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Easter presents a problem for many parents, especially natural moms and dads. This annual event often means Easter baskets full of chocolates, candies, and other sweets that are sure to send your child on a week long sugar rush. You cannot go into a conventional store this time of year without seeing all of the goodies. Who isn’t even momentarly tempted by those adorable little marshmallow puffs shaped like little chicks? Well, acually cute as they may be I am not tempted but I will take a second look at those little coconut nests with jelly beans in them.

So what is a natural mom to do on Easter Sunday? Well, luckily one of my favorite online stores, the Global Exchange has quite a few Easter options for you to choose from:

Kid’s Easter Basket - The ultimate fair trade easter basket for kids of all ages. This is a hand woven kaisa grass basket filled with chocolate Easter eggs, a handknit Easter pin (choose either a bunny or a chick), two Divine Milk Chocolate bars, a bag of Dagoba Chocodrops, a gift box of egg shaped chocolate covered brazil nuts, a handknit Easter bunny ornament from Peru, three Artbar chocolate bars, and a wooden bunny pencil sharpener, hand carved and decorated with natural dyes.

Fair Trade Easter Action Gift Pack - Each bag is filled with the following goodies: a 12 piece chocolate Easter egg gift bag with an adorable bunny or chick pin, one Global Exchange dark medallion, one Global Exchange two-piece chocolate creme filled confections, chocolate covered brazil nut gift box, peace Papel Picado (traditional Mexican party streamers), 12 fair trade Easter action coloring post cards.

Make Your Own Chocolate Kit - This all inclusive kit includes: Fair Trade cholcoate with certified organic cocoa butter, cocoa powder, confectioner’s sugar, starter crystals, a temperature indicator, paper candy liners, instructions, and the rainforest story of chocolate. Each box makes eight ounces of dark chocolate!

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San Francisco’s city council voted Tuesday (March 27, 2007) to become the first U.S. city to ban plastic bags from large supermarkets to help promote recycling. Under the legislation approved by the city’s Board of Supervisors, large supermarkets and drugstores will not be allowed to offer plastic bags made from petroleum products starting in six months. All of this is being done to reduce the amount of plastic bags being consumed and ending up in our landfills and to encourage recycling. Since the city estimates that they use 181 million grocery bags every year this move represents a huge environmental movement. Thumbs up San Francisco!!

Perhaps now is the time to be proactive yourself and stop using plastic bags. It is really not that hard to convert to reusable bags, especially when there are so many stylish options out there. When I made the move to reusable grocery bags I decided to buy a dozen sturdy canvas totes and then I used iron on tranfers to decorate the bags with cool environmental graphics. There are also some great options available at one of my favorite online stores…ReusableBags. Just check out the market basket pictured here…gorgeous AND eco-friendly.

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Minerals work synergistically with vitamins to regulate hundreds of essential functions within the body. Like most vitamins, minerals come from the world around us. Our bodies are not capable of producing them so we need to aquire them through a combination of supplements and food.

You may wonder why we just can’t get them ALL from food but things like soil erosion, chemical fertilizers, and poor crop management have all contributed to a depletion of minerals in the soil, which translates to fewer nutrients in food. You will likely need supplements to pick up the slack. So which minerals do you need the most?

Iron - It is a cofactor in energy production and it plays a central role in transporting and storing oxygen and in creating a healthy immune system.

Chromium - It enhances the function of insulin, a vital hormone that regulates blood sugar. It also plays a positive role in bodies suffering from obesity, arterial plaque buildup, glaucoma, and elevated cholesterol levels.

Magnesium - This mineral is required for more 300 functions in the body. It supports muscle and nerve function, a steady heartbeat and blood pressure, immunity, healthy bones, energy production, and protein synthesis.

Zinc - It is necessary for more than 300 different enzyme functions and a strong immune system.

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Education is the number one priority in this country, yet we have seen more and more deterioration of schools in the last ten years, than any other time in history. 

This is due in part to the consistent and often times unnecessary reorganization of schools; change in curriculum; and, most importantly, oversized classrooms which thwart the educational process.
Add to this peer pressure, gang related incidents and violence; neither of which is conducive to the learning environment. Therefore, the question: “Is homeschooling right for your family?” happens to be a valid one.  Let’s explore some of the issues you need to consider about homeschooling.

Is it cost effective for you to homeschool your child? Depending upon your city, you may be able to avail yourself of the many materials needed either through your local school, community or library. Studies have shown that homeschooled children show far better results that attending regular schools.  If both parents currently work outside the home, it’s likely one of you will have to quit your job to home school.

Teaching your child at home, while in a comfortable and non-threatening setting, allows the child to work at his or her own pace. However, keeping up with the curriculum standards is important as well.  A great deal has been mentioned lately regarding the amount of time a child spends from the moment they awake until they finish their homework at night.  It is estimated they put in more than 10 hours a day. Homeschooling can alleviate the stress of traveling to and from school and lack of sleep, to a more relaxed learning environment wherein the child will be able to rest easier, and retain most of which he or she has learned.

While homeschool is a decision the entire family must make, since one parent will have to stay home every day to ensure their child’s educational progress is on track; there are other things to consider as well. If there are other children a parent has to care for, it may be difficult to conduct learning sessions, and may require bringing in someone to care for the siblings every day.

Testing is another consideration.  This also depends upon state regulations and test requirements, especially if the child is going to college.  Check with your state’s educational policies to determine what tests if any have to be conducted and under what conditions. You may want to look into online schools your state may have so that this concern will be addressed.

Finally, you and your family must sit down and thoroughly go over all of the necessary items you need; if homeschooling is affordable for you; if you have the time, patience and commitment to see it through; and be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for the sake of your child.  Once you have answered all of these questions, you can then answer the next question with certainty: Is home schooling right for your family?

If you want more information about homeschooling check out the NatureMoms Homeschool Resource Center

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So what’s in your pillow? For a better night’s sleep you may want to try a pillow with a natural fill. The synthetics like polyester�that you find in conventional pillows draw on non-renewable resources and can be more hospitable to allergens. The chemicals can also lead to headaches. So try a natural fill and even organic if possible.

A quality pillow can cost anywhere from $40.00 to $250.00 but if you take care of it…it can last a decade. Here are some of your options:

Goose Down - This is one of the softest fills available and is optimal for people who sleep on their stomach. You can care for this pillow by exposing it to fresh air and sunlight several hours a month. You can also usually machine wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry along with a towel on low heat.

Organic Cotton - Cotton is a good option but it does tend to compress over time. Machine wash on gentle in cold water. Tumble dry with cool air and throw in a dryer ball or tennis ball to break up clumps. Because cotton is easy to clean it is less prone to mildew and bacteria.

Organic Wool - This fiber offers firm support and it is also a natural insulator and helps regulate body temperature. Throw it in the dryer for a few minutes with a dryer ball or tennis ball to renew the loft. Freshen in direct sunlight and open air for several hours a month and use a vinegar/water solution to spot clean.

Natural Latex Foam - Natural latex pillows are molded and they conform to the contours of your body. Dust mites find it inhospitable and mildew cannot thrive in it. It is a healthy alternative for many allergy and asthma sufferers. Hand wash with warm water and a mild soap. Press with a towel to dry and keep out of direct sunlight.

Hulls - Sleeping on buckwheat hulls can help relieve muscle tension but it can take some time getting used to. Since hulls are irregularly shaped, air circulates around them and dust mites and microbes have a hard time taking root. Look for a “triple cleaned” label to ensure that dust mites and mold have been removed. To clean, remove the hulls from the pillow and rinse in a tub of cool water. Lay out to dry. Machine wash the empty case in hot water twice a month.

After you select your perfect natural pillow make sure to cover it with a zippered protector made from tightly woven organic cotton. When placed under your pillow case it blocks allergens as effectively as vinyl alternatives without exposing you to toxic chemicals.

Here is an organic wool pillow that may be a good option for you…

Sweet dreams!

Technorati Tags: pillows, organic, wool, sleep, asthma, allergens, natural latex, hulls, cotton

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Although it may not seem like it, soon it will be time for your annual spring cleaning. With this deep freeze covering most of our country, spring may be more than a welcome respite from the ice and freezing temperatures we’ve had to endure. Well then, let’s get to it: It’s Time to Spring clean!

By now, your windows are probably frozen shut. Think of how wonderful you will feel to be able to open the windows and let in the fresh air! Ah, but before you do, you will need to wash your windows. But first you have to get in the mood, right? Okay, then. Grab your favorite 50’s CD, or how about a Barry White CD? Do you feel the beat? You will be surprised how the music will put you in the cleaning mode.

After you’ve washed the windows, it’s time to take down the drapes and dust those blinds. Are you in the groove? Okay, now take out your spring curtains; iron and put them up. You’re doing great! Now head on in to the kitchen and clean those shelves. If you’re really moving to the beat, you can wash and re-line them. Well done!

Now the exercise portion of this task is about to begin. Take out your vacuum. Put on the CD from Saturday Night Fever and walk the walk as you vacuum your home. Tony Manero has nothing on you! After lunch, the bathroom is next. Oh, you are half way home. Dusting and polishing is next on the agenda. Do some knee bends as you clean and polish the coffee table.

The big finish is next! With the Hustle playing in the background, your kids rooms need tidying up. As you exercise your way through their rooms, picking up toys; you are done!
Dance your way back to the kitchen and have a cup of iced tea. You deserve it. Spring cleaning never felt so good!

Technorati Tags: spring cleaning, music, kids, kitchen, exercise

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There is nothing more frightening than a child making his or her way into your household cleaning supplies. It’s a parent’s worse nightmare!  To this end, it is important to find alternative ways to clean a home without jeopardizing the health of your children or your family.  We are all trying to become more environmentally aware of the dangers of toxins, not only in our home but as it relates to polluting our air, waters, and landscape.
Are your household cleaners safe? If not, here are some measures you can take to make your home a healthier one.

Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, and Baking Soda are all the ingredients you can use to clean your entire home. They are safe, non-toxic, and can do just as good a job as your more toxic household cleaners.

Let’s begin with windows. Instead of using a popular brand of glass cleaner, use water with vinegar and lemon juice to spray onto your windows. Vinegar can also be used to clean surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom; just add salt and water.  If the oven needs to be cleaned, use liquid soap, Borax and warm water. Borax can also be used as a disinfectant in hot water as well as for cleaning toilets.

Polish your furniture with olive oil and lemon juice. You can also use lemon juice to polish copper kettles; just add a bit of salt. For use in the bathroom, use baking soda and warm water. This can also be used to unclog the drain by pouring the baking soda down the drain with a cup of vinegar.

At a time when pollutants are contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer; while gas and oil fumes are literally killing our natural resources; it is time to take a hard look at what we can do as individuals to decrease the toxins from our air and water. Perhaps if we begin to use alternative methods to using brand named household cleaners, we can send a clear and definitive message to these companies that toxins are no longer an acceptable form to be used in any capacity. It all begins with our taking a stand; it all begins at home.

 Super Safe Tub Scrub:

Add one tablespoon of liquid soap and several drops of antibacterial essential oil (such as peppermint) to one cup of baking soda. Add just enough water to form a paste and use it with a sponge or brush to scour your tub.

Check out our Green Cleaning Guide…you can have it FREE when you subscribe  to our blog feed (see right).

Technorati Tags: green cleaning, household, toxic, baking soda, vinegar, lemons, oilve oil

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This product does have a very mild scent but we love it!  We’ve had total strangers comment on how sweet our children smell. 

A little bit will go a long way with this product.  I’d estimate that our family uses three or four bottles per year.  I put the oil into a pump-top container so we can control each application a little better.

My children have sensitive skin, and we’ve used this product for over five years with excellent results. We use this Apricot Oil by Burt’s Bees year-round.  In the winter, we like to apply this oil (mixed 50/50 with Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme) as soon as we pop out of the shower to seal in moisture.  It works like a charm!  It’s great by itself as an after-shower oil in the summertime as well.

Burt’s Bees focuses on providing all-natural products, and they provide a full list of ingredients on their site so you can check it out before you buy. 

I would not hesitate to recommend the Apricot Baby Oil to anyone - and I love it as much as my kids do!

Criticism:  I love the fact that this oil comes in a glass bottle but would appreciate some kind of built-in dispenser to help prevent spills.

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This skin creme by Burt’s Bees is a “must-have” in our family.  There is no way we could survive our dry winters without it! 

We like to apply this creme (mixed 50/50 with Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Apricot Oil) as soon as we pop out of the shower to seal in moisture.  It works like a charm!  We don’t suffer from chapped skin when we smooth on a bit of this product.

Burt’s Bees focuses on providing all-natural products, and they provide a full list of ingredients on their site so you can check it out before you buy.  This product does have a very mild scent but we love it!  We’ve had total strangers comment on how sweet our children smell.  :) 

My three-year-old daughter finds this Skin Creme to be so soothing that she reminds me to put a bit on her cheeks before bed every night.

A little bit will go a LONG way with this product.  We use more in the winter-time, of course - but I’d estimate that our family uses two or three jars per year. 

My children have sensitive skin, and we’ve used this product for over five years with excellent results.  I would not hesitate to recommend the Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme to anyone!

Technorati Tags: Burts Bees, creme, baby, natural product

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