Healthy, and YUMMY, snacks for moms on the go… http://bit.ly/c0TGrX

If you are anything like me, or any other mom for that matter- you are probably somewhat sleep deprived, in desperate need of a pedicure, running just a few minutes late for a meeting, squeezing in a quick run or yoga class whenever possible, and somewhere in there trying to get the nutrition you need to keep up your mommy super powers. Since sitting down for an organic chopped salad and iced tea at lunch is probably not an option (if it is, HOORAAY! for you!!), here are some tips on how to satisfy your hunger and stay healthy throughout the day…even if you never sit down at all.

1. Early morning snack- Peanut butter or Almond butter on whole grain toast. Takes a total of 2 minutes hands on time to prep this fine feast, and yet it offers you nearly a quarter of your daily protein (which will also keep hunger from coming back too soon) and about 15% of your daily fiber. “But peanut butter is so high in fat!” you say…well, yes there is a decent amount of fat in peanut butter, but it’s rich in the “good” fat, much like avocados. Cooking light reported that the fat in peanut butter is “mostly the monounsaturated kind, is extremely good for the heart–and for health in general. And the good news didn’t stop there. Researchers continue to uncover disease-fighting chemicals or new health roles for these foods.”. Also, because its so rich in protein, you wont be hungry as quickly as if you ate a bowl of cereal or had some rice cakes, so you total calorie intake will be lower.

2. Mid morning snack- yogurt…I am currently obsessed with Fage greek yogurt. Go for the non fat option and add some honey for a perfect combination of flavor and nutrition. Although Fage is not certified organic, they use all natural ingredients, which means no sweeteners, preservatives or additives. Their milk comes from cows who are raised with out the use of rBGH, and they conduct business in harmony with the environment. Oh, and you will get 15 g of protein without any of the fat. If you add the honey, you will be getting antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties for your body as well as an amazingly sweet flavor! (just don’t share this with your lil one until they have been cleared by a dr…honey is not to be served to children until they are at least 12 months of age)

3. On the run snack- baby carrots. These lil guys are so easy to throw in a small food container and hit the road or the park! They can curb a sweet tooth, and you can even share them with your tiny tot if they have the teeth to take em down. These are a great source of vitamin A- in fact 1 ounce of carrots will give you nearly 80% of your daily value. ** if you aren’t a veggie lover, and a dip would help… try making your own ranch dip with greek yogurt and seasonings.

4. Afternoon snack- Cottage cheese and apples. This is an excellent option if you are looking for a low fat, high protein snack. Not as easy to take with you in the car or to the park, but perfect for when your lil one goes down for a nap. Most low fat cottage cheese brands will only give you 2g of fat with 28g of protein! And the apple will give you more than just a burst of flavor, it offers great vitamin C and fiber as well!

5. Happy hour snack- hummus and crackers. Although I am a HUGE fan of cheese, I am also fully aware that its not the best snack in the world for me. So, I recently turned to hummus for a festive happy hour snack. Made from chickpeas and olive oil (these are the primary ingredients), hummus offers a healthy amount of fiber and protein and is low in fat. You can also make your own hummus, adding your favorite flavors like garlic, red pepper and chives.

For more nutritional information visit nutritiondata.com

Searching for the best natural/organic toddler toothpaste…any recommendations? http://bit.ly/9HkZjX

When decorating a nursery you are no longer limited to just pink or blue, circus or farm animals, or one style of a wooden rocking chair…these days the options are unlimited- and I say go outside the traditional “baby” box and bring your modern, mature and chic sense of style to the place your little one call’s his or her own. Here are a few tips on how to bring your style into your babies room seamlessly.
1. Color outside the lines! When painting the walls go for a tone just outside the traditional baby colors…instead of baby blue, choose ice blue or light turquoise, instead of pale pink, choose lilac or even a very light grey, instead of yellow, choose a fresh shade of cucumber. The best way to choose a color is to pick something that compliments your bedding- some great color combinations are; 1. khaki and pink (with a pop of orange) or navy and pink 2. blue and orange (with a grey or chocolate to neutralize, depending on your shades of blue and orange) 3. Yellow and grey
Dont forget to always use non toxic paint, especially in your baby’s room!! Try Mythic paint .
2. Let the light do all the talking! A light fixture will make a HUGE difference in a room. So choose thoughtfully. Whether you are picking out a table lamp or a hanging light fixture for the ceiling, go for round, drum shaped shades which will soften the look of the fixture and the entire room. Making it feel appropriate for a bedtime story or lullaby.

Don’t forget to use energy efficient light bulbs to ensure you save money and stay green!
3. Showcase your own photos. There is no better way to make a room feel cozy and familiar than to display meaningful family photos. I am a huge fan of black and white- it offers less contrast to the colors already going on in the room’s decor, it offers a more nostalgic feel and plus, we all just look better in black and white! Whether you are going for a framed photo or a canvas printed one, make sure you differentiate in sizes as you build your collection on the wall. Varied sizes will offer depth and interest to the room.
To add a more unique and modern approach to the photos or art, we love Plywerk! They use sustainalbe and eco friendly materials and believe that being green is a way life, not just a collection of crunchy northwest words.

4. Modernize your rocker, with vintage fabric! If your bedding is neutral or simple, go for a fun pattern on the rocker or glider! I am a huge fan of vintage fabric, it offers unexpected color combinations, whimsical tones, and most importantly, a unique look that none of your mommy friends will have….no Pottery Barn here, ladies!

Oh, and it technically is recycling if its vintage fabric!

We have upgraded our Registry Page and process…having a baby? Check out Bloumebaby for the ultimate gift registry! http://bit.ly/7u0VsT

Eco Chic wrapping…today on Bloumebaby’s blog… http://bit.ly/8U6CA9

Just because you are eco conscious and want to do your part to protect the earth, doesn’t mean you have to lose your fabulous sense of style! The way a gift is wrapped is just as important as what’s inside- if you ask me…it’s all about presentation! So as you are getting ready to wrap up that perfect scarf for your mother or that gorgeous pair of cufflinks for your hubbie, think about checking out Erin Ruth , gorgeous paper that is 60% recycled (30% PCW) and printed with soy-based inks. Or, if you have some time and that creative bug, create your own paper from recycled kraft paper and stencils or stamps. I personally like to use stencils and non toxic paint…white, yellow and navy look FABULOUS on kraft paper! My favorite right now…damask stencils painted in white with a gold overlay…

Check out Bloumebaby.com on Linda Grasso’s Shesez.com:… http://bit.ly/7mb0tp

Another disturbing article on BPA and its “possible effects” on infants…check out the Bloume baby blog for more… http://bit.ly/6BuA7c

“The Food and Drug Administration said Friday that the chemical bisphenol A might not be safe for young children, partly reversing a stance that the chemical was safe at levels currently found in food containers.”- WSJ. According to the article and Joshua Sharftein, the FDA’s principal deputy commissioner, “Liquid formula generally has small, detectible levels of BPA” and many plastic bottles, including baby bottles and sippy cups, are made with BPA…so should you be worried? Yes. What exactly is BPA and why is it harmful? Here is the 411 on this nasty chemical…

DEFINITION AND USE- BPA, bisphenol A, is an organic compound with two phenol functional groups. It is primarily used to make plastics, most commonly the polycarbonate plastic, which is clear and nearly shatter-proof and is used to make several products including baby and water bottles. Also, epoxy resins containing bisphenol A are used as coatings on the inside of almost all food and beverage cans. The chemical has been in use since the 1930’s, but has recently been getting a lot of attention for it’s harmful effects on the human body.

HARMFUL EFFECTS- “researchers say that they have found the mechanism by which BPA, a synthetic hormone with estrogen-like properties, might affect later fertility of babies whose mothers were exposed to the chemical…Some studies have linked it to cancer, diabetes, heart disease and developmental problems in children. Health advocates say exposure to the chemical could present a particular problem to developing fetuses.”-Forbes.com
Basically the chemical acts as estrogen and can mimic the body’s own hormones, causing brain, behavior and prostate issues, especially in fetuses and infants, who do not have a strong immune system to break down the chemical. Among the many issues it can cause neurologically is the effect on the nervous system. Several studies have shown that exposure to low doses during development can cause persistent effects on the brain function, structure and behavior. Further studies showed negative effects on the prostate, reproductive development and function, thyroid function, an increase in breast cancer risk, and even a link to hyperactivity and attention deficit.

Although the FDA commissioner, Margaret Hamburg, stated this past friday “that the FDA agrees with the National Toxicology Program that BPA is of ’some concern’ for children and infants”- WSJ.com, she still believes more needs to be known before they take steps to ban or reduce the amount of the chemical in consumer products. The Health and Human Services department will be investing $30 million in studies around the health effects of BPA on young children going forward, but in the meantime here are some steps to avoid introducing this chemical to you, your fetus or your child.

1. Chose only BPA free bottles and sippy cups! Our favorites are Green to Grow and Wee go bottles and Think baby sippy cups and food storage- which are coming soon to Bloumebaby.com!
2. Avoid food in cans, especially if you are pregnant! This includes soda, fruit, chili, tuna (which should be kept to a minimum anyways to avoid high levels of mercury), children’s pasta, canned veggies and soups. Fresh fruits are much more tasty anyways!
3. Purchase powdered formula over liquid formula. “Abbott Laboratories, which makes Similac-brand formula, said 91% of its infant formula product line is BPA-free” but that leaves 9% with BPA. If you do need to stick to liquid formula for some reason, choose one that is in a glass jar or BPA free container.
4. Use water filtration systems instead of bottled water. Most bottles, including the large water jugs from Arrowhead etc most likely contain BPA.
5. Know your plastics…”Polycarbonate plastic contains bisphenol A and is a number 7 bottle. Containers with the recycling numbers 3 can contain lead, phthalates and can create dioxin, a human carcinogen. Number 6 is polystyrene and doesn’t break down. Staying away from 3, 6, and 7 is a good idea.”- The Green Blog I say just ditch the plastic all together if you can…