4 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid & Our Top Natural Picks!

With my fair skin, painful sunburns happen very, very easily. Aside from the standard discomfort, peeling, itching, and stinging, extended sun damage can result in sun poisoning and even worse – skin cancer. So, naturally, I do what I can to protect my skin from the sun’s rays.

But I’ve found that it’s a double-edged sword, because it turns out that slathering on the highest SPF could be just as harmful as baking protection-free. Most chemical-based sunscreens contain unsafe ingredients that are quickly absorbed through our pores and can be damaging to our bodies.

Fortunately, it’s possible to find natural sunscreens that don’t contain these ingredients, as long as you know what to look out for. So next time you’re at the drugstore stocking up on your favorite skincare products, make sure to check the labels and avoid any brand of sunscreen that contain these four toxic ingredients.

Avoid These Sunscreen Ingredients:

• Oxybenzone: This is public enemy number one in most chemical-based sunscreens. Oxybenzone actually blocks the good stuff we can get from the sun, like UVB rays that provide much-needed vitamin D, while allowing in harmful UVA rays. Not to mention the fact that when it’s absorbed into the skin it can cause the kind of cell damage that leads to skin cancer (which is what we’re all trying to prevent in the first place!).

• Parabens: You’re probably already mindful of the harmful parabens in deodorant, shampoo, and most other cosmetics, but make sure to look for them in your sunscreen too. Propylparaben, ethylparaben, mythylparaben, and butylparaben are used as preservatives to lengthen the shelf life of these products, but can end up causing allergic reactions and hormone deficiencies. Some studies even link parabens to an increased risk of breast cancer.

• Octinoxate: Not only can octinoxate impair hormone production, but it also allows other damaging chemicals, like the ones mentioned in this article, to be more easily absorbed by the body. This can lead to a host of side effects including the production of skin-damaging free radicals and premature aging.

• Retinyl palmitate: While the jury is still out on whether retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, increases our risk of cancer when applied to skin that’s exposed to sunlight, government studies show that it can produce free radicals and tumors in mice. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough for me to stay away from it.

Luckily, there are alternatives! The Environmental Working Group is a fantastic consumer resource that reviews thousands of sunscreen products for their safety and effectiveness. We rounded up a list of our favorite mineral sunscreens that all ranked the highest. Slather them on before you head out to enjoy some fun in the sun!

Loving Naturals Clear Body Sunscreen - SPF 30. This unique formula is clear and rubs in easily. Water resistant up to 40 minutes.

Badger Lightly Scented Lavender Sunscreen - SPF 30. Works for both face and body and has a mild natural lavender scent.

The Honest Company Sunscreen – SPF 30. Safe for the whole family, including babies under 6 months. Unscented and non-greasy formula.

TruKid Sunny Days – SPF 30. Light texture rubs in smoothly and has a pleasant scent. Contains soothing aloe and cucumber extract.

Coola Suncare Total Body – SPF 30. This antioxidant-rich formula has the added benefit of promoting skin cell regeneration and improving appearance.

California Baby Sunscreen Stick – SPF 30. This easy-to-use stick glides on smoothly and smells like lemongrass. Works for the whole family.

Burnout Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen – SPF 30. Very water resistant – great for the beach or the pool. Enriched with aloe and antioxidants.

Lavanila The Healthy Sun Screen – SPF 30. Infused with green tea, shea butter, cucumber, and vanilla for a luxurious and hydrating experience.

What’s your favorite brand of mineral-based sunscreen? Tell us in the comments section below!

5 Colors of Phytonutrients

Great Mornings Make Great Days

All of my life, I have not been too much of a morning person. But I am finding the older I get, the more I enjoy my quiet moments in the morning before my husband and daughter rise to start their day. In hopes of getting more of this amazing "me" time, I've started automating my morning routine...and that includes BREAKFAST! One of my favorite parts of the day :)

One of our family favorites is oatmeal. Not the instant, microwaved junk, but the ooey, gooey and naturally sweet oatmeal. The kind that warms your belly and keeps you feeling good for hours. This oatmeal is a staple in our home.  But, with some oatmeal taking upwards of 15-20 minutes to make, it's not as fast as the typical American breakfast...cereal or Pop-tarts.  Again, here comes the automation :)

I am obsessed with wide-mouthed Mason jars! I use them all over in my home. In the pantry to organize my grains, nuts and flours to keep them fresh, as "water bottles" in the fridge, for our fresh juices, salads for lunch and my newest use - oatmeal.

Automation usually means quantity and with oatmeal, this is super easy! After prepared, oatmeal can be kept in the fridge for up to one full week. It seems to only get tastier with time...

Not sure which oats to use? Check out our post about the differences between Rolled vs Steel Cut!

My Morning Oatmeal
1/2c rolled oats
2 tbsp pecans

1 tbsp pepitas

1 tsp ground flaxseed

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp organic dark brown sugar or 1 tsp agave nectar

1-2 dried apple slices

pinch of sea salt

1 tsp coconut oil

1c no sugar almond milk

STANDARD VERSION: Add all ingredients into a small saucepan. Simmer, stirring consistently. Cook 6-10 minutes until tender and creamy. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 7 days.

QUICK VERSION: Add all ingredients into a glass bowl.  Microwave 2-3min and serve "Instant Oatmeal" without any preservatives and much less sugar!

I am in love with agave and coconut oil, well they're both just amazing. So here are the brands I use!

I make 2-3 servings of this oatmeal and store it in my Mason jar in the refrigerator. Super easy to scoop and reheat each morning. Then I can do more of this each day...

Rolled Oats vs. Steel Cut Oats

I get a ton of emails every day. These emails turn into great posts to help support you in making the best possible food choices.  Sometimes time vs nutrition can be a sticky situation, especially when it comes to oatmeal.  Remember, we're going for the best nutritional value and the least processed food choices.  

Here's the breakdown and truth about one of my favorite breakfasts...Oatmeal.

Oat groats: All types of oat cereals start out as groats, which are hulled, toasted oat grains. (Removing the hull doesn’t remove the bran, by the way.) If you have the patience to cook these down, try them out. For most, they can be challenging because of the chewy-ness factor.

Steel-cut (Irish) oats: These are the least processed type of oat cereal. The toasted oat groats are simply chopped into chunks about the size of a sesame seed. Much easier to chew and still have a creamy texture. These oats take about 45 minutes to cook, but can be easily prepared in a Crockpot over night.

Stone-ground (Scottish) oats: These are the same as Irish oats but they are ground into smaller pieces, closer to the size of a poppy seed. Both Irish and Scottish oats have to be cooked before you eat them. Irish oats take about 45 minutes to cook, Scottish oats about half that long (because they are smaller).

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These are made by steaming the toasted groats and then running them between rollers to create flakes. Rolled oats can be eaten as is or cooked into oatmeal (it takes about ten minutes). If you are stuck for time, this would be your next best options. These are more creamy and have a softer texture vs the Steel-cut or Stone-ground.

Quick-cooking oats: These are simply rolled into thinner flakes, so they cook a little faster.

Instant oats: These are the most heavily processed. The groats have been chopped fine, flattened, pre-cooked, and dehydrated. Instant oatmeal usually has added salt and sugar. (Sneaky!) I suggest leaving the instant oats on the shelf. In the time it takes you to boil the water to make instant oatmeal, you can cook some old-fashioned oats on the stove.

Are Steel Cut Oats Healthier?
Because they go through some extra processing steps, you might assume that rolled oats would be less nutritious than steel-cut oats, but it turns out that the differences are quite minor. Steel cut, stone-ground, old-fashioned, and quick-cooking rolled oats are all made from whole grains and they all have approximately the same amount of fiber, protein, calories, and other nutrients.

In particular, oats are a good source of soluble fiber. This type of soluble fiber can help reduce cholesterol and helps keep blood sugar levels steadier—which is helpful for managing and preventing diabetes and insulin resistance as well as keeping your appetite in check.

References: Nutrition Diva

4 Natural Acne Remedies You Can Make At Home!

Acne is a pesky and troublesome skin condition. Whether you are prone to acne or just get the occasional break out, chances are you’ve tried several over-the-counter or prescription treatments.  These medications are full of chemicals that can strip your skin of natural oils, dry out your pores and disrupt your pH balance – not to mention they don’t always work to treat the problem.

Luckily, there are a few natural remedies that can treat acne, and all of them can be cooked up right in your own kitchen! 

Raw honey mask - Using raw honey as a facemask can reduce acne and moisturize your skin. The sugar in honey pulls the moisture out of the air into your skin, and the alpha hydroxy acid helps remove dead skin cells and encourages collagen production.  Simply warm the honey in your hands and apply to your face, letting it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off. This is a great mask to do a couple of time a week, especially in the colder months, to keep your skin healthy and glowing. 

Castor oil cleanser - Castor oil has a very strong cleansing property, and works well to pull the dirt and oil out of your pores. To use castor oil as a cleanser, mix 3 parts castor oil with 2 parts sunflower oil and massage all over your face. (If you are prone to dry skin, you should increase the sunflower oil.) Place a hot washcloth over your face for 30 seconds to create steam, and then use the cloth to scrub the excess oil from your face. 

Apple cider vinegar toner - It may be starting to sound like apple cider vinegar is natures cure all, but for good reason! It has both antibacterial and antiseptic traits, which is why it works so well as an acne fighting toner. Combine one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water, and dab on your face with a cotton ball. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer or coconut oil. 

Tea tree oil spot treatment – This topical acne treatment is believed to have the same restorative effects as benzoyl peroxide but without the chemicals. Just dab a little bit onto affected area before bed. The acne should be greatly reduced by morning! 

What are some of your favorite acne home remedies?

What is Leaky Gut? How to Heal Your Digestive System

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition of the digestive system characterized by increased permeability of the intestinal lining, allowing pieces of undigested food and other toxins to enter the bloodstream where they do not belong.

This process activates the immune system in an effort to eliminate the foreign substances from the body, and thereby causes inflammation. The result is a wide range of physical symptoms such as bloating, multiple food sensitivity, headaches, eczema, and chronic fatigue, among others.

Essentially this means that having a leaky gut can seriously impair your overall health, and you could have it without even knowing! It also doesn’t help that it goes mainly undiagnosed by many mainstream medical professionals because they tend to focus on treating the presented symptoms, not the underlying root cause.

A multi-pronged approach is often necessary in order to heal a leaky gut. A balance of a wholesome natural diet, stress-reduction, supplementation, and a generous dose of patience are all required.

The following recommendations will help you begin to regain digestive balance, as you work with a wellness professional to measure your progress:

Eat alkaline foods
Alkaline foods contain natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compounds, which reduce inflammation, fight free radicals, and aid in the healing process. Not to mention they also play a role in naturally increasing energy and boosting overall health! Such foods include most raw vegetables and fruit, apple cider vinegar, and certain herbs and spices such as ginger.

Consume whole foods that are high in zinc and vitamin D
These nutrients are especially helpful at healing the intestinal lining and can be found in pumpkin seeds, salmon and other fish, garlic, dark chocolate, eggs, shitake and button mushrooms, and of course sunshine! Supplements can also be beneficial if your healthcare professional recommends them.

Reduce stress
It is important to avoid stress as it suppresses the immune system, prevents healing, and could contribute to greater intestinal permeability. Even if you have a busy lifestyle, there are many simple ways to limit the daily stress in life.

Avoid sugar
Sugar and starchy foods contribute to an overgrowth of yeast, which attaches to the intestinal lining to cause inflammation and thwart the healing process. Low glycemic fruits are OK if eaten sparingly and if your condition is not severe. However, you may want to experiment by avoiding fruit completely for 2 weeks, and reintroducing it slowly to see how you react.

Consume probiotics and digestive enzymes
The restoration of proper intestinal flora is essential to regaining digestive health. Probiotics and digestive enzymes help the gut to effectively break down and digest food, thereby reducing the likelihood of entrance into the bloodstream. These are available naturally in raw and fermented foods.

What have you found helpful in treating a delicate digestive system?

How To Make Healthy Eating Fun for Kids

Kids are notorious picky eaters. Not only are they naturally reluctant when it comes to new experiences, but they also love to test your boundaries by saying no. This can lead to frustrating mealtimes, for both of you.

While not all kids are picky, many will go through a fussy eater stage.  So whether you’re detailing with a little one at home, or are looking for creative ways to support school lunch programs, here are a few tips to keep up your… apron:

Always serve a veggie on the plate. It might take a long time before they eat it, or even allow it to remain in their vicinity, but presenting vegetables in a consistent way will eventually help kids accept them as familiar and acceptable foods.

Share how much you enjoy healthy foods. Even if your kids are repulsed, keep on enjoying your greens, and let them know how much you love it. Despite their stubborn nature, curiosity – or the desire to be a “cool grown-up” – will often win out in the end.

Name your foods. Carol the carrot and Bronco the broccoli are way more fun at the kitchen table than just a bunch of plain ‘ol veggies. Giving foods names and animating them (veggie theater anyone?) connects kids with their healthy meal friends, which increases their likelihood of tasting them.

Tell them Elmo eats it. Kids absolutely adore Elmo. A study even showed they are more likely to choose an apple over a candy bar if the apple has an Elmo sticker on it. Even if you don’t have stickers handy, telling kids that Elmo eats kale so he can grow up big and strong could actually work.

Cook together. Inviting children to help prepare a meal increases their investment in the end result. This might require more clean-up, but can help foster a lifetime of appreciation for good quality food.

Explore where food comes from. There are few things a kid loves more than digging in the dirt. Take them to a community garden or a farm where they can learn about how food grows, or start your own garden!

It’s all in the presentation. Make their healthy food plates visually interesting by making shish kabob fruit, funny veggie characters, or offering a variety of foods cut up into shapes that they can mix and match (as long as they eat every piece!).

Juice or blend it. If your kids are ok with fruit but less welcoming when it comes to vegetables, juice it! Most kids love juice, and as long as it has some fruit for the sweet flavor, they won’t notice a little spinach or celery in the mix.

Food negotiation. This may be a controversial tactic, but if nothing else works, give it a try. Have a food on the table that you know your child likes, and give it to them in small amounts only after they have one or two bites of the healthy food.

And remember, whether you’re dealing with stubborn kids – or headstrong adults - the most important thing you can do is be a healthy role model.  Eat wholesome foods, engage in fitness, and cultivate a spiritual outlet. It may be a slow and steady road, but patience and perseverance go a long way in reaching those who are reluctant to change.

How do you promote healthy eating with children?

Honey...

Optimism, Not Shame, Motivates Weight Loss

What kind of motivation spurs someone to lose weight? It’s a $147 billion question – and that’s only taking into account the medical costs in the U.S. alone.

Health authorities have long struggled to find effective ways to curb the obesity epidemic, and strategies run the gamut from regulating soda size to banning chocolate milk in elementary schools.

A new study from Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity sheds fascinating new light on why some of these campaigns work better than others. As it turns out, eliciting positive emotions is key.

Harsh anti-obesity campaigns such as that in Georgia – whose ads, billboards, and commercials have featured the tagline “Stop sugarcoating it, Georgia” and blast messages such as “Warning: It’s hard to be a little girl if you’re not” – have taken a stern stance to underscore the severity of the issue.

Yet researchers have found that these messages only elicit shame, an unhelpful emotion that does little to motivate positive behavior change. In fact, stigmatization only reinforces the problem: emotions such as shame, humiliation, and stress often fuel overeating.

Public campaigns can only be successful if they “fit with our sense of ourselves,” says UCLA psychologist Matthew D. Lieberman, who studies the neuroscience of persuasion.  Negative thoughts won’t recruit the neural systems that convert a message into action.

So what kinds of messages are the most effective? Those that emphasize personal empowerment and don’t mention obesity at all. 85% of the participants in the study said they were motivated to make changes by the slogan, “Eat well. Move more. Live longer.”  People also responded well to messages that suggested specific healthy living tips such as, “Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.”

Perhaps this isn’t surprising news. Researchers have found that people who commit to a regular exercise routine don’t do it to lose weight, avoid heart disease, or prevent osteoporosis – they do it simply because they enjoy it.

In short: negativity is defeating, optimism is empowering … and the latter is key to making healthy lifestyle changes in the long run.

5 Fall Cleanse Foods

As summer transitions into fall, the farmers markets reveal the bounty of the autumn harvest. This segue into colder months is a great opportunity to shift the way you eat. Turning your focus to cleansing seasonal foods can increase your energy, improve your digestion, and prepare your body for winter’s approach.

A cleanse can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and it doesn’t require any fasting. You can just simplify your plate by incorporating more seasonal produce – like these 5 fall staples:

Apples: This antioxidant-rich fruit helps reduce inflammation and is linked to heart and lung health. Pick up some crisp green apples for a healthy on-the-go snack, or chop up and simmer with cinnamon for a healthy treat.

Brussels sprouts: High in fiber and vitamin C, this cruciferous vegetable can help lower cholesterol levels, and contain phytonutrients associated with cancer prevention. You can roast or sauté sprouts for a delicious side dish. Try this recipe for Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Onion.

Onions: This round vegetable provides anti-inflammatory benefits and protects cells from oxidative stress. It can help lower the risk of colorectal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers. Add raw onion to salads or cook chopped onion in soups, stews, and stir fried dishes.

Sweet potatoes: Despite their sweet flavor, these tubers help balance blood sugar. They are also a good source of beta-carotene and vitamins B6, C, and D. Try them baked or in soups and stews.

Winter Squash: These gourds are rich with fiber, which is good for digestion and heart health. They also contain cell-protective antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamin C. Bake or steam squash and season with digestive spices for a healthy main or side dish.

What fall produce are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.

The Dairy/Calcium Myth...

The biggest draw myth about dairy products is the amount of calcium they contain and that dairy is the only place high levels of calcium can be found.  We've been led to believe that if we are going to "grow up big & strong" and have strong bones we have to have 3-5 servings of dairy a day.

"When studies examine the effects of one nutrient at a time, they show that some nutrients - magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, and lactose for example - promote calcium retention. Others - like protein, phosphorus, and sodium - promote calcium excretion.  So calcium retention and the strength of your bones may depend much more on everything else you are eating, and how active you are, than how much calcium you take in." ~ Marion Nestle

Calcium intake is important when accompanied with a healthy diet, but attaining a proper should not be dependent on dairy alone.  Just switching from 1% Milk to Almond Milk will give you an additional 160mg of Calcium per serving.

8oz of 1% Milk = 290mg of Calcium (29% of daily)

8oz of Regular Almond Milk = 450mg of Calcium (45% of daily)

5 Small Meals A Day

UPCOMING CLASS - JULY 28th @ 10AM

Healthy Children, Healthy Appetite: Online Class
Feeding our children healthy, nutritious and tasty foods can be a juggling act. Whether it's the taste, the smell or even the color, kids are pushing away from the table and opting for full-time snacking. In this class we'll be going over proper nutrition for children, how to sneak in those veggies and get your kids interacting in the kitchen. Knowing what your children should eat is only have the battle - let's teach them how to live a life of great health!

This is an LIVE online class through LearnItLive.com.  Join us on Saturday, July 28th @ 10am from the comfort of your own home. Saturday morning pajamas are acceptable! :)  

Click HERE to get signed up!

Mike's 80 Pound Weight Loss!

    by guest writer: Michael Grajeda

All my life I have been large. They would call it large, heavy, husky and any one of a number of other names. The fact was that I was fat. My parents were raised in a generation that called for a meat and a starch and plenty of it. I was never denied anything I wanted to eat and as much as I wanted to eat it. It was not their fault they simply did not know better.

Over the years I got bigger and bigger until one day in 2011 I weighed myself and I tipped the scales at 422 pounds! How did I let it get this bad? I had always been semi active. I enjoyed sports and played football in high school and liked to work out. But my diet was horrible. I was eating out of convenience and drive-thru's were my quick fix when I was hungry. I made a decision that day to do something that would change my life.

I am no expert on weight loss, I have good days and I have not so good days. I do not let a number define me - I let my lifestyle define me. I am not bound by a ridgid diet plan but a plan that has helped me change my eating habits and encourage more excersise. To date with the help of my wife, Jessica, teaching me how to eat healthier and encouraging me to never give up I have lost 80 pounds! Slow and steady is the focus, tweaking small things in my life and seeing the rewards long term. 

Through my lifestyle changes I am not only continually improving my health, but the lives of my wife and daughter. My daughter will never be made fun of for being overweight, she will be healthy inside and out. She will escape the risk factors and destruction that obesity brings. And my time as her father will not be cut short by my weight or the diseases it would have brought. My weight no longer defines me, who I am as a person and the choices I make define me now.

How Much Vitamin D Do I Need and When?

Here is a great infographic about Vitamin D, it's uses and 

dosage recommendations by NaturalNews.com

For the larger version, click here!

How much Vitamin D do you take?

27 Ways to Lift Your Mood in Minutes

What makes you feel amazing? What can snap you out of a bad mood in seconds?

One of the key things we learn at Integrative Nutrition is how to fill our whole selves with what we call “Primary Food” – the relationships, activities, work, exercise, and spiritual practices that fulfill our lives and fill us up in ways that food cannot.

I am continually encouraging my clients to nourish themselves with healthy doses of Vitamin L (love) and primary food. Here's some ideas that make me feel my best:
Working it out
Physical movement is high on the list. Many of us like to hit the gym, do some kickboxing, crank up the tunes and dance in our living room (my favorite), shake it up in a high-energy Zumba class, or Zen out with yoga.

Taking it outside
Connecting with nature, working in the garden, taking a long walk in the neighborhood or on the beach, or taking the dog for a walk are some favorites.

Having more fun
Fun and laughter are good medicine for down moods. Laughing with a friend, watching a funny movie or show, flying a kite, and singing are ways I cheer myself up.

Connecting spiritually
Praying, meditating, journaling it out, writing a gratitude list, deep breathing, and reminding ourselves that this, too, shall pass, are all ways you go inside ourselves to reconnect and recharge. 

Connecting with loved ones

Surrounding ourselves with our children, family, talking with a good friend, getting hugs, and even connecting with like-minded people on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets make us all feel more connected and less alone.

Nourishing with energizing food
A warm cup of tea, cooking a healthy meal, an energizing juice, or a taste of dark chocolate can lift our moods.

How do you cheer yourself up? Leave us a comment below or continue the conversation on Facebook.

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Smoothie

Chocolate Covered Raspberry Smoothie

1c almond milk
1/3 banana
1c raspberries
4 tblsp MLO Brown Rice Protein Powder
1 tblsp almond butter
1 tblsp coconut oil
1 tblsp cacao powder (may substitute cocoa powder)
2 tsp ground flaxseed

Place ingredients in a blender or food processor in order above.  Blend until well combined & smooth! Enjoy :)

Amazing Video: Must watch wether you're a parent or not!

The Future Belongs to the Healthy Youth

Easter Basket & Egg Stuffing Ideas

If you're anything like me, you're scrambling to get the kids' Easter baskets ready! I spent the better part of last night catching up on some of my favorite shows and stuffing 250 Easter Eggs for my daughter, Aubrey & my niece & nephew. We're celebrating Easter at our house this year and I wanted the Egg Hunt to be extra special, hence the 250 eggs! 

During the holidays it's easy to feel torn when it comes to celebrating family traditions. Easter is most widely recognized for the candy! Although in our household it's a very special time for us to remember what Jesus did for us on this day, but at the end of the remembrance my daughter wants to know - "Where's the candy!" So, this year I have changed up our family tradition and I think the kids are still going to really enjoy it! 

Instead of simply loading Easter Baskets with candy & junk food, I took a trip to our local Dollar Store to stock up on egg "stuffers".  I also purchased some larger toys (all a $1 each) to hid around the yard.  And since this is a hunt, I will also be hiding filled water guns! When you find one, you can skirt the other hunters to scare them off & get more eggs! I think it's going to be really fun!  Here's a great list I compiled to help you make this Easter fun, yet healthy!

Stickers
Seeds (plant them together when Easter is over )
Hot Wheel Cars
Hair ribbons and bows
Bouncy Balls
Erasers
Lip Gloss
Character Band-aids
Whistles (if you are brave)
Organic Fruit Snacks
Coupons (You can make them: "Good for one extra bed time story, etc...")
Playdough
Army men
Plastic Animals/Bugs
Bracelets/Necklaces
Mini nail polish
dried fruit
nuts (be careful of allergies though, if other kids will be there)
yogurt covered rasins
baby carrots (Easter Bunny food!)
popcorn

I believe everything in life needs balance, moderation & darn it we all just need to have some fun once in a while!  So, I purchased a couple large Organic 70% Cacao Chocolate Bars for each of the kids. I figure if they're going to eat candy & live it up, why not get some antioxidants while they're at it!!!

OPINION POLL: Childhood Obesity Commercials

Over the last week or so many news stations like CNN, Fox News & others are reporting an uproar about the Georgia Strong For Life Childhood Obesity Commercials.  Many feel the language, demeanor of the children and the message may be too strong for television or for children to see/watch.  Others celebrities like Star Jones have applauded Georgia for taking a firm action on their fight again childhood obesity.  Below are the most recent 5 commercials presented by Strong For Life - Georgia.

What is your opinion about these videos? 

Do you believe they'll be affective?