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Thursday, February 6, 2014

Valentines Roses for Your Face!

http://www.theorganiccompany.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=comfrey&CatID=0
This amazing cream has been a customer favorite for over 10 years! Comfrey, a favorite herb for softening the skin, is combined with pure rose essential oil. Just a bit is all you’ll need to moisturize dry skin. These herbs are grown in the pristine Baraboo Hills, hand picked and blended to bring you Nature’s true potential. Align with the Power of Nature!

Ingredients: A concentrated blend of cold-pressed Almond Oil, infusion of Certified Organic Comfrey Root, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Essential Oil of Rose, preservatives borax and potassium sorbate.
2 oz. jar.

Friday, September 27, 2013

National Chocolate Milk Day?



At public schools, they REALLY push cow milk.   The posters of celebrities with cow milk mustaches, the "milk-time",  and of course it is THE drink at lunch.  Given a choice of white milk or chocolate milk, most kids choose the chocolate milk, which is also loaded with sugar. But both cow milks have growth hormones, preservatives, and are pasteurized and homogenized, (which is an unnecessary process that is actually even worse for the human body.)   Plus, did you know that some manufacturers bring back the unsold (white) milk from the grocery stores and mix in the chocolate/sugar to preserve it, then re-bottle and sell it as chocolate milk?  Ewww. Gross. If you want any educational reading (from DOCTORS) on why cow milk is not good for humans, click here, here, here, here, here, or just google....  I would say "Got Proof?"

Solution for our kids lunchbox:   Chocolate Almond Milk in single serve packages! (The brand pictured here is Blue Diamond Almond Breeze.)
We buy a lot of this and also keep it at Natural Selections, our retail boutique store in the drink cooler with the natural sodas and coconut water, because adults love it too! (I think it's a great treat/snack combo, and it even has protein! And have you tried it in coffee or tea? Fantastic!)

And if you are a TOTAL chocolate-lover, you will want to check out the 100% Pure Body Creme and Cosmetics made with real Chocolate!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Everyone's FAVORITE Organic Bra

Over the last 19 years I have helped countless people buy Organic Cotton Bras.  I always listen to what each customer likes and does not like, and I tell the manufacturers, and each season we see better and better organic cotton products.

This is far and away, our best-selling organic bra.  It's soft. It's supportive. It has pretty lace. It's adjustable. It even has removeable pads so that you can choose your comfort zone.  Every woman who has tried this bra on in our store goes home with it! (And then they come back and want it in several colors!) And now it is on our website, so you can have it too!




Years ago, I wrote a post about the formaldehyde in Victoria's Secret bras causing welts and rashes. At the time, I felt so sorry for the women experiencing it. I thought about how some people are simply more sensitive and literally become the "canary in the cage" being the first to react to chemicals in clothing.  I felt thankful that I had never had this problem.  But... this year, I tried wearing a bra I got from Victoria's Secret (a satin bra that I bought because I thought it was "pretty"- and how foolish I feel now), and I got a horrible, red raised rash under both arms. I  wore a different bra until the rash went away (which took almost 2 weeks!)  When it was gone, I waited a few months, and then put on the Victorias Secret bra again. By the next day, I had the rash again. That bra cost me: $50,  a lot of guilt over the made-in-China tag, and a ton of pain and itching! At this moment, I am swearing it off forever.

And if you want to see our 12 other very popular and pretty organic bra styles, we welcome you view some on our website: www.TheOrganicCompany.com , or call our retail store:  Natural Selections  641-472-5876, open 11-5 Monday-Friday and 10-5 Saturday, central standard time.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Cosmic Cami made with Organic Cotton and Organic Bamboo ~ for Yoga

Our favorite workout tank is elegant enough to wear with a skirt too!

 Balance A-Line Cami is flattering & functional, with a V-neck & slimming A-Line Silhouette. Style is made from our exclusive breathable and super comfortable organic bamboo Eco-Luxury support jersey than vintage washed to perfection. Featuring keyhole back, full shelf liner with bra cup inserts and a printed front with original water-based art "Tahitian Sunrise". This style can be worn alone or as a layer under our tank top. Natural A-Line fit.

* One of a kind vintage wash means each garment will be unique & color may
vary slightly.
* 4-Way stretch for maximum mobility
* Performance Support where you need it most
* Highly Breathable for every active need
* Eco-Friendly & Organic

Friday, May 24, 2013

Don't wear foundation unless you have this! Organic Primer!

If you ever wear foundation, you owe it to yourself to have this primer underneath. It makes ALL the difference!  The organic aloe nourishes your skin, and fills in tiny lines so that when you put on your foundation and other makeup, your skin looks nearly flawless!
Women of every age LOVE this and tell us it is their favorite beauty item!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

9 Easy Edible Plants for Your Garden!

I have finally put in my garden! It is so fantastic to know that soon I will have beautiful little plants and later, delicious food!  Here are nine easy-to-grow plants that I chose!

 The garden can feed your skin too! Our favorite skincare and makeup made from REAL VEGGIES and FRUITS!





There is a great article about these at Sunset:  http://www.sunset.com/garden/fruits-veggies/easy-edible-plants-00418000075162/page8.html

Monday, April 15, 2013

GLUTEN-FREE Makeup and Skincare!

GOOD NEWS! We feel it is very important to let our customers know that GLUTEN-FREE individuals will LOVE the skincare and makup we carry by 100% Pure! Click the link to see what we offer!
What is gluten?
Gluten comes from wheat, rye, malt, oats, and barley. These ingredients are often used in cosmetic products as binders or emollients, helping ingredients mix together.  People with gluten sensitivities can experience a variety of reactions when exposed to gluten, including inflammation throughout the body, gastro-intestinal problems, depression, eczema, headaches, and exhaustion. Why do we need “gluten-free” cosmetic products?
Much of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies, so in addition to being careful about the foods they consume, people with gluten sensitivities also have to be aware of the cosmetics they use. All 100% Pure products are gluten-free and are labeled as such, with the exception of our mascaras since they contain oat and wheat proteins.
It’s particularly important for people who have gluten allergies to be cautious of the shampoo and conditioner they use because these products are especially prone to being ingested in the shower. All of 100% Pure’s brand new shampoos and conditioners are completely gluten-free, so those with gluten sensitivities can use our hair care products safely.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Organic Latex for Sweet Dreams



click the picture to see Certified Organic Latex




Looking to soften or change up your bed?  Our cores and toppers are made of 100% Certified ORGANIC Natural Latex Rubber with no artificial additives to dilute its quality. (Certified by USDA.) This Eco Friendly, Organic product is naturally hypo-allergenic, dust mite resistant, and will not support mildew or bacteria. Available in a traditional pin core design. Manufactured by a plant that is ISO 9001 certified, the mark of excellence and consistency in any industry.

Organic Latex is tapped from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree on carefully selected plantations. Latex Green uses the highest quality Certified Organic Latex in the industry for all cores & toppers. Elasticity and resiliency are dominant characteristics of Organic Rubber bedding components. Latex Green components offer outstanding durability and guarantee the ultimate comfort in any sleeping position. This is the greenest component available to the industry and the most eco friendly product on the market. We use the “Dunlop” process, with only Sri Lankan high Quality “Natural Latex”.

Properties of our Organic Latex:

* NATURALLY CONFORMING -- Organic Latex relieves pressure points that can cause unnecessary tossing and turning. Provides the best possible support and comfort.
* ANTI-MICROBIAL -- Organic Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, fungus, and mildew. It is hypo-allergenic. You'll get a healthier and happier nights' sleep.
* NATURALLY BREATHABLE -- Organic Latex "breathes", which helps in reducing body moisture to keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
* DURABILITY ASSURED -- Organic Latex provides a longer comfort life, assuring you of a more durable, longer lasting mattress.
* OUTSTANDING VALUE -- Organic Latex is one of the best upholstery materials ever used in the sleep industry. On average, it has the lowest cost per night. It never needs to be flipped or turned.

Contents:
Organic Natural Latex Rubber 90-95%
Zinc Oxide 2-3%
Fatty Acid Soaps 1-2%
Sulfur 1-2% (bakes out completely during processing)
Sodium 1-2%


Did you know?
Each rubber tree weeps 15 grams of latex, daily. A Queen size Core needs the daily output of 2500 trees, spread over 12 acres of rubber plantation, providing a living to eight rubber tappers. Interestingly, these rubber trees account for the removal of 143 metric tons of Carbon Di Oxide from the environment in 1 year. This is the genuine contribution to the environment of Organic Latex.

We spend a third of our lives in bed.  Make it a wonderful place to be. We look forward to helping you!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Chocolate for Your Morning Routine!


 What I feed my skin:

Amazing, luxurious, natural products that give you the true naturally occuring aroma of the real chocolate they are made with, in addition to the wealth of skin benefits because they are made chemical-free. When you read the ingredients you will be amazed!
All 100% Pure cocoa products contain real cocoa, and are formulated without harsh detergents, chemical preservatives, synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances or any other unsafe ingredients. - See more at: http://www.glossylocks.com/Purity_Cosmetics_Blog/?s=chocolate&op.x=0&op.y=0#sthash.OW9ZQmAv.dpuf
All 100% Pure cocoa products contain real cocoa, and are formulated without harsh detergents, chemical preservatives, synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances or any other unsafe ingredients. - See more at: http://www.glossylocks.com/Purity_Cosmetics_Blog/?s=chocolate&op.x=0&op.y=0#sthash.OW9ZQmAv.dpuf
All 100% Pure cocoa products contain real cocoa, and are formulated without harsh detergents, chemical preservatives, synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances or any other unsafe ingredients. - See more at: http://www.glossylocks.com/Purity_Cosmetics_Blog/?s=chocolate&op.x=0&op.y=0#sthash.OW9ZQmAv.dpuf

Pictured from left: Cocoa Kona Hydrating Bodywash, Cocoa Kona Coffee Body Cream, Chocolate Body Scrub, Cocoa Berry Lip & Cheek Ting, Cocoa Berry Lip Gloss, Cocoa Bronzer ~ All made with all natural and organic ingredients and REAL chocolate! Click the picture to see them on my website! You can also email me for more info organiclonicalee@gmail.com
I also use the Dark Chocolate Pigmented Mascara!




What I feed my body:

I do a lot of smoothies and sometimes I also want something with it. And of course, I happen to LOVE chocolate. (But I do think it needs to be organic, and dairy-free!)  Currently, this is my favorite cereal. A beautifully made organic granola with generous chunks of Dark Chocolate, and sweet red Strawberries and Raspberries!  It is fantastic as a dry, sweet, crunchy snack at any time of day, as well as morning (or anytime) cereal.  And it passes the kid test (I think I am qualified to say this, since all 4 of my children (ages 12, 9, 4, an 3) love it too! An easy way to start your morning with a vegan treat!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Nourish your skin to Beautiful!

click the picture to see a selection of our favorites!
 
Food you can feed your skin! This organic garden featuring our our 100% all natural, healthy vegetable based skin care by 100% Pure will feed your skin with lots of vitamins and nutrients to keep it looking healthy and glowing - just in time for Spring!

step 1: Cleanse skin with the richly foaming Cucumber Juice Facial Cleansing Foam. Use with the Facial Cleansing Brush - the bristles are antibacterial and extremely gentle, so it won't scratch your delicate skin.

step 2: Exfoliate with the antioxidant-packed Carrot Facial Scrub to remove dead skin cells, bumps, and flakes for incredibly soft and smooth skin. Gentle enough for daily use.

step 3: Hydrate and soothe your eye area (including eyelids and under-eye) with the Organic Cucumber Eye Cream Gel. For especially tired, dehydrated eyes, place the eye cream gel in the fridge before using.

step 4: Nourish your skin with the Tomato Lycopene Face Cream to restore lackluster skin. Tomatoes are abundant in lycopene, a protective antioxidant that will protect your skin against damage and aging, restoring your complexion to be at its healthiest.

Monday, February 25, 2013

RAW Chocolate!

 Making RAW chocolate is easier than you may think! This is from TheEarthDiet.com and it is a wonderful recipe!





It can be done in 3 EASY STEPS with only 3 INGREDIENTS:

1. ALMOND MEAL - Use any other preferred nut! Use processed hemp seeds as a nut alternative.

2. CACAO POWDER - Mix with almond meal.

3. MAPLE SYRUP - Mix in with other ingredients. Use honey or other natural sweetener as an alternative if you choose.

ACTION:
Mix 1 cup almond meal, 3/4 cup cacao powder, and a 1/4 cup maple syrup in a bowl, combine, and roll into balls!

And that makes delicious, HEALTHY, unbelievably nourishing RAW CHOCOLATES!

*Roll in coconut flakes for added flavor!
+ADD Peanut butter for peanut butter chocolate balls!
+ADD Cacao butter and set in the fridge for a hard chocolate

The best kind of desserts are the kind you can eat every day and feel good about it!

Benefits of RAW CHOCOLATE:
GREAT FOR WEIGHT LOSS!
MOOD ENHANCING - Can increase the levels of seratonin produced in the brain :)
APHRODISIAC
HIGH IN PROTEIN
HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS - RAW cacao has quite the powerful antioxidant kick!
PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN - Rich in sulfur
Contains many essential vitamins and minerals
IMPROVES FOCUS - Rich in magnesium, which helps in balancing brain chemistry.
IMPROVES CIRCULATION
PROMOTES HEART HEALTH
VEGAN



If you are like me, and can't get enough chocolate.. check out our makeup and bodycare made with REAL chocolate!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Wrapping Wool Yarn


When my daughter Lily was four years old I made her some hand-knitted leg warmers to wear to her dance class.   I used a gorgeous ocean blue colored handspun soft wool yarn from the At Home store on our town square in Fairfield, IA.   Now Lily is almost 13 years old!  Her little sisters Alexis and Sofia want to wear them... but we need another pair! So we went to the store to pick another color. Alexis said she wanted the same blue, but with RED stripes. So we chose a soft almost pinky red, along with more of the same gorgeous blue. Rosie, the owner of the store, showed the girls how to wind the yarn from a skein to a ball, so it is all ready to be knitted!


 I cannot knit anything as wonderful as the fair-trade sweaters that we carry in our store, but I can aspire to!  Click the picture to see our current offerings of fair-trade knits...

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Organic Designer is.... MY SISTER!

Ananda and Lonica


The holidays bring fun and visits from those we LOVE... in this case my sister Ananda Bhavani, who came from sunny California to the Iowa frozen tundra! Ananda has designed for the organic yoga wear brand called Green Apple Active for the last 5 years!  All of the staff and I are always wearing something of hers (see our picture below from last year!) The jacket and yoga pants are SO comfortable and super soft! I LOVE the colors and designs! To see some of our current offerings of her collections, click HERE....

Lonica, Kristina, Sandy - ONE YEAR AGO!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Cherries in December!




NEW!  Adorable Hand-Crocheted Cherry Hairclips!

My daughters Sofia (3) and Alexis (4) loved receiving these in the Advent "Calender" Christmas Stockings I made!






Thursday, November 8, 2012

Sweaters for TREES!


We took the little girls (Alexis and Sofia) to Iowa City today and saw that many of the trees downtown were covered in sweaters! They were hand-knitted and very colorful, the girls thought it was fun to see.   It made me think about all the beautiful organic sweaters we just received from a fair trade knitter Indigenous Designs.   Click the picture to see some!

Click on the picture of the paper below for a link to an article about the project, called "Yarn Bombing"...

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Organic Coffee Latte to wake up!

If your morning routine sometimes includes a fantastic organic coffee latte (in my case a vegan latte) like this one, than you HAVE to try the incredible Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream!  Even Dr. Oz recommends it! It is creamy, and has the luscious smell of fresh coffee. It glides under and around your eyes smoothly,  reducing puffiness and waking you up to another wonderful day!  (My husband Brian loves to use it too!)  Click on the picture below to read all about it!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Special Request?

We get a lot of special requests, and we love helping our customers, so we are happy to oblige.  Usually it is something like, "This is a gift, please write Happy Birthday"  or "Please package without any plastic, as I am sensitive."  

This one was:

"Please write an om symbol on the outside of the box."

They are lucky that we have a sense of humor, AND that we know what an om symbol is.
(Although with google you can find just about anything....)

So, since we didn't trust ourselves to draw an om symbol very well, we did this...


Maybe this was the person playing a joke, who knows, but we wanted to make him happy!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Skin Brightening for Summer!


Skin Brightening Skin Care Collection was formulated specifically to enliven dull looking complexion to make it more vibrant, healthy and glowing. Rather than using harsh chemical skin lighteners, this 100% Pure formula gets its brightening effect from all natural, gentle ingredients like bearberry, kojic acid, sake, fruit acids, licorice, vitamin c, lemon juice and strawberries. Truly 100% Pure, carefully formulated without harsh detergents, chemical preservatives, synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances or any other harsh, unsafe ingredients that can strip or dehydrate your delicate skin.

what this collection does: brightens while nourishing who's it for: dull looking skin

Brightening Skin Care Gift Set Includes:
-Facial Cleansing Brush
-Brightening Cleanser 1.5 fl oz / 45 ml
-Brightening Tonique 2 fl oz / 59 ml
-Brightening Scrub + Mask 0.6 fl oz / 20 ml
-Brightening Night Balm 0.12 oz / 3.4 g

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Hello Kitty ORGANIC!



If your children are like mine, they LOVE Hello Kitty!  I was so thrilled to find some cool Hello Kitty pieces for our store, Natural Selections, in Fairfield, IA! 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Organic Cotton Kitchen Towels!

Organic Cotton Kitchen Towels!

Greening your kitchen?  Select a set of kitchen towels made from organic cotton.  Organic cotton is cotton grown without chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. Why use anything else?

Our 100% Organic Cotton kitchen towels come in the natural color, and are made exclusively for The Organic Company.  A classic herringbone design is absorbent, texturally rich, and works with any kitchen style!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Organic Cotton Lace Hot Shorts - perfect for every figure!

One of my favorite organic cotton panties is on SALE this month! I helped develop this style and it is INCREDIBLY comfortable. The lace is soft and super stretchy, so it is NOT binding. This style works well for all figure types. I was able to wear it through several pregnancies and it stretches perfectly! Also a great organic cotton panty to sleep in!

To see the FULL inventory of all of our wonderful Organic Cotton Panties and Bras, click HERE.

Happy Shopping!

~ Lonica, owner of The Organic Company

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Monday, February 13, 2012

Valentines Day!


Go ahead-indulge your feminine side. We're featuring RED and PINK intimates from whisper-weight bamboo/organic cotton lingerie a pretty filigree of lace. Nothing's more comfortable next to your skin. Fabric Content: an ultra-soft and fluid blend of 66% rayon from organically grown bamboo, 28% organically grown cotton and 6% spandex.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Dr. Oz loves 100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream!


A favorite with Kate Hudson and other celebrities! Dr. Oz calls 100% Pure Coffee bean Eye Creme one of the "Top Anti-Aging Products!"
And it smells heavenly!

ORGANIC COFFEE BEAN
CAFFEINE EYE CREAM 1 oz $19

100% Natural, 100% Vegan, Gluten free

Results of an Independent, Clinical Four Week Study

- 97% saw reduction of puffiness
- 87% saw reduction of dark circles
- 93% say it reduced the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
- 100% say it improved skin hydration & moisturization
- 93% say it improved skin firmness/elasticity


Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs while increasing circulation to brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing rosehip oil to make eye area look more awake and more youthful. Truly, 100% Pure.


Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice1, Organic Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Hydrosol)2, Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Oil) Seed Extract3, Organic Coffea Arabica (Green Coffee) Seed Extract4 Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), Extracts of: Coffea Arabica (Coffee Cherry) Seed, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal), Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Absolute) Fruit, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax)

1 Certified Organic by QAI
2 Certified Organic by OTCO
3 Certified Organic by USDA
4 Certified Organic by Hawaii Organic Farmers Association


Net Weight 29 ml / 1 oz

Monday, December 12, 2011

Spin!


Even before New Years Resolution time, everyone is getting on the fitness bandwagon!
In our town there are several great yoga studios and fitness clubs. The hottest thing right now is SPIN! Imagine riding a bike INSIDE so fast that your heart is pumping and you sweat, but you feel fantastic because the teacher has the right music playing. This is SPIN.

Organic Cotton and Organic Bamboo combine for a smooth softness and fit, that is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. Our NEW Crop Leggings are PERFECT for Spin Classes!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Eating Healthy can be Easy


My daughter Lily and my son Chef Skylar show off how they like to make smoothies! And everyone enjoys them!


Today I received an email from a family member who is concerned as their family is suffering from serious health problems. They wanted to know of any good books that had advice on eating. There are so many now but honestly I think the easiest and most entertaining way to take in information is videos/movies. So I recommend watching these interesting movies. Here is a link to a list of them.

Top Food Movies


You don't have to buy these movies - most are available from Netflix. They are all fascinating, but my favorites were:

Food Matters


Food Inc.


Vegan Gal



Or if you watch more TV than movies, check out Dr. Oz's show. He does a lot of features on eating a varied and healthy diet.

Eating healthy doesn't have to be intimidating. It should be fun, interesting, and exciting! Whether you are trying to cut back on meat consumption, or become completely vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of healthy foods you will like. There are so many specialized products out there now, for people who are diabetic, sensitive to gluten, or dairy. In our family, no one seems to be sensitive, but I know that nationwide all of these are common issue. Now at regular grocery stores like Safeway, Walmart, and Target you can find lots of items labeled for your convenience. They are making it easier with storewide labeling systems, rather than relying on the items packaging. I think this is more common and will continue. Most grocery stores are expanding that aspect, along with their organic program. I think it is also important to look online for the products and then ask you grocer to carry them. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so to speak.

But with any sensitivity, the important thing to remember is that you are not only trying to SUBTRACT those things from your diet, but you need to ADD healthy, vitamin rich fresh, raw foods to your diet, in order to have the necessary enzymes for your body to be healthy. Juicing is great for this- any fruit or vegetable will work if you have a good juicer. I recommend Champion.



If you are a salad lover (and I am) then it is easy to make that for some of your meals. Some of my salads recently...



My husband likes salads too; here is one he made with vegetarian chicken substitute on top...



I think the easiest thing a person can do to change their diet to include more fresh things is to make a smoothie every day for breakfast, and maybe for a snack as well. There are TONS of recipes out there, but really you don't need them. I buy bananas, strawberries and any other fruit and if I can't use them fast enough, I freeze them. I keep frozen blueberries in my freezer all the time, and when I make smoothies I never use recipes. I just put in a couple of bananas, some liquid (can be juice or a milk substitute) and whatever other fruit I feel like. Sometimes I add some yogurt. Sometimes I add some ice cubes if I am not using any frozen fruit and I want a cold smoothie. And that is it. You have an instant nutritious meal or snack.

Lily and Sky with strawberry - banana smoothies...

I have been doing this for years for my kids and they love it. It is so simple that they can pick out the ingredients and it always tastes good. Just throw some fruits in there and blend! If it isn't sweet enough for you, simply add a squirt of RAW honey or maple syrup or agave, or a couple of dates, or some apple juice. Here are a few of our favorites:

Banana, Blueberry, Almond (or Soy) Milk

Banana, Strawberry, Almond (or Soy) Milk

Banana, Strawberry, Blueberry, Almond (or Soy) Milk

Banana, Dates, Almond (or Soy) Milk


In terms of all the vast array of almond milk out there, my husband (who used to be a huge milk drinker until he watched vegan gal) feels that UNSWEETENED RICE DREAM makes the closest milk substitute for cereal, etc, (as it is thinner and not sweet). Yet for drinking alone, or with cookies, etc, he likes the VANILLA ALMOND SILK (very thick and sweet). All of these are now available at every major grocery store as well as Walmart and Target.

If you have a really good blender, you can throw in a handful of raw (not roasted and salted!) walnuts or almonds and you will never notice a difference but you will get the health benefits. I had been reading so many articles and blogs about "green smoothies" and I finally got brave enough to try it, and the kids liked it! This basically means you are making a regular smoothie, but you throw in some RAW spinach or RAW Kale, or parsley or other greens. It really sounds disgusting, but I swear it works!


My family (with all 4 kids) was at Sam's Club recently and the Vitamix company was their doing a demo with their amazing blenders. I have owned a Vitamix (which is essentially a super powerful blender that can blend almost anything into a liquid - and can grind flour) for 10 years, but as we walked by and they handed all of us samples of "ice cream" they had made in the vitamix in a few seconds, I was shocked. It was a deep purple color and truly delicious! I asked what was in it and was very surprised to hear: "frozen bananas, spinach, kale, blueberries, strawberries..." but I went home and tried it and now I make it all the time without any recipes - it is always an experiment.
Even baby Sofia loves it!

Once in a while I have to add some raw honey or some dates because it isn't quite sweet enough, but this process has changed my idea of what healthy eating is. Keeping frozen bananas in the freezer is essential - I peel them and wrap them in plastic, then freeze them - as this is the easiest way and they never turn brown.

Healthy food is colorful. If you are eating mostly white foods (white bread, processed potato products, white pasta, white sugar, you likely at risk for diabetes or cancer at some point. I always start by telling my children to eat as many colors as possible!

I am someone who always thought I ate healthy (and I did- in terms of comparison to the average person). But when my husband and I watched the documentary Food Matters,
it really amazed me to hear that the human body needs to have at the very least 51% raw food in order to create health in the body. It said that if you eat even 51 % COOKED (not raw) food, then your body treats the cooked food like a toxin and begins sending out white blood cells, which runs down your body. However, if you eat at least 51% RAW food, the body starts healing itself. I immediately tried to implement this in our family, and fortunately with the smoothies it is possible.

We also started putting salads on our kids plates (next to the entree I had made) and just telling them that they had to eat that too, in addition to the vegetables that were already there. I think they grumbled the first day, but now they are used to it. But... I found that what worked even better was putting little bowls with raw veggies like baby carrots, snap peas in the pods, cucumber slices, radish slices, red pepper slices, or avocado slices on the table before I served everyone was the easiest way (besides the smoothies) to get everyone to eat more raw.

When you are hungry you grab what is in front of you, and surprisingly my family wasn't even asking for salad dressing or dip to use! They were just crunching away on naturally delicious veggies! You honestly cannot taste the true flavor when they are dipped in onion and garlic laden dressings anyway (so most kids don't even know that peppers are sweet until they try them!)

If you keep in mind eating in color it can be fun to try so many new things.... you may have thought you knew what they tasted like, but trying them without dressing is a new experience! And every new experience can lead to more good things!
Skylar and Alexis eating carrots from our garden!