Monthly Archives

December 2020

  • DIY & Recipes

    Healthy Vegetarian Quesadilla

    healthy vegetarian quesadilla

    Looking for a quick, healthy dinner recipe for the whole fam? In under 20 minutes, these healthy vegetarian quesadillas are packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients leaving you completely satisfied all night long!

    Feeling like tacos instead? This recipe works for both!

    INGREDIENTS*:

    • Black Beans
    • Pinto Beans
    • Shredded Mexican Cheese
    • Romaine Lettuce
    • Diced Tomatoes
    • Mini Sweet Peppers
    • Avocado
    • Flour Tortilla Shells
    • Sour Cream (optional)
    • Salsa (optional)
    • Spices (optional) – Add cumin and salt, if desired.

    Feel free to add any other veggies you’d like corn, onions, broccoli, or mushrooms! We even add baked sweet potatoes to ours sometimes – and it is delicious!

    *All organic ingredients were used.

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. On medium heat, cook black beans and pinto beans on the stovetop. You may also cook them in your Instant Pot!
    2. Dice tomatoes, peppers, avocado, and romaine lettuce. No sautéing necessary!
    3. Warm a tortilla in a stainless pan. Since we don’t use oil or fats when making quesadillas, here’s how I achieve a perfectly toasted tortilla when using my favorite stainless steel pan: First, warm each side of the tortilla on low for about 1 minute per side. Next, beginning with the beans, add all of the ingredients!
    4. Fill the tortilla. First, add the beans and smooth evenly on one half of the tortilla. Next, add the peppers, tomato, lettuce, avocado, and cheese. Don’t overdo the cheese!
    5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for a minute or so. Personally, I prefer folded quesadillas – less of a mess and easier to make!
    6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional minute or so (until slightly golden).
    7. Serve as-is, with a side of lettuce, pico, salsa, guac, or sour cream!

    Enjoy!!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • DIY & Recipes

    DIY: Fluffy Cloud Dough

    Not only will your little one love creating this fun recipe, but fluffy cloud dough is an excellent sensory activity for littles! Best of all, you can use ingredients you already have in your home.

    MATERIALS:

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Mix a 1:2 ratio of corn starch to conditioner.
    2. Add in the food coloring and stir.
    3. If the mixture is too dry, add a little bit more conditioner. If the mixture is too wet, add a pinch of cornstarch. Continue this step until you reach the preferred consistency.
    4. Enjoy your cloud dough*!

    *Cloud dough is really fun to play with, but does dry out fairly quickly – within a few hours.

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids, DIY & Recipes, Healthy Home

    DIY: Natural Snowy Pine Cones!

    diy pine cones easy natural nontoxic

    A sprinkling of winter magic, anyone?! These fun DIY natural, biodegradable pine cones are the perfect way to add holiday cheer this year! In under 10 minutes, you can create snowy pinecones with just 4 simple ‘ingredients’!

    MATERIALS:

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. This first step is optional. If you’d like to add a bit of color to your cones simply follow the directions for step 2, but use paint instead of glue. Then, follow step 2 & step 3 to create a snowy effect once the paint has dried. The middle pine cone in my photo is an example of one I painted with a very pale pink.
    2. Coat the outer edges of the pine cones with glue using your sponge or brush. For the look we created, I used a sponge dipped in Mod Podge. Gently brush upward from the bottom of the pine cone. Next, flip the cone right-side up and paint a light coat on the top side of the cone.
    3. Lastly, I created the natural snowy effect with a salty sprinkling! We poured about a cup of salt into a small bowl before we sprinkled the pine cones. You can also gently roll the coated pine cones, but be very gentle when doing so.
    4. Easy, peasy! Now, it’s time to decorate your home for the holidays with your natural, homemade pine cones!!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Healthy Home

    Delicious Pumpkin Spinach Rigatoni!

    pumpkin recipe

    Pasta is my guilty pleasure. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved topping my farfalle with loads and loads of parmesan cheese (I know, I know…not healthy!). While I still have a love for parm, I’ve expanded my palette a bit and now enjoy trying pasta with more unique sauces like the pumpkin recipe below. Try it out and let me know what you think! To my total surprise, both my daughter AND husband both loved it!

    * I used all organic ingredients in this recipe and linked them below!

    INGREDIENTS:

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water. Be sure to save 1 – 1 1/2 cups of pasta water for your sauce before draining.

    2. In a large skillet, add the olive oil, garlic and crushed red pepper (optional), stirring frequently. After a minute or two, add the spinach until it wilts (I chopped my spinach a bit, but that is optional).

    3. Add pumpkin puree, parmesan cheese, sage and salt & pepper. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water (or milk if you prefer) at a time, until sauce reaches desired consistency. You may

    4. Pour pumpkin sauce onto rigatoni and top with parmesan cheese!

    Enjoy! XO

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids, DIY & Recipes

    Easy Homemade Bath Paint Recipe!

    diy bath paint nontoxic easy

    Unleash your inner artist with this easy-peasy homemade bath paint recipe! Soon, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful bathtub masterpiece – and best of all, clean-up will be a breeze (you’re welcome, mamas and dadas)!

    INGREDIENTS:

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. In a saucepan, whisk cornstarch, water, and soap together until it dissolves and appears pasty.
    2. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
    3. Lower the heat and continue to stir until the mixture becomes gel-like.
    4. Scoop mixture into airtight containers. Then, add desired food coloring to each and stir. Baby food jars work great – we used these by OXO. If you’d like to make just 1 paint color, you can add the food coloring directly to the saucepan.

    Store any leftover paint in an airtight container and stir well prior to each use as the paint will separate a bit. Happy Painting!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Clean Living, Healthy Home

    Popular Vintage Dinnerware You Should Avoid

    toxins in dinnerware

    Today, dinnerware with traces of lead, cadmium and other toxins are legally allowed to be sold in the USA. Although the EPA and other health experts conclude that there is no safe amount of lead consumption (insert head scratch emoji), it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the FDA began testing dinnerware for safety (gasp!) which is one reason it is especially important to discontinue the use of vintage dinnerware.

    Below are a few brands you should definitely toss!

    Continue reading to learn how to tell if your dinnerware is toxin-free as well as precautions you can take to keep your family safe.

    Vintage Fiestaware

    Older Fiestaware contains extremely high, unsafe amounts of lead and some older Fiestaware even contains uranium! According to Tamara Rubin, Lead Safe Mama and Lead Advocate, not all of the new Fiesta pieces marked as “Lead Free” have been 100% lead-free. Some have tested positive for very low levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic. Read more on Tamara’s findings here.

    Vintage Corelle

    Older Corelle has been found to contain high amounts of lead, cadmium and other heavy metals – just as many vintage brands. The company advises consumers to discontinue the use of older dinnerware Corelle has advised against using their older (pre-2005) dinnerware due toxin concerns (learn more here). Additionally, according to the LeadSafeMama website, some newer Corelle patterns have been found to have concerning cadmium leverls in the decorative pattern. And their mugs – made from stoneware in China – are not always lead-free.

    Vintage Tupperware

    vintage tupperware

    Older Tupperware has been found to be contaminated with lead, cadmium, arsenic and other toxins linked to infertility and cancer, plus neurological and developmental disorders. In general, I avoid eating and drinking from plastic dinnerware due to health concerns related to the array of chemicals found in plastics. Plus, plastic takes a huge toll on our environment!

    Vintage Pyrex

    Vintage Pyrex bowls have VERY high amounts of lead, cadmium, arsenic and other heavy metals too. When tested with an XRF device in consumer goods mode, nearly all vintage Pyrex has contained extremely toxic amounts of heavy metals. Additionally, many bowls like the image above, now have chipping paint from years of use which means these chemicals are coming into contact with your food and you can bet you’ve ingested them too.

    Other Unsafe Dinnerware

    In general, be wary of glazes and paints used to decorate traditional pottery and ceramics from Mexico, China and other countries. These items may (and often do) contain lead, cadmium, and other toxins in their paints and glazes.

    How do I know if my dinnerware contains heavy metals?

    XRF Testing

    XRF testing is an excellent way to find out exactly what heavy metals your dinnerware contains. With that being said, it can be expensive and if you are using an XRF device, you must be sure you’ve been properly trained on how to use it. Tamara Rubin, Lead Safe Mama is an environmental activist and lead expert who tests goods for families throughout the country using an XRF device. Tamara published many of her findings on her website including the results of a variety of dinnerware options. Click here to see if your dishes have been tested!

    3M LeadCheck Swabs.

    Some vintage items will test positive for lead with a simple “swab test” using 3M LeadCheck swabs. This method is not nearly as precise as an XRF test or lab test, but it is an easy way for consumers to test bio-available amounts of lead in their household items – I always have 3M swabs on hand! Buy some from Amazon here!

    The 3M LeadCheck swabs are able to detect lead above 600 parts-per-million (ppm) by basically getting a bit of the dust or paint to rub off onto the test. Then, if over 600 ppm of lead is present, the swab will turn pink or red. However, it is important to note that just because a swab does not turn pink or red, does NOT mean there lead is not present. Often items will not swab positive, but when tested with an XRF device in consumer goods mode, these items contain much higher concentrations well above 600 ppm of lead. Therefore, do not assume your household dinnerware is safe if the 3M LeadCheck swab remains neutral.

    Contact the manufacturer.

    Reach out to the manufacturer and inquire about what materials were used in the production process. Ask if ANY lead, cadmium, arsenic or other heavy metals are present in the glaze, paint, or final product. You can also ask them to provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA report) which will show an analysis of the chemical makeup of a product.

    Purchase safe dinner options for your family.

    Without testing your dinnerware, there isn’t a tried and true way to determine if your dinnerware contains toxins. If you are unsure, I’d recommend purchasing dinnerware that you know is safe for your family which is what I originally did. Check out my recent post on Safe Dinnerware or visit my Amazon storefront for my favorite non-toxic products.

    Precautions to Take If You Choose To Keep Your Dinnerware …

    I HIGHLY recommend you toss any cookware that contains or may contain harmful chemicals. The potential risks are simply not worth it. With that being said, I understand not everyone is going to toss their aunt’s beloved China. So… if you do choose to keep your dinnerware, I would HIGHLY advise you to take the following precautions:

    • Consider purchasing new, safe dinnerware for your baby and children.
    • If you are pregnant, consider switching to safe dinnerware due to the damage these heavy metals and chemicals can have on your developing fetus.
    • Store leaded crystal and vintage items behind enclosed glass and out of a child’s reach.
    • Avoid microwaving.
    • Avoid storing hot or acid foods/beverages.
    • Avoid the dishwasher and hand-wash only.
    • Avoid using dinnerware that is scratched, pitted, or cracked.
    • Avoid stacking toxic dishes due to the friction causing the creation of lead dust.

    Something to ponder…

    Newly manufactured items “intended for use by children” containing 90 ppm of lead or higher in the finish, paint, or coating AND items containing 100 ppm of lead or higher in the substrate (underlying layers) is considered unsafe (and illegal). The problem with dinnerware is, somehow, these items are technically not “intended for use by children” and can contain unsafe levels of lead and other heavy metals (insert head scratching emoji here again!!). In my opinion, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

    Now, that we’ve covered four brands of vintage dinnerware you should definitely avoid, check out some of the safest, non-toxic dinnerware options for your family! And don’t forget to check out my post on toxins in dinnerware.

    Additional Reading Resources:

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which does not cost you anything. I am not a medical professional and the information on this website is for informational purposes only. As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting any medical treatment. This blog has not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products or methods mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment.

    Full Disclosure and Disclaimer here.

  • DIY & Recipes, Healthy Home

    DIY: Natural Winter Fairy Light Decor!

    fairy light holiday decor natural nontoxic

    This year, I’ve really been into getting crafty with natural DIY creations. But, this is one of my faves! Both sustainable and non-toxic, this pine cone and fairy light decor is sure to light up your holiday season.

    MATERIALS:

    • Pine Cones – The number depends on the size of your jar, size of the pine cones, and your personal preference. We included 4 in this project.
    • Epsom salt,  regular salt or kosher salt -We used this salt.
    • Glass Jar – a Ball Mason Jar works great or really any clear glass jar – we love the ones from Ikea! Just choose the size you’d like and you’re ready to begin.
    • Dewdrop Fairy Lights – we chose these Philips brand lights from Target! FYI: Many battery operated lights like these have tested free of heavy metals like lead (and even antimony) unlike traditional Christmas lights.
    • Pine Needles – we purchased these from our local Whole Foods, but you can also collect them from pine trees in your neighborhood.
    • Ribbon – we used pink ribbon to go with our pink and white holiday kitchen theme!
    • Craft Glue – it must dry clear like Mod Podge (which is what I used) or this Elmer’s.
    • Paint – for the middle pine cone we used this milk paint in the color ‘pink dogwood’. (Optional)
    • Brush or sponge – here is the sponge we used – it is half the price at the store! (Optional)
    • Wooden star or holiday decor of your choosing. (Optional)

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Paint your pine cones and any other decor (like the wooden star). We painted the tips of our pine cones using this method with a light pink and gold color. Then, we painted our wooden star pink! This is totally optional – naturally colored pine cones would look beautiful too!
    2. Fill your glass jar with salt (AKA snow). Use as much as you’d like! We used about 1.5 cups.
    3. Bury the first 6-10 inches of your dewdrop lights under the ‘snow’.
    4. Place one pine cone in the jar at a time.
    5. Circle the dewdrop lights around the inside of the jar as you place the remaining pine cones inside.
    6. Drop your star or other decor into the jar.
    7. Add evergreens, pines, twigs or other natural foliage into the jar – strategically (or sporadically!).
    8. Tie a ribbon around the top of the jar. Feel free to glue it to the rim for added security.
    9. Sprinkle more salt all over the inside (the fine salt particles will beautifully blanket the natural decor!)
    10. Enjoy your latest DIY creation! Happy Holidays!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • DIY & Recipes

    DIY Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Recipe

    homemade peanut butter cups

    Peanut butter cups are one of my favorite guilty-pleasures! But, all of the preservatives and questionable ingredients left me wanting to find a “healthier’ alternative to the store-bought deliciousness I coveted as a kid!

    In under 10 minutes, not only are these peanut butter cups super simple to make, but they will most likely become a new family favorite too!

    INGREDIENTS*:

    • 1 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
    • 3 cups milk chocolate chips
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 10 sheets of graham crackers  (crushed)

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Line muffin tray with muffin liners. We used mini muffin liners and a stainless steel mini muffin tray for bite-sized peanut butter cups!
    2. Crush graham crackers with a kitchen utensil or in a reusable stasher bag like we did!
    3. In a medium-sized bowl, add the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and peanut butter / almond butter. Mix until combined.
    4. Melt the chocolate chips on the stove or in the microwave. Stir every 30 to 40 seconds until smooth.
    5. Add a spoonful of melted chocolate into each muffin liner. Spread evenly.
    6. Next, add the peanut butter / almond butter mixture.
    7. Finally, top with melted chocolate and spread evenly.
    8. Refrigerate for an hour or expedite the process by putting the cups in the freezer first!

    *All organic ingredients were used.

    Crushed graham crackers in our Stasher Bag!!
    “The Mixture”!
    My little girl gets an A+ for helping her mama! xoxo!
    Yum! Blurry, but look at the cute little baby hand that was helping me!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Therefore, if you click on a link and purchase the item, we may receive a small commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and have extensively researched. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids

    16 Non-Toxic Gift Ideas for Babies!

    Playtime is important for your baby’s development and these toys are sure to stimulate your child’s senses and desire for learning. Below is a list of tried and true non-toxic, eco-friendly gift ideas for all the little ones on your list.

    Pull Alligator

    pull alligator plan toys

    Made from 100% sustainable, solid rubber wood Plan Toys toys are some of the best quality around and one of my favorite brands! This pull alligator is perfect for on the go! Plan Toys also makes other cute pull toys too!

    Nesting & Stacking Cubes 

    Nesting cubes are such versatile toys and super easy to store too! Introduce your little one to numbers, colors, and animals as they learn how to stack these cardboard cubes! These cubes were definitely a must-have for us!

    Wooden Rainbow Stacker

    My daughter received this rainbow lighthouse stacker for her 1st birthday and it was definitely a great learning toy. If you are looking for something more like the traditional ring stacker, check out this option by Plan Toys!

    FatBrain PipSquigz

    FatBrain PipSquigz are a favorite in our house! Made from 100% silicone, they are such a versatile toy making them perfect for the playroom, bath, pool, or even on-the-go! Plus, they are dishwasher safe.

    Lovevery Play Kit

    lovevery play kit

    Lovevery makes so many cute toys and play kits for babies and children up to age 3! Lovevery subscription boxes make great gifts too!

    Sensory Tumbling Toys

    These cute little sensory balls stimulate your baby’s senses of sight, touch, and hearing (Ball 1 – Mirror | Ball 2 – balls inside | Ball 3 – soft cotton fill). They come in pastel colors as well!

    Punch & Ball Drop

    ball punch plan toys

    Great for developing fine motor skills, learning colors, and exploring the punch & drop game is just plain fun!

    Clutching Toys

    Babies and toddlers loveee putting things in their mouths so naturally clutching toys make a great gift especially if they are non-toxic and sustainable. A few favorites include this ball clutch from Haba, this wooden ring made in Germany, and this clutching square by Plan Toys.

    Green Toys

    Made from 100% recycled milk jugs, Green Toys are better for the environment than traditional plastic toys and free lead, PVC, phthalates, and BPA! This starter set makes a great gift as well as this shape sorter and this stacker!

    Non-Toxic Art Supplies

    non toxic art

    Sensory play is important for baby’s developing brain which is one reason art supplies make a great gift! Little ones are able to explore and engage their creative side in an unstructured way. When my daughter was little, I was very careful to only give her truly non-toxic art supplies since baby’s are constantly putting things in their mouth. These finger paints are crafted with natural, organic vegetables and contain zero yucky ingredients. Non-toxic crayons and natural play dough make great gifts too! Check out my Amazon Storefront for more art supply ideas.

    Push & Pulls Toys

    This push pull toy is a very durable, non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to the plastic version of a ball popper! Another one of my daughter’s favorite toys is this duck, but it sells out fast!

    Wooden Drum

    Drums make great gifts for little ones! We have this one which is made from solid wood and non-toxic dyes.

    Sophie the Giraffe

    Sophie the Giraffe is definitely a favorite in our house. This non-toxic natural rubber toy has been used as a teether, in the bath and everywhere in between!

    Teethers

    Teethers make great gifts and stocking stuffers! I especially love teethers that can double up as toys too like this one! My daughter really loved this silicone one too by Comotomo.

    Clothing & Pajamas

    Clothing and pajamas are always a good option when it comes to gifts since little ones grow so quickly! Check out my post on my favorite organic brands here.

    Books

    Books make great gifts for babies, children and adults! This was one of our favorites when my daughter was little!

    Looking for more of my non-toxic favorites for your family? Shop my favs on my Amazon Storefront here.

    Thanks for reading!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and have extensively researched. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids, Healthy Home

    The Best Organic Matching Holiday Pajamas!

    organic matching holiday pajamas family

    The holidays are upon us! Ever since I was a kid, my parents bought us matching jammies for Christmas. Now that I have a family of my own, I love to keep the tradition going!

    *Drum roll, please* … and my favorite organic brands for matching family pajamas are…

    Hanna Andersson

    Hanna Andersson does it right – amazing quality, thick, breathable, and organic cotton! Plus, HA has lots of colors and styles to choose from. As our go-to brand for Christmas jammies, I also absolutely adore our matching Minnie Mouse jammies that my daughter and I fashionable sport all year long!

    Primary

    Primary has colorful, affordable options for the holidays or any time of the year. Although we haven’t purchased these family jammies yet, we have purchased coats, hats, gloves and other apparel that we love!

    Burt’s Bees

    Burt’s Bees makes so many cute, affordable options for baby so it’s no wonder they created a line of organic family jammies! While Hanna Andersson jammies are a bit thicker, beloved Burt’s Bees pajamas are sure to keep your ‘fam bam’ cozy this winter! Buy on Amazon here.

    L’oved Baby

    Ahhhh … L’oved Baby (*insert heart eyes here*) Super, super soft organic cotton for the whole family available in several solid colors and a few holiday styles as well!

    Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Full Disclosure and Disclaimer here.

  • Babies & Kids, DIY & Recipes, Healthy Home

    Easy Healthy Homemade Jello Recipe

    natural healthy nontoxic jello

    My daughter absolutely loves Jello, but I wasn’t a fan of some of the questionable ingredients so I looked for a healthier alterative that was still full of yummy, jiggly fun!

    Unlike conventional jello, this recipe contains zero artificial dyes, zero artificial flavors, zero refined sugars, and zero yucky chemicals! It’s simply naturally nutritious and delicious.

    INGREDIENTS:

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Combine 3/4 cup of juice and sprinkle with 2 Tbsp of gelatin powder.
    2. Whisk the juice/gelatin mixture and allow to sit for about 5 minutes. It will appear very thick like applesauce when ready.
    3. Pour the remaining 3 1/2 cups of juice into saucepan. Heat over medium heat until almost boiling.
    4. Remove from heat.
    5. Stir in the juice/gelatin mixture and honey (optional).
    6. Pour into a 9×13″ glass baking dish, glass jars, or the dish size you prefer.
    7. Refrigerate approximately 2-4 hours or overnight (we let ours sit overnight for the best results).

    Optional: Top it off with fruit and organic cream (or this dairy-free version made with coconut oil that we love).

    Enjoy!

    Learn more about …
    + The benefits of gelatin here.
    + Why we avoid artificial food dyes here!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Clean Living

    Toxins Found in Dinnerware

    Did you know… It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the FDA began testing dinnerware for safety? This is one important reason to avoid vintage dinnerware, but even today dinnerware with traces of lead, cadmium and other toxins are legally allowed to be sold in the USA.

    In a 2017 study, conducted by Dr. Andrew Turner, University of Plymouth, approximately 70% of the glassware tested contained unsafe amounts of heavy metals.

    “The presence of hazardous elements in both the paint and glaze of decorated glassware has obvious implications for both human health and the environment. So it was a real surprise to find such high levels of lead and cadmium, both on the outside of the glassware and around the rim. There are genuine health risks posed through ingesting such levels of the substances over a prolonged period.”

    Unfortunately, heavy metals and other chemicals listed below still continue to pose a risk to the consumer. It’s advisable to choose healthy dinnerware for your family whenever possible.

    LEAD

    • Why it is used in dinnerware: durable, creates shine, gives intensity to colors like red, yellow, and orange.
    • Health Concerns: behavioral issues, learning disabilities, anemic conditions, kidney problems, and death, in some cases.

    CADMIUM

    • Why it is used in dinnerware: adds bright colors to paints and glazes.
    • Health Concerns: birth defects, reproductive harm, and cancer (particularly lung and possibly kidney and prostate).

    BPA, BPS, & BPF

    • Why it is used in dinnerware: in the production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Most recently BPA has been replaced with BPS and BPF in many consumer goods which leaves some scientists questioning long term health effects of these two chemicals.
    • Health Concerns: infertility, early puberty, miscarriage, thyroid issues, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer are some concerns among BPA. BPS and BPF have shown to be endocrine disruptors in some studies as well and their long term effects are not fully known.

    PHTHALATES

    • Why it is used in dinnerware: phthalates are plasticizers that are used to soften plastic and make the plastic break-resistant.
    • Health Concerns:  asthma, liver and kidney problems, behavioral issues, neurodevelopmental problems and lower IQ, development problems, and cancer.

    ANTIMONY

    • Why it is used in dinnerware: in terms of dinnerware, antimony is usually mixed with other metals like lead to ensure hardness and durability.
    • Health Concerns: lung, heart, and gastrointestinal diseases, and cancer.

    ARSENIC

    • Why it is used in dinnerware: used for adding bright coloring.
    • Health Concerns:  cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment, skin lesions, hyperkeratosis, cancer and death.

    MERCURY

    • Why it is used in dinnerware: creates shine.
    • Health Concerns:  nervous, digestive, cognitive and immune system harm, neuromuscular effects, loss of motor function, lung and kidney failure, tremors, insomnia, memory loss, and death.

    Additional reading:

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
    Full Disclosure and Disclaimer here.


  • Babies & Kids, Beauty, Clean Living, Healthy Home

    9 Unique Subscription Boxes For Everyone in the Family!

    green

    … Because who doesn’t like to receive a new, special gift each month?

    BABY & KID SUBSCRIPTIONS

    Lovevery
    Non-Toxic Play Kits for Babies and Toddlers

    Lovevery offers subscription-based, age-appropriate activities for your baby each month through age 3. I love that Lovevery’s products use sustainably sourced wood and organic cotton in addition to being free of flame retardants, BPA, lead, and phthalates (yay!).

    Gift a Lovevery Play Kit subscription by clicking here.


    Green Kids Crafts
    Crafts & STEM Activities for Ages 2-10+


    Every month, Green Kids Crafts delivers a combination of up to 6 creative crafts and STEM activities right to your door step with a new theme each month! Junior boxes for kids ages 2-5 or Discovery boxes for kids ages 5-10+ are sent directly to your home to enhance your child’s imagination as they discover their love for learning.

    To purchase your 3 month, 6 month, 12 month, or one-time subscription, visit Green Kids Crafts here.

    GREEN LIVING SUBSCRIPTIONS

    greenUP Box
    Stay goodbye to plastic


    Welcome to greenUP’s plastic rehab! Every other month you’ll receive a box to help you live more sustainability and redesign one area of your life without plastic! From reusable lunchboxes to eco-friendly bath products, GreenUP will help you learn that living plastic-free is the way to be!

    To learn more about this awesome subscription, visit greenUp here.

    WINE & COCKTAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS

    Revel Wine
    Select Organic Options



    Calling all wine-o’s! Revel Wine offers a unique wine service to it’s customers. Vino lovers can choose to make a one-time purchase or join Revel’s Wine Club, which offers flexible subscription options. Simply choose the type of wine, number of bottles, and delivery frequency!

    Revel wine does offer some organic options, although most are not organic at this time. For 20% off your first purchase of $50 or more enter code “TRYREVEL20” here through December 31, 2020.
    Club Members get 15% off here (Ongoing).

    Saloon Box
    Not verified organic, but a great gift for my hubs!




    Saloon Box delivers carefully curated cocktails directly to your door! Each monthly shipment include spirits, all ingredients and recipe cards to bring out your inner mixologist! 4 cocktails per kit.

    Just looking for a one-time purchase? Check out the “Shop” section on the Saloon Box website.

    PET SUBSCRIPTIONS

    WagWell Box
    Organic Pet Treats


    Where are all my dog loverssss at?! WagWell Box creates fun boxes full of organic dog treats, all-natural chews, dog toys & more for your furry friend! Each box contains 5-6 items valued at $50 or more.

    Make Fido’s year by subscribing today!

    SPECIALTY FOOD SUBSCRIPTIONS

    Planted Organics
    Organic Salsa and Dressings

    Planted Organics is offers delicious salsa mixes and homemade salad dressings direct to you! All of Planted Organics dressings have 5-6 ingredients and are made with less oil and lower sugar content than traditional dressings and best of all without salt, preservatives, and gluten!

    See what Planted Organics is all about here.

    Smoothie Box
    Organic | Non-GMO, but no certification

    smoothie subscription

    Perfect for a convenient breakfast or an on-the-go snack, the Smoothie Box offers four tasty flavors to choose from, made with thoughtfully-sourced organic fruits and vegetables and zero added sugar. Something to note… While Smoothie Box says their products are grown following non-GMO requirements, they have not pursued GMO-free certification.

    Enjoy 15% off your first order here. Shipping is free.

    Urthbox
    Healthy Snack Box

    healthy organic snack box subscription

    UrthBox focuses on non-GMO, organic and all natural food and beverage products in all of their subscription boxes. Each month, you’ll receive 30 healthy, full size products for your home or personal life (which the claim is up to a $100 value). Urthbox takes into account your dietary restrictions by offering the following plans to choose from: Classic, Gluten-Free, Vegan or Diet. 

    Learn more and check out UrthBox sample boxes here.
    3 month subscription starts at $89 for a small box (14+ snacks per box).

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Regardless, we only recommend products or services that have extensively researched; and products that we use personally, have used and would use in the future. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.