I've been really into juicing this year and have shared my excitement with my boys, Gabe and Will. Both of them have enjoyed our juicing adventures, particularly Will. He's 3 and can pretty much make his own juice, right down to tipping our juicer forward which pours out the last few drops of the nutrient rich beverage. Juicing has been a great way for me to get veggies, like radishes and kale, in to their little bodies that I wouldn't otherwise be able to. And the best part is, I'm not sneaking it under their nose. Now they ask to put radishes in their juice. Getting to this point was a process though. We started with just apples and the hands-on process of making juice was very intriguing to them. Then we added carrots and eventually spinach. Once they accepted those ingredients, it was pretty easy and exciting for them to experiment with other ingredients. This has been a great way to help expand their palette and keep them healthy!

I must also share that there is a Curious George (a favorite in our house) episode in which George makes his own juice with a juice maker. This has further supported my cause and for that I am thankful. All in all, juice making is fun! It's hands-on and interesting to see a machine squeeze juice out of an edible product of nature. Below one of Will's juice recipes (different than the one pictured above).

organic feminine products

Most people that know me quickly find out that I despise harmful chemicals because of their harmful affects on the health of humans, animals and our Earth. I seek food, cleaners, beauty products and materials that are free of chemicals, if not organic.

My product preferences have changed over time as I've learned about what's actually in the things I buy, and this educated / research-based purchasing aspect permeates all areas of my personal health and home life. I seriously weigh all options whenever I buy a product, from chewing gum to the paint I put on the walls of my home. Sometimes I drive myself insane during the process, but it always pays off and the decisions get easier as the knowledge builds over time. My purchasing method and search for all things truly natural (not just marketed as such!) carries over to feminine care products as well.

Feminine care products come in to contact with the most delicate tissues of a woman's body. Probably about seven years ago I read an article that alerted me to all of the nasty, harmful chemicals in most tampons (and other feminine care products). And so I decided to try organic ones. To be honest, they just feel better and my mind rests at ease knowing that my skin isn't absorbing toxic, cancer-causing chemicals. Sure, organic gear is more expensive, however I am convinced that the return on investment is worth it to the health of my body.

I use Seventh Generation tampons and Natracare liners. Both are available at health food stores and on Amazon. Both are cheapest if you buy in bulk via Amazon's Subscribe & Save program which takes 15% off the price. Through this program you can cancel, order or delay a shipment at any point – plus free shipping! Try a box or two first, then order in bulk as it makes the price more reasonable.

I believe this is the original article that opened my eyes to switching my buying habits. If you read one article on the topic, I'd suggest said article from Dr. Mercola.

Ignorance is not bliss. Let's choose our products wisely, starting with tampons and liners. :)

diapers + wipes!

For a limited time, starting on June 28, Amazon is offering 30% off diapers and wipes with Subscribe & Save. I love ordering diapers, wipes and a lot of other stuff via Amazon's Subscribe & Save program. It's great getting diapers in bulk and not having to lug them home form the store. Amazon makes it so easy – you can cancel, order or delay a shipment at any point – plus free shipping! It's really a win-win situation.

Also, because of the discounted price I can get on Amazon (typically 15% off through Subscribe & Save), it makes the price of Seventh Generation diapers and wipes much more reasonable than Whole Paycheck prices. Hooray for unbleached, unscented (no parabens or phalates on those precious little bums) disposable diapers and wipes!

I know I sound like a commercial... Only wish I was getting paid! :) Enjoy the discount, friends.

cinnamon play dough

Tonight the boys and I made cinnamon play dough. Gabe found the recipe a few days ago while he was scanning High Five (the junior version of Highlights) and we agreed that we would have to pick up some corn starch and whip this up. It's super easy, fun and smells great. I plan to make this at the holidays. I think it'd be a wonderful, cozy sensory experience during the fall and winter seasons. After all, it makes the house smell so good. After some ado, here's the recipe (verbatim):

Spice Up Some Play Dough

1. Put 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a pot. Stir.
2. Add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir.
3. Adult: Cook the dough on medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture looks like mashed potatoes. Remove the dough from the pot.
4. When the dough is cool, knead it until it is smooth. What will you make with your new play dough?

Note: This sweet-smelling dough will stay soft for a long time if you keep it in a zippered plastic bag.

I will add a short comment here: When the dough was warm, I let the boys play with it and they loved how it felt in their little hands. They played with it for a few minutes just before bed and I think it was calming and therapeutic to their noses.

Also, one of the reasons I love this play dough recipe is because it's wheat / gluten free. And this is a great place to use up any genetically modified corn starch you may have tucked away in your pantry.

Enjoy!

William Li: Can we eat to starve cancer?

Amazing. Fascinating. Exciting. Please watch this video!