“Mom” at Tiny Green Mom is loving these link picks!

Celery is the new “dirtiest vegetable” on Mother Nature Network

Oscar and Belle Organic Yoga Pose Outfit on Baby Gear Mom

Spring Cleaning Series on Mighty Nest

McDonald’s Happy Meals Banned in Santa Clara, CA on TreeHugger

You may be wondering what fruits and vegetables contain the least amount of residue from pesticides after reading about The Dirty Dozen. Touted as the “Clean Fifteen,” the following list of fruits and vegetables are the safest to consume without purchasing their organic counterpart. For more information on pesticides, visit the EWG website.

The Clean 15

  1. Onion
  2. Avocados
  3. Sweet Corn
  4. Mangoes
  5. Pineapple
  6. Asparagus
  7. Sweet Peas
  8. Eggplant
  9. Kiwi
  10. Cabbage
  11. Watermelon
  12. Cantaloupe
  13. Honeydew Melon
  14. Sweet Potato
  15. Grapefruit

How about some fresh, homemade strawberry jam, just like Grandma used to make? Try this super simple recipe that can be turned into a fun family activity on a lazy Sunday – only 3 ingredients needed! This recipe may be doubled to make an extra batch that can be frozen. Goes great with peanut butter!

Homemade Strawberry Jam

Ingredients

2 cups of fresh, ripe organic strawberries
3-4 tbsp of sugar
1-2 tsp lime juice

Preparation

On a clean surface or cutting board, chop the strawberries fine. Add the sugar to a saucepan, add in the strawberries, and cook over low heat, adding more sugar as needed, to taste.

Stir the strawberry and sugar mixture frequently, while mashing the berries to desired consistency while cooking. (some like it smooth, some prefer chunks of fruit) Continue to stir frequently and cook over low heat until thickened, watching to make sure the jam does not burn.

Once the jam is to a desired consistency, take it off of the heat and cool. Add in 1 tablespoon of lime juice to taste, adding the rest as needed.

Place the jam in a clean jar or glass container, and keep in the fridge for use on toast, English muffins, bagels, scones – you name it!

Mamas – take a sip of pure bliss in a steaming mug! Monthly Comfort Tea by Earth Mama Angel Baby helps to soothe and calm new mothers as they heal and recuperate postpartum. This delightful, USDA certified 100% Organic tea is a rich blend of lemon balm, Lady’s Mantle, alfalfa, nettles, and ginger to ease cramping and settle nerves. Not just for new moms, this tea is a wonderful aid during the time of the month when “Aunt Flo” comes to visit! $5.97 per carton.

All of Earth Mama Angel Baby’s products can be purchased online or found in various retail locations and health food stores nationwide.

*Company provided a sample and image for this review.*

For those who cannot afford to go green in entirety, opting for a “lightly green” approach may be a practical solution. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has named the 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the most residue from pesticides, aptly named the “dirty dozen,” and parents can choose to purchase the organic version of the following listed below for their family so as to avoid contaminants. As with any fruits and vegetables, make sure to rinse well with water and a fruit and veggie wash before consumption!

The Dirty Dozen

  1. Peaches
  2. Celery
  3. Apples
  4. Bell Peppers
  5. Cherries
  6. Nectarines
  7. Strawberries
  8. Kale
  9. Lettuce
  10. Carrots
  11. Pears
  12. Imported Grapes

A revolution in hydration for the entire family! A sleek design plus simple installation makes the Zuvo Water Filtration System a household must-have, saving families money by eliminating the need to buy costly bottled water, which in turn helps to reduce the 60 million water bottles that end up in landfills every single year! Not only is the Zuvo Water Filtration System an environmentally sound purchase, it sets unobtrusively on a kitchen countertop or under the counter and provides the whole family with clean water for drinking and cooking. Recently awarded the Parent Tested Parent Approved Award for “best new green products,” the Zuvo Water Filtration System reduces contaminants found in tap water while preserving the healthy mineral content. To learn how the Zuvo Water Filtration System works, click here.

Even more importantly, today’s parents are concerned about the safety of the plastics used in the production of bottled water which can potentially leach unsafe chemicals into their children’s little bodies. With the Zuvo Water Filtration System, tap water becomes safe for consumption again! A cost-effective purchase for the entire family at just $299.99.

*Company provided a sample and images for this review.*

It’s back for another tempting recipe today – the strawberry, that is! Here’s a great pancake recipe from BakingBites.com filled with extra goodies like wheat bran and buttermilk, for richness. Sunday brunch, anyone?

Whole Wheat Strawberry Pancakes

Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/3-1/2 cup diced strawberries (fresh or freeze-dried)

Preparation

Whisk together flour, wheat bran, baking powder, baking soda, salt and allspice in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, milk, egg, butter and maple syrup. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until just barely combined (still lumpy). Quickly stir in strawberries. Some small lumps should remain in the batter.
Heat a lightly greased grill or large frying pan over mediu-high heat. Grill is ready when a drop of water will skitter across the surface of the pan. Drop batter in in 3-inch rounds. Cook about 1 1/2 minutes per side, until browned. Second side will take slightly less time than the first side.

Serve hot, with maple syrup.

Thanks Baking Bites! For more awesome pancake recipes, stop on by their site!

Combining the all-mighty strawberry with protein-packed peanut butter and blending it together to make “Mom” at Tiny Green Mom‘s morning smoothie, this Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie is certain to hit the spot!

Tiny Green Mom’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup water (more or less, depending on desired consistency)

1 scoop of soy protein powder

1 tablespoon ground flax seeds

1 ripe banana

8-10 large frozen strawberries

2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter

ice cubes

Preparation

Place water in blender, and add in the rest of the ingredients. Blend together until smoothie is of desired consistency, adding in ice cubes as needed. Enjoy!

Yum, yum, YUM! All-natural, gourmet peanut butter in a convenient squeeze pack? Now that is what we’re talking about! Peanut Butter & Co. introduces a brand new line for those who want to bring a healthy snack with them on the go – Easy Squeezy™ Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs. These kid-friendly, single serving squeeze packs are available in 3 decadent flavors to suit any taste! Choose from rich Dark Chocolate Dreams, Smooth Operator, or The Bee’s Knees. These delicious squeeze packs are gluten-free and contain absolutely no hydrogenated oils, no trans-fats, no high fructuse corn syrup or no refined sugars. Perfect for packing in lunch boxes, taking on a hike, or eaten as healthy road trip fare for a quick protein-filled pick-me-up!

To order, visit ILovePeanutButter.com. Go ahead, say it! YUM!

*Company provided a sample and images for this review.*