HEALTHY FAMILY SHOPPING GUIDE

Does it sometimes feel like you need an advanced chemistry degree to make it through a grocery trip without filling your cart with cleverly packaged junk masquerading as "health food"? We've found that it's difficult enough to navigate the aisles with a our restless brood of cephalopod-like children (yes, they appear to grow tentacles at the mere mention of the grocery store), without having to channel an encyclopedic knowledge of food science at every twist and turn. So, we've created a nice little cheat sheet that fits neatly in to your purse or wallet. Our "HEALTHY FAMILY SHOPPING GUIDE" includes Dr. Sears' list of the top 12 healthiest foods to help keep you on track while your two-year-old is screaming "COOOOKIE!" We've also included a list of healthy vs. bad fats, power proteins and the goods on good grains. To help you extrapolate the ingredient lists on all those packaged foods, we've included a list of MSG pseudonyms and other sneaky additives to look out for. Download our PDF file, print, cut, fold, and laminate. Feel free to spread the word and share. Pin It Now!

MSG BY ANY OTHER NAME?

This is a great article that was published on rense.com. It was written several years ago, during the previous presidential administration, but the facts are still pertinent and alarming.

MSG - The Slow Poisoning Of America

"I wondered if there could be an actual chemical causing the massive obesity epidemic, so did a friend of mine, John Erb.

He was a research assistant at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and spent years working for the government.

He made an amazing discovery while going through scientific journals for a book he was writing called "The Slow Poisoning of America".

In hundreds of studies around the world, scientists were creating obese mice and rats to use in diet or diabetes test studies. No strain of rat or mice is naturally obese, so the scientists have to create them. They make these morbidly obese creatures by injecting them with MSG when they are first born. The MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates; causing rats (and humans?) to become obese. They even have a title for the fat rodents they create: "MSG-Treated Rats".

I was shocked too. I went to my kitchen, checking the cupboards and the fridge. MSG was in everything: The Campbell's soups, the Hostess Doritos, the Lays flavoured potato chips, Top Ramen, Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper, Heinz canned gravy, Swanson frozen prepared meals, Kraft salad dressings, especially the 'healthy low fat' ones.

The items that didn't have MSG marked on the product label had something called ''Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein'', which is just another name for Monosodium Glutamate.
It was shocking to see just how many of the foods we feed our children everyday are filled with this stuff. They hide MSG under many different names in order to fool those who carefully read the ingredient list, so they don't catch on. (Other names for MSG: 'Accent' - 'Aginomoto' - 'Natural Meet Tenderizer', etc) But it didn't stop there. When our family went out to eat, we started asking at the restaurants what menu items had MSG.

Many employees, even the managers, swore they didn't use MSG. But when we ask for the ingredient list, which they grudgingly provided, sure enough MSG and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein were everywhere:

Burger King
McDonalds
Wendy's
Taco Bell

And every restaurant like: TGIF, Chilis', Applebees and Denny's use MSG in abundance.

Kentucky Fried Chicken seemed to be the WORST offender: MSG was in EVERY chicken dish, salad dressing and gravy. No wonder I loved to eat that coating on the skin, their secret spice was MSG.

So, why is MSG in so may of the foods we eat?

Is it a preservative or a vitamin?? Not according to my friend John. In the book he wrote, an expose of the food additive industry called "The Slow Poisoning of America" he said that MSG is added to food for the addictive effect it has on the human body. http://www.spofamerica.com

Even the propaganda website sponsored by the food manufacturers lobby group supporting MSG at: http://www.msgfactscom/facts/msgfact12.html explains that the reason they add it to food is to make people EAT MORE OF THEIR PRODUCTS.

A study of the elderly showed that people eat more of the foods it is added to.The Glutamate Association lobby group says eating more benefits the elderly, but what does it do to the rest of us? 'Betcha can't eat just one', takes on a whole new meaning where MSG is concerned! And we wonder why the nation is overweight?

The MSG manufacturers themselves admit that it addicts people to their products. It makes people choose their product over others, and makes people eat more of it than they would if MSG wasn't added.

Not only is MSG scientifically proven to cause obesity, it is an addictive substance! Since its introduction into the American food supply fifty years ago, MSG has been added in larger and larger doses to the pre-packaged meals, soups, snacks and fast foods we are tempted to eat everyday.The FDA has set no limits on how much of it can be added to food. They claim it's safe to eat in any amount. How can they claim it safe when there are hundreds of scientific studies with titles like these? :-

Both the "medical research community" and "food manufacturers" have known about MSG's side effects for decades! Many more studies mentioned in John Erb's book link MSG to Diabetes, Migraines and headaches, Autism, ADHD and even Alzheimer's. But what can we do to stop the food manufactures from dumping fattening and addictive MSG into our food supply and causing the obesity epidemic we now see?

Even as you read this, G. W. Bush and his corporate supporters are pushing a Bill through Congress called the "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act" also known as the "Cheeseburger Bill", this sweeping law bans anyone from suing food manufacturers, sellers and distributors. Even if it comes out that they purposely added an addictive chemical to their foods. The Bill has already been rushed through the House of Representatives, and is due for the same rubber stamp at Senate level. It is important that Bush and his corporate supporters get it through before the media lets everyone know about 'MSG, the intentional Nicotine for food'.

Several months ago, John Erb took his book and his concerns to one of the highest government health officials in Canada. While sitting in the Government office, the official told him "Sure, I know how bad MSG is, I wouldn't touch the stuff." But this top level government official refused to tell the public what he knew.

The big media doesn't want to tell the public either, fearing legal issues with their advertisers. It seems that the fallout on fast food industry may hurt their profit margin. The food producers and restaurants have been addicting us to their products for years, and now we are paying the price for it. Our children should not be cursed with obesity caused by an addictive food additive. But what can I do about it?... I'm just one voice.

What can I do to stop the poisoning of our children, while our governments are insuring financial protection for the industry that is poisoning us.

This e-mail is going out to everyone I know in an attempt to tell you the truth that the corporate owned politicians and media won't tell you. The best way you can help to save yourself and your children from this drug-induced epidemic, is to forward this email to everyone. With any luck, it will circle the globe before politicians can pass the legislation protecting those who are poisoning us. The food industry learned a lot from the tobacco industry. Imagine if big tobacco had a bill like this in place before someone blew the whistle on Nicotine?

If you are one of the few who can still believe that MSG is good for us, and you don't believe what John Erb has to say, see for yourself. Go to the National Library of Medicine, at http://www.pubmed.com. Type in the words "MSG Obese" and read a few of the 115 medical studies that appear.

We the public, do not want to be rats in one giant experiment and we do not approve of food that makes us into a nation of obese, lethargic, addicted sheep, feeding the food industry's bottom line, while waiting for the heart transplant, diabetic induced amputation, blindness or other obesity induced, life threatening disorders. With your help we can put an end to this poison. Do your part in sending this message out by word of mouth, e-mail or by distribution of this print-out to all your friends all over the world and stop this 'Slow Poisoning of Mankind' by the packaged food industry.

Blowing the whistle on MSG is our responsibility, get the word out."

MSG MAY BE MASQUERADING IN YOUR FOOD AS

(CONTAINING AT LEAST 78% MSG)

Gelatin

Calcium Caseinate
Monosodium glutamate
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
Textured Protein
Monopotassium glutamate
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP)
Yeast Extract
Glutamate
Autolyzed Plant Protein
Yeast food or nutrient
Glutamic Acid
Sodium Caseinate
Autolyzed Yeast
Vegetable Protein Extract
Senomyx (wheat extract labeled as artificial flavor)

For more information on where MSG may be lurking in the foods you buy, visit Truth in Labeling at http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.htm

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FREE FONTS FROM DAFONT...

Looking to add a little style, pizzazz, or panache to your invitations, documents and projects? You'll never write a humdrum looking letter again with your free fonts from Dafont. Dowloading free fonts is safe and easy. You can find a font to perfectly suit every occassion.

• Putting together a birthday party invitation and want to use a font with true “character”? Try “Calvin & Hobbes”, “Pokemon”, “Tartar Sauce” (the Sponge Bob font), or “Mickey”.


• "Penning" a love letter? Try “Jane Austen” or “Byron”.


• Writing your own Declaration of Independence? Try the “Jefferson” script.


• For just the cutest little font ever, try “Little Days”.


• Planning a big fat Greek wedding? Try their GREEK fonts category. They also have Russian looking fonts, Mexican themed fonts and more.


• Create a neat little barcode label to put on the back of your personalized cards with a barcode font.


• Need a special font for Christmas? Halloween? Try their holiday font section.


• Feeling nostalgic for the old days? Compose a letter with a typewriter font.

HERE'S HOW

• Find the font you want to download
• Click the corresponding “download” button
• You will be prompted: “Do you want to open or save this file?”
• Click “OPEN” button
• A window will pop up with the font name and supporting documents, if any
• Select the “Extract All Files” button
• You will be prompted to save the file. Select “Browse”
• Highlight “Desktop” and click “Okay”
• You will be taken back to the previous screen
• Click the “Extract” button
• The font file is now located on your desktop
• To install the font, open your Windows menu and select “Computer”
• Open your local hard drive (usually C:)
• Open the Windows folder
• Open the Fonts folder
• Minimize any windows that are running in the background so that you can see your Desktop’s contents
• Drag the fonts you want to install from your desktop to the FONTS window that you opened
• The font is now installed
• Delete the font files from your desktop

Note: Some fonts come in several versions. You can install all of them, or simply install the original and delete the rest from your desktop when you are done with installation of the original.

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VELVET CUPCAKES, PART II

Our friend Connie at Velvet Cupcakes has added a new flavor with the spirit of summer in mind: "GIMME S'MORE"- ....graham cracker crust, choc, chocolate cake smothered with roasted marshmallow..mmmmmm...

To order these to-die-for treats for your next event in the (831) area code, call 831.760.7023 or email connie@velvetcupcakes.org

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RASPBERRY STREUSEL TOP MUFFINS

Raspberry Streusel Top Muffins
a jennuine recipe

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup tightly packed dark brown sugar
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick butter, melted and slightly cooled
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

STREUSEL TOP
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup rolled oats
½ cup tightly packed dark brown sugar
¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
6 Tablespoons butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line one muffin tin with 12 liners, the other with 8.
3. Prepare the topping: mix all ingredients in a medium bowl with a wooden spoon until combined and large crumbs form. Rest in the refrigerator while you prepare the batter.
4. Sift flour, sugars and baking powder in to a large bowl.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, eggs, sour cream and extracts until well combined and lighter in color.
6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients in the well and fold in till just combined.
7. Gently stir in the raspberries.
8. Scoop in to the 20 muffin cups (a standard ice cream scoop works well).
9. Drop approx. 1 Tablespoon of the crumb topping on each muffin. Lightly press to adhere.
10. Bake until browned and toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out free of batter (approximately 20-25 minutes).
11. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when cool.
    
    Yields approx. 20 muffins

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THREE GREAT PROJECTS TO GROW ON

Here are three wonderful garden related projects to do with your children:

1. Upcycle Old Art into Handmade Seed Paper



2. Seed Bombs



3. Seed Packet Cards

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SEW CUTE! SEW EASY! SEW FREE!

...our #1 favorite online resource for patterns, tutorials and free projects is THE PRINCESS AND THE MONKEY. You could spend hours just browsing and being inspired by this ultimate collection. It's a craft nirvana!

AND NOW, SOME MORE WONDERFUL PROJECTS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS, FROM BEGINNERS TO THE SAVVY CRAFTER...

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HOODED TOWELS FROM BREAKITDOWNDESIGN.COM

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CUPCAKE BATH BOMB TUTORIAL FROM LITTLE BIRDIE SECRETS

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FREE PURSE PATTERN FROM MADE BY RAE

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EMBROIDER YOUR KID'S ARTWORK TUTORIAL FROM LITTLE BIRDIE SECRETS

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PLUS THEIR TABLETOP IRONING PAD TUTORIAL

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AND THEIR CHALKBOARD PLACEMAT TUTORIAL

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FELT DONUT TUTORIAL FROM CRAFTSTER

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PLUSH TOAST KEYCHAIN FROM DEVIANT ART

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FOR MORE GREAT PLUSHIE PATTERNS AND TUTORIALS, VISIT OUR FRIENDS AT PURPLEASUREDESIGN.COM

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TRY YOUR HAND AT MAKING THE LUCKY DUCK FROM LIVING CREATIVELY

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LITTLE BOXY POUCH TUTORIAL FROM THREE BEARS

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ANGRY CHICKEN'S FELT BARRETTE TUTORIAL

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BOUTIQUE NUTMEG DESIGN'S CHILD'S TEE-PEE AT SEW MAMA SEW

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PENNY CARNIVAL'S HANGING BOOK DISPLAY

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GREAT PLUSH PATTERNS FROM REVOLUZzZA

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MAKE A ROCKET-MAN FROM LONG THREAD

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MISS MOLLY MONKEY FROM THE CRAFTY CROW

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THE LITTLE HOUSE BY THE SEA'S TOADSTOOL COTTAGE MUSHROOMS

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INDIE TUTES HALTER SUNDRESS PATTERN AND TUTORIAL

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IMPORTANT REMINDER: ALL OF THESE FREE PATTERNS AND TUTORIALS ARE FOR HOME USE ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM TO MAKE ITEMS FOR RESALE.

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BUY HANDMADE ~ TAKE THE PLEDGE

WE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE AND SIGNED THE PLEDGE TO BUY HANDMADE. TAKE A STEP TOWARD KEEPING OUR WORLD CREATIVE AND CONNECTED BY SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT ARTISTS AND CRAFTERS WHEN YOU MAKE GIFT PURCHASES. BABY STEPS TOWARDS BIG CHANGE...

VISIT http://www.buyhandmade.org/ TO SIGN THE PLEDGE

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FREE STUFF FOR CRAFTY BIRDS AND THEIR CHICKS

There's simply no excuse for being bored this summer ~ not with all the easy click and print projects you can find free-of-charge from generous artists and crafters all over the internet. Many of the leads below were brought to us by Amy Locurto of Living Locurto, a graphic designer and mom of two. Visit her blog to see why we're LOVING LOCURTO!

FUN AND FREE

JUST CLICK ON ANY OF THE PROJECTS BELOW TO GET STARTED

ICE CREAM CONE FAVOR BASKET FROM TANGARANG
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OWL THANK-YOU CARD FROM BLUE FINCH STUDIOS
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CUTE STUFF FROM CANONS CREATIVE PARK

THIS PAPER MOUSE IS JUST ONE OF DOZENS OF AMAZING ANIMALS YOU CAN CLICK AND PRINT
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THIS WHIMSICAL CASTLE IS ONE OF MANY STRUCTURES YOU CAN FIND AND MAKE. THEY ALSO HAVE VEHICLES LIKE FIRE TRUCKS AND AIRPLANES.
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DO YOUR KIDS LIKE ORIGAMI? HERE YOU'LL FIND DOZENS OF AMAZING ORIGAMI PATTERNS THAT WILL KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED FOR HOURS.

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FIND POP-UP CARDS FOR EVERY OCCASSION
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AND TEMPLATES FOR ADORABLE FAVOR BOXES, GIFTS, AND STUNNING PAPER FLOWERS

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MAKE YOUR OWN LITTLE PAPER HERMES BAG
visit their website, click "world of hermes" select "download your kelly" and pick a pattern to print
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PRINT, GET OUT AND GET MOVING WITH VISUAL SCAVENGER HUNTS FROM WEE LIFE. THEY HAVE LOTS OF OTHER GREAT PRINTABLES AS WELL. -

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UNIQUE 3D PAPER SCULPTURES FROM MACULA ART. A FUN CENTERPIECE FOR YOUR KIDS TO MAKE FOR EVERY HOLIDAY...

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ADORABLE BOOKPLATES FROM SWEET JESSIE
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MORE GREAT BOOKPLATES FROM CRAFTSANITY
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AND ONE MORE GREAT SET OF BOOKPLATES FROM HELEN DARDIK
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A PRINTABLE MINI FILE FOLDER FROM WHISKERGRAPHICS
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AND THESE FREE GIFT TAGS TOO
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INSTRUCTIONS AND TEMPLATES FOR MAKING THOSE CHARMING LITTLE GERMAN "PUTZ" GLITTER HOUSES FROM SIMPLE MATERIALS LIKE A DISCARDED CEREAL BOX!

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WE'VE NOTICED A COMMON THREAD (IF YOU'LL PARDON THE PUN)

~CREATIVE PEOPLE ARE VERY GENEROUS AND GIVING~

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