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Archive for December, 2011

Oh Broccoli Tree…Oh Broccoli Tree!

Monday, December 19th, 2011

With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to start planning ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into your festive meals! We all tend to indulge at this time of year so it’s always a great idea to balance that out by eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Around here eating and serving fruits and veggies has to be fun! This broccoli tree with tomato decorations and a star made out of a yam makes a delicious and healthy centerpiece!

Put out some dip and watch the tree disappear :)

To make these trees you need a styrofoam cone shape…we used one the was 98mm (3-7/8 in) x 301mm (11-7/8in) and trimmed a lot off of the bottom in fact I would suggest cutting the cone half way down so that it doesn’t take up too much broccoli! We used 6 large heads of broccoli for our tree.

I recommend using extra long tooth pics so that you can trim them down for the top of the tree and then use the full size on the bottom…this helps to make the tree extend out at the bottom! You could easily sprinkle in some cauliflower in there to make it look like some snow on the tree. I cut our star out of a piece of yam…but feel free to use anything that you have on hand!

We hope this Holiday Season is full of love and laughter for you! Wishing you Health and Happiness in the new year!!!!

 
Happy Healthy Eating,
Kia

Kia Robertson is a mom and the creator of the Today I Ate A Rainbow kit; a tool that helps parents establish healthy habits by setting the goal of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Kia is passionate about creating tools that help parents raise healthy kids!

Handmade Christmas Wreath (Smells like Pine Needles!)

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
"Christmas Wreath."

Make a handmade Christmas wreath using raw materials for a Green Christmas!

"Real Christmas Tree Clipping."

Use free real Christmas tree clippings from Home Depot to create the perfect wreath

"Pinecone Decorations."

Add pinecone love to your wreath using raw materials

"Snowflake Ornament."

A snowfake ornament can add a dash of whimsy to your wreath

 

"Wrapping Ribbon."

Curl wrapping ribbon for your wreath on the cheap

 

"Organic Christmas Wreath."

Organic Materials: Coathanger frame, tree trimmings, pinecones, all pulled together with twine. Decorate as you wish!

 

Blogger Laurali Star can be found on her blog, Charming Laurali Star, and on her site, The Damsel in the Attic, where she sells handmade and vintage clothing and accessories.  Another fab way to help reduce, reuse, and recycle!  Check it out!

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

Persimmons – A New Fruit Adventure

Monday, December 12th, 2011

We were really curious to try this orange fruit that looks like a cross between a tomato and an apple!

Persimmons

We each had a slice…it was pretty good!  The inside was soft and the skin is kind of tough…almost a bit crunchy!  I didn’t find that it had a lot of flavor but it was still enjoyable.

I’m sure there are plenty of recipes using this fruit…but the easiest way is just to cut it up and eat it!  You could add persimmon slices to salads or puree them to make smoothies,  a topping for pancakes, or use it as a flavoring for plain yogurt.

They are in season from October through December so if you find some at your local grocer or market give one a try! Going on a fruit and veggie adventure, trying something new makes it fun for kids!

Happy Healthy Eating
Kia

Kia Robertson is a mom and the creator of the Today I Ate A Rainbow kit; a tool that helps parents establish healthy habits by setting the goal of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Kia is passionate about creating tools that help parents raise healthy kids!

Soap and Washcloth Christmas Craft

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Get crafty and recycle by using up an old wash cloth and a wrapped bar of soap to make a reindeer!

Here is an easy Christmas craft that you can make using recycled products from around the house!  This is also a great craft that can be used for kids Christmas parties, in the classroom, or at home with mom and dad.  Parents can take the reins with the hot glue gun with small children while the kids pick and choose items to decorate the reindeer with glee!

What you Need:

  • A glue gun
  • Googly eyes
  • Little craft bows and beads
  • Brown Pipe Cleaners
  • An old wash cloth, preferably brown
  • A bar of soap
  • Lots of imagination!
 

"Bar of Soap Reindeer."

Reindeer made easy with 1,2,3 steps!

 

"Brown Washcloth."

Step One: Cut brown wash cloth in half to wrap around a bar wrapped bar of soap. Fold over and hot glue in place.

 

"Brown Pipe Cleaner."

Step Two: Tie brown pipe cleaners around each ear to make antlers

"Package of Googly Eyes."

Step Three: I spy googly eyes to give my reindeer the gift of sight!

"Assortment of Doo Dads."

Step Four: Hot glue craft bows, doo dads, and beads to decorate your reindeer with style!

"Soap and Washcloth Craft."

Step Five: One very cute little reindeer gift or house decoration!

 

Blogger Laurali Star can be found on her blog, Charming Laurali Star, and on her site, The Damsel in the Attic, where she sells handmade and vintage clothing and accessories.  Another fab way to help reduce, reuse, and recycle!  Check it out!

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

A Healthy Holiday Treat!

Monday, December 5th, 2011

With the holiday season fast approaching we know that there will be plenty of sweet treats and homemade baking around! That means it’s the perfect time to try to balance all those goodies out with some delicious and fun healthy treats!  These lovable little ladybugs make a great treat and they’re pretty darn cute :)

Ladybugs

What you need: Adapted from Batter Up Kids: Delicious Desserts Makes 12 ladybugs

12 seedless Green or Red Grapes

12 (6- to 8-inch) wooden skewers or  toothpicks

12 whole strawberries

24 mini chocolate chips or dried black currents

 

Directions:

Step 1.  Wash your grapes and strawberries

Step 2.  Cut the ends off of the strawberries and cut the grapes in half

Step 3.  Slice off the bottom of the strawberries (this will help them to sit flat on the plate)

Step 4.  Place a grape on a toothpick or wooden skewer, sliding it all the way to the end

Step 5.  Next place the strawberry on the skewer, cut end first, and slide it down to touch the grape

Step 6.  Gently score the top of the strawberry to create the appearance of wings

Step 7.  Finally, carefully push the pointed ends of the chocolate chips (or dried currants) into the strawberry to make the ladybug’s spots.

 

Happy Healthy Eating
Kia

Kia Robertson is a mom and the creator of the Today I Ate A Rainbow kit; a tool that helps parents establish healthy habits by setting the goal of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Kia is passionate about creating tools that help parents raise healthy kids!