Green Parent Chicago™

Goodwill to All...

 

-credit: Bludgeoner86, flickr

The Green Stork Recommends: I now pronounce you…Baptized….

My eldest son had three “costume changes” for his baptism. Above, was the a bit too white Christening gown that I bought him based exclusively on the fact that it had the most lace (I’m Cuban.)

Below was the outfit that he wore to begin the baptism. It’s The Family Gown. All Cubans have one of these and all grandmothers will feign heart problems if the child does not wear it for at least half the baptism. Cuban grandmothers are second only to Jewish ones for chest clutching. (Important note: The cross my son is wearing was worn by my grandfather as he landed on Omaha Beach the day after D Day – and the same one that protected him on his march to Munich – from said bloody beach, with shrapnel in his legs. My son is blessed with his eyes – and lets hope – his astounding sense of courage, duty and family.)

After wearing the same gown his grandpapa wore and the lace concoction mummy bought him – it was time for the “luncheon” outfit…

 

(Tia Pat and Uncle Jess holding their great-nephew.)

And then. Like any good Cuban man – it was off with the shirt – but never naked, as he was in gold and a hat. (How did we NOT have a cigar for this shot?!)

Yes. Our men wear bracelets.

All in all, it was a wonderful, tradition and family filled day. Exactly as it should be.

I packed away my sons Baptism gown and didn’t think I would think about again until my grandchildren were born.

SURPRISE!

I got pregnant.

Had the Angel Gabriel woken me up with a warm Chai and bagel, I couldn’t of been more shocked.  In fact, I didn’t even realize my “situation” for 3 months. Imagine.

So. Once again, as a Catholic, I had to decide: What will he wear after The Family Gown?

Having not been perfectly pleased with Too White dress that my eldest wore and wanting my second son to have his own gown, I scoured the internet looking for something antique or vintage that would suit. Something with lace and the natural patina of time.

Not as easy as I thought.

I searched Italian, French and English sites – and found nothing. There was lace – but with bows or pink accents. There was silk, but without enough lace. There was old – but too Victorian and cotton. There just wasn’t what I wanted.

And then, on Etsy, I found a lady in Canada that converts old wedding gowns into baptism gowns. Hmmmmm….

I liked the idea – but didn’t have my grandmothers gown on hand. So. I bought someone elses.

There are simply scads of old (affordable) wedding dresses at vintage stores across the country. And most of them are simply dripping in lace. After a few weeks I found an old, tea colored by time, Edwardian dress that I thought would be perfect.

Someones size 0 grandmama looked rather fetching sometime in the 20′s wearing this. And she liked lace too.

I ordered it immediately.

I then sent the dress, which smelled of mothballs and time, to Erika Mills at Petite Parfait. And this is what she returned to this Jane Austin loving mama…

Closeup shots…

and…

And…

Classic, reeking of age and timelessness, I now have exactly what I wanted: a dress worthy of a prince with SOUL.

Perfect for generations of grandsons or granddaughters, my newest son and heir will be wearing something that is both almost 80 years old – and yet brand new and never seen before. Its green. Its classic. Its an heirloom twice over. And I could not be happier.

Rather than buy a gown that is made by the hundreds or thousands (which material has been doused in chemicals), consider re-purposing that too small to ever be worn by modern woman wedding gown that is crumbling in the attic – or at your local vintage store. I’m sure that Erika would be happy to convert it into the perfect Christening gown for you.

Mazel Tov!

-"The Green Stork" Claire Douglass is a first time Chicago mom, concerned with ever increasing data connecting childhood health issues from asthma to autism to exposure to common household toxins, chemicals and air quality – seeks to detoxify her nest, and create as green a nursery and playroom as possible.Without driving herself, or her husband, crazy. The former is going far better than the latter.

 

The Chicago Vegan Chef Showdown

Top vegan chefs from around the city will compete in the first ever Chicago Vegan Chef Showdown to win the coveted title of "Best Vegan Chef", while raising charitable funds for farmed animal protection.

The contest will be held Saturday July 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Funky Buddha Lounge at 728 West Grand Ave. The all ages event is open to the public. There is no admission fee, but there is a $1 suggested donation for each sample. Funds raised will go to benefit Mercy for Animals, a Chicago based animal advocacy organization.

The event is being organized by Upton's Naturals, a locally based producer of all natural foods specializing in vegan/vegetarian meat alternatives. Twenty individual chefs, or teams of chefs (three people maximum per team) will face off for the Best Vegan Chef title.

Each chef, or team, will be expected to create a dish using Upton’s Naturals seitan. The winner will be determined by the people's choice: whichever chef or team sells the most samples, wins. The top three chefs will also win products from Chicago’s favorite vegan-friendly restaurants and businesses.

There is a $25 entry fee per chef or team of chefs, and entry to the competition closes July 7. Each chef or team will be provided with complimentary Upton's Naturals seitan, but must provide the other ingredients and methods to keep their food warm or cold.  For more information or to enter to compete, email nicole@UptonsNaturals.com.

-photo credit: Upton's Naturals

Book Review: The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking

Austinite blogger Kate Payne's new book "The Hip Girls Guide to Homemaking" (Harper Design 2011) is a fun and easy read for anyone looking to add a bit more fancy to their frugality and learn some simple DIY skills for "decorating, dining and the gratifying pleasures of self-sufficiency on a budget".

The author tackles topics like simple hand sewing, bread making, canning, eco-friendly house cleaning, cooking, entertaining, gardening and fix-it projects around the home. Whether that home is a spacious bungalow or a tiny high-rise studio, it's important to celebrate that space. As Payne writes:

"it's cool to have a cool house. It's damn gratifying to throw down a loaf of homemade bread with your own home-preserved blueberrry jam. Because feeling in control in your own house does wonders for every instance when you're not under that sweet roof."

This book would make a great gift for a wannabe domestic goddess (or god) looking for advice on how to outfit a first apartment or someone seeking to impress their friends with all their new found knowledge of how to reuse, revamp and recycle thrift, vintage and flea market finds.

Even a more experienced modern "homemaker" looking for fresh ideas and inspiration should certainly find something useful in Payne's no-nonsense, straightforward guide filled with plenty of interesting projects, links and resources.

-Christine

 

 

 

Don't Miss Earth Day Family Fun at The Green Metropolis Fair

The Green Metropolis Fair, an all-day fair for conscious living and eco-curious minded families will take place Saturday at The Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Mindful Live!, the Mindful Metropolis magazine community event series and Green Parents Network, the online network "where green families meet" based in Chicago.

Workshops and presentations on eco living will be offered as well as hands-on family activities. Local, sustainable food and drinks will be available for purchase. A green marketplace will highlight the latest in eco living products and services available throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. 

Admission to the fair is free, a non-perishable food donation is requested. All ages are welcome.

 

2011 Chicago Flower & Garden Show Kicks Off Saturday

Spring is set to begin in only a few weeks, so what better way to get a head start on your garden planning than by checking out the 2011 Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier.

The show begins Saturday and will run until March 13. Highlights of the event include the ever popular Children's Activity Garden, which is (trust us, we've been there) tons of fun for all ages with a sandbox, swings, plant potting activities and crafts, cooking demos with top local chefs, a marketplace to browse the latest gardening and outdoor living innovations and horticultural displays and competitions.

Admission is $5 for children age 4 to 12. Adults are $15 weekdays, $13 from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and $17 on Saturdays and Sundays. Discount parking in the Navy Pier garage is $14.

Tickets for the 2011 Chicago Flower & Garden Show will be available at the door or may be purchased online. Show hours are Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

-Christine

 

Swap-O-Rama-Rama today: Bring Your Crafty Kids, Bring Your Crafty Selves

 

Swap-O-Rama-Rama, the clothing swap and simultaneous series of do-it-yourself workshops,   returns to its former location at The Chicago Waldorf School today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for one day only.

According to event organizer Katie Hawkey Swindler, a volunteer staff consisting of "renegade" crafters of all ages "from hipsters to grandmas" will be be on hand to teach kids and adults to be creators not consumers.

Some of the creative skills attendees can try their hand at include:

• sewing
• silk screening
• dyeing
• jewelry making
• up-cycling old clothing   

In addition to DIY workshops, the event will also feature live music, DJ's, and fashion shows throughout the day hosted by Chicago based Size Eight Sketch Comedy. 

"It's truly an all ages event," said Hawkey. "I had a mom show up with a couple of kids last year, she asked if she could skip the admissions donation because she was "just bringing the kids."  After she had been in SORR for about 10 minutes, she comes out with a huge smile on her face and asks to pay for herself so that she could get in on all the cool projects and free clothes" 

Admission is $20 (or what you can afford) + a bag of clothes ($10 for students/seniors). With admission, participants get unlimited access to all workshops and supplies and may leave with as many clothes as they can carry.

 

The Thought That Counts: More than ever, we need to rethink how to live our lives in meaningful ways without excessive spending

Growing up, your holiday may have meant a special dinner with family or searching through gaily wrapped boxes for those bearing your name. Perhaps you cherish a familiar song you hear only when the weather turns crisp, music that reminds you of a simpler time surrounded by people you love.

For better or for worse in the United States, whether due to credit card debt, the foreclosure crisis, job loss or pay cuts, this holiday season many of us are forced by hard economic realities to reexamine our role as “consumers”. More than ever, we must rethink how to live our lives in meaningful ways without excessive spending.

If this year finds you with strained finances or if you’re simply growing concerned about your contribution to a sustainable planet, celebrating a Christmas and holiday focused on “gifts that give back” can help shift the focus from excess to caring for family and friends, our community and the world we share.

What do the holidays mean to you personally? What might you discover about yourself, your family or your friends if you planned your holiday differently? Would you get to know one another better or share your knowledge and skills with someone who needs your help or guidance?

Lessons of Generosity and Thoughtfulness
Making dramatic changes in your holiday routine may seem drastic, but small efforts do add up. Lynn Colwell, co-author of the book Celebrate Green says that much like recycling, once we get a feel for how easy it is to have a simpler holiday, it’s hard to return to our old ways. She suggests starting one small step at a time.

“If you do it and I do it and everyone else does it, then it makes a big change, ” she says.

Colwell insists most people ordinarily spend more extravagantly than they need to because we’ve come to believe it’s the norm.

“We buy without thinking…we’re all on autopilot,” she says.

Long hours on the job leave us feeling overwhelmed. Standard marketing and advertising messages tell us we deserve a break. But there can be greater satisfaction from hard work than a life of luxury.

If you’re a parent, you may wonder how to bestow lessons of generosity and thoughtfulness in your children’s hearts. A simpler holiday is a wonderful way to provide your family with new and exciting traditions while providing an example for years to come. Kids love to help plan the family feast, bake and frost cookies, create decorations and wrap gifts. There seems to be no limit to their enthusiasm for the season.

Gift ideas long on play value include books, classics like wooden blocks, musical toys or instruments, building kits, art kits and art supplies, puzzles, dolls, board games, museum memberships, class/activity fees and science kits. Don’t hesitate to peruse second- hand stores for kids’ gifts, too. Many items there have been quickly outgrown before their usefulness has.

Clutter-free ideas include requesting baby-sitting, a special outing or a day trip for your kids with a family friend, aunt, uncle or grandparents.

Holiday Unshopping
Green America, a national nonprofit promoting social justice and a sustainable economy, suggests “unshopping” as a way to minimize impulse spending. They suggest holding potential purchases up to specific standards:

-Do I really need and want this? Can I get by without it?
-Is it made from renewable or nonrenewable resources? 
-Is it made of recycled materials and is it recyclable?
-How long will it last and how will I dispose of it?
-Can it be maintained and repaired?
-Could I borrow it, rent it, or buy it secondhand?
-Is it overpackaged?
-Is it worth the time I worked to pay for it and its cost to the environment?

Other unshopping ideas may include a book/magazine exchange or a cookie exchange: guests bring a dozen or two home- baked batches of cookies and their own tins, then each fills their tin with an assortment to bring home.

Organizing a toy exchange among families is great fun too, as many moms and dads prefer to pare down their child’s toy collection before the holidays arrive. Consider giving your time and knowledge as gifts. If you’re musical, offer friends music lessons for a month. Know how to knit? Help a friend on a new sweater pattern he/she always wanted to try.

Envying a garden of home-grown produce? Exchange your skills with a green-thumbed friend for help getting your veggie garden started. Have a way with words? How about resume help for a friend who’s job hunting? Give a home-cooked meal in exchange for pet sitting. Great with numbers? You could offer tax-time help or accounting.

If you’re time challenged but interested in giving an experience gift, consider theater or performance tickets, gift certificates for a much-needed spa service, fine dining or a bed-and-breakfast stay.

Buy Green, Buy Fair, Buy Local, Buy Used and Buy Less
To curtail spending, try the time-tested frugal tradition of a secret Santa exchange: a small group gets together, agrees on a price level and/or theme, they draw names, then each person gives a gift to another and gets a gift from another.

When purchasing new items, consider buying from local businesses, a community gift or craft fair, or social enterprises and nonprofit organizations that support green initiatives or benefit local residents.

Just a few of the many social enterprises and fair trade shops around Chicago include:

The Enterprising Kitchen (theenterprisingkitchen.org) which assists women working toward self-sufficiency and economic independence through sales of its natural soap and spa products.

Beeline (beelinestore.com) helps men and women re-entering the community from prison establish a work history, good work habits, and gain skills to further employment through sales of their natural, honey-based, personal care products and all natural honey.

WomanCraft (womancraft.net) offers handmade, recycled paper products providing artisan positions and transitional jobs to women facing barriers to employment.

Sweet Miss Giving’s (sweetmissgivings.com) is a bakery and jobs program that offers rich, decadent baked goods with over 50 percent of all profits going to help formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women, and children.

Bright Endeavors (brightendeavors.org) assists homeless and at-risk young women achieve self-sufficiency and independence through the production of Dreambean Candles, a line of eco-friendly and socially responsible candle products.

The Greenheart Shop (greenheartshop.org), The Fair Trader (thefairtraderchicago.com) and 10,000 Villages (tenthousandvillages.com) are nonprofit fair-trade shops that offer housewares, gifts, clothing and more.

Green Genes Boutique (green-genes.com) stocks eco-friendly and sustainable products for children and parents. All of their packaging and gift wrap are made from recycled and biodegradable materials.

To find more local businesses offering green and fair-trade goods and services visit Local FirstChicago.org  or ChicagoFairTrade.org.

Get Creative and Get Together
A décor swap is an easy way to refresh your home for the holiday. You can also make holiday décor out of items you already own. Create handmade cards and more using scraps of wrapping paper, old card fronts, buttons, felt, decorative paper, cardboard, construction paper, scrap yarn, fabric, flowers and fruit (real or faux) and decorative dishware. You may be surprised at how creative you can be with what you already own.

For gift wrapping, use recycled paper, comics, dish towels, receiving blankets, fashion scarves or make your own fabric gift bags. Children’s gifts may be wrapped in colorful playsilks which can later be used for imaginative play and dress up. To wrap homemade treats, use recycled brown paper bags, decorated with stamping, paint or stickers.

Forget slaving over a hot stove and host a potluck. Make the gathering the focus over the getting. Include activities like music, caroling, games and crafts or ask each guest to bring an ornament to trim the tree.

Alternatives to hosting a bash include attending a worship service, a free concert or theater event or planning an outdoor activity like ice skating, sledding or visiting a winter festival. After the fun, gather indoors for hot cocoa and cider.

Spreading the Holiday Spirit and Cheer
When possible, extend your generosity to someone who needs extra help or support this season. ChicagoCares.org helps individuals, youth, families and groups locate volunteer opportunities around the city. Christopher House, an organization benefiting low-income children and families, holds an “adopt a family” program each holiday. Participants can learn more at ChristopherHouse.org.

Alternatively, you can give needed items on a charity’s wish list or organize a donation among friends and family to a cause you collectively support. GiveForward.org, the brainchild of Chicagoans Desiree Vargas and Ethan Austin, makes it easy for anyone to set up a fundraising account online for causes both large and small.

While it’s true the holidays come but once a year, perhaps this time, instead of facing traffic jams, long checkout lines and maxed-out credit cards, we can look upon the season as a celebration of possibility, a time for opportunity and a fresh start to a new year.

-Christine

This article originally appeared in Mindful Metropolis magazine.
photo credit: ali edwards, flickr

DIY Trunk Show returns for 2010

 

The DIY Trunk Show, an annual celebration of alternative craft vendors from around the city, organized by the Chicago Craft Mafia, returns to Chicago this weekend.

This year's show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Pulaski Park Auditorium and feature crafters selling handmade jewelry, accessories, clothing/baby items, body care, housewares, paper goods/journals, men's items, and other items (which includes pet items, zines, art, music). The event will also include music and special exhibitors, as well as refreshments available for purchase. Admission is free.

 

 

Green Kids and Family Highlights of This Weekend's Green Festival Chicago

Another year, another weekend full of Green Festival excitement begins tonight. Kicking off the weekend will be The Green Carpet Gala, hosted by Mindful Metropolis magazine at The Marmon Grand. For green moms and dads looking for a great date night, this gala will include food, music, drinks and more to celebrate all that is green and eco-friendly in Chicago.

The Green Festival, now in its 4th year in Chicago will run Saturday and Sunday at Navy Pier's Festival Hall with another outstanding lineup of speakers, workshops and exhibitors showcasing local non-profit organizations, sustainable products and eco-friendly businesses, and green information and education.

Kids and teens age 18 and under are FREE at the Festival and parents with young kids will definitely want to check out the Green Kids Zone. This year's programming is organized by The Green Parents Network, an online community of green families from across the U.S. and internationally. 

Some of the Green Kids Zone activities over the 2 days will include: storytelling, a traveling bug show, recycled craft projects, rescued animal exhibits, a family sing along and yoga for kids. 

For newbie parents, grandparents or moms and dads wishing to learn more about the philosophies behind green parenting, The Green Mama's Cecelia Ungari will present Green Parenting 101 on Sunday at noon. Download a full schedule of speakers and the complete Green Festival guide here.

For the full schedule of kids programming visit: http://www.greenfestivals.org/chicago/kidszone/