Wishing I could crawl back into bed for a few hours...

Normally I am a "get up and go" kind of gal. I am up early, hope to get a workout in and like to be as productive as possible. This morning...not so much. I was out and moving and came home by 8am to feel starving and exhausted. What gives?! I tried protein...even some carbs...nothing was quite doing it for me. Enter my answer to everything...the Vitamix!

Lots of Kale, coconut water, H20, frozen strawberries, frozen grapes, fresh blueberries and watermelon...viola! Instant energy! Ready to once again tackle the day...and believe it or not, the kids love it too!

First Friday Family Festival

We have been anticipating this event for quite some time and it is finally here!

Join local, family friendly businesses for an evening of fun and great tunes!

Featureing Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band!

This is an event you will not want to miss!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight. Be sure to spread the word!

Bugaboo lovers...there's a new stroller coming to town

Just as you were about to upgrade to the coveted black Missoni...or thought you needed the Donkey as the brood grows - another Bugaboo hits the market in September.

A TOP SECRET SOURCE AND FAVORITE BOUTIQUE OWNER SPILLED THE BEANS MONTHS AGO...BUT WHAT WAS TO COME NEXT?!

Welcome the Cameleon3!


This third generation Cameleon will be better, and yes, probably comes with a price increase. The Cameleon3 base will be available in sand, dark grey, dark chocolate and black and you’ll have 8 accent colors to choose from. Here are the details that have leaked so far...

With the Bugaboo Cameleon3 unfolding has become even faster and easier than before, thanks to its redesigned unlocking system. The multi-terrain stroller’s new flat-fold carrycot with one-hand release makes it easier to travel with and more convenient to store. Furthermore, the underseat bag has been maximised, so there’s some extra storage for you too. And let’s not forget about the quick-release wheels, six-step height adjustable handle bar, intuitive brake system, more durable chassis and padded adjustable harness.

"No matter where you go or how you get there, the versatile Bugaboo Cameleon3 adapts to your journey simply and easily. And because it’s suitable for a newborn or toddler, it’s the only stroller you – and your child – will ever need."

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day without guilt

Celebrating often makes us feel terrible or guilty the next day. Here are two suggestions for enjoying St. patty's day and indulging in the best of everything!

If your hoping to indulge in something green here are some great options:

Sip on some green champagne
Less calories than beer and tastes better too!

There is once a year you might get me to drive thru the McDonald's Drive thru...that's for a shamrock shake!

Thank you to Rose Cole for this fabulous recipe!

Raw Mint-Chip Shamrock Shake

Ingredients
1-2 Tbs cacao nibs (or chocolate chips)
1 frozen large banana (the more ripe, the better)
1-2 drops peppermint extract (or handful of fresh mint leaves)
1/4 cup frozen spinach (or opt for all-natural green food coloring, or just make a white mint shake)
2/3 cup non-dairy milk of choice (coconut, almond, hemp, etc. Use more or less, depending on desired thickness.)

Blend everything together and enjoy!

Another reason to LOVE Ben and Jerry's

I have always had a strong love affair with Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. What's not to love? Well now the health nut in me can rejoice...a healthier option of frozen perfection.

Top 10 Reasons I ADORE Ben and Jerry's

10. Amazing ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet
9. FREE Cone Day April 3rd
8. Factory in Stove Vermont with tours, free samples and amazing events~! Nothing quite like a B & J's festival!
7. Sources the finest ingredients
6. Creates social awareness and jobs all over the world
5. Phish Food
4. Three pints a day for employees (a bit excessive - but hey!)
3. Free Cherry Garcia Cart met us in Tel Aviv while attending a Laser Grateful Dead show
2. Great story of how it all began
1. Greek frozen yogurt makes me so happy! Twice the protein and 1/2 the fat! Just the right bit of tanginess:)

Is it really February already?! Where does the time go?

Remember the days of grade school when each year seemed like an eternity? You thought summer vacation was always so far away and then summer was over before you knew it. Well, these days life seems like a race....the is never enough hours in the day and time seems to be speeding by. So is life as you get older. I never thought I would admit it, but although I have a mentality that I feel 26 I have been been looking around and noticing things that make me feel older lately.

After my second pregnancy my hair is so much thinner. I cut my hair recently thinking a fresh shorter cut would be cute and easier to style...it somehow looks dark and flat...I need to get back to the Salon pronto! This is not acceptable! In order to feel good one needs to look good. It that means waking up at 5am to go to the gym and extra salon visits...so be it! I refuse to give up:)

At the playground the other day, my three year old went to play with the older kids. I watched from the side and when offering a ball for the kids to play with I all the sudden felt like the annoying mother overseeing the group. He is only three...I live it a City for goodness sake!

My seven month old just got his first tooth and is becoming increasingly mobile. When I out him in his crib for a nap yesterday he fought it by sitting up, and trying to pull himself up up so he could escape...how did this happen so quickly?

So I apologize for getting behind on the blog lately. I will update over the next few days and get back on track. Lots of great things to share with all of you!

Being Mindful...

I thought of this as I was driving my toddler to school this morning. How often are we mindful about what we are doing. Do we go through the motions and even realize our actions?! For instance - this morning I grabbed a banana before I left the house. I knew I had a full morning and probably would not think to eat. I wanted to have something to keep me from eating something bad or being ravenous. Well - in the middle of driving, dropping off my son, saying good bye to my husband and heading to a meeting I inhaled that banana. Do I know what it even tasted like? Was it ripe, tasty? Before I even realized what I was doing half of it was gone. And then - I just finished it.

Take the time to relax, enjoy everything you do. By eating that banana in the manner I did - not only did I not enjoy it, I barely even knew I ate anything. If I would have slowed down and enjoyed it not only would I feel more satiated, but I would have certainly appreciated it much more. Think about this with everything you do. Eat more mindfully, spend time with those you love and be present. Be aware of your surroundings and everything you do - because if you don't life will surely pass you by!

365 ways to a greener, happier and healthier life! (continued)

365 ways to a greener, happier and healthier life!

January 8 - Walk more often. Not only does it feel good - it is oh so good for you!
January 9 - Take the stairs - fit in extra exercise whenever possible
January 10 - Exercise with a friend - it's certainly more fun and you keep each other moving and motivated
January 11 - Recycle more
January 12 - Use less
Janaury 13 - Brew more Kombucha! I enjoy it oh so much!
January 14 - Spend quality time with the kiddos exploring new places

New Years Res - what?!

Welcome! If you are new to Healthy.Green.Mom I would love for you to subscribe. Thanks for stopping by - I hope you will stop by often.

Now that we are into our second week of the year are you still keeping focused on positive changes for the new year? The average time people keep resolutions for is about two weeks. Did you know it takes six weeks to keep at something new? It is never too late to start making positive changes! Don't put off to tomorrow what will make you feel better today.

I truly believe we know what to do...the problem is seeing it through.

Think about it - if you manage to go to the gym regularly for six weeks, your body gets use to the routine...you may actually even feel guilty if you miss a workout. You body starts to look forward to the activity. If you need motivation to keep you on track - do whatever it takes to reach the 45-50 day mark.

Two things that keep me going when it comes to exercise:
1. I tell myself that if I do not feel up to it after 10 minutes I can stop. Usually after getting the body moving you will feel good and not want to stop. If I am sluggish and not feeling it for the day, that fine. At least I tried. Ten minutes is better than nothing!
2. No reward if I do not exercise. For me, that is usually a glass of wine. If I cannot find the time to exercise I certainly do not need wine. Sometimes this can be motivation enough...

Write down your resolutions. Think about what you accomplished this year. Take time to set goals that are attainable and will make you feel accomplished. What is important to you? By writing down or sharing your resolutions you are holding yourself accountable and more inclined to keep them too.

Feel free to share...

healthy. green. mom.: 2012...New Year, Even better You!

healthy. green. mom.: 2012...New Year, Even better You!: I love the start of a New Year...many of us are optimistic about making positive changes. Being healthier, losing weight, getting more e...

2012...New Year, Even better You!

I love the start of a New Year...many of us are optimistic about making positive changes. Being healthier, losing weight, getting more exercise, loving more, making more money...I have heard them all. Any excuse to make changes for the better sounds positive to me. I have another goal this year too. I am hoping to make myself aware of 365 ways to live a happier, healthier and greener life. I hope you'll join me on the adventure. I may not update the blog every day, but you can check my posts for updates on what I have documented for each day of the year.

January 1st - Each day do something to declutter and organize my life and home

January 2nd - Keep in better contact with friends and family

January 3rd - Only throw clothes in hamper if they are actually dirty, cut down on unnecessary laundry

January 4th - Drink more water

January 5th - Juice often

January 6th - Exercise at least 5 days a week

January 7th - Spend more quality time with my husband

My holiday miracle has arrived. Enter Mother Tucker by Belly Bandit. No one wants to admit their body has seen better days, but we can hid any flaws with this incredible new tank by Belly Bandit. As soon as I saw it - it was love at first sight. I was hoping for something to smooth out my midsection and hips (can not mutter the word - ****in top)...but something I could nurse in too! Genius!


Mother Tucker™is the ultimate compression tank! You'll be WOWed with how it smoothes and shapes your middle! Mother Tucker™ uses a soft tubular knit, designed with three zones of varying compression. The center section - with the most compression - flattens your tummy, promoting a slimmer silhouette. The 3" anti-roll bottom applies muffinology™ technology to help smooth your "muffin top", while the upper section provides the perfect amount of support; helping to eliminate that squeezed feeling.

Kombucha on steroids

Yesterday while browsing the isles for my Kombucha fix (have you tried my new cocktail yet?) I came across the newest, interesting elixir from the Kombucha family: GT's Grape Chia (also stocked was raspberry and cherry). Lighter and smoother than traditional kombucha (think no fizz) it has the same nutritional value and great qualities of GT's Kombucha plus a healthy does of Chia seeds! Did you know that Chia seeds are packed with more than 8 times the omega 3's found in salmon? They have more antioxidants than blueberries amd more fiber than oatmeal too!

I still adore the fizz and feel good feeling of traditional Kombucha, but I have to say...the benefits will bring me back to purchasing this time and time again.

Sometimes I feel like Supermom...

And sometimes I don't.

Taking care of one child is challenging. Taking care of two is exponentially more difficult.

Feeding,
bathing,
diapers,
playing,
entertaining,
reading...
pumping,
interviewing babysitters,
taking kids to school, classes, etc.

Frankly it is the most rewarding and most exhausting job ever. Here is to recognizing that not every day is going to be the best...but any day can get better. Make sure to do something for yourself. So often we forget about what makes us happy in taking care of others. You can't do a good job taking care of others if you haven't taken good care of yourself. If it means getting a workout in, taking a bath, of simply piling the kids in bed and watching a show you've DVR'ed. Just do it...because lack of sleep, and self care will certainly catch up with you!

healthy. green. mom.: New favorite high chair...

healthy. green. mom.: New favorite high chair...: A few months ago, on my search for the perfect high chair I finally found the answer. My three year old was without a high chair. We us...

New favorite high chair...

A few months ago, on my search for the perfect high chair I finally found the answer. My three year old was without a high chair. We used the fisher price booster and never graduated to a full high chair. My husband and I could not agree on style. The one I liked, he hated...and I was not willing to compromise. OXO has come out with a stylish and easy to clean model that will last until your child is tall enough to sit on an adult chair. My favorite part is that the tray can be removed with one hand, and it has an adjustable height and footrest. Stylish enough that you will not mind keeping it out - it may even complement your furniture (and add extra seating?!)

OXO, the American brand famed for its universal design philosophy and clever range of kitchen tools, has recently launching OXO Tot – a new design-led collection of baby equipment. Genius if you ask me! Suitable from 6 months to 5 years, the Sprout features an adjustable height seat with smooth EVA foam cushions, 5-point harness, removable crotch post and tray, and solid wood legs. It comes in a wood base (birch or walnut) and choice of three colors, taupe, orange and green.

The Sprout is easily converted into a child’s dinning chair as he or she grows, with a few minor adjustments. The seat is lowered to its lowest setting and the crotch post removed with a Phillips head screwdriver. A new seat pad, which is included, replaces the infant seat pad, and the tray and straps removed so your growing child can sit at the table. Nothing additional to buy or be bothered with. Compared to the other high chairs on the market - this really is a stand out. The smooth design prevents food from getting trapped and makes it extremely easy to clean. The seat can easily be lifted off to bring to the sink to be washed too.

The fact that you can convert this to a higher child’s dining chair is brilliant, giving your young child the correct posture at the dinner table. It also gives them a truly comfy dining chair that puts them at the right height - no more kneeling on an adult chair or squirming around at the dinner table! The base and legs are very sturdy and the footprint is compact, taking up very little space.

Now my biggest decision...do I need one or two?!

Oh the joys of Motherhood...

Don't get me wrong...being a mom is the most rewarding experience ever! Also the most exhausting and every other adjective in the book.

Stats for this week:

Number of times Liam, almost 4 months slept thru the night - 5 out of 7 isn't bad!
Number of mornings I woke up with Skyler in my bed - 5 (for the record he now goes to bed at 7:30 and sleeps in his own room - progress!)
Cleaned major back poo - 2
Loads of laundry - 7
Times I had to shower more than once in the morning due to projectile vomit down my shirt - 2
Number timer Skyler has peed on the potty this morning - 6 (is this potty training success? yes, he should be at school - but how can I deter progress?)
Average cocktail load in the evening - 1 (switched to a berry acai vodka with kombucha - less calories and deters me from several glasses of wine)
Number of friends I am dying to get in contact with and owe phone calls to - 9 (at least)
Number of friends I need to see immeadiately (if not sooner) - 2


Life could not be sweeter! Have a great weekend!

Gluten free goodness continues with my favorite Vegan French Toast recipe and the best recipes for Gluten free brownies I have come across.

Gluten Free Vegan French Toast

Frozen bananas
Vanilla Soy Milk (or other milk)
Cinnamin
Gluten Free Bread (works amazing with Challah too)
Fresh berries, banana or anything else you like to top french toast

Mix frozen banana in vitamix or other blender with some soymilk, adding cinnamin
You may also want to add a little vanilla if your milk is not flavored
This creates the dip for the bread. Also makes a really nice banana whip to accompany the french toast.
Put banana mixture on plate and coat the bread with mixture, both sides.
Use smart balance margarine to grease pan
Heat on low.
Add bread and cook on both sides.
Add fresh fruit or other garnish.
Enjoy!



Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Brownie Recipe

5 ounces high quality dark chocolate
1/2 cup Organic Coconut Oil
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons organic light brown sugar
1/2 cup almond meal
1/4 cup brown rice flour
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 organic free-range eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon bourbon vanilla*
Dark chocolate chips for the top, if desired


1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with foil and lightly oil the bottom.

2. Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat, gently stirring. (Or melt in a microwave safe measuring cup and stir together to combine.)

3. In a mixing bowl whisk together the brown sugar, almond meal, brown rice flour, fine sea salt and baking soda. Make a well in the center and add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract and melted dark chocolate mixture. Beat on low-medium for two minutes, until the batter begins to come together. At first it will seem thin, like cake batter, but keep beating until it thickens and becomes smooth and glossy.

4. Even out the batter with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with some dark chocolate chips and press in slightly.

5. Bake in the center of a preheated 350 degree F oven for 32 to 35 minutes, or until the brownies are set. The top will crack, like a flourless chocolate cake.

6. Cool on a wire rack; and remove the cooled brownies from the pan by gripping the foil edges and lifting the brownies out as a whole.

7. Chill for an hour before cutting. (Though warm and gooey is really divine, if you don't mind them falling apart.)

Yield: 12-16 servings


*For chocolate-mint brownies use 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.


More great recipes on the way...

Been looking for the perfect trick or treat bags for the kids?! Look no further...

These fashionable bags are made of natural cotton burlap and have plenty of space for all the treats you could possibly collect. Reusable, adorable and for a great cause.

Collect treats in style while helping provide essential nutritional supplements to children around the world. With every purchase of a FEED Trick-or-Treat bag, a donation is made to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF—enough to provide one year's worth of micronutrient powder to a child in the developing world. This helps ensure he or she receives vitamins and minerals needed to survive and thrive. There are no tricks here this Halloween—just the treat of knowing you've helped a child in need.

-Large, flexible shape perfect for carrying treats on Halloween
-When Halloween is over, use as tote bag or reusable grocery bag
-Reflective webbing offers safety precaution for nighttime trick-or-treating
-Orange and black palette and jack-o'-lantern design add fun and festive flair to the spookiest of holidays
-FEED's mission is to create good products that FEED the world

These bags ship for free and are just $12.95

www.hsn.com/feedbag

Baked Chicken Mediterranean

I stick to a meat free diet, but I enjoy cooking it for the ones I love. I would never ask anyone to adapt to my eating habits. I love to cook for them the foods I love, but will always find recipes they enjoy as well. Here is a great recipe I found from www.glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com. A great resource for gluten free living. I have also made this recipe without all of the spices, raisins and capers and it was equally delicious.

Baked Chicken - Mediterranean style

4 split organic free-range skinless chicken breasts
Sea salt and gluten-free Lemon Pepper seasoning, to taste
1 14-oz can Organic fire-roasted tomatoes with juice
3/4 cup of Organic pasta sauce
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup red wine
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups of thin pepper strips- mixed green, yellow and orange peppers
2 large portobella mushrooms, sliced
10 to 12 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped black olives
2 heaping tablespoons capers
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly oil a 10x13-inch baking pan with olive oil.

Wash the chicken in cold water and pat dry; season with lemon pepper; place in the baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and pour over the chicken breasts.

Loosely cover with foil and bake until the chicken is no longer pink inside, anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending upon the size of the chicken breasts

Serve with brown rice, quinoa or mashed potatoes. Offer crumbled feta or goat cheese as a garnish.

Serves 4.