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!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Vaccination Proclamation
I struggled with the decision to vaccinate my first child (I did end up getting him all of his shots); and now, I find myself struggling again to decide whether or not to vaccinate my second child. The thing is, there is so much information supporting both sides of the argument on whether or not to vaccinate...and, both sides are argued so passionately.
My first child has shown no signs of having an adverse reaction to his shots and for that I am grateful. Even though I have read about the mercury (no longer used) and formaldehyde (it is supposed to be in such small quantities, it is similar to a naturally occuring substance already in our bodies) present in the vaccines, I am most concerned about introducing so many things at once to my baby's sensitive system (and, he is very sensitive...skin, tummy, you name it).
I am also concerned about him interacting with our family that travels out of the country regularly (and, also when we travel ourselves when he gets a little older, for his possible direct exposure to infectious diseases). His doctor said that the things that are currently most dangerous are typhoid fever and hepatitis A; but, he is still too young (4 months) to be innoculated against these two things anyway.
We went ahead with his 2 month shots, after much debate and question; but, we had waited to get his hepatitis B shot until that time and we skipped the flu shot. I don't like vaccinating against the flu because I believe that in doing so, we will create a much more dangerous strain. It is for the same reason we don't use anti-bacterial everything...a few germs are good and they enable us to build natural antibodies to be better able to fight off other sicknesses.
We have decided to hold off on his future shots until he is old enough and has enough blood volume to be tested for antibodies that already exist in his body (he is a breastfed baby, after all) to see if we really need all of them. At that time, we will decide what schedule works for him so that he does not get too many shots at once. This is the best thing I know to do for my child, whom I love so much.
My first child has shown no signs of having an adverse reaction to his shots and for that I am grateful. Even though I have read about the mercury (no longer used) and formaldehyde (it is supposed to be in such small quantities, it is similar to a naturally occuring substance already in our bodies) present in the vaccines, I am most concerned about introducing so many things at once to my baby's sensitive system (and, he is very sensitive...skin, tummy, you name it).
I am also concerned about him interacting with our family that travels out of the country regularly (and, also when we travel ourselves when he gets a little older, for his possible direct exposure to infectious diseases). His doctor said that the things that are currently most dangerous are typhoid fever and hepatitis A; but, he is still too young (4 months) to be innoculated against these two things anyway.
We went ahead with his 2 month shots, after much debate and question; but, we had waited to get his hepatitis B shot until that time and we skipped the flu shot. I don't like vaccinating against the flu because I believe that in doing so, we will create a much more dangerous strain. It is for the same reason we don't use anti-bacterial everything...a few germs are good and they enable us to build natural antibodies to be better able to fight off other sicknesses.
We have decided to hold off on his future shots until he is old enough and has enough blood volume to be tested for antibodies that already exist in his body (he is a breastfed baby, after all) to see if we really need all of them. At that time, we will decide what schedule works for him so that he does not get too many shots at once. This is the best thing I know to do for my child, whom I love so much.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Green Transportation
My husband has vast knowledge about historical events. He also has a way of bringing to light information that helps everything make sense. For instance, I often complain about our country's antiquated rail transportation system (especially compared to Europe and Asia); so, he told me that after the war, the U.S. dedicated their efforts toward building superhighways because America was going to be the "land of the automobile". While that is, in fact, what America has become; it doesn't make sense to me that our country has not chosen to advance and therefore diversify our transportation options.
So, I am delighted to read about a recent push in regard to rail technology in America. Rail is the least expensive transportation method to maintain; and, the high-speed electric rail cars that are already in use elsewhere have zero emissions--a vast difference from traditional automobiles and airplanes. If only we could go around the world on trains!
I look forward to the day when rail transportation in the U.S. is easier and faster (i.e. better) because I believe it will revolutionize the way we think about transportation and the overall effect on the environment. I hope to be riding one of those trains with my kids and, soon!
So, I am delighted to read about a recent push in regard to rail technology in America. Rail is the least expensive transportation method to maintain; and, the high-speed electric rail cars that are already in use elsewhere have zero emissions--a vast difference from traditional automobiles and airplanes. If only we could go around the world on trains!
I look forward to the day when rail transportation in the U.S. is easier and faster (i.e. better) because I believe it will revolutionize the way we think about transportation and the overall effect on the environment. I hope to be riding one of those trains with my kids and, soon!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tortilla Soup
This soup enables me to use cheaper cuts of chicken and the plethora of tomatoes coming out of the garden at this time of year...yum! Thanks to a friend who asked for the recipe...here it is!
1 dried ancho chile (can be found almost anywhere, especially at a Mexican grocery store)
1/2 c. boiling water
2 T. olive oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large onion (I use half), diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch coins
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
2 t. ground cumin
6 c. chicken broth
6-8 roma tomatoes, diced (or 2-14.5 oz. cans chopped tomatoes)
1/2 c. loosely packed cilantro leaves
6 corn tortillas (I use white corn tortillas)
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For garnish (all optional): Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, lime, and/or cilantro, crispy tortilla strips (made by frying sliced tortillas)
Place chile in bowl, pour boiling water over and let soak 30 minutes. Drain, remove stem and seeds. Slice into 1/2 inch strips and set aside.
In a heavy Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken; season with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Add onion, carrots and celery. Continue to cook about 8 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cumin and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add broth, reserved chile, tomatoes and cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes. Tear 3 tortillas into strips and add to soup. Continue to simmer about 15 more minutes.
With a slotted spoon, remove chicken to a cutting board. Remove soup from heat and puree with an immersion blender (or in small batches in a food processor). With two forks, shred chicken and return to pureed soup. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
1 dried ancho chile (can be found almost anywhere, especially at a Mexican grocery store)
1/2 c. boiling water
2 T. olive oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large onion (I use half), diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch coins
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
2 t. ground cumin
6 c. chicken broth
6-8 roma tomatoes, diced (or 2-14.5 oz. cans chopped tomatoes)
1/2 c. loosely packed cilantro leaves
6 corn tortillas (I use white corn tortillas)
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For garnish (all optional): Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, lime, and/or cilantro, crispy tortilla strips (made by frying sliced tortillas)
Place chile in bowl, pour boiling water over and let soak 30 minutes. Drain, remove stem and seeds. Slice into 1/2 inch strips and set aside.
In a heavy Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken; season with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Add onion, carrots and celery. Continue to cook about 8 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cumin and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add broth, reserved chile, tomatoes and cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes. Tear 3 tortillas into strips and add to soup. Continue to simmer about 15 more minutes.
With a slotted spoon, remove chicken to a cutting board. Remove soup from heat and puree with an immersion blender (or in small batches in a food processor). With two forks, shred chicken and return to pureed soup. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
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