Ideal Bite

Well, actually he was sitting two tables away from me, but that still counts, no? Plus, Sheryl Crow, Amy Smart, (see photo - courtesy of Sarah Strack Photography) Ricki Lake, Anna Getty, and Arianna Huffington - they were all attending the Healthy Child Healthy World gala last Wednesday at the LEED-certified Montage Beverly Hills. I sat between Ideal Bite's cofounder, Jen Boulden and a lactation consultant (no joke) during dinner.

HCHW is all about fighting for children’s environmental health, and although I'm not a mom yet, I was very interested to hear what the who's who on this subject matter had to say. The event honored three Champions of Children’s Health, and I was Read the full post... 

In case you missed it, Saturday was the International Day of Climate Action. Huffington Post put together a slideshow of the cutest kids doing their part. My vote's with the bespectacled Finns.

-Toshio…off to re-think my Halloween costume…

From DT Read the full post... 

I recently went to see a lecture by Dr. Jane Goodall, famous scientist and animal ambassador (she's the one on the right - photo by Tyler Shaw). The focus of the evening was children. In collaboration with ICRT, she talked mostly about Roots and Shoots, a youth-driven program she started where kids act on behalf of the environment, animals, and other people. There are 10,000 groups in 111 countries around the world, involving kids from preschool to university, and they are doing some amazing things. For example, in CA, one group pulled 450,000 pounds of trash out of the LA River in a day. Another group planted 1,000 trees. Another raised $16K through recycling and bought 3,000 Read the full post... 

When I’ve really got a cold coming on, there’s one clear way I know: I lose my appetite. Yes, that’s true for many peeps, but ordinarily I’m always, always ready to eat (good cheese is my first choice...except maybe cookies...or a grass-fed burger...). And the first sign of getting better? Jonsing for a gooey PB&J.

I was reminded of that this week when picking up a few jars of organic peanut butter at the store (the way I buy the stuff, I swear I’m putting someone’s kids through college).

During my pregnancy, especially that first trimester, it was one of the only foods I’d consume after a bout of nausea. Not a bad choice if you want Read the full post... 

Recently I spent a summer weekend with my sister and her kids, and found myself trailing after my niece and nephew turning off faucets, switching off lights, and the like.

They’re 7 (twins) and learning about how to be green at school, but I realized that putting eco habits into practice daily was another story. So I explained what Aunt Alison was up to - trying to save water, conserve energy, reduce waste - and Jack and Emma nodded along. They recycle at home, bring reusable lunch containers and bottles to school, and recently learned why their mom buys organic produce, so it kinda clicked...I think...maybe.

Cool thing is, there are tons of ways to help kids get why conserving Read the full post... 

One of my best friends gave birth to a little boy recently and when I finally caught her on the phone, we gushed for a bit, but the conversation quickly turned to nursing, bottles and all the other practicalities of dealing with those overwhelming first few days and weeks with a newborn.

I hardly feel like an expert - Roxane is my first and she's 11 months - but I realized I had a lot of little tips to share, like what to put on cracked nipples (olive oil in a pinch); how to soothe inflamed ones (wet and chill cotton nursing pads, and apply between feedings); or which infant carriers are best. 

Also there’s stuff I wish I’d known to do at the time, like scheduling Read the full post... 

I’m blown away - humbled - by the winners of this year’s Young Eco-Awards, sponsored by SF-based nonprof Action for Nature. A 15-year-old who sparked the CA legislature to adopt new emissions regulation? An 8-year-old who wrote a book and raised $2,000 for the World Wildlife Fund?

The group, which encourages young environmentalists, recognized 18 kids and teens age 8-16 with equally stunning stories.

-Mama Bite Editor Alison...off to remember what she did at that age…
From Mama Bite



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We recently returned from a big, fancy family wedding and Roxane, my 11-month-old daughter, looked like doll.  There’s not much more adorable than a big bow on the back of a little girl’s dress, but this confection was also sleeveless pink and white seersucker with a scallop-edged collar and tiny flowers on the gathered bodice.  Edible, right?

And the best part: free. The designer dress, which I understand cost a pretty penny at the store, was a hand-me-down from Roxie’s older cousin. 

Passing or swapping clothes through the chain of family and friends is nothing new, of course - kids grow out of stuff so fast and we’d all rather not fork over the cash, especially Read the full post... 

In the days before my due date, I tried to arrange any last minute necessities for daily life - a full fridge, toothpaste, clean clothes, etc. - so we could hunker down after Roxie’s arrival.

Part of that plan included stationing hand soap and eco hand sanitizer - steering clear of the anti-bacterial type that breed resistant supergerms - at every sink. I displayed them prominently next to a stack of towels so our steady stream of visitors would pick up the hint without having to be told: Wanna hold the baby? Wash your hands. 

Ten months later we’re still fairly diligent about frequent hand-washing, though it’s equally to get rid of Roxie’s germs (oh, Read the full post... 

We’re coming up on Father’s Day and for once I’ve squared away my gifts well beforehand. This holiday isn’t optional, IMHO, and especially this year when my husband, Roland, celebrates it for the first time. (Our daughter Roxie, 10 months, may get away with a toothless grin as her present, but I’ve got to be a bit more creative.)

I’ve always been a fan of experience gifts for dads and everyone else - and well before I thought of them as eco. They’re a) thoughtful; b) a real treat for the recipient, i.e. something he may be hesitant to try or spend for; and c) a chance to do something together, if you participate, too. So for the December holidays, for example, we take my parents to the ballet Read the full post...