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My daughter just turned one over the weekend.  Needless to say, past year has been a learning experience for me.  Somehow my Super Woman switch got turned on as soon as I had Luna and I felt it was my job to save the world. Maybe this happens to all moms, but man, it is exhausting! I challenged a lot of norms over the past year including trash, cable and other technologies, vaccinations, food, disposable diapers and other modern conveniences. I led my family on a wild goose chase as we gave up trash, cable, disposable diapers, certain foods, and so much more.  The journey was a learning experience for all of us. We have all learned to be less wasteful, more responsible and much more aware. 

Life quickly became frustrating and far from enjoyable. We found without some of the modern conveniences life became very stressful. For example, without trash pick up you have to learn how to shop to avoid waste. Mainstream does not make this easy. To avoid problems in our family and relieve the stress we all compromised in our changes. We kept the cloth diapers, but got back trash service, however, we increased our recycling load and decreased out typical trash load significantly. We still don't have cable. We replaced it with Hulu and Netflicks and saved a bunch of money. Since then, my husband also purchased a $15.00 antenna and now we get ten clear channels! As for our foods, we are still learning, but we try to keep our foods local or organic whenever possible. We grew some of our vegetables as well.  Some of my opinions and decisions also brought about controversy, I guess that is all about standing up for what you think is right.

It really has been a great year and I feel confident about the changes that we have made as a family. I am also grateful for the people that have taken the time to listen to our experiences and support us. My perspective on life has definitely changed drastically and the challenges have made me a better person. Time to relax and enjoy life a bit.  

3 Day Juice Cleanse - Day 3 and after

So, I finished up the cleanse and have never felt better. I was ready to get some real food back in my system, but my body felt alive. I also was very energetic and mentally clear. It was a very good experience and I plan on doing the cleanse again soon. I lost a total of 4lbs over the 3 days as well. Of course some of the pounds came back, but that is expected. It was also a very liberating experience. I felt in control and disciplined.  I also find that I make better choices now on the foods I eat. Now, food also has an awakened flavor profile that really makes you enjoy every bite. Highly recommended.

3 Day Juice Cleanse - Day 2

Since this is a short cleanse, this is going to be a short entry. I feel better already. I woke up feeling lighter, energetic and not anxious at all.

Day 2:
32oz Juice: Kale, Carrots, Apples, Oranges, Ginger, Celery, Cucumber 

I made a big batch for the day again. I know that the juice loses nutrients if it sits, but making it as needed it is not an option in my day of juggling work and a baby. Anyway, I had energy all day, I was a bit hungry mid day again, but it was curbed by 2 glasses of juice. I am down 2 lbs and feeling fantastic. My skin even looks brighter. It's amazing what a little juice can do. I am also sleeping, which is more than I can say for a week ago! Oh what a relief! It really isn't that hard either. The hardest part is my husbands desire to eat the most desirable foods these past couple of days. WILL POWER!

On the final day I plan to treat myself to a sashimi dinner, a nice light way to introduce food back into my diet.

3 Day Juice Cleanse - Day 1

Lately, I have been challenging the norm of the typical American diet. I eat healthy. Let me rephrase that, I eat healthy in terms of what I was taught to believe is healthy. The general belief in America (which we are taught as early as kindergarten) is to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner all based around the food pyramid. Okay, it's logical to a certain extent, but why if I am following those guidelines do I feel anxious, sluggish, irritable etc. I started to pay closer attention to the symptoms and found that they came after meals.  I wanted to start fresh and flush my body of what is perceived to be healthy with a juice cleanse of fresh fruits and vegetables that I know make me feel great. After the cleanse, I plan on selectively adding foods back into my diet in order to more easily detect foods that may be working against my body instead of with my body.

Day 1
Food: I made a 32oz batch to last me the whole day:
4 bushels of Kale, A little Ginger, 3 stalks of Celery, Four Apples, One Cucumber, One Pineapple

Reflection: It was easier than I thought it would be. I even passed up a hearty Italian meal from one of my favorite restaurants for dinner. I did find myself hungry around lunch time, but it only lasted a few minutes. I guzzled a glass of my juice and felt fine again. My mind has also settled, I don't feel very anxious and my energy level is average.  I am also not tired.  Only two days left!  

Baby Toys, Overrated?

The baby toy industry is cleaning up. There are noise makers, plastic keys, stuffed animals, teething toys, rubber duckies, etc. I have baskets filled, I know. Luna is only 10 months and has more toys than FAO Schwarz! Okay, so not that many, but a lot. I can only imagine how many more she will collect with her first birthday coming up! My low patients for clutter is already designating places for her new toys!

Anyway, I am sure most parent can relate, no matter how many cool new toys your little one has it is always the unexpected that catches and holds a babies attention. Luna's favorite toys are the hamper, an empty water bottle, straws, my camera case, any iPhone, and our vacuum.  I think we need to rethink this whole toy industry :)

Numb-Founded

I overheard a conversation between a guy and a girl the other day. The one was about ready to drink a bottled beverage when the other took it out of her hands and started reading the label. He said, "Do you know what is in this? Some of these ingredients have been closely linked to cancer. This could kill you!" She shrugged her shoulders, took it out of his hands and started to drink it.

Have we really become that numb as a society? We can blame the large companies who put these things on the market, but what ever happened to our instinct for survival? We know things are bad for us, yet we indulge anyway. Cigarettes are a great example , the package even says "may cause cancer". They have killed so many people, yet so many millions still smoke. 

We only care when it is too late. We regret the bad decisions in a hospital bed, up until that point we glaze over and only hear what we want to. We aren't invincible.  The decisions we make today will effect us and others for a lifetime. What will it take to wake up our numb society and regain that instinct for survival? 

Personal responsibility. 

I Deserve It

We have become an "I deserve it" generation. Whether we know it or not, in the last 70 years we have lost the concept of living within our means and instead have become slaves of debt. The norm for my generation includes a mortgage, student loans, car payment and a minimum of one or two credit cards. Buying something when you have the money for it is a thing of the past. The average household owes well over $15k and that doesn't include home mortgages. Before there were loans and credit cards people actually saved up for their homes, bought their cars with cash and didn't have EVERYTHING they wanted (new iPhone, latest Nike's etc.), but they still survived.  Ask yourself this; is it that the cost of everything is so high that we need a loan to afford the things that we need/want or is it that we feel that we are entitled to have the things we can't afford? 

Debt has become a norm in America, ask the US government.  It is a very hard culture to crack and I only see it getting worse unless everyone starts taking personal responsibility and living out of the norm.  I passed a billboard the other day that said "Get Engaged...for only $129 a month".  Really? It was an advertisement for engagement rings.  What a way to start a marriage.  The "I deserve it" equals "over-extended", its no wonder that America has such high cases of anxiety, depression, divorce etc, etc.  Stop and think about it, where would you be if you never took out a loan (yes a mortgage, car and student loans count) or never signed up for a credit card.  What wouldn't you have and would you be able to survive? For most of us that is a hard question because we can't remember back that far. Try this one, how much money have you paid in interest on these loans in the past five years and what better things could you have done with that money? 

Dave Ramsey of Financial Peace has some great advise on how to obtain a debt free lifestyle. As Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch puts it "say no for a little, so you can say yes forever".  It is truly a freeing experience when you are not a "slave to the lender".   

Beautiful Fields of Corn

Have you ever driven through the country during the summer months and taken notice to the beautiful fields of corn rhythmically waving in the breeze?  They stand as a symbol to me of a simple and hard working lifestyle.  They always take me a step back from the hustle and bustle of every day life separating me from the technology that powers our fast paced society.  I enjoy the calming effects as I drive by and spend a few seconds in pure inner peace.  I never really thought any further about the fields until recently.

Why are there so many corn fields? Most of the corn fields alternated with soy bean fields, who needs that many soy beans?  This is where the peace and tranquility takes a screeching stop and is run over by big business, yet again. Corn and soy are both inexpensive crops and are now staple ingredients in almost all processed foods.  If you don't believe it, just look at the label.  There is usually some sort of corn or soy derivative listed.  Ahh yes, that is why we need all of these beautiful fields of corn and soy.

Okay, why is this so bad? First of all, the hard working farmers that are producing these crops are basically owned by big business, it is a catch 22. If they don't sell out to big business than they have a hard time surviving in the market monopolized by corporations, but if they do sell out they are practically indentured servants.  It is really disheartening what is happening to our farming society.  Big corporations usually dictate the who, what, when, where and how to grow their crop.  If they don't follow their strict guidelines, including using their GE seeds (See my article about GMO's), they risk losing their only customer and in turn their livelihood.  The documentary Food, Inc. can give you more incite to this if you are interested. 

Corn also has a very high Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio. A healthy diet should have a ration as close to 5:1 Omega 6 to 3 as possible, or lower.  Corn has a ratio of above 40:1. A ratio this lopsided is linked to many diseases including heart disease and diabetes.  Now, eating one ear of corn for dinner is one thing, but now imagine all of the other places that you are ingesting this high ratio of Omega 6 to 3's.  No wonder America has so many health problems. 

Bottom line, support your local farmers by buying local, it might cost a little more, but it is worth it.  Also, start reading labels.  Play it safe and avoid products that contain corn or soy additives so that your health does not suffer.  It takes time and adjustment at first, but eventually it becomes human nature. 

The Relearning Process

We are our parents children. We are raised by them, led by them and most of us inevitably become them.  It only makes sense.  This is how we are conditioned. Growing up, what comes in is usually filtered and tweaked through their perception of reality and what they think is in our best interest.  Their perception of reality soon becomes our perception of reality in one way or another.  For example, I was raised on no fat/low fat labels and college after high school. Junk food could only be found hidden under my bed and Nintendo was not necessary when you have nature.  Seatbelts were an accessory and breakfast was a necessity.  Being 'on time' meant 30 minutes late and bike/riding helmets were exempt.     

Our thoughts and lifestyles are also shaped by society.  "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage." Do you remember that rhyme? I am not saying it is bad by any means, but just to provoke some thought ask yourself these questions; "Why is blue associated with boys and pink with girls?" "Why are the majority of American's indebted to someone?" Yes, a mortgage or car loan count.  "Why must we wear shoes, or clothes for that matter?" 40hr work week. Need I say more? "How about health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, home insurance etc." And the list goes on.

Only out of mere curiosity and the desire to explore, I have come to a point where I would like to learn things on my own terms and make my own perception of reality, this is what I call "The Relearning Process". 

The Importance of Magnesium and Vitamin D

Due to poor diet and an unsustainable society the normal American is deficient in magnesium. Through all of my recent research, doctors visits and conversations I am learning how important it is for our bodies to have an adequate amount of magnesium present to function properly.  Unlike calcium and potassium, magnesium is one of the essential minerals in our bodies that gets little to no attention. 

Magnesium deficiencies can lead to a long list of problems that have become common and are now viewed as the norm.  Some symptoms of magnesium deficiencies are:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Migraine Headaches 

These symptoms are usually treated with a prescription drug without addressing the underlying issue. You can get magnesium from a diet rich in foods like green vegetables, almonds, black beans, spinach and sunflower seeds.  Magnesium is also absorbed through the skin.  One of my favorite sites, Food Renegade, has a recipe for a magnesium spray that you apply to your skin daily to help with your levels. 

With one important mineral missing from our synergistic systems an array of other deficiencies can result. In this case, without the presence of magnesium our body also has a difficult time absorbing Vitamin D, which in turn leads to other problems.  One of the main ways we get Vitamin D is through sunlight. A doctor from Steiner Medical Practice told me that if you don't get at least 15 minutes of sunlight a day you are not allowing your body to produce enough Vitamin D.  At a glance, 15 minutes seemed like no time at all, but most of us work indoors and are only exposed to the sun when we walk from our car to our house going to and leaving work, that is if the sun is even out. Other sources of Vitamin D are through supplementation. My doctors recommends Vitamin D drops or Cod Liver Oil.  I recommend mixing the Cod Liver Oil in a drink so it is bearable.

Deficiencies in Vitamin D can lead to symptoms such as:      

• Chronic Fatigue
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle Cramps and Weakness
• Bone Weakness and Fractures 

Deficiencies in Vitamin D can lead to other deficiencies, but you get the idea.  Our bodies are synergistic units that can only be operating at optimal levels if they are given the proper ingredients.  This is a starting point, but a balanced diet high in vegetables, fruits, nuts and certain proteins will help balance the levels that the body needs. 

Know Your Food - GMO's

Today is a big day. Millions will rally worldwide to protest the company Monsanto, the leading producer of Genetically Engineered (GE) seed and the weed killing chemical Round Up.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are the crops of GE seeds which are resistant to weed and insect killers, like Round Up, so farmers can produce a larger yield of produce. GMO's can be found in most industrialized foods, but are not currently required to be printed on the label. 

Not only are the practices to produce these crops deemed bad for the environment, it is still questionable if GMO's are actually safe to consume. There have been many links to a variety of growing health problems including cancer, infertility, allergies and so much more. 

Monsanto grossed close to $12 billion dollars last year in GM foods. Commercial sale of genetically modified foods began in 1994. Monsanto feels that they are solving a problem of population growth and keeping up with the demand of food is only possible with genetic engineering.  

GMO's have been banned in many countries such as China, Japan, Brazil, Italy, Greece, England, Ireland, Germany, Spain etc, etc, etc. As you may have noticed, the United States is not on the list. It is actually the American norm to consume GMO's on a daily basis without knowing it. 

Monsanto doesn't feel that they are responsible for consumer safety and thinks "labeling GMO products accordingly would be just like putting a skull and crossbones on the label", said the President of a Monsanto subsidiary, Asgrow Seeds. The director of communications at Monsanto, Phil Angell also added, "Monsanto should not have to vouchsafe the safety of biotech foods. Our interest is in selling as much food as possible. Assuring the safety is the FDA's job." Why isn't the FDA protecting us, you might ask. Rumor has it that many of the major players in the FDA have invested interest in the large industrial food companies or Monsanto itself. 

Bottom line, America is sick because of corporate greed. Awesome. Although it is not the convenience that we are used to, for you and your families sake, do your part to 'know your food'. Author Michael Pollen recommends eating foods that you can recognize and identify where they came from. Try to buy local and know your farmers practices. Buying organic will also save you from ingesting GMO's. Also, try to educate yourself on what you eat and understand the facts to protect you and your family from the many health risks associated with GMO's. 

 

Baby's First Natural Foods

Luna is just about 8 months old. For the past few months I have been struggling with how to start her on solid foods.  There is an overwhelming variety of direction out there coming from doctors, family, friends, books and the Internet. Her first doctor recommended spoon feeding baby food; as in jars, as in the norm for most American babies.  He also recommended rice cereal in addition to her pureed fruits and veggies. The only reason that I began to question this norm was because in our history jarred baby food and a box of rice cereal were not options and somehow babies survived.  I don't feel that there is anything wrong with the mainstream style of feeding, it is easy and convenient. I just wanted to explore a more traditional way of introducing my baby to food. 

Then I switched to a more holistic doctor. She preached instilling healthy eating habits from the start to avoid problems in the future.  Ironically, I found her style to be more logical and convenient than the American norm. First, vegetables should lead the way. If you start your baby on vegetables then they grow to prefer vegetables over sweets. Well, that makes sense!  Next, I was advised to get rid of the spoon. What???  Let her eat her meals you eat yours and simply mash up and share any vegetables that you are having letting her feed herself. That was an interesting concept, but again, it made sense. If you let her feed herself she will eat if she is hungry and until she is full, if she is not hungry she will not eat.  While babies are still mainly getting a bottle or being breast fed they are getting all the nutrients that their little bodies need.  The beginning stages of adding solids (around 6-9 months) are more for exploration than nutrition. As I began to feed Luna in the more traditional manner life got a bit easier.

I also began to read more books on a babies first foods that were in line with what I had learned. I came across a great book that all expecting and new mothers should read if they are they are questioning the mainstream feeding style.  The book is called Beautiful Babies by Kristen Michaelis and Joe Salatin.  It takes you from nutrition before getting pregnant all the way to your babies first foods.  I highly recommend it.  Another is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. This book also challenges politically correct nutrition and teaches you to feed your baby the most nutrient dense foods that help grow a healthy baby.  What I learned from these books and Luna's new doctor all coincided. Egg yolks, vegetables, avocados, cod liver oil and roe are all great starter foods to get your baby on the right track.  Not once was rice cereal recommended.  I actually discovered that rice cereal is not easily digested by babies and is more of a nutrient lacking filler.  In a world of anorexia and obesity, I have learned that it is best to fill your baby with the most nutrient dense foods and steer clear from any fillers such as rice cereal.

Now, I am not judging one way or another, every situation is different, but I am finding the more natural approach seems to be a good fit for me and my baby.  So far she is accepting it and enjoying it better than she did the spoon! It is a step away from mainstream, but it is not nearly as difficult or inconvenient as I would have imagined.  This style actualy seems to lead to a happier baby and more free time for mom.    

Technology Freed

In this case, the norm is 'face buried in cell phone' or computer, iPad, etc. for that matter. Do you remember the last time you had a conversation with someone where there wasn't at least a brief pause to check a text? Or worse, where there wasn't a brief pause to actually make eye contact with you since whatever is on their phone is obviously much more interesting then what you have to say. Talk about annoying! We have turned into such a tech happy country that it has taken the place of social interaction. It has even taken the place of brain power in many cases, why use your own brain when you can just "Google it"? Albert Einstein called it when he said, “I fear the day when the technology overlaps with our humanity. The world will only have a generation of idiots.” Oh snap. He may have just been talking about the chick that fell into the fountain at the Berkshire Mall because her face was burried in her phone, but I have a feeling more people fall into that category. 

I wish I could say I was the exception, but I am not. I am guilty on all accounts. I have been rude to my family, friends, and coworkers by interrupting conversations to converse over text with someone that is not even there, only half listening while I check my emails, and browsing Facebook to check up on the lives of people I haven't talked to in years. I also have noticed a decline in my spelling (no need to know how to spell when you have spellcheck) and an increase in my desire to 'like' things that are not even Facebook related! Wow. Thinking about it wasn't as bad as seeing it written out. I am annoying myself just thinking about it. 

Well in case you wondered, this is why I am challenging the norm of my dependence on technology. Now, most of the technology that we have today wasn't even invented when I was a child so I know it is possible to survive! I am ditching my cell phone, computer and television for a week. I will use my phone to respond to anything important, but it will have to be done the 'old fashion way', over the phone. I will also continue to use my computer for work, otherwise I would get fired and I am not quite ready to challenge the norm of needing money to survive! Besides the few exceptions, there will be no Facebook, apps, random texting, web surfing, TV etc. You get the picture. I will report back at the end of the week and let you know how I made out. 

Farmers Markets Make Sense

The norm is to food shop at a grocery store once a week, but I can't think of any good reason to choose a grocery store over a farmers market. Despite our incredible need to fill our cabinets with snazzy marketing and impressive packaging, you can find everything you need and want at a farmers market.

Grocery stores are convenient at a glance, but what is so convenient about supporting big business and unhealthy industrialized food, while our local systems of quality foods suffer? You also run a greater risk of food borne illnesses with mass produced foods, which already lack nutrient density forcing you to eat more to be satisfied. Food, Inc. is a great documentary to learn about the mass production of food and what it is doing to America.

Farmers Markets are the next best thing to growing the food yourself. By shopping at a farmers market you are supporting local business and helping your community. You also will spend less for more quality foods. You can talk to the farmers and learn their practices to ensure that you know what you are putting in your body. Everything that you need and want can also be found at the farmers market from veggies to meats, homemade snacks and drinks to dairy, grains and spices. So you save money and are eating high quality, more nutrient dense foods.

If you don't know where to find a local farmers market just Google it, you may be surprised. You might have to drive an extra 30 minutes, but it's worth the trip. If a farmers market is still not an option, there are local organic food co-ops popping up everywhere. They deliver local and/or organic foods to your door weekly. They work closely with the farmers so that you are only getting quality products that are in season.

My husband and I buy 80% of our food from the farmers market, the rest comes from Kimberton Whole Foods and a few other local farms. Contrary to popular belief, we actually save money by shopping this way.

Allergy Tea Remedy

Like many, this time of year always brings out my outdoor allergies. I have had allergies for the past five years and have hated every minute, from itchy eyes, heavy head, stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing. Ugh! The norm for most Americans is to treat their allergies with over the counter medications, like Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, etc. My drug of choice was Zyrtec. I think I liked it more for the miniature bottle then the effectiveness.  It was not cheap either, running me $18 for a 24ct. and lasting me less than one month into allergy season.

In order to challenge the norm of allergy medication I (skeptically) tried a homeopathic remedy inspired by the site The Farmacy .  To kill two birds with one stone, I combined a cold remedy with an allergy remedy making the perfect concoction. This time of year it is always hard to figure out which of the two you are fighting anyway.  To my surprise, it actually worked! To think, all of these years I refused to try anything that I couldn't find at a pharmacy. Don't get me wrong, you can find a lot of wonderful things at a pharmacy, but for me this is no longer one of them. I am two weeks (and counting) symptom free during the worst weeks for outdoor allergies.

I found the ingredients at +Kimberton Whole Foods and my local farmers market.  For under $20 I got enough ingredients to make ten pitchers of tea, which will last me way past allergy season. Give it a shot and let me know what you think:

Ingredients:

2 cups - Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar 

2 tbsp. - Lime Juice

5 tbsp. - Bee Pollen

1 tbsp. - Ground Ginger

1/4 cup - Local Honey

5 bags - Traditional Medicinals Echinacea Tea medicinal

1 gallon - Water           

 

Directions:

1. Boil Water
2. Steep 5 bags of Echinacea Tea in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes
3. Pour tea into gallon pitcher
4. Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Lime Juice
5. Add Local Honey and stir until dissolved
6. Add Bee Pollen and Ginger
7. Stir vigorously until Bee Pollen and Ginger have dissolved.
8. Store in fridge
9. Stir first and drink daily

Enjoy!

Junk Mail, Snail Style

Now that most of the country has email, most snail mail can be considered 'junk' mail. I have been letting my mail pile up throughout the week just to see how much I actually accumulated. The results were astounding.  Half of my counter was covered with bills, magazines, advertising flyers and so much more.  Electronic mail is easy to reduce, all that you have to do is click unsubscribe at the bottom of the email and you will not see that chain of emails ever again.  Snail mail is a little different.  In order to take one more step in shrinking my ecological footprint I am questioning the norm of excess snail mail. 

Don't get me wrong, there is something exciting about going out to the mailbox to see what has been sent to you, but 9 times out of 10 it is garbage.  My goal is to eliminate those '9 times' and just leave the goodies like birthday cards, packages and letters (unfortunately, I don't think anyone still writes letters) so that every time you go to the mailbox the chances of it being something exciting are much higher.  It sounds silly, but it is the little things in life that mean the most.  

Step one - Bills and statements.  Most companies offer electronic bill pay and statements because it saves them paper and postage.  Take them up on that offer, you will save a 46cent stamp, a check and the chance of contracting disease from licking the envelope.  I have been against switching for the past few years. My husband has been on my case about it, but there is just something about writing out a check that....Well, that already sounds stupid.  So, this week I plan to go paperless with my statements and bills.  Just think, in stamps alone, that could be a savings of $50 a year. Action: This will require 20 minutes of visiting each website and selecting the paperless option.

Step two - Magazines. Somehow I have about five different magazines being sent to my house. We don't even read a quarter of them.  Action: This will take 15 minutes on the phone canceling the subscriptions that we don't read and another 5 minutes of gathering old magazines to donate to a local business or doctors office. 

Step three - Junk Mail. There is a website that helps you opt-out of junk mail. Catalog Choice is all about sustainability and allows you to take your name off of company mailing lists. It does take a little bit of time, but it is free. This will take care of most of the credit card offers, advertisements, etc. Action: This will take 5 minutes every time I come across junk mail from a new company. Just set up an account and start entering each of the companies information as the mail arrives. 

Step four - Enjoy. Enjoy the excitment of going to the mailbox again.  It might not be a bad idea to send a little positive energy into the universe by hand writing an actual letter yourself and surprising someone else when they open their mailbox! Who knows, you might get something back in return. Action: Hand write and send a letter.  Make someone smile. 

I will check back in a few months to let you know the difference that I have seen in my mailbox.  Until then, think green!

Immunizations

I know this tends to be a touchy subject.  Most parents either feel strongly one way or another about immunizing their kids.  However, there are also a large number of parents that are stuck in the middle, this blog is geared towards them.  The norm is to immunize as a baby and then periodically through life.  The number, type, and contents of vaccines has many parents questioning the norm.  Rising numbers in autism is also a huge concern. 

What is worse, giving the immunizations and risking a child's health or not giving them and risking the child's health? Which risk is greater? As a new mother, this the first challenging decision among many and there really is not much help readily available.  As soon as your baby is born they are trying to give him or her a shot for Hepatitis B. If you are not prepared for it, which most new parents are not, you instantly get put on the spot to make a decision.  You are trying to adapt to the overwhelming idea of being a new parent and you already have this weighted decision on your shoulders.  I am not saying one way is right and one way is wrong, but I am saying it is wise to do your homework beforehand and ask questions so that you can feel confident in your decision. 

As I asked around to other new parents, I found that most had the same questions that I had.  This was very comforting and unsettling at the same time.  I don't disagree with immunizations; I think that they are vital for saving lives. I do, however, have questions that were not being answered.  Like, for instance, why is it that science cannot link autism and immunizations, but every story that I have heard from parents with an autistic child can relate it back to the exact time of an immunization? It is all very puzzling.

I watched a PBS documentary called The Vaccine War. Although most people think it favors mainstream, I believe it really gave a fair representation of both sides of the situation. If you are challenging this norm, it is a good video to watch.  Also, it is important to know that there are doctors that see both sides, the documentary did not touch on that.  These doctors in the middle understand the importance of immunizations, but also consider other factors, which makes their recommendations slightly different then mainstream. These doctors are hard to find, but "where there is a will there is a way".  They can give you a fresh perspective on the topic so that you can make the educated decision on your own. 

Bottom line, I know there is a lot to do when preparing for a baby; decorating the nursery, baby showers, doctor appointments every week, etc., but try and do your homework before you deliver if you have questions.  I found the best resource to be other moms, new and old.  If you still don't have your questions answered, find a doctor that is willing to help you get your answer and help you feel confident one way or the other.  Without guidence, the middle is a very unsettling place to be.                  

Scrappin' for Cash

Not only have I found ways to SAVE money by challenging the norm, I also (with the help of my husband) found ways to MAKE money. By recycling old appliances and scrap metal you can get paid. Yet another win-win.

For past few years we have been salvaging any aluminum, nickel, copper and brass that would have typically ended up in the trash and instead turned it into cash. We collect the metals and drop them off at the scrap yard.  By taking these metals to the scrap yard we are recycling and making money. Anyone can do it and it is an easy process. We have never left the yard with less than $300. Just look up your local metal scrap yard for details. It does help to pre-sort the metals to get the best value. For more information visit the site Scrap Metal Junkie .

Recently, we also learned that you can make money off of recycling old refrigerators and air conditioning units too! Every electric company has their own rules, but ours allows us to turn in two refrigerators and two air conditioning units units per year. They even send someone to pick them up for you free of charge. All that you have to do is schedule a pick up on their website. Six weeks after they pick up your appliances a check arrives in the mail. We were able to get $75 for each fridge and $25 for each a.c. unit. Easy money! It is exciting too, where else can you drop off a boat load of trash and leave with a wad of cash?

No Cable, No Problem

After saving money by switching to cloth diapers and canceling my trash service, I started to think of how else one can save money by questioning the American norm. Many things came to mind, but for starters I thought I would share something my husband and I changed not long before I started this challenge. The norm for us was cable tv.

We spent $80 a month on cable tv. We typically watched the news and a few shows. We also had +Netflix for an additional $7.99 a month. As much as I would like to get rid of our TV all together, my husband and I agreed to just get rid of our cable to keep the peace in the house.

We canceled cable, kept +Netflix and added +Hulu Plus for another $7.99 a month. At the time I was just out to save money, but it turned out to be a smarter decision. We will save over $800 a year, plus have access to more shows on our own time. The shows on +Hulu Plus are endless and updated daily. We also purchased an +Apple TV to make life easier. With the +Apple TV the movies available on +Netflix  are always updated. We both added an app to our phones to stay up to date with the news, but I believe you can also access news and sports on the +Apple TV as well.

Many Americans struggle to make ends meet, but cable still seems to be a staple. Consider changing your norm, there is a less expensive way that will give you the same if not more options. We did it and my family of four couldn't be happier. There is even a large variety of educational baby shows for Luna and many shows for my teenage step-daughter, Summer.

Mainstream Meets Holistic

When I became a new parent I took on a responsibility greater than any that I have ever come across, and I am no longer just talking cloth diapers and recycling.  With the advice from experienced parents, the wealth of information available on the internet and the guidance from my child's doctor, it is my job to take it all in and decide what I feel is right and then use it for my child's health and well being. This is easier said than done.

I struggled with this up until last week.  What I was finding was that the advice given from my family and friends on raising Luna was of huge value to me. It was tried and true and it made sense.  The internet was hit or miss and sometimes made matters more confusing then they had to be, but it was an option. Her doctor gave solid advice, but there were always some things that left me feeling unsettled. This is never a good place to be as a mom, especially when your child's primary care physician is supposed to help guide you all the way through you through adolescence.

When you are choosing a doctor for your child your options seem endless, but in reality your options are very limited.  Mainstream doctors all seem to have similar views on raising a healthy baby. Their views have helped raise millions of healthy babies so how can I argue? Choosing mainstream is the norm for most parents and it works.

I had been challenging that norm since the beginning of my pregnancy. It seemed like following mainstream was the right direction, but I never felt good about my decision. I was always left with too many unanswered questions.  After much contemplation, I finally decided that I had to make a change. My doctor had told me to buy vitamins for Luna. He wrote down the brand name and told me she should be taking them every day. This brand was the #1 doctor recommended brand.  I read the label, "artificial colors and sweeteners".  Really? There is no part of that that seems right. How could I trust a doctor that thought putting artificial anything in my babies body was okay? Other decisions that he (mainstream) made for her were out of my league, but this I could understand. That was when I started to look for an alternative. 

I needed to find someone that I could trust and that I felt confident was giving me the guidence that I truly felt was right. Making the decision to step away from this norm is like being found alone on a deserted island.  You lose the support of society and that is a very scary place. With help from a friend, I was lucky to find someone who shared my views where mainstream and holistic methods meet in the middle. I have never walked out of a doctor appoinment (even for myself) feeling like "that actually makes sense". I don't disagree with the mainstream medical world at all, it does have its place, but I feel that holistic medicine can play an equally important role in the growth and development of a child (or anyone) and it will with mine. It was also amazing how closely related this doctors views were with the advice that was given to me by my friends and family who were raising children 30+ years ago. We may have lost something in the middle there.  I finally feel 100% confident that I am doing the right thing for my daughter and that is a good feeling.
 

Go Green, Save Green

What is the point of trash pick up service if you don't have any trash? I pay $26 a month for a trash truck to take my waste out of site out of mind so I can maintain a clear conscience. After the past few weeks of learning to reduce waste by recycling and composting, I found that there really isn't anything left to throw away. So again, not only am I reducing my ecological footprint, but I'm going to save $312 a year in trash pick up by canceling my service (not to mention the cost saved in purchasing trash bags). Try it, you will be surprised.

Win-Win

My first shipment arrived! Luna is now wearing Bum Genius cloth diapers 80% of the time. That will hopefully change to 100% when I get more diapers. Right now my $100 only got me seven sets, seventeen more to go to make life a little easier. Even though that seems like a big investment, these diapers are for all sizes so they will last her until she is potty trained and will be able to be reused for another child. This will be a HUGE SAVINGS to my pocket and the environment. It's a win-win if you ask me! Not to mention, they are EASY and she loves them! Thanks to everyone for all of the advice. 

On a side note, I recently was sent a text of a newspaper article on The Great Cloth Diaper Change Challenge (no lie) which  is being held on April 20th at 11:00am in efforts to beat the world record of the number of cloth diapers changed at one time.  See this site for locations near you, find it on Facebook or just enjoy knowing that there is such a thing!

14 Days and Counting

15 days ago I was living my 'norm' complacent and content. Since then, a fire has been lit inside me to challenge the basic ways of life in America. The idea came to me during an unrelated sermon the Sunday prior. In an attempt to make a change for my daughter's generation, I am on a mission guided by the reality in my own day to day life to 'challenge the norm'. I hope that my experiences resignate with others to question their own choices and live based on what they believe is moral, not what is 'normal' in soceity. With so many topics in mind to confront and no idea where to start, my journey has grown its own two legs and my path has been cleared for me.

So far, in the past two weeks:

1. I have cut my house hold waste by more than 75%.  I have taken up trash digging as an unwanted hobby and learned that after you recycle and compost there really isn't anything left to waste.   
2. I have learned to use my resources to find ways to recycle items not typically accepted (styrofoam, electronics, bags and wrappers).       
3. I have swithced my plastic trash bags to the +Seventh Generation brand which are better for the environment. 
4. I unloaded a lot of unwanted items on +Craigslist ad posting service to be reused by others.
5. I was given a set of three compost bins and two rain barrels from a friend. I have installed and started using them with the help of my sister, an environmental teacher in Pittsburgh.
6. I purchased a counter top compost container and a three tier recycling bin system to make life easier on my family.
7. I contacted the township to better understand how my town handles recycling and what actually ends up happening to the waste.
8. I made plans to visit the local recycling facility Recycling Services, Inc. in Pottstown, PA  to learn more about the process.
9. I decided to make the switch to Bum Genius cloth diapers which should be happening with in the next week when my shipment arrives. I have also purchased +Seventh Generation disposable diapers to tie me over until I receive them.    
10. I switched from plastic bags at th grocery store to reusable.
11. Lastly, but most importantly, I managed to get the support of my husband and step-daughter to help take the weight off of my shoulders.

A No Brainer: Reusable Grocery Bags

I don't know why I didn't make the switch sooner. I went grocery shopping Saturday and spent $200, $3.96 (+ tax) of which went towards four reusable shopping bags at Giant Food Store (displayed next to the plastic and paper at the end of the check out line).  All of my groceries fit easily in these four bags.  If I would have gone with my norm of plastic I would have had at least six more bags to carry (hanging uncomfortably up my arms cutting off my circulation all while praying that they didn't rip)!  Not only were the bags easier to use, they also held the groceries better than plastic on my ride home, they also did not tear! Plastic is a hassle!  In my opinion, plastic grocery bags are not convenient or smart in any way.  Honestly, make the switch, if not for the environment do it because it MAKES MORE SENSE and it is SO MUCH EASIER! I have to wonder if we are a society of convenience or we just really have a thing for plastic!

You can also find these bags on +Dr. Mercola's website for only $1.97. His bags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to living better.

If you don't decide to make the switch, there is a recycling container for your used plastic bags at most grocers.

New Additions to the Family

My husband, step daughter, Luna and I welcomed a few members to our family today!  Say hello to our 'new' compost bins, rain barrels and three tiered recycling tubs!  In case you didn't notice, I am actually very excited. No, I did not name them, but it is still early. 

I did have to buy the recycling tubs in order to get something that worked for my family, but the compost bins and rain barrels were given to me by a friend in exchange for helping her with a project.  I also got a small ceramic compost container for my counter top in effort to make things easier on everyone. With these new additions I hope that my trash digging ends today. I still have one more can to get through though, gross! I think I am beginning to get a complex.  Someone one that read my blog last week gave me some advice; "not to get too weird".  If they only knew!

Honestly, all the changes that I have made in a little over a weeks time have been so simple and EASY.  As I told my sister, who is an environmental teacher at a charter school in Pittsburgh, I am just relearning what we were taught in elementary school.  It is not hard, it just takes some small adjustments out of the norm, but it make such a huge impact!

What are your recycling habits?  Share your stories, I am finding the best way to learn new ideas and improve are testimonials from others!

Inconvenienced by the Convenient

Working on becoming a better consumer this past week has been challenging. It's amazing how my life had conformed around convenience and not what is ethical. Unfortunately, I think most Americans conform as I did.

I know the idea of wasting less does not seem astronomical, but you should try it. Once you are stuck in your ways it is very difficult to change your norm, or maybe it's just me. I question everything I do now. I managed to only toss 5% of what I would typically, but it took work. I had to pick through my full trash can twice to sort out the recyclable and compostables, both times were nauseating.

I also had to do my homework. I didn't realize how little I knew until I started sorting through my trash. I contacted the township to find out the do's and don't's of recycling. They were a huge help. I also downloaded a great app called WGW Recycle. It made it so easy, you type in what you want to recycle and it tells you exactly what to do with it. It even directs you to local recycling sites that take some of the things are typically not accepted.

Our fast paced society that demands convenience has made it so difficult to live life otherwise. Everything we eat, drink or buy is individually packaged to make things fast and easy. I have to quickly to make some process changes for my family and me or it will never work. What I learned from the app and the township was a start, but I have a whole lot more work to do to have an easy, streamlined system.

Cloth it is!

Through much deliberation I have decided to go with cloth diapers.  It was an easy decision after hearing the opinions from the many people that have used or are using cloth. There were only a few discouraging stories, but I will hope for the best.

I wish I didn't have such unsettling memories of cloth diapers growing up. I might have actually listened to my husband and made the switch sooner. I just remember being at the sitters after school. She had a baby and used cloth (20 years ago). The saftey pins, smell and unpredictability gave me a sour impression that I held onto.

I bought my first trial diaper, Bum Genius.  This brand won the vote hands down.  Funny, the only brands of diapers I knew before this were Huggies and Pampers!  They are much different than I remember.  Luna tried them out this afternoon.  Not only do they look super comfortable, they are easy and are also really cute!  As I was warned, the initial investment seems scary, but they pay themselves off quickly and actually end up to be less expensive in the long run. 

I have heard some controversy over how they are not much better for the environment because of the amount of water and detergent you use. I'd be interested to hear opinions on this. Like I said in the beginning, this is a journey for me. I don't claim to be an expert, I am just hoping to learn and make a difference.

Spring Cleaning

Motherhood, working fulltime, and a million other lame excuses have put my house in dire need of some attention. I am big on zero clutter and crazy about organizing so spring cleaning is like a holiday for me.  So, the 'holiday' that typically would take me a weekend will probably be extended a couple of weeks due to my new awareness of waste.

Spring cleaning and the 'American norm' usually results in a mound of full trash bags waiting on the curb for pick up. Fortunately for the earth and unfortunately for my time, I am challenging my norm and spring cleaning with hopes to make a smaller ecological footprint than years before.

So far, with a room and a half complete I have not thrown anything away. I posted an ad on +Craigslist ad posting service and thirty minutes later I had a truck load of my stuff hauled off to its new home. If you haven't used it, Craigslist is a great way to recycle your things and help people in need, "one woman's trash is another woman's treasure".  Don't commend me yet, I still have all of my other unwanted clutter awaiting its fate in boxes. Sorting will be the next task.

I am finding that if I want this to become a lifestyle for me and my family I am going to have to make it easier for us to 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' ("3R's" Luna's favorite song by Jack Johnson) or it is going to be an epic fail. 

The Diaper Situation

:)

Since my eye opening trash debacle on Wednesday I have been analyzing everything I (and others) use and throw away. It's slightly annoying to be worrying about what others are disposing of in addition to working on my own trash issue. I just keep reminding myself "little by little" or "habba ne babba" as my African Religion Professor would have said.

I have not yet attempted to get my family on board with supporting my change in lifestyle, but all in good time. Until then, I will be forced to sort through their trash, which I did this evening.  Needless to say, it was gross and not something I look forward to doing again. That 'same page' conversation needs to happen soon. Anyway, I was able sort through the full trash can and recycle all but a piece of tin foil and a TON of diapers. A recycling and compost system is a must and, as I expected, my search for an alternative to Luna's diapers is imperative.

Since potty training a six months old is unheard of, as far as I know my options are either cloth or compostable. Besides the Internet, I have received some great advise from an old friend. If anyone has recent experience with either please share. I plan to make the big switch this weekend in effort to change my norm of filling the landfill one dirty diaper at a time.

Wasted

Let's dive right in...

I ran out of trash bags this morning. I was forced to watch what I wasted for a full 12 hours today. That doesn't seem like a long time, but you would be surprised how much stuff you actually throw away without a second thought.

In a typical week my family throws away almost a full 100 gallons of trash. For $26 I have my waste picked up once a week and taken out of site so I can carry on with a clear conscience. Keep in mind, my family consists of my husband, step daughter (half the week), 6 month old daughter and me. That's not exactly a huge family, but a huge amount of waste. I am ashamed. I live two miles from a land fill so the effects are somewhat visible.

I had an 'opportunity' to clean out a hoarders house last month and see the effects first hand. We threw away 30 years of trash equaling five construction size dumpsters from one small 1000 sq ft house. At first I was angry at the family and how much we were forced to dispose of. Then I realized, that is probably the typical amount of waste from an average American household for that time span just hidden by the innocent trash truck that tow it to Neverland. Wow, there is so much wrong with that mentality and that was my mentality.

So, in that 12 hours without a trash can I began to second guess the things that I was using. It sounds gross, but I stacked a pile of trash by my front door in a box. I was forced to make better decisions. Instead of paper towels I used rags. My moldy bread went to the birds. Cans, bottles and bags went in recycling. The rest of my meal went to the compost. Any papers went in the burn pile (I know, I know, but one problem at a time). By the end of the day I was left with only dirty diapers to dispose of. What would have been a half full trash can remains almost empty. I guess it's time to consider cloth diapers, yikes!

Finally, since I am not prepared to become 100% environmentally friendly I went to buy trash bags before dinner and I came across the brand "seventh generation" that uses 55% recycled plastic. It is said to "dramatically reduce toxic pollution." Out of the many options, this was the only trash bag geared towards slowing down our wasteful devastation, so I bought it. I haven't researched the brand yet, but I like what I have read.

What a small step in the opposite direction, but it is a beginning. If we remain complacent, my daughters generation is going to end up in a world like the movie Idiocracy. If you haven't seen it, it's worth the $1 at RedBox. I challenge you to question your norm and share your stories of waste and what you are willing to change to make this world a better place for generations to come.

The Beginning of a Journey

I am a new mother of a beautiful little girl named Luna Paisley.  As expected, since she came into this world six months ago, my life has changed drastically.  Not only is a typical day no longer a typical day, but I found myself constantly dissatisfied with normality in America.  Her well being is my responsibility.  That is a big job in itself, but given the state of our country it is even bigger than I imagined. 

This is not a democrat vs republican rant, I've had about enough of that.  In my opinion, the division of the parties has done more harm than good and we have been distracted from the true problems. It is more of an "I am tired of the direction that we have taken this country and I am going to stop being complacent and make a change."  I don't want my little girl to grow up blinded by the ways of society.  She deserves to be handed the truth in order to form her own decisions.  She shouldn't have to search for it.

Now, you may wonder the direction that this blog is going to go based on the above.  This is more of a journey to discover the truth behind the clutter created by society, greed and our complacency.  I plan to learn as I go and share what I uncover with you.  Do with it what you may.  I don't claim to have all the answers, but I feel that our freedom and right to pursue happiness has been compromised.  It seems that the pursuit of money and power within the country has become more important than the health and well being of 'its' people and 'its' people have voluntarily put on their blindfolds and followed the flock to the slaughterhouse to feed the greed.  It's a vicious cycle.   

So for her sake, mine and yours...I am questioning the norm.