Everyday is Earth Day at Happy Bambino

What better way to celebrate Earth Day then to celebrate one of our customers? Happy Bambino just  added our Nesting Pillow to their collection of Eco-friendly products for moms and babies.

Please click over and discover all that this amazing group of women have to offer.

Heather and I are so honored to be working with such wonderful people! We truly love all of our customers to the moon and back.

Thank you for adding us to your family of products safe for mom, baby and the planet.

Everyday is Earth Day at Happy Bambino

Since opening in November of 2004, HB has always been committed to:

( information below from HB wesite)

1. Eco-Boutique. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Our "Eco-Boutique" - a selection of gently-used baby, children's and maternity wear has recycled many thousands of items (in a very fashionable way)! We recycle baby carriers and cloth diapers too.

2. Provide an Environment Where Community Develops.
We provide a space where over 300 people per week attend our groups and classes. Folks build ties and become support for each other. Friendships develop and community action naturally occurs. Additionally, we offer a scholarship program for classes, memberships, and the Nursing Mamas Resource Station to extend resources to families in our community.

3. Breastfeeding Support.
"Breastfeeding is the perfect paradigm for a sustainable food system. Think about it: the consumer is in control; the food is designed precisely for the needs of the consumer and changes in quantity and quality as those needs change; there is no waste and the packaging is infinitely reusable and aesthetically pleasing; there is a close, not to say intimate, relationship between producer and consumer; and both consumer and producer get pleasure from it." - Brewster Kneen, BC Food Systems

"Oh, and daddy gets to play with the empties," says former HB RC Coordinator and fellow Canadian, Kristina Bouris (wink wink)

Happy Bambino is very proud of the comprehensive breastfeeding support it offers which includes: a variety of nursing bras and other breastfeeding supplies, breastfeeding education, a Breastfeeding Support Group, a breastfeeding clinic - the Nursing Mamas Resource Station, and a cozy supportive atmosphere to be a nursing mom.

4. Sell "Green" Products:
We are committed to selling products without harmful chemicals. We are concerned with the health and well-being of your family. We carefully research the products we carry and have never knowingly stocked items containing lead, Bisphenol-A, PVC, or phthalates.

**Organics** We carry a fun selection of organic clothing, toys, slings, nursing pads and hemp diapers from Ellaroo, Under the Nile, and Willow Sprouts.

**Fair Trade Items** We carry a variety of fair trade items from Artisan Cards, Bali & Soul creations, Maya Wrap. Be sure to try one of our fair trade knit finger puppets!

**Locally-Made Products and Products Made in the US** Products that don't have to travel far are much more sustainable. As an added bonus, items made in the US are not made in sweatshops.

Last year over 5% of our retail sales came from locally-made goods! In December we host an annual Crafty Mama Craft Fair where local mamas sell their handcrafted wares.

**Natural Bath & Body Products** Environmentally friendly (not to mention human-friendly) bath & body products from LuSa Organics, Weleda, and California Baby. Did we mention they smell delicious?!!

5. Sell "Basic" Toys.
A toy should do more than entertain a child. A toy should spark the creativity within a child. A healthy imagination is all that’s needed to get these toys to do anything a child can dream of. No plastic needed. No batteries required.– Tom Wanek

6. Provide the Materials and Education to Support Cloth Diaper Use.
Did you know? In our first 3.5 years in business, over 600 families have attended our Cloth Diaper 101 class.

7. Keep Packaging to a Minimum.
We actively recycle baby shower bags, offer paper bags at the register, and are cognizant of excess consumer packaging in the products we sell.

8. Support the Buy Local Movement.
Happy Bambino is a proud member of Dane Buy Local and we encourage our customers to buy locally. Buying local keeps money in our community. It is a fantastic way to support the local economy and build neighborhoods! As part of this effort, we have arranged for HB members to get special discounts with cooperating local businesses.

9. Green Design.
We work hard to maintain a green retail and resource environment for our customers and staff. We use compact fluorescent bulbs for a majority of our lighting. Our floors are made of natural cork. All the paint used within our space was very low VOC (volatile organic compounds). We use ceiling fans in the resource center. We use power strips to reduce phantom load electricity. Natural light from our windows reduces our need for additional in-store lighting. We use vinegar as our primary cleaning solution.

10. Send Happy Bambino Newsletters and Promotional Materials Electronically. Our e-newsletter reaches 1200 households, saving 350 reams of paper annually. When we do print, we are committed to using recycled paper.

Meet Happy Bambino....

Shop on-line at Happy Bambino

or at their Madison , WI store

Have a wonderful Earth Day, everyday!

Heather and Donna

Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh ON fOX Morning Show

Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh: Child and Adolescent Weight Management Program

Watch Dr. Dolgoff's Appearance on the Fox 5 Morning Show! Dr.Dolgoff has been guest writing on our perch and we just love what she is doing for children. An amazing women and Doctor. Reaching out and healing children through her effective,simple weight loss program!

Thank you Dr. Joanna! Learn more about her weight loss program for children, She has an on-line program as well or you can visit her office if you live in the NYC area.

Dr. Bill Sears on why organic is important for your baby

Yobaby ( Stonyfield Farm) has partnered with Dr. Sears. We have the privilege of passing on important information from Stonyfield Farms and  Dr. Bill Sears  about your baby, health and organic products.

FYI: This is not a sponsored post. We just think Stonyfiled farms and Dr. Bill Sears are super cool. We love passing on great news!

yum....organic Yo BabyDr. Bill Sears on why organic is important for your baby

(from his book “The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood”)

It's a logical assumption: if you want your kids healthy, you feed them healthy food. And today, more and more parents are choosing healthy by choosing organic.

Are your kids worth organic? Of course!

Pollutants in the air and water and in food all have the potential to harm your child’s health. So while you’re keeping them safe from environmental toxins, give them organic food that’s free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

What is organic? Organic refers to the way meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables are grown and processed. At its core, it relies on a healthy rich soil to produce strong plants that resist pests and diseases. Organic farming prohibits the use of toxic and persistent chemicals in favor of more "earth-friendly" practices that work in harmony with nature. In the case of livestock, antibiotics are prohibited, opting instead for preventative measures for keeping animals healthy and productive. Organic production also prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Are organic foods really that much healthier? I believe they’re the best choice for kids.

Why?

        Growing bodies are more vulnerable to the carcinogenic risks of pesticides. Young bodies store more toxins – pesticides are stored in fat and infants and toddlers have proportionately more body fat than adults

        Adult food “safety limits” may not be safe for children – Kids don’t eat or metabolize pesticides like little adults, and the amount of food they eat is greater in proportion to their body weight than the same food eaten by an adult.

        Safer foods are healthier foods – Some studies have shown  organic foods are higher in antioxidants.

"One of the best things a parent can do nutritionally for their children is to introduce them to organic food," says Dr. Sears. "Stonyfield Farm organic yogurt has been a staple in our house for all eight of our kids – I like knowing that it has a high level of active cultures. As a pediatrician, I recommend organic yogurt to my patients for a variety of nutritional needs."   read more about Dr. Sears

Thank you Dr. Sears for such valuable information. We have a fun surprise coming your way soon. Sierra (Heather’s sister and our resident pregnant, nursing mom) had the opportunity to ask Dr. Sears some specific questions on organic foods and overall health for our children.

Interview with Dr. Sears coming soon with a giveaway too!

Love, to the moon and back

 Heather and Donna

I am Blissfully Domestic~A few traditional recipes & healthy tips for your Passover & Easter Celebrations

This week Dr. Joanna is Blissfully Domestic

Finally, the spring holidays are here!  Traditionally Passover and Easter are holidays that are surrounded by family and FOOD!  Both are equally as difficult to handle when we are trying to watch our diets or trying to be healthy.        Passover foods include unleavened bread such as matzoh (1oz, 112 calories), matzoh brie, egg matzoh, macaroons (coconut cookies) (1 small, 160 calories), brisket (5oz, 415 calories), matzoh kugel, beitzah (roasted egg), roasted turkey or chicken, roasted lamb shank (4oz, 350 calories), gefilte fish (2oz, 100 calories), matzoh ball soup (8oz, 180 calories), roasted potatoes (1/2 cup, 110 calories), wine (6oz, 160 calories), dried fruit compote and a myriad of cakes and cookies.  Practically all of these foods are high in fat and calories.          Easter also includes many family traditions from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.  Colored hard boiled eggs are probably the first food that comes to mind when we think about Easter but there are many more foods that are typical.  Many make fish dishes, hot cross buns (1oz bun, 100 calories), sweetbreads (1oz, 125 calories), croissants (1medium, 280 calories), Danish pastries (3oz, 320 calories), flat loaves with eggs, soft pretzels (3oz, 290 calories), roast lamb (4oz, 350 calories), lean lamb chops (4oz, 250 calories,  and ham (4oz, 200 calories).       Whatever your tradition may be, we all face the same problems when it comes to being healthy during the holidays.  Here are some tips to how to handle the food fest!   Some Calorie Saver Tips! 1)  Think small sample sizes. Allow yourself to taste a small amount of each dish served.  By limiting your portion size, you can try many different dishes.  2)  Modify unhealthy and fattening dishes. Modify unhealthy and fattening dishes to a lower fat, lower calorie recipe while keeping the flavor.  Try the recipes below or go online to find many different low-calorie Passover and Easter dishes. 3)  Bring fruit for dessert. After indulging in a special holiday meal, limit your dessert calories.  Bring your hostess a fruit platter for dessert (even if you aren't asked) so you can ensure a healthy dessert option. 4)  Only eat special fattening dishes. Don't waste calories on foods you can eat anytime.  Save your calorie indulgences for the special foods you only eat on Passover or Easter.  Skip the mashed potatoes and eat a (small) serving of Matzoh kugel.  This ensures that you get your 'taste' of the holiday. 5)  Don't forget to get extra exercise.  Burning extra calories from exercise can mean all the difference when it comes to weight management.  Make every effort to continue your usual exercise routine and try to keep moving as much as possible.   Here are a few traditional recipes that I have modified for you to enjoy as you celebrate Passover and Easter. Feel free to enjoy these foods but remember to limit your portions. Matzo-Lemon Sponge Cake Makes 12 servings Ingredients: · 8 egg whites · 4 egg yolks · ½ cup lemonade · 1 ½ cups sugar · ½  tsp salt · Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon · 1 cup sifted matzo cake meal · Strawberries (optional)   Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Line just the bottom of 10-inch springform pan with parchment or waxed paper (or line the bottom of 2 loaf pans). 2. Beat egg whites until stiff and set aside. Beat egg yolks and lemonade until light. Add sugar and beat for a minute. Add salt, lemon juice and rind, and the matzo cake meal, and beat on low until blended. On low speed, gently beat in the egg whites (or fold in with a spatula). 3. Once well mixed, pour into prepared pan(s) and bake until golden (about 45 minutes for the springform pan or around 20 minutes for loaf pans). 4. Invert pan until cake is cool. Use knife to cut around edges and remove cake from pan. Cut with serrated knife into layers if desired. Serve with strawberries between the layers if desired.   Nutritional Information per Serving (not including strawberries): 171 calories, 1.8 g fat   Lemon and Herb Lamb Chops Makes 4 servings Ingredients: · 4 extra-lean lamb loin chops (3 ounces each) · 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice · 1 tsp dried oregano · 1 tsp dried thyme · 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper · Pinch of salt   Preparation: 1. Trim chops of all visible fat. Place in a glass baking dish with the lemon, oregano, thyme and black pepper. Turn to coat and marinate for 15 minutes. 2. Coat a heavy nonstick skillet with olive oil cooking spray. On a medium-high heat, cook chops 4-5 minutes each side depending on thickness and desired doneness.   Try serving with minted new potatoes, baby carrots and asparagus.   Nutrition Information (per lamb chop): 165 calories, 6.7 g fat Spinach and Mushroom Bake Makes 9 servings   Ingredients: · 1 cup chopped onion · 2 cups sliced mushrooms · 2 cups grated or diced carrots · 1 cup diced zucchini · 2 (10-ounce) boxes frozen, chopped spinach (gently squeezed to eliminate excess water) · 1/2 cup Matzo Meal · 3 large eggs, lightly beaten · 3/4 cup egg substitute · 1/4 teaspoon salt · 1/4 teaspoon black pepper · 2 teaspoons low-sodium chicken broth powder   Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat a 9 x 9-inch or 8 x 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. 2. Coat a large nonstick frying pan with canola cooking spray. Add the onions and mushrooms, cover pan, and let cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are lightly browned. 3. Add the mushroom mixture to a large bowl along with all remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Spread into the prepared pan and bake until firm and lightly browned on the bottom (45-60 minutes).   Nutritional Information per Serving: 104 calories, 2.6 g fat  Roasted Garlic Potatoes Makes 12 servings   Ingredients: · 1 teaspoon salt · 2 teaspoons dried dill weed · 1 whole garlic bulb · 3 tablespoons no-or low-trans-fat margarine   Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to coat the potatoes well. 2. Pour mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and use a scraper to scrape all the margarine and seasonings from the sides of the bowl, drizzling over the potatoes in pan. 3. Bake for about 1 ½ hours or until potatoes are cooked throughout and lightly browned.   Nutritional Information per Serving: 121 calories, 2.2 g fat   Low-Fat Easter Carrot Cake Makes 16 Servings   Ingredients: · 1 cup all-purpose flour · 1 cup whole-wheat flour · 2 tsp baking soda · 1 tsp ground cinnamon · ½ tsp all-spice · ¼ tsp nutmeg · 4 egg whites · 1 ¼ cups firmly packed brown sugar · 1 cup unsweetened applesauce · ½ cup low fat buttermilk · 1 tsp vanilla extract · 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained · 2 cups shredded carrots · ½ cup raisins · ¼ cups chopped walnuts · ¼ cup light cream cheese · ¼ cup fat-free cream cheese · 2 cups powdered sugar · 1 tsp lemon juice · ½ tsp vanilla extract   Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; spray a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with non-stick fat free cooking spray. 2. Combine flours, baking soda, cinnamon, all-spice, and nutmeg in a large bowl and stir with a whisk.  In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.  Beat in sugar slowly, followed by applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla; add this to the flour mixture and stir until it is just moist.  Stir in the pineapple, carrots, raisins, and walnuts. 3. Spoon the batter into the baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool on a wire rack before frosting.    Preparation: 1. Beat cream cheeses together with lemon juice and vanilla.  Add in powdered sugar until you get to desired consistency.  Spread over cooled cake, and cut into 16 squares.    Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 269, Total Fat: 3.3 grams Low-Fat Easter Angel Food Cake Makes 16 Servings   Ingredients: · 1 cup cake flour · ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons Splenda or other low-calorie sweetener · 12 large egg whites · ¾ cup sugar · 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar · ¼ teaspoon salt · 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla · ½ teaspoon almond extract   Preparation: 1. Use a two-piece angel food cake pan and do not oil or grease the pan!!! 2. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit 3. Sift 1 cup of cake flour and ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons of sugar and set aside 4. Combine the extracts in a small bowl and set aside 5. Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until it forms peaks; add the ¾ cup of sugar slowly, then beat on high until stiff peaks form. 6. Beating on low, add flour mixture and extracts slowly.  Make sure you fold in the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl.  Spoon into an angel food cake pan.  Move a knife through the batter to remove air pockets. 7. Bake 30-35 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly with finger.   Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 16, Total Fat: < 0 grams

Be Well,  Joanna Dolgoff, MD Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh Visit Dr. Joanna at her web site Find Dr Joanna blogging here

Healthy Reasons to Get the Family Back to the Table

Today's post written by Dr. Joanna Dolgoff          Want a healthier lifestyle?  All you have to do is eat home-cooked meals with your family.  Restaurant portion sizes are growing larger by the minute.  Unfortunately, people who frequently dine out are growing larger too!  Why?  People eat more when greater quantities of food are put in front of them.            Eating out impacts our children's health and lifestyle in many ways.  Statistics show that children who eat out four or more times a week have a greater risk of high blood pressure, higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and lower insulin sensitivity, an early warning sign of diabetes.  Avid restaurant eaters drink more soda and other sugared drinks than those who eat at home.  The truth is teens eat about one third of their meals away from home!  The extra calories they consume may lead to weight related medical issues.  Preparing meals at home will keep your weight under control and cholesterol levels in check.  The one thing that will grow larger?  Your wallet... eating in is much less expensive than dining out! Here are some helpful hints.   1)   You are in Control - Eating at home puts you in control of what is being served at the dinner table.  You control the quality and types of ingredients when preparing meals.  When eating out we can ask for no butter, oil, salt, or mayo but chances are there is more fat in the foods we are eating than we realize.  Let's face it: restaurants want their food to taste as good as possible so you will keep coming back.  The easiest, cheapest way to get food to taste great?  Fat!    2)   Portion Size - Increased portion size is one of many reason children gain weight.  Restaurant portion sizes can be up to three to four times the amount kids should be eating at one meal.  When children eat most of their meals out, they become used to large serving sizes and tend to overeat.  When eating in, you can choose the appropriate amounts for you and your family, reducing the risk of over indulgence.    3)   Quality Time - Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for the family to bond, plan, connect, and learn from one another.  Have each family member participate in the meal preparation and planning.  This teaches children the importance of how to cook and become self-sufficient when it comes to dining.  Turn off the television during meals so there are no distractions; allow this time with your family to be for sharing stories and events that may have happened during the day.   4)   You Spend Less Money - Buying ingredients at the grocery store is always much cheaper than eating out at restaurants. Try cooking in large quantities and freezing extra portions for another meal. This is a great time-saver for later when you're too busy to cook or don't have the right ingredients handy.   5)   Skip on Dessert - Families who eat out often tend to eat more dessert than those who eat dinner at home.  It is very hard to resist that dessert menu, or even worse, the dessert cart!  You may be full but somehow the chocolate mousse ends up on the table.    Make a commitment to prepare more home-cooked meals. It is time to bring the 'family' back to the dinner table.  Your health, your wallet and your family will thank you.  The benefits of preparing a home-cooked meal far exceed the luxury of eating out.

Be Well, Joanna Dolgoff, MD Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh Visit Dr. Joanna at her web site Find Dr Joanna blogging here