“Green” Kids Toys

A few years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in part to protect children from exposure to lead and phthalates in toys. By limiting lead, manufacturers had to find a new material to take its place. Unfortunately, instead of finding something safer, they switched to cadmium – another toxic metal. In advocacy speak – this is called “regrettable substitution.”  While regulators and health groups are now pressuring industry to reduce or eliminate their use of cadmium, what could be next?

Not too many of us have an unlimited budget to replace all of the plastic toys our children currently have in their closets. But what we do have is more information to use going forward to make better choices.

Here are a few ways we can make things a bit more simple:

1)    Look for toys make of natural material like woods without toxic paint or finishes. Look for an all natural cotton or wool toy.

2)    Simplify. Buying fewer toys is much better for the environment in the long run. ( and better on your wallet )

3)    Re-purpose. Can something you already have can be used as a toy? For example a cardboard box or  staineless steel bowls can give a child hours of fun.

4)    Read the labels. What is the toy made of? Where was it made? Get to know a toy before you buy it.

5)    Buy local. You can help a local business and also help reduce green house gas emissions by buying something local. Some countries have very lax toy regulations so be aware of where your toy comes from.

6)    Healthytoys.org is a website that can tell you where to find safer toys. Simply type in the toy and they can tell you what tests have be done on them and how safe they are.

7)    Also remember to not freak out over every plastic toy your child has. That is not the reason for this blog. It is all about having fun, being safe, and making better choices going forward.

Warm regards and love,
Erin

French Onion Soup Recipe

This is in homage of a dear friend of mine who loved French Onion Soup. Hope you enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Epicurious:

yield: Makes 6 (light main course) servings

active time: 45 min

total time: 1 1/2 hr

This version of the classic is gorgeously cheesy, not gunky. Slow cooking gives the broth depth of flavor and a silky texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb medium onions, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced lengthwise
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth (32 fl oz)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 (1/2-inch-thick) diagonal slices of baguette
• 1 (1/2-lb) piece Gruyère, Comte, or Emmental
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• Special equipment: 6 (8- to 10-oz) flameproof soup crocks or ramekins; a cheese plane

Preparation:

Cook onions, thyme, bay leaves, and salt in butter in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, uncovered, stirring frequently, until onions are very soft and deep golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in wine and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in broth, water, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.

While soup simmers, put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

Arrange bread in 1 layer on a large baking sheet and toast, turning over once, until completely dry, about 15 minutes.

Remove croûtes from oven and preheat broiler. Put crocks in a shallow baking pan.

Discard bay leaves and thyme from soup and divide soup among crocks, then float a croûte in each. Slice enough Gruyère (about 6 ounces total) with cheese plane to cover tops of crocks, allowing ends of cheese to hang over rims of crocks, then sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes.

Warm regards and love -

Erin

The Many Benefits of Lemons:

Spring just reminds me of lemons. They are fresh, clean, and bring to mind thoughts of a new beginning. Here are a few helpful tips for using lemons.

Health: Lemons are full of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.  Just add fresh squeezed lemon juice to a glass of water for a full dose of vitamin C for the day. Add lemon and honey to your tea or coffee in the morning for a great vitamin boost.  Always dilute lemon juice as it contains acid that can erode the enamel from teeth.

Lemon Juice helps fight off the flu virus, the common cold and malaria due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.  Lemon juice gives good relief in fever. Lemon Juice mixed with water is useful in quenching the thirst of patients suffering from diabetes. It gives immediate relief in abdominal disorders. Lemon acts as a sedative for the nerves and the heart and allays troublesome palpitation.

Cleaning: A large number of commercial cleaning products smell like lemons and there is a reason for that. Lemons not only smell fresh and clean they can be a tough competitor among the chemical cleaners on the market. To get an eco-green clean just use a ¼ cup of lemon juice with about ½ gallon of water  to clean copper pots, counters tops, drains, windows and mirrors and more.  For use in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.

Beauty: Lemon acts as a natural hair lightener and skin bleach by reducing the pigment melanin.

Lemon juice when diluted can be used as a mouthwash to help remove plaque, prevent gingivitis and whiten teeth. Warning – when used at full strength lemon can erode teeth enamel. Be careful!

Lemon is a great treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

Cooking: Salt, pepper and lemons are the most common ingredients in the culinary world.

 Here is a wonderful recipe for asparagus with lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (can use hazelnut or walnut oil)
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt or sea salt
Pinch freshly-cracked black pepper or to taste
2 pounds fresh asparagus stalks, washed and trimmed
In a jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.
Blanch the asparagus in lightly-salted boiling water for about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; do not overcook. Remove from heat and refresh under cold water; drain well.
Toss asparagus with enough lemon vinaigrette to lightly coat.
Arrange asparagus on serving platter or individual serving plates.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Happy Spring –

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Mineral Makeup:

Is this more than just a trend or is it really good for your skin?

I have tried mineral makeup In the past; I believe it was by Almay, if I am not mistaken.  I was very happy with the results but I tend to need a bit more coverage than what this brand could provide for me. It is very natural looking and light feeling.

What makes mineral makeup different, and in some people’s eyes better, is not what is in the makeup but what is left out.  This list includes parabens, preservatives, fragrance, chemical dyes, and mineral oil. All of which can be bad for the skin and possibly cause a reactions or irritations of some sort.

Without these potentially harmful ingredients mineral makeup can be used by consumers with sensitive skin and because it does not contain oil it is perfect for people with acne prone skin.

Mineral Makeup won’t take the place of acne medication, daily moisturizers, or anti-aging products but you can get some benefit from using this type of product.  

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are both physical sun blockers, so an application on the face will provide some sun protection. Of course if you are planning the day at the beach or going hiking you better put on a regular sun block with an spf of at least 30.

Zinc oxide is also FDA approved as a skin protectant and does have some anti-inflammatory properties. It can be useful is calming irritated skin.

However, not all mineral makeup is the same. While most mineral makeup is free from artificial colors, preservatives, talc, and other chemicals, not all companies stay away from this formula. This is why some people believe mineral makeup is no better or different from traditional liquid foundation.

These products are not only the loose powder they used to be. Mineral makeup comes in all shapes and forms these days. Loose powder, eye shadow, lipstick and even bronzer.

So if you have sensitive skin or just want to try something new give Mineral Makeup a try. Just be sure to look for a brand with the least amount of ingredients.

Warm regards and love -

Erin