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Book Review: Homemade Baby Food The Effortless Way

Peachy Strawberry Salad
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

 

Posted on May 20, 2013 at 09:03 PM in Books, Food and Drink, Green Living, Healthy families, Media, Opinion, Parenting, Play More Spend Less, Simpler Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books on feeding infants, books on making baby food, feeding infants homemade baby food, Green Parent Chicago, guide to making homemade baby food, how to freeze homemade baby food, how to make baby food, how to make homemade baby food, Lisa Barrangou, making frozen baby food, making homemade baby food, making organic baby food, Real Smart Baby Food, recipes for homemade baby food, whole food nutrition for infants

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

GreenFestivalChicago2013
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

 

Posted on May 15, 2013 at 10:07 AM in Arts and Entertainment, Biking, Books, Buy Local Spotlight, Car Free Living, Film, Food and Drink, Global News, Green Business, Green Celebrations, Green Living, Learning and Education, Local News, Music, News, Progressive Politics, Recycled Crafts, Recycling, Simpler Living, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: discount Green Festival Chicago, eco fest Chicago, free pass Green Festival Chicago, Global Exchange, Green America, green events Chicago, Green Festival at Navy Pier, Green Festival Chicago, Green Festivals, green kids events chicago, Green Parent Chicago, sustainable living events Chicago

Bellwether Fest June Lineup and Schedule Announced

Thehideout

Organizers for the new Bellwether cultural fest just announced the performer line-up and schedule for the June date of the 2-weekend fest, and dropped a few hints about which vendors, workshops, and demos to expect.

Local drink vendors include Revolution Brewing, Death's Door, and Oliver Winery among others.

Workshops and demos will include terrarium-making classes from Logan Square's Fleur, a make-your-own sculpture table workshop by Rebuilding Exchange, and yarn-spinning classes hosted by Michigan based Videnovich Farms.

The June 8 and 9 Bellwether fest will feature performances outside The Hideout and in the street plus DJ sets. Full line-up is posted here (times subject to change).

On Saturday, in The Hideout’s back room, film footage from the Chicago Film Archives will be screened, as well as "rarely-seen amateur sound shorts" from the vault. Saturday night's after-hours programming from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. includes sketch comedy show "NED Talks" and a special unannounced film screening. Sunday features the kid-friendly "Adventure Sandwich" and the adult-friendly "Drunken Spelling Bee."

Sunday morning, Bellwether will host an additional beer and brunch feast at Ada St. Restaurant with Revolution Brewery pairings. A limited number of feast tickets will go on sale May 21.

ADMISSION: For day hours June 8 and 9: suggested is donation $10, kids under 12 are free. For June 8 after-hours: $10 suggested donation.

Sunday feast: limited number of $50 tickets for sale online on May 21.

LOCATION: Outside The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, along Wabansia (Elston to Throop) and N. Ada St.

WHEN: June 8 from noon to dark with after hours 8 to 10 p.m., and June 9 noon to dark.
 
WEBSITE: http://followbellwether.com

photo credit: Hideout Chicago

Posted on May 13, 2013 at 09:35 PM in Arts and Entertainment, Buy Local Spotlight, Film, Food and Drink, Green Celebrations, Green Living, Learning and Education, Local News, Music, News, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Ada St. Restaurant, Bellwether, Bellwether June line-up, Bellwether schedule, Chicago cultural festivals, Chicago Fall fests, Chicago Film Archives, Chicago local food fest, Chicago local music fest, Chicago summer festivals, Death's Door, Fleur, Green Parent Chicago, Oliver Winery, Rebuilding Exchange, Revolution Brewing, The Hideout, The Renegade Craft Fair, The Vintage Bazaar, Videnovich Farms

Bellwether fest to showcase "greatest hits" of local Chicago food and culture

Bellwether_poster_friends
Combine food, farm, vintage, collectors, crafters, and artists and what do you get: Bellwether, a new cultural fest and the brainchild of the folks behind local indie favorites The Vintage Bazaar and The Renegade Craft Fair.  

Organizers of the fest, to be held on 2 separate weekends at 2 locations describe Bellwether as "a roving Market + Happening + Feast all in one that brings together the finest purveyors, pickers, makers, and doers, as well as curated films, live performances, killer DJs, and food gatherings." 

Date, locations and hours for the all-day event are:

The Hideout
June 8 and 9
noon to dark
after hours: 8-10 p.m.

Garfield Park Conservatory
September 21 and 22
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
after hours: Saturday 6 to 9 p.m. 

Posted on May 01, 2013 at 10:58 AM in Arts and Entertainment, Buy Local Spotlight, Film, Food and Drink, Green Celebrations, Green Living, Learning and Education, Local News, Music, Recycled Crafts, Recycling, Theater, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Bellwether, Chicago cultural festivals, Chicago Fall fests, Chicago local food fest, Chicago local music fest, Chicago summer festivals, Garfield Park Conservatory, Green Parent Chicago, The Hideout, The Renegade Craft Fair, The Vintage Bazaar

Weekend Reading List: Food Safety Edition

Lazymornings

-How did the City of Chicago celebrate Earth Day? By making a pact to brandish citywide recycling bins with Coca-Cola adverts. Seriously, read all about it here. Big bucks=big time ad space. Speak out for ad free public space and just say no. 

-Bad news again for meat eaters: The researchers at Environmental Working Group analyzed tests of supermarket meat and found that "superbugs"(antibiotic resistant bacteria) are now very common in U.S. meat sold in grocery stores. Find out the numbers here (hint, eww...ground turkey.) 

-The FDA would like your opinion on a proposal to change milk bottle labels. Dairy industry groups would like to change the labeling on milk bottles so milk that is artificially sweetened or reduced calorie would not be easily identifiable. Any additives, such as artificial flavors or sweeteners could in effect be hidden at first glance, though still found in ingredient lists. Public comments will be accepted until May 21. 

"The two groups asked FDA to amend the standard of identity for flavored milk and 17 other dairy products (including nonfat dry milk, heavy cream, eggnog, half-and-half and sour cream) so that non-nutritive sweeteners are among the standard ingredients. The products would then not require any additional description on the label."

Freebie of the week:

Gardening is finally getting underway in our neck of the woods. How about trying to compost some of that yard and kitchen waste into good, healthy compost you can reuse in your outdoor garden, indoor pots and landscaping? Here's a handy free guide to help you get started.

 

Thanks for reading!

-Christine

 

 

Posted on April 26, 2013 at 12:51 PM in Ad watch, Food and Drink, Green Living, Local News, News, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: antibiotic resitant bacteria in meat, City of Chicago Coca-Cola recycling bins, composting and gardening, composting in Chicago, contaminated meat in U.S., Environmental Working Group, FDA milk labels, Green Parent Chicago, how to compost kitchen scraps, how to compost yard waste, report on superbugs in meat, superbugs in ground turkey, superbugs in meat, Weekend Reading List

Little Locavores: Purple Asparagus, Purple Monkey and More Than Milk

A few months ago, a feature in Daily Candy caught my eye. It highlighted a new non-profit called More than Milk that organized opportunities for new moms to volunteer with their children. Founded by former teacher, Amy Cahill, More than Milk partners with a different non-profit 4 times a year. More than Milk highlights the partner organization in its newsletter and events. It also allows moms to volunteer with the featured non-profit by arranging for babysitters through Urban Sitter to watch the little ones.

Since July, Purple Asparagus has been the beneficiary of More than Milk's efforts. The moms accompanied me to Green City Market for our Club Sprouts session where we made Salad Cubed (Tomato, Peach, Cucumber Bread Salad). More recently, More than Milk organized a book signing and talk with Dr. Natalie Digate Muth, author of Eat Your Vegetables and Other Mistakes Parents Make at Purple Monkey Playroom.

 

After a great talk with Dr. Muth, the spotlight turned to us where we spoke about our own Delicious Nutritious Adventures and made Yogurt Parfaits with our little patrons.

Granola
 Makes 4 ½ cups

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 tablespoon flax seeds
¼ cup maple syrup or more to taste
¼ cup canola oil
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350° F.  In a large bowl, mix together the first eight ingredients.  Spread out the mixture onto a non-stick pan.  Bake for 45 minutes or until light brown. Let cool and then stir in the cranberries. Scoop into an airtight container. The granola will keep for a few weeks.

Perfect Parfait
Makes 4

2 cups of plain low fat yogurt
¼ cup strawberry jam
¾ cup granola
1 cup mixed fruit like raspberries, bananas, blueberries, bananas

Stir together the yogurt and jam in a medium bowl. Divide the yogurt evening into 4 pretty glasses. Top with fresh fruit and granola. Enjoy.

Photography Credit, TK Photography
--Melissa Graham is a former attorney, chef, and, head spear of award-winningPurple Asparagus, trying to live sustainably in Chicago.

Posted on August 05, 2012 at 11:08 PM in Food and Drink, Green Business, Green Living, Healthy families, Local News, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: cooking with kids, Daily Candy, Dr. Natalie Digate Muth, Green City Market, Green Parent Chicago, Little Locavores, More Than Milk, nutrition, Purple Asparagus, Purple Monkey Playgroom, Urban Sitter

Little Locavores: Supermoms Against Superbugs

Supermoms-header-900x177
Greetings everyone,
Two years ago, I wrote about the clear and present danger presented by the over use of antibiotics in the livestock industry in The Morality of Meat. Children dead within days of being exposed to Methicillin Resistant Staph (or MRSA), the development of superbugs resistant to our antibiotics - it scares the shit out of me.
Despite all the attention to childhood obesity, I firmly believe that this is the number one public health crisis in America. We need to change the hearts and minds of our government and our populace, to demonstrate the importance of keeping our antibiotics safe and effective for our children when they need them.

Because of my advocacy in this area, I was selected to be a “Supermom” for an event called Supermoms Against Superbugs. Today, Thor, Mike, my mom and I travel to DC to participate tomorrow in a day of advocacy in Washington, D.C. We will celebrate and unite moms and dads across America to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for their children and families.

Organized by The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, our goal is to encourage the White House and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce antibiotic overuse in food animal production—a practice that breeds drug-resistant bacteria that can make us sick.

I will be joined by chefs, pediatricians, farmers, and everyday moms who have a particular interest in this issue.  Some raise food animals without the routine use of antibiotics, some serve meats raised without antibiotics in their restaurants and homes, some work on the frontlines treating a growing number of children with antibiotic-resistant infections, and some have personal stories to share about how antibiotic resistance has impacted their lives.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY WITH ME!

 I hope you will join me by participating virtually! No planes, trains, or automobiles required, just a computer with an Internet connection, a smart phone, or a tablet.

Here are some things you can do:

·Visit Supermoms Against Superbugsto learn more about the event, including bios on all of the Supermoms and a list of virtual actions you can take on May 15.

-Take action NOW and urge FDA to strengthen measures to end overuse of antibiotics on industrial farms.
-Follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we prepare for our trip and take Washington by storm!

Thank you for your support!

-Melissa Graham is a former attorney, chef, and, head spear of award-winning Purple Asparagus, trying to live sustainably in Chicago.

Posted on May 15, 2012 at 08:26 AM in Food and Drink, Global News, Green Living, Healthy families, Local News, Opinion, Parenting, Progressive Politics, Science | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Antibiotics, Childhood obesity, DC, Green Parent Chicago, Little Locavores, Melissa Graham, Pew Charitable Trust, Superbugs, Supermoms Against Superbugs, Washington, White House

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

VeganIsLoveBookCover_web

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/

RubyRothHeadshot_web

-Christine

Posted on April 30, 2012 at 02:42 PM in Ad watch, Books, Food and Drink, Green Living, Healthy families, Learning and Education, Media, Opinion, Parenting | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books on vegan diet kids, books on vegan lifestyle for kids, books on veganism for children, Green Parent Chicago, Ruby Roth, vegan children's book author, vegan children's books, Vegan is Love, vegan kids

The Green Stork Recommends: Door to Door Organics

DoortoDoororganics
Any mum who has ever been to Whole Foods knows how @#$%^&* expensive organic produce is. Any mum who has male children knows that they eat their weight in food. Often several times a day, alas. And any mum who has looked into finding a local co-op, knows that they generally require “pick up” at the local Farmers Market – which sounds convenient – until you think of loading up two children into the car, parking, schlepping and unpredictable weather. So. What is a mum who needs organic food, but would also like to have enough shekels to send her children to uni, to do?

Well boys and girls – if you live in Chicago, you need only call Door to Door Organics. For $40 a week you will receive enough produce to ensure that your two hungry boys will have fruit and veg at each meal. If both parents are also fruit/veg eaters – you may want two boxes – which is still less cash a week than you probably spend on one Whole Foods run.

Door to Door Organics delivers to your very own casa, come rain or shine – which I think is just genius. It doesn’t get any easier than this mama – or any less expensive.

I am only just subscribing this week – so I will update you as to possible savings.

And remember – the more we support local organic farmers – the healthier our land, air, water and children will be. Make Monsanto angry. Join a co-op today.

-"The Green Stork" Claire Douglass is a Chicago mum of two sons and heirs (one her pride, the other her joy), 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 and still beautiful a childhood as possible. Without driving herself, or her loved ones, crazy. The former is going far better than the latter.

 

Posted on April 15, 2012 at 02:38 PM in Food and Drink, Green Business, Green Living, Healthy families, Local News, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Door to Door Organics, Green Parent Chicago, organic produce delivery chicago, organic produce options chicago, The Green Stork Recommends

Our Chicago Spring Eco-Fest Roundup

Urbangardeningchicago

Get your home and garden ready for spring and summer with these upcoming eco festivals for the month of April and early May.

The Green Metropolis Fair returns this Saturday April 14. This free family friendly event is sponsored by Green Parents Network and The Green Exchange and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What can you find at the fest? Here's a sample:

  • Hands on family-friendly activities: farm animals, Johnny Appleseed performance, gardening activities
  • Over 100 local businesses and organizations
  • Retail market with sustainable business vendors
  • Food market with local restaurants and chefs
  • Presentations from local experts throughout the day on gardening and sustainability topics.

The 20th annual Green & Growing Fair is a free urban gardening festival organized by GreenNet: Chicago's Greening Network and takes place from from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 28 at Garfield Park Conservatory. The event will showcase a variety of vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and family activities to "get your rusty green thumb up and running." The fair will also host the unveiling of  the winning seed in the  One Seed Chicago contest, which hopes to link thousands of the same community gardens, yards and window sills across Chicago in a season long celebration. This year’s seed "candidates" are herbs: basil, cilantro, chamomile.

Green Festival

The mama of all Chicago green festivals, sponsored by Green America and Global Exchange, returns May 5 to 6 at Navy Pier. Hours for the event are noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Featuring multiple stages of demonstrations, speakers, film screenings, a kids zone with family friendly activities and fun, vendors galore and much, more. Tickets are available online in advance and at the door.

Who's free?
• Youth 18 and under
• Bicyclists using the festival's bike valet
• Green Festival Volunteers
• Green America and Global Exchange members
• Union members with card

Social justice and environmental issues are expected to be the focus of this year's Green Festival with keynote speaker Rev. Jesse Jackson and other speakers to include: Laura Flanders, Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!; Jeffrey Smith; William Ayers; Bernadine Dohrn; Greg Palast and local leaders Naomi Davis of "Blacks in Green"; Bianca Alexander of "Conscious Living TV" and Karyn Calabrese.

-photo credit: roman.petruniak., flickr

Posted on April 10, 2012 at 10:41 AM in Arts and Entertainment, Biking, Buy Local Spotlight, Car Free Living, Film, Food and Drink, Green Business, Green Celebrations, Green Living, Learning and Education, Local News, News, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: eco festivals Chicago, family festivals chicago, gardening festival chicago, Green and Growing Fair, green family festivals in chicago, Green Festival Chicago, Green Metropolis Fair, Green Parent Chicago

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