All Season Sleep Sack [Review]

This post is part of the eco-friendly winter clothing series. Clothing and accessories that keep your child warm during the cold winter months can be natural and eco-friendly! This series is focused on handmade products sold on Etsy. Etsy is a great marketplace for finding eco-friendly, natural, handmade products that are going to last a long time. Snug as a Doodlebug is a cute shop that focuses on functional and adorable must haves for kids of all ages. Snug as a Doodlebug's all-season sleep sack keeps a baby warm and comfortable.

Toddler Sleep Sack         

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Stretchy and soft 100% cotton fabric
Great fit for multiple seasons
Customizable with or without leg openings

I love sleep sacks for a baby or a toddler. Sleep sacks are a great way to add additional layers, without bulk, to keep a baby warm when they are sleeping. My 22 month old son has been in a sleep sack since he was born. I plan to continue using sleep sacks for the next few years. We have an older home and we keep the house a bit on the cooler side. Nonetheless, a sleep sack keeps him warm at night.

Let's discuss fabric options for sleep sacks. In the winter months, most stores put out their polyester fleece sleep sacks. While polyester fleece is considered a warm fabric and one would think it would keep the child warm, there is a high chance that the child will overheat. Polyester does not regulate body temperature as well as natural fabrics like cotton and wool, for example. Putting your child in pajamas and then adding a polyester fleece sleep sack on top may result in the baby's body temperature getting too high. Same goes for fleece pajamas. You can quickly check to see if your child is too hot by feeling their bare back or the back of their neck.

To keep a child warm at night, dress in cotton pajamas and in a cotton sleep sack. If you need extra warm, add a cotton onesie under the pajamas. The sleep sacks acts like a mitten to keep the child warm. The sleeveless design is important to reduce any potential for overheating. There have been many times when I am slightly cold in my son's room, but he feels warm to my touch.

Snug as a Doodlebug sells functional all season sleep sacks. The sizes range from newborn to size 5. Sleep sacks for walkers can be customized with leg openings. Sleep sacks are made from 100% knit cotton fabric. This fabric is stretchy and soft. This is more of a light weight sleep sack, but will still keep a baby warm. Sheri's fabric print selection is adorable!

I ordered a sleep sack in the 18-24 month sizing. I worked with Sheri to determine the right sizing based on my son's height. I like that the sizing will allow for my son to wear the sleep sack for more than one season. I selected the closed bottom (no leg openings).

The leg openings would be good if your child wears the sleep sacks when they are playing and walking around the house. Otherwise, a closed bottom will hopefully prevent any attempts from climbing out of the crib.

Sizing: It is important to purchase the right size to fit your child. Sleep sacks that are too large will result in too much fabric that can cause safety concerns. A little bit of room at the bottom is appropriate, but not too much. The sizing of Snug as a Doodlebug sleep sacks was true to size.

Fit: The 18-24 months fits my 22 month old perfectly. There is enough room at the bottom that he will be able to wear this sleep sack through the summer, if needed.

The Verdict: I would highly recommend Snug as a Doodlebug sleep sack. They are affordable and functional. Not to mention, they prints are adorable! The option to customize with a closed bottom or leg openings is also beneficial.

Disclosure: I received the above products to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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Baby Car Emergency Kit

I am currently working on my own emergency preparedness project, which follows the Food Storage Do-Over 2015 (it's not just about food!). I have had a car kit in my car for a few years, but need to update it with a baby car emergency kit for my toddler. Whether you are preparing to be stuck in a blizzard somewhere, or at the grocery store with no extra diapers, having some key baby items in your car can be a lifesaver.

Below is the list that I created from several lists that I came across online, as well as my own additions for what I feel is necessary. Evaluate the age of your child and their needs first. Then, decide what items you feel you would need to have with you in case you were stuck somewhere for longer than expected. There could be items that you would need that are not on the list below.

The car emergency list begins with items that are more specific for babies. This list can also be used for a toddler car emergency kit.

Baby Car Emergency Kit

• Instant formula – one that doesn't require water, track expiration dates and rotate frequently 
• 5 small formula bottles – fill with purified water to provide extra drinking water in kit or use for formula making
• Refrigerated bottle bag – if can warm up/cool down formula/breast milk to keep at that temperature for around 4 hours 
• Pacifiers – 2, great for comforting stressed babies
• Baby food – jarred or packet 
• Diapers – include about 20 disposables, 3 cloth diapers
• Diaper rash cream
• Wipes – full package if space allows or travel package
• Washcloths – 2
• Blanket
• Small comfort toy(s) – usable substitute for favorite item or grab favorite when heading out
• Clothes – include weather appropriate, swap out clothes and put next size up
• Shirts
• Pants
• Sweaters
• Socks
• Sturdy shoes (in case need to walk)
• Underwear (if potty trained)
• Pajamas
• Warmer winter clothes, if season appropriate
• Ziplock bags – can be used to store used diapers or anything else dirty
• Bulb nose syringe and saline – saline loosens mucous and syringe suck out of ears/nose/mouth/etc.
• Infant Tylenol/Motrin 

I also threw in some other items as space allowed:

• Games – age appropriate
• Glow sticks
• Natural laundry detergent that can be used for hand washing
• Shelf stable snack items
• Water

I stored most of the items in gallon sized Ziplock bags and added written labels of content (this way the bag can be reused and contents list can be updated). The Ziplock bags can be used to store dirty diapers or anything else dirty.
  

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Apple Cinnamon Squares [Recipe]

I am always on the look for healthy breakfast recipes that can be made ahead of time. I also love recipe that can be adjusted based on ingredients I have on hand. I like it when I can customize recipes if I am in the mood for a specific flavor.

Apple Cinnamon Squares are a great combination of a hot, oven baked oatmeal and granola bars that can be taken on the go. You can substitute additions (other dried berries, nuts, seeds, etc.) to change the flavor profile. The ground flax seed and the chia seeds (you can use one or the other or both) are the ingredients that hold the squares together. Make sure you use ground flax seeds, not whole flax seeds.

Note: steel cut oats retain their crunchiness when baked. For softer Apple Cinnamon Squares, combine the milk and oats in a bowl. Soak in the fridge for several hours or overnight to soften the oats up before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Apple Cinnamon Squares

Dairy-free (sub a nut milk), vegan (sub dairy-free milk), vegetarian, nut-free (omit nuts)

Yield: 16 servings
Bake time: 1 hour

Ingredients
2 cups whole milk (can sub dairy-free milk)
1.5 cup steel cut oats
1/2 chopped pecans (can sub other chopped nuts)
1/2 cup raisins (can sub other chopped dried fruit)
1/4 cup ground flax seeds (can sub 1/4 cup chia seeds)
1/4 cup chia seeds (can sub 1/4 cup ground flax seed)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 pound apples, cored and grated (recommend Pink Lady apples)

Other Additions (some or all)
Hemp protein powder (1-2 tbsp)
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp clove powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
2. Line a 9" square baking dish parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. If pre-soaking the oats, then add all ingredients to that bowl.
4. Transfer to baking dish, spreading out and smoothing the top.
5. Bake for about 1 hour until the top is firm and golden brown. Depending on the baking dish, the taller the height of the contents, the longer it will take to bake.
6. Place pan on wire rack and let cool. 
7. Cut into 16 bars. Can serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe adapted from Whole Foods Market.

The original recipe calls for 1/2 cup of ground flax to provide the binding agent that holds these bars together. I received a bag of Nutrigold Organic Chia Seeds, so I decided to substitute chia seeds for ground flax. I used 1/4 cup of ground flax and 1/4 cup of chia seeds. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, dietary fiber and are a great natural source of many minerals. Their nutritional profile and use in baking is similar to ground flax (flax meal).

I use chia seeds in many dishes, mostly baked items and oatmeal. I love that they can be used as thickeners or sprinkled on top to boost nutrition of the food I am eating. While they usually retain a little bit of their seedy crunch, I liked that I barely noticed them in the Apple Cinnamon Squares. Chia seeds are small and do not really have a flavor to them. Therefore, they are a great way to make meals and baked goods even healthier. Choose raw and organic chia seeds for maximum health benefit.

Disclosure: This recipe was originally posted on All Natural Katie. I received a sample of the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. This post contains Affiliate links at no cost to you. If you purchase through the link, I receive small compensation to help support this blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

  

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Naturalico Vitamin C Serum [Review]

A few years ago, I walked away from cosmetics. I threw away drugstore bought cosmetic products, except mascara, and began researching non-toxic options. I set my standard high. I wanted 100% all natural ingredients. I researched every product I considered buying and used EWG's Skin Deep Database to understand ingredients and their toxicity. In the past year, I have seen an increase in 100% natural products and their availability, especially online. Naturalico Vitamin C Serum is a natural way to improve the health and look of your skin.







Naturalico Vitamin C Serum       ($18.88)

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
98% naturally derived ingredients 75% organic ingredients	Contains Phenoxyethanol as a preservative
Highest concentration of Vitamin C available
No filler ingredients or dilutions
Decreased wrinkles and sun spots

Vitamin C Serum is one of the hot skin care items on the market these days. The professional anti-aging serum is an affordable and easy way to reduce the visibility of wrinkles and improve the look of your skin. Using Vitamin C Serum on your face, neck and decolletage area results in:

• Even skin tone
• Increased glow and radiance
• Quick absorption
• Increased collagen production
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles

Naturalico Vitamin C Serum contains the highest concentration of Vitamin C available suspended in Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid plumps skin cells and protects and restores the skin. Vitamin C boosts the body's immune system and benefits the skin. Skin damage can be reversed through the careful selection of the ingredients.

The Vitamin C Serum is applied once daily in the morning or in the evening, before moisturizing. The application lasts up to 72 hours.

Naturalico Vitamin C Serum Ingredients:

The Vitamin C Serum contains 98% naturally derived ingredients and 72% organic ingredients. I would like to see the amount of organic ingredients be closer to 100%. Most of the ingredients have low to no toxicity based on EWG's Skin Deep Database. The Vitamin C Serum contains one ingredient that does pose toxicity to the body: Phenoxyethanol (4). Since the Vitamin C Serum contains water, a preservative is needed for shelf life. Otherwise, you would need to use the product within 1-2 weeks and a lot of it would go to waste.

I used the Vitamin C Serum for 2 weeks without any other anti-aging product applied to the face. My skin has wrinkles and dry spots.

My Results: Skin feels hydrated, softer and more moisturized. Skin did not require use of moiturizer. Wrinkles have smoothed out a little. I love the smell of the serum, which does go away after a couple of minutes.

Overall, I experienced good results after using Naturalico Vitamin C Serum for 2 weeks. I can use the Vitamin C Serum as a preventative measure to reduce future sun damage and wrinkles. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to naturally improve the look and feel of your mature and aging skin, Naturalico Glow Vitamin C Serum is a worthwhile investment.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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Banana Split Bars [Recipe]

I have been searching for healthy breakfast and snack recipes that are easy to make and can be adapted to whatever you have on hand. In attempt to do more cooking ahead of time and have breakfast and snack items already cooked, I have been trying different breakfast bars and granola bars.

Banana Split Bars are a great take on the traditional granola bar because they also work well as a breakfast bar. You can substitute additions (other dried berries, nuts, seeds, etc.) to change the flavor profile. You can a little bit of a nut butter and maple syrup for a sweeter and nuttier flavor.

Banana Split Bars

Yield: 12 servings
Bake time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients
1/3 cup dry quinoa + 1/2 cup water, or 1 cup cooked quinoa
2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 small ripe bananas, mashed
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup honey (can sub maple syrup)
1 tbsp coconut oil (can sub melted butter)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cherries (can sub other dried fruits, chopped)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (can sub other nuts)

Other Additions (some or all)
Hemp protein powder (1 tbsp)
Nutritional yeast (1 tbsp)
Flax meal (1 tbsp)
Chocolate chips (1/4 cup)

Directions

1. Line an 8" square baking dish parchment paper.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
3. Combine quinoa and water in a pan. Bring to a boil over Medium-High heat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until all of the liquid has almost been absorbed.
4. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool. (You can cook the quinoa ahead of time)
5. In a small bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. 
6. To the bowl of quinoa, add mashed bananas, egg, honey, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Stir to combine. 
7. Add the oats mixture to the quinoa banana mixture. Stir to combine.
8. Mix in cherries, walnuts, and any other additions.
9. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and push down into the corners. Smooth top to make even.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick in the center comes out clean. 
11. Place pan on wire rack and let cool completely.
12. Cut into 16 bars. (You can refrigerate for 20 minutes before cutting.) Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

My favorite addition to this recipe was 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a great way to boost protein, fiber, amino acid count and mineral content of the foods that you create. It can be added to savory or sweet dishes. Nutritional yeast has a slight smell of cheese and tastes slightly salty. This makes it a great addition and seasoning to put inside of foods or sprinkle on top for a bit of added flavor. 

Nutritional yeast can also be used for baked goods and sweeter dishes. The flavor is not distinguishable so there is no need to worry about a sweet muffin tasting like cheese. I have been using nutritional yeast in my cooking and baking for several years. I liked the flavor, texture and quality of Sari nutritional yeast flakes and would purchase it.

Disclosure: This recipe was originally posted on All natural Katie. I received a sample of the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. This post contains Affiliate links at no cost to you. I receive small compensation to help support this blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

  

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