I had no idea, a couple of years ago, how amazing baking soda truly is. I am serious.
I have eliminated all known harmful or carcinogenic chemicals from my household; so, I went "back to basics" (really, why did we ever stray?). I mostly use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and baking soda to effectively clean and disinfect my home. Baking soda is my "go to" cleaner for my stove top and oven, for scouring my porcelain sink, and for cleaning the bathtub. I also use it to get burned-on gunk out of (or off of) my stainless steel pots and pans. For most of these applications, I make a "paste" (baking soda with a bit of water); but for burned on gunk, it sometimes helps to just boil water with baking soda. It is, by far, the most effective cleaner I have ever used.
It is also, thankfully, a "clean" additive in baking! As I have stated, my family is eating gluten-free and dairy-free; and, we recently found out that my youngest is very sensitive to corn. That is a very hard thing to avoid!
So, baking soda is actually sodium bicarbonate. And, I unfortunately assumed that "baking powder" was something along those lines. I did not know baking powder had ingredients! (one of them is also sodium bicarbonate). A few months ago, I found out that most baking powder has aluminum in it (something we definitely try to avoid!). So we found one without aluminum (Rumford); then, we found out about this corn sensitivity. And, I only recently discovered that baking powder also has cornstarch in it (the one in the Rumford brand is non-GMO if you are OK with corn); so, I FINALLY found a baking powder with no corn (Hain Foods). Corn is in SO MANY THINGS. My poor son. I hope that we can keep his tummy calm and continue to find "hidden" corn! I just have to look at the ingredients in everything!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Parenting Choices
I have just finished reading, "Beyond the Sling," by Mayim Bialik, PhD (remember "Blossom"?). I had not read any books about attachment parenting before. I just knew that we were practicing this method when I heard other people talk about the principles behind it. But, I really enjoyed Ms. Bialik's book. I could relate so well to so many of her experiences, partly because she also has two boys.
What I most related to was the things other people say to us! I am a stay-at-home mom who transitioned from a full-time job to working a flexible schedule between home and office, to working 3 days/week to not working at all six weeks before I had my second child. I never knew that I wanted to stay at home. I wanted to try to continue working; but, I felt the "tug" right away. Needless to say, that was not our long-term plan.
And, we are not wealthy. When we made the choice for me to stay at home, we made other choices, too (like cutting our budget and living on a lot less!). But, no one knows these things and it is weird to ask; so, people have often told me, "it's so nice that you can do that". That still feels funny when people say it. I still have no response. But, this excerpt says more than I can:
"...I hate to burst your bubble, but we don't parent this way because we can afford to; we parent this way because, like the thousands...of families who share an attachment-theory-centered holistic philosophy, we believe in it. That means that we make choices about who works when and where based on our parenting decisions, not on our income. Families who believe in home birth, extended breastfeeding and even homeschooling are, by and large, not wealthy. They are making the decision to parent this way out of conviction and not out of financial comfort!"
"...be honest about your choices, and just as you don't want to be judged by those of us who choose to go without, don't assume we are self-righteous martyrs. Everyone does this life differently, and I try to allow everyone the dignity to make their choices without my tsk-tsking them. Usually, I succeed!" --Mayim Bialik, "Beyond the Sling".
What I most related to was the things other people say to us! I am a stay-at-home mom who transitioned from a full-time job to working a flexible schedule between home and office, to working 3 days/week to not working at all six weeks before I had my second child. I never knew that I wanted to stay at home. I wanted to try to continue working; but, I felt the "tug" right away. Needless to say, that was not our long-term plan.
And, we are not wealthy. When we made the choice for me to stay at home, we made other choices, too (like cutting our budget and living on a lot less!). But, no one knows these things and it is weird to ask; so, people have often told me, "it's so nice that you can do that". That still feels funny when people say it. I still have no response. But, this excerpt says more than I can:
"...I hate to burst your bubble, but we don't parent this way because we can afford to; we parent this way because, like the thousands...of families who share an attachment-theory-centered holistic philosophy, we believe in it. That means that we make choices about who works when and where based on our parenting decisions, not on our income. Families who believe in home birth, extended breastfeeding and even homeschooling are, by and large, not wealthy. They are making the decision to parent this way out of conviction and not out of financial comfort!"
"...be honest about your choices, and just as you don't want to be judged by those of us who choose to go without, don't assume we are self-righteous martyrs. Everyone does this life differently, and I try to allow everyone the dignity to make their choices without my tsk-tsking them. Usually, I succeed!" --Mayim Bialik, "Beyond the Sling".
Friday, October 5, 2012
Ultimate Faith
I am nervous writing these words down. What do I know? I recently had some conversations (with others) that brought these thoughts to the surface and have prompted new conversations between my husband and I (and, we have found we agree!). I hope that this comes out the way I intend. Here goes...
Every organized religion follows God's word in some way. Every bible has been interpreted in some way. Every person interprets the bible in their own way.
Let me point some things out. It is impossible to directly translate from one language to another. Impossible. There are always words and phrases open to interpretation by the interpreter. So, some intended meanings are (possibly temporarily) lost (or adjusted a bit) in translation.
Having said that, I believe that when we walk in faith (the absolute unknown) with God, there are no words to guide us, only emotion. I believe that our bibles give us amazing insight and excellent suggestions. But, sometimes I don't agree with the Bible (gasp!) How can I possibly question God's word? Well, that is not easy at all. It means we have to have faith, not just in him, but in ourselves.
Again, this is really hard to write. I am no better than anyone. But, I have beliefs that are making me shake while I write these words. I am in awe of Him. And, I believe he resides in all of us. He is not only within us; but, he surrounds us--in Nature, in others, in our abilities to create, but mostly in our love for each other.
So, I believe the "ultimate faith" is having the courage to walk with Him, not on someone else's path (interpretation), but on the path you create.
Anyone who is interested in furthering this conversation, I am open. I also recommend, "Making Room" by Christine Pohl. It has provided me wonderful insight that backs up my own beliefs.
Every organized religion follows God's word in some way. Every bible has been interpreted in some way. Every person interprets the bible in their own way.
Let me point some things out. It is impossible to directly translate from one language to another. Impossible. There are always words and phrases open to interpretation by the interpreter. So, some intended meanings are (possibly temporarily) lost (or adjusted a bit) in translation.
Having said that, I believe that when we walk in faith (the absolute unknown) with God, there are no words to guide us, only emotion. I believe that our bibles give us amazing insight and excellent suggestions. But, sometimes I don't agree with the Bible (gasp!) How can I possibly question God's word? Well, that is not easy at all. It means we have to have faith, not just in him, but in ourselves.
Again, this is really hard to write. I am no better than anyone. But, I have beliefs that are making me shake while I write these words. I am in awe of Him. And, I believe he resides in all of us. He is not only within us; but, he surrounds us--in Nature, in others, in our abilities to create, but mostly in our love for each other.
So, I believe the "ultimate faith" is having the courage to walk with Him, not on someone else's path (interpretation), but on the path you create.
Anyone who is interested in furthering this conversation, I am open. I also recommend, "Making Room" by Christine Pohl. It has provided me wonderful insight that backs up my own beliefs.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Two Recipes to Fiddle With
So, this morning, I was out of sunbutter (sunflower seed butter). I wanted toast but I did not want eggs. I had some raw sunflower seeds and my food processor and got to work. I put about 1 1/2 cups of sunflower seeds and blitzed them until they started to stick. Then, I added some sea salt and sunflower oil. After some vanilla, honey, cinnamon, a dash of allspice and lots of trial and error, I made my own sunbutter. You can too (be sure to taste after each blitzed addition).
Spiced Sunflower Seed Butter
1 1/2 cups of raw unsalted sunflower seeds (feel free to use roasted...but, unsalted)
1/2-3/4 t. sea salt (to taste)
2 T. honey (add an extra if needed)
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. allspice
1-2 t. vanilla (to taste)
4 T. sunflower oil
Blitz all in your food processor! Put on toast or anything else you would use with peanut butter (don't get me started on how bad peanuts are for our bodies!).
Please note that they do sell sunflower butter at our local grocer. But, I had spent so much on pantry staples on a single trip to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Fruitful Yield earlier this month (but, I saved by doing it all in one trip, right?) that I was determined to not buy anymore for the pantry until next month! That, I have decided is a really good way to try new recipes! Enjoy!
Dairy-Free Artichoke Spinach Spread (and pizza topping!)
This evening, I wanted to fit more veggies into our dinner of salad and pizza. So, I grabbed a can of artichokes and some frozen organic spinach (both from Trader Joe's) and some goat cheese and 2 cloves of garlic and blitzed it my trusty food processor! Result: Hello Yum!
3/4 of a bag (about 2 cups) of Trader Joe's frozen organic spinach ( I could have added the whole bag)
1 can of artichoke hearts in water (mine were from Trader Joe's)
1/4 t. sea salt
1/4 c. goat cheese
2 cloves garlic
After spreading my gf pizza dough (I like Pamela's brand) with my sauce, I dolloped this spread on the pizza (with no other cheese) and put it in the oven to finish cooking. Again, Hello Yum!
Spiced Sunflower Seed Butter
1 1/2 cups of raw unsalted sunflower seeds (feel free to use roasted...but, unsalted)
1/2-3/4 t. sea salt (to taste)
2 T. honey (add an extra if needed)
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. allspice
1-2 t. vanilla (to taste)
4 T. sunflower oil
Blitz all in your food processor! Put on toast or anything else you would use with peanut butter (don't get me started on how bad peanuts are for our bodies!).
Please note that they do sell sunflower butter at our local grocer. But, I had spent so much on pantry staples on a single trip to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Fruitful Yield earlier this month (but, I saved by doing it all in one trip, right?) that I was determined to not buy anymore for the pantry until next month! That, I have decided is a really good way to try new recipes! Enjoy!
Dairy-Free Artichoke Spinach Spread (and pizza topping!)
This evening, I wanted to fit more veggies into our dinner of salad and pizza. So, I grabbed a can of artichokes and some frozen organic spinach (both from Trader Joe's) and some goat cheese and 2 cloves of garlic and blitzed it my trusty food processor! Result: Hello Yum!
3/4 of a bag (about 2 cups) of Trader Joe's frozen organic spinach ( I could have added the whole bag)
1 can of artichoke hearts in water (mine were from Trader Joe's)
1/4 t. sea salt
1/4 c. goat cheese
2 cloves garlic
After spreading my gf pizza dough (I like Pamela's brand) with my sauce, I dolloped this spread on the pizza (with no other cheese) and put it in the oven to finish cooking. Again, Hello Yum!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Self Expectations
Recently, our nephew and his family stayed with us. My 6-year-old did not remember, until they arrived, that three of them did not speak English (including the two kids), as they live in Mexico.
I was a little surprised (mixed feelings, really...pride? protectiveness?) to find him in his room with his door closed shortly after he greeted them with a wave (instead of words). He had his Spanish-English books out, trying to figure out what words he wanted to use to communicate with them. I assured him that he would be able to easily communicate with the girls through play and that he could speak English whenever he wanted. He did not believe me at first; but, he opened up and soon no one could see the language barrier.
Today, my 3-year-old was at his library story hour (among mostly 4-year-olds). They were spelling out "a-p-p-l-e" in a variety of ways and identifying letters. When we got to the car to come home, he told me that "he wanted to do his letters on the computer" (he really likes www.starfall.com). I did not know what to say; but, I do know that I do not want to put more pressure on him than he is already putting on himself. I just want to make available to him opportunities to learn.
I was a little surprised (mixed feelings, really...pride? protectiveness?) to find him in his room with his door closed shortly after he greeted them with a wave (instead of words). He had his Spanish-English books out, trying to figure out what words he wanted to use to communicate with them. I assured him that he would be able to easily communicate with the girls through play and that he could speak English whenever he wanted. He did not believe me at first; but, he opened up and soon no one could see the language barrier.
Today, my 3-year-old was at his library story hour (among mostly 4-year-olds). They were spelling out "a-p-p-l-e" in a variety of ways and identifying letters. When we got to the car to come home, he told me that "he wanted to do his letters on the computer" (he really likes www.starfall.com). I did not know what to say; but, I do know that I do not want to put more pressure on him than he is already putting on himself. I just want to make available to him opportunities to learn.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
My Dad
Well, my dad's last visit to our naturopathic doctor was good. His trans fats are going down and his overall health is improving. His short-term memory has definitely improved and he is now down to just two medications a day. He is taking chlorella and amino acids to reduce the toxins in his body and further enable his body to heal. He experiences very little pain and sleeps well at night and gets around well during the day. We even recently got a basketball hoop for him from Freecycle (thank you again, kind lady!) because that has always been his favorite pastime. He has already enjoyed making baskets (lowered a bit; but, high enough for an ego boost!).
However, he has had a dramatic weight loss in the last few months. He only weighs 126 now (and, he is 6'2"). I honestly don't know how much he weighed in February or even last year. I do know that it seemed his weight loss was slow at first (I thought because of his eating healthier); but, it has seemed to go faster the last 3-4 months...and, obviously there is not more to lose! I was concerned about that and his muscle weakness; so, I contacted his medical doctor. She ran some blood tests which revealed some slight anemia, but nothing else. She probed him and checked his heart and lungs and said, "he does not have much time left." I started crying (thankfully, my dad was not in the room). She may be right; but, she may be wrong. Only God knows when he will take my dad home.
After consulting with my siblings (who have offered their input), we do not want to do any invasive, risky and uncomfortable tests because we also don't want him to go through treatment that could be painful in his already weakened state. I hope that I am doing the best things for him--keeping him as happy and as comfortable as I can, as long as I can. I pray that when his time comes, he is not in pain (physical or emotional) and that he is at peace. Amen.
However, he has had a dramatic weight loss in the last few months. He only weighs 126 now (and, he is 6'2"). I honestly don't know how much he weighed in February or even last year. I do know that it seemed his weight loss was slow at first (I thought because of his eating healthier); but, it has seemed to go faster the last 3-4 months...and, obviously there is not more to lose! I was concerned about that and his muscle weakness; so, I contacted his medical doctor. She ran some blood tests which revealed some slight anemia, but nothing else. She probed him and checked his heart and lungs and said, "he does not have much time left." I started crying (thankfully, my dad was not in the room). She may be right; but, she may be wrong. Only God knows when he will take my dad home.
After consulting with my siblings (who have offered their input), we do not want to do any invasive, risky and uncomfortable tests because we also don't want him to go through treatment that could be painful in his already weakened state. I hope that I am doing the best things for him--keeping him as happy and as comfortable as I can, as long as I can. I pray that when his time comes, he is not in pain (physical or emotional) and that he is at peace. Amen.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Hawai'i, The Best of
My youngest will say that his favorite part of our trip was the airplane (or, should I say airplanes...4 altogether!)...and, after he thinks about it a bit, "the bowl-cano". He also talks about the "Wiki-Wiki" bus from the airport ("wiki" means, quick).
My oldest has said that he loved snorkeling; but, I watched him soak up every minute of our trip. From experiencing the airplane, a new place, a live volcano, the underwater world and wonderful food to just chilling on the beach. My favorite was finding him often just sitting on our balcony, watching the ocean.
On our first night on the Big Island of Hawai'i, our youngest was up at 2am (7am our time!); so, my husband took him for a walk outside. My oldest and I were up by 4am; and, the sky that first night was so clear, we could see (what seemed like) the whole solar system! Unfortunately (oddly, I still think), that was the only night it was clear (not clouds, maybe pollution?).
One day, we decided to take a trip to the active volcano on the other side of the island. We got a map (the travel director pointed out all the "must-sees" along the way) and we headed to our first, "must-see"...a beautiful, scenic view (and, for the brave with a 4x4, a very steep drive to a pretty beach). It WAS beautiful; and, I am glad we saw it. But, we had a volcano to get to! Next stop, Akaka Falls (waterfalls!).
On the road to Akaka Falls, we stopped at a farmstand and bought some not possible to be fresher bananas and some homemade passionfruit lemonade. The cool thing was that he let us sample all the DIFFERENT KINDS of bananas (I recall apple bananas and sucres...but, there were more!). So, we got some of the ones we liked. The cool thing is, here at home this past week, when my boys and I went to the grocery store, they spotted some red bananas and wanted to try them (so, I bought them!). Love that! Oh, yes and Akaka Falls was breathtaking and lovely. Then, we headed to the town of Hilo for lunch.
Lunch took a looooong time (they must've been on "island time"); so, when we were done, we decided to head back to our hotel, feeling like the boys were tired and it was too late to head on to the volcano. The next day, we actually went back (straight there! no stops this time...except for the smoothie place we passed on the scenic road last time).
The volcano was amazing. It is incredible to not just know, but to SEE that the earth is ALIVE and burning inside. It was neat to hear stories and see the steam vents and realize how the islands were formed in the first place. I loved seeing it through my children's eyes.
We also felt we had to take a snorkeling trip. Our youngest loves boats and they both "practiced" snorkeling; but only our 6yo went (on a special board with a mask on which we could push him around). He was enthralled at the world under water. He had gotten an ocean creature book at the volcano gift shop the previous day and he knew what he was looking at (lots of "brain coral")! Our 3yo still loved the boat. It was a lovely day and a beautiful sail. I LOVE snorkeling and I LOVE sailing.
We spent our last full day just hanging out on the beach (me in a hammock...ahhh...I also LOVE hammocks). It could not have been more perfect and yes, we wanted to stay. We still daydream about what we could do to live there.
But, alas we had to say, "goodbye". When we went down to the beach to say goodbye to the ocean, my oldest and I had stayed behind a bit, watching a turtle (we saw many...they are so cool). And, when we looked again, that old turtle had one flipper up in the air, waving (totally serious). I showed my son that he was waving goodbye and he asked how he knew we were leaving. I said, "magic" (and, also, he MUST have heard us!). But, maybe we should have said, "See you later". We do hope to go back to Hawai'i again someday...SOON!
My oldest has said that he loved snorkeling; but, I watched him soak up every minute of our trip. From experiencing the airplane, a new place, a live volcano, the underwater world and wonderful food to just chilling on the beach. My favorite was finding him often just sitting on our balcony, watching the ocean.
On our first night on the Big Island of Hawai'i, our youngest was up at 2am (7am our time!); so, my husband took him for a walk outside. My oldest and I were up by 4am; and, the sky that first night was so clear, we could see (what seemed like) the whole solar system! Unfortunately (oddly, I still think), that was the only night it was clear (not clouds, maybe pollution?).
One day, we decided to take a trip to the active volcano on the other side of the island. We got a map (the travel director pointed out all the "must-sees" along the way) and we headed to our first, "must-see"...a beautiful, scenic view (and, for the brave with a 4x4, a very steep drive to a pretty beach). It WAS beautiful; and, I am glad we saw it. But, we had a volcano to get to! Next stop, Akaka Falls (waterfalls!).
On the road to Akaka Falls, we stopped at a farmstand and bought some not possible to be fresher bananas and some homemade passionfruit lemonade. The cool thing was that he let us sample all the DIFFERENT KINDS of bananas (I recall apple bananas and sucres...but, there were more!). So, we got some of the ones we liked. The cool thing is, here at home this past week, when my boys and I went to the grocery store, they spotted some red bananas and wanted to try them (so, I bought them!). Love that! Oh, yes and Akaka Falls was breathtaking and lovely. Then, we headed to the town of Hilo for lunch.
Lunch took a looooong time (they must've been on "island time"); so, when we were done, we decided to head back to our hotel, feeling like the boys were tired and it was too late to head on to the volcano. The next day, we actually went back (straight there! no stops this time...except for the smoothie place we passed on the scenic road last time).
The volcano was amazing. It is incredible to not just know, but to SEE that the earth is ALIVE and burning inside. It was neat to hear stories and see the steam vents and realize how the islands were formed in the first place. I loved seeing it through my children's eyes.
We also felt we had to take a snorkeling trip. Our youngest loves boats and they both "practiced" snorkeling; but only our 6yo went (on a special board with a mask on which we could push him around). He was enthralled at the world under water. He had gotten an ocean creature book at the volcano gift shop the previous day and he knew what he was looking at (lots of "brain coral")! Our 3yo still loved the boat. It was a lovely day and a beautiful sail. I LOVE snorkeling and I LOVE sailing.
We spent our last full day just hanging out on the beach (me in a hammock...ahhh...I also LOVE hammocks). It could not have been more perfect and yes, we wanted to stay. We still daydream about what we could do to live there.
But, alas we had to say, "goodbye". When we went down to the beach to say goodbye to the ocean, my oldest and I had stayed behind a bit, watching a turtle (we saw many...they are so cool). And, when we looked again, that old turtle had one flipper up in the air, waving (totally serious). I showed my son that he was waving goodbye and he asked how he knew we were leaving. I said, "magic" (and, also, he MUST have heard us!). But, maybe we should have said, "See you later". We do hope to go back to Hawai'i again someday...SOON!
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