FDA Examines Link Between Food Dyes and Hyperactivity

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Today and tomorrow, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be meeting to take a closer look at the possible link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in children. The fact that the FDA is even considering that there may be a link between food dyes and kids’ behavior is astounding. For years the federal government has been defending the safety of fake food coloring, even as research has linked artificial food dyes to a slew of problems, such as known carcinogen contamination, allergic reactions, behavioral impairments and more. Not to mention that fake food dyes are made with petroleum (ick). Honestly, hyperactivity may be the least of your worries. Fake food dyes may carry much higher risks. For example, back in the 50s, Orange No. 1 dye was banned due to toxicity. In the 70s, Red No. 2 was banned because the FDA suspected it was carcinogenic. However, Red No. 2 was quickly replaced by Red No. 40 – another questionable dye.

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6 Video Games with an Environmental Focus

Even though we'd rather always see our kids outside interacting in and with the environment instead of sitting inside playing videos games, at least there are several video games available on the market today with an environmental and socially responsible focus. These video games with an environmental focus will show kids ways in which we have impacted our environment and what can happen if we choose to change our ways. Some games teach about different eco systems, problem solving, preservation of our natural resources and even encourage kids to slow down and reflect. Read on to learn about six video games with an environmental focus that you won't mind seeing your child play every once in while.

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DwellStudio Creates New Modern-twist Kidz Placemats

Modern-twist Kidz Placemats are already a revelation for parents who like to eat out once in a while (i.e. fun Kidz Placemats keep …

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New Green Toys Pizza Parlor for Eco-Friendly Food Play

Green Toys recently expanded their eco-friendly product line with the addition of some cool new green toys for 2011! One of our favorite new Green Toys of the season is the Green Toys Pizza Parlor. Young pizza lovers will adore this colorful 27-piece set, featuring four yummy slices that can be stacked with pretend toppings galore, including: sauce, cheese,  pepperoni,  mushrooms,  onions,  green pepper, red pepper, red tomato and green tomato. The set also comes with fun accessories, including …

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HOW TO: Make a Puppet Theater from a Recycled Box

Puppets give children the opportunity to become an active participate in their own entertainment, and you can help kids make their own puppet theater from a recycled box. A DIY puppet theater will give kids creative control of the theme, design, colors and concept. It's a fun way for your child to play director, actor, set designer and screenwriter all in one day. Your children will spend countless hours putting on plays for their friends and family, all of them inevitably ending with everyone reduced to giggles of course. It's a splendid way to spend a rainy spring afternoon and this puppet theater is sturdy enough to play with over and over again. Read on for our how to instructions for a recycled box puppet theater.

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Limited Edition String Doll to Support Japanese Earthquake Victims

In response to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami tragedy that struck on March 11, 2011, Kamibashi, creators of the delightful String Doll Gang, have released a limited edition String Doll Gang Ganbare Bear. Ganbare, pronounced “Gahn-BAH-ray” is Japanese term meaning, …

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Team Chipmunk Designs Kids Clothing Using Vintage Garments

We all love a bit of theater, so when a veteran costume designer turns their hand to developing a line of children’s clothing made from quality vintage garments, we know we’re in for a visual treat. Liz Bourgeois is the founder and creative force behind Team Chipmunk. She cut her teeth upcycling preloved garments into avant-garde designs for low budget theater productions, before heading to the bright lights of Broadway to become associate designer of one of its  longest running and Tony Award winning productions, Avenue Q. Read on to learn more about the new Team Chipmunk kids clothing line.

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7 Unique Eco-Friendly Spring Break Activities

Spring break is just around the corner, and even if you're not lucky enough to get away on a family vacation, you can start planning a few fun and eco-friendly staycation ideas instead! There are plenty of ways to keep the kiddos entertained during a full week off from school -- and you can find many right in your own neighborhood or backyard. If long days of "Mom, I'm bored!" give you a mini panic attack, relax. We have seven unique and eco-friendly ways for you to enjoy your spring break close to home without spending a lot of money. These ideas pack a huge fun factor for the entire family, so read on and get ready for a great, green spring break!

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Link Roundup: DIY Soft Blocks and Barn Doors for Baby

Spearmint Baby explains how to make your own soft baby blocks.

Tristan & Tyler promote recycling in their latest video.

Babble rounds up their Top 50 Best Esty Baby Boutiques.

Get ready for Easter by making Martha Stewart’s super-cute crepe paper carrots.

Ohdeedoh inspires us to use barn doors as nursery decor.

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Tookee Kids Organic Cotton Rattles for Green Babies

Tookee Kids‘ quirky rattle toys are bold and brightly colored — perfect to entice Baby’s developing eyesight. The dragon and doggy rattle toys are made from hemp and organic cotton fabric that’s printed with water-based, non-toxic ink. We also love that these little plush rattles are machine washable because you know they’ll end up in your baby’s mouth…and in the dog’s mouth, and on the ground. Expect lots of smiles are you shake these plushies for your tot….

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Wool Felt Chocolate Easter Bunny from Lilly Bean Market

The adorable and sugar-free Chocolate Bunny from Lilly Bean Market is hopping into town for a limited time. Made special for the Easter season only, this sweet treat is the perfect chocolate bunny for your child’s basket. Made with 100% wool felt, plus cute extras like the little bow! Plus right now, if you spend $20 or more at Lilly Bean, …

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Shnazzy-Dory Handmade Appliqued Baby Onesies and Tees

Shnazzy-Dory makes one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality onesies. Each original applique design is hand-embroidered onto a high-quality Zee-Spot Fair Trade, certified organic cotton onesie or t-shirt in a bold color like papaya or yummy berry. Look for new designs every week, and custom orders are welcome. All Shnazzy-Dory duds are handmade and packaged with recycled materials.

+ Organic Cotton …

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Rhoost Stylish Safety Products Keep Toddlers Safe from Household Hazards

Frustrated with traditional child safety accessories that detracted from décor, passionate mom Vianka Perez Belyea and business savvy partner Tavinder Phull, have introduced a line of sustainable products that look great and keep kids safe in your home. The Rhoost line of products includes outlet covers, cabinet restraints, and bumpers that guard against pinched fingers, sharp table edges, and keep wandering toddlers safe. All of the 100% recyclable products are free from BPA, lead, and phthalates.

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READ Sculpture Made of 25,000 Dr. Seuss Books at New York Public Library

The Target Corporation has been a longtime supporter of the arts, and now they’ve banded with the New York Public Library to help advocate children’s literacy. As part of the New York City Read Across America event, a giant red display of “READ” — made entirely from Dr. Seuss books between the library’s iconic lion statues !

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PreVue Pregnancy Belt Offers an Inside Look at the Womb

Did you ever wish you had a “reassurance window” during pregnancy to see what was really happening to your baby in the womb? University of New South Wales design student Melody Shlue created a concept to offer just that. Her PreVue Fetal Visualization Device is an e-textile based apparatus that uses 4D ultrasound to provide an X-ray vision of sorts to pregnant women, their partners, and well, any passersby. Women would wear the belt around their pregnant bellies and a screen on the front showcases Baby’s latest fetal tricks whether he’s yawning, sucking his thumb, doing flips or just plain taking a snooze. Read on to learn more about this pregnancy gadget concept.

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Meditation May Help Improve Academic Performance

Transcendental Meditation can have a profound impact on many facets of our lives and a new study shows that it can also improve children’s academic performance. The study conducted at a California public middle school on 189 students showed that 41 percent of the meditating students gained at least one level in math performance. Students with the lowest levels of academic performance showed a significant improvement in overall academic achievement.  If Transcendental Meditation can improve middle school students’ academic performance then why not try meditation with younger children? Plus, there’s a chance you may find it’s beneficial to other areas of your child’s lifestyle. Speaking from personal experience I can tell you that Transcendental Meditation has affected my son’s life. Read on to find out how,  and learn how to implement meditation into your child’s lifestyle.

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