Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Changes at Everything Green Home




Changes at Everything Green Home

Hello All,

As you may have noticed, I've been doing some major changes to my website.
First, I switched to a wind powered hosting company to have a lower toll on the environment And besides, I like the idea of wind power. It is a fabulous alternative energy source!
Second, I've had a great blow out sale and I've been rearranging some of Everything Green Home inventory. Some of these great sales are still going on right now!
Third, I moved my blog from blogger.com onto my own website. If you are reading here, please switch to my website for further reading. Click here for more great Everything Green Home reading and info :)

Merry Christmas!!!

Celebrate His Hope born into the world...My Redeemer Lives!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Major Clearance Sale!

Major Clearance Sale!

Everything Green Home has a major clearance sale going on right now. Many at-cost items and even some lower than cost.
We have Bamboo Blankets for $32.99 & Bamboo Robes for $36.99. Fire & Light hand poured housewares at unbeatable prices...yes, way cheaper than the factory seconds (and no flaws)!
King Size Certified Organic Sheet Sets for $79.99.
Bamboo Towel Sets for a rock bottom price, $21.99.
This inventory has to move and it's a great time to get a jump on all of your holiday shopping. Seriously, you won't find deals like these anywhere else. Click here to browse Everything Green Home's Major Clearance Sale. Hurry, there is a limited supply.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Everything Green Home is going to the Wind


Everything Green Home is going to the Wind
...Wind-power that is!

I just switched over my web hosting to a 130% wind-power company...yeah, that's over & beyond the call of duty ;)

RECs stand for Renewable Energy Certificates and when you can't hook directly to the solar panel power or directly to the wind power, RECs are available for purchase. When buying RECs it is important to purchase certificates that are verified by a third party and that the RECs that you purchase are retired from the market so they aren't resold to another person trying to support renewable energy.

Basically, when you buy RECs, you are supporting a renewable energy source to off-set the traditional source you currently utilize. To learn more about RECs and to see if you can get connected to renewable energy in your area, check out the EPA Green Power Locator.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Disciples of Mercy, the real deal.



Disciples of Mercy, the real deal.

Everything Green Home has been searching for a charitable cause that truly empowers communities of people and goes to an organization not bogged down with administrative costs and overhead that inevitably strip the charitable giving down to nothing.

Today's post is intended to highlight a wonderful work that I was introduced to at my church family reunion in Minnesota this last June. I was introduced to a organization called Disciples of Mercy. Disciples of Mercy is a ground level organization that tends to the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and destitute people in rural Kenya. There are several reasons why I'm highlighting this program:

1. I have spoken directly with people that have personally visited the DOM facilities that verify this program is exactly what it claims to be: a program that helps the poor and destitute people of rural Kenya.

2. DOM empowers people through practical skill training: they offer youth the opportunity to learn vocational training in carpentry, sewing, computer training and welding. These are valuable skills that will make a long lasting positive impact on the lives of those within this community.

3. DOM Health Care Center offers the very real necessity of Volunteer Counseling & Testing for those in the community who wish to know their HIV status, after which they can make informed decisions for their lives.

4. DOM has taken proactive steps to meet a vital need in their region through an orphan sponsorship program. Over 50% of Kenya's orphan population is in DOM's province, a result of the HIV pandemic. Currently, they have 168 orphans on a sponsorship program that provides medical care, education, clothing and basic shelter as well as supplements food supply where necessary. These orphans are in housed with distant relatives or community members to provide a home-based program.

The orphan sponsorship program gives people the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of real children. To give a monthly donation through AFCM International, a reputable and honest Christian organization (I'm also a member), and receive a US-based non-profit donation receipt for tax purposes click the giving link now. The giving link leads to a secure AFCM page (AFCM stands for Association of Faith Churches and Ministers) and be sure to specify the giving is for Disciples of Mercy(or DOM) sponsorship.

If you'd like to keep up to date on Disciples of Mercy sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter by sending an email: dom@africaonline.co.ke

Highlights on more great programs to follow.


thank you Disciples of Mercy for the use of the above picture.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Everything Green Home's featured Product



Everything Green Home's featured Product


I love it! Mr. Goo's Organic Baby Lotion is available at Everything Green Home. How could anyone resist this baby's face? ;) I know, I'm bias. What mother isn't?

My sister & I started a new company called Mr. Goo's Baby Products. This is our first product made from natural and organic ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, chamomile, green tea and rosemary. More wonderful products to come.

Check us out & please, leave a note :)

Monday, August 17, 2009

Organic Planet Festival here we come!

Organic Planet Festival here we come!

Getting geared up for the Organic Planet Festival! This will be Everything Green Home's first festival and I'm thoroughly excited. It will be fun to mingle with other folks interested in all things organic, listen to funky music, and eat some organic salad (Organic Planet Festival sports the largest organic salad in the world). The festival will be held on August 30th from 10:30 to 7:30 and is located at the foot of "L" street in Halvorsen Park on the Humboldt Bay. Tickets for sale in advance for $12 and $15 at the gate.
Pictured here: Organic Planet Festival 2009 official poster.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

New EGH Banner!


Check out the new banner for Everything Green Home!

This banner will be displayed at our booth at the Organic Planet Festival August 30th. The Organic Planet Festival is Northern California's only organic festival. We are happy to be participants. Check us out. (More details later).

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Run...It's a Grizzly Bear!!!!


Run...It's a Grizzly Bear!!!!


Yes, Grizzly Bears are aggressive animals, not the fuzzy cuddly we give to Baby. Watching the deliberate and graceful movements of one of these animals inspires much respect for their strength and beauty.


But I'm talking about a respectfully distant observation, like the one I just experienced at Yellowstone National Park. We were far enough away, & close enough to our vehicle, to actually see a real life Grizzly. Conservation of these wonderful animals and the land on which they live is vital to experiencing the greatness of America. I am so thankful that I was able to partake in watching a Grizzly Bear dig for grubs and it wasn't through the beloved television set. Our national parks are a treasure, beautiful and awe inspiring. Take a meaningful journey through one of the US National Parks.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Let the Green America Screening Begin!


Let the Green America Screening Begin!


Everything Green Home just sent off the 13 page application for Green America, formerly Co-op America. This starts the screening process which takes at least 8 weeks. Wow! The goal is for Everything Green Home to pass the screening and gain the Green America seal of approval. Once merited with the Green America seal, all green shoppers will know that Everything Green Home has gone through a rigorous screening and is approved for people and planet. Everything Green Home mission statement is as follows:

– Everything Green Home strictly chooses products demonstrating green qualities, such as non-toxic, organic, fair trade or made in the USA, sustainable material, recycled material, all-natural, or free of synthetics. Everything Green Home explicitly lists the green criteria for each product within that product description on the EGH website. Abiding by these guidelines, we provide the consumer with a non-toxic, sustainable, or otherwise green alternative to house-wares, unique gifts and baby products, thereby increasing the value of the green standard and presenting a more responsible consumer voice.


Just keeping you posted. Find the seal of approval at EverythingGreenHome.com in several months. Thanks, Charane

Friday, June 12, 2009

Do you Smell that? Composting Galore


Do you Smell That? Composting Galore



Well, composting season is in full swing. Plants are loving it, naturally!

Make sure you are equipped with a proper composting pail for in your house or, like me, suffer the consequences...stinky perishables bucket. I'm a die hard when it comes to keeping my perishables out of the trash but definitely fall short on keeping the path paved outside to my compost pile. Ultimately, I needed help. This stainless steel compost pail on sale now at EverythingGreenHome.com is the necessary equipment for any true compost keeper. Its carbon filters keep those unpleasant aromas in the pail and out of your kitchen space. No more embarrassing moments of: "What's that smell?"


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Weaning: Hard for Baby, or Me?


Weaning: Hard for Baby, or Me?


I took a small break from Everything Green Home blog to wean my baby from the breast. Well, I didn't actually mean to take a break, but something peculiar happened. Baby took right away to the bottle. He had no trouble adjusting to the medical grade silicone nipple.

The problem arose for me rather than him. I found I began to have what I assume is labeled "the baby blues." Suddenly, I was a bit downcast for no apparent reason. I kept thinking, "He's never going to nurse again." I was highly unmotivated.

This was peculiar since I had anticipated a bursting forth of my new found freedom from the constant demands of nursing. And yet, that was not what happened at all. I was sad to see this stage of bonding between me & Baby coming to an end. To add further injury, Baby seemed to be utterly disinterested with the breast and even seemed to prefer the bottle. Oh, woe is me!

Now that stage act is over and we are both right back on track. Also, I love my Green to Grow Bisphenol A-Free & Phthalate-Free bottles. I have no worries about plastic leaching when I pop a ready made bottle in the microwave in the middle of the night. Next big adjustment, sleep through the night...

Monday, May 18, 2009

The Drive-by Diapering


The Drive-by Diapering

Drive-by Diapering may not actually be happening here, but it fully describes how I have to handle my baby with his new found mobile skills. He flips around, twists, and turns and often makes a break for it. Lately, I remove his cloth diaper with all its diaper goodies and quickly, I mean with some real quickness, wipe his bottom with a wet organic cotton baby wipe. If he makes a hard break for it and I'm not in danger of any immediate poopage, then I let him go for it. He streaks off with sheer delight. He truly is a nudist at heart.

A little later is when the Drive-by Diapering takes place. I load up my ammo (aka cloth diaper & diaper liner for added protection) and cruise around the house to find my target. When he's spotted, I quickly tackle him, pin him down and let him have it. Usually, there is a lot of yelling & flailing of the appendages, but the quickness of my Drive-by Diapering makes the drama relatively short lived. Then I am gone about my business and Baby crawls off fully clothed and presentable like every other diaper crawler.

Monday, May 11, 2009

10% Discount Coupon Storewide!


10% Discount Coupon Storewide!


Everyone loves a discount. Enjoy this Everything Green Home 10% Discount savings coupon through SustainLane. SustainLane is an online Green community I joined recently.

Use offer code: GREENSAVER10 at checkout & get 10% off storewide!




Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Lower Your Pesticide Intake



Is it Tuesday again?


Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip: Lower Your Pesticide Intake


Spring is here and the Farmer's Market is around the corner. If your local farmer's Market hasn't started and you're in the traditional produce section of the grocery store, be sure to avoid the heaviest hitters on the pesticide list.

Worst 12 pesticide contaminated produce:

  1. Peach
  2. Apple
  3. Bell Pepper
  4. Celery
  5. Nectarine
  6. Strawberries
  7. Cherries
  8. Kale
  9. Lettuce
  10. Grapes (imported)
  11. Carrot
  12. Pear

Next are the cleanest 6 produce:

  1. Onion
  2. Avocado
  3. Sweet Corn
  4. Pineapple
  5. Mango
  6. Asparagus

For a complete list and printable Shopper's Guide to Pesticides, check out FoodNews.org.

Thank you faeryboots for the use of the photo under Creative Commons license.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip




Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip


Spring is in the air! Utilize this wonderful blossoming change in season to air out your house. Let the fresh air get rid of any stagnant winter buildup in the house.

Fresh air is always a sure way to lift the spirits as well. For an instant smile, be sure to catch a sunny spring walk or play in the grass when the moment presents itself.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Earth Day 2009

Earth Day 2009

Celebrate the Beauty and Magnificence of the Earth today!

Stop and plant a flower, listen to the birds chirp, take a walk in a park or along a river bar and reflect on all the wonders of this amazing creation.

Watch the 2009 CTN Green Earth Day Video Mashup.

And below is 2008 Earth Day clip...









Video: Planet Earth Trailer produced by Alastair Fothergill and narrated by David Attenborough. Earth Photo: The Blue Marble seen from Apollo 17. Song: Sigur Rós - Hoppípoll

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip


Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip

I recently started my baby on solids. I bought organic rice cereal to start and I've now moved into introducing veggies as well. The first veggie I fed him was organic peas from a jar.

I was cooking a yam for myself and thought, "Why am I feeding Baby veggies from a jar when I have fresh stuff like this?" Baby's next veggie, a Yam, of course. I stirred in some filtered water to thin (adding breast milk is probably best). Baby loved eating Yams with Mommy. Next on the menu, Avocados.

So, Green Parenting Tip:

Make your own fresh baby food. Simple, healthy, no wasted packaging or processing and no preservatives or other added garbage.


Thank you mbrubeck for the use of photo under Creative Commons license.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Most Important Thing to Know about Composting


The Most Important Thing to Know about Composting



Actually, this might be a question for me rather than a statement.

The most important thing to know, for me, is how to keep the critters away. I have a compost pile just like the one my mother had when I was a kid. Unlike the one my mother had when I was a kid, mine gets literally ravished by the local band of raccoons. I can't keep the goods composting long enough to get any of that wonderful compost material to use on my veggies and flowers. It really is a sad case. But I refuse to get one of those clunky compost contraptions. Call me stubborn.


Truthfully, the most important thing to know about composting is to keep at it!

It's a wonderful learning experience and greatly rewarding to see table scraps nourishing your beautiful roses or snap peas. Plus, it greatly reduces the amount of garbage you have to haul to the dump, or the curb, for you city dwellers.
So, if you haven't started one, get to it. And if you don't have the outdoor space for a pile, go for a compost bin. It really is worth it.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter All!



Happy Easter all!


I just finished celebrating a most wonderful Easter day with friends and family.

It is amazing to celebrate the pivotal point of Christianity: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead which offers us our redemption. That same power which raised Christ from the dead comes to live in our hearts when we accept the free gift of salvation. I love celebrating this new life.

I believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, died for our sins and was raised from the dead to offer us new life. Do you?

Let me know if you would like to know more about this amazing gift or leave a comment about your Easter experience. (Contact me directly: owner@everythinggreenhome.com).

Happy Resurrection Day!


Thank you Ihar for the use of the picture under the Creative Commons license.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Is this #3 Plastic Serious?


Is this #3 Plastic Serious?

What's with these plastics? Are you kidding? I mean, seriously, what are we thinking?

Healthy Child, Healthy World has a printable pocket guide to eliminate the confusion about plastics. The printable guide is useful for anyone wondering about #1 through #7 plastics; what are they made from and what's the concern?

The one that caught my eye on the list, and should be avoided by any means necessary, is the one we use most frequently for our babies! Specifically, #3 PVC, or Plyvinyl Chloride is used for Salad Dressing Bottles, Cling Wrap, Teething Rings, Pacifiers, Toys and Shower Curtains. According to the guide, the concern with the use of this type of plastic is that it can leach lead and phthalates, and it can also off-gas toxic chemicals. In my opinion, #3 PVC should be outlawed! Please avoid the use of #3 PVC plastics by seeking out alternatives. These chemicals are hazardous and our babies' developing bodies are vulnerable.

Green to Grow has alternatives for the bottles and nipples of standard ones that are made of #3 PVC. Also, instead of using the plastic teething toy, try Organic Cotton teething toys.

Those are a few suggestions, please research this topic further and find out for yourself the concerns as well as the perfectly acceptable alternatives available.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Why are 1.1 Billion People Currently Without Safe Water?


Why are 1.1 Billion People Currently Without Safe Water?

Did a water tower explode? No. Water pipes bust? No. Only if they existed!

What if your water was contaminated? Or you had absolutely no access to sanitation? Then, according to the Water Advocates website, you would, in fact, be amongst the 1.1 billion without safe water and the 2.6 billion that lack sanitation. Between 2 and 5 million people are killed annually by unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation. Many that die are young children.

Sheltered by the great advances in modern technology, we tend to take for granted the vital necessity of basics such as safe water and sanitation. Sometimes, I believe, we get so caught up in small complications in life and we forget about how we can have such a positive effect upon the lives of so many others. Specifically, by getting involved, we can help improve and possibly even save the lives of millions of vulnerable little ones.

Contaminated water and sanitation hazards are a reality for literally billions of people in the world today. This tragically accounts for astronomically high rates of child mortality. As a new mother, I could never imagine not being able to provide safe water and sanitation for my most precious baby. The problem is too overwhelming to do anything about it alone. There is a place for every single individual to get involved. Find out how you can make a real difference.

The Water Advocates works with the US government, civic organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations and philanthropic foundations to raise US awareness and involvement. Plug into an existing organization that has an active project or start one. For a plethora of resources on water & sanitation, articles, and the impacts of water challenges, click here to go to the Water Advocates resource overview.

Do tell...Have you washed your hands today? How about those teeth? Or indulged in a thirst quenching gulp of clean water?

Thank you Water Advocates for the use of the download ad picture.


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Feelin’ Weary?...Get that Natural Spa Treatment at Home!



Feelin' Weary?...Get that Natural Spa Treatment at Home

Feeling under the weather, stressed out, or weary-eyed from looking at your retirement plan?…Don't let it show.

Use this All Natural Organic Face Scrub to naturally exfoliate those worries away. No time for the spa, or hey, tightening that budget belt? Get the same relaxing treatment right from home with these Natural Beauty products on Sale.

Face Scrub by Natural Beauty (pictured here) is the Green way to Beauty. Everything Green criteria for this product is as follows: No added preservatives or dyes, cruelty free, vegan, non-toxic, all natural ingredients, scent comes from a blend of essential oils & botanical extracts, and my favorite, it is made & manufactured in the USA.

Check out the Personal Care Products Sale happening now at Everything Green Home.com!!!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

What is this...the Green Bible?



What is this...the Green Bible?



Is it some kind of new doctrine introduced to the church? Or a new environmentalist slant on the Holy Scriptures? Has an agenda infiltrated what we hold sacred?

Absolutely not! So what is it?...
The Green Bible. It isn't a new Bible at all, but rather, a green lettered Bible that highlights all the scriptures that refer to God's creation. The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is used for this new Green Edition.

For studying God's Word, I prefer the New King James Version with the words of Jesus Christ in red letters. For prayer, I prefer the Amplified Bible. For an easy read through, I prefer the New International Version. How appropriate to have a Bible emphasizing God's creation when I want to be totally awe inspired by God's wonderful creative power!

I intend to get this Bible for two reasons: First, I don't have a New Revised Standard Version of the Bible in my study resources. Second, I want to study how God views His creation. I intend to view God's creation as He views His creation. And let's get real, I'm too lazy to go through and mark ALL the scriptures regarding creation.

The responsibility amongst green Christians is to be good stewards of God's creation and practice what I've heard called
Creation Care. This is a more natural and simple way of life. It is respecting our God and His creation, the earth and the fullness thereof. I find this highly valuable.

Growing up amongst the most beautiful rural images within the United States, the Redwood Forest, I highly value seeing evidence of the Creator within His creation. Even still, all parts of the earth hold the divine mark of the Almightly Creator. Even more reason to respect the planet upon which we live.

Can you think of a time when a sunset or a mountain view or some other marvel in nature inspired such awe that it could only be visible evidence of the presence of God?




Photo: Thank you Daniel & Carla for the use of this picture under Creative Commons license.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Let's Talk Hair & Nails





Let's Talk Hair & Nails


Just because we go green doesn't mean we want to sacrifice all the products that make us even more beautiful. I wanted to share 2 products that most women still want to use but may not have easily found an alternative. So Ladies, let's talk hair & nails.


My son uses my hair routinely as a pulley; pulls himself put, swings it around, systematically examines and proceeds to shove my hair into his mouth. As I understand, my baby is not the only hair swinging gymnast. I grew concerned about styling my hair. If a flyaway strand of hair got into my mouth, the products would make me spit. I can only imagine what I would ingest if I used my hair as a pacifier or chew toy. Therefore, I stopped styling my hair for a time...let's just say it wasn't a good idea, cousin IT.

In my desperate search I found Dr. Bonner's Magic Organic Fair Trade Hair Creme. Everything Green Home criteria is as follows:


  • USDA certified Organic
  • Fair Trade certified by IMO
  • Not tested on animals
  • 100% Post Consumer Recycled Bottle

It is great for Leave-In Conditioning & Light Styling. It was light and fresh in my hair. Although, I don't recommend Baby ingesting this product, I do feel much better about using it when I know it's organic & I can actually read the label.



The next wonderful product I discover, and I mean wonderful, is a Water-based fingernail polish. I searched high and low. I hadn't painted my nails in over a year. Before I even decided to implement green living my nail polishing days were plagued with headache causing fumes and my husband insisting I go outside when I wanted to paint my nails. AS IF! Regardless, I knew I needed an alternative once morning sickness kicked in.

I found a product out of Canada generated by a concerned parent. Currently, the French Manicure set is available. I painted my nails while Baby was on the couch and my Pug was wiping her doggy eye boogers on my pant leg. No fumes and no objections from Family! Plus, my nails dried quickly and finally looked great. Everything Green Home criteria for this nail polish is as follows:

  • Water-based & chemical-free!
  • No phthalates & No parabens
  • No formaldehyde
  • No toluene & No alcohol
  • No acetates & No acetones
  • No FD&C dyes--Earth pigments used

Everything Green Home has these great products to offer for those of us ladies who still want Stylin' Hair & Nails!



First Photo: Thank you Uh...Bob for use of photo under Creative Commons license.

To Epidural or Not To Epidural?



To Epidural or Not To Epidural?



I just read a great post by Cate Nelson, The Medicalization of My Natural Birth, about her experience with natural childbirth. Many women are frustrated with the push for drugged childbirth. I enjoyed the story and have been inspired to write my own natural childbirth experience.


I gave birth to my son naturally, that is without any drugs, just the good old fashioned painful way. I did choose hospital over home though. That was fine since the hospital staff was very hands off until push time for me. That is except for some crazy Lab Lady that came in when I was going through a contraction, stuck a needle in my arm, rolled my vein, stuck me again and sucked the blood out into small vials. I had no idea why they wanted my blood right then and I almost gave Lab Lady a dot in the eye.


I knew I could do natural childbirth because my mother gave birth to me and my brother without any medication and she had no complications. My mother lived in the mountains of Northern California far from town when she went into labor with me. I guess I had decided to make things complicated for her, so I flipped around and was coming out breach. It didn't matter, I wasn't to be stopped. My dad went flying down the dusty mountain roads and I was well on my way into the light of this world. The closest medical facility was the clinic on the Native American Reservation 30 minutes away. My parents got to the Reservation and went flying into the clinic with my dad holding my baby butt in his hand. Breach or not, I was hitting the ground running.


After this dramatic 30 minute labor experience my mother had, I figured I would be just fine with an all natural birth plan. The assumption was that everyone gets an epidural and it seemed considering natural childbirth was nearly a cuss word. I hadn't made up my mind 100% no drugs, but as it turned out, I didn't have time and frankly, nobody asked. By the time I called my husband off his job, I had very little time between contractions.


The midwife was hands on and got there right at push time. I had no doctor and one wasn't required. After a couple pushes, the midwife hopped up on the bed with me and popped Baby's water with some crazy looking hook thing. She discovered Baby had pooped in the bag. I noticed some guy was in the corner of the room. Excuse me, the only man I wanted in the room was my husband who I made hold my hand and give me sips of water from a straw. Later, I was told the guy was some kind of specialist to stand by to make sure Baby didn't swallow any of the contaminated fluids when he made his first cry.


I told the midwife, "Tell me what to do and I'll do it."


"Open up like a flower," she coached.


Flower or whatever, I pushed like crazy. Baby had his hand raised and came ripping out like superman. Literally. I was bleeding more than expected and suddenly I had a huge needle slammed into my leg. It was some mystery medicine to help stop the bleeding. By then Baby was out and I didn't care about anything else.


The whole experience was 2 hours 45 minutes. Not bad for my first delivery. They gave Baby a quick scrub down and I was holding my naturally born baby boy. Right away he wanted to eat. He was so quick to latch on, I, being the new mother, had to catch up and figure out the whole breastfeeding thing.


There are many horror stories, I know, but it really was an amazing experience. I'm glad I chose the natural experience of childbirth. I think I'll have to do a study on home birthing just in case I don't have time to make it to the hospital next time.

Honestly, all complications aside, if we are not injured when we go into labor, then why the big push for drugged childbirth?

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Does the Bottle Indicate Neglect?





Does the Bottle Indicate Neglect?


Breastfeeding versus bottle feeding study shows bottle fed infants more likely to be neglected. This statement created quite a stir in the mommy world when it was mentioned last week on Eco Child's Play blog. The core issue, I believe, isn't bottle versus breast at all. Rather, neglect in general. Bottles were only introduced fairly recently in comparison to the history of mankind. Neglect, on the other hand, has been an issue for all of history.


The Bible says, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you" (Isaiah 49:15 NKJV).


This isn't a scripture to bash nursing mothers, but exemplifies the least likely candidate for neglect, a nursing mother. The flip side to this is that every woman has a free will and can choose to neglect or not to neglect; the bottle isn't the determining factor. Even according to this study, the chemical oxytocin, produced in the brain by animal studies during breastfeeding (and presumably humans), doesn't completely eliminate neglect; the study showed even a percent of nursing mothers neglected their children.


The wonderful thing is this: Even though the least likely candidate for neglect, the nursing mother, can forget her child, God will not forget us.


Mothers choose how they treat their babies; parents in general choose how they treat their babies. If you are a parent researching the best home environment, the most healthy and natural way to raise your child, how to avoid exposing your baby to unnecessary toxins, and doing all the neurotic research you can imagine, then the fact that you are putting in so much time regarding the upbringing of your child indicates your concern. Therefore, in my mind, your concern in action greatly reduces the risk of neglect.


I wanted to comment on this subject because I am a happy breastfeeding mother, but I do not find it appropriate to belittle or insinuate a mother that bottle feeds is not a good mother.


Sure, breastfeeding is an amazing bond for infant and mother, but can you think of all the other amazing bonding moments parents can share with their children?





Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Go Green: Work from Home




Photo: Husband & Baby at my office desk. "Hey, I'll trying to work here!"

Go Green: Work from Home


I was watching Emeril Green this morning and I thought, "I'll check out Planet Green for one of Emeril's recipes." (By the way, cooking has never been my talent. I need all the help I can get).

Well, I got to the Planet Green site and a different article caught my eye, How to Go Green: Work from Home by Blythe Copeland. I wanted to address this issue because I have become a Home-working, baby-raising, house-cleaning, blog-beginning, eco-entrepreneur. I am living the natural life and loving it. I own a large vehicle, but rarely drive. I eliminated the commute for work, scaled back on gas, only use florescent bulbs in my office and I keep my thermostat on 64 degrees. (The office I worked in was always too hot for me). Therefore, I lightened my carbon-footprint all for the sake of Baby-Raising. I am completely liberated from the traditional work place and I am green in doing it!

Before everyone goes out and quits her job, some things about working from home need to be considered. First, you have to find a job or start a business that you can do from home, or get the flexibility from your boss to move your job home. That, of course, may be a given, but taking your personality into consideration might take a little more thought. If interaction with people and the hustle of the workplace is something you crave, working from home probably wouldn't work well. Also, be honest, can you self-motivate? Can you set goals for yourself and keep them?

If you take the plunge, it is good to keep a schedule, including taking time for breaks and especially for fresh air. I have caught myself not even leaving the confines of my home for an entire day! Work can be consuming and internet interaction can be transporting to the extent that I forget about stepping out into the freshness of the outdoors. I know, what a sad case, right? I do not intend for work to be that way, but it can creep in without notice. This restricted mobility and lack of interaction with people can take a toll on a person. When Baby cries, I tend to him, which switches my focus off the computer screen and onto the precious moments with him. The baby-raising aspect of my working from home creates variety in routine.

I love working from home because it gives me the opportunity to make money without missing all the intimate baby moments that only the stay at home mom knows about. Every day Baby is doing something new such as grabbing for the Pug or making varying goo noises. I thank God I am able to partake in all the little things that make baby-raising exciting.

I can do cloth diapers. Okay, so I use cloth diapers for several reasons and I intend to do a post specifically on the subject at a later date. For the work at home subject, try handing a baby fitted with an oversized bottom (aka cloth diaper) to a daycare provider and she is liable to hand him right back. Working from home has given me the opportunity to practice the green lifestyle with my son.

If you want to practice the green lifestyle, but can't work at home, think of doing small things at the office like turning off the lights in rooms that nobody occupies, print less, reuse & recycle office paper and turn down the heat. If your boss hasn't already done so, suggest florescent bulbs. Can you think of other useful at work green tips?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Breastfeeding with Teeth


A little dramatic, I know. Thank you, Tina Keller for the use of the picture.

Okay, so this title sounds like OUCH to me! My son's two front teeth just came in and he's only 4 ½ months old. So far he has not put me through the chomp but I imagine it would be painful if he decided to start biting. How do you stop a little one from biting? Thus far, I noticed he will start to pull or tug if he's done eating and still at the breast. To avoid the teething response of the clamp-down, I remove him from the breast before he tries anything new. Any suggestions from a seasoned mother?

My baby's MD recommends 6 months of alone Breastfeeding before introducing any other foods. But now with the appearance of the teeth, I'm wondering about the 6 months. My ultimate goal is to breastfeed for 1 year. I knew his teeth would arrive eventually, but not so soon. I'm just getting the hang of all this sleep walking, breastfeeding stuff and now potentially hazardous weapons have been added into the equation.

I love breastfeeding. Not only is it an amazing bond between baby and mother, it also gives baby the perfect nutrients needed at each stage in development. It is the most healthy, natural and green way to feed baby. I love it too for more selfish reasons: quick, easy, pre-made, perfect temperature and no clean up. Also, no stinky poops in his cloth diapers! When the other foods are introduced, here come the stinky-stinkies.

If he decides to start biting, I will have to figure out this breast pump contraption and feed him from a BPA-free bottle. Besides, that would make date night with husband a whole lot simpler.

More on the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding later. For now, any Breastfeeding with Teeth stories to share?

Saturday, February 21, 2009

GREENBABY15 Coupon

COUPON EXPIRED

My first coupon ad had a few glitches…it worked in the checkout process but failed to apply the discount to the credit card. That is definitely not the way I'd like to run my coupon ads. The glitch has been corrected and the discounts were applied to the coupon purchases via a 15% refund. Sorry, again, to all those who experienced this glitch and I have created individual good faith coupons for the inconvenience (these coupons will have no problems!).



Since all has been corrected, I have decided to extend the 15% off all baby products through February 28th. Enter coupon code: GREENBABY15 at checkout to receive 15% off your baby products purchase (those who have already used the coupon can use it again).




Thursday, February 19, 2009

Let the Blogging Begin

First Blog…well, it wasn't long ago that I said, "Blog what?" Now, I'm starting my own. I also just learned about Tweeters. This is making me sound old already. Okay, so all these firsts for me are exciting and scary at the same time. I just had my first child, a healthy baby boy. I started my first business, a green living store, strictly ecommerce so I am blessed to work from home. I started my first compost pile, more on that later. I started my first Bible study in my home, but that isn't necessarily business related. And I've been genuinely going green for the first time in my life.

What do I want to blog about? The word blog reminds me of blah, blah, blah…So, I will definitely keep a focus. As much as possible anyway, I do have a problem with small clutter piles around my house even though I clean daily. But this will be different! The purpose of this blog in particular is to focus on my store and the process of going green. I'd like to share about the products I've found and why I have chosen them. Some I've used, some I haven't. Everything I've picked is unique or functional and somehow green. Therefore, I want to present why I'm offering them in the first place and why I decided to take this leap of faith even, dare I say it, in a horrific recession.

First of all, just so I'm clear, I am what I've found to be called a Lighter Shade of Green. I like to eat organic produce, use non-toxic cleaners and personal care products, use organic products for baby, compost, and recycle…I'm a bit obsessed with the recycling, more on that later. But I don't believe the world is ending tomorrow due to global warming. Instead, I practice green ways to create a kid friendly, non-toxic home life for my dearest little one. Besides, I hate chemical. I hate chemical smell, chemical taste, chemical anything. I suppose all this chemical hating could turn into some form of neurotic behavior much like those who are fanatic bleach scrubbing fiends (I am a recovering bleach scrubbing fiend!).

Now that I have introduced myself, I hope you like some of the things I will have to offer on this blogging cyber world experience.