Neat Finds at a Green Show

This past weekend, we spent a day at a green show where fellow green entrepreneurs came together to share their wares and green information. We were promoting our green education and the products we sell as Shaklee independent distributors. I’m not typically a lover of trade shows, but at many of these green shows, you see the neatest things. One thing I have to admit about green products is that they are “way cool!” There are so many innovative and creative minds behind the new products that are now available on the market. Some of the items you see are regular products made green and others are ones you never thought of and thanks to some individuals who cared enough and whose mission is more green than I may ever be (I’ll consume what they create), we have new products that are quality, eco-friendly, attractive when necessary, and affordable. What more can you ask for in a product and or service?

Like computer and technology shows use to be on every corner in California, green shows and events are now the popular place to be. A lot of the shows are still technology based, but every once in a while you get to see small businesses with big “green dreams.” I enjoy seeing products created by regular people, like moms and dads, whose motivation is fueled by their children or a genuine desire to help people by making their lives easier.

Munchie Mugs is a product made by a company with big green dreams. The Munchie Mug is manufactured by Witty Works, which is a northern California based company. Created by Phil, a precision machinist by trade (and a fulltime grandfather), and marketed by his children and their families, the mug has resulted in becoming a “100% BPA free,” safe kids’ cup of convenience that is also environmentally friendly. This nifty, snack carrying container enables children to conveniently carry and retrieve their snacks while providing a spill-proof experience, relieving mom and dad from clean up duty. The cover protected top also provides some what of a game to the child having to reach inside the lid and pull out the “prize” or treat. If you’re tired of cleaning up after snack-time, then the Munchie Mug may be just what you need.

My youngest is 19 months old and I’m enjoying what I’m sure are the last few months of the honor of breastfeeding him. The intimacy has been a pleasure, even though I’m sure I’ve been “used” quite a few times, but I encourage any mother who has the desire to nurse to do so. I believe I gave up too early with my first son, and I actually had to wean my daughter (and myself) who was over two when she stopped. I’ve enjoyed the quiet time together, the comfort he gets from being close to me, and the enduring connection that started at his conception.

When my son was younger and we were out in public, I usually tried to be respectful whenever hunger/nursing pangs would come over him. Often times, full body covering wasn’t available and I had to satisfy him at THAT MOMENT regardless of the lack of privacy available. “That moment” may be inconvenient, offensive to others, and leaves a mom no other choice with a hungry baby in her arms. Nonie Veccia stepped up to the plate with her desire to make life a little bit more comfortable and peaceful for mother and baby with the “birth” of her organization “Mom’s Breastaurant.” Providing a shaded, quiet, and comfortable area where babies can nurse, receive diaper changes, and older siblings can be entertained while waiting has been a blessing to many mothers attending outdoor events, which is usually where Nonie sets up her booth. The organization was personally bankrolled at start-up by Nonie, but recently received non-profit status allowing her to accept tax-free donations. These donations have allowed the organization to grow and continue to improve the already great services the breastaurant offers. Many of the events attended by Mom’s Breastaurant have been on the west coast, but Nonie has provided mommy and baby services as far a Louisiana. If the breastaurant sounds like a great place for your event attendess to eat, then contact Nonie at Mom’s Breastaurant. I’m sure the babies will rave about the great food they ate your event and tell others.

Win a copy of Food to Live By

I've got a secret and I want to share...Cooking has become an enjoyment (I won't say passion, yet) and I love cookbooks and pretty pictures of food. They inspire me to cook and as a result, my family has been eating more healthy for several years. We have tried many a meal based on a picture I saw. Reading a recipe title doesn't always work for me. Now that I think about it, I don't try a recipe unless there is a picture attached. I also don't make anything unless I have a recipe because I need to know exact measurements of ingredients. One day, I hope to be skilled enough to grab a spice container in each hand and shake away with no recipe reference at all. Until then, I'll to have to use good cookbooks with pretty pictures and recipes that “look” delicious.

Myra Goodman inspires me to cook. When reading through Food to Live By, you too may get inspired. Myra and her husband are the owners of Earthbound Farm, the “world’s largest grower of organic produce.” You may have even purchased their organic salads, fruits, and vegetables from your local grocery store or been treated to them at your favorite green or vegetarian restaurant. Reading their story may even send you running outside, rake in hand, organic seeds in the other ready to start planting your own organic vegetable garden.

I would like to give one lucky winner the opportunity to be inspired and cook Food to Live By and also be inspired to cook. Little Green Secret’s secret revealed is Food to Live By the book (if you haven’t figured it out yet). If you can already have visions of raspberries, fresh spinach, crisp carrots and are not wuite sure of what to do with them, then read how to qualify:

What is your favorite fresh fruit or vegetable and how do you prepare it? You can share a recipe if you would like.

Earn One Entry Submission for each of the following (total of three entries)
1. Leave a comment at Little Green Secrets about your favorite fresh fruit or vegetable and how you prepare it. You can share a recipe if you would like.
2. Mention this post on your blog/Web site and link back (http://greenandnaturalmommy.blogspot.com/2008/07/win-copy-of-food-to-live-by.html )to it.

Earn Two Entry Submissions
1. Add the I've "gotta" secret button, shown in the left column of the blog, to your blog/Web site and tell me. Just copy and paste the code shown below the button.

You can earn a total of four (4) entry submissions. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, August 1, 2008. This contest is open to U.S. residents only.

If you want to increase your chances, then visit Earthbound Farms and register for one of their three daily book giveaways.

Congratulations to Melanie S. for winning the subscription to Cottage Living magazine.

Cleaning Up After the Storm

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

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

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)

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

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.