Oct

29

BPA Free Thanksgiving?

Filed Under Bisphenol-A, Food Safety | 14 Comments

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    pie(Re-posted from a while ago but a good one to revisit!) Since all this started I’ve been trying desperately to come up with alternatives to the old family favorites that require a can of this or that.  So here’s a few solutions I’ve come up with that replace those cans that plague our meals with BPA.  No one wants hormone disruption with their dinner do they? (Yes I’m being cheeky.)

    Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Many recipes during the holidays require cream of mushroom soup.  Finding it not in a can has proven to be next to impossible. Thanks to the magic of Twitter I’ve heard of a few solutions.

    Use Cream of Celery Soup: Swap this in its place… can be found in box form in the natural foods aisle of many grocery stores.

    Make it yourself: A little more time consuming but you could do a large batch and freeze 10 oz. portions for use later.

    Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

    1 lb. fresh mushrooms
    2 c. onions
    1 1/2 tsp. sugar
    3 tbsp. flour
    1 c. cold water
    15 oz chicken soup
    1 c. all purpose cream
    Salt & pepper to taste
    2 tbsp. butter

    Grate mushrooms and onions. Melt butter and saute onions and sugar until brown. Add mushrooms and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in flour until smooth. Add cold water and stir until blended. Add can of soup and simmer for 15 minutes. Just before serving, stir in cream.

    Or: Make a roux with butter and flour. Add milk and veggie broth to desired thickness then add sauteed mushrooms.

    Pumpkin Pie

    What’s Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie?? But what about those pesky convenient cans of perfectly spiced pumpkin? I’ll be the first to admit that going the DIY route sounds unappealing with as much preparation Thanksgiving dinner requires.  But if you’re ambitious then here’s a DIY idea for you I found on the Mother Nature Network:

    Do It Yourself:  Buy a little, tender, organic sugar pumpkin at the farmers market, cut it in eighths, scrape out seeds, and steam or boil it. Cool, remove skin, and blend until smooth like a puree. Should result in roughly 15 oz. or so you’ll need to fill a deep dish pie recipe.

    Edit to Add: A reader commented about this method and since she’s done it before she had some better tips on cooking pumpkin:

    They are still very watery squash and will make a bland, soggy pie if used in the way you describe. Instead, what you should do is cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out seeds, roast it face down on a cookie sheet (about 1 hour at 375 should do it) and then once it’s cool peel the skin off. Now you still need to get rid of the excess water. Wrap the pumpkin flesh in cheesecloth and squeeze the heck out of it repeatedly until it is about 1/4 the original volume. Finally, puree the condensed flesh until smooth. Because so much of the pumpkin is water I would actually recommend using 2 sugar pumpkins to get the 15oz usually called for in pumpkin pie recipes.

    As the article says, many pie recipes call for a can of condensed milk, which you can substitute heavy cream (or soy milk for vegans).  Great tip!  The article also has a great egg-free, soy recipe.

    Make Sweet Potato Pie Instead: I’ll admit I didn’t grow up eating sweet potato pie. But it is a great alternative to pumpkin and doesn’t require the can of pumpkin to make. You can cut up and steam sweet potatoes and blend until smooth to get the puree you need.  No can required. It’s just as festive and delicious as a pumpkin pie.  Here’s a delectable recipe from Alton Brown (I love him!) on the Food Network:

    Sweet Potato Pie

    • 1 pound 3 ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
    • 1 1/4 cups plain yogurt
    • 3/4 cup packed, dark brown sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
    • 5 egg yolks
    • Salt
    • 1 (9-inch) deep dish, frozen pie shell
    • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

    Directions: Put cubed potatoes into steamer basket and place steamer basket into a large pot of simmering water that is no closer than 2 inches from the bottom of basket. Allow to steam for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Mash with potato masher and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place sweet potatoes in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat with the paddle attachment. Add yogurt, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, yolks, and salt, to taste, and beat until well combined. Pour this batter into the pie shell and place onto a sheet pan. Sprinkle pecans on top and drizzle with maple syrup. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the custard reaches 165 to 180 degrees. Remove from oven and cool. Keep refrigerated after cooling.

    Green Bean Casserole

    Ok… I didn’t grow up with this dish at my family table.  I never even heard of it until I moved to Philadelphia.  I also think it’s a vile vile food.  But my husband and family love it and think of it as a staple on Thanksgiving day. Problem is it requires not only a can of cream of mushroom soup (se above for alternatives) but it alse requires canned green beans.  Solution?  Buy bags of frozen, cut green beans instead.

    Cranberry Sauce

    You are either one of two kinds of people.  You’re the homemade cranberry kind of people, like me.  Or you’re the gelatinous can of cranberry kind who is ok with a round disc of cranberry on your plate.  Which is who I was until I tasted my grandmothers homemade cranberry sauce and I converted.  Some people can’t have Turkey day without their green bean casserole and can of cranberry.  But if you are the adventurous type and want to eliminate the need for the can of BPA cranberry here is the recipe I use every year.  Trust me its easy and delicious:

    Nana SafeMama’s Cranberry Sauce

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 1/2 cup orange juice (and zest)
    • 1 package of cranberries  (looked over and washed)

    Directions: In a large saucepan, mix water, orange juice & sugar.  Stir until dissolved over medium heat.  Dump in cranberries and zest an orange into the pan.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and then boil gently, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and pour into a glass bowl.  Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate.  Best made the day before (says Grandma… and its actually true, plus its one less thing to do on Turkey Day).

    Need some original recipe ideas? Check out my friend at the Craving Chronicles who has some beautiful cranberry and pumpkin treats listed for Thanksgiving.  You can apply the ideas here to any of her recipes.  I really want those Orange Cranberry Rosemary  muffins!

    Have any BPA free holiday tips of your own? Share them in the comments!

    Sep

    9

    Wean Green Glass Storage Sandwich Cubes

    Filed Under Food Safety, Product Reviews | Comments Off

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      I’ve written about Wean Green before, because I love food storage options that don’t rely solely on plastic. So when The Glass Baby Bottle sent me a sample of Wean Green’s new Sandwich Cubes I was anxious to try them out.  Wean Green is most well known for their cute little glass Cubes which are perfect for storing baby food.  These were naturally the next step.

      I love how these work and have put them to good use here at home.  Each set comes with two sandwich cubes which each hold about 16.5 ounces.  The lid, made of BPA free plastic with a silicone seal, snaps into place securely to prevent any leaks or spills.  I’ve used these cubes for leftovers, soup, olives, macaroni, fruit, and for my husband, jalepenos.  They don’t leak in the fridge and are small enough to be portable in any lunch sack or lunch box.  Glass is a great choice for food since it doesn’t leach chemicals into your foods and won’t hold on to any flavors.  They wash clean in the dishwasher and are ready to use.

      I wish they would name these something else because a regular sized sandwich doesn’t fit in these.  You’d have to cut it square or make mini sandwiches.  But it’s the perfect size for a little salad, soup, fruit, cheese, or snacks.  I even used to to transport a yogurt and fruit parfait without any issues. I was afraid to send it to school with my 5 year old… I could just see glass shattering all over the cafeteria… but I would definitely use this to tote food in my diaper bag or gym bag. Very handy and a cute size up from the baby food cubes.  They have bowls too (which look like the perfect size for kids).  The price point seems a little high for a set of 2 glass containers but they are cute and very functional, just not for a sandwich. I could totally fit a slab of cheesecake in there though… hmmm.

      Get them: You can pick these up at The Glass Baby Bottle in their signature lid colors (each comes with a set of 2) Blueberry, Carrot, Pea and Raspberry.

      Aug

      24

      Pre-School Snacks: How To Handle Unhealthy Snacks At School

      Filed Under Food Safety, Healthy Schools | 24 Comments

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        Now that I am a seasoned preschooler Mom I can offer some valid advice on the subject of snacks.   If you have a child in preschool, chances are they observe a daily snack time.  Depending on your school, they handle it different ways.  Some schools provide the snacks for the kids – and they are restricted by budget.  Or you might have a situation where the parents are in charge of snacks.  If you’re one of the lucky ones, you send in your own childs snack and have full control over what they eat.  Our school uses a weekly parent contributed snack schedule and we sign up for “snack weeks” where we provide snack for the class that week.  Whatever your situation is, (aside from those who can chose their child’s snack) chances are you are allowing others to choose a snack for your child.

        Like it or not, everyone doesn’t know what a “healthy” snack is.  So kids are snacking on things like chocolate pudding cups, gummy fruit snacks (so bad for their teeth!!!), cookies, candy and whatever else people can find in the prepackaged snack aisle.  I list these as evidence – these were actual snacks parents were sending in when we started preschool.  I understand (more than I wish to) how BUSY life is.  It’s much easier to grab a package of prepacked snacks at the store and be done with it.  But many times they are loaded with extra sugar, high fructose corn syrup, fat, preservatives, food coloring or just plain have zero nutritional value at all.  Preschoolers need to learn now, while they are still eager to accept healthy ideas, that snacks should have some kind of nutritional value.

        Now before you get all “Oh give me a break, it’s just a SNACK, get over it.“, let me just say this.  I am not as uptight as you might think.  I don’t buy junk for my own home (usually) but if they eat a cookie or have ice cream at a party I don’t flip out and bring my own Frozen Rice Cream with Tofu Chunks as an alternative.  Kids get treats.  That’s ok once in a while.  But between the holiday parties and the birthday’s… preschoolers are eating cupcakes and sweets every time you turn around. Already they gave my 2 year old cupcakes the first day of school for a birthday.  (He is going to think you get cupcakes at preschool every day now!) So the rest of the week, should be a reprieve from all that and snacks should fuel their brains to power through the day.  Not give them a high from corn syrup, trans fat and food coloring.

        But What Do I Do About It?

        There are a few things you can do that I have tried and tested which seem to at least help push the class parents and the school in a better direction with regards to school snacks. (Warning: You may have to do this every year)

        • If the parents provide snacks, you can speak to or write to the school director or teacher and request that they send a letter home explaining what a “healthy snack” entails.  Some parents don’t think about it so it’ll be a nice reminder.
        • Provide a written list of healthy snack ideas that they can share with the letter so parents have a reference.  Providing a list also increases the chance that the school will follow through.  Less work for them and more healthy stuff on the list from you.  Win win.
        • Be an example.  When it’s your turn to bring snack, up the ante.  Go out of your way to bring in something healthy.  I’ve been up at the crack of dawn sectioning grapes into 15 little containers, or popping popcorn in the morning and putting them in bags.  It’s a pain but it’s worth it!

        If your school provides snacks then you’ll have more of a challenge ahead of you since the school runs on a budget and can’t usually afford fresh fruit daily.

        • Again, speak to a director of the preschool program and voice your concerns.  Nothing will change unless you try.  Even if you get nowhere, at least you made an attempt.  Find out what their rules are and see if you can help them make room for a healthy option one day a week to start.
        • Offer to bring snacks in for the class (if they allow it) on a semi regular basis. That way you can control it at least a few times.
        • See if you can send your child in with their own snack.  I don’t usually like this option but if the snacks are truly horrible then doing this might be your only option.  I tend to not agree with options that single a child out of a group.  I’d rather my son eat cookies than be odd man out. But that’s just me… you may feel differently and that’s ok too!

        It might be uncomfortable to do these things.  From experience though, if you don’t do it, no one else will.  It’s not like you’re asking them to only serve organic food to the whole school. You’re just asking them to kick it up a notch in the healthy department.

        List of Healthy Snacks to Share With your Teacher or School

        • Whole grain crackers, pretzels
        • Sliced up apples, pears, peaches, etc
        • Grapes, Berries (cut in half for the wee ones – choking can be an issue so take heed)
        • Bananas (Frozen on a stick works like a charm)
        • Carrot Sticks (low fat cream cheese dip?)
        • Celery (w/ peanut butter* or cream cheese)
        • Veggie Sticks w/ Hummus
        • Cucumber Slices (kids love these!)
        • Air Popped Popcorn
        • Small yogurts (low sugar)
        • Low fat cheese and crackers
        • Whole Grain Cereal (ex: Kashi Heart-to-Heart – look for high fiber, low sugar)
        • Granola Bars (low fat, low sugar)
        • Unsweetened Apple Sauce
        • Fruit Kabobs (great for class parties)
        • Oatmeal Bars
        • Whole Grain Muffins (minis)
        • Raisins
        • Trail Mix (if there are no allergies)
        • Plain Graham Crackers (surprisingly more healthy than cheese crackers)
        • Dried Fruit or Fruit strips (without added sugar)
        • Fig Cookies
        • Mini Whole Wheat bagels and cream cheese
        • Mini Muffins (preferably whole wheat or oatmeal)

        With this age group its best to keep it simple and remember that you can’t please every kid in class.  It’s also important to respect any food allergies as well. I’ve been known to cop out and send in a box of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies when the week gets hectic, so no one will be perfect every time but if everyone tries, it’ll at least improve over Ding Dongs and Twinkies.

        Thanks to my Facebook Fan Kristie for inspiring this post!  I love my Facebook fans… if you haven’t joined the fun please come hang out with us on Facebook.

        What are your snack ideas for preschoolers? I’m sure all you creative parents out there have some fun (and easily portable) snack recipes to share with me!

        *IMPORTANT NOTE: I may not have emphasized it but always be sure to check with teachers about allergies in the class. If there are, you should always read the labels to make sure you’re avoiding those important ingredients.

        Aug

        10

        New Cheat Sheets for Back to School

        Filed Under Food Safety, PVC Free | 4 Comments

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          Hi all!  I know some of us are already back IN school this week but I’ve put up a new version of the Safer Lunch Gear cheat sheet this morning which was revised somewhat from last year’s.  I removed a thing or two and added some new brands.  There are tons of great reusable (and toxin free) lunch systems on the market now in a variety of price points so I think there is something in there for everyone.

          Since many people expressed a desire to find a safe backpack I separated backpacks out into their own Safer Backpacks cheat sheet.  My requirements are the same for backpacks as they are for lunch gear.

          A thing to note about making selections when it comes to supplies and gear for kids.  Choosing a product is tough sometimes and while I only list products that the companies claim to be PVC, Lead and Phthalate free – it is a matter of trust too.  Some companies hide behind a broad “meets the standards” statement and other sing it loud and proud that they are completely free of toxins and have ethical practices.  It’s up to us as consumers to put our money where we think it’s best deserved.

          I always wonder why I have to go digging within a company hotline or live chat to find out that the product is safe from lead or PVC.  If it is like they say, why not boast it right in the product description page like the small businesses that take care to avoid those things for us? Why make it so hard for us to find out?  In cases of the bigger vendors I noticed that the customer service reps were a little non-chalant about their answers.. “Yeah sure it’s free of all that stuff” or in some cases they’d tell me yes they were free of lead, phthalates, etc but couldn’t cough up any solid information about 3rd party testing.  So keep that in mind when making selections.

          Some things should be seen as an investment.  I’m on a budget too but you can be budget conscious while supporting the companies that really care.

          You can find these cheat sheets and all the other cheat sheets I have available in the CHEAT SHEET section of the website.  There is a link up top to direct you to the master list.  As always, I am happy to hear from you and if you think I missed a brand worthy of the SafeMama stamp of approval, please feel free to let me know.

          Jul

          27

          Back to School Review & Giveaway from MightyNest

          Filed Under Food Safety, Green Mama, Product Reviews | 223 Comments

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            I know, you’re thinking “Back to school already? It’s still JULY.” But, some of you can relate to me because my son starts Kindergarten on August 8th. Which is so bizarre to me having grown up in New York where school was a distant thought until Labor Day.  Anyway, so since many kids will be going back to the books in August I am happy to feature some great items that will make going back to school a little less toxic and of course, waste free.  One of my favorite non-toxic retailers is MightyNest.com.  So of course, shopping for lunch gear is made rather simple by stopping in their online shop.  They have a great selection of reusable lunch gear for kids and adults.  What I love most is their reluctance to sell items that are primarily plastic.  So I’d like to highlight a few favorite products and then give them away.  Sound good?

            Life Factory Glass Beverage Bottles – These cuties are almost a replica of their larger glass bottles, one of which I have sitting on my desk as I type this filled with water, ice and lemon slices.  They are a 9 ounce glass bottle that fits in a lunch bag and is adorned with a silicone sleeve to prevent breaking.  Though I’ve tried to smash a few Life Factory products in my time and have been pretty unsuccessful.  I love being able to use glass instead of plastic to hold liquids, especially for my kids.  This would be perfect for an older kid, tween or teenager – Hey, they need stuff too!  My 5 year old loves it because it’s just like mine, but the wider opening is cause for some spillage so I don’t know I’d trust him at school with it.  MightyNest does carry a sippy adapter for these though so they can be used for the young ones too. I’m a big fan of Life Factory’s products. Now if only they’d make a sport cap so I can take mine to the gym….

            SnackTAXI snack and sandwich bags – These have primarily replaced any need for plastic wrap in my kids lunch boxes. They are reusable fabric bags that are lined with coated nylon. They can be machine washed and dried or very simply wiped clean with a damp sponge or washcloth.  I just rinse them out and dry them overnight.  You can fit a regular sized sandwich, veggies, or a generous portion of dry snacks in one snackTAXI.  With the sandwich I like to wrap it with a snackTAXI and then encase it in a reusable sandwich box to prevent squashing.  When you carry a reusable bottle to school it can be heavy and smush your carefully crafted sandwich.  I love these for bringing snacks to preschool or to the playground too.  They have really cute designs too!

            LunchBots Uno Stainless Steel Food Containers – Ok I know I’ve gushed about LunchBots before but it bears repeating.  I love these little containers and so do the kids.  When I first started shopping for alternatives to plastic for lunch storage I had a hard time finding something that fit a regular sized sandwich. Anyone who uses whole wheat or whole grain bread knows that the slices are pretty big and hearty.  I can fit a regular sized or larger size sandwich in one of these no problem. Once in a while I might have to cut off a corner or two if it’s misshapen bread but mostly, it works great.  My son can open the container himself and it comes back from school empty. I also love these for carrying snacks and the LunchBots Duo is perfect for sending in fruit or dry snacks.  I am a fan of their Rounds containers too.  A little birdie told me they are coming out with an insulated round soon.

            Stop by MightyNest.com to find these and other great reusable lunch gear.  They’ve just added lunch boxes and back packs too.

            Win All Three!

            MightyNest has so generously offered to give one SAfeMama reader a set of the above items just in time for back to school!

            Here’s How To Enter (Required):

            Visit MightyNest and have a look around.  Tell me in the comments what back to school items you would love to have for your kids or for yourself!

            For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

            • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
            • Fan/Like  MightyNest on Facebook (first name, last initial)
            • Sign up for MightyNest’s Newsletter for inside tips on new products! (first name, last initial)
            • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
            • Follow @MightyNest on Twitter (Twitter name)
            • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
            • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
            • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments): Enter to #WIN reusable lunch gear from @MightyNest on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 8/2 http://tinyurl.com/3k7cqfz

            One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until August 2, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!  Thank you MightyNest!

            Congratulations to Nathalee G. commenter #204!

            May

            21

            Ditching Waste In Baby Steps with Glass Dharma (Giveaway)

            Filed Under Eco-Mama, Food Safety, Product Safety | 152 Comments

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              My iced coffee with Glass Dharma straw

              I was at the Palm Beach Zoo a few weeks ago with my boys – it’s something I do with them on a regular basis.  We stopped for lunch at the “cafe” before heading over to the Tiger exhibit and we ordered waters for the table.  When they were delivered they were in tall cups with no lids or straws because the zoo doesn’t use them.  It’s safer for the animals and it’s wasteful.  I was thrilled and found myself thinking “Why isn’t it like this everywhere?“.  Something so small as a plastic straw fills up so much un-recycled trash.. think about how many are used at sports stadiums, restaurants, airports… we protect the environment and the animals at the zoo, why not every animal everywhere?

              The cost of convenience is contributing to a trash filled earth where there are literally islands of garbage the size of Texas floating in the ocean.  That’s purely disgusting.  I’m not perfect, but I make an effort to recycle, to buy things with less packaging and to reuse what I have rather than buy something new.  I am working on giving up wasteful things in my home and trying with all my might to educate my kids to be aware and respect the planet we live on instead of treating it like our own personal dump.

              Enter Glass Dharma into my life. I had heard of glass straws before and never took the step to try them because I had a very distinct vision of how they were.  “Glass straws? And kids? That is never going to work.“  But I tried, and I changed. Glass straws are a brilliant solution.  Glass is non leaching and is my favorite material to use for food. There is something that makes your meals and drinks special when you use glass and using a glass straw, makes your afternoon iced tea feel like an indulgent treat.  It’s a pampered feeling!

              Glass Dharma’s straws are durable and feel good in your hand. they have a nice weight to them and not in a negative way.  This is my STRAW! They come in a few fun varieties but I have to admit my favorite is their Beautiful Bends straw which essentially is a plain glass straw with a subtle angle.  I’ve been using it daily.  They also come in varying lengths ranging from 6 ¼ inch to 10 inch.  The daintier sizes (7mm thickness) are fun for cocktails but my kids like them with the decorative dots.  The dots also prevent them from rolling which is key with kids. Plus they look cute.

              You can purchase a hemp sleeve for carrying your straw in your bag (I’ve been carting mine around for 2 weeks and no breaks.)  I’ve gotten a couple compliments on it while out and about too… people are more open to the idea of a reusable straw than I originally thought.

              I want to share them with you!  Glass Dharma is giving one of my readers $25 worth of Glass Dharma straws!

              Buy Your Own: If you don’t want to wait to see if you win, You can purchase Glass Dharma in a number of places: On GlassDharma.com or from my dear friends at  TheSoftLanding.com.

              Here’s How To Enter (Required):

              Visit Glass Dharma and tell me which straws you would get if you win!

              For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

              • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
              • Fan/Like  Glass Dharma on Facebook (first name, last initial)
              • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
              • Follow @GlassDharma on Twitter (Twitter name)
              • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
              • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
              • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  Enter to #WIN glass straws from @GlassDharma on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 5/30 http://tinyurl.com/4ypymsl

              One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until May 30, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

              Congratulations commenter #25 Brittany!

              May

              12

              Catamount Glass Microwave Popcorn Popper (Giveaway)

              Filed Under Food Safety, Giveaways Coupons, Product Safety | 203 Comments

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                We wrote here before about microwave popcorn.  I know, I know… always the bearer of bad news. I’m settled in my role of letting you know things that cause you cancer.  I’ll gladly be the messenger that everyone wants to shoot. Anyway, as we wrote back in 2008 (wow time flies), microwave popcorn is many things besides delicious.  The liner of microwave popcorn bags are lined with a coating that is known to break down into a substance known as PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic. (Say it with me… greeeeeat.)  This was a blow for me.  I love my nightly popcorn ritual.

                My friends at MightyNest have just announced their brand spanking new Kitchen Essentials section which provides the safest options for cooking and serving.  From aluminum free muffin pans to silicone spatulas, they have you covered.  Luck would have it that they now carrying a glass popcorn popper by Catamount.  It sounds pretty genius and no pesky carcinogenic chemicals screwing up your popcorn.  To use it you simply pour your kernels into the container, place your butter (if you like) in the silicone melting lid, and microwave for 2 minutes and 45 seconds. That’s it. Easy peasy.  What’s even cooler is that as the butter melts, it drips down through the lid and coats your popcorn for you, while its popping. I totally need this thing.  It’s made of borosilicate (laboratory glass) and is dishwasher safe.  How cool. And guess what? I’m giving one away to one lucky reader.  (You are lucky… even I don’t have one of these yet. )

                Here’s How To Enter (Required):

                Visit MightyNest’s new Kitchen Essentials section and tell me in the comments what you need for your non-toxic kitchen.  What are you dying to replace?

                For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

                • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
                • Fan/Like  MightyNest on Facebook (first name, last initial)
                • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
                • Follow @MightyNest on Twitter (Twitter name)
                • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
                • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
                • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  Enter to #WIN a glass popcorn maker from @MightyNest on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 5/19 http://tinyurl.com/6cbcctk

                One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until May 19, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

                Congratulations Kim, commenter #17!

                May

                5

                5 Phases Glass & Plastic Hybrid Baby Bottles

                Filed Under Food Safety, product finds | 4 Comments

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                  I saw these recently on The Glass Baby Bottle and had to share because I thought it was a pretty neat solution to the glass bottle vs plastic bottle debate.  Many people want the safety of a non-leaching glass bottle without the fear of shattering it.  I have broken a couple of glass bottles in my day (well actually, my husband has broken them, not me) and the glass is an issue, the cost of losing one is my biggest beef. These new bottles from 5 Phases seem to have it covered with one bottle.

                  It works similar to those old school plastic bottles with the insert bags only instead of plastic, it has a removable 8oz glass insert, encased with a polypropylene (and therefore probably recyclable) outer bottle.  The liquid sits in the glass portion and is protected by the plastic outer sleeve.  I just think it’s a nice idea for those who worry about using glass.  There are many other glass options of course, and they are great too, but this is definitely a new way of handling it.  The price point is a little high, but in reality you don’t need that many bottles to feed a baby… especially if you primarily breastfeed and need one for when Dad takes a turn.

                  Get It: You can pick up a 5 Phases bottle and nipple accessories on The Glass Baby Bottle.  Tell them I said hi!

                  Apr

                  16

                  Cheat Sheet: Less Plastic Sippy Cups, Bottles & Water Bottles

                  Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Food Safety | 9 Comments

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                    It’s the next generation of cheat sheets!  The BPA Free Sippy Cup cheat sheet was one of my very first cheat sheets.  As we’ve all grown and learned more, the more I think it’s important to try and avoid plastic all together when we can.  Sure, there is BPA free plastic, and that’s better.  But plastic can still leach chemicals into fluids and foods and its better to use materials that are non-leaching, such as stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and bamboo.  I decided it was time to move past plastic on SafeMama.com and show you there are a ton of great plastic-less options. Not everything on this list is completely plastic free, but the portion that comes in contact with your fluids is. As usual not a comprehensive list so please email me suggestions for inclusion. (Last updated April 20, 2011)

                    Glass & Stainless Sippy Cups

                    I’ve used several of these brands and with sippy cups, it really comes down to personal preference.  For us, we primarily use 12oz Klean Kanteens (one with a sport cap and one with a sippy adapter).  They seem to be the best for us.  But I also love the Thermos Foogo Straw Bottles too and use one in my son’s lunchbox. Insulated vs non-insulated is something you have to think about.  Klean Kanteens are not (aside from their new insulated ones).  I use these adorable Cocoozy’s for out and about, and they fit perfect. There are also many neoprene sleeves and other jackets that fit both bottles and sippy’s.

                    • Foogo Leak-Proof Straw Bottle (stainless)
                    • Safe Sippy 2 (stainless)
                    • Fuel Stainless Steel Sports Bottle
                    • Foogo Leak-Proof Sippy Cup (stainless)
                    • Crocodile Creek Stainless Drinking Bottles
                    • Thermos FUNtainers (stainless)
                    • ThinkSport 12oz Stainless Water Bottle
                    • Klean Kanteen 12 oz Sippy (comes with a sippy adapter or a sports cap) (stainless)
                    • Earthlust Insulated Baby Bottle & Sippy Cup (stainless)
                    • EIO Kids Cup (glass)
                    • Pura Sippy Cups (stainless)
                    • Life Factory Bottles w/ sippy adaptor (glass)
                    • Safe Sporter Stainless Steel Bottle
                    • Sigg Kids Bottles (coated aluminum*)
                    • Camelbak Kids Stainless Steel water bottle

                    Glass & Stainless Baby Bottle Brands

                    Of course there are plastic bottle options available on the market and many of them are created with BPA free plastic.  Some companies I trust more than others like ThinkBaby and BornFree because they have been BPA free intentionally from the get-go. These are great safer options too.  My objective here is to highlight some alternatives to plastic for bottle feeding.  Before anyone gets in a twist, I am a supporter of breastfeeding and think it’s an important choice.  I am also however, a supporter in allowing mothers to make the choices that are right for them, regardless of what I would do.  Everyone has their own right to mother their children the way they see fit. I refuse to judge on this issue. So without further adieu…

                    • OrganicKidz Stainless Baby Bottles (stainless)
                    • Pura Stainless Steel Baby Bottle (stainless)
                    • BornFree Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Dr. Browns Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Eco Baba Stainless Bottles
                    • Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Green to Grow Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Silikids Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Life Factory Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Kidbasix Stainless Baby Bottles (stainless)
                    • Momo Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Nurture Pure Glass Baby Bottles
                    • Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottles

                    Adult Water Bottles and Drink Containers (ditch the plastic!!!)

                    Obviously there are hundreds of stainless water bottles on the market and most are fine… you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. This is a sampling of them and a few glass options.

                    *Sigg was under scrutiny for using a coating on the interior of their bottles that contained BPA.  They have since corrected that and now line them with SIGG EcoCare® Liner which is a baked on coating. They claim it is chemically inert and does not absorb, leach or transfer odors or flavors, no matter what beverage is inside.  You can make a judgment call on this one.

                    Mar

                    17

                    Eco-Eggs Easter Egg Decorating Kit (& Giveaway)

                    Filed Under Food Safety, Giveaways Coupons, Green Mama, Product Reviews | 214 Comments

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                      Easter is coming!  That means egg hunts, chocolate bunnies and egg coloring.  One thing I’ve been anxious to try this year with my kids is exploring more natural ways of coloring eggs.  I am just not comfortable using Red 40 and Blue Lake tablets that inevitably leak on to the egg inside and stain our hands and clothes. They’re pretty but I’d always wanted to try something less day glow and more natural.  I’ve known about Eco-Eggs for a year or so but never actually got around to trying it out until now.  Lullaby Organics sent us an Eco-Eggs Easter Egg Coloring Kit to review before the rush of Easter arrives.

                      The kit comes in a cute little egg carton (of course)and all the supplies you need to create colorful eggs and Easter fun.  Included are 3 pots of natural dye powder, a color mixing instruction card, and egg creature cutouts so you and your kids can make fun little animals and bugs out of your eggs.   The concentrated powders made with plant, fruit and vegetable extracts instead of petrochemical food dyes.

                      SafeMama's eco-eggs: The purple stripes were totally accidental - and look cool!The colors are pretty and earthy instead of “Is this egg radioactive?“.  The dyes work rather quickly and wash off your hands completely if an accident occurs.  I also liked the fact that you only needed 3 mugs of color to create 6 variations.  I thought it would be a drastic change from the neon Paaz colors but in fact, they were quick to color and looked just as pretty (actually, I thought the colors came out nicer).  The photo of my eggs depicts my impatience with waiting the recommended 10-15 minutes per egg and they still look colorful and bright. I’ve had a long tradition of using a yellow crayon to draw designs on our eggs prior to dyeing them and this method worked just as well. I have photos of our coloring session.. I’ll add those shortly. It was fun!

                      Order yours in time for Easter: You can purchase the Eco-Eggs Easter Egg Coloring Kit by Eco-Kids from Lullaby Organics! (check out their new site design too!) They are on sale for $9.99! (Normally $16.99)  Check out their selection of Eco-USA art kits … we’ve had great experiences with their paints and colored pencils too.

                      Win It (& More)

                      Lullaby Organics is giving one lucky reader a cute Easter Basket that contains: An eco-eggs Egg Coloring Kit ($16.00) + a miYim Organic Plush Bunny ($24.99) +  a $10 gift certificate to Lullaby Organics!!! Total Value of giveaway: $50.99! Thank you Lullaby Organics for this great prize.

                      Here’s How To Enter (Required):

                      Visit Lullaby Organics and tell me what items appeal to you… they have a nice selection!  This step is required to enter the giveaway.

                      For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

                      • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
                      • Fan/Like Lullaby Organics on Facebook (first name, last initial)
                      • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
                      • Follow @LullabyOrganics on Twitter (Twitter name)
                      • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
                      • Subscribe to Lullaby Organics Newsletter Mailing List and receive 1 entry as well as a 50% off coupon for an eco-eggs kit!
                      • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
                      • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  Enter to #WIN an Eco-Eggs Egg Coloring Kit from @LullabyOrganics on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 3/28 http://tinyurl.com/66aqwaz

                      One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org.  Entries will be accepted until March 28, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

                      Congratulations commenter #56, Meggan!


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