Green Parent Chicago

Creative Eco Gift Ideas for Everyone On Your List

Still have a few specials things to buy on your holiday gift list? Concerned about making your purchases count toward helping the planet? Not looking to spend on something unnecessary or impractical? Here are my favorite picks to help you check off those last few "to do's" on your list, while being a more mindful consumer.

My favorite cleaning and disinfecting products are those that are safe for children and the environment. Cleanwell products are made from natural ingredients for those times when you really want to do away with the nasties in a non-nasty way. How about a green cleaning basket full? With 30% off it's a great time to try CleanWell cleaning products!  

For the green bookworm, one of my favorite independent publishers is Chelsea Green Publishing - the leading publisher of sustainable living books since 1985. For sustainable living, eco advocacy, environmental politics, homesteading, urban homesteading, gardening and simple living, look no further. For 35% off their entire selection, simply use the code CGS13 at checkout from now until the end of the year.

Chronicle Books is an independent publisher specializing in lifestyle, children's, art, pop culture, and food books. Their selection is so playful, with great titles highlighting the newest trends and showcasing amazing artwork. Whether you're shopping for yourself or others, these books inspire creativity and are just simply fun. These are definitely not just coffee table books! (I especially love their collection of journals for different tastes and interests, like "My Museum" a journal for sketching and collecting your experiences at your favorite museums.) 30% off + FREE shipping at ChronicleBooks.com! Use promo code GETBOOKS

Prefer a one-stop shop for natural and organic products for you and the family? At Abe’s Market, you'll find yummy treats, natural beauty products, gifts for children, gifts for pets, home wares, and fashion. They have a great selection of natural and organic items continually curated by their discerning staff, so you are sure to find something special you might not find anywhere else. Free Shipping on All Purchases over $49 at Abe's Market!

Art supplies you can eat? Yes. Wee Can Too Art Supply makes art products so natural, they're actually edible. What a great idea especially for toddlers! They make paints, crayons, sidewalk chalk, veggie egg paint and more. How cool is that?

How about a little something for yourself or a mama friend? You know being creative is a great way to relieve stress and renew your sense of accomplishment coming into the new year. Craftsy is like a crafty mom's dream: you select a class (cake decorating, knitting, crochet, quilting, digital photography skills, etc.) and you can watch the class whenever you please (hint: when the littles are asleep or occupied) and ask questions of the instructors whenever you need. It truly takes the fear out of beginning new projects and skills.  To get you started with supplies for your next project, check out the Craftsy 80% Off Yarn Flash Sale through 12/16 or the Craftsy 65% Off Fabric Flash Sale through 12/16

Green Kid Crafts makes eco art projects and science discovery projects for kids a breeze with award-winning activity boxes you select for monthly delivery, short term delivery or to purchase individually. Each Discovery Box contains 3 to 4 Creativity Kits, fun extras, extension activities and a 20 plus page themed Green Kid Activity Guide. Shipping is free!

Magic Cabin toys foster imagination and play through drama, art, crafts, outdoor activity and nature. I've been very pleased with the toys we've purchased through them. I have a little nature lover at home, and they have such a great assortment of nature themed items that promote open-ended play. In addition, they have a huge variety of exclusive items for non-plugged in, back to basics, good old-fashioned play. Holiday Savings! $4.99 Shipping on Orders $49+ Use Code: LSMC499

After all the gift giving and receiving is done, let's not forget thank you cards. If you're like me, you sometimes don't manage to send out Christmas or holiday cards on time. But wouldn't it be nice to send an updated photo of the family or kids to say hello and Thank you or Happy New Year to family and friends? I think so.

I've really enjoyed using Simply To Impress for our personalized holiday cards. They offer excellent customer service and their designs are super affordable. So, why not flip through those great candid shots you took this year of the kids and select a few choice ones to show off.  Buy Holiday Cards and Holiday Photo Cards- Save 20% From SimplyToImpress.com!

-Christine

 -This post contains affiliate links for companies that I have partnered with who offer great products that are both useful and ethical. All opinions are my own and I only offer an opinion on products I believe are good for our planet and for people. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small percentage of the sale and this helps me get compensated for my work to bring you Green Parent Chicago on a regular basis. Thank you.

The Top Ten Hands Down Best Birth and Breastfeeding Book Classics

There have been a number of excellent parenting books written and published over the past 13 years since I first became a mom. There's no doubt many future classics are being written and published today.

But this is my personal list of top ten favorite mindful parenting books. What makes these classics to me? Despite having been originally published some 10, 20 or even 30+ years ago, they are still widely read by new generations of moms and dads and their no-nonsense, logical wisdom and focus on instinctive parenting makes them timeless.

1. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

2. The Baby Book

3. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

4. Natural Family Living

5. Becoming the Parent You Want to Be

6. Nightime Parenting

7. The Birth Partner

8. The Birth Book

9. Mothering Your Nursing Toddler

10.Birthing From Within

I'd love to hear from you? What would be on your top ten list? Are there books that you've recommended to friends or family that you couldn't live without as a new parent? Tell us in the comments below:

-Christine

-photo credit:DioBurto, flickr

Book Review: "What Makes a Baby?" A Book For Every Kind of Family and Every Kind of Kid

Cory Silverberg, a sexuality educator, author, and public speaker based in Toronto, has written a new book just for kids "What Makes A Baby" (Seven Stories Press: Triangle Square) that introduces children to the many ways babies can arrive into a family biologically.

Billed as "a book for every kind of family and every kind of kid" and colorfully illustrated by Fiona Smyth, "What Makes A Baby" helps families discuss modern relationships, love, parenting, and our shared humanity with children on their own terms.

With questions like: "Who helped bring together the sperm and the egg that made you?" and "Who was happy that it was YOU who grew?", this book is a great starting point for families who may choose to later discuss other details with their child, such as sex, donor insemination, fertility treatments, surrogacy or adoption. 

Silverberg has included a free reader's guide for parents to download to assist with family discussion:

http://www.what-makes-a-baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/WMAB-Readers-Guide-opt.pdf

Smyth's bright, rainbow colored art is reminiscent of Todd Parr, but with images that can appeal to an older audience of children as well. When I asked my 8 year old what she thought of the book she explained, "I liked it. I especially liked when the egg and sperm were smiling and holding hands."

"What Makes A Baby" presents factual information on conception on a kid's level. With text that is open to personal embellishment, this book is sure to cater to many families and birth experiences.

-Christine

 

Book Review: Homemade Baby Food The Effortless Way

Parents of infants have an excellent opportunity to introduce healthy eating habits at an early age. By making your own baby food, instead of relying on jarred or boxed varieties, you don't have to doubt that what goes into your baby's tiny tummy is good, wholesome nutrition. 

"Real Smart Baby Food" (ReadFood Doctor Press 2013) is a new book by Lisa Barrangou Ph.D that features a simple method for making homemade baby food using a 3-step process.

Barrangou, a personal chef, has an extensive background in food science and nutrition. Her detailed writing style conveys this experience well. With brilliant full color high definition photographs and over 70 recipes for unique flavor combinations, the book's logical layout makes it an easy read.

The book is divided into 3 sections:

Section 1 provides recommended guidelines for when to begin feeding baby solid food and special consideration of safe food preparation for infants.

Section 2 introduces the "The Real Smart Strategy", which is the core method of making 3 months of homemade baby food in 3 one-hour blocks of time. This section also contains a handy "Flavor Compatibility Chart" with ideas for which fruits and vegetables compliment one another best. 

Section 3 lists recipes and ideas for combining puree recipes, as well as advice on shopping for and storing whole foods.

Bonus chapters include detailed information on nutrients and a handy conversion chart.

"Real Smart Baby Food" is a parent-friendly guide to making a 3 month supply of fresh, homemade baby food in 3 one-hour blocks of time.

Available in print and Kindle edition: http://realsmartbabyfood.com/

-Christine

-photo credit: Lisa Barrangou

 

Green Festival This Weekend, GPC Readers Can Get Free Admission, Here's How:

If it's May in Chicago, then you know it's time for the mama and the papa of eco living events: Green Festival Chicago.

For one weekend only at Navy Pier, this Saturday and Sunday, the Green Festival will host DIY workshops, discussions and speakers, a Green Marketplace with the latest sustainable businesses and vendors, an Organic Beer and Wine pavillion, test drives of electric and hybrid vehicles, vegetarian and vegan food, and a Green Kids Zone with free activities for all ages of kids.

Definitely bring the kids and teens to Green Festival because 18 and under are free.

I'm very excited to check out the Green Festival this year, as I learn something new each year as I get discover all the great new local eco offerings around the Midwest and the country.

I'm also thrilled to tell you that Green Parent Chicago readers can get a special FREE weekend pass to the Green Festival. Just visit the festival website here and enter GREENPARENTCHICAGO for a free weekend pass good for both days. (A $20 value!) But, don't wait, it's a limited offer.

-Christine

 

Book Review: "Clean Your Kitchen Green"

With the bright light of spring now shining in our windows, it's no wonder we feel the urge to do a little nest maintenance. Have you spotted that greasy mass of dust bunnies hiding behind your oven all winter yet?

How about that freezer filled with Tupperware® from last spring or that cabinet of spices you haven't organized since you moved in?

What better place to begin than in your kitchen. If your home is like mine, your kitchen is your command center. It's also where you need to prepare healthy meals for your family. I personally like to feel confident that it's clean and safe.

Yvonne Maffei, author of the popular halal cooking blog, "My Halal Kitchen", has written "Clean Your Kitchen Green" to help you freshen and organize your kitchen once and for all from top to bottom in a green, non-toxic and economical way.

This concise little volume is perfect for tucking in your apron pocket and guiding you through a series of step-by-step checklists in your quest for a sparkling kitchen.

In addition, Maffei includes her recipes for making your own stock of green cleansers; ones you can use without any dangerous fumes, chemical residue or second thoughts about safety. A helpful list of Maffei's favorite eco-friendly cleaning ingredients and products is included at the conclusion of the book with links and information on where to buy.

"Clean Your Kitchen Green" is available in print at My Halal Kitchen. 

-Christine

My Top Books for Breastfeeding, Plus a Mother's Day Discount on Nursing Wares

It's been a few years since I've been on active duty, active breastfeeding duty that is. But, luckily I still get to be surrounded by little bundles of nursling joy as many of my friends and family continue to nurse their littles and add to their family numbers.

Although our family seems to be complete, (we started a little early), there are a couple of things that I remember keeping me sane and steady during those early months of new motherhood. The first was a collection of good books with comforting advice. The following are my personal favorites.

(In no particular order):

1. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International:

2. Nighttime Parenting by William Sears, M.D.

3. The Breastfeeding Book by Martha Sears, R.N. and William Sears, M.D.

4. Natural Family Living by Peggy O'Mara

5. Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner

6. How Weaning Happens by Diane Bengson

7. The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins

8. The Baby Book by Martha Sears, R.N and William Sears, M.D.

Yes, I am partial to attachment parenting books and as you can see the Sears' books. But, unlike what Time magazine would have you believe from this month's cover, I don't think this method of parenting style has to be based on extremes of any sort. Take what works for your family, and find other methods for other areas, that's my belief. If everyone in the family is happy, healthy and safe that's the key.

The number two help for me as a new nursing mom was finding comfortable nursing bras. My favorite nursing bras were wire-free and made from a mostly natural fabrics. My personal favorites included bras from Leading Lady. Leading Lady is a family owned and operated business based in Cleveland and has been around for over 70 years.

That's why I'm so glad to offer Green Parent Chicago readers a discount on 100% certified organic nursing bras and camis from Leading Lady. 

Just enter code GREEN15 at checkout for 15% off the entire Leading Lady organic collection (the collection includes bras, camis and a panty set) until June 8. This code has unlimited uses until June 8.

Happy nursing!

-Christine

-photo credit: Mothering Touch, flickr

Book Review and Interview: "Vegan is Love" the newest children's book from Ruby Roth

Author/illustrator Ruby Roth's newly released children's book, "Vegan is Love", has drawn plenty of praise from notable figures such as Jane Goodall, Gene Baur and singer Jason Mraz. Building on the success of her first book, "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals", Roth offers a more detailed description of vegan living in "Vegan is Love", complete with information for children to make cruelty-free choices at home, in school and in their communities.

Some critics of Roth's book say it is inappropriate for children because of its subject matter and the book's references to animal testing, factory farm pollution, and animal cruelty. Roth has been making the rounds on the air addressing the media "controversy". This past week, I talked with her about what parents can expect from the book and how she developed its intriguing illustrations.

With "Vegan is Love" you've gone more in depth on vegan life choices that children can make, from simply focusing on eating a vegan diet in "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals" (published in 2009) to making a choice to avoid zoos, circuses that use animals, choosing cruelty-free products, etc. When did you decide to take this message further and what age range do you believe the book is best suited for?

The official age is seven and up, but I believe that children even younger can relate to the illustrations. Where my first book was about the “why’s” of a plant-based lifestyle, “Vegan Is Love” is about the “hows”—how to send our love across the world through the choices we make everyday. This book discusses the far-reaching impact of veganism. I wrote it because America has had a very hard time in the last couple of years. Instead of worrying or “occupying,” I decided to write this book for a new generation of children who will have to think, eat, and live differently if we are to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Are children ready to handle the responsibility of making the consumer choices you describe? Some reviewers say that the subject matter may be too "controversial"? What is your take on this?

 There is nothing more graphic in my book than what any child might see in a deli case or on the myriad fishing, hunting, or cooking shows on TV. I think it’s never too early to begin teaching your kids how to love deeply, think critically, and act responsibly. We do not give kids enough credit for their insight and ability to make inferences and draw conclusions. When we give kids the information they need to make educated choices, they choose wisely—for health, animals, and the environment. For example, if children are educated about animal testing, they are excited to help their parents look for cruelty-free logos at the grocery store. The PG versions of reality in my book are a child-friendly way to begin discussions.

Your newest book is quite an empowering guide for young people, have you received any notable letters of admiration or support from young fans of your books?

Absolutely! Parents around the world send me news about their children’s thoughts and reactions to my books as well as the “controversy” in the media—the notes are always hilarious and insightful. In response to the negative critique of “Vegan is Love” by a child psychologist on FOX, one mother told me her young vegan daughter said “Why is that expert so ignorant?” I also have letters about the activism my book inspired—children doing presentations, science projects, and placing signs in their neighborhood about the benefits of veganism. Kids feel empowered by information.

The subject matter of "Vegan is Love" is serious, but needn't be frightening to children who are ready to comprehend it. What were the biggest challenges you faced when creating the illustrations for the book? What was your creative process like when deciding on the look and feel of the book?

Thank you, I’ve never once seen a child overwhelmed by my books—only adults. The purpose of the text and illustrations is not to instill fear but inspire action. The animal testing spread, for example, shows only the most minor slice of the reality inside labs. To kids, the illustration appears simply as animals in cages, some with “ouchies.” Children don’t have the context that adults do when we look at an image like this, which reminds of us exposed organs, syringes, restraints. I made sure every page was manageable for a child’s capacity and contained an affirmation about action. The most important lesson for kids to learn is that we don’t have to fear anything we have the power to change.

For more information on Ruby Roth's books visit http://www.wedonteatanimals.com/

-Christine

The Green Stork Recommends: ...To be fair

My son has more than 300 books. I know, I know – but I can’t help myself. What Carrie Bradshaw felt for shoes, I feel for books. You just cannot have enough. And, to be honest – a mom DOES get bored reading the same stories over and over and over and over and over again…. And again.

So. As books are expensive – you’ll be happy to know, if you are in Chicago, that the annual Newberry Library Book Fair is on Thursday and Friday, the 28th to 29th of July, from noon to 8 p.m., and then on Saturday and Sunday – the 30th to 31st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Having gone last year, I definitely recommend trying to get over there on your lunch hour on the Thursday. The Children’s section was quite picked through when I went on a Saturday. I did get a few books – maybe 6 or 7 – but not as many as I had hoped.

Oh. Bring a nice cloth bag – books are heavy – and they only have donated plastic bags. Also, bring cash – using a credit card takes a very looooooooooong time with volunteers and those wireless credit card things that they fill out by hand.

Not only will you be able to buy children’s books (if I don’t get there before you!), but there will be more than 120,000 books in 70 different categories to choose from.  Think gifts: Christmas, birthdays, favors…. I find that people really love “vintage” cookbooks and poetry tomes. And think of the Art and Travel books that you can buy for junior, that may be inexpensive enough to use to create collages or other projects!

The Newberry Library is located near Rush Street – so you can make a lovely shop/lunch day of it.

Just don’t bring Junior. Its a tight squeeze and the dust….

-"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.

-photo credit: The Newberry Library

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