June 2012 by Amanda Hearn

Spice Up Your

Sex Life

Eco Tips for

Summer Travels Healthy Eating

For Your Pets! Waste-Free Living

Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Gift Ideas

June 20121

Contents 6 Dear Kaia

Non-toxic lawn care, keeping cool & storing herbs.

8 Healthy Summer Snacking

Eating on the run should be healthy too!

10 Green on a Budget: The Market

Tips for easy farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market shopping.

12 Pets: Choosing the Right Foods

Tips for choosing the most nutritious foods to help your pets live healthy too.

14 Great Finds

A few of our fav eco-friendly products.

16 The 3 Rs

Back to Basics: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

20 We App-rove

Let technology help you live a more ecofriendly lifestyle.

21 Pure Indulgence

Lighten the mood with this lightly fruity concoction.

22 Naturally Beautiful

Shiny, clarified hair - the natural way!

23 Family Matters

Homemade finger paints make for great family fun.

24 The Seasons of Pregnancy

A stroll through the journey of pregnancy.

3 Image by Jacqie Q Photography

Contents 28 Two Veggies at the Table - Part 2

70 Good/Better/Best

30 It’s All About Dad

72 ReUse: T-Shirts

How to Start

Eco-conscious gift ideas for Father’s Day.

34 Farm Stays

A look at this meaningful vacation idea.

36 Herban Crafts

DIY craft kits for a cause.

40 Natural Remedies

Tips for summer’s ailments.

42 Rendezvous

Columnist Billie takes on the topic of adventurous sex.

44 Conscionable Jewels

Tips for choosing jewelry with a green eye.

A look at lawn care.

Forget throwing them out, try out these DIY ideas for old tees!

76 Kaia Readers Rock

Yea they do! Check out a few of our favorite reader submitted photos.

On The Cover 12 Healthy Eating For Your Pets! 16 Waste-Free Living 30 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

46 Local Focus: The Arbor Inn

40 Spice Up Your Sex Life

50 6 Tips for Eco-Conscious Travel

48 Eco Tips for Summer Travels

A sweet retreat nestled in Prescott, WI. Summer is the travel season. Keep yours in check with these tips!

52 The Summer Disease

Lead Safe America’s executive director gives us a look at this hidden epidemic.

57 Arugula Pesto

A twist on a favorite summer standby. Spice

58 For the Love of Rhubarb

A loving look at this hidden gem.

64 Canning Preserves

This quick-start guide will have you up and running in no time.

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On the Cover: Photo by Nikki Seesholtz

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a letter from the editor For as long as I can remember summer has been my favorite season of the year. For me, there is just nothing like it. The sun is shining, gardens are blooming and people are outdoors, active, and enjoying Mother Nature and all that she has to offer. In this issue you will find great articles from some of the top healthy and sustainable living experts that the web has to offer. From eco-conscious travels to delicious recipes that make the most of the bountiful harvests that our hard-working local farmers share with us, I hope that you will enjoy this issue and all that it has to offer. As with every issue, we are so very thankful to all of you who read and share our magazine. Through you, we can spread the message that living green can be attainable, fun & modern. Gone are the days of living without modern conveniences, but with a little effort we can all have a better quality of life while making choices that leave a smaller impact for the generations to come. Kindly, Amanda Hearn

Kaia Magazine strives to empower each of us to sustain the health of our earth, our bodies, and our relationships â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all with a practical, modern perspective. Editor & Publisher: Amanda Hearn Editorial Contributors: Sarah White Calley Pate Billie Criswell Danielle Bergum Brianna Inskeep Lily Hoffman Laura Watt Blessing Oshin Megan Dellecese Laura Michelle Burns Megan McWIlliams Amy Gooder Jenny Gullen Karen Lee Stephanie Moram Tamara Rubin Photographers & Illustrators: Jacqie Parsons Karen Hanrahan Andi Roberts Nikki Seesholtz Advertising Inquiries: media@kaiamagazine.com Questions & Comments info@kaiamagazine.com Content may not represent, in whole, the values of all Kaia editors and/or contributors. Content may contain affiliate links. Copyright Kaia Magazine 2012. All rights reserved.

Dear Kaia, “How can I effectively maintain my yard without using toxic chemical?” - Beth Even if you’re a hardcore greenie, it’s hard not to drool over your neighbor’s lush, manicured lawn… especially if you live in a subdivision where perfection is the norm. As your question implies, it’s just not worth the safety of your family and animals to use toxic chemicals and pesticides to keep the weeds and bugs away. When it rains, chemicals run off into streams and lakes, which can then find their way into your drinking water and can also affect food quality and habitat for fish and other organisms. One safe, simple, short-term remedy for weeds is white vinegar. Straight vinegar will kill weeds, but it will also kill grass or other plants around it, so it works best for driveways and sidewalks. For best results, use it on a hot, sunny day when plants are thirsty and there is no chance of rain to wash it away. If you’re looking for a long-term strategy, follow these tips for cultivating a safe, green lawn. Find Out What Your Lawn Needs Green experts say the best place to start is with a soil test, which will give you an accurate result of what nutrients your soil needs and how much you should use.. Rich soil grows healthier grass and plants, and it reduces the need for additional fertilizers. You

can find mail-in soil kits at your local extension office or through online lab services. Feed the Soil Accordingly Look for an environmentally friendly (phosphate-free if possible) option for adding the needed nutrients, and use only the amount recommended. Excess fertilizing increases nutrient leaching and makes your lawn more prone to disease. Manage Your Lawn Naturally • Adding compost to improve the quality of the soil and increase the number of helpful organisms. • Using powdered kelp to fertilize the grass and stimulate plant growth. • Controlling crabgrass naturally with corn gluten. • Using Epson Salts to safely keep pests away. Add Green Areas with Native Plants You can minimize water usage and maintain soil integrity by using native, drought-tolerant plants. This approach is called xeriscaping. Native plants are a low maintenance addition to your landscape, and because local birds and other animals are used to living around these plants, you’re actually helping to preserve biodiversity in your area. Native plants only need to be watered during establishment, and they’re extremely adaptable to local conditions and to local pests. You can find which plants are native to your region at the US National Arboretum.

Have a question? Ask Kaia! info@kaiamagazine.com “I would love to know how to store my own spices. What methods do you suggest?” - Vicky For such little containers, spices can be expensive! Growing your own herbs and spices is a great way to save money and also to know they are truly organic. Many people swear by using them fresh from the garden or indoor herb box, but they can be stored and saved just like the store-bought kind. If you have empty spice jars, just wash, dry, and reuse. It’s important to make sure your spices are completely dry or they can get moldy in storage. Once thoroughly dried, you can place the spices in the tightly sealed jar. Store your new spices in a cabinet away from sunlight so that the flavors stay in tact.

Image by Grzegorz Rejniak

If trying herbs is not your thing, you could freeze them in a vacuum sealed container, or even in ice cubes (great for adding to soups!).

ridding itself of toxins. With that in mind, consider the following: • Drink more water to stay cool and keep your body hydrated. • Set the air conditioning temp 1 degree higher than usual (every degree really makes a difference in electric consumption). • Use fans and ceiling fans to circulate air and keep you comfortable without running A/C as often. • Line dry your clothes so not to heat up the house with the electric dryer. • Keep the dishwasher’s dry setting off. Just open the door to let dishes dry without heating & steaming up the kitchen. Of course, we need to be mindful in extreme heat – and take extra caution with children, elderly people and pets. Overall, your body will adjust to a degree or two warmer than you previously thought was comfortable.

“Do you have any tips for being green while keeping cool in these hot summer months to come?” - Janet When it comes to keeping cool in a green way, one of the first things you can adjust is your mindset. Heat is a natural part of summer, and sweating is the body’s way of

Healthy Summer Snacking |by Stephanie Moram

Being organized and making sure to have healthy nutritious snacks on hand is not always an easy task. Whether you are out and about or staying home for the day, having healthy snacks available makes things more manageable. In the warmer months, we all tend to be out of the house more often taking in the rays. It is much better for our health, and our wallet, to have something ready and available to grab when the hunger sets in. To makes things easier, prepare your snacks at the beginning of the week. Cut up veggies or fruit, boil a bunch of eggs for the week, or mix up nuts and dried fruit ahead of time. This will leave you more time to enjoy good friends or read a favorite book and not have to stress about what everyone is going to eat. Stock up on your favorite healthy snack ideas and have more time to do what you love this summer!

What are some of your favorite healthy snacks? Tell us on our Facebook wall!

Try these eight simple snacks to get your summer off to a yummy and stress-free start! • Sliced raw veggies. Whatever you have available at the time. Try cucumber slices - they are so refreshing on a hot day! • Fresh fruit or jazz it up and make a fruit salad. • Water. It’s a must on hot days and often what your body is really needing when you think you want a snack. Add fruit to make it a little extra special! • Boiled eggs. (Want to skip the water? Place your eggs in a muffin tin and bake for 30 minutes at approx. 320°F) • Fruit pops. All you really need is juice and fruit. Mix up orange juice and fruit slices, pour into a popsicle mold, and freeze.

• Trail mix is so easy to make. Simply mix up whatever nuts and dried fruits you have on hand and store in a sealable container. Voila. The easiest snack ever. Don’t forget to indulge on occasion and add some dark chocolate! • Smoothies. They fill you up and are packed with nutrients. They are a great way to add more fiber, fruit, and vegetables into your diet. They are also fairly easy to bring on the road if you need to. A mason jar makes a great travel cup! • Homemade fruit bars and granola bars are quite simple to make. Prepare a large batch ahead of time and have them handy for road trips or when you need a nutritious snack at home.

Green on a Budget Farmers’ Market Shopping

With

Mindfully

Frugal Mom

Sarah

How to Save Money At the Farmers’ Market There’s nothing like going to the Farmer’s Market. Loud, bustling, filled with exuberant life, and can’t-miss people watching. It’s entertainment just to be there. But you can also save money by purchasing your produce at the Farmer’s Market. 1. The number one way to save money at the Farmer’s Market is to go one hour before closing time. Farmers don’t want to transport their goods home, so they may be more willing to bargain. Make an offer! But if you do this, make sure you are prepared to use what you buy. Yes, you may take home a bushel of apples for $5, but know you’ll either have to share them, or spend an afternoon making applesauce. 2. Get to know the vendors and farmers at your market. When you establish a personal relationship, sellers may set aside products specifically for you, or give you a discount. Also, the more you know about the farmer, the more you know about how your food is grown. 3. Don’t be afraid to haggle, respectfully. The best deals are those where both parties win. So buy multiple items from a single seller, and ask for a quantity discount. Ask to purchase less than perfect produce for less than retail: bruised peaches still make delicious pie. 4. Choose what’s in season. You’ll get the best deals on what is abundantly in season at this second. Right now is a great time for deals on asparagus, peas, greens, rhubarb, and early strawberries.

Want to know more about living Green on a Budget?

Images by Jacqie Q Photography

Green on a Budget

Farmers’ Market Shopping Tips 1. If it’s not in season, don’t expect to find it, and if you do - know that it’s most likely not local. Looking for something that you don’t see? Ask when your favorite items are season, so that you can be prepared and not miss out. 2. If the produce is blemished - that’s a good sign! Flawless fruits and vegetables have likely been sprayed with pesticides, and possibly even grown with chemical fertilizers. 3. Want to know if it’s organic? Talk to the vendors and ask them about their farming practices and chances are that they’ll love to share! You’ll get to find out more about your food and the people who work to grow it. Many farmers will even share valuable tips on how to grow your own!

4. Before you buy, walk-through and check out the quality and prices to be sure that you’re getting the best quality at the best price. Freshness and quality are key. 5. Bring your reusable bags. Forgot yours? Many markets sell reusables, so take it as a great opportunity to support your local market and do your part for the environment. 6. Reuse. Ask vendors if they would like their containers back to reuse. Often times they welcome back items like baskets and jars. They may even welcome the ones you end up with from the grocery store! 7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Farmers are proud of what they sell and most are happy to tell you anything you want to know!

Send your questions to info@kaiamagazine.com & you could see them here!

Choosing the

Right Food

for Your Pet

|by Lily Hoffman

Every day we have a choice; we can choose between going to a greasy, fast food restaurant and ordering a double cheeseburger for every meal, or we can choose to eat something with balanced nutrients that is good for our bodies. Some days are more of a struggle than others for us humans, but our pets don’t get that choice. They eat what we give them, day in and day out. The quality of pet food was never something I really thought about until we adopted a dog that had horrific food allergies. His armpits, legs, and insides of his ears all broke out in terrible hives. I was suddenly faced with identifying his food allergies, and finding him a new food that he could eat without spending his life on steroids and benadryl. I was quickly overwhelmed with information on what I should be feeding my animals and I was horrified to find that what I had been feeding my pets for years was the bottom of the barrel as far as ingredients and nutritional content is concerned.

The first and foremost rule in finding dog food is to read the ingredient list. Familiarize yourself with what should be in the food, and what shouldn’t be. Common

offenders in the “don’t list” include wheat, corn, soy and something vaguely listed as “animal byproducts.” Wheat, corn and soy top the list as they are nothing more than non-nutritive fillers and are common allergens for pets. Think of it as the bread basket on the table at a nice restaurant. It tastes good, and it’s easy to eat, but if you eat too much of it you won’t eat the main part of the meal that contains the good nutrients. If your dog happens to be prone to yeasty ears, these ingredients are most likely the culprit. Animal byproducts (meat byproducts, chicken byproducts, etc.) are a conglomeration of leftover parts of meat from animals broken down for human consumption. This meat is poorly regulated as there are no regulations regarding its handling and is not monitored for nutritive value. People were horrified to learn of the recent news articles talking about the “pink slime” used in the meat industry to bulk up the volume of meat in certain products. These very same chemicals and composition are being fed to pets through well marketed, substandard foods without a second thought.

Learn More ConsumerSearch is a good start to read up on the basic information presented in this article. The Dog Food Project takes a more in depth look about what comprises a good dog food, why certain ingredients are bad, and how to interpret ingredient labels.

What should you be looking for?

Image by Beth Twist

Meat. You want to see lots and lots of meat. The very first item you should see in the ingredient list should be a named meat, not meat byproduct or other ingredient. Also, just like human food, you want to be able to recognize most, if not all ingredients in the list. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that simple. For our pets, the switch to a quality food brought a couple of noticeable changes right away. The immediate impact was a noticeable reduction in size (and smelliness) of our pets waste. I also noticed that the skin conditions my animals had suffered from began to improve. Their coats became glossier, they had less dander, and more importantly, my allergy dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hives cleared up. Another positive benefit that I noticed was that since their nutritional needs were being met more efficiently, they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to eat as much food as they had with lesser quality varieties. While the cost per bag of food went up, the amount I was paying overall stayed the same.

My animals are now happy, healthy, and living the good life and yours can be too!

Dog Food Analysis is a simple to understand website which rates dog foods based on their ingredients. General rule of thumb is that you want to feed your animal a 4 star or above food.

Consider these brands to get you started! Canidae (Dogs) Felidae (Cats) Wellness Innova California Natural Orijen Taste of the Wild Blue Buffalo

Great Finds

We love great products that fit our health and sustainable living standards. Check out some of our favs! Summer Lovin’

What’s better than the gentle scent of line-dried clothes and energy savings? Beats us! Try out this compact retractable clothesline (just $10!) for a space saving option that can fit just about anywhere!

Cool Sips

r’s o t i d e pick

We don’t know about you, but to us summer means iced coffees, frappes and ice cold lemonade. No one wants to be a bummer and waste single-use cups, so say “my cup please!” and do your part by choosing a colorful, BPA free, insulated cold cup like this one from Copco!

Tate’s Natural Miracle Conditioner

This stuff is a do-it-all wonder! It works well to condition hair, nourish skin as a lotion or gentle face wash, makeup remover, and even a laundry softener! This 18 fl oz bottle costs around $20 on Amazon and compares in price (ounce for ounce) with traditional lotions.

Would you like to see your product, or favorite product here? Send an email to info@kaiamagazine.com and let us know!

Bird of Peace

This lovely silver pendant from Brilliant Earth features a conflict free Canadian diamond. At $135 this would make a lovely anniversary or birthday gift for any eco-conscious lady!

Full Flavor, No Guilt!

At just 130 calories per serving, Veggie Pirate Booty makes a delicious, guilt-free snack. You won’t want to share this allnatural, vegan friendly snack. Don’t worry; we won’t tell!

The

3 Rs |by Megan McCoy Dellecese

There’s an earth-friendly craze sweeping the nation, and it’s all about creating a home that produces zero waste. To some, this seems extreme, or daunting, or possibly obsessive, but it’s truly attainable if we are to believe the countless families out there who can attest to being zero-waste. Heck, there are even cities, such as Palo Alto, striving to spread the good word and keep their communities informed about reducing waste. If you still feel that you wouldn’t be able to keep up a zero-waste lifestyle, it may be time to revisit our old friends, once a “trend” in their own right, “the three R’s”: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We all know how important it is to recycle (a term which has pretty much replaced the other two “R’s”), but it’s always wise to reevaluate our efforts, especially at this time of the year when celebrating and caring for Mother Earth is what it’s all about. We’ve got some tips to help make reducing, reusing, and recycling a part of your everyday vocabulary!

REDUCE

“Reducing” is actually at the heart of the zero-waste movement. This is all about analyzing what items need to come into your dwelling and what ends up going straight into the trash or recycling bin. When we reduce, our lives become simpler (and hopefully happier) in the process. • Junk mail is called “junk mail” for a reason. What percentage of incoming mail is “junk

mail” at your house? In order to reduce the amount of unwanted mail, you can call or contact the agent that is continuously sending them directly, or be proactive by marking on each and every donation you make or warranty you fill out: PLEASE DO NOT SELL MY NAME OR ADDRESS. And, of course, you can go one step further by paying all of your bills online, contacting each respective billing agent for their paperless option.

The

• Consider buying bulk products as much as possible. Purchasing the larger bottle of castile soap, for example, means that fewer smaller bottles need to be produced, thus lowering environmental impact. Finding refillable options like shampoo, or bringing your own lightweight, reusable bags for produce and bulk food items, will also reduce the amount of waste coming through your door. Storing these items in glass bottles is healthier than BPA-riddled plastics and will keep your goodies fresh. • Awareness is a wonderful thing. Before you leave the house, take into consideration what you’ll be doing for the day. Will you be grocery shopping, and might you crave (as you usually do) an impromptu cup of coffee? If the answer is yes, be sure to grab your reusable grocery bags and brew a cup for your to-go mug. Or, better yet, make it a habit to keep your grocery bags in the back of your car so that you’re never left empty-handed. The reduction in trash for a day of shopping like this could be several plastic bags and a single-use coffee cup. It may not sound like much, but it adds up and every little bit counts!

3 Rs

items that end up in the trash could find new purposes as storage containers, decorative pieces, and much more if we just look at them from a different perspective. Almost everything can be reconsidered before being tossed into the trash. • Which of your daily routines can be changed? Consider bringing along a travel mug to your local coffee shop every morning, a stainless steel water bottle to keep hydrated, or a small reusable bag and glass containers for those yummy lunches. Getting into the habit of using reusable products (especially when they look really cute!) is a big factor in reducing your carbon footprint. Also, taking a deep look at your paper product use, from paper towels to napkins, is another great change that will also save you some green of another variety; just switch out cloth towels and microfiber rags for paper towels and cloth napkins for paper napkins. Hankies work just as well today as they did for our parents and grandparents, and real plates make any get-together (even a casual barbecue) feel like a special event.

REUSE

A close-knit partner of “reducing,” this is the part of “the three R’s” that asks you to think outside the box and get creative. What other uses can you find for an item that will give it a new chance at life? • Look at things through green-colored glasses. That jar of spaghetti sauce has a pretty cool design to it, doesn’t it? Well, once emptied and cleaned, display flowers from your garden or a nearby field in it. Not only will it look country chic, you’ll be saving one more item from the landfill or saving energy from processing at the recycling center. Many

We just love this ceramic travel mug from Second Chance Ceramics on Etsy!

The

3 Rs • Share the wealth. If you have items hanging around that aren’t getting use or that you’ve been meaning to dispose of, find ways to sell or donate them rather than allowing them to end up in a dump. For example, women’s shelters are more than happy to take unused toiletries (especially when you’ve decided to go an eco-friendly route with your beauty regime and have no idea what to do with the stock-piled shampoos in your closet). You also never know when a friend or family member may get use out of that outdated laptop, currently collecting dust in the office. Just one quick post on Facebook can take that extra doodad or whatchyamacallit off your hands in an instant. And, if that doesn’t work, try selling it on eBay or Craigslist, or giving it away to a stranger on Freecycle. One man’s trash truly is another man’s treasure.

RECYCLE

We all know that recycling, in its essence, means turning waste into something new (sometimes by placing it alongside the week’s garbage and other times by dropping the items off at a center to be processed). There’s recycling, and then there’s smart recycling. Here are a few tips on how to be a smart recycler: • Know what’s recyclable. Call your local recycling center (or waste treatment facility) to find out exactly how your town recycles, and what’s recyclable - all the way down to twist ties and plastic bottle tops to wrapping paper and Styrofoam packing peanuts. If you’re unsure, it’s much wiser to look into it than blindly throwing it in the trash. Also, every area has different rules, be it to separate items or that particular items need to be dropped off individually, so it’s always good to check in to see if you’re in compliance. For still more information on what’s recyclable

and what’s not, check out Earth911.com. • Think outside the box. We all think of the basics when it comes to recycling - paper, plastic, glass - but what about things like motor oil and tires? Check in with your usual service station to see if they take part in recycling used goods. If not, ask around. The idea that these petroleum-based products may be disposed of improperly is enough to make anyone turn into an ecophile. And while you’re at it, find out which repair shops are USING recycled oil and check to see if it would be viable for your own vehicle’s next oil change. • Don’t forget the change. Many people find themselves too bothered by a measly five cents to return cans and bottles for the change, but the payback really adds up. If you find yourself going to the grocery store, check to see if there’s a bottle return area. Oftentimes, five or ten extra minutes spent simply shoving bottles into machines will bring you as much savings as clipping coupons would for a single shopping trip. Other perks to combining a shopping/bottle return trip? There are usually workers manning the bottle area, so if you have some bottles (especially organic beer and other specialty beverages) that the machines won’t take, you can bring them to the attendant and receive a voucher. Also, combining trips is always a great way to save on gas, further lessening your environmental impact. It’s a win-win!

The

3 Rs

! T I D E R To join the advanced placement C A class in zero-waste, consider adding a couple R T X E of new “R” words to your vocabulary. “Refusing” items

that you don’t need or want in your household (as well as communicating this idea to others living under your roof) is a great way to keep tabs on what’s coming through your door and possibly adding to your waste. You can also lessen the amount of trash you put to the curb by composting, or allowing organic foodstuffs and produce to literally “rot” into rich, fertile material for gardening. Whether you’re implementing “the three R’s” into your daily routine or vowing to go 100% zero-waste, pat yourself on the back for taking steps that will be sure to make an impact on the future health of the world around us. Every little bit truly helps.

We Approve! We love our technology, and we really love when gadgets help us live healthier, happier and more sustainable lives. Check back each issue for one of our favorite apps!

Food Gardening Guide by Mother Earth News

This handy app from Mother Earth News provides users with useful tips on growing, harvesting and storing a wide range of vegetables - complete with colorful illustrations!

Price: FREE!

Do you have a favorite Eco-App? Let us know on our Facebook wall!

Pure Indulgence Tropical Vodka Few things say summer like fresh fruit and a cocktail! For this recipe, simply choose your favorite organic vodka and add slices of the fruits you have on hand! Kiwi, Mango, Star Fruit, Clementines and Pineapple are some of our favorites! Need an extra splash of color and flavor?

Enjoy!

Photo by Beatriz Chaim

Try adding some pomegranate juice or a bit of lime!

Naturally Beautiful Naturally Shiny Hair Our secret is Apple Cider Vinegar! It might sound crazy, but we promise that you won’t smell like you just came from a barbecue! Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) makes a great conditioner and will give your hair the extra shine you desire, without the added oils, by helping to close the hair cuticles. Wash your hair as usual and then pour a mixture of 25% ACV to 75% water over your hair and let sit for a minute or two (or longer if you desire!) Rinse, dry and style as usual.

As an extra bonus, ACV is great for clarifying the removing buildup without harming hair colorants. This is a great way to ditch toxin filled “clarifying” shampoos.

Image by Scott Snyder

If the feeling of sleek is what you desire, add a small squirt of your favorite eco-friendly conditioner to your ACV for a that slick feel without losing the benefits of the ACV. Alternatively, you can condition only your ends after you have used your ACV rinse.

Family Matters Homemade Finger Paints with

Calley

Spending time together as a family is important for your children and is a great way for parents to unplug from their routines and focus on their children. My kids enjoy art and craft projects at the kitchen table after school, and one of our favorite activities together is finger painting. You can start finger painting with your children as soon as they can sit upright in a high chair and continue it throughout elementary school. To reduce their exposure to chemicals and artificial dyes, make your own finger paint with a few simple ingredients.

Homemade Finger Paints 3 cups water 1 cup cornstarch natural food dye

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Let your child paint with the mixture on a cookie sheet or other washable surface.

Your child can practice writing their letters, numbers, or drawing shapes in the paint. Mom and Dad may even find it therapeutic to run their fingers through the paint to de-stress after a hard day at work. Have an idea or question for Family Matters? Send it on over to info@kaiamagazine.com & you could see it here!

Image by Nathan

For babies and toddlers who may be tempted to taste the paint while playing, use colored pudding or yogurt instead. You can start with a vanilla pudding and add fruit juice or natural food dyes to create a rainbow of colors.

The Seasons of Pregnancy |by M. Danielle Bergum Perinatal Educator at Esali Birth

A mother who conceives during the colder months has the benefits of reduced activity in winter during the first trimester when she is feeling low on energy and during the more delicate period of gestation. A pickup of activity during the spring and summer is perfect timing for the more energetic second trimester. A harvest of wonderful nutrients right before birth helps to build blood levels, develop the baby’s brain, and prepare for the energy needs of healing during postpartum. Mom has the ability of soaking up an abundance of sunshine which increases her baby’s vitamin D stores for the winter months (as well as her own for breastfeeding), and she is prepping for this life changing event with nothing more than daily chores and casual activity. Maybe this is nature’s efficient design for our species’ survival.

Babbling creeks with spring rain provide a lulling harmony for emotional balance when mom wants to take a walk in the woods. The warm air and quiet spring breeze is a welcome change to the chills of winter, and mom is ready to get outside and enjoy her growing baby. I can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Walking during pregnancy has a variety of benefits including increased stamina for labor and birth, proper posture for pelvic floor tone and decreased back stress, and aligning the baby in the pelvis for smooth movement through the birth canal. Walking 30 minutes daily is a great way of keeping stamina up for an unknown length of labor. Swimming is another activity that is easier to enjoy in the warmer months which not only has the same benefits of walking, but the added advantage of increasing circulation and making mom feel weightless. There’s nothing better than a few laps to get healthy while easing back pain and leg tension. Ensuring you can carry on a conversation during your activity is a great trick for keeping the heart rate and oxygen levels at a steady point. With all this exercise, mom also needs to ensure she stays hydrated.

Image by Roberts Family Photography

There is something wonderful about creating new life in the midst of spring, your belly blossoming with the flowers and your skin glistening in the sun. Embracing the warmer season is an excellent way of staying healthy and fit for a wonderful birth experience. From seasonal activities to nutrients at your fingertips, this is one of the easiest times of year for prenatal health. Is there something more than boredom to the baby-making trends of the colder months?

Seasons of Pregnancy Hydration may be a bit more difficult during warm spells with more activity but a steady flow of water to the system aids in digestion, circulation, and perspiration. Keep a sports bottle with you at all times to encourage consistent sips. A slice of cucumber in your water can aid in natural electrolyte balance without the additives of commercial sports drinks. Likewise, you can spritz up your water with a handful of fresh berries (or frozen if you like your water ice cold) for a refreshing flavor that provides a splash of vitamins and minerals. There isn’t a set limit of water intake as long as you’re drinking to thirst, and you can recognize your body’s thirst symptoms. Remember, feeling thirsty signifies that you’re already dehydrated. Some recommendations

include at least 96 ounces of water daily during pregnancy, but you also want to listen to your body and avoid gorging yourself, especially to the point of limiting food intake. Healthy food selections limit your body’s need of receiving hydration from only pure water sources. Gardening provides an efficient way of obtaining healthy food for you and your growing baby. Locally grown produce isn’t only cheaper; it actually provides you with more nutrients than purchased options because you can keep most of the food ripening on the vine until just before meal time. A local farmer’s market can supplement a limited garden space, but your baby will thank you for any time spent in the dirt.

Image by Roberts Family Photography

The

Years ago, all families had gardens; and women werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pampered by lying back during pregnancy. They were tending the gardens, planting, and harvesting food throughout the warm season which has the added benefit of prepping mom for birth. Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huntergatherer lifestyle is the perfect physical prep for the stamina and strength needed for birth. Squatting was an accustomed method of food gathering- a posture that does wonders for our pregnant body and growing baby by opening the pelvis up to 30% larger while also strengthening muscles and stretching the pelvic ligaments. This creates a toned pelvic floor for birth and postpartum healing, a baby that tucks his chin for a smooth birth, and a mom with back muscles that proficiently support the growing fetus. Now she is exercising and gathering nutrients for

Seasons of Pregnancy

her baby with a simple daily activity. Are you seeing a trend here? Maybe it is coincidence, but it makes sense as to why some studies show a rise in both male and female testosterone levels as the summer fades, and why August and September are consistently the months that most babies are born (in the US). Testosterone, a sex-driving hormone in both sexes, also increases as stress is reduced, likely happening after the growing season is over; and mom and dad are set for a relaxing winter. If you were warming up by a crackling fire and enjoying what may appear to be a human mating season, take advantage of the little extra effort needed to stay healthy and fit through a spring and summer gestation while you ripen alongside earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harvest. K

Two Veggies at the Table

(and I’m not talking about broccoli and carrots…) Pa r t 2

How to “Start”

|by Brianna Inskeep

Making sure nutritional needs are met is the next thing to think about as a vegetarian baby approaches one year-old. Breastfeeding can supply an abundance of nutrients, but if the baby has weaned from breastfeeding or formula, it’s time to think about filling in the nutritional gaps. Depending upon a child’s specific age and dietary limits, several foods can be introduced in the second year that can become staples of the child’s diet. This is also the time that the child will most likely want to eat what Mommy and Daddy have on their plate – so if Mom and Dad are happily chowing down on tofu and broccoli stir-fry, chances are the child will happily eat it as well. I aim for a protein in each meal, and it’s surprisingly easy. One must-have staple in our house is all-natural nut butter. We have tried and like several varieties, but we always come back to good ol’ peanut butter (our favorite brand is Whole Foods 365 All Natural Peanut

Image by Zsuzsanna Kilian

I really had no game plan when it was time for my daughter to start eating solid foods, which I introduced at six months old. Her first food was a fresh smashed avocado – an incredibly healthy alternative to the nutritional-void that is known as baby cereal. After that, we moved on to homemade purees such as baked sweet potato, peas, banana, applesauce, and green beans. I made almost all of her food and stored it in the fridge or freezer in reused glass jars. As she grew older, I made meal combinations such as organic macaroni and cheese with peas (which she loves to this day). Since she was still under a year old, food was not where she was getting most of her calories and nutrition from, and therefore there was no need to worry about the protein and vitamins she was “missing” from not having meat in her diet. Another way to say this is, it is a myth that meat must be introduced to one’s diet - at any point.

Butter, followed by Earth Balance). Peanut butter is delicious, unprocessed, and if you choose the right brand, delightfully free of fillers and trans fats. Lightly sautĂŠed tofu can be a tasty snack for a toddler. Silken tofu is also easily blended into fruit and milk for a high protein smoothie. I also am fond of making homemade macaroni and cheese and adding in various chopped vegetables, such as broccoli. Seitan (seasoned wheat gluten) is another wonderful meat-alternative, having a texture similar somewhat similar to chicken or steak but with a milder flavor. Beans are one of the cheapest and healthiest ways to add protein and nutrients to a meal, and eggs, whether scrambled or hard boiled, are affordable, healthy, and easy for little ones to eat. As far as premade vegetarian foods go, one of Bellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite lunches is Tofurky on whole wheat bread. I try to limit her processed vegetarian foods, but they are convenient and tasty, and

still much better than standard processed lunch meats. Lastly, a good quality multivitamin is extra insurance for a vegetarian (or really, anyone who wants to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs for optimal health). The best route is to research vitamins and find one that meets you or your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Relying on whatever you can find at the store may work for some, but invest some time into other brands that may have a better mix of vitamins and nutrients.

In our next issue:

Two Veggies at the Table School age children and the government lunch program. 29

It’s All About Dad Dad Deserves to Be Pampered Too Being “manly” doesn’t have to mean harsh scents and toxic chemicals. Treat the man in your life to the soothing ingredients found in Weleda’s line of men’s facial care products.

Mmm... Coffee!

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of coffee brewing in the morning. Make Dad’s extra nice with some delicious Fair Trade, Organic Coffee from Equal Exchange. Serve it up in a sweet hand turned mug, like this one from Julie Knowles Pottery, and watch his cares melt away.

E t @

Try out these great gift ideas to leave the men in your life feeling trĂ¨s loved!

Comfy Cozy

And sustainably fashionable! These flips from Okabashi offer arch support and the feeling of doing good! All Okabashi shoes are 100% Recyclable - you can even send them right back to Okabashi!

Enter n i W o t a! i a K @

Sweet Treat

Help Dad indulge with a creamy treat from Coconut Bliss! Their delicious ice cream comes in a large variety of flavors without the laundry list of crazy, tummy troubling ingredients!

Visit KaiaMagazine.com for your chance to win three pints and this sweet, organic Coconut Bliss Tee!

Dads Go Techie

Reading isn’t just for Mom’s book club. Get the father in your life the all new Kindle Fire to give him an excuse to read, relax, play games and even chill while kicking back and watching a movie! At just $200, this is the hottest, most affordable tablet around.

Sweet Sweet Toppings

Like a cherry on top, round Dad’s gift off with a gift card to pick up his favorite music, movies, books, games and more!

Prophylactic

Dad’s hot toys need protection too. Try this handsome handmade option from Adimaa on for size.

It’s All About Dad Better Than Boy Flowers

Buy your dad his fav local or micro-brewed beer. Great Lakes Brewing Company serves their beer with a focus on sustainability as the “Triple Bottom Line”. You can even read all about the steps they are taking on their website.

Real Men Drink Tea Too While Dad is relaxing with his new Kindle, serve him up a cup of delicious green tea, like this from Choice. No sweeteners required!

Don’t Forget the Basics

Sometimes all it takes is a simple card to remind the one you love what they mean to you. Check out these handmade, hip and funny Father’s Day Card options from Julie Ann Art.

Discover A Meaningful Vacation with a

Farm Stay |by Megan McWilliams

n 2007, I had the opportunity to stay at Knoll Farm in Vermont for a week with a group of very inspiring environmentalists. My daughter dubbed the adventure â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farm Campâ&#x20AC;? and it stuck. The forward-thinking Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation thought it would be a good idea for a few of us to go up to Knoll Farm, and while we were being bathed in the beauty of the natural environment of this working farm, our minds might open to solutions to some of the challenges facing our communities in terms of sustainability.

We meditated in a yurt every day and otherwise lived, ate and breathed a natural daily farm life, which had the effect of bringing all of us back in contact with simple priorities. Our

discussions about community, sustainability, and all the elements involved in creating these things, evolved throughout the week - a brilliant way of putting us in a fertile (literally) environment where fresh ideas could grow and ripen. I came home with a very refreshed perspective on everything and even 5 years later, I feel the effects. We made wooden spoons while we were there, and I was given a gorgeous wooden bowl that I used for every meal during my stay at the farm. I still prefer to eat out of my wooden bowl from that week, as a reminder of that connection to food, nature and community that I need so frequently!

There are many wonderful farms that offer similar experiences on a variety of levels. You can focus on family, do more or less actual farming, go with a group, volunteer at an organic farm or go as a student to learn about sustainable farming techniques. If you have ever dreamed of being a farmer, this experience could be wonderful in either energizing that dream or making it clear that it is a fun experience for a vacation, but perhaps not as a vocation! FarmStayUS.com is a wonderful website that has a thorough listing of farms all over the country that offer farm stay programs that range from $25 – over $200 per night. It even

has a search function to find locations that allow for pets or accommodate children under 12 as well. If you want to spend little or no money and be more involved, consider a WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) experience. WWOOFing is a way to learn practical farming skills, be part of the organic agriculture movement, and experience the heart of American agrarian culture. Consider a “farm camp” experience as a meaningful alternative vacation this summer. You’ll be glad you did!

DIY for a Cause with

Herban Crafts is a for-profit social enterprise that offers kits to teach consumers how to make their own earth-friendly products. The company is co-founded by Mary Kearns, an owner of the bath and beauty company, Herban Lifestyle, and Karen Lee, a sustainable business owner and blogger of Ecokaren. The Herban Crafts kits are designed to appeal to consumers who love to create, are interested in Do-It-Yourself (DIY), and care about health, wellness and the environment. Unlike similar products, Hearban Crafts kits benefit a social cause. Herban Crafts is on a mission to help address the problem of unemployment, a contributing factor to homelessness, by offering a hands-on job and social skills training program for unemployed women living in transitional housing.

How does Herban Crafts help unemployed women? The kits will be assembled, in part, by unemployed women living in transitional housing who will work in the context of a job and social skills training program run by Masters level counselors. The kit materials will be transported to the non-profit facilities where the trainees are housed, thus eliminating potential transportation barriers.

How does Herban Crafts kit differ from all the others? Herban Crafts kits are not frivolous or useless crafts that become trash after the thrill of making them is gone. The end product is practical, educational and sustainable since they are made with all natural ingredients. Refills are available for the kits to reduce packaging. The kits are perfect for anyone who loves to create and benefit from a truly safe, all-natural end product that lends itself to the greater good. Herban Craft kits are unique in that they will feature the highest quality organic and fair trade ingredients. While some bath and body crafting kits available on the market use natural ingredients, most do not offer organic or fair trade, both of which carry great importance. In addition, many alternative kits are laden with artificial colorants, fragrances, preservatives, phthalates, parabens, and other unsavory toxins. All Herban Crafts ingredients have been carefully chosen so to minimize the likelihood of allergic reactions on the part of the user and those assembling the kids. All essential oils are chosen with the safety of pregnant women and children in

mind. Customers will be able to produce organic and natural products that are valued higher than the cost of the kit if they were to purchase the products at retail.

Herban Crafts will initially offer 6 different craft kits: • • • • • •

Body Scrub & Lip Scrub Fizzing Bath Salts Mint Cocoa Lip Balm Bath Tea & Facial Steam Herbal Soap Citrus Spice Cologne

They will review feedback to determine what consumers want. They also have ideas in mind to include products outside of the health and beauty niche in the future.

DIY for a Cause

How else is Herban Crafts Earthfriendly and sustainable? Herban Crafts takes sustainability very seriously and makes sure to use materials that they would let their own family members use. The ingredients in their kits are ethically sourced, cruelty free, and many are certified organic. There are no synthetic chemicals only natural or certified organic ingredients. They pride themselves on being transparent about their ingredients and where they come from. Herband Crafts went beyond choosing recyclable materials. Packaging materials are ALL recyclable, compostable, reusable, and biodegradable. The box is made from 100% post consumer product and is specifically chosen because of its reusability and recyclability.

All printed materials are done using soy inks and the only plastic in the entire packaging material is the tiny essential oil bottle cap that customers can return for recycling.

Where will Herban Crafts be sold? In addition to their website and Etsy, Herban Crafts is planning to sell to boutique gift stores, museum shops, nature stores, and even momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groups who are interested in home parties. Herban Crafts is currently having a crowd funding campaign on StartSomeGood.com through June 28th. Supporters will not only have a chance to help the company but also contribute to their mission.

DIY kits will be available starting June 1, 2012. For more information, please visit the Herband Crafts website.

Learning How to Love Mother Earth

Eco Home Earth Friendly DIY Twitter Parties Natural Parenting Cloth Diapering & More!

www.TheEcoChic.com

natural rem for Summer Ailments

One of the most exciting things about summer is being able to spend more time outdoors with friends and family. With that can also come some unexpected bumps, bites, and stings from some of natures most unfriendly residents. Try these tips to treat the most common summer ailments and keep harmful chemicals off of yourself and your loved ones? Mosquitos, ants, bees, and other biting or stinging insects can leave you red and itching when they attack. Here are a few simple solutions to help sooth the itch and relieve swelling using some household items every first aid kit should have.

Baking Soda

Make a paste by adding a few drops of water to a spoonful of baking soda and apply to the bite. Leave it on the bite for as long as you can.

Lavender

Spray a solution of lavender and water (or choose a carrier oil like co-

conut, almond or jojoba) on the bite to stop the itch and reduce the swelling.

Jewelwood (from Impatients)

Steep to make a tea and spray it on the bite to stop the itch.

Prevent Bug Bites Naturally

• Wear long sleeves and pants when bugs are active. • Avoid skin care products with fragrances that attract bugs. • Eat lots of garlic or drink 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to make your blood less tasty. • Use a homemade bug spray by mixing 1025 drops of essential oils like lemon balm (citronella), pennyroyal, or lavender along with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle and spray lightly when you are going to be outdoors.

Image by G Schouten de Jel

Bug Bites

medies

|by Calley Pate

Poison Ivy Whether you are hiking or gardening, sometimes it’s hard to avoid poison ivy. If you happen to be sensitive to the plant you’ll know within a few hours that you’ve come in contact with it as those pesky red bumps start to appear and the itching begins. You can pump up on your zinc, calcium and betacarotene (through vitamins or diet) to help speed the healing process. To reduce the itch mix 1 tsp. of water with 3 tsp of dry ingredient (pick one: cornstarch, baking soda, oatmeal, or Epsom salts) and make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected skin.

Sunburn Did you spend a few minutes too long outside and get a little pink in the skin? Soothe your sunburn with a solution of lavender essential oils (40 drops) in about 2 ounces of a carrier oil like coconut, almond or jojoba. Apply the oil frequently to the burn to stop the pain. Remember that the best tip for avoiding sun-

burns is to cover up, stay in the shade, and avoid the peak hours between 10 am - 4 pm when the sun is most damaging. If you want to use sunscreen during those peak hour refer to the Environmental Working Group's 2012 Sunscreen Guide for a list of safer sunscreens.

Jellyfish Stings If you frequent the beaches you may occasionally come in contact with some annoying sea creatures; jellyfish! While most of us will never come in contact with the large killer jellyfish we may get stung by those tiny little ones. Regardless of their size their sting can still leave you crying in pain. To relieve the sting spray with some distilled white vinegar.

With these natural remedies you and your family can relax knowing that you won’t have to apply any toxic chemicals to your skin while enjoying the great outdoors. Building a natural first aid kit can be easy and inexpensive. Stay safe this summer and remember to have a little fun!

rendezvous

Adventurous Sex

You don’t have to be into S&M to be adventurous when it comes to sex - let’s get that misconception out of the way before we continue on here. You don’t even have to be that wild in bed. The one thing you really need to be able to feel adventurous in the sack? Comfort and trust between your and your partner; a little selfconfidence goes a long way too. Armed with these tools, your sex life can be interesting day after day, year after year. I bring up adventurous sex because the summer season is upon us; and well, it always makes me sort of frisky. First of all, we can wear less clothes. Then there is the fact that we get to hang out outside for three straight months and that got me thinking on some of the wonderful trysts I have had with my husband in the summer months. My husband and I have been together nearly nine years - married for two. We enjoy a healthy sex life and an ever-changing one at that. But this time of year I’m always taken back to this one encounter we had with another.... allow me to set the stage.

We live on a beautiful property which is surrounded by Cedar trees that mask most of the yard. We have almost no neighbors to speak of, unless you count the farm “down the way” and

the development that sprung up a corn field over. We love to entertain and throw musical bashes a couple of times a year. We do not skimp on the details and everyone pitches in to make our parties the things of legends. We make sure the beer is flowing, the fire pit is growling, the sweat lodge is sweating, and the live bands are wailing on our own home-built stage. One day flows into the next, and back in our hay day Friday could turn to Tuesday before we knew it. That was precisely the type of weekend we were having one late spring day. There had been people over for days. We had danced, cooked on the fire, and lazed about in the sun. After several days, the last person had disembarked from our abode; and there we found

with

Bossy Italian Wife

Billie Criswell

ourselves, fireside with the embers still burning - and all alone. I remember turning to see the look in his eyes: the look of love. There we found ourselves in the open air, with the smell of fire wafting through the air, laying on a blanket, making love unabashedly. It was glorious with the sun beginning it’s decent and the weekend coming so pleasantly to an end. It was the perfect moment of freedom in the most natural senses of the word. It made me feel adventurous, and I will never forget it. Neither will my husband. Of course, that wasn’t the first time we had made love outside... there had been times when we would be sauced; and having so many roommates at one time or another, we excused ourselves outside for a bit of pleasure. There were times I woke up with bark under my nails and only then remembered that I had used them to grip a tree while he took me from behind! These moments made me feel free, alive, and sexually adventurous. Are they the world’s raciest instances of couples getting busy? Certainly not. They aren’t even the most racy moments I’ve had, to be honest, but being adventurous doesn’t have to be entirely racy - it just has to break you out of your comfort zone a bit.

Being adventurous will likely be more clearly defined on an individual level. For some people it just means having sex with the lights on. For others it’s trying anal sex. That is what I have always loved about sex though; there is, quite literally, no wrong way to do it! This summer season, I challenge you to find a new, adventurous way to make love with your partner(s). Whether it be something you have always wanted to try (like making love fireside) or perhaps something your partner may have mentioned (like role playing), why not get cozy and give it a whirl? Sex should be fun, and it should feel great. When you are honest about your pleasure, there is an entire world of adventure that awaits you!

Consci

Nearly every single woman in this country owns at least one piece of jewelry. Chances are, you own at least one piece of gold and at least one piece with diamonds, especially if you have an engagement ring or wedding band. But what are the origins of these goods? Most of us are familiar with the term ‘blood diamond’, but what does it mean? And why are so many eco-friendly jewelry options popping up everywhere? It’s because more and more people are realizing the often devastating effects of jewelry production on people and the environment. Thankfully, as with everything in this world, there are options that are better for the environment and made without sacrificing the beauty of jewelry.

What Is “Eco-Friendly” Jewelry?

Anyone can come along and tag their goods as eco-friendly. Sometimes the tag is accurate, other times it’s not. It will take a little reading to determine whether or not each individual jeweler is actually committing to practices that nurture the environment and gem miners.

One option when buying gold jewelry is to research certified post-consumer recycled gold. The process of mining brand new gold is environmentally devastating, and the truth is that there is already enough gold that there shouldn’t be a high demand for mining more. As usual, it comes back to recycling. Lots of people trade in old gold jewelry and watches, and that gold can be used to

Image by Benjamin Earwicker

ionable Jewels

|by Brianna Inskeep

create brand new pieces of jewelry. This decreases the pressure for new harvested gold and is a great step in the right direction.

What Is Fair Trade Jewelry?

It can mean different things according to what source is consulted, but in essence, it should at least encapsulate fair wages, labor regulation, and community benefit. This helps to ensure that the people working in the mines are receiving protection and fair wages for their work. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the communities where the work takes place.

What About Diamonds?

Marilyn said they’re a girl’s best friend, but I wouldn’t want a conflict diamond as my best friend. Conflict, or blood diamonds, are defined as a diamond that comes from a mine that funds things like rebels, civil conflict, a repressive regime, or a diamond that was mined with unreasonable labor conditions. Who wants to sport something on their finger mined under such conditions? Most knowing individuals would not and for good reason. Finding a non-conflict diamond can be difficult. A Certificate of Origin is an excellent first step, as it will trace the diamond from the mine to the jewelry store. There are other measures you can take to ensure the diamond is of ethical origin. Additionally, diamonds from mines

in Canada, for example, are an excellent option.

When it comes to costume jewelry or everyday jewelry, there are a plethora of American designers who have a zest for creating one-of-akind pieces using recycled materials which is a great alternative to buying brand new jewelry at the mall. Some examples include artists who create pieces from recycled beer glass and soda bottles. Other artists make jewelry from recycled, salvaged, or re-purposed materials, ensuring that each piece is truly unique.

What To Choose

Read customer reviews, the artist’s “About Us” page, or their philosophy. This should help to get a more complete picture of the artist’s ecostance and how the piece was made. Like other environmentally conscious decisions we make, it first starts with education and awareness. The literature on the mining and harvesting of gold and gems is fascinating and often can be saddening. There is good news though - It gets easier all the time to find beautiful jewelry that is conscionably made.

Maybe the phrase should be altered to read, “Conflict-free diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” K

Local Focus

Local Focus In this issue:

Prescott, WI

Have a favorite local artisan or shop? Let us know and they could be featured in an upcoming issue!

The Arbor Inn

Bed & Breakfast with John

& Deb Sherman

Nestled in a quiet, secluded corner of historic Prescott, WI is the oasis of tranquility otherwise known as The Arbor Inn Bed & Breakfast. Owned and operated by John & Deb Sherman, it really is the embodiment of their motto; Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate. Their website even boasts that some of their guests tell them that stepping in the door of the inn immediately brings the feeling of warmth and home. In a recent conversation with John and Deb, it came up that one couple that are frequent guests of the inn are the ones who coined the term “The Arbor Inn Oasis” after calling it their private oasis. Another couple said that they feel like there is a cloud surrounding the grounds of the Inn, stopping any and all stress from entering the Inn with you. One of the best things about the Arbor Inn is its proximity

to the Twin Cities Metro Area. A short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities and you can find yourself relaxing away in the hospitality that The Arbor Inn is known for. As for John and Deb, they didn’t start out with grand plans to own a bed and breakfast. They aren’t even from Wisconsin or Minnesota! They are actually transplants from Colorado. Yes, you read that right. They left the Colorado Rockies behind, took what one might call a leap of faith and landed in the St. Croix River Valley and found a new home in The Arbor Inn. It was as if life had been leading them there all along, although that road was filled with twists, turns, raising children and over 20 years of friendship shared between them.

Local Focus Some might question why a Bed & Breakfast would be considered eco-friendly. While ecofriendly travel is on the rise and more hotels, resorts and smaller inns are changing over to a more sustainable way of doing business, John and Deb have been doing all of this from the start because it’s just who they are. Some of the things they have already implemented include serving, fresh, organic and local foods, both vegetables and meat, whenever available. One really important thing that sets them apart from the others is that they will accommodate any special dietary request. Actually, this is just one of the many aspects of running the inn that they love, as the challenge of finding and creating new recipes, that are tasty & nutritious, keeps them on their toes. To make sure each guests stay is unique and special, Deb keeps track of every guest’s orders and what they are served from stay to stay so that when they come back to the Inn they won’t get served a food item more than once unless requested! (We highly recommend the popovers for the breakfast wake-up tray. So yummy!) Speaking of food, John and Deb have always been avid cooks and hosts so it makes sense to anyone who knows them that they ended up opening a B&B. As a guest you are treated like royalty. When you first check in to the Inn you are greeted with open arms, and while your bags are magically whisked away to your room, one half of this dynamic duo will show you where all the yummy treats that are available to you during your stay are hidden. Deb’s famous baked goods are always tempting you from the dining room credenza and more than one guest has been known to cut a slice of cake for a midnight snack. Each room is so unique that it really is hard to pick which one to stay in. Every room includes towels and lush robes, fresh water, a flat screen

TV & DVD player, as well as air conditioning for when it’s hot and humid outside. It is truly the little things that set each of the rooms apart. The Silhouette Room is known for its outdoor hot tub while each of the other three rooms have jacuzzi/whirlpool tubs for two, with the Garden Room having an extra deep tub that you actually need a step stool to get in and out of. The Hide-A-Way room looks small until you see what is hidden away when french doors open to show off a sprawling bathroom that is perfect for a late night retreat. The Longworth Room is the fan favorite. Its fireplace, private balcony and in-room hot tub, which allows you to see both the fireplace and the television, almost steal the show. It is the four course breakfast that seals the deal. The optional wake-up tray appears at 8:00 with a cheerful knock on your door. Anyone who turns down this treat is crazy! Be it popovers, muffins, scones or some other baked treat, paired with coffee, tea or hot chocolate, it really is the perfect way to start your day. After that you have the option of eating in your room, the dining room, or one of the two grape vine covered porches. Breakfast service starts at 9:00 and begins with an appetizer of something along the lines of mangoes and blueberries, cranberry applesauce or brown sugar broiled grapefruit. The main dish soon follows and varies from savory to sweet but is always something unexpected and delicious. One thing you must remember is to always save room for dessert. You never know what the surprise will be but be prepared to be pampered with anything from a fresh fruit smoothie to decadent cappuccino cheesecake. In addition to the amenities that are included in the price of your stay, you can choose to add on a number of different packages, including Deb’s natural health services. Deb Sherman is

Local Focus

a nationally certified massage therapist in multiple modalities including but not limited to, Swedish massage, Neuromuscular/Deep Tissue, Raindrop/Herbal Treatment, Aromatherapy, TMJ pain relief and Reflexology treatments. Couples massages can be arranged as well, and if you don’t have time for a full massage treatment, chair massages are also offered to help work out the kinks and to make sure that your stay at the Arbor Inn is as perfect as possible. In tune with their holistic lifestyle, when it comes time for upgrades they like to keep sustainability in mind. They chose to upgrade their windows to new high efficiency options and the hot tub to saltwater. They also recycle or reuse when possible, use only natural cleaning products, and offer guests who are staying multiple nights the option of reusing their towels, robes and linens to conserve energy and resources. They really like to “keep things local” by supporting the businesses around them. All of their stoneware mugs, candles and chocolates are locally made. Even their website encourages guests to explore the local culture, nature parks and restaurants. For John and Deb everything is a learning experience and as they travel the road of owning their own piece of paradise they are looking

to add even more sustainable and eco-friendly practices into their everyday lives. Currently they are looking to pair up with a new, local CSA (Community Sustained Agriculture) to offer in season, locally grown fruits and vegetables and are looking at a few options for meat CSAs as well. They are even learning more about composting and the benefits that it may hold for the inn. As new opportunities present themselves, they are always open and willing to learn and adapt to make sure they are living and offering the healthiest and best products available. Prior guests and local businesses will tell you that what helps make the Shermans and The Arbor Inn different is the Shermans themselves. They treat you like family and enjoy giving back. Every guest or referral from a previous guest receives a discount for future stays, they are quick to refer you to local businesses for anything you might need or want, that they don’t already have, and they are also very generous when it comes to supporting local charities and charities that guests are involved with. Also, for every 300 “likes” that their Facebook page gets, they give out a free room! So ‘like’ away and tell your friends! You just might find yourself staying in the private oasis known as The Arbor Inn Bed & Breakfast. K

tips for Eco-Conscious Travel |by Blessing Oshin

With the winter blues over and the skies clearer than ever, it is easier to daydream about an escape somewhere relaxing, refreshing, and most especially, fun. But, as an eco-pragmatist, I know that it is not easy to keep things 100% green and eco-friendly once you step outside your natural habitat. When traveling, one can't count on the next meal to be hormone-free without paying through the nose or guarantee that the next coffee will come in an eco-friendly container. If you are looking for ideas on how to support eco-friendly practices while you are away from home, read on.

1) Pick an Earth-Focused

Location & Travel Domestic While all-inclusive resorts have their perks, maintaining sustainable practices are generally not their focus. Support a National Park (intent on preserving our nation’s wild spaces) by camping, picnicking, using the trails, or just go sightseeing. If you envision National Parks as all campgrounds and wild

animals, think again. They can be posh, too! Check out The Inn at the Presidio, in Presidio National Park, an historic building that was recently renovated according to LEED standards. “Ethical and sustainable operations and green management will come naturally to the Inn at the Presidio,” says Terry Haney, the Inn’s General Manager. Rooms starting at $195 The Inn at the Presidio--Reservations.

2) Reusable Water Bottles You might be tempted to purchase bottled water when in a new town or city and unfamiliar with their water supply. Most cities have perfectly-fine water sources but you can be sure by using Environmental Working Group’s “What’s in Your Water” tool. Bring your reusable bottle and have no fear. Tap water is free and readily-available. Don’t forget about travel coffee mugs, even if you are a tea person. You don't want to end up using styro-foam after each caffeine fix. It's best to bring your own cup, and rinse it after each use.

Outdoor area at the Presidio - Photo by Paul Dyer

3) Travel Light & Wear Eco-Friendly Clothing for Comfort Purchase and pack clothing items that can do double-duty. Lightweight, versatile clothing such as this fairly-traded linen pant make clothing decisions simple. Check your local thrift store as well.

4) Carry Your Own Personal Care Items Even if the hotel provides eco-friendly toiletries, do the environment a favor and bring your own. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll create less waste and save on the resources used to make more products for guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consumption.

5) Eat Local When visiting a different locale, be sure to hang out with the locals and ask questions about the area. You will be surprised how much cultural and locally-sourced food an area has to offer. Above all, avoid chain restaurants and support the local businesses.

6) Use Public Transportation You may not be able to avoid expending fuel travelling to your vacation site, but once there, reduce your carbon footprint and take the train or the bus (or walk!) to your planned activities.

With a bit of forethought and planning, your eco-conscious lifestyle can extend to whichever location you choose.

The Summer Disease an EPIDEMIC |by Tamara Rubin

Mother of Lead Poisoned Children & Executive Director Lead Safe America Foundation

There’s a disease out there. It’s not con-

ing on the age of onset, can include ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum symptoms, an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and heart disease as well as a host of other behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. Today at least 1 in 3 children in America have this disease and even more adults. By conservative estimates, it costs the US $50.9 billion annually.

This article is coming to you from woman whose children and husband have tested positive for this “mythical” disease.

Interestingly enough, this “Summer Disease” is 100% preventable and the primary means of prevention is education. So educate yourself! Protect yourself from this disease that might be lurking in your home or garden.

tagious, but it is an epidemic. Millions of Americans have it - yet you probably don’t think you’re at risk. That’s how good the propaganda campaign has been at directing your attention away from this concern— making sure you think it doesn’t pose a risk to you.

It has been called “The Summer Disease” because it spikes in the summer- every summer in recent decades. Those who are exposed are typically not aware that it could strike them.

Symptoms range from mild ones—aches and pains, arthritic inflammatory responses in joints and headaches—to more severe symptoms, like reproductive disorders, seizures, brain damage, kidney failure, liver failure, and even death. Long-term effects, depend-

What is it? We’re talking about lead poisoning—and because American industrial propaganda has done its job —you now have a mental image of something that is old news, boring, and certainly doesn’t apply to you, but the truth is far more interesting. Protect yourself by reading on.

lurking in your HOME

The Summer Disease

Most people think lead poisoning is something that happens to: poor children... eating paint chips… living in substandard rental housing… built before 1978 This is in fact a myth perpetuated by industry to direct concern away from the true victims – all consumers! Each descriptor in that sentence is actually a carefully chosen image included to mislead.

The Truth: Poor: You don’t need to be poor to be lead

poisoned. In fact in my advocacy work, I typically see middle and upper income families who are “living the American Dream” testing positive for lead in their blood. This demographic is living in historic homes. Renovation is the primary means of exposure. Most renovations happen in the summer – in the good weather – hence the “Summer Disease.” Sand the paint off one historic home, and you can poison an entire neighborhood! The amount of lead dust that it takes to cause lead poisoning is literally microscopic—you can’t see it.

Children: Industry exerts an enormous

amount of influence on government policy. It goes so much deeper than one might imagine. There have been representatives of the lead & lead paint industries on CDC advisory panels that influence the recommendations of

who to consider “poisoned” and “at risk.” Lead poisoning is not limited to children; adults are also at risk. I am making a documentary film about lead poisoning called “MisLead: America’s Secret Epidemic”. For my film, I tested 44 people at an Earth Day festival; 20 of the people tested (45.5%) had lead in their blood. 15 of them were over 6 years old. The CDC only recommends testing children under 6. Twelve of those who tested positive with unsafe levels of lead in their blood were over 30 years old. This included pregnant women and women of childbearing age. The CDC has just lowered the level at which they consider a child poisoned to a Blood Lead Level, or BLL, of 5 micrograms per deciliter. However, for context, the naturally occurring level of lead in preindustrial humans has been found to be a BLL of 0.016. A BLL of “5” is therefore more than 300 times the naturally occurring level of lead which is a known potent neurotoxin in humans.

Eating paint chips: This is perhaps the

most insidious element of the myth; the amount of lead dust necessary to poison a human being is literally microscopic, invisible-to-the-eye. One does not have to eat a paint chip to be poisoned. Typically poisoning happens through lead dust caused by renovations in older homes, lead dust in the soil from previous renovations, or from soil contaminated from decades of leaded-gasoline auto exhaust.

Substandard: Housing does not need to

be “substandard”, ”dilapidated”, or “deteriorating” to cause lead poisoning. Dust from opening and closing original windows or

an EPIDEMIC lurking in your HOME doors in an historic home with lead paint on the under layers is enough — even if the home has otherwise been renovated.

Rental Housing: Owner-occupied homes

are poisoning families every day; however, thanks to industry influence, blood testing is focused on low-income families who rent. Generally in the U.S., middle and upper income families who own historic homes are not getting tested so there is very little statistical “evidence” of poisoning in those demographics!

Pre-1978: While generally homes built

after the 1978 lead paint ban are safer, that gives many a false sense of security. The 1978 ban was only for lead in paint “intended for residential use”, but you can still — today in 2012—buy leaded marine paint, leaded industrial paint, and other paints that contains lead. Nothing prevents someone from using this “good stuff ” in or around their home. Just last month I tested a painted deck built 6 years ago – it was made with new lumber, yet tested very high for lead. Someone had obviously found the “good stuff ” to paint the deck. There are also limited regulations or no regulations for new fixtures like bathtubs and sinks and for things like new faucets and new tile. Ask questions when you buy these things, and look for a “lead free” label (buy “CA Prop 65”-compliant faucets, hoses, and fixtures when possible). Test your bathtub with a LeadCheck swab. Whatever you do, avoid bringing recycled building components (old windows and doors especially) into your newer construction home to give it “character.”

What can you do? To start: test your home, test your soil — especially your garden and children’s play areas, and make sure your children’s schools and playgrounds (and your work and hobby spaces) are safe. For more information please check out my film, Mislead: America’s Secret Epidemic. When finished, this film (a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Lead Safe America Foundation) will be an incredible tool for educating the public about this issue; and the project needs your support. To help you can simply “Like” us on Facebook. Check out the link on that page to watch our 3-minute trailer and spread the word. We are accepting tax-deductible contribution in support of the film on the website as well.

Demand Change We underestimate our power as consumers. Demand change through your purchasing power. This can be a simple demand for accurate and true labeling of products. (Faucets today can be labeled “lead free” in many U.S. states even if they contain up to 8% lead!) Insist on knowing exactly what you are buying. Your biggest and most important expense is your home. When you buy or rent next, get a third party a “hazard assessment” to ensure the home is safe for you and future generations.

Prevention is easy. It starts with education. 55

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Arugula

Pesto

Pesto is a favorite summer standby. Authentic Italian pesto is perfect to have on hand for a quick and easy lunch.

|recipe by Laura Watt of Cubit’s Organics

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

4 cups of washed arugula 4 young garlic shoots and scapes 4 cloves of garlic 1 cup of pine nuts ½ cup parmesan cheese ½ cup of olive oil 1/8 teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon of salt

Instructions

Whizz it all up in the food processor or blender. Nuts and cheese first followed by greens and oil and then the salt and pepper. Like arugula, this pesto is perfect on a tomato sandwich or served up over ravioli with some delicious asparagus!

For The Love of

Rhubarb Rhubarb is a misunderstood vegetable. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tart and somewhat celery-like in texture making it an intimidating item to get creative with in the kitchen, but fear not, we have some delicious recipes to share with you. They are favorites of ours, and we are sure that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love them too. Who knows, they may inspire some of your very own creations!

Image by Kathy Oaks

In addition to making great desserts, rhubarb is a wonderful source of potassium, fiber and vitamins A and C. It may also benefit things like allergies, inflammation and circulation.1 Want To Grow Your Own? The rhubarb plant loves rich soil and thrives in warmer climates, but can be grown well in colder climates during warmer months and harvested all summer long. Rich soil is key, and rumor has is that a blend of manure and wood ash can give your rhubarb quite the boost. The more vibrant the red, the higher in anti-oxidants your treats will be! If you grow your own rhubarb, be sure never to eat the leaves, cooked or raw. Though the stalk can be quite tasty, the leaves are toxic.

For The Love of

Rhubarb

Chilled Rhubarb Soup with Strawberry Puree Garnish Ingredients

• 3 cups Chopped Rhubarb • 2 cups Water (Divided) • 2/3 cup Sugar • 1 tbsp Cornstarch • 1/2 tsp Vanilla • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice • 1/4 tsp Fresh Grated Nutmeg • 2 cups Strawberries

Directions

1. Place chopped rhubarb, sugar and 1 1/2 cups of the water in a medium sauce pan. 2. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the rhubarb is soft. 3. Pour mixture into food a processor and puree until smooth. 4. Add vanilla, spices and lemon juice and pulse until well blended. 5. Pour mixture back into sauce pan. 6. Mix remaining water with cornstarch and add to the rhubarb puree. 7. Heat mixture over medium heat until it just comes to a boil, stirring the whole time. Once it reaches a boil turn off the heat. 8. Pour the soup into a glass or metal bowl and place into the refrigerator or freezer to cool. 9. While soup is cooling prepare strawberry puree by placing strawberries into the same food processor bowl and pureeing until smooth. Store in fridge until ready to use.

To Serve

• Pour rhubarb soup into serving dish and place a small amount of the strawberry puree in top. • Use a knife, skewer or end of a wooden spoon to "swirl" the puree into the soup. • Garnish with fresh mint or even a little bit of fresh whipped cream.

Images by Rumble in the Kitchen

Edito r’s Pi ck!

Rhubarb Pizza Ingredients

Crust • 2 tsp Yeast • 1 tbsp Honey • 1 cup Warm Water • 1/2 tsp Vanilla • 2 cups Flour • 1/2 tsp Salt

Directions

Filling • 2 cups Sliced Rhubarb • 1 tsp Lemon Juice • 1/2 tsp Vanilla • 1 tsp Cinnamon • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar • 1 tbsp Corn Starch

Glaze • 2 tbsp Butter, at Room Temp • 1 cup Powdered Sugar • 1/2 tsp Vanilla • 1/2 tsp. Lemon Juice • 1 tbsp Milk

1. Mix yeast, honey, 1/2 tsp of vanilla and water in a small bowl and let sit for a few minutes. Mixture will start to bubble just a bit and then you know it's ready. 2. Mix flour and salt in bowl. 3. Slowly stir in liquid mixture and mix very well. 4. Knead dough for 5 minutes or until the bread as a good elastic quality. If you have a stand mixer or a food processor you can do this step using those. It will make it easier and might take less time. It can also be done by hand very easily. 5. Cover bowl with wet towel and set aside for at least 30 minutes. 6. Preheat oven to 400. 7. In a medium size mixing bowl combine rhubarb, 1/2 tsp of vanilla, 1 tsp lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and cornstarch. 8. When dough has doubled in size and oven is hot - roll out the dough. A pizza stone is ideal for this step, but a greased pizza pan or baking sheet will work too. ** Be sure to create a lip or edge for this pizza. You will need this to hold in the toppings. 9. Pour topping on top of pizza crust and spread around as evenly as possible. 10. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on edges and the sauce is bubbly. 11. While pizza is baking, make the icing. 12. In a stand mixer bowl or with a hand held mixer blend powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, butter and milk until you have a smooth, somewhat runny icing. Place in a piping bag and set in the fridge until ready to use. 13. When pizza is done take out and let cool for about 5 minutes. 14. Drizzle the frosting over the pizza. Cut, serve and enjoy!

For The Love of

Rhubarb

Cranberry Rhubarb Chutney Ingredients

• 2 cups Granulated Sugar • 2/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar • 1 cup Red Wine • 2 cups Cranberries • 3 cups Rhubarb, Diced Small • ½ cup Chopped Onion • 2 tsp Grated Fresh Ginger • Zest of 1 Lemon (or 3 drops of Lemon Essential Oil) • 2-inch Cinnamon Stick (or 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon) • 10 Black Peppercorns (or 1 tsp black pepper) • 10 Cardamom Pods • 10 Clove Buds (or 4 drops Clove Essential Oil)

Directions

1. Place all the ground and/or whole spices except for cinnamon stick in a tea ball or wrap in a piece of cheesecloth tied with string. This will make it easier to get the inedible pieces out later. 2. Grate ginger and place in medium sized sauce pan. 3. Add sugar, juice, wine, cranberries, rhubarb & spices to a pan. If you are using the Essential Oils instead of the clove and lemon do not add those now. You will add those at the end. 4. Over medium heat bring to a boil and let simmer until the cranberries burst and the mixture starts to thicken. This should take 35-40 mintues. 5. Remove spices and discard. 6. If you are using the Essential Oils instead of the lemon zest and cloves stir those in now. 7. Allow chutney to cool for a few minutes and then place into jars. Will last for a week or so in the fridge or it can be water bath processed for longer storage. This chutney is amazing served over grilled salmon, pork or chicken. It’s also great poured over cream or goat cheese and served with crackers.

Many thanks to Amy of Rumble In The Kitchen for submitting these delicious and unique rhubarb recipes!

Image by Roger Kirby

This recipe would make great holiday and hostess gifts!

A Quick-Start to

Photography by Karen Hanrahan

Guide Canning Preserves |by Laura Burns

When I wanted to learn how to can, I asked a sweet Amish woman to teach me all of her secrets. After all, her wedding gift to my husband and I had been a large enamel canning pot, jar rack, and tongs. I spent a day in her basement kitchen learning how to fill the jars properly with homemade salsa. As I drove home that day, I made a list of all the things I wanted to master, at the top of that list was jam. Let’s face it; there are few things in life better than a slice of toast with a spoonful of fresh, strawberry jam on top. Jam is something that is truly simple to make and preserve. I always start the year making strawberry jam and blackberry vanilla jelly. Once I’ve gotten my shelves stocked with those varieties, I am ready to make whatever new recipe I please. For my home, it just wouldn’t be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without strawberry or blackberry preserves.

The Supplies Large Stockpot

Specific boiling water canners can be purchased all over the U.S. and Canada, but any large pot will do, so long as it’s two and a half inches taller than the jars that will be used inside of it. Keep in mind that the pot should fit over one burner with no more than 4 inches overhang. The lid should either fit tightly or be heavy enough to stay on the pot while the water is at a rolling boil.

Jars

Jars come in a variety of sizes from half pint to half gallon. Use only Mason style jars manufactured specifically for canning. The jars can be reused as long as they are in perfect condition, with no scratches, nicks, cracks or uneven rims.

A Quick-Start Guide to Canning Preserves

The Supplies (Cont.)

The Process

Lids

Washing and Sterilizing

Canning jars are sealed with two-piece vacuum caps that have both a lid and a metal ring. The lids cannot be reused, but the rings can as long as they are not rusted or warped.

Jar Lifter & Tongs

These are used to remove hot jars from the canning bath, and lids/rims from the sterilizing water.

Thin Spatula

A long, thin non-metallic spatula will aid in the removal air bubbles in filled jars.

Jar Funnel, Timer, Thick Towels & Sturdy Pot Holders are also key!

66This kit from B

Before the canning process begins, the jars, lids, and rings must be washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed well. In a large pan (or the canner), bring enough water to cover the jars to a boil. The jars need to come to a very hearty boil for at least 10 minutes and need to stay warm until they are ready to be filled. The lids should NOT be boiled; as the sealing compound can become ineffective if the water is too hot. Instead, place them in a bowl and pour simmering water to cover the lids. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer on the care of the rings.

Hot Pack Method

Canning jams and jellies requires the Hot Pack method which allows the food to simmer before adding it to hot jars, and then processing in a boiling water bath. Be sure to follow the head space recommendations for each recipe. Head space is the allowed pocket of air in each jar, between the food and the underside of the lid. It allows for the food to expand during the heat of processing and forms a vacuum as the jar seals.

Once the jars are filled with jam, remove the air bubbles from the jars by slipping the non-metallic spatula down the sides of the jar, between the glass and the jam. Wipe the rims and the threads of the jars with a clean, damp towel to be sure that all bits of food are removed. Leaving the surface sticky or with food particles can cause the seals to fail. Finally, place the get started! lids on and screw the metal rings on o t e ic o h c t firmly. all is a grea

Canning and Processing

Fill the canning pot about half way with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the filled and capped jars with the jar lifter. Allow for space between the jars so the water can circulate. Check the water to make sure it is 1 inch above the tops of the jars; add more hot water as needed. Cover the pan tightly and return the water to a boil. Set a timer for the required processing time, beginning at the moment the water returns to a boil. The length of time required for processing is determined by the food inside the jars. An excellent resource is the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving as it contains specific canning instructions for most fruits and vegetables. Most jams and jellies only need to process for 10-15 minutes. While the jars are processing, set up a clean spot on a counter or table, covering it with a towel. This is where the hot jars will be placed when they are done processing. It is recommended that the jars not be disturbed for 12 to 24 hours, as it can take that long for the jars to seal. Keep this in mind when choosing a cooling spot. When the processing time is finished, remove the jars from the pot immediately (delaying removal can lead to food spoilage) with the jar tongs, and place them on the towels to cool.

Cooling and Storing

Once the jars are cooled, check the lids to make sure they have sealed by pressing down in the center of the lid. If the lid de-

presses and pops right back up again, then the seal failed. If a jar that fails to seal, simply refrigerated and enjoy. Consider it a treat! If the lid doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t depress, then it has sealed and can be stored. To store your freshly canned jams, remove the rings and check the seal once more by pulling up on the lid edges to make sure it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move. Label the tops of the lids with a permanent marker by marking the date the jam was made and the yummy variety that waits inside. Store the jars in a cool, dry place for up to one year. Now that you know how to get started with your own jam and jelly canning, head on out to your local farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market this weekend to stock up on the fruits of the season.

To jump start your inspiration, flip the page for a few great recipes that are simple and delicious!

Blackberry Vanilla Jam

Simple Strawberry Jam

• • • •

Run the blackberries through a food mill on fine and then put the puree into a medium sized non-reactive pan and heat through. Gradually add in the pectin and bring to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Then pour in the sugar and vanilla. Return the jam to a boil and cook for 1 minute.

5 Cups Crushed Strawberries 1/4 cup Lemon Juice 6 Tbsp Ball Classic Pectin 7 Cups Sugar

Combine strawberries and lemon juice in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Gradually stir in pectin. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that can not be stirred down, over high heat, stirring continuously. Add the entire amount of sugar, stirring until fully dissolved. Return mixture to a full rolling boil.

Remove from the heat and pour jam into hot half pint/pint jars, using a ladle and jar funnel. Leave ¼ inch headspace.

Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Wipe the jar rims, add the rings and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.

Using a ladle and jar funnel, pour the hot jam into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.

Cool the jars and check seal before storing.

Wipe rims with a damp towel. Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary.

Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours.

Image by Trish Parisy

6 2/3 Cups Blackberry Puree 8 1/3 Cups Sugar 2 Tbsp Vanilla extract 7 1/2 Tbsp Ball Classic Pectin

Vanilla Chai Spice Pear Butter • • • • • • • • • • •

7 lbs Pears 1/2 Cups Water 1/4 Cup Orange Kuice 3 Cup Granulated Sugar 1 Cup Brown Sugar 2 tsp Vanilla 1 tsp Cinnamon 1/2 tsp Ground Cardamon 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger 1/4 tsp Nutmeg

Wash and roughly chop the pears. Place them in a stock pot with the water and cook until tender. Run the pears through a food mill to remove the skins and seeds and puree the pears. Return the pear puree to the stock pot and add in the remaining ingredients. Turn the heat to a low setting and let the pear mixture simmer until it has reduced in volume and water no longer separates out. When the pear butter is thick and fragrant, pour into sterilized half pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Cap the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Cool and check the seals before storing.

Good/Better/Best

Lawn Mowing According to the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), using your gas powered lawn mower produces as much toxic air pollution gas emissions in one hour of use as driving 11 new cars do in a single one hour! Try the tips below for a few ways that you can help to improve the air quality in your community.

Good Reduce your lawn space by converting parts of your former lawn to a new, lush

garden. Whether you plant flowers (annuals or perennials are both pretty easy) or vegetables, reducing the space you mow will reduce the amount of time you spend mowing your lawn. now make more energy efficient electric gas mowers. Better They They are easy to use, don’t use a lot of electricity and the cost

is very comparable to gas powered models, especially when you factor in the cost and time savings of not having to buy and fill the gas powered mower! want to go all out and make your yard emission free Best Ifyouyoucanreally do any (or all) of a number of things that in the end will

even make your life easier. Reduce your yard space (like in our Good option), use a reel mower or just let your yard go ‘au natural’ and enjoy the pretty wild flowers and other native grasses that are just as picture perfect as those manicured ‘chem’lawns.

Americans burn 800 million gallons of gas each year trimming their grassy yards. With a little leg work, we can all be gleaming with pride at our fresh cut lawns while giving Mr.Gas Mower, and his noisy Sunday mowing, the side-eye.

Reel mower from Fiskars.

meg, meg, meg, meg,

cooking DIYing saving money raising a green family

meg, actingout 71

ReUse: T-Shirts DIY using (mostly) re-purposed materials

|by Jenny Gullen

Everyone has old t-shirts lying around, but what are you suppose to do with them? You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t donate them, and you hate that pang of guilt you get when you toss them in the trash. Give these ideas a whirl and get some new eco-chic accessories with those once-forgotten tees!

Tutorials:

Produce Bags Finger-Knit Bracelets

Materials needed: Produce Bags: Old T-Shirt Scissors Thread Sewing Machine Bracelets: Old T-Shirt Scissors 72

Produce Bags

Time Needed: 1 Hour

Carrying your own produce bag at the supermarket allows you to minimize your collection of plastic bags. Because this method allows the fabric to stretch with use, you should be able to get at least two small and two large produce bags out of most old tee shirts. 1. Lay the shirt flat & cut two 6” X 8” rectangles. From the remaining materials, cut a ½” wide strip of fabric a 15” long and set aside. 2. Keeping your rectangles together, lay the fabric out so that one of the shorter sides is facing you. Fold the material up about two inches and cut ¼” vertical slits on the edge of the fabric spaced an inch apart. You will be cutting through both layers of fabric. 3. Move the fold in the fabric up about half an inch and begin cutting ¼” vertical slits on the edge of the fabric spaced opposite the cuts in the previous row. 4. Continue folding up the fabric in ½” increments, making ¼” vertical slits on the edge of the fabric spaced opposite the cuts in the previous row. Stop when you are about an inch and a half away from the end of the fabric. 5. Use a sewing machine to sew around the two longer sides and one shorter side of the fabric. Leave the top of your bag open. 6. On the unfinished side, fold the material over all the way around so that you create a hem. This will be your bag opening.

ng Tip! i v a S e m i T

ta ing and cu r t s w a r d e r Skip th t the top fo a s t li s f o couple is perfect le y t s is Th handles! al farmers’ c lo e h t o t for taking market!

7. Turn the bag inside out and cut two tiny slits about an inch apart anywhere in the hem. Thread your extra strip of tee shirt (cut in step one) through the hem. Tie the ends of the strip into a knot. Take your new bags to the grocery store and use them to carry your produce for purchase! The slits are the perfect size that the cashier can see what’s inside each of your bags.

F inger-K nit Bracelets Time Needed: 10 Minutes

This project uses a finger-knitting technique to create attractive bracelets for both children and adults. If you are familiar with traditional knitting, this is much like an i-cord and very easy to do! Old t-shirts are perfect for this project inspired by V and Co.

ReUse: T-Shirts Cre

ativ e

Wan Tip ! t m this ore fing method variety ? e larg rs for a with 2 Use er b race smalle or 4 r or let!

1. Cut two 1â&#x20AC;? wide strips of material from your tee shirt - each roughly 50â&#x20AC;? in length. Tie the two strips together at one end with a small knot - creating one long strip of fabric. 2. Place the strip so that one end is in the palm of your hand between your thumb and pointer finger. Wrap the fabric around your fingers in the following fashion, making sure to keep a good amount of tension on the fabric:

Behind the pointer finger In front of the middle finger Behind the ring finger In front of the ring finger Behind the middle finger In front of the pointer finger

3. Loop the fabric around the back of your hand & then over infront of all three fingers from left to right (ring finger to pointer finger.) 4. Starting with your ring finger, take the bottom loop created from wrapping in step 2 and bring it up and over the larger loop created in step 3. Do the same with the middle and pointer fingers. 5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 until you reach the desired length for your bracelet. 6. When done, carefully slip the loops off your fingers without undoing any of the braiding and thread the remainder of the tail through the loops and pull to secure. Tie a knot or bow with the tail ends to finish your bracelet. Wear your new creation with pride!

Have an idea for a do-it-yourself project using re-purposed materials? Shoot an e-mail to info@kaiamagazine.com and you could see it here!

Kaia Readers Rock! You submitted your photos, and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more thrilled to share them. From gardening to kick-ass renovations, Kaia readers do it all!

Jill from Baby Rabies grew these bright, plump berries in her family garden in Texas!

Kjersten, from Minnesota, is teaching her son about the importance of gardening by repurposing an egg carton for planting!

Kathy’s handy in the kitchen, cooking up homemade pasta!

Wilma’s little lady does her part for Mother Earth by watering a well cared for apple tree.

Karen loves supporting “Pick Your Fruit” local farms. They are fresh, mostly organic, and fun for everyone. These beautiful strawberries are from Fishkill Farms in New York. Nikki from Pennsylvania shares her sweet canning skills. Is anyone else getting hungry? How do you do green? Submit photos of how you make an impact & you could be in an upcoming issue of Kaia Magazine! info@kaiamagazine.com

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