Cleaning Up After the Storm

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Okay. I know what you're thinking. We're running a house of enslaved children. No, they really enjoy the work they do. Any parent knows when you get a determined child, then sometimes (only sometimes), it is better to allow them to explore where their interest is leading them. Dad is a little more lenient when it comes to allowing them to use really sharp tools. Actually, Dad gives them good training, and fortunately he does have good judgment as to what they can and cannot handle. Sometimes, mom does have to leave the room or go inside because I don’t want to watch.

Recently, a hard storm blew through our quiet little town. Our experiences are far from what the people in the Midwest are experiencing. My heart and prayers go out to them. I can’t imagine the devastation that has occurred as well as the daily battle of trying to salvage what little they can of their lives against continuing floods.

This second time around, we were not so lucky. Actually, it wasn’t that bad, but we had to cut a limb off of one of our trees that shades our home. My husband was going to climb a ladder and cut the limb, but we decided it would be better to call a professional in case it became an insurance issue. After all of the cutting was done, we were left with a large cleanup job. Once again, the LGS mission crew was ready to get to work.

At first, my husband was going to climb a ladder and cut the limb, but we decided it would be better to call a professional in case it became an insurance issue. Our house is surrounded by a few trees, which is great because it helps keep the house cool during the summer months and we don't have to use the air conditioner as much. We are currently in the hot, hot months here. It is not hot enough (for me - the children have been ready since winter) to go down to our creek where ICE COLD water flows, but it's getting there.

My husband is literally a “Jack of all Trades.” He has experience in landscaping, construction, is a fabulous cook (just to name a few skills) and confirms everyday that I married well. His experiences have also been useful for his contribution to homeschooling. I expect our children will be able to wield a really mean hammer and screw driver when they get older.

Tools in hand, everyone was ready to get to work.
The plan was to cut and stack the extra wood and to haul the leaved branches and other "stuff" down to our wood pile/dumpster drop site where three years of Christmas trees, excess grass blades, etc. have been placed. We are hoping to build the world's largest compost pile. The crew was happy to use the cutting tools. Believe me, they were well supervised and are actually very cautious with how they use the tools.

Safety is first, so all baby was able to do was look cute. Maybe, after he turns two, he will receive his first hand saw...just kidding. He was happy to help pick up branches and other wood pieces. The mission is complete and now we don't have to walk through branches, etc. when on that side of the house. Fortunately, the cut limb did not cause a loss in privacy and you cannot really tell that the tree received a trimming. Hopefully, this will be the last we see of any damaging storms in the future.

Cleaning Up After the Storm

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Okay. I know what you're thinking. We're running a house of enslaved children. No, they really enjoy the work they do. Any parent knows when you get a determined child, then sometimes (only sometimes), it is better to allow them to explore where their interest is leading them. Dad is a little more lenient when it comes to allowing them to use really sharp tools. Actually, Dad gives them good training, and fortunately he does have good judgment as to what they can and cannot handle. Sometimes, mom does have to leave the room or go inside because I don’t want to watch.

Recently, a hard storm blew through our quiet little town. Our experiences are far from what the people in the Midwest are experiencing. My heart and prayers go out to them. I can’t imagine the devastation that has occurred as well as the daily battle of trying to salvage what little they can of their lives against continuing floods.

This second time around, we were not so lucky. Actually, it wasn’t that bad, but we had to cut a limb off of one of our trees that shades our home. My husband was going to climb a ladder and cut the limb, but we decided it would be better to call a professional in case it became an insurance issue. After all of the cutting was done, we were left with a large cleanup job. Once again, the LGS mission crew was ready to get to work.

At first, my husband was going to climb a ladder and cut the limb, but we decided it would be better to call a professional in case it became an insurance issue. Our house is surrounded by a few trees, which is great because it helps keep the house cool during the summer months and we don't have to use the air conditioner as much. We are currently in the hot, hot months here. It is not hot enough (for me - the children have been ready since winter) to go down to our creek where ICE COLD water flows, but it's getting there.

My husband is literally a “Jack of all Trades.” He has experience in landscaping, construction, is a fabulous cook (just to name a few skills) and confirms everyday that I married well. His experiences have also been useful for his contribution to homeschooling. I expect our children will be able to wield a really mean hammer and screw driver when they get older.

Tools in hand, everyone was ready to get to work.
The plan was to cut and stack the extra wood and to haul the leaved branches and other "stuff" down to our wood pile/dumpster drop site where three years of Christmas trees, excess grass blades, etc. have been placed. We are hoping to build the world's largest compost pile. The crew was happy to use the cutting tools. Believe me, they were well supervised and are actually very cautious with how they use the tools.

Safety is first, so all baby was able to do was look cute. Maybe, after he turns two, he will receive his first hand saw...just kidding. He was happy to help pick up branches and other wood pieces. The mission is complete and now we don't have to walk through branches, etc. when on that side of the house. Fortunately, the cut limb did not cause a loss in privacy and you cannot really tell that the tree received a trimming. Hopefully, this will be the last we see of any damaging storms in the future.

Don't Hate Me Because I'm (not) Green

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I love good conversation, but I don’t always initiate. I also love to argue, but I’m not antagonistic. I do sometimes wonder why I never became a lawyer, but remember that I don’t hold them in high regard (I guess until I need one). Good conversation and an interesting debate were had between Nature Mom and Green and Clean Mom last week. I enjoyed reading the posts and also gained a new comfort level in where I fit in all of the “greenness” that is going on online and offline. The conversation was very opinionated, became a little heated, and then ended quite friendly because in the blogging world we agree and disagree, but at the end of the day it’s opinions that are the life-blood of the blogging world. If there were no opinions, there would be no need to blog. We would all agree and spend our days basking in the sun as it shined all day long.

If you are going to blog, then be prepared for someone to disagree with or question you and get over it (checking the thickness of my skin). Living more green and natural isn’t a religion for me because I have another religion (I thank God), but rather a way of life. I’m not disciplined enough to say that I walk above the green line wearing a crown nor do I ignore an opportunity to be a little more green and natural. I’ve figured that “I’m alright.” I’m not the greenest of green because I’m still learning and thanks to my fellow bloggers, I get some great information, learn of valuable resources, learn from personal experiences, and read opinions that offer the opportunity to consider (or not) another path on this green and natural journey. As far as green goes, for now, here I am, I know where I want to go, why I’m going there, and how far I want to go (at least I think I do).

So, this is where I am now. If you check with me in six (6) months, then maybe something will have changed. Until then, "Don’t Hate Me Because I’m (not) Green."

1. I love long hot showers, but I wash my clothes in cold water.
2. I drive an SUV, but I go to town/drive usually only two days a week because I schedule to save gas, time, and money. Also, the SUV is a perfect size for our large family and everything that comes with one.
3. I love buying a bright, shiny, new book to read, but I've reduced my magazine subscriptions from four to one and our library cards are used frequently every month.
4. I use probably more toilet paper than I should (Is this a women thing?), but I have tremendously reduced the amount of paper towels we use, which I buy recycled.
5. I will wash a piece of clothing in a minute, but wash large loads and use natural and non-toxic cleaners.
6. I still occasionally buy bottled water, but use well and filtered water when at home and will finally be buying reusable, BPA free containers next week. Don’t ask me why it took so long. Also, we recycle the bottles because I am determined to buy me a Cagoule hat.
7. I leave my computer on ALL DAY (please be kind), but don’t watch a lot of television and do listen to a lot of radio.
8. I still use conventional feminine products, but Nature Mom has made me curious enough to look into trying alternatives to disposables which I may actually do. I never knew of such until I read it there. See, I'm learning.
9. I, like Green and Clean Mom, have a child who has Asthma, which requires Albuterol treatments, but have found natural alternatives resulting in, I believe, a healthier child. Having been in the trenches a little longer has provided opportunity to find out what works best for him. I was determined for my son to not go the route of “daily, doctor prescribed medication.“ Instead, treatments are required only a few times a year. Green and Clean Mom, continue your search until you find natural alternatives that work best for your daughter.
10. My husband enjoys using his John Deere riding lawn mower (and I love the look and smell of freshly cut grass), but on occasion, he uses his manual lawn mower to get a good workout. With the amount of grass, it's definitely a work-out.

If you still want to measure my “greeness” on a scale, then feel free. I won’t be offended because this is how I’m going green and natural and regardless of what anyone else says, because this is my personal journey. I’m glad to have my fellow bloggers, people who agree and disagree, and others who are too learning their way, along for the ride.

I am going to tag three fellow bloggers (Nature Mom, Green and Clean Mom, and New Green Mama) to see if they will share with us, at least ten (10) ways they are still challenged to be green, but what they have also accomplished on their personal journey. Through their responses, you will learn that we are all on different levels (“different shades of green” as Green and Clean Mom would say), going green for different reasons, but are commited to making a positive difference.

What's Cooking? Hummus

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First off. Forgive me because I like using my own pictures, but until I get one, this will have to do. I love hummus (I love chick peas). Who would have known? I stumbled upon it one day, somewhere, but I don't recall when and/or where. All I know is that I could actually eat it as a side and be happy. Of course, some seasoning would be required. I am an "accidental cook." Sewing used to be my forte, now I have moved to computers, and cooking (especially baking) is running a close second. I do like things quick and easy, but for some reason, I would rather make from scratch than to buy prepared. I used to buy packaged hummus. I had never thought about making it until I picked up a copy of "Something Extra," which is the coolest freebie magazine in the world published by the grocery chain of Raley's/Bel Air/Nob Hill. If you can get your hands on this magazine, then I highly suggest you do so. I think it is a west coast print and distribute (sorry), but I have heard of some people managing to send some to "the outside." It is just that good. The pictures make you want to cook.

If you are challenged in the kitchen, then the recipes and tips are right up your alley because all of the ingredients for the recipes are items carried by the store (pretty smart). They do almost everything, except take you by the hand and walk you up and down the aisles, telling you in which department to locate each ingredient. Alot of the recipes have meat, but I just exclude, and every once in a while, they have a few vegetarian or fruit dishes throughout.

Back to "What's Cooking?" I still have my Spring 2006 issue that contains a really, really easy hummus recipe. I love it and make it alot. Hummus is "What's Coooking?" this week. It is great as a spread, a side, a dressing, a dip...should I keep going? If you haven't tried hummus before (or you may have and not known it), then give it a try. You can season and flavor in so many different ways that it can have many tastes. It is a multi-purpose (a word not often used regarding food - or better versatile) food. Also, it is extremely nutritious.

recipe: E-mail me for Hummus

Try Walking In My Shoes (dm)

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I own three pair of shoes. I’m not making a green statement or promoting frugal living or suggesting that if you own more, then you need to immediately clear your closet. I'm just stating a fact. Actually, I do have more, but only three that I wear on a regular basis and at least one of those pair needs to be thrown away. When the treads on the bottom of a pair of running shoes is non-existent and the fabric holding the shoe together is doing the best to keep its original form, I believe that it is time to toss them out. Not only can damage result while running from not having proper support, but it doesn’t fair well for my “cat walk” stride when I do the weekly grocery shopping and decide to wear them as accents with my sweat pant outfit. Since my family is running together now, I am taking my running shoes more seriously, so I will be buying a new pair of shoes.

The luxury of affording a new pair of shoes is probably not something you think about everyday. Our shoes become worn and pushed to the back of the closet to make room for their shiny, new replacements. If you donate your old or “gently used” shoes, then that is great. If not, then consider this a lesson in sustainability and an opportunity to help others who wouldn’t mind “walking in your shoes.”

The mission of Soles 4 Souls is simple, “to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.” They are “Shoe People Helping the World™.” In less than five (5) years, Wayne Elsey’s Soles 4 Souls has managed to provide more than three million shoes to victims of natural disasters like the 2004 Asian tsunami (the event that birthed this charitable organization), Hurricane Katrina, and just people in need. Through donations received from "footwear companies, retailers, churches, nonprofit ministries, civic groups, schools, and individuals" of new and “gently used" shoes, Soles 4 Souls not only aides people abroad, but doesn’t forget about the people in need here at home. Just last week, during Barefoot Week, they provided more than “130,000 shoes” to disaster victims in Atlanta and New Orleans.

The organization has also started a running team called SolesInMotion™. If you are not a runner, then don’t worry because walkers, slow runners, and anyone interested in supporting the mission as well as getting in shape are invited to participate. Some of the perks for being a team member are personalized marathon or half marathon training (you may surprise yourself at what you can do) and the satisfaction of knowing that you are improving the life of another while also meeting a personal goal of getting in shape.

There are several ways to donate and help as well as many drop-off locations throughout the country making it easier for you to make shoe donations. We will be collecting shoes around our house and heading to our local drop-off location; my running shoes are headed to the trash (our donations will offset). It is a great way to make a positive difference, another opportunity to teach my children about sustainability and helping others, and clearing clutter and making more closet space isn’t too bad either.

Indoor Summer Fun

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A no fail fun "toy" for children is play doh. I don't remember playing with it as much when I was younger as I do now with my children. It is kinda cool and fun until pieces of non-play doh get rolled and flattened into it or it dries out and becomes really hard. The former had already been thrown away leaving us with the remaining almost crunchy pieces that were pretty much useless for real fun. Our stash was not enough to distribute among three children and it was time to buy more.

I am trying to be more conscious about the type of toys that I now buy. Fortunately, my children don’t require a new toy every time I turn around. I wrote about that in a previous post for which I got in trouble for offline. My Dad is still trying to figure out how to submit a comment regarding that post. Since he can't yet figure out how to leave a comment (I don’t think I’ll show him), I get the comments whenever I see him. He won’t be buying his grandchildren any used toys. He may have a point. Parents are so wise. After all, I’m one and I want my children to believe the same thing.

It would have been so easy to run to Target (my favorite mom store – I’m not sure how that happened) and buy more Play- Doh. Well, I was recently visiting Green Mom Finds where Cristina posted a recipe for play dough which she found at Cooks.com. I took it as a sign and here we are making play doh.

All of the ingredients are staples for us, so that made making it even easier. As always, my Little Green Secrets mission crew was in ready formation. I made the mistake of telling them earlier in the morning that we would be making play doh, so they worried me until we were ready to start. The recipe is straight forward and very, very easy. We doubled the recipe, so the one (1) cup of salt caught me a little off guard, but no worries. There was no clumping, icky gooey, or real mess. The flour even wasn’t a nightmare after adding the water.






Because you know it’s going to happen…I didn’t have to worry about the baby sampling along the way since all of the ingredients are edible. He actually (they all did) found it tasty. I’ll have to believe them.

My oldest said the color was boring, but they are still playing with the play doh late in the afternoon. I am going to prepare another batch and have it ready for when it's time to replace what we made today. I'm not sure when that may be because, it “doesn’t dry out.” At least I’ll be ready for when non-play doh pieces get rolled or flattened into it, which really grosses me out.

I Think I've Found My Calling

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While attending college, I was several majors (in my head) before I decided on and finally finished with a B.A. in English. I had no idea what I was going to do with that degree, but I knew that it was a great foundation for many graduate areas, and plus everyone should know how to write a complete, coherent, grammatically correct sentence. Well, I never pursued a masters degree (sorry Mom), but have had careers in retail management, technical writing, Web design, and now I'm finally getting the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do which is write (blog?). That is the beauty of the Internet. It can make dreams of becoming a published author come true with the click of a button (mouse? - Who thought up these words? - blog?...mouse?). Whether or not I have an audience is a different story. Hello? Are you out there? I'll just believe that you are and I will keep on writing (blogging) to my heart's content. This is a lot of fun and I'm learning so much about green and natural living that I want to share.

What's Cooking? Taco Salad

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Anything Mexican gets me going. I believe it is my love for carbohydrates. Shamefully, I must admit that when we lived closer to a city, many a family meal was eaten at Chevy's. I would blame it on the kids if it weren't for their yummy salsa which I absolutely love. Are chips and salsa a viable meal? Since the drive is a little futher now (try one hour, instead of ten minutes), I've had to rely on my own creativity and a few good recipes to get us through our "Mexican-meal-fixes."

This is my version of a taco salad, minus the meat, of course. You want meat, then toss it in as I do for my husband. I could eat this salad a few days in a row. Taco Salad is What's Cooking?" this week.

recipe: E-mail me for Taco Salad.

Go All the Way

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If you are going to clean green, then why not go all the way? Here is just a taste of a few green and natural products that you can use to clean while practicing being a little more eco-friendly. You may end up spending more
time in awe and curiosity (How did they do that?), while trying to figure out how a wood chip becomes a sponge soft enough to clean delicate surfaces, yet abrasive enough to remove caked on food from last night’s dinner plate. These sponges are made out of a product called viscose, which is very absorbent, effective - think sheepskin (but no dead animals) - and softens with each machine wash allowing you to "wring out and use to dry again and again". If you are a little nutty, then you may prefer the Sponge With Walnut Scrubber, which is made from "50% post consumer recycled materials." Just remember, don’t try to eat it.

Sponges are no good without cleaners. Continue your green cleaning with high performance, concentrated cleaners, stain removers, and cleaning supplies that also include an organic, all-purpose cleaner that is Green Seal certified.

Gain more green points with a recycled mop and a sustainable handle made from 80% recycled bottles. Natural fiber and organic dish towels are one way, but if you can't seem to get away from the paper, then why not try recycled paper and go all the way?

Are you excited about cleaning yet? If anything, cleaning will be a little more interesting. Still not sold? Consider hiring a cleaning company for periodic or regular services. Any telephone book contains pages of cleaning services, but look for ones that use green cleaners and if possible follow green practices.

You can now cross cleaning off of your "To Do" list.

It Takes a Few Minutes

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Are we made to waste paper? Is it our nature to waste paper? Will there ever be a day where we “paper-waste” no more? Possibly, not really, maybe respectively. We may never live in a society where paper waste is non-existent, but the least we can do is use it more wisely. We use money wisely, we use timely wisely, but using paper wisely?

Merriam-Webster dictionary now includes “junk mail” and “junk E-mail” as additional definitions for the word mail. When the concept of a mailbox was created, certainly there was never consideration to the fact that something other than personal, wanted mail would ever be placed in the box. Today, collecting mail from a personal box, whether it be postal or E-mail, requires a garbage can in tow or a quick finger on the delete button. We could blame it on the government and say we are “government controlled,” when you learn that the USPS is fighting to keep your mailboxes full of junk-mail because “standard” mail (JUNK MAIL) “has become the lifeblood of the U.S. Postal Service and that jobs depend on it.” Hmm. The end of junk mail will jeopardize the jobs of thousands. In hard economic times like these or in any time, the loss of a job is not preferred. So, keep the junk mail coming?

Unless your child is disciplined beyond his years, a trip to the bank or post office involves picking up several “paper souvenirs” including brochures, deposit slips, etc. If these items make it to the car, the next stop for them is usually the garbage can. We start early with how we treat paper.

There may never be a day where paper waste doesn’t occur, but there are several things we can do to promote better uses (or none at all) of paper. If you are tired of receiving catalogs from “Bob’s Meat Shack,” when you’re a vegetarian or home decorating catalogs when your best piece of furniture is a tattered couch hanging on from your college days of 17 years ago, then make a choice and decide “what gets in.” If catalogs are not the problem, but regular junk mail is, then you can “get paid” to reduce it yourself or pay Green Dimes to do it for you.

All it takes is a few minutes to dispose of your paper in a recycling container so it can be recycled. If you do not have curbside pick-up, then you can always find a local recycling center. If you work outside your home, then hopefully, your office already has a recycling program. If not, then learn how to start one and become a ”green trend setter.” Many schools are already participating in recycling programs and it is a great way to involve children in the recycling process and educate them on consumption reduction.

As far as junk E-mail, if anyone comes up with ways to reduce if not eliminate, then please let me know.

The Tree That Started it All (I Hope)

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We had so much fun completing this mission that we will be planting more trees later this year. I was also inspired to go ahead and start another herb garden of which I'll write more about later.

As usual, I had three willing and eager workers who were ready to work on and complete this project. They were already making plans for the "fruit of their labor."

We picked up a Fuji apple tree at a local nursery. Fuji apples are a red, mixed breed (Red Delicious and Rawls Jennet) apple with a sweet and crispy taste. The Little Green Secrets (LGS) mission crew go through many of these apples in a week when they're in season.

Dad also joined us and we appreciate his "heavy and very strong hands" because there was alot of digging. We send a special THANK YOU! to Dad for his help because we were able to find every tool except the one he needed to dig the very deep hole. Dad had to flex his muscles and work really hard. This mission took a little longer than expected.

I bet if we had let them continue to dig, then they would have dug a large enough hole by themselves. I will put that hard work to use next week to pull weeds. Somehow, it will become a school lesson. I manage to turn anything into a school lesson.



Once the hole was ready, the tree plopped right into place. A lot of hard word for a simple finish. After that, the LGS mission crew finished up with organic soil and water to give our new tree a healthy start.

We are quite pleased with our little tree.
All of us are looking forward to enjoying local and pesticide free apples from our tree by walking outside to our backyard. Now, how to keep the deer from doing the same?

Behind the Vegetarian Learning Curve

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It is finally here! My copy of The Vegan Lunch Box - FIRST EDITION.Yes, first edition and it does matter when there are copies being sold for more than $100. No, I am not one of those who paid the “new retail” price, but I did pay more than the original price of $22.95 and I’m happy to own it. I still can't get over the fact that I am just now reading the book, as well as the blog that started it all more than three years ago. Jennifer blogged about the vegan meal creations for her son, James Henry, who was entering the first grade. She wasn’t worried about picking out the popular notebook, colorful #2 pencils, or making sure he was dressed in the latest fashions as he started back to school. Jennifer was more concerned with what her young son, who had grown up eating a vegan diet, would eat and want to eat while being surrounded by new and tempting “food” that was less nutritious and being offered in his school cafeteria.

Those concerns were eventually proved unnecessary and you will see why as you read through her blog (which works for me as a companion to the book), which show pictures (yea – I love pictures) that may convert even the hard core carnivore, a write up and summary of the meal, and James’ “critique” of what mom prepared for lunch that day. The meals are packed and served in traditional Bento style which has been popularized in recent years by Laptop Lunches, a company that promotes waste-free lunches.

As a homeschooling mom, my children will not be tempted by the possible less than nutritious offerings of a public school cafeteria, but they could be tempted by the same if I fail to offer them healthy foods at home. Because I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian (I do eat fish occasionally), my children get more fruit and vegetables by default because I don’t know how to cook meat, other than baked chicken and scrambled eggs, and I cook and serve what I know. Fortunate for them and easy for me.

I was a little disappointed because I was hoping there were more pictures, but I’ll settle for the pictures Jennifer offers on her blog. My oldest starts his first official school year (more on that later – another blog) this fall and we will use as many of the meals as we can. There are quite a few recipes I can't wait to try and some of them will be served as dinner meals.

An updated version of the book is due to be released within the next month, so you won’t have to worry about locating, and paying the price, for a first edition copy to learn how to create your own vegan lunchbox.

What's Cooking? Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup

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I don't know what it is about this soup, but I can't stop eating it. The first time I made it, I didn't like it. How is that for an introduction? It was a few months later that I decided to try it again because it has two ingredients that I find tasty; spinach and chick-peas (also known as garbanzo beans). Since I'm sure you are familiar with spinach, I'll just tell you a little more about chick-peas.

Chick-peas are a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are part of the legume family, with a nutty flavor and creamy texture, and are a great source of carbohydrates, folate, zinc,and protein. Since they are a legume, lengthy cooking is required before using them when purchasing them dry. The American Diabetes Association includes chick-peas as a healthy and recommended food in the "grains and starches" section of their food pyramid. I usually (all the time) use canned chick-peas because of the lengthy preparation process (24+ soaking hours and then cooking hours). If you've got the time (and the patience), then go for it otherwise, look for canned chick-peas like Eden Foods (available online or at most high-end grocery stores) brand that doesn't add extra salt to their beans (plus, they're organic). Canned beans keeps this quick and simple recipe, just that.

You may be a fan of chick-peas and not even know it. They are used to make hummus, dips, sandwich spreads, veggie burgers, and you may have noticed these "hazelnut-looking" balls as accents on a green leafed salad. Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup is "What's cooking?" this week.

Visit Just Bean Recipes for more chick-pea recipes. Because these are a favorite food of mine, I will also feature more chick-pea recipes on future "What's cooking?" editions.

Quick Tip: Check the production date on the package of dried chick-peas because old beans will not soften regardless of soaking time.

recipe: E-mail me for Garlic, Chick-pea, and Spinach Soup.

Health Rich and Chemical Free

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FREE! What a great word especially when we are referring to being “chemical-free.” The information is overwhelming when first presented with how many dangerous chemicals are in everyday cleaning products that we use. The thought of parting with a “close friend” is difficult. As a previous fan of Oxy-Clean, I could not believe that there were more natural alternatives for making my whites whiter or removing those pleasure driven, baseball base sliding stains from my son’s pants. Many people continue to use the cleaning products they do, not necessarily because they “love” them, but more so because there is a comfort level and a familiarity with them. Our mother’s mother used the products, our mothers used the products, and not wanting to end the legacy, we now use the products. The cleaners perform effectively and we know just how much to measure; we can do it with our eyes closed.

If you have a strong connection with bleach (it may be the fumes), a love affair with lemon-scented soft scrub, or enjoy spending the afternoon with your floral spraying aerosol can, then consider taking a vacation where the air is clear and the same cleaning pleasures and effectiveness can be obtained from using natural resources. There is no guarantee that you will enjoy cleaning any more than you already do, but there will be less toxic fumes and face masks are not required. A little mixing of natural ingredients, some clutter removal of unused and unnecessary items, and time-saving tips that help you enjoy healthier living are some of the subjects Ellen Sandbeck discusses in her book Organic Housekeeping.


A resourceful Web site for healthier living is Healthy Child, Healthy World. It was established by Jim and Nancy Chuda who lost their daughter Colette to an illness, which they believe was a result of exposure to toxins. The Web site promotes education on toxin reduction in the environment; in schools, the community, and a little closer - our homes. The organization continues its efforts in the recent release of the book Healthy Child Healthy World. It not only looks at the effects chemicals have on our health, but also addresses ways we can reduce, if not eliminate other toxins in our home with simple steps like removing our shoes when, if not before, entering our home. The book is an informative read and offers suggestions that are easy to implement in an already busy life.

Sustain and Save

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Repurposing, swapping or sharing, or consigning items is not only a great way to save money, but also a great way to make money. Since our reality is now $4 gallon gas with rising food prices, it makes more sense to spend our dollars wisely and get as much value from them as we can. New is not always better when used is down right functional, serves the need, and promotes sustainability while also saving you money.

The idea of "used" is not so taboo anymore. Repurposing, ‘using or converting for use in another format or product:’ (ex: denim organizer, pillow case dress, and more), is a great way to sustain the “life” of an item, promote creativity, and save you a few dollars by not having to buy new.

Swapping and sharing or trading items is something that many of us already do whether outfitting children through growing spurts or sitting down great read. and enjoying a If your need for an item is only for a short period of time, then choosing one of these options is another alternative that can save you money.

Consigning is not a new concept, but has become big business moving from the familiar church hall to events being held bi-annually and annually at convention centers and fairgrounds. A following has continued to the Internet where quality, used items, and a "great deal" can also be found from the convenience of your home.

I am a product of the '80s (call it good or bad) and spent quite a few years browsing and shopping in thrift stores. I leaned more towards vintage clothing and found some great buys. Over the years, I kept a few and it has been long enough for those pieces to cycle through and become stylish once again - for the third, fourth, fifth(?) time. I'm not suggesting that you continue hanging onto that "favorite" knee-high skirt or Cinderella ball gown waiting for that ultimate evening that may never come because you "really just don't dress like that." I am suggesting that you LET IT GO! Let someone else get some good use of it and if it is really yours "it will come back to you." Does that work with clothing?

My daughter has been blessed to receive clothing, from a good friend, that has taken her through past seasons and will carry her through the next year or so. My friend couldn't wait to get these clothes out of her home. Her daughter had outgrown them and she saw no sense in keeping them and creating clutter while someone else could get more use out of them. We have been and are still using the clothing. After my daughter outgrows them, then I will do the same and pass on whatever is in good condition to another who is able to use. Yes, I'll probably include my vintage treasures.

Making Wheat at Micheli Farms

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We, along with some fellow homeschoolers, spent a day at the Micheli Farm. The site we went to boast 300+ acres (and that is only one of the family farms). “Farmer Mike,” as he is so affectionately called, his wife Mary, and their four children farm this branch of Grandfather Micheli’s farms where they grow prunes (shown in the picture to the left) , peaches, rice, pomegranates, walnuts, and wheat. Our field trip was to learn about how wheat is processed before it leaves the farm where it is grown. The Micheli Farm has 44 dedicated acres to the growing of wheat. For a visual, imagine 44 American football fields of wheat (I missed that picture.). That is a lot of wheat of which we walked completing around to get to the heart of their wheat processing system.

Harvest reaping was just a few days away for this wheat that was planted around Thanksgiving. The end of a long preparation process completed before the seeds were even planted. Soil preparation includes plowing the fields to pass the surface of the soil which allows moisture to better penetrate the ground where the seeds will be planted. Farmers also use plowing to rid the field of weeds. Can you imagine pulling weeds,
by hand, from 44 acres? I have a difficult enough time pulling weeds from my flower bed. The seeds are planted using a drill that drops the seeds and covers them in soil.


A farmer has to really love what he does because growing wheat is alot of HARD work which may explain why wheat farming can be traced, for generations, in one family. Growing wheat is a family tradition. It is said that a wheat farmer is "land and equipment rich, but cash poor." To a wheat farmer, the stalk that Farmer Mike is holding, may be "the icing on the cake" or the "butter on the bread."

The wheat was going to be watered a few more days using a hand built watering system that was powered by a John Deere tractor.
They planted the wheat on a slight incline which allows the water to flow across and over all 44 acres.

Micheli Farm's harvest is used by major food corporations. The next time you open a can of peaches, suck on a prune, crack a walnut, or slice a loaf of bread, you may be enjoying the hard work of a third generation farming family.

In case you're wondering, Farmer Mike is wearing a car racing sweatshirt (Shootout).