I have recently discovered a unique, and super-cool way to wash clothes.. SOAP NUTS! I had read about them a few times, but I just could not conceive of them actually working. Well I was wrong, they DO! I had been reading about them again on Debra's List and decided to give it a whirl. I ordered my Soap Nuts from Milkweed Mercantile, and they arrived at my door 3 days later. It made me giggle when I read that the Nuts were distributed by a business only 20 miles from my house!
Soap nuts are the shells from the fruit of Sapindus mukorossi, "The Soap Tree", grown in Northern India and Nepal. When the shells are added to water, the natural saponins (that's the stuff in soap) are released.
So GO NUTS! Try them for yourself!
Edited to add: There are several trees out there in the big old world that have berries with saponins. As such, there are other brands that will clean your laundry. This blog is my own personal experience. Please don't comment on my blog with an advertisement.
More technical information can be found here: Soap Nuts Information Page
Monday, March 09, 2009
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Old Time Wisdom
We are quickly losing the wisdom of our grandmothers, and it makes me sad :(
I was reading my old Betty Crocker Cookbook recently, and I read this tip: to make peeling boiled eggs easier, roll the egg in your hands a few seconds before peeling.
This past weekend, I seeded about 100 pepper. I read all the warnings in the cookbooks to use gloves to "prevent burning", but I thought it was just scare tactics to keep dummies from getting peppers on their hands and then rubbing their eyes. But guess what? It's REAL. I burned my hands so bad that I couldn't sleep that night. It felt like a chemical burn, and it HURT. I called my incredibly country-wise friend, Leanne, and she told me to wash my hands in Apple Cider Vinegar. The burning stopped IMMEDIATELY, and after 3 washes was gone for good.
But I thought about some of my more "modern" friends. First of all, they wouldn't have been making pepper marmalade in the first place. Most of them have no idea that processed foods are bad for you and hold no value in good, homemade foods. But for the sake of this writing, let's just say that did seed some peppers and get that burn. What would they have done? I suspect they might have spent their $20- $40 insurance co-pay and went to the doctor. And what would the doctor have done? I really don't know, but I suspect they would have written a prescription for something. Then my friend would go to the pharmacy and fill it for $10-$20. All that time and trouble, and they would have never known that they could have solved their burn with $3 and a bottle of ACV.
I think about all the other "home remedies" that have been lost through the ages. All the little tricks and tips that moms used to teach their children and their children taught their children. Those remedies are dying. My friends don't know those remedies anymore.
I read recently in the book In Defense of Food by Michael Pollen that we have to turn to our Grandmother and even Great-Grandmothers for the knowledge of real food. That is so true. Most of our mothers (my mother is 68) have lost the old knowledge. They were so seduced by the marketing of processed foods that they don't even have an idea what "real" food is. I know my mom doesn't. She thinks it's just "crazy talk" when I tell her that real butter is better for you than margarine.
So where do we go from here? I encourage all of you with "old time" wisdom to WRITE THAT WISDOM DOWN! Write down your home remedies for medical issues. Write down your recipes for whole, local foods. Write down your tips for natural home cleaning.
I find that usually, the simplest of knowledge is the hardest to find. And yet, the smartest.
I was reading my old Betty Crocker Cookbook recently, and I read this tip: to make peeling boiled eggs easier, roll the egg in your hands a few seconds before peeling.
This past weekend, I seeded about 100 pepper. I read all the warnings in the cookbooks to use gloves to "prevent burning", but I thought it was just scare tactics to keep dummies from getting peppers on their hands and then rubbing their eyes. But guess what? It's REAL. I burned my hands so bad that I couldn't sleep that night. It felt like a chemical burn, and it HURT. I called my incredibly country-wise friend, Leanne, and she told me to wash my hands in Apple Cider Vinegar. The burning stopped IMMEDIATELY, and after 3 washes was gone for good.
But I thought about some of my more "modern" friends. First of all, they wouldn't have been making pepper marmalade in the first place. Most of them have no idea that processed foods are bad for you and hold no value in good, homemade foods. But for the sake of this writing, let's just say that did seed some peppers and get that burn. What would they have done? I suspect they might have spent their $20- $40 insurance co-pay and went to the doctor. And what would the doctor have done? I really don't know, but I suspect they would have written a prescription for something. Then my friend would go to the pharmacy and fill it for $10-$20. All that time and trouble, and they would have never known that they could have solved their burn with $3 and a bottle of ACV.
I think about all the other "home remedies" that have been lost through the ages. All the little tricks and tips that moms used to teach their children and their children taught their children. Those remedies are dying. My friends don't know those remedies anymore.
I read recently in the book In Defense of Food by Michael Pollen that we have to turn to our Grandmother and even Great-Grandmothers for the knowledge of real food. That is so true. Most of our mothers (my mother is 68) have lost the old knowledge. They were so seduced by the marketing of processed foods that they don't even have an idea what "real" food is. I know my mom doesn't. She thinks it's just "crazy talk" when I tell her that real butter is better for you than margarine.
So where do we go from here? I encourage all of you with "old time" wisdom to WRITE THAT WISDOM DOWN! Write down your home remedies for medical issues. Write down your recipes for whole, local foods. Write down your tips for natural home cleaning.
I find that usually, the simplest of knowledge is the hardest to find. And yet, the smartest.
Some figures for your Consideration
From the latest 7th Generation newsletter:
- Average number of pounds of paper used annually by every American: 680
- Number of trees required by every American to meet their yearly demand for paper and wood products: 7
- Percent of the U.S. waste stream composed of paper (by weight): 35
- Gallons of petroleum saved by recycling one ton of paper: 380
- Number of trees saved by recycling one ton of household printing paper: 24
- Number of annual pounds of carbon dioxide absorbed by those 24 trees: 353
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Today's Dilemma
This morning as I was getting my girls ready for Horse Camp, I ran into a problem. We had lost the tops to their stainless steel travel cups, and all we had were the plastic ones that came with their lunch boxes. They were SO SMELLY that I couldn't put anything in them in good conscience. The scent of plastic and chemicals was insane.
In light of this morning's disgust, I'd like to post an article written by Debra Lynn Dadd:
In light of this morning's disgust, I'd like to post an article written by Debra Lynn Dadd:
Toxic Plastic Water Bottles
by Debra Lynn Dadd
I recently received a question from one of my readers about the safety of drinking water from clear plastic water bottles. These bottles, made from Lexan polycarbonate resin (a plastic polymer), are widely used for single-serving sales to one-gallon of water in stores and home-delivery bottles.
These bottles appear to be safe because they do not impart any taste or odor to the water. Lexan polycarbonate is also used to make compact discs and DVDs, bulletproof windows, mobile phones, and computers.
The water delivery company sent my reader a notice saying that their Lexan polycarbonate bottles are perfectly safe to use. They suggested their customers visit a website that was designed to portray this plastic in a positive light.
But, actually, a toxic chemical is lurking in these bottles that does end up in the water you drink. Lexan used to be used to make baby bottles, but these are no longer sold. Hmmmmm...
Stay Away From BPA
In 1998, Dr. Patricia Hunt of Case Western University in Ohio discovered that one of the components of Lexan polycarbonate resin--bisphenol-A (BPA)--can leach into water from water bottles. BPA is a potent hormone disruptor. It can impair the reproductive organs and have adverse effects on breast tissue and prostate development.
Who do we believe? The water delivery company or Dr. Hunt?
I'm inclined to go with Dr. Hunt. I went to a website maintained by the authors of Our Stolen Future: How We Are Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival, who are continuously searching the scientific literature for information on endochrine disruptors. The Our Stolen Future page on bisphenol-a (http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/oncompounds/bisphenola/bpauses.htm#recentimportant) gives a whole page of links to scientific studies that show that BPA damages the endocrine system in a variety of ways.
BPA can leach from water bottles when exposured to heat and cleaning agents, but detectable levels of BPA can also leach into water from bottles just sitting at room temperature, according to a 2003 study conducted by the University of Missouri published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Better Safe Than Sorry
Is there is a level of BPA that may be acceptable? To answer that question we have to ask: acceptable to who? A healthy male? A woman? A child? The elderly? And how would you know how much leaching has occurred in the water? It could easily vary from day to day depending on how long the water had been in the bottle, whether or not the sun was shining on the bottle in the delivery truck, and a variety of other factors.
I'm concerned enough about the possible danger of BPA that I am no longer purchasing bottled water in plastic bottles.
Health concerns aside, plastic is also not good for the environment. Americans use about 10 million tons of plastic every year, but recycle only about two percent of it. A plastic milk jug takes about one million years to biodegrade. And, getting back to health concerns, the manufacture of plastics produces toxic wastes that return to us indirectly through polluted air, water, and soil.
But we also have to use common sense and choose the greatest benefit at any given time. If your choice was to drink spring water in the polycarbonate bottle or drink tap water or drink no water at all on a hot summer day, I would say drink the purer spring water in the polycarbonate bottle. Once in a while, a single exposure will not do much harm. But you don't want to be using water contained in a Lexan polycarbonate resin bottle as your everyday source of water supply, or drink from these bottles all day long, every day.
There are other options.
Better Options
My best recommendation is to get a good water filter that is right for your water and filter your water at home. That way there is no questionable leaching at all. Even though this may be expensive, it is one of the best investments you can make in your health and will save thousands of dollars in medical expenses in the long run.
For those of you who carry or purchase water in the small, single-serving polycarbonate bottles, you can purchase plastic-free refillable bottles in various sizes to suit your needs. They are lightweight and much more attractive than the disposable plastic bottles.
It's a good idea, particularly in the summertime, to carry clean water with you, as your body needs water throughout the day for good health. The Mayo Clinic suggests you divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water every day. So if you weigh 128 pounds, that would be 64 ounces or 8 8-ounce glasses of water per day. It's better to carry your own clean water in a safe container than drink tap water or water in a plastic bottle.
For sources of water filters and reusable plastic-free refillable bottles, visit http://www.debraslist.com/water/index.html .
Hailed as "The Queen of Green" by the New York Times, Debra Lynn Dadd has been a leading consumer advocate for products and lifestyle choices that are better for health and the environment since 1982. Visit her website to learn more about her new book Home Safe Home, to sign up for her free email newsletters, and to browse 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural and earthwise products. http://www.dld123.com
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Planting, planting, planting!
My sister's Mother-In-Law gave me some seeds that she brought back from Riga, Latvia. I've been really excited about seeing how they grow, and I started them last week. I'm not sure how they will do down here in the South, Riga has a very different climate, but I love a good experiment. Here they are about 2 weeks after planting:
My neice planted some sunflower seeds last year, and they came up as MAMMOTH sunflowers. My girls have been totally excited about the prospect of big sunflowers again. A few weeks ago, one of their teachers did a project with seeds, and some of the kids got sunflower seeds. I was glad one was mine! Here are her 2 sunflower plants today.
I'm doing a correspondance course with Susun Weed called "Green Allies". I chose Red Clover for my ally, and I have started some seeds in a small bed in my yard.
Day One:
Day Seven:
And I'm planning a mint garden this year. Peppermint, Spearmint, and Lemon Balm. I got my seeds yesterday from Horizon, and I'll be starting those this weekend.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Spring Planting!
Spring has just about sprung here in the Deep South, and I'm so excited to get my garden going! Last year, my sister and I started out first garden. My father tilled up an area next to his gardens in his *big* field and was our expert "go to man" for gardening. At first he acted all cool about it, like it was just my sister and I's garden- he'd call and tell us we needed to come water it or weed it or whatnot. But as the season progressed, he got as excited as we did. He called it "our" garden (as in ALL of us ;)) and rode his lawnmower down EVERY day to look things over, pull any random weeds, and when it came time for harvest, to pick ripe vegetables. Our cup runneth over in yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes.
But my father's passion was the Green Beans. He made a HUGE production every year when his beans were ready and canned thousands of cans of them over the years. "PawPaw's Green Beans" were always a family favorite. Last year, it was our year for him to teach us the ins out outs of canning.
Just before the big bean harvest and canning, my father died.
So my garden this year is very important to me in so many ways. I believe in sustainability, and I've been working towards it as much as I can with my family. Growing our own food is a huge part of that. I believe in organics, but the price makes it somewhat difficult for my tiny budget. I think a garden is an excellent learning tool for children. But this year, most of all, I want to honor my Dad.
Last weekend, my sister tilled up one of his little beds, and we planted spinach, onions, and lettuce.
I'm going to get a little philosophical here, but here goes.... I believe that when you die your spirit joins the great everything. The everything in all of us. And because my father was so into his gardening, I think a lot of his energy is still in that soil. So for me, it HAS to be cultivated.
But my father's passion was the Green Beans. He made a HUGE production every year when his beans were ready and canned thousands of cans of them over the years. "PawPaw's Green Beans" were always a family favorite. Last year, it was our year for him to teach us the ins out outs of canning.
Just before the big bean harvest and canning, my father died.
So my garden this year is very important to me in so many ways. I believe in sustainability, and I've been working towards it as much as I can with my family. Growing our own food is a huge part of that. I believe in organics, but the price makes it somewhat difficult for my tiny budget. I think a garden is an excellent learning tool for children. But this year, most of all, I want to honor my Dad.
Last weekend, my sister tilled up one of his little beds, and we planted spinach, onions, and lettuce.
I'm going to get a little philosophical here, but here goes.... I believe that when you die your spirit joins the great everything. The everything in all of us. And because my father was so into his gardening, I think a lot of his energy is still in that soil. So for me, it HAS to be cultivated.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
An article by my BFF ;)
Herbal Teas for Better Health by Leanne Holcomb
Herbal teas, as well as being pleasurable to drink, can be used as a preventative measure. If drunk regularly, they can help to tone and balance the body. The transition to herbal tea (from your regular caffeinated tea or coffee) can be gradual. Lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, apple mint, and peppermint all make incredibly delicious teas and also add lovely flavor to otherwise less than pleasant herbal preparations. Try to drink 3 cups of herbal tea every day, after meals (to prevent interference with gastric juices and hinder proper digestion). Sweeten your herbal tea with honey or sugar if you like. A slice of lemon or orange is another tasty addition. Here are a few common herbs for tea preparations, with associated indications.
Basil Leaves: Soothing cleansing, diarrhea, poor digestion.
Calendula: Indigestion, skin troubles.
Catnip Leaves: Headaches, restlessness, period pains, hyperactive children.
Chamomile Flowers*: Headaches, nervousness, & indigestion.
Chickweed*: Coughs, colds, weight problems.
Dandelion Leaves & Root*: Liver & kidney troubles, fluid retention, constipation.
Elder Flower: Chills, fever.
Fenugreek Seeds*: Cleansing, soothing, excess catarrh, increase breast milk supply.
Lavender Flowers*: Headache, nervousness.
Lemon Balm Leaves: Headache, insomnia, melancholy.
Lemon Grass: Skin troubles, high in vitamin A.
Mullein Flowers*: Coughs, inflammation.
Nettle Leaf*: Kidney trouble, fluid retention.
Oatstraw*: Dry, brittle hair & nails, excessive mucus.
Peppermint*: Flatulence, nausea, stomach cramps.
Plantain*: Colds, diarrhea.
Red Clover Flowers: Nervousness, cleanser, whooping cough.
Red Raspberry Leaves*: Profuse menstruation, great for pregnant and/or lactating mothers.
Rosehips*: Coughs, colds.
Rosemary: Circulation, nervousness, depression, headache.
Sage: Fevers, tonic, sore throat.
Thyme: Colds, indigestion.
Valerian*: Tension, headache, insomnia.
Yarrow: Colds, indigestion, fevers.
Basic herbal tea preparation instructions:
1 T. dried herbs
½ pint water
Place herb(s) into a non-reactive metal or enamel pot with a lid. Bring water to a boil; turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb(s). Cover the pot and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain through a non-aluminum strainer. Herbal tea may be enjoyed fresh and warm or chilled. Honey, lemon, or milk can be added, although milk tends to mask the delicate flavors. Refrigerated unused tea to prevent spoilage.
There are no definite rules for combining herbs in a tea mixture. Taste is a major priority! Aromatic herbs such as peppermint, fennel, mint, ginger, lemon balm and lemon verbena will all enhance the flavor of a bland tea such as oatstraw, or a bitter tea such as valerian (valerian has a VERY strong odor which is unpleasant to some).
*Considered safe in moderation for pregnancy and lactation. Always consult your professional herbalist or naturopath before consuming any herbs while pregnant.
This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to prescribe, diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. It should not substitute the advice or recommendations of your physician or health professional, nor should it replace prescription medications without proper supervision. You are encouraged to seek professional medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner, naturopath or local professional herbalist, especially if you are pregnant, lactating, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription medication.
For more information about natural health/home/beauty/parenting, herbs, moon gardening and how to easily and inexpensively convert your household to eco-friendly, non-disposable cloth, visit Leanne and Melissa at http://www.herbaluna.com.
Article Source: Lady Pens
Herbal teas, as well as being pleasurable to drink, can be used as a preventative measure. If drunk regularly, they can help to tone and balance the body. The transition to herbal tea (from your regular caffeinated tea or coffee) can be gradual. Lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, apple mint, and peppermint all make incredibly delicious teas and also add lovely flavor to otherwise less than pleasant herbal preparations. Try to drink 3 cups of herbal tea every day, after meals (to prevent interference with gastric juices and hinder proper digestion). Sweeten your herbal tea with honey or sugar if you like. A slice of lemon or orange is another tasty addition. Here are a few common herbs for tea preparations, with associated indications.
Basil Leaves: Soothing cleansing, diarrhea, poor digestion.
Calendula: Indigestion, skin troubles.
Catnip Leaves: Headaches, restlessness, period pains, hyperactive children.
Chamomile Flowers*: Headaches, nervousness, & indigestion.
Chickweed*: Coughs, colds, weight problems.
Dandelion Leaves & Root*: Liver & kidney troubles, fluid retention, constipation.
Elder Flower: Chills, fever.
Fenugreek Seeds*: Cleansing, soothing, excess catarrh, increase breast milk supply.
Lavender Flowers*: Headache, nervousness.
Lemon Balm Leaves: Headache, insomnia, melancholy.
Lemon Grass: Skin troubles, high in vitamin A.
Mullein Flowers*: Coughs, inflammation.
Nettle Leaf*: Kidney trouble, fluid retention.
Oatstraw*: Dry, brittle hair & nails, excessive mucus.
Peppermint*: Flatulence, nausea, stomach cramps.
Plantain*: Colds, diarrhea.
Red Clover Flowers: Nervousness, cleanser, whooping cough.
Red Raspberry Leaves*: Profuse menstruation, great for pregnant and/or lactating mothers.
Rosehips*: Coughs, colds.
Rosemary: Circulation, nervousness, depression, headache.
Sage: Fevers, tonic, sore throat.
Thyme: Colds, indigestion.
Valerian*: Tension, headache, insomnia.
Yarrow: Colds, indigestion, fevers.
Basic herbal tea preparation instructions:
1 T. dried herbs
½ pint water
Place herb(s) into a non-reactive metal or enamel pot with a lid. Bring water to a boil; turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb(s). Cover the pot and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain through a non-aluminum strainer. Herbal tea may be enjoyed fresh and warm or chilled. Honey, lemon, or milk can be added, although milk tends to mask the delicate flavors. Refrigerated unused tea to prevent spoilage.
There are no definite rules for combining herbs in a tea mixture. Taste is a major priority! Aromatic herbs such as peppermint, fennel, mint, ginger, lemon balm and lemon verbena will all enhance the flavor of a bland tea such as oatstraw, or a bitter tea such as valerian (valerian has a VERY strong odor which is unpleasant to some).
*Considered safe in moderation for pregnancy and lactation. Always consult your professional herbalist or naturopath before consuming any herbs while pregnant.
This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to prescribe, diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. It should not substitute the advice or recommendations of your physician or health professional, nor should it replace prescription medications without proper supervision. You are encouraged to seek professional medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner, naturopath or local professional herbalist, especially if you are pregnant, lactating, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription medication.
For more information about natural health/home/beauty/parenting, herbs, moon gardening and how to easily and inexpensively convert your household to eco-friendly, non-disposable cloth, visit Leanne and Melissa at http://www.herbaluna.com.
Article Source: Lady Pens
Monday, February 25, 2008
Today's rude awakening
I've known for a while that eventually the oil would run out. Today as I pumped my $50 tank of gas into my car, I really "got it". I mean, I GET it. I know we are entering a new phase of life where we will have to learn how to do things w/o oil, and I've thought a lot about it. But today was different. Today I really dove deep into my thoughts on it.
I thought... well, I can sew our clothes, so I won't need to buy clothing imported in elsewhere. And then I realized- what about the fabric? I can't make fabric. It has to come from SOMEWHERE. Which led me to think about all the other little things that we take for granted. So, so many of our things are trucked in from elsewhere. In my house we use a lot of cloth products, but what about those who don't? How will they conceive of not having things like toilet paper? Will they actually pay a premium price for it? And what about food? Most people don't even know how to buy fresh food or where to get it even. Myself included. I know about the local markets, but they are very limited in selection. I would have to learn an entire new way of cooking to cook seasonally and regionally. I would *like* to do it, and I have a true admiration for all of those people out there on the "100 mile diet", but man, that would be HARD! Especially with kids.
For a while I've wanted to be more sustainable and self-sufficient, but really- it's a necessity at this point. Maybe not today, maybe not 10 years from now, but ONE DAY we will all need to be more self-sufficient. I don't think most people realize this.
A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend and made some comment about how the oil is running out. She actually said to me "yeah right, whatever!". UH..... yeah..... WHATEVER! It's a fact, honey!!! I think that's a common mindset today- that everything will remain.
But some of us know that everything changes.
I thought... well, I can sew our clothes, so I won't need to buy clothing imported in elsewhere. And then I realized- what about the fabric? I can't make fabric. It has to come from SOMEWHERE. Which led me to think about all the other little things that we take for granted. So, so many of our things are trucked in from elsewhere. In my house we use a lot of cloth products, but what about those who don't? How will they conceive of not having things like toilet paper? Will they actually pay a premium price for it? And what about food? Most people don't even know how to buy fresh food or where to get it even. Myself included. I know about the local markets, but they are very limited in selection. I would have to learn an entire new way of cooking to cook seasonally and regionally. I would *like* to do it, and I have a true admiration for all of those people out there on the "100 mile diet", but man, that would be HARD! Especially with kids.
For a while I've wanted to be more sustainable and self-sufficient, but really- it's a necessity at this point. Maybe not today, maybe not 10 years from now, but ONE DAY we will all need to be more self-sufficient. I don't think most people realize this.
A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend and made some comment about how the oil is running out. She actually said to me "yeah right, whatever!". UH..... yeah..... WHATEVER! It's a fact, honey!!! I think that's a common mindset today- that everything will remain.
But some of us know that everything changes.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Last Night's Lunar Eclipse
I was worried the cloudy skies would keep me from seeing the eclipse, but they did not! I watched it from start to finish. It was a beautiful red color most of the time, but my camera captured a really cool image that came out blue tones.
I took some more photos, but nothing too terribly amazing. I just have a little point-and-shoot Canon Elph digital camera. Nothing fancy. But I got a few more nonetheless.
Monday, February 18, 2008
More Reason to Buy Local....
I just saw this article on yahoo news: News Article on Beef Recall.
I buy my beef from a local ranch- Hodge Ranch. I feel 100% confident in Mr. Hodge's product. Not only do I KNOW they are well taken care of (you can visit the ranch if you are so inclined), I know the producer, and I trust him.
What really bothers me about the article is the fact that 35 MILLION lbs of this meat when to school lunch programs. I've long worried about the crap my children are served at school, but this just makes me worry more. I want the best for them. I used to make their lunches, and then I got lazy. I think it's time to start making them again.
I buy my beef from a local ranch- Hodge Ranch. I feel 100% confident in Mr. Hodge's product. Not only do I KNOW they are well taken care of (you can visit the ranch if you are so inclined), I know the producer, and I trust him.
What really bothers me about the article is the fact that 35 MILLION lbs of this meat when to school lunch programs. I've long worried about the crap my children are served at school, but this just makes me worry more. I want the best for them. I used to make their lunches, and then I got lazy. I think it's time to start making them again.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Simple Living Naturally
Living closer to Nature. Living as man was intended. What does that mean anyway? I believe in Voluntary Simplicity- CHOOSING not to be materialistic is one aspect. Living mindfully is a bigger aspect. Know where your food came from. Buy organic. Buy local. Don't just know your food, know your farmer. Don't just know your beef, know your rancher.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
If I had a bazillion dollars
I would go around and buy up every piece of farmland that I see for sale in my state. It literally hurts my heart to see beautiful forests, fields, and farms destroyed, clearcut, and turned into soulless neighborhoods with identical houses and no trees.
The other day I was driving and saw a sign that said "For Sale: Great Development Property". It was a gorgeous field backed with woods. Looked like it had been some sort of cattle or horse farm at one time. I assume that if I drive down that same road in 10 years, I'll see a neighborhood there. Or a shopping mall. Or worse yet, a parking lot.
It's such a waste of beauty.
There used to be this big horse farm in my hometown. The property was outlined by a white picket fence. There were 2 very large ponds and areas of both woods and meadow. The little white house stood right in the middle of the property, and the horse stables were off the side and back. In the summer, the fields shone yellow with dandelions, and the horses roamed in peace throughout the property. I used to dream that I could live there.
That farm is now a neighborhood. The white picket fence has been replaced with a very tall stone wall with landscaping along the exterior. There's a big gate declaring "Luxury Homes" and inside are over a hundred homes built from 3-4 master plans. They have sidewalks, 1/4 acre yards, homeowners rules and regulations, but no trees. No playgrounds. No ponds. No woods, no horses, no nature. No fun.
No thanks.
The other day I was driving and saw a sign that said "For Sale: Great Development Property". It was a gorgeous field backed with woods. Looked like it had been some sort of cattle or horse farm at one time. I assume that if I drive down that same road in 10 years, I'll see a neighborhood there. Or a shopping mall. Or worse yet, a parking lot.
It's such a waste of beauty.
There used to be this big horse farm in my hometown. The property was outlined by a white picket fence. There were 2 very large ponds and areas of both woods and meadow. The little white house stood right in the middle of the property, and the horse stables were off the side and back. In the summer, the fields shone yellow with dandelions, and the horses roamed in peace throughout the property. I used to dream that I could live there.
That farm is now a neighborhood. The white picket fence has been replaced with a very tall stone wall with landscaping along the exterior. There's a big gate declaring "Luxury Homes" and inside are over a hundred homes built from 3-4 master plans. They have sidewalks, 1/4 acre yards, homeowners rules and regulations, but no trees. No playgrounds. No ponds. No woods, no horses, no nature. No fun.
No thanks.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Limited Growth
I posted a while back about an amazing article that I love by Lori Taylor - http://www.fuzbaby.com/articles/businessarticle_smallering.htm.
I was at the kids' dentist office today, feeling the stress I always do there. One of my girls has a problem with the enamel on her baby teeth. Well, the problem is that she doesn't have any. So she has had to endure way more dental work than any 8 year old should have. This, and the fact that I have 2 more children, means that at almost every bi-yearly checkup, a cavity is discovered in someone's mouth. When I go to schedule the filling appointment, the nasty receptionist always makes me feel like an inconvenience to her and her time, and there is NEVER anything less than a month away. This morning took the cake... no free appointments for THREE MONTHS,
So what does that have to do with Ms. Taylor's "smallering" article?
How have we allowed this sort of business to thrive and grow? No personal attention, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels offices like this care more about my money than my child. Obviously, this office has taken on more patients than is reasonable. At least, reasonable to me. I understand that malpractice insurance is killing doctors, but the cause of that would warrant a whole 'nother rant from me about our "sue crazy" society.
So the point of this post? Search out local, small businesses to support. Even doctors and dentists. I know they are still out there- the small local office with 2 or 3 docs. The place that remembers your name.
This is what I've been doing as part of my quest to live more consciously. I used to go to a big, big doctor practice. I delivered 3 babies with this practice, but after 6 years and 3 deliveries, no one in the office knew my name. There were 7+ midwives and 4+ doctors. They were all very nice, and individually, I liked them, but they didn't *know* me. So I set out for a change. I found a local doctor. One doctor in one office. She calls me personally to give me test results (the old office used to make me come in for an appointment just to tell me everything was fine! And charge my insurance $70). After that, I set out for a more personal dentist and found one in my old hometown. Next, I will start searching for the same for my children's dentist.
Go local. Go small.
I just don't believe that a company HAS TO grow. What's wrong with staying the same? What's wrong with getting enough clientele to pay all your bills and then some and STOP? I know that's totally against "the american way", but that's how I feel.
I was at the kids' dentist office today, feeling the stress I always do there. One of my girls has a problem with the enamel on her baby teeth. Well, the problem is that she doesn't have any. So she has had to endure way more dental work than any 8 year old should have. This, and the fact that I have 2 more children, means that at almost every bi-yearly checkup, a cavity is discovered in someone's mouth. When I go to schedule the filling appointment, the nasty receptionist always makes me feel like an inconvenience to her and her time, and there is NEVER anything less than a month away. This morning took the cake... no free appointments for THREE MONTHS,
So what does that have to do with Ms. Taylor's "smallering" article?
How have we allowed this sort of business to thrive and grow? No personal attention, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels offices like this care more about my money than my child. Obviously, this office has taken on more patients than is reasonable. At least, reasonable to me. I understand that malpractice insurance is killing doctors, but the cause of that would warrant a whole 'nother rant from me about our "sue crazy" society.
So the point of this post? Search out local, small businesses to support. Even doctors and dentists. I know they are still out there- the small local office with 2 or 3 docs. The place that remembers your name.
This is what I've been doing as part of my quest to live more consciously. I used to go to a big, big doctor practice. I delivered 3 babies with this practice, but after 6 years and 3 deliveries, no one in the office knew my name. There were 7+ midwives and 4+ doctors. They were all very nice, and individually, I liked them, but they didn't *know* me. So I set out for a change. I found a local doctor. One doctor in one office. She calls me personally to give me test results (the old office used to make me come in for an appointment just to tell me everything was fine! And charge my insurance $70). After that, I set out for a more personal dentist and found one in my old hometown. Next, I will start searching for the same for my children's dentist.
Go local. Go small.
I just don't believe that a company HAS TO grow. What's wrong with staying the same? What's wrong with getting enough clientele to pay all your bills and then some and STOP? I know that's totally against "the american way", but that's how I feel.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
My girls
Yesterday I took my girls to a birthday skating party. I was positively appalled at all the commerial junk flowing. I'm no purist- we buy the children plastic toys, and we love movies. But the funny part is that we are still considered "weird" by most people. We cancelled our satellite TV because we couldn't take the bombardment of advertisers telling our children they needed to lose weight and wear makeup. Even on harmless channels like The Nature Channel, the quality shows were being interuppted by NutriSystem and ProActive commericals. And don't even get me started on Nickelodeon. I have no problem with the cartoons, but the commericals would literally give me a headache. Bratz dolls. I can't even comprehend how a parent would give them to a child.
Anyway... back to the party. Three of the girls there were wearing Hannah Montana or High School Musical tee shirts. The birthday girl had Hannah-inspired hair extensions. Now, don't get me wrong, there's probably nothing wrong with Ms. Montana, but when I was an 8 year old girl, we were still into CARTOONS, not "real life" tv about high school girls and all the boys they are crazy for. I think when my girls are more into the 11/12 year old bracket, that sort of thing will be more acceptable to me.
It made me feel really proud to see my girls having a good time with the other girls and knowing that they had never watched Hannah Montana or High School Musical. And it made me feel even better to know that they didn't *care*! They show minimal interest. They are way more into playing and doing artsy things.
Anyway... back to the party. Three of the girls there were wearing Hannah Montana or High School Musical tee shirts. The birthday girl had Hannah-inspired hair extensions. Now, don't get me wrong, there's probably nothing wrong with Ms. Montana, but when I was an 8 year old girl, we were still into CARTOONS, not "real life" tv about high school girls and all the boys they are crazy for. I think when my girls are more into the 11/12 year old bracket, that sort of thing will be more acceptable to me.
It made me feel really proud to see my girls having a good time with the other girls and knowing that they had never watched Hannah Montana or High School Musical. And it made me feel even better to know that they didn't *care*! They show minimal interest. They are way more into playing and doing artsy things.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Big Kudos to Publix!
I read in the newspaper this morning that Publix has now converted all of it's generic brand milk to hormone-free! Woo Hoo! AND, they aren't even changing the price. Even sweeter!
Part of my simplicity journey is about living consciously. Frugal, sure, but conscious- that's the key. Living "simple" to me doesn't have a lot to do with money. Well, it has a lot to do with money in the aspect that by changing the way I live, I change the way I spend, but what I mean is that it's not *all* about saving money. It's about being WISE with my money.
Anyway, back to the conscious part.
One of my biggest goals is to buy/eat more local produce and "natural" foods. I would rather eat less and and have quality, healthy foods than to eat more and it just be junk.
So thanks Publix! You've appealed to my quest for healthy as well as helped my featherweight purse. But really, this is just step 1. What I'd love to end up doing is buying local milk. I'll get there. Slow and steady.
Part of my simplicity journey is about living consciously. Frugal, sure, but conscious- that's the key. Living "simple" to me doesn't have a lot to do with money. Well, it has a lot to do with money in the aspect that by changing the way I live, I change the way I spend, but what I mean is that it's not *all* about saving money. It's about being WISE with my money.
Anyway, back to the conscious part.
One of my biggest goals is to buy/eat more local produce and "natural" foods. I would rather eat less and and have quality, healthy foods than to eat more and it just be junk.
So thanks Publix! You've appealed to my quest for healthy as well as helped my featherweight purse. But really, this is just step 1. What I'd love to end up doing is buying local milk. I'll get there. Slow and steady.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Trying something new
Ever have those days where you feel like you've worked your butt off and have nothing to show for it? Well, I have those days. A LOT. I read something from a friend that I'm going to try for a few days:
Keep a log of what you do around the house all day. Everything! It's 9:43, and here is my list so far-
The idea behind the list is three-fold; 1.) Let my hubby know that I really don't sit around all day eating bon bons (he doesn't think that, but it's nice to show "proof" now and again LOL), 2.) listing will make it a competition with myself to "outdo" the previous day's list!, and 3.) Help ME feel accomplished for the day (this is obviously the most important reason). My schoolage children have a tendency to void everything I've done while they are at school, and then at the end of the day I'm exhausted and the house is still a mess.
And really, the issue is teaching my family (myself included) is to learn how to pick up after ourselves better so that I don't feel this way.
Now back to work....
Keep a log of what you do around the house all day. Everything! It's 9:43, and here is my list so far-
- checked email
- unloaded dishwasher
- made bagels
- loaded dishwasher
- cleaned fronts of 2 cabinets
- swept kitchen
- laundry into washer
- took out trash
- put in new trash bag
- finished crocheting teacup
- changed a diaper
- unloaded washer into dryer
- loaded washer with diapers to soak
- started on crocheted teapot
- changed lightbulb in girls' room
- sat my butt on the couch to do this list LOL
The idea behind the list is three-fold; 1.) Let my hubby know that I really don't sit around all day eating bon bons (he doesn't think that, but it's nice to show "proof" now and again LOL), 2.) listing will make it a competition with myself to "outdo" the previous day's list!, and 3.) Help ME feel accomplished for the day (this is obviously the most important reason). My schoolage children have a tendency to void everything I've done while they are at school, and then at the end of the day I'm exhausted and the house is still a mess.
And really, the issue is teaching my family (myself included) is to learn how to pick up after ourselves better so that I don't feel this way.
Now back to work....
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
A tip for Today
If you have small kids, it is CRITICAL that you store away out-of-season clothing. My children will wear whatever is in their closet or drawers. It doesn't matter how many times I tell them that Christmas tights are not acceptable in Spring, they will put them on and attempt to wear them to school. And when I'm not looking or busy and not paying attention, they will "dress up" in whatever they have and leave them on the floor. Or cram them in their hamper not to be discovered until I am washing laundry.
Save yourself the headache!
Keep a big storage box under kids' beds. At the change of seasons trade out. Put away things that can be passed down to younger children and give the youngest child's seasonal clothing to a charity.
Believe me.... 2 hrs of work is a fair trade out for 6 months of "ugh! again!" headaches.
Save yourself the headache!
Keep a big storage box under kids' beds. At the change of seasons trade out. Put away things that can be passed down to younger children and give the youngest child's seasonal clothing to a charity.
Believe me.... 2 hrs of work is a fair trade out for 6 months of "ugh! again!" headaches.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Food for Thought...
taken from the book Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin:
"We want a good future for our kids, so we work harder or become a two-income family and relegate raising the kids to daycare centers or nannies. We buy them the newest toy to prove our love. We earn for their college educations but relinquish the opportunity to spend time with them during their formative years. We bemoan the influences of 'bad company', but we ourselves have never been in their company long enough to influence them. We are spending so much of our precious time earning in order to spend that we don't have the time to examine our priorities."
"We want a good future for our kids, so we work harder or become a two-income family and relegate raising the kids to daycare centers or nannies. We buy them the newest toy to prove our love. We earn for their college educations but relinquish the opportunity to spend time with them during their formative years. We bemoan the influences of 'bad company', but we ourselves have never been in their company long enough to influence them. We are spending so much of our precious time earning in order to spend that we don't have the time to examine our priorities."
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Moms for Modesty
I stumbled upon this blog today. I added a link on the right, but I think it warrants it's own entry as well.
Moms for Modesty
Moms for Modesty
Moms for Modesty Mission Statement
- As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
- I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
- I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
- I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
- I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls’ and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.
I talk about my feelings regarding children's wear on my website a bit, but I'm not sure if I've ever addressed it here on my blog. I think children should look like CHILDREN. The sexualization (is that a word?) of our children makes me ill. The style of having our little girls look like hoochie mamas is just criminal. Not only is it sickening on a societal level, individual parents HAVE TO step up and take responsibility for this. Retailers and clothing manufacturers would not be creating these trends if parents weren't buying them. "But that's what she likes" is NOT an excuse for letting your 8 year old dress in midriff tops and short shorts. I started sewing clothing from THIS PATTERN by Fern & Faerie, a great WAHM who also has a deep passion for maintaining modesty in children and spreading the word of "children looking like children". She created this pattern specifically to address this concern. If you sew, this is a fabulous pattern. It is printed on thick paper to last through years of use!
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