I never knew the harm I was doing to my body (inside and out) with the chemicals I was using to clean our home. One of the most toxic household cleaners is chlorine bleach. When I would clean our bathroom, I would often have the smell of chlorine in my nose for hours. I am proud to say our home has been chlorine free for over a year. We now use white vinegar, hot water and tea tree oil to disinfect our home, our laundry and more, VERY effectively (MORE effectively, in fact).
Have you ever tried using baking soda to clean your bathtub? Baking soda is good for a lot of things; but, a paste of baking soda and water is THE BEST cleanser for your bathtub. We have an older tub in our old home and it is very difficult to clean. Very difficult. We have tried a slew of various cleansers promising to clean our grime...to no avail...until we used baking soda paste...works every time.
The bonus now, is that my 3-year-old can help me clean the bathroom, safely! (He has only wanted to help me once; but, I do cherish that one time!)
So, I hope I have provided more than two reasons here. Clean green!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Metamorphosis of "Mom"
When my now three-year-old first started talking, I was "mahmm"; and, I remember thinking, I would never get to hear the sweet sound of the word, "mommy"". Well, I was wrong. After awhile, my son added another syllable and I became, "mama". Not long after that, I was, in fact, "mommy".
Now that he is three-and-a-half, I have for some reason again become, "mama". He still calls me "mommy" sometimes; but, more often than not,he addresses me as, "mama".
I have mixed feelings about the day that I will again become, "mom". On one hand, I am so proud of my growing boy. On the other hand, he is growing up and I have to remember to treasure every moment.
My five-month-old has begun muttering, "mah-mah-mah-mah". But, even though I don't think he is yet identifying me as such, I am (patiently) waiting to see what I will be called by my second son.
Now that he is three-and-a-half, I have for some reason again become, "mama". He still calls me "mommy" sometimes; but, more often than not,he addresses me as, "mama".
I have mixed feelings about the day that I will again become, "mom". On one hand, I am so proud of my growing boy. On the other hand, he is growing up and I have to remember to treasure every moment.
My five-month-old has begun muttering, "mah-mah-mah-mah". But, even though I don't think he is yet identifying me as such, I am (patiently) waiting to see what I will be called by my second son.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Contemplating Television
I grew up watching television. Not literally, of course. But, I watched my fair share of television and I know at least a little about all of the shows that have aired in the last 30-some years. I like my television. So, it was a very difficult decision to first cut back to the basic channels (a couple of years ago) and then to make the decision to disconnect cable television all together.
With the digital revolution, there really is no such thing as "free TV" anymore; so, we just watch videos and we have found some good websites from which we can watch some of our favorite shows on the internet (the original networks on which the shows air have the best quality; but, www.hulu.com has a good collection of shows and movies available to view for free). My husband only misses sporting events. Otherwise, we have come to really like this arrangement.
First of all, we are saving $40/month. I have never paid so much for basic cable.
Second, we watch select programs when it is convenient for us; so, we do not have to abide by the television networks' schedules. But, we do have to abide by our childrens' schedules!
Third, we are watching a whole lot less TV. This has been lovely. As a family, we are better tuned in to each other (instead of the television).
So, it is with glad tidings that we bid adieu to PBS (my ultimate fave), HGTV (second runner up), Food Network (close third) and all the rest. If you are worth watching, we will find you. In the meantime, we are busy finding ourselves and each other!
With the digital revolution, there really is no such thing as "free TV" anymore; so, we just watch videos and we have found some good websites from which we can watch some of our favorite shows on the internet (the original networks on which the shows air have the best quality; but, www.hulu.com has a good collection of shows and movies available to view for free). My husband only misses sporting events. Otherwise, we have come to really like this arrangement.
First of all, we are saving $40/month. I have never paid so much for basic cable.
Second, we watch select programs when it is convenient for us; so, we do not have to abide by the television networks' schedules. But, we do have to abide by our childrens' schedules!
Third, we are watching a whole lot less TV. This has been lovely. As a family, we are better tuned in to each other (instead of the television).
So, it is with glad tidings that we bid adieu to PBS (my ultimate fave), HGTV (second runner up), Food Network (close third) and all the rest. If you are worth watching, we will find you. In the meantime, we are busy finding ourselves and each other!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Uphill is really worth it!
Today, we decided to get out and enjoy the warmth of the day. My three-year-old got on his tricycle and off we went! We went down Main Street, down the hill and up again to the bridge. When we got to the top of the hill before the bridge (phew!), my son decided he wanted to turn around and go back down. We did this a total of nine times. I helped him on the way up each time because I loved watching him sail down the hill with glee! I let him decide when he had had enough. Oh, the joy!
And, what a beautiful and truthful metaphor for life. It is hard to go uphill; but, it sure is worth the effort! I believe that hard work should always be balanced with joy!
And, what a beautiful and truthful metaphor for life. It is hard to go uphill; but, it sure is worth the effort! I believe that hard work should always be balanced with joy!
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