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REVIEW: Traditional Medicinals Organic Wellness Teas

February 7, 2013 4

We are huge tea drinkers in our family – you can always find a large pitcher of iced tea in our refrigerator. We have a small cupboard in our kitchen dedicated to nothing but organic teas. The mister and I start our day with a cup of hot tea. I usually have a cup in the afternoon or in the evening with the mister as we catch up with each other or read side-by-side. And Eben takes caffeine-free tea to school every day with his lunch. Really it is our beverage of choice. Hands down.

Lately, I have found myself reaching for my Traditional Medicinals Wellness Teas to support my health this winter. While there are many different brands of tea on the market, Traditional Medicinals are different because besides tasting delicious, they are made using herbal supplements which supports health and wellness.

This week I have been suffering from a head-cold, so I have been starting my day with a cup of organic Every Day Detox – a naturally caffeine-free lemon herbal tea. Last week Eben had an upset stomach, he sipped a cup of the organic naturally caffeine-free peppermint before bed. He woke up ready for the new day. Traditional Medicinals uses pharmacopoeial quality herbs, which are better for wellness teas than regular food grade herbs because of their high quality and strength. Here are some other things that I love about Traditional Medicinals:

  • Certified organic herbs are used whenever possible
  • Many of the ingredients are Fair Trade
  • Non-GMO Project verification on all of the teas
  • Offsetting of electricity use with solar and wind power
  • Herbs are sustainably cultivated and sustainably collected
  • The packaging is recyclable and the tea bags are compostable
  • No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

I received a package from Traditional Medicinals that included a box set of super-plant herbal teas that support specific health concerns including; digestion, nausea, calming, detoxify, joint health, bloating, cramping and skin care – which we have been utilizing for different aliments.

You can find Traditional Medicinals Wellness Teas in your local grocery story or online – if you are into tea, I would highly recommend them.

Do you drink tea simply because you like the way it tastes or for the health and wellness benefits? Do you have a favorite type?

(Disclosure: I received samples of Traditional Medicinals Organic Wellness Teas in exchange for my honest opinion.) 

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How to Make Homemade Vegan Marshmallows

February 6, 2013 1

There is nothing better on a cold, winter day than a comforting hot cup of cocoa. If your family is like mine, you go through hot cocoa like water during the long winter months. Eben loves to have a cup when he gets home from school. I have to admit that I, myself also love to drink cocoa on the weekends when I am snuggled up on my sofa. The best part of any hot cup of cocoa has to be the marshmallows floating on top. That is, as long as those marshmallows don’t contain artificial ingredients and gelatin. You can make your own vegan marshmallows to ensure that you know exactly what is inside each one — and not only are these marshmallows vegan, they are super fun to make — and doing so is a great weekend baking project to enjoy with your children.

These marshmallows also look fantastic wrapped up and given as gifts — and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you can give them as a sweet treat to your friends and family. We cut some of our marshmallows into heart shapes, and they’ll be a welcome topping to our cups of cocoa all February long. You can store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator until you are ready to give them away or enjoy them immediately. Jump over to Inhabitots for the simple instructions!

Have a Lovely Green Weekend + A Few Green Things

February 1, 2013 2

Hello, Friends! How was your week? Can you believe it is already February? Are you ready for it? I am looking forward to a laid back weekend at home. Well, that is until Sunday afternoon when I will be heading to Target headquarters in Minnesota. I am excited to share all the details with you – but I will wait until I get back later this week (I will be taking a few days off). While I get out my eco-friendly Lolë coat and Neuaura riding boots from the back of my closet and pack my Target mittens and scarf – here are a few green things to keep you entertained:

– Are you avoiding these 10 harmful food additives?
– The EU bans animal testing forever! 
– Have you seen Paperman? If not, you NEED to.
– Do you know what the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is?
– Hot springs are at the top of my miss-list from the west.
– Cheap and sustainable Super Bowl snacks!
– Yum! Sweet potato veggie burgers!

I hope you have a wonderful warm weekend, I will see you back here on Wednesday.

xo,
Sweet Greens

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5 All-Natural Flu Remedies For Babies & Kids

January 30, 2013 1

We eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and meticulously wash our hands, however, despite our hardest efforts our children will still sometimes get sick. Especially during flu season, when we spend more time indoors and in contact with others who may be harboring the virus and touching all of those germ ridden doorknobs. This year, flu season in America is particularly grim, as 48 states are currently battling widespread flu epidemics.

In the event your child comes down with the flu, be as prepared as possible. There are all natural remedies that can provide relief, and many of the items you need to help your little one cope with the flu can be found in your kitchen cupboards, and are free from artificial colors, flavors and chemicals. Jump over to Inhabitots learn about 5 all natural flu remedies for babies and kids — and we hope that the flu spares you and your family and that you won’t need to use any of them!

Please note: These remedies are suggestions on how to help your child cope with the flu — they should not replace seeking thorough, professional care from your pediatrician to treat and assess your child’s illness.

photo credit via Inhabitots

How to Make Organic Vegan Eggplant French Fries

January 30, 2013 2

Remember all of those beautiful purple organic eggplants that we received in our CSA box? Even though I love Eggplant Parmesan – I couldn’t eat it again! And it worked out because the mister came up with the most amazing solution – vegan eggplant french fries. They were amazing and even Eben gobbled them up – so they are definitely kid approved. While they aren’t necessarily healthier for you than traditional french fries, they were a super yummy way to enjoy eggplant. Read on for the recipe and directions and whip up a batch to go with your veggie burger for Super Bowl weekend.

Step 1: Gather the Ingredients

  • 3 organic eggplants
  • organic olive oil 
  • 1 1/2 cups organic flour
  • 2 tablespoons salt 
  • 4 teaspoons organic garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons organic parsley
  • 2 teaspoons organic oregano
  • 1 teaspoon organic black pepper  

Step 2: Make the Seasoning
In a bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients and mix well.

Step 3: Slice the Eggplant
Peel and cut the eggplant into french fry shapes – cut them as thick as you like.

Step 4: Flour the Eggplant
Add your eggplant to the flour mixture and move around until each piece is completely coated.

Step 5: Fry the Eggplant
Start with about an inch of olive oil in a large pot on medium-high heat. The oil will be ready when a piece of eggplant immediately starts to fry. Fry each piece of eggplant for about 2 minutes, longer if your fries are thick. When they are golden brown remove them and place them on a towel and sprinkle with salt.

Step 6: Dip and Enjoy!
We served ours with a homemade vegan ranch dressing and veggie burgers – they were fantastic!

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