use needle and thread to make this bag permanent.

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GCM Community Marketplace

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We are a small, family-run business striving to create beautiful, natural products for children. Our diapers are made from organic cotton and merino wool. One-size wool covers, Wool-in-One’s, Wool-in-two’s and more!

Are you looking for more balance, more time, more vacations and more money? If you are, we need to talk!

Contact me to learn how moms are earning MORE!

Piperoos are 100% organic cotton flannel baby changing pads. Soft and safe for baby’s skin, the pads are beautiful, absorbent, and useful for around the house or on-the-go changes.

Diaper Diamond is a cloth diaper spray shield that keeps the mess where it belongs - in the toilet!

It outstretches the diaper to make rinsing more efficient. Diaper Diamond is easy to use and store.

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!

FREE mini spirit guide art reading. Discover your child’s angel or animal guides & deepen your understanding of your child. Email me to schedule.

Love & blessings, Christie

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.

Soften, Open, Release by Amber delaine is a coloring book of beautiful and inspirational birth affirmations.

Color them during pregnancy to relax and prepare for childbirth. This book makes a wonderful gift.

Imagine using and sharing a product you adore. If you are interested in essential oils, we can help you decide what type of membership will work for you.

Spoiler alert: There are no fees! Click to learn more.

Find the cloth diaper that best suits your needs using Cloth Diaper Finder! Select your preferences & budget to find matches culled from over 300 cloth diaper brands & styles. Read user reviews or submit your own.

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$ Shambala Kids & Teens Guided Relaxation programs help children and teens relieve stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and develop a positive mental attitude at school and at home.

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

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Your Green Child

Landon, 1 yr

Ronan

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Averie, 2 wks & Chloe, 19 mos Deacon, 14 mos

Bailey, 6 yrs

Alice, 18 mos

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Lily

age 6

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