I have a Kindergartener!! And my new obsession... BENTO!!

It's happened. My oldest son, Canon started kindergarten last week. I was dreading this all summer- to the point that I think I was slightly depressed. I mean, my baby is starting his school years which kind of equals the end of him being mine. That may sound extreme but once school starts a great deal of independence comes along with it as well as new friends, adventures, and all of a sudden mom becomes a fixture at home instead of the center of your world.
Ok, so week one wasn't so bad- he still loves me and was happy to be home for the weekend. I'm feeling better about it too- I get a few hours of one on one with my youngest son, Colt who is turning two this month. And this is good for Canon, he needed this next step and I would never hold him back, but I will secretly mourn the loss of him being solely mine. Colt also needed to have some uninterrupted mommy time and I needed it too.
On the upside, I've discovered a new interest- packing his school snack. I'm pretty sure I'm going way beyond snack with the bento creations I've been making but I am ok with that- whatever he doesn't finish at school he finishes when he gets home. Plus, being mission green mom I want him to have healthy, organic real food instead of processed "snacks". Enter the awesome Yumbox!
There are a ton of bento choices out there but ultimately the Yumbox fit what we were looking for perfectly- not a ton of pieces that probably would get lost, a no leak design and easy to open so my son can do it on his own.
Heres the first week of snacks that I packed-- I also packed a mini version of each of these for my youngest in a Green Sprouts lion bento :)

Top Left;
Day One- all organic and non-gmo- cheese slices, grapes, raspberries, graham bunnies, homemade sunbutter (for the bunnies) and Yummy Earth gummies as a treat.
Top Right;
Day Two- all organic and non-gmo- apples, mini pitas, sunbutter, peppers from our garden, vegan cream cheese dip, hard boiled egg shaped into a heart.
Bottom Left;
Day Three- all organic and non-gmo- ants on a log with our sunbutter, homemade vegan & gluten-free carrot, oat and chocolate chip muffin, grapes, half a yogurt tube, all fruit leather and a love note.
Bottom Right;
Day Four (Friday)- all organic and non-gmo- olive oil popcorn, cheese stars, grapes, raisins, cucumber stars (from our neighbors garden), yogurt dip.

I pack these before bed and store in the fridge- I add any bread or popcorn/cracker in the morning. It's been a lot of fun and my son really loves this style of eating. It's made him more receptive to vegetables too which is AH-MAZING.

If you want to check out Yumbox you can find them on facebook or amazon... this isn't sponsored- I'm just a huge fan :)

The Organic (non- GMO) Garden Diaries- 2

 The Organic Garden Diaries

The Organic Garden Diaries- Part 1

The Organic Garden Diaries

Why I Want to Live Off Grid WITH MY CLOTHES ON!

I have on occasion, jokingly, reassured my family and in-laws that I am not running off to join a commune- they, for the most part, are not green, at least not to the extent that we are striving for. But you know what? The more I learn and the more changes we make the idea (of a commune) is kind of more appealing.
I have to admit that a commune of 'far out hippies' still doesn't appeal but there are plenty of 'normalish' people that aren't dancing naked around a fire that want to live off grid- that's what I want. And just to clarify, no one is 'normal' including me, I snort when I laugh, I tell jokes that fall flat, I'm socially awkward, I love the Twilight books and movies and a million other little things that make me me. That's me- I don't want to dance naked, I want to live a simpler life full of meaning, true meaning, and not be dependent on a system that leaves me feeling cold, alone, forgotten, abused, lied to and generally not be a part of a system that doesn't have my back or the back of anyone I hold near and dear.
I started out as an average Joe. I thought I was green because I recycled most things and on occasion bought Eco Palmolive instead of Cascade. I became a bit more green when I decided to cloth diaper my first son. Then I became a bit more green when I had to find a safe detergent for his diapers. I started using soap nuts, I started making more of our own food, I started cleaning out our pantries of junk and only including healthy real food (for the most part). I changed from disposable products to reusable ones- paper towels to rags, feminine products to reusable options. I joined an organic CSA and this year I am planing and planting our first garden of organic and non-gmo seeds- I started my own seeds!
Each change propels me into another. It wasn't overnight, it was gradual and little. It was so small scale that even though I was consciously making these changes and choices it didn't phase me, even when family members would joke and comment. Then, it did phase me. I am making a difference. I am making change. I am showing my sons there is a different way. We can change things. The choice is ours to make.
There are still so many changes to make and so many things I am doing that are not green but I am working on it. That's all we can do, one change at a time. And who knows, maybe I will find my perfect community of clothed, not too crunchy, hippies that work hard together and at the end of the day sit around a fire at night, clothed, maybe even dance, clothed, as a community who truly have each-others backs.
So here I am,  PROUDLY,  coming out of the closet-- I AM A HIPPY. I want to make a positive change and live amongst like minded people who want to get back to nature, heal the earth, and be a part of a true community.
This article showed up on my facebook feed this morning, from one of my hippy sites I follow and it inspired me to write this today.
  http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/02/09/creating-change-and-living-off-the-grid/

Go Max Go-- Seriously YUMMY Candy Bars-- Review and Giveaway!

I am so excited about these Go Max Go candy bars, they are seriously delicious and can be enjoyed by just about everyone! Go Max Go candy bars, available in 7 different varieties, are VEGAN and a few varieties are also GLUTEN FREE! Don't let that scare you away if you aren't vegan or gluten free because these bars are made with high quality, ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients and most importantly are really, really good!

Simple Homemade Squeeze-On Toothpaste

My First Vlog Post -- Vitacost Haul, $10 Discount, 6% Cash Back and $10 Gift Card

 

Here are the links from this post;

1. https://www.vitacostrewards.com/gBLBSN1 -- this is for $10 off your first Vitacost order. Free shipping for orders over $25 of qualifying products or over $49.
2. http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=gFkXhFsRDd%2FhTZb1VCo90w%3D%3D -- ebates to get 6% cash back on your order, plus a $10 gift card for signing up.
3. http://www.vitacost.com
4. http://www.exposedorganics.com

No longer a SAHM... Am I still green?

Now that I am an out of the house working mom, you may wonder if I am still finding time to be green and the answer is yes and no.

Nutcase Little Nutty Helmet... aka Kick Buttowski

A New Look for a New Beginning- SEVENTEEN STONE

You may have noticed that a few months ago Mission Green Family got a brand new look- and SEVENTEEN STONE is the genius behind this much needed makeover. I was scouting for a great web designer and stumbled upon Seventeen Stone. Seventeen Stone is the business of Kelly McMahon, a work at home mom who specializes in web design for handmade and environmentally friendly small and mid-size businesses- how perfect! I contacted Kelly, and based on a few ideas and desires she designed what you see today. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! If you love MGF's new look as much as I do let Seventeen Stone

Where Has MGF Been, The Things That Matter and a Look at Upcoming Posts



The things that matter.

Mission Green Family has been missing for too long, and it's time to make good on our obligations and to

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil- What Doesn't It Do?- Review and Giveaway

I was very excited that I was given the opportunity to review a quart of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil recently. I kept hearing and reading about coconut oil in my searches for everything from natural skin care to healthy recipes, so of course my curiosity was peaked.
I have used the entire container in less than a month- I am a HUGE coconut oil fan! I have used it for cooking, baking, skin care, everything! This stuff is great!
I love adding it as the "fat" in my baking- I always try to health up my recipes and usually omit fats in place of other moist ingredients but love what coconut oil does for my baked goods. They come out perfectly moist, and impart the slightest coconut flavor which blends itself beautifully in chocolate recipes, muffins, breads, and pancakes. Check out these fudgy vegan brownies, YUM! I will post my recipe for the ultimate {vegan} pancakes, and spiced pumpkin zucchini bread and muffins (also vegan) soon which all utilized Tropical Traditions coconut oil.
For skin care I have used the oil as a base for my exposed organics eye dusts to make them more dramatic, for my sons diaper rash and made an AWESOME refrigerator antiperspirant (everything was done hygienically by dispensing small amounts for designated purposes :)). I have to say it did everything I was hoping and I am most excited about the antiperspirant- I have been on a search for an effective natural alternative for years because of my aversion to using aluminum. I have tried some big natural brands with no luck, dislike the salt based versions and had basically just decided to give up and go stinky (yes, I am that afraid of aluminum) but now I have the best solution! This stuff rocks and uses three ingredients- so very simple- plus, it feels really refreshing to use the antiperspirant chilled!
Most diaper rash ointments are not cloth diaper safe but time and time again I have heard cd'ing mamas mention coconut oil as the best remedy for rashes. Luckily, Colt does not get rashes too often but when he does, he doesn't mess around, they are painful looking. Using just a dab of oil cured his rash right up.
If you can't tell, I love coconut oil. And as far as coconut oil goes, this stuff is the ultimate in quality. Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you. Tropical Traditions did supply the coconut oil I used for review but did not compensate me or require that I even post a review.

Entering is easy- there are only 2 madatory entries- like MGF and TT on facebook- then there are a ton of extra entries available

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun on the Farm

It's been a while since I posted about our Fridays on the farm- with the summer in full swing, a camping trip and a broken computer I got a little out of touch but this week was just too awesome not to post a bit about. First of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Red Hill Farm! As soon as we get to the farm I find I don't think of anything but the present moment- 'be here now' is something I have to remind myself and my husband of frequently, but not at the farm. It just eases away all of the other stuff that life throws at us and makes us appreciate where we are and what we have in our lives.

DivaCup- Review and GIVEAWAY!!

Warning: This is not a post for the men on my site...Unless you're that close with your mate that you get her something this awesome or in my case have my husband proof read a post about my experience with the DivaCup- thanks babe!  BTW- my husband added the warning :)

Have you ever forgotten that you have your period in the middle of it?  Been so comfortable and unaware of your protection that you have to remind yourself that you are having your cycle. Well, this happened for the first time in my 20 some years of having a menstrual cycle while trying out the DivaCup. It was truly a product with outstanding results.

Fudgy Vegan Brownies

 Just because I was in the mood for some yummy chocolate brownies and thought you might be too. As usual I made these a bit healthier with whole wheat and oat flour, omitting dairy and eggs and replacing the fat source with coconut oil- if you are new to coconut oil you should check out the nutritional boost it offers and virgin coconut oil imparts a subtle but delicious flavor. Cacao is the purest and healthiest way to add chocolate to recipes. These are really easy to make, taste amazing and are moist and fudgy.

The Winners Circle

Below is the list of MGF Giveaway winners, Congratulations to our winners and if you don't see your name- keep entering, you can't win if you don't try! Good Luck!

Giveaway Winners;

Go Max Go- 4.2013- Steph A.

7/16/12 - Loving Naturals- Denise T-D.

7/22/12- Exposed Organics- Erin C.

Soap Nuts Basics and a Naturoli Review and Giveaway!!

Cloth diapers will always get the credit as my "gateway" into green living but there is another switch that should get credit for opening my eyes to how easy, affordable and satisfying making more green changes can be-- Soap nuts!

Hot Fluff Cool Baby $300 Cloth Diaper GIVEAWAY!!

Welcome to the Hot Fluff Cool Baby Cloth Diaper Giveaway! I frequently mention cloth diapers as being my gateway into green living, as a healthier option and a great way to save money because all of those things are true. Plus, cloth is just plain cute. I've joined this awesome cloth diaper stash starter event, which is sponsored by Greenie Beanie Bottoms and hosted by , along with over 75 wonderful and influential bloggers who all love cloth! Cloth diapering is a great way to reduce our waste, help our planet, and save money. Cloth diapers are Hot items and Cool for your baby! Not only are cloth diapers more breathable in warm weather, but they make adorable accessories in Summer!

Be the Change You Want to Be

CSA Friday Weeks 5 & 6

What can I say- between the intense summer heat, our weekly Fridays at the farm, kitchen demo and running a few giveaways I missed posting about week 5 so here is week 5 & 6 as a double feature.

We are still loving our trips to the farm and love bringing friends and family to introduce them to the simple joy of being on the farm. Last night I got to bring one of my oldest and dearest friends and he also enjoyed the experience, although boy was it HOT!

I am really looking forward to next weekend as the farm is hosting the first social event, a movie projected onto the side of the barn with food and friends.

So here is week 5;