AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Think Driving a Hybrid is Green?  Think Again....
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 07/17/2010 12:00:43 PM
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<p>These days, if you're green, you drive a hybrid.  Because that's the best, greenest option out there, if you have to drive a car at all.  Right?</p>
<p>It makes sense, after all.  A hybrid uses a differenty kind of battery so that it requires less gasoline.  Many hybrid cars get 40 - 50 miles to the gallon instead of the 20 or so that standard cars get.  That means less pollution, which has to be better for the environment, no?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the environmental impact of a car is not just when it's driven.  It's also the impact of manufacturing it.  Hybrid cars are extremely toxic to the environment to manufacture.  So much so that they'll NEVER be "greener" than other cars, not even Hummers, no matter how long they're driven.</p>
<p>A blog post compares <a href="http://www.yorkblog.com/greenmesh/2007/03/unraveling-the-hummer-vs-prius.html">driving a Hummer to driving a Prius</a>.  You may be surprised by the conclusions.  It turns out that the nickel that is used to make the Prius's batter is causing a serious environmental impact through its mining and smelting phases.  While this study has been heavily criticized, there</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Re-Organization Mission: The Playroom
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 09/04/2010 12:00:00 PM
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<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!&nbsp; And don't forget about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/30/real-food-for-rookies-ecourse-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>!</strong></p>
<p></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Changing the Way We View Health
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/20/2010 12:00:00 PM
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<p>Notes on the way we view health: not eating is good for us, low-fat, take care of others first, etc.&nbsp; Moms need to take care of themselves first, excellent nutrition is key.&nbsp; We shouldn't discount our needs if we want to maintain or create excellent health.</p>
<p>Recently I've been thinking more and more about the way we view health.&nbsp; It's really often an afterthought, honestly.&nbsp; As long as you are healthy enough to go on about your day (i.e. can get out of bed!), your health isn't something you have to think about.&nbsp; Most people don't wake up in the morning thinking, "Hmm, my adrenals aren't functioning well today, I think I need to be extra careful about what I eat."&nbsp; Nor do they worry about every little choice they make: food, environmental, etc.&nbsp; Nor <em>should</em> they worry constantly.&nbsp; However, there's a middle ground between "no attention" (to the details) and constant worry that we should all strike.</p>
<p>There's the issue, of course, over what we think is healthy: low-fat foods, skipping meals, fortified foods, and more.&nbsp; None of these things are healthy.&nbsp; But we think "If I can eat less fat, or if I can just eat less in general, I will be healthier!"&nbsp; This is simply silly.&nbsp; I've noted a huge low-calorie theme lately.&nbsp; Why would anyone want to eat low calorie-foods?&nbsp; (That is to say, an overall low calorie diet; of course you would want to include certain foods, like fruits and vegetables, that are naturally low in calories.)&nbsp; A calorie is simply a measure of the energy you are consuming.&nbsp; Calories are not inherently bad.&nbsp; They are not all the same, either.&nbsp; A calorie from a white flour, white sugar, vegetable-oil-fried donut isn't the same as one from a grass-fed steak.</p>
<p><strong>Note: I am addressing WAY too many issues all in this one post.&nbsp; I need to either split it up into smaller posts with separate thoughts or organize it better.</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Blogiversary Party, Cookbook Update and Upcoming Events!
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/05/2010 12:00:42 AM
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Welcome to the Modern Alternative Mama 1-year BLOGIVERSARY party!!</p>
<p>This is going to be an exciting week, so if you're not subscribed, click the link above and do it so you don't miss anything!</p>
<p>This week is going to be filled with giveaways: one <em>everyday</em>!&nbsp; How cool is that?&nbsp; It's to celebrate how awesome all of you, my readers, are!</p>
<p>Also pretty awesome: my cookbook is launching on Friday!</p>
<p>Get ready, because it is <em>coming</em>!&nbsp; Tonight I have another little sneak peek for you, just to whet your appetite.&nbsp; Here it is:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Friday we'll be running a giveaway for one lucky reader to win a free copy of the ebook!&nbsp; Are you excited about it?&nbsp; Are you ready?</p>
<p>Here's a schedule of what's coming up this week:</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday</strong>: Seventh Generation Product review and Giveaway</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday</strong>: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Homebirth, and Abby's Lane Natural Parenting Store review and Giveaway</p>
<p><strong>Thursday</strong>: A recipe, and Mountain Snacks Review and Giveaway</p>
<p><strong>Friday</strong>: Amanda's Story, and Cookbook Launch and Giveaway!</p>
<p><strong>Saturday</strong>: Excalibur Dehydrator Giveaway! and Top 10 Reasons I Love Blogging</p>
<p>That is a pretty excellent week!&nbsp; I'm ready to celebrate with you.&nbsp; Are you ready?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Prescription Drugs: Misuse, Overuse, and Causes of Death
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 11/09/2010 01:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Teaching our Children Morality and Value Judgments
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/18/2011 01:00:00 PM
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<p>It has struck me recently how much children really pick up on what we say.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, I have taught my daughter that certain food items at the grocery store are "poison."&nbsp; Because, well....they are.&nbsp; Non-foods that are full of chemicals, dyes, flavorings, etc.&nbsp; And they do make us sick.&nbsp; But then I realized how that might sound to others who hear her say it.&nbsp; It's one thing for her to say, "That makes me sick, I can't eat that," and another to say "That is poison."</p>
<p>What we teach our children is very important.&nbsp; It's our job as parents to pass along our thoughts, values, morals, and beliefs to our children.&nbsp; They are primed to note what we are saying and doing.</p>
<p><br />Thoughts on how we spread our morals and ideas in everyday conversation, and how we should be careful to watch what we say and how we say it.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Preschool Homeschool: Teaching Numbers
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/24/2011 01:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Music Lessons for Small Children
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/11/2011 01:00:00 PM
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<br> Are they ready?  Is it worth it?  Where to start and how?
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Antibiotic Alternatives
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/07/2011 01:00:00 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melloveschallah/4286759185/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/pills.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1299364561257" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by melloveschallah</span></span></p>
<p>It's been a rough winter.&nbsp; A lot of people have been sick.&nbsp; And <strong>truthfully, when people get sick, a lot of them call the doctor and get antibiotics.</strong></p>
<p>This may or may not be in your best interests.&nbsp; Especially for minor illnesses (like ear infections), many will resolve on their own in just a few days -- no antibiotics required.&nbsp; <strong>Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contributes heavily to antibiotic resistant "super bacteria" which can cause serious illness, and which few, if any, current drugs can fight.</strong></p>
<p>Antibiotic use statistics are pretty scary, too:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/12/news-break-fda-estimate-us-livestock-get-29-million-pounds-of-antibiotics-per-year/"><strong>70% of all antibiotics</strong></a><strong> sold are used in </strong><a href="http://www.emedexpert.com/tips/antibiotics-facts.shtml"><strong>livestock</strong></a> (another reason to buy pastured, sustainable meat!)</li>
<li><strong>In </strong><a href="http://www.aware.md/PatientsAndConsumers/AntibioticFacts.aspx"><strong>1954, only 2 million pounds</strong></a><strong> of antibiotics were produced per year</strong>.&nbsp; In 2000, it was 54 million.</li>
<li><strong>From 1997 to 2005, the percent of antibiotics used for </strong><a href="http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/168/14/1585.pdf"><strong>MRSA cases</strong></a><strong> went from 7% to 28%</strong> (a four-fold increase!)</li>
<li><strong>Children have the highest antibiotic use.</strong>&nbsp; In fact, when parents expect antibiotics, they are prescribed 62% of the time, vs. only 7% when they are not expected.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antibiotics/FL00075/NSECTIONGROUP=2"><strong><em>Most</em> ear infections</strong></a><strong> (the most common reason for antibiotic use in children) are <em>viral</em>, not bacterial, and antibiotics have no effect.&nbsp; Even bacterial ear infections don't really require antibiotics.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Up to </strong><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/fast-facts.html"><strong>80% of the antibiotics</strong></a><strong> prescribed for upper respiratory infection are unnecessary </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>We also need to worry about gut flora.&nbsp; Antibiotics, especially those most used by the public, are typically broad spectrum.&nbsp; That means they're not at all specific about <em>which</em> bacteria they kill.&nbsp; <strong>They will kill any bacteria that is in your body, including the good bacteria in your gut.&nbsp; </strong>When this bacteria is killed, it reduces your immunity and opens you up to future infections.&nbsp; It also allows bad bacteria to grow uncontrolled and make you sick long-term, because the good bacteria isn't there to keep the proper balance and battle it back.&nbsp; Scientists are still studying this issue, and many -- even mainstream doctors -- recommend that you take a probiotic supplement along with a course of antibiotics to try to minimize this effect.&nbsp; It is uncertain how effective these supplements are at this time.</p>
<p><strong>Antibiotics also come with side effects, which can include</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Stomach upset</li>
<li>Diarrhea</li>
<li>Vomiting</li>
<li>Skin rash</li>
<li>Diaper rash (in children)</li>
</ul>
<p>There are a number of other side effects, too, depending on the particular antibiotic prescribed.</p>
<p><strong>Given all this data, it is important to understand that antibiotics are not to be taken lightly.</strong>&nbsp; They should be used in very careful situations when "waiting it out" or other treatment methods have failed.&nbsp; They should <em>never</em> be used for viral illnesses.&nbsp; Antibiotic use is very serious, and although many people take them because they "just want to feel better," they are not always warranted, and serious problems can result.</p>
<p>But, this doesn't mean you have to do <em>nothing</em> when you are feeling poorly.&nbsp; <strong>There are many excellent, natural alternatives to antibiotics that are safe, that bacteria will not become resistant to, and which have no side effects.</strong>&nbsp; These should be your <em>first</em> line of defense; you should call a doctor and consider a prescription <em>only</em> if these remedies fail.</p>
<ol>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>Coconut oil</li>
<li>Oregano essential oil</li>
<li>Grapefruit seed extract</li>
<li>Collodial silver</li>
<li>High dose vitamin D</li>
<li>High dose vitamin C</li>
<li>High dose vitamin A</li>
<li>Homeopathy (various remedies, depending on constitution)</li>
</ol>
<p>The first five remedies are all antibacterial, and antiviral too.&nbsp; They can help to clear up many different infections.&nbsp; The first two are the safest -- garlic and coconut oil can be used on anyone, even babies.&nbsp; They can all be applied to the feet (anything applied to the feet is quickly absorbed into the body), taken orally (some under the direction of a naturopathic doctor), or applied topically.&nbsp; Remedies 3 - 5 may require a naturopathic doctor if you are uncertain.</p>
<p>*<strong>Fresh-crushed garlic may be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the feet</strong>.&nbsp; Put thick socks on and go to sleep.</p>
<p>*<strong>Put fresh-crushed garlic in a capsule and swallow it</strong>.</p>
<p>*<strong>Top food with fresh-crushed garlic</strong> and simply eat it.</p>
<p>*<strong>Cook in coconut oil, or add it to a smoothie</strong>.&nbsp; Make candy out of it to eat a large amount at once (without the 'gross' factor of eating it straight).</p>
<p>*<strong>Put 1 - 4 drops of oregano essential oil into a capsule and swallow it</strong>.&nbsp; This may knock an infection out overnight.&nbsp; Talk to a naturopathic doctor if uncertain about dosing.</p>
<p>*<strong>Mix oregano oil and coconut oil and apply to the feet</strong>.</p>
<p>*<strong>Mix grapefruit seed oil into water and drink</strong> (check package or ask a doctor for dosing amounts).</p>
<p>*<strong>Collodial silver can be taken internally, too</strong>.&nbsp; Check package or ask doctor for dosing.</p>
<p>The remaining remedies can be used to boost the immune system to help the body fight off whatever is wrong.</p>
<p>*<strong>Vitamin D can be taken up to 10,000 IU per day</strong>, or up to 50,000 IU per day for 3 days under the direction of a doctor.</p>
<p>*<strong>Vitamin C can be taken 1g per hour until "bowel tolerance"</strong> (loose stools).&nbsp; Since it is water soluble, overdose is not possible.&nbsp; Too much will cause minor stomach cramps and diarrhea which will resolve quickly.</p>
<p>*<strong>Cod liver oil is a great source of vit D and vit A</strong>, and extra doses can help get over illness.</p>
<p>In addition to these, it's a good idea to give probiotics (especially from food), homemade stock, plenty of water, herbal tea, etc.&nbsp; Rest is great too.</p>
<p>Symptoms can be managed with various other things, like the neti pot, ginger tea, hot/cold compresses, and so on.</p>
<p><strong>What are your favorite natural remedies?&nbsp;</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Nourished Kitchen's Menu Plans GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/21/2011 12:00:00 PM
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Review and giveaway of NK's menu plans.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Myths About Unvaccinating Parents
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/14/2011 12:00:00 PM
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Follow up to "myths about unvaccinated kids" -- discuss hostility in the debate, various myths that fly around about parents who choose not to vax, etc.

1) Parents listen to the media/Dr. Wakefield study/Jenny McCarthy when choosing not to vax.

2) Parents are selfish, relying on those who DO vax for protection while skipping the risks for themselves.

3) Parents believe vaccines cause autism and that is their primary reason for not vaxing.

4) Parents don't understand what these diseases are really like, or they would start vaxing.

5)
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: My Grocery Spending
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/08/2011 01:00:00 PM
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<p>How I spent my money on the last two weeks of groceries, connect to meal plans, my tips for saving money, ways/places I could cut even more.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The Real Public Health Problem
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/11/2011 05:00:00 PM
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<p>Parents rail against those who don't vaccinate for causing "serious public health problems."&nbsp; But the link is tenuous at best, because any/all outbreaks usually occur among highly vaccinated communities and usually due to mutations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the other hand, the type of "food" we're feeding kids these days -- full of sugar, HFCS, food dyes, artificial flavors, pesticides, refined carbs, etc. -- is causing a real and obvious public health crisis of skyrocketing obesity, diabetes, heart disease, lowered immunity, and so on (no one can argue with this!).</p>
<p>Children who are fed junk are highly susceptible to illness and disease.&nbsp; In fact, if they were not fed these sugar-filled "kid foods" they may not even be susceptible to these diseases or complications!&nbsp; Who is the real hypocrite?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Incandescents VS. CFLs
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/15/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Premature Delivery
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/09/2011 01:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Waiting for Labor
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/16/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Going Overdue
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/23/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: What to Expect in the Delivery Room
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/30/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Taco Seasoning
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/10/2011 01:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/10/2011 01:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: 
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/17/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/17/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: 
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/24/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/24/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/31/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/31/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Handle Family Members Who are Ill
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/18/2011 12:00:00 PM
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Talking to family members who follow SAD and are ill.  How to help without pushing your beliefs; how to handle requests to donate to "cancer foundations" and similar organizations; how to gracefully avoid conflict.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Arsenic Poisoning: Updates
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/15/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Arsenic Poisoning:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/29/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grocery Store Challenge: Everything Beans GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/12/2011 01:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grocery Store Challenge
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/19/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grocery Store Challenge:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/26/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: What's In Your Water? Clean Water Mini-Series
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 04/01/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Clean Water Mini-Series: Effects of Water Toxins
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 04/08/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Clean Water Mini-Series: Filtration Options
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 04/15/2011 12:00:00 PM
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Details of different filtration systems and pros and cons of each.  Warnings about bottled water.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Clean Water Mini-Series: Compromising on Water
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 04/22/2011 12:00:00 PM
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What if you can't afford a whole-house system; how to deal with the showers/baths, sinks, washing machine, etc. that is still unfiltered.  Traveling issues too.  Safe bottled water.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Clean Water Mini-Series: Berkey Giveaway!
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 04/29/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Local Food Mini-Series: Why Buy Local?
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 05/02/2011 12:00:00 PM
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Mini-series on local foods.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Local Foods: Farmer's Markets
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 05/09/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Local Foods Mini-Series: Supporting Local Artisans
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 05/16/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Local Food Mini-Series: Growing Your Own
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 05/23/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Local Food Mini-Series: Creating or Joining a Co-op
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 05/30/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Food Mini-Series: Strawberry Season!
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 06/03/2011 12:00:00 PM
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Finding a place to go strawberry picking, importance of unsprayed crops, unsprayed vs. local, ways to preserve them.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Foods: What does "Organic" Mean?
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 06/10/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Foods Mini-Series: Finding Safe Food
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 06/17/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Foods Mini-Series: Activism in Proper Labeling
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 06/24/2011 12:00:00 PM
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How to help uphold organic standards, push for better labeling, non-GMO labeling, etc.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Green Pastures Cod Liver Oil
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/07/2011 01:00:00 PM
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<p>Now, this is a product I've posted on before.  Last fall I did the giveaway of Green Pastures fermented cod liver oil.  But I know since then I've gathered several new readers.  Also, we had limited -- just a couple weeks -- experience with the product then, and now we have several months.  I'd really like to tell you about it again!</p>
<p>Last year I'd heard a whole lot about this fermented cod liver oil.  People swore it was amazing stuff.  They also said it was really nasty to take.  I held out, because it's expensive.  What if I didn't like it?  What if it really wasn't <em>that</em> amazing?  I'd be out a whole lot of money.</p>
<p>Then it was fall.  We were heading into the winter and I knew it wasn't going to be fun.  I'm sure our vitamin D levels weren't optimal then, and they'd only get worse as we were kept inside all winter long.  Plus, we had one nasty cold in August and I did not want that repeated constantly for months.  The solution, according to many, was Green Pastures Cod Liver Oil/Butter Oil blend.</p>
<p>So, I worked with Dave (on that awesome review/giveaway) and got some to try.  I could not get the kids to take it, initially.  Daniel, especially, wasn't having it.  I took it, though, and eventually got the kids on board too.  They <em>love</em> their "special chocolate" now (the Chocolate Cream flavor) and beg for it daily.  They'd sit and just eat it with spoons, if I let them (but obviously I don't).</p>
<p>I like my Cinnamon Tingle, too.  It really only tastes like cinnamon.  It is not nasty or fishy or weird at all.  I actually like it most of the time.  So, the "taking the medicine" part hasn't been a problem for us at all.</p>
<p>The crucial point: how does it <em>work?</em></p>
<p>As best I can tell, amazingly well.  We had that nasty cold in August.  Miserable -- coughing, sneezing, sinus pressure, the works.  In September we started our FCLO.  We caught another cold, but it was basically a day of slightly runny nose and that was it!  Very minor cold symptoms and we never really felt sick.  We went off the FCLO again around the holidays because we were busy and I was newly pregnant, and BAM! another nasty cold.  We went back on it in January and haven't had another cold.</p>
<p>We <em>have</em> had a couple of other minor viruses, but even those we bounced back from in just a day or so.  The kids either didn't get it or were over it in a matter of hours.  Some of our friends with the same illnesses were sick for days, sometimes weeks.  They'd pass it back and forth through the house for 10 days or more.  But we'd each get it and get over it in 12 - 24 hours and then it was gone.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Biblical Sexuality: What Does the Bible Say About Sex?
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 07/05/2011 04:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Biblical Sexuality: Sex Within Marriage
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 07/12/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Biblical Sexuality: Intimacy During Rough Times
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 07/19/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Biblical Sexuality: New Ways to Stay Connected
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 07/25/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Life With a Newborn:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 08/01/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Life With a Newborn: 
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 08/08/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Life With a Newborn:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 08/15/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Life With a Newborn: 
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 08/22/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Life With a Newborn:
STATUS: Draft
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 08/29/2011 12:00:00 PM
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Laundry Soap: Soap Nuts!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/17/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>*This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/01/wfmw-lego-necklace.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a>!**</p><p>Soap nuts!!</p><p>I love them.  If you've talked to me much, you know I do, because I recommend them to everyone.  But for those of you who are not at all sure what I'm talking about, let me tell you all about them.</p><p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapindus">Soap nuts</a> are actually "soap berries," and they grow on trees in India.  The berries contain saponin (soap) and feel a bit tacky and sticky on the outside.  These berries can be used to wash your clothes!  It's very simple -- you just put a few in a small, draw-string muslin bag and pull it closed, then toss it in the washer with your clothes.  Depending on the water temperature, it can be used a few, or even several times (when your soap nuts get all mushy, it's time to throw them away -- or, you can compost them!).</p><p>Soap nuts are completely natural, so there is no chemical residue left on your clothes or running down the drain in your wash water.  They also get clothes perfectly clean!  (Yes, you will need something else for tough stains.)</p><p>I started using soap nuts in July '08, I believe.  It was sometime that summer....  I use them on cloth diapers and all our regular laundry.  If you didn't know, regular laundry detergent and fabric softener is created using petrochemicals, and that residue sits on your clothing and is absorbed into your skin.  The leftover chemicals also get into the water supply, and are terrible for the environment.  Soap nuts, not containing any chemicals, are virtually allergy-free (I say "virtually" because there are a few people who will react to them, just like some people react to any other natural substance.  But it's much, much less likely than if you're using harsh, unnatural chemicals).</p><p>The soap nuts cleaned my diapers perfectly!  They always came out of the wash smelling nice and clean, often like nothing at all!  It's the only thing I use to wash my clothes and diapers, unless my diapers need stripping.  I find I usually don't even need something for fabric softening/cling, but if I do, white vinegar in the rinse does just fine.</p><p>My general wash routine is this:<br/>*Set water temp (warm for colors and whites, cold for "special care" clothes, hot for diapers)<br/>*Set water level ("small" or "medium" unless I'm stripping diapers or have a really big load)<br/>*Toss soap nuts bag in the washer<br/>*Toss clothes in the washer<br/>*Add vinegar to fabric softener dispenser (only rarely, on diapers)<br/>*Done!</p><p>Then I can just toss them in the dryer, removing the soap nuts bag before I do.  It doesn't hurt to dry the soap nuts bags every now and then, though, because they can get moldy if they stay wet too long.  Definitely make sure you lay them on a flat surface (on top of the warm dryer is good) so they can dry thoroughly.  I like to load up several bags (1 kg of soap nuts comes with 6 muslin bags) so I always have one to toss in if I only have a minute to do the laundry.</p><p>In good weather, clothes can also be hung outside to try, in full sun.  This can help naturally fade any stains (and is especially good for stained diapers).</p><p>You can <a href="http://www.buysoapnuts.com/Environment.html">learn more about soap nuts</a>, and you can also <a href="http://www.buysoapnuts.com/store.html#anchor_116">buy them</a> at a few <a href="http://www.maggiespureland.com/">different places</a>!  (Note: I saved almost 60% buying through a coop!)</p><p>Soap nuts are worth a try!</p><p>What do you use to wash your laundry?  Are you looking for a more natural alternative?  What alternatives have you tried?</p>
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Soap nuts!!</p><p>I love them.  If you've talked to me much, you know I do, because I recommend them to everyone.  But for those of you who are not at all sure what I'm talking about, let me tell you all about them.</p><p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapindus">Soap nuts</a> are actually "soap berries," and they grow on trees in India.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie Bagamary
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07923579280215441076
DATE: 01/26/2010 05:28:32 PM
<p>I&#39;ve never heard of these but plan to check them out.  Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: CRAZYMOM
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01041679649470035426
DATE: 01/21/2010 02:40:25 AM
<p>Wow! I have never heard of them, but thanks for the info! I learned something today! woo hoo!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/20/2010 09:44:08 PM
<p>Meghan,</p><p>Do you have hard water?  That can sometimes affect how well they work.  Sorry you didn&#39;t have a good experience!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Meghan
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08366931718780841876
DATE: 01/20/2010 09:39:50 PM
<p>I tried soap nuts but had to quit because they just weren&#39;t getting my clothes clean. I&#39;m glad you&#39;ve had a better experience with them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Hannah
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://mulberryspot.com
DATE: 01/20/2010 08:14:57 PM
<p>Oh, I have been wanting to try these!! Good to read another review, thanks for sharing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/19/2010 05:37:11 PM
<p>Liesel, I&#39;m not sure! I am afraid to put anything into the wash that Charlie&#39;s doesn&#39;t recommend, lol.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 01/18/2010 12:43:10 AM
<p>Lindsey- can you use essential oil in the rinse water with Charlie&#39;s Soap?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/17/2010 04:21:11 PM
<p>We just bought Charlie&#39;s Soap. I like it so far, it has made our diapers much less stinky (except for a few extra smelly ones that are ruined, I think--I bought them used so they are old) and I like it ok for my regular laundry. I&#39;m one of those people who love to pull flowery-smelling clothes out of the wash, so it&#39;s an adjustment. ;)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Soup: Comfort Food
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/15/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/01/19/tuesday-twister-blog-carnival-2010-01-19/?">Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a>  and <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2010/01/20/real-food-wednesday-january-20-2010/">Real Food Wednesday at Cheeseslave</a>!!)</p><p>Here are three of my favorite soup recipes! They are great winter comfort foods.</p><p>Chicken Chili<br/>Ingredients:<br/>¾ cup chopped onion<br/>1 large green pepper, chopped<br/>2 tbsp. olive oil<br/>1 large clove of garlic, minced<br/>1 – 2 jalapenos, chopped<br/>6 oz. tomato juice<br/>6 c. chicken stock<br/>2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)<br/>3 15.5 oz. cans chili beans<br/>3 tbsp. cumin<br/>4 tbsp. chili powder</p><p>Directions: Heat oil on medium, add green pepper, jalapeno, onion, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft, 5 – 10 minutes.  Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. Taste and adjust cumin and chili powder if a spicier flavor is desired. Cook for 1 – 2 hours until chicken and vegetables are cooked through. Remove chicken from pot and cut into bite size pieces; return to chili. Serve immediately or freeze for later. Makes 6 – 8 servings.</p><p>Potato Soup<br/>Ingredients:<br/>2 tbsp. butter or coconut oil<br/>3 strips bacon, chopped<br/>½ cup onion, chopped<br/>2 stalks celery, chopped<br/>2 tbsp. flour<br/>2 medium potatoes, chopped<br/>3 cups chicken broth or stock<br/>½ tsp. celery salt<br/>½ tsp. thyme<br/>½ tsp. parsley<br/>¼ tsp. black pepper<br/>½ pint cream or coconut milk</p><p>Directions:<br/>Melt butter in large saucepan. Add bacon, onions, celery, and spices, cooking until veggies are soft and bacon is crisp. Add flour and stir until it is smooth. Then, add potatoes and broth or stock and cook on medium heat (soup should boil lightly) until potatoes are soft. Stir; add cream. Heat through, remove from heat, and serve immediately. Add green onions, if desired. 2 servings.</p><p>Chicken Noodle Soup<br/>Directions:<br/>4 tbsp. butter or coconut oil<br/>4 tbsp. flour<br/>4 stalks celery, chopped<br/>4 small carrots, peeled and chopped<br/>1 small white onion, diced<br/>4 – 6 oz. chicken breast<br/>8 cups chicken stock<br/>8 oz. noodles<br/>1 tsp. sea salt<br/>1 tsp. celery salt<br/>½ tsp. pepper</p><p>Directions:<br/>Saute onion in butter. Add flour, stir and cook until flour is lightly brown. Add carrot, celery, stock, vegetables, chicken breast, and spices. Cook 1 – 2 hours, until chicken is tender. Add noodles 5 – 10 minutes before serving. Serves 4 – 6.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Here are three of my favorite soup recipes! They are great winter comfort foods.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://gnowfglins.com
DATE: 01/20/2010 12:07:13 AM
<p>Delicious! I&#39;m going to have to try some of those. :) Thanks for sharing your recipes in the Twister this week - I&#39;m happy you did!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/16/2010 04:40:35 PM
<p>I&#39;m looking forward to trying the potato soup recipe. I do love potato soup. :)</p><p>As for the chicken noodle soup, I&#39;ve made a very similar recipe of soup, although I did it differently. My changes were:</p><p> less chicken stock to have a chunkier soup<br/> used chopped baby carrots instead of peeling and slicing them (it&#39;s what I had on hand left over after having friends over)<br/> used baby celery leaves when the chicken and veggies were cooking (picked them out before serving...best done if you put the whole little leaf stalk in at a time) instead of celery salt<br/> EVOO instead of butter, no flour, about 5 cloves of garlic chopped coarsely, and half a red pepper along with the other veggies<br/> no noodles - the soup was WAY chunky and I served it with warm out of the oven fresh-baked bread</p><p>Oh, and I kind of &#39;eyeballed&#39; a few spices in it - marjoram, rosemary, and thyme. </p><p>I love making soups like that - just a few ingredients are enough to feed you for days. We got 2 dinners for my husband and I, plus I had it for lunch one day, out of a 1 lb pack of chicken breasts. 3 breasts were more than enough to satisfy us for 2 meals, me for a 3rd meal. Pretty awesome. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/15/2010 01:49:11 PM
<p>Mike,</p><p>There&#39;s no significance...at the time I selected the just me and Daniel picture, I didn&#39;t have a good family picture and I&#39;ve just forgotten to change it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mike
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/17221947553728703411
DATE: 01/15/2010 02:42:49 AM
<p>I&#39;ve been wondering why you have a picture of your family on the blog and then a picture of just you and just one of your kids.  Why just one kid? What is the significance of the one kid picture?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 01/15/2010 01:08:26 AM
<p>These look great, although here in the southwest and 70+ degree temps, we aren&#39;t in much need of warm meals. :)  I&#39;m gonna try them anyway! :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Taco Soup
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/12/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered into <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-21110.html">Pennywise Platter Thursdays at Nourishing Gourmet</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/02/potluck-meal-ideas-an-ultimate-recipe-swap.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom</a>!**</p><p>Taco soup is yummy and easy! I make this for my <a href="/2009/10/weekly-meal-ideas.html">weekly lunches</a> sometimes because it is filling and has plenty of fat, vegetables, and meat!</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>2 - 3 tbsp. olive oil<br/>1 - 1.5 lbs. grass-fed ground beef (I use less if it's for a night's dinner, more if it's for a whole week of lunch)<br/>1/2 lb. black beans, soaked<br/>1/2 c. onion, chopped<br/>1 large green pepper, chopped<br/>1 jalapeno, minced (opt.)<br/>4 - 6 tbsp. <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Taco-Seasoning-I/Detail.aspx">taco seasoning</a><br/>1/2 lb. mixed vegetables<br/>1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes (or 3 c. tomato juice)<br/>4 - 6 cups chicken stock</p><p>Directions:<br/>Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add onion, beef, and pepper. Cook until veggies are soft and meat is brown. Add beans, taco seasoning, mixed vegetables, tomato juice/crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Let the soup cook for 1 - 2 hours, until the veggies are cooked through and flavors are melded. Serves 6 - 8.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Taco soup is yummy and easy! I make this for my <a href="/2009/10/weekly-meal-ideas.html">weekly lunches</a> sometimes because it is filling and has plenty of fat, vegetables, and meat!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Juanita
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09294341876892580353
DATE: 02/19/2010 12:55:15 AM
<p>I love this recipe!  My version is in the crockpot, but it is such an easy, healthy meal!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: marineswife
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://marineswife.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/19/2010 12:16:21 AM
<p>Sounds good! Thanks!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/17/2010 09:49:31 PM
<p>just discovered your site a couple days ago thru your emails to CHOICE:) and i like it!yum! i decided to try this for our lunch today...i added some finely chopped beef liver for some of the ground beef and used water for some of the broth as i am constantly running out of broth:) my daughter and i really enjoyed it! and spicy is good to hide the liver flavor, which is NOT my favorite, but i try to eat it:) thanks for all your posts!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Argument Against Vaccinations
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/27/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>If you're still curious about why we don't vaccinate, or what our arguments are, I'm posting my full argument, with 13 different points and 38 different resources.  Please look at them for yourselves, don't trust what I have to say.  I have many more sources, too, if you're interested in even further research!</p>
<p>1) Vaccines have many scary ingredients.<br />Have you ever read a package insert or signed a vaccine consent form?  Chances are, you haven&rsquo;t.  It used to be standard practice that doctors provided parents with a thorough description of the vaccine&rsquo;s benefits and drawbacks before administering them.  These days, though, it is standard for doctors to inform parents of the benefits of vaccination and common, minor side effects.  There are no forms to sign; consent is generally assumed unless a parent brings up reservations specifically.  Since most conversations go no further than &ldquo;She&rsquo;ll be a bit sore and tired and may have a fever, so feel free to give some Tylenol and let her rest,&rdquo; most parents have no idea what&rsquo;s actually in vaccines these days.</p>
<p>Here is a partial list of vaccine ingredients:<br />*The virus itself (of course), either weakened or inactivated<br />*An adjuvant (a chemical that boosts the immune reaction) &ndash; usually some form of aluminum.  Aluminum sulfide, aluminum hydroxide, and others are common.<br />*Thimerosal (this is in the flu vaccine and a few others including DTaP and Hib; it is also used in the manufacturing process so when companies claim they are &lsquo;thimerosal free,&rsquo; they mean they have removed all but trace amounts in the final product &ndash; but, some is still in there)<br />*Formaldehyde<br />*Human diploid cells (which means, aborted fetal tissue&hellip;the viruses must be cultured in living tissue, so sometimes human tissue is chosen.  This introduces foreign RNA and DNA into the baby.  The same cell lines have been used since the 1950s and may have mutated)<br />*Monkey kidney cells/Chicken embryos (sometimes viruses are cultured in animal cells instead)<br />*Eggs (in MMR; contraindicated for anyone with an egg allergy)<br />*Neomycin (antibacterial agent; in most shots)<br />*MSG (known neurotoxin; in varicella and flumist)</p>
<p>These ingredients can cause potentially serious reactions, either in the short term of the long term.  Allergic reactions are possible.  The body can also store aluminum and mercury as toxins, which can cause problems down the road (neurological and other issues).  It&rsquo;s true that some people metabolize these heavy metals quickly, but not everyone does.  Scientists are currently not aware of how these ingredients affect different people with different body chemistries.</p>
<p>Some scientists will argue that thimerosal (a controversial additive that has been &ldquo;removed&rdquo; in many cases) is not dangerous because it is ethyl mercury, not methyl mercury.  The problem with this argument is that ethyl mercury is an entirely synthetic substance which has not been thoroughly studied.  There is no actual &ldquo;safe level&rdquo; of this chemical, and the body does not react to synthetics the same way it does to naturally occurring substances.  It is also true that the trace amounts that are left in the shots, when the shots are given according to the CDC&rsquo;s schedule, add up to greater than the &ldquo;safe level&rdquo; set for methyl mercury.  This is, of course, assuming that there is truly a &ldquo;safe level&rdquo; of mercury to inject into one&rsquo;s body.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/<br />http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-1.pdf<br /> http://www.wanttoknow.info/060215vaccinesmercurydangers<br /> http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/results.asp?sc=69</p>
<p>2) Most doctors are unaware of vaccine ingredients, contraindications, and other information provided on vaccine package inserts &ndash; yet they recommend them to ALL their patients.<br />One reason why doctors don&rsquo;t share vaccine package inserts with their patients&rsquo; parents and get signed consent forms anymore is because they don&rsquo;t actually read the package insert.  More than one doctor has been shocked to learn what is actually in a vaccine after a concerned parent brought the insert to his/her attention.  Doctors today are simply too busy to read all of the information on every drug they prescribe.  Instead, they rely on drug reps and pharmacists to provide them with information.  In some cases, they don&rsquo;t get the information at all.</p>
<p>It is important for doctors to know and be familiar with all of the ingredients in vaccines, so that they can make recommendations based on the individual patients.  Patients with known allergies or a history of drug/vaccine reactions should not be given vaccines &ndash; a fact many doctors fail to be aware of.  This increases the chances of serious side effects from vaccines.  Many doctors also assume, without this information, that the benefits of vaccination always outweigh the risks and refuse to believe that vaccine reactions occur.  This is simply arrogant as there is someone who is allergic to everything.  Nothing causes &ldquo;no reactions&rdquo; in everyone.</p>
<p>3) The chances of dying in a car accident &ndash; or of a vaccine reaction &ndash; are far greater than the chances of dying of a &lsquo;vaccine preventable&rsquo; disease.<br />The chances of dying in a car accident are quite low &ndash; about 1 in 6 million per car trip &ndash; but the chances of dying of the measles (one of today&rsquo;s &ldquo;scariest&rdquo; recurring diseases) is about 1 in 300 million.  That means if EVERYONE in this country got the measles, 1 person would die.</p>
<p>On the other hand, X serious reactions to vaccines, including X deaths, are reported each year.  It is estimated that only about 1% of vaccine reactions are actually reported, so this number is likely much higher.  Even assuming that the reported statistics are correct, that is 1 out of X people who will die of a vaccine reaction.  Clearly, it is much scarier to get a vaccine than to worry about getting measles.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx<br />http://www.relfe.com/vaccine.html<br />http://www.hrsa.gov/Vaccinecompensation/statistics_report.htm<br />http://www.thinktwice.com/hepb.htm</p>
<p>4) Vaccines can cause serious reactions in the &lsquo;vulnerable&rsquo; segment of the population &ndash; and currently, there are no ways of identifying who is in that group until it&rsquo;s too late.<br />In recent, publicized cases, including Hannah Poling and Bailey Banks, the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;vaccine court&rdquo; and the CDC admitted that for a small segment of the population, vaccines can cause or exacerbate certain conditions, causing brain damage and neurological disorders.  Currently, with no research, the CDC believes that these individuals with vulnerable conditions are rare, and they have no way of identifying who these individuals might be.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it has been suggested by independent researchers that these conditions are NOT very rare.  Up to 1 in 50 people may suffer from them &ndash; 2% of the population.  The only way to identify these people currently is after damage has already occurred.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www.mitoaction.org/blog/autism-and-mitochondrial-disease<br />http://osdir.com/ml/culture.autism/2005-07/msg00093.html</p>
<p>5) Vaccines did not actually eradicate diseases.<br />Contrary to popular belief, vaccines did not reduce the rates of diseases nearly as much as other measures did.  In fact, in the early 1960s, rates of measles cases and deaths fell over 99% -- before the introduction of the vaccination in 1968.  The same is true for many other diseases.  In the 1960s, nutrition and sanitation improved immensely, as did access to medical care.  These measures had a much larger effect on illness and complication rates than did vaccination.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www.whale.to/m/measlesdeaths1.html</p>
<p>6) Herd immunity does not exist.<br />One of the &ldquo;strongest&rdquo; arguments for vaccination is that it is necessary to protect the herd.  That is, if most or everyone is vaccinated (doctors and scientists recommend 95% or greater), then even the few people who cannot be vaccinated because they are too young or are medically unable will be protected.  Supposedly, this herd immunity also protects all of the vaccinated people, too, because vaccines do not provide 100% protection, so if a large enough percentage is unvaccinated than diseases can begin to circulate again.</p>
<p>If &ldquo;herd immunity&rdquo; is necessary, then vaccines must not work that well.  If children who are vaccinated can get illnesses they have been vaccinated against, then their vaccines did not work.  This is an even bigger problem than is recognized, because if a child has been vaccinated and shows up in a doctor&rsquo;s office with symptoms of a &ldquo;vaccine-preventable&rdquo; disease, the doctor is unlikely to recognize it as such.  Doctors do not believe that children who have been vaccinated can get certain diseases, although they can and do.  Should an unvaccinated child show up, though, doctors will jump on a diagnosis of a vaccine-preventable disease.</p>
<p>What about babies?  In societies that don&rsquo;t vaccinate, diseases are rare in babies because they are not often exposed to the illnesses, and they are protected by breastfeeding and/or mother&rsquo;s immunities until 6 months.  In societies that DO vaccinate, babies are exposed much sooner and their immune systems are weakened, leading to potentially serious illnesses.  This is especially true for whooping cough.</p>
<p>What about the immuno-compromised?  At least four of the major vaccines are live-virus vaccines: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and flu.  All of these viruses &ldquo;shed&rdquo; for up to 21 days after vaccination, meaning that a recently-vaccinated child can actually infect other individuals.  It is much more likely that a recently vaccinated child would be the start of an infection than an unvaccinated child.  It says on the package inserts that children should avoid small children, the elderly, and any immune-compromised individuals for 21 days after vaccination &ndash; which most doctors and parents don&rsquo;t know, and which is basically impossible without quarantine.</p>
<p>7) In fact, vaccines don&rsquo;t work at all.<br />It should be clear from the facts stated up until this point that vaccination is not the miracle it is purported to be.  The sources below will explain further how nutrition and sanitation played into lowering disease rates, and how the original theory of vaccination is flawed.  That is, as early as Pasteur&rsquo;s discovery of the cow pox &ldquo;inoculation,&rdquo; vaccine theory was wrong.  Pasteur did his research by placing pus from cow pox sores into several people.  If they died, he wrote it off as a &ldquo;bad batch&rdquo; and did not count it in his research outcomes.  If they did not die or become ill after only a few weeks (whether or not they were actually exposed to the disease), then it was considered successful.</p>
<p>Since &ldquo;polio was eradicated,&rdquo; several polio-like disorders have shown up.  The most well-known is Guillain-barre syndrome, which has the exact same symptoms as polio but is caused by vaccines, including the polio vaccine and now, Gardasil.  In many cases, scientists have refused to believe that diseases could still spread once the population has been vaccinated, so they give new names to the same group of symptoms.</p>
<p>Also, in other countries where there are large areas of low vaccination, these areas also have the lowest incidence of infection.  Whooping cough is prominent in Australia right now, but is much higher in highly vaccinated communities than in lower vaccinated communities.  Most cases of whooping cough occur in vaccinated individuals.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www.westonaprice.org/basicnutrition/vitaminasaga.html<br />http://www.whale.to/a/b/pearson.html<br />http://poisonevercure.150m.com/vaccines3.htm</p>
<p>8) Children&rsquo;s developing immune systems and bodies need to be protected from chemicals.<br />Children are born with their mother&rsquo;s immunities.  They also are born with their immune systems in a &ldquo;special&rdquo; mode.  If their immune systems were like normal adults or older children, then their mothers&rsquo; bodies would reject them as foreign.  Their immune systems don&rsquo;t come out of this special mode until at least 6 months, and some think not until 2 years (and every illness or vaccination overwhelms the immune system because it is unable to react properly, which delays this switch to normal functioning, and can eventually prevent it, leaving the child immuno-compromised).  The blood-brain barrier is not impermeable until at least 2 years of age.  In fact, some even think that peoples&rsquo; development (immune, brain, etc.) is not complete until their early 20s!</p>
<p>What all of this means is that anything that is injected into a small child can pass the blood-brain barrier and can potentially cause neurological damage.  However, the possibility of a severe reaction never ceases (it can occur in adults, too), so delaying vaccination is not a safer answer, either.  Besides &ndash; if vaccination is delayed and the child is clearly healthy, why start injecting poison?</p>
<p>Sources: http://w3.newsmax.com/blaylock/47a.cfm</p>
<p>9) There is a correlation between increased vaccination and increased rates of chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease, autism, ADHD, etc.)<br />Please understand that &lsquo;correlation&rsquo; and &lsquo;causation&rsquo; are not the same thing, first of all.  &lsquo;Causation&rsquo; is to say that A made B happen; that is, that vaccines actually CAUSED all of these things.  We know that current research hasn&rsquo;t proven &ndash; or DISPROVEN &ndash; a causal relationship between vaccines and any of these illnesses.</p>
<p>However, it is true that they are correlated.  That is, as the rates of vaccination increased &ndash; the number of required shots and the multitude of diseases they cover &ndash; rates of these illnesses increased, too.  It is the position of anti-vax families that these areas have not been thoroughly or appropriately researched and that they must be followed up on.  At this time, there is at least a chance that vaccines are causing or contributing to these chronic illnesses, and there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence to support this theory.  At the very least, large, well-designed studies conducted by independent scientists need to look closer at a potential connection.  Until this research exists (and it doesn&rsquo;t; take a look at the following studies and their flawed designs), we can&rsquo;t take this kind of risk with our childrens&rsquo; health.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www.whale.to/vaccines/hancock1.html<br />http://www.whale.to/vaccine/incidence_of_pneumonia.html<br />http://www.vaccinationnews.org/Out_of_Control/2003/Sept_9/OOC1.htm<br />http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/75333.php<br />http://www.cure-guide.com/Natural_Health_Newsletter/Vaccines_and_ADHD_Autism/vaccines_and_adhd_autism.html<br />http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/immune_suppression.htm<br />http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-carrey/the-judgment-on-vaccines_b_189777.html<br />http://childhealthsafety.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/japvaxautism/</p>
<p>10) &ldquo;Vaccine preventable&rdquo; diseases are not nearly as scary as the media makes them seem.<br />These days, you only need to turn on the TV or click on a news website to read more information on what will happen if this anti-vaccination movement isn&rsquo;t turned on its head.  Reporters scream that measles are coming back, whooping cough is running rampant, and more.  The actual number of these cases is quite small.  The number of people in developed countries who get the measles in one year is around 12.  This is far lower than the number of people who die of food-borne illnesses or who contract non-preventable diseases.</p>
<p>In reality, even without being vaccinated, the chances of catching the illnesses are quite low.  Should one catch an illness, serious side effects are unlikely.  Most children recover with no issues from chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc.  50 years ago, these were simply &ldquo;childhood illnesses&rdquo; that everyone had.  Looking at the WHO and CDC, rates of morbidity and mortality continue to be low; serious side effects are almost non-existent.  This data is based on decades of actual research and experience is highly reliable.</p>
<p>Sources: http://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/cgi/content/extract/19/2/70<br />http://www.who.int/immunization_monitoring/diseases/en/ (search each disease)</p>
<p>11) Some diseases are not actually communicable, or are not helped by the vaccine designed to eradicate them.<br />First, the government has known since the 80s that HPV does not cause cervical cancer.  The two illnesses are unrelated.  So, Gardasil, which supposedly prevents cervical cancer by preventing HPV, is useless.</p>
<p>Second, polio cases rose and fell with the use of DDT as a chemical pesticide.  Cases sharply dropped off when DDT was banned, years before the vaccine was ever introduced.  The rate of polio cases fell by over 99% before the vaccine&rsquo;s introduction.  Also, in the 1940s, when the government was very concerned with the polio cases, they did tests on orphans and prisoners, swabbing their mouths with samples from those infected with polio.  Not one single case of polio resulted from these tests, suggesting that polio isn&rsquo;t communicable.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www.westonaprice.org/envtoxins/pesticides_polio.html<br />http://www.wellwithin1.com/pol_all.htm<br />http://poisonevercure.150m.com/vaccines3.htm<br />http://www.wellwithin1.com/tetanus.htm</p>
<p>12) Scientists currently have a poor understanding of the immune system, the very thing they&rsquo;re &ldquo;helping&rdquo; with vaccines.</p>
<p>In fact, exactly how disease is passed from person to person remains poorly understood.  Scientists cannot account for why a relatively small percentage of the population gets sick with a given illness, even in an epidemic.  Clearly, there are mitigating factors &ndash; some who are exposed won&rsquo;t actually get sick, either due to stronger immune systems, past illnesses, or reasons yet unknown.  Whatever the reason, scientists cannot explain what makes some vulnerable and others not.  This is only part of what scientists don&rsquo;t understand about the immune system, something they are messing with every time they give a vaccine.</p>
<p>It is known, however, that newborns&rsquo; immune systems are compromised in the first weeks or months of life.  They are TH-2 heavy (the immune system reacts with a combination of TH-1 and TH-2 cells when something foreign invades; when TH-2 cells take over, the person is ill and vulnerable to more problems/illnesses), meaning they are more susceptible to illness.  A vaccine keeps them in TH-2 mode far longer than they would naturally be, weakening their immune systems and teaching them to react incorrectly for life.</p>
<p>It is also known that children&rsquo;s blood-brain barriers remain permeable for at least the first two years of their lives.  This means that any vaccine they receive can cross into their brains and cause neurological damage.</p>
<p>Sources: http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/vaccine.htm<br />http://www.whale.to/vaccine/adjuvants.html#ADJUVANTS,_PRESERVATIVES_AND_TISSUE_FIXATIVES_IN_VACCINES_<br />http://www.wellness.com/reference/allergies/newborn-immune-system/<br />http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401164041.htm</p>
<p>13) Most vaccine research is funded directly by drug companies or those with financial ties to the industry.</p>
<p>These days, most vaccine research is funded by the people who want the research done &ndash; the drug companies.  There is little independent research.  In most drug trials, a vaccine is compared not against a true placebo (i.e. saline solution), but against a previously licensed vaccine or against a vaccine with the virus removed (but still containing all the preservatives and other chemicals).  This procedure skews the results so that the vaccine looks &ldquo;safe&rdquo; because no more adverse reactions occur in the experimental group than the &ldquo;control&rdquo; group (because reactions can also be caused by other vaccine ingredients, not just the virus).</p>
<p>Additionally, most researchers write off reactions as &ldquo;coincidences&rdquo; and do not count them because they believe that the vaccine &ldquo;could not cause&rdquo; such things.  Should an adverse reaction be documented, it is common practice to split it into subcategories (dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, etc.) so that more serious reactions appear to occur in a lower percentage of the test group.</p>
<p>Finally, it has recently been acknowledged that many studies published in peer reviewed journals had significant biases and so did the researchers who conducted them.  This is because the journals are heavily supported by pharmaceutical advertising, so research which supports their products (even if poorly conducted) is more likely to be published.</p>
<p>Sources:  http://www.who.int/vaccine_research/documents/ethics/en/index.html<br />http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/135210.php<br />http://www.naturalnews.com/023074_the_FDA_drug_trials_drugs.html<br />http://www.naturalnews.com/021227_medical_journals_disease_drug_trials.html<br />http://www.naturalnews.com/022383_NaturalNews_health_CIA.html</p>
<p>Throughout this document, there are 38 different sources cited.  In some cases, sources have more than one article supporting these facts.  Please read them all; do not take my word for it.  This is an important decision, and these sources will get you started on your way to researching.</p>
<p>If anyone is interested in more information on vaccines and their dangers, please feel free to send me your name and email and I will send you a copy of this as well as answering any questions you may have with my information and further source</p>
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EXCERPT:
<p>If you're still curious about why we don't vaccinate, or what our arguments are, I'm posting my full argument, with 13 different points and 38 different resources.  Please look at them for yourselves, don't trust what I have to say.  I have many more sources, too, if you're interested in even further research!</p><p>1) Vaccines have many scary ingredients.<br/>Have you ever read a package insert or signed a vaccine consent form?  Chances are, you haven’t.  It used to be standard practice that doctors provided parents with a thorough description of the vaccine’s benefits and drawbacks before administering them.  These days, though, it is standard for doctors to inform parents of the benefits of vaccination and common, minor side effects.  There are no forms to sign; consent is generally assumed unless a parent brings up reservations specifically.  Since most conversations go no further than “She’ll be a bit sore and tired and may have a fever, so feel free to give some Tylenol and let her rest,” most parents have no idea what’s actually in vaccines these days.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.111.35.170
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 12:52:00 AM
<p>Thank you so much! I had never heard those things about polio before...</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Breastfeeding Newborns
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/22/2009 12:00:00 AM
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BODY:
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<p>Before I even got pregnant, I knew I would breastfeed.  A lot of women go at it open-minded; they would like to try but are okay if it doesn't work out.  But, for me, I HAD to do it.  First, I'll share my experience with breastfeeding newborns, then give you some tips I've learned along the way.</p>
<p>Bekah was born at 9:13 PM on January 26th, 2008.  There had been some light meconium staining, so they handed her to me for only a few seconds (I absolutely could not believe that such a big, real person had just come from me, and that she was now mine forever!).  Then they took her away to clean her up and suction her and test her repeatedly.  I know now this was not necessary, but I didn't know that at the time.  They also spent quite awhile sewing me up.  They gave her back to me around 10.  I didn't know a thing about breastfeeding other than what I'd read in books and online, but I figured I'd try.  So I pulled my hospital gown down and attempted to latch Bekah.  She was just staring at me.  The look on her face was clearly, "Where AM I?"  She had absolutely no interest in breastfeeding; she did not root or even pay attention at all.</p>
<p>Bekah was taken from me again to bathe and not brought back until after midnight, when she was starving and extremely tired.  I tried to latch her on, once the nurse had set up the pillows and positioned her, but she just yelled around my breast.  Finally the nurse grabbed my breast in one hand and her head in the other and shoved them together.  She latched and nursed well, for about 20 minutes.  Then she slept for 4 hours, at which point I started to get nervous and tried to feed her again.  After that she was wanting to nurse every hour or two.  We left around 9:30 that night, just 24 hours after her birth.</p>
<p>I fed her around 10:30 that night, then tried to sleep, but couldn't, and she wouldn't.  I was up with her most of the night.  She was crying and acting hungry, but she wouldn't nurse lying down, and I felt like I had absolutely nothing for her.  Eventually I brought her downstairs around 6 am and held her and let her suck my finger and talked to her, telling her daddy would fix it.  At 8, I woke Ben and told him to just give her formula, and I went to bed and crashed.  At 10:30 I got up and tried again to feed her.</p>
<p>For the next few days I managed to nurse her a few times a day, with supplements.  On day 4 my milk was in but she would not nurse.  I tried ALL day but she just cried and cried.  I eventually called the nurses after crying for awhile myself, and they told me to feed her however I could.  I gave her a bottle of formula and she drank it like a starving child and went to sleep.  I couldn't believe I had inadvertently starved my child.</p>
<p>The next day I was really engorged because she wouldn't nurse.  She would start to, then pull back and scream.  We went out that night and bought a good, double electric pump (Medela Pump-in-Style) and I pumped and fed her the milk in a bottle.</p>
<p>For the next six weeks, I continued to pump and bottle feed her.  I occasionally tried to get her to latch, but this was met with screams and meltdowns.  It took 45 minutes to feed her and she seemed hungry immediately after.  I felt like I just didn't have enough milk for her.  Most evenings she was very fussy and seemed hungry, so we ended up supplementing with a bottle of formula.  She got usually 2 oz. or so a day.  We had gotten Similac milk and soy formulas for free in the mail, so we gave her whichever was closer at the time.  At the time I thought soy was healthy (!) and I sort of thought she did better on that (actually...she probably did.  Because later she had issues with milk/cheese and to my knowledge she's not allergic to soy).</p>
<p>I hated to think of having to pump for a YEAR, my original goal.  I couldn't see that I'd make it.  So at 6 weeks I said, enough.  I was determined to get her to latch.  Suddenly, though, she didn't scream when I tried to nurse her.  I could nurse her lying down.  I was in a lot of pain from the unaccustomed sucking, but I managed.  The pain only lasted about 10 weeks, and was worst after a feeding.  I felt so sore and anything touching my nipples at all was unbearable, for about an hour after each feeding.  Just when I was feeling better, it would be time to feed her again.  But, we made it through.</p>
<p>It couldn't be that easy, though.  I was not eating well and I was so depleted that when she was three months old, I felt awful all the time.  I was tired, I had no energy, and I had horrible joint pain.  I felt like she was "stealing my essence" every time I nursed (I'd felt this way, minus the joint pain, the whole time -- and several times in the first few weeks I begged Ben to just take her away and give her formula and leave me alone).  A year still seemed like an awfully long time.  I was afraid to carry her around because I was in so much pain, I thought I'd drop her.  Right after that I started to take a multivitamin and within a few days, the joint pain was gone.  This was the start of my journey to a healthier lifestyle.</p>
<p>I grew annoyed with breastfeeding so often, even after we resolved the struggles.  Bekah wanted to eat every hour usually.  Two hours without a feeding was unusual.  Sometimes it was less than an hour.  She slept better at night, but still was waking to eat at least once (which of course is normal, but I didn't know that).  I felt like my whole life was taken over by breastfeeding.  I was willing to let her nurse so often because I figured it would increase my supply -- but it never seemed to.  She was always hungry.</p>
<p>By 18 weeks (just after 4 months), I'd had enough and I started her on solids.  This quickly became her main source of nutrition, at least for several months, although she continued breastfeeding.  She still breastfeeds now, at 20 months.  After she was a year, she breastfed more often than she had from 4 - 12 months, and still does.  Probably half of her nutrition now comes from breastfeeding, at least some days.</p>
<p>Then there was Daniel.  He was born at home, and was able to latch on with 10 minutes of his birth.  He seemed to know exactly what to do, and even unlatched himself and relatched when he hadn't done it right the first time.  He nursed for 40 minutes!  Then he fell asleep for 11 hours.  After that, he nursed about every 3 hours.  I always felt like I had plenty of milk, even before my mature milk was in.  Once my milk did come in, I was so full all the time that I was begging for a baby or toddler, SOMEONE to feed!  I begged for a pump sometimes, but never needed one as Bekah was quite effective and happy to nurse!</p>
<p>Daniel's three months now, and he has never had anything but breastmilk, straight from the breast.  I've never pumped for him, never tried a bottle.  At this point, we'll probably wait another month and then introduce a sippy cup with a small amount of water or pumped milk (if I feel like it).  He'll never get a bottle, though.</p>
<p>The only problem I've had is when Daniel was 11 weeks, I had clogged milk duct and my left breast was very sore for a few days.  I massaged it, put hot compresses on it, nursed frequently (usually Bekah, as she's more efficient and can get more of the breast in her mouth), and took some lecithin.  The problem resolved itself in about two days.</p>
<p>I learned several things about breastfeeding from these experiences:</p>
<p>*I had a forceful letdown, which is common in women with large breasts.  This makes the baby gulp and choke and it upsets newborns a lot.  It was why Bekah screamed, and why she could handle it when she was a bit older and bigger.  You can nurse lying on your back so that gravity doesn't help the milk flow faster to help solve this problem, or use a nipple shield (see a lactation consultant for specific help).</p>
<p>*Drugs used during labor CAN affect your ability to produce milk.  They don't affect all women that way, but I believe that was a factor for me.</p>
<p>*Eating a good diet, rich in healthy fats, is necessary for producing a good milk supply (when I was pregnant, I noticed I had more milk for Bekah when I'd eaten a lot of fat).</p>
<p>*The struggles are worth it to be able to breastfeed your baby.</p>
<p>Please visit <a href="http://www.kellymom.com/">Kelly Mom</a>, or see a local lactation consultant for more help.  The <a href="http://www.llli.org/">La Leche League</a> can also be a good place for help.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Before I even got pregnant, I knew I would breastfeed. A lot of women go at it open-minded; they would like to try but are okay if it doesn't work out. But, for me, I HAD to do it. First, I'll share my experience with breastfeeding newborns, then give you some tips I've learned along the way.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Dairy-Free Ice Cream
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/30/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/ultimate-recipe-swap-dessert.html">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>This ice cream, in addition to being dairy-free, can be egg-free as well, is versatile, and is completely raw! It's also full of a lot of very healthy fat.</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />2 15-oz. cans coconut milk (or 4 c. whole milk)<br />3 eggs (you can omit)<br />1/2 cup raw honey (or 1/4 c. organic sugar)<br />1/4 cup coconut oil (optional)<br />2 tsp. vanilla (you can try <a href="http://www.vanillareview.com/make-vanilla-extract/">making your own</a>)</p>
<p>Directions: Put all ingredients in a blender (you might not be able to get the second can of coconut milk in, but you can add that as you put it in your ice cream maker) and blend until smooth. Pour into your ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Enjoy! It's really that simple.</p>
<p>Variations:</p>
<p>Chocolate ice cream: Add 1/2 cup raw cacao powder and blend.</p>
<p>Mint chocolate chip: Reduce vanilla to 1 tsp., add 1 tsp. mint extract, and add about 1 cup chopped vegan chocolate chips. (I don't recommend using green food coloring, because it contains propylene glycol -- not something you want to consume!)</p>
<p>Chocolate chip: Add 1 cup chopped vegan chocolate chips.</p>
<p>Fruit ice cream: Blend 1 cup of your favorite fruit with the basic recipe (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.).</p>
<p>I haven't tried anything else but I'm sure you can imagine many other variations! If you think of any good ones, let me know!</p>
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EXCERPT:
<p>This ice cream, in addition to being dairy-free, can be egg-free as well, is versatile, and is completely raw!  It's also full of a lot of very healthy fat.</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>2 15-oz. cans coconut milk<br/>3 eggs (you can omit)<br/>1/2 cup raw honey<br/>1/4 cup coconut oil<br/>2 tsp. vanilla (you can try <a href="http://www.vanillareview.com/make-vanilla-extract/">making your own</a>)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lynn
EMAIL: lynncw5@gmail.com
IP: 75.91.244.88
URL: http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/
DATE: 04/01/2010 01:24:21 PM
<p>I love coconut milk, so I think this sounds really good. It is a great alternative for those that can't have dairy.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Daniel's Birth Story
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>A lot more people are becoming interested in home birthing these days.  It is a great alternative for moms who want complete control over their birthing experience, with no interference from hospital policies or staff.  It is also safer, to avoid medical mistakes and of course hospital-acquired infections.  If you are considering home birth, please find a qualified midwife and discuss your particular situation with her.  But, in order to help you in your decision, I'm posting Daniel's birth story!</p>
<p>Monday morning I woke up feeling crabby and sore, but nothing going on.  Saw the chiropractor at night, hoping he&rsquo;d do something to help me get started with labor.  Nothing happened though.</p>
<p>Tuesday morning went back to the chiropractor.  I was feeling even more crabby and sore, it was very difficult to do anything.  But still nothing.</p>
<p>Wednesday morning I woke up around 4 am, having a few contractions.  This continued every 20 &ndash; 30 minutes until around 8 am (I made Ben stay home from work) and I didn&rsquo;t really get any sleep in here.  I went back to sleep around 8 until 10.  Then I got up for the day, feeling still sore and cramping and having occasional contractions but nothing serious or consistent.  I wanted to get things moving though!</p>
<p>We saw the midwives that night at 6:30.  Audra assured me that it could be something &ndash; or not &ndash; and the baby would come when he was ready.  We left and I was still hoping something would get started.  Bekah was being a bit fussy, so we played with her, and fed her, and got her ready for bed.  Around 8:30 (right before Bekah went to bed), the contractions started again.  They were every 8 &ndash; 10 minutes and lasting only 20 seconds or so.  But, it was something!</p>
<p>This time the contractions continued and grew closer together.  By 11:30 they were only 4 &ndash; 5 minutes apart, lasting 40 sec.  I called Audra and let her know we were probably going to have a baby tonight, and that I was going to go and try to sleep.  I sat up and talked to some people online and watched movies (all the Austin Powers movies) to take my mind off the contractions.  At 12:30 I laid down to try to sleep.</p>
<p>At 2:30 I had a really strong, long contraction woke me up.  I knew I would not be able to sleep anymore.  At this point the contractions were coming every 2 &ndash; 3 min. and lasting 40 sec. and were fairly strong.  I finally had to DO something to get through them.  I breathed, leaned, moved around a little.  I woke up Ben and told him it was time to fill the birthing pool, then I called Audra and asked her to come.</p>
<p>I sat in a rocking chair for awhile, closing my eyes and gently breathing through the contractions.  Audra arrived around 3 while I was just relaxing there. After awhile I got on the birthing ball.  I walked up and down the hall some, frequently stopping in the bathroom.  Every time I walked around though, or sat on the toilet, the contractions came on stronger and longer, so I tended not to do that too much.</p>
<p>I held onto Ben during some contractions, if he was close by, putting all my tension into gripping his hands or leaning on him.  Sometimes I stared into his eyes.  This did not take away all the pain but it did make it more bearable.  I spent a lot of time sitting on the birthing ball at first.  Abby arrived around 3:30.  Audra checked me around 4 and said I was about 4 cm and mostly effaced.</p>
<p>I wandered up and down the hall for awhile.  Everyone else fell asleep.  I sat in bed, rocking and breathing through contractions, occasionally trying to sleep.  Every time I did, though, I would have a super strong, super long contraction and I would wake up.</p>
<p>Audra checked me again at 6:30 &ndash; no progress.  Any walking made the contractions and pain basically continuous so I did not want to do that.  I was beginning to feel exhausted and like I couldn&rsquo;t do it.  Not having made any progress in three hours (or longer as I was pretty sure I was 4 cm by 2:30 when the contractions got rough) was really getting me down.</p>
<p>Bekah woke up at 7:30 and wanted to nurse.  I sat on the birthing ball and had her sit on Ben&rsquo;s lap, facing me, and I let her nurse.  It was not easy to do through the contractions but I managed.  She kept fussing though, wanting me to hold her and not wanting to go anywhere else.  Different people kept taking her out of the room but I could hear her crying.  I left the room with all my birthing supplies and went back into my room.  I said I needed to call someone to watch Bekah so I could focus.  We called Lindsay, who came a little after 8.</p>
<p>I sat on the bed and said I was too tired and in too much pain.  The contractions were still every couple minutes and strong.  I told them I couldn&rsquo;t do it.  Ben told me I could and I wasn&rsquo;t going to the hospital.  I was crying a little and saying that I wasn&rsquo;t making any progress so how could I do it?  If I was only making SOME progress it would be bearable, but nothing was insane.</p>
<p>Abby said maybe it wasn&rsquo;t real labor and the baby wasn&rsquo;t ready&hellip;and I didn&rsquo;t want to have him before I was ready.  They told me that the hospital would not help me yet, they would probably either induce or send me home, but probably send me home (I learned later that they all went downstairs and talked without me and decided they had to get me to relax).  Abby said from the outside my contractions just didn&rsquo;t seem strong enough, and as they were still only lasting 40 sec., not long enough either.</p>
<p>I cried and I said I couldn&rsquo;t, I was too tired, so they started to think of ways to help slow my labor so I could rest some between contractions.  This was around 8;30.  They decided I should get into the birthing pool to try to slow it down.  I said no, I did not want to move and I did not think the water would feel good to me.  Finally Ben pulled me up and said &ldquo;You&rsquo;re going&rdquo; and pulled me down the hall.  He took off my underwear and basically put me in the water.  He stayed with me and held onto my hands for a few contractions, then wandered off (apparently they were talking about me somewhere else).</p>
<p>I felt like the baby had moved down more and that I was completely effaced and slightly more dialated.  The water was a little cool but it did feel good&hellip;especially once Abby coached me to relax and stop fighting the contractions.  Audra made me get out to check &ndash; I was about 5 cm, stretching to 6.  Some progress!</p>
<p>Around 9 they decided the water was too cool and added more hot water to it.  The cool water was making me feel more crampy and sore and the hotter water helped me relax.  I laid back against the side of the birthing pool, letting the pool and the water hold my weight.  I breathed and softly moaned through contractions at this point and it was incredibly difficult to relax, but I did.  I still felt mostly like I couldn&rsquo;t do it, but I had glimmers of hope that maybe I could.  A little while later I felt like I was about at 7.  The baby&rsquo;s head was nearly crowning but I had a lip of cervix left.</p>
<p>I still did not believe it was really happening and the hospital was in the back of my head.  I had decided that I would try until 10:30, and then if it wasn&rsquo;t happening I was going to transfer (my first labor was 14 hours so I figured I could last about that long this time, counting from the time of the first really consistent contractions and not prelabor). Even when I was thinking of transferring, I only wanted some pain relief so I could rest.  I did not actually want to deliver at the hospital, or stay there after delivery, or deal with the hospital staff.  I REALLY did not want to get into a car or pack a bag or even walk downstairs.  So despite thinking about the hospital, I was pretty sure I didn&rsquo;t really want to go.</p>
<p>At about 9:30 I was 7 cm or so and I started to feel the urge to push &ndash; strongly.  I was also starting to bleed.  Audra checked with the Doppler several times and the baby was doing fine, so they left me in the tub.  Abby was out getting breakfast.  Audra and Ben started to coach me to blow through the contractions as I was having serious trouble not pushing with them.  I knew I wasn&rsquo;t fully dialated but I could not stop.</p>
<p>I kept bleeding so they pulled me out of the tub to check.  The bleeding didn&rsquo;t look too bad but I was 8 cm and the lip was still there.  Audra couldn&rsquo;t move it.  She called Abby and said the baby was coming soon and she better get back.  That was when I realized this WAS happening and it was almost over!</p>
<p>Abby got back and checked me.  Audra told me to get on my side.  I said no because it hurt more.  She said it didn&rsquo;t matter, they had to get the lip off.  I was trying not to push but it was still impossible, and Audra and Ben were yelling at me to blow and Ben was trying to breathe with me.  I turned on my side, and Abby almost immediately pushed the lip beyond the baby&rsquo;s head and told me I could push.  And push I did!  That&rsquo;s when my water broke, right when I started pushing.  I felt it go everywhere.</p>
<p>As I was pushing I flipped onto my back to have more control.  I pushed hard, whenever I felt like it, taking a breath in the middle of a contraction.  Audra cautioned me not to go too fast.  I pushed a little more gently, but mostly went with my body.  It burned but I knew that the baby was coming and pushing would make it over faster.  With a third push, the baby&rsquo;s head was out.  I breathed for a minute, then pushed again, as the shoulders were born, and then my baby was here!  The cord was wrapped tightly around his neck, but Abby carefully pushed his head into my thigh and somersaulted him to unwrap it.  I pushed for only 2 minutes total before he was born.</p>
<p>Daniel was lifted up and laid on my chest.  He was a bit blue, and Abby rubbed him and gave him oxygen for a few minutes.  But, he was crying a little and he was fine.  I stayed there, holding him, for a few minutes.  Ben went and got Bekah, who climbed up on the bed and seemed fascinated by her new little brother.  She smiled and poked him a few times.</p>
<p>Then I moved so I was sitting up, reclining against pillows.  I had a small scratch but no real tear.  Daniel began to nurse almost immediately and nursed for 40 minutes straight.  My parents showed up about 20 minutes after the birth and my mom came upstairs to see us (she was also taking care of Bekah at this point) and just could not believe I had really done it&hellip;we were both crying.</p>
<p>Then I had to give him up for his newborn exam (his cord was cut just over an hour after birth) and I had to go take a bath.  I was bleeding everywhere, feeling a little lightheaded from not eating and the birth itself, but generally feeling good!  I sat in the bath for a little while, then got out and was moved into bed.  Daniel was perfect, 7 lb. 5 oz. and 20 inches, and slept for the next 11 hours straight!  I rested and people brought me food and I reveled in the fact that even when it had seemed impossible, I had stuck with it and I HAD done it!</p>
<p>Now Daniel is 5 days old, nursing like a champ, sleeping through the night (5 &ndash; 6 hours) and generally just a calm baby.  Very easy!  Bekah is still thrilled with her new sibling &ndash; most of the time.  We haven&rsquo;t had any tantrums or meltdowns over him, though, that is good!  We are all very happy, feeling SO good, and plan to have homebirths with all the rest of our children.</p>
<p>**Entered in <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/labor-day-link-up">Labor Day Link Up at Amy's Finer Things</a></p>
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EXCERPT:
Rebekah's story is kind of long. But it explains everything that we're up against! A brief summary -- Bekah has suffered from allergies since she was very young, and we're still struggling to figure it out. She's a bit language delayed and we recently found out she's severely deficient in certain nutrients. This story details my pregnancy, her birth, and her life, as well as everything we've learned so far. As we try/learn more, I will post updates!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca M.
EMAIL: ramills1308@gmail.com
IP: 76.235.167.220
URL: http://twitter.com/ramills08
DATE: 12/14/2010 04:01:05 PM
<p>What a great story! I really enjoyed reading this. I&#39;m planning a homebirth with my second baby, due in late April. My first son was born in a hospital with a CNM but it was not at all what I had hoped for. I&#39;m excited about having this baby at home but I&#39;m probably more nervous and anxious than I was before my son&#39;s birth, simply because I&#39;ve now been through a very long, difficult labor so I know how hard it might be. I know I can handle it again, but I don&#39;t want to be &quot;on the clock&quot; and having to worry about transfer. And I don&#39;t want to let my anxiety prevent my body from doing what it needs to do!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Disciplining a Toddler
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/24/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Disciplining kids isn't easy.  I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out what is best for us to do with Bekah.  We've been through many different ideas, many sparked by what our parents did -- or didn't -- do with us, and adapted to suit our personalities.  While I don't believe there is any ONE way to discipline a child, I want to share what we've been through and what we've ultimately chosen at this time.</p>
<p>Before we had kids, and when Bekah was very little, Ben extolled the virtues of spanking.  I wasn't sure I wanted to spank, but I had memories (not bad) of being spanked, and I learned that spanking appropriately (that word is very important!) was Biblical.  So I did agree to go along with this.  For my own memory, I remember I was once climbing on my father's car and sliding down the windshield.  I was about 3.  My dad came out and told me all my friends had to go home and I needed to come inside.  He took me up to my room and explained to me that doing this was dangerous and I must never do it again.  Then he told me he would spank me.  He laid me over his legs and spanked with an open hand over my diaper.  He let me cry for a few minutes, then held me and told me he loved me and he was worried I would get hurt.  And then it was over.</p>
<p>This is what an appropriate spanking looks like.  Although, what I've taken from this memory is more HOW the discipline was carried out than what method was used.  This was discipline in love, for fear of a child's safety.  It was an important rule to have and when broken, was calmly addressed.  Another instance that stands out in my mind is that my father told me I must never ride a bike without a helmet.  I got caught doing it -- once.  He saw me, called me over, and told me I could not ride my bike for a month and that I was grounded.  Very calm.  That was the end of it and I never did it again.  Again -- discipline gently and with love.</p>
<p>At around 9 months of age, Bekah began to get into things she shouldn't.  She was cruising and crawling everywhere.  At this point I started to use small swats on her hands, which honestly led to her hitting me back.  We abandoned this approach after a few weeks for that reason.</p>
<p>When she was about 13 months and started to understand what "no" meant, but chose not to listen, we began to spank her at times.  The problem was, everyone was getting very upset.  Bekah was told to stop whatever she was doing many times, and when she did not, she was picked up and spanked.  I justified this by thinking that the rule she was breaking was important, that my voice was -- usually -- calm, and that I was only spanking her bottom over her diaper with an open hand.</p>
<p>Sometime around 16 or 17 months, I was very pregnant and irritated and often felt like I was losing control.  I felt like I was yelling, threatening to spank, or spanking her ALL day.  She completely tuned me out.  This continued after her brother's birth for awhile.  The rules we were enforcing WERE important -- like don't play with knives (she can climb anything and break the childproof latches), don't hit/kick/step on your brother, don't play with the baby swing while your brother's in it, etc.  We would get very upset when she climbed up on the bassinet because she could knock it over and send her brother tumbling out.  Once she pushed the swing so far back when he was in it she DID send him tumbling out!</p>
<p>Clearly we were not getting through to her and everyone was just getting angry and frustrated.  I hated to think that I was becoming one of those angry, unhappy mothers who just yelled all day long and wasn't nice or fun.  I didn't want my house to be that way.  So, around 19 months, we implemented "time out."  She was old enough at this point to understand most everything we said, and to really dislike being separated.</p>
<p>I tried it out.  She opened one of my kitchen drawers and climbed up, opening the silverware drawer and beginning to fish for things.  I said once: "Rebekah, you need to get down."  She ignored me.  Calmly, "Rebekah, get down right now or you will go in time out."  Typically that is all it takes -- and she gets down and goes to play with something else.  She doesn't return immediately, either.  When it doesn't work, I pick her up and say "You did not listen, and now you must go in time out."  We have a pack-n-play set up for this purpose.  I set her in it and sometimes she screams; other times she's okay.  If she does scream, I wait until she stops before I pick her up.  Otherwise I just give her a couple minutes.</p>
<p>When I pick her up, I ask her "Did Mommy ask you to stop X?" X being whatever she did wrong.  She will look at me and say "yes" or lately "uh-huh."  Then I ask, "Did you keep doing X?"  She says "yes."  I explain, "That is why you went in time out.  You must not do X because Y."  i.e. "You must not hit your brother because it will hurt him and make him cry."</p>
<p>I don't have to put her in time out very often.  I don't even have to threaten much anymore.  Just a quiet reminder to stop is usually enough.</p>
<p>What happens if she tries to climb out of time out?  She can climb out of the pack-n-play, and her crib (which I use in a pinch).  She's tried to climb out of each once while in time out.  I spent one morning lifting her back into time out repeatedly (I think about five times) explaining each time that she must wait for mommy to get her.  She eventually stopped trying, and I lifted her out when she calmed down.  She hasn't tried again.</p>
<p>In situations that lend themselves to natural consequences, we take advantage of these.  For example, if she throws something (usually because she's mad and doesn't want it), we make her pick it up immediately, and explain that she does not have to have it, but she cannot throw it.  (She is allowed to gently push it away, hand it back, ignore it, etc.)  If she spills something, she's handed a towel and asked to clean up.  There are mornings we've spent twenty or thirty minutes walking around, asking her to clean up all the messes she's made.  This doesn't necessarily teach her not to make messes, but it does teach her that if she chooses to make them, she will have to clean them up herself.</p>
<p>The best discipline method for any family is the one that meets these criteria:</p>
<p>1) It is clearly understood by ALL parties (parents, children, any caretakers)</p>
<p>2) It can be consistently applied in a variety of situations</p>
<p>3) It allows for natural consequences to be used when possible</p>
<p>4) It can be applied calmly and lovingly and NOT in anger</p>
<p>5) It does not require any yelling; or, it allows for explanations and apologies (i.e. if your kid is about to run into the street, you WILL yell...but you can say later "I'm sorry I yelled but I was very scared")</p>
<p>6) It produces clear results.  i.e. the child listens to the parent and stops the behavior!</p>
<p>This method will be different for all families.  It will also be different for different children within a family.  Bekah happens to be very motivated by being involved, helping.  She can listen to yelling or even be spanked several times in a day and not be fazed.  Daniel is too little for any form of discipline (and we wouldn't use any until he's much closer to a year), but he is sensitive and will cry if I yell at Bekah sometimes.  So the way we handle him may be much different.  That remains to be seen.</p>
<p>How do you discipline your kids?  How did you decide how to do so?</p>
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Disciplining kids isn't easy. I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out what is best for us to do with Bekah. We've been through many different ideas, many sparked by what our parents did -- or didn't -- do with us, and adapted to suit our personalities. While I don't believe there is any ONE way to discipline a child, I want to share what we've been through and what we've ultimately chosen at this time.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Getting Started with Cloth Diapers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/29/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p><span style="font-family:georgia;">All the cloth options out there, which ones I prefer, common acronyms, solutions for babies of different sizes, heavy wetters, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;">Modern cloth diapers are NOTHING like your grandma's cloth diapers!  If you haven't seen them, you need to.  They are a GREAT option!  </span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;">If you're starting from no knowledge about modern cloth, I'll provide you with some basic information and some resources on where to find diapers and how to use them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;">Types of Diapers</span><br/><a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/flat.htm"><br/></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/flat.htm">Flat Fold</a> -- These are your grandma's cloth diapers.  They</span> are giant squares of plain cotton, a material called "Birdseye."  Folded up, it's very absorbent.  It requires a cover.</p><p><a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/prefolds.htm">Prefold</a> -- These are white squares with extra thickness (typically 4-8-4, with the extra thickness in the middle) that can be Snappi’d on (a “<a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/other.htm#Snappis">Snappi</a>” is a brand of product that replaces pins).  They don't require special folds because of this extra thickness, hence the name "prefold."  These require a cover.<p></p><p  class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.nickisdiapers.com/catalog.php?category=2">Fitted</a> -- These diapers are baby-shaped (like a disposable) and fasten with hook-and-loop or snaps.  They require a cover.</p><p  class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/allinone.htm">All-in-One (AIO)</a> -- These diapers are exactly what they sound like.  They are waterproof on the outside and absorbent on the inside.  They don't need anything at all; you just put it on like a disposable, then wash the whole thing!</p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.theclothdiaperreport.com/2009/10/growbaby-all-in-two-cloth-diapering.html">All-in-Two (AI2)</a> -- This diaper is like an AIO and a pocket (see below), but the absorbent material snaps into the diaper instead of being sewn in or stuffed in.<br/><span style=""></span></p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/perfect_size_diaper.php">Pocket Diaper</a> – A diaper that is shaped like a disposable and functions like one.<span style="">  </span>It is waterproof on the outside, and is fastened with either hook and loop (Velcro) or snaps.<span style="">  </span>The inner layer wicks moisture from a baby’s skin so they don’t feel wet.<span style="">  </span>There is an inner, absorbent layer which is tucked into the “pocket” of the diaper (hence the name).<span style="">  </span>This absorbent layer comes out in the wash and unfolds for easier and more thorough washing and drying.<span style="">  </span>It is re-folded and stuffed back in after washing.  Some of these diapers can be purchased in a "<a href="http://www.bumgenius.com/one-size.php">one size</a>" variety, meaning that it can be adjusted for babies of various sizes, usually 8 - 35 lbs. (approximately birth to potty training).</p>  <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>  <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">There are endless variations in size, style, and pattern, as you can see if you've clicked on any of the links!<span style=""></span></p>  <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Advantages of Cloth<p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>  <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Eco-Friendly/Green</p>  <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">Many diapers are made using organic fabrics, and are washed using eco-friendly detergents, not to mention they aren’t thrown in landfills!<span style="">  </span>They can also be re-used for several babies.</p>  <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>  <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Low Cost</p>  <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">The average cost of disposable-diapering a baby today, birth to potty training, is at least $2000 (more if the baby does not potty train by age 2.5 or if premium diapers are used).<span style="">  </span>The average cost of wipes is another $500 - $700.<span style="">  </span>The average cost of cloth diapering using purchased diapers is $400, and sewing your own is only $200 (and since these diapers can be reused, diapering subsequent babies is FREE!).<span style="">  </span>This includes cloth wipes and solution too!</p>  <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>  <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Better for Baby’s Skin</p>  <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Because the diapers contain no chemicals and do not have to contain any synthetic fabrics (some diapers do use polyesters like fleece or suede cloth), babies do not get diaper rashes as often as they do in disposables.<span style="">  </span>The diapers also allow more air to circulate, allowing rashes to heal faster.<span style="">  </span>They also do not cause allergies, as some disposables do for some babies.</p>  <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>  <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Less Mess</p>  <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Believe it or not, cloth diapers are LESS likely to leak!<span style="">  </span>The “blow outs” that are so common in disposables do not happen in cloth.<span style="">  </span>Cloth diapers have stronger elastic, so messes can’t shoot up the back or out the legs.<span style="">  </span>They also move with the baby more, resulting in a better fit (and therefore less room for mess).<span style="">  </span>Cloth diapers only leak if improperly washed (fabric softeners or oils will cause them to repel moisture, this problem can be fixed if it happens by accident) or if they are simply too wet.<span style="">  </span></p>  <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>  <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Easier “disposal”</p>  <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">When a diaper is dirty, it doesn’t need to be wrapped up in special trash cans or pails and thrown out every few days.<span style="">  </span>Instead, the mess in the diapers is dumped (if necessary) in the toilet, and they are thrown in a waterproof bag.<span style="">  </span>Every 3 – 4 days, the whole bag is dumped into the washer (including the bag) and turned on.<span style="">  </span>Nothing to carry outside, no special way to treat each diaper, and no needing to ask where to throw a diaper away when you’re on the go!</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">We prefer pocket diapers, although we've used many different types.  We've tried prefolds, AIO, and fitteds too.  So far, at all ages, we've liked pockets best.  Daniel was in one within hours of his birth, and Bekah still uses them at 21 months.  Ben says he wouldn't do cloth if he couldn't use pockets!</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Resources:</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.theclothdiaperreport.com/">The Cloth Diaper Report</a> -- product reviews and more.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.zany-zebra.com/cloth-diapers-101.shtml">Cloth Diaper Articles</a> -- tons of information on basics, wipes, patterns, and more from Zany Zebra. </p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nickisdiapers.com/">Nicki's Diapers</a> -- A popular store</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/index.html">Green Mountain Diapers</a> -- Best prefolds!  (We stuff our pocket diapers with them)</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.diaperdecisions.com/cost_of_cloth_diapers.htm">Cost Breakdown</a> -- How much cloth diapering will realistically cost, depending on the system you choose.  (The cheapest way is to sew your own, which we'll talk about soon!)</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.thenewparentsguide.com/diapers.htm">Comparison with Disposables</a> -- Considerations in making the diapering choice.  (I haven't found a great one yet...to me, there is no comparison, cloth wins hands down.  But disposable advocates are forever finding reasons why disposables are "just as green" as cloth, which is ridiculous.)</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">What type of diapers do you use?  If you don't have kids yet, are you surprised by all these new cloth diaper options?</p>
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EXCERPT:
<p><span style="font-family:georgia;">All the cloth options out there, which ones I prefer, common acronyms, solutions for babies of different sizes, heavy wetters, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;">Modern cloth diapers are NOTHING like your grandma's cloth diapers!  If you haven't seen them, you need to.  They are a GREAT option!  </span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;">If you're starting from no knowledge about modern cloth, I'll provide you with some basic information and some resources on where to find diapers and how to use them.</span></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Going Gluten-Free
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/20/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Gluten-free.  It sounds kind of crazy, doesn't it?  Breads are everywhere around us, and people LOVE them -- us too!  But we eventually had to take the plunge and do it.</p><p>After we'd cut all of Bekah's known allergens, many of her symptoms did improve.  She was sleeping through the night about 2/3 of the time instead of rarely.  She didn't have diaper rash too often.  She seemed "fine" most of the time, although I knew she really wasn't, not completely. </p><p>I really was in denial for a long time, though.  I kept thinking, "but she's been eating bread forever.  Surely we would have noticed before now if it were a problem!"  But then I joined the <a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/foodlab/">Foodlab</a> group on yahoo, and talked to some of those very expert parents about Bekah's remaining symptoms (which at this time included red, rough, itchy palms).  They suggested that gluten probably was an issue, and that I should try cutting it.  One even referred to it as "rat poison!"  I thought, if it'll help her feel better, I'll do it.</p><p>I picked a Friday (a grocery shopping day, about 6 weeks ago) to be the day we went gluten-free.  Two days later, Bekah started sleeping through the night -- and did for NINE DAYS in a row!  This was a record.  Normally I didn't get more than two days in row out of her.  Her palms began to heal.  We were definitely seeing improvements!</p><p>The rest of us were gluten-free, too.  Ben didn't really notice anything.  I had a headache for almost two weeks straight (withdrawal?  lol).  We didn't notice any change in Daniel, either.</p><p>First, I bought coconut and buckwheat flour.  There are many gluten-free flours, and many mixes, too.  I prefer to bake from scratch, so I began reading whatever I could, and these two flours sounded good.  Coconut flour requires a lot of eggs, so by using the pastured eggs, we'd get a lot of great nutrition (coconut flour itself is also very high in fiber).  I found <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2008/10/08/coconut-flour-blueberry-muffins/">this recipe</a> on Cheeseslave's blog, and although I haven't tried it yet (Bekah hasn't been too keen on blueberries lately), it inspired me to get the coconut flour.  I've also read plenty of recipes for buckwheat pancakes, so I decided to go for that.</p><p>My early experiments, with both coconut and buckwheat pancakes were good!  Bekah loved them.  I couldn't, however, use these flours for EVERYTHING.  So I decided to buy some different flours.  There are so MANY options -- potato flour, nut flours, garbanzo bean flour, sorghum flour, brown and white rice flours, etc. -- that I didn't want to try to figure out which was the best, or which combination worked well.  I also didn't have the money to buy a whole bunch of different flours.  So I chose <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/gf-all_purpose-baking-flour.html">Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour</a>.</p><p>I've enjoyed working with this.  It made great muffins and great pancakes.  I attempted a yeasted bread, with not-so-great results.  But I'll settle for yummy quick breads so far!  I recommend this blend.</p><p>Soon I'll be trying some nut flours.  There are a lot of great recipes here: <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/recipes/">Elana's Pantry</a>.  I haven't tried them yet, but they look really good!</p><p>A lot of my recipes are simply naturally gluten-free, like making soups with brown rice instead of noodles.  I don't much like the brown-rice pasta, but I'll eat it from time to time.  It's easier to just avoid meals that have gluten, anyway!  I don't really like substitutes much.  I feel like, I'm avoiding this food to be healthier, so why am I looking for something -- which is probably processed -- to replace it?  So I'm trying to limit subs as much as I can.</p><p>It hasn't been too bad to go gluten-free, and I think we're all feeling better for it.  As I try new recipes and techniques to bake gluten-free, I will post more recipes.  It's not as hard as it seems at first, trust me! </p><p>Are you gluten-free?  Have you tried any of the recipes on the sites I mentioned?  if so, tell us your tips and secrets and what you like to eat!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Gluten-free.  It sounds kind of crazy, doesn't it?  Breads are everywhere around us, and people LOVE them -- us too!  But we eventually had to take the plunge and do it.</p><p>After we'd cut all of Bekah's known allergens, many of her symptoms did improve.  She was sleeping through the night about 2/3 of the time instead of rarely.  She didn't have diaper rash too often.  She seemed "fine" most of the time, although I knew she really wasn't, not completely.
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AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/15/2009 12:52:13 AM
<p>Thanks Sharon!  I have not successfully made gluten-free bread yet (I am only just learning) so I&#39;m sure your blog will be a great resource!</p>
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AUTHOR: Gluten Free Sourdough Baker
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01076238876621485015
DATE: 11/13/2009 12:30:48 PM
<p>Hi Kate,<br/>I really like your blog and the way you write. I wanted to let you know that because of my own many food allergies I have developed wonderful bread and bread recipes using old fashioned sourdough techniques with gluten free grain and seed flours. The results taste very good, have great texture and have a long shelf life! They are also free of dairy, eggs, yeast, soy, corn, gums and sodas and are made with only pure whole food ingredients. I have free recipes for the starter and my first successful loaf of bread on my blog, glutenfreesourdough.blogspot.com and the complete recipe book is available for sale on my website, www.food-medicine.com. These breads are suitable for people with highly sensitive digestive systems. Good luck with it all and good for you for going the distance for your family&#39;s health!<br/>sincerely,<br/>sharon</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grassfed Beef and Local Farms
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/19/2009 03:00:00 AM
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<p>We recently just visited the <a href="http://www.flyingjfarm.com/">Flying J Farm</a> to buy some organic grass-fed beef.  It's so good, we bought 200 lbs!  75 was for extended family, but 125 was for us.  We anticipate it lasting us 4 - 6 months.  It'll be so great to have all that nice, healthy meat sitting in our freezer whenever we need it!</p>
<p>There are some really awesome benefits to grass-fed meat, which is why we've selected it.  The cattle is fed only grass (never grain, which is basically junk food for cattle), and no antibiotics or hormones.  The meat is naturally leaner (not that we're looking for LESS fat; but we don't want unnecessary, trans fats created by the unnatural diet in factory-farmed animals) and higher in many nutrients.  It's higher in vitamin C, D, E, omega-3 fats, and CLA.  You can read more about the benefits <a href="http://www.eatwild.com/basics.html">here</a>.   You can read additional information on <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/09/healthy-meat-grass-fed-beef-pork-lamb.html">Kelly the Kitchen Kop's</a> site too.</p>
<p>It's kind of scary to buy factory-farmed meat, so having a local option (or really, a non-local but organic and grass-fed option) is great.  Read this article on <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/dirty-secrets.html">food processing</a> and it'll turn your stomach.  If that isn't enough, read more about <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/10/monday-mix-up-101209-today-finding-safe-meats-and-saving-money.html">factory-farmed meat</a>.  Grass-fed really is the way to go!</p>
<p>If you haven't tasted grass fed beef, you should!  It's nothing like the junk you buy at the supermarkets.  The first time I made burgers from it (fried in a pan so it wouldn't lose too much of its fat, with some nice onions to go on top), Ben turned to me and said "Best burger ever!"  We've been using this beef more and more in our cooking over the past several weeks, and we've really enjoyed it.  At first, Bekah didn't like it much, but now she seems to prefer it.  It's juicy and delicious, and has almost a fresh, grass-like taste.  Even overcooked (I once did a roast way too long), it is STILL flavorful and juicy.</p>
<p>Our plan is to buy a large order of beef every 4 - 6 months, so that we always have a supply on hand.  Prices on this beef vary from $4 - $5/lb, at least in our area.  However, if you buy large orders, or even purchase a side, half, or whole cow (this would include steaks and roasts), you may pay $3 - $4/lb plus processing fee.  But if you enjoy steaks, that's a great deal!</p>
<p>This is one of the best things we can feed our children.  It'll be one of the first things Daniel gets when he starts solids.  We have a large freezer in our garage, where we store the beef.  Here is a picture of the freezer full of the beef (and a few other things):</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/Stx1_pEM15I/AAAAAAAAAFo/_b5s0LpvRBc/s400/Blog+002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394316189898692498" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/Stx1_pEM15I/AAAAAAAAAFo/_b5s0LpvRBc/s400/Blog+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Our car, filled with all that beef!</p>
<p>It's also really good to support local farms.  It helps them, and it also sends a message that we don't like factory farming practices and we won't buy meat raised that way.  It's great to know where your meat comes from and the people who sell it to you.  I've included several resources for local farms below.</p>
<p>Local sources (Ohio):<br /><a href="http://www.greenvistafarm.com/buy.html">Green Vista Farm</a> -- Wooster, OH (we've bought beef here, too, it was very good!)<br /><a href="http://www.sandfarmohio.com/Grass-Fed_Beef.html">Sand Farm</a> -- Andover, OH (near the PA border.  Haven't tried them, but looks good and their prices are a little lower)<br /><a href="http://www.justthisfarm.net/index.php">Just This Farm</a> -- Columbus, OH<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/tjmax@windstream.net">Dry Creek Valley Farm</a> -- Granville, OH (no website, but email)<br /><a href="http://www.foxhollowfarmnaturally.com/">Fox Hollow Farm</a> -- Bellville, OH<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/lgraham57@metalink.net">Graham Farms</a> -- Grand Rapids, OH (email only)<br /><a href="http://www.greengrassfarm.com/">Green Grass Farm</a> -- Athens, OH<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/andylynd@embarqmail.com">Kestral View Farm </a>-- Johnstown, OH (email only; this family also runs a fruit farm I have been to and liked)<br /><a href="http://www.blackbirdfarms.com/">Blackbird Farms</a> -- Pierpont, OH</p>
<p>To find local sources near you, visit <a href="http://www.eatwild.com/products/">Eat Wild</a>.</p>
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EXCERPT:
We recently just visited the Flying J Farm  to buy some organic grass-fed beef. It's so good, we bought 200 lbs! 75 was for extended family, but 125 was for us. We anticipate it lasting us 4 - 6 months. It'll be so great to have all that nice, healthy meat sitting in our freezer whenever we need it!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grocery Shopping for Healthy Foods
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/17/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Shopping for truly healthy foods isn't cheap or easy.  In fact, there can be a lot of difficult choices to make when deciding what to buy.  Is it necessary to go all organic?  What about meat?  In what areas can you compromise?</p>
<p>First, a few resources for you:<br /><a href="http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/">What on my Food?</a><br /><a href="http://www.ewg.org/node/21700">Dirty Dozen</a><br /><a href="http://www.eatwild.com/basics.html">Grass-fed Meat</a><br /><a href="http://www.realmilk.com/">Raw Milk</a></p>
<p>I'll expand on some of those links in future posts.  But, that's some good starting information.  This is some of the stuff I take into account when buying food for my family.</p>
<p>One great way to save money on meat is to buy a large order from a local farm, which we're doing (125 lbs.).  I'll detail that in another post.  Beyond that, though, my grocery shopping looks like this:</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Produce</span> ($30 - $50)<br />I buy produce for snacks, as well as whatever meals we're planning to have.  Here is a general list of what I buy each week:<br />*Potatoes+<br />*Onions<br />*Bananas<br />*Apples+<br />*Frozen, mixed vegetables<br />*Frozen corn<br />*Carrots+<br />*Dried garbanzo beans<br />*Green peppers+<br />*Spinach+<br />*Romaine lettuce+<br />*Iceberg lettuce<br />*Tomatoes (when my garden is done)<br />*Zucchini+<br />*Lemons<br />*Broccoli+</p>
<p>+Organic</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Animal Products</span> ($50 - $75)<br />*Grass-fed beef+<br />*Pastured chicken/turkey bones<br />*Boneless, skinless chicken breast<br />*Pastured eggs<br />*Bacon (nitrite and nitrate free)<br />*Ground turkey (we're moving away from this, towards beef)<br />*Raw, grass-fed cheese (on occasion; we're trying this with Bekah)</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baking</span> ($20 - $40)<br />*Coconut flour+<br />*Gluten-free all purpose flour (we're moving away from this for now)<br />*Almond flour+<br />*Coconut oil+<br />*Olive oil<br />*Raw honey (local)<br />*Turbinado sugar<br />*Coconut milk+</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous</span> ($10 - $50)<br />*Ketchup+<br />*Mustard<br />*Salad dressing<br />*Sliced almonds<br />*Corn tortillas<br />*Brown rice<br />*Toilet paper<br />*Cleaning supplies<br />*Anything else we need (fabric, candle wax, mason jars, etc.)</p>
<p>+Organic</p>
<p>It's a big list, and it takes awhile.  I shop around a lot to make sure I get the best prices on everything.  What I can buy local (at farmer's markets, Whole Foods' selection, etc.) I do.  You may notice that everything on these lists is whole, fresh ingredients.  There are no processed or pre-cooked foods, not even organic ones.  That does save a lot of money.  It means a lot more work, of course, because literally EVERYTHING has to be processed in some way (even if it's just rinsing and cutting) before it can be eaten.  It doesn't bode well for fast meals, which is why I spend most of the weekend preparing foods for the following week, especially lunches.  That way I can grab something fast.  But, this is a much healthier and cheaper approach.</p>
<p>On items I would buy non-organic anyway, I will sometimes shop at Walmart or wherever is the cheapest.  There's a local health food store, <a href="http://www.raisinrack.com/">Raisin Rack</a>, that actually has organic produce cheaper than some of Walmart's conventional!  So it does pay to shop around.  But, I frequent places like Walmart or Sam's Club for purchases like toilet paper or other goods.  Coops are also a good money-saver, if you can find them.</p>
<p>What do you buy for your weekly groceries?  How do you save money on healthy foods?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Shopping for truly healthy foods isn't cheap or easy. In fact, there can be a lot of difficult choices to make when deciding what to buy. Is it necessary to go all organic? What about meat? In what areas can you compromise?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 10/17/2009 03:47:39 AM
<p>I totally hear you on the buying fresh ingredients as opposed to pre-made stuff. After I moved down here, I discovered a love of cooking -  of making something from a whole lot of nothings (well, they aren&#39;t nothing, but you get the point). And while not everything has been a success, I&#39;ve learned a lot, like always try new foods on guests because they&#39;ll give you honest opinions. And if it goes wrong, there&#39;s always takeout or leftovers.</p><p>As for where I shop, I do most of my shopping at Winn-Dixie. I have their (free) rewards card that helps me to save a lot - in the 16 months I&#39;ve been shopping there, I&#39;ve saved over $500 on stuff I would&#39;ve been buying elsewhere anyway. I love buy one get one free meat sales! I don&#39;t do organic, at least not yet. The organic food selection in any of the grocery stores around (WD, Walmart, or the on-post grocery store) have an awful selection, and there aren&#39;t any Whole Foods or anything like that around. We buy some stuff at Sam&#39;s Club, but only if we were going to that town anyway (Sam&#39;s is about half an hour to 45 mins away, so we try to lump together all the stuff we needed to do in that town anyway - it&#39;s where the Hancock Fabrics is (basically a Joann&#39;s), the closest, albeit not-so-great, mall, etc.). We get our taco seasoning there as it&#39;s much cheaper - a big thing about 8 inches tall. We get pure Vanilla extract as we use it almost weekly for banana bread (great to have made for early mornings when we&#39;re leaving at 4 and don&#39;t feel like making food!), Liquid Plumber (my hair gets through the hair catcher in the shower), that sort of stuff. We don&#39;t eat produce often enough to consider buying it there (we eat it, but Sam&#39;s produce is in bigger packages and we don&#39;t eat it that fast) although I&#39;m considering grabbing some fruit as I&#39;m going to try freezer jam in a few weeks after I&#39;m done with this crazy part of school.</p><p>That&#39;s probably more info than you wanted, but hey - I&#39;m enjoying your blog posts. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Halloween
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/01/2009 03:00:00 AM
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<p>Happy Halloween!</p>
<p>However, like many Christians, we don't actually celebrate.  A lot of people struggle with what to do on Halloween if they don't trick-or-treat.  Do they let the kids participate sort of (i.e. hand out Christian message scrolls, as some of my friends do)?  Do they avoid the whole night, pretend it's normal?  Do they do another fun activity?  Is there a way to make it a meaningful Christian night?</p>
<p>Actually, there is.  On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the changes to the Catholic church, starting the <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/reformation.htm">Reformation</a>.  This led to the modern Protestant religion.  This is a really great event to celebrate because it is a major event in the church's history.  It will be fun to dress up in period clothes, explore what some of Luther's suggested changes were, act out a skit about how the dissatisfied people might have felt, prepare an authentic meal, etc.</p>
<p>Involve your children in planning for this event: writing the skit, planning the meal, buying or sewing clothes.  Celebrate what an important event this was for our history.  Invite local friends to join your celebration if you have any who agree.</p>
<p>Here are a few resources for Reformation Day:<br /><a href="http://www.theholidayzone.com/reformation/index.html">The Holiday Source: Reformation Activities</a><br /><a href="http://www.teacherhelp.org/holidays.htm#reformation">Teacher Activities: Reformation</a><br /><a href="http://nikkitatom.blogspot.com/2005/10/reformation-day-fun.html">Activities</a></p>
<p>How do you celebrate Halloween or the alternatives?  If you try any of these ideas, let me know!</p>
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<p>Happy Halloween!</p>
<p>However, like many Christians, we don't actually celebrate.  A lot of people struggle with what to do on Halloween if they don't trick-or-treat.  Do they let the kids participate sort of (i.e. hand out Christian message scrolls, as some of my friends do)?  Do they avoid the whole night, pretend it's normal?  Do they do another fun activity?  Is there a way to make it a meaningful Christian night?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News: Flu Shots, GMO Foods, Drug Marketing
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/21/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday: Current news all things health.<br /><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027248_disease_cancer_health.html"><br />A Virus Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?</a><br />Scientists are now saying that due to a weak correlation between a particular virus and CFS, it appears that CFS is caused by the virus.  This is a logical fallacy that Mike Adams points out, while explaining why scientists would make such a statement -- to create and sell more vaccines.<br /><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027243_GMO_soy_food.html"><br />Why Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are not good for you</a><br />GMOs have been in the food supply for nearly 20 years now, but are not labeled.  Read why not, where they are found, and what they are doing to your health.</p>
<p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/15/People-Who-Get-a-Seasonal-Flu-Shot-Are-Twice-as-Likely-to-Catch-Swine-Flu.aspx">People Who Get Seasonal Flu Shot are Twice as Likely to get Swine Flu</a><br />Dr. Mercola posts his comments about a brand-new Canadian study done on the flu and flu shots.  Yet another reason to skip the flu shot and boost your immune system naturally instead!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027258_vaccines_flu_vaccine.html">Ten Questions Authorities Refuse to Answer about Flu Shots</a><br />Some good information about flu shots at a time when everyone's pushing you to get one.</p>
<p><a href="http://insidevaccines.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/mumps-vaccine-perceptions-and-emerging-realities/">Mumps Vaccine and Vaccine Efficacy</a><br />Some new studies that examine why vaccines aren't working as they were designed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027265_depression_mediterranean_diet_health.html">Mediterranean Diet Lowers Risk of Depression</a><br />A diet rich in fish, nuts, whole grains, and certain oils has been found to reduce the risk of depression.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027276_Pfizer_drugs_the_FDA.html">Pfizer to Pay $3.1 billion in Fines for Off-Label Drug Marketing</a><br />Although it is legal to prescribe drugs for off-label use (that's another story in itself), it is not legal for drug companies to advertise off-label uses.  Pfizer did with several popular drugs, and has been caught, and is required to pay a record fine.<br /><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/20/Are-Your-Toothpaste-Shampoo-and-Body-Wash-Harming-Your-Health.aspx"><br />Is Your Beauty Routine Killing You?</a><br />Ingredients in many popular personal care products are very toxic to your health.</p>
<p>Please be sure to leave your comments on the above articles, and to share any other interesting bits of information you've found!</p>
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EXCERPT:
ealth News Tuesday: Current news all things health.

A Virus Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Scientists are now saying that due to a weak correlation between a particular virus and CFS, it appears that CFS is caused by the virus. This is a logical fallacy that Mike Adams points out, while explaining why scientists would make such a statement -- to create and sell more vaccines.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News: Swine flu emergency and Pitocin risks
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p>
<p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/22/New-Study-Demonstrates-Significant-Harm-From-Just-ONE-Mercury-Containing-Vaccine.aspx">New Study Demonstrates Harm from Just ONE Mercury-Containing Vaccine</a><br />If you're still considering vaccines, it's very important to read this article.  It cites several studies, many conducted by the CDC itself or independent researchers, which show evidence of harm and a link to autism.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ogi/2009/807659.html">Labor Augmentation Depletes Glutathione Levels</a><br />This study finds that when women are given Pitocin during labor, their infants have lower levels of glutathione (which helps the body to detox).  The study concludes that although this is a sign of oxidative stress, it is unimportant and labor augmentation is no big deal.  I disagree, since I had Pitocin with Bekah and she now has chronically low glutathione!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027338_chelation_health_blood.html">Chelation Therapy Helps Cure Health Problems</a><br />Details about what chelation therapy is and its uses.  This therapy is frequently used in kids with autism to rid the body of mercury, but can be used to rid the body of other metals as well.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027332_cancer_brst_health.html">Breast Cancer Awareness Month Exposed</a><br />The truth behind breast cancer awareness, treatments, etc.  Mammograms are dangerous and have only a 5% of providing any benefit to a woman.  Read about this and more in this article.<br /><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/swine-flu-article/20091027.htm"><br />Swine Flu National Emergency</a><br />New research on this "pandemic" suggests only 1 - 3% of "swine flu cases" were actually any flu at all, and more important information.</p>
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/22/New-Study-Demonstrates-Significant-Harm-From-Just-ONE-Mercury-Containing-Vaccine.aspx">New Study Demonstrates Harm from Just ONE Mercury-Containing Vaccine</a><br/>If you're still considering vaccines, it's very important to read this article.  It cites several studies, many conducted by the CDC itself or independent researchers, which show evidence of harm and a link to autism.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Introduction
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/10/2009 01:42:00 AM
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<p>Hello, and welcome to my blog!</p>
<p>My name is Kate.  I have a wonderful husband, Ben (married for a little over 3 years), and two beautiful kids, Bekah (20 months) and Daniel (12 weeks).  We live in Ohio, where both of us grew up and we're now raising our kids.</p>
<p>Our family follows Jesus, so a lot of what I blog about will include some of the ways we're trying to be like Jesus, or to live with God's laws in mind.  I'm especially interested in using God's provisions wisely at this time.</p>
<p>The name of this blog, Modern Alternative Mama, comes from the fact that we don't live what you'd call a "mainstream" life at all.  Daniel was born at home (and so will be all future children), we practice extended and tandem breastfeeding (both kids are currently nursing), we cloth diaper (I even designed and sew my own!), we eat organically, we garden organically, and more!  Our life is designed to be as natural and as close to God's original design as possible.</p>
<p>Additionally, we have some allergies in the family, so we don't eat gluten or dairy at this time.  I'll post GF/CF recipes from time to time.  Requests are accepted, as I love to play around in the kitchen to see what I can come up with!</p>
<p>There are many other things going on in our lives right now, but all that will unfold as I begin posting many different entries on all the subjects of interest!  There will be recipes, grocery shopping help, health/medical news (I love nutrition/health!), and more!</p>
<p>Visit frequently or subscribe so you never miss a post!</p>
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EXCERPT:
My name is Kate. I have a wonderful husband, Ben (married for a little over 3 years), and two beautiful kids, Bekah (20 months) and Daniel (12 weeks). We live in Ohio, where both of us grew up and we're now raising our kids.

Our family follows Jesus, so a lot of what I blog about will include some of the ways we're trying to be like Jesus, or to live with God's laws in mind. I'm especially interested in using God's provisions wisely at this time.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Birth Control and Fertility
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know that we believe in <a href="/2009/10/going-gluten-free.html">quiverfull</a>.  As such, we don't use any form of birth control, or any form of fertility enhancements (read: drugs).  Such things are against our beliefs, but they are also unhealthy for everyone.  Drugs that control your hormones can mess up your body's ability to self-regulate and can cause fertility problems and other issues down the line.  Fortunately, there are natural alternatives.<br /><a href="http://nfpandmore.org/"><br />Natural Family Planning</a> is a method of fertility -- both avoiding pregnancy and attempting to get pregnant -- that uses no drugs or any alterations, but simply paying attention to your body's natural rhythms and working with them.  I have gotten pregnant twice using this method!  There are several signs to pay attention to, and I'll describe each briefly below:</p>
<p>Temperature -- Take your temperature each morning immediately upon waking and before rising.  This works best if it is done at the same time each day.  The day after ovulation, you will see a slight shift upwards, typically .2 or .3 degrees, and the shift will be sustained until you have your period.  When your period is expected, it will drop back to pre-ovulation levels.  Your temperature will confirm that you are ovulating, and can give you an idea of when to expect ovulation once you have charted at least three cycles.  By knowing when you ovulate, you can choose to have sex around ovulation to conceive, or avoid the three to five days before and the day after in order to avoid conception.</p>
<p>Cervical Position -- Your cervix can vary from very low to very high, depending on the point you are at in your cycle.  When your period starts (and just before/after), it is low and closed (opens slightly during your period, but closed before/after).  As you near ovulation, your cervix will rise and open.  You may notice your cervix starting to rise up to a week before ovulation, and it should be at its highest point the day or so before and the day of.</p>
<p>Cervical Mucus -- Mucus (cervical discharge) also varies by point in the cycle.  After your period it should be basically dry, very little discharge.  (During your period, it's just...your period.)  After a few days, the discharge will turn sticky and be only small amounts, then turn creamy or lotiony and white or yellowish.  As you approach ovulation, the discharge will thin out and turn clear and watery.  Watery discharge is prior to ovulation, but means it is close, so it should be considered fertile.  On the day of ovulation, you will notice clear, stretchy, jelly-like discharge.  It is very much like raw egg whites, and will stretch very far between two fingers.  This is the most fertile cervical mucus (and it's why some women use raw egg whites as lubrication when they're trying to conceive) and means ovulation is occurring or is about to occur.</p>
<p>Cervical Texture -- During and after your period, your cervix is hard, much like the tip of your nose, and rather tight.  As you approach ovulation, it will open and spread and become soft and spongy, feeling more like the inside of your bottom lip.  It will then firm up and drop down again, even if you are pregnant (initially).  As it happens, it is also soft like this when pregnant, although it is closed.  Some women suspect pregnancy if, at the end of their cycles, their cervixes remain high, soft, and closed instead of returning to the low and hard texture/position they should before their periods.  However, this change happens at various points of pregnancy for different women (it could occur days or weeks after you miss your period), so a low, firm cervix after ovulation does not mean you cannot be pregnant.</p>
<p>Other Signs -- Some women find that they are bloated, sore, cramping on one side, emotional, or have other personal signs as they approach ovulation.  Many women find that they simply "know" when they ovulate after spending time paying attention to their bodies.</p>
<p>By being in tune with your body, it is easy to either avoid a pregnancy, or get pregnant.  Personally, it took us two months to get pregnant with Bekah (and I was very stressed the first month, which may have affected things) and only one month to get pregnant with Daniel, using these methods.  It can also help you to know when something is wrong with your body, if you are intimately familiar with its rhythms.  You can read even more about this method <a href="http://www.familyplanning.net/">here</a>.</p>
<p>To turn to another issue, WHY should you bother with this method when taking a pill or putting on a condom is so much easier?  Nothing to chart, nothing to remember, nothing to pay (much) attention to.  Pills and condoms also allow you to have sex whenever you feel like it, without the risk of pregnancy, while NFP requires you to abstain for a few days out of the month.  However, by using hormonal birth control methods, you are putting yourself at serious risk.</p>
<p>This <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/35663.php">study</a> found that birth control users can suffer from chronically low testosterone (which is needed for proper sex drive and helps conception), mental health issues (depression), and more.  Long-term side effects from the pill have not been studied thoroughly, so this recent research, which hints at long-term issues, is even scarier.</p>
<p>The "pill" can cause many other issues, too.  It works primarily by causing a woman's body to produce large amounts of estrogen.  Dr. Carolyn Dean discusses the risks <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/10/27/birth-control-part-two.aspx">here</a>.  To summarize, estrogen can cause various forms of cancer, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, benign liver tumors, mood swings, weight gain, and more.  These risks absolutely do not outweigh any benefit of taking these pills.</p>
<p>Any time we put chemicals in our bodies, we are taking a risk.  Changing our body's chemistry or messing with it can have serious long-term consequences.  Some women who take the pill, especially versions that actually suppress their periods (either entirely, like <a href="http://www.drugs.com/pdr/depo-provera.html">Depo Provera</a>, an injectable hormonal method; or only temporarily, like <a href="http://www.drugs.com/seasonale.html">Seasonale</a>, which limits a woman's periods to 4 times per year) have fertility issues when they do decide they want to conceive.  This leads to using further hormones, like <a href="http://www.drugs.com/clomid.html">Clomid</a>, to fix the problem that shouldn't have been created in the first place.  The solution is to just get away from all of these chemicals and to eat a healthy diet, which will regulate a woman's cycle and make her truly healthy.  Weston A. Price has a <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/women/reprod-health.html">pre-conception plan</a> as well as a <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/children/dietformothers.html">pregnancy and lactation diet</a> that can increase chances of conception and a <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/women/index.html">woman's health</a> during reproduction.</p>
<p>There are even issues with using tampons and other chemical-filled disposable pads (same chemicals are in disposable diapers, which is why we don't use them), but that's for another blog post!</p>
<p>What do you do for birth control, if you use it?  Does any of this information surprise you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know that we believe in quiverfull. As such, we don't use any form of birth control, or any form of fertility enhancements (read: drugs). Such things are against our beliefs, but they are also unhealthy for everyone. Drugs that control your hormones can mess up your body's ability to self-regulate and can cause fertility problems and other issues down the line. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 10/26/2009 01:29:11 AM
<p>I do use the pill, but I use the lowest dose pill I can (took me 3 pills to find one my body responded to) and still get the no baby effects. I do know the risks of taking it, but at this point in my life (attempting to finish up flight school; if I got pregnant now, I&#39;d have to wait until after the baby was born + 6 weeks maternity leave + however long it took me to get back into shape to pass a PT test + the rest of flight school time, of which I do have another 4 month course after this one...ugg) it would throw such a huge wrench into the works that I don&#39;t know how I could continue where I am.</p><p>Nathan and I also are trying to work on our relationship before we consider having a family beyond the two of us. Maybe at some point where I know that my future is state-side, not overseas, I might consider, but most likely not until I&#39;m out of the Army as I want to raise my own kids, not someone else. </p><p>Speaking of tampons/pads, have you ever heard of the Diva Cup? Highly recommend it...reduced my cramps to next to nothing, gets changed every 8-12 hours (soap and water to clean during the period, then boiled after) and is made of surgical grade silicone. Highly recommend it - it&#39;s amazing. I bought mine on Amazon. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Organic Gardening Carnival: Reflection
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/14/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>We've owned a house together for four summers now, but have only attempted a real garden the last two summers.  Last year's garden was basically an abysmal failure (I got a handful of cherry tomatoes and a couple green peppers), but we forged ahead and gardened this year again.</p>
<p>It was kind of interesting to do the planting this year, since I was over 7 months pregnant at the time, and bending and reaching wasn't what I really wanted to do.  But, I did it.  In early June, I planted tomatoes, squash, green peppers, broccoli, watermelon, and a few other things....  Not all of it grew, so I'm honestly not sure what else was originally there!</p>
<p>Something you should know is that we've been composting for a couple years, too.  For awhile we threw everything in a big plastic bin outside, but last winter we got lazy and started throwing everything directly into the garden, which we turned into the soil in the spring.  It worked fine, but one thing that got turned into the soil a lot was partially rotten tomatoes.  The garden was also pretty well covered by this compost material through the winter, and tomato plants are actually perennials...so this led to a bit of an interesting gardening situation!</p>
<p>First -- I shouldn't have planted broccoli in June.  It's the wrong season for it.  The plant grew, but didn't produce.  It's still out there and I'm sort of hoping it'll produce this fall, since it also works now.  It just needs cooler weather.</p>
<p>The rest of it -- well!  So many of our "weeds" out there were really extra tomato plants!  All those extra seeds in the soil grew on their own and we had DOZENS of tomato plants all tangled together.  We had many, many different varieties, including a few heirloom plants.  We actually have two different plots, and I didn't even plant any tomatoes in one of them -- but they grew there, too.  The plants grew and were too heavy, and we didn't have enough cages for all of them (and they actually knocked a couple of the cages over), so a harvesting from the garden was difficult.  We had to climb through it and lift up plants to get at the tomatoes.</p>
<p>Next year I think we'll try to keep the garden a bit more organized, although I did enjoy having all those "wild" tomatoes.  I also didn't spend a whole lot of time out there weeding.  But with a baby born in mid-July, I wasn't up for much most of the summer.  Next year should be easier since I won't have any newborns (I hope!!).  It was really nice to take my daughter out, though, and have her help me pick tomatoes.  We worked on colors ("Pick only the red ones!") and I enjoy that she knows where food really comes from.</p>
<p>The rest of my plants didn't do so well.  We ended up with one, tiny green pepper and two squashes.  The squashes really puzzled me.  The plants grew very large and flowered beautifully, but almost none of the flowers turned into squashes!  I've always been told how the plants usually overproduce, and that was not my experience!  Does anyone have any ideas on that one?  Next summer I'd love to grow zucchini, as I enjoy adding it to pasta (brown rice pasta these days), frying it (in coconut oil), etc.  Next summer I'll also be feeding Daniel his early solids, and I'd love him to have only fresh, local, organic food whenever possible.</p>
<p>As a side note, I plan to breastfeed Daniel exclusively for 8 - 12 months.  So he really won't be eating anything until the early produce is coming out next spring, at the earliest.</p>
<p>Gardens honestly require more attention and planning than I gave mine.  My husband thinks the best solution is hydroponics and grow lights indoors.  I'm not opposed to this idea, as I'd love it if my garden produced year around!  I've tried to grow herbs indoors -- most failed miserably.  I had a nice basil plant for several months.  It's still there but not growing as well now.  I hope to grow more herbs soon, when I figure out why my others died.</p>
<p>All in all, it was an interesting year gardening!  But I enjoyed it, and with my small "helpers" growing bigger and more helpful every year, I'm sure it will be even better!</p>
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EXCERPT:
We've owned a house together for four summers now, but have only attempted a real garden the last two summers. Last year's garden was basically an abysmal failure (I got a handful of cherry tomatoes and a couple green peppers), but we forged ahead and gardened this year again.

It was kind of interesting to do the planting this year, since I was over 7 months pregnant at the time, and bending and reaching wasn't what I really wanted to do. But, I did it. In early June, I planted tomatoes, squash, green peppers, broccoli, watermelon, and a few other things.... Not all of it grew, so I'm honestly not sure what else was originally there!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02563723957546490417
DATE: 11/06/2009 03:59:59 AM
<p>Sounds like you did great, starting your garden pregnant and all. I did the same thing, and I was glad that I did it anyways! </p><p>Your wild tomato patch sounds crazy but fun. I had a few extra tomato plants pop up too from cherry tomatoes that burst, I think. Reminds me that I need to go clear all the dead tomatoes off of my garden before winter, or I&#39;ll have wild tomatoes, too! </p><p>Your squash issue sounds like a pollination problem. I had the same thing happen. Not every flower should become a squash, because some are male and some are female (only females become a vegatables). But next year you could try hand pollinating (I linked to a good tutorial in my own gardening post). That should make a big difference for you. We love squash, too!</p><p>Thanks so much for sharing your experience and joining in the carnival! :) </p><p>Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 10/14/2009 03:09:40 AM
<p>Have you considered buying worms? My parents use a rubbermaid container for compost, but they buy worms yearly and put them in it. It requires little to no extra effort (they were buying the worms from a gardening catalog, but the order never came one year so they&#39;ve since just bought &#39;bait&#39; worms from grocery stores/pharmacies that carry them in the summer) as long as you have it set up by the time you get them. They reproduce like crazy in a compost bin too...my parents would constantly be finding baby worms when turning over the compost in the bin (surprisingly, they love coffee grounds, corn meal, and eggshells, but you can&#39;t put onions/garlic or citrus in there - burns their skin). Just a thought - it helps prevent the seeds from growing when you put it in the garden at the end of the season, plus then you have billions of worms to help with your drainage.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Quiverfull
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/15/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>You've probably never heard of quiverfull.  I hadn't, either, until about a year ago.  Last October, a woman at my church was teaching a 4-week class on motherhood.  She had 10 kids of her own; that was all I knew going in.  Sadly, I expected her to be fat and tired-looking.  I also thought her kids would range in age from very young to completely grown.</p>
<p>I was wrong on all counts.  She was young, maybe mid-30s, and thin and attractive.  She clearly spent time dressing nicely and putting on makeup (how, with 10 kids, I don't know!).  Her kids also ranged in age from 4 months - 12 years.  There were no twins.  So she had a baby every 12 - 15 months!</p>
<p>After the class was over, I spent some time talking to her.  I was curious how she managed 10, and why she had chosen to have so many.  Ben and I had talked before we had gotten married about how many kids we wanted.  I'd said 4, he'd said 5, and I'd said done.  In reality there was a lot more conversation, but that was the gist.  Our families thought we were crazy and said "Wait till you have one, you won't want so many."  But after Bekah was born, we loved it so much that Ben said "Let's have 10!"  He was sort of kidding...at first.  But now he's not.  We really want 10 kids.  So, that's why I was so curious.</p>
<p>She gave me information about "Quiverfull," which is a Biblical ideal about having children.  This movement believes that all children are a gift from God, and that you should take as many as you are given.  "Quiverfull" families (including us) do not practice any form of birth control, not even the rhythm method or natural family planning.  The Duggars are the most famous example of a family who practices Quiverfull.</p>
<p>I, like a lot of families who end up subscribing to this philosophy, did take birth control at one point.  I now believe this to be harmful (even if you don't subscribe to this philosophy.  I will post on that another time).  In February 2007, I decided I was done with birth control.  I got pregnant in May, and Bekah was born in January 2008.  We had talked and prayed during this pregnancy, and had decided we would not use anymore birth control, and we would just see what happened.  As it worked out, I got pregnant again in November 2008, and we were both ready and actively trying for another baby at that point.  Daniel was born in July 2009.</p>
<p>At this point, Daniel is almost three months old.  I haven't gotten my period back (I got it back two weeks after Bekah started solids, so I'm not anticipating getting it back for awhile yet this time), so I don't think I could get pregnant yet.  But if I do...I'm not worrying about it.  I'm praying that God is watching out for me, so that I can continue to provide for my current babies as best I can, and that whenever He does choose to give me another, that we will all be ready for it.</p>
<p>Quiverfull is not for everyone.  It requires an entire lifestyle that is completely family-centered, much more heavily than is typical for our culture.  In mainstream society, it is common to multi-task as much as possible, and women who stay home with their children are often looked down upon.  Many women have only a few children, and work full time outside the home.  This is what society says is the "right" way to be.  I believe this places far too much pressure on women to be "super moms" and that it devalues the most important work, raising the next generation.  Quiverfull families put their children at the center, no matter what, and reject society's views.</p>
<p>Ben chooses to work 6:30 - 3:30 everyday so that he is home by 4 and can spend a good part of the afternoon and evening with the children before they go to bed.  This time also allows me to get things done around the house that I can't do during the day, when they need me.  I choose not to work (except for teaching a couple of private music lessons, in the evenings when Ben is with the kids) so that I am here with them all the time.  I believe they need ME, not just a care taker.  We spend our weekends together, working to help the children and take care of the home.  We accept the knowledge that we may have to make sacrifices that others won't understand (lifestyle, financial, etc.) to raise our kids well.</p>
<p>However, we find this lifestyle incredibly satisfying.  Being able to give oneself over completely to other people, to serve others, to take frustrations in stride, really helps to make us happy and bring us in line with God's plan for us.  We really believe this is what we're meant to do, because everything we need to make it happen (easy pregnancies and births, healthy children, flexible work schedules, etc.) has fallen in line so easily for us.  God wouldn't make it so easy if it wasn't meant to be.</p>
<p>If you are interested in learning more, please look at this website: http://www.quiverfull.com/.  Or, post your questions below!  We'll keep you informed as our quiver grows.  :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
You've probably never heard of quiverfull. I hadn't, either, until about a year ago. Last October, a woman at my church was teaching a 4-week class on motherhood. She had 10 kids of her own; that was all I knew going in. Sadly, I expected her to be fat and tired-looking. I also thought her kids would range in age from very young to completely grown.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara
EMAIL: sara@designelectricinc.com
IP: 66.207.95.61
URL: 
DATE: 02/16/2011 05:02:45 PM
<p>The issue that I have with Quiverfull is that it&#39;s taking a few Bible verses out of context and not looking at all of the issues involved. It&#39;s true that Adam and Eve, and then Noah and his family, were both told to &quot;go forth and multiply&quot;, to have children an fill the earth. Also, the Bible makes it clear that children are a blessing and that the life of even an unborn child is precious to God, so that he does not approve of abortion in any form. </p><p>However, the balance to me is that the Christian congregation was NOT ever commanded to have children. Instead, in Matt. 28:18, 19, Jesus told his followers to &quot;go and make disciples&quot;, and to teach them about Jesus and God&#39;s Kingdom. The letters of the Apostle Paul also talk about marriage but also the gift of singleness, because in choosing singleness a person would have more time to focus on doing God&#39;s will to their utmost. In short, Christians were told to teach others and make disciples of Jesus, not through childbearing, but through a ministry of education, following the example of Jesus and his apostles. This is equally important to me because it is apparent through the signs that Jesus gave his apostles that this system and it&#39;s governments cannot last much longer, and I would like to spend as much time as possible helping people to learn God&#39;s will and repent. </p><p>I have a daughter who is a year old, and I hope to have another in the next few years. I cannot subscribe to the Quiverfull movement because there is no way that I&#39;d have time to be in the ministry, talking to others about Jesus and his Father if I had 10 children, and I think that it is an oversimplification of the Biblical principle that children are a gift from God.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Rebekah's Story
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/12/2009 03:00:00 AM
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BODY:
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<p>Rebekah's story is kind of long.  But it explains everything that we're up against!  A brief summary -- Bekah has suffered from allergies since she was very young, and we're still struggling to figure it out.  She's a bit language delayed and we recently found out she's severely deficient in certain nutrients.  This story details my pregnancy, her birth, and her life, as well as everything we've learned so far.  As we try/learn more, I will post updates!</p>
<p>I became pregnant with Rebekah in May 2007, after three months of trying.  I found out May 26, 2007 that I was expecting her.  She was born exactly 8 months later, on January 26, 2008.  In the first trimester of my pregnancy, I very frequently took Tylenol (1/2 dose) and Immodium.  I also occasionally took anti-nausea medications as I had a hard time eating for the first 6 &ndash; 7 weeks.  Later in my pregnancy I rarely took any medication, and if I did, it was one of those previously mentioned.</p>
<p>On the morning on Jan. 26, I woke at 6:45 with random contractions.  At 7:15 they picked up to every 3 minutes, then every 2 minutes.  At 8 am we headed to the hospital.  We were sent home for &ldquo;no progress,&rdquo; but as soon as we got home (10:30 or 11), the contractions picked up in intensity.  We headed back to the hospital at 12:30 and they kept me.  I was totally unprepared and begged for drugs, and was given Nubain (a narcotic) around 1 PM.  Around 3 PM I was told my water would need to be broken.  I refused to do it without an epidural, so I received the epidural, then my water was broken.  There was light meconium staining, so they called a specialist in for her birth in case she had trouble breathing.  Around 4 or 5 the doctor decided (from the reading on the monitors) that my contractions weren&rsquo;t long enough or strong enough and they gave me Pitocin (which did not change the strength or length).  I was fully dialated by 7:30 PM, but she wasn&rsquo;t born until a bit after 9.  I could feel the contractions but not the urge to push, so it didn&rsquo;t matter.  The doctor barely made it, as I pushed less than 10 minutes and she was born.  She was crying a bit and I knew she was fine but they wouldn&rsquo;t give her to me except for just a few seconds, until she was 30 &ndash; 45 minutes old and I&rsquo;d been stitched up and she&rsquo;d been suctioned, given vit K, and eye ointment.</p>
<p>Rebekah didn&rsquo;t nurse until 12:30 PM, and had a bath and newborn checks before it.  I continued to have Pitocin for almost another 24 hours after birth, as well as Motrin and a stool softener.  We left the hospital after just 24 hours though.</p>
<p>At home we struggled with breastfeeding and she received occasional supplements and pumped milk for the first 6 weeks.  She was very erratic in her sleeping/eating behavior, especially the first three weeks (much more so than my second baby).  There were nights she&rsquo;d sleep 9 hours straight, and nights she&rsquo;d wake at 3 am and just be awake.  At 6 weeks, I stopped pumping and supplementing and started fully breastfeeding.  I was seriously depleted, though, and was very sick for awhile.  I had joint pain in my elbows, wrists, and knees, and I was afraid to carry her around because I thought I might drop her.  I was constantly exhausted and felt like she was sucking the life out of me every time she nursed.  A cheap multivitamin actually made me feel better &ndash; I was that depleted.  It is likely my milk was also deficient, and I also felt like I never had enough for her.  She wanted to nurse every 30 minutes sometimes (at least every 60 minutes) and my supply never seemed to increase.  During my illness at 6 weeks PP, I took Phenergan once, but pumped and dumped so I don&rsquo;t think any got to her.</p>
<p>At 2 months of age (or so), she began to get chronic diaper rash.  At the time I thought it may be due to our switch to cloth diapers, but now I don&rsquo;t think so.  She also got cradle cap (I now know that&rsquo;s a sign of allergies).  The cradle cap persisted and got worse.  By 3 months it was obvious her hair (she&rsquo;d been born with a lot) was thinning.  It also was not growing at all (they say newborn hair does fall out, but usually the other hair is growing at the same time so parents don&rsquo;t notice).  By 6 months, her hair had completely fallen out, and only then finally started to grow.</p>
<p>At 4 months I got impatient with her night waking and constant demands to nurse and started her on rice cereal, then peas, pears, and bananas (she is allergic to peas, which I did not figure out until much later).  She also started on oatmeal cereal and apples after a few weeks.  By 6 months she was eating bits of most things &ndash; cheese (processed), various fruits and vegetables.  By 7 &ndash; 8 months I&rsquo;d feed her whatever I&rsquo;d made for myself &ndash; cream soups, quesadillas, pasta, etc.  She would eat anything put in front of her at that time.  I had meant to be more cautious but I just wasn&rsquo;t because I was excited about her eating new things.</p>
<p>At 8 months, she got three new teeth, a cold (her first) and we traveled simultaneously.  She began receiving Tylenol at this point.  She continued to have it nearly daily, sometimes more often, for about two months.  (Tylenol depletes glutathione, which she is now severely deficient in.  Giving so much Tylenol then likely didn&rsquo;t cause this, but it sure didn&rsquo;t help.)  Between 8 and 10 months, she was waking up almost every night, crying.  I nursed her back to sleep a lot, gave Tylenol because I was exhausted.  Eventually we switched to teething tablets, because she continued to teethe.  She got 14 teeth between 8 and 11 months, including her first set of molars.</p>
<p>By 11 months, Rebekah was eating pretty much everything.  We fed her spaghetti, lots of cheese (mozzarella and cheddar, shredded &ndash; she loved mozzarella best), whole grain bread, applesauce, bananas, etc.  She was still waking at night, constant diaper rash (it would flare up, bright red and she&rsquo;d scream.  We&rsquo;d put cream on it and it would fade, turn into red, raw sores that sometimes bled.  Then it would go away.  But within a day or so it would be back and we&rsquo;d go through the whole process again.  Over and over).  She sometimes had diarrhea and she was fussy.</p>
<p>Right after 11 months, she&rsquo;d taken her first steps, and she got sick.  There was a stomach flu going around and it was the first time she&rsquo;d gotten anything like it.  I had it first.  For three days she didn&rsquo;t eat much.  After this she would not eat as much as before &ndash; no more vegetables (previously we could steam any vegetable and feed it to her, mashed or not, and she&rsquo;d eat it).  Right before her birthday she had another minor illness, where she was sleeping and vomiting for a day, and after that she would eat almost nothing.  She would only eat bread, apples, bananas, potatoes, and cheese.  Anything else, even previous favorites, were refused.</p>
<p>It was just after her first birthday that it was suggested that she had food allergies and this was causing her night waking.  We stopped giving her cheese and saw improvements.  She slept somewhat better (she still woke up, but unlike before, she didn&rsquo;t refuse to go back to sleep for two hours and scream the whole time).  She didn&rsquo;t get diaper rash nearly as often, although it continued.<br />Around 13 months, we saw a doctor.  She suggested perhaps Bekah was deficient in zinc, and gave her supplements, plus a probiotic.  Within hours of the first dose of zinc, she began eating taco meat and lettuce (that night&rsquo;s dinner), two things she had never eaten before.  (Zinc helps with immune system function, and could have healed her from the illnesses she&rsquo;d had.)</p>
<p>At this point, Bekah was saying a handful of words &ndash; ma, da, cup, keys, kitty, juice, and a few others.  She was also walking.  Her physical development continued to advance quickly.  She was running, jumping, dancing, climbing, etc. months before any book said to expect it.  Her regular doctor continued to say how she was at/ahead of her milestones.</p>
<p>Over the next several months, Bekah continued to nurse a lot, and occasionally try new foods.  She started to eat celery (if I was cutting it), potatoes (she&rsquo;d lost that for awhile), carrots (sometimes, she honestly doesn&rsquo;t really like them), nuts (she loves them but is allergic), chicken, turkey, and eventually beef and eggs.  She still loved all bread.  She also frequently had smoothies with blueberry-pomegranate juice and pineapple, peach, strawberry, and mango.  We put coconut oil, flax oil, and other supplements in these smoothies, and I felt like she was getting decent nutrition when I could get her to drink this.  Unfortunately her allergy symptoms were flaring up still and we figured it was something in the smoothie.  We also figured out peanuts and peas at this time, and tried smoothies again.  The final time (July, 18 months), she threw up within an hour of having the smoothie and was then fine, so we have not given her anymore.  We suspect pineapple/mango.</p>
<p>Although most of her symptoms were better, she continued to occasionally get diaper rash for no reason we could figure out; she had loose stools a lot; and finally her palms turned red and itchy.  At this point (19 months), we cut gluten and most grains.  She began sleeping through the night more often, at least for a couple weeks (we had some disturbances during this time &ndash; new baby brother at 17.5 months, then dad traveling for a few days at 20 months, right after we cut gluten).</p>
<p>Her development, at this point, was advanced in all areas except speech.  She is very coordinated and her gross and fine motor are both good.  She uses utensils well to feed herself, scribbles with crayons, easily climbs, walks up and down stairs, etc.  She understands everything that is said to her and can follow two step directions (and has been able to since 14 or 15 months).  She remembers things well and picks up on new words and concepts easily.  At 17 months we began teaching her sign.  It took a couple days for her to learn the first sign, but only minutes to pick up on future signs.  She currently signs milk, more, sleepy, eat, drink, please, thank you.  She will sign if she wants to ask for something, and not just in reaction to something we&rsquo;ve said (i.e. she&rsquo;ll randomly ask for a drink if she is thirsty, not just because she&rsquo;s been asked or has seen a cup).</p>
<p>Her language is still mostly unintelligible.  She says &ldquo;ma&rdquo; if she is looking for me or if presented with a picture.  She will not say &ldquo;ma&rdquo; if she is talking to me &ndash; she typically does not use titles.  Most things are &ldquo;uh uh uh&rdquo; or &ldquo;mmm da.&rdquo;  She no longer says &ldquo;juice.&rdquo;  She has occasionally repeated words clearly but will not say any if prompted.  She says &ldquo;cup, keys, kitty, brother, ma, da, that, this, yes&rdquo; and a few others.  She has never said no, although she will occasionally shake her head no.  Typically she will say yes, and if she means no, will ignore the question.  (This is developmentally inappropriate.)  She rarely attempts to use new words, and then only if she has a particular attachment to what she is naming.  She learned &ldquo;brother&rdquo; very quickly after her brother&rsquo;s birth because he is important to her.  Most things she won&rsquo;t name, even if she is aware of the name for them.  She will point to objects or body parts when asked, so she does know the names.  But she will not speak and say the names.  She generally will not imitate ANYTHING verbally and never has (even as a young baby, 3 &ndash; 4 months, when the books said she should have been cooing back to us, imitating the sounds we made &ndash; she did not).  She does, however, imitate in other ways frequently (she enjoys helping around the house and will imitate any physical actions we do).</p>
<p>Her speech, therefore, has always been &ldquo;wrong.&rdquo;  She has continued to make slow, steady progress, but has not met milestones properly and has even lost some skills verbally.  Both her father and I were very early talkers and easily understandable and using full sentences at age 2.  At 20 months she has only a small handful of words and is very difficult to understand.</p>
<p>At this point we are beginning B12 injections and transdermal glutathione.  We will also be putting her on the GAPS diet to try to heal her gut.  She shows the same physical symptoms (these deficiencies and inability to make/use these nutrients properly) and language delay that spectrum kids do.  She has no other symptoms (like motor control issues, social issues, etc.), which I believe is because she never had anything to trigger the full-blown autism.  She has never been vaccinated nor given antibiotics.  I believe this has saved her.</p>
<p>In 6 months, after being on the diet and having the supplements, we will reassess.  The doctor fully expects her language to burst forward within weeks of her beginning the supplements and she may be caught up by age 2.  If not, we will begin to look into some other areas &ndash; NAET and other alternative practitioners.</p>
<p>A side note: according to the mainstream pediatrician&rsquo;s milestone charts, her verbal skills are within normal ranges, albeit on the lower end.  A typical pediatrician would never have picked up on this (and didn&rsquo;t) and probably would have just counted her as a &ldquo;late bloomer.&rdquo;  My mommy instincts told me that wasn&rsquo;t the case.</p>
<p>My son, who is almost 12 weeks, does not show signs of cradle cap and has never had diaper rash.  We have already identified a couple of allergies and have cut them from my diet.  I took no medicine during pregnancy or labor with him and had a much better diet, and am not currently deficient (that I know of; no symptoms).  He is meeting his milestones even ahead of where she did, holding his head up by 4 weeks, pushing up to 90 degrees on his tummy at 6 &ndash; 8 weeks, smiling at 4 weeks, babbling and cooing with a variety of sounds by 6 weeks (now he nearly has more sounds than she does).  He has also been exclusively breastfed with no pumped milk and no supplements.  Because of her history and his allergies, though, he is going to be supplemented transdermally with glutathione and B12.  He is also on vit D through me and/or Carlson&rsquo;s baby drops.</p>
<p>In 6 months we will see where we are.  Neither will ever get any vaccines.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Rebekah's story is kind of long. But it explains everything that we're up against! A brief summary -- Bekah has suffered from allergies since she was very young, and we're still struggling to figure it out. She's a bit language delayed and we recently found out she's severely deficient in certain nutrients. This story details my pregnancy, her birth, and her life, as well as everything we've learned so far. As we try/learn more, I will post updates!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy @ pureMotherhood
EMAIL: cbyoder99@yahoo.com
IP: 75.186.98.24
URL: http://puremotherhood.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/11/2010 07:38:47 PM
<p>How are your daughter&#39;s verbal skills now? </p><p>I could have written much of what you did about my own son&#39;s verbal skills when he was her age. I tried not to worry, though I did some. He didn&#39;t even speak full words until he was two years old (just the beginning of each word - like &#39;Day&#39; for our dog Daisy). His brother was born in Sep 09 and he turned two in Oct 09. Just a bit after he turned two he started using full words. Of all things, his first full word was &#39;telephone&#39;! And then a few weeks later he spoke in short phrases and now a year later, at three, he speaks in paragraphs. We didn&#39;t change anything in his diet as he doesn&#39;t have any signs that he&#39;s allergic or deficient in anything.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/11/2010 10:09:59 PM
<p>Christy,</p><p>I&#39;m actually planning to post a full update in a couple weeks.  But she never stops talking now!  Around 27 months she just started speaking in sentences.  Short sentences...but she just started talking more and more.  This was right after we finished a grain-free diet.  She&#39;s almost 34 months now...will be 3 in January.  She tells us stories all day long!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lois
EMAIL: martinacres08@gmail.com
IP: 69.179.34.67
URL: http://www.tenderherb.wordpress.com
DATE: 12/08/2010 01:56:58 AM
<p>Wow!!! Her story sounds so much like my son&#39;s. He had a few different symptoms, like breathholding/seizures, but he had the bad, bad diaper rashes. We finally cut out milk and milk products and seen a difference almost overnight!! (In &#39;08) After a year slow introduced them again and he seemed to do fine. Then this summer he began having yeast like rashes again. So we started looking into stuff again. My other 2 boys have the same rash problems. And we are sure it is yeast. So we cut out anything that feeds yeast-gluten, sugar, fruit, yeast. It was not easy with 3 boys 5, 3 and 1 1/2yrs. But we have seen huge benefits in it. It&#39;s not always easy, but it is worth it. I feel too, that we were spared by not giving shots!!! I shudder to think what may have happened had we done them. Blessings to you as you continue on your journey... I was very encouraged by your update too. (I have more of our story on my blog as well.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca M.
EMAIL: ramills1308@gmail.com
IP: 76.235.167.220
URL: http://twitter.com/ramills08
DATE: 12/14/2010 03:49:07 PM
<p>Hi, I was wondering what symptoms you and/or your daughter had that signaled nutritional deficiencies?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Review of Food, Inc.
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/31/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Last weekend, I watched Food, Inc.  If you haven't seen it -- I recommend you watch it!  You will never think of food the same way again.</p><p>I thought I'd share just a few highlights with you here (all facts are as presented in the movie; I have not checked any other sources).</p><p>General Information<br/>*The fast food industry pushed factory farming to what it is today, because the restaurants were so popular and needed so much food.<br/>*In 1970, the top 5 beef producers controlled only 25% of the industry.  Today, the top 4 control 80%.<br/>*Some organic farms (one is featured in the film) are considered "unsanitary" because their operations are open to the air.  Yet, when comparing their naturally raised and processed chickens to factory farmed chickens (which were bathed in chlorine), their chickens had only 133 CFU (bacteria count), while the factory farmed chickens had 3600 CFU (AFTER the chlorine bath!).</p><p>Chicken Facts<br/>Chickens have been genetically engineered to grow twice as big in half the time (just 49 days now) and to have large breasts, since most people want to eat white meat.  These chickens are too heavy for their delicate bones and could not walk around -- if there were any room to do so anyway.  Most chicken houses are completely dark and crowded so the chickens cannot move much anyway.</p><p>Corn Facts<br/>100 years ago, farmers could produce only 20 bushels of corn on an acre.  Now, they can do 200.  The government subsidizes their production so that they can actually produce corn for "below cost."  This is because nearly every processed food is a "clever rearrangement of corn."  90% of foods contain some form of corn, including disposable diapers.  Farmed fish is also fed corn (yet another reason NOT to eat farmed fish!).</p><p>Beef Facts<br/>It is the cattle's corn-fed diet that causes E. Coli to flourish in their guts.  A cow fed exclusively grass for only a week before slaughter (and corn-fed prior) will lose up to 80% of the E. Coli in its gut.  Today, there are only 13 major slaughterhouses, and cows from all over the country go to each.  A single burger can contain meat from thousands of cows.  This, plus unclean conditions, allows the E. Coli to get into the meat.</p><p>In 1972, 50,000 FDA inspections of slaughterhouses took place.  In 2007, only 9,514 inspections occurred.  Yet, the <a href="http://www.safefoodinc.org">rebuttal website</a> claims that the FDA inspects "every cow that is slaughtered," which is impossible with the number of cows that are slaughtered per day!</p><p>BPI (Beef Products Inc.) is a large company that makes hamburger filler meat.  To ensure "safety," they treat the meat with ammonia.  This product is currently found in 70% of the U.S.'s hamburgers, and their goal is 100%.</p><p>Monsanto<br/>This company is the most evil.  Currently, Michael Taylor (who served as a lawyer for Monsanto, then Deputy Commissioner of FDA, then VP of public policy for Monsanto) is serving as Obama's "Food Safety Czar."</p><p>Monsanto is anti-food labeling (i.e. supported not labeling calorie counts, trans fats, GMO foods).  They have patented GMO seeds and require farmers to buy new seeds each year.  Farmers who save seeds can be and are prosecuted for patent infringement.  Monsanto has employees whose only job is to roam farms and find those in non-compliance.  Nearly all soybeans grown in this country are Monsanto's GMO soybeans.</p><p>There are many, many more scary facts in this movie, but you will have to watch it for yourself!  I guarantee you will at least question factory farming after viewing it, if you ever buy anything factory-farmed again!  It is eye-opening and really shows why we need to know what we are eating and choose wisely!</p><p><a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/10/u-s-wellness-meats-giveaway-99-95-value.html">Win a FREE bucket of grass-fed beef tallow</a>!  Healthy fat, not made by the food industry!  The giveaway is being sponsored by U.S. Wellness Meats, and the link will take you to Kelly the Kitchen Kop's site, where you can earn extra entries.  Beef tallow is what McDonald's an other fast food restaurants used to fry their fries in...until modern dieticians decided this was "bad."  Many people in their 30s and older remember those fries as being the best.  Now you can have them at home!  It's ironic, isn't it, that the switch to vegetable oils was actually LESS healthy?  But if you've read this entire review, and my recent post on <a href="/2009/10/why-we-eat-fat.html">fats</a>, you know that what the industry believes and does is not much about health but about being trendy and cheap!</p>
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EXCERPT:
<p>Last weekend, I watched Food, Inc.  If you haven't seen it -- I recommend you watch it!  You will never think of food the same way again.</p><p>I thought I'd share just a few highlights with you here (all facts are as presented in the movie; I have not checked any other sources).</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Stuffed Peppers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/23/2009 03:00:00 AM
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<p>**This was entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/category/real-food-wednesdays">Real Food Wednesdays</a>, hosted by Kelly the Kitchen Kop, and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/01/vegetables-for-a-healthier-you-an-ultimate-recipe-swap.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as a Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>We love stuffed peppers so much, we have them at least every couple weeks! Sometimes we even have them every week. These are kind of fattening (which is GOOD!) and very yummy.</p>
<p>Stuffed Peppers</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />1 lb. ground turkey or grass-fed beef<br />2 tbsp. olive oil<br />1 &ndash; 2 cloves garlic, minced<br />&frac14; cup onion<br />&frac12; cup brown rice, uncooked<br />28 oz. tomato puree<br />&frac12; tsp. oregano<br />1 tsp. basil<br />&frac12; tsp. Salt (or to taste)<br />&frac14; tsp. Pepper (or to taste)<br />4 green peppers<br />Mozzarella cheese, opt.*</p>
<p>Directions: Preheat oven to 350. Cook the rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, brown the meat, onions, garlic, and olive oil together. Add spices and tomato puree; let the mixture simmer for 10 &ndash; 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Add the cooked rice to meat and tomato mixture. Cut green peppers in half, deseed, and wash. Place peppers in a baking dish and stuff with mixture. Bake 30 &ndash; 40 minutes, or until peppers are tender. If cheese is desired, add it in the last 5 minutes or so of baking time. Serves 4.</p>
<p>As we're dairy-free, we don't use the cheese. But they're flavorful enough without it. You can also use 3/4 cup rice to stretch the filling a little further if you have a hungry family; we do this sometimes. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!</p>
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EXCERPT:
We love stuffed peppers so much, we have them at least every couple weeks! Sometimes we even have them every week. These are kind of fattening (which is GOOD!) and very yummy.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04471770765943234759
DATE: 12/23/2009 03:46:45 PM
<p>These sound SO good, but unfortunately I can&#39;t get my family to eat them, darn it.</p><p>I&#39;ll just make them for myself sometime!</p><p>Thanks for joining in on Real Food Wednesdays.  I just gave you a stumble.  :)  OH, and if you could give a link back to the RFW post in your post, that would be great, so your readers can find more tips and Real Food recipes.  Thank you!</p><p>Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01129372114193004027
DATE: 12/17/2009 03:10:23 AM
<p>I love stuffed peppers! I am bookmarking this recipe to try!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Vaccinations: Why Not?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/18/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Vaccines have become and extremely hot topic these days.  People who believe in vaccines are absolutely adamant that everyone should receive them, and that as vaccination rates fall, those who are opting out are putting everyone at risk.  Many of these people deny that vaccines cause any but the rarest of reactions, that the benefits outweigh the risks, and that vaccinating is necessary for herd immunity.</p>
<p>People on the other side of the coin are equally upset.  They believe that vaccines are poison, that they don't work, and at the worst end, that they are a conspiracy by the pharmaceutical industry to keep people sick and possibly even sterilize them.</p>
<p>The fight is angry and tough.  No one can find common ground because frankly, choosing to vaccinate on schedule (after having researched and believing this is the best course of action) and choosing not to vaccinate at all are completely different belief sets.</p>
<p>That said, we don't vaccinate.  Before I got pregnant with Bekah, I worked as a therapist for kids with autism.  This led me to question that vaccines were really the miracle that we were led to believe they were, but I did think that they had their place in modern medicine, and that we may choose to space/delay but we'd do the vaccines.  Then, once I got pregnant, I was student teaching, and I really did not want to get sick (this was in the fall of '07).  That year, for the first time, health professionals were recommending getting a flu shot.  Ben and I discussed it, and I discussed it with my OB, and I decided that if that was the best way to protect myself and my baby, I would do it.</p>
<p>Somehow that didn't quite sit well with me, though.  It seemed weird that they were only just starting to recommend the flu shot for pregnant women when they had recommended against it in the past.  I started to read, to try to find the truth.  What I learned scared me.  There is thimerosal in flu shots still -- that can't be good for a developing baby!  So I kept reading, and talking to other parents.</p>
<p>At the time Bekah was born, we were against vaccination of newborns (no Hep B), but were considering a delayed schedule.  We wanted to split the MMR, too.  At that time, her doctor said "Fine, as long as you eventually do it."  (She's never received a single shot, but her doctor has never said a word, either.)</p>
<p>I kept reading.  It became somewhat of an obsession for me.  Some of you may think I was reading only biased, non-credible sources to make this decision.  First -- I don't believe those sources to be non-credible, because many are written by experienced medical professionals who simply don't believe what the rest of the industry does.  Also, I find the government and medical journals to be quite biased themselves -- who do you think pays for the advertising that appears in medical journals?  Second -- the source that absolutely clinched my decision not to vaccinate was actually the WHO's detailed papers on each disease and vaccination.  So, regardless, it was an "official" source that really made me confident that this was the right decision for us.</p>
<p>Here is a brief summary of the reasons why we don't vaccinate:</p>
<p>1. The chemicals in vaccines don't belong in peoples' bodies, especially not tiny bodies whose immune systems and blood-brain barriers are still developing.</p>
<p>2. Vaccines haven't been as thoroughly and rigorously tested for safety as doctors would like you to believe.  Most are tested only against previously licensed vaccines, and the entire schedule has never been tested.  This safety data is not enough for me.</p>
<p>3. We believe the immune system functions better if it is allowed to develop naturally, through acute illnesses, breastfeeding, etc.  We believe this is God's design.</p>
<p>4. There is currently no accepted explanation for the explosion in autism, allergies, asthma, ADHD, diabetes, etc.  We believe that vaccines do play a role, even though there are other factors.</p>
<p>5. We would rather take our chances with the diseases (and we have studied how best to treat them) than vaccines.</p>
<p>Those are our reasons.  In the future, I'll post my full argument, which includes lots of sources.  Please read and research for yourselves.  This is meant only to present our choice.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Vaccines have become and extremely hot topic these days. People who believe in vaccines are absolutely adamant that everyone should receive them, and that as vaccination rates fall, those who are opting out are putting everyone at risk. Many of these people deny that vaccines cause any but the rarest of reactions, that the benefits outweigh the risks, and that vaccinating is necessary for herd immunity.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: SarahJ
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15241046397600540034
DATE: 11/20/2009 01:23:02 PM
<p>Hi Kate,</p><p>I&#39;m new to your blog - my friend posted your review of Food, Inc on her facebook page, so I checked it out and found your great blog! I&#39;m not a mom (yet), but I have been thinking lately about the decisions I will make when that time comes. Your blog has been a great resource for me and I plan to continue following.</p><p>Just wanted to say thanks,<br/>Sarah</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Weekly Meal Ideas
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Every two weeks, I sit down and come up with a meal plan.  I do major grocery shopping every two weeks (when we get paid), so I like to have my meal plan done so I know what I need to buy.  There are several things I take into consideration when choosing what my family will eat during the coming weeks:</p>
<p>What does everyone prefer?  There are certain things that Bekah or Ben won't eat, so those things almost never make it onto meal plans, even if I really like them.</p>
<p>Do we have any especially busy evenings?  I will do soups or something that can be left on the stove, put in a crockpot, or can be made quickly on these days (Mondays are usually busy).</p>
<p>Have we eaten it a lot lately?  Foods that we've had many times recently may not make it on the next meal plan.</p>
<p>What fits best with our allergies/current dietary needs?  We're trying some special diets and we also have several allergies to work around at this point.  In general, this has required us to use a lot more meat and fresh produce in our meals.</p>
<p>Keeping all this in mind, I sit down and start planning it out, day by day.  I fill in days as I come up with ideas.  I put two meals for Saturdays and Sundays, since we'll all be here for lunch and dinner (breakfast is whatever you can grab at this point).  I also plan for weekly breakfasts and lunches for all of us, as well as snacks, if I can think of any (with no gluten, casein, or packaged foods, snacks are not easy to come by).</p>
<p>The next two weeks, we're working on a special detox-diet, so there will be a lot of soups.  You can read more about how broth is great for healing on any of the blogs I follow, or <a href="http://www.gapsguide.com">GAPS Guide</a>, or <a href="http://www.gapsdiet.com">GAPS Diet</a>.  In a more normal two-week period, we'd have 2 or 3 soups.  But, here is an example of our meal plan:</p>
<p>Friday (grocery shopping day) -- Tacos or enchiladas<br />Saturday -- Chicken vegetable soup, fried chicken and fries<br />Sunday -- Enchiladas, marinated chicken and onion rings<br />Monday -- Spicy chicken soup<br />Tuesday -- Burgers and fries (grass fed, <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/10/delicious-homemade-baked-french-fries.html">baked homemade fries</a>)<br />Wednesday -- Chicken rice soup<br />Thursday -- Stuffed peppers<br />Friday -- Italian ground beef soup<br />Saturday -- Chicken and rice, pizza (some without cheese)<br />Sunday -- Tacos or enchiladas, Italian wedding soup<br />Monday -- Leftovers<br />Tuesday -- Chili soup<br />Wednesday -- Burgers and fries<br />Thursday -- Taco soup</p>
<p>These are our dinners for the next two weeks.  Additionally, Ben will have Mexican Chicken Soup for lunch everyday (he loves it; he's had it everyday for about three years!).  I will have a fresh salad and taco soup the first week, and salad and enchiladas the second week.  We'll be using our grassfed beef for a lot of this (we're buying a large amount of organic beef from a local farmer this weekend).</p>
<p>For breakfast, Ben will have organic bacon, potatoes fried in coconut oil, and ground beef mixed with pastured eggs.  Bekah and I will have whatever's around...every time I make something for us, I never eat it!  She'll have eggs with beef and coconut flour pancakes a lot.  She is also drinking a bit of juice mixed with fresh broth right now, for detox (we are trying to heal her gut to get rid of allergies and fix her deficiencies, as detailed in last Sunday's post).</p>
<p>I'm in a "Mexican" mood lately, so I may get some corn chips and salsa for a snack.  Ben likes fresh fruit for snacks, especially watermelon.  Exactly what we buy, I'll detail in my next post on grocery shopping and budgeting for healthy food!</p>
<p>What do you eat?  Are you happy with your diet?  Do you have any fun soup ideas?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Every two weeks, I sit down and come up with a meal plan. I do major grocery shopping every two weeks (when we get paid), so I like to have my meal plan done so I know what I need to buy. There are several things I take into consideration when choosing what my family will eat during the coming weeks:

What does everyone prefer? There are certain things that Bekah or Ben won't eat, so those things almost never make it onto meal plans, even if I really like them.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why we eat fat!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/25/2009 12:00:00 AM
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<p>These days, everyone thinks that low fat is the way to go.  It sounds good -- if you eat less fat, you shouldn't store the fat, right?  Unfortunately, WRONG!  Fat is absolutely necessary to your diet, and low fat is the worst diet you can have!  Fats are absolutely KEY to maintaining proper health, and I'll show you why.</p>
<p>In the early 1900s, people ate a very different diet.  It was filled with red meat, bacon, cream, and butter.  Yet, they were not overweight, and heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions that are common today were practically non-existent.  Plenty of modern people have puzzled over this -- HOW could they have eaten this type of diet and not had health problems?  They've written it off as "coincidence," that they later changed their diets to "healthy" low-fat diets, or that they use pharmaceuticals to help keep themselves healthy in their later years.</p>
<p>None of this is accurate, of course.  There's no way that an entire generation (in fact, many generations before them) could have eaten such a high-fat diet and lived healthy lives if this diet was UNhealthy.  It's true that these foods weren't factory-farmed then, but were pastured and grass-fed and were often raised by each individual family, or certainly by local farmers.  This was one good reason for the health of this diet, but the fact remains -- this high-fat diet is the proper diet for people!</p>
<p>Saturated fat and cholesterol became the target of a smear campaign after the World Wars.  You can read the <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/saturated-fat-attack.html">entire story</a> at the Weston A. Price Foundation's website, but to make a long story short, after the wars the population was exploding (baby boom), the country was industrialized, and food needed to be produced in mass quantities and cheaply, and it needed to have a fairly long shelf life.  This led to the development of mass farming practices, as well as the invention of hydrogenated oils (vegetable shortening and margarine).  Hydrogenated oils increased the shelf life and stability of baked goods, and are full of trans fats.  Suddenly, heart disease was becoming more common.  Research was completed, and it showed that trans fats were bad, and so was oxidized cholesterol.  But, researchers told the public that it was really saturated fats (not trans fats) and all cholesterol that were bad.  That's where it started.  Ironically, many of the researchers who spoke in favor of the "Prudent diet" (corn flakes, margarine, skim milk; instead of bacon, eggs, and butter) died of heart disease or related problems while on this diet.</p>
<p>Low-fat diets have led to many problems: processed foods with oxidized cholesterol, especially <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/02/healthy-milk.html">low-fat milks</a>; excessive use of trans-fats and refined sugars (leading to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, etc.); hormonal issues (believe it or not, <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/moderndiseases/benefits_cholest.html">cholesterol</a> regulates a lot of hormones, including serotonin, which affects mood; a lack can affect fertility too); and more.  Your cells are also made largely of <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/import_sat_fat.html">saturated fat</a> and your brain of cholesterol, so a lack can cause problems with skin elasticity and regeneration, and problems with your brain (think ADD, memory loss, etc.).  Low-fat means lots of problems; <a href="http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/64/fat-is-where-its-at/all">high fat</a> is what you need!</p>
<p>To expand upon this briefly (to expand at length, click on all the links I've added), I believe many of our modern health problems can be blamed on our low-fat diets.  When we don't have adequate saturated fat and cholesterol, serotonin isn't regulated properly, which can lead to depression.  I believe this is why we have such a high percentage of the population currently taking SSRIs, like Prozac.  I also believe that this is why we have such a large issue with fertility problems (along with aging first-time mothers).  Sex hormones are controlled by cholesterol, and babies' bodies are largely made of saturated fat and cholesterol.  A lack can lead to problems getting pregnant or babies not forming properly (of course, other nutrient deficiencies are at play, too, such as a lack of B vitamins).  Nutrients are not well absorbed without fat; this is why even modern diet "experts" advise a small amount of salad dressing with your vegetables.  So, without fat, even those "healthy" meals with plenty of meat and veggies are not great, because you cannot actually reap the benefits!</p>
<p>When we remove fat from our diets, we have to replace it with SOMETHING.  For most, that's sugar and grains.  Most low-fat processed food relies on sugar for flavor (and most of that sugar is high-fructose corn syrup, a highly processed food in itself).  Fat is actually the body's primary source of energy.  When we remove that (the government currently recommends that no more than 30% of calories come from fat, and some recommend even lower levels; traditional diets have people eating 50 - 60% of their calories from fat and most of that saturated fat), we must get energy from somewhere.  Carbohydrates is where we've turned.  High-grain diets have their own problems (that's really another story in itself), but basically it leads to the body breaking down a little bit of the carbs for energy, and storing the rest as fat.  Eventually this leads to not recognizing leptin (the body's hormone that signals you to stop eating), and can even suppress leptin production.  This leads to being overweight.  It can also lead to yeast issues, because sugars and grains feed the yeast in your body, messing up your gut flora and causing the "bad" yeast to overgrow.  If you have recurrent yeast infections, you're eating too much sugar and too many grains and not enough fat!</p>
<p>You CAN retrain your body to use fat as energy.  I would recommend you go <a href="/2009/10/going-gluten-free.html">gluten-free</a> or even grain free for awhile, and cut out all processed sugar, which will help to kill the yeast overgrowth that many adults have (raw honey is okay -- I will do a post on this in the future).  Eat large amounts of healthy fats, like <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/03/24/coconut-oil-part-one.aspx">coconut oil</a> (which is almost entirely saturated).  Seek help from a qualified alternative health practitioner to learn more about your specific dietary needs (and run very fast from any doctor who recommends you eat a low fat diet rich in <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/08/01/oil-part-one.aspx">vegetable oils</a>, which are actually very bad for you!).</p>
<p>We've focused on eating a lot more fat over the last several months.  Curious how we're doing?  Currently we try to eat 50% or more of our calories from fat each day, along with plenty of fruits and veggies and limited grains.  Most of that fat is saturated.  I tried to eat 4 - 6 tablespoons of saturated fat per day when I was pregnant.  Yes, TABLESPOONS.  We eat a lot of eggs, grass-fed beef, coconut oil, etc.  Ben's continued to lose weight despite not exercising, and has dipped below 190 (he is 6'2") and my weight remains basically steady around 130.  I was 150 lbs. when I was 9 months pregnant with Daniel, and dropped nearly all that weight a week after his birth.  Extended family has also adopted this diet, and some have experienced weight loss for the first time in years!  One family member could not lose weight on a standard "healthy" (i.e. low fat, grain-filled) diet no matter what, not even with daily exercise...but upon adopting this diet, dropped 20 lbs. or so with no effort and is now concerned about dropping TOO MUCH weight!  Yes...really.</p>
<p>Bekah eats a lot of fat, too.  Far more than most kids her age do, I'm sure.  Her diet consists primarily of eggs and grass-fed beef at this point, with some fruits and veggies and occasionally coconut flour products (which are high in fat, too, since they contain coconut milk and oil).  She is very healthy (other than her allergies; but she fights off acute infections very easily and has no chronic conditions) and at a good weight and height.  I'm estimating she is 33 - 34" tall and a bit over 25 lbs. -- rather tall and thin for her age, yet very strong.  Daniel's still only on breastmilk (which is very nutritious with the type of diet I'm eating!).  He just went through a major growth spurt, growing 2" and gaining 1 lb. in a week, putting him at 25" and 13 lbs. at 14 weeks old!  When he does start solids, he'll get homemade chicken stock mixed with coconut oil, egg yolks with coconut oil, mashed vegetables with coconut oil (see a pattern here?), ground chicken and beef, etc.  He won't have any grains until he is past 18 months.  At his age, he is nearly sitting up already, and can certainly do so supported.  He's been able to bear weight on his legs since 2 months, and is a great sleeper and very calm, predictable baby.  He also has extremely long, thick, beautiful hair!  I can't go anywhere in public without getting comments on his hair.  Some think that hair is a sign of health, and if so, he's really healthy!  lol.  Here is a recent picture of him:</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SuIs5ESuLPI/AAAAAAAAAFw/63uJZloegHU/s400/Baby+Pictures+006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395924662459706610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SuIs5ESuLPI/AAAAAAAAAFw/63uJZloegHU/s400/Baby+Pictures+006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>So how do you eat more fat?  Here's <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/07/15/100-ways-to-eat-more-fat/">100 Ways</a> from Anne-Marie at Cheeseslave, and <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/22/7-Reasons-to-Eat-More-Saturated-Fat.aspx">7 reasons</a> to do so from Dr. Mercola.  By the way, increase your fat intake SLOWLY because your body will be in shock and will not react well to a drastic diet change.  Adding an extra tablespoon per day and giving it at least week to adjust is probably a good idea (but see your alternative practitioner for specifics).</p>
<p>How do you feel now that your entire idea about healthy diets has been challenged?  Will you eat more fat?  What other diet changes will you make?</p>
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EXCERPT:
These days, everyone thinks that low fat is the way to go. It sounds good -- if you eat less fat, you shouldn't store the fat, right? Unfortunately, WRONG! Fat is absolutely necessary to your diet, and low fat is the worst diet you can have! Fats are absolutely KEY to maintaining proper health, and I'll show you why.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: SarahJ
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15241046397600540034
DATE: 11/20/2009 04:35:11 PM
<p>I LOVE this post! I am a doctoral student in a Nutritional Sciences department (I am NOT a Registered Dietitian) and I believe in eating REAL food, not what is typically recommended by those in my field. </p><p>I wish more people took the time to look at the facts: changes in obesity and obesity-related health problems increase as we began to eat &quot;healthier&quot; foods (reduced fat, more processed foods) and less REAL food.</p><p>Great post!</p><p>Thanks,<br/>Sarah</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 10/25/2009 07:18:43 PM
<p>Emma,</p><p>It was Ben&#39;s mom who lost the 20 lbs.  She actually &quot;walked to Florida&quot; on her treadmill (all 800-some miles) in a few months with no weight loss.  Then changed her diet and has now lost tons with no exercise.</p><p>I&#39;m still trying to convince my dad of all this, because, as you said, it does fly in the face of everything you&#39;ve ever heard about weight loss.  On his low-fat diet, he&#39;s become anemic and otherwise nutritionally deficient and has some recurrent infections and joint pain.  I know if he&#39;d listen to me he&#39;d feel better, because Ben&#39;s parents do and so do we.  There are tons of online blogs and groups that are dedicated to eating this way and all of those people experience the same stuff we do -- positive health and normal weight.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 10/25/2009 03:04:39 PM
<p>Emma,</p><p>I have dropped 45 pounds, from 235 to 190 in about 6 months on this diet. Last year I was running 2 miles a day, 5 times a week, and trying to decrease the amount of food I ate. Any weight I lost was minimal. After a couple of months of this, I had to completely stop exercising because I was starting to have problems with my knees.</p><p>Now, I literally eat as much food as I want. I can honestly say that at no point in my life, even as a teenager, have I eaten the sheer volume of food that I eat now. Not just veggies and stuff, but a pound of meat a day, tons of fats (we cook almost everything in fat including eggs, potatoes, and meat), home made ice cream and cookies often, and usually 4 full meals a day. Despite all this, I&#39;ve continued to lose weight, although I think I&#39;ve now settled at my &quot;proper weight&quot; and I won&#39;t lose anymore. I have more energy and better health then I&#39;ve had in my entire life. I would absolutely recommend this diet to anyone.</p><p>Ben</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 10/25/2009 03:06:58 AM
<p>Not going to lie, this post flies in the face of everything everyone has ever told me about weight loss. And yet, the evidence you have, not the research or any of that, but the actual how it works for you evidence is rather convincing. If you don&#39;t mind my asking, which of your family dropped the 20 pounds? I&#39;m just curious, but I&#39;m really interested in this.</p><p>Nathan and I eat more grains than we probably should, but we never really bother to &quot;eat healthy.&quot; We make sure we get our intake of fruits and veggies, and we do exercise a fair amount (that whole who we work for thing, haha), but we are a meat-loving family, and don&#39;t really worry about too much beyond what tastes good. We do have a fair amount of veggie oils in our diet (soybean oil and olive oil whenever I can use it, I do love EVOO), but we&#39;ve never had a problem with weight. People always ask us how we stay so thin, and I just laugh because we don&#39;t try, we just try to eat healthy-ish, as much as tastes good.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Wearing
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 12/01/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>I'm betting most of you who are here know what baby wearing is. For any who don't, baby wearing is using some type of carrier or sling to hold your baby against your body. Babies are worn a number of different ways, for many different reasons. I'll detail some of those reasons for you, as well as discussing different types of carriers and their uses.</p><p>When your baby is born, he or she goes from a warm, perfect environment where s/he's held 24/7 to a cool, strange environment where sometimes (maybe often?) s/he is set down alone somewhere. Some people are worried about holding their babies too much (which is absolute nonsense), but I once read somewhere that since your baby used to be held 24 hours a day, any amount of holding, even 18 hours a day, is a reduction from your baby's point of view. Your baby wants, NEEDS, to be held -- a lot. This will change, slowly, as he gets older, but while he's little, he NEEDS you. So what are the<a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?page=bwgreatthings"> benefits</a>?</p><p>*Worn babies cry less<br/>Why does the baby need to cry when he's already with you? He can't want to be held -- he's already being held. If he needs fed or changed, you'll notice his early cues, so he won't have to cry to get your attention. If he needs to sleep, he'll probably be comfortable enough to simply drop off in his carrier.</p><p>*Worn babies are happier<br/>It comes from having their needs met nearly instantly, but these babies are happy and quickly develop a sense of trust in their parents and environment.</p><p>*Worn babies are smarter.<br/>Babies tend to spend more time awake and alert, according to <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?page=bwgreatthings">The Baby Wearer</a>, which is when they learn the most about their environment. It doesn't hurt that they're able to see a lot more from a worn position than they'd be able to see from the floor, and when they're a bit older (3 - 4 months), they can "participate" too.</p><p>*Worn babies have better physical development<br/>First, baby's body regulates more easily because it picks up the rhythms of yours. But also, baby gets a chance to turn his head in the carrier, push against you with his feet and knees, push away from you with his hands, grab things if he's facing out, etc. I've heard stories about people who wore their babies nearly constantly from birth and their babies walked by 9 months!</p><p>*Worn babies make it easy for moms to get things done<br/>If your baby cries unless he's held, you can't get anything done if you have to sit and just hold him, and you can't (shouldn't) let him cry. Instead, put him in a carrier and your hands are free to fold laundry, cook dinner, or whatever else you need to do. You're happy, the baby's happy, and chances are, the rest of your house is happy too. I personally always put Daniel is my wrap while we're shopping because I can do whatever I need and he's right there with me. I can walk away from my cart and I'm not leaving him unattended, and there's no chance he's going to get fussy and demand I pick him up, forcing me to push the cart one-handed. If I have to chase Bekah, I have a prayer of a chance of catching her while Daniel is in the wrap and my hands are free!</p><p>With all these benefits, who wouldn't want to wear their baby? I have worn Daniel almost EVERY time we've gone out since he was born (he is 4.5 months). I can count on ONE HAND the number of times I've carried him in somewhere in his car seat. By the way, it drives me nuts when people toss a blanket over a child's car seat and carry them everywhere in it. Then leave them sitting in it, still covered, once they're inside the store, restaurant, etc. Pay attention to your child. Pick him up and cuddle him. Even if he is sleeping, at least uncover his face and keep him close, and once he is awake, INTERACT WITH HIM. Your baby is a person, who needs more of your attention than anyone else. Your baby is not a convenience to be shoved aside until you feel like paying attention to him. This is part of personal responsibility as a parent: take responsibility for your baby and put your own needs aside! Don't expect some object to baby sit your child! We have WAY too many toys and seats and stuff to put babies in these days so we can ignore them and pretend they're learning so much and they're so happy. No. Your baby doesn't care about shiny toys or fancy seats, he just wants you to hold him.</p><p>Stepping off soapbox. It had to be said.</p><p>There are many different types of carriers and wraps. Let's talk about the basic styles.</p><p>Ring Sling: This is a wrap that goes over one shoulder, wraps around your body, and tucks through a ring. It can be worn in many different positions (on the front, side, or back, and at many different levels) and is easily adjustable. However, all the weight is on one shoulder and across your back -- not well distributed. Some people swear by them; I've never liked mine very much, though I have one. They're easy to make, but if you choose to do that, you MUST use <a href="http://www.slingrings.com/">good quality rings</a>, NOT craft rings from a local craft store. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_baby-products?ie=UTF8&amp;search-alias=baby-products&amp;field-brandtextbin=ZoloWear">Zolowear</a>, <a href="http://mayawrap.com/">Maya Wrap</a>, others.</p><p>Mei-Tai: Many, many of today's carriers are styled like Mei-Tais. These carriers have wide straps that go around your waist and over your shoulders (usually crossing in the back) and tying around the baby. Modern carriers with buckles and padded straps are usually variations on this. This carrier is fairly versatile and can be worn on the back or front. It's not quite as adjustable as the ring sling, but still fairly adjustable. It also has better back support. Little babies can be worn in these, but they often don't feel very secure. This is better for older babies or even toddlers. Daniel really doesn't like my Mei Tai so far, and I originally thought I'd use it the most. <a href="http://www.meitaibaby.com/">Mei Tai Baby</a>, <a href="http://www.babybjorn.com/en/American/products/Mobility/BABYBJORN-Baby-Carrier-Original-Spirit/">Baby Bjorn</a>, <a href="http://www.babyhawk.com/">Baby Hawk</a>, <a href="http://www.becobabycarrier.com/">Beco</a>, <a href="http://www.ergobabycarriers.com/babycarriers/category/carrier/">Ergo</a>.</p><p>Pocket slings: This type of carrier is like a little pocket that goes around you and the baby tucks down inside of. It's not at all adjustable (you have to buy or make one that fits your measurements) and depending on your size and baby's size, baby can get lost down inside it (or feel like that). But some babies love to recline and be cuddled close like this. It's not great for older babies and it does only go over one shoulder, so it's not great for back support. <a href="http://www.thepeanutshell.com/">Peanut shell</a>.</p><p>Wraps: These are really great for little babies. They are made out of several yards (5 - 6) of stretchy material, and you have to wrap them a special way. The baby tucks inside a pocket somewhere on you. Baby can be worn facing in or out, on your front, side, or back. They're not great for older babies because they can stretch too much with baby's weight, but until that time, they wrap over both shoulders, your waist, and most of your back so they are great for back support. This is my FAVORITE and Daniel's too. I can tuck him into this any time and he'll go to sleep. He just loves to be carried this way and I take him everywhere in this. <a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/">Moby wrap</a>, <a href="http://www.metromamma.com/">Metro Mamma</a>.</p><p>Check the links at the end of each description for brands of carriers and places to buy them. Of course, there's no reason to limit yourself to these! There are MANY nice baby carriers out there, several made by WAHMs. You can make them yourself, too, if you want to.</p><p>We LOVE baby wearing. I plan to continue wearing Daniel as long as he'll let me (or as long as I can, depending on when I get pregnant again) and to wear all future babies.</p><p>Do you baby-wear? If you don't have kids yet, do you plan to wear your babies? What is your favorite carrier?</p><p><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This post is being entered in a blog contest here: </span><center><a href="http://www.parentingbynature.com"><img src="http://www.parentingbynature.com/canyouinspire/images/inspire-contestant-240x125.gif" width="240" height="125" border="0" title="Inspire Natural Parenting Contest" alt="Inspire Natural Parenting Contest" /></a></center></p>
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EXCERPT:
I'm betting most of you who are here know what baby wearing is. For any who don't, baby wearing is using some type of carrier or sling to hold your baby against your body. Babies are worn a number of different ways, for many different reasons. I'll detail some of those reasons for you, as well as discussing different types of carriers and their uses.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/01/2009 09:38:55 PM
<p>Big fan of the &#39;soapbox&#39; re: carseats. WAY overused and abused in our culture. Your baby would be better off at home with a sitter than sitting in a (covered) carseat being ignored by parents at the restaurant. What&#39;s sad is most of those babies probably sit in swings/cribs/bouncers/exersaucers at home all day, too. I can count on one hand how many times we took Cam out of the car in his seat...always at home, if he (miraculously) didn&#39;t wake up when we pulled into the garage. The rest of the time we held him...while eating at a restaurant, or walking through Target. And then I discovered the Moby, lol...and he slept in that while we ate out or went shopping. And eventually he was big enough to sit in the high chair!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/01/2009 09:11:46 PM
<p>When my brother was a baby, I used to wear him all the time (I am 9 years older than him, and was very responsible too). Till this day we have a bond that no other two people in the family have. I dont have any kids (yet), but I think when I do, I will wear them, though I find the expression &quot;wearing&quot; quite funny. My friends have a 6 month old whom I had to babysit over a two week period when he was a brand new baby, and I would frequently wear him. I just hated having to carry him in a car seat all the time. Plus I find car seats bulky and inconvenient.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Parenting By Nature
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04532815059509788858
DATE: 12/01/2009 01:50:14 AM
<p>A great run-down on the most important babywearing points. :) Thanks for entering our contest - good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LKoh
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07277987502548298663
DATE: 12/01/2009 01:50:14 AM
<p>We babywear at our house! I think that both boys have benefited from it emmensely. Plus, I second that it is easier to chase down your other kids. Kudos on your soapbox speech. It just irritates me to see babies crying in their carseats and parents just leaving them in there so they can do what they want. Go figure.</p><p>Love the blog, Kate. Keep up the good work.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 08/29/2010 11:24:17 PM
<p>Don&#39;t know if you check older posts, but if you do, got a question. My son is a chunky monkey and at 7 months old and 20 pounds, pretty much outgrown the Moby, which I love. What would you recommend next? Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/30/2010 12:50:41 AM
<p>Hi Shannon,</p><p>I do check older posts!  :)  When my son was about 6 months, he was getting a bit big for the Moby too (and he was barely 15 lbs. or so then!).  I switched him to a Mei Tai.  I made mine (there are easy, free patterns out there), but you could buy one.  Babyhawk, Beco, and others are very good.  They can hold babies up to 35 - 45 lbs., depending on the manufacturer, and in a variety of positions.  They can also be used for newborns too, which some prefer (although I preferred the Moby).  HTH!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica Moore
EMAIL: salamatsizbah@hotmail.com
IP: 65.0.33.92
URL: 
DATE: 11/27/2010 11:41:15 PM
<p>Great post about babywearing! I started out with a ring sling (ellaroo and then homemade ones using slingrings.com rings) with my first baby and then discovered wraps with my second.<br/>I just had to chime in about the wraps though. You are right, Mobys and other stretchy wraps do start to hurt your back as your baby gets heavier. BUT a woven wrap is whole different story! I have several german style woven wraps and I can even wrap my 4 year old and not get sore! Of course, Mostly I wrap my 17llb 3 month old.<br/>The price is quite higher for woven wraps, but if you buy them used, then you can generally sell them for what you paid for them. I get mine used on the For Sale Or Trade (FSOT) forum on thebabywearer.com or diaperswappers.com, etc. <br/>Several good brands are Didymos, BBSlen, Girasol, Storchenweige, Hoppediz, Vatanai.<br/>Just thought I&#39;d share... you don&#39;t have to give up your wrap love when your baby gets heavy! :)<br/>When my baby gets tired of the wrap in the grocery store and wants to kick his legs, I lay him down in a padded bed I made for the cart seat and put my 25lb 2.5-year-old on my back in the Didy and we&#39;re off again!  :o)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Blog Etiquette
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/12/2009 11:53:00 PM
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<p>I don't normally post more than once a day (and today's recipe will post shortly!), but a recent situation has led me to make this post today.</p><p>We need to have a quick discussion on blog etiquette.  I do often post on rather controversial topics, and as such, I expect that some people will disagree with me and will post comments to that effect.  I am absolutely open to hearing other perspectives and opinions, and would even engage in debate if a comment -- respectfully -- called for it.</p><p>However, I will not tolerate personal attacks, rudeness, coarse language, or anything else of that nature. Those comments will be immediately deleted.  I would like to believe that everyone reading this blog is an adult, and can handle the subject matter maturely.  I would also like to believe that no one has so much time on their hands that they can write attacks on every single post for the sheer "pleasure" of doing so.</p><p>Hopefully blogging -- both what I have to say, and the responses my audience brings -- will continue to be a pleasant experience for us all.  :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
I don't normally post more than once a day (and today's recipe will post shortly!), but a recent situation has led me to make this post today.</p><p>We need to have a quick discussion on blog etiquette.  I do often post on rather controversial topics, and as such, I expect that some people will disagree with me and will post comments to that effect.  I am absolutely open to hearing other perspectives and opinions, and would even engage in debate if a comment -- respectfully -- called for it.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/23/2009 02:16:59 AM
<p>I absolutely do post comments that disagree with me and are not rude.  You can look at other posts (Ways to Cut Spending, most recent health news Tuesday, others) and see several people who disagree with me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2009 02:08:51 AM
<p>I&quot;m curious, do censor the comments you receive even if they are not personal attacks, rude or coarse, or do you post any opposing viewpoint that is presented in the manner you describe above?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2009 06:55:36 PM
<p>Great!  I&#39;m looking forward to seeing how you manage your time so well!  Raising two kids, being a wife, creating homemade gifts, cooking with organic ingredients - all of these worthwhile endeavors take so much time.  Hearing how you manage all of it AND still have time to research so many things and write about them really, really interests me!  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2009 06:36:51 PM
<p>You&#39;re right, that was a bit on the harsh side--I apologize. I still believe though, that it could be easy to misinterpret someone&#39;s strong argument as an attack, or that they were arguing merely for the pleasure. That&#39;s all.</p><p>Anonymous 1</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/15/2009 12:35:16 AM
<p>Anonymous 1 -- I don&#39;t think your last comment was necessary.  </p><p>Anonymous 2 -- I&#39;ve written a post explaining how I manage to blog, which will post tomorrow (Sunday).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/14/2009 03:41:33 AM
<p>What is the  purpose and intended audience of your blog?  Are you doing this as a job or for a way to make some money?  If not, how do you have time to write so many pieces?  I am fascinated by your time mangement skills.  Could you please post something about your typical day and how you have time to write so much?   I think other moms could benefit from it; I know I would!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/13/2009 01:48:58 AM
<p>Kate,</p><p>You&#39;re making a good point here. I completely agree with you. I&#39;d respectfully like to inquire though, why you &quot;believe that no one has so much time on their hands that they can write attacks on every single post for the sheer &#39;pleasure&#39; of doing so.&quot; How do you know that they&#39;re doing it for pleasure? Perhaps they just feel strongly for their argument. This is a rather expansive blog you have here--as a mother of two kids, you don&#39;t have much room to be criticizing others for how much time they spend on your page.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Bone Broth and Detox Diets
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/07/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>How much do you know about bone broth?  There's an old belief that chicken soup can cure all, and it's been frequently fed to people who are ill.  However, research shows there's a pretty good reason for this belief!  We've been using bone broth (and other things) to help ourselves heal and detox recently, and I'd like to share our progress with you, as well as how to make this broth for yourself.</p>
<p>Broth is a "<a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/foodfeatures/broth.html">magical food</a>" according to some.  Real broth (not the stuff from the store, which is mostly water and MSG) is made from the bones of animals, boiled to release the gelatin.  Larger bones (like beef) will release marrow too.  Gelatin, when ingested, pulls toxins out of the body and helps to clear illnesses.  It also helps to heal the body and can reduce allergies.  It is a major food used in the <a href="http://www.gapsdiet.com/">GAPS diet</a>.</p>
<p>The best way to make this broth is to obtain bones from organic, properly fed animals (<a href="http://www.wholefoods.com/">Whole Foods</a> and <a href="http://www.eatwild.com/">local farms</a> have this) first.  Use as many bones as you can -- some like to use 10 - 15 lbs. in a 16-qt. stock pot.  5 - 8 lbs. will work too though.  Whole chickens also work if you want to make soup from the chicken after making the broth.</p>
<p>Put the bones in a large stock pot and cover with cold water.  Some like to add 1 - 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar or other acid at this point (my father used to add a little wine).  You can add an onion (cut in half), chunks of carrots or celery, kitchen scraps (ends of onions, carrot peelings, celery leaves), a couple bay leaves, some sea salt, etc.  Other herbs can work too (best to wrap in cheesecloth or a spice ball) if you desire.  Let the pot sit for a couple hours.  Then, turn on low-medium heat and leave it for up to 24 hours (you can do this in your crockpot too).  When the broth is a rich golden color, it's finished.</p>
<p>When you put the finished broth in the refrigerator, it will get thick and jelly-like.  This is the best broth.  Don't ruin it by heating it in the <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/category/microwave-dangers">microwave</a>!  This can be used to make soups, gravies, or even just to drink.  For a cold, add some freshly grated garlic to the broth just before serving.  It will help to clear the sinuses and is also anti-viral.  Yes -- chicken soup with garlic can cure a cold!</p>
<p>There are other ways to detox, like <a href="http://www.juicefeasting.com/">juice feasting</a>.  But, that's a different sort of cleansing.  There are various commercial detox products on the market, and also water fasting, enemas, etc.  However, the broth is probably the gentlest way to detox, and easiest because you can still eat while you are detoxing, even if your diet is more limited.</p>
<p>We've been working on detox with broth for a few weeks now.  It seems to help us some.  Bekah was doing better until we discovered we hadn't cleared all her allergens.  She is officially allergic to all nuts now.  We are hoping by clearing all nuts, all dairy, gluten, and the various fruits/vegetables she reacts to, we will be able to finally fully clear her system.  She still has eczema at this time.</p>
<p>I felt very tired and sometimes sick during the first few weeks, and I craved bread.  After about a month I didn't crave bread or sugar, and after maybe two months I finally wasn't so tired.  I do feel better now.</p>
<p>Have you ever done a detox diet?  How did it go?  Do you make broth at home?</p>
<p>If you're new here -- or not but have never left a comment -- leave me a comment and let me know you stopped by!</p>
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EXCERPT:
How much do you know about bone broth? There's an old belief that chicken soup can cure all, and it's been frequently fed to people who are ill. However, research shows there's a pretty good reason for this belief! We've been using bone broth (and other things) to help ourselves heal and detox recently, and I'd like to share our progress with you, as well as how to make this broth for yourself.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Marie
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.72.50.90
URL: 
DATE: 05/26/2010 01:28:28 AM
<p>So Whole Foods has bones for stock?  I've been wanting to start making my own, but didn't know where to get the bones.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/26/2010 07:42:47 PM
<p>Marie,</p><p>Yes, Whole Foods has bones for stock.  They have them in the freezer section near the other meat.  You can also use whole chickens, of course, from anywhere. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cloth Diaper Tutorial
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/30/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Notes: First, I wrote this tutorial over a year ago. My diaper-making has changed since this time! This diaper was right after I started using cloth tabs, but before I started doing snaps or the <a href="http://makingitlittlebylittle.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/little-one-size-pocket-diaper-tutorial/">sham pocket opening</a>. I took some pictures to update this tutorial a few weeks ago, as I was making my last batch of diapers. But then I downloaded them to my laptop and erased them from my camera, and now my laptop doesn't work! So, um, the pictures are stuck on there and I can't get to them, and I'm not currently making diapers to take any more. So either when my laptop gets fixed or I start more diapers I will get pictures and update this tutorial to show you what my newest diapers look like, I promise. The pattern I use now is also better, so that you don't have to "guess" on the size of the tabs. I linked to the proper pattern below. The tutorial I linked to above will show you what the sham opening looks like.</p><p>Here is the original tutorial:</p><p><div class="post-body entry-content">Interested in learning how to make a cloth diaper with nice cloth tabs? You're about to learn! With this pattern, I was able to get 11 diapers out of less than a yard of fabric. Yes, really! They are a size small (fits 8 - about 20 lbs.). I chose Alova suede cloth for my inner fabric and PUL for my outer fabric. My tabs are made of a stretch knit, with Aplix as a closure. You can use this pattern actually for any type of diaper you want -- AIO, AI2, fitted, pocket fitted, or PUL pocket. This one happens to be a PUL pocket. The instructions for a pocket fitted would be the same, except for the fabrics used. The instructions for any other diaper would be slightly different due to sewn in/snapped in soakers. There are plenty of other resources on the internet for those, though!</p><p>You can also choose to use your own pattern with these instructions. If you like the look of this pattern in particular, I am willing to sell it fairly cheaply. :) Just send me a message!</p><p>Materials needed:<br/>*Inner fabric (Alova suede cloth, minkee, lightweight fleece, flannel, etc.)<br/>*Outer fabric (PUL, Procare, Windpro fleece, anything else if you're doing a fitted)<br/>*Cloth tab fabric (stretch knit, cotton, really anything)<br/>*Elastic (about 1/2 yd.)<br/>*Thread (100% polyester)<br/>*Hook and loop (2" hook, 8" loop)</p><p>First, the pattern itself. Here it is, laid out so you can see it all:<br/><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUb5_Tb-XI/AAAAAAAAABQ/ldXdMW2o8DY/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221110026065410418" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUb5_Tb-XI/AAAAAAAAABQ/ldXdMW2o8DY/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+001.jpg" /></a><br/>The easiest way to cut the fabric, though, is to fold the pattern in half and cut it on the fold. This way you're cutting less (two layers at once) and you know it's going to be symmetrical. So, here it is folded:<br/><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUcyqTiNMI/AAAAAAAAABY/wbD3efsHEao/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221110999681217730" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUcyqTiNMI/AAAAAAAAABY/wbD3efsHEao/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+002.jpg" /></a><br/>Now, remember that this is the pattern for the WHOLE diaper, not just the body. You'll have to cut the body first, leaving off the tabs. The next picture is the body of the diaper, cut, laid on top of the pattern so you can see how much to leave. It's about 3 - 4" and doesn't matter too much really.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUdjOW2cmI/AAAAAAAAABg/AhDr6YuY0HI/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221111833992524386" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUdjOW2cmI/AAAAAAAAABg/AhDr6YuY0HI/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+004.jpg" /></a><br/>This is just one layer. You need to now use the piece you've already cut (the piece in the picture, the magenta, is PUL) to cut any other layers you will need. You will definitely need at least an inner and an outer, probably more if you're doing a fitted. What matters most here is that your two pieces match, so use the one you've just cut as a pattern for all the other layers.</p><p>Then, you'll need to cut the tabs. Lay the cut piece on top of the pattern as shown above. Pick up your tab fabric and fold it. The folded section needs to be AT LEAST as wide as the uncovered area on the pattern, but can be wider. Lay this part on top of the pattern with the fold on the outside edge of the tab. The idea is, you're going to cut it so it slightly overlaps the body of the diaper. You'll need two of these, one for each side. Here is a picture of the tab, folded and by itself:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUe4ZaSQeI/AAAAAAAAABo/m9ohhT2uuyk/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221113297248600546" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHUe4ZaSQeI/AAAAAAAAABo/m9ohhT2uuyk/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+006.jpg" /></a>Once you have cut the tabs, set them aside. You won't need them until after the next few steps.</p><p>Place the two body layers on top of each other, right sides together (for suede cloth, the soft side; for PUL, the not-shiny side). These layers will face out later. Pin it carefully. Alternately, use a glue stick to baste the two layers together. Here it is:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVCuUMO-9I/AAAAAAAAAB4/VLKtMPswyO4/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221152706467396562" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVCuUMO-9I/AAAAAAAAAB4/VLKtMPswyO4/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+008.jpg" /></a><br/>Now, you will sew a seam around the diaper, avoiding the tab areas and the back of the diaper. Here is a picture of where to start sewing:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVFugTClFI/AAAAAAAAACA/Jb0P_WaK7bg/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221156008252052562" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVFugTClFI/AAAAAAAAACA/Jb0P_WaK7bg/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+010.jpg" /></a></p><p>Once the diaper is sewn it looks like this (ignore the kitty paws!):</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVHMpUguDI/AAAAAAAAACI/2-TS2PF-WaI/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221157625581844530" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVHMpUguDI/AAAAAAAAACI/2-TS2PF-WaI/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+012.jpg" /></a><br/>Notice where it is sewn and not sewn. The back of the diaper and the tabs are not sewn yet. Now, clip around the area that is sewn to even the edges. The seam allowance should be around 1/4" when you are done, and it will look like this:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVI8ybtIaI/AAAAAAAAACQ/lBj0tq2KnQw/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221159552173285794" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVI8ybtIaI/AAAAAAAAACQ/lBj0tq2KnQw/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+015.jpg" /></a></p><p>Now that the body of the diaper is sewn, it's time to pin the tabs to the diaper. Lay the tab next to the diaper like this:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVKGyAWlbI/AAAAAAAAACY/_tL2lEWUnJw/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221160823368881586" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVKGyAWlbI/AAAAAAAAACY/_tL2lEWUnJw/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+016.jpg" /></a><br/>The top half of the tab will be pinned to the top layer of fabric; the bottom half of the tab will be pinned to the bottom layer of fabric. Remember that the tab is folded, with the fold on the outside, facing away from the diaper. It will be sticking up when it is pinned properly. When it is pinned, it looks like this:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVL6f3r7lI/AAAAAAAAACg/HqwDfo5AVNc/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+018.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221162811365518930" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVL6f3r7lI/AAAAAAAAACg/HqwDfo5AVNc/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+018.jpg" /></a>When you're sewing it, open up the tab so you sew one side at a time. It will look like this:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVR0WrhDMI/AAAAAAAAACo/OLkEG9b6iNk/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+021.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221169302889106626" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVR0WrhDMI/AAAAAAAAACo/OLkEG9b6iNk/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+021.jpg" /></a><br/>Carefully sew each side of the tab, being careful not to sew the diaper closed where the tab is pinned to the body or you won't be able to turn the diaper. Once it is sewn to the diaper, it will look like this:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVWr6X2T1I/AAAAAAAAACw/oYNPpNqO4ZI/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+022.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221174655409606482" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVWr6X2T1I/AAAAAAAAACw/oYNPpNqO4ZI/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+022.jpg" /></a><br/>Just one more step with the tabs, and then we'll sew in the elastic. Remember that the tabs are closed on the outside due to the fold, and they are now sewn to the body of the diaper on the opposite side. But, there are two remaining sides that aren't sewn yet. The tabs need to be sewn along the curve (bottom of the tab) and along the top (which connects to the back of the diaper). Make sure, when you are doing this, that you sew all the way from the folded edge of the tab onto the body of the diaper. For the back of the diaper, start about an inch away from the tab, then sew all the way across. Here is where you should start:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVX2w5X2BI/AAAAAAAAAC4/Kc1RLMYY3z4/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+027.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221175941356050450" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVX2w5X2BI/AAAAAAAAAC4/Kc1RLMYY3z4/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+027.jpg" /></a>Once this has been sewn, trim the tabs the same way you trimmed the seam allowance on the body of the diaper, so it looks smooth.</p><p>Now, we need to mark where the elastic will go. Fold the diaper in half so that you can mark the same thing on each side. The bottom of the leg elastic should be about 3" above the bottom of the diaper. The top of the leg elastic should be in the curve just before the tab (about 2 - 3" away). Here are two pictures to show you where these marks should be (slight pinkish marker):<br/><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVZot9RQ9I/AAAAAAAAADA/p3MDXE-fOsw/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+029.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221177899072177106" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVZot9RQ9I/AAAAAAAAADA/p3MDXE-fOsw/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+029.jpg" /></a> Bottom</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVafaufkWI/AAAAAAAAADI/sm7QKM7B-FY/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+030.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221178838802731362" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVafaufkWI/AAAAAAAAADI/sm7QKM7B-FY/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+030.jpg" /></a> Top</p><p>Set the elastic (I use 1/4" Lastin, but you can use polybraid or whatever you want) at one of the points. Tack it down by sewing forward slightly then backward. Then, switch to a zig zag stitch and sew the elastic down (stretching it out until it is taut but not as tight as it will go) into the seam allowance. I don't measure my elastic, but I would think it's 4 - 5".</p><p>Here is the tacking and starting the elastic:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVcGBG-5CI/AAAAAAAAADQ/lxiDLtzdUqo/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+031.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221180601452651554" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVcGBG-5CI/AAAAAAAAADQ/lxiDLtzdUqo/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+031.jpg" /></a><br/>When you're done, it will look like this (the picture is one leg):</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVc9X7VSkI/AAAAAAAAADY/k_8SgiYlpuU/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+032.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221181552470608450" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVc9X7VSkI/AAAAAAAAADY/k_8SgiYlpuU/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+032.jpg" /></a><br/>For the back elastic, I like to do both the inside and outside of the pocket opening. Some people prefer to do only the outside. I think doing both gives a better fit, helps the diaper stay stuffed, and looks better. You can choose though.</p><p>At the point where your stitching ends (remember sewing about an inch onto the back of the diaper? The rest of the back is open still), clip the seams towards the outside of the diaper. This will leave a higher part of the diaper (the unsewn part). That's where your elastic goes. It will look like this after the clipping:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVhTgNCS2I/AAAAAAAAADo/YCvZSexpTO8/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221186330695977826" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVhTgNCS2I/AAAAAAAAADo/YCvZSexpTO8/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+033.jpg" /></a></p><p>Sew one layer at a time. You will probably have to remove the tray on the sewing machine in order to put the pocket opening over the arm to do this. Once it is done, the whole diaper should look like this:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVjN1BVsaI/AAAAAAAAAD4/3BuGgbqX_n4/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221188432228102562" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVjN1BVsaI/AAAAAAAAAD4/3BuGgbqX_n4/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+034.jpg" /></a><br/>You can choose, at this point, to fold down the extra fabric at the back above the elastic and hem the pocket opening. In this particular diaper, since it is for home use and these fabrics don't fray, I am not going to bother. Then, turn the diaper right side out. It will now look like this:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHViP3qGfMI/AAAAAAAAADw/462EPIgq79Y/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+035.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221187367784053954" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHViP3qGfMI/AAAAAAAAADw/462EPIgq79Y/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+035.jpg" /></a><br/>Some people prefer to just leave the diaper like this, and sew on their hook and loop (or snaps). That's fine. Others, like me, prefer to topstitch. Start the needle about 1/4" from the edge, right next to the opening of the pocket. Stitch around the diaper, just inside the elastic (it'll be about 1/2" from the edge there). This will form a casing for the elastic, and mini-gussets around the legs to keep in the messes. When you sew around the elastic, stretch it out. It will look like this as you are sewing that part:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVk8n1fJ5I/AAAAAAAAAEA/Zt2v8HkO4vY/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+037.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221190335654209426" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVk8n1fJ5I/AAAAAAAAAEA/Zt2v8HkO4vY/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+037.jpg" /></a><br/>At this point (whether you've top stitched or not), attach your hook and loop. About 6" of loop tape goes on the front of the diaper. About 1" square of hook goes on each of the tabs. It's also a good idea to add 1" square of loop tape to each tab (just a bit away from the hook) to function as laundry tabs so your diapers don't turn into a giant chain in the wash. Once you have done that, here is your finished diaper!</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVmI0J2jRI/AAAAAAAAAEI/sfMyilB2WIY/s1600-h/Diaper+Tutorial+044.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221191644630912274" border="0" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SHVmI0J2jRI/AAAAAAAAAEI/sfMyilB2WIY/s400/Diaper+Tutorial+044.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="post-footer"><br/>Have you ever tried sewing cloth diapers? Does this help at all?<br/><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3"><span class="post-location"></span></div></div><div id="comments" class="comments"><a name="comments"></a><p>If you like these posts, subscribe and see them everyday!</p></div></p>
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EXCERPT:
otes: First, I wrote this tutorial over a year ago. My diaper-making has changed since this time! This diaper was right after I started using cloth tabs, but before I started doing snaps or the <a href="http://makingitlittlebylittle.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/little-one-size-pocket-diaper-tutorial/">sham pocket opening</a>.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sewing Smarts
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.222.219.245
URL: http://sewingsmarts.info
DATE: 07/29/2010 12:38:56 PM
<p>I have been making cloth diapers but I like this method much better than what I have been doing...  thanks!!!!!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jeanette Laskwy
EMAIL: jklaskey@hotmail.com
IP: 72.102.111.184
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 05:16:09 PM
<p>I have been wanting to sew some of these diapers to give as gifts.  Thank you so much for the directions!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creating a Workable Budget
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/12/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Creating a budget is the only way to make sure that you are living within your means. Living within your means is VERY important if you are motivated to be in a low-risk situation and to <a href="/blog/2009/11/1/debt-free-living.html">get out of debt</a>! But sitting down for the first time and writing a budget isn't always easy. How much is realistic to put in each category?</p>
<p>First, we'll look to <a href="http://beta.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-lite/">Dave Ramsey</a>, the financial "guru" we've been following. He's a self-made millionaire, so he knows a thing or two about making (and keeping) money.</p>
<p>Giving (charity) = 10 - 15% of income<br />Savings = 5 - 10% (Ramsey does recommend saving only $1000 as an emergency fund, then putting this money towards debt until it is paid off)<br />Housing = 25%<br />Utilities = 5%<br />Food = 5%<br />Transportation = 10%<br />Clothing = 2%<br />Medical/health = 5%<br />Personal = 5%<br />Recreation = 5%</p>
<p>If you use the lower end of that, it's only 77% -- the rest should go to debt, if you have any, or towards savings/giving.</p>
<p>Although this is a good start, there may be some realities to face in budgeting that you just can't get around.  For example, our house payment is about 40% of our take-home pay.  That's just how it is; so we have to cut other categories to make up for this.  Luckily it all still works out.  If you commute a lot of use taxis, your transportation might be higher than others.  Or, you may have more medical expenses (that's a separate post entirely, my opinion on that...).  But, you must first face what these realities are.</p>
<p>So, sit down with your spouse and write down ALL your essential, non-negotiable items.  House, cars, utilities, etc.  This can be a frustrating exercise sometimes.  When we first sat down to do this, we just did not make enough money!  But it got better.  If you find that you don't make enough money, perhaps you can find a way to work some extra hours, take a second part-time job, or have someone work from home.  I taught music lessons and did freelance writing for awhile, up until a few months after Bekah was born, to make a little extra money.</p>
<p>Then, look at your negotiable expenses.  How much can you afford on groceries?  How much for "personal" money, or entertainment, or clothing?  Groceries are an absolute "must" but it can be easy to spend quite a lot -- or not as much.  Personal, entertainment, and clothing are typically not "musts," unless you have growing children, but then you can shop around on <a href="http://www.craigslist.com/">Craig's List</a>, or at Goodwill, or Once Upon a Child.  Or garage sales, if the season is right, or even borrow from a friend!  We'll discuss specific ways to cut these variable parts of the budget in another post.  What we did was not have any personal, entertainment, or clothing money for awhile (we didn't have kids then).  We still don't have much personal or clothing money, and no entertainment.  The more you can cut back, the faster you can pay off your debt (if you have any).</p>
<p>So, let's look at an example.</p>
<p>Suppose you make $2000 a month, take home.</p>
<p>Rent = $700/month<br />Utilities = $50/month<br />Savings = $0<br />Giving = $200/month<br />Food = $300/month<br />Transportation (insurance and gas) = $300/month<br />Clothing = $50/month<br />Personal = $50/month<br />Entertainment = $50/month<br />Medical = $50/month</p>
<p>All of that adds up to $1750/month.  The remaining $250 can be put towards debt, or used on any "unusual" expenses, like unexpected medical expenses, etc.  Or, it can be put in savings if the debt is paid.  This picture is assuming renting, not paying a mortgage (a mortgage would be over $1000, typically, too much for this family's take home pay), and it's assuming no car payments (which is, unfortunately, not the case for most -- although we own our cars!).</p>
<p>It may take some haggling in the "entertainment" and "personal" categories too.  Typically one person likes to spend more, and the other likes to save more.  It requires a balance, because if you save too much and NEVER have fun, you won't enjoy life much.  But if you always spend and never save, well...come rainy days, you're in big trouble.</p>
<p>Remember to have lots of communication when creating this budget, because you BOTH have to live with it.</p>
<p>Ramsey suggests an "envelope" system, where you put the month's money into different envelopes labeled for each category.  When the money's gone, it's gone.  No borrowing, no extra.  We use a couple different debit accounts, which have only exactly what we are allowed to spend in them.</p>
<p>How do you create your budget?  Was it difficult to agree?  Is there any other budget or money-related idea you'd like me to post on?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Creating a budget is the only way to make sure that you are living within your means. Living within your means is VERY important if you are motivated to be in a low-risk situation and to <a href="/blog/2009/11/1/debt-free-living.html">get out of debt</a>! But sitting down for the first time and writing a budget isn't always easy. How much is realistic to put in each category?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creation vs. Evolution: What's the Evidence?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/10/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>The past two weeks at our church, we've been listening to the pastor speak on Creation vs. Evolution.  This is a very important topic these days.  Scientists in general tend to dismiss creation and assume that evolution is simply <em>fact</em>, which of course is not the case -- it is merely a theory.  They tend to talk down to anyone who believes in creation, calling people religious nuts, uneducated, rednecks, and much worse terms.  However, science itself actually provides evidence that creation is a viable theory.  So what is the evidence, and what should we believe?</p><p>First, we believe in creation because the Bible teaches it.  That is the first and last authority to us.  It is not the <em>only</em> reason, but it is the most important reason.  The very first verse of the Bible declares: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."  (Gen. 1:1)  That should be enough...but of course, for man's curious mind, it's not.</p><p>So, why else do we believe in creation?  Because there is overwhelming <em>science</em> that shows it to be true.  Yes -- really!  First I want to show a couple of quotes from Darwin himself, to set up the argument:</p><p>"To suppose that the eye, with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree." <a href="http://thinkexist.com/quotes/charles_darwin/1.html"> Think Exist</a></p><p>"First, why, if species have descended from other species by fine degradations, why do we not everywhere see innumerable transitional forms?  Why is not all nature in transition, instead of the species being, as we see them, well defined?"  <a href="http://www.overcomeproblems.com/darwin.htm">Overcome Problems</a></p><p>There are more -- to the effect that, if Darwin had had the scientific tools we have today, his theory would have been proven false.  Of course, no evolutionist today acknowledges these problems, nor do they use their new data to investigate further.  They assume it is true.</p><p>Therefore, scientists today are biased.  Scott Todd, a Kansas State University immunologist states, "Even if all the dara point to an intelligent designer, such a hypothesis is excluded from science because it is not naturalistic."  That is, because it cannot be easily observed, it must be false.  (This is the simplistic thinking problem I discussed in my post on<a href="/2009/11/rejecting-modern-science.html"> rejecting the medical community</a>.)</p><p>It is known today that the universe is finely tuned to support life.  If only one tiny thing were changed -- our position in relation to the sun, the size of the earth, the composition of the atmosphere, our air requirements, the structure of cells, etc. -- the whole thing would collapse.  Yet -- we are supposed to accept that this happened completely by accident.  As our pastor said, "If I throw a bunch of legos on the floor, what are the chances they will assemble themselves to form a building?"  Truly, the chance is <em>zero</em>.  To even ask such a question is ridiculous, yet this is what evolutionists are asking us to accept.</p><p>Our pastor also gave 5 very important reasons to reject evolution, which I will now summarize here:</p><p>1) It doesn't adequately explain the presence of complexity.<br/>         Since Darwin's time, we've developed numerous scientific advancements, including an electron microscope, which allows us to understand living organisms at a level that Darwin could not have even imagined.  Just being able to look at what goes on in every individual cell is amazing (the DNA and RNA in a cell's nucleus, the special instructions to form amino acids into particular proteins, the way the cell carries in nutrients and carries out waste, all the small mechanisms that allow this process to carry on rapidly and constantly).  There is no possible way that the fine, carefully balanced complexity of this process was some kind of amazing accident.  The world is far, far too complex to have just happened, to have come from nothing.  Speaking of nothing -- there has to be an original cause.  If creation, God is clearly the original cause.  In evolution...there is no explanation for the original cause, just some vague "big bang," although there is no explanation for what caused that.</p><p>2) It doesn't adequately account for the fossil record.<br/>     Despite what some scientists say and would have you believe, dinosaur footprints have been found right next to man's...and they were created at the same time.  That is not at all what we have been told; we've been told dinosaurs lived millions of years before man because the earth is so old.  Read more about the <a href="http://www.dinosaursandman.com/research/WALKING_WITH_DINOSAURS.pdf">fossil records</a>, and learn more about <a href="http://www.acad.carleton.edu/curricular/BIOL/classes/bio302/Pages/CarbonDatingBack.html">carbon dating </a>(the supposed way that scientists "prove" that the world is millions of years old).</p><p>An interesting story about <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/mi/dinosaurs/carbondating.html">carbon dating and dinosaurs</a>: "I have documentation of an Allosaurus bone that was sent to the University of Arizona to be carbon dated.  We didn't tell them the bones they were dating were dinosaur bones.  The result was sample B at 16,120 years.  The Allosaurus was supposed to be 140,000,000 years old.  The samples of bone were blind samples."  Hmm...so, when scientists did not know they were dating dinosaurs, the bones were dated at only 16,000 years...when if they had known, they would have dated them at 140 MILLION years old, or 8750 times as old.</p><p>3) It doesn't adequately explain how the Second law of Thermodynamics is overcome (which is: things tend to o from order to chaos)<br/>      How is it that the law states, things specifically go from order to chaos, and we can observe that this is true all around us: our neat, orderly playrooms are quickly destroyed by eager toddlers -- yet Darwin asks us to accept that from primordial slime and complete chaos and confusion, life arose and humans eventually came to be?  It does not make sense that all of this slime and randomness knit itself together and created life, and then became more and more complex life.  Not to mention, why don't we see this continuing to happen?  Why are there many well-defined species and none that are changing or evolving?  Darwin himself (quoted above) admits that is a large problem with his theory.</p><p>4) It doesn't adequately account for consciousness<br/>     How did slime, or even unconscious one-celled organisms, turn into the humans we see today?  How did "nothing" not only develop into complex life, but into fully conscious beings, who have rich emotional and mental lives?  There is no way for Darwin to explain how this occurred.  Of course, as emotional and mental conditions are not strictly "science," since they cannot be measured or quantified easily, Darwin probably simply eliminated them from his equation and looked only at the outer, physical characteristics.  More simplistic, incorrect "scientific" thinking.</p><p>5) It doesn't adequately account for morality<br/>     Why are we moral beings?  In Darwin's view, our only goal should be survival, and we should be fully selfish.  There should be no desire to give to others or help others.  We should have no seemingly in-born sense that it is wrong to steal or to kill.  Animals do not have these senses; so how have we developed them?  Only the presence of a loving God, who created us and gave us these laws, explains morality.  Why do humans, even supposed atheists, still turn to prayer in dark times?  Why do humans have a feeling they NEED God?  Why have we ALWAYS had religion?  Where did it come from to begin with?  The only explanation (scientists are not interested in even looking for an explanation) is that God created us with that need.</p><p>There are many more resources available if you would like to learn more:<br/><a href="http://www,creationsmuseum.org/">Creation Museum</a><br/><a href="http://www.dissentfromdarwin.org/">Dissent from Darwinism</a> (this is a collection of scientists who believe that Creation is more likely)<br/><a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/">Answers in Genesis</a><br/><a href="http://www.irc.org/">ICR</a></p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reason-God-Belief-Age-Skepticism/dp/0525950494/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1257817144&amp;sr=8-1">The Reason for God</a>, by Timothy Keller<br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Case-Creator-Journalist-Investigates-Scientific/dp/0310240506/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1257817175&amp;sr=1-1">The Case for a Creator</a>, by Lee Strobel (a former agnostic!)<br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Creationism-Henry-M-Morris/dp/0890510032/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1257817214&amp;sr=1-1">Scientific Creationism</a>, by Henry M. Morris</p><p>What do you believe?  Has what I've presented here changed your thinking or surprised you at all?</p>
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EXCERPT:
The past two weeks at our church, we've been listening to the pastor speak on Creation vs. Evolution.  This is a very important topic these days.  Scientists in general tend to dismiss creation and assume that evolution is simply <em>fact</em>, which of course is not the case -- it is merely a theory.  They tend to talk down to anyone who believes in creation, calling people religious nuts, uneducated, rednecks, and much worse terms.  However, science itself actually provides evidence that creation is a viable theory.  So what is the evidence, and what should we believe?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/14/2009 12:48:47 AM
<p>Wow, Darwin really said that? That just reaffirms my belief that creationism is the answer.  I can&#39;t believe people still believe his theory after he said something like that.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Whole Grain Bread
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/13/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This has been entered at the <a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/2010/01/ultimate-recipe-swap-healthier-eating.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>I've been working on a gluten-free version of this, too, with no success so far. Oh well! If you can eat gluten, this bread is delicious!</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />&frac12; c. almond milk, scalded<br />&frac14; c. coconut oil<br />&frac14; c.. raw honey<br />2 tsp. kosher salt<br />1.5 c. warm water<br />2.5 tsp. yeast<br />4 &ndash; 5 c. spelt flour (or finely ground whole wheat)</p>
<p>Directions: Heat milk in a pan until bubbles begin to form, then remove from heat. Add coconut oil, honey, and salt; stir and allow the mixture to cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add warm water and yeast together (a small amount of honey or agave nectar will help it proof; I usually add this, no more than a tsp.). When the milk mixture is about room temperature and the yeast is puffy, add the milk to the yeast and stir.</p>
<p>Begin adding flour slowly, about 1 c. at a time. Once it is a thick batter, add less at a time, about &frac12; c. As the mixture pulls away from the bowl and begins to really stick to the spoon, use your hands to knead the bread instead. Continue to add flour in small amounts and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic and no longer sticky, about 10 min. Place the bread in a warm place to rise until doubled, about one hour.</p>
<p>Punch it down and knead it for just a minute, then divide it in half and shape into two loaves. Place in two greased loaf pans (I use olive oil cooking spray) and allow to rise until at least doubled, about another hour. The loaves should fill the pans and crest the top. In the last 10 min. of rising, preheat the oven to 400. Place the loaves carefully into the preheated oven (too much motion can cause them to fall; if this happens, punch them down and knead them for a min. and allow to rise again) and bake 35 &ndash; 40 min. or until golden brown.</p>
<p>A few notes &ndash; if you choose to use whole wheat instead of spelt, your loaf will be heavier. Add a bit more yeast (1/4 tsp.) or some lighter flour to make up for this density. Always use a finely-ground flour unless you plan to use half coarse-ground and half fine-ground. Too much coarsely-ground flour will cause a dense, sticky finished loaf. Also, if the loaf comes out a bit dense and sticky even with the proper flour, it probably was not kneaded long enough originally. Knead it until it is truly smooth and not sticky for best results. If you want to use another type of oil, you can try&hellip;the &ldquo;original&rdquo; recipe I started with called for butter, so I prefer to use a solid type of fat. The coconut oil flavor doesn&rsquo;t come through unless there&rsquo;s a significant amount of sugar, and this recipe just doesn&rsquo;t have that.</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I've been working on a gluten-free version of this, too, with no success so far. Oh well! If you can eat gluten, this bread is delicious!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 11/13/2009 03:34:29 AM
<p>Here&#39;s a link for how to make your own almond milk (in case you don&#39;t already do it) - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://lifehacker.com/5387661/how-to-make-almond-milk-at-home">http://lifehacker.com/5387661/how-to-make-almond-milk-at-home</a></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Debt-Free Living
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/02/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>How much do you know about debt-free living? If you&rsquo;re like most Americans, not much. We unfortunately live in a culture where debt is celebrated. However, we&rsquo;ve been personally practicing debt-free living, following the principles of the Dave Ramsey plan for about two and a half years now. We&rsquo;re not completely debt-free yet, but a lot of our decisions (financial and otherwise) are geared towards getting out of debt, and we have made significant progress. We believe it is important to be good stewards with God&rsquo;s resources, to use our money wisely. If you are not familiar with <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey</a>, you can view his website for more information. It is similar in Biblical principles to <a href="http://www.crown.org/">Crown Financial Ministries</a>, if you are familiar with that.</p>
<p>Being debt-free wasn&rsquo;t easy for us initially. We started out with student loans (both of us), a mortgage, and credit card debt. When we first married we didn&rsquo;t make much money but we already owned a house, and we simply didn&rsquo;t make enough to pay our basic expenses. We relied on credit cards &ndash; as do a lot of others &ndash; to pay for our necessities, like groceries. We didn&rsquo;t even attempt to make a budget for the first 10 months of our marriage, and we would randomly spend money on things to treat ourselves &ndash; new clothes, games, going out to eat.</p>
<p>When we first sat down to make a budget, we were frustrated because at that time we literally did not make enough money to pay our basic expenses. Two months later, though, Ben got a new job and a raise and we began to get serious about making a real budget and paying off debt.</p>
<p>Since that time, we&rsquo;ve paid off over $55,000 in debt, including most on our student loans and all of our credit card debt. We haven&rsquo;t made a sizeable dent in our mortgage yet, but we&rsquo;ll turn our focus there after we pay off the last student loan. We cut up all our credit cards and we longer use them, or any form of credit. We have also saved up money to buy a used van with cash during this time (yes, you CAN buy a car without a loan!) and a few other small projects. One we&rsquo;re currently working on is a hydroponic garden, which I&rsquo;ll discuss in future posts.</p>
<p>So why should you be debt free? It seems like debt allows you to have great things, right now. First of all, we don&rsquo;t believe in the &ldquo;right now&rdquo; culture. Delayed gratification is better, because you appreciate more what you have worked hard for. Also, if you use debt to buy things, you will always have debt and you will always have choices to make. But, if you get out of debt and use your money wisely, someday you will have a lot of extra money (that isn&rsquo;t going to interest and loan payments) that you can use to buy some much-desired items. Money can be fun &ndash; if spent wisely.</p>
<p>Using the Lord&rsquo;s resources wisely is also important. God gave us our money so that we could use it for good &ndash; for ourselves and for others less fortunate. He expects us to use that money well, to buy what we need and provide for our family, and also to tithe to the church to do His work. There is no aspect of our lives that the Lord doesn&rsquo;t touch, including money. There are many scriptures that speak to how we are to handle our money, including:</p>
<p>Proverbs 22:7, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." (aka don't borrow money)<br />Luke 14:28, "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,<br />saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'" (aka do a monthly budget)</p>
<p>In fact there are <a href="http://www.providentplan.com/personal-finance-bible-verses/">1,196 verses in the Bible about money</a>. Do you think maybe God was trying to tell us something?</p>
<p>A major reason to be debt free, even if you don&rsquo;t believe in delayed gratification or using the Lord&rsquo;s resources wisely is the sheer money facts (I know some of you want to see the math!). If, instead of spending money freely and getting into debt, you invest your money from a young age, you will someday have a large amount of wealth amassed and you will not have to worry about your future, or expect the government to take care of you. Check out this chart below showing two different investing strategies and the net results:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(click image for a larger version)</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/Su4pTe7qMhI/AAAAAAAAAGA/sKtYOEbk-No/s400/debt_chart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399298417961349650" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 285px; height: 397px; text-align: center;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/Su4pTe7qMhI/AAAAAAAAAGA/sKtYOEbk-No/s400/debt_chart.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>So we see that investing only from 20-25 will net you almost the exact same amount at retirement that investing from 26-65. Which would you rather do, invest for 6 years ($45,000) or invest for 39 years ($300,000)? If you make the sacrifices early in life, things will go a lot easier.</p>
<p>Compelling, huh?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For an example of typical money management, suppose you are an average couple &ndash; making $50,000 a year. You buy a house, you have two car payments, and you still have some student loans. On average, 60% of your take-home pay will be going towards debt, 40% to your mortgage alone. It&rsquo;s easy to look at the debt and say &ldquo;but student loans are only 3% interest. And we have to have cars, so we have to have car payments. And the house will increase in value, so overall, we&rsquo;ll come out ahead.&rdquo; Sound familiar?</p>
<p>But if that was your situation two years ago, with the housing market crashing, your house is now worth 30% less, your cars are worth less, and your hours (and pay) are cut at work. You have no equity at all in your purchases, and in fact would lose money now if you sold them. If you lost your job, you would lose everything, because you would either not pay for your belongings (possibly having to declare bankruptcy) or sell your items at a loss. This is the uncertainty you live with when you live with debt.</p>
<p>Contrast this example with a couple who is mostly debt-free. They have a 15-year mortgage, but the mortgage payment comprises only about 25% of their take home pay, and will be paid off in only a few years. They also paid 20% down on their home to decrease the overall amount of the loan. Their student loans are paid off. Their cars were purchased used and paid for completely. They also have a 6-month emergency fund.</p>
<p>When the market crashes, it doesn&rsquo;t really affect the debt-free couple. Their mortgage is easily affordable even if pay is cut. Their cars are owned outright. Should they lose their jobs, they know they have six months to find another. There is no fear, no loss. Certainly life could be a little tight as the budget could change if they lost their jobs&hellip;but they know they can make it.</p>
<p>When you are debt-free, you must plan and save very carefully for future purchases. This reduces impulse purchases and ensures that you will purchase carefully and that you will be able to pay for your purchase in full. How wonderful it is to walk away with a major purchase &ndash; a car, a vacation, a new piece of furniture &ndash; knowing it is yours and no one can take it away, nor do you ever have to worry about it again. If you are using debt for the purchase, it&rsquo;s easier to get sucked In by seemingly good deals, and end up in trouble if something happens down the road that limits your ability to pay back your debt.</p>
<p>A lot of my posts will refer to saving money, even if they don&rsquo;t specifically refer to debt-free living. There are many things we do to save money as well as for other purposes (like buying food in bulk, also for health). I will note these ideas in case you are trying to reduce your spending. Look for posts in the future specifically about ways to save money, ways to cut your spending, and special deals to take advantage of.</p>
<p>Are you debt-free? Would you like to be? Does it seem like it is feasible for your family, or would you like to learn more?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
<p>How much do you know about debt-free living? If you&rsquo;re like most Americans, not much. We unfortunately live in a culture where debt is celebrated. However, we&rsquo;ve been personally practicing debt-free living, following the principles of the Dave Ramsey plan for about two and a half years now. We&rsquo;re not completely debt-free yet, but a lot of our decisions (financial and otherwise) are geared towards getting out of debt, and we have made significant progress. We believe it is important to be good stewards with God&rsquo;s resources, to use our money wisely. If you are not familiar with <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey</a>, you can view his website for more information. It is similar in Biblical principles to <a href="http://www.crown.org/">Crown Financial Ministries</a>, if you are familiar with that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/03/2009 12:26:32 AM
<p>Hi Emma,</p><p>That&#39;s great that you are so close to being out of debt, and plan to pay cash for a house!  We are not *that* far along yet, but are hoping to pay ours off by 30.  </p><p>I&#39;ll be discussing hydroponic gardening in November and December, as we work on the project.  We only have the beginning of the system now and are waiting on a few other parts before we can get started.</p><p>As for exercise, I&#39;ll have that up in a couple of weeks.  I do take suggestions.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 11/02/2009 02:11:16 AM
<p>Debt free...I&#39;ll be there within 2 years, I think. We&#39;re well below $40k on our two loans (at 1% interest) at this point, and I love having a budget. We were able to get major maintenance done on both cars that cost over $1000 without having to panic - we had the money without even having to touch the emergency fund. </p><p>Honestly, our plan is to not even have to take out a mortgage - if we can save the $2k a month we spend on debt repayment, we&#39;ll be able to buy a $150k house in cash within 7 years, not even including the pay raises that I know will come between now and then. </p><p>Also, I&#39;m totally interested in your hydroponic gardening info, as well as ideas for moms with young kids for getting exercise - especially since living in Ohio makes the weather a factor. I have several friends who are asking me for ideas, so I thought maybe I could refer them to your blog if you talked about that?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Exercise in the Winter
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/22/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Getting exercise in the winter isn't easy, especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate -- which I definitely do, in Ohio!  It's even harder if you have little kids and can't just dash out for a quick jog on a relatively "okay" day, or go to an expensive gym.  So what's a busy mom to do?</p><p>One popular way for my friends and I is a "stroller stroll" at the mall.  We load up the kids in their strollers and walk laps around the mall.  This is best done with small children (read: ones who will still actually sit in their strollers for any length of time) and in the mornings on weekdays, when the mall isn't very crowded.  Depending on how heavy your kids are, this can be a pretty good work out!  It's also nice to chat while strolling, do a little shopping if something catches your eye, and have lunch at the food court (bring your own if you can't stand the options there) before heading home for naps.</p><p>If your kids won't sit in a stroller, or don't live close to the malls (now, I live less than five minutes from a mall...but growing up it was at least twenty minutes, so we didn't go too often), mall walking won't work for you.  Other indoor stores can, if you can get your kids to sit still, or at least run after you.  Sometimes there are museums or indoor playgrounds that you can go to, so your kids are entertained but you can get some exercise in too.  Look for local mommy-and-me type events too, or join a group on <a href="http://www.meetup.com">Meet Up</a> (I did!).</p><p>But, if you need something a little older-kid-friendly, try using a Nintendo Wii!  It's my understanding that a lot of people have these now.  We actually do have a Wii, and the Wii Fit.  It's a great way to hop into exercise everyday, and you can do it for five minutes or an hour, and you can start and stop whenever you need to.  Most exercises are only a few minutes long, so it's easy to do while you're coordinating dinner, kids, laundry, etc.</p><p>Failing a Wii (not everyone can afford one), you can also do routines from the fitness channels on TV, or exercises videos (DVDs?) from the library.  If you're desperate, use your kids' silly dancing videos!</p><p>There are other small ways to exercise around your house as well.  Wearing wrist or ankle weights while you go about your daily chores can be a great idea.  Running up and down stairs more often than you really need to (you know, you went up to get your toddler's cup but forgot your next load of laundry) is great.  Cleaning various rooms is exercise too.  It really is built in!</p><p>Of course, the best exercise is your KIDS!  Chase them, tickle them, "attack" them, just go nuts!  Dance with them, sing, do gymnastics, etc.  Your kids will give you PLENTY of exercise if you let them.  I, personally, am trying really hard to limit my computer time to when they are having short play time in the morning, naps, and evenings.  This is so I spend more time with them during the day in general, but also so I don't spend a lot of time just sitting down.  I have to get up and chase them! </p><p>I do other random things, too.  I also keep all their diapers upstairs so every time someone needs changed I have to run them up there.  I try to do chores on each level everyday so I spend some time upstairs, downstairs, and in the basement.  If I leave the basement door open, Bekah will inevitably down and probably feed the cats (she knows how to open their food and give them extra, although she's not supposed to) and then I'll have to run down and grab her and make her clean up and run her back up to time out....  You get the idea.</p><p>How do you exercise in the winter?  Do you involve your kids?  Let's hear all about it!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Getting exercise in the winter isn't easy, especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate -- which I definitely do, in Ohio!  It's even harder if you have little kids and can't just dash out for a quick jog on a relatively "okay" day, or go to an expensive gym.  So what's a busy mom to do?
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Thanksgiving!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/27/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!</p><p>This blog post will be brief since it's a holiday. I hope you are enjoying all your food, and your family! And maybe a few of the recipes posted from last week. :)</p><p>How did your holiday go? Post and let me know!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!</p><p>This blog post will be brief since it's a holiday. I hope you are enjoying all your food, and your family! And maybe a few of the recipes posted from last week.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 11/27/2009 09:49:17 PM
<p>Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours too!  Love the new family picture.  Everyone looks so smiley and happy!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News: Water Kefir and National Health Care Plans
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/25/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health news Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027558_mammograms_cancer_industry.html">Mammograms and Chemotherapy: Industry Recommendations</a><br/>The cancer industry's current recommendations on mammograms. I should note, I am not against THERMOGRAMS, newer technology that can detect cancer more accurately and without radiation.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027554_kefir_water_probiotic.html">Make Your Own Probiotics: Kefir</a><br/>This article details both milk and water kefir. Water kefir is not sold anywhere (milk kefir is sold in most grocery stores) and isn't well known. We've actually been working on some for awhile now, trying to "perfect" our recipe. I'll be blogging about our efforts soon!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027569_nutrition_America.html">Nutrition Can Save the Country</a><br/>Mike Adams' view on why nutrition is so important and how good nutrition can help in many different areas.</p><p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,576526,00.html">GlaxoSmithKline Recalls H1N1 Vaccine in Canada Over 'Life Threatening' Allergy Risk</a><br/>Important news for those considering an H1N1 vaccine.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/24/Ill-Fated-Health-Care-Reform-is-One-Step-Closer-to-Becoming-Reality-Your-Help-is-Urgently-Needed.aspx">Government-Run Health Care: Where it Stands</a><br/>Why this plan should not pass, and what you can do about it.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health news Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027558_mammograms_cancer_industry.html">Mammograms and Chemotherapy: Industry Recommendations</a><br/>The cancer industry's current recommendations on mammograms. I should note, I am not against THERMOGRAMS, newer technology that can detect cancer more accurately and without radiation.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/16/2009 11:02:17 PM
<p>I agree but not all cancer present as lumps, and when they do it is too late.  As you get older, I hope you will reconsider getting a mammogram. Or, even better, I hope they figure out what is CAUSING cancer.  Even vegtarienas get cancer Kate.  A good diet is a great idea, but no guarantee.</p><p>By the way, I wasn&#39;t scared of cancer.  In fact, it never even crossed my mind since I, like you, thought I was well-protected because of my healthy lifestyle, eating, and exercise habits.   </p><p>Best of luck to you; I hope you and your family stay healthy so that you don&#39;t have revise your (naive) opinions or count on the people you so scorn.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/11/2009 04:09:35 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I think I did respond to that on another post.  My personal opinion is that self breast exams monthly, combined with your doctor&#39;s manual screening annually, should be enough to alert you to any potential problem and decide if you need a mammogram or not.  I personally will NOT be getting them.  But, women should follow the recommendations they are comfortable with.  I think that the recommendations got changed because so many women spoke out angrily, but I think that no one fully understands the benefit -- if any -- of annual mammograms for everyone, and women are scared of cancer and want to do whatever they can to protect themselves.  I don&#39;t think mammograms are the answer at all, for protection, because they don&#39;t PROTECT, they only DETECT cancer that&#39;s already there.  Much better to know your body well and to eat a healthy diet full of raw fruits and vegetables and healthy fats.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/06/2009 09:01:23 PM
<p>Still wondering about your thoughts on the advisory panel&#39;s change of position on when women should begin mammograms.  I&#39;m sure you have heard that they again recommend the age 35 baseline and age 40 annual checks. How do you feel about this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/30/2009 02:10:47 AM
<p>It seems we are in agreement.  People do need to take responsibility for maintaining their health and, if they do become ill, take responsibility for the treatment options available to them.  I hope that is  what I did and that what none of the decisions I made was the wrong decision. I made the best decisions I could based on the information I had at the time.</p><p>I also think you are correct that every action we take has a consequence whether good or bad.  However, I think you may not be considering how things change over time.  Since you said your mother-in-law is in her late forties, I will assume you are in your early to mid-twenties. That means you haven&#39;t seen much change over the course of time that you have been making your own health care decisions. But over the course of your mother-in-law&#39;s lifetime, and certainly over the course of her mother&#39;s lifetime, medical knowledge has changed. For example, the link between smoking and lung cancer was not publicly known until the late 50&#39;s/early 60&#39;s.  Before that time most adults smoked. When the link was established, public health campaigns began and smoking began to slowly decrease.  The link between asbestos and lung cancer was discovered even later.  Prior to knowing of the asbestos link, many homes were insulated with asbestos, and many public buildings (schools especially) still contain asbestos floor tiles. Lead paint is another example of a substance once thought benign that proved to be harmful.     Some of the things we now think are benign will become the new cigarettes or asbestos or lead paint.  When we know better, we change our behavior.</p><p>I understand that you are attempting to encourage people to change behavior to promote a healthier lifestyle.  My point to you is that you seem very, very sure that YOUR way is the right way, yet you have a relatively short time perspective upon which to judge your decsions.  I admire and respect the fact that you are trying to do what is best for your children and your family, but I&#39;m concerned that you may be in for a rude awakening someday.  Something you are doing right now will prove to be detrimental to your health or  your children&#39;s health (think of all of the controversy about which postion is the correct position to put a child to sleep or about the correct age/weight to move a child from a booster seat to a lap belt). When you discover that you did actually do something wrong despite your best efforts, I hope you will be compassionate toward yourself and all of the others like you who made the same mistake.  I also hope your children will be understanding of the younger, less-informed you. </p><p>By the way, I&#39;d rather remain anonymous.  Someday I will also be older, wiser, and better-informed, and I&#39;d rather not have my   naive opinions attributed to me for eternity.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/28/2009 10:53:38 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Please forgive the oversight...Ben was home on Wednesday, so I did not check for comments (which are sent to my email) until nighttime.  By that time, your original comment was on the second page and I did not see it until after I posted your follow-up comment.  I went back and looked for it after I saw the second comment.  It was by no means intentional.</p><p>I absolutely have compassion for individuals who are sick.  And I do believe that some people will get sick no matter what they do.  But I also know that if a random person makes one comment, and I have no idea about his/her life situation, it is possible that s/he could have made some different decisions and then potentially would not have gotten sick.  I would say MOST cases of cancer are preventable -- by no means ALL.  But it&#39;s hard to tell who falls into which category simply from anonymous comments.  I don&#39;t think I&#39;ve said anything rude or unsympathetic specifically to you.  If I did it was not my intention.  I find it hard, looking at a mainstream world where I watch people walk down the street, clearly very overweight, eating candy, and talking about how they are on multiple prescription medications.  Would I say anything to them individually?  No, I&#39;m sorry for their situation and I&#39;m sure in a lot of ways they are simply uninformed or misinformed.  But I am trying to spread different points of view here, so that IF people are interested, they are able to research alternatives for themselves.  I do believe that a LARGE part of our health and our life is in our control.  Not all, but quite a bit.  Why would I, or should I, believe otherwise?  Even if we do get sick, we still have options, choices to make.</p><p>So, to sum it up, yes, I feel compassion for those who are sick and no, I don&#39;t believe that everyone &quot;causes&quot; it.  But people do need to take responsibility for their own health.</p><p>Anonymous -- you&#39;ve obviously commented several times, why not share your name?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/27/2009 04:15:19 AM
<p>You posted my comment on thermograms after I questioned your censoring.  I&#39;m quite certain you had the thermogram comment a day before the censoring comment.</p><p>If your mother-in-law or you is concerned about genetic breast cancer, you can stop worrying.  An aunt is a second degree relative, and, as such, does not meet the criteria for either of you being at a higher genetic risk. Having a  first degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases a person&#39;s genetic risk.  </p><p>Most breast cancer is not genetic (less than 20% is genetic).    While lifestyle choices can increase a woman&#39;s breast cancer risk, age is still the most important risk factor.  Last time I checked, there is nothing we can do about growing older; thus, there is nothing we can do about this risk factor. Your mother-in-law&#39;s risk, your risk, and every woman&#39;s risk increases every day.</p><p>Some women,  even if they make healthy choices, will develop breast cancer.  Here are my facts:  I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37.  Five doctors (yes, I really obtained five opinions) advised me that it had been present approximately 10 years based on the distribution and amount of cancerous cells that were found (for the record, I had two pathologists read the slides from my biopsy).  I had NO risk factors. In fact, I had several mitigating factors. I had two children before age 30 and one at age 31.  I breast-fed all three.  I was never overweight (5&#39;9&quot; 133 lbs.), ran approximately 20-25 miles per week, lifted free weights 3 times per week, and ate a healthy diet. There was no history of breast cancer in my family.  My only symptoms were that  a small bruise on my breast and I was losing weight (down to 125 at the time of surgery).  I went for my annual PAP test and had a clinical breast exam.  My doctor found a slightly enlarged lymph node (not a breast lump) in my armpit and sent me for a mammogram.  The mammogram indicated suspicious cells and the radiologist immediately performed a sonogram which confirmed that none of the suspicious areas was a cyst.  She referred me to a breast surgeon.  The breast surgeon did a needle biopsy (a horrible procedure where mammograms are taken to pinpoint the suspicious cells and long &quot;fish-hook&quot; type needles are inserted in the breast so that the surgeon can remove the least amount of breast tissue).  Eighty percent of needle biopsies come back benign.  Of the four areas where needles were inserted, ALL of them came back cancerous.  I had cancer in three of  four quadrants of my breast.  My chioces were (confirmed by all five doctors)  a lumpectomy of 3/4 of my breast followed by radiation or a mastectomy.  Since I did not want radiation, I chose the mastectomy. </p><p>Due to my breast cancer history, I am now at a much higher risk for ovarian cancer, and my daughters are at a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. I plan to undergo genetic testing soon to see if I have carry the BRCA I or II gene.  If so, I may have passed it on to them.  I struggle every day with the knowledge that my genes could make them sick no matter what health choices they make.</p><p>You and your husband seem very quick to blame illness on the choices that people make (they are overweight, etc.). I think this is an uncompassionate attitude to have.  I made the right choices, most were very similar to the ones you are both making, and still got sick.  I understand and believe in your zeal for a healthy lifestyle.  I hope that neither of you ever gets sick. But please be compassionate towards those that do; they may be more like you than you realize.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/25/2009 11:41:42 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Actually...I didn&#39;t fully explain my first response.  My MIL is in her late 40s and her aunt had breast cancer.  However, her aunt led a very unhealthy lifestyle -- sedentary, tons of junk food, etc.  Her mother is perfectly healthy.  She has been terrified for years of breast cancer and I have tried to research it for her and talk to her about the differences in her mother&#39;s lifestyle (who is healthy) vs. her aunt&#39;s, and that since she is healthy she should not be at increased risk.  This is why I have started to research breast cancer screenings, treatments, etc.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/25/2009 10:45:46 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I don&#39;t remember receiving comments about thermograms.  I have posted pretty much everything I&#39;ve received in the last week or so, so I&#39;m not sure why your comments wouldn&#39;t show up.  If you would like to send more information about thermograms and what you have learned in your situation, I would be more than happy to post it.  As it happens -- I didn&#39;t mention this before -- my aunt is a breast cancer survivor.  That&#39;s one reason I do have a personal interest in the topic.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
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DATE: 11/25/2009 10:40:32 PM
<p>Even though you said you do not censor dissenting opinions (blog etiquette), you have not posted my respectful, well-researched comments on thermograms.  Why?  </p><p>I find it disrepsectful that you do not respond to my questions about why you are so interested in promoting the avoidance of mammograms. I have never seen you mention that you are a breast cancer survivor or that you are closely related to someone who had/has  breast cancer.   I would NEVER presume to give you advice as to what foods to feed your daughter.  YOU are living with her allergies and are obviously doing research and all you can to help her be as healthy as possible.  It would be rude and disrespectful of me to think that I know as much about her conditions as you since you have a huge stake in her health.  Since you refuse to respond to my questions about your interest/stake in breast cancer, I assume you have none.  It is rude and disrespectful of you to think that you know as much about breast cancer as I and to offer incomplete advice to others. Please reconsider your censoring of comments and post my complete information about thermograms so that anyone reading your blog is WELL-informed.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
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DATE: 11/25/2009 03:18:43 AM
<p>Have you read up on thermography?  It has a 15% false postive anda 15% false negative rate and is used as a complementary tool to breast exams, mammograms and sonography.  Doctors still choose mammograms as the standard of care because thermography cannot diagnose cancer and cannot be used to guide a needle for a biposy.  Right now thermography is  being used as a risk assessment tool, NOT a diagnostic tool.  Women who have a suspicious thermogram have a 10 to 20 percent increased chance of developing breast cancer and  still need a mammogram,a sonogram, or an MRI.   Thermogram, at this point in its development, is an additional step and an additional expense in the detection of breast cancer.</p><p>I think you should try going to some other websites besides NaturalNews.com.  It is obviously a biased site that sensationalizes &quot;emerging&quot; health news.  I realize the site validates your point of view, but  you are really not researching properly unless you find additional, reputable sources that  contain the same opinions and information (more than one).  I&#39;m sure you realize that anyone can say ANYTHING on a website.  Have you considered going to websites that end in .org, .edu, or .gov versus the .coms or looking at the full articles (not abstracts or out-of-context quotes) published in medical journals?  </p><p>I really don&#39;t understand your miltant attitude against mammograms.  Are you turning 40 soon and are concerned about needing one?  Do you know someone who died from  raditation exposure as the result of a mammogram?  Do  you have any reason for advancing your opinion on this subject?  Please, please explain. Each time I ask you for an explanation, you ignore the plea.  I&#39;d really like to know your motivation.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News: HIV a Myth? and Green Tea Helps Bones
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/04/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Health News Tuesday</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027370_health_fruits_vegetables.html">Phytonutrient Deficiency in America</a><br />Americans don't eat enough fruits and vegetables.  This is leading to a serious deficit of phytonutrients, which can help ward off cancer and protect your health in other important ways.  This article talks about how many servings and of what (there are multiple categories of produce) per day, and the benefits.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027360_chemotherapy_cancer_Big_Pharma.html">Chemotherapy for Dogs</a><br />Just when you thought drugs couldn't get anymore ridiculous, they've developed chemotherapy drugs for dogs.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027358_soy_food_GMO.html">Dangers of Soy</a><br />Still think soy is health food, even after reading my post on Food Inc.?  Read this.<br /><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027355_AIDS_HIV_disease.html"><br />Review of AIDS/HIV Documentary</a><br />Scared of AIDS/HIV?  There's a new documentary coming out that explains why you shouldn't be.  This article is a review of the movie, and there's a trailer available on YouTube as well.  In case you're wondering -- the movie says HIV is a myth!  This isn't a fringe theory -- one of the scientists featured in the movie is the original co-discoverer of HIV.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027353_health_disease_cancer.html">The Truth about the Organ Transplant Industry</a><br />Need an organ transplant?  Here are some little-known facts you'll want to learn before agreeing to go under the knife.</p>
<p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/29/How-Much-Sunshine-Does-it-Take-to-Make-Enough-Vitamin-D-Perhaps-More-Than-You-Think.aspx">How much vitamin D do you really need?</a><br />Facts about vitamin D and sun exposure, as well what low vitamin D levels are doing to preterm birth rates.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103424.htm">Green Tea May Improve Bone Health</a><br />For those who are milk-allergic (or choose not to drink it, for a variety of reasons), there's another way to protect your bones: green tea.</p>
<p>Is any of this information a surprise to you?  Does it change your perspective on anything?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday

Phytonutrient Deficiency in America
Americans don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. This is leading to a serious deficit of phytonutrients, which can help ward off cancer and protect your health in other important ways. This article talks about how many servings and of what (there are multiple categories of produce) per day, and the benefits.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News: Synthetic DHA and ARA are dangerous, No Genetic Link to Obesity
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/11/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health news Tuesday!<br/><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/07/Beware-of-the-New-Useless-and-Dangerous-Vaccines-in-the-Works.aspx"><br/>Three New Dangerous Vaccines</a><br/>Vaccines for AIDS, obesity and nicotine dependence.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027437_DHA_baby_formula_Martek.html">Dangers of Synthetic DHA and ARA</a><br/>These common formula additives are not as safe as they're made to seem.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027439_Congress_democracy_America.html">Disband Congress for America</a><br/>The title may sound crazy, but Mike at Natural News believes that with today's instant communication, a representative democracy is no longer warranted -- even IF Congress were actually following constituents' wishes, which they're not. A version of universal health care has already passed the House.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027438_disease_genes_health.html">No Genetic Link to Many Disorders</a><br/>These days, scientists have tried to blame everything on genetics -- autism, heart disease, diabetes, even obesity. But new research suggests that genetics are NOT the answer, but that lifestyle factors combined with some genetic abnormalities (which vary from person to person and are likely caused by lifestyle factors) are the real answer.</p><p>*Side note: they have the time to research THIS, where each study costs millions of dollars, yet they don't have the time or money to simply compare vaccinated vs. unvaccinated kids? Follow the money -- if people are found to have genetic illnesses, which they "cannot help," then they must accept pharmaceutical intervention. If, on the other hand, it's due to lifestyle factors and can be avoided by not taking pharmaceutical products, they put themselves out of a job. That should tell everyone where their interests REALLY lie...and it's not with helping people.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/07/No-Nonsense-Guide-to-a-Naturally-Healthy-Pregnancy-and-Baby.aspx">How to Have a HealthyPregnancy</a><br/>Dr. Mercola's top health factors in healthy pregnancies and babies.</p><p>Does anything here surprise you?  Do you have any news you've found that you can share?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health news Tuesday!<br/><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/07/Beware-of-the-New-Useless-and-Dangerous-Vaccines-in-the-Works.aspx"><br/>Three New Dangerous Vaccines</a><br/>Vaccines for AIDS, obesity and nicotine dependence.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027437_DHA_baby_formula_Martek.html">Dangers of Synthetic DHA and ARA</a><br/>These common formula additives are not as safe as they're made to seem.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News: Uses for the Appendix and Stop the AP's attack on Alternative Medicine
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/18/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027500_appendix_health_bacteria.html">Why Your Appendix Isn't Useless</a><br/>Wondering what your appendix is for? New research shows that the appendix may play a role in maintaining healthy gut flora.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027497_obesity_epidemic.html">Obesity Epidemic</a><br/>This is an opinion piece and I don't agree with all of it (as most of you know, I don't believe that healthy fat or cholesterol are bad at all), but it does make you think.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027495_Whole_Foods_GMOs.html">Whole Foods to Use "Non-GMO" Seal on its Private Label Products</a><br/>There is currently no law requiring the labeling of GMO foods. Most corn and soy products in an average grocery store (non-organic) are GMO. WF is taking steps to assure that their products do not contain GMO foods and are labeled as such! I am excited since I shop there a lot.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027459_cancer_Prostate_cancers.html">Routine Cancer Screenings Useless</a><br/>The big push to screen all men and women of a certain age for cancer has resulted in no reduction in cancer rates (in fact, they're higher), suggesting that frequent, routine screenings are not beneficial.  Instead, screening should be saved for those in true high-risk groups or who have symptoms.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027458_drugs_statin_statins.html">Statin Drugs Cause Muscle Damage</a><br/>In this day and age, probably everyone knows someone who is taking a statin drug.  Besides the fact that <a href="http://westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/cholesterol-friend.html">high cholesterol causing heart problems is a myth</a>, statin drugs can also cause muscle damage (and other damage).  More reason to stop taking them immediately!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027471_Associated_Press_alternative_medicine.html">Stop the AP's Attack on Alternative Medicine</a><br/>This is more a call to action than anything else.  The AP (Associated Press) is publishing a series of articles on why alternative medicine is bad.  This series is highly misleading and based on faulty studies, most carried out by the drug industries and not involving anyone who was trained to practice alternative medicine.  Please take a minute to read this even if you read nothing else.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027500_appendix_health_bacteria.html">Why Your Appendix Isn't Useless</a><br/>Wondering what your appendix is for? New research shows that the appendix may play a role in maintaining healthy gut flora.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/04/2009 04:21:25 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I think it is wise for low-risk women, certainly, to wait until age 50.  Women should ideally perform monthly self-exams and see their doctors for manual exams too if they are worried so that they can have a mammogram or follow test if one is warranted.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2009 01:16:12 AM
<p>What do you think about the panel that said mammograoms could wait until women are 50 saying that thier findings were mis-reported?  do you still think women should postpone mammograms until they are 50?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2009 11:55:27 PM
<p>A quote from the article you referenced:</p><p> &quot;Testicular cancer is unusual; most others do not disappear.  But there is growing evidence that cancers can go backward or stop, and researchers are being forced to reasses their notions of what cancer is and how it develops.&quot;</p><p>&quot;Of course, cancers do not routinely go away, and no one is suggesting that patients avoid treatments because of such occasional occurences.&quot;</p><p>I&#39;m NOT rejecting new ideas or information. I am sure that there will be advances in the detection and treatment of cancer.  Really smart, dedicated doctors and researchers are working on it!  But, based on the article you referenced, NO ONE is suggesting patients avoid treatments until more is understood. To suggest otherwise is at best irresponsible and at worst dangerous.</p><p>As a cancer survivor, I have spent the last 10 years thoroughly researching every treatment that I agreed to receive.  I discuss all of the new treatments and tests with my very smart, caring, trusted doctor.   I have a huge stake in finding the right tests and treatments.  Do you?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/22/2009 10:37:07 PM
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/health/27canc.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/health/27canc.html</a>  That&#39;s a mainstream media article that discusses cancer regressing on its own...which links to the medical journal article it is based on.</p><p>Please -- discuss all your medical treatments with a medical professional you trust.  But do your own research as well and bring that in to discuss, too.  I am spreading new ideas and information, and if you reject it, that is up to you.  But everyone should have access to different viewpoints.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2009 10:17:05 PM
<p>By the way, if your husband were in that 2-5% of men who were helped by prostate screening, how would you feel about it then?  What if your daughter were in the 5% of women who were helped by mammograms?  Do you get routine pap tests?  If so, why?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
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DATE: 11/22/2009 10:14:39 PM
<p>&quot;Late-stage&quot; cancer is often aggressive cancer that progresses rapidly.  Frequent screening detects early, treatable cancers before they progress to stage 3 or 4.  Rapidly progressing late-stage cancer has symptoms such as lumps, and patients undergo MRI (more costly and not a usual method of screening) and surgical biopsies.  We won&#39;t see more late-stage cancer in the group that waits for mammograms because the cancer is found through  methods other than mammograms.  </p><p>Where did you  get the idea that cancer regresses on its own?  I&#39;m curious, if you were found to have breast cancer in a few years and were told that the cancer was present while you were breastfeeding your children, would you be concerned about how that cancer affected your breast milk?  Would you worry that you might have passed on some of those cancer cells to your child/children?  If your mother had early cancer, would you get early, annual mammograms  to ensure that you weren&#39;t passing any cancer cells through your breast milk(most breast cancer begins in the milk ducts) to your nursing children? </p><p> Please don&#39;t tell people who are at higher risk for cancer to delay  screenings. I really doubt that you are as &quot;on top of new research&quot; as the professionals who dedicate their careers to it.  You are obviously busy blogging and being a mother, so staying on top of the latest breast cancer research logically cannot be on the top of your &quot;to do&quot; list. Unless you are willing to interview primary sources, not just read articles about current thinking, stick to what you know - motherhood and recipes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/22/2009 06:18:01 PM
<p>I forgot to mention -- in that study on breast cancer screening, there was no increase in late-stage cancer among the less frequently screened women.  If, in fact, there were equal amounts of cancer in the two groups but it just wasn&#39;t caught early, we would expect to see more late-stage cancer in the group that waited to be screened.  That wasn&#39;t seen.  So that proves that being screened less often is really a better idea.  Of course, you should talk to a health professional you trust, but please be on top of new research and ask that your doctor is, as well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/22/2009 06:15:31 PM
<p>Actually -- there is a debate about prostate cancer screening in men.  It&#39;s found to help only about 2 - 5% of men and some doctors are now recommending against routine screening there, too.  It&#39;s not just about cancer in women.</p><p>Also, new studies have shown that yearly screenings are not actually the most helpful.  In one study (I really need to dig this up), two groups of women were screened, one yearly and one after 5 or 6 years.  There was MORE cancer found in the yearly group than the less-frequent group.  The researchers think this is because 1) The yearly screenings were turning up cancer that was so early, it would have regressed on its own (more and more studies are showing that early cancer can and frequently does go away on its own) and 2) That the radiation used in the mammograms was actually CAUSING cancer.</p><p>It&#39;s not that you should NEVER be screened, but be smart about it.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/22/2009 05:55:20 PM
<p>Good point anonymous!  Of course increased screening leads to increases in diagnosis.  As with any routine health check, the POINT is ruling out disease.  Does anyone think we should stop doing routine ultrasounds and other screening tests during pregnancy? Women should stand together to make sure that mammograms are available to them.  If it were a test routinly done to screen for cancer in men, I wonder if we would be having this debate?</p><p>If your mother had breast cancer in her 30&#39;s, you should begin screening ten years prior to the age at which she was diagnosed.  I, for one, am glad that you are so educated about your cancer risk and applaud you for getting screened.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/18/2009 03:11:40 PM
<p>I&#39;m not sure I agree with the article &quot;Routine Cancer Screenings Useless.&quot;  I don&#39;t think it&#39;s bad to be screened for cancer.  It&#39;s simply a preventative measure.  We get PAP tests every year to see if everything is ok, so why not a mammogram? The article states, &quot; ...including a study showing that an increase in mammography screenings is associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer..&quot; of course there&#39;s an increased incidence.  People are being screened and finding out they have cancer.  Just because we don&#39;t screen doesn&#39;t mean cancer goes away.  </p><p>As a young woman whose mother had breast cancer, I will continue to be screened.  My mother&#39;s cancer was found when she was in her 30s--a very early age to have breast cancer.  Had she not been screened, we wouldn&#39;t have known until she showed symptoms, in which case it may have been too late.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Homemade Christmas: Update
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/28/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>While everyone else is combing the stores for the perfect (expensive) Christmas presents, I'm at home, slowly making my way through my list of presents to create for my family.  I thought I'd give you an update on how that's going!  There's a month left till Christmas (well, almost), so I had better be making progress!</p><p>Here are the projects I'm working on:</p><p>Vanilla Extract -- It's actually starting to smell a little like vanilla, instead of just alcohol!  I made mine with "bourbon vanilla beans" and bourbon (most vanilla is made with vodka), so it has kind of a unique scent and should have a unique flavor.  I haven't found bottles appropriate to send it in, yet, so I'll have to hunt some up soon.</p><p>Doll diapers -- I have most of the pieces cut out for these, but haven't done any sewing yet.  Unfortunately, when I bought some of the fabric, I underestimated how much I'd need.  I'm waiting on the sales (hopefully NOT just today because I do not want to brave Black Friday crowds if I don't have to!) to pick up the rest.  These really shouldn't take long, though.</p><p>Rice-filled heating pads -- I have most of these cut out, too.  I'm doing a set that consists of 1 long, 1 - 2 short (depending on how much fabric I have), and 1 U-shaped one for around the shoulders.  I'd love to have enough so there would be one for the shoulders, one for the low back, and two small ones for arms/legs or whatever else is sore.  I'm also using these to safely heat Daniel's bed sometimes these days so they really do have endless uses!</p><p>Bath and Body products -- I finally have my shea butter, cocoa butter, and several essential oils on order.  I haven't come up with my exact recipe, but I'll write a blog about what I did when I get my stuff!</p><p>Candles -- I've thought about it.  A lot.  But I haven't tried anything.  That's pretty sad, seeing as I've had all the necessary stuff for over a month now, maybe even longer than that.</p><p>Blankets/sheets -- I meant to cut these last weekend.  They WILL be cut, and some sewn, before the end of this weekend!</p><p>So, clearly I have a lot more work to do!  But I have picked out what I'm getting for everyone and I have gotten a start.  Hopefully I will have it all done by Dec. 19 and wrapped up and pretty.  We're putting our tree up today, so it'll be nice to have some presents to put underneath!  Bekah's pretty excited about the tree this year, she is starting to sort of understand what is going on.</p><p>How is your Christmas planning going?  Did you get a lot of great deals today?</p>
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EXCERPT:
While everyone else is combing the stores for the perfect (expensive) Christmas presents, I'm at home, slowly making my way through my list of presents to create for my family.  I thought I'd give you an update on how that's going!  There's a month left till Christmas (well, almost), so I had better be making progress!</p><p>Here are the projects I'm working on:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 11/30/2009 12:24:34 AM
<p>I&#39;m making little storage bins and bookends for my sister. :) I&#39;m making my own patterns, so it&#39;s a (slow) work in progress.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/28/2009 11:41:01 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Thanks!  We don&#39;t do Santa right now...and Ben doesn&#39;t like the idea of &quot;lying&quot; to the children, so we will probably focus on Jesus&#39; birth when they are older.  I am making Daniel a sheet for his bed, and I have not decided what else...I&#39;m debating some foam blocks.</p><p>I&#39;ll post a final update after Christmas is over!  Some people read this blog that I&#39;m making presents for and I don&#39;t want them (ahem, Ben!) to find out exactly what I&#39;m doing!</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/28/2009 02:28:58 AM
<p>Sounds like you&#39;re busy and making progress! I&#39;m still in love with the Homemade Christmas idea--it makes the gifts so much more personal!<br/>Do you do the whole Santa thing with your kids? What are you making for Daniel?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Homemade Christmas
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/15/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Homemade Christmas is something I'm just getting into this year.  As some of you may know (and the rest will find out), I LOVE to sew and craft!  I haven't had too much time since Daniel was born, especially since he's now getting a bit older and needing more attention, but I definitely still do it when I can.  Before he was born, I had a HUGE list of projects I wanted to finish before he was born.  I got most of it done, although I really only finished the last stuff on the list yesterday! </p><p>I digress.  Homemade Christmas came out of my love of creating.  It is the idea that every gift I give will be something that I've created myself, just for that person.  I've come to really dislike the idea that we need to spend a lot of money to try to buy the "perfect" present for someone, especially when it's something they either won't really use much, or that they'd buy for themselves.  Why buy someone a power tool?  Or even a nice sweater?  It seems so much more meaningful to sit down and imagine what someone might like, create it yourself, and give it with love.</p><p>I have been working on my Christmas list for awhile.  It's hard in two ways.  First, for my immediate family (husband and kids), I typically think of too many things to get them!  I have a whole big list for my daughter (who will be almost 2 at Christmas and is really getting into it this year -- she LOVES the lights and trees that are up).  For more distant family, I have trouble thinking of what I might make them.  But I've had SO many ideas.  Here is my general idea list:</p><p>*Vanilla extract (working on this one!)<br/>*Rice-filled heating pads (I make mine from pretty flannel, so soft)<br/>*Body/face lotion<br/>*Other bath products (salts, shampoo?)<br/>*Doll diapers/clothes<br/>*Candles (soy wax scented with essential oils)</p><p>I can't remember what else right now.  But this is some GOOD stuff I'm trying to make!  I'm creating my own recipes for the bath products based on the research I did.  I'm still waiting on some shea butter and the essential oils to come in, so I haven't been able to play with it yet.</p><p>For Bekah, I am planning:<br/>*3 sets of sheets for her toddler bed<br/>*1 denim blanket<br/>*Doll diapers and clothes</p><p>I am not sure what else!  Perhaps I'll get creative with non-toxic, non-staining fingerpaints, or playdough.  I'm not going to list what I'll be doing for other family members, because 1) I'm not totally sure yet, and 2) They might read this blog!  I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise.  :)</p><p>I am just so excited about this.  I feel like it's a really great way to use my talents, and show that I love people, and, honestly, save a little money.  I don't have money to buy everyone a $20+ perfect store-bought present.  But I do have the time and creativity to make some nice things.  I tend to be a pretty hands-on, physical person.  I'm not too verbal, so I have trouble actually <em>saying</em> "I love you" to many people (or at least trouble elaborating on that!).  So I like to show people through actions or these homemade gifts.</p><p>In a few weeks, once I've really dived into my projects, I'll post an update on how they're going and some hints on what I'm doing for different family members.  But nothing definite until after the holiday!</p><p>Have you ever done a homemade Christmas?  If not, how do you do your holiday shopping?  Are you interested in the idea for the future?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Homemade Christmas is something I'm just getting into this year.  As some of you may know (and the rest will find out), I LOVE to sew and craft!  I haven't had too much time since Daniel was born, especially since he's now getting a bit older and needing more attention, but I definitely still do it when I can.  Before he was born, I had a HUGE list of projects I wanted to finish before he was born.  I got most of it done, although I really only finished the last stuff on the list yesterday!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: janice
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09595658289441121364
DATE: 11/26/2009 04:55:06 AM
<p>Goody!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/25/2009 11:49:23 PM
<p>Updates coming Friday!</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/25/2009 08:22:34 PM
<p>Any updates on homemade christmas? How are the gifts coming?</p>
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AUTHOR: Bath foam
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.abahna.co.uk/
DATE: 11/23/2009 12:33:54 PM
<p>Whta a fantastic idea you have here! Well done, I might be trying something similar for my family Christmas.  </p><p>Thanks for the post.</p>
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AUTHOR: gretchen
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DATE: 11/17/2009 02:09:10 AM
<p>Anonymous-</p><p>What a really clever idea!  I&#39;m sure your sister is still thanking you for that one!</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2009 05:04:18 AM
<p>I once made my sister some homemade lip gloss out of vaseline, food coloring, and glitter.  She loved it!</p>
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AUTHOR: mary
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2009 06:51:28 PM
<p>You are so inspirational!  I&#39;ve never done an entirely homemade Christmas, but what a great idea!  </p><p>I have created many homemade gifts in the past.  One of my favorites was making quilt throws.  I purchased material with a pattern on it and some pretty calico for the back.  Then I sewed batting in between, stretched it all in my quilter&#39;s &quot;ring,&quot; and hand stitched around the pattern.  The best part was I could complete the time-consuming part, the hand stitching of the quilt pattern, while I was nursing one of my babies!  </p><p>Another favorite was the homemade wooden blocks my husband cut out from scrap lumber and I painted.  The kids spend hours creating with these!  </p><p>I&#39;m sure your Christmas will be great!  Your daughter is just going to love sheet sets and what little girl wouldn&#39;t want a denim blanket.  So soft and cuddly! </p><p>Thanks for the inspiration!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The Magic of Lecithin
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/19/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>This is going to be a rather brief post, but I felt I needed to share what I've learned!</p><p>I've been breastfeeding for almost 22 consecutive months, two different babies.  For those who don't know me, Bekah (22 months on the 26th) is still breastfeeding.  Of course Daniel (4 months) is as well.  I plan to post further on the subject of extended breastfeeding and child-led weaning later.  That's not the point.  What is the point today is that during this time, I've had a couple incidences of clogged milk ducts (common) and I found something amazing that helps!</p><p>It isn't unusual at all to get <a href="http://www.kellymom.com/">clogged milk ducts</a>, cysts, and even mastitis (a painful breast infection that often starts with a clogged duct).  If you have any of these, part of your breast will be red and swollen and extremely painful.  Some women seem more prone to these issues than others are.  I was lucky, and didn't experience really any problems until just a couple months ago.</p><p>The first time I got clogged ducts was in October, when Daniel was about two months old.  It happened on the inner side of my left breast and was VERY painful.  It was swollen and none of the usual things were clearing it.  Anytime anyone so much as brushed past me I wanted to scream, it hurt so much.</p><p>The usual things to try to clear this are:<br/>*Frequent nursing<br/>*Massaging the affected areas<br/>*Using hot/cold compresses to get the milk flowing again<br/>*Nursing with your baby underneath you, so your breast is pointing down (gravity helps)</p><p>With a toddler who likes to do her own "massage" plus both kids nursing frequently I thought it was go away easily enough.  It started Wednesday night and by Friday morning I was done with it.  I read somewhere online to try lecithin supplements (still NO idea why this was suggested; does anyone know?).  I got some and took 1200 mg on Friday afternoon.  That night as I nursed Daniel it resolved itself and everything was fine again!</p><p>This started to happen a second time last Friday (for me I think it's stress-related; there was traveling and such going on both times).  I took lecithin (1200 mg each time) Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  It was only very mildly painful, and I felt fine.  I could feel only tiny little clogs throughout my breast (it was in the same place) instead of big, hard lumps.  Then, Monday night, it was just suddenly gone.  It was NO big deal at all.</p><p>So lecithin supplements really help with clogged ducts and may prevent mastitis!  It's worth a try!</p>
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EXCERPT:
This is going to be a rather brief post, but I felt I needed to share what I've learned!</p><p>I've been breastfeeding for almost 22 consecutive months, two different babies.  For those who don't know me, Bekah (22 months on the 26th) is still breastfeeding.  Of course Daniel (4 months) is as well.  I plan to post further on the subject of extended breastfeeding and child-led weaning later.  That's not the point.  What is the point today is that during this time, I've had a couple incidences of clogged milk ducts (common) and I found something amazing that helps!
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AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/22/2009 06:39:57 PM
<p>Anonymous 1 -- Typically breastfeeding isn&#39;t painful.  Yes, there are occasional problems that can crop up, but the majority of the time it is no big deal.</p><p>Anonymous 2 -- I&#39;ll post on this further later, but generally I don&#39;t take supplements, but I&#39;m not against them.  When I can obtain them from trusted sources, and they are &quot;whole food&quot; supplements (derived from foods naturally and not created in a lab) I will use them.  There are certain circumstances in which your body needs large amounts of a certain vitamin or mineral and you cannot realistically get enough from food, especially if you are sick and have lost your appetite.  In these situations, I would rather take something natural to boost my body&#39;s response than do nothing, or take drugs.  It is about working with my body to heal, rather than against it.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2009 01:56:24 AM
<p>I know you are opposed to vaccines and even most medicines, so I wonder why you feel it is safe to take lecithin supplements.  Shouldn&#39;t you get all the nutrients you need from the natural foods you eat?  Aren&#39;t you worried that taking supplements, even of things that occur naturally in foods, could be detrimental to your breastmilk?  I&#39;m always worried about taking &quot;extra&quot; anything and am curious about your rationale.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/19/2009 03:07:18 PM
<p>ow ow ow ow!</p><p>That sounds so painful.  Breastfeeding in general sounds painful.  I don&#39;t think I&#39;ll be ready for that for a long time.  Although, I guess compared to giving birth, breastfeeding can&#39;t be all that bad.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Mental Health Issues
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/29/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>I was asked a couple weeks ago about my stance on mental health issues. Tonight I'll explain. I think this post is very timely because some have felt that I am not compassionate towards those who are ill. So, before I explain my stance, I'd like to say that I have a lot of compassion for individuals who are ill, from any disease or situation. I don't, however, have a lot of compassion for a nation who is getting sicker and sicker and choosing to use drugs instead of seeking to take responsibility for their own health. I think in a lot of cases people are unaware of alternatives, are unaware of how to achieve good health, and I do feel compassion for them. But that's part of why I write this blog: to inform people that, in a lot of cases (not ALL!), they don't have to be sick. There is something they can do. I am very passionate about health issues, and I really would LOVE to go to medical school someday and practice alternative medicine, or do research into these issues I feel passionately about. But with two small children and more to come, it's just not in the cards right now. So, I settle for reading everything I can get my hands on and sharing with my readers here. :)</p><p>Now, on to mental illness. I really believe mental illness falls into three categories, and each category should be treated differently:</p><p>Psychotic Illnesses (Schizophrenia, etc.)<br/>Mood Disorders (Depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, etc.)<br/>Learning/Behavioral (ADHD, etc.)</p><p>The first category, I believe, is best medicated. A lot of people who develop psychotic illnesses do so because of hereditary reasons or life situations beyond their control. Many of them become completely out of touch with reality and even potentially dangerous to themselves or others. In these individuals, brain chemistry is truly disturbed, and there is not anything we can do (to my knowledge) to actually heal them. So, medication is necessary as a first step in order to bring them back to reality and control any dangerous urges (and perhaps counseling can help as well). I don't believe that any of these conditions are very common, but when they occur, they require the care of a licensed, experienced psychiatrist.</p><p>The second category is usually best helped by a combination of talk therapies and diet, depending on the exact illness in question. A lot of people suffer from depression, I believe, because their brain chemistry and hormones are out of balance. A lot of this is caused by low-fat diets. Fat and cholesterol (especially saturated fat) regulate hormone production and use in the body. As our society has shifted towards a lower and lower fat diet, depression has become much more prevalent. It seems especially prevalent in a subset of people who believe that the lowest fat, lowest calories will keep them healthiest, leading me to believe that a more appropriate diet would alleviate some of the symptoms of depression (I think this is a MUCH better solution to the problem than SSRIs). However, I think a lot of depression and mood disorders are caused by unfair pressure or expectations or other situations. This is why I believe therapy can help -- journalling, group therapy, individual therapy, etc. I think therapy can be VERY helpful. I believe that anti-depressants and other drugs should be an absolute last resort. SSRIs block the brain from producing serotonin by providing synthetic serotonin, so when a person stops taking them, they are likely to "crash." Taking SSRIs daily for the rest of one's life does not seem like a solution to me at all. I also know that they are WAY overused. I knew someone who was mildly depressed, and when she went for an initial evaluation by a psychiatrist, she was told "I cannot even begin to counsel you unless you start taking Prozac." There was no attempt to begin therapy, and she was under 18 at the time. Frankly, I don't think she's been the same person since.</p><p>The third category is tricky. I think that there are some people (a very small number) who truly have ADHD or some other behavioral disorder. Perhaps they are just immature for their age, their brain chemistry isn't right, or they have been "trained" by life circumstances and so they are suffering from something they truly need help with. These people are best helped, in most cases, with some type of therapy. A classroom aide would help children to remain on task in a lot of cases (if that is possible), and medication, again, should be a last resort. However, I think these are GROSSLY overdiagnosed. One in three children is diagnosed with ADHD or a similar disorder now. That can't be right. Most of those children would be "cured" simply with basic diet changes (no high fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes, for example), or even by meeting with a better doctor!</p><p>Many children are referred for diagnosis by a teacher and when the parent takes the child to the doctor and says "My child's teacher says he has ADHD" the doctor says "Let me write you a prescription for Ritalin." There is no evaluation or formal diagnosis. I KNOW this happens, has been happening for 15 years, because that's what happened when my brother (now 22) was said to have ADHD back in the second grade. Thankfully, my mom said "No thanks" to the drugs and he is now one of the calmest, most laid-back people I know, and has no trouble concentrating. He's a pilot, actually. That doctor is no longer practicing, or at least not in this state. It is my opinion that many children, upon a formal evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist, would be found NOT to have ADHD at all. I was referred for diagnosis, too...but upon formal evaluation, the doctor said "No, she just marches to her own drummer," meaning that I was avoiding work in the classroom deliberately, because it bored me, not because I actually could not concentrate. I also believe that a lot of children are very intelligent and are bored by busywork and they, like most adults, have trouble concentrating on things that bore them. In that case, the solution would be accelerated classes, if possible, or working at home on projects that specifically interest them, like building models, visiting museums, writing stories, etc. I've been against the overuse of ADHD drugs since I was just 15, long before I was ever against any other (legal) drug use. (I've always been against illegal drugs and have never tried or even personally seen them, for the record.)</p><p>So, do people have mental illnesses? Yes. Are drugs the answer in some cases? Yes. I would even venture to say that drugs may be MORE useful for (true) mental illness than any other type because personally, I wouldn't mess around with someone who is psychotic or is a potential danger to themselves or others. I also do think, for more minor issues, that diet, alternative medicine (herbs, acupressure, etc.) and counseling can play a huge role. Only a qualified team of experts (psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, pediatricians, etc.) can properly diagnose a person and recommend a proper treatment. (And please remember that that means your child's teacher is NOT qualified to make a diagnosis, only a recommendation, and that you should follow up with your child's doctor.)</p><p>**EDIT: We have received some sarcastic comments about our views on natural health.  We believe that everyone is responsible for their own health and that the choices they make affect health, good or bad.  There is NO choice that you make that does not have some type of consequences.  If you choose to take drugs or to follow a different course, that is your choice.  But everyone is ultimately responsible for their own choices and their own health.  If you do not believe the way we do, that's fine, but you probably shouldn't keep reading the blog, as it will only make you unhappy.  Take responsibility for yourself!!**</p><p>What do you think about mental illness? Do you know anyone who suffers from one?</p><p>If you like these posts, subscribe and see them everyday!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I was asked a couple weeks ago about my stance on mental health issues. Tonight I'll explain. I think this post is very timely because some have felt that I am not compassionate towards those who are ill. So, before I explain my stance, I'd like to say that I have a lot of compassion for individuals who are ill, from any disease or situation. I don't, however, have a lot of compassion for a nation who is getting sicker and sicker and choosing to use drugs instead of seeking to take responsibility for their own health.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/02/2009 08:11:32 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Ideally, &quot;screen time&quot; would be zero.  But we don&#39;t live in an ideal world.  In our home, we use the TV if we are sick or having a bad day -- so once a month or so.  We also use it to play music with no pictures to have in the background.  But, I don&#39;t like educational videos and don&#39;t have them (except for older kids).  I like Schoolhouse Rock.  I hate Baby Einstein.  The idea that you can make your baby smarter by playing some video is idiotic.  We go to the zoo, we go to parks, we read books, etc.  I&#39;ll post more on this in the future.</p><p>Also, thanks for pointing out that teachers CAN&#39;T diagnose ADHD.  I think too many parents think they CAN when, as you said, they can only make a recommendation to follow up on.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/30/2009 02:40:13 AM
<p>Teachers cannot diagnose a kid with any learning disability or medical condition. The only thing they can do  is  collect anecdotal evidence regarding a child&#39;s behavior and ask the school psychologist to initiate a  screening of the child.  The school psychologist must then contact the parents and obtain their written permission prior to screening. If the screening indicates a problem, the psychologist will ask the parents for permission to do a multi-factor evaluation (MFE). Parents ALWAYS have the option to refuse testing and to seek the opinion of a medical professional.  In my experience as a middle school teacher, the parents usually initiate the screening with the school because their child cannot stay on-task while completing homework.  Many of them want the &quot;quick-fix&quot; of ADHD medication so that their evenings are not spent keeping their child on-task.  I sympathize with them because no parent wants to spend precious time with their child arguing.  However,  I don&#39;t think that putting kids on ADHD drugs is the best answer. Teaching the child attention strategies, giving the child short breaks during homework, and rewarding the child&#39;s hard work and effort would be my choice. It will take quite a bit of effort on the parents&#39; part.</p><p>A very good friend of mine is a pre-school teacher and director.  She has mentioned to me several studies that indicate that the increase in ADHD is linked to toddlers&#39; and pre-schoolers&#39; brains being &quot;wired&quot;  differently than in the past because of the constantly changing images presented to them on TV and computers.  Perhpas ADHD isn&#39;t being over-diagnosed, but, rather, parents&#39; dependence on electronic babysitters is actually causing children&#39;s neural pathways to develop  differently.  I&#39;d be interested to hear your opinion as to how much time is appropriate &quot;screen time.&quot;  What ever happend to pointing out farm animals and colors while riding in the car instead of watching DVDs?  Who does all of the dependence on electronics benefit, the kids or the parents?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/30/2009 12:39:46 AM
<p>I agree with you.  Some people&#39;s brain chemistry is just off and drugs really do help those people.  I knew someone who was put on an SSRI in her teens, and when she asked when she&#39;d be able to go off the pills, everyone answered &quot;when life is less stressful.&quot; But the truth is, life probably isn&#39;t going to become less stressful.  Thats just the way it works.  </p><p>I&#39;m also fairly certain that it is illegal for teachers to &quot;diagnose&quot; a kid with ADHD, though I&#39;ve heard several stories of it.  I know a lot of people whose parents were told that, but they didn&#39;t listen to the teacher, so I guess there&#39;s hope for ADHD to stop being overdiagnosed.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Miracle Baby
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/03/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>A year ago, on November 2, 2008, I was sitting in church.  Ben and I were trying for our second baby and I was eagerly paying attention to any signs that maybe, I was pregnant.  That day, I was praying about it.  I was asking God to let me know when the right time was, and to allow me to become pregnant in His time.</p>
<p>Suddenly I felt very light, and it seemed that God was talking to me.  He was telling me that I was pregnant, that now was the time.  I was absolutely sure of this.</p>
<p>When we left, I told Ben about this.  I told him that either I was pregnant then, or I would be very soon.  As it happened, that is the night I conceived Daniel.  I took a test 10 days later, on November 12th, and it was positive!  I was thrilled, but not really surprised.</p>
<p>Now Daniel is approaching 4 months old.  How amazing he is!  Maybe because of this prayer, he felt special to me through my whole pregnancy.  My first ultrasound at 9 weeks, he was upright and facing the "camera," and his features were completely clear.  This is really unusual for such an early ultrasound.  I knew he was boy, even before a 20-week ultrasound on my birthday confirmed it.  He is "Daniel" because it means "God is my judge," which I thought was a really great meaning for a first son.</p>
<p>God is awesome, isn't He?</p>
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EXCERPT:
A year ago, on November 2, 2008, I was sitting in church. Ben and I were trying for our second baby and I was eagerly paying attention to any signs that maybe, I was pregnant. That day, I was praying about it. I was asking God to let me know when the right time was, and to allow me to become pregnant in His time.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Movie Review: Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/14/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>We recently finished watching Ben Stein's movie, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." The film looked at the question of intelligent design vs. evolution. It was a very interesting experience, and everyone should see it, especially those who believe in ID or creationism.</p><p>First, let's define "Intelligent Design" as they do in the movie: The belief that there is some sort of higher power or intelligent designer who created life on earth, which may then have evolved or changed through natural selection and adaptation. That is to say, God is not necessarily that higher power or designer (according to the scientific theory), and they are not saying that once created, life did not change through adaptation. There is absolute scientific credence to this notion -- though evolutionists patently disagree, without actually knowing what the argument is. Most assume that ID is simply religion, but that is not the case.</p><p>Stein begins the movie by pointing out how most evolutionary biologists are rather arrogant, referring to ID as "utterly boring" or saying things like "I can't prove a flying spaghetti monster doesn't exist, either." He also shows many scientists who were fired or had their funding cut off for even mentioning that intelligent design MIGHT be a valid theory. As he says, "So much for academic freedom."</p><p>At one point in the film, Stein interviews a biologist. "It's a funny thing that questions that aren't properly answered don't go away," he says. When Galileo said that the Earth revolved around the Sun, instead of the other way around, the Catholic church imprisoned him for the last 10 years of his life to keep him quiet (much the opposite of what's going on now). But once everyone saw the evidence for Galileo's theory, they all believed, as we do today. But 150 years after <em>The Origin of Species</em>, despite that we see thousands of the brightest minds rejecting Evolutionary <u>Theory</u> because they don't feel the scientific evidence proves it, most scientists still consider anyone who doesn't believe in evolution a "nutcase." This is despite extreme advances in science since Darwin's time, which allow us to examine the evidence in a totally new and different way. Evolutionary biologists stubbornly cling to evolution based on old, outdated evidence.</p><p>Dr. Steve Meyer says, "For every evidence-based argument <em>for</em> Darwin's two points, there is an evidence-based argument against it." This is the view of many, many qualified scientists.</p><p>For example, Darwin has no theory on how life originated, where the first cell came from. Generally, it is believed that the big bang occurred, and that the necessary elements for life were put onto earth and the energy stimulated them in just the right way and life occurred. Some think that primordial ooze is also a possibility. Basically, somehow, the correct proteins were in the right place at the right time, and life just came from that (i.e. much like my lego argument before -- lots of non-living proteins were swimming around together and happened to create something complex and new -- life!). Scientists do not know how this happened, but they believe that it did. Several scientists, beginning in the 1950s, even tried to replicate this in the lab. They put all of the proper proteins together and stimulated them with various forms of energy. This type of experiment, which seemed "promising" at first, has NEVER produced any type of life. i.e. this theory CANNOT BE REPLICATED IN A LAB.</p><p>When I was watching this segment of the film, I had a thought. Every type of life on the planet reproduces itself either sexually or asexually. Every (non-genetically-modified) species has the ability to reproduce. So, I would like someone to show me <em>one</em> species that can spontaneously produce or come into being, without any part of itself used in <em>re</em>production. I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen anywhere on earth. So, why should we accept that it ever did happen?</p><p>Another scientist in the movie said that somehow life formed on the back of crystals. When asked <em>how</em>, he stated "I already told you." He could not come up with any greater explanation. So, it remains: scientists do not have any explanation for how life actually formed in the first place. They have various, unproven theories on this, some as strange as "aliens did it" (which, by the way, is actually intelligent design...a superior race of aliens creating us is STILL a designer placing us here).</p><p>Some scientists were asked about the proteins theory. There are 250 proteins needed to create life, and many amino acids needed to build each protein. There is "one in a trillion trillion trillion chance this would happen...essentially zero," to quote the movie. Part of the reason that Darwin theorized it did occur is because he had no idea of the complexity of the cell -- he thought it "quite simple." 150 years ago, the cell was considered the building block of life. Darwin had no way of knowing about DNA, amino acids, etc. But today, as one scientist said, "if Darwin thought the cell was a Buick, today we know it is a galaxy." It is <em>that</em> much more complex than Darwin ever knew.</p><p>Many of the evolutionary biologists are making this a religion vs. science debate, when it doesn't need to be one. Richard Dawkins, author of <em>The God Delusion</em> says the book is a "full frontal attack on religion," because "both science and religion are trying to explain existence but religion gets it wrong." Dawkins won't entertain anything he thinks even comes close to religious territory, nor will he admit that ID is not a debate about religion (according to the agency that promotes research into ID, it is not a religious theory).</p><p>In response, Alistair McGrath wrote <em>The Dawkins Delusion. </em>He says Dawkins is naive and believes that scientific explanation gets rid of religion. In fact, many of the ancient scientists (Galileo among them) were quite religious, and were trying to understand the world that God had created (as they put it). They were not trying to explain God out of the picture, as today's scientists do. Today's scientists say things like "Science tells you there is no God," but this is impossible. God remains metaphysical, and scientists cannot prove His existence either way. To say that science eliminates the possibility of God is wrong and rather idiotic.</p><p>One evolutionist says, "Religion...at the level it should be treated. Something fun that people get together and do on the weekends, but that doesn't affect their life as much as it has."</p><p>And what would happen to the world if that were the case? If Darwinism were the only theory that explained life?</p><p>Two very important historical movements were based on Darwinism. Hitler's Nazi regime, and the eugenics projects in U.S. in the 1920s and '30s. Yes...Nazi Germany was based on Darwinism.</p><p>According to Darwin, every species adapts and changes over time as the weaker members die out. Those weaker members do and <em>should</em> die so the "fittest" can survive. Darwin says that "hardly anyone would let his weakest animals breed," and explains it should be the same with people. He says that certain people -- those who are disabled, for example -- are a drain on society and unnecessary. He doesn't go quite as far as to say they should be killed, but Hitler did. Hitler believed in a pure race. He wanted to kill off all of those who were not pure in order to create a better race. Hitler said "What we desire of today's youth is different from what was desired in the past. We must create the new man so that our race will not succumb to the phenomenon of degeneration so typical of modern times." And he used this as an excuse to commit genocide.</p><p>Germany wasn't the only country who believed this line of reasoning, however. Plenty of American scientists did (do?) too. Scientists created a field called "eugenics," which aimed to sterilize the "feeble minded" or disabled so they could not reproduce. 50,000 people were involuntarily sterilized. This occurred to "help natural selection along."</p><p>This is a total lack of morality. A value is put on each life, so that some are highly valued and some are beyond worthless. Those deemed worthless can be killed. Scarily enough, one of Obama's czars holds this belief today.</p><p>Finally, Stein went around to several prominent institutions were scientists had been fired for discussing ID. At one, he was simply escorted out by security. At others, he was told "it had nothing to do with ID" and no real conversation was had. So, Stein ended up speaking to Dawkins. Dawkins has "no idea how life started," he freely admits. He also says, at one point, "it could be that at some earlier time in the universe, some other civilization evolved on some other planet, and they designed a race and put it on earth," and he also admits "if you did research, you might find that there are marks of a designer, from some race of higher intelligence." Yet, Dawkins will not entertain the theory of ID in general. (After the movie came out and Dawkins realized how his comments were being taken and in what context they were being used, he was very upset and stated that he will not even speak to anyone who believes in ID, because it "only gives credence to the theory." How is that for logical scientific debate? He won't even speak to someone who believes differently, he is that arrogant.)</p><p>Finally, a small side note...I was criticized in my original post about mentioning the second law of thermodynamics. Yes, it does relate to energy. Here is a more complete explanation of the law:</p><p>"The Second Law of Thermodynamics is commonly known as the Law of Increased Entropy. While quantity remains the same (First Law), the quality of matter/energy deteriorates gradually over time. How so? Usable energy is inevitably used for productivity, growth and repair. In the process, usable energy is converted into unusable energy. Thus, usable energy is irretrievably lost in the form of unusable energy."</p><p>"Entropy is defined as a measure of unusuable energy within a closed or isolated system (the universe for example). As usable energy decreases and unusuable energy increases, entropy increases. Entropy is also a gauge of randomness or chaos within a closed system. As usable energy is irretrievably lost, disorganization, randomness, and chaos increase."</p><p>So as you see, it DOES relate to the point I had. It is unlikely, with the amount of energy required to create life (i.e. to perfectly arrange those 250 proteins into one cell, and continue the process from there to create more and more complex organisms), that such evolution could occur. There would not be enough energy to create those more complex organisms. Instead, as energy was spent, the organisms should fall apart, not become more complex. So, evolution does NOT overcome the Second Law of Thermodynamics.</p><p>Have you seen Expelled? Are you interested to watch it now? Do you follow this debate at all? Despite what many have to say, there IS a debate here!</p>
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EXCERPT:
We recently finished watching Ben Stein's movie, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." The film looked at the question of intelligent design vs. evolution. It was a very interesting experience, and everyone should see it, especially those who believe in ID or creationism.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Movie Review: Sicko
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/09/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Recently, we watched the movie Sicko, by Michael Moore, which originally came out in 2006. The film is about the state of health care in America, and Moore offers the solution of socialized medicine. There is no better time to examine this film than now, when Congress is attempting to make socialized medicine here a reality. Moore makes several claims about the current situation in this country (as well as the situation in other countries which have socialized medicine already) and explains why he believes socialized medicine is the answer.</p><p>While Moore makes several good points in the movie, and sets up a story that clearly shows the problems of the American health care system, I believe his solution is completely wrong. The answer to the health care problem isn't "who should pay," but "why is the care we are getting so expensive, and why do we 'need' this type of care?" Nearly everyone in his movie (he features sob story after sob story, and uses very few actual facts) is overweight, suffers from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. Why are all these people sick? One woman is on NINE prescription drugs (unfortunately, this is lower than average; in 2004, <a href="http://danmurphydc.com/Critser.pdf">the average number of prescription drugs per person in a year </a>was twelve). Why do these people 'require' so many drugs to stay healthy?</p><p>Briefly, I'd like to discuss Moore's "documentary" technique. Moore relies on using a series of tragic, personal stories to make his point. He does not look at both sides of the issue, and he does not cite facts. He tells story after story to show examples of his point. It's effective -- many people watching the movie will feel sorry for the people featured, and feel outraged at a government and a health care system that could let these people fall through the cracks. He is more of an artist than a documentarist (is that a word? Spell check says yes). His goal is to evoke an emotional reaction from his audience, for them to feel outrage, which primes them to seek a solution, and therefore to accept the solution that he puts forth: socialized medicine. This is not, of course, how a responsible documentarist would handle the situation.</p><p>In the U.S., nearly every story Moore features is of a low-income person, some homeless. Many are minorities and/or immigrants. ALL of these people have HMO health insurance, or none at all. This is a very selective group of the population. There are many people in this country who are not poor, who are not minorities, and who have other health insurance (non-HMO) options. Really, Moore is crucifying the HMO system more than the health care system as a whole, although of course he does not differentiate between HMO and non-HMO systems in his films. Most Americans are already aware that HMOs are not a good option if you can afford anything else.</p><p>We, personally, do not have an HMO and have been nothing but satisfied with our insurance coverage. They covered an average of 92% of my first hospital birth (policy says they will cover 80%), and 60% of my home birth (they told us they would not cover it at all). So, clearly, there ARE better options already available.</p><p>Another problem is that the "facts" that Moore does state are faulty. For example, he says at the beginning of the movie that "47 million Americans are currently uninsured." <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124579852347944191.html">This is an often-quoted statistic, but it is false</a>. That number includes illegal aliens (not eligible for insurance, and won't be eligible for socialized medicine, either), those who are eligible for current programs but do not partake (either because they don't choose to or don't know they are eligible), and those who make at least 2.5 times the poverty level and have access to health care, but choose not to purchase it. The real number is more like 5 - 8 million who are truly uninsured. This, however, is not nearly as dramatic.</p><p>Moore paints a nice picture of socialized medicine in other countries: people who make plenty of money (he only features people who have money, and who are satisfied with their situation, other than one very brief scene in France where he shows protesters, which makes little sense with the rest of his movie), who have completely free health care, who have lots of vacation and sick time (5 - 8 weeks of vacation in France and unlimited sick days). He says they enjoy a much higher standard of living than we do in the U.S. This, however, is incorrect. It also makes one wonder how such a system is sustainable -- where the government pays for unlimited health care, unlimited sick days, long maternity leaves (up to a year -- which would be nice! -- a topic for another day), and extensive vacation. How can the country be productive? How can their taxes be reasonable? The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)_per_capita">U.S.'s GDP (per capita)</a> is $47,440. Canada is $38,098. U.K. is $36,358. France is $34,205. So, of these countries -- our GDP (and standard of living, if one defines it by GDP) is the highest.</p><p>As for the tax rate, Moore features a family who makes 6000 euros per month, or 72,000 per year. This puts them by far in the <a href="http://www.france-property-and-information.com/taxes-in-france.htm">highest tax bracket </a>for France (Moore says they are an "average" family -- the highest tax bracket begins around 48,000 euros per year, so they are definitely above average, likely far above). This bracket is taxed 48% of their income, meaning they take home only 52%. That's how they pay for all these nice services.</p><p>So, it's looking like socialized medicine isn't really the amazing panacea that Moore sets out to be. It's also, truly, beside the point. I only felt it necessary to get into at all because the politicians in this country are trying desperately to push it through and make it a reality here, and I wanted everyone to be informed why it's NOT a good idea.</p><p>That doesn't mean, of course, that our system isn't broken. It is. Moore is correct that politicians are paid a lot of money to back up the drug companies. The drug companies are more concerned with profits than helping people, as are the insurance companies (at least some are). Doctors are concerned with covering themselves so they don't get sued. Profit is the motivator. <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027424_medicine_alternative_Associated_Press.html">Drugs are the ONLY answer, so says the FDA</a>. Supplements and other natural medicine is useless.</p><p>The way to true health, of course, is to spread mass awareness that drugs and vaccines are NOT the answer. Public health campaigns to teach people to eat less processed food and more fresh produce (NOT GMO or irradiated), and real meats is necessary. People need to learn to get enough sunlight, or take vitamin D supplements. They need to be aware of alternative medicine. They need to know how to balance blood sugar and prevent (or cure) obesity, through proper diet.</p><p>This won't happen, because all of these industries -- factory farming, drugs, processed food, etc. -- are controlled by large companies, where money is the bottom line. Sunlight is free. Sustainable agriculture is not big business. There is little money to be made in these areas, as it stands. But, that is the way to true health.</p><p>Watch the movie if you're interested. But take it with a grain of salt. If you're reading this blog, you already know the system is broken. Focus on doing YOUR part to fix it by avoiding it as much as possible and trying to keep your family healthy by eating whole, natural foods and using alternative medicine when necessary.</p><p>Did you watch Sicko? What did you think? If you are new or have never left a comment, leave one today! I have enabled it so that ALL readers can comment, even without signing in! You can even do so anonymously! Although I'd love it if you left me your first name. :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
Recently, we watched the movie Sicko, by Michael Moore, which originally came out in 2006. The film is about the state of health care in America, and Moore offers the solution of socialized medicine. There is no better time to examine this film than now, when Congress is attempting to make socialized medicine here a reality. Moore makes several claims about the current situation in this country (as well as the situation in other countries which have socialized medicine already) and explains why he believes socialized medicine is the answer.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/23/2009 02:04:59 AM
<p>How would you overhaul the &quot;system&quot;?</p>
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AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/15/2009 12:41:18 AM
<p>Anonymous -- it&#39;s not really the individual stories I&#39;m unsympathetic towards, it&#39;s Michael Moore&#39;s documentary style.  He used those people, to try to make it look like the state of health care in this country is really sad.  He avoided discussing people who were satisfied with their experience, or who had non-HMO plans.  I think he used &quot;sob stories&quot; (the worst he could find, and yes, they are sad and it is too bad what happened to them) to try to evoke and emotional response and make people agree with his point.  I dislike this and find this an unacceptable movie tactic.</p><p>Although the companies may be filled with caring people, I find the agenda of the executives poor.  Most of the people are probably duped by the system and are intending to do good.  But, there is corruption and total overhaul is necessary to fix it.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/14/2009 03:27:36 AM
<p>I agree with your point that some people are motivated by profit, but I think it is unfair to suggest that &quot;companies,&quot; which include more kind and helpful people than greedy people,are bad.  I also think that most doctors become doctors so that they can help people, similar to most teachers wanting to help kids.  Stereotyping isn&#39;t the answer and is maybe even unchristian-like.  Targeting actual offenders that are motivated by greed is a better way!</p><p>Also, I think it is mean-spirited to say the movie features sob story after sob story and that nearly everyone in the movie suffers from cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. I agree the situations can be dramatized, but do you really think every sick person has brought the disease on themselves?  Do babies born with heart defects bring it on themselves? Juvenile diabetics? Young mothers with breast cancer? Are their lives less valuable than the life of someone who is healthy?</p><p>I don&#39;t think that government-run health care is the answer to our health care woes, but I do believe in compassion for anyone who is suffering for any reason.    Don&#39;t you? Do you think you advance your opinions by stereotyping and attacking people or by being so cold-hearted toward human suffering?</p>
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AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/13/2009 02:16:45 PM
<p>There is a difference between the executives and the reps.  I believe a lot of execs are in it for the money, but many reps are likely, as you say, &quot;just trying to feed their families.&quot;  The company as a whole -- major stock holders, anyone who stands to make a lot of money -- is of course concerned with that profit, whether that is their only concern or whether they also believe they are doing good.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/13/2009 01:53:12 AM
<p>Wow! I can leave a comment without signing in?  Really?</p><p>  I agree with your opinion on socilaized medicine, but think you are way off base about drug companies and insurace companies.  I feel very sorry for you if you think that the people who make and promote new drugs and the people who explain benefits and process insurance claims are all motivated by greed.  I bet some of them are just as nice and motivated by goodness as you are. </p><p> What do you think?  Is there a remote possibility that some of the poeple who work for drug and insurace companies just want to make enough money to raise their families and donate to churches and charities?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Chicken Marinade
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/06/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/04/ultimate-recipe-swap-using-herbs-and-spices.html">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>I love marinated chicken, but I never buy commercial marinades. They're full of high fructose corn syrup and a lot of other unnecessary ingredients. So, I mixed up my own marinade. This is so yummy! It works to grill it, bake it, make sandwiches, add to salads, etc. We eat it at least once every couple of weeks.</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />Juice of 1 lemon<br />1 cup of water<br />&frac14; cup of onion, minced*<br />1 clove garlic, minced*<br />&frac14; tsp. red pepper flakes<br />&frac12; tsp. sea salt<br />&frac12; tsp. thyme<br />&frac14; tsp. sage<br />1/4 tsp. marjoram</p>
<p>Directions: Mix all ingredients together, then add chicken. Marinate at least 6 hours, or better, 24 hours. Cook as desired.</p>
<p>*It's not important to mince if you don't intend to use the marinade in any sort of sauce. Rough chop is fine.</p>
<p>You can also add a bit of tomato juice or sauce for a bit of a different flavor. Yummy!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I love marinated chicken, but I never buy commercial marinades. They're full of high fructose corn syrup and a lot of other unnecessary ingredients. So, I mixed up my own marinade. This is so yummy! It works to grill it, bake it, make sandwiches, add to salads, etc. We eat it at least once every couple of weeks.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Rejecting Modern Science
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/05/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Rejecting modern science might sound crazy.  Science has done so much for us, hasn't it?  Yes and no.  I find that a lot of modern scientists have blinders on, and cling just as strongly to beliefs that don't make any sense as they say we -- religious people -- do.  The more research I've done, the more flawed I've come to think modern science really is.  Now, just in case you still think I'm crazy, I'll explain why I do not believe in modern science.</p>
<p>First -- I'll tell you what I do believe in.  I believe that trauma medicine is great.  If we had a car accident and had horrible injuries, I'd be in the hospital getting stitched up.  I think our trauma doctors do an awesome job of saving people who otherwise surely would have died, and experienced great pain.  I also believe in the scientific method in general -- that we can look at an issue openly and examine the evidence to come to a true conclusion.</p>
<p>However, I think doctors have overstepped their bounds (especially in obstetrics, an issue I'll be discussing more in a few weeks).  They have dogmatic beliefs in drugs, vaccines, and interventions.  They have overly simplistic explanations for the way the human body works, and they don't look for reasons WHY or for underlying causes.  They only observe and assume.  I also think that the scientific method is rarely used anymore.  Researchers start out with a question, and they know what answer they would like or what they expect to see.  Research is conducted in such a way as to provide the expected answer most of the time.  This is then called peer-reviewed research and is published in medical journals, and is the foundation for "evidence-based medicine," which I entirely reject.  Using these two phrases, "peer-reviewed medical journals" and "evidence-based medicine," dogmatic scientists try to make people like me look like we are stark raving lunatics with no knowledge or brain function whatsoever.  It's rude, and it's wrong.</p>
<p>Here is an example of typical medical thinking: Several breastfeeding women are tested for the presence of vitamin D in their milk.  All the levels are found to be low.  Doctors conclude that vitamin D must not get into breastmilk very much, and recommend supplementing all breastfed babies.</p>
<p>What the doctors failed to ask is WHY is vitamin D low in the breastmilk?  They did not test the womens' blood to see if they were deficient.  Most people in this country are deficient, so it's likely these women were, too.  If the women were deficient, their breastmilk would be, as well.  But, the doctors did not test this, and they assumed that breastmilk must just not have much vitamin D, since their samples didn't.</p>
<p>This is a fundamental problem: confusing COMMON with NORMAL.  It is COMMON for people to be deficient in vitamin D...but it is not NORMAL.  It is common for children to get frequent ear infections...but it is not normal.  It is common for people to believe that injecting poison (i.e. vaccines) into themselves will prevent disease...but it is not normal!</p>
<p>Doctors and researchers believe that the way they practice medicine must be correct because it is "evidence-based."  But in the above examples, doctors have "evidence."  They can observe these things -- low vitamin D levels in breastmilk and frequent ear infections in children -- and so they make assumptions about this evidence.  i.e. that they must be normal.  Then they figure out ways to deal with this.  The simplest way to deal with an ear infection (in their view) is to give an antibiotic.  There is no thinking like "Why are these children getting ear infections?  Why did children not get them so often in the past?  What is different today?  What might we change to remedy the ear infections so that children do not get them in the first place?"  It is is more difficult to think this way because WHY each child is getting ear infections can be different -- food allergies, overly vaccinated, given too many antibiotics, ear canals too small/misshapen, etc. -- so this requires a lot of case-by-case calls.  Perhaps individual doctors still address these issues, but these are not generally mentioned over all.  Medical journals simply have taken ear infections as generally "normal" and not preventable through diet/lifestyle changes, and they are now working on a vaccine to prevent them.  Yes, really.</p>
<p>What about the new GMO (genetically modified organisms) food, or irradiated food?  Or even pasteurized milk?  Scientists claim it is nearly equivalent to fresh, non-GMO food because by all the basic measures they use -- vitamin and mineral content, mostly -- it is basically the same, and it also looks the same.  But when testing for enzymes, phytonutrients, amino acids, etc. it becomes clear that it is NOT the same.  Animals fed GMO foods die or develop cancer or diabetes very quickly.  Cats consuming irradiated foods also developed tumors and became very ill.  Microwaves basically irradiate food, too.  Plants watered with microwaved, cooled water die.  Clearly, even though they LOOK the same and we may not see immediate effects (people don't just keel over and die when eating them), there are very negative effects present.  Again, the "evidence" that scientists have seems to prove their point -- but they are being far too simplistic and asking the wrong questions.</p>
<p>As far as "peer reviewed" studies, it is easy to get the answer you want when you word your question a specific way.  It is also easy if you exclude people who are "anomalies," in that they have several side effects.  It is easy if you break down the side effects into sub-categories so they look rarer.  It is easy if you report only the major side effects -- or only the minor ones.  It is easy if you use only health individuals and exclude people who do not match very specific criteria.  It is easy to misinterpret the data.  All of these are techniques frequently used in studies which are later peer reviewed and published in medical journals.</p>
<p>For example, one study the CDC funded looked at "the age at which children with and without autism received the MMR."  Supposedly this was to decide if the MMR caused autism, and they concluded it did not.  However, if the MMR does cause autism, and the parents did not know their children were at risk, they ALL would have been vaccinated at 12 - 15 months as recommended, and autism would have become evident later.  There would clearly be no difference at the age at which they received it, and this is irrelevant to whether or not it causes autism.  But, it appeared that the CDC had looked into it.</p>
<p>For another example, doctors looked at pregnant women and GBS testing (Group B strep).  Women are routinely tested by OBs at around 35 weeks along.  It is known women can be positive and negative at different times, but is assumed this is close enough to delivery that it will be accurate.  Something like 63% of those who tested positive at 35 weeks tested negative after 38 weeks or at the time of birth.  Yet, the researchers concluded that this was "helpful" and "beneficial" to do the test at 35 weeks.  MOST tests were not accurate!  And supposing a woman really was positive at the time of birth, her baby has only a 1 in 10,000 chance of serious side effects of death from GBS, while it has a much higher risk of harm from antibiotics during labor and immediately after birth (standard treatment).</p>
<p>Modern medicine misses the point frequently.  The answer isn't to observe what is currently happening and find a new drug, vaccine, or therapy for it.  The answer is to ask WHY this is happening and how we can prevent it naturally.  Why were people not overweight very often 100 years ago?  Why are they overweight today?  Modern medicine has only part of the answer -- trans fats and sedentary lifestyles -- but that is not all.  Our diets have completely changed.  Even more interesting, why did people not get skin cancer 100 years ago, and they do now?  100 years ago there were many more farmers and more people spent all day in the sun.  Today many people are indoors all day, in office buildings, and they get skin cancer.  Somehow, modern doctors have decided that the sun causes cancer and that sunscreen and/or sun avoidance is the answer.  This has not led to a decrease in skin cancer (it has probably increased due to the chemicals absorbed through the skin in sunscreen, though I'd have to double check that), but has led to chronically low vitamin D levels (which also increases risk of cancer).  Modern medicine has MISSED the big picture entirely!</p>
<p>For this reason (and many other examples), I don't have a lot of respect for modern medicine.  I don't believe that they are asking the right questions.  I don't believe they are seeking the best answers.  Many doctors think they can intervene and do a better job than God.  They think that by giving children vaccines and antibiotics and practicing "preventative" care, they can make a child healthier than they were at birth.  They think they can hurry along pregnancy and birth, and that taking a newborn away from its mother (cutting the cord immediately) and putting it on oxygen and bottle feeding and heated beds, they can improve that newborn's outcome.  If that is so, why does the U.S., which has the highest rate of intervention in birth, also have the highest infant mortality rate of any developed country?</p>
<p>Evidence that the current system is broken is popping up everywhere, daily.  There is plenty of evidence that laboring mothers who are gently supported and not given drugs and whose babies are allowed immediate skin-to-skin contact have far better outcomes than those who have interventions.  There is evidence that these interventions are linked to childhood illnesses, like cancer and diabetes.  There is evidence that vaccines cause brain damage, including autism.  There is evidence that today's lifestyle causes obesity.  It goes on and on.  Modern medicine continues to try new innovations, ignoring that the problem worsens every year.  Clearly their interventions are NOT making the problems better, and they still fail to realize it.</p>
<p>Perhaps individual doctors are driven to help people, and feel powerless when there is really nothing they can do.  Perhaps they feel bad sending parents home with a prescription for extra vitamin D and C and lots of chicken soup.  Perhaps they feel the need to do something -- give an antibiotic, give vaccines to try to prevent suffering.  This desire to help is admirable if misguided.</p>
<p>Some, however, are not so innocent.  Some are concerned with profits.  Some are more concerned about public health than personal health (which is NOT ever a reason to get a vaccine, since they don't work at all in the first place).  Some are being paid by the drug companies, who, of course, are motivated by profit.</p>
<p>The entire system is broken.  I have no respect left for it.  I have some respect for individual doctors, but not for "evidence-based medicine" whatsoever.  Too much harm has come from it.  Medical errors and hospital-acquired infections are in the leading causes of death in adults in this country, as are properly-used medical interventions (which are actually unnecessary).  Medicine is killing as many (or more) people as they help.</p>
<p>This is why I avoid the medical system as much as possible.  I do not believe that doctors are magical and worthy of any extra respect.  Certainly they deserve the same respect as any other human being, but they are not elevated above the rest, as many seem to believe (how many of you have been talked down to by a doctor if you disagreed with their recommendations?  or even been thrown out of a practice for refusing to comply?).  The arrogance is wrong, and unjustified.</p>
<p>Next time someone tells you that you should fall in line because this is "evidence based medicine" and the results are published in "peer reviewed journals," tell them just how little faith you have in these, and exactly why.  Instead, tell them you believe God created us perfectly and we don't need these interventions in almost any case to continue to be perfect.  God gave us all the medicine we need all around us, which Chinese medicine and other natural healing takes advantage of (a topic for another blog post later).  Don't let them bully you into thinking they are right.  They are wrong!</p>
<p>Stepping off my soap box now.  But I had to say it.  :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
Rejecting modern science might sound crazy. Science has done so much for us, hasn't it? Yes and no. I find that a lot of modern scientists have blinders on, and cling just as strongly to beliefs that don't make any sense as they say we -- religious people -- do. The more research I've done, the more flawed I've come to think modern science really is. Now, just in case you still think I'm crazy, I'll explain why I do not believe in modern science.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
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DATE: 11/22/2009 09:06:09 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in your opinion on mental health as well.  Do you believe in therapy? Drugs to treat it?</p>
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AUTHOR: Aryn
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DATE: 11/20/2009 03:25:07 PM
<p>Kate,</p><p>What is your opinion on mental health issues and their treatment? Do you believe in disorders such as ADD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/17/2009 02:19:05 AM
<p>Sue,</p><p>I don&#39;t think it&#39;s so much about comparing to dogs, as trying to look at what&#39;s natural.  Back a couple hundred years ago, women gave birth in their homes surrounded by all the other women in their families.  It wasn&#39;t something that happened in hospitals or needed interference.  The dog analogy just illustrates that sort of thing today, since most women aren&#39;t left alone, which I think is sad.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
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DATE: 11/17/2009 02:15:24 AM
<p>Really ladies, do we WANT to compare our birthing experiences to dogs?  I for one, whether giving birth at home or in the hospital, would prefer to keep things at the human level.  Our dogs fo to the bathroom outside, but none of are going there are we?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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DATE: 11/15/2009 12:44:45 AM
<p>Thanks for sharing your story, Krista!  Yes, it is sad that they do not investigate causes.  We, too, have learned about the eczema-allergies cause, which you can read about in other posts.  I think this is true of way too much -- they simply say &quot;we don&#39;t know&quot; and leave it at that!  Oh well.  That&#39;s why I wrote this post.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krista
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/14616414842380204671
DATE: 11/11/2009 07:11:57 AM
<p>I definitely have had recent experiences that give further proof to this post.  My 3-yr-old daughter has excema.....really, really bad.  We took her to our naturopathic doctor, whom we love and she thought it might be food allergies...we tested and sure enough, there were four main things (including dairy, which my daughter could eat night and day!) and as soon as we cut out those things, the excema pretty much went away.  A few flare ups now and then, but much more manageable.  We got one flareup (about a year after her allergy diagnosis) that got super bad and I ended up taking her to the pediatrician.  Turns out she had acquired a staph infection (yuck!) but while we were there the MD gave us a hand-out on excema and it seemed so blind to me.  &quot;We don&#39;t know what causes excema, but applying creams can help......&quot;  It was almost laughable!  Sure, we use creams, but we don&#39;t stop there!  We want to know why she gets excema....not just how to treat the skin!  Unfortunately, that kind of thinking bleeds into almost every part of modern medicine.....sad.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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DATE: 11/06/2009 08:55:32 PM
<p>I can say first-hand how hospital births are harmful.  It took me 3 or 4 months after Bekah&#39;s birth before I felt like I really &quot;knew&quot; her and could really effectively care for her.  It was rough and I wondered why I felt that way.  But Daniel...he was MINE from day 1.  Even now when he&#39;s screaming and being difficult, I find myself much more patient and loving towards him.  I feel at odds with her -- but not with him.  Could be personality differences too, but...I think a lot was the birth experience.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 11/06/2009 07:50:05 PM
<p>Good points, Emma! Your dog-birthing story reminded me...pets giving birth are so fragile. I&#39;ve heard of too much intervention (i.e. taking the animal to the vet to birth) can cause the mother to reject her babies. Yep we rip human babies from their mothers&#39; arms/wombs every day. :( </p><p>We have bigger brains than dogs, yes, so we know to take our babies home and care for them anyway...or maybe it&#39;s the legal obligation to our offspring, lol. We love them and bond with them regardless. But one has to wonder about the effects of the depersonalization of the birth experience.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 11/05/2009 02:14:33 PM
<p>MMR vaccine at 12-15 months? Sheesh, that was one that we got right before middle school, or it was for me, at least.</p><p>Also, I do find it funny that babies now means hospitals - after all, it didn&#39;t become commonplace to have a baby in a hospital (a place where you are exposed to all sorts of illnesses) until very recently - do you remember that book we read for English class, &quot;A Tree Grows in Brooklyn?&quot; It was about the Great Depression and everybody thought that Aunt Suzie or whomever was crazy for going to a hospital to have a baby. After all, we let our pets give birth in our homes in nice little birthing areas we set up (unless they do it under the couch, but you know what I mean) - we don&#39;t take them to the vet to do it. We want them to give birth in a loving, comfortable place surrounded by people who will let them do their thing uninterrupted, and won&#39;t interfere. Just a thought...maybe that principle should apply elsewhere?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Sewing Cloth Diapers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/23/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>I wrote about cloth diapering in a post awhile back. Now, if you looked at some of the sites I included, you probably realized those diapers are <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">expensive</span>! Most are $15 - $19 each. Granted, this is still significant savings over using disposables (cost estimate is $2000 - $2500 for disposables, birth to potty training, and only $400 or so for cloth, assuming 24 one-size diapers), but wow! It's a big expense all at once, and if you ever lost a diaper or something, you'd be mad.</p><p>Instead, you can sew them! I designed and sewed all of mine. The average cost per diaper I sew is around $2. A lot better, right? If I used one-size diapers, I'd only have to spend about $72 on diapers. Since I use sized diapers (newborn, small, medium), I spend about $200 (this gives me 24 NB, 36 small, 36 medium, which is a rather large stash). But, that's half of what you'd spend on purchased, one-size diapers. For a more accurate comparison, I spent about $48 on my newborn diapers, vs. $400 on purchased diapers. 8 times as much.</p><p>Sewing the diapers is NOT that hard. But, it's good to learn from someone who's already done it. I'm going to detail my attempts to sew diapers for you so you don't have to make all the mistakes I did.</p><p>January, 2008: I first looked at cloth diapers seriously. Bekah was due in just a few weeks. Up until that point, people had mentioned them to me but I thought it was kind of weird. I thought it would be yucky and messy and I didn't even want to try. Give me some disposables, I thought! But I was starting to get a little more "green" and I decided to give it a try. Since I had learned to sew some as a teenager, I couldn't actually bring myself to pay for something I could make. This led to my first attempts.</p><p>I printed off the Mamabird pattern (then free, now $2). I decided I'd use flannel I had sitting around for the diaper, terry cloth for the soaker, and a hidden layer of PUL for the waterproof part, so it would be an AIO. I also used Aplix (like Velcro, but stronger). The first diaper I made looked crappy and seemed tiny to me. I didn't think it would ever fit my baby and I abandoned the project temporarily and resigned myself to starting with disposables. I just couldn't visualize the fit without a baby to try the diaper on.</p><p>February, 2008: I tried the diaper on Bekah. It was huge! I had no idea how tiny newborns really were. It also leaked inside of an hour. PUL underneath cotton flannel = bad. I thought that it would be really fabulous if I tried some with the PUL on the outside, and used buttons to secure them. I wouldn't need a snap press, and I wouldn't need any Aplix. I decided to make 10 like this.</p><p>March 2008: Okay, so I finished all my new AIO with PUL outer and buttons. They're all white and boring (inside is terry cloth) and they feel wet against her skin. I'm still trying to use whatever I have around the house, although I did break down and buy some microfiber cloths for the soaker (the part that holds the wetness). I only use them for a couple weeks because with only 10, I'm always washing them and they don't look so great anyway. They don't leak though.</p><p>April 2008: I discover FOE (fold over elastic) and fitteds. Fabulous! I sew up a dozen of these, with flannel on the outside and Alova suedecloth on the inside (okay, I broke down and bought fabric that would wick the moisture away). Still using microfiber. I use these diapers until she grows out of them. I also sew a few (4) fitted pockets and 3 covers. The covers are just PUL bound in FOE. They have snaps on them now but I still use them. I designed the fitted pocket myself (not the concept though) by narrowing the front of the pattern and making a few other adjustments to see if it fits better. I like the fitted pockets so much, I design a medium pattern just like it and cut out 24 diapers.</p><p>June 2008: Bekah's outgrown her small fitteds, but is way too small for the one medium I sewed as a test. Conundrum: adjust the medium, or sew more smalls? I end up sewing a bunch of smalls. This time I make her "real" pockets (PUL outer) with the opening at the back edge. I use Touchtape on these. TT is a LOT better than Aplix, in my opinion. After the first 6 or so, I try out using cloth tabs instead of cutting the whole diaper body out of PUL. This saves a LOT of PUL! I always use this on my diapers now. I use these until she is 11 months old, when I buy a snap press and start transitioning all the diapers to snaps. I still use these sometimes. Daniel wears them.</p><p>October 2008: Ben doesn't like the fitted pockets I sewed as mediums, which Bekah has been wearing for a few months. At. All. We are stuffing with microfiber cloths, and Ben hates these too. So I start designing new medium pockets ("real" ones), with cloth tabs, and I also add a sham pocket opening to the design (this means an opening in the middle of the diaper instead of the back edge; I'll show pictures in my tutorial in a few days). I sew 6 like this, which we use for night time. Ben loves these and wants more.</p><p>February 2009: I've finished my new stash of medium pockets. They're wonderful. Bekah still wears them today. I have 36 of them.</p><p>April 2009: I've finished sewing 24 newborn diapers with the same design as the mediums. When I get a chance to use them, I love them.</p><p>September 2009: I sew 24 new smalls, because there isn't quite enough elastic in my old ones to fit Daniel yet (I had 17 originally but added more).   I've widened the front of these and changed the design slightly from the mediums.  They're so awesome, they fit BOTH kids (Bekah at 26 lbs. and Daniel at, then, 10 lbs.).  When people see them, they think they're professionally made (believe me, my early attempts did NOT look professional).  I've contemplating sewing them...but just too busy to really commit to it.</p><p>My pattern, by the way, is available online for free: <a href="http://www.rctdiapers.webs.com/">www.rctdiapers.webs.com</a>.  I will also be posting a tutorial in a few days on exactly how to sew diapers from this pattern.</p><p>Do you (or would you) use cloth diapers?  Would you ever consider sewing your own?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I wrote about cloth diapering in a post awhile back. Now, if you looked at some of the sites I included, you probably realized those diapers are <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">expensive</span>! Most are $15 - $19 each. Granted, this is still significant savings over using disposables (cost estimate is $2000 - $2500 for disposables, birth to potty training, and only $400 or so for cloth, assuming 24 one-size diapers), but wow! It's a big expense all at once, and if you ever lost a diaper or something, you'd be mad.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 11/26/2009 01:41:27 AM
<p>We use them, as you know. :) We had issues with some stink staying behind in the microfiber inserts, but have just decided that Cam&#39;s pee doesn&#39;t mix well with non-natural fibers, lol. We&#39;ve switched over to hemp for overnights with great results! Our faves are BumGenius OS for daytime out-and-about use, FuzziBunz for overnights and homemade hemp/bamboo fitteds for laying around the house. :) I love (and have saved SO much money) making my own diapers! I make fitteds and pockets and they all work great.</p><p>Anonymous, in my experience leak issues are usualy due to build-up on the diapers...could be from a not-so-great wash routine (esp not enough rinses), wrong detergent, using diaper cream, etc. Definitely frustrating! Some babies are also sensitive to the materials used in some diapers (esp the poly-fibers/micro-fleece, and switching to natural fibers like hemp or cotton can help). It&#39;s an easy switch for most people, but for some of us it takes some tweaking. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/23/2009 01:55:22 AM
<p>I did use them. They leaked and were a mess. My baby also got diaper rash often.  I caved and switched to disposable. I admire your perseverance in the pursuit of using cloth!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Supplement Use: When, Why, Which
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/24/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>As most people who read this blog know, I am anti-drug and anti-vaccine, and really, anti-medical-community in general.  A few, though, have asked about my stance on supplements, so I thought I'd address that issue.  Do we use supplements, which, and why?</p><p>The answer is yes -- we do, at times, use supplements.  We do not, as some do, take several everyday.  I know people who take a few dozen different supplements every single day, to add to their diet.  I don't believe this is necessary, since, as one reader pointed out, you should ideally get everything you need from your diet.  Of course, this the IDEAL and it doesn't always happen.</p><p>There are certain situations that I feel call for supplements.  The first is in the case of illness.  Many times, people lose their appetites during illness because the body is too busy fighting off the illness to worry about digestion and other normal processes (and so you can get extra sleep/rest).  But this is the very time when you need a boost, so your body can fight off the illness.  Vitamin C, for example, is an antioxidant that can really help to fight off colds or infections.  It would be difficult to take enough food to get a large enough dose of vitamin C (not that you shouldn't drink orange juice or tea with lemon, for example), so a supplement can help.</p><p>Another case is when diet and environment are not sufficient.  For example, vitamin D in the northern climates in the winter.  We make vitamin D in response to sunlight on our bare skin, but there is not much sunlight, and we don't usually go outdoors without most of our skin covered in the winter.  Vitamin D from food sources is generally not adequate, either.  It is easy to become deficient, so in this case we need supplements.</p><p>A third case is if there are known deficiencies.  We had Bekah tested awhile back and found she was deficient in B12, among other things.  It wasn't that she wasn't getting adequate food sources (she eats a lot of grass-fed beef and other meat, the primary sources of B12), but that she wasn't absorbing it well.  So, supplementation was necessary.</p><p>So, WHY do I think supplementation is correct in these situations, but drugs are not?  It's really quite simple.  Our bodies need these nutrients to survive and thrive.  Being deficient is a serious problem, and we need to correct that deficiency, whether it is something we've tested for or suspect based on environmental factors.  On the other hand, we do not need drugs to survive.  We can never be deficient in, say Lipitor.  It is not a required building block for life.  My goal is to provide our bodies with what we need to thrive, based on God's design.  Drugs do not fall in that category; supplements do.  Supplements can be nature's medicine to help us heal.  Drugs...well, they are poison to the body.  They kill something that is in the body (the illness), but they are not specific and they also kill good gut flora too.  Supplements will not do this, they will support the body's natural healing.</p><p>That said, it's important to select supplements carefully.  Man-made supplements or food fortified with man-made supplements are basically useless.  Our bodies don't absorb them well.  The best supplements are based on whole foods.  Cod liver oil, for example, is a great source of vitamins A and D and is absorbed well.  The quality of the supplement is paramount.  I can't advise on particular supplements to buy (brands or types) really, so please do research with sources you trust before selecting your supplements.</p><p>Do you use supplements?  Why or why not?  If you do, what types do you use and when?</p>
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EXCERPT:
As most people who read this blog know, I am anti-drug and anti-vaccine, and really, anti-medical-community in general.  A few, though, have asked about my stance on supplements, so I thought I'd address that issue.  Do we use supplements, which, and why?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Synaura
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URL: http://www.discoveravia.com/d.cgi/vernette/home.html
DATE: 12/14/2009 03:35:21 AM
<p>Taking <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.discoveravia.com/d.cgi/vernette/home.html"">http://www.discoveravia.com/d.cgi/vernette/home.html"</a> rel="nofollow">natural supplement</a> is better than artificial <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.discoveravia.com/d.cgi/vernette/home.html"">http://www.discoveravia.com/d.cgi/vernette/home.html"</a> rel="nofollow">supplement</a> because it contains natural ingredients that are beneficial to our health system.  It is good to take it regularly to maintain a youthful glow.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 11/30/2009 12:32:49 AM
<p>I obviously take a prenatal vitamin daily, but I also take extra calcium (I tend to have lots of joint issues when pregnant, specifically in my hips), magnesium (to help me sleep at night, not daily), vitamin C (1000 mg--midwife recommended and for immune protection), probiotics, a fish oil/DHA and vitamin E occasionally. A lot! LOL </p><p>Cam takes a daily Flintstones, plus extra vitamins C (500mg) and D (800IU), an Omega-3 (200mg) and a calcium (200mg). Outside of flu season we will most likely discontinue use of the extra vits C &amp; D, as he tends to stay pretty healthy and is outside (un-sunscreened) a lot.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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DATE: 11/24/2009 03:05:16 AM
<p>Nathan and I take a multi-vitamin (I have a hard time getting calcium and iron) and a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement daily (or at least as often as we remember to). We&#39;re being run ragged right now (literally - we&#39;re averaging 5 miles or so a day running) and both of us have had joint problems. I&#39;ve had shoulder problems for a while (had surgery on one of them), and Nathan&#39;s had knee problems. The problem with glucosamine and chondroitin is that they aren&#39;t found in edible parts of food - I don&#39;t really want to chew on, say, the shell part of the shellfish, so we supplement it. Beyond that, we just try to eat as much fresh as we can for the most part when we&#39;re eating at home (about 3 nights a week average; between praise band rehearsal with dinner provided by the chapel, Bible study with dinner provided by the chapel, getting together with the couple that&#39;s discipling us, etc., we&#39;re not eating at home as much as I&#39;d like, but we make do).</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Thanksgiving Recipes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/20/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/11/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-main-dishes.html">Whole Foods for the Holidays, Main Dishes, at Keeper of the Home</a>!**</p>
<p>A collection of favorite gluten-free, casein-free Thanksgiving recipes. If you're not "free" of anything, feel free to use "real" bread or butter instead of coconut oil. Although I love the coconut oil so much I might use it even if we weren't dairy-free!</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Turkey<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Ingredients<span style="font-weight: bold;">:<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>1 15 - 20 lb. organic turkey<br />1 small onion, cut in half or quarters (skins and ends removed)<br />2 - 3 tsp. sea salt<br />1 tbsp. coconut oil<br />Stuffing (opt.)</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Open turkey and remove giblets. Set aside for gravy (in the fridge). Rinse turkey and pat dry. Salt liberally inside and out. Place onion inside turkey cavity, then stuffing if desired. Melt the coconut oil and rub it over the breast (you can do this again halfway through baking if desired). Bake at 325 for about 2 hours, then at 350 until done (about 20 - 30 minutes per lb.). Allow to rest 10 - 15 minutes, then slice.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />Stuffing</span><br />Ingredients:<br />1 loaf gluten-free bread, sliced (as I can't figure out how to make this yet, you'll have to buy it, or go <a href="http://glutenfreesourdough.blogspot.com/">here</a> to learn)<br />1 cup chicken stock<br />1 tsp. sea salt<br />1/4 c. onion, diced<br />1 small carrot, diced or shredded<br />1/2 tsp. marjoram<br />1/2 tsp. thyme<br />1/4 tsp. sage</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Leave the bread out on the counter for a couple of days to stale. Break it up into small cubes. (If you forget to leave it to stale, you can cut fresh bread into cubes and bake it at 200 degrees for an hour or so to dry it out.) Mix the bread, onions, carrots, and spices. Add the stock (may need more depending on how much the bread absorbs, which can vary a lot depending on what flours are used). Stuff into a turkey, or simply put in a baking dish and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gravy</span><br />Ingredients:<br />2 cups chicken or turkey stock<br />Giblets from one turkey<br />1 tsp. sea salt<br />2 tbsp. minced onion<br />2 tbsp. coconut oil<br />1/4 c. cold water<br />2 tbsp. arrow root powder</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Boil the giblets in the stock until done. You can throw away the giblets at this point, or puree some into the stock for richer flavor and more nutrition. Use the stock (or 1/2 c. cooking wine) to deglaze the pan the turkey cooked in, getting all the drippings. Sautee onion in coconut oil. Add stock/drippings mixture. Bring this to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Separately, mix together cold water and arrowroot powder. Add this to the stock mixture and stir constantly until gravy is thick. If it is not thick enough, add some arrowroot powder to cold water and add this to the gravy. Arrowroot powder does not dissolve in hot liquids. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mashed potatoes</span><br />Ingredients:<br />6 - 8 medium potatoes (preferably red skin), washed and cut into large chunks<br />2 - 3 tsp. salt<br />1/2 c. coconut milk or chicken stock<br />1 tbsp. coconut oil (opt)<br />1 clove garlic, minced</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, but not falling apart. Drain. If using garlic and coconut oil, sautee garlic until softened over low heat (garlic burns easily). Add potatoes and mash, adding enough coconut milk or stock to achieve desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cranberry Sauce</span><br />Ingredients:<br />1 lb. cranberries, washed<br />2 c. water<br />1/2 c. turbinado sugar<br />Zest of one lemon</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and boil gently until cranberries are soft, about 45 minutes.</p>
<p>I'm still working on dessert -- gluten-free pie crust and dairy-free fudge! I've got some rich, expensive pure cacao downstairs waiting for me. I'll update later in the week if I find my perfect recipe. You can find more at Elana's Pantry if you're looking for dessert.</p>
<p>Are you hungry now? I am!</p>
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EXCERPT:
A collection of favorite gluten-free, casein-free Thanksgiving recipes. If you're not "free" of anything, feel free to use "real" bread or butter instead of coconut oil. Although I love the coconut oil so much I might use it even if we weren't dairy-free!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: babychickie1
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 11/24/2009 08:25:08 PM
<p>I am going to use Coconut Milk for my mashed potatoes this year! The canned stuff is so thick and I think it will make them so creamy and yummy!</p><p>We do a cranberry relish instead of sauce- the recipe is always on the back of the bags of cranberries, but it&#39;s just cranberries, an orange, and sugar all processed together. Yum!</p><p>Pumpkin pies are great crustless. They bake perfectly and I always sub Almond  Milk or Rice Milk for the evaporated milk.</p><p>Enjoy Kate! I&#39;m looking forward to this Thanksgiving as I have less restrictions than last year when I couldn&#39;t even eat the turkey!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Updates on Bekah
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/21/2009 04:00:00 AM
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<p>It's been a couple months now since we started working hard on Bekah's treatment.  We got the prescriptions for B-12 injections and glutathione cream in October.  Unfortunately, within a few days, Bekah's eczema flared up horribly and she began waking up every night, angry and itchy.  She also wasn't napping well or at all, so she was spending most days and nights throwing tantrums constantly.  We continued to give her sublingual B-12 everyday, in hopes that would make <em>some</em> difference.  We stopped the injections and the cream, and within a few days her eczema was clearing up, and is now basically gone.  At its worst, the eczema totally covered her chest and belly and was bright red, and there were patches on her arms and legs too.</p><p>Bekah was able to try several new foods after her eczema subsided, including almonds (allergic), lima beans (allergic), raisins (fine -- yay!), and others I can't remember.  We now know that she cannot tolerate any legumes, nuts, tropical fruit, gluten, or dairy.  We won't even try anything else in those families for awhile.  So, she is down to apples (she'll now eat them raw), pears, bananas, carrots, celery, potatoes, chicken, beef, turkey, ham, eggs, coconut.  Ham was new too, also fine.</p><p>Last weekend we realized that maybe we should stop bathing her so often, and stop allowing her to drink city water.  Although she was napping again, the eczema was gone, we were making sure she was eating enough during the day, and her behavior was somewhat better, she was still waking at night.  When we were out of town and she was drinking only filtered water, her behavior improved dramatically.  We have gone to bathing her only 1 - 2 times per week and allowing her to drink only filtered or spring water.  She's slept -- soundly -- through the night this week and has been napping better and much happier and less fussy during the day.  We think that she has chemical sensitivities and our ultimate solution will be to buy a reverse osmosis system for the entire house, so that ALL the taps, including showers, will be safe.</p><p>Bekah's also talking more.  She's repeating many words, trying to communicate constantly.  This really started to explode after we removed city water.  Could be a coincidence, but we don't think so.</p><p>On Thursday, 11/19 we went back to the doctor.  She advised starting B12 injections again, and getting an alternative base for the glutathione cream and beginning that again as well.  She also took a look at Bekah's diaper rash and said it looks like strep bacteria, and prescribed an antibiotic cream for her.  She also recommended putting her in disposables for awhile until the rash clears and treating all her diapers.  So, we bought Seventh Generation diapers for her (she thinks they are funny, she pulls at the paper and pokes at them when wet and says "Skee-see" which means "squishy").</p><p>We've only applied the antibiotic cream two or three times, and the rash is clearing (it always does; and to my knowledge strep bacteria lives harmlessly in many peoples' guts and is caused by an acidic system.  We also know for sure that the reason it's causing a rash is because she eats an allergenic food and this causes diarrhea, which is acidic, and that feeds the rash).  However, the eczema on her chest is beginning to flare again.  She <span style="font-style: italic;">definitely</span> has chemical sensitivities.</p><p>The truth is, doctors understand very little about what's going on right now.  It puzzles them why kids are so allergic, even to their mothers' breastmilk in some cases.  I have the answer: leaky gut syndrome.  Doctors have theorized that when babies' guts don't develop properly, they remain "open" and larger than normal proteins can get through, directly to the bloodstream, and can cause the body to form antibodies against them and become allergic.  When the mothers suffer from leaky gut syndrome, these proteins pass into their milk, and then into their babies' bloodstreams, causing allergic reactions (babies' guts are born open and are protected by IgA in the breastmilk, and close sometime around 18 weeks of age, later in formula fed babies).  Gut development is KEY.  When babies are born via c-section, their initial gut flora isn't colonized properly.  Formula feeding makes it worse (the proteins get into their systems, and there is no protective IgA).  Vaccinations and antibiotics make it worse.  Early solids make it worse.  And so on.  In breastfed babies, their mother's health matters completely.  Doctors are aware that most of the immune system is in the gut, and do know about how it develops normally, but somehow can't seem to put the pieces together to figure this out.</p><p>So, I have to decide what to do next with Bekah.  She's almost 22 months and still breastfeeding, which is definitely a point in our favor.  Unfortunately she was supplemented early and started solids early.  Her first 6 weeks, she received formula sometimes, so her gut flora didn't colonize properly then.  It might have been okay, but I started her on solids early too.  I probably wasn't in the best health then and was eating dairy and junk food, passing this to her, creating allergies.  It was a cascade of bad decisions.  Now we have to fix it.</p><p>I'll post more updates on Bekah as we decide what to do next.</p><p>For what it's worth, Daniel was born at home, had no drugs in his system while I was pregnant, during labor/birth, or after.  He's over 18 weeks now and has had no supplements of any kind, nor any solids (Bekah was on solids at his age).  He shows no signs of allergies and has even been able to tolerate small amounts of dairy through me (I think -- we'll try in a few more weeks).  I believe he will outgrow his early sensitivities entirely and be normal.  Which is very exciting to me!  At 4 months he is 25" and just over 13 lbs. and a very happy boy.  :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
It's been a couple months now since we started working hard on Bekah's treatment.  We got the prescriptions for B-12 injections and glutathione cream in October.  Unfortunately, within a few days, Bekah's eczema flared up horribly and she began waking up every night, angry and itchy.  She also wasn't napping well or at all, so she was spending most days and nights throwing tantrums constantly.  We continued to give her sublingual B-12 everyday, in hopes that would make <em>some</em> difference.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/28/2009 10:33:57 PM
<p>Hi,</p><p>The &quot;gut&quot; refers primarily to the intestines, but really to your entire digestive system.  Most of the immune system is in the digestive system.  When babies are born and their systems are immature, the &quot;gut&quot; is open and particles of food can pass through (that is, the walls of intestines are permeable, as I understand it).  It is supposed to close so that food must be completely digested before entering the bloodstream.  But if it isn&#39;t closed for whatever reason, then partially digested food can get out of the gut and into the bloodstream, and the body will attack it.  This is the &quot;leaky gut&quot; theory of allergies.  If there is more interest, I will post my sources or write a further post on the subject.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gretchen
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/28/2009 10:29:20 PM
<p>I second that.  Can you please explain or give me a source so I can learn more about the &quot;gut&quot;?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
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DATE: 11/25/2009 08:21:22 PM
<p>What exactly is the &quot;gut&quot;? Which organ is leaking?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Ways to Cut Spending
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/17/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Now that you've sat down and created a budget, does it really work for your family? Or are there areas where you spend too much still? Are there areas where, on paper, it works, but in practice you are spending beyond what you've budgeted? It's hard, but there are definitely ways to cut spending, which is necessary sometimes.</p><p>First, you probably can't cut spending in your major areas, like housing, insurance, etc. There are ways, but they are much more involved than cutting in your non-essential areas. Let's discuss them briefly.</p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Housing</span> -- You have a few options here. You can simply move to a smaller/cheaper place, if you are in a position where you can afford to move and downsizing is an option (it wasn't for us, with a growing family). You can also refinance your home to get a lower interest rate. Typically, though, you just have to deal with it.</p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Insurance</span> -- You can shop around for different companies who may give you a better deal, or, if you have different companies, get all your insurance (home, car, health, life, etc.) with the same company to get a discount.</p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Health care</span> -- There's not much you can do here, necessarily, if there are services you MUST have. We'll discuss this in another post because it is a rather involved subject.</p><p>Now, on to the non-essential or variable categories. There are a LOT of ways to cut spending here! Let's talk about a few.</p><p><strong>Phone/Cable/Internet</strong> -- Do you have any or all of these? Do you use them? Is there a way to get a better deal by signing up for a bundle discount with another company? Can you get rid of your land line altogether? Can you get rid of cable or premium movie channels? Get a slower internet package (not suggesting dial up, but maybe slower cable connection)? At one point we had all of these services and were paying $120/month for them. We now only have internet (we didn't use the phone and cable isn't really necessary) and are paying only $55/month. We even discussed not having internet, but at the time I was doing freelance writing and making a lot more than $55 a month, so it was more than worth it to keep it. None of these services are necessary, though! If you're struggling for money, get rid of your internet AND your computer and just use the library for awhile.</p><p><strong>Cell phones</strong> -- These days, everyone wants an awesome phone, and an awesome plan. We have free phones and the most basic plan. We also get a discount through Ben's work. This makes our phones only about $60/month, which is less than half of what a lot of people pay (this covers three phones). Our contract is actually up, and if we sign another two-year contract and don't get new phones, they'll just give us $150. As much as new phones are cool, ours are fine. We'll actually get money by holding off! It's also possible to trade in your phones for lower-end models (which work just fine) and reduce your service plans to minimum levels. No internet access, no texting, low minutes. Make your calls after 7 PM (or whenever free nights start) and just use your internet at home. Of course, again, if you cannot afford it, you can NOT have a cell phone. But, you really should have either a cell phone OR a land line, whichever is cheaper.</p><p><strong>Entertainment</strong> -- How much do you really spend on entertainment each month? Going out to eat, going to the movies, buying new video games or DVDs, etc.? If you're like most, it's quite a lot. Do you really need a date every weekend? Are you paying a babysitter? Try having "dates" at other couples' houses, and you can all bring something to eat to share, and a DVD to watch or a game to play from your own collections. Or, trade babysitting so you can go out. Or better yet, trade babysitting and send your kids to someone else's house so you can be home alone for a couple hours! Remember quiet time? I don't. :) If you must go out, limit yourself to once a month and choose cheaper events, or even free events, like local outdoor concerts in the summer, or museums (some are free) in the winter. Really, you can cut this budget a lot! We always trade babysitting with friends and plan carefully for big nights out. We went out for our anniversary and spent only about $25 on dinner, and another night (just a couple weeks ago), Ben took me to a Ben Folds concert, which was $50 for both of us. But these are generally pretty rare. The last time we went out before that was our first anniversary over two years ago!</p><p><strong>Food "Entertainment"</strong> -- This is such a big spending category for so many people, I thought I'd address it separately. A lot of people don't think twice about swinging by Starbucks for their morning coffee, or grabbing a Diet Coke from McDonald's on the way home, or picking up dinner at Wendy's, or getting snacks out of the vending machine at work, or going out to lunch everyday. But this can add up BIG TIME. I heard someone say today that when she added it all up, she was spending $56 a month on Diet Coke, just from McDonald's! Starbucks every weekday morning will run you about $120/month (assuming $5 per drink). That is a lot! My suggestion is to cut ALL of this out and save these for an additional treat. If you budget, say, $20 a month for these things, you can choose to get a latte, say, every Friday, as your end-of-the-week celebration. Better yet, learn to make what you like at home and take it with you, which will save a LOT of money. We've beene experimenting with <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/11/13/recipe-connection-lazy-french-fries-or-potato-chips-in-beef-tallow-or-coconut-oil/">homemade potato chips and fries</a> lately. They are yummy and <em>healthy</em> and lots cheaper than a fast food place. You can do the same with coffee, and your daily lunches too. Ben's been taking a bowl of soup to work for a couple years now. It costs us around $2, if that, per bowl. That's a lot better than $10 to go out, or eat in the cafeteria, and we know it's healthy. (If you're interested, he eats my Mexican chicken soup EVERYDAY because he loves it...he doesn't want anything different for lunch, it's been that soup for two years or more. I'll post that recipe sometime.) This is a HUGE category for savings for most people, so look carefully at how you are spending this money, especially if you pay cash for it. If you use debit or credit, go back and add it up: you might be surprised!</p><p><strong>Groceries</strong> -- This isn't really non-essential, of course, because you have to eat. But <em>what</em> you buy makes a huge difference. If you buy a lot of processed or pre-packaged foods, that will run up your grocery bill quite a lot. Obviously I don't encourage anyone to buy processed foods for health reasons, but it's easy to want to buy organic versions sometimes. It's convenient to buy the pre-cut fruit, veggie trays, organic chicken nuggets, etc. But this is unnecessary and adds a lot of money. Buy all your stuff minimally processed and do it yourself: wash and cut your own fruits and veggies. Dry your own in the oven or a dehydrator (I asked for one for Christmas!), make your own breads and crackers, mix your own <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/05/recipe-connection-frugal-healthy-homemade-dressings-with-olive-oil/">salad dressing</a>, etc. You should also buy in bulk whenever you can. We got a GREAT deal on organic, grass-fed beef because we bought 200 lbs. at a time. You can get an even better deal by buying half a cow, if you like steaks (we don't). Average price would be $4/lb of meat, including the steaks, which can cost up to $16/lb in a grocery store. Shop local stores or farmer's markets in season. Write a <a href="/2009/10/weekly-meal-ideas.html">meal plan </a>and then make up a<a href="/2009/10/grocery-shopping-for-healthy-foods.html"> grocery list</a>, and try to stick to it as much as possible. Don't forget to include all meals and snacks, though, or you'll end up dashing off to the store a few more times and buying the more expensive stuff. I know I do! And don't forget to eat before you go (and feed your kids, and possibly bring a snack along for them) so you're not tempted to buy something ready-to-eat while you're there. By making cheaper (yet still healthy) meals, I was able to slash our grocery budget from $250 every two weeks to around $175 every two weeks, sometimes less. It CAN be done, even eating mostly organic!</p><p><strong>Clothing</strong> -- Don't buy clothes if you don't have to (adults!). If you have kids, shop out of season, shop clearance racks, shop resale stores, shop Craig's list, shop garage sales, trade clothes with your friends. Some people like to give me the argument that they need to go to brand-name stores and pay $10 for a shirt or pair of PJs because "they're really good quality, they last forever." Guess what? Your kid won't wear them long enough for that to matter. And they'll probably get them all stained and who knows what while they are wearing them. Just go to Good Will and get each item for $1.50 (or less, if on sale! I got a bunch for $1/each a couple weeks ago). Buy shoes at Good Will too ($2/pair) or Walmart ($10/pair) if you must have them new. No, your kids do not need to go to Stride Rite and get professionally measured and perfectly fitted for a pair of shoes they'll wear for four months.</p><p><strong>Baby items</strong> -- Beg, borrow, and steal (just kidding about the last one). Trade with your friends whose kids are slightly different ages from yours. We got a Jumperoo, swing, and exersaucer free this way. Shop Craig's list. Your baby doesn't care how many babies have used it before him or her. Your baby does not need a million toys and items anyway. Bekah's dresser was one my parents picked up at a garage sale for $10 for ME in the 80s...(dating myself here). It was free to us. Daniel's was one we got in a huge set of furniture from an aging family member for $200 (that includes kitchen table, full bedroom set, grandfather clock, and a few other nice items). Never pay full price or buy new!! The exceptions, OF COURSE, being car seats, cribs, or anything where there is a safety issue, and always check recalls if you do decide to buy used.</p><p><strong>Baby food</strong> -- Personally, I breastfeed my kids, so that's effectively free (except that I'm starving all the time! Formula costs anywhere from $1200 - $3600 a year). I make all their food too. I'll discuss all my reasons why later, when Daniel's getting ready to start solids (he's 4 months, but we won't be starting for a few months yet, until at least 8 months). But I never buy baby cereals, jarred baby food, or baby snack foods. In addition to not being great nutrition, it doesn't taste like real food, and it is expensive!! We'll discuss this in more detail later, but suffice it to say, you don't need all that fancy stuff. Between breastfeeding, cloth diapering ($200 vs. $2000 - $2500 for disposables, birth to potty training), and not buying baby food, there's pretty much no baby stuff I buy in a typical grocery store.  I'm not sure how many parents can say that!</p><p>Look carefully at your budget and see where you can save. I guarantee there are places! If you have questions, please feel free to post them. In some of these areas, there's really a lot more to say and I'll post on them more later.</p><p>Have you made a budget yet? Were you surprised by how much you spent in any area?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Now that you've sat down and created a budget, does it really work for your family? Or are there areas where you spend too much still? Are there areas where, on paper, it works, but in practice you are spending beyond what you've budgeted? It's hard, but there are definitely ways to cut spending, which is necessary sometimes.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/28/2009 10:39:07 PM
<p>Kate -- $10 is about what we paid for kids&#39; shoes.  Thanks for updating us on prices for adults&#39; shoes!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kate
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/28/2009 07:48:34 PM
<p>I just went to Wal-Mart and the least expensive adult shoes were $15.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/23/2009 02:13:24 AM
<p>Anonymous -- Walmart is a great option if you like new shoes, but not too expensive.  We paid about $10 there.</p><p>Sam -- Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2009 02:03:35 AM
<p>I think buying used shoes  is disgusting. I&#39;d skip some meals or cancel my internet or cell phone before I&#39;d buy my kids used shoes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sam
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2009 01:36:20 AM
<p>Your husband sounds like a really hard worker and someone who&#39;s great with money!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/22/2009 06:21:59 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I&#39;m not sure who&#39;ve talked to or where you heard that, but NO ONE &quot;gave&quot; us a house or anything else.  My husband worked for his father building and remodeling houses as a teen -- hard, manual labor for 12 - 14 hours a day.  He saved up this money, plus money he made working while in college, and we bought the house with that(he was able to put 20% down just by all the money he&#39;d saved as a teenager).</p><p>I&#39;m really not sure what you think you&#39;re doing, coming here and saying things like that to me, but you&#39;re completely wrong.  We&#39;ve worked and struggled for everything we have.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/22/2009 06:01:48 PM
<p>Kate-</p><p>One really great way to save money is for your husband&#39;s family to GIVE you your first house.  Unfortuantely, that is not reality for most people and they have to work hard to buy their first home.  I think many of your tips are great, but please be honest about how you ended up in the financial position you are in.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/18/2009 03:43:33 AM
<p>Nice post.  Good money saving tips.  I am looking forward to the Mexican chicken soup recipe.  If your husband can eat it for two years it must be delicious.  Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/17/2009 04:06:29 PM
<p>James,</p><p>You are correct, it does take a lot of time.  I&#39;ll post on that in the future -- ways to cook from scratch but also save time.  For us, we cook a lot of food all at once, every week or every other week, so that we can reheat it and not have to cook from scratch all the time.  But thanks for your comment!</p>
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AUTHOR: James
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DATE: 11/17/2009 04:04:36 PM
<p>While I agree that buying raw ingredients and making everything from scratch will save a significant amount of money, think how much time and effort are spent preparing meals each night.  I guess it comes down to how much you value time against money.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Job Bias
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/25/2009 11:50:00 PM
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<p>****Thanks to all those who commented. Comments for this post are now CLOSED. We all have different life situations, and I would ask that you respect ours. We have openly shared where we are because we felt it best to be honest. But, now we are done discussing this topic and will be moving on. Thanks.****</p><p>We've been asked several times about my husband's job: initially, what he does, and upon finding out he works for a medical supply and pharmaceutical distribution company (yes, that's true), how it is not a conflict of interest for us to be against the medical industry. So, we thought we'd share with you a bit about our background and why we are where we are.</p><p>We met in 2005, when Ben was working as a manager for CompUSA. He was still in school then and hated the job, but needed to work full time at something that had evening/weekend hours. In March, 2006, he had a friend who had worked at CompUSA with him who had moved to Cardinal Health. He told Ben how flexible they were, so Ben interviewed and got a job with them. At this point we weren't exactly pro-pharmaceutical, but we sure weren't anti. We both used OTC drugs (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.) when we didn't feel well, and the cats we got in June 2006 were vaccinated.</p><p>In December, 2006, Ben began to suffer from chronic pain. We went to urgent care one night, and saw our regular doctor several times. She thought he had an infection and prescribed antibiotics, several courses. There was no change. She sent him to a specialist and they did several painful tests and tried more antibiotics. STILL no change. This went on for about a year, and ultimately chiropractic adjustments put an end to the pain. That was the beginning of us stepping back from the medical industry.</p><p>In July 2007, we were visiting my parents when Ben fainted and got taken to the emergency room. He was pretty annoyed by this because he had fainted before and he knew what was going on. The doctors there would not take a history and would not listen to us about anything. They ran a million tests and found nothing (they even ran neurological tests!). We began to suspect that they were doing so many because we have really good health insurance. My grandmother is a retired nurse, and had given us Phenergan in the past when we were sick (it is an antihistamine but commonly used for anti-nausea) and we knew this would help (he gets really sick when he wakes up from fainting). They ignored us for several hours and finally gave it to him...and then he was fine. Later, we learned from doing our own research and talking to family members that he has something called "Situational syncopea" which basically means certain types of overstimulation can cause him to lose consciousness. There's nothing that can be done but avoiding the triggers. This wasn't helping our opinion of doctors.</p><p>In January 2008, we had a bad experience at the hospital with Bekah's birth. At one point I was about 4 cm dialated and in a lot of pain. I said I could handle it, even with an IV and sitting in bed, if I was just left alone. The doctor called (she didn't come in until less than ten minutes before Bekah was born) and insisted on talking only to ME (wouldn't talk to Ben, even though I was having contractions every two minutes) and said "This is a hospital, we move things along here. If you don't like it, you can go home. You're getting your water broken." Several more things were pushed on me -- pitocin (apparently, according to the monitor, my contractions weren't strong enough -- that is CRAP because 18 months later I delivered my son at home with the exact same labor pattern), stitches, Motrin, epidural, etc. This, too, turned us against doctors/drugs.</p><p>My daughter's few illnesses turned us further, her allergy issues further still (our chiropractor wants to have her hair tested for chemicals, because since we removed the city water from her diet and limited baths, she's slept through the night 10 days in a row, we're going on a record number of nights in a row now. He thinks it is chemical sensitivities and if we can get the stuff out of her body, we can heal her). Our own research and experiences healing on diet and other natural remedies turned us further too. Even just Bekah's situation now, it seems that we are the ones who observe her and figure out what's going on! Yes, one problem is that doctors simply are not there everyday and do not observe the patients, do not have enough time to spend with them. But they also like to jump in and treat symptoms and not look for underlying problems.</p><p>So, anyway, when Ben took his job, we were not anti-pharmaceutical. That has come over time with various experiences we've had. At this point, Ben is in a rather advanced field: continuous auditing. This means that through using computer programs, he is able to check all of the company's issues (employee databases, spending accounts, etc. -- all that stuff companies need to operate) instead of looking at only a sampling, which is the way auditing was previously done. He is leading this shift and it is a passion for him. His goal, someday down the road (5-7 years), is to work on this area for a number of different companies. At this point he is unable to do that because it is just too new of an area.</p><p>There is also the plain fact that Ben has to have a job. We are slowly transitioning our lifestyle to where we want to be; we aren't there yet. Ideally we will move to a farm, and Ben will work from home, consulting for various businesses. That is where we are heading, but it can't happen overnight. We have talked about Cardinal and conflicting interests many times, though. I'll let him explain that to you. :)</p><p>Like Kate said, I had been working for them for about 2 years before we started taking serious strides toward alternative medicine/treatments. Since I've now been there for nearly four years and the fact that first and foremost I work to provide for my family, I have good reason to stay. Even if I completely disagreed with what Cardinal does, my family still comes first, obviously, though I would be adamantly searching for a new job.</p><p>That being said, I has been pointed out that Cardinal is primarily a pharmaceutical distributor and since we're now firmly anti-drug, that should be a conflict. Well, yes and no. First of all, Cardinal makes most of its <a href="http://www.cardinal.com/%5Ccontent%5Cnews%5C1152009_64159.asp">profit</a> (percentage wise) from its Medical Product and Manufacturing division. (Cardinal is the largest manufacturer of surgical gloves and instruments in world, and also makes tons of other product - feel free to search it) Obviously Cardinal is going to expand the businesses that a) the consumer wants most and b) makes them the most money. As consumers shift away from drug based care, Cardinal will follow. They are not the problem, the end users (aka doctor/hospital/pharmaacist) is.</p><p>The second main reason is that I do firmly believe that drugs can help people. What did I just say!? Seeing as how November is diabetes awareness month, I'll use that. I've seen various studies that say that most diabetes is <a href="http://www.ndep.nih.gov/am-i-at-risk/DiabetesIsPreventable.aspx">preventable</a>. I've seen some that say in up to 95% of cases it can be shown that the person's weight was the primary cause. So where does that leave our beliefs and Cardinal? Well, obviously the best course of action was to not be overweight, exercise, eat right, and avoid all the risk factors, especially if it runs in the family. On the other hand, even if a person ignores all warnings and common sense and basically causes their own diabetes, I still think that they should have the ability to buy insulin to prevent their death.</p><p>The simple truth is that most people will not take proper care of themselves, and at some point will need a "treatment" to fix a problem. Since most people believe drugs are the answer, that will be the option of choice for most. Even if my family will never use drugs, we will still use many of the products Cardinal supplies (like gloves, gauze, etc. which we purchased for our son's home birth).</p><p>In the end, at this point I feel that I can do good inside the organization by changing the hearts and minds of my coworkers. While there is a part of me that feels a conflict, this is very minimal to me. Once you go down that path of being super critical, it will never end. We're pro-life, so does that mean we can't shop at Dairy Queen? (Until 2003, DQ's parent company Berkshire Hathaway used to donate to pro-choice groups.) If you look deep enough, you can find a problem with every person and company. We are choosing to look at the intent of the company, and not nitpick. I would totally agree that working for a pharmaceutical manufacturer would be a total conflict of interest for us. In Cardinal's case, I think they are doing much more good than evil, and even if it's not ideal at this point, we can live with it.</p><p>There you have it! Thanks Ben. :)</p><p>Are there other questions? How do you balance your real life with your ideal life?</p>
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EXCERPT:
We've been asked several times about my husband's job: initially, what he does, and upon finding out he works for a medical supply and pharmaceutical distribution company (yes, that's true), how it is not a conflict of interest for us to be against the medical industry. So, we thought we'd share with you a bit about our background and why we are where we are.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/28/2009 10:58:39 PM
<p>Anonymous -- To my knowledge there is no way to prevent type I diabetes.  Just type II.  And I think most people know how to prevent type II: healthy diet, low in sugar, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, etc.  Wish I did know something, but I think type I is something that just happens to people, unfortunately.</p><p>Krista -- I hope you are able to find out more to help your family!  Thanks for commenting!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 11/28/2009 03:31:35 PM
<p>Seeing how you completely missed the point the first time, and instead tried to argue points that you will never understand as well as I do, let me make it completely clear.</p><p>1) Kate and I are not completely against the USE of drugs, we are against using them personally. There are many circumstances where it becomes necessary, like the diabetes example I gave before, where as compassionate human beings we’d rather the person get drugs and live, then die because of their poor lifestyle choices. (even though the disease probably could have been prevented in the first place.)</p><p>2) Cardinal makes most of its profits from things we are not against. Manufacturing gloves, medical equipment, etc… we don’t have a problem with at all. Kate and I have both said many times that from a surgery perspective, like accidents, gunshot wounds, etc… we are extremely supportive of these types of things. Those doctors are saving lives that have no chance of living any other way. Since Cardinal supplies equipment for over 50% of the surgeries in America, let’s just say that they’re doing alright in that field. </p><p>3) Even if we DID have a problem with what Cardinal does, which we don’t, that is a personal choice we made. Any article we post that is presenting facts, feel free to way in. Your thoughts in regards to our personal choices DO NOT MATTER. We could have chosen to not disclose this information, but unlike most, we didn’t hide it, we openly explained our bias. When we feel personally convicted or the opportunity is right, we MAY make a change, but that will be our own personal decision. In the end, taking care of my family ranks much higher than my lifestyle, not trying to appease random strangers on the internet.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 11/28/2009 03:26:39 PM
<p>I’m going to address all three of your posts at once, Anonymous (That would be the negative Nancy Anonymous)</p><p>Let me yet again give you kudos on being steadfast enough in your opinions to post your name, instead of hiding behind a veil of anonymity.</p><p>We didn’t forget to post your comments, nor are we hiding from criticism. Maybe, and this is just a shot in the dark here, we were actually spending our time with our family on Thursday and Friday for a little known national holiday called Thanksgiving. Unlike some people, running a blog is of lesser importance then our family.</p><p>Second, we’ve been pretty clear on the whole, “getting another job issue”. I’m in an extremely specialized field, and as such, there are very few companies that would hire me in that regard. I love what I do, and since I don’t feel conflict working at Cardinal, and my bosses there don’t have a problem with my lifestyle either, I don’t feel forced into making a change right now. (either taking a large pay cut or changing professions) Like any person, if a better opportunity comes along, I will certainly evaluate it. In fact, I did get an offer with another company earlier this year but it would have taken us far away from our families. (90% of both Kate and my families live within just a few hours of us) Again, family is more important. In the end, the only opinions that matter is ours and Cardinals, neither of which you represent, therefore your opinion is moot.</p><p>To come around to the crux of your argument; it’s refreshing to see that you a) actually used the link I provided and b) actually READ what I said. Seeing as how you did neither, I’ll start with correcting you. First of all, the info you provided is NOT accurate. A few months ago Cardinal spun off the CTS subsidiary and completely restructured the company. Second, just because a division is called “Pharmaceutical” doesn’t mean that Kate and I would be at odds with everything they do. There are literally hundreds of subsidiary companies that operate in many, many, completely different fields that make up that number. Since I will not reveal any information about the operations of the company other then what was in the 10q I linked, suffice it to say that the picture isn’t nearly as dark as you’re trying to paint it. </p><p>Third, I didn’t actually say anything about REVENUES, I said PROFITS. Apparently since you both can’t read and don’t understand basic economics, let me clue you in. Revenues don’t matter. Do you think that I want to work at General Motors (who has revenues of 150 billion compared to Cardinal’s 100 billion)? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that a company that is losing 31 billion a year (in profit) isn’t a place you want to be. That being said, DISTROBUTION is not a very profitable business. There are many companies that compete in this field and at the end of the day, customers care about cost the most.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/28/2009 02:26:00 AM
<p>I think it&#39;s great that Ben is working to change the hearts and minds of his co-workers! I&#39;m glad that Cardinal makes most of it&#39;s profit from products like gloves and gauze and not drugs.  It&#39;s also fantastic that Cardinal will move toward the direction of the customer, since there is definitely a huge movement toward alternative medicine these days.  Thanks for the explanation!</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/28/2009 01:38:28 AM
<p>Gee, the info about the revenue from Cardinal, you know the $76.6 BILLION from pahrmaceutical distribution versus the $ 1.8 billion in medical products, still hasn&#39;t made the blog comments.  Why?</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/27/2009 09:39:30 PM
<p>I think you forgot to post my comment about the revenue generated by Cardinal Health.  You may remember receiving something stating that 76.6 BILLION dollars of the company&#39;s revenue is generated by the pharmaceutical division.  Ben said we should look up the company, and I did.  Please post it so your readers know all of the facts about your life choices.  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krista
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/14616414842380204671
DATE: 11/27/2009 04:15:04 AM
<p>Thanks for all that info!  I&#39;m a new reader to your blog, so I appreciate all the background info.....ESPECIALLY what you said about Situational Syncopea...I&#39;m going to have to look into that because as a child, I too had unexplainable fainting.  Drs did all kinds of tests, never found anything.  As an adult, its been a VERY long time since I&#39;ve passed out....sometimes I wonder if it was something I outgrew.  I remember growing up fearing that I would pass out in labor one day, since my fainting seemed to be brought on by stress and pain.  However, three kids later (one c-section and two unmedicated VBACs!!!) I never ONCE passed out from the pain....Praise God!</p><p>As far as drugs go, I tend to think more on the natural side as well.....for lots of reasons, one being that taking a tylenol for a headache never really worked for me, but taking a hot bath, relaxing, taking a nap....that worked!  I am curious to look more into natural treatments for allergies.  I have none (again, Praise God!) but my husband has HORRIBLE allergies (seasonal, environmental &amp; food) and has to resort to taking medication in order to keep it in check (or clear up an attack).  Of our three children, one of them also is showing signs of food allergies and I&#39;m starting to think she may have some seasonal/other allergies as well.  So far we just work real hard at building up the immune system (probiotics, etc) and we can avoid certain foods, but I don&#39;t know what exactly I&#39;ll do if there are seasonal/environmental issues.  </p><p>Anyway, thanks again for the post!  Happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you and your family!</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/27/2009 03:26:34 AM
<p>I looked at Cardinal Health&#39;s website and found the following:</p><p>Clinical technologies and services: $2.7 billion revenue; 7,200 employees</p><p>Medical products and technologies (ie. surgical gloves):  $1.8 billion revenue; 14,200 employees</p><p>Healthcare supply chain services - medical: $7.5 billion revenue; 9,800 employees</p><p>Healthcare supply chain services - PHARMACEUTICAL:  $76.6 billion revenue; 10,1000 employees</p><p>I&#39;m not much of a math person, but even I can add the revenue from the three divisions that are non-pharmaceutical and come up with $12 billion in revenue versus the $76.6 billion generated from the pharmaceutical division.  That&#39;s a difference of $64.6 billion!!!  </p><p>Revenue-wise the medical products division is the smallest ($1.8 billion).  Percentage-wise the medical products division may have had the largest growth, but it has a long way to go until it reaches the $76.6 billion in revenue generated by the pharmaceutical division.  </p><p>You can present the information any way you wish, the fact remains that Cardinal Health is primarily a pharmaceutical distribution company.  </p><p>By the way, if I were as strongly pro-life as you are anti-medical establishment, I wouldn&#39;t eat at Dairy Queen. Kate said Ben could get a job at a number of other companies, why not do so and not compromise?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/27/2009 03:07:58 AM
<p>I have seen studies stating that many people who have type II diabetes may have been able to prevent it by not being overwieght.  However, type I diabetes is  an auto-immune disorder and the children who get it are usually NOT overweight.  In fact, many of these sick children are quite thin.  Were the various studies you read refering to type I or type II diabetes?  If type I diabetes was included as preventable, please provide a citation for the study.  Type I diabetes runs in both my family and my husband&#39;s family, and I would love to know how to prevent it in our children.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why and How I Blog
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/16/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Today’s blog post is actually not the one I’d originally planned to do today.  I’ve been asked several times how I find time to do so much blogging, so I thought I’d answer the question.  This blog post is being written while we drive to a family event, by the way.  So we’re in the car right now and I’m working while Ben is driving. </p><p>It’s not easy to blog daily, but it’s something I enjoy doing.  When I talked about wanting to start a blog, Ben encouraged me to do so, and was prepared to support me.  This is a big reason why I have time – Ben’s support and encouragement.  I could not do what I need to as a wife and mother <i>and</i> find time to blog if I didn’t have his help.</p><p>I’ve chosen to write this blog (and Ben fully agrees and supports and is actually telling me I need to share this with you now) because our life is very different from the mainstream (often completely the opposite of the norm), and it is not easy to live outside of mainstream culture.  There are a lot of others who are trying to live this life, too, and we really want to be a support to those families, and provide information we’ve learned.  We really enjoy sharing, and providing insight to everyone as to why people make these choices.  We know that sometimes people reading this blog may be new to alternative ideas, or even curious from a mainstream perspective as to why someone would choose to live differently.  If we can be of help to others to live a unique lifestyle, or just trying to understand it, we really want to be.  We know that some of these issues may be controversial, but we think that they need to be discussed, and what better place than this blog?  Clearly from all the comments we’ve gotten, others are interested in this discussion too! (By the way, we welcome comments, just see the blog etiquette post for guidelines.)</p><p>Some of my posts are very quick to write, or were even things I’ve written in the past and simply copied and pasted from other sources (like a Word document or my Facebook page).  A lot of my recipes or long articles on the medical establishment fall under these categories.  So, those are obviously super easy to post – copy, paste, post.  I also use the “schedule” feature that blogger has to set my blogs to post at particular days and times.  So I’m not sitting on the computer every night at 8 EST, those posts are scheduled to post then while I’m off doing other things.</p><p>So when do I actually do the writing?  A lot of the posts that will take awhile are started on the weekends, days before they actually post.  I write them while Ben is playing with the kids, a little at a time, saving the work as I go.  I also work while they are napping or in bed for the night.  Sometimes I can get a little bit done (like finding an article for the “Health News Tuesdays”) while they are playing quietly for a few minutes.</p><p>A lot of the research that’s in each post is actually articles I’ve read and bookmarked over the last couple of years.  I don’t actually have to search for it and read it now; I simply have to find the appropriate one in my bookmarks and add it where I want.</p><p>As far as Ben’s help, he works a rather unique schedule.  He is up by 5:30 every morning and usually at work by 6:30 am.  If he takes a full hour for lunch, he’s home by 4.  If he takes a short lunch, he can be home by 3 – 3:30.  Late afternoon to early evening is a good time for me to get posts done – I have dinner started, the kids are often still napping, and Ben’s home to get them in case they wake up.  He also is really great about continuing with dinner, doing laundry, or whatever else needs done around the house.  I know a lot of men don’t think taking care of the house is their “job,” but Ben doesn’t feel that way.  We are a real team, and since we have decided to make this blog happen, he will pick up any slack in the household chores to help me out (although he did that before I started the blog too!  That’s just the kind of guy he is.  He also actually helps me with the blog sometimes as well, providing me with insights, his research, ideas, and moderating comments for me).</p><p>Truly, although I do blog daily and put together a lot of well-written, researched posts, I don’t spend as much time blogging as you may imagine.  I still have plenty of time for laundry, dishes, cooking, and all the other household stuff.  I also have plenty of time to play with my kids, take care of their needs, go to playgroups a couple times a week, etc.  We have a pretty full social schedule, believe me!  We spend time with my parents every other week, we go out to lunch or shopping with friends (who have kids the same age as mine) at least once a week.</p><p>If I don’t get to my blog post, then Ben will watch the kids while I throw one together at 7 PM, right before posting time.  Typically, though, I can get most of the week’s posts done over the weekend while they are napping or playing with Ben, so most of the week is spent just enjoying my kids while the blog takes care of itself.  This blog post was completed in only about ten minutes while we are driving!</p><p>Do any of you blog?  If you blog and have kids, how do you balance it?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today’s blog post is actually not the one I’d originally planned to do today.  I’ve been asked several times how I find time to do so much blogging, so I thought I’d answer the question.  This blog post is being written while we drive to a family event, by the way.  So we’re in the car right now and I’m working while Ben is driving.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/23/2009 04:46:39 PM
<p>Anonymous 2,</p><p>The sheer reality is, my husband has had this job before we felt the way we do about health care.  He has to have a job and this is the best place for his career at this time (the experience he will gain will allow him, later, to do what he really wants, independently).  So, is it ideal?  No.  But unfortunately we don&#39;t live in an ideal world, so we have to make some concessions.  This is one of them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/23/2009 04:18:08 PM
<p>Saying that the person who manages the computer systems at a hospital has nothing to do with the healthcare that goes on there sounds like a weak attempt at justifying the very industry that indeed feeds your family. With the extent of technology involvement in today&#39;s environment, I highly doubt that any hospital can functional half as effectively without their computer systems, which makes that an integral part of the healthcare. You could equate this to meaning that since you&#39;re husband did not actually physically birth your babies he had nothing to do with having the baby, except the part where he contributed his DNA. While it is understandable for you to want an alternative lifestyle for your family, choosing and picking things to support your beliefs, while clearly neglecting other evidences that clearly contradict your beliefs is NOT. I love reading your blog, because I&#39;m actually curious as to your approach, but I think justifying/dismissing your husband&#39;s involvement in the healthcare business as such does not make for a good read. You should consider your family very lucky that he he has a job (in healthcare) in this economy that lets him work his own schedule!</p><p>Anonymous 2</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/22/2009 06:47:48 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Yes, Cardinal Health is pharmaceutical distribution, although they also deal with medical supply and not just drugs.  It is somewhat of a conflict of interest for us and we have discussed him leaving the company (his degree is computer engineering, so his interest is not specifically health care at all, and he could get a job with a number of different companies if he wanted) but at this point we&#39;ve decided to leave it alone.  He says that as the market shifts, Cardinal is moving more into home-care supply and also alternative medicine, and he believes they will supply what the consumer wants.  This is one reason we&#39;ve decided he&#39;ll stay.</p><p>My husband&#39;s motivation isn&#39;t health care.  He is involved in audit, fraud, and computer systems.  He doesn&#39;t ever deal directly with any health-care aspect.  It&#39;s just like, say, the person who manages the computer systems in a hospital.  They work in that hospital, but they have nothing to do with the health care that goes on there.  If you had a poor experience at a hospital, would you blame doctors/nurses, or would you blame the tech crew?</p><p>Ultimately, our goal is that my husband will learn all he can about his field -- computer auditing -- and then do this independently, consulting for various companies and working from home.  We are just not there yet.  There is something &quot;bad&quot; about every industry, so until we can get where we want to go, we just have to deal with it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 11/22/2009 02:12:36 AM
<p>Isn&#39;t Cardinal Health, among other things, a pharmaceutical distribution company?  It seems a bit hypocritcal of you to slam the pharmaceutical industry when it is the very industry that feeds your family. </p><p> I&#39;m also very surprised that you state the opinions that you do about the medical community (i.e.  their desire to make a profit, their studpidity, etc.) when your  family benefits from the profits of Cardinal Health and your husband, or at least the company he works for, is in the business of solving health care problems.   I am assuming that you do not think he is stupid.  Why is his motivation in solving helath care problems so much more righteous that doctors, nurses, or pharmaceutical representatives?  Why is it okay for Cardinal Helath to make a profit?  Why are the workers of Cardinal Health smarter than other health care workers? I&#39;m confused; please explain.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/17/2009 02:23:03 AM
<p>Mary,</p><p>My husband works for Cardinal Health in coroporate audit, and they are a very family-friendly company.  He has a flexible schedule (he can come in anytime between 6 am and 6 pm, as long as he works about 8 hours and is there between 9 - 3; he also has the freedom to work 9 hours one day and 7 the next if he needs to).  He also has a lot of vacation time.  He does occasionally have to bring work home, but in all, he&#39;s really available a LOT more than most men I know.</p><p>As to our lifestyle, I had my second baby at home, we cook/bake all our food from scratch (and plan to buy a farm in a few years and actually grow it all), we are strong Christians, we practice alternative medicine, extended breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and more.  I&#39;ll be touching on all these areas in future blog posts, if I haven&#39;t touched on them in the past!  Some of the stuff is in the archives.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 11/17/2009 02:15:53 AM
<p>Yeah, I do love my little guys, Mary. :) It can be hard fitting updates in around life, as I have a fairly hectic and unpredictable work schedule, am a newlywed (been married 6 months almost), we&#39;re both really active at church and Bible study, and he blogs as well. Like Kate, I love the scheduling option on blogs. I&#39;m actually heading to schedule a few more right now - I only have 2 or 3 more before I run out of posts!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mary
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DATE: 11/17/2009 02:07:19 AM
<p>It sounds like you are really organized in your housework, social activities, and writing/research, and you fit your blogging easily into your responsibilities as a wife and mother. It also sounds like your husband is really supportive of your blogging which must be a great help to you. <br/> <br/>My husband leaves by 8:00 every morning and gets home between 6-6:30.  He has paperwork to complete every night and on the weekends, and he travels fairly frequently. although I know he&#39;d love to spend more time with them, some weekdays he barely sees our little ones!  I&#39;d love to know what your husband&#39;s job is.  It sounds like he has much more family time available than my husband and most of my friends&#39; husbands.  Does your husband travel for his job?</p><p>I was also fascinated by your comment that your lives are very different from the mainstream.  How so?  I&#39;ve read some of your earlier posts about vaccines and other health issues, but what else do you do (besides not vaccinate your kids) that is out of the mainstream? Please elaborate!</p><p>On a side note- the hermit crab blog sounds so interesting, Emma.  I will definitely check it out!  Hermit crabs are just so cute!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 11/16/2009 03:16:28 AM
<p>I have a photoblog I keep of my hermit crabs - it&#39;s just updated with a picture of them daily, usually with a funny (or trying to be funny) caption. It doesn&#39;t take too long, as I&#39;m taking pictures of the crabs all the time when they&#39;re doing something cute/funny anyways, but it does take a bit of photo tweaking and cropping and such to get it just right. If you want to check it out (it&#39;s just something I do for fun) it&#39;s <a rel="nofollow" href="http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com">http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com</a></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Zero Tolerance and Forced Medicine
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/08/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>This is really a reprint of an article I published in various places online (including my Facebook) in the spring.  It's a commentary on the direction that the medical industry is taking.  For the record, <a href="/2009/11/rejecting-modern-science.html">we don't think much of the medical industry</a> and tend to avoid it as much as possible.  We believe in the freedom to choose one's own medical care, and do not think anyone should be forced to accept the "standard" care under any circumstances.</p><p>The article:</p><p>In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about forced medicine.  The primary focus on this talk has been vaccination.  Many people feel that vaccination is a matter of public health and should be fully mandatory, with no exceptions for religion or personal choice.  The media isn’t helping, either: they, too, believe in mandatory vaccination, and go so far as to call those who refuse “dummies,” “ignorant,” and “just plain stupid.”  It’s a lot of hype without much fact or information behind it.</p><p>In addition to this fight, the recent case of Daniel Hauser has created even more insanity.  At what point do parents no longer have the right to choose – or refuse – medical care for their children?  The government, the media, and mainstream society in general say it is when the children are ‘medically neglected’ and will suffer serious harm or death from refusing this treatment.</p><p>The entire movement to forced medicine is extraordinarily arrogant, one of the most arrogant things I’ve seen recently.  It does, however, parallel the “zero tolerance” policies that schools put in place in the ‘90s, which most people have accepted were useless at best.  These policies were enacted so that there would be no judgment calls, no cries of “unfair!” when certain situations arose.</p><p>As we know now, this punished many people.  There was the story of the high school honors student who was suspended from school for bringing in a butter knife to cut her apple at lunch.  She wasn’t using it outside of the cafeteria or for anything but its intended purpose, but – she brought a “weapon” to school.  Another story involved a kindergartener who brought in his father’s gun to show his friends. </p><p>Clearly his parents had issues and should not have left the gun where such a young child could get it, but also the child had NO intention of shooting up the school.  The child didn’t even understand what the gun really was or what it did.  He, too, was suspended, much to the country’s unhappiness.  Neither of these children were doing anything wrong – but because of misconceptions that public policy must be completely unambiguous, with no room for interpretation – innocent children were punished.</p><p>The same arrogance applies to the current medical controversies.  In the frequent mainstream articles, reporters and medical personnel quoted within say “There is MOUNTAINS of scientific evidence supporting vaccination and NOTHING against it.”  This is just a pure lie.  There is plenty of scientific evidence noting that vaccines are associated with higher rates of asthma, allergies, and yes – even autism.  If this “fact” were true, then the reporters could provide evidence to back up their statement – let’s actually SEE some of those ‘mountains of evidence.’  But not even a single source of study is ever listed.  The reporters instead rely on people simply believing what they say without question and without evidence, and continuing to fear-monger in hopes that no one will try to look deeper and find out if what they’re saying is true.</p><p>Because it isn’t.</p><p>Anyone who does some research knows that there are NO studies proving that vaccines are safe, either individually or in combination.  They contain many potential allergens (and parents don’t know if their children are allergic or not until it’s too late, as vaccines are recommended beginning with newborns), heavy metals (trace amounts of mercury do remain, as well as aluminum), monkey cells, aborted fetus tissue, and many other chemicals.  The vaccines are tested not against true placebos (i.e. saline solution) but against other vaccines previously licensed or against the current vaccine with the antibody removed (but with all the chemical ingredients included).  How can one assess the true safety of vaccines without a true placebo-controlled trial?  Vaccines are also NOT tested in combination, based on age, weight, or any other individual circumstance.  They are still licensed and universally recommended almost despite a child’s individual circumstances.</p><p>Despite all of this information (which is on the package inserts; doctors don’t read these or provide them to parents anymore before recommending and administering shots), parents somehow do NOT have the right to know this, or to choose what is best for their child.  Children who are highly sensitive to heavy metals and who do not metabolize them well would be at high risk for reactions when given shots.  But parents are supposed to take doctors’ word and inject children anyway, because “the benefits outweigh the risks.”</p><p>Do they?  I don’t believe so.  Even in non-vaccinated communities, rates of illness are low and rates of complications/death are even lower.  Vaccine reactions, however, are much more common than one would think.  Very few are ever reported because reporting is voluntary, and because doctors are trained to think that vaccinations could not possibly cause the reactions that they see – even if the reaction occurs immediately afterwards (as for reactions during trials – they are considered “coincidence,” or the drug companies separate a reaction into subcategories so it looks like serious side effects occurred in fewer cases).</p><p>It’s extraordinarily arrogant to assume that vaccines don’t cause reactions.  Anything and everything can cause a reaction.  Most people are annoyed by a bee sting, but a few immediately go into anaphylactic shock and could easily die.  The same is true with peanuts, eggs, and many other seemingly innocent items.  Nothing is safe across the board for everyone in every circumstance.  To assume that it is is either entirely arrogant or just plain stupid.  In this case, I’m voting for both.  Doctors today are both arrogant AND stupid.  Just try to show one some current research that suggests vaccines may not be so safe – first they’ll dismiss it outright as “not real evidence” (no matter how the study was conducted or by whom), and then they will get angry that you dared to even question their judgment at all.  THEY went to medical school and you didn’t, so they know best.  For everyone.</p><p>Supposing that all of this weren’t true (although it is, check out www.cdc.gov or www.who.int), do doctors or worse, reporters, have the right to force parents into giving their children injections?</p><p>NO.  They don’t.  Because society as a whole cannot possibly know what is best for any individual child.  No one has the right to tell any parent what to choose for their children.  That is, whether or not to give vaccines, whether or not to give antibiotics, or whether or not to choose chemo for cancer.  Parents must do their own research, be provided with informed consent forms, and if they refuse to consent, should be left alone. </p><p>Public policy, especially that which leaves no room for interpretation or different circumstances, has no business dictating any medical situation, ever.  People and their situations are too individual for a blanket statement to cover everyone.  The government has, in the past, harmed far more people than they’ve helped with such policies, which was only realized after the fact.</p><p>For another example, take the “swine flu” outbreak in the ‘70s.  One person died of this flu; at least 25 were killed and many more were permanently disabled by the vaccine to prevent it.  It’s just another example of public policy gone awry, and I doubt the government ever apologized for it.  In fact, they don’t even seem to remember as they’re attempting to do the same thing now.</p><p>The government’s role is to run the country so that people don’t have to think about the over all issues.  There are too many for everyone to deal with and still have a life; it’s why we have a representative democracy.  There are times and places for public policy, such as creating transportation systems and laws, the penitentiary system, and other large bodies.  These are then governed at the state level, the county level, and the town level, where the laws are made more specific and interpreted as necessary. The government’s job is NOT to dictate public policy so strict that individual circumstances cannot be considered.</p><p>The government especially should stay out of our health care.  The government does not know what is best for the people; it does not have the proper research.  There is research out there to support MANY positions currently, from standard treatment to entirely alternative care (which, by the way, has really been around for thousands of years and has an incredible amount of evidence to back its use).  There is absolutely no reason for the government to dictate that everyone should receive the same care under any circumstances.</p><p>And, no, public health doesn’t matter a bit.  Public health is just a type of hysteria that people talk about, as if we can somehow prevent diseases and illness by doing something to everyone.  It’s like giving everyone “preventative antibiotics” (and we all know about antibiotic resistance that has occurred from over-prescription and the deadly MRSA).  Guess what?  In any society where people live in close contact, diseases WILL spread, whether they are the common cold or something much more deadly.  It can’t be avoided.  It shouldn’t be avoided.  To dictate that everyone MUST do something to somehow prevent the spread of disease is ludicrous and it strips people of personal freedoms.  Not to mention that those who don’t vaccinate don’t even believe that vaccines work, so to mandate them is even more ridiculous.</p><p>In the future, those who do not believe in vaccines will continue to resist, because we have done our research and we know that we are making the best choice for our families.  We will continue to battle the government to stay out of our business because that’s what it is – OUR business.  Especially with the research still being done, and new risks being found everyday, the government has no business creating public policy.  Should they try, they will find more and more people are becoming chronically ill, injured, and dead, and they will be puzzled. </p><p>So far now we will stick with our freedoms.  Choose to vaccinate or choose not to – it’s a free country (supposedly) and we will protect our right to choose at any cost.</p>
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EXCERPT:
This is really a reprint of an article I published in various places online (including my Facebook) in the spring.  It's a commentary on the direction that the medical industry is taking.  For the record, <a href="/2009/11/rejecting-modern-science.html">we don't think much of the medical industry</a> and tend to avoid it as much as possible.  We believe in the freedom to choose one's own medical care, and do not think anyone should be forced to accept the "standard" care under any circumstances.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/23/2009 12:25:53 AM
<p>Sara -- typically anything outside of Western medicine.  So, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, homeopathic, herbal treatments, etc.  Non-drug theories.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
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IP: 
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DATE: 11/22/2009 11:17:59 PM
<p>what qualifies as &quot;alternative medicine&quot;?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/22/2009 09:37:26 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>&quot;Intelligence&quot; is not a measure of how much information you have in your head.  It is your ability to sort through new information, to understand it, and to adjust your theories and beliefs accordingly.  We would say someone who learns and understands new information (say, how to do a math problem) quickly is intelligent.  We would not say that someone who knows a lot about, say, how to drive a car is necessarily intelligent (not that they couldn&#39;t be, but that&#39;s just not a measure of intelligence).</p><p>When you go to a doctor, do you believe everything they tell you?  Do you assume, just because they attended medical school, that they have kept up on current research?  That they know all the information about each specialty area?  They may be intelligent enough to understand it easily if presented with it, but how do you know they&#39;re reading it?</p><p>As for indoctrination, that means to be immersed in a belief system.  Almost all doctors are indoctrinated in Western medicine.  They think that alternative medicine is, at best, potentially complementary to Western medicine and can help reduce side effects of treatments; and at worst it is crazy and dangerous.  Most have not studied alternative medicine, because that was not their curriculum, but they believe it is bad.  This is true in so many areas.  They believe intervention is often the only way.  I have several examples where it really isn&#39;t, but they are focusing on what they can do, rather than allowing things to left alone.  It may be for entirely selfless reasons -- like the driving need to HELP someone instead of doing nothing -- but it still is not &quot;best practices.&quot;</p><p>If there is more interest I will post further on this subject.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2009 09:03:57 PM
<p>I do think getting through eight years of undergraduate and medical school does mean they are intelligent.  Perhaps they are educated rather than indoctrinated.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/21/2009 10:02:04 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I don&#39;t believe that just because someone has made it through 8 years of school, that they are necessarily intelligent or have any common sense.  Many doctors DO want to help people but have been indoctrinated into a system that believes that intervention and drugs are they only way to do so. They are blind to anything they don&#39;t know and some are even arrogant about it.  How many doctors have you met who have laughed off alternative medicine is &quot;a bunch of bull&quot; or worse?  This happens too commonly.  It is slowly changing as more and more people aren&#39;t buying that and are wanting alternative treatments.  But, truly, any doctor who believes that his way is the ONLY right way and all patients will suffer and die without him, IS stupid and arrogant.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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URL: 
DATE: 11/21/2009 09:55:44 PM
<p>I disagree with your comments on doctors intelligence.  If doctors are &quot;arrogant and stupid,&quot; why are they required to go through so much schooling? They are required to take several different tests just to be accepted into a school.  A doctor requires at least 8 years of schooling beyond high school. If someone was &quot;stupid&quot; they would not be able to handle this much schooling. You saying that they are stupid is a horrible generalization. While some doctors may be less intelligent than others (as all people are) doctors are typically intelligent people. I&#39;m sure if someone wanted to know the risks of a vaccine, a doctor would tell them if they asked.  Doctors may not be required to tell everyone the risks before the actual injection because it is such a common procedure.  Of course there are cases where people have poor reactions to vaccines. People have poor reactions to everything in the world. While I understand that you may not believe in vaccines, generalizing that all doctors are arrogant and stupid is wrong.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 11/08/2009 06:46:58 PM
<p>Emma,</p><p>Yes, flu shots (and a few others) still contain thimerosal.  The &quot;safe&quot; mercury.  (As if mercury is ever safe?)  Report your side effects to your doctor, and if he won&#39;t listen (likely), reports it here: www.vaers.gov.  Most people don&#39;t, because either their side effects are &quot;minor,&quot; or their doctor convinces them that it&#39;s just coincidence.</p><p>Just out of curiosity, since I&#39;m posting on this soon...since you are in the military and have socialized health care, do you think it&#39;s a good idea for the country as a whole?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 11/08/2009 12:44:57 PM
<p>Just wanted to pass along - had to get the flu mist yesterday (blew my nose as soon as I could, haha) and one of the questions on the form was &#39;are you allergic to any of the following ingredients&#39; and on the list was thimerisol. I thought they claimed to remove that from vaccines before offering them?</p><p>Also, for a vaccine that supposedly has only minor side effects, I definitely woke up twice last night, once with a charlie horse (still hurts now) and coughing. I haven&#39;t woken myself up by coughing in at least a month - somehow, I think the huffing live viruses thing messed me up. Oh wait, that&#39;s right, it&#39;s a vaccine and those aren&#39;t supposed to do you any harm. My bad...</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Adventures in Water Kefir
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/08/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post is linked to the <a href="http://www.sustainableeats.com/2010/04/01/lacto-fermentation-blog-carnival-and-my-food-preservation-strategy/">Lacto-Fermented Carnival at Sustainable Eats</a>!**</p>
<p>Water kefir!</p>
<p>If you've been reading other blogs like mine, you probably already know what water kefir is. In case you haven't, though, I'll tell you. Water kefir is a drink made from sugar water, which is cultured with kefir grains. These grains are composed of yeasts and good bacteria. I don't totally understand how it works, but then, I'm not supposed to. There are lots of great posts about water kefir that might understand it better than I do (other bloggers), and I'll link to those at the end.</p>
<p>So, why drink water kefir? It has more probiotics in it than yogurt, and some sources even say more than traditional milk kefir (that was in one of my Health News Tuesdays links). It is a super healthy drink that can help restore your good gut flora and is rumored to help allergies and various digestive upsets. It also is slightly carbonated, and is therefore a healthy substitute for pop! That's how I got Ben interested, initially.</p>
<p>There is some controversy about whether or not this is alcoholic. Some say it must be; but tests have shown it to be less than 0.5% if at all. It does smell sort of alcoholic because of the yeasts used in culturing. But it's never made us even the slightest bit tipsy and we don't drink at all, so if it WERE alcoholic, you better believe an 8 - 12 oz. bottle would do something to us. There's a link on that at the end, too.</p>
<p>There are many different recipes for making kefir out there. Some people kefir freshly pressed juice. Using a wedge of lemon and/or dried fruit is very common too. When I first started reading about it, I was pretty intimidated by all the variations and the many different things required. I just wanted something simple and straightforward, at least to start! So I'll give you our simplest recipe here:</p>
<p>*3 cups filtered water<br />*1/2 cup white sugar (most of it will be eaten by the yeast)<br />*1 tbsp. water kefir grains<br />*4 - 6 oz. organic apple juice</p>
<p>Mix together the water and sugar in a quart mason jar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the kefir grains with a plastic spoon (don't use any metal). Cover the jar loosely (we use a piece of fabric attached with a rubberband, so nothing can get in, but the gases can escape). It should ferment about 2 days, less if you live in a warm climate. Generally 2 days seems about right, but you can start with 1 if you think it'll be too much. When it's done fermenting, strain the grains out and set them aside to start another batch (they need to be kept in sugar water if you're not using them again right away, and refrigerating is a good idea too). Pour the kefir into bottles (we bought some at a local brewing store) and add apple juice. Seal tightly. Let the bottles stand on the counter, sealed, about 2 days longer. Then refrigerate. This is important because if you leave them sitting out they'll continue to ferment and could explode. Ben says when he releases the cap it sounds like "a gunshot." The drink will be lightly sweet and carbonated!</p>
<p>That is our simplest concoction. I'd like to experiment in the future with using ginger (to make a ginger ale, sort of), lemon-lime, and grape juice. I think I'm going to do grape juice next because it's the simplest. You can add the fruit juice to the original ferment, but then your kefir grains get stained. Best to keep them in plain sugar water and avoid that problem.</p>
<p>Have you ever heard of water kefir? Are you interested to try?</p>
<p>Resources:<br /><a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/06/05/how-to-make-homemade-soda-pop-with-kefir-grains/">Cheeseslave's How To</a><br /><a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/10/kefir-sodaan-alcoholic-beverage-real-food-wednesday.html">Kelly the Kitchen Kop on Alcohol Content</a><br /><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/09/29/an-easy-rhythm-how-to-make-water-kefir/">Kitchen Steward on Kefir Making</a><br /><a href="http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/Makekefir.html">Dom's How-to Website</a> (one of the most well-known on the web)<br /><a href="http://www.fermentedtreasures.com/kefirwc.html">Fermented Treasures</a> (one place you can buy grains)<br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Kefir_making/?yguid=287472639">Kefir Making</a> (yahoo group, you can usually find free grains here, plus help)</p>
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EXCERPT:
If you've been reading other blogs like mine, you probably already know what water kefir is. In case you haven't, though, I'll tell you. Water kefir is a drink made from sugar water, which is cultured with kefir grains. These grains are composed of yeasts and good bacteria. I don't totally understand how it works, but then, I'm not supposed to. There are lots of great posts about water kefir that might understand it better than I do (other bloggers), and I'll link to those at the end.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/08/2009 10:18:42 PM
<p>Hi Krista,</p><p>Since most sources say the drink isn&#39;t alcoholic (and we&#39;ve never seen anything that would make us think it is), it is frequently given to children.  My daughter won&#39;t drink it, but other bloggers often give it to their children.  By the way, we have a probiotic from Kirkman labs that is dairy-free, and many lacto-fermented foods can be made dairy-free (I believe).  We are dairy-free here so everything I feature here is.</p><p>We buy reverse-osmosis water, until we can decide what type of filter we want to buy for the house.  There is some controversy over what is best (some say RO is best because it really strips the water of all the bad stuff; others say it is not because it also strips the water of a lot of minerals and changes its &quot;life force&quot; but we&#39;re not sure yet what we believe).  But basically we need water without chlorine and without pharmaceuticals and fluoride and etc.  I&#39;ll be doing a post about clean water coming up in a week or so!</p><p>Oh yes -- if you go to either Fermented Treasures website (above) or the yahoo help group, you can buy grains there.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krista
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/14616414842380204671
DATE: 12/08/2009 09:41:01 PM
<p>I&#39;ve never heard of that, but it sounds interesting!  So, with all the controversy of alcohol content, this wouldn&#39;t be something to give to children?  Just wondering since my daughter has a dairy allergy and I&#39;m always looking for probiotic alternatives.  </p><p>Also, where do you buy the kefir grains and what exactly do you mean by &quot;filtered water&quot;?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby-led Solids
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/31/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in "<a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/01/wfmw-backwards-edition.html">Works for me Wednesdays" at We are THAT Family</a>!**</p><p>When it comes to solid food, all babies start eating it eventually. The typical wisdom (of late) has been to start baby on rice cereal at 4 - 6 months, the follow up with vegetables, then fruits, and later, dairy and meats. There have been different ideas through the years (including starting babies on rice cereal as early as 2 weeks old!), but one thing all these "plans" have in common are that babies are spoon-fed their early meals.</p><p>Not so in baby-led solids.</p><p>Baby-led solids is a relatively new idea. Babies are never fed from a spoon or offered any type of purees. They are also rarely offered grains as a first food, but instead are given ripe, raw fruits and vegetables, cheese, or even bits of meat. The food is placed on a tray in front of them, and the baby is encouraged to do what he will with it -- play with it, smash it, lick it, and eat it. If he chooses not to eat, that's okay.</p><p>Babies obviously have to be a bit older before they start solids for this to work. Most babies are more in the range of 6 to 8 months, and some are even older before they'll actually eat anything this way. The idea is that if the baby refuses to eat at all, or refuses a particular food, he must not be ready for it. If he DOES choose to eat something, he must be ready for it and he clearly wants it. This gives the baby all the control over what and how much he eats. Since the baby has (hopefully) had demand-feeding up until now, he has always had control over how much he eats (and when), and he has self-regulated well. With baby-led solids, he can continue to self-regulate his eating.</p><p>We will be doing baby-led solids with Daniel. He is about 5.5 months at this time, so too young (although he does try to grab our food sometimes!). We're hoping to hold off until 8 months. This is especially important to us because of the history of food allergies. We are hoping that he will not eat things that do not make him feel good (sometimes, kids with allergies will refuse all foods until they are over a year, or certain foods, because they seem to know it is not good for them).</p><p>So, WHY would anyone do this? And what should you feed first?</p><p><a href="http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-how.html">Kelly Mom </a>has a good chart and FAQ on starting solids. She recommends no earlier than 6 months, and cautions that solids DO NOT REPLACE BREASTMILK (or formula)! Solids are only for tasting and experimenting until around age 1. (Side note: Kelly mom says that babies who start solids earlier and eat more of them tend to wean earlier, too. If you have already started your baby on solids before 6 months and s/he is eating a fair amount, and you had hoped to breastfeed for quite awhile yet, don't worry! We started Bekah at 4 months and she ate a lot of solids, too, and she is still an avid nurser at 23 months. So, whatever "mistakes" you make, you can fix or overcome!)</p><p><a href="http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVMarApr87p23.html">La Leche League </a>weighs in on baby-led solids, too (frequently called "baby led weaning;" I don't like this term because it implies that you are putting the baby from <a href="http://fhea.com/breastfeeding/april2009.pdf">breastmilk</a> onto solids, and this shouldn't be true -- baby should continue to breastfeed while adding complementary foods).</p><p>It's important to know<a href="http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/id.1012,y.0,no.,content.true,page.1,css.print/issue.aspx"> how a baby's gut develops</a>. (Click the link for indepth information. It also thoroughly explains the "leaky gut syndrome" I mentioned in a previous post.) If a baby is exclusively breastfed from birth (no supplementation at all), his or her gut will close and begin to mature around 18 weeks. Solids should never be started earlier than this. In babies who are formula fed or who have been supplemented with formula on occasion, it takes even longer for the gut to mature. Using <a href="http://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-children/2007/08/should-you-feed-friendly-bacteria-to.html?ecd=wnl_bfy20_2008">probiotics</a> can help, although breastfeeding is best. The reason that solid foods can't be started until the gut has closed and matured is that until this time, large, undigested proteins can get from the intestines into the bloodstream, where the body can begin to attack them as foreign invaders, creating an allergic reactions. When the gut is mature, proteins don't pass into the bloodstream until fully digested, and therefore don't create allergic reactions (this is why special formulas have pre-digested proteins or even basic amino acids, in an attempt to bypass this issue and cause no allergic reactions).</p><p>However, age isn't the only thing to look for when starting solids. The calendar is a good start -- as in, don't start sooner than 6 months of age, unless advised for real medical reasons (a lot of doctors will say "sure, 4 months is fine!" but not have any particular reason why your child NEEDS solids so early; I would not consider this a medical reason). But also look for:</p><p>*Doubled birth weight<br/>*Ability to sit unassisted<br/>*Development of the "pincer grasp"<br/>*Interest in food (watching you eat, grabbing your food)<br/>*Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex</p><p>If your baby doesn't have ALL of these, he's not ready for solids. Solids, contrary to popular belief, <a href="http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-sleep.html">will not help a baby sleep through the night </a>(there is controversy regarding babies with reflux, but my personal belief is that reflux is usually caused by allergies, or immature digestive system, and neither is fixed by feeding unnecessary food, or drugs). It is important to note that breastmilk contains 22 - 35 calories/ounce, and formula contains about 22 calories/ounce. Early solids will typically contain 5 - 10 calories/ounce, and should make up a very sparing part of the child's diet. Put this way, it's obvious that breastmilk is the fattiest and most filling food, and that solids will not "fill the child up" and help him/her to sleep longer.</p><p>Once a baby IS ready, though, here are some good first foods:</p><p>*Avocado<br/>*Squash<br/>*Sweet potatoes<br/>*Chicken (cut in very tiny pieces, to avoid choking)<br/>*Cooked apples (cut in very tiny pieces)<br/>*Cooked pears<br/>*Egg yolks (no whites)</p><p>You will notice that no type of grains are on this list. This is because <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Feeding-Babies.html">grains are not good for young babies</a>. The Weston A. Price Foundation recommends that no grains be introduced until around age 2 because babies have a very hard time digesting grains. They actually recommend that animal products (egg yolks, then liver, then other meats and butter) be baby's first foods, starting fruits and vegetables only after 10 months. Babies don't handle "roughage" well as adults do, because they don't produce much amylase, an enzyme required to digest grains and other roughage.</p><p>Introduce foods only one at a time, no more often than every three days. It can take awhile for reactions to show up, so if foods are introduced too quickly, it can be hard to tell which is causing a reaction. In children with a family history of allergies (especially siblings), waiting a week between new foods is a good idea. Reactions may include the following:</p><p>*Diarrhea<br/>*Vomitting (especially projectile)<br/>*Constipation<br/>*Hives<br/>*Trouble breathing/anaphylaxis<br/>*Eczema<br/>*Night waking<br/>*Screaming<br/>*Belly pain/upset/gas<br/>*Cradle cap</p><p>Please be aware that eczema flare-ups ARE a sign of allergy and are NOT normal (Bekah's eczema ONLY flares up when she's eaten a food she's allergic to, and her doctor has indicated this is a sign to watch for). Please also be aware that some of these symptoms can be a sign that the baby is simply not ready for the food and NOT an allergy, but it still means you must wait awhile before trying it again. It is a good idea to introduce filtered water and a good probiotic at the same time as you introduce solids to hopefully minimize any reactions (per Bekah's doctors).</p><p>A lot of babies experience severe constipation when rice cereal is introduced first -- Bekah did. They actually cry and strain. This is not normal, and is a sign that their bodies are not ready to digest grains. Many parents are told this IS normal and are advised to give their babies juice, or worse, medical suppositories. The best answer is to stop feeding grains and start with other foods, or simply wait longer to feed foods at all. Remember: babies are NOT supposed to be getting a large portion of their calories from their food yet. They are only tasting and learning about new textures, experimenting.</p><p>When introducing a food, cut up a small bit of it into tiny pieces and place them on a highchair tray. Sit the baby in the highchair, and encourage him/her to play with, lick, and eat the food. If s/he is not interested, don't push him/her to try it. Just wait a couple days and try again. Always watch your child carefully when s/he is eating, especially in the first few months. If the baby indicates s/he likes the food and wants more (baby sign is really great for this), or wants some help, go ahead and help. This is BABY LED, but that doesn't mean you can't help if the baby would like you to.</p><p>Once you have introduced several foods, you can start to put more than one on the tray at once, or serve some of the family's meal to the baby (for example: egg yolks cooked with some meat). Introducing butter and coconut oil early on is a good idea, too, because both provide the needed saturated fat and cholesterol to the baby (coconut oil is cholesterol-free but does contain the medium-chain fatty acids found, besides coconut, only in mother's milk). The Weston A. Price Foundation has lots of good ideas on feeding babies (linked above).</p><p>In case you find this article a bit strange and lest you think I feel like I'm a "perfect parent" for doing things this way (as it's been brought to my attention that sometimes I come off that way when I don't mean to), let me tell you about my experience feeding Bekah. She was given formula supplements from birth to 6 weeks, then exclusively breastfed until 4 months. She was started on rice cereal just prior to reaching 18 weeks. I did this because she had stopped sleeping well at night at 3 months (although she was STILL only waking once per night, which, believe me, is a whole lot better than Daniel's doing now at almost 5.5 months) and I felt like she needed "more" and it would help her sleep through the night (it didn't. She only starting sleeping through the night "most of the time" at 22 months). Within a week we were trying pears, peas, bananas, apples, carrots, and various other foods. We didn't wait more than 2 or 3 days in between foods, and I didn't note any allergic reactions as such (horrible constipation from the rice cereal, followed by diarrhea and night waking from peas, which we now know she is allergic to). By 6 months I kind of was trying to hold back, but also sort of letting her eat "whatever." I spoonfed her everything, and made purees for her. I usually fed her either a puree of fruit or vegetable (broccoli was another common one early on) for her meals, or I fed her over-cooked, mushy, cut up fruit or vegetables. When I didn't have any around (I never bought any jars), I would feed her whatever was around -- pasta coated in canned tomato soup, cream or cheese soups, even Taco Bell cheese roll-ups once or twice. I loved that she'd eat anything. At 8 months or so I'd give her "whatever" half the time, and sweet potatoes mixed with brown rice for dinner. That stopped at 11 months after she got the stomach flu and refused to eat it anymore. Right around her birthday, she stopped eating anything except apples, bananas, bread, cheese, and potatoes, when previously she'd eaten anything. Just after this we started discovering all her allergies...and since then we've been on a roller coaster ride of trying to heal her, get her to try new foods, etc. etc. She is FINALLY willing to at least try most foods now, and is sleeping through the night...most of the time (she is 23 months). There were months and months where we just had to feed her more applesauce, or another slice of bread, because she literally would not eat anything else. It was very frustrating. Anyway -- we're trying really hard to avoid that with Daniel, so I've done all this research on how we can do a better job feeding him so that (hopefully) it doesn't happen again. Knock on wood.</p><p>How and when did you begin solids with your baby? What did you feed first? Has this post brought new ideas to you about infant feeding?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
When it comes to solid food, all babies start eating it eventually. The typical wisdom (of late) has been to start baby on rice cereal at 4 - 6 months, the follow up with vegetables, then fruits, and later, dairy and meats. There have been different ideas through the years (including starting babies on rice cereal as early as 2 weeks old!), but one thing all these "plans" have in common are that babies are spoon-fed their early meals.</p>
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AUTHOR: mom2three
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/17172175284818451208
DATE: 01/04/2010 04:03:34 AM
<p>Thank you for posting this.  I appreciate hearing what you have learned about feeding babies between your first and second child.  My third is almost three months old now and I have learned so much since my first was born and have applied what I continue to learn about nutrition since.... but unfortunately I have huge problems with guilt for not knowing what I am learning and know now when I was pregnant with my first born.  I worry that some of my poor nutritional choices (too many sweets for example) will impact my firstborn&#39;s long term health.  I pray all the good food he gets now will make up for it...  Well, I am starting to get off topic, I will certainly be applying this information and the information from WAP with #3 to get her off to a great start!  Thank you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
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URL: http://www.keeperofthehome.org
DATE: 01/02/2010 05:35:10 AM
<p>Good thoughts, Katie! I appreciated what you said about the gut needing to close up to prevent allergies and sensitivities. I&#39;ve studied this before and believe it to be true, but I didn&#39;t know what you said about babies who&#39;ve been supplemented with formula needing longer for their gut to close up. My most recent baby was supplemented for 1 1/2 weeks while I was on heavy antibiotics (a mix of formula and donated breastmilk). I&#39;m so glad to know about the difference for babies who&#39;ve had formula because I will be even more conservative about when I introduce solids. </p><p>With my first baby, I also tried rice cereal around 5 mths. It was a mistake and she didn&#39;t even want it. She didn&#39;t truly get interested until 9-10 mths, but silly me kept trying to encourage her. With my second baby I totally relaxed about it and let him tell me when he was ready. He started around 8-9 mths and that seemed just right for him. With this little girl, I&#39;d like to wait at least 7-8 mths and then I&#39;ll just take the cue from her whenever she seems ready. I&#39;m in no hurry. Breastmilk is by far the easiest anyways! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/31/2009 04:49:30 PM
<p>Hi Anonymous,</p><p>It&#39;s true that most say you should not give eggs until 1 year.  However, it&#39;s the white of the egg, not the yolk, that causes the allergy.  Yolks are typically safe before age 1.  Obviously if your family has a history of egg allergies, you would want to avoid all parts at least 1 year.  But if not, yolks are fine.  (It should also be noted that although WAP recommends yolks at 4 months, many babies cannot tolerate them until around 8 months.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 12/31/2009 03:35:44 PM
<p>eggs are not supposed to be given till after 1 year, since they are a high allergen food.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Baked Ravioli
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/18/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>I made this for dinner this week and it was yummy!  So I thought I'd share with you.  :)  It's also a GREAT real food recipe.  Lots of pastured eggs, grass-fed beef, whole grain flour, raw milk cheese (if you want; we still can't do dairy).</p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>Dough:<br/>1.5 c. flour<br/>2 tsp. sea salt<br/>1/2 tsp. thyme<br/>1/2 tsp. basil<br/>3 eggs<br/>Water as necessary (less than 1/3 c.)</p><p>Filling:<br/>1 lb. ground beef<br/>1/2 c. bread crumbs<br/>1 egg<br/>1 clove garlic, minced<br/>2 tbsp. onion, minced<br/>2 tbsp. olive oil<br/>1 tsp. sea salt<br/>1 tsp. thyme<br/>1 tsp. basil<br/>1/2 tsp. oregano<br/>1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper</p><p>Sauce:<br/>1/4 c. olive oil<br/>1/4 c. onion, chopped<br/>2 cloves garlic, minced<br/>1/2 lb. ground beef (opt.)<br/>1 tsp. sea salt<br/>1 tsp. basil<br/>1/2 tsp. oregano<br/>3.5 c. crushed tomatoes<br/>1 c. parmesan, romano, or mozzarella cheese (opt.)</p><p>Directions:<br/>Mix all ingredients for dough together.  Add a little water as needed until dough comes together and is smooth, but not sticky.  Knead briefly on a floured cutting board, then set aside.</p><p>Mix together all ingredients for filling.  Set aside.</p><p>Heat olive oil in a large pan.  Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.  Add meat, if using, and cook until browned.  Add salt, oregano, basil, and tomatoes.  Let this simmer until ravioli is done, 1 - 2 hours.</p><p>Divide the dough into 3 equal parts.  Roll out one part at a time until quite thin (you can also use a pasta machine to thin the dough).  It should be no more than 1/8" thick.  Cut into equal size squares.  Place a small amount of filling in the center of half the squares, then place the other squares on top and pinch closed carefully on all sides.  Set finished ravioli on a plate.  (I wasn't particularly careful to make them look nice; I didn't make them match exactly in shape and size, nor did I measure the filling, and I didn't do anything to the edges.  But this was just for us to eat.  You can do a lot more to make them look pretty, but then it takes a lot longer.)  Continue the same procedure with the other parts of dough until all the ravioli are finished.</p><p>(I made the filling with gluten-free breadcrumbs and made the extra filling into mini-meatballs for Bekah.)</p><p>While you are making the last set of ravioli, put a large pot of salted water on to boil.  Place the ravioli into the boiling water in 3 or 4 batches (they should have enough room to swim) for 4 - 5 minutes.  When they are done, scoop them into a 9 x 13 baking pan.  When all the raviolis are done, cover with the sauce.  Top with cheese if desired.  Bake at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes.  Serves 3 - 4.</p>
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EXCERPT:
I made this for dinner this week and it was yummy!  So I thought I'd share with you.  :)  It's also a GREAT real food recipe.  Lots of pastured eggs, grass-fed beef, whole grain flour, raw milk cheese (if you want; we still can't do dairy).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/22/2009 08:31:35 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>No, I haven&#39;t tried freezing this.  It didn&#39;t last that long. :) But I&#39;ve frozen lasagna before with good results, so I don&#39;t see why you couldn&#39;t.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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URL: 
DATE: 12/22/2009 03:06:27 PM
<p>These look really yummy.  I&#39;ll have to try making some.  Have you tried freezing them?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alisha
EMAIL: alishacorley@gmail.com
IP: 67.212.105.237
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2011 12:53:54 AM
<p>I just made this recipe and WOW, it is definitely yummy! I did substitue the flour for spelt flour as we have a wheat/gluten intolerance and even then it still tasted very good. A BIG THANKS!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Buying in Bulk and through Coops
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/05/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>I've written posts in the past about how to save money, and mentioned bulk and coop buys.  Now I'm going to get specific about exactly what and how I buy this way.</p><p>Most people are familiar with buying in bulk: clubs like Sam's (we're members), Costco and others are popular these days.  It's possible to get a large amount of food or other products for a low price.  We can get a 20-lb. bag of Iams cat food for only $24, or a month (or two)'s supply of toilet paper for $15.  These are a couple of the items that we continue to buy in bulk, even as we switch to more and more organic foods.  Clubs like these are great for paper goods or large items, like beds, furniture, even jewelry (basically any non-food item).  As more and more people begin to demand organics, these clubs will begin to supply it, and will become good sources of food, too (or...if you're not all organic, they are currently a good supply of bananas, flour, coffee, etc.).</p><p>Whole Foods and other health food stores, though, also have bulk deals.  Most offer 10% off if you buy a whole case of something.  This is a great way to save on your favorite items.  Some also offer 25-lb. sacks of rice, grains, beans, etc.  We haven't taken advantage of this yet, but for families who have a place to store this, it's a great way to save.  Someday we hope to have a very large pantry (and of course, a very large family to feed too!) and we'll buy our rice, etc. in large sacks like these.</p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a> has some pretty good deals, too, including their "subscribe and save" program.  This program offers cases of products shipped to you every 1, 2, 3, or 6 months automatically.  You can cancel any particular shipment without canceling the program, or request a shipment sooner if you're running out.  You receive 15% off the retail price plus free shipping.  I don't get anything for mentioning this, I just really love using this!  I got my organic pregnancy tea from Traditional Medicinals this way when I was pregnant with Daniel.</p><p>Bulk buying really is fairly obvious as long as you know where to look.  Coop buying, on the other hand, is new to a lot of people.  There are different kinds of coops out there.</p><p>There are farming coops, like <a href="http://flyingjfarm.com/community_supported_agriculture.html">this one at the Flying J Farm </a>(where we buy our grass-fed beef).  The idea is that for a seasonal price and time spent working on the farm, each individual or family will take home a certain amount of produce each week.  Typically it's a mixed bag of whatever's been harvested that week.  There are health food stores that work like this, too.  Every person takes turns working at the store and gets a share in what's brought to the store.  This is a great way to obtain fresh, seasonal, often organic produce.  We haven't participated in one yet, usually because we're busy or I'm pregnant, but we may in the future (at least until we can buy our farm!).</p><p>Another type is the online coop, which I use quite a lot.  These are technically pre-buy groups, where the leader plans to buy an item or group of items in a very large quantity, and members of that group order so that as a whole, minimums can be met.  This allows the group to order their items at wholesale prices.  Most of the leaders run small businesses, so doing this offsets their ordering costs some, as well.  They typically charge a small fee for doing this, because the leaders have to find the sources, keep up with group orders, put in the large orders and follow up if something's delayed, separate and package and ship the product (and in some cases, like fabric, cut).  The fees, though, are minimal compared to the amount of work they do.</p><p>This type of coop is how I get a lot of my great stuff, including:<br/>*Essential oils<br/>*Shea butter/cocoa butter<br/>*Burt's Bees products<br/>*PUL fabric for diapers (Polyurethane laminate)<br/>*Other fabrics (birdseye cotton, bamboo velour)<br/>*Klean Kanteens<br/>*Soapnuts</p><p>I'm sure I've bought more than that but that's what comes to mind right now.  Typically prices are 40% off retail this way, though sometimes they are 50% or more.  I recently got a canister of RLR laundry treatment for $5.75, when they sell for $20 or more on ebay.  I could not afford to buy all the nice things that I do if I couldn't get them at such great prices.</p><p>Here are my two favorite coops (you have to apply to join):<br/><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/comfycreations/">Comfy Creations</a><br/><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lovinbundles/">Lovin Bundles</a></p><p>There are many others, but these have great coop leaders and typically have the items that I want to purchase.  They also take suggestions, so if I find something great that I'd like to have, I can mention it on the group and if enough other people want it, they'll open a coop for it!  That is how I got my shea butter.  :)</p><p>Have you ever considered coop or bulk buying for saving money?  Are you interested in these groups?  Let me know if you join!</p><p>If you like these posts, subscribe and see them everyday!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I've written posts in the past about how to save money, and mentioned bulk and coop buys.  Now I'm going to get specific about exactly what and how I buy this way.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 12/05/2009 05:30:23 PM
<p>We bought rice at Sam&#39;s Club a while back...one of the 20 lb bags. It&#39;s been awesome - we use it at least once or twice every two weeks, and we usually make several days&#39; worth of rice ahead. We&#39;re meal planners, though, so we&#39;ll plan to have a few different home-made Chinese recipes in a row and just make all the rice at once to save time. We&#39;ve enjoyed it a lot. </p><p>We also do toilet paper there, and batteries are usually one of our purchases as well. The cleaning supplies are good too - Swiffer pads, bleach tabs for toilets, shower cleaner, and other things like that get used here so we buy them in bulk and store in our various cabinets. </p><p>We used to do their frozen waffles, but the closest Sam&#39;s is 45 minutes away and it was a hassle to manage bringing frozen waffles back. Non-perishables (canned fruits/veggies, spaghetti sauce, etc.) are great there though!</p><p>I&#39;ve never done a co-op, although I have considered it on occasion.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Candle Making
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/06/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>We finally made some candles last weekend! I've been meaning to post on this one for quite awhile, but I kept delaying making the candles. I got everything I needed at the very beginning of October but it took me until Thanksgiving to actually do it. I am HORRIBLE at starting projects, but once I get going I do finish!</p><p>So, candles! Have you ever made any at home before? I learned a lot when I started thinking about making mine.</p><p>First, <a href="http://www.wsac.com/more/candle-wax.htm">types of wax</a>.</p><p>Paraffin -- It's the most common and cheapest, but it leaves a lot sooty residue in your home, because it's petroleum based.</p><p>Beeswax -- This is better because it's natural wax, but it's expensive, naturally honey-colored, and typically not used for container or scented candles. I wanted both.</p><p>Bayberry -- This is the most expensive wax, made from the bayberry bush. It comes naturally dark greenish colored and scented. This didn't suit my purposes.</p><p>Soy wax -- This is the newest and cleanest-burning wax. It takes scent well, and color too if you choose. This is the wax I used. It really wasn't too expensive, either!</p><p>I wanted to make container candles, so I had to select my containers. I chose 8-oz. mason jars. I'd recommend choosing a wide-mouth variety. I meant to, and mine are sort of wide, but the jars themselves stand up taller than they are wide, and I wish they didn't. I probably also should have gone for 16-oz. jars instead. I wasn't paying much attention and I thought the "big" mason jars were 16 oz. instead of 32-oz. so I picked ones that were smaller than I meant. But, they work just fine.</p><p>I chose wicks that said "for container candles," and wicks are marked as to what they should be used for -- what type of wax, what type of container or mold, etc. So, just look at the wax you purchase and decide which wicks will work best. You need some tacky wax to adhere the wick to the bottom of your candle jar, too. So, to sum it up, you need:</p><p>*Some type of wax<br/>*Glass containers with lids<br/>*Wicks<br/>*Tacky wax (to adhere wicks)<br/>*Scent (fragrance oil or essential oil)</p><p>You can also opt for food coloring if you'd like colored candles; this wasn't important to me so I didn't try.</p><p>Before we get to how-to, let's talk scent. Personally, I only use essential oils. They're a lot more expensive, but you don't need nearly as much. One source I found said you need as much as 1 oz. of fragrance oil to 8 oz. of wax, while you need only 1/8 oz. essential oil to 8 oz. of wax. Fragrance oils are also synthetic and typically petroleum-based, and I didn't want that. Plus, the whole reason I decided to make candles was for therapeutic reasons. I figured if I could mix in the oils I wanted (like eucalyptus, which helps congestion), then I could light the candles to make us feel better. So, essential oils were definitely my choice.</p><p>The wax I chose said I could microwave it to melt, but I didn't feel like I'd have enough control over it this way. I chose to use a double boiler on the stove (bottom pan filled with water) to melt the wax:</p><p>[Picture of wax melting in double boiler]</p><p>It took 1 - 2 cups of loosely packed wax pieces to fill each 8 oz. candle. When the wax was completely melted, I poured it into the jars, which were prepared with the wicks stuck to the bottom. Then, I added 20 - 30 drops of essential oils, depending on how strong each was. I stirred gently with the wick. These will be fairly mildly-scented candles, I think; I probably could have used more.</p><p>We use a clothespin to hold each wick in the center while the candles dried, like this:</p><p>[Picture of the clothespins on top of the jars]</p><p>When the was was mostly cool, I used a toothpick to poke holes in the top, to see if there were any air bubbles or open spots. In some candles, there were. For these, we melted more wax and poured it into the holes.</p><p>Now our candles are done!</p><p>[Picture of finished candles]</p><p>Here are the scent combinations I used:</p><p>*Peppermint (calming, relaxing, anti-nausea)<br/>*Peppermint-lemon (calming, relaxing, anti-nausea)<br/>*Eucalyptus-lavender (relaxing, eases stuffiness)<br/>*Lavender-lemon (fresh, relaxing)<br/>*Lavender (relaxing)<br/>*Clove (helps headaches)</p><p>I have several more essential oils coming soon, and I'll try more scents, and play with the amount of scent. But, that's the basic procedure for container candles!</p><p>EDIT: Thanks to "Anonymous" for reminding me to add some more information here.  I was able to buy most of these supplies at Joann Fabrics and Crafts (wax, wicks), jars at Meijer, and I ordered the essential oils online through my <a href="/2009/12/buying-in-bulk-and-through-coops.html">coops</a>.  I imagine any craft store would have the wax and wicks, any general store would have mason jars, and any health food store should have essential oils (but they'll be a LOT more expensive).</p><p>Some general do's and don't's:</p><p>DO:<br/>Use a double boiler for melting your wax<br/>Keep young children away from this process!<br/>Use pot holders if you have to move your glass jars soon after filling<br/>Pour your wax carefully and leave 1/2" of space at the top of the jar<br/>Check your candles when they're firm but still warm to see if they will need extra filling<br/>Start with LESS fragrance (20 - 30 drops of essential oil) and add more to later candles if necessary (some wax simply can't handle large amounts of fragrance)<br/>Read the instructions that come with the wax you choose thoroughly before beginning</p><p>DON'T:<br/>Melt your wax directly on the stove -- it could burn!<br/>Overheat your wax (there should be a temperature on the box of wax, but once it's fully melted it's done, don't let it sit)<br/>Let your hands touch the hot wax, especially while pouring (you can adjust the wick once the wax is poured, you don't need to hold it in place)<br/>Trim the wicks until the wax is completely cooled<br/>Add too much fragrance (more than 1/8 oz. per 8 oz. of wax, or whatever it says on your wax container) at once, or your candles may not set</p><p>If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!</p><p>Have you ever made candles? If so, how did you do it? Are you interested in candles or other crafts? If you are interested in other crafts, please post which ones!</p>
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EXCERPT:
We finally made some candles last weekend! I've been meaning to post on this one for quite awhile, but I kept delaying making the candles. I got everything I needed at the very beginning of October but it took me until Thanksgiving to actually do it. I am HORRIBLE at starting projects, but once I get going I do finish!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/06/2009 10:47:21 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I will add that to the blog post!  Thanks for the idea.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/06/2009 06:56:24 PM
<p>Im not a &quot;crafts&quot; person, but I like the idea of making my own candles because I love love love candles. Where can I go to get all the items, and what tips (dos and donts) should I keep in mind during the process of making a candle?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/06/2009 07:03:25 AM
<p>Oops!  I&#39;m without my laptop now (it&#39;s finally mostly fixed but not completely) and I usually do all my picture editing there.  So I haven&#39;t done it yet.  But, yes, I will update with pictures as soon as I have that back!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 12/06/2009 03:24:13 AM
<p>I&#39;m assuming pictures will be here soon?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/06/2009 02:55:06 AM
<p>Let&#39;s see...wick, maybe $0.50.  Wax, $2?  Jar, $0.75, oil and etc. $0.25.  So...$3.50 or so?  It wasn&#39;t too expensive.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/06/2009 02:40:21 AM
<p>About how much money do you think it costs to make each candle?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Christmas Eve, and One Quick Recipe
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/25/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Seeing as it's Christmas Eve, and I don't have all my presents wrapped (oops!), I only have a quick recipe for you today.  It's a great, fast dinner for nights (like tonight), when you're too busy to do much cooking but you want something yummy and Real Food.</p><p>Chicken and Potatoes<br/>4 medium potatoes, chopped<br/>2 medium chicken breasts, chopped<br/>1/3 c. coconut oil<br/>2 tsp. sea salt<br/>1 tsp. onion powder, or fresh minced onion<br/>1/2 tsp. marjoram<br/>1/2 tsp. thyme<br/>1/4 tsp. sage</p><p>Directions:<br/>Put all ingredients in a large skillet.  Stir and cook until chicken and potatoes and browned.  Serves 2 - 3.  (Add a quick salad and some cheese on top if you do dairy and you've got a whole meal!)</p><p>Enjoy tonight.  Many of you will be heading to church, as we will.  It's so important to celebrate Jesus' birth, and to teach our children about it.  What an amazing story, the virgin birth of someone who is crucial to our salvation!</p><p>Starting in the new year, I'll be doing a series on living a Godly life that will last at least through February, but possibly longer.  It will be up on Fridays, for those who are interested.</p><p>Merry Christmas, and enjoy your holidays and families!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Seeing as it's Christmas Eve, and I don't have all my presents wrapped (oops!), I only have a quick recipe for you today.  It's a great, fast dinner for nights (like tonight), when you're too busy to do much cooking but you want something yummy and Real Food.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/26/2009 03:54:47 AM
<p>This kind of belongs down on Tuesday&#39;s post, but since this one mentions potatoes...after reading the thing about the &quot;7 Foods Experts Wouldn&#39;t Eat&quot; Nathan and I decided to do oragnic potatoes. </p><p>I was somewhat skeptical of whether we could even find them around here (we were doing mashed potatoes for a potluck Christmas dinner with friends) but find them we did. They weren&#39;t even any more expensive (both organic and non-organic cost $1 a pound within their bags) and the difference was phenomenal. </p><p>When we were peeling them (and while they were cooking) we were blown away - they actually smelled like potatoes! That may seem like a silly thing to some people, but I get excited when food smells like it ought to because when I was a kid, at least half of our produce, if not more, was home-grown (seasonally, obviously - we didn&#39;t can veggies or anything like that but the summer months were full of zucchini bread and casserole and homemade spaghetti sauce).</p><p>Then I realized while I was cutting them - these were the smoothest, softest, easiest potatoes I&#39;ve ever cut. I wasn&#39;t even using our &quot;potato cutting knife&quot; that&#39;s tall enough (it&#39;s a Santoku blade) to be able to hit the top of it to work it through potatoes like I usually have to. I was just using an 8 inch paring knife and it went through those potatoes with no extra effort. </p><p>The potatoes tasted amazing and Nathan and I both agree - the difference is enough for us to buy organic potatoes even if they aren&#39;t similarly priced because of how amazing potatoes are. You don&#39;t usually describe potatoes as amazing, but boy, were these ones SO worth it.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Extended and Tandem Breastfeeding
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/19/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>As some of you may have gathered from previous posts (or know, if you know me in "real life"), we practice extended breastfeeding (beyond age 1) and child-led weaning. Bekah, 22 months, is still breastfeeding. We believe that children will wean when they are ready to do so, and should not be forced or even heavily encouraged to do so. Since we also have Daniel, who is of course nursing, we are doing what is called "tandem nursing," which is when two children of different ages are both breastfeeding at the same time.</p><p>There are many <a href="http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/extended-breastfeeding.html">benefits</a> to both practices -- <a href="http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/breastfeeding-older-children.html">extended nursing </a>and <a href="http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/breastfeeding-tandem.html">tandem nursing</a>. I'll start with a few here:</p><p>*Emotional Benefits: Kids have an emotional need to be close to their mothers, and some fulfill this by nursing. It's often observed that even non-nursing kids will snuggle against their mothers' breasts and seem to draw comfort there. Some older babies and toddlers will attempt to latch onto their mothers even if they didn't nurse. It seems to be biologically programmed for children to nurse and seek comfort that way.</p><p>*Discipline/tantrum benefits: There is no better way to get a toddler over a tantrum than to nurse. A toddler having a tantrum is completely out of control and totally overemotional. Nursing calms them and brings them back to equilibrium. Bekah can be crying constantly, unable to talk to me and out of control (and no amount of cuddling with either of us will help), but she'll nurse for five minutes and be completely fine again.</p><p>*Nutritional benefits: Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. Even the ones who aren't picky are often too busy to eat sometimes and don't always get a good variety. If they are nursing, they are getting the proper balance of nutrients and fat and whatever else they eat is fine. That is, if they have days where they don't eat well, it isn't really a concern (obviously toddlers should be eating a varied diet of solids, assuming no medical issues). The content of the milk actually changes as the toddlers age, so it is perfect for them always!</p><p>*Bonding benefits: Sharing nursing times with siblings can be a very bonding experience. Siblings have been known to curl around each other, hold hands, stare at each other, etc. The older sibling doesn't need to feel pushed away, like only mommy and baby have that special time; the older sibling is included too.</p><p>*Health benefits for mom: Two years or more of breastfeeding, lifetime (not necessarily consecutively) has been shown to reduce the rates of breast and ovarian cancer and provide many other health benefits. Breastfeeding also helps moms to lose pregnancy weight.</p><p>There are many other benefits but those are just some major ones.</p><p>According to the CDC, in the U.S., 17% of babies are breastfed at 1 year, and almost 6% are still breastfeeding at 18 months (in 2003). Data past this age was not available (70% start initially, for reference). In a <a href="http://www.kellymom.com/writings/bf-numbers.html">study</a> that looked at parents who practice attachment parenting in particular (as we do), 83% were breastfeeding at 1 year, 66% at 2 years, and 44% at 3 years (this doesn't surprise me, as among my friends, you are "weird" if you wean your kid before age 2). So, clearly a subset of the population nurses their kids quite a long time!</p><p>I began breastfeeding with the intention of making it to one year -- which sometimes seemed very, very far away.  At that time I read about extended nursing and tandem nursing but I just didn't think I could do it.  However, what I didn't understand then was that I wouldn't be nursing "a toddler," but I would be nursing MY toddler!  Once Bekah was a year, neither of us was at all ready to stop, and I was already pregnant with Daniel.  We kept going, and have decided on baby-led weaning (which I'll discuss in a moment).  Of course, with Daniel's arrival, we began tandem nursing.  He is 5 months now and our nursing relationship is smooth.  I feed Daniel (he is still exclusively breastfed; we will start baby-led solids when he is older) every 2 -3 hours, and Bekah nurses typically 3 - 4 times per day (morning, before nap, before bed, if she wakes at night or if she is upset during the day).</p><p>Child- or baby-led weaning means that the child chooses when to stop nursing, with no pressure from the parents.  This doesn't mean there is NO communication about nursing, of course.  Many toddlers start doing acrobatics while nursing (they enjoy standing on their heads, sitting facing you, twisting and turning, etc.) and asking to nurse by pulling up your shirt.  At this point, toddlers are taught nursing manners: they are not allowed to nurse if they do any acrobatics, and they need to find a more appropriate way to ask to nurse (such as saying "milk" or another keyword, or signing "milk").  It's best, of course, if the keyword is neutral, not like "boobie!" because your child WILL yell it out in public sometimes.  :)  After age 1, nursing is really a give-and-take relationship.  The mother can feel free to tell the child to wait if they are out, or she is busy, and can offer a substitute for nursing (cuddles, a story, a snack, etc.).  If a child bites or doesn't mind his/her nursing manners, s/he may be asked to stop immediately.  There is no concern about him/her getting "enough milk" as a toddler (barring allergies or health concerns, of course), so nursing sessions are primarily about comfort.</p><p>Many children go through a nursing "lull" around a year old.  They lose interest because they are so focused on learning to walk, talk, etc.  Some babies will actually self-wean at this point, and refuse to nurse anymore at all.  Others will pick up more again after they've achieved their developmental milestone.  Once they pick up, many toddlers need to nurse very often (3 - 6 times per day) throughout their second year.  Between 2 and 3, many toddlers slow down again and several wean.  Some children continue to nurse through their third and fourth years, and some as long as school age, although this is rare.  Children who DO nurse past their third year often only nurse if they are sick, upset, etc. and this may be as infrequent as once a month.  It is typically not a daily or multiple times a day thing anymore past the third year.  There are always exceptions, but it is typical to nurse infrequently at an older age.</p><p>In a lot of cases, children nurse so infrequently at an older age that a parent will not notice they have weaned until they look back and realize it's been several weeks since the child's last nursing session.  After a few months of not nursing, children will forget how to latch.  Children also often lose the ability to latch around age 7 or so.  A very good resource on the natural weaning age and how weaning occurs is <a href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html">Kathy Dettwyler's </a>work (she is an anthropologist who has thoroughly studied the subject).  I won't go into it in too much more detail because her work is really great, and that link is only a couple pages long, so click it to learn more.</p><p>A lot of people have misconceptions about extended and tandem nursing, which I'll try to clear up here:</p><p>*Older children nurse as often as babies -- Nope!  Many older children only nurse once a day, or even just a couple times a week.  Some nurse even less frequently than this.</p><p>*Older children will nurse during school; their mother will have to come at lunch time or recess -- Sorry!  Most children over age 2 or 3 nurse only at home, and again, probably not very often.  Their mothers certainly don't go to school to nurse them.</p><p>*Children need to stop nursing to learn to eat "proper" food and drink from a cup -- Not true!  Most children learn to use a cup and eat adult food between 6 and 12 months, just like their non-nursing peers, and after age 1 get most of their food from solids and cups.  Nursing doesn't mean they don't learn to get nutrition from other sources.  After age 1, nursing is mainly (though not entirely) for comfort.</p><p>*Children will NEVER wean without their parents' encouragement -- Ever heard of a nursing teenager?  It just doesn't happen.  When a child outgrows the need to nurse, they will stop.  This varies by child; some are actually under a year, while some are 7 or 8.  But they will ALL eventually stop with no encouragement.</p><p>*Breastmilk doesn't provide any nutritional benefit after 1 year -- False.  The milk changes as the child changes and is always perfect.  It continues to provide the proper balance of fat and calories, as well as other nutrients, to fill in what the child may not be getting during their picky eating phases.</p><p>*Moms practice extended breastfeeding more for their own benefit; they don't want to let their babies grow up -- No way.  Children nurse because THEY want to.  They can't be forced to do so.  Many mothers even grow weary of nursing after awhile, but remain committed to child-led weaning, even if they put some restrictions on nursing (i.e. "only before bed and upon waking").  The entire practice is geared towards meeting a child's needs, not an adult's.</p><p>*Nursing will teach children to seek food for comfort -- Nope.  A person who uses food as comfort does so in lieu of a more appropriate source, like a friend or spouse or even writing in a journal.  Nursing is a time of cuddling with mommy, having mommy's full attention, an intimate moment.  The food is secondary, and a distant second at that.  Mommy's attention is what matters most.  Eventually, when the child weans, he will seek hugs and cuddles and closeness with his mother, not a separate source of food.  Nursing a child just isn't the same as saying "Here, eat this piece of candy and stop crying."</p><p>*Breastmilk/feeding doesn't provide any other benefit after 1 year -- Sure it does!  The many immune benefits continue for as long as nursing does (although the benefits have not been studied beyond age 2).  Comfort continues, too.  Nursing is a great parenting tool, because it can end tantrums quickly and make sick children feel better.  In fact, sometimes breastmilk is the only food a sick child can tolerate.</p><p>*Children need to learn to seek comfort away from the breast in order to mature -- Yes, but it's not that simple.  Children who are nursing do seek comfort in other ways, too.  A child doesn't nurse EVERY time he is upset.  Perhaps he needs to sometimes, but other times is satisfied with a kiss, a hug, a cuddle.  Nursing is only ONE way that a child seeks comfort, and sometimes it is the most effective way.  For example, if a child is devastated, beyond control, nursing can restore equilibrium in a matter of minutes instead of needing an hour to calm down.  Children don't need to give up nursing to learn that comfort can be had in other ways too.</p><p>*Children who nurse past 1 are dependent and babyish -- Nope!  Have you ever met one?  Most children who are nursing are VERY confident and independent.  They know that their need for cuddling and loving are being met, so they feel quite assured.  They often enjoy new people and experiences because they are securely attached to their parents.  It is children who are NOT securely attached who have issues with dependence because their needs are not being met.</p><p>Extended and tandem nursing is not for everyone, but it is a really great experience.  Mothers feel very close to and in tune with their children, and their children feel securely attached to their mothers and very confident.  I couldn't parent without it.</p><p>How do you feel about extended and tandem nursing?  Have you ever done it?  Do you have any other myths you'd like cleared up, or questions you'd like to ask?</p>
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EXCERPT:
As some of you may have gathered from previous posts (or know, if you know me in "real life"), we practice extended breastfeeding (beyond age 1) and child-led weaning. Bekah, 22 months, is still breastfeeding. We believe that children will wean when they are ready to do so, and should not be forced or even heavily encouraged to do so. Since we also have Daniel, who is of course nursing, we are doing what is called "tandem nursing," which is when two children of different ages are both breastfeeding at the same time.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 06:01:57 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I doubt that I would ever have more than 3 nursing...I would be encouraging the kids to wean by that age (before age 4 or so).  Also, kids older than 3 should only nurse very infrequently and take very tiny amounts.  The newborn would ALWAYS nurse first to make sure s/he got what s/he needed (which is what I do now).  If I weren&#39;t careful to let the newborn go first, yes, it could be a problem, but I&#39;ve always been careful.  Daniel has doubled his birth weight in 5 months on exclusively breastmilk, so I think he&#39;s fine.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/20/2009 04:18:08 AM
<p>Can your body produce enough milk to sustain a newborn, a toddler, and a pre-schooler?  Couldn&#39;t this be detrimental to the newborn?  What if you have 4 or 5 kids nursing?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 03:52:28 AM
<p>Violet,</p><p>I get 5 - 10 comments per day often times and sometimes one gets lost in the shuffle, as yours did.  Sorry!</p><p>You&#39;ll see I addressed some of what you mentioned in my response to other posters, such as nursing in regards to tantrums.  It occurs AFTER the child is calming and has been talked to and their emotions have been addressed, not in the middle of the tantrum.  And yes, it is often used to calm a child who is upset but sleepy but not ready to settle for bed, or if, for some reason, the child cannot get to bed yet (i.e. if you must be out).  </p><p>It&#39;s not that nursing is the absolute &quot;go to&quot; in terms of parenting.  But it helps when nothing else does.  If the child is upset and needs soothing, they ASK to nurse.  Often times, with a toddler, I spend time trying to deflect her from nursing if I think she needs something else -- bed, a snack, to talk to me, etc.  We try that FIRST, and if it doesn&#39;t work (or if she is legitimately very upset), we nurse.  Does that make sense?  Or, sometimes, we talk WHILE she nurses, like when she is calming down &quot;Okay, next time you don&#39;t hit mommy, do you understand?  You need to use nice hands.&quot;  Nursing isn&#39;t like popping a pacifier in a kid&#39;s mouth and walking away, there is constant conversation and interaction while nursing, and we sometimes just don&#39;t BECAUSE she needs to learn to handle her frustration, etc. in a different way.</p><p>The misconceptions -- I&#39;ve discussed this issue with MANY people in real life and on many message boards and many have argued with me that extended nursing is sick, wrong, weird, etc. for many of the reasons I listed above.  So, yes, personal experience.</p><p>Anonymous,</p><p>If my daughter has not yet weaned I will allow her to nurse and yes, nurse all 3.  But I will gently encourage her to at least get down to once a day or hopefully less.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/19/2009 04:05:39 PM
<p>When you have a third child, if your daughter hasn&#39;t stopped nursing, would you attempt to nurse all 3?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaden-Rose
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DATE: 12/19/2009 03:14:45 PM
<p>Kate,</p><p>I like the sound of attachment parenting.  I&#39;ll have to look into that more.  </p><p>I see that some others were confused about the breastmilk as well; thanks for your response.  </p><p>the tantrum thing makes sense! Once the main part of the tantrum is over, there is some cuddling and soothing involved.  I guess I just read it the wrong way.  Thanks for the clarification!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/19/2009 04:41:43 AM
<p>April,</p><p>Your body will prioritize the newborn, since the newborn entirely depends on your milk, while the toddler is getting solids too.  Start out breastfeeding your baby as a newborn, and seek support online and from your local LLL, and see where it leads.  I had trouble imagining child-led weaning too at first, but it&#39;s so different when it&#39;s your own child and not just an abstract concept.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/19/2009 04:38:04 AM
<p>Hi Jaden-Rose,</p><p>Here is a website all about attachment parenting: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.attachmentparenting.org/">http://www.attachmentparenting.org/</a>  The goal, really, is to meet a child&#39;s needs as much as possible and to treat them gently.  So, most breastfeed, wear their babies, often co-sleep, practice baby-led solids and child-led weaning, gentle discipline, etc.</p><p>Breastmilk is most suited to the younger baby, who needs it more.  That is, the composition of fat/calories/etc.  But it still immunologically benefits both children.  I will produce the proper antibodies for BOTH children.  Of course, they usually will need the same things there since they live in the same environment and they are exposed to the same things.</p><p>The tantrum/nursing thing...it&#39;s more after the tantrum is calming, to bring her back to feeling in control.  Tantrums occur because the child&#39;s emotions are out of control and they are as unhappy about it as you are.  Nursing helps to settle the child down, helps them get themselves under control.  It&#39;s not like she wants something and throws a tantrum because she can&#39;t have it and I offer nursing instead.  It&#39;s more that once we&#39;ve finished handling the tantrum (ignoring, yes; reinforcing that screaming does not get one&#39;s way; discussing what happened, etc.) then when it&#39;s over, we nurse to completely settle.  Does that make sense?  It&#39;s the same as if your child throws a tantrum and, as they&#39;re calming, you pick them up and cuddle them and reassure them that you love them anyway and then you talk about what to do next time (i.e. &quot;ask instead of scream&quot;).  It&#39;s late, so I hope I&#39;m making sense.  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/19/2009 04:01:52 AM
<p>But breastmilk can&#39;t be &#39;perfect&#39; for two kids of separate ages - a 5 or 6 month old baby needs different things from breastmilk than would a 2 year old, or at least it makes sense that they would.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: violet
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/19/2009 03:21:10 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I clicked on the link you provided to the study and even followed the link to the actual study.  I did not see the statistics you gave stating that, of parents who practice attachment parenting, 83% nurse at one year, 66% at two years, and 43% at three years. </p><p>I did see the following quote: &quot;The most frequently-chosen reason for long-term breastfeeding was that it was a special time for mother and baby that the mother was not ready to give up.&quot;  This quote from the study clearly indicates that the mother, not the child, is the driving force behind extended breastfeeding.  You reinforce this point by stating that toddlers learn nursing manners.  The mother sets the terms and conditions of the manners.  Therefore, the mother, not the child, sets the terms and concditons of the nursing.  </p><p>Also, you state, &quot;A lot of people have misconceptions about extended and tandem nursing.&quot;  Exactly how many is &quot;a lot,&quot; and from where did you learn about these people&#39;s misconceptions?  I didn&#39;t see a source, so is this your personal experience? </p><p>I&#39;m trying to understand why anyone would  nurse their child much beyond one year, but I&#39;m having a difficult time seeing the point.  I understand that it is a comfort for the child, but I disagree that nursing a child through a tantrum is a good idea.  First, I would wonder why a child would have a &quot;tantrum&quot;; tantrums in happy, well-adjusted children are really rare.  Many people think tired children are having a tantrum when really the child just needs to have his or her sleep needs respected and be allowed to sleep. Other people think frustrated children are having a tantrum.  Teaching children to use words to express their frustration is obviously the logical and best choice.  Nursing children through fatigue or frustration really just seems like a &quot;mommy-crutch&quot; to me.  It is much easier (and quieter) to pop them on your breast than it is to help them learn how to handle their own needs and emotions.</p><p>I know you think you are doing the right thing, and I respect you for attempting to make somewhat informed choices.  I&#39;m just not convinced.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/19/2009 02:37:55 AM
<p>&quot;Breastmilk doesn&#39;t provide any nutritional benefit after 1 year -- False. The milk changes as the child changes and is always perfect. It continues to provide the proper balance of fat and calories, as well as other nutrients, to fill in what the child may not be getting during their picky eating phases.&quot;</p><p>How can you produce perfect milk for Daniel and Bekah at the same time?  I am confused.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01033768929726794291
DATE: 12/19/2009 02:11:54 AM
<p>I don&#39;t have children, but if/when we do (crossing fingers!), I plan on breastfeeding at least to one year.  I&#39;m not sure how I feel about doing child-led weaning--the concept is very new to me.  But I certainly don&#39;t see anything wrong or weird about it.</p><p>One question about tandem nursing--you say that the milk changes as the child changes--so if your milk has changed with your toddler, is it still nutritionally sufficient for your newborn?  I would assume your body knows what&#39;s going on and kind of takes care of that on its own, but I&#39;m not really sure how that works.  Thanks for sharing on this though!  I find it fascinating!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaden-Rose
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/19/2009 01:43:17 AM
<p>I have a few questions.  First, what is &quot;attachment parenting&quot;? I can come up with a guess from the name, but I&#39;ve never heard of it and I&#39;d like to hear your definition.  Also, if breastmilk changes with a child&#39;s age, how does tandem nursing work? What if Bekah needs different nutrients than Daniel? Which child will the milk adapt to? I&#39;m also not sure if I agree with using nursing as a means of stopping a tantrum.  Certainly this could be appropriate some of the time, but won&#39;t the child learn to associate tantrums with nursing? Isn&#39;t this an example of positive reinforcement for negative behavior? I have found that ignoring tantrums is effective.  </p><p>Thanks for the post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: megan_horan_oien@yahoo.com
IP: 207.118.3.222
URL: 
DATE: 02/12/2011 03:49:23 AM
<p>Hi Kate,<br/>I also tandem nurse a 3 and 1 year old.  I love this post.  I also love the way you calmly handled some of the critical comments following.  I, too,  started out breastfeeding with a goal of 1 year.  And when my oldest turned one the only thing that made sense was to keep going.  He was nowhere near ready to give up.  I struggled with societal attitudes about breastfeeding a toddler, nursing though pregnancy and tandem nursing.  I feel so happy in my decision to continue with child-led weaning and appreciate your efforts to get more information out about it.  I can tell anyone else interested in or confused by this choice, that my three year old is super social, outgoing and you would never guess that he was still nuring unless you actually saw him doing it.  In America, we have all these fear based parenting strategies that really are a detriment to society because they produce adults whose needs were not met as babies/children.  These adults turn to addiction (to food, drugs, consumerism) to feed the emptiness.  Truly sad. I wish more people would listen to their intuition and follow it.  We would produce much happier, more fulfilled adults.  Thanks again for the post!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Final Homemade Christmas Update
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/27/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Our <a href="/2009/11/homemade-christmas.html">homemade Christmas </a>was a success!!</p><p>We completed a homemade gift for everyone. I'll be blogging about some of the more exciting things separately, so that if you are interested in the projects yourself, you will have a how-to guide. But here is a run-down on what we ultimately did for everyone:</p><p>My mom -- A reversible Japanese-print vest, and a <a href="/2009/12/candle-making.html">candle</a>.</p><p>My dad -- Rice-filled heating pads (made with flannel) and some healing cream (based on the <a href="/2009/12/homemade-diaper-rash-cream.html">diaper-rash cream</a> posted earlier).</p><p>My brother -- A soft, fleece throw.</p><p>Ben's mother and sisters -- Liquid face moisturizer, and body cream</p><p>Ben's dad and brothers-in-law -- A set of rice-filled heating pads (2 short, 1 long, and 1 u-shaped one for the shoulders).</p><p>Niece -- 6 doll diapers</p><p>Nephew -- Wooden blocks (all different shapes -- columns, squares, rectangles, arches, etc.) We're going to make Daniel a set too for his birthday!</p><p>Bekah -- 2 sheet sets and 6 doll diapers.</p><p>Ben -- I bought him a Star Wars Lego, because he's been wanting one. :) But I also made a series of 12 cards for him and decorated them a little. On each card is something I promise him, like "We will go bowling, just the two of us." Some promise a favorite meal at home with no kids. They are all different. I thought of this because when I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he said "Nothing material, I just want to spend time with you." Obviously I couldn't reveal any part of this gift earlier because he reads this blog daily!</p><p>We've already posted a <a href="/2009/12/wooden-blocks-how-to.html">how-to post on the blocks</a>. If anyone is interested in any of the other projects, leave a comment and I'll post on those, too!</p><p>What did you get for Christmas? How was your holiday and what did you do?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Our <a href="/2009/11/homemade-christmas.html">homemade Christmas </a>was a success!!</p><p>We completed a homemade gift for everyone. I'll be blogging about some of the more exciting things separately, so that if you are interested in the projects yourself, you will have a how-to guide. But here is a run-down on what we ultimately did for everyone:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/02/2010 06:45:09 PM
<p>I would love to know how you made the rice filled heating pads. I have been looking for something like that. <br/>Thanks<br/>Traci</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Germ Theory
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/14/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>As most of you who've read this blog for any length of time know, I am against modern medicine. Some of you think I am plain crazy; others think I am merely a bit extreme. I thought I would try to explain, though, why I believe what I do. I haven't truly chosen to reject modern medicine because I think doctors are evil, or the corporations are out to get us. In general I find them misguided but intending good (there are SOME out there who are just interested in profit, as I've said before, but on the whole I think most<em> individuals</em> are intending good). Also, again, I do believe in TRAUMA medicine -- I think it's great that we have doctors who can set broken bones, stitch deep wounds, and perform reconstructive surgery. If I'm in an accident, there's nothing I'd rather have. But barring that, I'll skip modern medicine, thanks.</p><p>The truth as to why I don't believe in modern medicine lies in something called "germ theory." Germ theory is the idea that there are specific bugs or 'germs' that cause all disease. These germs could be viruses or bacteria. There are many different kinds, they all have specific names, and they cause specific diseases that produce specific sets of symptoms. Therefore, these diseases can be helped (i.e. cured) by creating antibiotics or vaccines which either kill the germ or prevent the germ from making us sick in the first place. This theory is what modern medicine is based on.</p><p>I don't believe in germ theory. It fails to explain several things. 1) Why infection rates in "exposed" individuals vary from 20 - 40% on average (why don't the rest of the exposed people get sick, too?). 2) Why individuals have varying severities of the illness (if the specific germ produces specific symptoms, it should be the same in all individuals). 3) Why symptoms/presentation varies from person to person (again, symptoms should be the same if the germ/disease is the same). 4) Why so many "different" diseases present with nearly the exact same symptoms (why are there 500 diseases that all present with "fever, cough, congestion and sore throat" for example?)</p><p>First, let's talk about some <a href="http://www.mansfield.ohio-state.edu/~sabedon/biol2007.htm">history of germ theory</a>. It was first theorized in the 1860s by Louis Pasteur (who invented pasteurization), in opposition to a theory called "spontaneous generation." That theory posited that living things could come from non-living things (evolution anyone?) and that people got sick due to this 'spontaneous generation' of illness, but this theory was disproven. (That's NOT what I'm going to argue is the cause of illness.) Basically, Pasteur noted that when things were exposed to air (in many experiments, they used broth), they became "contaminated" and went bad. Therefore, something must be in the air, a "germ," which caused this to happen, since when broth was NOT exposed to air, it did not go bad. Then, in the 1870s, another scientist (Koch) used Pasteur's work and Semmelweiss's (who came up with the idea of hand washing to prevent disease) and said, theoretically, that specific microbes must cause specific diseases. Sometime after this viruses were "discovered," although none were ever seen until the invention of the electron microscope in the 1900s. And even then, "Most viruses are far too tiny to be seen in an ordinary high-powered microscope, except perhaps as a minute spot of light against a dark background." Francis Crick, 1988. That is to say, most viruses are too tiny to have ever been really seen or studied. A tiny speck of light could be anything -- even just a shadow.</p><p>For a long time, it was thought that only bacteria could cause illness. Now, there is the theory of viruses, which I addressed briefly above. It has also been noted that there is a lot of "natural flora" that exists in living organisms. That is, we have a lot of "good" bacteria that lives in and on us, not just bad bacteria. Most people are now familiar with this, because everyone is talking about probiotics and that sort of thing. For the scientists, in developing germ theory, though, the normal gut flora is glossed over (in fact, this is an area that is fairly new to heavy research) and the illness-causing bacteria is focused on.</p><p>I'm going to start with the normal flora to explain why we get sick. Every living organism on the planet has some sort of natural, healthy state. This state includes all of the organism's "vital signs" (in humans, pulse, respiration, temperature, etc.) and its normal balance of bacteria. In humans, it is notable that approximately 70% of the immune system is found in the gut flora (that is a recent discovery). I believe that this balance is somewhat precarious, and that if the balance is thrown off by anything -- stress, antibiotic use, too much junk food, environmental toxins, etc. -- illness results. That is, it is not a specific "germ" that is responsible for illness, but the entire balance of different types of bacteria within a person. There are no specific germs that cause specific diseases. Rather, when the gut flora becomes unbalanced, a person's body will produce symptoms to rid itself of whatever is in excess and restore whatever is low in order to achieve balance again.</p><p>This theory explains why people who are heavily exposed to environmental toxins get sick much more often, in general, than those who are not. It is known and accepted that those who eat a lot of junk food, smoke, drink, etc. tend to get sick more often than those who do not do those things. Those who have "unhealthy practices" have higher toxin loads and need to detox more often. It also explains why people can have different symptoms in response to the "same" illness -- they are producing whatever symptoms their individual body needs in order to become healthy again. It also explains why many people can be exposed to an illness and NOT get sick, because their body may not need to detox at that time.</p><p>Yes, there are things this theory doesn't explain -- such as exactly why a group of people do all seem to become sick at the same time. I believe further research is needed to understand this. However, I think that there is some type of energy or body chemistry that can trigger detox in people who require it by being around those who are sick, if that makes sense. Let me give you an example.</p><p>There is a family of 4. All 4 live together and share everything -- they hug, kiss, share glasses, silverware, etc. If one is sick, all are thoroughly exposed. It is also worth noting that two are children and both are nursing (okay, this really happened to us :) ). One child becomes sick, and presents with low grade fever, vomitting, heavy congestion, coughing, disturbed/restless sleep and loss of appetite. Two days later the other child is sick, but presents with minor congestion and coughing, no other symptoms. The next day a parent gets sick, presenting with scratchy throat and minor congestion. The other parent does not get sick. If germ theory were true, they would ALL get sick, and they would all present with the same symptoms in the same severity. I believe in this case, the first child gets sick and passes her "needs" to the mother via saliva while nursing. The mother's body produces bacteria/antibodies to help her heal and build her immune system, but these antibodies also go to the second nursing child. This produces symptoms, mildly, in the mother and second child, but NOT the father, who does not participate in the nursing relationship. Can I prove this? No. But I believe this theory better accounts for what occurred than germ theory does.</p><p>It is worth noting that if germ theory is false, or even if parts of it are false, then antibiotics and vaccinations are generally useless. Vaccination is ALWAYS useless, and antibiotics are almost always useless. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they are non-specific. They kill all forms of bacteria, so they can kill (probably) whatever type of bacteria is in excess and making you sick, but they also kill off the helpful bacteria. This doesn't actually heal you (just provides temporary relief), but continues the cycle of off-balance bacteria. This is why recurrent or secondary infections (like yeast infections) are common with antibiotic use. Also, because antibiotics are derived in a lab, they are "dead" and they function the same every time. The bacteria is living and it learns to outsmart the antibiotics, so to speak, breeding "super bacteria" like MRSA. Even 10 or 15 years ago this might have sounded ridiculous...but today we are all too aware of the dangers of MRSA.</p><p>If, instead, a person heals naturally (without any aid), the body will restore its own balance and reinfection is unlikely. For severe infections, there are plant-based medicines that can help. Think of it this way: all the plants that grow in the wild must protect themselves from mold, viruses, and bacteria. They clearly manage to do so in most cases because plants thrive. Taking the oils from these plants, therefore, can give the benefit of this "natural medicine" that keeps the plant alive. Essential oils, which are derived from plants and kept as living substances (i.e. not processed with heat or chemicals) contain antibacterial and anti-viral (if you believe in viruses) properties. They change and evolve with the bacteria and can help to restore the proper balance, rather than just killing all bacteria. Other substances, like vitamin C, boost the body's immune system to help it overcome the infection more quickly (exactly how this happens, I won't get into just now).</p><p>So, after studying this subject for awhile, and of course the simple fact that I believe that God gave us all the medicine we'll ever need naturally (are you aware that all medicine is originally derived from natural substances anyway?), I do not believe in germ theory or the use of modern medicine. This doesn't include anomalies like type I diabetes or unusual failures of the body, which would have caused certain death before inventions like insulin. I'm talking about everyday, general health. I don't believe that vaccines prevent disease, or that antibiotics cure it. I believe modern medicine is best saved for anomalies (like people born with heart conditions, type I diabetes, transverse babies requiring c-sections, trauma, etc.) and not for routine care. I think it is a mistake for people to rely so heavily and casually on the use of medication. How many people pop antacids or Tylenol any time they feel a little off, and don't think twice about it? We're messing with our body chemistry and, I believe, causing more illness than we're curing.</p><p>Unfortunately the more scientists learn, the more fascinated they are about possibilities and implications of medicine. They are eager for technology to replace "old ways" and they believe that they can improve upon nature. I believe this, too, is false. You can't improve nature. Doctors want to help, and researchers mean well, but they are caught up in a false system of beliefs, an incorrect theory. I believe that with continued research (because after all, the knowledge of gut flora and probiotics is relatively recent), they will come to understand this. I believe there are many researchers out there who are open minded and want to know. I also believe there are some who are seriously biased and who will cling to their current theories and ideas and refuse to believe in change.</p><p>This sums up my beliefs about health, medicine, and why I feel the way I do. I hope it has opened your mind to new possibilities and that it explains my position a little better.</p><p>Further Reading:<br/><a href="http://www.unhinderedliving.com/germtheory.html">The Germ Theory: A Faulty Medical Model</a></p><p>What do you believe? Has any of this changed the way you think about health?</p>
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EXCERPT:
As most of you who've read this blog for any length of time know, I am against modern medicine. Some of you think I am plain crazy; others think I am merely a bit extreme. I thought I would try to explain, though, why I believe what I do. I haven't truly chosen to reject modern medicine because I think doctors are evil, or the corporations are out to get us. In general I find them misguided but intending good (there are SOME out there who are just interested in profit, as I've said before, but on the whole I think most<em> individuals</em> are intending good).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/22/2009 03:17:36 AM
<p>I walked through a chemo ward today.  I wish you could have seen it.  Have you ever been in a chemo ward?  That is what saddens me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bob
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/22/2009 03:13:54 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Perhaps you have a point about people assuming the worst based on the limited ability to communicate over the internet.  I feel that often your tone and writing style are aggressive and a bit self-righteous, and you obviously think my tone and style assumes the worst about you (I don&#39;t).  Your new post about God in your life is much gentler and kinder than so many of the other things you have written. I hope you will keep this up! You will certainly sway more readers with this tone and style!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/21/2009 05:30:56 PM
<p>Bob,</p><p>Again, you misunderstand.  I&#39;m not telling people that they are too fat, eat poorly, etc. to shame them.  I am promoting new knowledge about health so that they can consider making new choices.  I am also holding them responsible for their lives.  I am responsible for my life.  In the last few days we&#39;ve been out of town and I haven&#39;t eaten very well -- and now don&#39;t feel very well.  That was my choice, my fault, something I need to live with.  I&#39;m not going to blame it on the people who prepared and served the food, the fact that I had limited options, etc.  I&#39;m taking responsibility for myself.</p><p>You also need to keep in mind this is the internet, it&#39;s hard to tell what people really mean, tone of voice, etc.  I&#39;m NOT trying to insult people at all.  Or to blame them.  Just to gently provide new information to them.  God also asks us to hold people accountable and to speak gently into their lives.  Telling people &quot;You&#39;re wonderful and perfect just the way you are!&quot; is very nice but not always truthful.  In fact, NEVER truthful because no one but Jesus was perfect.  It is better to gently say, &quot;I know you are sick, and I have some ideas that could help you feel better.  Do you think maybe making these dietary changes could help?&quot;  Individually I may or may not choose to say all this because some people are not yet ready to hear it.  But, again, this is the internet.  I put it out there and people can choose to read it -- or not.</p><p>Please try to believe the BEST rather than the WORST about people.  It is very sad when you feel the need to assume the worst.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bob
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DATE: 12/21/2009 03:45:40 AM
<p>You will be more effective in spreading your ideas when you stop assigning blame to those who are sick.  </p><p>I agree that God isn&#39;t vengeful.  He did say, &quot;Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.&quot;  Perhaps you should think about that when you pass judgement (too fat, don&#39;t eat correctly, make choices that you don&#39;t agree with) on those that are suffering - regardless of whether they suffer from choices they made or from choices God made for them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 06:07:24 PM
<p>Bob,</p><p>I don&#39;t believe that God chooses to strike people down and make them sick just because they say they don&#39;t think they will get sick.  That&#39;s a really sad view.  Also, my entire goal is to learn to live God&#39;s way.  To study the way He wants me to live (and that means in EVERY aspect of my life, including health) and to try to do things as close to that way as possible.  Why would God cause me to get sick when I am trying to follow Him?  Not that it CAN&#39;T happen, but I don&#39;t believe that God is vengeful.  </p><p>I am not &quot;mean&quot; or unsympathetic to people who are sick!  These posts are my general thoughts on health and how people get sick.  They are not targeted at people, I am not saying ANYTHING about any individual person or situation.  Why do you not understand that?  If someone comes to me and needs help, or asks me a question, or says &quot;I am sick, can you help me research my options,&quot; I will absolutely help them!  These posts are NOT intended to be rude or mean to others at all.  I really wish that you, and others, would not read too much into what I write and look specifically for negative meanings.  It makes me very sad that people feel the need to take my writing out of context and assign such horrible motives, when that is not my intention at all.</p><p>I wish true health to EVERYONE and I am trying to spread ideas about different ways to achieve that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bob
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2009 04:25:57 AM
<p>Ok, you believe in God.  Have you ever heard the saying, &quot;If you want to make God laugh, make a plan&quot;?  Same idea as karma.  </p><p>Good luck -  You are not indestructable; illness will happen to you or one you love.  I hope people are nicer to you when it happens than you have been to them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 04:00:03 AM
<p>Bob,</p><p>No, I don&#39;t believe in Karma, I believe in God.</p><p>I do believe that a lot of modern lifestyle does cause cancer, yes.  And has been PROVEN to do so.  Artificial sweeteners, nitrates, nitrites, DDT, etc.  I could go on, but you get my point.  Do you really think a life filled with chemicals, drugs, vaccines, pollution, etc. isn&#39;t going to raise your risk of cancer?  Do you see the headlines everyday, &quot;X CAUSES CANCER!&quot;</p><p>Yes, diagnosis could account for SOME increase.  But by no means does it account for all.  A lot of proponents of modern medicine really like that argument (like, for the increase in autism over the last 20 years), but the numbers just don&#39;t add up.  It&#39;s impossible that any condition would increase a few thousand percent and we just chalk it up to &quot;better diagnosis.&quot;  No way.</p><p>This is not the place to discuss &quot;that&quot; only because it is too lengthy a discussion.  Better saved for future posts.</p><p>Also, no, I don&#39;t get rid of ALL modern conveniences.  I use those which have the most minor risks.  I don&#39;t see that using my computer is putting me at risk.  Consuming poison does.</p><p>If I did get cancer, I&#39;d be researching every alternative treatment on the planet, not subjecting myself to chemo.  Believe me.  But, that&#39;s my choice.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bob
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2009 03:50:41 AM
<p>Here is a logical thought for you to ponder -Was science modern enough 100 years ago to even diagnose most cancers?  Perhaps the rates have risen because the methods of detection have improved. </p><p>Do you really believe that people get cancer because they enjoy a modern lifestyle?  If so, do you plan to eschew all modern conveniences such as your computer?  Why, if you put the information out there, is this not the place to discuss &quot;that&quot;?  </p><p>I hope you don&#39;t believe in karma, because you are really tempting fate with all of your cancer comments.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 03:26:50 AM
<p>Bob,</p><p>The point you are trying to make about natural substances doesn&#39;t work that way.  For example, take a look at sugar and high fructose corn syrup.  They appear to function the same but they aren&#39;t broken down by the body in the same way.  Or natural vitamin C and synthetic.  Etc. etc.  Deriving a drug from a natural substance, synthesizing it in a lab, and adding extra chemicals to it causes the side effects.  It&#39;s NOT the original, active ingredient in its natural state that causes the side effects.  Changing something ALWAYS causes further, unintended effects.</p><p>And I do think that modern medicine has its place -- but it is WAY WAY overused today.  I think if you are living a completely natural lifestyle, avoiding drugs and chemicals and junk food, your chances of cancer are very, very low.  What were cancer rates a hundred years ago when most people lived naturally?  What are cancer rates today?  It is far more environmental than people even want to admit, because they enjoy their &quot;convenient&quot; lifestyle.  This isn&#39;t the place to discuss that, really, but I&#39;ve touched on this plenty in my blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bob
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DATE: 12/19/2009 06:46:39 PM
<p>I have seen the commercial for drugs that list the side-effects.  Drug makers are required by law to give the side-effects. Since drugs are derived from plants, it is logical to assume that many of these &quot;natural&quot; plants would have the same side-effects.  A difference is that natural remedies are not required to list side-effects.  They&#39;re still dangerous; you just don&#39;t know it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bob
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DATE: 12/19/2009 06:42:50 PM
<p>I read the &quot;Further Reading&quot; you recommended and that is guy is whacked!  I can&#39;t beleive he said that if you eat properly and keep your bodiy&#39;s PH levels in balance that you will never need to see a medical practitioner of any kind.  He also bodly states that he will avoid most of the medical issues of the 21st century such as cancer! This is really, really fringe thinking.  Do you beleive as he does?  Is this the type of person you want advising you on your health plan?  What type of degree does he have?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/16/2009 11:01:50 PM
<p>Edith,</p><p>No, I don&#39;t usually nurse her in public if she has a tantrum, although I do at home.  My methods for dealing with a tantrum are varied and typically nursing is the best answer if she is having a tantrum because she is tired/hungry/not feeling well.</p><p>I don&#39;t worry about her associating comfort with food because she doesn&#39;t think of nursing as food, generally.  She thinks about it as just comfort, like getting hugs or cuddles (and of course, we do that too, before and after nursing).  Nursing for comfort isn&#39;t the same as, say, offering her a piece of candy or something for comfort, because nursing is being close to mommy.  Food as comfort is a SUBSTITUTE for mommy, like &quot;Here, eat this chocolate drop and stop crying&quot; while mommy doesn&#39;t pay much attention.  Nursing, on the other hand, is mommy&#39;s full attention, combined with sucking (which, of course, is comforting to all babies, but again, better than just putting a pacifier in their mouth and walking away).  Does that make sense?  Other forms of comfort -- &quot;lovey&quot; objects, pacifiers, food -- are substitutes, while nursing is mommy&#39;s attention and cuddles.  </p><p>So no, I don&#39;t think she does, or will, associate comfort with food.  In fact, in many cases if she hurts herself and is not too upset about it, I just offer hugs and kisses, not nursing.  She finds this equally comforting most of the time.  And someday when she no longer nurses, that is how she will still be comforted.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Edith
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DATE: 12/16/2009 10:54:28 PM
<p>You nurse your daughter when she has a tantrum in public?  I agree that using nursing (food) as a comfort source could eventually become a problem.  Food should be used to nourish and to provide energy for the body.  I&#39;d be worried that associating food with comfort could lead to unhealthy eating habits later on.  Does this concern you?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/16/2009 12:36:16 AM
<p>Wow Kate!  I guess I caught you at a bad time.  I thought your blog etiquette rules applied to you as well, but it appears it is okay for you to attack people who question (not even disagree or even try to persuade)you.  In the interest of having an adult discussion, I&#39;ll just chalk your &quot;cranky-pants&quot; attitude to being sleep-deprived instead of to mean-spiritedness.</p><p>Actually, I have THREE children (yep-one more than you!) They were ALL breastfed for varying lengths of time between six and 12 months. As soon as they could manage a sippy-cup, they stopped nursing.  They didn&#39;t need to be latched on to my breast in order for me (or my husband) to comfort them.  They were gently cuddled, and I whispered or hummed softly to them when they needed comfort. Handling it this way allowed both parents to be nuturing and comforting.  It&#39;s also a way of comforting them that is appropriate for the rest of their lives - even when they are adults.  </p><p>I NEVER suggested you were MAKING your daughter nurse (I don&#39;t know WHERE you got that idea).  At this point I&#39;m sure it&#39;s a comforting habit (vs. food) for her. She will break the habit when she finds something different or more interesting to do. I really don&#39;t care if you nurse her until she&#39;s 40.  It&#39;s totally your, and eventually her, decision.  </p><p>As far as my comment that &quot;it&#39;s the mother&#39;s need to have a &#39;baby&#39;&quot; is concerned, I said I wondered.  I really don&#39;t know Mrs. George&#39;s motivation for nursing the kid until he was 7, but even you have to admit it is out of the ordinary.  The kid WALKED HOME FROM SCHOOL AT LUNCH to nurse.  I agree (from my parenting experience that actually exceeds yours) that it is difficult to make a 2 year-old do anything, but a parent CAN tell a 7 year-old that nursing is no longer an option.  I think that direction could be given to a kid as young as two and they would learn a new way to comfort themselves or to be comforted by their parents (ie. holding gently, humming, etc. which are far healthier in the long run than using food as a means of comfort).  As you said, it is just a source of comfort, not food, and comfort habits can be changed for different comfort habits. But, AGAIN, I really don&#39;t care how long or how many kids you or anyone else nurses, and I never tried to change your mind or anyone else&#39;s mind. (I do think it makes others uncomfortable when nursing mothers expose their breasts in public and think that the breast should be covered with a blanket or something when out in public.) I simply told an amusing story about a kid who actually did nurse in elementary school in response to your flippant comment that your kid won&#39;t be nursing in elementary school.  No coersion or judgement was intended; relax.</p><p>I asked if you knew how long children in developed countries typically nurse becuase I was slightly curious. You posted your views on tandem and extended nursing on your blog, so you seemed like a good person to ask.  Guess was I wrong! Instead of answering my questions, you went off on me and suggested I do my own research.  Honestly,  I don&#39;t find nursing all that interesting.  It&#39;s a source of food just like a bottle, or a garden, or a cow.</p><p>I hope you&#39;re happy doing whatever it is you choose to do, but your nasty response makes it seems like you are miserable.  Chill a little and try to follow your own etiquette rules.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/15/2009 05:07:08 PM
<p>One other thing - every child will choose when they&#39;re done nursing. My mom said that I stopped nursing at 7 months - I&#39;d take pumped milk just fine, but I was done nursing. My brother, however, was around a year when he moved from breast to bottle. I&#39;m not sure on my sister, but each child is different and will choose.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/15/2009 05:04:49 PM
<p>Modern medical advances can extend lives and life quality beyond what we used to be able to. However, I think it&#39;s getting a bit ridiculous. </p><p>Have you ever listened to the list of side effects on most drug commercials nowadays? I&#39;ve heard one lately, for a rheumatoid arthritis drug, that&#39;s a bit ridiculous. Once you start taking it, you have to get checked regularly for tuberculosis as this drug apparently makes you more susceptible to it. It causes digestive problems, sleep problems, sexual problems, and, in rare cases, death.</p><p>One of my other favorite ones is for the &#39;get rid of your asthma symptoms&#39; drug, Symbicort, I think it&#39;s called. Some of its side effects are asthma symptoms, except worse! A coworker&#39;s mom has fibromyalgia and she had been on 4 different drugs to try to manage the pain. The only problem with that is that each medicine worked for a while, but then they made her fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Now what good is there with a drug that makes your symptoms worse, not better?</p><p>The sidebar to this is that, in some cases, medicines really can make a difference. My grandmother was diabetic, and she died at a ripe old age of mid-80s. She couldn&#39;t have done that without her daily insulin shots. My grandfather&#39;s on heart medications that have kept him going much longer than he would have even 50 years ago. So while medicine can help, it should be thoroughly investigated and you should seriously discuss it with your doctor, spouse, and at least one other physician for at least a 2nd opinion.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/15/2009 02:10:11 PM
<p>Reply from prior comment...</p><p>&quot;Remember Terry Schiavo?&quot;...That is like the most extreme case there is.</p><p>&quot;Modern medicine can prolong life, yes, but I wouldn&#39;t say it provides true health or quality life.&quot;...Not sure what you mean by this.  I am sure millions of people, a few in my family included,  are grateful for modern medicine allowing them to live longer and enjoy life.  I am sure there are many cases where the medicine did not work either but that is what we call risk.  My belief is the pros outweigh the cons by a large margin.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/15/2009 12:34:56 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Do you have any kids at all?  Your comments on breastfeeding suggest that you don&#39;t.</p><p>I will be posting on extended and tandem nursing formally later, but you just happened to catch me at a sleep deprived moment, so you&#39;re going to hear my thoughts.</p><p>I don&#39;t care if children in developed countries &quot;typically&quot; nurse until age 4 or not.  I&#39;m sure I can&#39;t name any.  But humans are biologically programmed to nurse roughly that long.  It&#39;s the social stigma that they don&#39;t.  I&#39;m not interested in what society thinks I should do or what my kids should do, my goal as a parent is to meet their needs as best I can.</p><p>The reason I think you don&#39;t have kids is because you said &quot;it&#39;s about the mother&#39;s need to have a baby.&quot;  Umm...have you EVER tried to force a kid to do anything?  Do you realize that&#39;s basically impossible?  You can discipline a kid to do certain things, like clean up after themselves or not hit, but you can&#39;t MAKE them eat, or MAKE them sleep.  And in the same way, you can&#39;t MAKE them nurse!  Seriously, are you kidding?  If I wanted my daughter to nurse and she didn&#39;t want to, she just would walk away...or struggle, squirm, scream, refuse to latch.  That doesn&#39;t happen because I don&#39;t force her to nurse, but sometimes I have to hold her (you know, we&#39;re at the store and it&#39;s time to leave but she wants to go back to the toys) and that&#39;s what she does.  Really?  You think I could nurse her through that tantrum if she didn&#39;t want to?</p><p>As for pacifier use, some babies use them because they need to suck but no longer want any milk.  For them nursing is primarily food and once they&#39;re full, they&#39;re done and getting more milk makes them mad.  My son (5 months) uses a pacifier for this reason sometimes.  My daughter does not (though she did for a few months when she was very little).  Once they are older they abandon the pacifier, as nursing becomes their comfort.  For my daughter, nursing was mostly just food until she was over a year, then it became comfort.</p><p>If you are truly interested in the subject of extended nursing, I suggest you go to www.who.int or www.kellymom.com or www.lll.org and do some research.  But if you just think it&#39;s &quot;weird&quot; and you are going to try to get me to change my mind or stop or something, you can stop wasting your time right now.  This is what is right for my family and I will defend it no matter what.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/15/2009 02:07:21 AM
<p>It is willow bark...my stories were confused. Oak is used for diarrhea, eczema, hemorrhoids, etc. </p><p>That being said, don&#39;t forget that environment plays a HUGE part in illnesses. Back at school (4k people crammed into dorms, little sleep, and lots of stress) I got all sorts of really bad illnesses. Staph infection, highly advanced strep infection in my joints, pneumonia, UTIs, mono, etc. I had at least one major illness per year, not to mention the continual cold-like symptoms (can&#39;t breathe, sore throat, stuffed sinuses, headaches, etc.). I got out of there into my own apartment where I get adequate rest and get to eat what I want to, instead of what the dining hall was serving (which was never really fresh...even the salad veggies were frozen at a minimum during their travel to be our food...and they were always either overripe or underripe) and I have had 1 cold (and I got that when I was back in a dorm-type situation for a few weeks) and have lately been having a bit of an issue with my throat and sinuses. Oh, and that&#39;s in two years of living here. 1 cold, and 1 allergy issue. </p><p>That is, I think, because of: </p><p>1. not living in a place that bred illness like it was its job (our school had the highest infectious disease rate for the whole state)<br/>2. eating much more healthily (getting veggies and fruits regularly<br/>3. responsible probiotic and vitamin intake (my husband and I eat yogurt at least 3 times a week, and we take a multivitamin and glucosamine supplement to alleviate some joint issues)</p><p>I don&#39;t think you can point your finger and say that one thing in particular caused the change, because it is a combination, but eating fresh veggies and fruits has definitely helped, regularly supplementing our gut flora and taking vitamins to ensure we get enough has definitely helped, living location and other lifestyle choices (getting enough sleep, for one) has definitely helped.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/15/2009 01:36:38 AM
<p>I knew someone who still nursed her kid when he was in first grade.  He walked home at lunch every day and nursed.  You have to wonder whose needs are being met in a case like that.  The kid&#39;s NEED to nurse or the mom&#39;s need to have a &quot;baby.&quot;  In any event, the kid stopped when all of his classmates found out.  YIKES! Who wants to be known for the rest of their life as the kid who was nursing in first grade?</p><p>Additionally, if a kid&#39;s NEED is why they nurse, then why do some nursing kids still use a pacifier?  Are they not nursing enough, or is nursing just somewhat satisfying their developmentally approriate oral fixation?  Do your kids use pacifiers?  If so, why isn&#39;t nursing meeting all of their oral fixation the needs?  </p><p>Lastly, in what developed countries do kids typically nurse until age 4?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/15/2009 12:18:56 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>ALL kids eventually self-wean.  Most self-wean between 2 and 3 years of age.  A few will continue until ages 4 - 7.  The worldwide weaning age is around 4.  It&#39;s a very rare child who nurses past 5, although it does happen.</p><p>I won&#39;t stop her.  Very likely she&#39;ll wean in the next year.  If not, then we&#39;ll go until she is ready to stop.  She won&#39;t graduate high school, or even elementary school nursing, so it&#39;ll be fine.  I am a firm believer that children have an emotional (as well as physical) NEED to nurse, and that when their needs are met, they will stop.  I believe this applies to most areas of peoples&#39; lives.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/15/2009 12:07:29 AM
<p>What if your toddler doesn&#39;t decide that she wants to stop breastfeeding?  How long would you let it go on?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/14/2009 09:03:38 PM
<p>Anonymous 3,</p><p>It is true that modern medicine is responsible for some increases in life expectancy.  We now have pills and machines that can keep sick people alive much longer than they really should be.  Remember Terry Schiavo?  Modern medicine can prolong life, yes, but I wouldn&#39;t say it provides true health or quality life.</p><p>Other increases are due to better sanitation, access to all forns of health care )including alternative) and better nutrition (for those who choose it).</p><p>So does modern medicine extend life?  Sure.  But does it actually make us healthy?  No.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/14/2009 08:56:54 PM
<p>Do you think you could provide a reason as to why people live longer than they did 30 years ago?</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=wb-wdi&amp;met=sp_dyn_le00_in&amp;idim=country:USA&amp;q=average+life+expectancy">http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=wb-wdi&amp;met=sp_dyn_le00_in&amp;idim=country:USA&amp;q=average+life+expectancy</a></p><p>It seems to me that advances in medicine would be the main factor in increased life expectancy.  Thoughts?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous 2
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DATE: 12/14/2009 04:40:29 PM
<p>Right, I&#39;m not sure I can be convinced here if there aren&#39;t any sources cited. No rush, though.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/14/2009 04:30:47 PM
<p>Anonymous 2,</p><p>I am aware that susceptibility is an issue, but it&#39;s not one that germ theory addresses very well.  It&#39;s not as simple as, eat well and exercise and you&#39;ll get sick less.  It&#39;s TRUE but not always, there are many factors involved.  Then, of course, there is the issue of viruses and the fact that many are too small to be seen or studied, yet they are assumed to cause disease.  And the issue of probiotics and natural gut flora (which plays a role in susceptibility).  In general there are too many issues to this theory, which is a relatively new one.  I can find more sources for you, as I&#39;m not the only one who doesn&#39;t believe in germ theory, but it will take me a bit to round them up.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/14/2009 04:18:55 PM
<p>Posted for Anonymous 2:</p><p>Kate,</p><p>Here&#39;s my take on germs. This should answer all your questions which you believe &quot;germ theory&quot; ignores: germs affect different people in different ways because of how they eat, how much they exercize, how much stress they&#39;re living with, any potentially harmful substances they encounter on a day-to-day basis, and so on. These factors largely determine the fortitude of an individual&#39;s immune system. Because a person&#39;s immune system depends so highly on their lifestyle, no two people&#39;s immune system or body chemistry will be exactly alike. Therefore two people can indeed show different degrees of symptoms for the same disease because their respective immune systemxs aren&#39;t equally prepared for the invading germs. It also explains &quot;why infection rates in &#39;exposed&#39; individuals vary from 20 - 40% on average:&quot; Some people&#39;s immune systems are simply strong enough to fight off the disease before it has a chance to manifest itself in symptoms.</p><p>Thoughts, concerns, questions, comments, sarcastic remarks? Shoot.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/14/2009 03:59:10 PM
<p>Anonymous 2,</p><p>Your comment had 2 parts to it.  The second was a reasonable argument and if you submit that alone, I will post it.  The first part called me names.  That is why it was rejected.  Try again with your argument alone and you&#39;ll see it up, and I&#39;ll respond to it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous 2
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DATE: 12/14/2009 03:56:41 PM
<p>Kate,</p><p>I&#39;m sorry, but I don&#39;t see my post that happened to present a side of this argument that was different from yours. I seem to remember you priding yourself on keeping your blog unbiased and uncensored, so I was curious as to why my post didn&#39;t become public, especially since I don&#39;t believe it violated any of your &quot;blog etiquette&quot; regulations. My posting a well-constructed argument in opposition to yours does not excuse you from responding to it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/14/2009 03:27:55 PM
<p>Emma,</p><p>I thought it was willow bark that aspirin came from.  Maybe I forgot.  But yes, you&#39;re right, all medication is originall derived from natural substances, and has been later synthesized in a lab.  And now in many cases these natural substances are being outlawed as &quot;drugs&quot; or &quot;dangerous!&quot;  Are you kidding?  Popular cholesterol drugs were derived from red yeast rice.  Another new drug was derived from vitamin B6.  Most of the active ingredients were, at some point, found in nature.  If that&#39;s the case, science must understand that &quot;medicine&quot; found in nature is the most powerful and effective, or they wouldn&#39;t base their drugs on it.  But they can&#39;t patent the original, natural substance so they synthesize it and add to it.  And then they turn around and criticize those who want to use natural medicine as &quot;crazy&quot; when THEIR DRUGS ARE BASED ON IT!  Sounds pretty stupid when you put it that way, doesn&#39;t it?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/14/2009 03:22:26 PM
<p>Thanks Lindsey!  It saved me from having to look it up again.  I should have put that in in the first place.  :)</p><p>Anonymous 1,</p><p>I believe in self-weaning.  That is, a child is allowed to nurse until s/he is ready to stop.  And Lindsey is right, nursing does not expose the child any more than living in the same environment, and can actually help because it provides the antibodies to BOTH sick children.  I&#39;ll be posting more on toddler and tandem nursing soon.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/14/2009 01:32:51 PM
<p>Here&#39;s a quote from another article (sources being LLLi and AAP, among others):<br/>&quot;Nursing also allows your baby to give germs to you so that your immune system can respond and can synthesize antibodies! This means that if your baby has come in contact with something which you have not, (s)he will pass these germs to you at the next nursing; during that feeding, your body will start to manufacture antibodies for that particular germ. By the time the next feeding arrives, your entire immune system will be working to provide immunities for you and your baby. If you are exposed to any bacteria or viruses, your body will be making antibodies against them and these will be in your milk. Breast milk also contains a host of other immune molecules that also help protect your baby from germs. It&#39;s an awesome system!&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/14/2009 01:29:30 PM
<p>Anonymous,<br/>It is a well-known fact that breastfeeding moms create antibodies when their kids are exposed to germs. Mom kisses baby, or wipes baby&#39;s nose, or baby sneezes on mom, and then mom&#39;s body takes over and starts creating antibodies that are then passed on through her milk. This article mentions saliva-to-breast working in the same fashion...it also covers issues with germs/tandem nursing: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/faq/15germworries.html">http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/faq/15germworries.html</a><br/>It could also be possible that one kid leaves germs that the other is exposed to via breastfeeding, but I can&#39;t imagine there&#39;s any more exposure happening that way than by kids just being kids...sneezing on each other, sharing toys, etc. Also, breastmilk&#39;s antibodies can help fight germs that are left behind, further explaining why the second child to get sick typically gets a milder case of the illness.<br/>Oh, and while it&#39;s commonly known that babies benefit from breastmilk, it&#39;s less well-known (in this country) that toddlers do, too (and even preschoolers!). Tandem nursing is a common occurrence all over the world.  Weaning because of germs seems a moot point...the kids would continue exposing each other in every day life, anyway, but then the weaned child wouldn&#39;t have mom&#39;s protection. It&#39;s not common in this country to nurse past 12 months of age (if babies are even that lucky), but the American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend at least 12 months (and longer as long as it is mutually desired by mom and baby), and the World Health Organization recommends at least 2 years.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/14/2009 03:02:00 AM
<p>Many drugs we still use today are still plant or animal based, as in, the active ingredient(s) is still that same initial ingredient used prior. I mean, have you ever had a UTI? You could take antibiotics for it...or, as soon as you feel it coming on (or as soon as you start to feel &#39;funny&#39;), you can either drink cranberry juice and eat yogurt or take a cranberry supplement. Both methods work very well - it&#39;s what the Native Americans did for their medicine. </p><p>Oak bark contains the active ingredient in aspirin, and aspirin (I don&#39;t know if aspirin you buy today is still the plant variety or if they manufacture it now) for a long time was just made from oak tree bark. I hear that drinking a tea made from the bark will have the same effect as taking aspirin.</p><p>This is why people looking for a cure for cancer/AIDS/etc. are looking at unstudied ocean and rainforest plants and animals. There are compounds in them that we&#39;d never think of on our own that may very well help us defeat those health issues.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/14/2009 02:23:56 AM
<p>I&#39;m confused.  Do you think your daughter&#39;s saliva was absorbed into your breast, then your body made the correct antibodies to help heal her cold, then the antibodies you made from absorbing her saliva made you and your son less severly sick? I have never heard that a baby&#39;s saliva (in your case a toddler&#39;s)is absorbed into a mother&#39;s milk ducts.  Do you have a source for that theory?  </p><p>Couldn&#39;t some of the germs she had in her mouth have been present on your breast after she nursed, and then, when your son nursed after her he took some of the germs into his mouth?  Couldn&#39;t you have also touched some of those same germs when you helped him latch onto your breast and then touched your face say to scratch your nose?  This would explain why he became ill before you (he took the germs directly into his mouth vs. you taking them in secondarily). </p><p>In either case, do you still think it is a good idea to breast feed two children at once since they are more likely to transfer illnesses?  How long do you plan to keep breastfeeding your toddler?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/11/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Well, the recipe I have for you this week isn't quite what I'd intended. I'd wanted the cookies to be a bit chewy, or tender and crumbly. But they're not. They're soft and very much cake-like. But they are still delicious! I don't know that they are necessarily "Christmas cookies" but they are light, vanilla little miracles...so good enough. :)</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>1/2 cup coconut oil<br/>1/2 cup turbinado sugar<br/>1 tsp. vanilla (I used my homemade bourbon vanilla!)<br/>2 eggs, beaten<br/>1/2 cup sorghum flour<br/>1/4 cup brown rice flour<br/>1/4 cup coconut flour<br/>3/4 tsp. sea salt<br/>1/2 tsp. baking soda</p><p>Directions:<br/>Cream together oil and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, stir to combine. In a separate bowl, mix together flours, salt, and baking soda. Add dry ingredients into the wet and gently fold together. You can bake immediately, but the cookies set up a bit better if you refrigerate the dough for 10 - 15 min. first. Bake at 350 for 7 - 8 minutes.</p><p>I love this because some people say that xanthan gum and other "additives" typically used in gluten-free baking aren't so good for you. But this recipe doesn't need it. I suspect if I'd used only 1 egg and 1/2 c. brown rice flour they would have been a bit more crumbly, which I'd been intending. The coconut flour and extra egg helps to make it fluffy. I also think you could replace up to 1/4 c. of the sorghum flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate cookie, if you wanted.</p><p>And...I thought I'd give you another bonus recipe today!  Here is my recipe for some yummy, gluten-free vanilla cake:</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>1 c. sorghum flour<br/>1/2 c. brown rice flour<br/>1/2 c. coconut flour<br/>1 tsp. sea salt<br/>1.5 tsp. baking soda<br/>1/2 tsp. cream of tartar<br/>6 eggs, separated<br/>1 c. turbinado sugar<br/>1/2 c. coconut oil<br/>2 tsp. vanilla (bourbon vanilla again!)<br/>1 c. coconut milk</p><p>Directions:<br/>In a small bowl, mix flours, salt, and baking soda; set aside.  In large bowl, cream sugar and coconut oil until light and fluffy.  Add egg yolks, vanilla, and coconut milk and stir together.  In another bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar.  Beat until soft peaks form.  Add the dry ingredients to the sugar/oil mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.  Add egg whites and fold in gently.  Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes.</p><p>You'll notice this recipe contains NO xanthan gum, guar gum, potato or corn or tapioca starch, etc.  Some people think you need these things for gluten-free baking, but I beg to differ.  I just finished eating some of this cake and it's very yummy, a nice spongy cake.  Good texture.  I don't think anyone would know it was gluten free.  Personally, I love to combine sorghum and brown rice flours with either buckwheat or coconut flour, depending on what I'm baking, and I use eggs and baking soda for leavening and it works just fine!  Let me know if you try either of these.  :)</p><p>Do you enjoy gluten-free baking? (Honestly these are so good I'd eat them even if I wasn't gluten free!) What other treats are you making for the holidays?</p>
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Well, the recipe I have for you this week isn't quite what I'd intended. I'd wanted the cookies to be a bit chewy, or tender and crumbly. But they're not. They're soft and very much cake-like. But they are still delicious! I don't know that they are necessarily "Christmas cookies" but they are light, vanilla little miracles...so good enough. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/13/2009 01:40:47 PM
<p>Anonymous 3, I don&#39;t really enjoy baking. I&#39;m bad at it! Every time I bake cookies, I get one giant sheet/pancake cookie. </p><p>The mom of the boy I babysit made me some peanut brittle, and I&#39;m thinking of trying that...it seems it would be perfect for me. Something that is SUPPOSED to break up and fall apart when I take it out of the oven. :-P</p>
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AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/11/2009 04:02:26 PM
<p>Anonymous 2,</p><p>There&#39;s a post in the archives about why we went gluten-free, but gluten is the proteins in the flour and a lot of people are allergic to it.  Many people who have non-specific symptoms, chronic fatigue, red, itchy palms, even in some cases fainting spells or seizures, can have an underlying problem with gluten.  Sometimes it&#39;s just an allergy, sometimes it is celiac disease.</p><p>Anonymous 3,<br/>I actually do enjoy baking.  I like figuring out how to mix things together to come up with something yummy, I like to eat the yummy thing I&#39;ve made, and I enjoy tweaking recipes to get them to work even better.  I find it relaxing.  Not everyone does, of course!  Currently I&#39;m reading two books: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley, both are good so far.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/11/2009 03:11:19 AM
<p>Does anyone actually ENJOY  baking, or do they just enjoy the reaction people have when the baked-goods are eaten? What is to enjoy?  The hauling out of flour, sugar, other ingredients?  The standing on the hard surface of the kitchen floor waitng for the baked goods to cook?  The cleaning up of the mess?  I&#39;d rather read a good book!  Can you recommend one? I&#39;d be interested to see your suggestions!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/11/2009 03:07:10 AM
<p>What, exactly, is gluten,and why would I want to avoid it?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/11/2009 03:06:01 AM
<p>Sounds Yummy!!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread, and Surprise!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 12/04/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This was entered at <a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/2009/12/ultimate-recipe-swap-holiday-food-fest.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Life as a Mom's holiday sweets carnival</a>, and <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/12/healthy-holiday-eats-and-sweets-carnival.html/comment-page-1">Keeper of the Home's Holidays Eats and Sweets carnival</a>!**</p><p>Who doesn't love pumpkin bread in the fall? It's a great holiday treat. I made this bread today for Thanksgiving (it's evening and most people have gone home now) and it was SO good that my mom wanted the recipe and some of the bread to take to work to share with her coworkers. She said, "I'm not usually into all the healthy cooking you do, but this bread is great!" Can't even tell it's gluten-free. :) Dairy free, too, unless you add cream cheese frosting! We didn't, so I don't have a recipe for that, but it's really great just by itself.</p><p>The original version of this recipe can be found at <a href="http://www.glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/">Gluten-Free Goddess' blog</a> but I made several changes so I'll post mine here.</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>1 cup - 2 tbsp. turbinado sugar (I just eyeballed it and used a bit less than a cup)<br/>1/4 cup raw honey<br/>2 free-range eggs, beaten<br/>2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil<br/>2 tbsp. coconut oil<br/>1 cup pumpkin puree<br/>1 tbsp. vanilla extract<br/>1/4 tsp. lemon juice (I just used 1/8 wedge and squeezed, I didn't measure)<br/>1/2 cup buckwheat flour<br/>1/2 cup sorghum flour<br/>1/2 cup brown rice flour<br/>1.5 tsp. baking soda<br/>1.5 tsp. cream of tartar<br/>1/2 tsp. sea salt<br/>1 tsp. xanthan gum<br/>1 tsp. cinnamon<br/>1/2 tsp. nutmeg<br/>1/2 tsp. cardamom</p><p>Directions:<br/>Mix together sugar, honey and oils. Add egg, lemon juice, and pumpkin. Stir to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ingredients (flours, baking soda, spices) and stir to combine. Add dry ingredients to wet and fold gently until combined. Bake at 325 for 60 - 75 minutes. Serve warm plain, or with whipped cream, butter, or cream cheese frosting if you are not dairy free!</p><p>And...you get a bonus recipe this week! Dairy-free fudge! It is sooooo rich and creamy, I love it, but I can only eat a couple pieces.</p><p>Coconut Milk Fudge</p><p><div class="note_content text_align_ltr direction_ltr clearfix"><div>Ingredients:<br/>1 cup coconut milk<br/>2 cups turbinado sugar (or a little less)<br/>4 oz. bittersweet baking chocolate (mine was 99% pure cacao)<br/>1 tsp. vanilla<br/>1/4 cup coconut oil</p><p>Directions:<br/>Mix together coconut milk and sugar in a large sauce pan. Stir occasionally over medium heat until it boils. Let it continue to boil for one minute. Remove from heat and add the chocolate, chopped into small chunks. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Put the pan back on the heat and let it cook without stirring until it reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer. Place the pan in a sink full of cold water to stop the cooking and add the vanilla and coconut oil; DO NOT STIR. When it is cooled to 110 degrees, stir vigorously until the oil is incorporated and the mixture is thick. You can add 1/2 cup of nuts or other add-ins at this point if you want. Pour mixture into a prepared pan (8x8) and allow to cool. It will solidify at room temperature but I put it in the fridge after it was mostly solid and I had cut it, it keeps longer in the fridge.</div></div></p>
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Who doesn't love pumpkin bread in the fall? It's a great holiday treat. I made this bread today for Thanksgiving (it's evening and most people have gone home now) and it was SO good that my mom wanted the recipe and some of the bread to take to work to share with her coworkers. She said, "I'm not usually into all the healthy cooking you do, but this bread is great!" Can't even tell it's gluten-free. :) Dairy free, too, unless you add cream cheese frosting! We didn't, so I don't have a recipe for that, but it's really great just by itself.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2009 01:18:50 AM
<p>Wow! Thanks for the bonus recipe!  I absolutely LOVE fudge.  Can&#39;t wait to try your healthier alternative!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: God Working in My Life
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/22/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Wow!  It's been a busy weekend.  We were out of town from early Saturday morning (we left around 7 AM) until after 3 PM today.  It was long!  It was a great time to be with our family members, but I am glad to be home now.  There were tons of people, tons of (not-so-healthy) food, and not much sleep.  A lot of the stuff I've done on this blog in the last few days (I spent some time when others were napping or engaged in other activities checking comments and such) has been in a sleep-deprived, distracted haze.  So if anything or anyone got overlooked, or if maybe I said some things I shouldn't have...I'm sorry.  :)  Like I said, it's been a little crazy.</p><p>In the past few months, God has really been working in my life. He's driven me to do a lot of different things that I might not have otherwise, or which were hard for me to do. I just wanted to share with you some of these things that have been going on, in hopes that it might inspire you.</p><p>I'll admit it: I LOVE the internet. I like to talk to people, and I like to research and learn new things. It's been hard for me to limit myself on computer time some days so I can spend enough time with my kids. There are days that they are quietly playing happily and I have some work that I want to get done and it's easy to justify doing it while they're happy, or even while they're on my lap sometimes. But God's been pushing me away from this more and more (by the way, as I write this, Daniel sleeps on me in his sling, and Bekah's running around her grandparents' house playing).</p><p>I have found that God is giving us more time in the mornings to play and get dressed (over an hour usually) before we even get downstairs. My kids and my house have been demanding more of my attention. I enjoy the chance to get up and chase them around, and involve them in the other things I'm doing, and to just stop and play with them (Bekah loves to get chased or tickled on the ground, so we take time everyday to do this with her!).</p><p>I've also been getting more involved in the community around me. God has provided a small group at church and many friends with kids Bekah's age. I've also found other playgroups and communities and we're getting involved with.  I've been really seeking community in the last few months.  I'm trying to find like-minded people here to befriend, and it's been going really well.  I have a lot of really great friends here now, with kids Bekah's age.  It's been great for her, too, to have her own little friends, and she knows a few by name now.  God has really provided opportunities for me to find this community.</p><p>I've also found that God has placed certain books in my life, or people, or blog posts (from others) that really show me things I need to work on.  For example, earlier I was reading<a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/"> another blog</a> where the blog owner and a reader were having a bit of a debate about a subject.  The blog owner was being very gentle and happy and really made the whole debate light-hearted.  I thought, this is really timely for me to read because I don't think I've handled debates on my blog very well.  It's been hard for me to sort out what is well-intentioned from what isn't and I know I've alienated a few readers by becoming defensive when it wasn't warranted.  It was so great to see an example of a disagreement handled well, so that in the future maybe I can handle mine better, too.  If you were affected by this -- I'm very sorry.  I do not always handle things the way I should and I am trying to do better now.</p><p>I've also had similar things placed in my life to show me how to be gentler and more consistent with my children.  I've been rewarded already with happier and more obedient children (well...child...Daniel's too little).  I've been attempting to teach Bekah two major things lately: that if she gets hurt or upset, a kiss or hug from mommy can make it all better (and she now asks for a hug or kiss if she is upset, then happily goes to play again), and that if she makes a mess, she will have to clean it up herself (she now makes fewer messes, and often cleans up the ones she has made without being asked).</p><p>I find that the more I am willing to accept what I see and hear around me, the more I see the ways God is really working in my life.  He really provides me all the answers and encouragement I need, and He is gently trying to correct me and show me a better way.  He is pushing me to be a better parent (more present for my kids, more consistent, gentler, more loving), to be more loving and encouraging to those around me, to be more humble and teachable and less defensive.  I am working very hard, and all the encouraging words I find in others' blog posts or the Bible or other sources are really helping me, and making me feel stronger.</p><p>Now, I hate to say this, but I was pretty upset by some of the comments I received over the weekend.  I am really working hard to post and respond to any and all comments that I can.  But the ones that use name-calling are very upsetting to me.  And I really hope that, as adults, we can really all be respectful and share nicely.  I know that people have a hard time, first of all, noting tone or intentions over the internet, so things can be easily misconstrued.  But I also know that sometimes the anonymity of a computer screen can make people feel bold and they say things they wouldn't say to someone's face.  Please think about how the person on the receiving end of your comment will feel before you hit send.  I am trying very hard to think more about this myself, so please work on this with me.</p><p>Second, I also HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you all to leave your names!  I feel like so many of you read this blog and "know" me, but I don't "know" you at all.  I would really like to know you, too, so I can have a rapport with my faithful readers.  Seeing anonymous comments, nice or mean, is a little discouraging to me!  Also, it's unfortunate, but all of the rude comments come through anonymously. If that continues, I will have to turn off anonymous commenting (because of that whole boldness because of anonymity through a computer screen, etc.). I don't want to do this because we've had a lot of really great contributions, but if people are not able to be mature and polite, it will have to stop.  I'm so sorry to have to say all this, but I really do find it upsetting to read some of the comments, and I really want to get to know my readers better.  So if you stop by, please leave your first name!  Thanks!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Wow!  It's been a busy weekend.  We were out of town from early Saturday morning (we left around 7 AM) until after 3 PM today.  It was long!  It was a great time to be with our family members, but I am glad to be home now.  There were tons of people, tons of (not-so-healthy) food, and not much sleep.  A lot of the stuff I've done on this blog in the last few days (I spent some time when others were napping or engaged in other activities checking comments and such) has been in a sleep-deprived, distracted haze.  So if anything or anyone got overlooked, or if maybe I said some things I shouldn't have...I'm sorry.  :)  Like I said, it's been a little crazy.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy New Year's Eve!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/01/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>In honor of New Year's Eve, I'll keep it short. If you haven't, try one of my alcohol-free punch recipes from last week (which, umm...I didn't post because I couldn't think of any good ones.  But I will have some other cool recipes out soon)!</p><p>One thing that I've tried to do on every New Year's Eve since I was a teenager is to sit down and write out my goals for the coming year. Yes, they are New Year's resolutions. But I don't make random, typical goals like "I'll lose weight" and "I'll do better at work." No, I sit down and really think about where I am and where I want to be in a year. I have a special journal that I keep, where I write these goals. I also write how I did on the previous year's goals. Throughout the year, I refer to these goals and think about how I am doing in achieving them, and how I might be able to do better. These are real goals that I truly intend to meet.</p><p>Every year I write down around a dozen goals, and I like to think I ultimately achieve over half of them, although some -- such as be a more patient mother -- are ongoing goals, which I will always be working on. I'll never achieve perfection, so it's my goal to do a little better each year.</p><p>In an upcoming post, I'll share some of this year's goals with you, so that you can help keep me honest!</p><p>Do you ever make New Year's resolutions? If so, do you keep them? I challenge everyone to make some REAL goals this year. Write them down, make them count, and see what you can do to make them happen!</p>
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In honor of New Year's Eve, I'll keep it short. If you haven't, try one of my alcohol-free punch recipes from last week (which, umm...I didn't post because I couldn't think of any good ones.  But I will have some other cool recipes out soon)!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/01/2010 02:32:25 AM
<p>I don&#39;t remember having seen recipes for punch - did I miss them?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News: Flu shots, IQ tests, and Senate Health Bill
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/02/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health news Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/17/Obama-Administration-Launches-Deceptive-Swine-Flu-Propaganda-Blitz.aspx">Current Flu Vaccine Tactics</a><br/>Why you don't need a flu shot and what the government is doing to make you think you do.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/17/Omega3-Benefits-Baby-Brains-and-Eyes.aspx">Omega-3 Oils Benefit Baby's Brain and Eyes</a><br/>How these oils help baby's development and why many babies are deficient.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/28/IQ-Isnt-Everything-Why-a-High-IQ-Doesnt-Mean-Youre-Smart.aspx">Why a High IQ Doesn't Mean You're Intelligent</a><br/>New research into IQ tests and the actual skills needed to be "smart" in life, and how nutrition can help.</p><p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125952787004468603.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsTop">Senate Begins Debate on Health Bill</a><br/>Yesterday, the Senate began debate on the new health bill. There is still time to act against this!</p><p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/26/diabetes.projections/">Cost of Treating Diabetes will Triple by 2034</a><br/>Now, more than ever it is time to take personal responsibility for your health and avoid type II diabetes.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027600_chemotherapy_testicular_cancer.html">Toxic Effects of Chemotherapy</a><br/>The long term side effects of chemotherapy.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027620_ClimateGate_global_warming.html">Scientific Fraud</a> <a href="http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=513542">Climate Gate Scandal</a><br/>Some emails have been leaked showing that a group of scientists have been committing fraud by manipulating and hiding data to prove their theories right.</p><p>If you like this blog, subscribe and get it emailed to you daily!</p>
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Health news Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/17/Obama-Administration-Launches-Deceptive-Swine-Flu-Propaganda-Blitz.aspx">Current Flu Vaccine Tactics</a><br/>Why you don't need a flu shot and what the government is doing to make you think you do.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: GMO Crops, Autism Issues, and Boosting Your Immunity with Foods
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/09/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027647_RealAge_scam.html">Real Age Website Scam</a><br/>Some of you may have heard of the website RealAge.com. According to an NY Times expose, it is little more than a pharmaceutical company marketing tool. Stay away!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027642_genetically_engineered_crops_pesticides.html">New Reasons why GMO Crops are Bad News</a><br/>Guess what? We have "super bugs" in hospitals, which are antibiotic resistant. Now we have "super weeds," which are pesticide resistant! This leads to the use of more and more pesticides, among other problems.</p><p><a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/ehs-tfa120109.php">Treatments for Asthma and Pre-term Labor may increase risk of Autism in Developing Fetus</a><br/>A new study showing the dangers of taking certain medications while pregnant.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/08/Newborn-Babies-Were-NOT-Designed-to-Sleep-Alone.aspx">Shunning the Family Bed: Who Benefits Most?</a><br/>New research shows that co-sleeping is TWICE as safe as sleeping alone in a crib.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/08/Top-12-Foods-for-Healthy-Immune-Response.aspx">Top 12 Foods to Boost Your Immune Response</a><br/>I would recommend eating all of these!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027685_CO2_emissions_EPA.html">Carbon Dioxide Declared Health Hazard by the EPA</a><br/>An opinion piece on the EPA's move.</p>
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Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027647_RealAge_scam.html">Real Age Website Scam</a><br/>Some of you may have heard of the website RealAge.com. According to an NY Times expose, it is little more than a pharmaceutical company marketing tool. Stay away!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: Health Care Plan Update, BPA Ban, Tamiflu Scandal
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/16/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-healthcare-qa14-2009dec14,0,5136040.story">Senate's "Compromise" Bill in Response to Public Health Care</a><br/>The government-run health care is facing serious opposition in the Senate, and a new option has been proposed. Ben and I predict none of it will pass in the end. :)</p><p><a href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/12/13/nanosensors-spot-early-signs-of-cancer.html">New Nano Technology Could Detect Cancer with Simple Blood Test</a><br/>Very interesting, safer technology could be the answer to early cancer detection.</p><p><a href="http://topnews.us/content/28908-two-ny-senators-introduce-new-legislation-ban-bpa-children-s-products">New York Senators Introduce Ban on BPA</a><br/>Something that will help our children greatly! It's been banned in Canada and other countries already, and hopefully the U.S. is now following suit.</p><p><a href="http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2009/12/14/poor-children-more-likely-to-be-drugged/">Children on Medicaid More Likely to Be Drugged</a><br/>Scary statistics and how often and why children from low-income families are likely to be given anti-psychotics and other drugs.</p><p><a href="http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/Leukemia/17506">Milk Thistle Cuts Liver Toxicity from Chemotherapy</a><br/>Yet MORE evidence that alternative medicine works and is practical.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027734_Tamiflu_Roche.html">Tamiflu Approved Through Scientific Fraud</a><br/>Tamiflu, which is derived from star anise (a natural medicine) was approved through the use of fraud in its clinical trials.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027722_metabolic_syndrome_fructose.html">Fructose May Cause Metabolic Syndrome</a><br/>Bad news for diabetics.  Note the effect on cholesterol levels too; it seems to point to cholesterol being a symptom of a greater problem (i.e. inflammation caused by poor diet and metabolic disturbances) than a problem by itself.</p>
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Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-healthcare-qa14-2009dec14,0,5136040.story">Senate's "Compromise" Bill in Response to Public Health Care</a><br/>The government-run health care is facing serious opposition in the Senate, and a new option has been proposed. Ben and I predict none of it will pass in the end. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: Organic Milk and Allergies, Natural Remedies for Candida, and more
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/30/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/12/28/frum.unhealthy.habits/index.html">Unhealthy Habits are What's Killing Us</a><br/>Opinion piece on why socialized medicine isn't the solution to the problem.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027780_germs_inflammation.html">Natural Exposure to Germs May Protect Kids from Infectious Disease as Adults</a><br/>A new, longitudinal study shows that a "dirty"environment for children just may protect against future disease.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027778_Baby_Boomers_degenerative_disease.html">Baby Boomers are the First Generation to be Sicker than the Previous One</a><br/>New research has found that Baby Boomers (now around age 60) tend to rely more on pharmaceuticals, require more assistance, and are more likely to be sick or overweight than their parents were at their age. An increase in sedentary lifestyle and the overuse of technology is blamed.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027791_candida_remedies.html">Natural Remedies for Candida Albicans</a><br/>Suffering with repeated yeast infections? These treatments may help. (Please note I don't advocate the low-fat diet suggestion.)</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027800_newborns_chemicals.html">Hundreds of Chemicals Found in Newborns</a><br/>Researchers tested the cord blood of 10 newborns and found BPA, rocket fuel, remnants of artificial fragrances (from perfumes and detergents), and more. These chemicals are known to cause cancer and disrupt growth and development, and can cross the placenta into unborn babies.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027813_organic_milk_allergies.html">Organic Milk Linked to Lower Rates of Asthma, Allergies, and Eczema</a><br/>Please be sure your organic milk is NOT ultra-pasteurized though!</p><p>Do you have any additional health news to share with us?  Please post it below!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday!</p><p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/12/28/frum.unhealthy.habits/index.html">Unhealthy Habits are What's Killing Us</a><br/>Opinion piece on why socialized medicine isn't the solution to the problem.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: The World's Fattest Countries, and Arrested for Selling Medicinal Herbs
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/23/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/19/How-Journals-Can-Twist-and-Manipulate-Vaccine-Research.aspx">How Medical Journals Make Vaccines Sound Better than they Are</a><br/>"Efficacy" and "effectiveness" are NOT the same! Read for more.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/17/The-Worlds-Fattest-Countries.aspx">The World's Fattest Countries</a><br/>Surprise: America's NOT #1, and many countries aren't far behind us.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027750_Greg_Caton_FDA.html">Greg Caton: Arrested for Selling Medicinal Herbs</a><br/>Former U.S. citizen Greg Caton was living in Ecuador, selling medicinal herbs (it's legal there), but was illegally extradited to the U.S. and arrested for it. More on this incredible story.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027742_mammography_radiation.html">Study Verifies Mammograms Cause Cancer</a><br/>New study in the Radiological Society of North America journal verifies that <a href="http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2009/12/01/can-mammograms-increase-cancer-risk-for-some-women/?xid=rss-topstories">mammograms increase cancer risk</a>. Just a caution that this is a preliminary study and no recommendations have yet been made based on it.</p><p><a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-7-foods-experts-wont-eat-547963/">7 Foods Experts Wouldn't Eat</a><br/>Check the list, see how many you eat!</p><p><a href="http://pregnancy.wisertogether.com/blog/2009/12/birthing-class-philosophy-not-so-important-to-women/">Women Don't Choose Birthing Classes Based on Philosophy</a><br/>A new study shows that women choose classes based mainly on cost and location. I HIGHLY encourage everyone considering a birthing class (wherever they intend to birth) to investigate the method or instructor's philosophy before choosing one!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027789_Dr_Julie_Gerberding_Merck.html">Dr. Julie Gerberding, Former Head of CDC, Now President of Merck's Vaccine Division</a><br/>This is an opinion piece, but shows a huge conflict of interest.</p>
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EXCERPT:
<a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/19/How-Journals-Can-Twist-and-Manipulate-Vaccine-Research.aspx">How Medical Journals Make Vaccines Sound Better than they Are</a><br/>"Efficacy" and "effectiveness" are NOT the same! Read for more.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/23/2009 12:41:49 PM
<p>Gah, tomatoes. Mike just saw that this week...we eat this sausage/pepper meal every other week that has canned tomato and canned sauce. Argh...sucks to miss out on that meal!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Home Birth
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/20/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**Note: Homebirth is a beautiful and SAFE experience for babies everywhere.  Babies used to be born at home and still should be.  The U.S. has the highest rate of interventions of any developed country -- AND the highest infant mortality rate.  Parenting is all about choosing what is best for your baby and home birth, for many moms, is it.  Even if you would not be comfortable at home, and would not choose home birth, please don't insult the moms who do.  They have carefully studied their options (no matter what their age) and have chosen what is absolutely best for them.  Please be respectful in your comments even if you disagree. **</p><p>If you've read <a href="/2009/10/daniels-birth-story.html">Daniel's birth story </a>at the beginning of this blog, you already know he was born at home. So, clearly, I am pro-home birth. But why? Why would someone choose to have a home birth? Is it safe? Where would you find attendants? There is a lot to consider when you are thinking about having a home birth.</p><p>First of all, you should birth where you are most comfortable. For some people, that truly is the hospital, because they feel too nervous about the "what ifs" involved in childbirth and/or they like an environment where they really don't have to worry about anything, they are taken care of. But for a lot of people, home is the most comfortable environment, because home is what is familiar. For those women, they should be able to birth at home, and should have access to midwives so they can do so safely (I'll be discussing the issues surrounding midwives and home births from a legal standpoint in another post).</p><p>If you are considering a home birth, the first thing you should do is find a qualified midwife. This does NOT necessarily mean a nurse-midwife; there are also certified professional midwives. In some states CPMs are legal, and in others (including here), they aren't. If you ask around, you'll probably find the same few names coming up over and over. There's a community of "natural" parents, including home-birthers, in every major area. Some are luckier than others though! You can also look at <a href="http://www.dona.org/">DONA </a>or <a href="http://nacpm.org/">NACPM</a> (National Association of Certified Professional Midwives), or <a href="http://www.narm.org/">NARM</a> (North American Registry of Midwives).</p><p>Sit down with the midwife you've chosen and ask LOTS of questions. Here is a brief of things you really must ask, but add to this list anything you're wondering about, including your attitudes towards birth, fears, desires, etc.</p><p>1) How much training have you had? Do you have any certifications? Which?<br/>2) How long have you been a midwife?<br/>3) How many babies have you delivered?<br/>4) What are your birth statistics (inc. hospital transfers and reasons why, any maternal/neonatal deaths and causes, average birth weight, c-sections, etc.)?<br/>5) Have you ever had any unusual birth situations (cord prolapse, unknown breech, etc.)? How did you handle them?<br/>6) How and why do you recommend a woman to go the hospital? What happens if I need to go?<br/>7) What happens if you are unavailable for my birth? Do you have a back up?<br/>8) What is your philosophy on birth?<br/>9) What is your role in my birth? How much control will I have? What about writing a birth plan?<br/>10) Do you do water births? Hypnobirths? (Or any other type you want)<br/>11) What happens in an emergency, if we can't drive to the hospital? Are you trained in CPR or other resuscitation? Do you bring any equipment with you?<br/>12) What do I need to supply for the birth?<br/>13) Do you have any reference families I can contact?<br/>14) How often will I see you? Will you do prenatal care for me?<br/>15) Do you use a back-up doctor or do you recommend I see one? If so, who?<br/>16) If I need to go to the hospital, do you recommend a particular one?<br/>17) Do you do any routine testing or exams? What type?<br/>18) Do you have any limits on who can attend my birth? If so, why?<br/>19) At what point do you consider me full term? What if I go into labor early?<br/>20) Is there anything else I need to know about home birth or you?</p><p>Make sure that you get a sense of your midwife's attitude towards birth. Hopefully, you will find one who is very open to your ideas and wishes in birthing, is well-trained in CPR and resuscitations, can do basic prenatal care, is cautious and willing to refer you to a doctor at any point if you become high-risk or if there are any problems or concerns at all (from either of you). The midwife should be willing to allow whoever you want at the birth, be certified and well-trained (having attended no fewer than 30 births, which should occur during training). The midwife should carry equipment with her in case of emergency (oxygen) and be familiar with what to do for cord prolapse, hemmorhage, etc. She should do routine testing for hemoglobin levels, and for protein/sugar in your urine, but most other testing is unnecessary. Although, she should know where to go in case you would prefer to do other testing and be willing to work with you on that. She should not perform internal exams up until labor unless there is a problem, in which case she should probably refer you to a doctor. She should recommend a particular doctor(s) and hospital in case of emergency, and officially say a back up doctor is fine, even if she does not require you to have one. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with her, and feel that she is trained, can handle your birth and any complications (hoping for none) and that her attitude and philosophy meshes well with yours.</p><p>In some states, if the midwives are legal, they will be able to actually attend your birth in a hospital, if you require transfer. In others, where midwives are NOT legal, they will function as a doula or labor coach in the event of a transfer. This is still desirable because midwives can discuss options with the doctors and advocate for you. This way if the doctor says "You really need..." your midwife, who is experienced, can advise you on whether that treatment is really necessary (in many cases it will be, because you don't go to the hospital from a planned homebirth for no reason, but still, it's good to have a midwife to help you sort through your options). It is also important to note that some midwives consider you full term at 36 weeks; others at 37. Most will not attend a birth prior to whatever they consider full term, and will send you straight to the hospital for any premature labor.</p><p>You should see a midwife as often as you would otherwise see a doctor. That is, monthly from 8 - 28 weeks, bi-weekly from 28 - 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks - birth. You should also have a home visit from your midwife around 36 or 37 weeks, so that she knows how to get to you, and so that she can verify that you have all your homebirth supplies and that you are ready. Because after this point, you could go into labor at any time!</p><p>At each midwife appointment, you should meet for a full hour, or at least a half hour. The appointments shouldn't be 5 - 10 minutes like a doctor's, because your midwife should spend time getting to know you, your husband, your children (if any), and to learn as much as she can about what you are looking for in your pregnancy and birth experience. Early in your care, your midwife should take a detailed history on you. If you have any previous obstetrical history, your midwife should ask you about it in detail. She should also ask about your mother and sisters. If you have had any previous complications, your midwife will want to know what, and why. For example, if you've had a previous c-section for a breech baby, this is unlikely to occur again and is not a concern. But if you've had preeclampsia in the past, this <em>is</em> a concern and could disqualify you from home birth. In general, your midwife should screen you early in your pregnancy to see if you are a good candidate for home birth. The following may disqualify you:</p><p>*A complicated gynecological history (frequently missed periods for no reason, PCOS, etc.)<br/>*Multiple miscarriages<br/>*History pre-term labor<br/>*History of pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome<br/>*Uncontrolled or difficult diabetes<br/>*History of gestational diabetes<br/>*History of c-sections for circumstances likely to repeat<br/>*Previous hemorrhage<br/>*History of neonatal complications<br/>*Any indications of high-risk pregnancy (multiple miscarriage scares, bleeding, unusual cramping, threatened pre-term labor, etc.)<br/>*Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)</p><p>Some midwives will disqualify you just for having diabetes, including gestational, or any c-sections (they don't want to attend a VBAC). You may also get disqualified late in pregnancy due to a breech baby (though some will keep seeing you in case the baby turns). Some will attempt a twin birth at home, but it depends on the position of the twins near term; most won't attempt higher multiples at home. It's possible that, if you have a history with this midwife, she will care for you even with some problems because she <em>knows</em> your history, whereas she would not take you on as a new client. If you are potentially high-risk, the midwife should recommend that you see a doctor in addition, so that you can transfer your care if necessary.</p><p>At each appointment, you should discuss any problems, questions, or concerns that you have. Your midwife should weigh you, or at least ask if you've weighed yourself (this is more important towards the end of your pregnancy, because a rapid weight gain can signal the beginning of pre-eclampsia. Some women do not want to be weighed in the first half of their pregnancy, and in healthy women, this can be okay -- ask). Your midwife should also take a look at your diet and advise you on how you can eat better for your baby (she should recommend 80 - 100 grams of protein per day, among other things). Your midwife may recommend a particular "pregnancy tea" (containing oatstraw, red raspberry leaf, alfalfa, and other herbs) and possibly a prenatal vitamin. If your hemoglobin is low (below 12), she may recommend spirulina to bring it up. Your midwife should also do prenatal care: listen for baby's heart tones (with a doppler or fetoscope), feel for baby's position, and after 20 weeks, measure fundal height. Your midwife should also have you check for any protein or sugar in your urine, and if any is found, follow up with further testing (it can be a sign of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia). Some midwives will also have you test your blood sugar at home for a week while eating normal meals (and will advise you on the proper way to do this testing) to determine if you are at risk or showing signs of gestational diabetes, and will recommend follow-up testing if necessary, or perhaps a diet change. The ACOG now says that for women with no history of diabetes who are under 25, no glucose testing is necessary anyway.</p><p>Your midwife will also attempt to assess your ideas, thoughts, and feelings about birth and all related issues. This means if you are a victim of abuse (sexual or otherwise), your midwife will attempt to discuss this, work through it with you, and refer you to a counselor if necessary. If there are family members or friends putting pressure on you because they do not agree with your choices, she will discuss this with you too.</p><p>Your midwife should also give you her immediate contact information: phone number and email (preferably cell phone) so that if you have an emergency, or if the baby is coming, you can call her and reach her immediately. This is IMPORTANT. I have heard many stories of people I know personally, just in the last few months, of having their babies in 15 min. - 2 hours after the first contraction, and in many cases, the midwife didn't even make it! For this reason, you and your husband should also attend a birthing class (your midwife should recommend one, and/or teach you this information) to learn how to deliver a baby, just in case you are alone when the baby comes.</p><p>You will also need to buy birthing supplies. Many midwives will put together birthing kits that you can buy directly from them, or from a source they will provide you. You are also able to go and buy your own supplies. A basic list includes:</p><p>*Chux pads, large and small (20 - 30)<br/>*Latex gloves<br/>*A birthing pool with liner (if desired)<br/>*Several towels, sterilized (your midwife should tell you how, but seal them in a paper bag and bake for 2 - 3 hours at 200 degrees)<br/>*Baby hat<br/>*Nasal aspirator<br/>*Peri bottle(s)<br/>*Sterilized washcloths and hot water in a crockpot (for perineum compresses)<br/>*Ice packs (for after)<br/>*Mattress pads<br/>*Large trash bags<br/>*Cord tape<br/>*Straws<br/>*Juice/cereal to snack on<br/>*Large bowls (for placenta, and in case you get sick)<br/>*Pads for after the birth (like menstrual pads, but big)</p><p>Your midwife may have a different list of supplies. She may also require additional items that you already have around the home (extra sheets for your bed, blankets to wrap the baby in, etc.). It is important to gather ALL the supplies that your midwife requests, organize and label them, and have them in the room you intend to birth at least 4 weeks before your due date. You may also choose to have additional supplies that you want: camera or video camera, special outfit/diaper for after birth, music to play, candles to light, massage oil, birthing ball, special outfit for you, etc. Select all these in advance and put them near your birthing supplies. If you want certain pictures, make sure you have someone who is NOT coaching you who can take them, and that they understand what you do -- and DON'T -- want pictures of (i.e. "don't take a picture of me naked!" or "don't get the head crowning!" etc.). It may be a good idea to invite someone you trust just to take pictures, if this is important to you.</p><p>If you want a birthing tub, you can rent one (usually around $200). This is fine...but you can also buy one. There are pools from $30 - $1200. We bought a kiddie pool called the <a href="http://www.yourwaterbirth.com/other-pools-aquarium-pool-p-2.html">Aquarium pool </a>for $30 and it was just fine. It was strong, had 3 separate inflatable rings (important, so you can adjust the height as necessary) and the sides were strong enough to lean/lay on. The pool should be 22 - 28" deep, and it depends on your height. The size of the pool matters, too, depending on whether you want your husband in with you. 6 ft. in diameter should be big enough for a second person, but talk to your midwife about specific recommendations or ask others who've had water births.</p><p>If you have older children, you must decide whether or not they will attend the birth. If the birth occurs at night, a lot of people will let their children sleep; if you have children who are much older (7 or so), they may want to be woken for the birth. It is a good idea to have a helper for the child(ren) who can be present for the birth if the child(ren) wants to be, but is willing to leave if not. We called our friend, Lindsey, to come and watch Bekah during Daniel's birth, which worked out for the best. Next time we will probably allow her to watch -- if she wants to. Some children really just want to be with their mothers and observing the birth is in everyone's best interests; it can also foster a strong bond between siblings. However, some children are a distraction or cannot stand to see their mother in pain and do not want to witness the birth. Either way, children can come back as soon as the baby is born and meet their new sibling in the first moments of his/her life, which is equally special. This is an issue you should discuss thoroughly with your midwife, but remember to be flexible. We had assumed Bekah WOULD want to witness the birth because we thought if she were downstairs and knew I was nearby, she would throw a fit about not getting to be with me. But it turned out she was quite happy to play with friends, and much fussier and clingier when she was with me (which I didn't need right then!).</p><p>It's important to note that, in labor, you will probably have a point where you say "I can't do this anymore!" If you MEAN it, your support people should be willing to take you to the hospital, even if nothing is really wrong (you are just exhausted). But be aware that nearly every woman says this, and it means you are either in transition or right around the corner from it. Also, no matter how logical you think you are at this point, you are not. Trust your support people and if they try to convince you to stay home, and talk you through a few more contractions, give it a shot. It may be just what you need.</p><p>I said that -- "I can't do it!" I thought I was logical. I said "I'm not making any progress; if I were I could do it. But I'm not. So it is logical to want to go to the hospital and get help. I am nowhere near transition." My husband and midwives had a little pow-wow in another room that I learned about later, where he told them I didn't mean it (although I <em>did</em>, the idea of actually having to pack a bag, get in a car, and then be away from my home and my daughter for a day seemed overwhelming and wrong) and then he coaxed me into the pool we'd set up. It turned out I entered transition right after that and my son was born only an hour or so later. It is important to let people help you! And listen to them even if you don't really want to!</p><p>Finally, READ everything you can. Read birth stories. Talk to other people who've had home births. Talk to midwives (even if you aren't totally sold on the idea). Write down all your thoughts and fears (I did). Read books on natural child birth and relaxation techniques. Learn all you can about birthing naturally, and it may put your fears at ease. Honestly, having given birth both in a hospital with an epidural, and at home with no drugs, I would have a baby at home tomorrow (even though I am tired right now...I would STILL be happy to be in labor, to be in pain, to be exhausted again...because it is amazing!). I would be eager, and excited to do it. Really! But I would never want to do it in a hospital again. I can't wait until I have another baby, at home.</p><p>Here are a few resources for you:<br/><a href="http://www.inhishands.com/html/ordermain.html">In His Hands</a> (birth supplies; we ordered mine from them)<br/><a href="http://www.mamagoddessbirthshop.com/">Mama Goddess</a> (birth supplies)<br/><a href="http://www.yourwaterbirth.com/">Your Water Birth</a> (water birthing supplies)<br/><a href="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=20">Home Birth Forum</a> (at mothering.com)<br/><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/08/johannas-birth-story.html">Johanna's Birth Story</a> (at Keeper of the Home)<br/><a href="http://www.childbirth.org/articles/stories/categories/homebirthstories.html">Home Birth Stories</a><br/><a href="http://www.birthstories.com/">Birth Stories</a></p><p>I have two more exciting things to tell you!</p><p>In the next few months, I'd love to post encouraging, natural birth stories. If you would like to submit yours (they don't have to be home births, but drug-free please), email it to me (leave a comment with your email, which will be hidden, and I'll send you my email then). I think we all need that encouragement!</p><p>Also, I am currently working on a cookbook that will feature Real Food recipes and cooking tips for cooks new to cooking and Real Foods. The sales from this book will benefit women who do not have the means to pay for midwives and doulas and other alternative birth care. Most of this will be going to <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a> (these are the midwives I used). So, look for more details on this book and please consider buying one to support this worthy organization! The book will come in January, and there is a true need for money to support this type of organization right now. More on why in a couple weeks.</p><p>Where did you have your babies? Were you satisfied with your experience? Have you had a home birth or would you consider one?</p>
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If you've read <a href="/2009/10/daniels-birth-story.html">Daniel's birth story </a>at the beginning of this blog, you already know he was born at home. So, clearly, I am pro-home birth. But why? Why would someone choose to have a home birth? Is it safe? Where would you find attendants? There is a lot to consider when you are thinking about having a home birth.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/24/2009 02:21:45 AM
<p>Amy,</p><p>It&#39;s hard to say what to do in a circumstance like yours.  I don&#39;t know enough about what exactly happened to say.  But there are differences in the way situations are handled at home vs. in the hospital that can change the outcome.  For example, if a baby is born in a hospital with the cord wrapped around his neck, it will be immediately cut and he&#39;ll be whisked to the NICU and put on machines for awhile.  At home, the baby will be delivered carefully and the cord left intact for quite awhile (an hour usually) and the baby given oxygen on the mom&#39;s chest if necessary.  I know because Daniel was born with his cord wrapped pretty tightly around his neck.  And he is fine.  I tend to believe that he may not have been if his cord had been cut too soon, because once it was unwrapped, he was getting oxygen through it while he learned to breathe and got oxygen from the machine briefly too.  I think if we&#39;d cut it we would have ended up in the hospital for breathing issues.  I can&#39;t PROVE that.  But I feel like there are such different practices between midwives and OBs, home and hospital, that it&#39;s just hard to say what a baby&#39;s outcome would have truly been in one location vs. another, unless a specific, tragic thing happened (cord prolapse, torn placenta, maternal hemorrhage, etc.).  It&#39;s a TOUGH choice.  One that everyone has to make, based on what they know and believe, and hope and pray it is right.  I know we were better off at home.  I can&#39;t say that would be true for everyone.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/23/2009 01:26:44 AM
<p>What about in cases where its a normal low risk pregnancy, and pretty normal delivery (just fast)... and the case of the baby is not so normal.  I&#39;m not anti homebirth, actually seriously considered it for this pregnancy... but my son would not have lived had I had one.  Thats my hang up, no one can say he would have been safer at home, I guess you could argue that if he cant make a 10 minute ambulance ride to the hospital, to live would be playing god... but I guess I would rather play god...</p><p>Amy (yup the one you know :))</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/22/2009 08:40:20 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I read a lot of comments before I read yours, and may have mixed them up when I responded to you intially.  I apologize if I was rude or hard on you.  I still do believe that women should have the right to birth wherever they feel most comfortable.  So, for you, that was the hospital, and that&#39;s great!  For me, that was at home.  I did have Bekah in a hospital and it was not the experience I wanted and I did have trouble bonding with her in the early months.  I hate to admit that, but that&#39;s the truth.  After my son was born and I realized how different I felt, I cried for what I felt I&#39;d lost in the early months with her.  That&#39;s the perspective I&#39;m coming from.  I also feel very sure that my midwives (I had two) would have sent me to the hospital quickly at any point had I needed to go, either before the birth, during, or after.  We are only 10 minutes away.  I felt (and still feel) that we could get to a hospital before any trouble really arose if we really needed to, that we would make it to help on time.  That is something that people who do not live as close to a hospital as I do should take into consideration, obviously.</p><p>Generally, I strongly believe women should have a choice where they birth, and that they should have the means to actually experience what they choose.  Every part of life is a calculated risk (like getting into a car everyday), but sometimes it&#39;s truly worth it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/22/2009 03:01:54 AM
<p>I didn&#39;t imply you were a bad parent.  I said that hospitals are always the safest option because there are medical professionals on hand to deal with complications.  NO birth is guaranteed not to have complications, so home births are a calculated risk.  My OPINION is that it is best to err on the side of caution in all cases.  I&#39;m sure my opinion was formed from my experience of having had two babies that had complications. Experience is a rude teacher.   </p><p>You can make whatever choice you wish, but it is a choice mothers make to enhance their own birthing experience since we both agree that the babies do not remember their own birth.</p><p>Now I am finished talking about this as well.  I hope all of your future births are uncomplicated and are a good experience for you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/21/2009 05:26:04 PM
<p>The constant waking does occur in the hospital even when you&#39;re rooming in with your baby.  I had Bekah in a hospital and she never left my side, but they still came in every 2 - 3 hours to check on us and wake us and try to make Bekah eat.  At home, Daniel nursed within an hour of birth, and then he slept for 11 straight hours.  He was closely watched by either me or my husband but that&#39;s what babies typically want to do -- sleep.</p><p>I do want comments from people with different opinions.  But not from people who want to imply I am a bad parent if I don&#39;t agree with them, or if I choose something they wouldn&#39;t.  I don&#39;t feel saying that birth is all about me and I am selfish is furthering a discussion on the merits of home birth.  It also divides mothers who are all trying to do their best.  That is why I said that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/21/2009 03:33:43 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I&#39;m not sure why you won&#39;t post more comments from me, but whatever.  My arguments are just as rational as yours; they are just different.  I read your blog to see your point-of-view.  I read editorials in the newspaper from writers whose opinions differ from mine; I read books whose authors have different opinions than mine.  If you are not open to differing opinions, why do you post yours?  Do you only want readers who agree with you?  If that is the case, you have no hope for advancing your ideas and your blog is really  an online journal.  I guess I am wondering what your purpose for writing is? Changing minds and presenting your ideas or simply documenting your life?  </p><p>Emma, most hospitals let the mom keep the baby in her room if she wants.  This allows the mother to wake to feed the baby when the baby needs to be fed.  The forced waking you describe occurs when the mother doesn&#39;t want to &quot;room-in&quot; with the baby.  I know it happens, but I really can&#39;t imagine a mother not wanting her baby in her room.  It says more about the mother than it does about the hospital.  If the hospital your friends are going to doesn&#39;t offer rooming-in, they should find a different hospital. </p><p>I agree there are differences between drug-free births and those where the mother chooses or needs drugs.  Avoiding drugs is the best choice, when possible.  Unfortunately, life isn&#39;t always so tidy. I had pitocin with my first child because I had gestational diabetes.  She was almost 10 lbs. and my placenta was deteriorating due to the diabetes.  It was not a choice I wanted to make, but it was what was best for the baby.  The good news is I went on to have another child with whom I did not have gestational diabetes, and I had no drugs during labor.  Both children thrived, and I bonded equally well with both of them. When you decide to have a child(ren), I hope all goes perfectly for you and especially for your child(ren).  Expect the best and prepare for the worst!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/21/2009 12:18:30 AM
<p>Before I say this, let this be clear: I am not pregnant, and I do not have a child, so I do not have any personal experience with giving birth. I do, however, have TONS of people around me (I know 3 married women who don&#39;t have kids, aren&#39;t pregnant, or aren&#39;t trying to become pregnant, and this is including my entire church and everyone I work with) who have babies, are trying to have babies, and the like.</p><p>The problem I have with hospital births right now is the &#39;forcing the baby to wake up to feed&#39; routine. Everyone with a baby under 1 that I know was woken up at the hospital along with their baby every two hours in the night instead of allowing the child to sleep like it needed. What is the point of that? The baby will eat when it is hungry - I&#39;ve never known a hungry baby who didn&#39;t make it known to the entire world as soon as he/she was hungry. </p><p>I&#39;m also not a fan of the idea of being pumped full of drugs that we&#39;ve decided are necessary in order to give birth. I try to avoid taking unnecessary medications - so why, then, after thousands of years of giving birth without any need for these medicines are they suddenly something that every woman wants to have? Nurses can tell when a baby&#39;s mother was induced without seeing the mom, and they can tell if she&#39;s had an epidural based off of how the baby acts after being born. So why do people think that there is &#39;no difference&#39; between a drug-free birth and a drugged one? </p><p>Those are just my two cents on the matter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 11:23:46 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Just noting that this is my last comment to you.  It is clear you do not agree and I will not convince you.  This discussion is no longer productive, so I won&#39;t be participating further, and no more comments from you will be posted unless the specifically further a rational discussion.  Quite honestly, if you disagree so strongly, I am not sure why you keep reading the blog.  But, we&#39;ve each said what we think and believe and this is the end of the discussion now.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 11:08:46 PM
<p>Are you suggesting that c-sections, pitocin, etc. does not affect the baby?  That drugs don&#39;t cross the placenta?  That any stress that results on the mother doesn&#39;t affect the baby?  OF COURSE it does.  What&#39;s best for mom is usually what&#39;s best for baby.</p><p>And, again: moms SHOULD have the birthing experience they want.  It is a major event in a woman&#39;s life.  It is an important part of the bonding experience.  You are free to NOT choose home birth, but please do not say it isn&#39;t safe for those who DO desire it.  We are lucky to have options here, limited as they may be.  I strongly believe in home birth for the safety and comfort of moms AND babies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2009 10:45:52 PM
<p>Home birth is stil all about what is best for mommy, not baby.  All of the interventions you mentioned affect the mother not the child.  Who cares?  The birth is about achieving the best outcome for THE BABY.  The germs at home won&#39;t be familiar to the baby; it hasn&#39;t been exposed to them.  The monitors, pitocin, and even c-sections affect the mother, not the baby.  </p><p>I do think our infant mortality rate is higher because the U.S. serves more women with higher risk pregnancies.  Are you implying that infants die because they are born in hospitals?</p><p>Do you really think that comparing humans who can REASON to animals who can&#39;t reason is a way to make a point?  Humans can decide to bond with their babies regardless of the circumstances of their birth.  This ability to think is what separates us from animals. </p><p>I hope all of your pregnancies go well and you can have the birth experiences you want.  I had gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy and my second child had a prolapsed cord.  Both conditions were found by my wonderful obstetricians, both children were born in hospitals with level 1 neonatal intensive care units (just in case though not necessary, thank God), both children thrived.  The interventions that were performed on me were of minor to no consideration; I simply wanted healthy children.  By the way, we bonded just fine.  </p><p>Lastly, in your original post I had trouble finding a sentence that didn&#39;t contain a personal pronoun (I, me, my, mine - in case you&#39;ve forgotten).  Your point-of-view clearly indicates who the home birth is all about - you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 09:35:34 PM
<p>Final thought: hospital-acquired infections.  At home there are few germs and they&#39;re all familiar, so it&#39;s unlikely the baby would get sick.  But in a hospital there is MRSA and all kinds of stuff that can spread easily, and be very dangerous to babies.  So...hospitals, no thanks.  All my healthy, normal babies will be born at home.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 09:32:26 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Just as another point to ponder -- saying that ALL babies are safest in the hospital, despite a very, very low risk of complications in most cases is like saying that you MIGHT get thyroid disease someday, so you should just remove it now.  Or you might get breast cancer, so why not have a mastectomy now to avoid it?  (Don&#39;t laugh -- some women are actually doing that.)  But why in the world would you EVER do that?  You don&#39;t mess up what isn&#39;t broken.</p><p>Not to mention that for low-risk women, the chance of complications CAUSED BY THE HOSPITAL is far higher than the risk of complications at home.  It&#39;s unlikely that a woman at home would suddenly need help (most go to the hospital for exhaustion or wanting pain meds, not because they have an emergency), and midwives are trained to handle emergencies in case they occur.  But if you go to a hospital, even as very low-risk, you WILL get an IV.  Then you will have to stay in bed.  You will probably end up with pitocin because labor isn&#39;t progressing &quot;fast enough&quot; based on an arbitrary, unreliable, external contraction monitor.  Then your water will be broken to move it along more, and internal monitors will be used.  Then you end up with vacuum extractions and/or c-sections for &quot;failure to progress.&quot;  This doesn&#39;t even address the extremely high induction and unnecessary c-section rates.  (Women who need c-sections: about 4%.  Women who get them: 30 - 50%, depending on the area.)  This is what happened during my daughter&#39;s birth, for reasons I know were unnecessary.  Clearly I can -- and did -- birth with no help.</p><p>So, it is very risky to go to a hospital and receive unnecessary interventions.  Riskier than staying home for low-risk women.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 09:19:04 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>If you read the original post, you would see that midwives will weed out anyone who is high risk.  These people should see doctors and go to hospitals.  But for low-risk women (75% of all births), they are safer at home.  All NORMAL babies are safer at home.  Midwives are trained to look for any risk factors (breech, low fluid, cord prolapse, anything unusual) and do not hesitate to refer women.  Women WITHOUT these risk factors (again, most) are perfectly safe at home.</p><p>Are you trying to say that other developed countries don&#39;t have the same rate of pre-term births or other issues that we do, and that&#39;s why our infant mortality rate is higher?  I don&#39;t think that&#39;s true at all.  I think that all countries have -- or SHOULD have -- approximately the same rates of babies born with serious issues.  The U.S. isn&#39;t the only country with mothers who have preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc.  So, no, our infant mortality rate isn&#39;t higher for that reason, as you&#39;ve implied.  The infant mortality rates from the other countries include ALL babies born, at home or in the hospital -- and they&#39;re still lower.  And many of those babies happen to be born at home or in birthing centers with minimal interventions.</p><p>Not to mention that women SHOULD be empowered that to have the birthing experiences they want.  It is their body and they should have some control.  It&#39;s been shown that mothers who are interfered with don&#39;t have the same bonding experiences as mothers who are left alone.  In the animal kingdom, animal mothers will actually reject their babies if they are interfered with.  Humans don&#39;t, but I believe that the natural pain and hormones are necessary to aid early bonding.  No, babies don&#39;t remember their own births.  But they will remember the bonding and resulting love for the rest of their lives.</p><p>So, to sum up -- IF THERE ARE SERIOUS RISK FACTORS, GO TO A HOSPITAL (premature birth, breech birth, multiples, preeclampsia, etc.).  Otherwise, babies ARE safer born at home.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2009 08:55:26 PM
<p>The baby is safest at home only if there is NO CHANCE of complication. Since there is a chance of complication during every child&#39;s birth, the hospital is obviously the safest place. </p><p>Your theory that home birth is safer is like saying private schools are more successful than public schools.  Of course they are, they don&#39;t take any children with special needs and only serve the cream of the crop. No intervention is necesssary or provided. </p><p>Home birth statistics may safer, but only because anyone with complications is sent TO THE HOSPITAL for medical intervention.  If ALL babies were really safer at home, then none of your disqualifications listed above would apply. Please cite the studies that state home birth is safer for ALL babies.</p><p>Infant mortality is high in the U.S. because some babies are delivered IN HOSPITALS well before 36-40 weeks gestation (think Michelle Duggar). If interventions were not tried, many more of these pre-term babies would die.  Thus, more interventions and higher infant mortatilty.  My guess is that the parents of these babies are quite happy that the hopsitals and inteventions are available to their children.</p><p>Home birth is about the mother&#39;s control of her &quot;birthing experience.&quot;  Children don&#39;t remember their birth and thus have no memory of their &quot;experience&quot; - ask anyone to recount the details fo their own birth and they will be unable to do so. Babies with complications are more likely to survive in a hospital with a Level 1 neonatal unit.  The point really can&#39;t be argued, Kate.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/20/2009 06:10:47 PM
<p>The U.S. has the highest rate of birth interventions in the developed world -- AND the highest infant mortality rate.  Numerous studies have shown that home births are SAFER than hospital births.  Countries where most babies are born either at home or in birthing centers with midwives and which have very low rates of intervention have lower infant mortality rates.  So, yes, birth is about the baby&#39;s safety...and baby is SAFEST AT HOME.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2009 07:00:45 AM
<p>No, I wouldn&#39;t consider a home birth.  It is not the best environment for the baby if there are complications, and the baby&#39;s health is more important than the mother&#39;s birthing experience.  Birth is ALL about the baby and his or her well-being.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christie
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.170.182.245
URL: 
DATE: 05/14/2010 11:28:10 PM
<p>I delivered my second child with a midwife in a hospital. I had no iv and no drugs! The reason why I chose a hospital birth was because of my fears of what if. The birth was going great until my son was stuck for about 4 minutes and the midwife decided to assist and get him out. He was having a hard time breathing they took him away. After a couple of minutes passed I started hemorrhaging. They gave me a shot of something to help me clot and to stop the bleeding. I lost over a liter of blood. The thought of this happening at home scares me. I loved my birthing experience with my midwife and no drugs. I'm just glad I was in a hospital and plan to do so with the rest of my kids the same way since I could hemorrhage again. We would of only had to stay one night if I didn't hemorrhage. I think home births and birthing centers are awesome and only you can make that very personal decision. Best Wishes, Christie!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 12/17/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-bissell-little-green/comment-page-1/">Things I Love Thursdays</a>, because I really do love how well this cream works!!**</p><p>In my search to clear Bekah's diaper rash, I decided that I didn't really like any commercial products. They have too many ingredients in them and most are more of a barrier product than a healing product. I do like Burt's Bees and it's what I use if I have to use a commercial product, but I was pretty sure I could do better.</p><p>I researched the healing powers of many different ingredients. Both shea butter and sweet almond oil are known to heal and moisturize the skin. Comfrey and calendula are also known to heal the skin. Lavender oil is antibacterial (and smells nice), so this actually helps to "cure" the rash (Bekah's was bacterial). Coconut oil, too, is antibacterial and also soothing to the skin. Anything made by bees -- pollen, wax, honey -- is healing and antibacterial. All together, it makes the perfect rash cream!</p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>1/4 c. spring water<br/>1 tbsp. comfrey leaves<br/>2 tbsp. calendula flowers<br/>1 tbsp. raw shea butter<br/>1 tbsp. raw coconut oil<br/>1 tbsp. beeswax<br/>3 tbsp. sweet almond oil<br/>10 drops essential oil<br/>1 4-0z. glass jar with lid</p><p></p><p>Directions:</p><p>Mix 1/4 cup spring water with 1 tbsp. comfrey leaves and 2 tbsp. calendula. Simmer gently for 10 - 15 min. Strain, reserving the water.</p><p>In a double boiler (I used one pan in another, the bottom one filled with water), melt 1 tbsp. raw shea butter, 1 tbsp. beeswax, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 tbsp. sweet almond oil, and add 2 tbsp. of the herbal liquid. Stir all together until everything is completely melted. Add 10 drops of essential oil (I used lavender but plan to experiment with others soon). Pour into a very clean 4 oz. glass jar. Allow to cool, then use like normal diaper cream.</p>
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EXCERPT:
In my search to clear Bekah's diaper rash, I decided that I didn't really like any commercial products. They have too many ingredients in them and most are more of a barrier product than a healing product. I do like Burt's Bees and it's what I use if I have to use a commercial product, but I was pretty sure I could do better.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Manic Mommy Meg
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/10995180348465865276
DATE: 12/18/2009 04:19:34 AM
<p>I no longer have use for diaper rash creme - but little one is 5!! But in the future if we decide to make our family a little bigger I will remember this! Sounds so much better than the store bought crap with all the chemical&#39;s! Thanks for the share!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/18/2009 03:25:58 AM
<p>Autumn,</p><p>Oh yes.  I just cut scraps of fleece to use as liners and it&#39;s no problem at all.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: autumn
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/10091997875083650670
DATE: 12/18/2009 03:18:35 AM
<p>Will this work okay if we use cloth diapers?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/18/2009 02:25:02 AM
<p>Hi!</p><p>Yes, you should be able to find all these things at a health food store, although they are probably cheaper online.  I bought my shea butter and sweet almond oil online, though the rest was purchased locally.  I am not sure where to get shea butter locally, but if you ask at a health food store, they will *probably* have it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: thediaperdiaries
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07031990766224099099
DATE: 12/18/2009 02:15:24 AM
<p>I bet it smells a heck of a lot better than the store stuff. Would I find all this stuff at a health food store?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Interview on Hypothyroid Disease
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/29/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s post is kind of special.<span>  </span>I got a chance to sit down with a family member recently and learn about her story.<span>  </span>She has hypothyroidism and has been struggling with it for <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">about 15 years</span>.<span>   </span>I was interested to hear her perspective on what has helped her most, as well as what else she has tried.<span>  </span>This story is being presented as her experiences and opinions in an interview-style so that anyone who is interested can hopefully glean helpful information from it.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/><span>  </span></span></p><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="im">  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She doesn’t want to be identified, but if you have questions for her, you can post them as comments to me and I can forward them to her.<span>  </span>Some of what’s in here is paraphrased, as I was typing what she was saying and may have missed some pieces, but most of it is word-for-word what she told me (there may also be some questions or prompts that I asked her that are missing, because I already knew the story and we were “remembering” together, but those don’t change any of the information presented).</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/></span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Question 1: Why are you telling your story?</span></p> </div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Answer: Basically, the reason I would come forward and share any personal information would be that years ago, when I felt so terrible, I looked everywhere for a solution and couldn't find one.<span>  </span>So hopefully if I share what's happened to me, it<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> will encourage other women to find a solution that will help them as well.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br/></span></span></p><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="im">  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Q2: What is the background on your health?<span>  </span>When did it start to go bad and why?</span></p> </div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A: I grew up on a farm, and we ate healthy, home cooked and canned foods.<span>  </span><span> </span>I was active on the farm, and in high school sports.<span>  </span>I considered myself to be a very healthy person.<span>  </span>But I definitely had a craving for sugar.<span>  </span>Sugar and bread were the things I was attracted to more than anything else.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/><span>  </span></span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I went to college, I was trying to get good grades, and working, and it was very stressful.<span>  </span>I ended up  in a serious car accident that resulted in a back injury. Shortly after that I came down with a very serious case of mono that landed me in the hospital for three days, and I actually had to drop out of school, because I wasn't well enough to continue.<span>  </span>During that time frame, I ended up meeting my husband and getting married. In the course of the next few years I had two children. After my second child was born I developed serious back pain and started seeing a chiropractor for relief. </span></p>  <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><span style="font-size:100%;">During my 30's  I feel like my health really began to fall apart. I had three active children and I tried to support their efforts. I</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> was taking on too many responsibilities, and just really never got any rest. </span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div> </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><span style="font-size:100%;">Then we had a really terrible financial crisis in our business.<span>  </span>That just kind of tipped everything over the edge.<span>  </span>After that crisis, I went to a medical doctor and it was determined that I had some thyroid issues.<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Q3: What happened then?<span>  </span>What did the doctors tell you and do to help you?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: I went through a series of blood tests to determine what was wrong with me, and it was labeled as hypothyroidism.<span>  </span>Doctor #1 put me on an experimental drug program with the University of Michigan.<span>  </span>I don't know the name of the drug, I don't know if they even gave us the name of the drug, it was supposed to be very hush-hush.<span>  </span>You started with a very low dose and increased it for 15 days, until you were taking a really high dose.<span>  </span>I felt terrific on the 15th day.<span>  </span>Then you decreased the dose until the end of the month.<span>  </span>You kept doing this every month, cycling.<span>  </span>I felt great for 2 - 3 days out of the month on the high dose, because I was on the wrong dose for me [most of the time].<span>  </span>It was supposed to "jump start" your thyroid.<span>  </span>I did this for 18 months and really felt horrible.<span> </span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>Q4: What did you do next?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: I decided to go to a new doctor.<span>  </span>Doctor #1 who gave me the drugs was really upset when I left the program. She just kept saying "Stick with the program, stick with the program" even though I was going in every month saying "I feel terrible."<span>  </span>I realize those studies are valid to try to help people, but they sure didn't help me.<span>  </span>I went to Doctor #2, and  he labeled me as hypothyroidism too.<span>  </span>What did he put me on? ...Synthroid.<span> </span>I took that for several years. I felt ok during this time period, but I never really felt good.<span> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>When I started taking Synthroid, I started gaining weight, and I that in itself made me feel even worse.<span>  </span>I exercised and did whatever I could to eat salads and stuff, but I just kept gaining weight.<span> In the middle of all that stuff going on, the doctor put me on an antidepressant. <span> </span>I just kept feeling worse, constantly feeling terrible.<span>  </span>I started developing all this back and shoulder pain so he put me on something called Bextra. So at this point I was taking the antidepressant, the Synthroid, and the Bextra. It soon became obvious that those drugs do not mix well within the body. <span> </span>[Note: Bextra has since been removed from the market, declared dangerous, and a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit. <span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span>I could have gotten $200 in the settlement, but it wasn't worth the hassle to get a lawyer.<span>  </span>It does make me mad that I was "sold" something that wasn't good for me.<span>  </span>It did nothing to improve my health.)</p><p></span></span></span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div><div class="im"> </div><div class="im"> </div>    <span style="font-size:100%;"><span></span></span></div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Q5: So did you finally find something to help you feel better?<span>  </span>What did help?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: So now I'm like into this quest, because I never feel good... ever.<span>  </span>I just couldn't function, I couldn't get anything at all done.<span>  </span>I just felt terrible all the time.<span>  </span>Finally, I started going to a new chiropractor, who was really promoting health and nutrition (8 years ago).<span>  </span>He did this thing with muscle testing.<span>  </span>He used muscle testing to determine how many vitamins I needed to take and what type.</p><p><span> </span></span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div><div class="im"> </div> </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">During this time <span style="font-size:100%;"><span>I kept telling Doctor #2 I was frustrated by the weight gain and the fact that I didn't feel normal, so h</span>e changed my thyroid medication to something called "Levothyroxine." This drug was actually hand compounded at a local pharmacy and I</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> seemed to begin to have a life again. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span>It was also at that point I decided to get off the Bextra and the antidepressent. I believe that the Levothyroxine was helping me, along with the vitamins my chiropractor was suggesting that I take. I began feeling better and after 20 years of being out of school actually went back to college and completed my degree.</span></div>  <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Doctor #2 moved out of the state, and I had to find another doctor.<span> At the local phamacy, I saw some liturature for an endocrinologist (Doctor #3) in a nearby town and decided that perhaps I should see a specialist because I began having issues with soreness in my neck and losing my voice.<span>  </span>I would lose my voice for a week at a time, I couldn't even speak above a whisper.<span>  </span>I certainly couldn't sing.<span>  </span>I just felt like something was really wrong with my neck.<span> I continued taking the Levothyroine in various doses but it didn't seem to help whatever was going on in my neck. H</span>e suggest an ultrasound of my neck and fond a lump on my thyroid.<span>  </span>He wanted to do a needle biopsy on to see if it was cancerous, or if it was a non-cancerous tumor.<span>  </span>When he showed me the size of the needle, and the fact that this was located next to my jugular vein, I questioned him about that. <span> </span>I thought, there's no way I'm going to let someone stick a needle deep in my neck next to my jugular vein.<span>  </span>Doctor #3 really wanted to take my thyroid out.<span> </span>He wanted to completely take it out, and his solution was for me to take a drug for the rest of my life. When I questioned the procedure, he  said I was welcome to get another opinion.</p><p><span>  </span></span></span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div> </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I decided to have an indepth conversation about all these issues with my chiropractor and he recommended a medical<span style="font-size:100%;"> doctor that was more into treating with nutrition than with drugs.<span>  This led me to Doctor #4. </span>He did  blood tests, to see what levels my thyroid was was at.<span>  </span>He recommended that I go on a strict diet.<span>  </span>That's when I got off all grains, all sugar and sweeteners, and basically was just eating meat, most vegetables, and some fruit.<span>  </span>I was on that plan of eating for about 8 months. </span>   <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>When I started with that diet, I started rapidly losing weight.<span>  </span>I wasn't eating flour or sugar, and basically everything I ate was plain.<span>  </span>The interesting thing is, now that I'm almost 50, I feel better now than I ever did in my 30s.<span>  </span>I've lost 25 lbs. and I've kept it off for nearly a year. <span> </span>I think right now I weigh what I'm supposed to weigh.</span>   <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>In addition to the restricted diet, Doctor #4 also put me on something called "Nature Throid," It is a perscription  drug, but it's made of natural ingredients rather than sythetic.<span>  </span>That has been a huge part of my recovery.</span>    <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>Q6: How do you feel now?<span>  </span>How did you feel about all the stuff that happened to you?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: I feel like I've wasted 15 years of my life, that I can't ever get that back.<span>  </span>One year, I was so frustrated, I walked a thousand miles on the treadmill, and I didn't lose any weight!<span>  </span>In what world is that normal?<span>  </span>I felt a little stronger, but I didn't lose any weight.<span>  </span>That thyroid drug didn't allow me to.<span>  </span>So every time I tried to take my health into my own hands, I just didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle.<span>  </span>Which, for me, was the diet and natural thyroid medication.<span> </span></span>   <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>Q7: What about the thyroid testing and biopsy?<span>  </span>Did you have that?<span>  </span>What happened with that?</span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">My current doctor is monitoring my thyroid and the lump now.<span>  </span>It feels so much better though. My voice is stronger, and the soreness in my neck is nearly gone. Doctor #4 says that the soreness was actually from my lymph glands trying to cleanse my body of the foods I could not break down (flour and sugar). I am hoping that by following the restricted diet my body will heal. If not, I certainly will do whatever is necessary to stay healthy.</span>   <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>Q8: What do you think is happening with all of these mainstream doctors?<span> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: As far as thyroid disease, I think a lot them are looking at a blood test to determine what they should do for you, but they are deaf to the cries of those who do not feel "normal". <span> </span>I think women are struggling because they don't feel good.<span>  O</span>ne thing that stands out to me is that I feel like I've lost  more than a decade my life feeling terrible.<span>  </span>I was so desperately looking for a solution.<span>  </span>After four different doctors, it's just so frustrating that I can't get that time back.<span>  </span>I didn't know I could have felt this good in my 30s.<span> </span></span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div><div class="im"> </div><div class="im"> </div><div class="im"> </div> </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><span style="font-size:100%;">In defense of medical doctors, they are looking to treat you in the only way they know how, which is with a drug. <span> </span>The doctor I'm seeing now is using vitamins and the restricted diet to help the body to heal itself.<span>  </span>Then, if you NEED some kind of drug, he will make sure that you take it in a form that will help you, rather than work against the body healing itself naturally.</span>   <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>Q9: Tell me more about the diet and how it helped you.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: At the very beginning I did not cheat on the diet at all.<span>  </span>I was very determined to give this change of eating a fair chance, and in the back of my mind I was determined to avoid surgery if possible.<span>  </span>I was also staying away from dairy.<span>  </span>When I would eat a piece of pizza or something it would make me sick so that also was a motivator to stick with the diet.  </span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div><div class="im"> </div> </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><span style="font-size:100%;">It's been 10 months now and<span> </span>I'm able to eat foods on a limited basis and be okay.<span>  </span>But generally I'm still sticking to the diet.<span>  </span>I try to avoid eating sandwiches.<span>  </span>I pay more attention to the ingredients that are in foods.<span>  </span>I'm still only eating sugar and flour in very limited amounts.<span>  </span>I feel like me again [after the diet].<span>  </span>I didn't realize I felt that bad.<span>  </span>I didn't realize I could feel this good.<span>  </span></span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div> </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, I think you have to be personally responsible for your health.<span>  </span>I was trying to be, I was trying to be responsible and do healthy things, but until I started on this diet, I didn't realize how bad we, as Americans tend to eat.<span>  </span>I always had meat and vegetables, but the way you prepare food, isn't always as healthy as it could have been.<span>  </span>Getting away from dairy has really helped me too.<span> </span></span>   <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>… when I was on the strictest form of the diet, it was plain meat, most vegetables (no potatoes), only some fruits (no bananas, grapes) very low sugar fruits.<span>  </span>Pineapple was okay, and apples, and pecans, and walnuts, and eggs were okay.<span>  </span>Typically in the morning I would make eggs, and maybe I would cook some kind of vegetable to go with it.<span>  </span>As a maintenance diet, I'll eat leftovers from supper for breakfast, or eggs.<span>  </span>Apples, fruits and nuts.<span>  </span>I'm still not eating much potatoes at all.<span>  </span>I'm really trying not to eat bread, but I think that I’m still in the healing process.<span> </span></span>   <span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>Q10: What would you say to women in your situation?<span>  </span>What advice would you give them?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/>A: I know that there's a lot of women out there with the same struggle.<span>  </span>They trust their doctor, and their doctor says "take this and that," and it's supposed to help them feel better.<span>  </span>I know a lot of women my age who feel terrible constantly.<span>  </span>I know a lot of it's their diet, as it was with me.<span>  </span>But when you're taking a bunch of different drugs, well, there's no quick fix.<span>  </span>I think that's what they were peddling me, a quick solution to feeling better.<span>  </span>Don't give up.<span>  </span>Keep looking until they find a solution that works for you.<span>  </span> I know there are other women out there who are looking to improve their health.<span>  </span>By simply taking a drug, you're putting the responsibility of YOUR health onto somebody else.<span> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></p><p>Q11: Any final thoughts?<br/></span><span style="font-size:100%;">A: In this whole process, I really tried to be a good patient and follow the directions that doctors gave me. In the long run, I am so thankful that I kept searching until I found some solutions to help me deal with the changes in my body. The only medication I currently am taking is NatureThyroid and am working with Doctor #4 and my chiropractor for the vitamins I need to maintain good health. </span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div><div class="im"> </div>     </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>Words cannot express how </span>thankful I am that I finally found a solution that is working for me.<span>  </span>So to encourage others out there who are struggling with thyroid issues....Keep searching until you find something that works for you. Take personal responsibility for your health and whatever you do...don't give up.</p><p></span></div> <blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="gmail_quote"><div> </div></blockquote> <div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div>    <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thanks for this interview!<span>  </span>I hope that this helps someone out there who may have thyroid issues.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Does anyone struggle with thyroid or undiscovered health issues?<span>  </span>Does anything here stand out to you?<span>  </span>Any thoughts on natural treatments or this woman’s experiences?</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br/></span></p>  <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</span></p>
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EXCERPT:
Today’s post is kind of special.<span>  </span>I got a chance to sit down with a family member recently and learn about her story.<span>  </span>She has hypothyroidism and has been struggling with it for <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">about 15 years</span>.<span>   </span>I was interested to hear her perspective on what has helped her most, as well as what else she has tried.<span>  </span>This story is being presented as her experiences and opinions in an interview-style so that anyone who is interested can hopefully glean helpful information from it.</span></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bala
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15459517449966183611
DATE: 12/29/2009 06:51:07 AM
<p>Good Stuff!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: angelikness@yahoo.com
IP: 67.235.133.172
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 06:08:49 PM
<p>This is my life story....well, the sick part anyhow. Thank you for coming forward and sharing your story. I also suffered with a bad case of mono that lasted 2 years and have went through all the steps you did to finding healing. My dr. has just put me on a vitamin regimine along with Armour (after undiganosed hypo after seeing 2 dozen drs over a 7 year span) and a gluten free diet. I&#39;m just getting my grocery list together to go completley grain free. It&#39;s been over a year since your family member post. How is she feeling now?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/08/2011 07:16:44 PM
<p>Christy,</p><p>Recently, she wasn&#39;t feelng well -- and the solution turned out to be reducing her thyroid medication!  She is really healing now.  There is an update (which was also awhile ago) posted on here.  I&#39;ll have to do another one after awhile here.  I&#39;m glad you are on the right track now!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Merry Christmas!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/26/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Merry Christmas!</p><p>Since it's a holiday I'll keep it short.  We're celebrating today with our family, having a great dinner, opening presents, and of course, remembering Jesus.  We always spend a good deal of time listening to the story of Jesus' birth and praying together as a family.  We thank God for each of our family members and all of the other blessings we've received over the last year.  This has become more difficult as the family has grown larger, and younger.  This year we will have four kids (at our extended family gathering), three of them under 2!</p><p>We are hoping that this year, Bekah will start to grasp what Jesus' birth really means to all of us.  We have a children's version of the story we'll be reading to her (as I've talked about in previous posts), and activities we'll be doing with her.  She is also learning about this in her Sunday school class.</p><p>Have a wonderful, blessed holiday, and remember Jesus today!  Enjoy your families!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Merry Christmas!</p><p>Since it's a holiday I'll keep it short.  We're celebrating today with our family, having a great dinner, opening presents, and of course, remembering Jesus.  We always spend a good deal of time listening to the story of Jesus' birth and praying together as a family.  We thank God for each of our family members and all of the other blessings we've received over the last year.  This has become more difficult as the family has grown larger, and younger.  This year we will have four kids (at our extended family gathering), three of them under 2!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Midwives and Doulas
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/28/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>If you are seeking a natural, drug-free birth (no matter where you want to give birth), midwives and doulas can help you to achieve your goal by supporting you and attending your birth. Midwives and doulas receive special training in what natural birth should be like, while OBs are trained surgeons. If something's wrong, you want an OB. But if you're a healthy, normal woman seeking a drug-free experience, a midwife and/or doula is the way to go.</p><p>First, let's look at the different types of midwives and doulas.</p><p>Doula -- A doula is a labor coach or support. They are women (I've never heard of a man being a doula; the idea is that a woman who has a particular interest in birthing and often experience birthing naturally supports another woman) and they are hired to attend a woman's birth. There are actually different types of doulas, and different services that they can provide. They do not replace a husband's role in the birth if the woman has a husband, but can be a sole labor coach/support if a woman does not have a husband or other partner (mother, sister, friend, etc.). Doulas are NOT trained to actually deliver babies and do not have any type of medical training. They function as a support. At a hospital, a doula can function as an advocate for the laboring woman in discussing any interventions with hospital staff and guiding the woman as to what is necessary.</p><p>Prenatal doula -- This is a doula who meets with a woman prior to her birth, and may provide supplementary prenatal care (I don't think this is common, but sometimes midwives-in-training will do this; we have the option locally). She will also meet with a woman during her labor and support her then, and may even meet with her once or twice after the baby comes just to make sure everything is going well (breastfeeding, emotional stability, etc.).</p><p>Birth doula -- This is the most common. This doula will meet with a woman or couple once or twice before the birth to learn the couple's wishes. Then, the doula will either meet the couple at home or at the hospital (some doulas will come to your home even if you are planning a hospital birth, to support you in early labor) and stay throughout labor. This doula may or may not visit the new mom postpartum.</p><p>Postpartum doula -- This doula can help a mom after her baby comes with breastfeeding questions, light housework, watching children (new baby while mom showers, or older children) and generally makes mom's life a bit easier in the early days.</p><p>There are doulas which combine the above services. Every doula is different. The least expensive options are usually doulas who meet with you once prior to birth, and meet you in active labor and stay through birth, and don't visit after. The more expansive the doula's services (more prenatal visits, coming earlier in your labor, visiting and providing support after birth), the more expensive she will be. Doulas can range from $200 - $1000 depending on area and services provided.</p><p>There are several places to find doulas: asking neighbors/friends, checking with local OBs (not all will be supportive of doulas, but some will have names), asking local midwives (many of whom may also work as doulas), looking on Craig's list, or checking <a href="http://www.dona.org/">DONA</a> or<a href="http://www.findadoula.com/"> Childbirth International</a>. There are several other websites, as well, if you search the internet. Make sure that your doula is certified and/or experienced, and don't hesitate to call her references.</p><p>There are also several types of midwives out there.</p><p>Certified Nurse-Midwife: This can be a man or woman (though more commonly a woman), and it is a person who was first an RN, and then became certified as a midwife. This type of midwife frequently attends hospital births, and in certain areas will also attend home or birth center births (unfortunately there aren't a lot of birth centers). CNMs typically work closely with OBs, seeing patients who are low-risk but can transfer to their OBs if necessary at any point in time. CNMs are a great option for women who want or need a hospital birth but would like a natural approach if at all possible (knowing there's a back-up OB right there if necessary).</p><p>Certified Professional Midwife: This type of midwife is also called a direct-entry midwife, because she (and rarely, he) learns midwifery primarily through an apprenticeship. That is, she attends and observes births, then works under trained, experienced midwives. She learns to use a doppler, feel for the baby's position, checking maternal and fetal heart tones (with a fetoscope), check the mother's progress internally, etc. In states where CPMs are legal and monitored, they can attend hospital or home births. In states where they are not legal (including Ohio, where I live), CPMs attend only home births. CPMs tend to be a great option if you are looking for a totally natural, medical-free birth, because their perspective tends to be different than a CNM who works in a hospital and with OBs. Most CPMs, though, do know OBs and have preferred back-up doctors and hospitals. It depends on what you are comfortable with.</p><p>For a list of questions to ask when selecting a midwife or a doula, read my post on <a href="/2009/12/home-birth.html">home birth</a>.</p><p>In the U.S., there is sometimes a legal issue surrounding birth. There are states in which home birth is technically illegal. That is, a woman is allowed to birth anywhere she chooses, with anyone she wants in attendance, but midwives can be prosecuted for attending intentional home births, and brought up on charges of "practicing medicine without a license." This doesn't occur in states where midwives are legal and regulated.</p><p>The problem with midwives being unregulated is that women who want home births will usually find a midwife anyway, but there is no accountability. This means that midwives who are not certified and may have had negative birth outcomes can continue to practice. It also means that reputable, safe midwives can be arrested and taken to trial simply for helping women give birth. It also, unfortunately, means that in extreme cases, families can be prosecuted even after a SAFE home birth! This seemed impossible even a few months ago, until the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140938029710">Levier family </a>was <a href="http://safebirthohio.org/blog/archives/177">brought up on charges following their child's safe home birth </a>(the mother was having minor issues after birth and the midwives took her to the hospital to be safe, and she was later prosecuted even though she is now fine and the baby never had issues).</p><p>Small aside: It makes me angry, that in a world where alcohol, cigarettes, and other "vices" are legal, and abortion is legal, that women can't choose to birth their babies where they want. Women don't HAVE to choose home birth, obviously, but it should be an option that is free and open to them, and even supported and encouraged! It is so very backwards that a woman can end her pregnancy, and her baby's life, but she cannot give birth to a healthy, normal baby in her own home.</p><p>Please support a woman's right to birth where SHE chooses by ensuring that trained support people (midwives and doulas) are available.</p><p>More Links:<br/><a href="http://mothers-choice.blogspot.com/">Mother's Choice</a><br/><a href="http://nacpm.org/">National Association of Certified Professional Midwives</a><br/><a href="http://www.narm.org/">North American Registry of Midwives</a><br/><a href="http://www.mana.org/">Midwives Alliance of North America</a><br/><a href="http://doulanetwork.com/">Doula Network</a><br/><a href="http://midwivesnews.blogspot.com/2008/09/were-number-two.html">Adventures of a Midwifery Advocate</a><br/><a href="http://www.thebigpushformidwives.org/">The Big Push for Midwives</a></p><p>Have you ever used a midwife or doula?  Is this issue important to you?  Please share your thoughts!</p><p>If you like what you see, subscribe over to the right and get this delivered to your email daily!</p>
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EXCERPT:
If you are seeking a natural, drug-free birth (no matter where you want to give birth), midwives and doulas can help you to achieve your goal by supporting you and attending your birth. Midwives and doulas receive special training in what natural birth should be like, while OBs are trained surgeons. If something's wrong, you want an OB. But if you're a healthy, normal woman seeking a drug-free experience, a midwife and/or doula is the way to go.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sharon Gourlay
EMAIL: sharon@sacredbeginning.com
IP: 98.28.15.185
URL: http://www.sacredbeginning.com
DATE: 03/18/2010 06:02:19 PM
<p>HI Kate!<br/>I love your blog.  I just wanted to point out that there are some male doulas and there is one in Central Ohio (although I have never met him).  Also there is another category of doula not mentioned above called an Antepartum doula.  The doula's provide help for high risk mothers often on bed rest while pregnant.  If you think about it these women often need support.  They become restricted to bed and bathroom.  They can't fix their own meals, play with their own children, or even go to work (full bed rest).  People think that bed rest is a vacation but its actually like being confined and is very tough on a mother emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Just thought I would mention this option.<br/>Warmly,<br/>Sharon</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Cleaning Products
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 12/12/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>In the last couple of years, I have tried to really reduce my family's exposure to toxins. Unfortunately this isn't so easy today, as there are chemicals in <em>everything</em>. It's in the air, water, <a href="/blog/2009/10/30/review-of-food-inc.html">food</a> (we've mostly fixed this!), and of course, cleaning products. Cleaning products are a major source of toxins in our homes, and unfortunately, they get to us easily. They absorb into our skin from our clothing, into our food from our dishes, we breathe in the fumes, and into our hands just from actually cleaning with them.</p>
<p>So, I needed a more natural solution. It's especially important now that Bekah loves to "help" with everything I do (surprisingly she's becoming more of an actual help and less of a hindrance these days...with most chores). I really don't feel good about allowing her to help if I'm using any form of chemical because I just don't want her exposed to that. It's especially important now that we know about her chemical sensitivities!</p>
<p>Traditional cleaning products are dangerous. Here is a list of products I use sparingly, if ever, in my home:</p>
<p>*Bleach<br />*Toilet cleaner (I never allow any children around when I use this)<br />*CLR<br />*Ammonia<br />*Any commercial product (Magic Erasers, window cleaners, etc.)</p>
<p>Here is a brief list of the types of cleaning products I typically use:</p>
<p>Baking Soda -- It freshens refrigerators, scrubs counters, takes stink from laundry, scrubs away mildew, etc. This is my all-purpose cleaner.</p>
<p>Vinegar -- Functions as fabric softener, cleans glass, mirrors, and combines with baking soda to make just about anything shine.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buysoapnuts.com/">Soap Nuts</a> -- Much more on this in another post, but I use these for laundry and in my dishwasher.</p>
<p>Essential oils -- I add this to laundry or dishwasher detergent on occasion, because they are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, not chemical, and they smell nice.</p>
<p>Hydrogen peroxide -- If I must use a "chemical," peroxide will get just about any organic stain (think: blood, tomatoes, grape juice, etc.) out of anything.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drbronner.com/">Castile Soap</a> -- This is a soap based purely on vegetable oils and nothing else, no chemicals. It's perfectly safe to use for ANY cleaning. Around the house, your body, your hair, your teeth. Completely non-toxic and very versatile.</p>
<p>I really don't use much more than that. I don't buy any of the fancy natural cleaning brands. Most things really can be cleaned with just vinegar and baking soda, safely. I don't have to worry if my daughter dips her hands in the baking soda and then in her mouth. Totally safe!</p>
<p>Some people do prefer to buy some natural cleaning products, though, so I thought I'd list a few I've found acceptable (and which were recommended by other bloggers):</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mrsmeyers.com/">Mrs. Meyer's</a> (recommended by Katie at <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">Kitchen Stewardship</a>)<br /><a href="http://www.biokleen.com/">Biokleen </a></p>
<p>I know some people are going to say "But what about Clorox's green line?" or some other major national brand. I don't tend to trust those. I think those companies are trying to cash in on the green movement and that their products contain supposedly-"greener" versions of chemicals. The small, fringe companies tend to use truly natural ingredients. Mrs. Meyer's uses essential oils for fragrance, NOT any artificial fragrance or dyes. If you can find it at a health food store, it's probably okay, but read the ingredients. If you can't pronounce them or they sound at all chemical in nature, or contain any FD&amp;C dyes or artificial fragrance, WALK AWAY!</p>
<p>Others are going to say, "But don't those natural products not work as well?" The answer is FALSE! In my experience, the natural products did a BETTER job than the chemicals did. Surfaces were less sticky, things cleaned easier. I once had a mold problem in my shower (well, it's back...because I never use the shower so I don't look at it, and Ben has ignored it) and tried EVERYTHING to get it out: CLR, bleach, every harsh chemical in the book. Nothing. Then one day I flooded it with warm water and baking soda, and a half hour later put some baking soda on a sponge and began to scrub the shower. The mold was GONE! That easily. Baking soda "cured" my problem. Bleach couldn't touch it, but baking soda eliminated it. Hmm....</p>
<p>Here's some more links and information on cleaning naturally:<br /><a href="http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm">Earth Easy</a><br /><a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html">Make Your Own Cleaning Products</a></p>
<p>What do you use to clean? Do you want to clean more naturally?</p>
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EXCERPT:
In the last couple of years, I have tried to really reduce my family's exposure to toxins. Unfortunately this isn't so easy today, as there are chemicals in <em>everything</em>. It's in the air, water, <a href="/blog/2009/10/30/review-of-food-inc.html">food</a> (we've mostly fixed this!), and of course, cleaning products. Cleaning products are a major source of toxins in our homes, and unfortunately, they get to us easily. They absorb into our skin from our clothing, into our food from our dishes, we breathe in the fumes, and into our hands just from actually cleaning with them.
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 12/18/2009 08:45:41 PM
<p>The other day I nearly burned down my kitchen top because I fell asleep &quot;cooking&quot; some oil in a frying pan. Now I&#39;ve got this thick black filmy smoky residue on my above-stove microwave. Do you think baking soda will work? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/12/2009 03:51:06 AM
<p>*To mop, I use hot water and vinegar. <br/>*I keep meaning to switch laundry soap, but just get overwhelmed at the options. I know our cloth dipes would benefit from a more natural wash routine...we currently use ALL F&amp;C (and, I know, it&#39;s not really free or clear of everything), Dawn and Calgon. Oh, and Borax and vinegar. Whew.<br/>*For kitchen and bathroom cleaning, it&#39;s GreenWorks. I like it. I tried the Seventh Generation and didn&#39;t like how it cleaned--we have this stink issue in our downstairs bathroom, I can&#39;t figure out what the heck it is. It has smelled bad since we moved in, and the Seventh Generation did NOTHING and made me feel like it was still dirty. The GreenWorks has a scent so I feel better...I know that doesn&#39;t mean it&#39;s *cleaning* any better, but it masks the bad smell in our bathroom, lol. <br/>*I clean the stovetop with baking soda, mostly. And a scrubby sponge or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I have tried the stove cleaner they sell in stores, and Bar Keeper&#39;s Friend, and nothing works as well as baking soda and a little elbow grease! <br/>*In our carpet cleaner, we have water and vinegar. If the cats puke/dog pees we use a pet cleaner product. Not green at all, but neither is letting the kid play on pooped-on carpet, lol.<br/>*I only use bleach/bleach-esque products on the toilets. I&#39;ve tried EVERYTHING else and nothing keeps them from getting nasty in just a week&#39;s time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/12/2009 03:43:52 AM
<p>The reason (most likely) baking soda worked on mold - mold grows on acidic surfaces, like fruits. If you make the surface more basic, it would kill the mold, thus getting rid of the problem!</p><p>I don&#39;t know if you use this, but one great stain remover that I&#39;ve found (besides hydrogen peroxide and blood...I love that one - used it all the time in high school what with my crazy hormones causing all sorts of bodily mishaps on my clothes...ahem...) is liquid dish detergent. I&#39;ve used it to get ground-in dark chocolate out of a white ribbed shirt, and week old dried blood out of a turquoise shirt. Put article to be cleaned into a sink with cold water, wet garment, apply soap directly to the stain, rub it in, rinse, and repeat as necessary.</p><p>I have found that nothing works to get my hair out of the shower drain. We have a hair catcher and I still manage to clog it up somehow. We do use Liquid Plumber on that...I tried and tried with baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water, but it never worked. We&#39;d be showering in water up over the tops of our feet at its best, so I did cave and use that.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Labeling
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/21/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>These days, there's a lot of controversy over using the word "natural" on products. In fact, there is no standard for the label at all. This opens up a lot of arguing on what can be considered "natural" and a lot of rather fraudulent (in my opinion) use of the term.</p><p>Go to a grocery store and you'll see almost everything labeled as "all natural!" or some version of this claim on the label.  It's important that you understand that there is NO regulation on the use of this term, so manufacturers slap it on everything in order to trick you into thinking that a particular product is good for you.  They are aware that consumers really want food that is natural, and since they can't use the term "organic" (which is fairly tightly regulated), they use "natural" instead.  But anything can be termed natural and that doesn't mean it's at all natural in any way.</p><p>For example, mineral oil and high fructose corn syrup are considered, by some, "natural" because they are derived and refined from originally natural ingredients!  It's true that mineral oil is derived from petroleum, and that this is a naturally-occurring substance.  But it does not belong in our bodies or on our skin, it is not "natural" to us.  It's also true that HFCS is derived from corn, which of course is a natural food.  But first of all, that corn is probably genetically modified.  And second, it (and the mineral oil) are highly refined.  It doesn't matter if something originally came from the purest substance in the world, if it is refined, it is no longer natural.  If we took a water molecule (natural) and added some extra oxygen atoms (not natural), do you think it would be as benign as water is?  Not a chance.  It would be a completely different substance.  As another chemical example, look at carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.  The former is harmless to us; we expell it all the time.  The latter can kill us.  Simple change (and yes, I know they both occur naturally, but just for the sake of argument here), but deadly results.</p><p>When you are reading labels on a product, be very careful.  "Natural" means nothing, so ignore it outright.  Read the ingredients instead, and if you see any of these things, run far away!</p><p>*Natural flavors<br/>*FC&amp;C colors<br/>*Artificial flavors<br/>*Spices (if it says "oregano," fine; if it just says "spices;" bad)<br/>*Autolyzed, hydrolyzed anything<br/>*Yeast extract<br/>*Nitrites<br/>*Nitrates<br/>*MSG<br/>*Anything you don't recognize or can't pronounce</p><p>These days it's hard to know what to eat, so I recommend that you eat things as close to their natural state as possible!  That is, locally grown and harvested, organically produced, and not packaged/processed.  Only this way can you ensure your food is truly healthy.</p><p>Since that's not always possible, at least read your labels carefully and recognize that "natural" doesn't necessarily mean anything.</p><p>Further Reading:<br/><a href="http://www.healthyeatingadvisor.com/geneticallymodifiedingredients.html">GMOs in your food</a><br/><a href="http://www.msgmyth.com/hidename.htm">Hidden Names for MSG</a><br/><a href="http://www.foodlabels.com/archive/2008_06.htm#anchor2">FDA's Stance on "Natural"</a><br/><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6615443">Interview on "Natural" Label</a></p><p>Do you buy "natural" food?  Did you know about labeling?  Will this information change your buying habits?</p>
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These days, there's a lot of controversy over using the word "natural" on products. In fact, there is no standard for the label at all. This opens up a lot of arguing on what can be considered "natural" and a lot of rather fraudulent (in my opinion) use of the term.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Personal Care Products
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/03/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Personal care products are something we all use daily.  Many people use several everyday.  Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, make up, hair gel, etc.  Unfortunately, a lot of personal care products are not very safe for use.  They have many chemical detergents and surfactants, which make them toxic to our health.  The FDA does NOT regulate the personal care industry, so unless a chemical is on the prohibited list, it can be used with no restrictions.  The prohibited list is very small, and many chemicals that are commonly used in the U.S.'s personal care products are actually banned in Europe.  This is a huge problem because our skin is our largest organ and we absorb these chemicals very readily through our skin.  So what are we to do?</p><p>There ARE safe options out there!  First, you need to know which chemicals are unsafe, so you know which to avoid.</p><p><a href="http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/stayHealthy/cos2.html">Dangerous Personal Care Chemicals</a></p><p>Read that list, then go look at your shampoo bottles.  I guarantee you'll find those chemicals in your shampoo, and probably a lot more.  Just an FYI, propylene glycol, on this list as something that should be avoided, is a primary ingredient in food coloring.</p><p>Unfortunately, replacing your personal care products with something safe isn't as simple as going to the store and picking out something labeled "natural" or even "organic."  These products, since they aren't regulated, can still contain the ingredients listed above.  On my trips to the health food stores, I typically find only a couple of brands that are actually acceptable, and many that aren't.  If a product contains several organic plant oils, but also sodium laureth sulfate, it can still label itself as organic.</p><p>Here are a few products I do like:<br/><a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/">Burt's Bees</a> (especially the baby products)<br/><a href="http://www.drbronner.com/">Dr. Bronner's</a><br/><a href="http://www.healthsuperstore.com/p-south-of-france-milld-lime-basil-soap-bar.htm">South of France</a><br/><a href="http://www.desertessence.com/">Desert Essence</a></p><p>There are other companies whose names I honestly can't remember at this point.  I will say that most all-purpose soaps (like Dr. Bronner's or any castile soaps) or bar soaps are safe.  The hardest category is deodorant.  Almost all contain parabens and/or aluminum.  I may have found ONE type that works, but I really think you're better off using plain baking soda or even nothing...just take a shower.</p><p>You can also make your own personal care products.  Here are some really great recipes:</p><p><a href="http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/make-your-own-hair-gel-4836.html">Hair Gel</a><br/><a href="http://chemistry.about.com/b/2009/01/10/homemade-shampoo-easy-recipe.htm">Shampoo</a><br/><a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2008/07/homemade-deodor.html">Deodorant</a><br/><a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/homemade_toothpaste">Toothpaste</a><br/>Coconut oil (for lotion, make up remover, etc.)<br/>Raw shea butter</p><p>Now, here is a really novel suggestion: for the most part, don't use personal care products.  It isn't necessary to wash your hair EVERYDAY, or put deodorant on all the time.  We only bathe our babies about once a week, and use soap weekly or less often and then only on hair (as both have long/thick hair) and diaper area.  For myself, I bathe only 2 - 3 times per week and rarely use soap, or only on specific regions, plus I wash my hair.  But I don't feel the need to use, say, conditioner on a regular basis, I don't wear make up, I don't use hair products.  This may sound a little weird or even gross at first, but you know, our society tells us we should be super clean and take daily showers.  But why?</p><p>If you slowly start to shower less...say, skip a day then shower two days, then eventually skip every other day, etc., you will find you do not need to shower so often.  Every time you shower, you strip your bodies of natural oils.  Most people then add synethetic oils by using hair conditioner, leave-in conditioner, body creams and lotions, etc.  If you suddenly start skipping a bunch of showers, your body will over-produce natural oil because it is still used to you washing it away daily.  But if you slowly cut down on your showering, your oil production will match and you won't look oily or gross at all.  By the way, if you suffer from eczema or severely dry skin, showering less often is a GREAT treatment (and so is raw shea butter or coconut oil, if you need a boost).</p><p>Making sure your personal care products are safe (and that those you use on your baby and kids are safe) is one step towards real personal responsibility!  The FDA and other government agencies cannot and should not protect you.  You must be aware of what's going on and protect yourself.  Hopefully this blog entry will help along that path!</p><p>Resources:<br/><a href="http://www.ewg.org/node/25972">Environmental Working Group</a> (chemicals in baby products and more)</p><p>What's your take on personal care products?  Which ones do you use?  Does anything here surprise you?  Are you willing to take a no-shower challenge?!</p><p>If you enjoy this post, subscribe and see new posts everyday!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Personal care products are something we all use daily.  Many people use several everyday.  Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, make up, hair gel, etc.  Unfortunately, a lot of personal care products are not very safe for use.  They have many chemical detergents and surfactants, which make them toxic to our health.  The FDA does NOT regulate the personal care industry, so unless a chemical is on the prohibited list, it can be used with no restrictions.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/22/2009 08:35:04 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Sorry for the late response -- I was out of town over the weekend.</p><p>I think that most &quot;aging products&quot; out there are probably made of, or at least contain, chemicals.  I would avoid them.  Using pure coconut oil on your skin would help fight aging more and wouldn&#39;t have any side effects.  I do think showering less would increase the vitality of the skin, since showering does strip the skin of its natural oils (which, of course, aid that &quot;youthful&quot; factor).  The chemicals in the standard products also age your skin, I believe, so skipping them or changing to a more natural option is a good idea.</p><p>I am not sure what to tell you about your hair, but maybe using some baking soda?  Put a little around the edges of your hair where you&#39;re sweating and comb it through and out.  Sort of like deodorant for your scalp.</p><p>If anyone else has ideas for cleaning hair or removing sweat without washing, I&#39;d love to hear them!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 12/18/2009 08:51:47 PM
<p>How do you feel about aging products and its risk/advantages? Do you think that taking less showers might increase the vitality and suppleness of the skin? Can I extend my youthful looks by reducing my exposure to unnatural personal hygiene products? Also, I have really oily hair, and im not accustomed to washing my hair daily (usually once every 5 or so days), but i sweat a lot on my scalp (and in general) and i can smell my hair after a workout usually around the third day. What tips do you have to combat that?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/11/2009 04:05:20 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Honestly, I don&#39;t have a good answer for that.  I&#39;ve been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the last 2.5 years and have barely even had any menstrual cycles.  I think I would be inclined to bathe more often, but not to use soap or not to use it on much of my body (obviously, wash the area in question -- but no reason to wash the rest everyday).  I&#39;ll have to see how it works if I ever am not constantly pregnant or breastfeeding!  Does anyone else have ideas?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 12/10/2009 03:45:54 AM
<p>As a woman, I would like to know your thoughts on taking showers during one&#39;s menstrual cycle? Do you shower more? Less? Or just as frequently?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/08/2009 09:24:07 PM
<p>You could also try putting jars of white vinegar in the room (maybe in a large Mason jar on a high shelf?).  Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, and small quatities can safely be ingested.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/08/2009 06:53:47 PM
<p>Lindsey,</p><p>My favorite solution is to mix some essential oils (your choice) with water, about 10 - 20 drops EO to 4 oz. of water, depending on how strong you like it.  You can spray as needed on surfaces or into the air.  The EO are naturally antibacterial and smell nice, and there&#39;s no risk of chemicals or anything.  Plus, many are safe to ingest in small quantities so even if Cam DID get into it, it would probably be fine.  You can buy oils online or at local health food stores (Raisin Rack has them for sure, WF might too).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/08/2009 05:13:12 PM
<p>How about natural air fresheners? I don&#39;t mean baking soda in a box, I mean like something that will make the diaper area smell better than it does. Some days Cam&#39;s whole room stinks for hours after a particularly bad one, and Mike is really opposed to spraying things or plugging in air fresheners. </p><p>I don&#39;t think it&#39;s reasonable to leave a bowl of &quot;potpourri&quot; in there (he&#39;s almost 2, remember)...what can I spray or leave *somewhere* (maybe a sachet hung on the wall?) that will make things smell nicer?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/05/2009 08:39:22 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Honestly, I am not sure on shaving.  I will have to learn more about that.</p><p>Emma, thanks for the tips, I had not heard about conditioner.  I bet one of the homemade ones would work really well for cleansing without stripping.</p><p>Please be careful with baby oil, which is mineral oil.  I can&#39;t recommend its use.  It is a petroleum by-product and is usually artificially scented too.  Other, more natural oils (olive, sweet almond, coconut, etc.) are better.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herballuxuries.com/mineral-oil.htm">http://www.herballuxuries.com/mineral-oil.htm</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 12/05/2009 05:37:28 PM
<p>When I can, I shower every other day or less. However, with the amount of working out I do on the average day, it&#39;s not that simple. On days where I work out twice a day, the first shower (after workout 1) is just conditioner - I sweat too much into my hair to not do SOMETHING. Most people just don&#39;t realize that conditioner cleans your hair just as well as shampoo but without as much stripping of the oils. It&#39;s actually recommended that people with curly hair (it&#39;s more sponge-like and absorbs stuff much more easily) never shampoo, but use conditioner only. I&#39;ve tried only rinsing off after working out, but I get prickly heat (sweat dries in your pores and is really painful when the salt crystals stab you) if I don&#39;t wash my skin with shampoo or a body wash. </p><p>Don&#39;t forget that baby oil makes a great makeup remover (especially for waterproof makeups) and moisturizes your skin too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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URL: 
DATE: 12/05/2009 02:25:14 AM
<p>I&#39;m curious, what is your suggestion on shaving? If I don&#39;t shave my armpits daily, the hair grows back quite quickly and can show if I wear a short sleeved shirt. What should I do about shaving so I can cut down on showers?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/04/2009 05:44:00 PM
<p>Also, olive oil makes a great moisturizer for the skin, especially on new babies. Cam&#39;s skin was soo flakey when he was first born, and we just rubbed him down and gave him baby massages with olive oil...newborns&#39; skin is so sensitive that even &#39;sensitive&#39; lotions can cause reactions.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/04/2009 05:42:49 PM
<p>Oh jeez, for a while there (with a new baby) I couldn&#39;t shower daily to save my life! Even now, I usually soak in the tub every night to relax but only wash my hair every other day. And true to your post, at first my hair probably looked pretty oily, but now I generally can&#39;t tell...some days I *forget* if I washed my hair the day before, because my hair just does not get oily like it used it. </p><p>It&#39;s also more manageable when being styled and holds styling better on day 2 (which is why when you get your hair done for a special event at a salon, most places ask that you wash your hair the day/night BEFORE your appt to leave some of those good natural oils in there). </p><p>We bathe Cam nightly as part of his bedtime routine, but only wash his hair once a week (unless he rubs food in it). In the winter we usually bathe him every other night, because his skin tends to dry out. We do just use the regular &quot;baby wash&quot; products on him, but I want to switch to more natural products. And I would love to make my own!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/04/2009 04:26:30 PM
<p>Teeth brushing/oral hygiene is really another topic entirely.  Some say that you should NEVER do it, but instead use methods like oil pulling, or even rinsing with clean water after eating every time.  There are many alternative methods here, so I&#39;ll have to blog about those in the future.  For now, I would say 1 - 2 times per day with a GENTLE brush and natural toothpaste is probably fine.  Some people have found as their diets changed, they no longer needed to brush much or at all, but that&#39;s controversial.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2009 02:07:13 PM
<p>I&#39;m curious to know how often you think people should brush their teeth? The mouth secretes saliva and this should be able to ward off germs right? I mean cats lick themselves clean with their saliva right? And dogs lick their wounds to keep them clean and ward off infections.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/04/2009 12:39:37 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I don&#39;t make my own shampoo, either.  I&#39;ve never heard of &quot;Wen&quot; brand.  Next time I buy shampoo I plan to buy the one sold at www.naturalnews.com because it contains only natural/plant ingredients.  It&#39;s expensive, but...if I&#39;m only showering a few days a week, it will last a long time.  I do like the Burt&#39;s Bees products too, which are cheaper and can be found locally.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2009 12:37:19 AM
<p>You are soo right! I appreciate your suggestions about what to do after working out.  Thanks! Europeans shower way less often than us and many people think they are really sexy!  </p><p>I checked out some of the links you provided and am excited to make my own perosnal care products.  What a great way to go green and help my family and myself to be healthier.  Have you ever heard of &quot;Wen&quot; hair cleanser?  I wonder if that is a healthier option for those that don&#39;t wish or don&#39;t have the time to make their own shampoo?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/04/2009 12:23:35 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I think after a work out, simply rinsing off quickly would work.  You&#39;d get the sweat off, but you wouldn&#39;t need the soaps and stuff.  Using healthier versions of personal care products (I should have mentioned this, but pure castile soaps are only oils and no junk) and limiting them to certain regions -- groin, armpits, etc. -- can help too.  It might take your body awhile to adjust, but really, most cultures DON&#39;T shower everyday.  Seems weird to us NOT to but really it isn&#39;t, on a global scale.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/03/2009 11:05:12 PM
<p>Wow!   I never thought about showering less often to be more healthy.  I&#39;ve always thought I would be gross if I didn&#39;t shower, but, since you say I won&#39;t, I might give this showering less strategy a try. </p><p>I try to work out most days of the week. Do you think I should shower after working out, or should I skip it?   Will my body adjust to not smelling bad after a workout?  I want to be healthy and work out most days of the week, but I also don&#39;t want my personal care products like soap and shampoo to cause me to become ill.  Please let me know your thoughts!</p><p>Great post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/03/2009 04:21:12 PM
<p>You make some good points but if I do not shower everyday I feel dirty.  I am just not sure I can shower less.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Personal Responsibility
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/10/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>NEWS! I am now on Twitter, so if you like this blog, please follow me there! I am "ModernAMama" on Twitter!</p><p>Also, if you are looking for a cool new way to get organized, visit <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/12/get-more-organized-this-holiday-season-listplanit-review-and-giveaway.html">Keeper of the Home</a>!</p><p>You may have noticed, in the last week or so, that I've mentioned "personal responsibility" in a lot of my posts. That's because it's really the theme in my own life, and a theme I'd like to follow in this blog. A lot of the negative comments I've received here are from people who seem to NOT believe in personal responsibility, so I thought I'd just address the issue head on.</p><p>Personal responsibility means taking responsibility for your own actions, choices, and the consequences those choices bring (or for your children, if they are young). It is up to each person to choose for themselves how they would like to act, what they would like to do with their lives, etc. but EVERY action comes with consequences, good or bad. You must be willing to accept those consequences.</p><p>For example, I have heard people who go out in public dressed in all black, or wearing pants halfway down their bottoms, or some other particular type of clothing complain that people stereotype them. Sorry to tell you, but if you choose to dress a certain way, it projects a particular image, and people will treat you accordingly. It's like showing up at a job interview in ripped jeans and a t-shirt instead of dress pants and a nice shirt. Who do you think will be taken more seriously? How will these people be treated differently? It is a choice that you make every morning.</p><p>I accept that when I put my opinion out there on the web, I'm taking the chance that others will disagree with me -- sometimes, strongly. I have no problem with that and I post any comments which address a particular topic. Those that are merely rude or turn into personal attacks on my character, I don't post. Because that comes down to YOUR choice. If I were to read someone else's blog and it upset me, I would have a choice: to respond strongly but politely (and therefore have a productive discussion, potentially) or to attack the person (closing all doors and making the person angry). It's my choice how I react, and I have to consider the other person's feelings when I make that choice.</p><p>The choices you make with your health matter, too. Don't be surprised if you eat junk food and don't exercise if you gain weight, or have diabetes. If you don't like how you feel or look, make a change! Seek help and support and take responsibility for your own actions and any role you may have had in contributing to your illness and people WILL help you. That's not to say it is ALWAYS your fault, but there is always something you can do.</p><p>Just so you think I'm not cold and angry, let me share my own story. When Ben and I first got married, we both ate a "typical" diet: packaged meals, white flour, white sugar, etc. I was 20 lbs. heavier and Ben was 40 lbs. heavier. We both felt sick most of the time. We decided we did not want to feel sick or be heavy anymore, so we began to change our eating habits, to exercise more, and to work towards the natural lifestyle we have today. We lost the weight, and most of the time we feel great now. It was our fault that we were heavy and sick before, because we chose to eat junk. And it is our "fault" that we feel better now and have lost the weight. Everytime we cheat and go out to eat, buy processed food, etc., we pay the consequences of not feeling well or temporarily gaining weight, and it reminds us why we've chosen not to do those things.</p><p>I talk a lot about debt-free living and saving money here, too. If you find yourself living on credit cards and racking up debt instead of paying it off, that's your fault too. Take personal responsibility for your spending habits and vow to change. We did this too -- we used credit cards when we first got married, took out student loans, bought funny t-shirts and games and went out on dates because we wanted to reward ourselves. But we didn't like the way this was going, so we changed and have paid off quite a lot of our debt and we no longer use credit cards at all. If we'd been in more trouble, we would have sold the house, sold our cars (actually, at one point, we DID sell a car and had only one for a few months, until we could save up to buy another with cash), Ben would have gotten a second job, I would have worked from home or on the weekends (having a full time job would not have been worth it because of Bekah, we'd have had to pay for daycare. But I would have gotten a job and we would have delayed having kids if we'd been in trouble). You see? Ben actually BEGGED me to allow him to have a second job for months and months so we could pay our debt off faster, and still brings it up from time to time. However, we make enough that this is not a necessity so I tell him that time with the family is more important now. Soon we will be saving for retirement, because we won't expect social security or anything else from the government when the time comes. We are taking personal responsibility for our finances, through the rest of our lives.</p><p>I'm putting in all these personal stories so you don't think I'm being harsh. I'm not Al Gore here :), I'm not a hypocrite. I don't expect anyone else to help me, and I don't blame others for my problems. And if I can't figure out the answer, I turn to the Lord. He helps me sort through what is going on in my life and helps me to find out what I should do next. He always has a plan for me, and sometimes that plan is uncomfortable. But I am willing to follow Him and take responsibility for the choices I make, especially if I did NOT follow His plan. We're all human!</p><p>So, I will continue to discuss personal responsibility here because I think it is really critical. Everyday you have a choice to make. If you are overweight, unhappy, or sick -- it doesn't matter how you got there, today you can make a new choice. You can choose a new diet, choose to have a positive attitude (and seek out a good counselor or friend to talk to), research the best treatments for your illness. It is all completely up to you, and YOU are the one who has to live with your choices. No one else.</p><p>Please take responsibility for yourself, and I believe your life will go a lot better!</p><p>If you enjoy this blog, please subscribe and get it delivered daily to your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
><p>You may have noticed, in the last week or so, that I've mentioned "personal responsibility" in a lot of my posts. That's because it's really the theme in my own life, and a theme I'd like to follow in this blog. A lot of the negative comments I've received here are from people who seem to NOT believe in personal responsibility, so I thought I'd just address the issue head on.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/14/2009 03:26:43 AM
<p>Yeah, I meant IRS. I blame what my dad calls &#39;fat-finger syndrome&#39; not that I have fat fingers...just lazy proofreading. Thanks for catching that!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2009 11:16:19 PM
<p>Emma-</p><p>Don&#39;t you mean the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) vs. the IRA (Irish Republican Army) or IRA (Individual Retirement Account)?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/13/2009 08:55:48 PM
<p>Anonymous 3,</p><p>Saving for retirement IS important and as soon as the last of our debt is paid, we will be saving for retirement.  You are right that it is better to start saving early and we did post that chart.  But we have a plan and will manage to do just fine starting when we do.  :)</p><p>And, I wasn&#39;t kidding about Ben wanting to get another job and me NOT wanting him to.  But we discussed it and I felt that we were in a financial position where he didn&#39;t NEED to and that spending time with our kids was more important.  And he agreed, and would never do it if it upset me.  It is about give and take, he wouldn&#39;t just walk in and say &quot;I&#39;m getting another job, deal with it&quot; anymore than I would say to him &quot;You absolutely can&#39;t do it no matter what.&quot;  He DID go on a few interviews...but we decided against it ultimately.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2009 03:27:25 AM
<p>I&#39;m surprised that you don&#39;t aready save for retirement. I thought I saw some sort of table on one of your posts that adressed saving for retirement, and the table demonstrated how important it is to save for retirement at a young age.  Maybe that was another blog. Retirement savings should always come first.  We started saving for retirement with our very first paychecks and put off buying our first house and having kids until we could live comfortably on one paycheck and still put the maximum amount in a 401K.  To us, it seemed irresponsible to do otherwise. </p><p>Just a quick observation - I&#39;m sure you were kidding when you said Ben BEGGED you to let him get a second job but you said NO. Your choice of words made it sound like you make the decisions in your family instead of the two of you making decisions together.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/12/2009 03:50:33 AM
<p>Just a quick note here - the office I work in has Fox News on 24/7, and they seriously ALWAYS have on those &quot;do you owe the IRA X amount of money?&quot; sort of commercials. It bugs me because they keep saying &quot;You DESERVE to not have to pay all of that money to the IRA&quot; or &quot;You DESERVE to not have anybody bother you this holiday season&quot; and it makes me SO MAD. I mean, if you actually did what you were supposed to (i.e. pay your taxes before you owe way more money than you actually will be able to pay in the end) you would, in fact, deserve those things. But you didn&#39;t do that - you had no responsibility and you don&#39;t deserve anything but what was your fault in the first place.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/10/2009 05:15:44 PM
<p>Anonymous 1,</p><p>I didn&#39;t post a lot of those negative comments because they were rather rude and irrelevant to the topic.  I posted this to discourage those people, and to encourage others who sometimes feel like they don&#39;t have control over a particular situation in their lives, that despite how it seems, you CAN overcome negatives if you take responsibility and attack the problem head-on.</p><p>Anonymous 2,</p><p>Yes, ModernAMama is correct, let me get you a link.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">http://twitter.com/ModernAMama</a> that should work!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/10/2009 03:24:34 AM
<p>Couldn&#39;t find you on Twitter.  Is ModernAMama correct?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/10/2009 03:15:26 AM
<p>I didn&#39;t see any responses from people who did beleieve in personal responsibility.  Did you post them?  If so, could you give an example of a response where someone didn&#39;t seem to accpet responsibility for thier actions?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recovering from Colds
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/13/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered into the <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2009/12/wfmw-easy-monogrammed-ornaments.html">Works For Me Wednesdays at We Are That Family</a>!**</p><p>Somehow, I missed this post when I was looking at my schedule! I thought I had everything done through next Wednesday. But, now you see that sometimes taking care of my family means that I do forget about the blog from time to time. :)</p><p>Recently, we all got colds! It happens sometimes in the winter. Bekah got hit the hardest and had a few miserable days, but the rest of us mostly just had the sniffles. There were several things we did to help ourselves feel better, though, none of which included drugs!</p><p>First, I made some homemade chicken vegetable soup. Soup made with fresh chicken stock is very soothing and healing. The broth itself pulls the toxins and yuck out of your body, actually healing you faster. Plus, it just tastes good. To this, I added a large clove of garlic (per bowl), crushed right before serving. Garlic loses most of its benefits if it is heated or after a couple of hours, so it's important to add it late like this. Yes, that made the soup VERY strong and some people can't stomach that. But it really helps. I felt like my throat was less sore and my sinuses were clearer after eating this soup. Another idea (borrowed from<a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/getting-sick-good-practice-with-herbs.html"> Keeper of the Home</a>) is to crush the garlic and smear it on a piece of bread, and add lots of butter or olive oil, and eat it as garlic bread. I didn't do that this time, but I did a few weeks ago when I just felt a bit tired and needed a boost. In addition to garlic, I also added some cayenne pepper to the soup just before serving. The capsacin in peppers also helps to clear sinuses.</p><p>Next, I made some echinacea tea with raw honey in it. The tea also had a lot of peppermint. This tea really soothed ALL of us. It's naturally caffeine-free because it is herbal, so I gave it to Bekah, too. I also gave her honey on a spoon to soothe her cough. She enjoyed it, and <a href="http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/ColdFlu/story?id=3947988&amp;page=1">studies have shown that honey is more effective than drugstore cough syrup</a>, and much safer, especially in children.</p><p>One night I had trouble sleeping because of a sinus headache. For most, that means a trip to the doctor for antibiotics. But not here. :) I put cool compresses on my forehead because it made my headache feel better. Then, I used hot compresses on my cheekbones, and applied pressure, starting next to my nose and running out towards my nose, to help clear the congestion and blockage. Finally, I used a mix of olive oil and eucalyptus oil in my ears to help clear them and to kill any bacteria that was there (eucalyptus oil is naturally antibacterial). I let the oil sit in each ear (one at a time) dor a couple minutes, then let it drain out. I also drank plenty of water and tried to blow my nose a lot. An hour later my headache was mostly gone and I felt much better. In the morning, the headache and sinus pressure were gone.</p><p>A side note: over-the-counter cold remedies are meant only to relieve symptoms, not to actually cure colds. Rest and time will cure colds, but the remedies I'm describing can help the process along.</p><p>In Bekah's room, we set up a warm-mist vaporizer with <a href="http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/eucalyptus.asp">eucalyptus</a> and<a href="http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/lavender.asp"> lavender </a>oil in it. This helps her a lot. I also put both children in a bath with these oils. Eucalyptus clears sinuses and improves breathing, and lavender helps relaxation.</p><p>With Daniel, who is only not quite 5 months (3 more days!), I didn't feel comfortable giving him anything directly. I took extra vitamin C for both of us (3 - 4 grams per day), and I also sprayed breastmilk up his nose to loosen the congestion. There is saline solution available commercially for this purpose, but breastmilk works better, is free, and doesn't make him angry. Breastmilk also contains antibodies that can actually help to get rid of the cold, rather than just loosen the congestion. I used a nasal aspirator on both kids to suck the worst of the mucus away from them. They both really hate it, but Bekah realizes it makes her feel better and will actually bring me the aspirator and point at her nose. This doesn't stop her from crying a bit and squirming while I'm doing it, but she agrees she feels better after and she does keep asking me to do it. (She did actually while I was writing this!)</p><p>How do you help your colds? Is there anything that works for you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Somehow, I missed this post when I was looking at my schedule! I thought I had everything done through next Wednesday. But, now you see that sometimes taking care of my family means that I do forget about the blog from time to time. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LKoh
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07277987502548298663
DATE: 12/14/2009 08:48:11 PM
<p>Good post. We eat garlic quite a bit around here. Ginger also has very good healing properties. Both are very good if you eat raw or if you just put garlic, unpeeled, in the microwave for like 15 seconds. We also use honey for sore throats around here as well. It helps with the coughing. We also  do the aspirator thing, but use Neti Pot or warm saline 99% of the time to help with the loosing of the mucus. Lately, we&#39;ve been doing the steam room thing. Run the shower hot and sit with the kids in the steamy room anywhere from 10-15 min. The last one was actually recommended by their pediatrician.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Teaching Kids about Chores
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/07/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Teaching kids about chores is very important, from a young age.  Children must learn personal responsibility and good stewardship as soon as they are able to understand the concepts (which is a lot younger than some of you know).  It's extremely important to teach children well so that they grow up responsible, helpful, and generally well-mannered.</p><p>Bekah, at 22 months, is already a big help around the house.  Most kids, somewhere around 18 months, start a highly imitative phase, and they want to "help" you with everything.  Some parents are tempted to brush them off because, yes, it can make your chores take longer to let them help.  But it's crucial to let them do so for several reasons.</p><p>1) Helping takes advantage of their natural curiosity to learn new skills<br/>Kids really love to learn.  That's part of the reason why they start imitating you in the first place.  If you can give your child an age-appropriate job whenever possible, your child will be challenged and will continue to learn new skills, and hone existing ones.  This is crucial to their development as a productive member of society.</p><p>2) Helping teaches them they have a place in the family<br/>In our family, everyone pitches in.  No one person is fully responsible for each task.  We share the responsibility for what needs done.  Giving a young child a chance to help teaches them that they are part of the family and that they need to pitch in, too.  Luckily, toddlers are only too eager.  Allowing them to help makes them feel grown up and like they are really a part of the family.  This will make it easier to teach them more responsibility later, because they'll already understand that all members of the family pitch in, and they'll have experience doing it.</p><p>3) Helping validates their autonomy and efforts<br/>Toddlers are not babies, as many are quick to remind you.  They want to "do it themselves" very often.  Allowing a toddler to do a job makes her feel strong and capable.  Our job as parents is to make our toddlers' world a place where they can do much more than they cannot do whenever possible.  Allowing the toddler to help reminds her that she is an individual person who can do things for herself.</p><p>4) Helping gets them conditioned to doing "chores"<br/>When children are older, we almost universally will ask them to do chores around the house -- their laundry, setting the table, sweeping floors, feeding animals, etc.  By allowing them to help now, they are learning about how to do those jobs and what it's like to feel included.  If a child grows up "always" having helped, they will be more used to simply doing so when we would choose to assign formal chores, and chores will not seem so overwhelming or unusual.</p><p>5) Helping allows them to spend more time with you<br/>When there is a lot to get done (grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry, etc.) it can be hard to find time to spend with your children.  But if you can involve them in what you are doing, you can still spend time with them while you do what you must.  You can teach children silly songs about sweeping the floor, play games while stirring cookie dough, count the socks in the laundry, etc.  For me personally, this is a huge reason to let Bekah help.  I personally find most baby games and toys boring, but I could find ways to let her help me all day long.  I love to include her in what I'm doing, so this is a great way to spend time with her that's interesting to both of us.</p><p>All that said, how can kids help?  It seems like kids as young as 18 months can't really do much.  However, I've found that not to be true.  My daughter has become VERY helpful, actually, and I mean she actually is helping me, not making things take longer!  Here is a list of the types of things very young kids may be able to do (keep in mind your own family situation and your child's abilities; these are the things my daughter does at 22 months):</p><p>*Empty plastic or metal items from the dishwasher and put them away in low cabinets or drawers<br/>*Put laundry from the washer into the dryer (handed to child by mom or dad)<br/>*Sweep floors (this needs a LOT of guidance or the dirt just goes everywhere)<br/>*Feed pets (watch carefully, show scoop for food)<br/>*Tear lettuce for salad<br/>*Add chopped vegetables to bowls (teach the child to wait until the knife is done and the vegetables are moved to one side)<br/>*Fold laundry (hand to mom to fold)<br/>*Put laundry away in low drawers/closet<br/>*Remove own clothing and put in laundry basket or hamper<br/>*Pick up toys from the floor and put in bins or toy box<br/>*Give a pacifier or toy back to younger child<br/>*Wipe up spills<br/>*Fetch diapers, blankets, etc. for younger child<br/>*Dump pre-measured foods into a bowl (i.e. parent fills measuring cup, child adds)<br/>*Stir cold foods (cake batter, salads, etc.)<br/>*Harvest from the garden in the summer (teach colors, i.e. "pick the red tomatoes")</p><p>There are probably many more ways that I can't think of right now, but Bekah has helped do all of these things at one point or another -- sometimes without my knowledge!</p><p>The other week I was emptying the dishwasher and feeling rather annoyed and busy.  Bekah came over and wanted to help.  (She will sign "help" if she wants to help me.)  I said "No, mommy is busy, just let me do it."  She completely ignored me.  She picked up a cutting board (plastic) and opened up the cabinet it goes in and put it away!  Recently she's also learned how to tear the salad leaves into bite-sized pieces, instead of just tearing them in half like she used to.  The more she helps, the more she learns about how things are done.</p><p>Children -- ALL people -- learn best by DOING.  Repetition is key, and observation doesn't hurt.  As Bekah observes me doing certain likes (like tearing salad leaves smaller), she practices doing it herself and learns to do it "right."  She's also learned to pick up a cutting board and push all the food into a bowl instead of grabbing several handfuls.  Her skills will be honed as she does more and more.  Whenever possible, I try to give her a job to do.  It makes her feel included, and it actually staves off a lot of tantrums that would result from being ignored.  It's also setting her up for a future of being responsible.</p><p>When our children are older, they'll be expected to pick up after themselves.  That is, put their dishes in the dishwasher, clothes in the hamper, toys put away, any messes cleaned up.  We already make Bekah clean up her own messes whenever possible, or at least help.  We'll also teach them to do all different types of chores.  Girls will learn to mow the lawn and do hard labor; boys will learn to cook and sew.  By including them in all these types of chores now (Bekah enjoys cooking and pretending to sew just as much as tramping through the garden), we're setting them up to continue helping.</p><p>How do you teach your children about chores?  At what age did they start helping and what types of things did they do?</p><p>If you enjoy this blog, subscribe and have it emailed to you everyday!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Teaching kids about chores is very important, from a young age.  Children must learn personal responsibility and good stewardship as soon as they are able to understand the concepts (which is a lot younger than some of you know).  It's extremely important to teach children well so that they grow up responsible, helpful, and generally well-mannered.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2009 11:31:08 PM
<p>I do know that they built their own house and that they are debt-free.  I agree that they are more financially responsible than most families.  I don&#39;t doubt that their daughters will willingly care for the other kids and the household while their mom is in the hospital.  They should; that&#39;s part of being a family.  </p><p>I vehemently disagree with the girls being responsible for a younger sibling or siblings.  Parents should not have more children than they can care for themselves.  Michelle does not provide the day to day care for all of the children, a fact she readily admits.  She &quot;assigns&quot; younger children to the older girls.  She justifies this unfair practice by saying that she and Jim-Bob are living God&#39;s plan for them.  As Susan B. Anthony once said:  &quot;I always distrust people who know so much about what God wants them to do because their own desires seem to so neatly coincide with His.&quot;  I wonder if this is the &quot;plan&quot; God had in mind for the Duggar girls.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/13/2009 09:01:52 PM
<p>Amber,</p><p>My goal is to treat my children as they need to be treated, not necessarily equally.  My daughter hated to sleep in my arms so I never did it with her, even as a newborn (she&#39;d struggle and cry and refuse to sleep).  My son LOVES to sleep with me so sometimes he does.  It&#39;s not equal, but it&#39;s what each needs.  I believe it is best to treat children as individuals, but also to teach them that certain things -- like respecting others -- are not negotiable.</p><p>Anonymous,</p><p>I only just learned about the Duggar&#39;s premature baby after reading your comment.  I plan to post my views on large families in a few weeks so that I can answer the questions more thoroughly.  Briefly, though, I don&#39;t think that the girls will mind helping out for a few weeks while their mother is not at home.  When she returns (which should be much sooner than the baby), I&#39;m sure she will take up her usual role.  I am also fairly sure that this will be their last baby.  I do think that although a lot of people disagree with the Duggars and their lifestyle, that they are taking responsibility for themselves.  Do you know they are completely debt-free?  That they built their house themselves?  They aren&#39;t relying on anyone outside the family to help them.  Granted, there are things I disagree with in their lifestyle, but in general I would count them as more responsible than many.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2009 03:34:31 AM
<p>What do you think about the Duggars having their 19th child prematurely?  Is it fair to the older girls who will now have to take care of the many younger kids and  run that giant household?  Is it fair to baby 19 to be conceived when mom and dad both know the risk of complications?  All of this seems to fly in the face of your opinion on personal responsibility, so I am curious what your thoughts are since you also want a large family. Would you have 19 kids?  How many is too many, and at what point does a large family become and irresponsible chioce?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/10/2009 01:13:03 AM
<p>I was going to post early in response to Krista&#39;s post, but Kate said some of what I wanted to say.</p><p>I read recently that it&#39;s ok to give an older child his &quot;space,&quot; and to call it that, and to let him keep as messy or clean as he wants. BUT, set rules to do a deep clean (for sanitary/health reasons) 2-3 times a year where mom or dad helps clean, wipe down, vacuum, etc. Also, have rules set like &quot;if friends are to come over, the floor must be picked up, there needs to be somewhere for friends to sit,&quot; etc. And if the child wants his parents to come into the room to hang out, the parents are allowed to say &quot;no thanks, your room is a mess and smells funny&quot; to encourage the child to clean things up a bit. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amber
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DATE: 12/09/2009 02:35:31 AM
<p>Maybe everyone should be treated equally? I know it&#39;s easier said than done, but birth order stereotypes can cause a lot of problems.  Maybe your brother didn&#39;t work as hard because he knew that his older sister would.  Children take on the roles they perceive they have in a family.  I&#39;m sure you&#39;ll do a good job!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/09/2009 02:14:05 AM
<p>Thanks for the clarification.  I see your point, and I agree that it may start out with the oldest being an example until they can all be examples in their own right.  Thanks again.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/08/2009 09:27:21 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Yes, I am the oldest in my family.  I don&#39;t think my parents used the &quot;example&quot; line very often, but I kind of think they should have.  My husband is also the oldest in his family, and we both felt that we ended up having a larger burden of responsibility than our younger siblings did.  However, we felt that ultimately THEY were short-changed because adjusting to the work load of simply being an adult was more difficult for them than for us.  In some cases they simply avoid responsibility and honestly, my brother nearly flunked out of college at first (but has gotten it together and will graduate in a year, perhaps, at age 23).  We honestly did not feel that we should have been worked less, but that our siblings should have been worked more.  We felt much more prepared when we were both going to school full time plus working part time or full time as adults.  So for our children, we want to really make sure that they are prepared to work hard, and that they are equipped with &quot;life skills&quot; like cooking, cleaning, and yard work.  All of them.  Girls will work outside and boys will learn to cook and sew on buttons.  A large part of our parenting philosophy really grew out of what we observed in our younger siblings.  And honestly...our parents have confided in us now that in some cases, they wish they&#39;d done some things differently in this area!</p><p>So, I think it depends on how it is worded and it can&#39;t be just the older sibling.  Perhaps the oldest sibling starts out as an example to younger ones, but they should all ultimately be an example to the rest of the world of how to be helpful and generous.  At least that&#39;s how I see it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 12/08/2009 09:19:52 PM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I&#39;m sure YOU do try to play games with your daughter.  I&#39;m sorry if you took my comments personally; that wasn&#39;t my intention. What I meant to say was that I don&#39;t think parents have to like the games, but showing interest in the child&#39;s developmentally appropriate games and puzzles is important.  I have probably played a million games of Candy Land and Connect Four.  Neither of those is challenging or even interesting for me, but my kids love them.  Honestly, until they can play Scrabble, backgammon, or other, more sophisticated, games well, I doubt that I will find their games interesting. I play their games to help them develop.</p><p>I look forward to hearing your thoughts about large families.  I think your suggestions regarding getting a 7 year-old to do chores were great!  I don&#39;t think, however, it is fair to &quot;explain to him that he is the oldest&quot; and he should set an example.  I am the oldest child in my family, and many of my friends are the oldest child in their families.  All of us disliked having to be the example simply because of our birth order.  I think it sets up resentment between siblings, and, really, parents should be the example.  Are you the oldest sibling in your family?  If your parents used the &quot;oldest is the example&quot;  line on you, how did it make you feel?  Do you think the oldest child in a family has a higher burden of responsibility in a family?  If so, why?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/08/2009 03:54:16 PM
<p>Krista,</p><p>I don&#39;t have personal experience with 7-year-olds, but here is what I would suggest: sit down with him at a time that is neutral (i.e. when you&#39;re not already trying to make him clean up and you&#39;re both annoyed).  Explain that he is the oldest and you really need his help and for him to set a good example.  Then, set up a rewards system.  In my mind, there are two types of chores: personal chores, and household chores.  Personal chores are things like putting your clothes in the hamper, picking up your toys, etc.  Household chores are feeding the dog, sweeping the floor, etc.  You can write out which personal chores he needs to be responsible for daily (hopefully if he puts his clothes away and picks up his toys his room will never be so messy) and then offer a reward.  I suggest that this reward is time alone with you or your husband, a special game or activity, etc.  Something that&#39;s more inherently rewarding.  Then, if he doesn&#39;t do those things, you can offer consequences, like he can&#39;t spend time with his friends until his chores are done.  Something that would affect you, too, and explain: &quot;If I don&#39;t do the dishes, then I can&#39;t call my friend until I do, because we need to have clean dishes here.&quot;</p><p>For household chores, list ones that need done and let him pick the ones he&#39;d like to do.  It might surprise you.  As a teenager, one of my chores was to empty the dishwasher, which I had to do only a couple times a week.  I hated it, and eventually offered to trade my mom.  I said I&#39;d feed the cats and clean their litter boxes every night if I didn&#39;t have to empty the dishwasher anymore.  She was very willing to trade.  I took on MORE work because feeding the cats was better than emptying the dishwasher, to me.  </p><p>And finally...how big a deal is it, really, if his room is a little messy?  I know that despite my best efforts, my room often gets pretty messy.  I honestly focus my efforts on the rest of the house and do what I can, when I can with it.  Maybe that doesn&#39;t have to be a battle you fight.  But, if he&#39;s usually allowed to play with friends there, you could tell him that he can&#39;t take friends in his room unless it&#39;s clean, because guests don&#39;t get to see the messy parts of the house.  I don&#39;t know.  But sometimes I think some battles just aren&#39;t worth it!</p><p>Anonymous,</p><p>Thanks for the comments.  I think it is worth it to try to play games with your children.  And although I find it boring, I do TRY.  I honestly can&#39;t wait until my daughter&#39;s a little older and gets more into coloring and dolls and stuff that is just a bit more interesting to me!  My husband can&#39;t wait till the kids are old enough for board and card games, even basic ones.  We all do our best.</p><p>Finally, I&#39;ve thought a lot about large families, like the Duggars, and I&#39;ll do a blog post in a couple weeks about my opinion on the subject.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 12/08/2009 12:27:54 AM
<p>I agree that kids should clean up after themselves and have a few basic chores.  The &quot;help mommy&quot; strategy works great with toddlers, but less so, as Krista has noticed, with older kids.  Ater age three or four kids become more autonomous and are less interested in mommy.  That is why I think it is important to at least feign some interest in their age-appropriate toys and games (it would be great if parents could actually find something interesting abut the games, say the joy in their child&#39;s eyes when they are successful at the game or puzzle).  Yes, these games can be boring to parents, but establishing a relationship where both parties- parent to child and child to parent- give attention to each other&#39;s interests is important. The relationship shouldn&#39;t just be the children adapting to the parents&#39; lives, but also the parent&#39;s adapting to the children&#39;s emerging interests (even boring toddler games).  You may know the old saying, &quot;Listen to your kids when they are young so that they will talk to you when they are teenagers.&quot; </p><p>That being said, as children get older and don&#39;t want to help just to please mommy, it may be beneficial to try offering incentives.  For example, stating that we can go on a walk with the dog or do some other healthy, fun,  activity after picking up may give children the incentive they need to do their chores.  I&#39;m not talking about bribery (candy, toys, etc.), but basic relaxation activites that we all do as adults (ex. as soon as I finish putting away the laundry I will . . . have a cup of tea, read a blog, take a walk, etc.) This way you not only teach them good work strategies, but also good relaxation strategies. </p><p>As kids get even older, explaining how their work help parents provide other things for the family may give kids incentive to do chores and help around the house.  For example, explaining that if we grow and maintain our own garden we save money on food.  If we save money on food, we can use it for other purposes such as family weekends, music lessons, or even a second car that the kids can use.   </p><p>As I said at the beginning of this post, I think kids should clean up after themselves and have some basic chores, but let&#39;s not forget that the kids&#39; JOB is to be a kid and to learn. They initially learn through play and then through reading, listening, and experience.  I don&#39;t beleive that EVERYONE learns best by doing; some people are visual learners, some auditory, and others are kinesthetic.  Again, listen to and observe your child to determine how they best learn.</p><p>I TOTALLY disagree with large famiilies (like the Duggars) who make the older children responsible for younger children.  Those older children did not choose to be parents; their parents DID choose and they should take total responsibility for their choices.  The children should be allowed to have a childhood and not be treated as unpaid nannies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krista
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/14616414842380204671
DATE: 12/07/2009 06:23:27 AM
<p>I&#39;m having a really hard time getting my kids to clean up after themselves.  I&#39;ve experienced the toddler years when they are so excited to help.  My now 7-yr-old has discovered that its boring to clean and playing is much more fun.  Right now, the biggest battle is his bedroom.  He trashes it and then refuses to pick up.  Even when I break it down into bite-size tasks and even pitch in to help (lets pick up all the dirty clothes first and put them in the laundry room; now lets pick up all the books off the floor, etc.) I get lots of whining and &quot;I don&#39;t want to.&quot;  I end up super frustrated.  My three-yr-old is sometimes super helpful (and loves to make messes simply to be able to clean it up) and other times adamently refuses to help when she makes a mess.  The more I force her to help or get angry, the less she is inclined to help (which makes sense, but I have a hard time not getting angry when she&#39;s made a design on the floor in chocolate syrup or emptied a roll of toilet paper into the toilet and then flushed to make the toilet overflow).  </p><p>So, I&#39;d love some ideas as how to motivate my children to help without complaining, to understand that we are a family and we need to all help each other (I&#39;ve repeated those words a million times and it just doesn&#39;t seem to sink in at all!).  Also, I have an 18-month-old who is just getting to that &quot;let me help&quot; stage....would love some practical suggestions as to how to let him help.  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 12/07/2009 02:24:41 AM
<p>I work at a daycare center where I am the lead teacher in a young toddler room (18 months-30 months).  These kids love having &quot;special&quot; jobs to help their teacher.  I find myself making up little jobs for them to do throughout the day, and it makes them feel important and like they&#39;re getting the attention they want.  Having simple chores, like carrying the class notebook or passing out napkins, helps us transition from one activity to another smoothly.  I&#39;ve also found that giving children this age positive attention really cuts down on behavior issues.  Small tasks are a great way to give them positive attention! Thanks for this post!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Ways to Save Money Around the House
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/15/2009 01:00:00 AM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This has been entered in <a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com/2009/12/frugal-friday-new-year-goals.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>So far, we've discussed creating a budget and ideas to save money on that budget. That is, large ways to save, like refinancing the mortgage, cutting out entertainment, buying in bulk, etc. But there are other ways to save money, around the house. Simple, little things that most people don't even think about that can add up and make a big difference on how much you eventually spend on your bills.</p>
<p><strong>Disposable Items</strong><br />*Use less toilet paper -- limit yourself to only 3 - 4 squares per bathroom trip unless you really NEED more. Most times you don't. Check on your children to make sure they aren't grabbing a huge handful "just for fun," either. If we let her, Bekah would stand in the bathroom and throw the toilet paper in the toilet, sheet by sheet, all day. Obviously a waste!</p>
<p>*Use fewer paper towels -- When possible, use towels or something that can be washed instead. When a paper towel is necessary or truly more convenient, use only one, or even half a sheet. Whatever the smallest amount is that gets the job done.</p>
<p>*Reuse plastic baggies -- Rinse them out if they were messy, or just re-use them as is. If you've only had chips or something dry in them, you can use them right away. Lettuce can be in the same bag for a couple weeks before it needs rinsed. Any non-food item bags can obviously be re-used.</p>
<p>*Reuse EVERYTHING! -- "Anything else" falls in this category. You can reuse old canisters or bottles to store stuff (it doesn't have to be food) or turn into a children's toy. Old spice containers (plastic) make great toys! Basically, if there is a way something can be used again, do it. <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/12/07/monday-mission-repurpose-kitchen-containers/">Get creative</a>.</p>
<p>*Move away from disposables -- When possible, don't use ANYTHING disposable. No paper plates. No Kleenexes (ideas on how to get around this are coming soon). No disposable diapers (clearly we use <a href="/blog/2009/10/28/getting-started-with-cloth-diapers.html">cloth</a>). No paper towels. No napkins. No plastic silverware. No plastic cups. Nothing! It isn't always possible, but do what you can.</p>
<p><strong>Water Use</strong><br />*Only wash FULL loads in the washer -- Combine loads if you have to, or wait an extra few days. If you must wash not full loads, at least use a lower water level.</p>
<p>*Consider low-flow toilets and showers -- A low flow toilet uses less than 2 gallons per flush, instead of 3 - 5. A low-flow shower head uses less than half as much as an ordinary head too. Reducing the overall length of your showers, or frequency, will save money on water, too!</p>
<p>*Don't flush the toilets so often -- Okay, you might think this is crazy. But a toilet doesn't need to be flushed EVERY time you pee in it. Let it go for 2 or 3 times and flush it only once or twice a day, instead of every time. This will save a lot of money if you have a big family. We do this on our upstairs toilets, though not the downstairs ones where guests go. Poop always gets flushed immediately. :)</p>
<p>*Reuse bath towels -- these can be used at least 3 - 4 times! Ideally, you should replace them about once a week, but NOT after every shower.</p>
<p>*Combining baths/showers -- If you have little kids, take them in the bath or shower with you. Or, bathe them together. Use less water for the bath. It will all save money, and time!</p>
<p>*Leave sinks off -- If you're washing dishes, fill the sink and just use that, don't keep the faucet running. If you're brushing your teeth, keep the water off except the wet the brush and to rinse. You can fill a small cup to rinse with, too, so you don't need the water on.</p>
<p><strong>In the Kitchen</strong><br />*Plan creative menus that use leftovers to avoid food waste -- Making chicken for dinner one night? Plan soup or sandwiches with the leftovers. Get creative with what's left in your fridge (or pantry) that will spoil if you don't use it. A wilting head of lettuce, last night's burgers and some old tomato sauce could turn into a sloppy-joe like meal with a side salad, for example.</p>
<p>*Compost food and garden -- Sometimes, you just won't get to the food in time. In that case, throw it into a compost pile and use it in your garden in the summer. Just don't add meats or oils of any kind, and of course no non-food items (coffee grounds, egg shells, etc. are okay).</p>
<p>*Don't buy things with a lot of packaging/individual servings -- Buy a big bottle of juice instead of individual sizes. Buy a huge box or bag of raisins instead of little ones. Then, split them yourself into individual servings if you like. I know, I prefer things in meal or snack-size portions too, but I put them into containers myself. Glass are ideal, but plastic or even baggies (reuse those!) work in a pinch.</p>
<p>*Planning meals that use food wisely (salads, soups, seasonal items, etc.) -- If you make a salad or soup, you can use some expensive ingredients (like meat) but stretch them far. One large chicken breast could be enough to serve 3 - 4 people if it's in soup; otherwise you'd need one per person. Also look at what items are in season and buy those, as they tend to be cheaper. If you can, stock up on seasonal items and can them or freeze them (home canned items are done in glass and don't have the BPA issues of store-canned foods).</p>
<p><strong>Energy Use</strong><br />*Turning lights off -- When you're not in the room, turn the lights off! During the day, just don't turn them on. This really applies to anything you're not using, like computers, the TV, etc.</p>
<p>*Closing unused heating registers and closing doors -- If there's a room you're not in much, close the heat registers and then close the door, so the heat doesn't have to reach that room.</p>
<p>*Lowering heating/raising air conditioning temperatures -- Thermostats can be lowered to 65 - 68 in the winter and 75 - 78 in the summer to maximize efficiency and cut heating/air bills. We actually don't have central a/c at all, just a couple window units, and we turn them on when we're in those rooms (one downstairs, one in our bedroom, one in Bekah's room).</p>
<p>*Consider Energy Star/High Efficiency appliances -- These will lower your energy bills. Although I have heard that HE washers are not great for cloth diapers, so it may be better to have one that you can adjust the water level yourself.</p>
<p>*Mow the lawn every other week in the summer instead of every week -- It'll be fine even it doesn't look super nice. :) It saves money on gas and it saves your time.</p>
<p>*Don't water the lawn -- It doesn't need it. If it's a dry summer it won't look the greatest, but what's more important? How your lawn looks (i.e. what the neighbors think), or saving money AND water?</p>
<p><strong>Miscellaneous</strong><br />*Learn to repair your home yourself, instead of paying a repairman -- There are some things you shouldn't do yourself, like major plumbing, but for simple fixes, learn to do it yourself. There are books you can buy that are a lot cheaper than a repairman, or even websites that will teach you. We have an advantage here. Ben grew up fixing up and remodeling houses with his dad, so he knows how to fix most anything, including the electrical! Certainly don't call a repairman if, say, your washer is simply off balance, or the garbage disposal doesn't work. Take personal responsibility and learn to repair small things on your own.</p>
<p>*Learn to do other things yourself, too: make your own coffee, mow your own lawn, cook your own meals, etc. -- We really covered this in the last post, but you don't need to go out to eat a lot, nor do you need to hire someone to do basic things like mow your lawn. :)</p>
<p>*Banish unnecessary items from your home -- Don't buy an extra piece of candy at the store (even if your kids were really good). Don't buy new toys (even for birthdays; they'll get new stuff from friends and family anyway). Don't buy food you won't eat. Don't buy unnecessary medicine (we don't buy anything OTC anymore)!</p>
<p>*Make things yourself -- Make your meals, sew buttons back onto your clothes, fix hems or rips in clothes, make your own baby toys (make sure they're safe), sew cirb sheets and blankets (it's easy!), etc.</p>
<p>There are LOTS of ways to save money around the house. Most of these are also environmentally-friendly, too. It's all about living a frugal and sustainable life!</p>
<p>What do you do to save money around the house?</p>
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EXCERPT:
So far, we've discussed creating a budget and ideas to save money on that budget. That is, large ways to save, like refinancing the mortgage, cutting out entertainment, buying in bulk, etc. But there are other ways to save money, around the house. Simple, little things that most people don't even think about that can add up and make a big difference on how much you eventually spend on your bills.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/09/2010 04:14:49 AM
<p>I think you have some good suggestions and i&#39;m sorry you&#39;re getting so much flack in the comments.  Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: The Prudent Homemaker
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.theprudenthomemaker.com
DATE: 01/08/2010 07:06:36 PM
<p>We do almost all of the above things. However, some vary depending on where you live.</p><p>For example, we live in the middle of the desert. We easily can have 6 months of temperatures over 100º (in summer it&#39;s 116º on average most days, cooling to 104º at 1 am.) It can easily get to 99º in the house without the a/c on. At that point, not only do people start getting overheated, but kitchen cabinets, etc. start to come loose (this is really bad on empty houses here that are sitting for sale). For us, a/c is really important. However, heat in the winter is not that big of a deal. In fact, today I have the heat off and the windows open--and it&#39;s January 8th!</p><p>One thing that helps with watering the grass is to water between 11pm and 5 am in the summer (mandatory by law here, in fact, for most of the year). We have automatic sprinklers and they are set on a timer to go on then.</p><p>Most front yards here are rock, with a few plants watered by a drip system. We water our vegetable garden and fruit trees on a drip system. Our grass in the backyard is where my children play, and I prefer having grass over rocks for the children to play on (and since we homeschool, that is their playground).</p><p>We have a front-loading, large capacity HE washer. I do 22-24 loads of laundry a week for my family (and we often wear pants more than one day, only change towels once a week, etc.) Not only do they use less water (a hug deal here whre water is tiered) but they are gentler on clothing, which means our clothes last longer. Also, they spin clothes really well; I can dry a load in almost the same time it takes me to wash a load--a big deal when you&#39;re doing 4 very large loads a day. I don&#39;t have problems with stains coming out. I think the stain remover has a lot to do with whether the stains come out (in response to the comments above). I regularly get grass stains out on jeans with oxy clean spray--and I wash them on cold water!</p><p>We don&#39;t have a problem with towels drying here and becoming moldy, either--the air is so dry and warm here that towels dry very quickly.</p><p>I totally understand about toys. One thing in large families is that quality toys are often passed down--and with lots of children, you quickly accumulate lots of toys (and don&#39;t always need new ones for younger children)! My children often get books (used or new, depending on what I find). Used items can often look brand-new; I bought a set of used American Girl books from half.com for 1/3 the price of new--and they looked brand-new. I also make my children a lot of their gifts. </p><p>Here are the other things that we do to save money:</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://theprudenthomemaker.com/shoppingwisely.aspx">http://theprudenthomemaker.com/shoppingwisely.aspx</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/08/2010 06:51:50 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>You should only use as much toilet paper as you really need to get the job done.  Lots of people want to use a whole handful so there is no possible way anything could ever touch their hands.  That&#39;s why we wash after.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
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DATE: 01/08/2010 06:34:17 PM
<p>You are taking frugal a little too far when you start skimping on the amount of toilet paper you use to get the job done.  It is one thing to buy the cheaper brands as opposed to the cushy, softer premium brands, but come on, limit the amount you use?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: David
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06596298487715187790
DATE: 12/20/2009 11:52:46 AM
<p>I know a way to save more on toilet paper than any coupon or special. This covers all the bases = saves you money, helps the environment, helps your health, makes you feel better, it&#39;s so easy to do and  it costs less than $50.00; Save money and the Earth and be clean at the same time!  Add Bathroom Bidet Sprayers to all your bathrooms. I think Dr. Oz on Oprah said it best: &quot;if you had pee or poop on your hand, you wouldn&#39;t wipe it off with paper, would you? You&#39;d wash it off” Available at www.bathroomsprayers.com  with these you won&#39;t even need toilet paper any more, just a towel to dry off! Don’t worry, you can still leave some out for guests and can even make it the soft stuff without feeling guilty. It&#39;s cheap and can be installed without a plumber; and runs off the same water line to your toilet. You&#39;ll probably pay for it in a few months of toilet paper savings. As for water use a drought is always a concern and must be dealt with prudently but remember the water use of industrial users far exceeds the water use of household users and in the case of toilet paper manufacture it is huge. The pollution and significant power use from that manufacturing process also contributes to global warming so switching to a hand bidet sprayer and lowering your toilet paper use is very green in multiple ways.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2009 10:33:16 PM
<p>I agree that used stuff can be great, but I do buy electronics (which is mainly what my older kids want) new.  I&#39;ve had too many bad experiences with constanly fixing used stuff, and I can&#39;t fix most electronics myself.  Usually if someone got rid of a computer or a digital camera there was a reason - it didn&#39;t work properly!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: autumn
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/10091997875083650670
DATE: 12/18/2009 03:17:09 AM
<p>Great post. I also buy almost everything for my kids used...my oldest is 11 and he still asks me to check Goodwill or yard sales before looking for something new. I think if you raise your kids to think &quot;used&quot; is cool then it helps.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cara
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04253120851598570692
DATE: 12/17/2009 12:47:46 AM
<p>What a great list! I love that you put the part about buying a book and fixing things yourself. We&#39;ve done that a lot, my husband has saved tons of $ in sewing machine repairs that &#39;only a professional could do&#39;</p><p>Regarding buying your children new items for Birthdays, I&#39;d question what makes people want something *new*. To me buying new when  there is a perfectly good used alternative is just doing what the advertisements want you to do!</p><p>That said, I bought my daughter a new outfit (dress, shirt, leggings) from Gymboree (on sale) for her Birthday.  I think how their clothes corrdinate is just darling (so I guess this purchase was mostly for me anyway). Most of the rest of her wardrobe is thrift store and garage sale, and it&#39;s still cute.</p><p>Didn&#39;t mean to write a book on your blog! lol!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/16/2009 01:22:18 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Thanks for the tip on towels!  I did not know that.</p><p>The presents -- I&#39;m sure it will be different when our kids are older, right now they&#39;re too little to notice.  I will continue to MAKE them special gifts though too...and hope that they (usually) cherish those more than anything I can buy at the store.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/16/2009 12:45:21 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Our allergist said that bath towels should NOT be resued if a person has mold allergies.  The towels need to be washed in HOT water and dried thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew growth.</p><p>Also, I agree with James that new toys on your children&#39;s birthdays doesn&#39;t seem excessive.  I agree that you can get some great deals on used, but I would feel bad counting on my parents or other family members to buy my kids that &quot;special&quot; new toy. I think this is especially true as your children get a little older, and they have specific wants.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 12/15/2009 06:27:28 PM
<p>James,</p><p>We do buy (or often, make) them something new for their birthdays...or if not, they get things that are new to them.  Bekah&#39;s Christmas presents last year included a huge play kitchen, a &quot;learning tower,&quot; and a few other toys.  New, it would have cost $500 or so.  Used it cost us $50 I believe.  This year I&#39;m making her some doll diapers, and a few other things.  New, but creative and special.  :)  They do get presents, believe me!  And plenty from grandparents too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: James
EMAIL: 
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URL: 
DATE: 12/15/2009 04:55:10 PM
<p>Hi Kate.  You don&#39;t buy your kids toys on their birthday?  I feel like allowing your children to have something new one day a year probably isn&#39;t too excessive.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/15/2009 01:52:37 AM
<p>Don&#39;t fall for the &quot;high efficiency&quot; trap with washers. My mother-in-law got one and has regretted it every day since. It&#39;s more water-efficient, but less water means that it doesn&#39;t get &#39;stuff&#39; out better. If she wears jeans to mow the lawn and puts them in the washer, there will still be grass clippings in the laundry after it&#39;s done &#39;cleaning&#39; her clothes. She has to pre-wash really dirty stuff (she has 3 sons, even if 2 of them don&#39;t live at home for the most part), so how is that saving anything? It also takes much longer than her other washers ever did, and she&#39;s planning on switching back really soon.</p><p>So if you get dirty beyond &#39;I wore these clothes a few times but nothing&#39;s on them&#39; don&#39;t get the HE ones.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Wooden Blocks: How-to
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/24/2009 01:00:00 AM
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<p>As many of you know, we've been working on a homemade Christmas this year. I'll put a final update on all the projects that we did in a few days, but wanted to share one project with you now. We made a set of wooden blocks for my nephew, using only a few common household tools. The rest of this was written by Ben, the one who actually made the blocks! Enjoy the project!</p>
<p>The goal: To make a nice homemade gift for my 1-year-old nephew that will encourage his creative development, be something meaningful that will last, and be relatively cheap (materials wise, though certainly not time wise; after all, we are <a href="/blog/2009/11/1/debt-free-living.html">trying to get out of debt</a>). The gift we chose was a nice set of wooden blocks, painted in Texas A&amp;M Aggies colors (red and white) since that is his father's favorite football team.</p>
<p>The materials I used were some scrap pieces of 2x6 left over from some household repairs and a piece of 1" dowel rod. While the pieces I used were scrap, they were the perfect size and what I would have purchased, if needed. Buying the pieces new would probably cost $10-20 depending on the number blocks you'd like to end up with. Plan ahead and calculate the square area of all the pieces you want, and decide if you'll need an 8', 12', or 16' piece of 2x6. (Make sure you account for the width of the blade in your calculations!)</p>
<p>I ended up with a 35 piece set, which I felt was a good size, but maybe a little on the small side. A 40-50 piece set seems like a good number, although depending on either your skill level, or the amount you think your child (or gift recipient) would play with them, you may want a smaller or larger set.</p>
<p>This is a break down of all the pieces:</p>
<p>(cut from the 2x6)<br />2 - 2.25"x6.75" arches (with a triangle cut out of the bottom)<br />2 - small triangles from the arches above<br />8 - 2.25"x2.25" squares<br />4 - 4.5"x2.25" rectangles<br />2 - 2.25"x6.75" (cut diagonally) sloped triangle<br />8 - 2.25"x2.25" (cut diagonally) right triangle</p>
<p>(cut from a strip of 2x6, 3/8" thick)<br />5 - 4.5" flat pieces</p>
<p>(cut from 1" dowel rod)<br />2 - 6" columns<br />2 - 3" columns</p>
<p>I started by deciding what size pieces I wanted, and marking the wood before I cut it. (I've highlighted the pencil marks so that they can be more easily seen). NOTE: I am aware that not all the pieces are marked :0 I wanted to see how the sizes I decided on felt in my hands, before I marked all the other pieces.</p>
<p>(To help identify which pieces I'm referring to later in the post, on the left side, the top piece is two arches, then 4 squares, 2 sloped triangles, 6 flat pieces, then finally the dowel rod)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzKoBDiE9hI/AAAAAAAAAGM/rrLnJtagsBY/s400/wood_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418578037761701394" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzKoBDiE9hI/AAAAAAAAAGM/rrLnJtagsBY/s400/wood_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Most of the cuts should be done with a single or double bevel miter saw (like the one shown below). The remaining can be done with a basic hand held circular saw.  We didn't have a miter saw when we did this so we used a circular saw for most.  It is doable but not as easy.  Bekah LOVED this project, by the way; she was constantly signing "more" when the saw stopped and bringing over new pieces of wood and saying "cut please."</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzKqZGsKbPI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Gnder4INdg0/s400/wood_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418580649949424882" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzKqZGsKbPI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Gnder4INdg0/s400/wood_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Start by cutting the 2x6 length wise twice, with the circular saw, into two strips 2.25" (cut on the blue lines). This will leave you with two pieces 2.25" wide and a piece about 5/8" wide (5.5" originally, minus 2.25", 1/8" cut, 2.25", second 1/8" cut). To make it simpler later, trim 1/4" off the bottom of the piece, so that you're left with a 3/8" piece, instead of a 5/8" wide piece.</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzKvoDrGjUI/AAAAAAAAAGs/4Rg3t1KFfj4/s400/wood_6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418586404395846978" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 227px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzKvoDrGjUI/AAAAAAAAAGs/4Rg3t1KFfj4/s400/wood_6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The diagram below shows all of the respective pieces that will be explained in the following paragraph.</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK2WGHFMFI/AAAAAAAAAG0/wgauZBftzds/s400/wood_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418593792393818194" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 169px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK2WGHFMFI/AAAAAAAAAG0/wgauZBftzds/s400/wood_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Then use the miter saw to "chop" the 2.25" pieces of 2x6 into the right sizes; 2.25" wide for squares, 4.5" wide for rectangles, 6.75" for arches, 6.75" for sloped triangles, and 2.25" for right triangles. The dowel rod can also be chopped at this point into 6" and 3" long pieces.</p>
<p>Whether you have a single bevel or double bevel miter saw, you can now set it at 45 degrees to cut some of the 2.25"x2.25" squares in half diagonally to turn them into right triangles. The miter can also be used at this point to cut the under side of the arches. It would be best to use a rotary saw, but since I don't have one, I used my miter saw. I started the arch about 1.5" from the ends of the piece and used a triangle to mark the cuts.</p>
<p>For the sloped triangles, cut the 2.25"x6.75" piece diagonally with the circular saw.</p>
<p>The last pieces I cut were using the 5/8" wide scrap we left earlier. I trimmed it down, using a length wise cut with the circular saw, to 3/8" wide. As I noted earlier, the best idea is to trim this piece before cutting the 2.25" pieces, so that you can set your circular saw squarely on the larger piece. I chopped this into 4.5" long flat pieces to act as a floor or roof piece.</p>
<p>Once you're cut out all of the desired pieces, we need to make the wood pieces safe for kids to play with. I used a hand held sander to sand every edge, and every surface, of each piece, to remove all rough spots in the wood and the sharp edges.</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK27II4fsI/AAAAAAAAAG8/whHXzZNCEXM/s400/wood_3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418594428593405634" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK27II4fsI/AAAAAAAAAG8/whHXzZNCEXM/s400/wood_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Once I was done with all the cutting and sanding I let Rebekah "play test" the pieces to ensure that they were in fact, fun to play with. She certainly thought so :0</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK3SruNbrI/AAAAAAAAAHE/QmZQvyu4Fzs/s400/wood_4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418594833282199218" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK3SruNbrI/AAAAAAAAAHE/QmZQvyu4Fzs/s400/wood_4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Finally, the wood should be either painted or covered with a vanish to help protect the wood. Dark, semi gloss, "kid safe" paint (very important that it's kid safe) looked very nice, and a clear vanish will help it look more "old fashioned", if that is more your style. It will probably require at least two coats of a dark paint, and 4-5 of a lighter one since the wood will soak it up a little.</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK3sPiw9XI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Ll40KeRLxaY/s400/wood_5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418595272394601842" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/SzK3sPiw9XI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Ll40KeRLxaY/s400/wood_5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />In all, it took about 6 hours to measure, cut, sand, and paint all of the pieces. We gave it to our nephew last weekend when we had our family Christmas and he certainly seemed enthralled by the blocks. He must have played with them for over an hour while the rest of us opened our gifts.</p>
<p>With the average child under two <a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/tv_affects_child.html">watching over 2 hours of TV per day</a>, isn't it better to give them a constructive, fun, toy that will help build their minds instead of turning them into mush? As a child, I played with LEGOs for hours and hours, and still do since Kate got me a LEGO Darth Vader set for Christmas :0 Is it any wonder that I became an engineer? From childhood, I've wired my brain into figuring out how pieces and parts go together, how to replicate a real world object, how to analyze a random collection of objects and build something constructive with it. I may use computer code now, but those problem solving principles are still the same.</p>
<p>Do you like working on wooden projects?  Do your children have wooden blocks or other fun, brain-building toys?  Which are their favorite?</p>
<p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
As many of you know, we've been working on a homemade Christmas this year. I'll put a final update on all the projects that we did in a few days, but wanted to share one project with you now. We made a set of wooden blocks for my nephew, using only a few common household tools. The rest of this was written by Ben, the one who actually made the blocks! Enjoy the project!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 12/24/2009 03:50:21 PM
<p>I love them! We got a set for Christmas last year from Cam&#39;s grandma...it was very pricey, way too pricey for us to have bought it. He loves them though, and since then I&#39;ve been wanting to make some ABC blocks for the new baby, but I&#39;ll probably just buy the wooden cubes online (pretty cheap) because we don&#39;t have fancy saws. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/24/2009 03:50:37 AM
<p>Those blocks are awesome! When I was a kid, blocks and Duplos (the younger kid&#39;s version of Legos) were my favorite toys. </p><p>Oh, and I saved up my allowance for the last six months and used what I had left after purchasing his other presents to buy him a decent amount of Legos. Don&#39;t tell him yet, though!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 12/24/2009 02:56:21 AM
<p>The blocks are fantastic!  I remember someone suggesting home made blocks on your home made Christmas post, and it sounded like so much work that I would never have attempted dong it.  Good for you for doing it Ben!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Clare
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DATE: 12/24/2009 02:35:19 AM
<p>Wow, I&#39;m really impressed with these! They look professionally made! What a great gift idea.  You certainly met all your goals!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mary Joy @ Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace
EMAIL: maryjoylifeinterrupted@gmail.com
IP: 71.0.223.236
URL: http://maryjoy-lifemoments.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/08/2010 05:40:53 PM
<p>Wow!!!!  Very impressive!  I love them!  Dreaming of getting a miter saw!!!  Ah yes!!!  My boys would love these!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: 100 Day!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/16/2010 10:00:00 PM
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<p>Today is a special day.  It is the 100th post!  The blog started mid-October and I have posted daily, and now we are all the way at 100 posts.  Isn't that fabulous?</p><p>And if that weren't enough of a celebration, Daniel is six months today!  I can't believe he's so old.  He's now an "older baby."  Believe it or not, he started army crawling (backwards, lol) a couple weeks ago.  He's just about got the going forward part, but he only manages it by sticking his butt up in the air and sort of scooting forward.  It's very cute!</p><p>Happy 100 Day!!  I'm working (hopefully) on some cool giveaways and also some (possibly) big announcements about our family, so look for those soon!  The regularly scheduled post will still be coming tonight at 8, but I just wanted to celebrate 100 posts a little early.  :)</p><p>Like what you read?  Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
oday is a special day.  It is the 100th post!  The blog started mid-October and I have posted daily, and now we are all the way at 100 posts.  Isn't that fabulous?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 01/17/2010 04:23:51 AM
<p>Congratulations! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/16/2010 11:41:43 PM
<p>Congrats! I&#39;ve had my blog since June but only have 36 posts, lol.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Alternatives to Credit and Living Within Your Means
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/10/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Now that you've made a promise to get rid of credit card debt (hopefully), it's time to explore some alternatives to using credit cards. If you haven't seen our previous posts on ways to save money, please go back and visit them. But now it's time to talk specifically about living within your means.</p><p>This goes back to the theme of personal responsibility we've been talking about for awhile now. You have to live within your means: spend what you actually earn, not what you wish you earned. In this country, far too many people feel that they're entitled to a certain type of lifestyle. Perhaps they grew up with it, or perhaps their neighbors have it. And it seems so easy to obtain because credit is available. But credit, of course, is a gamble. If you buy what you can't afford, you can lose it all. And, you are NOT entitled to anything you cannot truly afford (without credit). <div><br/></div><div>So, let's talk about some alternatives to credit! What can you do?</div><div><br/></div><div>1) Cash</div><div>Good, old-fashioned cash. Dave Ramsey recommends the envelope system. That is, at the beginning of the month (or week, or whatever your budget period is) you take out all the cash you need for household expenses and place them into separate envelopes. One for gas, one for groceries, one for clothing, etc. When the cash in that envelope is gone, that's all you get. You can't spend more in that category until you get paid again.</div><div><br/></div><div>2) Debit Cards</div><div>ONLY DEBIT! If it can be used as credit it's no good. If you don't like carrying around cash, though, debit cards will work. Set up a few different accounts and add the right amount of money to each. Set it up so that when the money's gone, it declines your card. At the least, you'll incur fees if you overspend. We use debit cards. We have three accounts: savings, bill pay (house, electricity, gas, cell phones, insurance, etc.), and "house" (groceries, gas, clothes, etc.). There is only so much in each category, and when it's gone, we cannot spend more.</p><p></div><div> </div><div>3) Savings Accounts</div><div>This is really huge.  When you're contemplating a big purchase, DON'T take out a loan or put it on a credit card!  Instead, plan ahead and set aside money to pay for it.  Then, when you're ready to buy (you might even earn a little interest in the mean time!), take your money into the store and just buy it.  It requires a lot more planning, but this is a good thing.  It completely eliminates impulse purchases because you have to really do a lot of research to see if you want the item, which item is the best (like, which model or brand), where you can find the best deal, etc.  Sometimes you can even get a discount for paying in cash up front.</p><p></div><div> </div><div>It's a good idea to use ALL of these forms of payment at one time or another.  Obviously you need to have some cash, for emergencies if nothing else (just $10 or so that you keep).  You need to have money (cash or debit) easily accessible for groceries, gas, and other basic necessities.  And you should also have a savings account for any major purchases.  You may even want to have more than one savings account so you can save for different purchases in different accounts.</p><p></div><div> </div><div>The important thing about NOT using credit is that it forces you to live within your means.  That is, you spend as much or less than you earn.  You can't spend what you don't have if you don't have any credit to rely on.  I know I've mentioned this before but it's a really, really important reason why you shouldn't use credit.  You must be personally responsible for your spending, which means that you can spend only what you have and not rely on others to give you extra money.</p><p></div><div> </div><div>This should give you peace of mind, too, even if it seems difficult or annoying at first, for two reasons:</p><p></div><div> </div><div>1) Anything you have bought is YOURS.  It will always be yours, unless you decide to sell it or give it away.  There is no chance that you'll lose your job or have an unexpected expense come up that prevents you from making payments so that you eventually lose the item.  There is no gamble, no risk.  You are free and clear.</p><p></div><div> </div><div>2) You aren't stuck with a decent part of your budget tied up in minimum monthly payments for the rest of your life, so you have that "extra" money to spend on things you need or want!  If you really look at your budget, it's likely that a fair amount of your money each month goes to some type of credit payment -- credit cards, student loans, car loans, mortgage, etc.  Imagine what life would be like without any of that!  Or even with just a mortgage.  Lots better, right?</div><div> </div><div>In case you're still not convinced that credit is bad and you should live within your means, I have even more on this topic coming up soon!</p><p>Do you have credit card debt?  If not, how do you pay for things?</div></p>
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EXCERPT:
Now that you've made a promise to get rid of credit card debt (hopefully), it's time to explore some alternatives to using credit cards. If you haven't seen our previous posts on ways to save money, please go back and visit them. But now it's time to talk specifically about living within your means.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/14/2010 11:46:06 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>The $2,000,000 number was based on very rough calculations. Assuming that we continue to have a child every 1.5 years, our current plan, and the rate of tuition inflation stays constant at 7%, we will end up paying just shy of $2,000,000 for all ten children.</p><p>Even though Bekah&#39;s tuition will be less then $100,000 for 4 years, inflationary pressure will continue to make college more and more expensive to the point where it will cost nearly $300,000 to send the 10th one through college.</p><p>Hopefully this answers your question. I didn&#39;t want to bore people by including pages of formulas and data.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/14/2010 11:41:18 AM
<p>I apologize. Your comment was accidentally missed. I&#39;ve reposted it below.</p><p>Anonymous said...</p><p>Thanks for clarifying. </p><p>You said you expected to spend $2,000,000 for college. $2,000,000/10 = $200,000. $200,000/4 = $50,000. That is how I arrived at the numbers that I used. How did you come up with the $2,000,000?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2010 04:11:28 AM
<p>Not trying to start trouble, just genuinely interested.  I posted a comment yesterday asking how you came up with the $2,000,000 and explaining how I came up with the numbers I used in my calculation.  Could you please post it and explain?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/14/2010 12:51:39 AM
<p>Okay -- enough.  This discussion is over.  There is way too much being said that isn&#39;t friendly or fair and this is getting out of hand.  Everyone has their own set of experiences, knowledge, and beliefs.  By no means do we intend to force anyone (including our children) to adhere to ours.  </p><p>If there are further comments along these lines (arguing about our college savings plans/knowledge/etc.) it will not be posted and this post will be locked from further comments.  Time to move on and play nice.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Connie
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DATE: 01/14/2010 12:45:57 AM
<p>Ben-</p><p>Quoting smart, famous men doesn&#39;t make you one of them.  We did save money for our kids educations.  We did have some really, really bad luck due to my illness and my husband&#39;s companies downsizing.  We are paying FULL PRICE for two college educations right now and we have a third child who will begin college in two and half years.  I can watch people ice skate;, buy good skates, and learn all of the physics behind ice skating, but&#39; until I actually skate, I will have no real idea how to do so.</p><p>I really don&#39;t care about or need  your useless links to economic ideas; I have  experience not textbook theories, and I have a couple of financial advisors and a CPA to give me information that is much more thoughtful and knowledgeable than yours.  You may have some knowledge about economic theories, you just don&#39;t have any real-world, practical experience.  YOU HAVEN&#39;T EVEN PAID OFF YOUR OWN COLLEGE!   If you had the choice of hiring someone with experience versus hiring someone who could quote rich men or Latin terms, who would you choose?  Your obtuseness astounds me!</p><p>You and Kate may be committed to making sacrifices for your kids&#39; college educations, but you are going to make sure they complete college on your terms. God forbid that they should have a thought of their own or want to live on their own.  It doesn&#39;t sound like that is allowed in the Tietje house.   It certainly isn&#39;t allowed on the blog! </p><p>Yes, even if you save $200,000 for Bekah, if you have 10 children - your goal, not mine - you will need more money than you expect.  Get over it - you don&#39;t know everything and you certainly don&#39;t know anything about paying for college.  If you did, your&#39;s would have been paid for before you had children.  I would love to hear your thoughts in 18 years.  I won&#39;t say &quot;Good Luck&quot; because, as you so ineloquently put it, you don&#39;t believe in luck.  I will say &quot;God Bless&quot; because you are going to need it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/13/2010 11:55:46 PM
<p>Why is that? Is it because life gave us nothing but financial roses? Far from it. The company I was working for filed for bankruptcy and closed, we both had some expensive health issues, we had two children, vehicles broke down, the massive student loans we had came due after graduation, and on and on and on…<br/>See we believe something that it seems you and most of America don’t believe. You asked me why I added that Thomas Jefferson quote; “I&#39;m a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it.&quot; You said, “It&#39;s nice to have plans and goals, but your self-assuredness about exactly how your life will go is the stuff of fiction, not reality. Good luck and God bless.” It’s not luck that will determine the course of our future. God, first of all will determine that, but within his plan, our hard work and determination will be the single biggest reason we succeed.<br/>There is a book called <i><a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_and_Grow_Rich"">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_and_Grow_Rich"</a> rel="nofollow">Think and Grow Rich</a></i> that was written about the “formula” Andrew Carnegie used to become one of the world’s first billionaires. Seeing how he had over a billion dollars more than we do, I’m going to defer to his wisdom. Throughout his lifetime, he taught dozens and dozens of men the secret to his success, and others, like Thomas Edison, also followed the same principles (outlined in the book). The answer is as simple as the title itself. THINK of a goal, no matter how difficult, BELIEVE with absolute certainty that you WILL SUCEED, and you will. The reason Edison invented the light bulb wasn’t because we was smart, though he was, or lucky; it was because he REFUSED to give up. He tried 10,000 different filaments in his incandescent bulb before finding the one that worked.<br/>God willing we’ll have a life without a major crisis, but that is wishful thinking. In the end, Kate and I are committed to making whatever sacrifice is necessary; to make sure our kids never go into debt and their college I completely paid for.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/13/2010 11:55:28 PM
<p>Connie,</p><p>I stated very clearly in my comment, &quot;If, according to the FAFSA, we made 5 million dollars last year, <b>not that we do of course</b>, our kids would need 1.6 million to go to school.&quot; I was applying something called <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductio_ad_absurdum"">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductio_ad_absurdum"</a> rel="nofollow">reductio ad absurdum</a> to make a point. To use the same device again; should I make a budget based on the possibility that I might become blind in 6 months? Or that I might be a paraplegic by the time Rebekah goes to college? Of course not; because those things are absurdly unlikely to happen to me. Now of course they may, anything is possible, but I base my plan for future considerations on the only thing we can use to predict the future, historic evidence. Based on that, we will easily meet our goals.</p><p>To quote you, &quot;The experience of all of my friends who have kids in college right now, <b>regardless of how much they have saved</b>, is that they are expected to contribute 33% of their gross income to college.” So whether we save $200,000 for Bekah, or $0, we should plan on living on 26% of our income based on the experience of you and your friends? Just because, due to “life happening”, you weren’t able to save much for your kids doesn’t mean that we can’t, or that we are naive and inexperienced to think that we can. There are <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-industry-facts-personal-debt-statistics-1276.php"">http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-industry-facts-personal-debt-statistics-1276.php"</a> rel="nofollow">631 million credit cards</a> in America; two for every man, woman, and child. So obviously, it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to have zero credit cards. Just because the majority of people DO one think, does not mean that others CAN’T do something different.</p><p>Since you seem to think that I can’t possibly know what I’m talking about because of both my age and the age of my children, I’ll let men much wiser then both of us fight my battle for me.</p><p>The father of modern economics, Adam Smith said, “The real tragedy of the poor is the poverty of their aspirations”. Now what did he mean by that? Adam Smith believed that the reason many people are poor, live paycheck to paycheck, have no savings, etc… is because THEY do not BELIEVE that life can exist otherwise. Four years ago, I would have agreed with you. I was in tons of debt, paying literally 10’s of thousands in interest and debt payments per year while still in college and not making much money. Kate and I found a book, <a href="%E2%80%9Ddaveramsey.com%E2%80%9D" rel="nofollow">the Total Money Makeover</a> and made the decision to fight no matter how hard it was to fix our lives. Here we are just two and a half years later and we are almost completely out of debt, other than our mortgage.</p><p>continued below...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Connie
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DATE: 01/13/2010 10:23:23 PM
<p>Ben-</p><p>Wisdom may not depend on age - there are of course many, many foolish middle and older aged people - but experience does depend on age.  Particularly the experience of raising children depends on age (both the parents&#39; and the children&#39;s ages).  I also think that, hopefully, wisdom does increase with experience.  I would bet that your experiences over the last five or ten years have made you wiser, and your future experiences will probably help you to be wiser in five or ten years than you are now.  </p><p>Your FAFSA example is a stretch.  Did you acutally make five million dollars last year?  The FAFSA example I gave applies to the VAST majority of people (middle and upper middle class - those who earn less than the top 5% of Americans). I find it laughable that you are advising me about how the FAFSA works.  You haven&#39;t even finished paying for your own education let alone paid even one semester of your children&#39;s. You are actually making the experience/wisdom point for me! You would be smart to at least consider that you may be living on 26% of your gross income when your kids are in college (I&#39;m kind of surprised you are not living on 26% of your gross already). The experience of all of my friends who have kids in college right now, regardless of how much they have saved, is that they are expected to contribute 33% of their gross income to college.  Their savings, investments, and even the amounts they contribute toward their retirement accounts during the college years are also part of the EFC formula.  One hundred percent of any money saved in the child&#39;s name is expected to go toward tuition.  If you have 529 accounts in different children&#39;s names, even the amount saved in the other children&#39;s names is considered when calculating the EFC.</p><p>Actually, there will be a &quot;magical jump&quot; in your living expenses when your children go to college.  Even if they live at home, you will need to provide them with transportation and all of its associated costs.  Saving for tuition alone won&#39;t be enough.  I know because I am at that stage in my life.  You are at the diapers stage and no doubt have a better grip on that stage of life than I do.  You are correct - your perceptions and plans will change.  </p><p>I&#39;m not really sure how the Thomas Jefferson quote fits in with what you were saying, but it is a nice quote.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennie
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DATE: 01/13/2010 09:21:10 PM
<p>I am in college at the moment and it is not fair to say that 70-80% of kids &quot;party constantly.&quot; There is no way those people would graduate if they partied constantly, and colleges graduate more people than 20-30%.  Perhaps the college you went to was more of a &quot;party school&quot; than mine.  </p><p>Growing up, I never wanted to live away from home, but my college REQUIRES it.  They believe that a large part of college is about growing up without mommy and daddy&#39;s help.  Aside from being responsible for my health, laundry, time management, etc., I have gained a certain confidence that comes from living away from your family.  Don&#39;t get me wrong, I have always loved being surrounded by family and I still do (in fact I had many separation issues as a child and would refuse to spend the night at friends&#39; houses because I didn&#39;t want to be away from my family), but the independence and the confidence I&#39;ve gained from living at college couldn&#39;t have been achieved if I&#39;d lived at home.  </p><p>However, I also don&#39;t think there is anything wrong with your children working to pay for part of their education.  Though it is not black and white about whose dollars go to which part of the cost of college, my parents pay my room and board, while my portion goes toward my education.  It&#39;s easier to value your education if you&#39;re paying for it.  I know it doesn&#39;t really matter, since all the money goes to the same place, but that mindset has helped me when my workload would make it easy to skip class :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/13/2010 12:24:39 PM
<p>Connie,</p><p>The level of wisdom a person has, is not based on their age, and I can name many, many, people far older then us who are much more foolish. Please refrain from any negative personal comments to stick to arguing the facts.</p><p>While you are correct, that living expenses do increase as your income increaed, the vast majority of the increase is due to the individual &quot;finding a purpose&quot; for that money. In the past, every time I got a raise or bonus, we found something that we &quot;needed&quot; to spend it on (this was 3+ years ago). Now we have a specfic budget for each item and any excess is automatically saved. Therefore as our income increases, we will increase the money toward living expenses some, but most of it will go to a higher and higher savings rate (college, retirement, home payoff, etc...)</p><p>The FAFSA EFC has no validity in this discussion. If, according to the FAFSA, we made 5 million dollars last year, not that we do of course, our kids would need 1.6 million to go to school. That 1/3 of gross income has nothing to do with actual costs. If we have saved for the child&#39;s tuition and books already, then our &quot;expected costs&quot; will be pretty much indentical to what they were when they are 14-18. There won&#39;t be a magical jump in our living costs when each child reaches college age, therefore we won&#39;t have to live on 26% of our gross income, even though we already do live on considerably less then we make.</p><p>Again, Kate clearly stated that not ALL college students party constantly. Although having just graduated in the last 5 years as well, I can tell you it is probably 70-80%.</p><p>Many of the examples given like budgeting and paying bills are things we believe a child should learn well before they go to college. I myself, had a checking account, debit card, and was responsible for paying bills and purchasing my own clothes at 15. </p><p>College is a transitionary period for many people, and that is a good thing, but again we never said our kids COULDN&#39;T live in dorms/apartments, we said we weren&#39;t saving for that. I worked all through college and paid my living expenses, and if they want to live on their own, we will certainly support their decision to do so.</p><p>Our self-assuredness is a perception of future reality and as time marches on both the perception and the plan will change. We are under no illusions that the future only holds positive things and we certainly expect our share of problems. However, we will continue to only look positively toward the future.</p><p>&quot;I&#39;m a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more  I have of it.&quot; - Thomas Jefferson</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Connie
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DATE: 01/13/2010 02:15:16 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I see your naivete as refreshing not insulting. I think it is cute that you have such great plans and are so optomistic. When I was your age, I&#39;m sure I wasn&#39;t any wiser than you two are.  Perhaps I should have said uninformed or inexperienced.  Do those terms seem gentler?</p><p>Yes, Ben&#39;s income may go up, but as incomes rise so, too, does the cost of living. The average family in the US makes, I think, around $50,000.  Perhaps Ben can make three or four times that amount (maybe he already does).  But whatever he makes, as the sytem stand now your Expected Family Contribution (EFC on the FAFSA) for college will be about 1/3 of your family&#39;s GROSS income.   If you have savings, that number will be higher.  Assuming you will pay about 28% in taxes, you will save 15% for retirement, and you will pay 33% in college costs, you will have 26% of your income for housing and repairs, utilities, food, life insurance, medical insurance and copays, dental costs, vision costs, cars (purchases, insurance - boys cost a fortune-, and repairs)and a multitude of other expenses.  You may be living on 26% of your gross income right now, but your expenses will be much, much higher.</p><p>You did make it sound as if every person who lives at college parties and lives it up which I found insulting.  The college experience also means learning to budget, learning to deal with adult situations like renting an apartment and paying bills monthly, coping with illness on your own, managing your time without mom and dad advising you, and many, many more things. My husband and one of my kids both commuted for a while, and it is not the same as handling life on your own. My opinion is that college serves as a great transition to adulthood, and I think living at college enhances the overall learning experience.  You can feel any way you want, but your kids may not, and, if you have 10,likely won&#39;t all feel the same. </p><p>My kids, like most people, certainly want and wanted specific things.  Sometimes they had to earn the money for those things themselves; sometimes we gave them to the kids for birthdays, Christmas, etc.  It is human nature for kids, and adults, to want some of the latest fashions and gadgets.  I know I did and do, and I bet you did and do too.  Does everything have to be the latest gadget or fashion? No.  Is it nice to have some things you desire for whatever frivilous reason?  Yes.  (Didn&#39;t Ben get a Lego set for Christmas?  Hardly a necessity for a grown man, or anyone for that matter, yet it made him happy.  Don&#39;t you have a laptop AND a desktop?  Obviously neither computer is necessary, and two computers is frivilous.) </p><p>You make decisions every day about what you want to spend your money on.  As I said, good for you for saving and for planning.  You are ahead of the game.  I think you need to realize, though, that you can plan all you want and life will throw you curveballs. It&#39;s nice to have plans and goals, but your self-assuredness about exactly how your life will go is the stuff of fiction, not reality.  Good luck and God bless.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/13/2010 12:51:13 AM
<p>Connie,</p><p>Please be gentle in your responses -- calling someone naive is not particularly nice.  I strive to keep the blog positive and you may or may not agree with what we say (and who knows, you may be right), but insulting us is not necessary.</p><p>We plan to do a much longer post addressing these issues (college savings) in more detail.  Yes, we have thought about many of the things you&#39;ve mentioned, including cars, a bigger house, etc.  Do you not think that our income won&#39;t go up from where it is now?  Do you think that, at 25, Ben is at the top of his career and earning potential?  Any promotions he receives will also make a large difference in our financial situation.</p><p>We have many, many plans and a lot of stuff will change.  We fully expect our living expenses to increase as we have more children and as they age.  They&#39;ll need clothes and shoes and food.  What they don&#39;t need, of course, are the latest, most fashionable clothes and shoes, or to buy lunch out everyday.  They&#39;ll get lessons -- but they won&#39;t get to do EVERYTHING they want (and they shouldn&#39;t).</p><p>Finally, I went to college and lived in a dorm too.  I studied too.  Most of the people around me partied and drank, even those who also studied.  It is my observation.  Many college students do that but I never said ALL do.  That is what many consider to be &quot;the college experience&quot; though.</p><p>Ben has further comments, I&#39;m sure, so I&#39;ll let him respond as well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Connie
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DATE: 01/13/2010 12:14:12 AM
<p>One more thing - don&#39;t forget to figure in the price of a car for each child that commutes.  Include gas, repairs, maintenance, and insurance.  </p><p>Also, your expenses may not have gone up when you had your son, but he is a baby.  Kids don&#39;t really cost much money, even with diapers and formula which you don&#39;t even use, until they are teenagers.  Ask your parents; they will more than likely agree.  If you think a family of 12 can live for the same price as a family of two adults, a toddler, and a baby, you are way wrong!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Connie
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DATE: 01/13/2010 12:01:55 AM
<p>You are not thinking realistically.  I have two kids in college.  One attends a private college that has tuition and room and board of $44,000 per year.  The other attends a public university that has a tuition and room and board rate of about $20,00 per year.  That&#39;s $64,00 per year in TODAY&#39;S dollars.  The child attending the private college did get some scholarships, so our acutal cost is about $45,00 for both kids per year before books and other fees.  We also pay for their car insurance, health care coinsurance, and food over breaks and during the summer.  We need an extra car so they can get to their jobs on the weekends and over breaks, and to their field placements and internships.  They share the car, which is difficult since they go to different schools.  </p><p>We strived to save as much money as possible for their educations, but my husband lost his job at one point, and we spent a good chunk of the of the savings (I was a stay-at-home mom at the time).  We also paid for braces ($5000 several years ago) for three kids.  I had an illness that cost about $15,000 after insurance paid its portion (and we have great insurance!). </p><p>I now work full-time as a teacher, and 100% of what I make goes to tuition.  My kids work at either at their college or on weekends at home, and both work full time in the summer. </p><p>If you have ten children you will need a large home.  That will cost money.  You may be able to pay off your current home by the time you are 31, but what about the home you will potentially need? Some of your kids will need braces and your insurance will pay maybe $1,000 or $2,000 toward that. You will more than likely have a period where Ben is unemployed and will need to spend some of your savings. Kate could get a job, but teaching licenses are only good for 5 years, so she would need to go back to school to renew her license - more expense.  (That&#39;s assuming she could even get a teaching job in Ohio - not likely.)  </p><p>Your scenario assumes everything goes perfectly for you.  It assumes you never have a real emergency that requires you to use savings just for the necessities in life like food and dental care.  It assumes your kids never get sick, your interest rate remains stable (12%  profit on a mutual fund?  We lost 40% of our savings during 2008 and 2009 and are only now getting close to where we once were - and that includes our investments over the last two years.)</p><p>You may not have liked living at college, but that doesn&#39;t mean your kids won&#39;t.  Not everyone parties and gets drunk when they live at college.  At my school we went to the library and did academic things while living at college.  Your stereotyping of what happens on campus is insulting to those of us who studied.  Ohio State may be a good school now, but it wasn&#39;t well respected just a few years ago.  One reason it is considered &quot;good&quot; now is that only really, really high achieving kids get in during their freshman year.  What will you do if your kids don&#39;t make the cut?  (If you have 10, some will not.) Also, what criteria were used to rate Ohio State?  I&#39;ve never seen it ranked in the Ivy League or even baby Ivy category.  What if some of your kids are geniuses?  Will you limit their potential by requiring them to attencd OSU? </p><p>I find your dedication to saving and being responsible for your kids&#39; educations refreshing, and I find your naivete amusing.  You have so much to learn!  Enjoy the journey!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/12/2010 10:58:56 PM
<p>Thanks for clarifying. </p><p>You said you expected to spend $2,000,000 for college. $2,000,000/10 = $200,000.  $200,000/4 = $50,000.  That is how I arrived at the numbers that I used. How did you come up with the $2,000,000?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/12/2010 07:19:19 PM
<p>Ben, </p><p>What kind of interest rate are you expecting in your calculation?  I think I followed your figures and came up with needing  a little over a 16% annual interest rate to get $200,000 in 21 years by investing $1800 a year ($150 a month * 12 months) and subtracting $50,000 at 18, 19, 20 and 21.  Is that the kind of interest rate you expect or does your calculation work differently? It doesn&#39;t seem very realistic to expect an interest rate like that every year.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/12/2010 05:46:34 PM
<p>Karly,</p><p>Thanks for your comments.  I agree that children do not need to experience &quot;college life.&quot;  I spent one year in a dorm and went to one party, where I just watched all the drunk people.  It was useless and totally not my scene.  I don&#39;t feel that I&#39;m any better for it at all.  It was just NOT for me.  I feel like it&#39;s part of the mainstream culture that you &quot;need&quot; to go out and drink and be independent but truly, I don&#39;t believe that is even a GOOD part of life, let alone necessary!  We don&#39;t drink.  Our idea of a party is to play board games with friends.  And we were like that in college too.  Since everyone is different, no, not everyone &quot;needs&quot; to experience college life.  I think it&#39;s important to remember that!</p><p>My parents did pay for my college but didn&#39;t save for it.  My dad took a second job to pay for our school (mine and my brother&#39;s).  It&#39;s not like it sounds -- his first job is at NASA and his second is teaching at a local university.  He used all the money from the university job to pay for our school.  I got full tuition at one school, and a rather large scholarship at other schools.  My parents paid, on average, $3000 per semester (maybe a little less) for my school.  Total they paid was only about 1/4 of what they paid for my brother (granted he&#39;s a pilot and had flying lessons and etc. too).  We&#39;re not planning to RELY on scholarships or grants as Ben said, but it would help if our kids get them!</p><p>We&#39;re also not planning to rely on this, but all our parents and grandparents give the kids money for their college funds for birthdays and Christmas.  It&#39;s not much, but it does help.  It can make up the difference if we happened to fall short one month.  (Also the $1500/month will only be necessary for 3 years or so...since #10 would be born when Bekah is 15 at our current rate.  We&#39;ll be in a MUCH different financial position then, seeing as she is not quite 2 now!)</p><p>Anyway -- it goes back to personal responsibility.  We truly believe that you CAN make it work if you make it a real priority.  That&#39;s why you make a budget and stick to it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/12/2010 11:19:54 AM
<p>Anonymous and Emma,</p><p>I honestly don&#39;t think I&#39;m being overly optomistic at all; I think the we have a sound financial plan. Of course, it only makes sense though if you look at the entire picture. Currently we pay $200 per month for our one remaining student loan, and pay an extra $750 toward it out of budgeting. That&#39;s $950 a month already.</p><p>As far as increased cost of children; when our son was born, our cost of living basically did not change at all. If you 100% cook your own meals, and buy used clothing, furniture, etc... kids cost very little until they start getting older.</p><p>You&#39;re right about it being expensive, $1500 a month is a lot. However, if you have no house payment, it&#39;s easy. We&#39;re already on a 15 year mortgage, and we pay on paying it off as eariler as possible. Our goal is in 5.5 years before I turn 31. At that point, we&#39;d only owe a few hundred a month for taxes and insurance.</p><p>I know that it seems crazy, but saving for college is actually EASIER then I make it seem, not harder. We live in the wealthiest country in the world, but unforunately, almost no one has good financial planning skills; including my own parents. Despite making a good living, and honestly having the ability to save for my college, my parents &quot;never found the extra money&quot; to save for me. The only savings I had at 18 was what I had earned as a teenager and what I made while working through college. Please let me be clear here; I&#39;m not mad at my parents, far from it. I think they did a better job then most at raising me and my sisters, but they did fall short in this area.</p><p>The problem is, that if you don&#39;t make it your number one priority, it will never happen. Let me give you an example. According to <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.spiritrestoration.org/Church/Research%20and%20Polls/Tithing.htm"">http://www.spiritrestoration.org/Church/Research%20and%20Polls/Tithing.htm"</a> rel="nofollow">some sources I&#39;ve seen</a> anywhere from 3-7% of CHRISTIANS tithe, so maybe 1% of the US population. That includes Kate and I. Despite the fact that we already tithe 10% of our income to our local church, we still have extra money left over to save. The US savings rate was <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/data/PSAVERT.txt"">http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/data/PSAVERT.txt"</a> rel="nofollow">about 5% last year</a> so between our tithing and savings, we&#39;re saving at least 3 times the national rate.</p><p>The point is, if you decide that the first item in your budget is retirement savings, and the second is college savings, before anything else, you WILL be able to do it no matter how many kids you have. If there is no money in your bank account, you won&#39;t find a way to spend it. It&#39;s crazy, but every time I have excess money in our account, I  think to myself, I could really use this tool, or we need to buy x household item. Your spending will rise to the level of your income, UNLESS you force yourself to spend less.</p><p>For the record, we expect $0 from the government and $0 from grants. Both Kate and I recieved some scholarships directly from the school, but paid for most of it ourselves (or Kate&#39;s parents paid it from their income). We are saving for in-state tutition for our kids, planning on them staying at home because we have 10 good quality universities with 30 minutes of us. If any of our kids choose to either go to a different school, or live on campus, they will be responsible to work and pay for the difference. The very first semester I worked part time, but after that I worked over 40 hours a week the entire time I was in school full time. Kate worked in the evening and on the weekends teaching as well. There is no reason our kids can&#39;t do the same thing and still do well in school.</p><p>In all this, I&#39;m trying to make one thing clear; saving for college, even for 10 kids is very easy. However, actually doing it is hard. It&#39;s called Personal Finance for a reason, because 90% of it is the &quot;personal&quot; part. Based on the math (which includes planning for things to go wrong), we have a 100% chance of success, as long as we stay out of our own way and actually follow it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 01/12/2010 06:26:58 AM
<p>Saving to pay for college in cash for one&#39;s children, like being debt free and paying cash for all expenses is, once again, a huge paradigm shift.  It seems like an unattainable goal (and crazy if others say they will do it) because our current culture is so bent on thinking that borrowing money is the only way to educate our children.  It&#39;s not.  Many people attain degrees through on-line courses, or attending the nearest college while living at home.  This goal is not impossible, and in fact, it&#39;s admirable that there are people out there that are willing to go against the status quo.</p><p>In my humble opinion, I believe my children do not need to &quot;experience college&quot; the way most people think young adults should experience college.  They will be in college to get an education, plain and simple.  What will they miss out on?  The parties?  The co-ed dorm life?  The sleeping in late and skipping class? Worse? I just as soon they do miss out on those things because I experienced them and am no better for it.  Attending college and obtaining a degree will be a time to grow and fully mature into a competent, contributing member of society.  Going to school (whether it will be full-time or part-time, on-line or on a campus) will be their job. And, because their father and I will be footing the bill, we believe we will have a say in the matter.</p><p>Let me clarify.  That sounded as though we will be in total control of our adult children. We won&#39;t be.  But, with God&#39;s sovereign grace and mercy, we will train our children under the nurture and admonition of the LORD all the way through so that when they do become young adults, they will have the tools, and prayerfully, the desire, to make wise decisions when they are &quot;of age.&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 01:45:52 AM
<p>I guess saving $1500 month is relative to what you make.  When kids are older, there are going to be extra expenses like extra cars, insurance, and, of course, more food.  We don&#39;t have any debt except for our house payemnt, but $1500 dollars a month, EVERY month, is a lot of money.  It&#39;s way more than our house payment.  Also, houses need roofs, washers and dryers, windows, etc.  All of that needs to be considered and planned for.</p><p>As I said, I know that all of the expense doesn&#39;t come at once.  However, if the savings need to go up $150 per month for every child, it will increase considerably if kids are born every 18 months or so.  I stay home with the kids so adding to our income is not realy possible unless I go back to work.  If my husband were to lose his job (a real possibility for everyone in today&#39;s economy), we would not only have to stop saving the required amount every month, bus also possibly have to spend some of our savings to pay for food, utilites, and other essentials.  I don&#39;t think it&#39;s quite as easy to finance college as your examples make it seem.  If it were, why would our parents and their friends, all responsible adults, say that it is so difficult?  Why would financial advisors on TV and in real life make such a big deal of it?   I think it is great that you guys are so optomistic and wearing rose colored glasses, but I still think paying our $20 - 60 thousand dollars per year for many, many years will be difficult (when will we ever retire!).  And that amount assumes that our kids, if we don&#39;t stop at 2 or 3, will live at home and commute.  Is it fair to make the decision that they will HAVE to commute for them before they are even born?</p><p>From what my older friends say, scholarships are partial at best, even for top students (valedictorians, national merit scholars, etc.).  They ALL say to plan on paying full price.  YIKES! Good luck and keep saving as much or even WAY more than you think!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/12/2010 12:07:21 AM
<p>That&#39;s (at least partly) where compound interest comes in. Compound interest is the fun stuff - you can invest just a few hundred dollars when you&#39;re twenty and never touch it again and have more money at 65 than if you&#39;d invested more money per month every month at a higher rate of return from 30 until 65. </p><p>That being said, I don&#39;t think $1500 a month would be impossible. If you have no payments to anything else (assuming the family is debt free), why wouldn&#39;t you be able to spend $1500 a month? One other thing to consider as well is that children can get scholarships to help with college funding (no loans) and you aren&#39;t going to go suddenly from $300 a month to $1500. You&#39;ll do it gradually so you can find ways to save that much money. It doesn&#39;t take much to cut spending dramatically and nothing says you can&#39;t put money away ahead of time into a high-yield savings account or a money market account before you have those kids to help defray the sudden increase in amount needed to save per month. If, when you have two kids, you can save $600 for their college funds and have a few hundred extra to put into a savings account (aside from other things you need to pay for, like food, maintenance, travel, etc.), do it. That money will compound, albeit at a slower rate, and you can dip into it if/when you have more kids than you can pay for to go to college.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2010 10:04:45 PM
<p>Ben-</p><p>I think the $300-450 sounds manageable, but 10 kids would be 1500 per month (More than our mortgage payment including taxes and insurance!).  I know you don&#39;t pay for everyone at once, but the number of dollars per month that needs to be saved still seems pretty daunting.   Also, what if your kids don&#39;t want to live at home?  Aren&#39;t they missing part of the &quot;college experience&quot; by not living in a dorm/apartment and being progressively responsible for themselves during their interim years?</p><p>I don&#39;t want to HAVE to limit the number of children we have, but having more than we can afford seems selfish and irresponsible. Currently, the taxpayers end up footing the bill for the educations of the children from large families through grants which is so unfair to the people who save for college and responsibly procreate.  What happens if the grants no longer exist?</p><p>I really can&#39;t imagine how you and Kate will afford 10 or more college educations.  Two million dollars is an awfully big number!  I hope all of your high-risk investments ay off and that the stock market doesn&#39;t slump right when you need the college funds.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/11/2010 06:20:11 PM
<p>Anonymous - you don&#39;t see out of the windows. It lets in a nice diffuse light, but we usually have the blinds down most of the time (living in a first floor apartment makes me a little paranoid). If you want to see out of the windows, maybe you could put the bubble wrap on the top half of the window, leaving the bottom pane free to look out.</p><p>The reason you should use bubble wrap is twofold, but both reasons boil down to extra air space as insulation. You put the bubbles toward the window, so the bubbles hold off the single layer of plastic between bubbles from touching the window. This air pocket, when combined with the air pockets in the bubble, insulate the air from coming through the windowpane and cooling down the air in the house. The bubble wrap feels cold to the touch, but it&#39;s not as cold as that window glass would be without the bubble wrap on it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/11/2010 12:44:39 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I would never make the decision to not have more kids because you&#39;re worried about not being able to pay for their college. If you want only 2-3 kids, that&#39;s fine, but I&#39;d urge you to have as many kids as you want. Both Kate and I&#39;s parents, who&#39;s kids are all now basically graduated from college, have told us many times they wish they had more children. Kate and I decided we never want to say that, so at this point at least, we&#39;re planning on having 10 kids.</p><p>That being said, obviously, college will be a huge deal for us. College tuition has been going up on average 6-7% per year versus the 2-3% of normal inflation. We estimate it will cost about $2,000,000 to send all of our kids to OSU (Ohio State) if they live at home (tutition and books only, instate college)</p><p>That sounds like a pretty daunting number; but it&#39;s not. If we save about $150 a month for each child from birth to 21 (you&#39;re only going to disburse 25% at 18, 25% at 19, 25% at 20, rest at 21), We can fully fund their education. For a normal family of 2-3 kids, that 300-450 a month is probably what your car payment is (US average is about $480). So instead of driving nice cars, we&#39;ve choosen to drive 5 and 6 year old cars, and pay for college.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2010 10:47:58 PM
<p>Emma-</p><p>How do you see out of the windows if they have bubble wrap over them? Why not just buy the clear plastic shrink wrap?  Is bubble wrap cheaper?</p><p>Kate-</p><p>I saw that someone else asked about paying for your kids&#39; college and that you are already saving for it.  Good for you!  We are really worried about affording college for our kids and are concerend that the kids may have to go into debt to pay for it. We are so concerned that we plan to stop at two or possibly three kids. We really don&#39;t see how we could afford more than that.   Do you agree with college loans?  Does Dave Ramsey have any advice about how to pay for the escalating costs of college?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/10/2010 03:42:07 AM
<p>No credit card debt here! We do have 2 accounts for the two of us. One gets us 5 cents off per gallon at the gas station we&#39;d be using even without the card. We have it set to automatically pay off every month so it never carries a balance.</p><p>Card #2 is what we make all of our purchases on. It has a tiered cash back system so by putting all of the purchases we&#39;d make without the card onto the card, we get a higher percentage cash back. We also auto-pay that off every month so it hasn&#39;t carried a balance since before we were married (I think my engagement ring was the only balance it carried, actually).</p><p>We do have about $31K in loans at a 1% interest rate (seemed like a sweet deal at the time when we took on the $60K in debt since even savings accounts got that much interest). We&#39;re paying these off with twice the minimum every month and they should be eliminated by the end of the year. The nice thing about those loans, though, is that they allowed us both to buy our vehicles in cash (kind of) and start our Roth IRAs, which we max out every year.</p><p>We do a modified envelope system in that we have savings accounts that are designated &#39;gifts&#39; or &#39;maintenance&#39; or things like that. That&#39;s where the monthly amount for birthday/family Christmas gifts goes into, and the costs of the gifts are subtracted from the monthly amount that would go into the account. We also already have a 3 month emergency fund for all of those &#39;just in case&#39; moments, but we haven&#39;t had to use it yet, even the month that the truck needed almost $500 in repairs right after the month that my car needed $600 in repairs.</p><p>Oh, one other money-saving tip:</p><p>If you can&#39;t (for whatever reason) get new windows to replace your energy-inefficient ones, buy a roll of bubble wrap. Affix the bubble wrap to the window (you can just do this by dampening the window and sticking the bubble wrap on it). The bubble wrap acts as insulation between the window and the air in your house. We put it in all the rooms except for the room with the thermostat, and the rooms are a TON warmer now. It&#39;s a great way to make apartments more energy efficient!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Beef with Tomato and Zucchini
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/29/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>When I was faced with the necessity of cutting grains out of my diet recently, I had to become more creative in what I cooked.  This recipe was born of necessity.  If you're not grain-free, you could serve it with some pasta as a sauce.  If you are, it's great just by itself.  :)</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>1 lb. grass-fed ground beef<br/>2 cloves garlic, minced<br/>2 tbsp. olive oil<br/>2 c. chopped tomatoes or strained tomatoes<br/>1 zucchini, chopped<br/>1/2 tsp. basil<br/>1 tsp. sea salt</p><p>Directions:<br/>Heat olive oil in a large pan.  Add garlic, zucchini and beef.  Cook until beef is browned.  Add tomatoes and spices.  Cook until zucchini is soft and flavors are mixed, 10 - 15 min.  Serve by itself or over pasta.</p><p>*I personally like it better with chopped tomatoes, and even if I use strained tomatoes (I haven't found chopped tomatoes in glass jars yet and the flavor of the raw tomatoes isn't quite the same) I will usually add some fresh tomatoes too.  I think, though, if you were using it as a sauce, you would prefer strained tomatoes.  It is VERY thick and meaty but that is the point; it can be a meal in itself!  Would go great with a nice salad too.</p>
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EXCERPT:
hen I was faced with the necessity of cutting grains out of my diet recently, I had to become more creative in what I cooked.  This recipe was born of necessity.  If you're not grain-free, you could serve it with some pasta as a sauce.  If you are, it's great just by itself.  :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/29/2010 02:25:08 AM
<p>Ooooo Yum!</p><p>I made a dish like this all summer, except that I roasted the stuff instead of sauteing. Roasting really brings out the flavor a lot more.</p><p>Tonight for dinner I made this:</p><p>Green Bean and Ham Casserole</p><p>1 pkg frozen cut green beans<br/>cubed ham (from a previously cooked whole ham)<br/>1 onion<br/>3 cloves garlic<br/>thyme<br/>sage<br/>ground mustard<br/>parsley</p><p>Saute onions and garlic in olive oil, add ham to warm it up, add spices. Mix in cooked cut green beans, add more olive oil to coat it evenly. Place in baking dish and broil for a few minutes to brown.</p><p>SO good! It really hit the spot and somehow satisfied my cravings for pasta, brownies, and cookies today. Plus it used spices I don&#39;t normally use so it tasted different which was awesome.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Breastfeeding Survey
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/19/2010 11:04:00 PM
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<p>I'm working on a project right now, and as part of that, I really would like to understand attitudes towards breastfeeding better.  If anyone has a chance to fill out the survey below, it would be much appreciated!  You can add it to the comments section (anonymously if you want), or you can email it to Ktietje85 @ gmail.com (no spaces).  Thanks!!</p><p>Classification Questions<br/>Age (at the time baby was born):<br/>Marital status (at baby’s birth):<br/>Baby’s gestational age (in weeks; if you don’t remember “full term” is fine if past 37 weeks):<br/>Baby’s medical issues (if any):</p><p>Prenatal Breastfeeding Attitudes<br/>Did you intend to breastfeed before your baby was born?  Why or why not?<br/>What was the most significant influence on your attitudes towards breastfeeding?<br/>What was your breastfeeding goal (i.e. 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, etc.)?<br/>What was your attitude towards formula and bottles?<br/>What were your beliefs about breastfeeding before your baby came (ie. “it would be easy,” “it would hurt,” etc.)?<br/>Did you take a breastfeeding class or seek out any form of preparation?<br/>Did you purchase any baby feeding equipment before your baby’s birth (bottles, formula, breast pump, etc.), and if so, what?</p><p>Birth Experience<br/>Was your baby born without complications?  If no, what happened?<br/>Were you allowed to hold your baby immediately?  If no, why not and how long until you did?<br/>Were you encouraged to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth? If not, when were you encouraged to breastfeed?<br/>What was the attitude of the staff towards breastfeeding?<br/>Did you room in with your baby?<br/>Was your baby given any supplemental formula or water in the nursery during your hospital stay?<br/>Did any staff member assist you with breastfeeding?  Who?  What did they do?  Was it helpful?<br/>When you left the hospital, were you still breastfeeding?  If so, how was it going?</p><p>Early Days<br/>How did breastfeeding go once you were at home?<br/>What struggles (if any) did you face?<br/>What support did you have at home?  What were the attitudes of those around you?<br/>What did your child’s pediatrician recommend for feeding your baby?<br/>What was his/her attitude towards breastfeeding?<br/>Did you use any supplemental bottles during this time (with any liquid)? How many per day, and what was in them?<br/>Did you seek any support for breastfeeding difficulties once at home?  Who/where did you look for help?<br/>If you sought support, what was your experience?</p><p>Continuing Breastfeeding<br/>Did you make your original breastfeeding goal?  Why or why not?<br/>What was the biggest motivator for you to breastfeed?<br/>What was the biggest obstacle to breastfeeding?<br/>What do you wish you had known or done before your baby’s birth that would have made breastfeeding easier?<br/>What is the most helpful thing someone could have done after your baby’s birth to help you?<br/>At what age did you wean your baby (onto formula, food, etc.)?<br/>At what age did you start solids (even if you were still breastfeeding)?<br/>What was the ultimate reason you weaned?<br/>How did you feel about weaning?<br/>Other thoughts on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support (tell me what your ideal situation would have been, how a lactation specialist could help, etc. – anything you can think of)?</p><p>Thanks so much for helping me!</p><p>Like what you read?  Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I'm working on a project right now, and as part of that, I really would like to understand attitudes towards breastfeeding better.  If anyone has a chance to fill out the survey below, it would be much appreciated!  You can add it to the comments section (anonymously if you want), or you can email it to Ktietje85 @ gmail.com (no spaces).  Thanks!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/20/2010 01:47:23 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>No, but you don&#39;t have to answer all the questions if you don&#39;t want to.  I&#39;m most interested in why people did or didn&#39;t breastfeed and what help they sought, and what help they wished they&#39;d had.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/20/2010 01:39:57 AM
<p>Is there a shorter version of this survey?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: 'Becca
EMAIL: becca@earthlingshandbook.org
IP: 157.229.22.13
URL: http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org
DATE: 04/02/2010 06:06:31 PM
<p>Do you still need responses to this?  If you do, please e-mail me; I'd be happy to do it when I have more time than I do right now.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: millswriting@gmail.com
IP: 71.95.174.184
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/13/2010 05:09:46 AM
<p>Ditto the last post - I'll email you mine if you are still doing this</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Car Seat Safety
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/31/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-oxiclean/comment-page-1/#comment-24460">Things I Love Thursdays at Diaper Diaries</a> and <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/05/finer-things-friday-homemade-cracker-recipe-at-long-last/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kitchenstewardship%2FPgbo+%28Kitchen+Stewardship%29">Finer Things Friday</a>, guest-hosted by Katie at Kitchen Stewardship!**</p><p>I have noticed that a lot of moms make mistakes when strapping their babies into their car seats. Since car seat safety can literally mean life or death for your baby, it's very important to strap your baby in properly!</p><p>1. Tighten the straps properly against your baby<br/>You may find that you need to loosen the straps to get the baby out comfortably, but make SURE you pull the straps tight against your baby once you have him in the car seat again. The straps should be snug against the baby and you should be able to get only one finger between the strap and the baby's shoulders.</p><p>I have seen WAY too many parents with car seat straps that are extremely loose, enough to really slide around (I saw this TWICE just TODAY). If your baby's straps are too loose, a couple different things could happen. If they're really loose and the chest clip either isn't attached or is too low, the baby could actually FLY OUT OF THE SEAT! If the chest clip is in place, the baby could fly against the straps and possibly get whiplash. Loose straps DO NOT PROTECT your baby!</p><p>2. Install the car seat properly in the car<br/>The car seat should be very tightly installed in a backseat, center position. The carseat must at least be in the backseat, or, if there is no other choice, in the front seat with the air bags turned OFF. If the air bags can't be turned off, the carseat must be in the back. The car seat should be able to move only 1" side to side (slightly further at the top of the seat is okay, but the base must not move more than that). The seatbelt should lock, or you can use the vehicle's LATCH system. If in doubt, take your seat to your local fire department and ask a certified child safety expert to install it properly and to teach you how for the future.</p><p>Note the car seat's position too. It should be angled properly, not leaning too far forward or backward. Climb into the seat and put all your weight on it when you're tightening it, and make sure the seat belt is locked. Using a locking clip if you need to, one should be provided with your car seat if it's needed.</p><p>3. Never add anything to your car seat under the straps except made by the manufacturer<br/>If you purchase a different cover FROM THE MANUFACTURER that is made for your seat, this is fine. But carseat covers, car seat "jackets," strap protectors, etc. are NOT safe. They can invalidate your warranty and place your child at risk. Instead, you can place a blanket over the child once they're strapped in. Toys attached to the seat, which could come off in an accident and injure your child, are also not safe.</p><p>4. Do not put puffy coats on your children<br/>This will prevent you from strapping in your children tightly enough to be safe. Instead, use light layers and a blanket over the straps. You can also bring the coat with you and put it on when you arrive where you're going.</p><p>5. Keep children rear facing as long as possible<br/>All children should remain rear facing at an absolute MINIMUM until age 1 year AND 20 lbs. This is due to their development, not size. Better is 2 years or the weight limit of a convertible seat (and this is the new AAP recommendation). BEST is the limit of the seat, which is usually 35 - 40 lbs. <a href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/338/jun11_2/b1994">Your child may be 3 - 4 years old before reaching this limit</a>. Convertible seats are good because most babies are too tall or too heavy for infant seats before they reach 1 year, while convertible seats typically handle kids up to 35 lbs. and 36" or so rear-facing, and up to 40 - 65 lbs. and 48" forward facing. Some even handle kids up to 100 lbs.!</p><p>6. Choose the right car seat for your child's size.<br/>Note that most infant seats can hold babies only up to 20 lbs. or 29". Some car seats hold only up to 26" and some as long as 32". Note what your car seat's limits are. If you choose to use an infant seat, make SURE you move your child to another (rear facing!!) seat if he outgrows it before age 1. It is unsafe and inappropriate to keep your child in a seat that is too small "just a little longer" because you want to buy only a toddler seat (not a good idea since they don't rear-face anyway) or because you don't have the money to buy another. You MUST have a proper seat. There is the Cosco Scenera for only about $50 that is a convertible seat. There are many more expensive and better seats but that one is fine if your budget is pressed.</p><p>7. Keep your child in a 5-point harness as long as possible -- up to age 8 or 65 lbs.<br/>Keep your child in a 5-point harness as long as your seat allows. It doesn't matter if your child's friends are in just boosters at age 3 (not even legal in some states) or not in a car seat at all at age 5 (really just stupid, as adult belts do not fit young children or even really short adults properly). It doesn't matter if people think you are too careful or they make fun of your child. It is life or death if you are in an accident and children are safest in a 5-point harness. (So is everyone, for that matter.) Most children are required to at least be in a booster until they are age 8 and 80 lbs.</p><p>8. Secure the chest clip at the arm pit level (Thanks Sam!)<br/>Many parent secure the chest clip too low, or not at all. This is a crucial part of keeping your baby safe! It could hurt your baby by digging into the stomach or ribs if it is too low, and it won't protect your baby at all if it's not clipped. Always remember to secure the chest clip and push it up to its proper position.</p><p>Car seat safety is no laughing matter. It is not something you can be lax about, or something that "doesn't really matter." Know how to work your car seat, have one that fits your car properly and fits your baby, and use it correctly. It could save your baby's life.</p><p>Resources:<br/><a href="http://www.car-safety.org/">Car Seat Safety</a><br/><a href="http://www.carseatreviews.org/">National Highway Traffic Safety<br/>Car Seat Reviews</a></p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I have noticed that a lot of moms make mistakes when strapping their babies into their car seats. Since car seat safety can literally mean life or death for your baby, it's very important to strap your baby in properly!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kitchen Stewardship
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02237057208618360053
DATE: 02/07/2010 09:37:22 AM
<p>Excellent post.  I&#39;m constantly reminding my 4yo to move his center clip UP.  You can find places to do free car seat safety checks at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://seatcheck.org/.">http://seatcheck.org/.</a>  My ped told me in Europe and Australia kids as old as 5 are still backward!  That amazes me.  My only gripe is that backward, the seats are sooooo hard to get in really tightly. They always seem to have a little wiggle.  </p><p>Thanks!<br/>Katie</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Olivia
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06631915242802169278
DATE: 02/04/2010 09:27:38 PM
<p>Thanks for the tips. Happy TILT!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Riley, Connor, and Beth
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/13208119677223373164
DATE: 02/01/2010 01:35:32 AM
<p>Some car seat &quot;jackets&quot; are safe.  It is safe to use shower cap-style &quot;jackets&quot; and car seat ponchos like this:  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.carseatponco.com">http://www.carseatponco.com</a>  You do NOT want to use anything that puts fabric between the back of the seat and the child, which is what many of the popular brands do.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/31/2010 07:59:59 PM
<p>Thanks Sam, I totally forgot that one!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sam
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/31/2010 06:03:03 PM
<p>and the chest clip belongs on the chest, armpit level... not on the belly button. seen that one too many times!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 12/14/2010 04:46:37 PM
<p>Just when I thought we couldn&#39;t have more in common (my website: http://www.cpsafety.com )  I&#39;m so happy to see that you&#39;ve posted this!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 12/14/2010 04:51:58 PM
<p>Katie,</p><p>Rear-facing seats are supposed to have &quot;wiggle&quot;.  Not at the belt path (where the seat belt goes through the seat) - it shouldn&#39;t move more than an inch from side to side or back of the vehicle toward the front at the belt path.  But the rear part of the seat, where baby&#39;s head and shoulders are, should have some &quot;wiggle&quot; to it.  This is what allows the rear-facing car seat to offer the best protection.  In a frontal crash, the back of the car seat will move down, then rotate back upright; this is how the car seat absorbs the crash energy, transferring it away from the child&#39;s body.  In a side impact crash, the back of the rear-facing seat will swivel toward the point of impact, keeping the child&#39;s head and neck contained within the seat and protecting the child from the impact and any intrusion into the vehicle.  <a href="http://www.cpsafety.com/stayrearfacing.aspx" rel="nofollow">Rear-facing: Unmatched Safety</a> has more info on this.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsay
EMAIL: Lindsaybhunt@gmail.com
IP: 67.242.43.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/14/2010 06:53:33 PM
<p>I need some advice- I just moved to a northern state were the wind chill is often below zero.  How in the world am I supposed to keep my 1yo warm without thick layers that aren&#39;t safe in the car seat?  I have a small car, and it is next to impossible to dress him in his snowsuit in the car.  Please help!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/14/2010 07:05:07 PM
<p>Lindsay,</p><p>If he&#39;s still in an infant seat (that you can bring into the house, strap him down in the house and tuck a blanket around him, and throw another one over the top of his seat.  Fleece is your friend!  You can tuck anything around him OVER the straps.  It&#39;s also best to layer him up: a onesie or undershirt, a long sleeve shirt, then a fleece jacket.  Fleece will keep him very warm without being too bulky.  You could add a second long sleeve shirt if you feel he needs it.  Make sure he has a hat on too.</p><p>If your carseat stays in the car, dress him as above, then wrap a fleece blanket around him.  Carry him to the car, strap him in, and tuck the blanket around him.  When you arrive at your destination, lift him out of the seat and wrap the blanket around him again, even putting it mostly over his head if the wind is blowing and the chill is bad.  If you have mittens he&#39;ll keep on, bring those.  You could add extra socks and/or use baby legs to help keep his legs warm.  As long as you&#39;re going just from car to store (anywhere that you won&#39;t be outside very long, it&#39;s fine to just keep a fleece blanket over/around him in addition to his thin, warm layers.  If you&#39;ll be outside an extended time, then I&#39;d bring the snowsuit and wrestle him into it anyway.  Hopefully that won&#39;t be the case on very cold days though!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsay
EMAIL: Lindsaybhunt@gmail.com
IP: 67.242.43.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/14/2010 09:20:24 PM
<p>thanks for the advice!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Chore Chart Organization
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/28/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-suave-kids-wash/">Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries</a>!**</p><p>Starting the new year, I really needed an organizational system for cleaning my house. Over the past few years, I have worked hard to create some systems. I started doing laundry on the same day each week (which has changed several times because I haven't always kept it together), I tried to do dishes daily, I started changing the sheets weekly, and I got my <a href="/2009/10/weekly-meal-ideas.html">meal planning</a> and <a href="/2009/10/grocery-shopping-for-healthy-foods.html">grocery shopping</a> together. But I knew there were still a lot of chores slipping through my fingers. Stuff I should really do every week or so that I was remembering every month or so....</p><p>Enter a chore chart.</p><p>I sat down and wrote out all the things that I needed to do. Some were daily (dishes, picking up toys, etc.) and some were weekly (laundry, vacuuming, etc.). Then I assigned each to their own day, with the daily chores at the top.</p><p>One of my big problems has always been that I LOVE having things done in advance so that when it comes time to do something (especially if I have to go somewhere), I can just do it. No preparation. But I've never been good at keeping the system running. I thought about this when I was creating my chore chart, too.</p><p>I also thought about my organizational system. I needed to make sure I had everything organized in such a way that doing my chore chart would be easy. After all, I wanted to keep my house clean and neat but I didn't have ALL DAY to do it. Not with two busy, demanding kids.</p><p>So here is my chore chart information:</p><p>Daily Chores<br/>*All toys picked up in playroom<br/>*Kitchen table cleared off<br/>*Dishes done<br/>*All diapers put in their dirty bags (or washed and stacked on the changing table)<br/>*All mail sorted through and put away (or shredded, thrown out, etc.)<br/>*Kids' rooms picked up</p><p>Monday<br/>*Clean out and pack the diaper bag (dry snacks, one clean outfit per kid, two clean diapers per kid, extra wipes and solution, blanket, small wet bag)<br/>*Clean bathrooms (wipe down counters and mirrors, sinks, clean toilets; showers if necessary)</p><p>Tuesday<br/>*Sweep and mop kitchen floor<br/>*Take out all trash (including all bedrooms and bathrooms)</p><p>Wednesday<br/>*All laundry (washed, dried, folded, put away.... It says this because I had a habit of washing and drying but not folding or putting away!)</p><p>Thursday<br/>*Change all sheets on beds and towels in bathrooms<br/>*Write meal plan/grocery list (every other week)</p><p>Friday<br/>*Grocery shopping (on the weeks I don't shop, my parents visit, so I didn't put any other chores this day)</p><p>Saturday<br/>*Vacuum all rooms<br/>*Dust as necessary</p><p>Sunday<br/>*Prepare for the week (cook breakfasts, lunches, prepare snacks)</p><p>This chore list is posted on my fridge so I can refer to it often. I take it seriously and make sure to get it done everyday. If my chores aren't done by dinner time, I'll stop whatever else I'm doing to make sure that I do finish them. The "weekly" chores only take up about 30 minutes of my time per day (except laundry), and the daily chores are just kind of part of my routine. Most of my time is free to play with my kids or work on other projects.</p><p>But, and this is very important, here is my priority list:</p><p>1) Take care of my kids and husband<br/>2) Prepare healthy meals for my family<br/>3) Complete my daily and weekly chores<br/>4) Anything else I would like to do</p><p>And that's in order. If I only get through 1, 2 and 3...my day is successful and I feel good. If we're having a bad day (someone's sick, etc.) and I only get through 1, my day is still successful. I won't feel guilty or behind if I don't get to any of the extra stuff.</p><p>Usually though, I do my chores with Bekah's help while Daniel takes his morning nap. Or I'll do some after Ben gets home and he's playing with the kids. Then I'll spend time during their naps working on FUN things like this blog (yes, they're napping as I write :) ). I also am working on sewing diapers for a friend and doing some research for a major project right now, and I do those when they're napping or in bed, or if I've played with them and they've decided to go play quietly on their own.</p><p>I'll give you a few more notes on my organizational system:</p><p>*My diaper bag is stored either in my car, or in my front hall closet. It's out of the way but within easy reach of both front and garage doors.</p><p>*I keep a sponge in each bathroom, as well as a box of baking soda to clean with</p><p>*I have one bottle of toilet cleaner and one brush (really should have 3), and I go through the house, putting cleaner in each toilet. Then I go back to the first one and brush it, then the second, etc.</p><p>*I keep a laundry basket in each of my kids' rooms, my upstairs bathroom, my kitchen, and three in my room (white, colored - warm, colored - cold). Each basket gets washed as is, so no sorting is necessary on laundry day, and laundry automatically makes it back to the correct room, where it's folded and put away.</p><p>*I keep a wet bag in each of my kids' rooms as well, and diapers get washed every 3 - 4 days as needed.</p><p>*I do other little chores (like making more chicken stock, soaking beans, etc.) as necessary through out the week. My meal plan is also on my fridge, for this reason.</p><p>*I have a large wall calendar where we write all our appointments (including fun things, like mom's night out). If they're not written there, they don't get done.</p><p>Can you tell I like to have my stuff right out in front of me? Everything I'll need to refer to frequently -- weekly appointments, meal plan, and chore chart -- are right in the kitchen where I can easily look at it. Some people like to keep appointment books or computer-based lists, but not me. I need it RIGHT THERE when I don't remember what needs done next. It's pretty simple to glance at the meal plan when I'm getting a glass of water and say "Oh, I need to take meat out to thaw for tonight's dinner."</p><p>What is your organizational system? How do you make sure your chores get done (or do you)? (If you don't, don't feel bad, I didn't for years. This is a new system!)</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Starting the new year, I really needed an organizational system for cleaning my house. Over the past few years, I have worked hard to create some systems. I started doing laundry on the same day each week (which has changed several times because I haven't always kept it together), I tried to do dishes daily, I started changing the sheets weekly, and I got my <a href="/2009/10/weekly-meal-ideas.html">meal planning</a> and <a href="/2009/10/grocery-shopping-for-healthy-foods.html">grocery shopping</a> together.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: thediaperdiaries
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07031990766224099099
DATE: 02/02/2010 04:59:58 AM
<p>Love your priority list. You totally have that order down. I started using Motivated Moms chose list this year and have absolutely loved it. I feel really organized and on top of things. Somehow chores are easier for me to do when someone else is telling me to do it :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/31/2010 01:13:01 AM
<p>Olivia-</p><p>It sounds as if your home schooling schedule is 9-lunch (12?).  Is your child a kindergartener?  Is three hours of schooling enough time to delve into all of the core subjects comepletely?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Olivia
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06631915242802169278
DATE: 01/28/2010 10:06:23 PM
<p>This is an inspiring post! My chores have suffered this past year b/c we&#39;ve begun homeschooling our oldest. It feels like all the leftover cracks in my life are filled and overflowing. We tend to only vacuum once every two weeks, but the hour between 8 and 9 in the morning every day is set aside to create peace (clean kitchen, do laundry, etc.) in order to do school work. The 30 min. or so after lunch is for cleaning up the school messes and the 30 or so min. after dinner is for picking up/cleaning up as well. This seems to keep us pretty sane!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/28/2010 03:15:24 AM
<p>Vacuuming/pets -- I have cats, but they don&#39;t shed in the winter really, so that&#39;s not an issue.  We often don&#39;t wear shoes in the house.  Now...SHOULD I vacuum more often than I do?  Yeah, probably.  But it&#39;s the one thing I feel like I can&#39;t do when the kids are around (even though I know I can).  I feel like I&#39;m pretty good at everything else but not that.  Then again I grew up in a house where the vacuum only came out if company was coming...so 2 - 3 times per year.  :)  For that reason, among others, vacuuming just escapes me.  But now that I am setting up a new, bigger playroom for my kids, I will try to at least keep that room vacuumed more often.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2010 03:00:18 AM
<p>Very cool Kate! I&#39;ve been thinking that I need to do something like this. My husband usually does the vacuuming on weekends, but I&#39;ve been trying to at least vacuum the living room every other day since I&#39;m babysitting a 6 month old now (and our dogs are super hairy.) I could see if you didn&#39;t have pets that vacuuming once a week would be sufficient if you also don&#39;t wear your shoes around the house. Do you have pets?</p><p>Right now we do everything &quot;as needed&quot; but things like changing sheets and washing towels seem to get done well after they should be! I&#39;ll be working on a chores list soon I think.</p><p>Darren and I have discussed that we don&#39;t want our kids to grow up thinking that &quot;only Mommy (a girl) does laundry&quot; or &quot;only Daddy (a boy) mow the lawn.&quot; We want our kids to learn how to do everything to prepare them for life beyond our home. There are very few chores that only Darren or I do exclusively, but mowing the lawn is one of them! We&#39;ve talked about having a chores list eventually that would rotate jobs so everyone has to attempt each job occasionally. I don&#39;t know... have you thought about that?</p><p>I also have a friend that does not do ANY chores after her husband gets home. The family cleans up after dinner together and then they spend time together before bed. Consequently, after the kids are in bed, they have quality time together as a couple. Darren and I have talked about this as well and I would like to get to this point eventually. We do try to spend time together in the evenings... but then I&#39;m here typing this and he&#39;s playing video games! Ah well... I also have laundry going :)</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mara
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2010 02:04:51 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>What a great system you have!  You sound very organized.  I, too, try to be organized, but have a different lifestyle than you.  I work full time, and my kids are teenagers, so some of my strategies have changed since I was a stay-at-home mom with young kids.</p><p>Laundry:  As kids get older, their clothes get bigger!  Thus, there is more laundry to be done.  I do a load of colors and a load of towels, work-out clothes, dishtowels etc. EVERY DAY. I wash sheets on weekends, so I do three or four loads every Saturday and Sunday (two regular plus two sheets).  I also do a &quot;fine washables&quot; load every Friday night of my husband&#39;s dress shirts, my dress pants, and my good sweaters and tops.  This allows me to let these clothes hang dry or dry on the drying rack all weekend.  All ironing is completed on Sunday. I do all of the laundry for everyone in my family.  I know some think that children should do their own laundry, but it is a job I don&#39;t really mind doing. I also have an old washing machine that I am nursing along and don&#39;t want the kids to break! </p><p>Cleaning:  In the past we have divided our house into &quot;sectors.&quot;  We rotated the sectors each week so no one got stuck with one they didn&#39;t like week after week.  Some of the kids have jobs now, so that system isn&#39;t working well. We also have a dog, so vacuuming needs to be done two or three times a week not once a week. I&#39;ve tried some other systems and hope to find a workable solution soon. I&#39;m surprised you can only vacuum every week with a baby in the house.  I vacuumed every day when my kids were younger, mopped every other day, and cleaned the hard-surface floors on my hands and knees weekly. Don&#39;t your kids pick up random twisty-ties and other debris?  Maybe you use a broom several times a day? As for cleaning toilets, Target has toilet brushes for $1.00 in the summer whenever they promote their &quot;College&quot; stuff.  You are right, having a toilet brush in every bathroom makes life a whole lot easier!</p><p>Groceries:  My husband took over all grocery shopping when I went back to work! It&#39;s not a perfect system, but I&#39;m not complaining!</p><p>Cooking: This falls mostly on me.  I ALWAYS cook enough for at least two meals for all five of us.  I also cook extra stuff on Sundays like bread or chicken breasts to eat in my lunch salads.      </p><p>Daily chores:  Everyone does something (pick up a room, feed the dog and cat, unload the dishwasher, put out or get the trashcans, etc.  I ask and they do it - usually with no complaints!  (I have great kids!)  I try to limit weeknight chores as the kids already have a job - being diligent students!</p><p>As I said, I really like your organizational system.  Mine is much looser because I don&#39;t mind &quot;flying by the seat of my pants&quot; and because the comings and goings of three teenages demands some flexibility.  I agree with you that, if I take care of my children and husband, my day is successful.  The other stuff can and does wait!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/28/2010 01:26:34 AM
<p>Hmm, I like your laundry organization! We used to use large bags, one for whites, one for darks, one for reds...but we never brought the bags back up from the basement, and that was back when I wasn&#39;t doing laundry in good time so the piles were just overwhelmingly huge. Now we have one large basket that we fill and carry up and down the stairs. My chore chart is as follows:</p><p>Monday: vacuum downstairs (living room carpet, playroom rug); sweep &amp; mop kitchen floor; parents&#39; laundry (rarely, all of it...but usually only 2 loads)</p><p>Tuesday: dust; diaper laundry; and every other week EITHER water plants OR wash towels</p><p>Wednesday: vacuum upstairs; clean upstairs baths; wash Cam&#39;s laundry</p><p>Thursday: vacuum downstairs again; clean downstairs bath; every other week EITHER vacuum stairs OR wash sheets</p><p>Friday: diaper laundry; clean stovetop</p><p>Obviously kitchen cleaning is done as needed...loading and unloading the dishwasher, wiping down the counter, etc. This chart has been a HUGE help to me, before I didn&#39;t get done what needed done and just got overwhelmed with all of the work. </p><p>And still, weekly, I fail to complete *every* task, but some days I get it all done and feel great. Other days...well, life with a toddler (sometimes 2) gets a bit busy. ;) I made Tues/Thurs lighter days because Owen is here, and Fridays are light because they are Fridays! I do nothing but keep up with the kitchen on the weekends, and occasionally a load of laundry if I feel like it.</p><p>There&#39;s still room for improvement (as always)...I am bad about putting the laundry away, for example. And the chart is constantly changing, like I had to add in the extra vacuum day because we have pets and Cam drops crumbs and I leave sewing scraps on the floor, that sort of thing. And sometimes I only mop every other week, since we aren&#39;t tracking in a bunch of dirt like we would be in spring/summer.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cloth Around the House
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/25/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/01/wfmw-my-only-beauty-tip.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/01/frugal-friday-how-we-saved-15000-on-a-bigger-minivan.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p><p>I've mentioned in other blogs that another way to save money is to use cloth instead of paper towels, toilet paper, and other products around the house. But WHY?</p><p>First, you can use cloth around the house to replace these products:<br/>*Paper towels<br/>*Toilet paper<br/>*Tissues<br/>*Napkins<br/>*Disposable "dish cloths" (made from really cheap fabric for only a few uses)</p><p>It might seem weird or gross to you to use these items. But think about all of this:</p><p>*In a fancy restaurant, you use cloth napkins. Which have been washed many times and used by tons of strangers! But this is considered upscale, not gross. Why not do the same at home?</p><p>*50 years ago, handkerchiefs were the norm, not Kleenex. We can still use them, just make sure to wash after use so bacteria can't grow (I've never had a problem though).</p><p>*Dishcloths are only breeding grounds for bacteria if you ball them up and leave them wet. Spread them out and let them dry and there's no problem!</p><p>*Un-paper towels are meant for one use (typically) before washing, so there's no mess to spread around and no time for them to get yucky!</p><p>*Family cloth (i.e. "toilet paper") can be thrown into the wash with cloth diapers if you use them, or with dirty bath towels if you don't (meaning no additional washes, and it doesn't have to touch your clothes or anything).</p><p>There really is a significant environmental savings to be had here. First, there's all that paper you're not using. The soft, cushy toilet paper that most consumers demand is <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/science/earth/26charmin.html?_r=1">100% new wood pulp</a>, causing a serious deforestation problem. An average tree can be made into up to 1000 rolls, and the average family of 4 requires 100 rolls per year. Toilet paper also can't be recycled (although it CAN be made from recycled material, thus saving trees initially AND saving that paper from going into a landfill). The making of toilet paper is a serious problem, and c<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/feb/26/toilet-roll-america">auses more ecological impact than driving SUVs or eating fast food</a>. According to <a href="http://encyclopedia.toiletpaperworld.com/toilet-paper-history/toilet-paper-and-the-environment/">this source</a>, we could save 470,000 trees, 1.2 million feet of cubic landfill space, and 169 million gallons of water if everyone in the US traded one roll of regular toilet paper for a recycled roll. Since the average American uses about 24 rolls per year, if we switched to ONLY recycled paper, we could save 11,280,000 trees, 28.8 million feet of cubic landfill space, and 4 BILLION gallons of water PER YEAR!!</p><p><a href="http://encyclopedia.toiletpaperworld.com/toilet-paper-history/toilet-paper-and-the-environment">Toilet Paper World</a> also says this:</p><p><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">In the early 1970s, an EPA study for Congress concluded that using one ton of 100% recycled paper saves 4,100 KWH of energy (enough to power the average home for six months) and 7,000 gallons of water. It also keeps more than 60 pounds of pollution out of the air and saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, which is increasingly important as many local landfills near their capacity. Paper industry representatives have estimated that one-ton of recycled paper saves approximately 17 trees.</span></p><p>This is a HUGE deal, everyone! The environmental impact of toilet paper isn't just what happens once it's used and flushed. It's what happens when it's produced! We could save even MORE by not using any toilet paper at all, but we need to at least use 100% recycled!</p><p>There is also the harmful effects of the bleach used to produce the white toilet paper that most people typically use and want. According to <a href="http://www.pollutionissues.co.uk/bleached-paper-products.html">Pollution Issues</a>, "Between 50 and 80kg of chlorine is needed to bleach each tonne of pulp of which approximately 10% will go on to bind with organic matter to produce furans, dioxins and other organochlorines." That's bad for the environment, and bad to press against your very absorbent skin!</p><p><a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/TheEconomicsOfToiletPaper.aspx">Annual cost of toilet paper</a> is around $140 (for a family of 4). If you make your own wipes, it'll cost about $12 to make 30 2-layer, 8 x 8 flannel wipes. That's a HUGE savings just in the first year.</p><p>Approximately <a href="http://www.greenandsave.com/green_news/green_blog/paper_towels_vs_paperless_paper_towels">3000 tons of used paper towels end up landfills each year</a>! That is a lot. Using cloth can help to stop that. It'll also save you a lot of money. The average household uses about 2 rolls of paper towels per week, and with costs around $1/roll, that's $100 per year. Cloth shouldn't cost more than $10 to buy, and probably less to make.</p><p>I could keep convincing you about the environmental impact, but as you can see, it's huge. Most paper products are produced in a similar way and we, as Americans, use WAY too many of them. The easiest and best thing to do is to make your own cloth to use at home. Here are some (mostly no-sew) ideas for doing it yourself:</p><p>*Cut up old terry cloth towels in 8 x 8 squares to use as rags, toilet "paper," etc. No hemming necessary.<br/>*Cut up old beach towels to use as napkins<br/>*Cut old sheets<br/>*Buy flannel and sew it together (right sides together), leaving a small part unsewn. Then turn it and sew it closed.<br/>*Cut any fabric and "hem" the edges with an iron and finishing tape</p><p>You can also buy these re-usable items at various stores. Many good (and reasonably-priced) items are on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>.</p><p>We've replaced some our tissues with cloth, and I've used cloth "toilet paper" before (right after Daniel was born). It was a LOT softer. I really preferred the cloth. I've used cloth instead of paper towels too and it's fine -- I keep a laundry basket in my kitchen so I can toss used ones there along with my kitchen towels (and downstairs bathroom towels). They get washed every couple of weeks. Bathroom wipes go in a special bag then get tossed in with diapers or bath towels. If they don't have their own wash, then they really don't increase water usage at all.</p><p>I thought up a great kitchen project (a year ago, that I have yet to try): making 12 x 12 cloth towels, and making it so they can snap together and get rolled up! Of course, you can just set your towels in a small basket, they don't really need to get rolled, but it would be kind of cool.</p><p>Finally, since I haven't tried everything myself, I've provided some resources from people (mainly other bloggers) who have tried this cloth in their homes.</p><p>Resources:<br/><a href="http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/going_green_with_the_family_cloth">Going Green with Family Cloth</a> (in the bathroom)<br/><a href="http://blog.lunapads.com/2009/05/the-family-wipe-experiment/">Family Wipe Experiment</a><br/><a href="http://ecofriendlyandfrugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/family-cloth-eco-friendly-and-frugal.html">Family Cloth</a><br/><a href="http://www.thecrunchychicken.com/2007/09/cloth-wipes-benefits.html">Benefits of Cloth Wipes</a><br/><a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/cloth-napkins-to-dress-up-your-table-1198881.html">Cloth Napkins</a><br/><a href="http://moneysavingwahm.blogspot.com/2008/12/unpaper-towels.html">Un-paper Towels</a></p><p>Did you learn anything new about the environmental impact of disposable items (I did!). Will you consider changing some of your family's habits?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I've mentioned in other blogs that another way to save money is to use cloth instead of paper towels, toilet paper, and other products around the house. But WHY?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: David
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06596298487715187790
DATE: 02/03/2010 02:50:19 PM
<p>The best way to clean cloth diapers is to pre-rinse them off in the toilet using a Hand Bathroom Bidet Sprayer. So convenient and if you are trying to help the environment (and your pocket book) you can give it a double whammy by virtually eliminating toilet paper use at the same time as you benefit from using it on the diapers, by using it on yourself. I&#39;m not sure how many people know this but that is what they were originally created for. I think Dr. Oz on Oprah said it best: &quot;if you had pee or poop on your hand, you wouldn&#39;t wipe it off with paper, would you? You&#39;d wash it off&quot; Available at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bathroomsprayers.com">http://www.bathroomsprayers.com</a> they come in an inexpensive kit and can be installed without a plumber. Now we&#39;re talking green and helping the environment without any pain.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: 'Becca
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2009/06/30/menstrual-cup-mania.aspx
DATE: 02/01/2010 06:48:18 PM
<p>Judy, click my name for an article about reusable menstrual gear.  Menstrual flow is sterile until it leaves the body; it is NOT full of bacteria! I actually had a dramatic reduction in urinary tract infections when I switched from disposable tampons to a cup that I don&#39;t even wash every time I empty it. Disposable pads and tampons are not sterile, so you never know what&#39;s on them (from people sneezing in the factory or whatever) that you are introducing to your body.</p><p>However, I do feel creeped out by the idea of feeding my plants my own blood; it sounds like the opening premise of a bad horror movie! So I stick with feeding them coffee grounds. :-)</p><p>Meghan, if you switch to &quot;family cloth&quot; just for pee, that will cut your TP use by about half without any complex laundry logistics. I put my cloths in one of those zippered mesh bags for laundering &quot;delicates&quot; and keep that on top of the laundry in the basket. As long as the cloths are allowed to dry quickly, they don&#39;t smell or stain. (I&#39;ve never tried leaving them a long time, though...I do laundry every other day.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LKoh
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07277987502548298663
DATE: 02/01/2010 01:06:41 AM
<p>Judy-<br/>Yes, I do use the leftover water for the house plants (not in the garden). The water can be used to water house plants because they like all the extra vitamins and minerals. If it&#39;s really bad, I usually flush down the toilet.</p><p>I do know that a lot of people are grossed out about it, but that was the way I was raised. Now I do use disposable diapers and such when we travel and stuff. Not much for carrying the mess around with me.</p><p>Just a little history - Disposable pads didn’t become common in America until after WW II. They were originally used as for bandaging wounds and such during the war. Among rural and low-income women they didn’t catch on until the 1960’s. As with diapers, there have always been people who prefer cloth to disposable. Disposable pads do not biodegrade very quickly. Plastic diapers and sanitary napkins are likely to be two of the most common artifacts that future archaeologists will find when excavating landfills from the 20 and 21 Centuries.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Judy
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/30/2010 02:10:11 AM
<p>LKoh-</p><p>I may be reading your comments incorrectly, but are you stating that you water your plants with leftover water from soaking your cloth menstrual pads?  Unfortunately, I&#39;m picturing you(my face pinched with disgust!) carrying the bucket throughout the house to water the plants and wondering how much bacteria you are spreading.  Ever think you might be carrying this recycling thing a bit too far?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LKoh
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07277987502548298663
DATE: 01/28/2010 02:28:04 AM
<p>We use cloth here most all the time, except for when there is meat, eggs, etc.. involved. The older inserts from the boys&#39; diapers, make great dust rags and such. I&#39;m all for the &quot;family&quot; cloth thing as well. </p><p>I know it sounds weird, but I&#39;ve never bought maxi pads, when I occasionally use them. I actually make my own. Just store the &quot;used&quot; ones in a shallow bucket filled with cold water (also has a lid) and throw in with the diapers when I wash. I drain the &quot;used&quot; water and water the houseplants with it. The plants love it.</p><p>LOVE CLOTH and plan to keep on using until it falls apart. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather @ Green Baby Green Mam
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.greenbabygreenmama.com
DATE: 01/27/2010 11:44:33 PM
<p>Great post! I pick up kitchen towels in the clearance section at HomeGoods. I love pointing out that you don&#39;t need an occasion to use real napkins. Of course, I cloth diaper - I&#39;ve tested each one in my store, and they really work better than disposable diapers!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/27/2010 09:40:50 PM
<p>Meghan,</p><p>I just use a small, zippered waterproof bag.  Some do use a bucket but that would be big, heavy, and stinky.  The bag doesn&#39;t smell and can be tucked out of the way easily.  You can soak the wipes just before washing them, once or twice a week.  It really doesn&#39;t have to be complicated.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Meghan
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08366931718780841876
DATE: 01/27/2010 09:09:00 PM
<p>I can honestly say I&#39;ve never thought about using family cloth. You make a strong case, but I&#39;m wondering how you deal with the logistics of it after you&#39;ve wiped. Do you soak them in a bucket or something until you have enough to wash? I don&#39;t have a very big bathroom and I have to pay for laundry so logistics are a big deal for me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: apple wrangler
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04404473074405311014
DATE: 01/26/2010 09:45:20 PM
<p>Amen. sistah!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy @     Raising Arrows
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02881661213121125203
DATE: 01/26/2010 09:03:44 AM
<p>I&#39;m so enjoying your blog!  Adding you to my reader! (and thanks for the congrats! :) )<br/>Blessings,<br/>Amy</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: 'Becca
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2007/11/30/handkerchief-season-is-here.aspx
DATE: 01/25/2010 09:55:09 PM
<p>Great article! You really make a good case for the environmental benefits. What has sold me on cloth is the aesthetic/practical benefits--it&#39;s just better than paper for pretty much everything! I have some articles you could add to your Resources if you like...but I can&#39;t figure out how to post links here, so I&#39;ll just put my handkerchief article as the URL connected to my name.</p><p>We cut up old, soft, cotton knit garments like T-shirts and underwear to make little cloths that we keep in an empty tissue box next to our bed. They&#39;re great for anytime we need a tissue in bed--so soft and absorbent! I also use them instead of toilet paper for pee when I&#39;m at home, and they are MUCH BETTER than TP for getting dry and fresh, and they don&#39;t fall apart and leave shreds all over me! But I work outside the home and can&#39;t quite face carrying a bag of little cloths to the restroom every time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2010 07:41:10 PM
<p>kai-<br/>Thanks for the idea! It&#39;s on our list of goals to implement!</p><p>Susan b-<br/>I was thinking about bidets last night and it would make it so much nicer!</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan b
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2010 06:32:18 PM
<p>I bought some cheap washcloths to use as family cloth.  But they were too big so I cut some of them in half.  They still seem to be too big.  So I bought some terrycloth fabric and cut them smaller and serged the edges.  </p><p>I started out being the only one using these....but I have noticed my husband has started using them too!  We have a bidet so it makes the cleanliness &#39;issues&#39; for certain messes a little easier to handle!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kai
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.madeintheredbarn.etsy.com
DATE: 01/25/2010 05:12:01 AM
<p>Liesel,</p><p>Thought you might be interested in what we are making and selling.  Our countertop &quot;towel house&quot; dispensers evolved first out of wanting to save money by using cloth towels, but also knowing  my family (read: my dear husband) would probably not make the transition away from paper towels  unless it was totally convenient. :)  You can check them out here:  www.madeintheredbarn.etsy.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/25/2010 02:49:23 AM
<p>We use some of Cam&#39;s older diaper inserts (the microfibers) for cleaning rags. They are super dusters, have some scrubbing power and soak up spills like NO OTHER! Well, except maybe a ShamWOW, lol. They are our go-to cleaning cloth. We try to remember to use cloth wipes for Cam&#39;s diaper changes (just use baby washcloths and wash them with the diaper laundry). We also use an old-fashion sponge mop as opposed to the Swiffer disposable types.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2010 02:27:57 AM
<p>Maybe cloth for #1, but sticking to toilet paper for #2!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 01/25/2010 02:26:19 AM
<p>I don&#39;t know that I could do bathroom family cloth, but we cloth diaper (as you know) and use cloth napkins on a regular basis. We keep a basket of them on the table and I throw them in the wash when they look dirty or we can&#39;t remember who&#39;s was who&#39;s! No extra wash as they get thrown in with everything else and there&#39;s only a handful of them per wash day.</p><p>I use some coth tissues, mainly for Liea, in her room. Her bum wipes double as tissues in this instance. It&#39;s convienent there since that&#39;s where the diaper pail is. They are homemade flannel, some are 2 layers and some just 1 layer that I cut with pinking shears.</p><p>I suppose we also do some un-paper towels. We have a basketful of cheap white washcloths that I use for cleaning purposes- dog&#39;s feet, kitchen spills, etc. The main thing is getting my husband to stop using so many paper towels! :)</p><p>I will certainly look into recycled toilet paper now though. Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01033768929726794291
DATE: 01/25/2010 02:09:19 AM
<p>Not sure hubby would be on board with the family cloth idea, but I&#39;m certainly interested to see the types of comments you get on this.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Lee
EMAIL: sarah@sarahssilks.com
IP: 67.180.69.214
URL: 
DATE: 04/20/2010 03:47:55 PM
<p>I would like to recommend a bidet for the toilet.  We have inexpensive ones that attach to toilet, and are great for washing bottoms, then using cloth &quot;toilet Paper&quot; is not at all gross!  We learned this from Japanese exchange students.  The bidet can also be used to rinse diapers in the toilet.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cookbook Project
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/04/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Introducing....</p><p>My brand new cookbook!</p><p>The cookbook, <em>Modern Alternative Mama in the Kitchen: A Cookbook of Whole Foods</em>, contains over 60 recipes that use whole foods. Many are easy to put together on a weeknight and some can be easily frozen or partially prepared in advance (which and how to do this are noted in the book). Several are also allergy-friendly (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, legume-free, etc.). If you are interested in eating and cooking whole foods, but have no idea where to begin, this book can help you. Also included are cooking tips, sources for finding good quality foods, easy substitution ideas, and other great resources. (If you like the recipes I've posted so far, most of them -- plus many more -- will be in that cookbook.)</p><p>This cookbook will be available in just a few short weeks for those who are interested in learning more about cooking and eating whole foods!</p><p>Although writing a cookbook has been a dream of mine for years (since back when I only wished I could cook), writing it now has a special purpose. I am writing this cookbook in support of women's rights to birth where and how they choose. Part of the proceeds from this cookbook will be donated to both local and national charities that promote access to midwives, doulas, and other natural birthing resources. These include <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a>, <a href="http://www.safebirthohio.org/">Ohio Families for Safe Birth</a>, and <a href="http://www.thebigpushformidwives.org/">The Big Push for Midwives</a>. If you support this movement, please consider purchasing a cookbook. These are grassroots organizations that are trying to make a difference, and they can use all the help they can get.</p><p>Unfortunately, not a lot of women are informed that they have different choices, beyond the usual OB-hospital situation. Many wish for a more natural birthing experience but have no idea where to go to find one. Birthing centers are currently very limited, and many women have no idea how to find midwives, or that they even exist. The idea of home birth or even of natural birth is foreign to most women. (I've heard women say others are "super women" just because they gave birth unmedicated!) Rather than separating women from one another and forcing them to birth in one location, in one way, we should be uniting them and empowering them. Women should have the support of a midwife, doula, or other professional who are trained in natural birth and who believe in them and their ability to birth their baby naturally.</p><p>This cookbook is dedicated to aiding a natural lifestyle and supporting womens' right and ability to birth naturally.</p><p>Please tell everyone about the cookbook so we can get a lot of support! The cookbook will be available through this blog -- details to follow.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Introducing....</p><p>My brand new cookbook!</p><p>The cookbook, <em>Modern Alternative Mama in the Kitchen: A Cookbook of Whole Foods</em>, contains over 60 recipes that use whole foods. Many are easy to put together on a weeknight and some can be easily frozen or partially prepared in advance (which and how to do this are noted in the book).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jo Jo
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2010 02:21:15 AM
<p>I&#39;m interested in your cookbook, but don&#39;t support the birthing organizations you mentioned.  Can I buy the cookbook without having funds donated to those organizations?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Credit Card Debt: Getting Rid of It
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/07/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/01/giving-generously-on-a-small-budget-frugal-friday-guest-post.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p><p>Now that the holidays are over, how are you doing on debt? If you're like most Americans, you spent a LOT on your credit cards to pay for the holidays. Of course, if, like us, you did a homemade Christmas, you probably didn't spend much or anything on credit. But, the average American racks up $935 in credit card debt during the holidays.</p><p>But, that's over now. It's the new year, and it's time to get rid of that credit card debt. This time, FOREVER! <div><br/></div><div>It's not easy to pay off credit cards. First, take a look at the previous entries about <a href="/2009/12/ways-to-save-money-around-house.html">Ways to Save Money Around the House</a>, <a href="/2009/11/creating-workable-budget.html">Creating a Budget</a>, and <a href="/2009/11/ways-to-cut-spending.html">Cutting Spending</a>. If you can cut spending and save money around the house, then you are on your way to getting your money under control.</div><div><br/></div><div>Make sure you have a place in your budget for paying off debt. Any extra money you set aside should be placed towards paying off your credit cards. Follow these steps:</div><div><br/></div><div>1) Sit down and look at what credit card debt you have. Pull out ALL your cards, including individual store cards. Write down the balance on each card and then write down the total.</div><div><br/></div><div>2) Call the companies and cancel ALL the credit cards. They will try to get you to stay by offering you lower interest rates, increased balance limits, etc. They may get very insistent or even nasty. Be firm and say "I want to cancel this card and I am not interested in any other options or services." Also, request a letter be sent to you confirming that the card has been canceled so that you have proof that the account is closed.</div><div><br/></div><div>3) Cut up ALL those credit cards immediately so you are not tempted to try to use them. Get rid of them. If (when) new offers come in the mail, shred them and throw them out. Don't get any new credit cards. Don't be sucked in by "rewards programs" or the promise of "good credit ratings" or anything else. Just get rid of the cards and don't get new ones. Don't get sucked into the idea that you "need" a credit card for emergencies, either. You don't. That's why you should have an emergency fund. You never, ever "need" a credit card.</div><div><br/></div><div>4) Pay off the card with either the highest interest rate or the lowest balance first. Dave Ramsey recommends the lowest balance so that you can pay it off quickly, which gives you the psychological feeling that you're doing something about your problem. He calls it the Debt Snowball. But we recommend paying off the highest interest rate if it is significantly higher than the others. This will save you money in the long run.</div><div><br/></div><div>5) DON'T fall for the "debt consolidation" schemes. It will not actually help you, it is borrowing debt from one place to pay off another. Don't use a home equity loan or another credit card to pay off the debt for the same reason. Shifting debt around is not actually going to help you.</div><div><br/></div><div>It's very important to make paying off your credit cards a priority. Of all the types of debt you have, credit cards are usually the easiest to obtain and use, and the ones on which you pay the highest interest rates and also the highest fees. It's not something you want to get caught up in. Or, if you already are, it's something you want to get away from immediately.</div><div><br/></div><div>Credit cards should never be used for necessities (well, or at all...). Cut all non-essential spending if you have to, sell an extra car, or get another job. If you HAVE to use your credit cards to buy groceries, something is very wrong with your finances. Redo your budget, take a much closer look at your finances. Where is your money going? Get rid of cable, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">internet</span>, anything you don't really need. Hold a garage sale and sell off anything you don't need to raise money. You must be able to pay for your basic necessities without any form of credit. Even if you have to get a job at Taco Bell making $9 an hour for awhile.</div><div><br/></div><div>Where you might run into trouble with this is if you call the credit card companies (or they call you) and the companies try to tell you that you MUST pay your credit card bills first, before you pay for your necessities (while paying credit cards should come before non-necessities like cable, cell phones, etc. it should never come before groceries, gas, housing, etc.). Tell them NO. You must pay your housing, your food, your basic transportation (gas and insurance...if you owe a lot of money on a car, SELL it and get a $1000 car that you can pay off immediately), health care, etc. Debt payment comes ONLY after you have met your basic necessities. If they harass you, hang up on them. Tell them not to call. Don't answer the phone. Get nasty back to them. Do not let them bully you. </div><div><br/></div><div>It's against the law for the credit card companies to harass you. There is a law called the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Debt_Collection_Practices_Act">Fair Debt Collection Practices Act</a>." They can only call you 8 AM and 9 PM (your local time), and only a reasonable number of times per day that a normal person wouldn't feel is harassment. They can't tell you that they can put you in jail, they can't tell you they'll sue you. Credit card collectors knowingly break this law because they know that you are not aware of this law, and that they can create fear by saying these things to force you to pay. Or, they can make you feel guilty to try to get you to pay. This is part of their tactics, it is psychological, and it is ILLEGAL. It is also common practice for companies to call your neighbors and mention that you owe money. This, too, is illegal. They can't discuss your personal financial situation with anyone not on the account. It is a tactic to embarrass you but they should not do it.</div><div><br/></div><div>If you do not make a payment at all for 180 days, the credit card companies will write it off as a loss. They may try to sue you, but they won't get much money from you. They will often settle (with or without a lawsuit) for about 25% of what you owe, a year after you stop paying. This is a worst-case scenario; if you CAN pay it back, you should. But if you literally cannot afford to pay your debt and take care of your basic needs, your basic needs come first. Always.</div><div><br/></div><div>And yes, you CAN do this no matter what your situation. When we got married, our house payment was 60% of our take-home pay and we didn't make enough money on paper to pay our basic bills. We had credit card debt and used credit cards for groceries and other basics. But then, despite our lack of money, we canceled all our cards and started getting serious about paying down our debt. I took a job working as a therapist for kids with autism part time. Ben worked a second job part time. I did some freelance writing, too. We made money however we could, and we got rid of our cable, subscription to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Netflix</span>, and anything else we didn't need.</div><div><br/></div><div>Most importantly, we remained faithful in our tithing. 10% of our money went to God even when it seemed like 100% wasn't enough to live on. And somehow, with our faithful giving and humble spirits, we managed to pay off all our credit card debt before Ben ever got a raise.</div><div><br/></div><div>Don't listen to your friends if they try to tell you that you need a credit card, or that you have to pay if you can't afford to, or that you should give in to the companies' bullying. If you truly can't afford to pay, there is NOTHING the credit card companies can do other than sue you (and, of course, tack on lots of extra charges in late fees and finance charges, which will go away mostly if they sue you), and that will take them a year. They can garnish your wages if they sue you, but the truth is, you hold most or all of the power in the situation. They try to use their psychological warfare to make you feel terrible so you'll pay. And, as I mentioned in my review of Maxed Out, some people succumb to the pressure and actually run away or commit suicide. But you CAN rise above this, get away from your debt, and rebuild your life. IF you're willing to make serious and permanent changes now.</div><div><br/></div><div>Paying off your credit cards is an important step to take towards financial responsibility. In the future, plan for major purchases and save for them. Then, when you make those purchases (be it a $200 appliance, a car, or even a house), they are YOURS. You have saved, and you have EARNED the right to own it. Free and clear. If you've paid in cash, and something bad happens later (losing a job, etc.), it's still YOURS. You don't have to worry that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">anyone's</span> going to come and take it, or that you'll have to sell it to pay for your life. It's an exhilarating feeling!</div><div><br/></div><div>Do you have credit card debt? Are you working to pay it off? How is it going?</div></p>
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EXCERPT:
Now that the holidays are over, how are you doing on debt? If you're like most Americans, you spent a LOT on your credit cards to pay for the holidays. Of course, if, like us, you did a homemade Christmas, you probably didn't spend much or anything on credit. But, the average American racks up $935 in credit card debt during the holidays.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/15/2010 06:15:11 PM
<p>Theresa,</p><p>While canceling credit cards DOES, mess up your credit rating, you do NOT need a credit rating. For the record, there are many companies, like <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.churchillmortgage.com/"">http://www.churchillmortgage.com/"</a> rel="nofollow">Churchill Mortgage</a> that Ramsey endorses, that do what is called &quot;manually under-written mortgages&quot;. Through this process they look at your assets, debt, and income, and determine if you have a low risk of defaulting. My first house mortgage, before we got married, was manually under-written through 5/3 bank. </p><p>Before the advent of the FICO score, ALL mortgages were manually under-written. Many major banks and mortgage brokers still do manual under-writing, they just prefer not to because a monkey can make a loan based on a credit score. Numbers high enough, loan; not high enough, no loan.</p><p>Do you really want to support a system where if a person has 1 million in cash, but no debt for 7 years (resulting in a 0 credit score), they can&#39;t rent an apartment? </p><p>Kate and I are happily awaiting the day our credit score hits zero due to inactivity (not having any debt for 7 years).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Theresa
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02410176479138340024
DATE: 01/15/2010 02:58:25 PM
<p>Cancelling credit card accounts can mess up your credit rating. I know the Dave Ramsey&#39;s of the world say &quot;who needs a credit rating&quot; BUT.....one does need to have good credit, for if nothing else, getting a mortgage. I too agree that it is WRONG to walk away from credit card payments. If you have debt, you are accountable for it, not other taxpayers, who ultimately pay for it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Helen
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DATE: 01/09/2010 05:58:32 PM
<p>Sounds like you are less intractible than I thought.</p><p>So you won&#39;t let your kids go into debt to pay for their educations?  </p><p>Scholarships are a possibility, but currently grants only go to students whose parents don&#39;t have money.  The more you save the more you will pay.  </p><p>College tuition is another system that needs to be fixed because people who do finance cars, boats, etc. typicallly aren&#39;t saversm, and they receive the grants.  People who forgo those pleasures pay full price for college.  We are penalized for being responsible.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/09/2010 05:36:09 PM
<p>Helen,</p><p>There are ALWAYS unforeseen circumstances.  And we can&#39;t plan for those.  But under ORDINARY circumstances, one should strive never to use credit.  We do not agree with financing cars, boats, clothing, etc.  We believe that you should avoid it at all costs.  If something simply tragic and unavoidable happens, you deal with it as you can.  But too many people feel that using credit to get their morning coffee is a good idea -- and it&#39;s not.  Ever.</p><p>I don&#39;t think the current legislation is the answer, either.  We need a real system overhaul and that is just not it.</p><p>We have invested for our childrens&#39; college educations.  We have an account for each of them and the money is in high-risk stocks (we have advisors) since they are so young.  We plan to pay for school that way -- and, hopefully, through scholarships and grants if they receive any.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Helen
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DATE: 01/09/2010 04:57:13 PM
<p>You are correct.  The health system does need to be fixed, but I don&#39;t think the current proposed legislation is the answer. </p><p>If one of you needed surgery and the best surgeon did not participate with your health insurance plan, I really think you would go to whomever was most likely to save your loved one&#39;s life and money be damned.  There are some things in life - like life itself- that are more important than money.  I hope you would agree.</p><p>As to tragedy being unlikely to strike, I think it is more common than you may think.  I worked for many years for a major insurance company.  I dealt with clients every day that were facing horrible medical problems that no amount of natural healing would help.  For example, one client&#39;s daughter fell off her horse and the horse stepped on her face shattering the left side.  The little girl was 11 years old.  She had multiple surgeries to reconstruct her face.  MOST plastic surgeons do not participate with insurance companies AND make patients pay up front.  Partial reimbursement is sent to the patient.  If she had been my child, I would have sold everything I had and borrowed every panny I could to get the absolute best result.  I would never &quot;settle&quot; for a second rate doctor.  Her father was a lawyer with a prestigous law firm in Washington DC, so I know he made a great deal of money (more than you and me combined I&#39;m sure), yet he was still distraught at how much of his daughter&#39;s treatment was uncovered.  </p><p>Your insurance is excellent as long as you have routine illnesses.  Dig a bit deeper and you will see that it&#39;s not as good as you think it is.</p><p>I wish you and everyone good health, but guess what, we all are going to die.  More than likely we will die from an illness, even if we take really good care of ourselves, and illnesses cost a lot of money.  Like I&#39;ve said before, I think your goal of saving and planning is admirable and is something I do to an even greater degree than you.  However, I have a problem with your &quot;always do this&quot; and never do that&quot; way of thinking or at least communicating.  The world is not so black and white and your method of doing things is not the ONE CORRECT WAY.  There are exceptions to every rule, and you don&#39;t seem to be able to understand that.  </p><p>This is off the above topic, but how do you plan to pay for your children&#39;s college educations?  Will you borrow, or do you plan to save for it.  A year of college, with room and board, costs about $20,000 right now.  It could likely double by the time your kids are in college.  That&#39;s more than a quarter of a million dollars for just the two kids you currently have and it sounds as if you want more children.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/09/2010 04:29:40 PM
<p>Helen,</p><p>First situation -- if surgery were the ONLY option, we would accept the best surgeon our plan covered.  Also, if you&#39;ve read other parts of the blog, you know we believe in natural healing, so we would be trying any natural alternatives before seeing a doctor or agreeing to surgery.  We believe (and so do the health practitioners we see) that if illnesses or imbalances are caught early, then they can be managed and treated before they turn into a chronic or serious illness.  Some testing we&#39;ve recently undergone was like getting a full-body scan, but without the use of invasive procedures, like the CT scan.  I won&#39;t talk about it here because there&#39;s not enough room, but I will blog about it later.  I would also encourage you to seek an opinion from any of several alternative practitioners to see if they can help you at all.</p><p>I don&#39;t agree that using credit is &quot;taking care of your family.&quot;  In a situation like you described (which is very, very hard, I&#39;m sure), if you are using credit because you can&#39;t afford the treatments and your condition is chronic (meaning you will keep not being able to afford the treatment), using credit is not a solution.  You&#39;ll keep racking up the debt and never be able to pay it back.  I know it seems impossible to do anything else when you can&#39;t afford it and know you can&#39;t ever afford it, but that&#39;s the way the system is and that&#39;s why the system needs to be changed.  But I don&#39;t think going in deep, permanent debt (which is going to make your situation worse) is really the answer.  I don&#39;t know what the answer is, but I don&#39;t think it&#39;s that.</p><p>Again, I would encourage you to seek out an alternative health practitioner to see if he or she could help you.</p><p>Please also remember that although tragedy COULD strike anyone, it is unlikely to strike most, so chances are we will get through life without anything major.  We&#39;re definitely planning and preparing in case that&#39;s not what happens.  And we wish the best of health to EVERYONE, and hope that others wish the same.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Helen
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DATE: 01/09/2010 05:56:06 AM
<p>Ben-</p><p>Last point:  The men who are blind or who have prothetic limbs that climb Mt. Everest are extremly rare AND they have help.  Bad analogy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Helen
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DATE: 01/09/2010 05:53:58 AM
<p>Ben and Kate- </p><p>Hypothetical siutation:  You have an emergency fund and you have health insurance.  One of you or your kids gets very sick.  The best surgeon to perform an operation to perhaps save your life does NOT participate with your insurance.  He or she will not perform the surgery unless you pay for his or her services up front. His fees are larger than your emergency fund (say $30,000.) What would you do?</p><p>Additionally, the illness you have is chronic and you reach your lifetime maximum (most people have a 1 or 2 million dollar max, so your $750,000. heart surgery example just about wipes that out).  Then what?</p><p>Even Christopher Reeves, who I&#39;m guessing had more money than you do, went broke paying for his medical needs.  </p><p>The truth is, it really is about life experience and realizing that you can and should plan for the worst by insuring yourselves and your belongings, but there are no guarantees (except death and taxes).   Some of the hypothetical situation above happened to me (the non-participating doctor, pay up front portion but not - YET- the lifetime maximum portion). My sister-in-law was a type I diabetic, her kidneys failed, and she received a kidney and pancreas transplant.  She must take expensive anti-rejection medication for the rest of her life. Her lifetime max was met a LONG time ago. I&#39;m not worried or jaded, just an experienced realist.  By the way, I really don&#39;t like being called names as I&#39;m sure you would find it insulting if I called you niave and told you to grow up.  </p><p>I don&#39;t have any problem with your goals of saving and planning, but they are theories and may not actually happen the way you hope.  Having the ability to obtain credit is a GOOD thing if people use the credit responsibly and not for foolish things like restaurant meals and other frippery they can&#39;t afford which is what you did when you ran up credit card debt.  I&#39;m keeping my credit cards, using them to buy only what I can afford, and hoping for no more rainy days. But if I ever have to pay for something really necessary for my kids, or my husband, or myself with credit, I would.  I bet you would too. </p><p>By the way, my husband and I had an emergency fund of $20,000 (this was more than 6 months of our monthly expenses)when I got sick.  We spent it all, and it still wasn&#39;t enough.  Saving several hundred dollars a month isn&#39;t going to be enough for you if you have a real emergency (something less trivial than your car breaking down or your AC quitting).  We now save about $3,000 a month plus we max out our 401Ks, and we are hoping for the best. Good luck to you, but unless you have rich, generous relatives with high credit lines, keep a credit card even if you don&#39;t regularly use it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/09/2010 03:22:34 AM
<p>Helen,</p><p>1) I was thinking of fast food type places, not more upscale places. I remember when it went from being kind of a weird thing and you used to have to still sign for them, to being 90%+ of transactions.</p><p>2) Dave Ramsey is on from 3-6pm on the radio everyday and has a TV show on Fox Business in the evenings for an hour. Yes, I really did listen to the full three hours of the radio show every weekday for a year. I listened while driving, working around the house, etc... I have a huge knowledge of real life situations where people made bad decisions and how to get out of them. Now every time I&#39;m headed toward a mistake, I realize it well before it become an issue. It was some of the most valuable time I&#39;ve ever spend.</p><p>3) &quot;Nothing is certain but death and taxes&quot; - Benjamin Franklin. Let&#39;s just say I wouldn&#39;t bet against us. The thing is, with proper planning, you will never need to borrow money. Our health insurance has a maximum yearly out of pocket of $5,000. If I need a $750,000 heart surgery, we need to find $5,000, which we certainly can do since we save several hundred dollars a month toward building that fund.</p><p>We also have life insurance, so if either of us die, the other is taken care of. We have car insurance, in case something happens to our cars. We have an emergency fund for minor (&lt;$1,000) issues. Anything else, we&#39;ll deal with it as it comes. Ever wonder how men with two prosthetic limbs or who are blind can climb Mount Everest? It&#39;s because they refuse to believe that they can fail. I refuse to believe that we&#39;ll ever need debt for any reason and we spend a lot of time making sure that we plan for every issue.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/09/2010 03:19:35 AM
<p>Helen,</p><p>I&#39;m so sorry that you think that someone would NEED credit to live.  If you are taking care of your family well and provide financially very carefully, it is absolutely possible to get through ANY emergency without credit.  First, like Karla mentioned above, save a LARGE emergency fund -- a year or more of expenses.  I can&#39;t think of an emergency in which you would need to get your hands on more than several thousand dollars RIGHT NOW.  So that should cover any minor emergency -- furnace going out, car dying, etc.  Second, HAVE INSURANCE!!  Health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, home insurance, etc.  This should cover you in the event of MANY catastrophes.  So if your house burns down, the insurance will cover it.  If you get in a serious accident and rack up medical bills, your insurance will cover it.  Our insurance is excellent and has a maximum $5000 out of pocket.  I&#39;m quite sure we could handle any medical bills that come our way.</p><p>The real truth is, it&#39;s NOT about life experience and becoming jaded.  YES, there are rainy days.  NO, you can&#39;t always prevent bad things from happening.  But plan, prepare, have back ups for your back up plan.  Insurance and emergency funds for everything.  And then you will know you are ready for anything and you will NOT have to rely on credit.  I&#39;m very sorry that life has taught you to worry instead of plan and prepare for your future so that you don&#39;t need to worry.  But you CAN plan, you CAN prepare, and it WILL be okay.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Helen
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DATE: 01/08/2010 03:53:24 PM
<p>Ben-</p><p>1.  What restaurants didn&#39;t take credit cards 10 years ago?  Any decent restaurant has taken credit cards for decades.</p><p>2.  When is Dave Ramsey on the radio?  Did you really listen to him EVERY DAY for two years?  How do you find the time?</p><p>3.  How do you know that you will never borrow money again?  What will you do if someone in your family gets sick?  How will you pay for the medical bills? </p><p>Striving to be debt free is admirable and a cause I fully support, but never say never.  Stuff happens and all responsible adults should have the ability to obtain credit to cover their family&#39;s finanacial responsibilities.  The world is not quite as black and white as you seem to see it right now, but life experience will correct that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/07/2010 10:24:15 PM
<p>I saw that you posted never to use a home equity line of credit to pay off credit card debt.  This option if done properly can eliminate all of your debt AND YOU GET A TAX CREDIT.  How?  You are paying interest on a credit card, but it can not be deducted anywhere.  If you have to pay that interest anyways why not pay on the one that you will receive a tax credit on?  This still gives you the option to cancel your cards.  And save.  </p><p>Until I have 0 debt.  No house, No car, No student loan, and upwards of $50,000 (the limit of my credit card) in savings  I will always carry a credit card.  It is my personal decision.  One that I don&#39;t think is wrong.  Why?  The credit card has a better rate than the bank can offer for a short-term loan at this time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/07/2010 09:23:50 PM
<p>We have a large emergency fund (two years), are saving for retirement, own our cars, and have no debt except our mortgage (which we could easily pay off), and still use credit cards for almost every purchase to get the rewards.  Our family of five has flown to Hawaii, and I visit family in Florida every year just on the rewards.  The problem isn&#39;t the credit cards, it&#39;s the way people use them.  Only buy what you have cash to pay for, and pay off the cards every month.  You can&#39;t get into any trouble if you think of the card as cash.  It takes discipline, but no more discipline than actually paying cash.</p><p>Your pay off suggestions and the idea of cutting up the cards are good for undisciplined people. </p><p>I also wonder if everyone would actually qualify for a short-term bank loan without any kind of credit score.  Using a credit card responsibly is usually the first step in building credit so that bank loans for things like mortgages are possible.</p><p>Credit cards aren&#39;t the problem.  Irresponsible peole are.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/07/2010 08:14:25 PM
<p>karly,</p><p>I totally agree. </p><p>Remember not 10 years ago when no restaurants took credit cards? Well they found that when people paid with credit, they would spend 15%-200% more then with cash. There is an emotional response when using cash, or to a lesser degree with debit cards because you see your bank statement going down, that doesn&#39;t exist when using credit. (<a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://poorerthanyou.com/2007/10/12/do-we-spend-more-when-we-use-swipe-plastic/"">http://poorerthanyou.com/2007/10/12/do-we-spend-more-when-we-use-swipe-plastic/"</a> rel="nofollow">more info</a>)</p><p>Using a debit card as a credit card will give you all the same protection, without getting you in debt, and without causing you to overspend. If you use one long enough, even if you always pay it off, eventually you will make a mistake and they&#39;ll ding you with late fees, overdrafts, or interest. It&#39;s just not worth the hassle or risk, when you can have it drawn directly from your checking account.</p><p>Anonymous,</p><p>&quot;What if you have an emergency and your emergency fund is used up? Would that not be the right time to use credit? If I have to pay some interest because of an emergency I can live with that.&quot;</p><p>NEEDING to have a credit card for emergencies is a myth. The truth is, that having the ability to easily borrow money (payday loan, bank loan, credit card) will cause you to make foolish decisions in a time of crisis.</p><p>Kate and I will never borrow money again (though we currently have a mortgage and student loan). The reason people NEED debt, is they make the WRONG decision.</p><p>For example, three years, our central a/c died. We had a repair done, which let it limp along for for another year, but then it died completely. Now a new central heating and air system runs about 3,000-7,000. (both units were over 25 years old) Did we have the money, no. We COULD have gone into debt for one, like 95% of America, but instead we paid $250 for two window a/c units which we&#39;ve been using for two years. It&#39;s not ideal, and at times it is very uncomfortable in the house, but we paid cash for it.</p><p>Last year, my 15 year old Honda Accord with 145,000 miles on it I&#39;d been driving for nearly 10 years broke down. The repairs would have cost more the it was worth. If we were normal, at that point we would have gone out and financed a new car, or a used one at least.</p><p>We had a small emergency fund, $1,000, that we could have used for a beater, but we decided to drive only one car while we saved like crazy for 6 months until we could afford to pay cash for a 6 year old mini van.</p><p>In over 15 years of being on the air and taking calls 3 hours a day from listeners, Dave Ramsey has not found a single situation that couldn&#39;t have been handled without debt. I listened everyday for two years and I&#39;ll firmly stand behind that.</p><p>If you don&#39;t have an emergency fund to cover your emergency, then you need to re-evaluate the emergency and find a way to make your cash (or what you can sell/earn) solve the issue. It may not be the easiest way to handle it, but at the end of the day YOU CAN run your own life without relying on banks to finance you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 01/07/2010 06:02:33 PM
<p>We use cash only, and use our debit card to pay for gas at the pump, and on bigger purchases for which we have budgeted.  (By the way, when using a debit card, when asked if it&#39;s debit or credit, one can use his/her debit card as credit.  It will take money out of your bank account as well as giving you the Visa/Mastercard protection that many like having when using an actual credit card.)</p><p>Often, a well meaning family member will tell us to hold on to one credit card, &quot;for emergencies.&quot;  The fallacy with that is that we have more money saved up in our emergency fund than we did with the card with the  highest credit limit.  </p><p>Switching to using cash only and getting rid of all credit cards was a big change and a huge paradigm shift.  However, we are in a much better financial situation now than ever in our marriage.  It did require a lot of discipline, restraint, and obedience, but we would never turn back, because there is so much more freedom living like this (contrary to mainstream society today)than how we lived two years ago.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/07/2010 06:00:06 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>If you have an emergency and your emergency fund is used up, don&#39;t turn to credit cards.  A short-term bank loan is a better option, or another type of low-interest loan.  The high interest on credit cards makes them not worth it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/07/2010 05:52:49 PM
<p>What if you have an emergency and your emergency fund is used up?  Would that not be the right time to use credit?  If I have to pay some interest because of an emergency I can live with that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/07/2010 03:50:05 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>The problem with having a credit card is that WHAT IF you have an emergency (and no emergency fund) and you use your credit card and don&#39;t pay off the balance in full, &quot;just this once.&quot;  That&#39;s how we got in trouble.  For a few years we always paid it...then we were getting married and we needed stuff, so we just...didn&#39;t.</p><p>The credit score issue is a problem if it jacks up your interest rates while you&#39;re trying to pay off your debt.  But once you are debt-free, it is useless.  Go to Dave Ramsey&#39;s website to read more about it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/07/2010 03:45:32 PM
<p>Helen,</p><p>Yes, we paid all our debt.  We are not in any way ENCOURAGING people to ignore their debt.  The first solution would be to sell anything unnecessary (including a second car, your house, etc.) and get another job, to do anything you can to pay off your debt.  The section on what happens if you don&#39;t pay is really there because it is legally how it works and if that is the ONLY way to manage to live, that can help.  BUT everyone should be aware you can only declare bankruptcy once and I STRONGLY suggest you seek counseling for spending addiction and learn to live within your means (more posts on this coming up).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2010 03:09:04 AM
<p>There is nothing wrong with using a credit card as long as you pay off your balance every month.  I do not like to carry cash and bank debit cards are not protected from fraudulent activities like a normal credit card. </p><p>A word of caution if you have a lot of credit card debt...If you close all of your credit card accounts your utilization rate will increase and in turn lower your credit score. When a credit card company analyzes your account and sees this they will increase your interest rate.  </p><p>I would say if you have a lot of credit card debt keep the accounts open, cut up the cards so you cant use them, and pay the balance down as soon as you can.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Helen
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DATE: 01/07/2010 03:03:52 AM
<p>I am shocked that you state that people don&#39;t really have to pay off their credit card debt.  It is wrong for the credit card companies to harass consumers, but it is just as wrong for consumers to accumulate debt and then not pay it off.  That just shifts the debt burden to either consumers who have credit cards or to the tax payer through government bailouts.  It is totally irresponsible to walk away from debt just because the credit card companies can&#39;t really do anything about it.    Your suggestions may encourage some people to purposely obtain credit cards to buy things for which they have no intention of paying.</p><p>I&#39;m amazed that you would make some of the suggestions you do above  when you feel so strongly about personal responsibility.  Did you pay off your credit cards when you accumulated debt, or did you simply walk away from your debt?  It sounds as if you payed for the purchases you made, so why would you encourage others not to do so?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Following God's Plan
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/29/2010 01:00:00 PM
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<p>Today I'm talking about God's plan. The first thing I should tell you is that while we TRY to follow God's plan as well as we can, we are by no means perfect! We slip up all the time and try to find our way again. We are not perfect at all.</p><p>What does it mean to follow God's plan?  Obviously there are certain parts to God's plan that are easy to know (by reading the Bible), and certain parts that are not easy to know (through prayer and answers to prayer).  Very quickly I want to talk about the "easy" parts, but mostly I want to focus on the not-so-easy parts.</p><p>If you spend any time in the Scripture, you know that God commands us to do several things.  He commands us to love one another; not to kill; not to sin sexually (we'll discuss that further later); not to lie ("bear false witness"); and to worship Him.  That is not a complete list, of course.  Our ultimate goal is to love one another and to worship Him with every part of our lives.  That means that although we are all sinners, we are to always strive to be closer to Him and to know more about Him.  We need to try to do our best to be loving, giving, and as much like Jesus as we can.  No one will ever measure up, but we are called to turn away from the world's ways (as "crazy" as some think that is) and towards Jesus's ways.  This is not easy, but the Bible gives us guidelines on how to do it.  To this end, I would encourage you to spend time in the Word to learn what it means to follow Jesus and as an encouragement to always do better.  I, too, really need to spend more time in the Word.  It is easy to be led astray by all of the demands of daily life, but God calls us to put Him first, not last.</p><p>I'm not saying this because I'm perfect.  I often do the same as many others: know that I need to spend more time with God and not do it because I'm working on so many other projects.  I do consider God all the time and think about how I can be more purposeful in areas of my life based on what He commands.  But by no means do I spend nearly enough time in His Word or with Him in any way.  :(  That is sad to admit.  I am hoping to get myself seriously together soon so that I will do more with it.  I may issue a challenge to us all about this!  Be prepared for that.  :)</p><p>If you are spending time in the Word, or spending time praying and considering God's desires for your life, then you know the other side of following God's plan.  God has a plan for each of us, and we don't necessarily know what it is.  We can try to learn it through prayer and through always listening for God's answers.  Sometimes it's very obvious, and other times it's not.</p><p>The other week, I desperately wanted to go out with friends.  My kids were not feeling well and we'd had a long night and I was feeling frustrated.  I knew that going out wasn't a good idea, yet I really, really wanted to do it anyway.  So I pushed them to get ready, I did whatever it took.  In the back of my head was the thought that maybe God didn't want me to go, because I really needed to put my kids first, not my own frustrations and desires.  When everything was ready, I went to get the kids in the car -- and my garage door wouldn't open.  I tried EVERYTHING, including unlocking it and opening manually.  But no dice.  I was forced to stay home.  That afternoon, Ben came home and easily opened the garage.  It was like God was saying, "If you're not going to do what's right for your kids, I'm going to make you do it."  Sometimes it's really that obvious!</p><p>And, like that example, sometimes it's not what we want or what's comfortable for us.  We may be given a job in another state at a time we don't want to move.  We may be prevented from having a child when we desperately want one -- or given one when we're not ready.  But all of these things happen because God wants them to.</p><p>Treat every event in your life -- good and bad -- as a blessing from God.  A lot of times the bad is really a blessing in disguise.  Or, sometimes it's an attempt by Satan to make you angry so that you will denounce God instead of praising Him.  Continue to praise Him, and continue to pray to him, and try to listen to what He is telling you.  He will let you know His plan in parts, and He will lead you in new directions.</p><p>Once, when my mother was a little girl, she and her sister wanted to go to a friend's to sleep over.  There was no reason why they couldn't, but her mother felt uneasy and told them no.  This was God telling her to keep her children with her.  That night, there was a fire in her friend's home, and her friend died in that fire.  My mother and her sister could easily have died too, had they gone to that sleepover that night.</p><p>Another time, a pastor we knew was a teenager and spent time in prayer.  He felt God was tugging on him to spend his "extra" money to give to the church, rather than saving for prom like all of his friends.  It was hard for him, but he gave his money to the church.  On prom day, a close female friend of his called and said, "I just broke up with my boyfriend, and I need you to take me.  The tickets are paid for, the tux is rented and it's just your size, dinner is paid for, and we have tickets to an amusement park for after prom.  All you have to do is show up."  In this case, he was rewarded for following God's plan for him!</p><p>God does reward us for following His plan in many amazing ways.  He blesses us in ways that make absolutely no sense by the world's standards.  And for that reason, I encourage you to always prayerfully consider any decision you make, and to include God in your life all the time.  He will guide you if you let Him, and He will bless you if you let Him.</p><p>At every time in your life, you will be working on something different.  It all depends on what God is calling you to do at that time.  God will lay something on your heart that you need to work on.  Right now, God is laying it on my heart to work on grace -- understanding it and extending it to others.  I don't know where God will take me next.  More details about what I'm working on personally will be coming up in future blog posts.</p><p>What is God working on in your life?  How do you follow His plan?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today I'm talking about God's plan. The first thing I should tell you is that while we TRY to follow God's plan as well as we can, we are by no means perfect! We slip up all the time and try to find our way again. We are not perfect at all.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/06/2010 04:14:27 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Everyone views faith differently.  And I don&#39;t think it&#39;s bad to hear a song on the radio that makes you feel better right when you need it, and think that God was looking out for you.  God is bigger than all of us, and He really can be there with us always.  He walks beside us and carries us when we need it.  Not everyone will see it that way, but some do.  I think it depends on your beliefs and if you&#39;re looking for God.</p><p>Ella,</p><p>If you are looking for faith, read the Bible.  Find a local church and just sit in.  Listen to the stories.  Open your heart.  It will have to be something you allow to happen and embrace.  It&#39;s not something that you can just find because you intellectually want it; it&#39;s a heart issue.  You also have to choose to believe (I&#39;ve talked to many non-believers who say, &quot;but WHY?&quot; and I don&#39;t have an answer for them because it&#39;s in my heart but not in theirs).  If you have specific questions or would like to discuss it further, feel free to post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ella
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DATE: 02/05/2010 06:34:55 PM
<p>How does one go about obtaining faith?</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/04/2010 02:04:19 AM
<p>I have faith, but I also believe that some people think God is &quot;talking&quot; to them an inordinate amount.  Why would God spend his time commenting on the trivial, day-to-day stuff when there are pople with really big problems out there seeking his guidance?  I&#39;ve felt God&#39;s guidance before, and it has always come at a time when I REALLY needed him.  I think the day-to-day comments people attribute to God are really their own conscience speaking to them.  Ella has valid point.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/04/2010 01:17:40 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Bad things happen to believers for any number of reasons.  Perhaps because they chose to sin.  Perhaps because God is teaching them something later (like a woman who loses a child and ends up mentoring hundreds of other families through their grief).  There&#39;s always a reason.  And God doesn&#39;t promise us a life free from bad things, just that He will always be there for us.</p><p>It really comes down to faith.  Either you have faith or you don&#39;t.  People who don&#39;t will not understand this.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2010 01:05:37 AM
<p>Interesting point Ella.  And conversly, why do bad things happen to believers?  </p><p>I always find it ironic when God&#39;s plan so neatly coincides with what people want to do anyway.  Perhaps this is because the semi-conscious &quot;being&quot; you mention is really the one speaking to us when we pray and not God.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ella
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2010 11:38:02 PM
<p>But what if what you think is God telling you to do something is just yourself? What if we have all created another, semi-concious &quot;being&quot; or part of ourselves that listens when we pray and isn&#39;t God at all? Why do good things happen to non-believers all the time?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/02/2010 01:26:21 AM
<p>What religion did you follow growing up?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/01/2010 02:39:38 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Honestly, I&#39;m not sure!  That&#39;s just what I&#39;ve kind of grown up hearing.  I would guess it has something to do with immersing oneself &quot;in the Word,&quot; paying complete attention and feeling strong significance.</p><p>Ella,<br/>Many who are not believers have suggested that coincidence played a role.  And that is possible.  But it seems to me (and many others) that these situations occur too often and in direct relation to some type of choice we&#39;ve made or prayer we&#39;ve said.  We could believe that there is nothing more going on, but we don&#39;t.  How we know what to follow is very personal and hard to discern and everyone needs to learn to listen to God in his or her own way.  There&#39;s no way to say for sure what God is saying to someone else (which makes it all very subjective and difficult for someone outside to understand, even other Christians).  As for &quot;evidence against it,&quot; read some of my earlier posts on creationism.  We don&#39;t believe that there is very much GOOD scientific evidence against it at all.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ella
EMAIL: 
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URL: 
DATE: 02/01/2010 05:28:23 AM
<p>How do you know that all these things are happening because of God? Couldn&#39;t it just be coincidence? I hope you don&#39;t take my comment as offensive; I&#39;m truly curious about what it feels like to have faith in something that has so much scientific evidence against it.  How do you know you are on the right track with His plan?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/31/2010 11:20:27 PM
<p>Just curious - why do people say &quot;in the Word&quot; vs. &quot;with the Word&quot; or &quot;reading the Word&quot; or even &quot;thinking about the Word&quot;?  Is there some semantic significance?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/22/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/01/real-food-wednesday-12710.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/ultimate-recipe-swap-baked-goods-2.html">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>These are fabulous. I looked at several different recipes I'd created over time and combined them to form these. They are light, fluffy, and very sweet. Sweet enough to be cake, rather than muffin! No one would know they are gluten-free, either. :)</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />1 c. sorghum flour<br />&frac12; c. brown rice flour<br />&frac14; c. coconut flour<br />&frac14; c. arrowroot starch<br />&frac12; tsp. sea salt<br />2.5 tsp. baking powder<br />1 tsp. cinnamon<br />&frac12; cup dark brown sugar, packed<br />2 eggs<br />&frac14; c. coconut oil<br />&frac14; c. coconut milk<br />&frac14; c. rice milk<br />2 medium apples, peeled and shredded, or &frac34; c. unsweetened applesauce</p>
<p>Topping:<br />2 tbsp. coconut oil<br />&frac14; c. dark brown sugar<br />2 tsp. cinnamon<br />2 tbsp. brown rice flour</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Mix dry ingredients in a small bowl &ndash; flours, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon &ndash; and set aside. Cream oil and sugar together until thoroughly mixed. Add eggs, coconut milk, rice milk, and shredded apples (shred very finely). Stir until combined. Add dry ingredients. Combine and fold gently. Spoon batter into 12 muffin cups (3/4 full). In a small bowl, mix all topping ingredients. Sprinkle topping over muffins. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.</p>
<p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!<br /><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S1n18CvUH9I/AAAAAAAAAHU/ikSo0Ufr5T8/s200/fof.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429641237648121810" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 151px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S1n18CvUH9I/AAAAAAAAAHU/ikSo0Ufr5T8/s200/fof.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
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hese are fabulous. I looked at several different recipes I'd created over time and combined them to form these. They are light, fluffy, and very sweet. Sweet enough to be cake, rather than muffin! No one would know they are gluten-free, either. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.gluten-free-diet-help.com
DATE: 01/22/2010 05:39:26 AM
<p>Those sound very good, I will give them a try.<br/>Thanks for sharing your recipe.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Gluten-free Pancakes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/08/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/01/real-food-wednesday-11310.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p><p>These are fluffy and yummy! With a bit of maple syrup, they kind of taste like donuts!</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (I use Bob's Red Mill)<br/>1/4 cup buckwheat flour<br/>1/2 tsp. xanthan gum<br/>1/4 tsp. baking soda<br/>1/2 tsp. sea salt<br/>1 egg<br/>1 tbsp. raw honey<br/>1 tbsp. coconut oil<br/>1/2 tsp. vanilla<br/>1/2 c. + 2 tbsp. almond or rice milk</p><p>Directions:<br/>Mix together all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and add egg, vanilla, honey, coconut oil. Stir together, mashing the coconut oil if it isn't already melted (it won't be in the winter). Add almond milk. I add it 1/4 c. at a time until I reach the consistency I like. With the amount indicated, the batter will be medium-thick and will make VERY fluffy, thick pancakes. Melt additional coconut oil into a pan or onto a griddle. Pour a bit of batter onto the pan, making sure it begins to bubble/sizzle around the edges immediately (if the pan is not hot enough, the pancakes will not rise) and that the batter is in the oil. Wait 4 - 5 min., checking carefully, and flip. The edges and parts of the center should be golden brown. Cook an additional 4 - 5 minutes, then serve.</p><p>Yummy! A perfect winter breakfast.</p>
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These are fluffy and yummy! With a bit of maple syrup, they kind of taste like donuts!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Birthday Bekah!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/26/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Happy Birthday to my sweet girl!  Rebekah Christine is 2!  (1/26/08)</p><p>This past weekend, we had a quiet little birthday party with grandparents.  She got several very cute presents, including a new puzzle, a book, a little car that goes if pushed (continues moving by friction), and a purse filled with lots of cool stuff like jewelry (she LOVES jewelry!).  She also got some super dark chocolate (72% pure cacao) and I think that was her favorite!  We only let her have one piece since she's not really supposed to have sugar.  Although it doesn't have much.</p><p>On her birthday afternoon, I will be taking her shopping, just the two of us, and she'll get to pick out a new outfit.  She loves clothes too!</p><p>Hard to believe it's been 2 years already!</p><p>Like what you read?  Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Happy Birthday to my sweet girl!  Rebekah Christine is 2!  (1/26/08)</p><p>This past weekend, we had a quiet little birthday party with grandparents.  She got several very cute presents, including a new puzzle, a book, a little car that goes if pushed (continues moving by friction), and a purse filled with lots of cool stuff like jewelry (she LOVES jewelry!).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/26/2010 10:04:05 PM
<p>Happy Birthday, Bekah! See you tomorrow. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: apple wrangler
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04404473074405311014
DATE: 01/26/2010 09:44:32 PM
<p>happy birthday to your little girl! (i have a 2.5 yr old boy) we def have alot of similar parenting philosophies i think. i like your blog. Thnks.:) <br/>-alyssa</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health Benefits of Herbal Tea
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/21/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>***<br/>Before tonight's regularly scheduled post, I wanted to note that there is an <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/01/20/giveaway-charlies-soap-for-laundry-and-all-purpose-cleaner/comment-page-1/#comment-9604">awesome giveaway at Kitchen Stewardship</a>!  It is for a Charlie's Soap package, including the powdered laundry detergent and all purpose cleaner!  Hop over there to check it out and get a chance to win!<br/>***</p><p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-the-verve-pipe/">Things I Love Thursdays at Diaper Diaries</a> and <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-puke-partner">Finer Things Fridays at Amy's Finer Things</a>!!**</p><p>Herbal tea!</p><p>It's one of the few "treats" we can have at this point in time.  As a quick personal update, we've recently undergone allergy testing and have been told to cut out all grains, all sugar (including fruit sugar), legumes, nuts, dairy.  We're left with some vegetables, meat, eggs, and coconut.  When I need something "sweet," tea is about all I have left!  But that's okay, as long as we are getting better.</p><p>There are many different types of herbal teas, and each has its own individual benefits.  Let's just sum up a few things about herbal tea so we all know what we're talking about:</p><p>*Herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free (so yes, you can give it to your children...Bekah loves it!)<br/>*Herbal tea does not contain any green or black tea<br/>*Herbal tea may contain fruits, flowers, herbs (obviously) or any other "healing" plant parts</p><p>Common varieties include:<br/>*Lemon<br/>*Chamomile<br/>*Rooibos<br/>*Mint<br/>*Ginger<br/>*Echinacea<br/>*Elderberry<br/>*Juniper</p><p>Of course, there are a myriad of blends using all of the above ingredients and more.  I couldn't possibly list them all.  The health benefits of the tea depend on what ingredients are in them.  I'll list benefits of just a few common teas/ingredients:</p><p>*Chamomile -- calming, relaxing (often used for "sleepy" or bedtime teas)<br/>*Rooibos -- aids digestion, can help allergies<br/>*Mint -- helps nausea<br/>*Ginger -- helps nausea, fights colds<br/>*Elderberry -- fights colds and flu</p><p>Rooibos tea is probably one that you haven't heard of before.  It's something we discovered a few months back.  We were at the mall one morning with a friend, when a salesperson came out of <a href="http://www.teavana.com/default.aspx">Teavana</a> and offered us a sample and a brochure.  I'd always seen the store and occasionally sampled the tea but never paid much attention to it.  I tried some tea and took a brochure home.  It was there I first learned about the rooibos tea and its benefits.  I started researching it further, and learned how great it was and how it could possibly help us!  And since Bekah loves tea I thought I'd give it a try.  I returned to the mall the next night (note to self: do NOT go to the mall with a double stroller on a Friday night, when all the teenagers are shopping) and purchased some <a href="http://www.teavana.com/The-Teas/Rooibos-Teas/Rooibos-Peach-Bloom-Tea.axd">Rooibos peach bloom</a>.  I LOVE peach tea and this is pretty good stuff.  :)  Bekah likes it too!</p><p>I begged my mom for a gift card for Christmas and have since ordered MANY more varieties.  My favorite combination is Caribbean breeze (which contains elderberry) and Kiwi-strawberry.  Love it!  It's sweet enough to drink without any sugar, hence it helps get rid of my "sweet" cravings now.</p><p>Enough about that.  You can read more about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos">rooibos</a>, <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-chamomile-tea.htm">chamomile</a>, and <a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ginger-tea.html">ginger</a> tea.</p><p>What are your favorite types of tea?  Do you drink them for the health benefits?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Herbal tea!</p><p>It's one of the few "treats" we can have at this point in time.  As a quick personal update, we've recently undergone allergy testing and have been told to cut out all grains, all sugar (including fruit sugar), legumes, nuts, dairy.  We're left with some vegetables, meat, eggs, and coconut.  When I need something "sweet," tea is about all I have left!  But that's okay, as long as we are getting better.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy @ Finer Things
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02728023893111147613
DATE: 01/25/2010 03:24:19 PM
<p>Those teas sound delicious.  I generally just don&#39;t make the time for tea.  I should!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/21/2010 12:48:46 PM
<p>The only tea I drink regularly is CHOICE&#39;s pregnancy tea, and you know what&#39;s in that. I have tried others in the past, mostly the &quot;sleepytime&quot; blends and I tried a peppermint tea when Cam was a newborn, because he had some gas/digestive issues.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 01/21/2010 03:31:36 AM
<p>So glad you posted on this!  I do drink tea, but really wanted to learn more about herbal tea and its benefits.  And, I&#39;ve seen Teavana in the mall, I think I&#39;ll check them out! </p><p>P.S. I&#39;m SO with you on going to the mall on a Friday night, lol! :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: GM Foods, HIV Tests, Six Risky Chemicals in your Body
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/12/2010 01:00:00 PM
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<p></p><p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/01/11/television.tv.death/index.html?eref=igoogle_cnn">Too Much TV Can Mean Earlier Death</a><br/>A new study shows that people who watch more than 4 hours of TV per day are more likely to die, especially of heart disease.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027907_coconut_milk_nutrition.html">Coconut Oil and Milk are Good For You</a><br/>New details on why, and how to use them.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027913_full-body_scanners_DNA.html">Full Body Scanners May cause DNA Damage</a><br/>The scanners used at the airport, besides being a violation of your privacy (they outline your private areas quite well) also may cause DNA damage because they emit radiation.<br/><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jan/07/gm-food-revolution-plans-dismissed"><br/>Plans for British 'GM Food Revolution' Come Under Fire</a><br/>Scientists, organic experts, and agriculture experts are speaking out against GM farming.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027890_AIDS_test_HIV.html">HIV/AIDS Test a Myth</a><br/>Exclusive footage from a new documentary, plus commentary.<br/><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/07/Six-Risky-Chemicals-Youre-Carrying-in-Your-Body.aspx"><br/>Six Risky Chemicals You're carrying in your Body</a><br/>Six most common chemicals in our bodies and the sources.</p><p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www2.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=ModernAMama&amp;postid=11Jan2010"></script></p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday!</p><p>Remember, today is the first time that this is a carnival!  Enter your link in the Mr. Linky box below.  You can link to any interesting news articles you have found, articles you have reviewed on your blog, or any posts you have done about how to be healthier -- changing your eating habits, getting over colds, etc.  They don't have to be new posts, just something that would be of interest to my audience and health-related!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/13/2010 10:35:12 PM
<p>I tried using the Mr. Linky thing, but I&#39;m not sure if it worked. My article was that they found that 3 varieties of GM corn caused multiple organ failure in rats.</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm">http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/13/2010 03:21:35 AM
<p>The article on the full body scan at airports really hit a chord with me.  This past summer, while traveling with my mother and sister, I was pulled aside by the airport security guard (who happened to be an older, sketchy-looking man) and given two options.  I could either let him pat me down, or go through the full body scanner.  Before these options were given, he asked if I was alone.  I did NOT want him touching me, so I chose the scanner, unaware of the potential dangers and that an image of my body appeared on a computer screen.  Before I stepped in the scanner, the guard again asked me if I was alone, even though I had already told him I wasn&#39;t.  Right after the scan, my mother walked up, and the man let me go.  I am a 20-year-old, clean-cut girl who couldn&#39;t possibly pose a threat to an airport.  The guard never said I was &quot;randomly selected,&quot; and I believe I was singled out because this sick man wanted to see through my clothes.  </p><p>This infuriates me to this day, especially now that studies have found the machines to be damaging.  If I could go back, I would request being body searched by a woman.  When I found out that the man could basically see my naked body, I felt violated.  I wonder if he knew that he could possibly be putting me at risk health-wise.  Either way, these machines are a violation of privacy and need to be outlawed.  I hope the FDA gets involved and rules that the machines are harmful, because I don&#39;t want this to happen to anyone else, even though I&#39;m sure it already has.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: Parents Confused by Nutitional Labeling, Tylenol Recalls
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/20/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p>Until I figure out how to make Mr. Linky work right, please leave your links in the comment section and I'll add them manually!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027972_nutrition_labels_parents.html">Most Parents Confused by Nutritional Labeling</a><br/>Make sure you're not one of them!  Read labels carefully.  Please note a few facts, too: the RDA of each vitamin is the minimum amount you require per day to stave off serious deficiency, NOT the maximum amount you need, nor the amount for optimum health.  Even so, a product only needs to have 10% of the RDA to claim "Good source of X!" on the label.  There is also concern over what is "natural" -- some consider high fructose corn syrup natural because it came from corn (even though it has been highly processed since then).  Bottom line: don't believe flashy claims on the front of the box, and if it has ingredients you don't recognize and can't pronounce, don't buy it.<br/><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027969_processed_foods_chemicals.html"><br/>Take a Look at the Chemicals in Processed Food</a><br/>More reasons why you shouldn't buy it!<br/><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/19/Top-12-Mercola-Predictions-That-Came-True-Part-1-of-4.aspx"><br/>12 Predictions that came True</a><br/>Dr. Mercola's predictions that have, scarily enough, come true!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027964_predictions_world_events.html">Health Ranger's 2009 Predictions</a><br/>These were 79% true!  Read to find out what they were.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027965_Tylenol_recall.html">Tylenol Recall: Contamination</a><br/>Tylenol has been found to be contaminated with mold and other things.  <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100113-714144.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines">J&amp;J refused to test its product despite heightened consumer complaints.<br/></a><br/><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027956_H1N1_vaccine_CDC.html">H1N1 Vaccine Useless</a><br/>More information about this vaccine.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/16/EPA-Wants-Farmers-to-Spread-Toxic-Coal-Waste-on-Fields.aspx">Toxic Fertilizer Being Recommended for Crops</a><br/>Be careful about eating conventional produce if this really gets used....</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/16/The-Critical-Role-of-Wheat-in-Human-Disease.aspx">Why Wheat is Dangerous</a><br/>You may be surprised.</p><p>Add your own articles below!</p><p>Carnival Entries:<br/>1. You're first!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday!</p><p>Until I figure out how to make Mr. Linky work right, please leave your links in the comment section and I'll add them manually!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027972_nutrition_labels_parents.html">Most Parents Confused by Nutritional Labeling</a><br/>Make sure you're not one of them!  Read labels carefully.  Please note a few facts, too: the RDA of each vitamin is the minimum amount you require per day to stave off serious deficiency, NOT the maximum amount you need, nor the amount for optimum health.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: hydroponic
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09452554495446817277
DATE: 01/21/2010 11:02:42 AM
<p>Thanks for the post, we will post your Hydroponic gardens solutions article. I will post for our customers to see your articles on your blog <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hydroponicswholesale.com/nutrients-supplements-c-145.html"">http://www.hydroponicswholesale.com/nutrients-supplements-c-145.html"</a> rel="nofollow">Hydroponic gardens solutions</a></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Two Foods You Should Never Eat, and B12 Deficiency Causes Coughing
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/06/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p>NEW!  Next week we will be turning this into a carnival!  So everyone out there who has found their own excellent health news articles (from any source) can enter them!  Please feel free to link to personal tips on remaining healthy on your own blogs, or other health-related posts!  Look for that next week!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027822_cosmetics_chemicals.html">Toxic Burden: Women Put 515 Chemicals on Their Faces Everyday</a><br/>Do you use regular make up and personal care products? Be careful, you may be putting many toxic chemicals on your skin (which are then absorbed into your body).</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027819_vitamin_B12_coughing.html">Vitamin B12 Deficiency is Common Cause for Chronic Coughing</a><br/>Have a cough that just won't quit? B12 deficiency may be to blame.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027834_Crestor_marketing.html">FDA Approves Crestor for Healthy People</a><br/>The FDA now approves this medication for "preventative use," meaning that taking the drug will keep healthy people from getting sick. Read Mike Adams' comments on this unbelievable issue.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027831_turmeric_piperine.html">Scientists Find Turmeric and Black Pepper May Prevent Breast Cancer</a><br/>An interesting new study on exactly how these spices can work to prevent -- and possibly treat -- breast cancer.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027830_headaches_herbal_remedies.html">Herbal Remedies for Headaches</a><br/>Several non-drug cures for the common headache.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/24/Trans-Fats-Can-Be-Deadly.aspx">Two Foods You Should NEVER Eat</a><br/>By now, we all know trans fats are bad. But how are they making trans-fat-free margarines? Another process that is, of course, BAD for you! Details in this article.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/02/HighFructose-Corn-Syrup-Alters-Human-Metabolism.aspx">New Research Shows High-Fructose Corn Syrup is Bad for You</a><br/>Yes, we all know this...but a new study has been done that shows just how bad it really is.</p><p><a href="http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/weight-loss/happy-new-year-2010/">Calories and Weight Loss</a><br/>An article by a doctor on weight loss: it's not really simple as decreasing your calories, and he explains why.</p><p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091231/ap_on_re_us/when_drugs_stop_working_norway_s_answer">Solution to Killer Superbug Found in Norway</a><br/>Guess what? It's NOT another antibiotic.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday!</p><p>NEW!  Next week we will be turning this into a carnival!  So everyone out there who has found their own excellent health news articles (from any source) can enter them!  Please feel free to link to personal tips on remaining healthy on your own blogs, or other health-related posts!  Look for that next week!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/06/2010 06:00:27 PM
<p>Christi,</p><p>You are right, it would be very hard.  The safest way is to cook all your own food -- bake your own bread, make your own beverages (or drink water), avoid all packaged foods.  I don&#39;t think corn syrup can (or at least, it isn&#39;t usually) used in organic or other &quot;health&quot; food brands, so that would help too if you can&#39;t make your own.  I believe we manage to avoid corn syrup most of the time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christi
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/16095540983427609774
DATE: 01/06/2010 05:57:07 PM
<p>I saw a new commercial done by the corn growers association (or something like that) where one teen brother tells the other that corn syrup is comparable to sugar and is safe in moderation. This may be true but if you read labels you know there is no way that consumers are getting it &quot;in moderation&quot; because it is in <i>everything</i>. After reading labels I am thinking that a corn syrup free diet would be as much work and as restrictive as gluten-free dairy-free.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: Slow Aging, Chemicals in Your Home, and more
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/27/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p>Believe it or not, this is my THIRD attempt to write this blog post. Firefox keeps crashing and even though it's supposed to autosave, it hasn't. :( I'm rather unhappy about this.</p><p>Moving on. If you have a link to share, add it in the comments section and I will add it manually to the main post later.</p><p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jan/19/fish-oil-omega3-ageing">Fish Oil Slows Aging<br/></a>New research shows that fish oil helps to slow the aging process.</p><p><a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-starts-heretm-launches-at-whole-foods-marketr-82253977.html">Whole Foods Launches Health Initiative</a><br/>Whole Foods Markets are launching new programs to promote health, including classes for the public and extra discounts for employees with certain health measures (lower BMI, non-smoking, etc.).</p><p><a href="http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/home">Over 300 Pollutants in Drinking Water</a><br/>Do you know what's in your water? The answer may surprise you.</p><p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/01/22/teens.cholesterol/index.html">CDC: 1 in 5 Teens Has Bad Cholesterol</a><br/>According to the CDC, 1 in 5 teens has bad cholesterol. They are recommending testing as early as age 2 and statins as early as age 8, which is absolutely criminal. Cholesterol is only mildly related to heart disease in the first place, and dietary cholesterol (naturally occurring, non-oxidized) typically doesn't cause high cholesterol anyway.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028027_alternative_medicine_medical_students.html">Medical Students Believe in Alternative Therapies</a><br/>A new study says that most medical students (over 70%) believe that alternative medicine should be integrated in Western medicine, and that they would like more training in alternative medicine.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028025_GM_foods_immune_system.html">Fight Back Against GMOs in Our Food Supply</a><br/>An opinion piece of the detrimental affect of GMOs in our food. Monsanto and conventional farming are ruining our earth and poisoning us!</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028023_intestinal_bacteria_obesity.html">Bacteria in Gut Shown to Reduce Obesity</a><br/>As people age, their gut bacteria shifts, and this has been associated with increased weight. Gut bacteria may do more than just keep us healthy -- it may help us maintain proper body weight.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/26/Sugar-May-Be-Bad-But-This-Sweetener-Is-Far-More-Deadly-Part-2.aspx">This Common Food Ingredient Can Really Mess up your Metabolism</a><br/>Sugar!! Read all the ways it's harmful. Then, go over to <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/01/18/sugar-cravings/">Naturally Knocked Up</a> and read about doing a <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/01/14/sugar-is-the-new-s-word/">no-sugar challenge </a>(Donielle is almost 2 weeks into it, I believe).</p><p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-fertility27-2010jan27,0,3698965.story">Household Chemicals Linked to Reduced Fertility</a><br/>Be careful about what's in your home: it could lead to infertility issues. Flame-retardant chemicals are blamed for this problem. You should avoid them at ALL costs. What is really more dangerous, breathing in these chemicals daily over a long period of time, or the very, very tiny chance that you could have a house fire and somehow be trapped in or under something flammable? Buy only organic mattresses and children's clothing if at all possible to avoid these chemicals!</p><p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8478629.stm">Low Carb Diets Better for Blood Pressure</a><br/>Grains ARE bad for you! Low-carb diets help to keep your blood pressure lower, and have proven better than weight loss drugs. More on this coming up, but you can also read more about this at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/">Naturally Knocked Up</a>, <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.net/">Keeper of the Home</a>, and other blogs.</p><p>Carnival Blog Links<br/>1. You're first!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday!</p><p>Believe it or not, this is my THIRD attempt to write this blog post. Firefox keeps crashing and even though it's supposed to autosave, it hasn't. :( I'm rather unhappy about this.</p><p>Moving on. If you have a link to share, add it in the comments section and I will add it manually to the main post later.</p><p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jan/19/fish-oil-omega3-ageing">Fish Oil Slows Aging<br/></a>New research shows that fish oil helps to slow the aging process.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Indoor Gardens: Part 1
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/11/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Recently, we started a hydroponic garden.  "Hydroponic" means to grow in water.  I didn't get it until I visited an indoor gardening store -- I thought the plants just grew directly in the water.  Tomatoes are often grown hydroponically (which is what we are growing) and I couldn't understand how the tomato stalk could possibly stand up in just water.  But what did I know?<div><br/></div><div>Not much, as it turns out.  This post is going to detail our first attempts at starting the garden and all the stuff we learned NOT to do.</div><div><br/></div><div>First, in hydroponic gardening, there is a "water table" set up with water that circulates and has a nutrient solution in it.  There is also a grow light positioned above this table.  Within the table are the plants.  Each plant is started in a tiny "starter cube," pictured below.  Once the roots show on the outside, they are placed inside a big black, open pot filled with little rocks.  This is how the plants grow their roots and remain stable -- being planted in these individual pots.  Water tables are set up to handle different numbers of plants depending on their size.  Ours handles a total of 6 plants at a time.</div><div><br/></div><div>We purchased organic seeds and organic growing solution, in addition to the water table and light.  We are determined to get BETTER tomatoes from this than we could purchase at the store, and cheaper!  We determined it would be only about 1/6 the price to grow them than buy them.  Maybe less.  Hydroponic tomato plants, depending on the source you consult, can bear up to 300 lbs. of fruit per year.  It's important to note that tomato plants are perennials, and given ideal growing conditions, can continue to produce much longer than those of us in temperate climates are familiar with.</div><div><br/></div><div>The first night, we set up our water table with filtered water and checked the PH.  It was very wrong.  We left it for a couple of days and checked again -- it was much closer after it had sat for a few days and run through the system.  We dipped our starter cubes in the solution, put the seeds inside, and left them to sit on the top of the tray, under the light, so they could germinate.</div><div><br/></div><div>Only they didn't.</div><div><br/></div><div>Two weeks later we still had nothing.  It looked just like it had when we'd planted it.  We couldn't figure out why.  Then we went back to the indoor gardening store and learned a few things:</div><div><br/></div><div>*The starter cubes need to remain wet (we'd re-dipped them in the water to keep them wet)</div><div>*The starter cubes need to remain in a moist environment</div><div>*The starter cubes can't get too much nutrient solution</div><div><br/></div><div>We had dipped them in the water filled with nutrient solution several times to keep them wet, but they kept drying out.  In this process they got WAY too much nutrient solution and this killed the seeds.  So, we left the store with more starter cubes and a special plastic tray with a dome lid on it.  This tray and lid is where we put the plants so that when the moisture evaporates from the cubes, it goes on the tray and "rains" back down on the cubes, keeping them in a humid environment.  This, apparently, is the proper way to start the garden.</div><div><br/></div><div>So we are trying again now.  Hopefully the next round germinates nicely and we'll have some good pictures and updates to give you in a month or so!</div><div><br/></div><div>Are you interested in indoor gardening?  Have you ever tried?  If so, what was your experience?</div></p>
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EXCERPT:
Recently, we started a hydroponic garden.  "Hydroponic" means to grow in water.  I didn't get it until I visited an indoor gardening store -- I thought the plants just grew directly in the water.  Tomatoes are often grown hydroponically (which is what we are growing) and I couldn't understand how the tomato stalk could possibly stand up in just water.  But what did I know?<div><br/></div><div>Not much, as it turns out.  This post is going to detail our first attempts at starting the garden and all the stuff we learned NOT to do.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: hydroponic
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09452554495446817277
DATE: 01/21/2010 10:18:59 AM
<p>Thanks for the post, we will post your Hydroponic gardens solutions article. I will post for our customers to see your articles on your blog <a href="http://www.hydroponicswholesale.com/nutrients-supplements-c-145.html" rel="nofollow">Hydroponic gardens solutions</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/11/2010 03:26:25 AM
<p>We got an AeroGarden for Christmas, so we are growing our first herbs! We usually just do veggies and berries outdoors. Our next project will be tomatoes, for sure. Maybe strawberries.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Large Families
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 01/23/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p><div>Several weeks ago I was asked for my opinion on large families, since you all know <a href="/2009/10/quiverfull.html">I intend to have one</a>.  The recent premature birth of the Duggars' 19th child brought up the questions again.  So, I'm finally getting around to answering it!  It's been too busy on the blog until now.  :)</p><p>And please, if you're going to comment on this post, read the WHOLE thing and give it some time to sink in first.  I've thought about this subject for a very, very long time.  And those of you who are against large families and/or older children taking responsibility for younger children, please know my mother agrees with you and shared this sentiment with me over and over growing up, and I found it unfair at times that a few of my friends with younger siblings were often babysitting.  So it has taken me a long, long time to come to the perspective I currently have, after experiencing many different situations and ways of thinking.</p><p>I believe that large families are a blessing.  They are not for everyone, obviously, but God intends some to have large families.  Some have said "but it's not fair to the children."  Here is something to think about: everyone has an opinion about their siblings and the families they were raised in.  Some wish they had more siblings.  Some wish they had less.  Some loved it just the way it was.  Some didn't like a particular sibling.  Some felt closest to a particular sibling, maybe even more than their parents.  But you don't choose to have another child because one of your children does (or doesn't) want another.  If you weren't planning more and your children BEGGED for a sibling, would you have another?  Probably not.  It's your body and your adult life, and you wouldn't want to go through the pregnancy and have another child to raise if you didn't feel ready, even if your children wanted another sibling.  Likewise, it's not their decision to say you shouldn't have more children.  This is YOUR life (most of your life happens as an adult and it's your time to choose how you want to live it!), not theirs.  When they are adults, they can choose their own experience.  Love it or hate it, they've had the childhood they're going to have.  Not to mention that even if you only have two children (or even just one!), you can't always please everyone with everything.  So it is most important to please God, and then yourself, NOT your children.</p><p>Within a family, I believe that everyone has a special and unique relationship with everyone else.  It's not merely about the parents' relationship with each child, but the childrens' relationship with each other.  Siblings can, and do, share very special and meaningful relationships with one another.  I know that already in our family, the first thing Bekah says when she wakes up in the morning or from nap is "Brother?"  She doesn't stop asking until she gets to see him.  He smiles at her more readily than anyone else, even when she's just poking at him or getting in his face.  They seem to have a special bond.  I don't have anything to do with that.  If she hears him crying, she goes over and pats him or gives him a pacifier or a toy.  She offers him her food or her drink (although he's not allowed to have it).  She LOVES him.  I hope that they always have a special relationship with each other.  I believe this type of relationship between siblings should be fostered because it is the first model for friendship.</p><p>Children don't know how to have healthy relationships outside their families if they don't have healthy relationships within them.  Having their siblings around helps them to learn to get along with others, and negotiate the sometimes difficult areas like sharing, listening, turn-taking, etc.  While these skills can be learned in other ways, they are built in to large families.</p><p>ALL members of a family have a responsibility towards all other members.  It's not unreasonable to expect a child to take care of things for himself -- putting his clothes in the hamper, making his bed, clearing his dishes from the table.  It's also not unreasonable to expect him to help a family member.  Perhaps removing a younger child's shoes, reading a story to someone, getting someone a glass of water while he's getting himself one.  When our children are little, we are training them.  Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."  If you wish your child to think of others first, you will need to teach him to do so when he is young.  When your child is a young adult and is staying with you, would you be hurt if he went into the kitchen and got himself a snack and didn't offer you any?  Or didn't thank you after you made him dinner?  He needs to be taught this attitude of helpfulness and gratitude when he is young. </p><p>It isn't really a burden for a child to have to spend a short amount of time helping a younger sibling each day.  A half hour or an hour of being a child's "buddy" is not a huge chunk out of the older sibling's day (not saying I would choose this system, just saying it isn't as horrible as some have made it out to be).  It can also help to foster that special relationship between those two siblings.  They may truly enjoy studying together, or practicing their musical instruments together.  And I certainly hope that siblings (generally) enjoy playing together!  Even if, on occasion, they don't, it is still part of being a family to help one another.  It is the responsibility of EVERYONE to help everyone else when they need it.</p><p>I believe that today, we are fostering too much independence in our children.  We teach them that they must have space, and privacy, and always the freedom to do their own thing.  We teach them that as children, they should have their own activities.  We push them outside the family as soon as they are old enough and tell them to go make friends, don't worry about helping at home.  Some families don't even give kids chores for this reason (yes...I have read a book where a parent firmly stated her policy was not to give her kid any chores at all...or even to teach her manners.  As this parent only had one child, I don't really believe her.  Perhaps it worked out okay for her ONE child, but every child is different and many would do poorly with that system!).  We really push kids to be independent VERY early, from putting their in their own rooms from birth, weaning them betwen 6 and 12 months (if not sooner), disciplining them early but so gently they don't actually get it ("You better come back here!  I'm going to count to 10!  If you don't come, I'm going to come and get you!"  Um...that teaches the child...what, exactly?).  Why do we push our children to be so independent?  Why is that necessary?  And what happens when they grow up?</p><p>I envision a family where everyone focuses on each other as their primary relationships.  They have friends, of course, but if their family needs them (whether it is to help a sibling, do their chores, or have a fun family outing), they say, "I'll have to catch you next time."  I envision a family where they help their siblings because they WANT to, not because they have to.  I envision a family that is so close and loving that when all the children are grown, if one says, "I need help," everyone else says, "Tell me what you need and I'll do it."  That is the kind of love and help that I see from my family.</p><p>When I think of large families, I'm not thinking of just what's happening today.  I'm not thinking of my individuals who are independent and will grow up to remain that way.  No, they'll grow up to form their own families (whatever size).  They will never be really independent.  I think it does them a great disservice to teach them to expect space and privacy when they will probably never really have it.  They need to learn to live with others instead.  Yes, this culture loves to emphasize individualism, but I don't like it or believe in it.  I think we need each other.  I think we need to be in community with others, part of a family, at all times.  We need to give when we can, and learn to receive when we need it.  People don't do well at either these days.</p><p>As for the Duggars, I can't speak for them.  I don't agree with everything they believe or have chosen to do.  I don't think in any way that we will be a copy of them or even very similar to them.  Being Christians and wanting a lot of children are all we have in common (and debt free, hopefully!).  I don't make all my children dress alike and the girls wear their hair long and only wear dresses.  I won't make all my kids play the piano and the violin (they can choose any instrument, or sport, etc.).  I don't serve them processed food.  I won't give them dormitory-style bedrooms (because everyone needs a space where they can have a few minutes to themselves, even if they're sharing with one other sibling).  But in general, comparing us to the Duggars isn't really fair.  They're just another family out there and there are things I agree with and things I don't.</p><p>So that's my general take on the subject.  Families are all about each other, they are inherently interlocked, and they all have a responsibility towards one another.  Independence is pushed far too much.  It's every adult's decision how many children to have and what kind of life they want to lead and how they want to teach their children (and for those children, they'll have their chance too, for most of their life).  And ultimately...what is MOST important in a family?  That the family is LOVING!!  Size doesn't matter, responsibilities (or lack thereof), etc.  It's that the parents are loving and giving and they teach the children to be that way too.  That is what the children will remember when they are adults, not the minor annoyances.</p><p>Right now, I know I'm not the perfect parent (who is?).  I know I yell sometimes when Bekah has ignored me for the 14th time in the last half hour.  I know we have really bad days.  But when she picks up a doll, or sees a real baby, she holds it, kisses it, strokes its hair, offers it a toy...she's gentle and loving towards it.  So I know that those moments are what really stick in her head.  I have NEVER seen her yell at a doll or try to hurt it or do anything but treat it lovingly.  So despite my totally imperfect parenting, something must be going right, huh?</p><p>What do you think about large families?<br/></div></p>
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EXCERPT:
Several weeks ago I was asked for my opinion on large families, since you all know <a href="/2009/10/quiverfull.html">I intend to have one</a>.  The recent premature birth of the Duggars' 19th child brought up the questions again.  So, I'm finally getting around to answering it!  It's been too busy on the blog until now.  :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/31/2010 11:22:12 PM
<p>There&#39;s a Duggars&#39; special on TLC tonight that covers the birth of 19.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/29/2010 10:57:08 PM
<p>Obviously abstaining from sex is necessity for some people and not for others.  That was my point.  Or did you mean sex is a necessity for some and not for others?  I can&#39;t tell because of your pronoun (it) has no antecedent.  </p><p>Sex is ALWAYS a choice and never a necessity.  If it were a necessity, we would have not priests, nuns, or other people who abstain.  Sex is, quite simply, a pleasure.  People who refuse all forms of birth control can, and should, abstain if they can&#39;t care for their children by themselves.  To do otherwise is to say that either taxpayers should pay for their inability to abstain from sex through financial compensation, or that their older children should pay for their inability to abstain by being miniature parents.  We are human, not animals.  We have the ability to make decisions that affect our offspring and limit our offspring. I really can&#39;t understand how you, or any reasonable, rational person, could even begin to think you could rationalize creating children you cannot care for simply because you like sex!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/29/2010 09:12:24 PM
<p>Anonymous-</p><p>I bled for almost 3 months after giving birth. We did not have sex at all during that time. For almost a year postpartum there were many problems that resulted in us not being able to have sex and it was hard for both of us. We were both ok though and continued to work toward being able to share in intimacy again and thoroughly talked about how each of us was feeling during that time. </p><p>The fact is that I AM able to have sex so hypothesizing about the what ifs are simply useless. Of course we would find ways of remaining close and stick together even if there were circumstances that prohibited sex long term.</p><p>And each person is different. Each couple is different. So while it may not be a necessity for some, for others it is.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/28/2010 01:01:44 AM
<p>Liesel-</p><p>I believe that sex a very PLEASURABLE  part of marriige, and the act of creating a child is sacred.  However, if additional children are not something a couple can handle and they are against ALL froms of birth control, then abstaining is the only answer.  Sex without the the acceptance of possible creation is really all about pleasure not sacredness.  </p><p>I absolutely agree with you the Natural Family Planning is perfectly reasonable.  In fact, I&#39;m for any method of birth control that a couple chooses for themselves. That doesn&#39;t mean I would choose the method for myself, but none of us know the extenuating circurmstances of anybody else&#39;s marriage. We all need to decide what a reasonable size family is for ourselves and how we manage that is size is between God and us.</p><p>As for your husband not being okay with abstaining, what would he do if you were unable to have sex for some reason?  Would you no longer be close?  Would he stick with the marriage?  I think that it&#39;s sad if your marriage and closeness depends on sex.  Sex is great, but hardly a necessity.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara
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DATE: 01/27/2010 08:53:24 PM
<p>Liesel,</p><p>What about those who are strongly against birth control of any kind? Are the methods you mentioned above considered birth control in that sense? Some religions forbid males to masturbate because it wastes the sperm that could have created life.  If you believed that, wouldn&#39;t you also believe that condoms and pulling out were of the same wasteful nature?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/27/2010 03:34:26 AM
<p>Kara-<br/>You can do natural family planning (only having sex during non-fertile times where you have to daily track your cycle using your body&#39;s natural signs such as vaginal mucus and body temperature), use condoms, or pull out during climax to name a few.</p><p>Anonymous-<br/>I&#39;m sure we will not agree on this point. I believe that sex is a very sacred part of a marriage and abstaining from it for long periods of time is breeding ground for hostility and resentment. If both parents are truly and completely ok with this as a method of birth control then go for it, but as patient as my husband may be, he would not be willing to abstain from sex for years at time as a method of birth control and nor would I. Sex is a very special and obviously intimate part of our relationship that brings us closer together.</p><p>I understand that there are people unwilling to use birth control (The Duggars) and I will always argue that Natural Family Planning is a perfectly reasonable birth control measure. After all... God did give us the capacity to understand how our own bodies work! And I maintain that if God really intends for you to have a child then he&#39;ll just really mess up your cycle and make it happen :)</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/27/2010 01:58:48 AM
<p>Liesel-</p><p>If couples are unwilling to use other methods of birth control and are unable to care for their children, then not having sex is a very valid method of birth conrol.  Who says couples are &quot;supposed to have sex regularly for lots of reasons&quot;? There are many times in a marriage when sex is not an option (postpartum, during an extended illness or injury, etc.).  Is abstaining at those times a &quot;very unhealthy way to live&quot;?  Abstaining in order to not have excessive amounts of children is no less healthy than abstaining postpartum.  Abstaining in order to give your existing children a good quality life is not only healthy, it is noble.  People may enjoy sex, but it is not a necessity.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara
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DATE: 01/27/2010 01:25:34 AM
<p>Liesel, </p><p>what are the other ways?</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/26/2010 02:20:36 PM
<p>Anonymous-</p><p>That is very interesting. I would say I used to have that kind of relationship with my sister (she is 19 years older than me) but over time it has developed into one where we do share everything with each other. I think it just takes time and a continued willingness to foster your mini-parent/child relationship into more. I think sometimes you can&#39;t avoid that happening when there are large gaps. I have 3 brothers between my sister and I, but we are the only girls. And I have to say that my sister has assumed a mini-parent role at times in my life when she really saved my life. Truly. God truly had a plan in place for my teen years with my sister being my &quot;second mom.&quot;</p><p>I think I have a similar relationship to my oldest niece. We go shopping and do fun things together, but she doesn&#39;t share a lot with me. I persist and always try to share things in my life, but we&#39;re about 9 years apart in age and I know over time it will change.</p><p>As Kate said, it is truly up to God. You can plan and I don&#39;t think that&#39;s wrong, but if God wants you to have more kids then you will! My Mom had two of us after having her tubes tied. I was born when my Mom was 44 years old.</p><p>And I don&#39;t think that NOT having sex within a marriage is a healthy way to avoid pregnancy. It&#39;s a very unhealthy way to live. You are supposed to have sex regularly in marriage for a lot of reasons. There are other ways to avoid pregnancy without being on birth control pills or shots.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/25/2010 10:49:24 PM
<p>Katie, </p><p>I grew up in a small family of three kids, however my parents shared the sentiments of having the older kids be responsible for the younger one. While I do agree that it helps breed responsibility, the one down side is the fact that it could also make the younger sibs look up to the older sibs more as a &quot;parent-figure&quot; than an actual sibling. Case in point, there&#39;s a five year gap between my sister and I, and she will not tell me anything in her personal life to save her life, just because she sees me as a figure of authority. I love her, and she loves me, and we would go out to get our nails done or go shopping, but I can sense that she is not entirely herself around me. I am glad that helping to raise her has made me a more responsible and mature adult, but frankly I miss the part where I get to just be the big sister who she can talk to about the innermost darkest secrets. I want to be able to share my secrets with her too, but when I start to tell her stuff, she often deflects and wont talk about it, but I hear her sharing these things with her friends. When I ask her why she wont share such with me, she always says &quot;you&#39;re my big sister and kinda like a mom to me, its just weird discussing that with you&quot;... I dont know what your take is on this, but I feel like I spent my childhood being an mini-parent, and now I am spending my adulthood still being a mini-parent...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/25/2010 08:33:13 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>No.  I didn&#39;t have it with Daniel, either.  It is unnecessary in low-risk, young women (according to ACOG).  My midwives monitor any sugar/protein in my urine with small test strips and IF there was a concern, I would consider following up with a glucose test.  However, glucose tests are not particularly accurate.  The best measure of blood sugar and gestational diabetes is to test your blood sugar at home before and after meals (according to your midwives&#39; instructions) while eating your normal meals, so that you can determine if your blood sugar is normal over time (this is done for a week).  I&#39;ll cover this in more detail in another post.</p><p>Lola,</p><p>Not all people are cut out to be parents of many -- and some, not parents at all.  But some are.  It depends on many, many factors.  And again, it&#39;s very different for a parent to ask a child to help another child put their shoes on than it is for them to expect a child to take responsibility for another child or children for a large part of the day.  While I don&#39;t think it&#39;s good, at all, for families to have so many children that they are overwhelmed, not every family would find it overwhelming.  All families are different.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/25/2010 12:07:25 AM
<p>Aren&#39;t you going to have glucose testing?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lola
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DATE: 01/25/2010 12:05:41 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>The problems in the family of 11 weren&#39;t organizational.  The mother was overwhelmed by the demands of 11 children in 15 years. She had the three oldest children doing most of the housework and watching the school-age children play outside while she was inside caring for the younger children.  The older children were unable to pursue their own interests, simple things like roller-skating with friends, because they were so busy caring for the eight other children, doing household chores, and going to school.  </p><p>While organization is important in all families, especially large families, someone still needs to meets the needs of the babies and toddlers (typically mom) leaving the needs of the five, six, seven, eight-year-olds needs to the kids that are 11, 12 13, etc.  My opinion is that adults should not have more children than they can care for by themselves.  Placing that responsibility on older children is just wrong. I don&#39;t believe that God&#39;s plan is for kids to take on the responsibilities of parents. Once a couple reaches the limit of kids that they can care for without their childrens&#39; help, they should stop having children.  I know some people are opposed to birth control, so they should stop having sex.  No sex; no babies.  It&#39;s that simple.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/24/2010 09:59:43 PM
<p>Kara,</p><p>I think sex selection, or wanting to choose a baby&#39;s physical characteristics (hair color, eye color, etc.) are definitely selfish and this use of technology shouldn&#39;t even be allowed.  As far as serious, chronic illnesses...I wouldn&#39;t ever want to be put in that position.  It&#39;s impossible to say, a parent must deal with a child who is severely disabled or who couldn&#39;t even survive the pregnancy.  But other the other hand, all life is sacred and killing an embryo because it isn&#39;t desirable (even if that embryo isn&#39;t desirable because of a literally fatal flaw) seems horrible too.</p><p>I would say it is all best left up to God.  There is something He is trying to teach us with every part of our lives.  If we lose a child, or are given a severely disabled child to raise, that is His will.  I personally will not get any testing in future pregnancies (no ultrasounds, no blood tests, etc.) because I don&#39;t want to know.  (Please note that if something is WRONG I will allow testing...but I will refuse all routine tests.  Except for the finger stick to test for anemia.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara
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DATE: 01/24/2010 09:47:27 PM
<p>Kate,</p><p>I was referring to the family Lola mentioned who wanted 12 but wasn&#39;t taking care of the ones they already had.  And yes, I think selecting a specific gender is selfish.  I&#39;m not sure what I think about doing genetic testing to avoid a certain gene, like finding an egg that doesn&#39;t have a life threatening disease that one parent may have and doesn&#39;t want to pass on.  Do you have any thoughts on this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/24/2010 09:00:44 PM
<p>Kara,</p><p>Everyone has ideas in their head about how many children they&#39;d ideally like to have.  Some even go as far as doing genetic sex selection or keep having children until they get a particular gender!  I would say THAT is what is selfish, wanting a particular child.</p><p>I don&#39;t think it&#39;s selfish to want children or to put a number on it.  I feel that God is calling me to be a mother of many.  And if, for some reason, I never have another, I will be grateful for the ones I have and I will love them, as I already do.  But, in the same way, if God gives me 12 more, who am I to say no?  I&#39;m really not sure why you find that selfish, and I hope I just misunderstood your comment.  It is up to each of us to really listen to God and what He is calling us to do.  And sharing what God is laying on us is a good thing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara
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DATE: 01/24/2010 03:37:27 AM
<p>I don&#39;t understand the families that set &quot;goals&quot; for how many children they&#39;ll have.  You can&#39;t plan that; it&#39;s up to God.  Besides, aren&#39;t they satisfied with the ones they already have? Some people can&#39;t have children at ALL, and it seems greedy to me to keep wanting more and more and more....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/24/2010 03:05:05 AM
<p>Lola,</p><p>No one&#39;s said anything about the Duggars here, but on my earlier posts about &quot;Quiverfull&quot; and others, I was asked several times what I thought about the Duggars and compared to them there.</p><p>Truly, our goal is to welcome all the gifts God gives us.  This post was to justify why we feel that, if we do end up with the large family we&#39;d like, it won&#39;t necessarily be a bad thing.  I agree with what Liesel said; asking a child to tie another&#39;s shoes is not the same as disciplining another child!  I occasionally ask Bekah now to go hand Daniel his toy back if I&#39;m in the middle of something.  And I don&#39;t think there&#39;s anything wrong with it.  But I wouldn&#39;t even permit my children to discipline or in any way train one another because they are NOT the parents.</p><p>As far as chores being overwhelming, it sounds like that family of 11 you know wasn&#39;t very organized.  I plan to teach all of my children to do their own laundry by the time they&#39;re 8 or so.  They will slowly take more and more responsibility for themselves.  Which they should, as they age!  If children are all pitching in and the parents (PARENTS) are disciplining and training them appropriately, the house should usually run smoothly.  Obviously I&#39;m only running a house of two right now, but we stop and take the time to discipline Bekah as needed so that if something really important happens, we&#39;re prepared.  Like today, she took her arms out of her carseat straps and she was in BIG trouble.  We were parked at the time so there was no danger, but what if that hadn&#39;t been the case?  I&#39;m way, way off my point here....  If the parents are the leaders of the household, organizing everyone and everything and merely asking for their children to pitch in to hold the details together (putting their own clothes in the hamper, their dishes in the dishwasher, tying a sibling&#39;s shoes, helping find a lost hat, etc.) then it should work fine!  Does that make sense?</p><p>I think in general we do agree...it&#39;s possibly just in the details that we don&#39;t.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lola
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DATE: 01/24/2010 02:08:35 AM
<p>I didn&#39;t actually see anyone but Kate compare herself to the Duggars.  I think five kids is different from 10, which is different from 15, which is different from 19.  It stands to reason that the more kids you have, the more the older kids will have to assume parental responsibilities.  Some of those older kids will enjoy the responsibility as you claim your sisters did; others will not.  Like you said it depends on how much responsibilty is given to the older siblings.</p><p>I&#39;ve known four large families of 8, 9, 10, and 11 kids. The family of eight only paid for their boys to go to college because there wasn&#39;t enough money to pay for everyone.  I see this as unfair to the girls.  The family of nine lived in a three bedroom ranch and all of the girls had basement bedrooms separated by curtains on a rod.  They personal space was limited and quite sad.  None of the kids had a college fund.  The family of ten still has kids at home.  The kids have had a combination of home schooling, public schooling, and private schooling.  So far all of the older kids have gone to college.  This family is a really exemplary large family.  The kids are happy, well-adjusted, ang genuinely like each other.  They are all permitted and encouraged to pursue their own interests.  The family of 11 is very sad.  They appeared on &quot;Super-Nanny&quot; when they were still a family of 10.  The kids were responsible for so much of the household and the child care because the mom was overwhelmed.  Super Nanny told the mom to put aside her dream of having 12 kids until she could handle the 10 that she had.  Number 11 was recently born, and not much has changed.  I feel sorry for every on of those 11 children.</p><p>My point is that large families can be great, but most parents can&#39;t handle large amounts of kids without help.  It&#39;s probably best to evaluate how the family is functioning after the birth of each child.  When it starts to feel overwhelming, people should probably stop having kids for a while.  Setting a &quot;goal&quot; to have a certain number of kids in a certain number of years, like the family of 11 above, doesn&#39;t seem like the best strategy to me as it does not honor the children, the gifts from God, that one already has.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
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URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 01/23/2010 11:23:08 PM
<p>Anonymous-</p><p>Yes, I agree. Helping around the house is different from being responsible for a sibling. But working together and helping a sibling tie their shoes or go to the bathroom is also different than requiring an older sibling to hold parental responsiblities for younger siblings. Children should never be put in a position where they have to discipline another sibling. My sister would leave her two teenage boys at home together, but no one boy was in &quot;charge.&quot; They were old enough to hold each other accountable for the short periods of time they were privilaged to be trusted alone at home.</p><p>No, my Mom couldn&#39;t have done it without my two oldest siblings to hold us babies when we were little. (My sister is the oldest and was 19 when I was born, which also meant she wasn&#39;t there much as she was away at college.) But my oldest siblings enjoyed that time with us and ultimately it bonded us for a time later in life when we would become very close.</p><p>However, I also think having 5 children is very different from having 19 so I&#39;m not really sure why people would even compare Kate to them.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/23/2010 03:36:55 AM
<p>Liesl-</p><p>You may have felt differently about having a semi-large family if you were the oldest of five instead of the youngest.  Your responsibilty was limited to occaisionally watching a neice or nephew, not every day responsibilities of a younger sibling.  helping around the house is different from being responsible for a sibling.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lola
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DATE: 01/23/2010 03:30:50 AM
<p>I think I may not be expressing myself clearly.  I do think that kids should have some responsibility, but I think the responsibilty should be for themselves not forced responsibility for others (siblings).  Helping with groceries, laundry, cooking, etc. is different from being responsible for those chores.  Grabbing a diaper to help mommy or reading to a sibling is different from being responsible for a sibling. Kids should keep their rooms or others spaces clean, organize their backpacks and belongings, and take care of pets.  These gradual responsibilites are appropriate and provide them with learning opportunities on their paths to adulthood. </p><p>When I talk about giving kids time to be kids, I don&#39;t mean sending them out to play with the neighbor kids or playing video games or being on the computer.  I&#39;m thinking of giving them time to read, daydream, play instruments, write, play with legos or plastic animals or blocks, do puzzles, and other mind-expanding, imaginitave activities. Kids need to discover their own interests so that they can discover what they want to do when they are grown-ups.  Fostering cooperation and sharing amongst siblings is, of course, part of growing up and should also occur. </p><p>Emma, kids may take care of kids in Mexico and other South American countries, but many of those families are very poor and the families have no other choice.  My cousin lives in and raised his kids in Japan (his wife is Japanese).  They do not expect siblings to take responsibility for one another.  In fact, most mothers in Japan do not work so that they can devote themselves entirely to their families.  The mothers even buy copies of the textbooks that their kids use in school each day and learn the lessons right along with the kids so that the moms can help with homework. As far as China goes, they have a one child rule so no one is responible for their sibling since they typically don&#39;t have any.  Perhaps you should compare our methods of child-rearing to some of the European countries in order to gain a more apt comparison.</p><p>Lastly, while, Kate, you may have longed for a sibling to play with, not everyone,as you said, does.  Some people gain their inner peace and energy by being around others, and some people gain these things through  being alone.  I think it&#39;s important to respect the emotional needs of all people, especially children. Let them find their likes and dislikes, inner peace, and wants and desires in childhood instead of during a midlife crisis.   Siblings can be a blessing if they are siblings and not the older child&#39;s responsibility. Having kids is the parents&#39; choice and, except in unusual  circumstances (parent death or illness), the parents&#39; responsibility.  I&#39;m sure you will do a great job, but I&#39;ve known women who wanted large families to satisfy their own childhood desires or attachment needs.  They have the kids even if they can&#39;t afford them (paying only for the boys&#39; college and not the girls&#39;)or find the time to adequately care for and monitor the kids they have.  </p><p>I see every child as equally valuable, and can&#39;t understand requiring more responsibility of older children vs. younger.  In fact, I find that philosophy unfair and very sad for the older children.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 01/23/2010 03:28:44 AM
<p>I was the youngest of 5 kids and despite having chores to do (everyone did them on Saturdays) we had plenty of time to play. My siblings are all fairly close and help each other when in need. I became an Aunt when I was 8 years old and consequently, spent a lot of time babysitting. I rarely got paid, but I did it because I recognized the need. My siblings repaid me in other ways, which is how I want my kids to feel in our family. Everyone works together for the common good of the home and we all reap the benefits.</p><p>I agree with you Kate, that fostering positive relationships within the family where we display kindness, generosity, patience, and love is key.</p><p>Even now, at 18 months, Liea loves to help feed the dogs. If she doesn&#39;t want to, we don&#39;t force the issue. But the fact is that the dogs need fed twice a day, everyday. They are part of our family and we ALL pitch in. Some days Daddy does it, some days Mommy does it, and Liea usually helps. I find that the problem with &quot;chores&quot; is that usually kids are told to do them alone and then it truly becomes a chore. If you bring fun and laughter into your life, family, and home then it won&#39;t seem like such a chore. We fully intend to do household chores together and teach our kids to anticipate needs. After all... if we don&#39;t teach it now, when will they learn?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/23/2010 03:03:21 AM
<p>I LOVED running around outside with the neighbor kids.  Some of my favorite memories of childhood are playing in the woods, building forts, catching fireflies, riding bikes, etc with my neighborhood friends.  The freedom of summer was a beautiful feeling.  I had pets to take care of and chores around the house as well.  But I didn&#39;t WANT to be grown up or feel grown up when I was 10 years old.  I wanted to be a 10-year-old.  </p><p>One memory that particularly sticks out happened when I was probably 7 or 8.  My family was out to eat and my sister, 4, needed to go to the bathroom.  My dad asked me if I would take her, but my mom said, &quot;I&#39;ll take her, Courtney&#39;s not her mother.&quot;  I remember feeling a lot of gratitude toward my mom when she said that.  She had a very valid point; my sister was not my child to take care of.  Of course I helped out other times, but I didn&#39;t want to be responsible for this child constantly.  I was naturally more independent than that.  You seem to be pretty independent yourself, Kate.  </p><p>Emma, your claims about Japan are false.  Having studied Japan and having Japanese family members, I know that the mother plays a central role in raising children.  Children are not assigned household chores because school is their &quot;job,&quot; and chores will get in the way of their school performance.  Yes, adults interfere with children&#39;s interactions with each other much less than adults here, but they are monitoring them from afar to make sure no real damage is done.  I doubt parents would leave young children completely unsupervised while they worked or shopped.  Most of the mothers would not be working anyway, since their job is to raise children.  </p><p>I think it&#39;s great that you want a large family! What if something were to happen that inhibited you from having more children? Would you consider adoption?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/23/2010 02:04:56 AM
<p>Having traveled a bit outside of the country over the last few years, I&#39;ve had an opportunity to see how families operate in other places in the world. To put it frankly, Americans are the only people who are incredibly worried about pushing their kids to take responsibility at a young age. In Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Chile, I saw (in both the cities and the rural areas) children as young as 3 or 4 taking care of infant siblings. 3 or 4 year olds carrying their siblings around with the other kids, voluntarily not participating in games like jump rope because of their sense of responsibility (even if adults offer to hold the baby). I&#39;ve heard (haven&#39;t traveled there yet) that in most Asian countries, even including some of the &quot;more advanced&quot; ones (Japan, China) that the situation is the same there - children we wouldn&#39;t let babysit watching siblings while parents work or shop.</p><p>Personally, I loved having &quot;kid time&quot; but I really craved time where I got to &quot;be a grown up&quot; by putting away groceries (we did this even when my little brother was 2 or 3) and keeping the pantry organized, bringing my mom the next load of laundry that needed to be done (I got to figure out which load needed it - I was so grown up!), feeding the dog or cats, etc. As a kid, that really meant more to me than the time that I spent running around outside with the neighbor kids.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/23/2010 01:59:53 AM
<p>Lola,</p><p>Perhaps my original post was misunderstood.  I don&#39;t intend to FORCE my children to help one another.  I want them to WANT to.  Obviously if they say &quot;I&#39;m really busy with my homework/chores/playing a game with other sibling right now&quot; I will do it myself.  I want to foster their relationships with one another.  I believe that the sibling relationships are really, really special and that a lot of parents don&#39;t foster them as much as they should.  I feel, to some degree, that I missed out on that because everyone in my family was busy doing their own thing all the time.  I wished I had a sibling to help or at least play with!  I used to pretend my brother was my baby (until he discovered computer games, anyway) because I enjoyed playing with him.  I know not all children will feel that way.  But I am hoping to encourage those who do to do as they want to.</p><p>As for their childhood, I&#39;m training up their entire character, not turning them into mini-parents.  I want my children to be helpful and friendly to EVERYONE.  I want them to have patience to wait their turn.  I want them to be loving.  I want so much for them.  Childhood is a time to practice being that way, through many different experiences.  Should they have time to play and just be a kid?  Absolutely!  Should they also have some responsibilities and requirements?  Of course!  And different families accomplish that in different ways, depending on their size, personalities, dynamics, etc.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lola
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/23/2010 01:45:03 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I didn&#39;t intend for the words to be hurtful. Please accept my apology.  We do disagree, however.  What matters most to me is that the CHILDREN are happy, not the parents.  We had our childhoods; I think we should let them have their childhoods too. Loving and giving families are a great goal.  But the parents should model the goal, not force it upon children. I want my children to WANT to help each other and not feel obligated. I&#39;m hoping to form their character for life not forcing their character during childhood. </p><p>In my experience, requiring children to care for one another as &quot;mini-parents&quot;  breeds resentment.  My friends who had to do this had either no children of their own or very few.  They had already done the parenting thing!  I think that&#39;s sad as I have found parenting to be very fulfilling.  The difference is, I CHOSE it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/23/2010 01:23:59 AM
<p>Lola,</p><p>I&#39;m honestly hurt that you would consider my thoughts &quot;self-serving and mean-spirited.&quot;  I don&#39;t even know what to say to that.  I absolutely intend the best for my children, even if I&#39;m not raising them in a way you agree with.  I think a loving, giving, helping large family is a wonderful thing, and that there are potential drawbacks to ANY family situation or size.  What matters most is that the parents are happy and doing their best to keep everything running smoothly and everyone&#39;s needs attended to.  The rest is written into the post above.  Please choose your words carefully if you choose to respond again.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lola
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/23/2010 01:20:05 AM
<p>I plan to think about this before I respond, but my initial take is that an hour a day spent &quot;parenting&quot; really is a great deal of time when school, chores, and other responsibilities are included, especially because kids are not the parents and shouldn&#39;t have parental responsibilities.  </p><p>Kids only get ONE childhood.  Why wouldn&#39;t a parent want to make it the best possible childhood?  Saying, &quot;they will have their chance&quot; when they are adults seems self-serving and mean-spirited.  THIS is their only chance at childhood; they can recreate themselves over and over again as adults, but childhood is out of their hands; their parents decisions impact how their childhood will be.  It&#39;s up to parents to consider the ramifications of working outside the home, being in debt, having a large family, etc.  All choices are valid, but all choices have consequences - good and bad.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Mama Cloth
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/12/2010 01:00:00 AM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="/2010/01/mama-cloth.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a> and <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-neosporin-lip-health/">Things I Love Thursdays at Diaper Diaries</a>.**</p><p>Ever heard of "mama cloth?"  It's cloth pads to replace the disposable ones typically used during your monthly "visitor."  (I've barely had a need in the last three years, since I've been pregnant most of the time from May '07 - Jul. '09 and just got it back Sunday!)  But, mama cloth is really great for you and the environment!  And I did use it postpartum with Daniel.  I'm liking using it now too.  A lot of people say their first postpartum period is really painful and awful and this time I'm having no pain at all (which wasn't true when I got it back after Bekah and I was still using disposable pads!).  I really think the cloth is making a difference because I always had cramps and general soreness and fatigue before.</p><p>So why should you use mama cloth?  Here are a few reasons:</p><p>*Disposable pads contain dioxin and other chemicals, which can cause serious and as yet unknown reproductive problems (like PCOS, infertility, or even just extra cramping and bleeding.  Think about it -- you're pressing these chemicals up against your most sensitive regions and you're actually absorbing the chemicals!).</p><p>*Cloth pads feel softer and nicer.  No more crunchy, bulky pads!</p><p>*Cloth pads are much greener -- just save them in a zippered, waterproof bag and wash at the end of the week.  Nothing to throw in a landfill.</p><p>*Potential for reduced pain and reduced bleeding (due to the fact that you're not exposing yourself to the chemicals anymore).  This is really serious.  I believe that our exposure to these chemicals is causing us to experience longer bleeding, more painful periods, PCOS, and other reproductive disorders.  Eliminating your exposure to harmful chemicals could, over time, cure you of these problems (and red raspberry leaf tea can reduce your pain naturally in the mean time, by the way).</p><p>*Always have clean pads (bleeding more than usual?  Lasting longer?  Do a wash and you'll have fresh pads in an hour or two, no trips to the store).</p><p>There are many places that you can buy pads if you want to (look at the resources below).  You can also make your own.  I made all of mine.  They're not like the old rags women used to use.  They're shaped, absorbent, they snap in place, and the top layer wicks the moisture away from you.</p><p>(You can also buy cloth tampons if you're interested, but I can't quite get my head around that one.  Some people knit them and stuff them with cotton padding, leaving a trail of yarn at the end to remove it.  Of course there's no applicator with this type.  But, if you really hate the feeling of pads, you can try this.  Another option is the Diva Cup, which many women prefer, but I believe these are silicone, and you do have to put it inside.  If you don't like putting things inside or you are allergic to silicone or latex -- I can't remember which they're made from -- cloth pads are for you.)</p><p>There are many free patterns out there to make your own mama cloth, and many that you can pay for as well.  I offer one for free on another website (listed in the resources).  The patterns have instructions with them.  They really do sew up quickly; I made 30 pads in just a few hours.  My pattern also comes in two different sizes.  If you don't have a snap press, you can use sew-on snaps, or Velcro (though I recommend Aplix or Touchtape instead).</p><p>For postpartum use, along with my pads, I also sewed several 6" x 6" flannel wipes, and I kept a peri bottle in the bathroom.  Whenever I used the bathroom, I would wash off warm water from the peri bottle and wipe gently with the flannel wipes.  It was soooo very soft when I was sore and swollen from birth, and I just tucked it all into my little zippered, waterproof bag!  I had cloth (bamboo terry, also very soft) ice packs that I had dipped into comfrey leaf tea and frozen that went into these bags.  I highly recommend this system, and you can use parts of it every time, not just postpartum.</p><p>Check out the resources section for more information!</p><p>Resources:<br/><a href="http://www.comfyclothpads.com/disposable-pad-risks.html">Comfy Cloth Pads</a><br/><a href="http://www.menstruation.com.au/menstrualproducts/whyuse.html">Why Use Cloth?</a><br/><a href="http://rctdiapers.webs.com/freepatterns.htm">Mama Cloth Pattern</a><br/><a href="http://www.parentingbynature.com/mama-cloth-pads.htm">Fleece Mama Cloth Pads</a><br/><a href="http://clothpads.wikidot.com/patterns">Cloth Pads Database</a> (links to many tutorials and patterns)<br/><a href="http://www.divacup.com/">Diva Cup</a><br/><a href="http://www.keeper.com/">Keeper</a> (like a Diva Cup)</p><p>What do you use during your period?  Are any of these options new to you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Ever heard of "mama cloth?"  It's cloth pads to replace the disposable ones typically used during your monthly "visitor."  (I've barely had a need in the last three years, since I've been pregnant most of the time from May '07 - Jul. '09 and just got it back Sunday!)  But, mama cloth is really great for you and the environment!  And I did use it postpartum with Daniel.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: thediaperdiaries
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07031990766224099099
DATE: 01/16/2010 02:50:22 AM
<p>Wow, 2 TILTs on this. I haven&#39;t had my period in about a year since I have a 3 month old and am still nursing. Yippee!! I must say I am intrigued, but don&#39;t know if I can make the leap. But maybe I will be brave and check it out.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/15/2010 05:49:21 PM
<p>To clean the cup, you wash it with soap and water, just like you do your hands after using the restroom. You can boil it at the end of each period (which I really don&#39;t feel a need to do - it is still the same color it was when I bought it almost a year ago), and then you keep it in a breathable cotton bag so no moisture would be locked in and cause a bacterial bloom in between uses.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: perfectconfessions
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://perfectconfessions.wordpress.com/
DATE: 01/15/2010 02:21:07 PM
<p>Interesting... This is the second TILT I have read about these. i&#39;m getting ready to have baby #2, so I may consider these for PP. Thanks!</p><p>-Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: 'Becca
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2009/06/30/menstrual-cup-mania.aspx
DATE: 01/14/2010 03:58:14 PM
<p>&lt;p&gt;Reusable feminine gear is so wonderful that I've hardly used disposables at all in the past 12 years!   I wrote <a href="http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2009/06/30/menstrual-cup-mania.aspx" rel="nofollow">article about the incredible convenience of the Diva Cup</a> that also has some information about cloth pads. I would not use cloth tampons because I think that, being absorbent and internal and also reused, they would be even higher risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome than disposable tampons.  The cup is not absorbent, so it doesn't harbor bacteria like tampons and has never been associated with a case of TSS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As far as the gross-out factor, it might help to know that menstrual flow is sterile until it leaves the body; it is NOT full of germs! When women get TSS from tampons, the bacteria don't come from the flow but from the tampon (disposable products are NOT sterile!!) or their hands. Blood does provide a growth medium for bacteria once they're there, so of course you want to wash pads/cup carefully, but like April said you don't have to be any more careful than when washing blood out of clothing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I've never felt a need to boil my cup, but if I did I would just use a normal pan and wash it right afterward.  No bacteria can survive stove temperatures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You know what worries ME about menstrual flow and disease?  Some women have blood-borne illnesses like HIV and hepatitis, yet used disposable pads and tampons get thrown into trash that custodians handle with no special precautions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By the way, just like with diapers, I've learned that most of the odor I thought was associated with the bodily fuction actually is caused by the fluid reacting with disposable products.  Cloth pads do not smell anywhere near as strong as disposable pads and tampons, and the Diva Cup (where the flow doesn't touch air until you remove the cup) actually smells sort of pleasant!  I previously had the Keeper cup, which is made from natural latex, and that has its own smell like Converse sneakers. :=) It worked well, but the Diva is even better IMO.&lt;/p&gt;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2010 12:19:54 AM
<p>How in the world would you sterilize a diva cup?  Do you have a special pan designated for the diva cup?  What if someone in your house decides to make something, like soup, in the pan?  Do you label the pan, &quot;diva cup only&quot;?  I know it&#39;s is not &quot;green,&quot; but I really don&#39;t want permanent feminine products. I&#39;ll drink water in non-diposable bottles to do my share instead!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/13/2010 10:43:11 PM
<p>I use a DivaCup sometimes, and it is fairly soft. My problem with it is that I tend to get pretty bad cramps with it (that go away when I take it out) and sometimes, my cervix just will not let the thing sit right in there, and I&#39;m feeling it/worrying about it all day. It is really soft, and not too hard to put in, although in a public restroom it is hard unless it&#39;s a single-person restroom and you have a sink that you can go to before pulling up your pants (as your fingers will get bloody). Also, the website for DivaCup says that you can just wipe it out with toilet paper and put it back in if you have to change it out in a public bathroom, but I disagree. It gets really sticky (well, the stuff on/in it does) if you try doing that and you get bits of TP stuck on it...and I wouldn&#39;t put that in my body. </p><p>As for the contents of the &#39;flow&#39; itself, I thought that it was mostly the lining of the uterus, with only a few teaspoons of actual blood (like what flows in our arteries and veins). I could be wrong, and correct me if I am, but those two things are not the same.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stacey Tabor
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07689153921263627475
DATE: 01/13/2010 07:23:22 PM
<p>Thanks for your great post on the benefits of cloth pads and The DivaCup.  </p><p>To answer your question, The DivaCup is made of a medical grade silicone that is very soft.</p><p>As you discussed, the benefits to the environment, landfills and your pocketbook are endless!</p><p>Follow us on Twitter @divacup!</p><p>Best wishes,</p><p>The DivaCup Team</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 01/13/2010 12:57:29 AM
<p>I would LOVE it! Keep me updated!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/12/2010 09:19:00 PM
<p>Liesel,</p><p>I&#39;ve seriously thought of teaching such a class and selling my pattern too.  I&#39;m doing a brief workshop at CHOICE in March.  If there is interest I could do a more formal class locally or maybe even online.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 01/12/2010 08:09:19 PM
<p>I would love it if there were classes offered on making cloth diapers and mama cloth. I don&#39;t do it myself because the thought of researching how to make them, what is best to use to make them, where to buy supplies at the best price, and then figuring it out with my limited sewing skills makes me weary. I would even gladly pay for a detailed list of what to use, where to get it, and how to do it. Any thoughts from anyone on this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 01/12/2010 06:21:17 PM
<p>I have been meaning to get some cloth pads for a while now...just seems to make sense since we are already washing cloth diapers. :) I have also heard that disposable pads and tampons can cause physical discomfort (I&#39;m interested to see if mine is relieved when I start using cloth). Thanks for the Etsy seller recommendation, April!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/12/2010 05:54:53 PM
<p>Rachel -- you are correct.  All human &quot;waste&quot; (blood, vomit, pee, discharge, etc.) is biodegradable, and cleaning them properly can help to &quot;neutralize&quot; them.  And the disposable pads are not biodegradable at all.  Unlike the cloth pads, which, when you&#39;re done using them (when they&#39;ve become just rags), are!</p><p>Chris -- it&#39;s really no different than carrying around a baby&#39;s soiled outfit in a diaper bag.  I don&#39;t think anything of it because I&#39;ve carried lots of dirty clothes and diapers around.  My husband has washed my pads before (like postpartum) and didn&#39;t mind...but if your husband doesn&#39;t like it, you can always do just that load!  And also, do remember that it doesn&#39;t have to be all or nothing -- you can use cloth at home only and disposable on the go.  It&#39;s not for everyone but there ARE options.</p><p>For me, just the serious reduction in cramps and pain makes it worth it.  I feel like I don&#39;t even have my period at all most of the time.  For a lot of women that would be a big deal, because the cramps are hard to deal with!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel B.
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/11634140015896977383
DATE: 01/12/2010 04:56:04 PM
<p>The &quot;Yuck&quot; which you refer to is mostly blood, is completely degradable.  The chemicals in disposable pads--as well as the plastic and absorbent &quot;beads&quot;--are far from degradable and &quot;earth friendly&quot;.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chris
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 03:24:11 AM
<p>Bloody pads are the last thing I&#39;d probably want to carry in my purse all day but I admire your efforts to cut down on disposables. Also my husband would probably never help with the laundry.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01033768929726794291
DATE: 01/12/2010 03:20:45 AM
<p>Anonymous--if you think about it, we get &quot;yuck&quot; on all of our clothes.  Unless you&#39;re always wearing a disposable pad or pantyliner, most women do wind up with some discharge on their underwear.  But besides that, we get sweat, tears, and dead skin cells on our clothes every day, yet we trust the washing machine to take care of it so we can wear them again.  I doubt most parents would throw out a piece of clothing every time their child had an accident or drooled all over their shirt.  Cloth pads don&#39;t have to be for everyone, but it&#39;s certainly perfectly safe and sanitary.</p><p>I personally have been totally sold on cloth pads for about a year now.  I have a &quot;wet bag&quot; that I keep in my purse for when I&#39;m out, and when I&#39;m home, I keep a Tupperware-type container of cold water under the sink.  When I change one out, I rinse it in the sink until the water runs clear, and then store the pad in the cold water until wash day.  This is what the maker of my pads recommended, and it has worked great!  They come out of the wash looking like I never used them.  I get mine on etsy--the seller&#39;s name is Crea8tiveMama.  Hers are flannel, which I&#39;ve found to be so comfy, and she has a lot of different fabrics to choose from.  Getting to pick out a pretty colored pad each day *almost* makes it kind of fun.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:57:29 AM
<p>I see your point about landfill, but I plan to stick with disposables.  Doesn&#39;t the yuck get in the groundwater through washing anyway?  It has to go somewhere.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:51:28 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>If germs and bacteria were building up, the pads would smell.  If they don&#39;t, they&#39;re clean.  But you can use special products like Bac-Out, hydrogen peroxide, etc. to make sure they are clean.  Hanging them out in the sun (weather permitting) can also kill any leftover bacteria.  Ultimately it&#39;s a lot better cleaned and killed by these products than put in a landfill where the pads won&#39;t break down and the yuck can get into the groundwater!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:43:17 AM
<p>Okay, but how do you know all of the stuff that was in the pads is completely gone?  The germs and bacteria you can&#39;t see?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:16:48 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>It&#39;s really not bad.  You just toss the pads into a zippered bag instead of the trash, and wash them like diapers at the end of the week.  If you&#39;ve used cloth diapers it&#39;s really no different (except what&#39;s on the pads, but you know).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 01:47:00 AM
<p>One word - YUCK!!!!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 12:21:54 AM
<p>I love love love my diva cup. I actually told me husband I was sad to throw it out when I got pregnant (you get a different size after your first baby). It is so much more comfortable than tampons or pads. I used to have really bad cramps with disposable tampons but they were reduced a lot when I switched. I rinsed mine in super hot water but that is it, they have special washes but I don't feel the need for that. </p><p>I am curious as to the mama cloth though as I will be needing something for postpartum soon. I think I'll try making my own. I don't have a snap press though so I'm not sure what to do about that. And those ice packs sound great, do you know where you got them from?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 06:40:44 PM
<p>Just linked over to this page from your divacup giveaeway page. I have been thinking about switching to cloth pads as disposable pads leave me irritated. I switched to Seventh Generation brand pads three years ago since they are made with organic cotton (no pesticides or dioxins) but I still get a bit irritated. I think I need to just make the leap to cloth and see if that helps.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.78.110.215
URL: 
DATE: 10/04/2010 11:56:34 AM
<p>My initial reaction to mama cloth was also &quot;Yuck&quot;.  I HATE blood &amp; the thought of it really put me off.  I am a regular poster on a forum where alot of the ladies use mama cloth &amp; I saw discussion where a few ladies had said that their flow was lighter &amp; less painful.  This really appealed to me as I have had very heavy &amp; very painful periods for as long as I can remember &amp; they had only gotten worse after the birth of my second child (I always get my period back when baby is 12 wks even though I am breastfeeding exclusively).</p><p>So I took the plunge &amp; gave it a go.  I noticed the difference straight away.  My first period was shorter &amp; my second caught me completely by surprise as I did not get my usual pain a few days before it arrived.  It also was shorter again &amp; much lighter.</p><p>If you haven&#39;t tried it, I encourage you to.  The benefits far outweigh having to &quot;deal&quot; with the cloth.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Movie Review: Maxed Out
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/05/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>In light of the fact that many people probably used a lot of credit to get themselves through Christmas, I thought I'd review the movie Maxed Out to start the new year. This movie is all about how much debt we have in this country (personally and the national debt). If you haven't seen it, I do recommend it, although I have some general reservations about it.</p><p></p><p>This movie, like many of its style, is filled with personal stories. I find this particular technique to be "effective," although not helpful. When I'm watching a documentary, I would like the straight facts, not muddied up by worst-case scenarios. This movie seems to blame the government and large corporations, especially credit card companies, for peoples' debt problems. Towards the end of the movie, they describe how some families can live the "American Dream" by staying out of debt, but say that most families won't manage that. I think that all families CAN manage that, if they are well informed about money and are willing to make lifestyle changes as necessary.</p><p></p><p>However, the movie did present some scary statistics:</p><p>*Credit card companies send 4 billion offers per year.</p><p>*Average household has over $8400 <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-industry-facts-personal-debt-statistics-1276.php"><http:></a>) in credit card debt and spends $1300 on interest payment each year (only on credit cards).</p><p>*1980s -- $15 for late or over limit. Now (2005), $43 for late or overlimit, plus interest rates 21 – 28% .</p><p>*FICO has nothing to do with your income, and an inaccuracy rate of 90%.</p><p>*National debt clock was built in 1988. Individual family’s share is $90,000 (in 2005. Now, it is over $500,000).</p><p>That's pretty scary!</p><p>Here is a quote from a woman in the movie that sums up a lot of the people featured, and the attitude I believe a lot of people have:</p><p>"They kept offering me more, and I kept thinking, if they think I can pay it back, maybe I can pay it back."</p><p>The credit card companies are not your friends. The movie actually shows collection employees mildly harassing customers, and interviews them about their perspective on the matter. Credit is offered to EVERYONE, but especially to people who have a history of using a lot of it -- i.e. people who probably DON'T have the means to pay. Credit is frequently offered to people who have declared bankruptcy because the companies know they will use it (poorly). Credit is offered to low-income families and to college students, because these populations are more likely to splurge or to "need" credit. So an offer of credit is, by no means, a friendly way of saying "I have confidence in your ability to pay this back." It's saying "I know you will likely carry a balance and have to make finance charges and pay fees, and I know I can make money of you because of this."</p><p>The movie also goes through several issues with the national debt, including noting when various presidents have increased it (usually by borrowing from social security).</p><p>The general picture of the movie is that this country is highly leveraged and financially unstable. But other than featuring Dave Ramsey (it doesn't discuss his actual plan, though, just shows some basic information and a few radio show quotes), it doesn't actually offer a solution. The final message is unenthusiastic and the movie believes that people CAN'T escape being in debt, that it just a fact of life in America.</p><p>I disagree with this, and I would have liked to see a real solution to the problem. Luckily, I'm going to do some research and provide you with one very soon. :)</p><p>Have you seen Maxed Out? Do you use credit cards? Do you want to improve your financial situation?</p>
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EXCERPT:
In light of the fact that many people probably used a lot of credit to get themselves through Christmas, I thought I'd review the movie Maxed Out to start the new year. This movie is all about how much debt we have in this country (personally and the national debt). If you haven't seen it, I do recommend it, although I have some general reservations about it.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 01/05/2010 03:12:31 PM
<p>My husband and I saw Maxed Out, but it wasn&#39;t surprising to us (the statistics) because we heard much of it from Dave Ramsey.  In my opinion, I wasn&#39;t surprised by the movie because it seemed to put most of the blame on the credit industry, not on the consumer.  Of course, the credit industry does have some responsibility, but we, the consumer, are all responsible for knowing how much income we take in and how much we can spend.  Personal responsibility is not held in high regard these days.</p><p>We do not use credit cards, only cash.  And, it was only when we became good stewards of our money that our financial situation improved greatly.  We&#39;ll never look back. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Muscle Testing and Yeast-Free Diets
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/24/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Recently, we have undergone some muscle testing to check for our allergies.  Ben, Bekah and I were all tested.  First I want to explain what muscle testing is and who performs it.</p><p>There are different types of doctors who do muscle testing -- Eastern medicine practitioners.  So acupuncturists, NAET (Nambudripid Allergy Elimination Technique), sometimes massage therapists.  This is because the theory behind muscle testing has to do with the electromagnetic fields that surround everyone and everything.  Each person and item has their own electromagnetic field.  Some work together well; others clash.  The idea is that if you are allergic to a food or experiencing discomfort from a substance, placing it into your electromagnetic field will produce a reaction.  The reason this works is because under normal circumstances (if you are healthy), your body sends blood to all of your extremities and throughout the entire body.  But if you are not healthy, when your arm is extended, the brain diverts the blood to vital organs, namely the one that is having a problem, and away from the muscles in the arm.  The muscle then becomes weak.  It is also important to know that if the body is weak and you introduce the substance that is making the body weak to the body's electromagnetic field, it makes the body strong again.  This is because, like in math, two negatives make a positive.</p><p>The testing procedure is basically where a person either stands or lies down and extends their arm.  The doctor pushes on the arm while the person meets the doctors' resistance.  If the person is weak, then the arm will be easily pushed over.  If the arm is strong, the muscle will lock and remain extended.  The doctor will place a bunch of different substances into the body's field to see what is causing the problem.  He will also check various acupuncture points of energy, including various vital organs, and may have you hold your hands in a particular way.  I don't understand exactly why all this works, but it has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.  It's also important to note that this type of testing and subsequent treatment have a very high accuracy and success rate -- 80 - 95%.  Many people have been cleared of yeast, allergies, heavy metal toxicity, etc. by this method.</p><p>We recently underwent this testing and discovered the following things:</p><p>Me -- Allergic to brown rice and soy; systemic yeast; heavy metal toxicity (aluminum and mercury).</p><p>Ben -- Allergic to all grains, including rice; soy; all dairy, including raw; brown sugar; improperly healed scar.</p><p>Bekah -- Allergic to all dairy, all grains, brown sugar, white sugar, fruit sugar; yeast issues.</p><p>It was kind of cool because while Ben was getting tested the Dr. became momentarily unsure what to do.  He hesitated then said, "Where's the scar?"  Ben said, "What?"  The Dr. repeated, "The scar.  You have a scar somewhere.  Where is it?"  Ben remembered and said, "Well, I have one on my knee from when I got cut with glass when I was a kid...."  The doctor located it and said "That's it!  That's what was blocking this."  Ben is now being treated for this scar, to help it heal properly.  At the time of the testing, he had no health history on Ben at all, had not asked any questions (Ben has the paperwork at home to fill out before our next visit).  Yet his testing let him know that there was a scar somewhere on Ben's body that was causing problems, and he was correct.  How's that for accuracy?</p><p>As a result of this muscle testing, we were put on several supplements.  Bekah is only taking 2, and very tiny amounts of them.  Ben and I are taking several more (4 for me and I think 6 for him).  We were also put on a completely sugar-free (including natural sugars, honey, and even fruit in large quantities) and also grain-free.  Our only source of carbs is a limited amount of potatoes and other root vegetables.  This is because of the allergies, but also because yeast feeds on sugars (carbs breakdown to sugars) and one way to kill it is to get rid of the sugar so it can't feed.  So far it's been no problem for her and not much for Ben (he feels a little weak and tired, but basically okay).  But for me...I've been so nauseous and weak.  This is what happens when the yeast dies off.  The yeast releases toxins when it dies and can overload your system.  This lasts anywhere from a day to a few weeks, depending on how bad the problem is.  It's very, very hard to get through.  I can't decide yet if it's worth it, but I'm assuming it will be.</p><p>I would recommend with anyone with health issues go see an alternative practitioner to see if they can help you.  Please seek out a trained, certified professional.  I will continue to share our experience for your information.</p><p>Here are some things we've learned:</p><p>*If you have yeast issues, ease into the new diet slowly.  Otherwise the detox symptoms could be overwhelming.  This isn't a good thing, because it means the body is detoxing too fast and there is an overload.</p><p>*Have fruit as your "sweet" instead of grains or processed sugar.  Raw honey may be a good option too.  But, limit it.</p><p>*Include a LOT of healthy fat in your diet for energy, especially saturated fat.  Coconut oil is great, and butter if you can handle it.  Beef tallow, lard, and meat are good options too.</p><p>*Eat what sounds good to you that is okay for your new diet (I frequently crave tomatoes, green peppers, orange juice, and cilantro, all of which are okay).</p><p>*Make sure to ask your doctor about what you should eat for your specific case.</p><p>Resources:<br/><a href="http://www.healwithhope.com/alternative-medicine/self-help-techniques/muscle-testing-applied-kinesiology/">Muscle Testing</a><br/><a href="http://www.emofree.com/Articles2/muscle-testing-ideas.htm">Muscle Testing and EFT</a><br/><a href="http://www.naet.com/subscribers/doctorResults.asp?FromQS=1&amp;db=default&amp;uid=default&amp;City=&amp;State=NB&amp;Zip=&amp;Last=&amp;Country=&amp;Status=on&amp;sb=4&amp;view_records=Search">NAET</a><br/><a href="http://www.standardprocess.com/display/StandardProcessCatalog.spi">Standard Process</a> (whole food supplements; we are taking these)</p><p>Have you ever seen an alternative practitioner or gone on a yeast-free diet?  What was your experience?</p><p>Like what you read?  Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Recently, we have undergone some muscle testing to check for our allergies.  Ben, Bekah and I were all tested.  First I want to explain what muscle testing is and who performs it.</p><p>There are different types of doctors who do muscle testing -- Eastern medicine practitioners.  So acupuncturists, NAET (Nambudripid Allergy Elimination Technique), sometimes massage therapists.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2010 02:12:43 AM
<p>Interesting! I have many scars from surgeries and injuries.  I wonder if they are affecting my health and I don&#39;t even realize it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/27/2010 02:18:02 PM
<p>His name is Dr. Christopher Aul and he is in Central Ohio.  He does not have a website but you can find his contact information through a google search.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/27/2010 02:16:53 PM
<p>Anonymous said...<br/>Can you provide the name of the doctor? This sounds very interesting to me. Thanks.</p><p>Can you please answer my question?  Thanks.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/26/2010 03:44:32 PM
<p>He explained it in one of our appointments and then gave us a FAQ paper that explains more. I&#39;m not sold on this energy moving around body business, but I go in for more acupuncture tonight and I&#39;m feeling so much better than before.</p><p>I had been on Standard Process supplements a year ago and they helped some, but it makes a huge difference to be the correct ones to fix the problem. This is where I think the NRT is totally awesome!</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/26/2010 02:12:59 PM
<p>Thanks Liesel!  I guess I wasn&#39;t paying enough attention, did he explain that?  lol.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/26/2010 02:08:04 PM
<p>Any scar interrupts the nerve conduction on the surface of the skin. So the theory is that any time you have a stressor like this to your body then other things have to compensate for it and you stress other organs out too. The 5 stressors are scars, heavy metal toxicity, immune challenges (yeast, bacteria, parasites, etc), Food sensitivities, and chemical toxicities. So I think you can have TRUE food allergies that cause other problems, but in Kate&#39;s case (as well as her daughter and husband) and in my family&#39;s case, the food allergies are a result of other issues such as scars or yeast overgrowth.</p><p>Make sense?</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/26/2010 03:21:30 AM
<p>Can you provide the name of the doctor?  This sounds very interesting to me.  Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/25/2010 08:26:57 PM
<p>Darlene,</p><p>I honestly don&#39;t know enough about it to explain how the scar is involved in his healing, but I will try to find out!  I will ask the doctor this week.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel B.
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/11634140015896977383
DATE: 01/25/2010 02:52:05 PM
<p>We too, do NRT (Nutrition Response Testing).  I have been cured of the &quot;incurable&quot; and &quot;non-medicateable&quot; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  My family (hubby, myself and 21 month old) are all are on the program now--have been for over a year.  Stick with it and you will be amazed at how little you get sick, what you didn&#39;t even NOTICE that you lived with each day, and MANY more benefits!  Its tough at first with the sugar cravings and the detoxing, but once you&#39;re through that and your body can start healing its AMAZING! Remember that everyone heals at a slightly different pace, so just hang in there! If you need any recipes or encouragement at any time, feel free to contact me!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Darlene
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2010 02:32:41 AM
<p>I&#39;m curious why Ben&#39;s scar healed improperly and what improper healing has to do with allergic reactions.  Could you explain more?  Fascinating!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2010 02:33:12 AM
<p>I take Standard Process supplements (Catalyn, Cyruta Plus, and Colosonia Root) for poor circulation.  My spider viens have improved dramatically, and my hands and feet are less cold this winter than they have been in previous winters. I found the information on the Sandard Process website to be really informative (visit it to find out more about this long-established company and their philosophy!).  I learned of the products from a chiropractor.  He didn&#39;t do me any good with his manipulations, but I am happy I learned about Standard Process from him.  I hope your family benefits from the products as much as I have.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Myths About Credit Cards
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/19/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/01/frugal-friday-be-willing-to-be-weird.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p><p>I know some of you have seen all our previous posts on getting out of debt and alternatives to credit and everything else, but are really holding out. "Credit is good!" you say. "I need to have my credit rating! And credit cards don't hurt if I pay them off monthly, plus I get cool rewards!" For all of you, it is time to explore some credit card myths (and by the way, I wrote this intro before I actually posted the other entries. I just knew that somebody would say those things, lol).</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #1:</span><strong> The credit card companies wouldn't send me applications in the mail if I couldn't afford it.</strong></p><p>Truth: Wrong. The credit card companies are simply making you an offer based on mailing lists or research they have performed. It is your responsibility to determine whether you can afford to accept their offer. From <a href="http://home.ivillage.com/homeoffice/debt/0,,7fd8-2,00.html">iVillage</a>. Please remember this! It is very important. The credit companies are not your friends. They don't believe in you. They are only trying to make money off you and their formulas have told them that you are likely to use credit and that they will make money. You do not need to accept an offer of credit just because you've been given one.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #2:</span><strong> Everything is okay because I pay the minimum payment due each month.</strong><br/>Truth: By just paying the minimum payment on a debt, you extend your payments for many years. If possible, send more than the minimum payment. If that isn't possible, you are probably living close to the financial edge. What would happen if you were injured or sick or could not work? Simply being able to live from paycheck to paycheck is not a sign of financial well-being. From <a href="http://home.ivillage.com/homeoffice/debt/0,,7fd8-2,00.html">iVillage</a>. If you are making minimum payments, you are going to pay several times what the items you purchased are actually worth. If you truly cannot afford more than minimum payments, STOP using your credit cards right now, cut them up, and put as much extra money you can to paying them off so you're not caught in case you have an emergency!</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #3:</span> <strong>If my debts get to be too much, I'll just file for bankruptcy.</strong></p><p>Truth: Bankruptcy is a very serious matter and should be a last resort, not an easy out. It is a legal case filed with the bankruptcy court that is a matter of public record, and it can be reported for the rest of your life if you apply for certain loans, life insurance<a class="iAs" style="border-bottom: 0.07em solid darkgreen; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; font-weight: normal ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; background-image: none; padding-bottom: 1px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; padding-top: 0pt; background-color: transparent ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://home.ivillage.com/homeoffice/debt/0,,7fd8-2,00.html#" target="_blank" classname="iAs" itxtdid="16610385"></a> or jobs. Many people who have filed bankruptcy wish they had tried other alternatives before filing. Once you file, you will always be ''a person who filed bankruptcy,'' and you can never take that back. From <a href="http://home.ivillage.com/homeoffice/debt/0,,7fd8-2,00.html">iVillage</a>. Bankruptcy is not a free "out" or an easy solution. It's a long and humiliating process. Also, most importantly, you can only file for bankruptcy once in your lifetime. If you file once, you are likely to continue the same spending habits and get yourself in financial trouble again. And the second time, there's no way out.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #4: </span><strong style="font-weight: bold;"></strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aren't there positive uses of a credit card? Like rebates and airline miles?</span><br/><p><strong style="font-weight: normal;">Truth:</strong> Responsible use of a credit card does not exist. Credit card debt is a major problem in America. There is <em>no</em> positive side to credit card use. <strong>You <em>will</em> spend more</strong> if you use credit cards. Even by paying the bills on time, you are not beating the system! But most families don't pay on time. The average family today carries $8,000 in credit card debt according to the American Bankers' Association. Now let's talk about the rebates. If you were using a credit card at 5%, you would have had to have spent $80,000 to get $4,000 rebates on new cars that lost $6,000 of value when you drove them off the lot. That is not a good deal! From <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/article/the-truth-about-credit-card-debt/lifeandmoney_creditcards/">Dave Ramsey</a>. It's important to note that since you will spend MORE money when you use a credit card, this extra money spent is greater than or equal to any rewards you may receive from using the credit card. On average, people spend 20% more on credit than with cash. There are no cards that give you the equivalent of 20% back (at least not all the time), so you still lose. In fact, from <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey</a>, "A study of credit card use at McDonald’s found that <strong>people spent 47% more</strong> when using credit instead of cash. This is money you could have saved." So no, you're not winning by getting 5% cash back!</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #5:</span> <strong>I can wrap up all of my credit card debt into a home equity loan and my interest will be tax deductible.</strong></p><p>Truth: You have just placed your home at risk and could lose it if you fail to make your payments. Nobody ever plans not to be able to make her payments. The reason the lender uses your home as collateral is so she can take it from you if you default on the loan. As for the tax deduction, who knows whether the interest will be deductible for the life of the loan? Credit card interest used to be deductible but no longer is. Are you confident that home equity interest will always be deductible? From <a href="http://home.ivillage.com/homeoffice/debt/0,,7fd8-3,00.html">iVillage</a>. Do not go into MORE debt to pay your debt! You are risking your future by borrowing from one area to pay another. Pay down your debt directly and get rid of it so you don't risk losing your home or anything else.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #6: </span><strong>If I don't use credit, I'll never be able to buy anything.</strong></p><p>Truth: If you don't use credit, you won't have debt. Remember when people used to pay for purchases in cash? If you want something bad enough, save for it. It is significantly more rewarding to purchase something and own it outright than to create another liability. From <a href="http://home.ivillage.com/homeoffice/debt/0,,7fd8-3,00.html">iVillage</a>. Yes, you will be able to buy things!! If you aren't making monthly payments to credit cards, that's money you'll have to spend on other things. Nice things, that are yours to keep. You have to budget well, but you really don't NEED credit!</p><p><strong>Myth #7: You NEED credit cards to build your credit score, or else you can't get a mortgage.</strong></p><p>Truth: No, you don't need a credit score at all. These days, mortgage companies like you to have one because then their job is easy: if you have a certain number, you get a loan. If not, you don't. But mortgage companies can also choose to underwrite the loans (that is, look at your financial history personally to assess your risk) and you can get it. Or, of course, you can just save up and pay cash. :)</p><p>Dave Ramsey has this to say about <a href="http://www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com/index.cfm?event=dspAskDave&amp;intContentItemId=10675">credit scores</a>:</p><span style="font-style: italic;">A credit score is not an indicator of having won financially. It’s an indicator of having borrowed and paid back money. My credit score is zero. Every single bit of your FICO score algorithm is built and calculated on you borrowing money. The breakdown is 35% of it is your payment history, 30% is your debt level, 15% is length of time in debt, 10% is new debt and 10% is type of debt. It’s an I-love-debt score. I would never not hire someone because their beacon score is low due to not borrowing. Anyone who wouldn’t hire you for that reason is too stupid to work for.</span></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">The thing that can drive your personal credit score down is borrowing and not repaying; that’s called bad credit. If that drives your FICO score down, then it’s a legitimate thing. But not having a credit report score and not being hired by someone because of that doesn’t dry up your job prospects. And as far as the Boy Scouts, they might rule you out based on bad credit, but not no credit. I agree that a low credit score that causes higher insurance rates is stupid, but there’s not much I can do about that. I became wealthy because I don’t borrow money.</span> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #8: I need to have just one credit card, for emergencies.</span></p><p>Truth: This is why you have an emergency fund. You should have a minimum of $1000 saved in a place you can access quickly in case you have the type of emergency you'd typically have put on a credit card, like car repairs, furnace break down, etc. If you have a much larger emergency, credit is an even worse idea. Putting several thousand dollars on a credit card (especially if you have an emergency that requires on-going payments) pretty much guarantees you can't pay it back, and at 18% interest or even higher, you're going to end up paying many times what you originally owed. Find another way to pay, or, better yet, try to negotiate a lower rate.</p><p>Did you know that if you can't afford medical bills, you can go in and negotiate with the hospital? One family we knew had someone who required a $30,000 surgery, and they don't have health insurance. This would have destroyed their finances and forced them to declare bankruptcy. They went into the hospital and negotiated and came out with a bill of a manageable $2000. Yes -- really. Another person we know looked into various aid options (he was single and making a bit under $30,000 per year) when he unexpectedly needed surgery, and he ended up not paying at all. So, negotiation is your BEST solution! Much better than using any form of debt to pay! You can also use this when purchasing anything large, in any industry, whether it's an emergency or not.</p><p>Any other credit card myths you'd like to share? Did you learn anything new?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get this delivered to your inbox everyday!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I know some of you have seen all our previous posts on getting out of debt and alternatives to credit and everything else, but are really holding out. "Credit is good!" you say. "I need to have my credit rating! And credit cards don't hurt if I pay them off monthly, plus I get cool rewards!" For all of you, it is time to explore some credit card myths (and by the way, I wrote this intro before I actually posted the other entries. I just knew that somebody would say those things, lol).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/23/2010 12:52:30 AM
<p>Wel-said, Theresa!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Theresa
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02410176479138340024
DATE: 01/22/2010 09:39:00 PM
<p>I think you are beating a dead horse. Really, if credit makes you nervous, then by all means don&#39;t use it. I would not demonize it though. Credit touches EVERY aspect of life in world. You may not agree with it, but don&#39;t be naive enough to think that it is not a useful tool when used appropriately.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Marsha
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15746133680565040488
DATE: 01/22/2010 03:33:50 PM
<p>I agree so much with you about credit card companies not being there to serve you. They are all about making money. I think they actually hope consumers are late with payments or exceed credit limits so they can slap extra fees on them. A number of banks now are charging &quot;non-usage&quot; fees. If you don&#39;t charge a certain amount of money within a certain time period, you have to pay a fee. And many of them also are going to charge annual fees just for the &quot;privilege&quot; of having a credit card. </p><p>I worked for a bankruptcy attorney for several years and I&#39;d like to make a correction to your point about bankruptcy. It is not true that once you file bankruptcy you can never file again. States have limits on how many times you can file and how much time must elapse in between each filing. And judges can deny a filing if it&#39;s been shown that the system has been abused by a debtor. But no state that I know of has a one-time only law.</p><p>I am in no way encouraging bankruptcy filing. I&#39;ve seen the devastation that financial irresponsibility can cause to families and individuals. It is humiliating beyond belief for most people. There are always a few that are trying totake advantage of the system, of course. But most of the clients I dealt with were honest, hard-working people who lost their jobs or had a catastrophic illness and never thought it could happen to them. The bankruptcy laws are in place to afford them some protection, but most of the laws are creditor-friendly, as they should be.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/21/2010 12:33:16 AM
<p>At my office, Fox news is on all day. And it sickens me how many commercials there are for &quot;the IRS is evil, they tried to take all my money so I settled with them for some amount WAY less than what I owed&quot; or somesuch thing like that. Highly annoying - the IRS wasn&#39;t trying to take all of your money the whole time, just what you owed them and didn&#39;t give them even though it was their part of your money. I mean, taxes are kind of something you&#39;ll have to deal with forever...ugh. Anyways, I&#39;m glad that this was posted - we hate debt too. Someday (when we aren&#39;t moving around every 1-3 years) we&#39;ll buy a house with a check.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/20/2010 01:39:06 AM
<p>I&#39;m not disagreeing with you either.  I just think that if you incur a debt, you pay it back - always. If the bill is huge, a person may spend the rest of his or her life making payments, but at least the attempt was made and the intentions were honorable.  Settling the bill for less than 10% of what the cost is shifts the burden to people like you and me. The billions in deficit these hospitals incur aren&#39;t freebies.  We are paying for them.</p><p>Just so you know, I&#39;m aware that some people with chronic illnesses/severe health problems do need help.  My aunt was a juvenile diabetic and never married.  Her health severely interfered with her ability to consistently work.  She qualified for Medicaid, and her medical bills were a burden to taxpayers.  However, throughout her too short life she made payments to doctors, even if it was just a few dollars a month.  She lived in a mobile home and sometimes with my grandma, and had no luxuries in her life unless her brothers and sisters gave them to her.  I feel it&#39;s a responsibility of mine and all of the people in this country to provide finanacial and emotional support to those who CANNOT care for themselves, especially when they are making a valiant effort to be independent and responsible.  What I don&#39;t like is providing for those who CHOOSE not to care for themselves.  My guess is that we probably agree on this philosophy since it is based in Christianity.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/20/2010 12:39:09 AM
<p>I wasn&#39;t disagreeing with you, far from it. Merely I was saying that for some people, that is the only way out. At the end of the day, if I were a hospital, medical professional, debt collector, etc... I would glady take a settlement from a situation that is likely to become a bad debt or bankruptcy situation.</p><p>I was forunate enough to hear the CEO of Ohio Health, the largest hospital system in the state of Ohio speak. The cost of treating insured and Medicare/Medicaid patients is costing them billions a year. Everyone thinks, &quot;hey, it&#39;s a big rich hospital, they can afford to give me a freebie&quot;. But it&#39;s when 20, 30, or 40% of the people think that way that the system starts breaking down.</p><p>For the record, we are anti-debt, anti not paying a bill you owe, and pro health insurance.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/19/2010 10:22:08 PM
<p>Ben-</p><p>Your CNN article is interesting, but even the experts quoted say that medical bills probably added to what was already a precarious financial situation and may not be the main cause of the bankruptcy.  Some people may see it as easier to file for bankruptcy and &quot;get rid&quot; of their medical bills than to reach a PAYMENT agreement.</p><p>While it may perfectly legal to reach a settlemnt agreement with a hospital or other health care provider, it is unethical.  As I stated previously, the unpaid costs are just shifted to those with health insurace or the taxpayer.  It&#39;s a different form of irresponsibility than bankruptcy, but a form of irresponsibility all the same.  Reaching a payment agreement is the responsible, ethical, and legal way to go.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/19/2010 03:31:27 PM
<p>Anonymous 2,</p><p>It is a HUGE myth that you need credit to start a business. Many, many businesses like HP, Apple, Microsoft, etc... started with no debt. In the case of Apple, the two founders sold a car and a calculator (worth a lot in the 70&#39;s) for their starting capital. Apple has no debt and is considered one of the strongest companies in the world. Microsoft DOES have some corporate debt, but it is still very low.</p><p>The head of Berkshire Hathaway (<a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2009/snapshots/980.html"">http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2009/snapshots/980.html"</a> rel="nofollow">13th largest company in the US</a>), Warren Buffet, who is also the second richest man in the world, had <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2005arn/2005ar.pdf"">http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2005arn/2005ar.pdf"</a> rel="nofollow">this to say</a> about business debt:</p><p><i>&quot;We are not interested in incurring any significant debt at Berkshire for acquisitions or operating purposes. Conventional business wisdom, of course, would argue that we are being too conservative and that there are added profits that could be safely earned if we injected moderate leverage into our balance sheet.</p><p>Maybe so. But many of Berkshire&#39;s hundreds of thousands of investors have a large portion of their net worth in our stock (among them, it should be emphasized, a large number of our board and key managers) and a disaster for the company would be a disaster for them. Moreover, there are people who have been permanently injured to whom we owe insurance payments that stretch out for fifty years or more. To these and other constituencies we have promised total security, whatever comes: financial panics, stock-exchange closures (an extended one occurred in 1914) or even domestic nuclear, chemical or biological attacks.</p><p>We are quite willing to accept huge risks. Indeed, more than any other insurer, we write high-limit policies that are tied to single catastrophic events. We also own a large investment portfolio whose market value could fall dramatically and quickly under certain conditions (as happened on October 19, 1987).</p><p>Whatever occurs, though, Berkshire will have the net worth, the earnings streams and the liquidity to handle the problem with ease.</p><p>Any other approach is dangerous. Over the years, a number of very smart people have learned the hard way that a long string of impressive numbers multiplied by a single zero always equals zero. That is not an equation whose effects I would like to experience personally, and I would like even less to be responsible for imposing its penalties upon others.&quot;</i></p><p>I personally believe, as other financial experts do, that while it is hard, but certainly possible to start and run a business debt free. It times of weakness, like the 2008-2009 recession, many large companies declared bankruptcy due to debt issues. Being debt free allows a business many more options for dealing with down turns.</p><p>According to the Small Business Administration, <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/business-failure.htm"">http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/business-failure.htm"</a> rel="nofollow">50%</a> of small businesses fail within the first two years. That leaves a lot of individuals stuck with debt they had to sign for personally, once the business is gone. It is a much better idea to have no debt, and hence no reason for a credit card, and grow the business slower as you can afford to pay cash. This may not be the &quot;quick and easy&quot; approach, but succeed or fail, it won&#39;t ruin your life.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/19/2010 03:30:04 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I totally agree that people who don&#39;t have insurance and rely on either the government or hospital to pick up the tab is wrong. We weren&#39;t suggesting that it was either good or ethical, but rather, if you&#39;re already in that position (have medical debt) there are ways out. We are huge advocates of everyone having medical insurance, especially HSAs if you don&#39;t have an employer sponsored option, since they are much less expensive.</p><p>I agree that people should pay all their bills, but sometimes if you&#39;re stuck in a hard place, like a job loss or a very large amount of total debt, it is perfectly legal to reach a settlement with a hospital or debt collector to lower the amount owed.</p><p>You are correct that no one HAS to declare bankruptcy over medical debt, <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/05/bankruptcy.medical.bills/"">http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/05/bankruptcy.medical.bills/"</a> rel="nofollow">over 60% of people filing bankruptcy</a> say that it was one of the primary reasons they filed; which is why we included it on the list.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: E. Roberts
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12884935610376909013
DATE: 01/19/2010 07:33:17 AM
<p>wow! that just shows how responsible you are, but like you said not all people think and do what you do. Some carry debts as much as no one expect it is. Others even get <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.badcreditresources.com"">http://www.badcreditresources.com"</a> rel="nofollow">credit cards for bad credit</a> for them just to get another option of having a credit card despite having bad credit already.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/19/2010 02:21:10 AM
<p>If you pay your credit card off every month then you will never get charged interest.  I use a credit card for everything, but pay it off every month.  It is easy to abuse credit so you need to be responsible if you are going to use them.  People who accumulate a bunch of credit card debt are irresponsible.  </p><p>Most people that bash the credit industry have learned the hard way about not managing their debt.  Companies that lend money are in it to  make money, so of course if you do not pay on time they will charge you.  For example, a store that sells diva cups will not sell it at cost,  they are trying to make money too.</p><p>Credit can be a good thing.  Say you wanted to start a business and needed some start-up cash.  Think of all of the good small, medium and large sized businesses in the world today.  I am sure most of them have had some sort debt at one time.  For example, Microsoft does not have any debt but I guarantee they did when they first started out.  It is called risk and in the case of Microsoft they manage their credit risk very well.  </p><p>Sorry...enough rambling.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/19/2010 02:13:08 AM
<p>I think what you say is really valuable for people who are prone to credit card debt.  I&#39;m sure there are people who don&#39;t think like me, but I&#39;ve never thoguht of credit cards as &quot;free money.&quot;  I ALWAYS pay off my credit card each month and have done so for 24 years.  I carry $O credit card debt. I know how much I have to spend each month, and I STOP when I reach that amount just as I would if I had run out of cash in a checking account.  I prefer to carry a credit card so that I don&#39;t have to carry cash and risk losing it or having someone steal it.  </p><p>I know it takes a great deal of self-restraint to use a credit card as one would use cash or checks, but some people can do it.  I do think, however, that your statistics prove that most people can&#39;t handle delayed gratification when credit and immediate gratification is so easy, and that is why they get into trouble.  </p><p>I think what you say about saving up for purchases is the right idea.  I&#39;ve always made sure that I have enough money on hand to pay cash for new furniture, airline tickets, clothing, etc.  I charge the purchases and then pay them off as soon as the bill arrives. </p><p>Your story about someone getting a $30,000 surgery for $2,000 troubles me because that person should have insurance. While the $28,000 reduction may have helped that person, the rest of us with health insurance end up covering the cost through higher premiums.  Did you know that payments can be arranged with hospitals and doctors, and, as long as payments are made consistently, the medical expenses are exempt from collection?  The people you mentioned would have been much more responsible had they 1. had insurance, or 2. paid back what they owed over a long period of time.  No one has to declare bankruptcy because of medical expenses.  That is a myth.   </p><p>Keep up the good advice!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Dishwasher Detergent
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 01/18/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Well, we were using soap nuts for our laundry when we realized that we were still washing our dishes in the usual grocery-store stuff.  And worse, the cheapest brand they had, which was so strongly chemical-smelling I could hardly stand it.  And THAT was on the dishes?!  That we eat off nightly?!</p><p>Enough.  There had to be a better option.</p><p>I started searching online and found this recipe:</p><p>*1 part baking soda<br/>*1 part borax</p><p>I bought some (that stuff is CHEAP!) and mixed it up and tried it.  Initial tests were great!  The dishes looked a bit cleaner than they usually did.  I think it was removing some of the residue left by the chemical stuff.</p><p>But over time, I grew much less enamored with it.  My glasses grew cloudy, and bits of food or other yuck got stuck to them.  Half the dishes weren't even clean.  We actually bought a new dishwasher, and got the same result.  Worse, brown and white powdery stuff was building up on all my plastic, including the inside of the dishwasher itself.  Yuck.  You can read <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/02/early-results-natural-dishwasher-detergent-experiments/">Kitchen Stewardship's adventure</a> and see that Katie concluded about the same thing I did about this at-home recipe.</p><p>We decided to try soap nuts next.  I took a handful (maybe 20?) and boiled them in water until I got a nice brown liquid.  To this I added a few drops of lemon and orange essential oils.  This isn't necessary and I don't always do it, but it helps the smell a little.  I haven't noticed any difference in cleaning the dishes though.</p><p>This mixture was better.  The dishes were cleaner.  No more white, powdery residue on my plastic (the dishwasher itself still has the residue, but maybe it just needs cleaned first?  I tried to sponge it off but I was feeling impatient and didn't do a very good job).  The glasses are sometimes spotted, sometimes not.  The dishes are at least clean and rarely need re-washing.  This is acceptable to me, and really, we did buy a refurbished, bottom-of-the-line dishwasher, so how do I know it's not partially my dishwasher?  Or that we have hard water (we do)?</p><p>The verdict is, soap nuts are the best homemade option so far.  Anyone have other ideas they want to share with me?</p><p>I hear that <a href="http://biokleenhome.com/">Biokleen</a> and <a href="http://www.mrsmeyers.com/">Mrs. Meyer's</a> make great natural options, but frankly, I can't bring myself to pay that much when I have some natural options I can make it home that are "okay."  If nothing worked I'd break down and do it, but if it WORKS, even if things don't look fabulous (I mean, at this point, it's only the clear glass that's even a bit cloudy...not my blue glass plates!)...I'll stick with it.</p><p>By the way, none of these are affiliate links and I don't get paid anything to do this...I'm just sharing what I know.</p><p>What do you use to wash your dishes?  What works the best for you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
ell, we were using soap nuts for our laundry when we realized that we were still washing our dishes in the usual grocery-store stuff.  And worse, the cheapest brand they had, which was so strongly chemical-smelling I could hardly stand it.  And THAT was on the dishes?!  That we eat off nightly?!
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/21/2010 12:27:40 AM
<p>We too use a homemade dishwasher soap - with equal parts of the Borax and Washing Soda, and then some pickling salt - we have found the salt to be the key, for us, with not having a build up.  I also run vinegar in my jet-rinse compartment and I believe that helps as well.  I also had to learn to play around with the amount (about 2t) and both of these things have helped so we don&#39;t have a build-up.  HTH.  Blessings, Rachel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy @     Raising Arrows
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02881661213121125203
DATE: 01/18/2010 06:47:47 PM
<p>This is news to me!  I didn&#39;t know you could use soap nuts for the dishwasher!  I used to use the borax and washing soda combo, but had the same results you did.  I&#39;m getting ready to try a new recipe I found at Peace Creek on the Prairie blog, but the soap nuts sounds great! (and we too have a bottom of the line dw ;) )<br/>Amy</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: New Year's Day
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/02/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Happy New Year's Day!</p><p>How did you celebrate last night? Or did you go to bed before midnight? Last year (2008 - 2009), we went to bed by 10:30 or so. :) I kind of feel old!</p><p>This year, though, we had a nice dinner at home, then had a (mostly) quiet evening at home...though the kids did their best to interrupt it well past bedtime!</p><p>Coming up tomorrow are my New Year's Resolutions. I'll tell you each one and why I chose it, and you can help keep me honest all year!</p><p>Here's a little bit about what else is coming up this year:</p><p>*Details on my new cookbook project (next week!)</p><p>*A series on Godly marriage and family living</p><p>*A series on debt-free living, specifically how to get out of debt, how to stop using credit, and being financially responsible.</p><p>*More movie reviews, and some books reviews (I got some nice books on organic living for Christmas, so I'll be talking about those soon).</p><p>*Reader requests (I do take them, so if there's something you'd like to see, post below and tell me!)</p><p>Do you make New Year's Resolutions? If so, do you stick to them?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Happy New Year's Day!</p><p>How did you celebrate last night? Or did you go to bed before midnight? Last year (2008 - 2009), we went to bed by 10:30 or so. :) I kind of feel old!</p><p>This year, though, we had a nice dinner at home, then had a (mostly) quiet evening at home...though the kids did their best to interrupt it well past bedtime!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: New Year's Resolutions
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/03/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Every year since I was only about 13, I've made New Year's Resolutions.  They started like any other teenager's -- find a boyfriend, do better in school, write a novel (okay, maybe TOTALLY like any other teenager's).  I've always been told, if you want to meet your goals, write them down and refer to them often, and that's what my resolutions were -- goals to accomplish that year.  In a typical year I had around a dozen different goals, perhaps 9 of which I really met.</p><p>Now things aren't quite the same.  I'm not a young, single person with tons of free time anymore.  You know, the one who has time for a full, uninterrupted 8 (or so) hours of sleep every night, time for an hour-long beauty routine every morning, and 4 or 5 hours at the end of the day to exercise, watch TV or just do whatever?  Ah...those days are long gone.</p><p>But it's also true that while I believed in God then, I didn't love and follow the Lord as I do now.  And that is reflected in my resolutions as well.  So, without further stalling, I'll give you this year's.  There are 6:</p><p>1) First and foremost, I want to really listen for God's direction in my life and follow whatever it is He wish me to do, even if it is difficult.</p><p>2) I want to do fewer projects and spend more time with my children.</p><p>3) I want to select the projects I do choose carefully and according to God's direction and do them well.</p><p>4) I want to work on being a better wife and be more open and loving.</p><p>5) I want to live for joy, not frustration, and working towards bringing this joy and love to others.</p><p>6) I want to continue on the path of natural living and make strides every month.</p><p>These are basically in order of importance.  3 and 4 are difficult to order, I'd say they're about equal.</p><p>Number 6 requires a bit more explanation.  I really hesitate to get too specific.  I used to (which is why I had so many goals), but inevitably God would have an unexpected direction for me and a project I'd wanted to get done would not even get started because it just wasn't what God wanted for me.  I don't want to make a bunch of goals and say "I will do these," in case God pulls me in a new direction again.  Because, of course, resolution #1 is to listen to God's direction.  But, I will give some basic goals and ideas for #6.</p><p>a) To rid my house of as many disposable items as possible (paper towels, plates, cups, tissues, etc.  I don't think Ben will let me get rid of toilet paper).</p><p>b) To buy and learn to use a dehydrator to make preserved foods and snack foods simple.</p><p>c) To learn more about and use alternative medicine.</p><p>In addition to these goals, here are a few projects I would LIKE to do this year, which may or may not happen, depending on God's will:</p><p>1) Get Bekah potty trained! (This is happening...as soon as she's ready.)<br/>2) Sew diapers and sell them, locally (mostly just for friends)<br/>3) Have another baby<br/>4) Sell homemade creams, cloth items, and possibly water kefir locally<br/>5) Grow the blog and expand its features<br/>6) Get certified as a breastfeeding counselor and childbirth education instructor<br/>7) Begin "preschool" home schooling Bekah<br/>8) Sew a bunch of clothes, blankets, sheets, and other fun stuff<br/>9) Get the house more organized<br/>10) Write another (nonfiction) book<br/>11) Have a large indoor garden</p><p>I realize I likely won't have time for all of that.  And that's okay.  Those are just some things that sound fun to me that perhaps I will get to do.  And perhaps not.  The 6th one could be very interesting, as some people in my life are interested in similar things (midwife, doula, etc.) and there's been talk of wanting to form a business around pregnancy and birth.  It's a far off dream at the moment and may stay that way, unless God truly decides to bless it.  We won't know though until it happens.</p><p>One additional thought.  I'm posting these here for all to see so you can all help keep me accountable this year.  That's important.</p><p>What are your resolutions?  What is your plan to keep them?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Every year since I was only about 13, I've made New Year's Resolutions.  They started like any other teenager's -- find a boyfriend, do better in school, write a novel (okay, maybe TOTALLY like any other teenager's).  I've always been told, if you want to meet your goals, write them down and refer to them often, and that's what my resolutions were -- goals to accomplish that year.  In a typical year I had around a dozen different goals, perhaps 9 of which I really met.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
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DATE: 01/05/2010 01:49:06 AM
<p>Sorry, but the &quot;Family Cloth&quot; idea takes the green movement a bit too far for me. Is toilet paper really even a problem?  I don&#39;t hear or read anything about it being a problem.  Isn&#39;t toilet paper biodegradible?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/04/2010 09:23:34 PM
<p>Jennifer,</p><p>Yeah, I would try to do without toilet paper.  I would make a bunch more cloth wipes (just like the ones I use on my babies) and use those.  We would have a small, zippered bag in the bathroom, where we would put the used wipes.  Then I would just wash them with the diapers or alone.  It&#39;s called &quot;Family Cloth&quot; and there are families who do this exclusively.  I read in another blog recently, though, that some families use this for pee only, and otherwise just use toilet paper.  I think I could convince Ben to do that....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
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DATE: 01/04/2010 09:16:36 PM
<p>If Ben would let you get rid of toilet paper, would you do it? It&#39;s almost a necessity, so how would you do without it?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/04/2010 12:44:04 AM
<p>Emma,</p><p>You&#39;re right that it&#39;s hard to quantify &quot;living for joy,&quot; but I mainly mean that I want to look at the good parts of life, and seek out small things that bring me joy, rather than worrying about all the bad parts or things I can&#39;t change.  It can be as simple as turning on a favorite song and being happy about it, instead of focusing on the fact that it&#39;s been a bad day.  Or sipping a cup of tea and preparing to relax at night.  Or reading a brief story and enjoying it.  Or just thinking about what God might be trying to teach me with a given situation instead of focusing on how hard something is.  Does that make sense?  Trying to have a joyful attitude instead of being stressed.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/04/2010 12:31:09 AM
<p>I like your goals, Kate, although they&#39;re a bit nebulous (how do you measure &quot;living for joy&quot;?). </p><p>I also like your projects, and if/when you start selling baby diaper rash cream, I am ready to buy! I have so many pregnant friends or friends with babies, I&#39;m sure once they see how well it works you should have people knocking down your door!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elma
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DATE: 01/03/2010 10:52:31 PM
<p>I admire your ability to make God such a high priority in your life.  I think that would be difficult for me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/03/2010 10:37:10 PM
<p>Elma,</p><p>The reason #3 is so important is because it ties into #1 -- following God&#39;s direction.  It isn&#39;t the projects that are important, it&#39;s listening to God and what He wants me to do, and selecting what I do based on His will.  I did struggle a lot with that but ultimately felt that God&#39;s direction was more important than my role as a wife, if only very slightly.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elma
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DATE: 01/03/2010 08:59:58 PM
<p>How does Ben feel about being just as important as &quot;selecting projects?&quot; Couldn&#39;t that be seen as offensive, like you care more about your projects than you do him?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/03/2010 06:41:08 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Spending more time with my kids means ALL of them  -- current and future.  I&#39;m sure I won&#39;t have another baby until December at the earliest anyway.  My real goal is to change my mothering style to always focus on my children first...all the ones I have.  Plus, we can all spend time together, especially as they get older!  I&#39;ll be posting my thoughts on large families in a few weeks, which I&#39;m sure will answer your concerns.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/03/2010 06:30:22 PM
<p>Goal two is to spend more time with your kids, but goal three includes the &quot;project&quot; of having another baby.  How will you accomplish spending more time with the kids you already have if you add another to the mix so soon?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 01/03/2010 03:54:26 AM
<p>Came by your blog via your baby-led solids post sent to me from a friend.  Your natural path goals sound a lot like mine, although I would venture to say you are farther along than I am.  As well, I like your projects, especially the sewing ones.  Blessings to you as you work toward following His will!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Our Story: Part 1
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/08/2010 10:00:00 PM
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<p>Today's post is the first in my series on Godly relationships and family life.  I thought I would start by sharing our story with you -- how Ben and I met and got married, for this first part.</p><p>It was January, 2005.  I had broken up with my previous boyfriend in May of 2004, but we had remained close until the end of 2004.  It was only in January 2005 that I was able to admit that it was really and truly over between us.  I sat down then, and wrote out how I was feeling, and that I felt I was finally ready to start searching for "the one."  I was 19, almost 20 (okay, do the math...now you know how old I am!).  I wrote out a long list of characteristics: nerdy, into computers, not into sports, tall, big build, religious, local.  Then I set it aside and started going to online dating sites.</p><p>I met a few guys, and had a few dates.  They were all perfectly nice, but...just not for me.  I never went on a second date with any of them.  In May, I found a Christian dating site.  On the general dating sites I'd tried, so many guys seemed into drinking, partying, and having sex outside of marriage -- which I was not.  My first experience on the Christian site was, WHOA!  There were so many awesome guys with the same values I had.  There was one profile in particular that caught my attention...Wattsdude.  I looked at several profiles and sent many guys "smiles," but that one...at first, I just clicked off it.  But I kept coming back to it.  I stared at the picture for a long time.  The guy was tall, kind of angry-looking, and standing far back.  It was hard to see any details of his features.  But somehow, I thought, "I could see myself married to this guy."  So I sent him a smile.</p><p>The next day he sent me an IM (I'd sneakily put my screen name in my profile).  I responded, and we talked for HOURS!  I went to bed that night feeling...awesome, special.  This was really something.  His name was Ben.</p><p>Every night for the next week, we talked for hours and hours.  Ben was working second shift as a retail manager then, and usually got home between 10 and 11.  I would wait, eagerly anticipating his arrival, and we would talk until 3 or 4 in the morning.  Sometimes even longer.  He said I made him smile, and no one made him smile.  I ran downstairs several times to tell my mom things we were talking about.  He understood things I thought and felt like no one ever had before.</p><p>Then he suggested we meet in person, have a date.  He lived two hours away from me, but was willing to drive to me.  His location, by the way, was the ONLY thing that did not meet the criteria I'd written out in January!  I agreed.</p><p>By that time I was in summer school.  I remember driving home from school the morning of our first date, filled with hope, and...love.  I knew I was in love with him and I hadn't even met him yet.  (I learned later that on his way to meet me, he called his sister and told her that he thought he was in love with me, too, and felt we would get married.)</p><p>I saw him walking up the driveway that night...he was TALL!  (He is 6'2" almost and I am 5'3.")  We were so very nervous.  We went out for a walk, then out to dinner.  He told me all kinds of ridiculous things, lecturing me on why Walmart was good and technology was awesome and telling me how special he is.  But, you'd have to know him to understand, he wasn't saying it to be pompous, he was earnest, eager, innocent.  He did, and does, tell it like it is and he's not afraid to say things that many others are.</p><p>We parted that night, afraid to even get near one another, but agreed to a second date.  This time when I said that, I meant it.</p><p>We continued to talk for hours every single night.  Ben came to see me the following week, and this time we hung out with some friends, went miniature golfing, and watched a movie at my house.  He spent some time messing with my parents' computer.  I stood behind him, wanting to put my hands on his shoulders, a bit nervous about doing so, and thought, "I could see myself married to this guy."  That was when I knew.</p><p>In the next few weeks we started to talk about getting married.  By the time I'd known him only a month, I knew if he asked me to marry him right then, I would.  We would get to know each other more and figure everything else out later.  I was absolutely sure I would marry him.  I remember going out with friends on June 18th (just over a month after we'd met, and only days after we started "officially" dating -- which, by the way, amounted to him asking me over IM "so are we boyfriend and girlfriend or what?") and telling them, "Do not be surprised to see me engaged by the end of the year."</p><p>I visited him for the first time in mid-June, around the time we started dating (actually, we had the "are we dating" conversation that night, after I drove home).  I was nervous to drive so far alone but I did.  I was so emotional and crazy and excited to be with him.  We drove around, and talked, and went bowling, and watched a movie.  I was still afraid to touch him or even get too close.  But strangely I felt totally comfortable.  It was like coming home.  That night was the first time we ever hugged each other...even though we were still both pretty nervous!</p><p>Soon after, we got into seriously talking about marriage.  By mid-July we were sure we would get married.  Ben had met my parents a couple times, very briefly.  I hadn't met his.  We shared our first kiss in mid-July, and said "I love you" for the first time on July 22nd (it's in my journal and it's exactly a year and a week before our wedding!).  We talked on the phone now, for hours, and told each other every story we could think of, and spent time each night praying before hanging up.  We both prayed for each other and for our relationship, and for other things going on in our lives.  We also prayed separately that God would show us the way and bless us if we were meant to be together.  We felt sure God had intended us for each other.</p><p>In mid-August, Ben decided to take me home to visit his family.  There's something you need to understand -- I was his very first girlfriend, ever.  His family had teased him for years about never dating, and about how tight-lipped he typically was about his personal life.  They barely knew anything about me, other than that we had been dating for a couple months, and he was bringing me for the weekend.  I was so nervous, but the second I walked into his parents' home, his mother hugged me and welcomed me.  I felt so comfortable being there and talking to everyone.  I had never been so comfortable in a new place before, when I was essentially surrounded by a bunch of strangers.</p><p>The next morning (keep in mind I met most of his family, including his parents, for the very first time the night before), we got up (from our separate bedrooms!) and had breakfast.  We sat and talked while his mother cleaned the kitchen, and just as she was about to walk out of the room, Ben said, "Mom, we have something we want to tell you."  (Now, I can only imagine what was going through her head at this point...looking at her 20-year-old son sitting there, eager and goofy with his very first girlfriend, whom she didn't know at all.)  She came and sat down.  Ben tossed his arm around my shoulders and we looked at each other, all silly and excited, and he said, "We're, um...thinking about getting married next year."  His mother just looked at us, and said, "Okay...."</p><p>We spent the next hour discussing all of this.  His mother was trying to process through all of this...so much at once!  Towards the end of the discussion, his father walked into the room.  Ben told him our news, and his father just grinned and said, "Yeah, I can see that."  He wasn't surprised in the least.</p><p>At the end of the weekend, we drove back to my parents' house.  They weren't home, and Ben had to leave.  But when they got there, I told them our plans.  My mom laughed.  My dad seemed a bit upset.  The ironic part (I learned later) was that while I was gone, my dad told my mom "If it goes well this weekend, they're going to get married."  And my mom said, "No way!  It's not that serious."  Our fathers somehow knew that we were meant to be, while our mothers worried more.</p><p>We began planning our wedding in September.  By this time, I was driving down and staying with Ben every weekend.  He had roommates, so I stayed in his room but slept on the air mattress across the room.  We did lots of fun things, and even just hung out (this started his journey to eating better...he'd take me grocery shopping and I'd shake my head when he started to fill the cart with frozen pizzas and fries, so he'd say "Fine!  Tell me what to buy," and we'd shop and cook together).</p><p>At Christmas, Ben's grandparents picked me up and took me to his parents' house (there were many, many other interesting adventures in there, of the times I met his grandparents, etc. but I don't have time to tell it all now).  It was Christmas Eve.  Ben said, "Let's take our suitcases upstairs so they're not in the way."  His sister had hugged me twice by then, which I thought was a little weird, but whatever.  I agreed.  We went upstairs and Ben (who was wearing gray sweatpants and a Napoleon Dynamite t-shirt, something I never let him forget) started talking to me.  Then he said, "Well, I need to change my pants," and went to close the door.  I was really surprised -- didn't he want me to leave the room before he did that?  Unlike a lot of couples, we were waiting until we got married and I'd never seen him undressed at all.  But, nervously, I went with it.  He came over to talk to me again, then got down on one knee, pulled a ring box from beneath the bed, and said, "Will you marry me?"  Of course I said yes!  (After that I did leave the room and he changed, lol.)</p><p>We went downstairs and everyone else knew exactly what had been going on upstairs, and they were all thrilled.  He'd driven up the night before and had shown everyone the ring and had told them his plans.  I make fun of him all the time for the way he proposed, but he said that if he'd gotten dressed up and taken me out somewhere nice, I would have immediately known.  That's true, because Ben hates getting dressed up and going out, so doing so would have meant something big.  He said he preferred to surprise me.  I wasn't entirely surprised because he had promised to propose by the end of the year and it was Christmas, but I didn't know where or when he was going to do it exactly.</p><p>Our wedding date was set for July 29th, 2006.  We continued to pray and plan and were so excited to start our lives together.  It was torture not being able to be together every second of every day.  By May I was spending 5 days a week here (he already owned the house we live in now) and only 2 days at my parents'.  The more intimate details of our courtship, I'll skip...but suffice to say that we did wait until we were married.</p><p>Anyway, we were married on July 29th and we began our life together!  It was wonderful and we feel so blessed and happy to be together.  We are sure that God brought us together and we are just thrilled with our life.</p><p>More on our story (including children) later....</p><p>How did you meet your spouse?  Do you feel God brought you together?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's post is the first in my series on Godly relationships and family life.  I thought I would start by sharing our story with you -- how Ben and I met and got married, for this first part.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/15/2010 01:54:20 PM
<p>Ed,</p><p>It&#39;s not &quot;young,&quot; it&#39;s &quot;naive,&quot; &quot;innocent,&quot; &quot;irresponsible&quot; and other words that basically mean because we&#39;re young (and yes, we are!), we have no idea what we&#39;re doing or talking about.  We -- just like everyone -- will learn more in time and there are many things we just don&#39;t know yet and can&#39;t predict, but having people come on here and point it out, and say &quot;Look how cute you two are!  Oh, to be so innocent and naive again!&quot; is like someone patting our heads like we&#39;re just children.  You know?  And regardless of what we know or don&#39;t know yet, we are doing the best we can and would like respect from fellow adults.  If you think we are naive, go ahead and have a private laugh about it!  I do that all the time when I talk to others or read other blogs.  But I don&#39;t go on and tell them just how silly I think their ideas are.  It&#39;s about being gentle and commenting in a way that furthers ideas and debate, which that sort of thing doesn&#39;t do.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ed
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DATE: 01/15/2010 03:34:08 AM
<p>Why do you and Ben get so fired up about being called young?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jern
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DATE: 01/15/2010 12:44:36 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I don&#39;t define being a whole person by age.  I define being a whole person, or adult, as someone who is self-supporting emotionally and financially.  Until a person can take care of their own emotional and financial needs, they are a dependent not an adult.  I don&#39;t think it&#39;s a good idea to always be someone&#39;s dependent.  Even though I am a guy, I don&#39;t think a paternalistic society is a good idea.  I think girls need to become women and boys need to become men before they can commit to a partnership.  If one person is still dependent (be it the male or the female), the marriage is not an equal partnership.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ginger
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DATE: 01/15/2010 12:35:10 AM
<p>Did you go to a religious counselor or a marital therapist?  How much education do marital therapists need to have?  How much education in counseling do religious counselors have?  It seems like there could be disparities, and that some counseling would be more valuable than other counseling.  Which do you recommend?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/14/2010 05:46:28 PM
<p>Tara,</p><p>Traditionally it&#39;s done by religious officials, but yes, you can get counseling if you aren&#39;t religious.  Any licensed marital therapist should be able to meet with you for premarital counseling as well (except that it would be preemptive, of course, and probably you&#39;d meet weekly or bimonthly for 6 - 10 sessions).  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.therapistlocator.net/">http://www.therapistlocator.net/</a>  That is a website I found from American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, so I would start there if you are seeking a non-religious premarital counseling experience.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tara
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DATE: 01/14/2010 05:30:18 PM
<p>Is pre-marital counselling done only by priests and religious officials? Can you get pre-marital counseling if you aren&#39;t religious?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/14/2010 02:24:38 PM
<p>Jern,</p><p>1. Most people don&#39;t save (enough) for college, and many early marriages fail.  We believe it&#39;s possible to save fully for college and make an early marriage work.  How does either statistic work more in our favor?</p><p>2. Unfortunately, not all couples actually, truly commit to working out problems when they marry.  They hold divorce as an option in the back of their minds in case something comes up they feel they can&#39;t deal with.  We have already decided divorce isn&#39;t an option for us (and before you say that&#39;s naive, we were told by couples who&#39;d been married between 10 and 30 years that we must agree never to even say that word in a fight).  A lot of people have trouble in their marriages because they haven&#39;t discussed important issues before they got married -- children, jobs, location, money, etc.  We discussed this thoroughly together and in premarital counseling (which we recommend for any couple planning to marry).</p><p>3. We will present a wide range of authors and opinions.  But why is it that you define &quot;being a whole person&quot; by a person&#39;s age?  It is possible to be a whole person at 20, but not at 40.  People mature at different rates.</p><p>There will be no further comments along these lines published.  This is turning into rude, personal attacks on our beliefs and lifestyle.  You are welcome to disagree but you are not welcome to attack us.  I am very, very sorry that people are not being mature about this and I sincerely hope I don&#39;t regret my decision to share our life, which I have done merely to show the good AND bad parts in hopes that it might help someone else someday.  So if I receive any further rude comments, they will not be posted and this post will be locked from future comments.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lila
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DATE: 01/14/2010 03:20:44 AM
<p>Emma-</p><p>I agree with you about &quot;love language.&quot; Taking out the trash, fixing dinner, and driving the kids to practice may all seem trivial, but, really, that&#39;s the stuff most couples fight about. Doing acts of service, or acts of love, for others is one way to show that we respect the efforts and needs of each other.  </p><p>I think you are on the right track and you and your husband should keep doing what you are doing.  Self-interest is what kills love and, eventually, marriages. Good for you for having the ability to see another&#39;s perspective and for having the ability to adapt and change in repsonse to your family&#39;s emotional needs.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jern
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DATE: 01/14/2010 03:10:51 AM
<p>1. You use statistics when they work in your favor (ex. saving for college), but not when they don&#39;t (ex. success rates of early mrriages).</p><p>2. Didn&#39;t you commit to solving any problems in your marraige the day you were married?  Haven&#39;t all couples who marry &quot;already decided&quot; to commit to work through any problems?  Isn&#39;t that the definition of marriage?</p><p>3.  Will you present the thoughts and ideas of authors and pastors who think couples should wait until they are whole individuals before marrying, or will you only present the thoughts and ideas of authors and pastors that reinforce your own situation?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/14/2010 02:28:01 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>We in no way encourage -- or discourage -- others from following our lead.  That is between the couple and God.  Our story is meant to be our perspective, and an introduction to our thoughts, feelings, and why we believe in Biblical marriage (which is coming up).  When we get there, I&#39;ll be quoting and referring to many authors and pastors who know more than we do.  While we do not encourage anyone to marry (or not) at any particular age or in any particular situation, we do encourage all to have a Biblical marriage and to keep God at the center.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 01/14/2010 02:03:01 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Fine.   I won&#39;t use staistics to make my point if you don&#39;t use your early marriage to romanticize life.  You may overcome the odds, but holding yourselves up as examples simply encourages other 20 year olds to follow your path.  That&#39;s probably not a good idea since most of them will fail. Romeo and Juliet seemed like a great love story too, but both of them wound up dead!  Not much of an example.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/14/2010 12:59:21 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Statistics mean nothing to the individual.  There are plenty of people who are older who make poor decisions; there are plenty of young people who make good decisions.  We are happily married and have already decided to commit to working out any issues that come up in our marriage.  We take this commitment very seriously.  I hope that you and everyone have good, loving marriages, and I also hope that you wish others the same.  Please think twice before posting sarcastic comments again, it is really not very polite.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2010 12:55:30 AM
<p>Nineteen and 20 year olds are notorious for making GREAT marital decisions!  Have you ever looked at the statistics for early marriages?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/13/2010 02:45:03 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Student teaching as job experience - really? Did you get paid and support yourself?  Didn&#39;t you have a cooperating teacher who gave you guidance and  and who stepped in when necessary.  7:00 -3:30 or 4:00 is a relatively short day.  I bet you put more hours in as a mother. With the illegalities of the funding of education in Ohio and the cut-backs that so many schools are making, I really doubt that you could get a job teaching very quickly.  It could take years of subbing and proving yourself before any school system would hire you.  You also have to be highly qualified<br/>which means having a license.  When does/did yours expire?</p><p>It&#39;s great that you are so confident in Ben&#39;s ability to keep or find a job.  So many people accross this country, and particularly in Ohio, are really struggling with unemployment (perhaps you&#39;ve seen reports of this on the news?).  Many of these people are very experienced workers who thought the same as you. They are now working at minimum wage jobs to, almost, make ends meet.</p><p>I&#39;m glad your marriage is happy.  I believe that all adults, men and women, NEED to be independent or at least to know they can be.  How can a person be a full contributing PARTNER if they are really a dependent.  I doubt that we will ever see eye to eye on this issue.  You chose your path because you wanted to be dependent on someone.  I, too, stay home with my children but worked for a while before they were born.  This allowed me to pay off all of my debt AND to know that I could do so myself.  I don&#39;t need my husband to take responsibilty for my debt for me. I&#39;m sorry you will never know that feeling. Perhaps your daughter will.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/12/2010 03:28:31 AM
<p>Anonymous - I totally agree with you about abuse. Abuse is one situation where a woman should get out as soon as possible. No waiting, just leave and end the marriage. In my post I was referring to the &#39;irreconcilable differences&#39; that are suddenly a huge problem in marriages. It bugs me because the things that people today fight about that become those irreconcilable differences were around back in those times (for the most part; no, they didn&#39;t have facebook then, which apparently is listed in almost half of divorce decrees now as a contributing factor) but they did have adultery and things like that. </p><p>I don&#39;t think that everything back then was so much more superior to what we have now, or anything like that, but the fact that over half of marriages fail (irreconcilable differences), and up to 75% of second and third marriages fail.</p><p>I personally don&#39;t think that there is a such thing as an irreconcilable difference. There is a such thing as two people not willing to compromise on an issue, or making a huge deal out of something tiny (people have actually gotten divorced because he wouldn&#39;t put the toilet seat back down...really? Are we serious?).</p><p>As for the &#39;taking out the trash&#39; comment, I&#39;m not saying that everyone doesn&#39;t have responsibilities. My husband usually takes out the trash (at least 80% of the time), but sometimes I give him a break when he has something important to do and do it myself. I do a majority of the cooking, but sometimes he&#39;ll make me dinner to show his love (and to give me a break). Looking out for the other person&#39;s needs is crucial - if he&#39;s trying to solve a problem, I can take out the trash. It won&#39;t kill me. If I&#39;m working hard on a project around dinner time, he&#39;ll take care of dinner. That&#39;s one way to show your love to somebody. There are tons of other ways, and acts of service aren&#39;t everyone&#39;s &#39;love language&#39; according to the book about them, but they are ways of showing love.</p><p>One other thing - I&#39;m not writing this on some rant...I find the discussion about this stuff really interesting. Keep in mind that I work more than 40 hours a week (I&#39;m at work at 0615 and don&#39;t get home until somewhere between 1500 and 1600 every day, depending on what project/training I&#39;m doing at the time) and I&#39;m spending a lot of time leading two ministries at my church. And my husband loves me even though I&#39;m not at home caring for kids and cleaning up around the place. That&#39;s why we have a Roomba that we can schedule to run at different times of the day. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:59:44 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I did have some experience &quot;working full time&quot; when I student taught.  Technically I had to do so from mid-Sept. until late Nov. but I chose to start mid-Aug. and finish early Dec.  Then, I was getting up at 6 am and getting work by 7:15 or so and working until 3:30 - 4.  No, I haven&#39;t held a &quot;real&quot; job but I have a happy marriage and I do have a degree so I could get a job if I needed to.  I just don&#39;t believe that women NEED to be independent.  They should have a plan, in case the worst happens, but they don&#39;t have to have that experience to be complete in life.  I certainly don&#39;t feel like I missed out.  As far as Ben losing his job -- his field is big enough that he could get one before our emergency fund or his severance ran out.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:53:11 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Five to 10 hours aweek sounds more like a hobby than a job.  Are you asying you&#39;ve never held a real, full-time, professional job?  How on earth would you care for yourself and your children if Ben lost his job?</p><p>I agree  with Liesel.  women in our grandmother&#39;s time had just as much adultery and abuse.  They stayed in unhappy marriages from lack of choice because they had no way to get jobs that would support them and their children.  All women should be educated and should have the knowledge that they can take care of themselves.  This knowledge comes from actually doing it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:33:59 AM
<p>Emma- I think you have to understand that life in our &quot;grandparents&#39; time&quot; still included things like adultery and abuse in many forms. While many couples stayed together because they made a commitment (or more realistically the woman had no other option than to stay) it caused just as much grief and sorrow as it does today (and as divorce does too.) There&#39;s always too sides to the story and the grass is always greener on the other side right?</p><p>I&#39;d also like to point out that acts of service (taking out the trash) should never be done to make another person happy. I don&#39;t ever want my husband or kids to think they have to do &quot;things&quot; to make me happy. My joy comes from within and like Ben posted earlier, I love my family members unconditonally. I take out the trash and do laundry because that&#39;s what needs to be done to make our home function. We all pitch in to make our household run and our happiness stems from God, the &quot;author and redeemer of us all.&quot;</p><p>Kate- Darren and I met at our home church in Pennsylvania though we did not start dating until much later when I came out here to go to college. I fully believe it was God who brought us together and though our path is very different from yours and Ben&#39;s, our faith is the same. Darren is 7 years older than me and was living out here for a previous girlfriend. We saw each other at our home church the summer before I started college and in talking, soon found out I would be going to college in the town he lived in! Had we not seen each other that day we never would have crossed paths here in Columbus. We started hanging out... then dating after I came to school. We dated for 4 years before we married! Though we didn&#39;t abstain from sex before marriage, looking back, I wouldn&#39;t have changed a thing. There&#39;s a lot of story to be told and  too much to post here. God works in miraculous ways.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/12/2010 02:18:38 AM
<p>Winifred,</p><p>I never did get a job after graduation.  But I ran my own music school, teaching privately 5 - 10 hours per week up until recently (although I was only teaching 1 student after Daniel was born).  I taught privately for about 8 years.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Winifred
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2010 01:48:37 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>At what school did you teach?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 01/11/2010 06:35:08 PM
<p>Reading this story makes me have to laugh, because I remember being one of the people who told Kate she was crazy that she wanted to marry Ben after knowing him for such a short time. Having gotten married myself since then, I really don&#39;t think it&#39;s that crazy, and I&#39;ll attempt to explain my thinking.</p><p>Too many people think that love is some sort of never-ending fairy tale. You meet the person, you know immediately he/she is the one, you get married, and you never fight about anything. You agree on everything, and life is full of smiles and happiness. If you&#39;re taking the world&#39;s definition of love, this usually involves having sex and the hormones are out of the roof, and you think that he/she is perfect. The problem is that hormone one, which is only made worse by sex. If you abstain from it (which my husband and I did, although, like Kate and Ben, we weren&#39;t as faithful to being completely abstinent...no sex, but we were crazy for each other), your judgment is clearer, and you can actually address any issues you two have to - fighting doesn&#39;t have to happen because you&#39;re less defensive as you haven&#39;t completely bared yourself to them (literally), and you don&#39;t feel as betrayed if they&#39;re frustrated or angry with you.</p><p>I wish we were still in our grandparents&#39; time, when two people in love made a commitment to each other forever and meant it. They didn&#39;t expect fairy tales out of their marriage, they realized that it was going to be hard and they would have to work at it. But they made a decision and they stuck with it. It doesn&#39;t sound as romantic if you describe it that way, but love isn&#39;t a happy feeling. That&#39;s, well, hormones. And a lot of the time, you&#39;ll have that when you meet someone and you&#39;ll have that sporadically throughout your relationship with them. Love is that decision; it&#39;s waking up early to make them breakfast before work even though you hate mornings, it&#39;s taking out the trash even if you don&#39;t want to, because you know it will make them happy. Love is a decision, and that&#39;s why people claim they fall out of love - if you think love is that tingly feeling in your stomach (or elsewhere), then when the tingles stop you don&#39;t have what you think is love anymore.</p><p>That being said, I think that Kate and Ben had plenty of time to realize that they were compatible enough to be married in the amount of time they were together before getting engaged and married. I was fairly certain before my husband and I started going out that I&#39;d marry him. We started going out a few weeks later, just under two years later we were engaged, 5 months later we were married, and 7 months later we&#39;re enjoying marriage. It&#39;s not always rainbows and ribbons and giggles, but I love him. I still get the tingles too. :) We are newlyweds, after all!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/11/2010 03:59:41 PM
<p>Carreen,</p><p>Of course I wouldn&#39;t be disappointed in her. My dad&#39;s dream growing up was being involved in sports and to this day is something very important to him. I, on the other hand, pretty much hate everything to do with sports. Do you think my dad is disappointed in me? Quite the contrary.</p><p>Being a parent isn&#39;t about making mini versions of yourself. I said it the way I did because unfortunately most people think that a woman who stays home with her kids is a second class citizen; that somehow her life has no meaning if she doesn&#39;t have a career.</p><p>I will love her unconditionally no matter what she chooses to do with her life. Whether she stays home, like my mom, my mother-in-law, and Kate, or she chooses to work like both my sisters. There is no wrong answer, and it will be something that each of out children decide for themselves.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carreen
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2010 01:50:06 PM
<p>Ben,</p><p>What if Rebekah did NOT want to &quot;make the ultimate sacrifice&quot;? What if she chose to have a career and sent any children she had to day care? Would you still be proud? I&#39;m just wondering because you said &quot;nothing would make me prouder.&quot; Will you be disappointed if she chooses to have a different lifestyle than your own?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liz
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2010 02:02:28 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Sorry, it sounded like you were unhappy with the career path you were on.  I didn&#39;t realize you actually were a school music teacher and that you liked it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/11/2010 01:46:54 AM
<p>Liz,</p><p>I should clarify -- it wasn&#39;t the career I found depressing (I found teaching very fulfilling until I had kids, at which point I preferred to be with them).  It was the idea of living alone, not sure what the next step of my life was.  I knew I wanted to marry and have kids, and ideally, when I was young.  So I was quite happy to meet Ben and be able to do that!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liz
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2010 01:38:26 AM
<p>Ben and Kate-</p><p>It sounds like your situation worked out.  My grandma used to say, Marry in haste and repent at your leisure.&quot;  I guess it&#39;s good that the repenting part isn&#39;t something you&#39;re experiencing!</p><p>Ben- It&#39;s nice that you value Kate&#39;s role as a mother.  You are correct that parenting is more important than a job, but it is a BLESSING not &quot;the ultimate sacrifice.&quot;  What, exactly, do you think is being sacrficied?</p><p>Kate - It&#39;s too bad that you picked a career that you anticipated to be depressing.  Why didn&#39;t you choose differently (change majors, etc.)? It seems from your comments about moving back to your parent&#39;s that you are a person who likes to be surrounded by family.  I do too, but I also think knowing you are able to care for yourself, taking TOTAL responsibility for yourself and not relying on anyone else, is a very empowering experience.  I think it&#39;s something every young adult, girls as well as boys, should experience - just like Ben apparently did.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/11/2010 12:47:37 AM
<p>Liz,</p><p>Kate didn&#39;t really make our situation completely clear, but the 6 months before we got married, I was working a full time job, a part time job, and going to school full time. Kate was going to school and working on Saturday. I graduated a month before we got married, and Kate graduated just under a year afterward. Since we lived 2 hours apart, we literally would never have seen each other if we didn&#39;t stay overnight.</p><p>I stayed in her parents guest room when I was there, and Kate slept on an air mattress in my room. I should also point out that I had 4 roommates in the house as well, so it wasn&#39;t exactly living together.</p><p>That being said, I decided to not have sex before marriage, and to not live together before marriage from a young age. The only reason I bent on that rule, in terms of her staying the night, was because of our distance situation. I&#39;m not saying that it was the best decision for a Godly person to make, even though it was only for a few months before we got married, but honestly we were both crazy in love at the time.</p><p>In terms of our kids, I would absolutely support them, or anyone for that matter, meeting people online. I know that it has a bad reputation because there are some freaks out there, but I think that 95% of people are honest. </p><p>As far as living together, I hope that our kids are stronger then we were. We all make mistakes in our intemperate youth, and I&#39;m glad the worst mistake I made was sort of living together for a few months.</p><p>Your last paragraph is more of a difficult one to answer. Kate and I believe in what the Bible says; that the wives role is to stay home while I support the family. Now some people might say that she is being submissive, or any number of negative things, but in my mind, what she does is far more important then what I do.</p><p>Raising kids is the single most important thing that we will do in life, and Kate&#39;s role as a mom is far more important then my job. In addition, my health is considerably better now then it ever has been, because of all the effort she spends in preparing 100% home cooked meals, among other things.</p><p>Of course for the Biblical system to work, the man has to have these kinds of values. Unfortunately, most men feel that they are the important ones because they earn all the money. If Rebekah met a man like me, nothing would make me prouder then her making the ultimate sacrifice to stay home and raise her children, even if that meant never having a job after college. For the record, my mom never had a job until after my sister started college.</p><p>I hope our kids have the same experience that we did. Yes, our parents were supportive because both sets married quickly after they met. If you truly know who you want to marry, before you met them, once you do, there is no reason to wait. We believe that you get married to date, not the other way around. Once you know it&#39;s the right person, you spend the rest of your life getting to know them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/11/2010 12:35:13 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I searched online and can&#39;t find a reason why the reporter would say that -- there were other reasons why one would avoid debit cards, but that wasn&#39;t one of them, and that issue wasn&#39;t even mentioned in all the articles I looked at.  So I really don&#39;t know if I&#39;d trust that opinion since I can&#39;t find any verification for it.  Usually if something is true, more than one person has said it!  I&#39;d look into that more carefully if you are concerned, but since I can&#39;t find a single source who agrees, I don&#39;t buy it.</p><p>Liz/Careen,</p><p>Our parents were totally freaked out that we wanted to marry so quickly.  BUT they had nothing to say!  My parents were 23 and 25 when they married just 6 months after they met (and none of their parents met the other until their wedding!); Ben&#39;s parents were 21 and 33 when they married, barely a year after meeting.  For us at 21 and 14 months after meeting, well, it was really longer than any of them!  Which we pointed out.  :)  The only time I was with Ben 5 days a week was the last few weeks before we were married.  I worked only on weekends so I went back to my parents&#39; then, and I was out of school for the summer.  I hadn&#39;t graduated yet, but I did finish after we were married and I do have my degree now.  Our parents were worried about that...but it worked out.  And they understood that we felt that we were right for each other and that the timing was right, and we had their blessing.</p><p>I do feel like we knew each other well when we got married.  There weren&#39;t really any &quot;surprises,&quot; just the usual adjustment period that all newlyweds go through.  People did tell us we were crazy.  :)  And I do think for a lot of people, they just &quot;know&quot; when they meet the right one.  I&#39;ve heard that from many people.  I have some friends who met on the missions field in some foreign country, then returned to their homes (sometimes very, very far apart) and got married not long after the missions trip ended so they could stay together.  One couple has been happily married for at least 3 years; the other for 15 I think (actually the latter is the pastor who married us)!  Sometimes it just happens fast.</p><p>Finally, before I met Ben my plan was to graduate, get my own apartment and get a &quot;real&quot; job (I was teaching music privately then, but I mean get a job as a school music teacher after graduation).  I found this idea very depressing.  I knew I could, and of course I still could get a job if I wanted or needed to.  But I hated my first year at college, in a dorm.  I left that school and moved back in with my parents because I wanted to be surrounded by family.  And I wanted to go straight from my parents&#39; house to my husbands&#39; house.  And I did.  I would want that for Bekah.  I would have faith that any boyfriend she had, especially any she was very serious with, was a truly good guy whom we knew well and that we would give them our blessing to marry.  I&#39;ll be talking about that a lot more in future blog entries.  As for looking online -- it&#39;s a bit unorthodox, yes, but I felt that I needed to find a man who truly measured up to my standards, and I just didn&#39;t think I&#39;d find him at a club or a bar, or even at school or church.  Not in the situation I was in (I was in fairly small groups, limited selection).  I wouldn&#39;t be unhappy if Bekah decided to look online because I would expect they&#39;d meet in person well before they decided to get married...or at least tell me so at first.  :)</p><p>I hope that answers your questions.  And by the way, we were often staying in separate rooms, or at least separate beds when we were staying together, and my father frequently came down during the week to help me paint, clean, move furniture, etc.  So for the few weeks I was here a lot before marriage we were quite busy and our families were involved.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2010 11:38:07 PM
<p>The credit cards with the Visa or Mastercard symbold were EXACTLY the ones the consumer reporter said to avoid at all costs.  She said the kind with just a bank logo are better.  I don&#39;t remember why.  Do you have any insights as to why she would say to avoid, in particular, the Visa/Mastercard debit cards? You are right, Paypal is a good option.  They only have your checking account information.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liz
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2010 10:41:58 PM
<p>I was wondering some similar things to Careen.  Were your parents supportive of you spending five days a week at Ben&#39;s house?  My parents would have considered that &quot;living together.&quot;  They refused to help pay for any part of my wedding if I lived with my husband before getting married.  Looking back, I see there point - playing house is not the same as committing to a lifelong partnership.</p><p>Will you be supportive of Bekah living with her boyfriend as you did, particularly at such a young age? Will you be supportive of her looking for a husband online?  </p><p>Also, didn&#39;t you have a job or school to attend?  How did you find the time to be at Ben&#39;s five days a week?  Did you get married before graduating from college (I&#39;m assuming you graduated but perhaps I&#39;m wrong).  I think I would want my daughters to graduate and support themselves for a while so that they KNOW that they never have to stay in a bad relationship.  That way they will know they can take care of themselves and not need a husband to take care of them.  </p><p>What are your hopes for your children?  Were your parents supportive of your decision to marry so quickly and so young?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carreen
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2010 07:38:12 AM
<p>I like your story, but I can&#39;t grasp how you knew you wanted to marry Ben after only knowing him for a month! People must have told you you were CRAZY! Do you think this is how all or most marriages are formed? That is, is there a moment when you just &quot;know&quot;? What were you doing when you were 19 or 20 that you could spend 5 days a week at his house? Did you feel you really &quot;knew&quot; him when you married him or were there surprises? I just can&#39;t believe how quickly it all happened for you! I hope everything continues to run smoothly =)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/10/2010 02:53:58 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>This is really posted under the wrong post, but I wanted to answer it.</p><p>Some debit cards DO come with the extra protection -- you have to ask your bank.  If the debit card has a credit symbol on it (VISA or Mastercard), it should have the same protection as credit, even though it is really a debit card.  Most debit cards are these now.</p><p>And no, I&#39;m not worried about it.  Ben lost his wallet once and we canceled everything and were not liable.  As for online payments, Paypal is also a good option and is perfectly secure.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2010 01:16:53 AM
<p>I&#39;ve read that debit cards don&#39;t have the same security if they are lost or stolen as credit cards have.  If someone gets your card number and PIN, they have access to all of the cash in that account opposed to the $50. responsibility you have with a credit card.  </p><p>The consumer reporter for our newspaper says to NEVER use a debit card, so there are definitely two schools of thought amongst the financial advising community.  </p><p>Since I buy things online, I use a credit card for the theft protection.  I know you have mentioned shopping online.  Aren&#39;t you worried about someone stealing your information and accessing your acouunt(s)?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Linsey
EMAIL: linsey@yourperfectbirthohio.com
IP: 173.98.248.195
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:38:21 AM
<p>Kate</p><p>While I do think 20 is VERY young I can't say much. I did go to college away from home and was never a homebody. I am close to my parents - but we get along best with a few hours or states between us (with daily phone calls). I returned to Ohio for graduate school and at age 23 I decided it was time to settle down. I too did the online dating thing since I was in a new city and didn't know anyone here. I had a 2 month rule to dating. In 2 months I figured you would know if you could marry the guy or not - and if not, after 2 months even most &quot;christian&quot; guys expected a level of physical intimacy I was not comfortable with. So, I had only had two boyfriends in my entire life that had made it past the 2 months. I too was a &quot;good girl&quot; until I got married.</p><p>Ken and I met in April of 2003, we were exclusive by May 9th. We were engaged September 23rd and married January 3rd 2004. When you know you know. Oddly enough, though we met online a mutual friend also tried to set us up. I guess it was meant to be.  I was 23 - he was 24. Ken was much like you - he had gone to school, didn't like it - came home and lived with his parents. He had a good job but he had never really lived on his own. I had always been a loner - only child, single rooms, RA, my single apartment. I have had professional jobs over the past 6 years of our marriage but currently find myself out of work and having difficulty conceiving. Sometimes it doesn't pay to wait. Thankfully my husband has a wonderful career now.</p><p>So be glad you had your children while you were young and healthy. I think we share many of the same convictions of organic, healthy, local eating, natural birth, and debt free christian living. I'm glad I met you and read your story!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam
EMAIL: hhramblings@gmail.com
IP: 67.167.20.112
URL: http://ramblingsofahappyhomemaker.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 11:53:06 AM
<p>Wow - this is obviously a top that makes some cat's fur stand on end! LOL!  In reading the comments, it seems some people get almost hostile about the subject and your choices.</p><p>I think that when you're seeking God about bringing you a Godly mate who fits the desires of your heart (which are there because God gave them to you) - He can choose any avenue He wishes to bring your spouse to you.  And, no, it doesn't alway take a lot of time.</p><p>I met my husband in October of '94.  Our first date was New Year's Eve that year.  And we got married mid-April of '95 - just 6 months after meeting and 3 1/2 month after our 1st date.  We KNEW!  He was every. single. thing. I wanted in a mate, and I was his.  And we're not just talking superficial things like looks, although it certainly includes that.  I agree that once you KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt - what is the point in waiting to get married?  I knew I wouldn't love my husband any more after a year or two than I did at that point, and the physical temptation would be too great to bear.  We just celebrated our 15th anniversary and I can honestly say that it just keeps getting better and better.  We don't fight - never have.  We respect each other and work out our differences of opinion as adults.  We realize that we are on the same team and have the same goals - that goes a long way in having a happy life together.  I would marry him that quickly all over again!  I have never once regretted it.  Next, to my son - he's the best gift God has ever given me.  We truly have a spectacular life together.</p><p>I know it doesn't work out quickly for everyone.  That's OK.  I just think it's sad to hear the judgemental overtones in the comments towards you, because they don't understand.  Or like you've let your life become something other than wonderful because you chose not to have a career and support yourself.  They simply don't understand the dynamics of a relationship where the husband loves the wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  And that's OK.  It's the most fulfilling and wonderful relationship there is.</p><p>I'm glad that God brought you and Ben together and wish you a life full of love and happiness!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: hbenza@comcast.net
IP: 98.247.164.80
URL: http://www.benzabulletin.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/21/2010 07:31:20 AM
<p>I think it's funny what people view as a marrying in haste....14 months of dating is a pretty decent length of time...especially for a couple not having intimate relations before marriage. Everyone I know who waited for marriage met and married in about 6 months!  My husband and I had our first phone conversation December 20th, 2005. We talked about 4-6 hours every day until our first in person date on the 26th and we continued to talk long hours on the phone. We probably covered normal people's 6 months of dating talk in the first couple of weeks. I was very clear---I wasn't interested in games and facades and being on our best behavior. I wanted honest straight info about who he was and what he wanted in life or why bother with date number 2? So we went to Vegas and got married on St. Patrick's Day 2006! I'd met his parents once, he'd met my mom twice (he worked with my step-dad). It's not the length of time that matters but the depth of the knowledge shared and can you really communicate with each other. Now I do think planning to do anything simultaneously with pregnancy is a huge mistake! You can't really depend on those 9 months--my first was born at 29 weeks, so I ended up having to drop out of the classes I was taking (I already had my Bachelor's degree before getting married.) I'll be SAHM at least 2 more years before returning to work. At your age I never thought I'd want to be a SAHM, but when my maternity leave ended the day my baby was released from the NICU the thought of letting anyone else spend the bulk of the day with him went right out the window. I can't imagine anything being more fun or fulfilling or important than raising my babies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: brande
EMAIL: brandeholm@gmail.com
IP: 98.18.31.78
URL: 
DATE: 06/21/2010 05:47:53 PM
<p>i think this is fantastic! thank you for sharing your story and being open, honest, and humble enough to answer questions about your courtship, etc. </p><p>my husband and i got engaged a month after we met, and married 3 months later. we do question the wisdom of not going to pre-marital counseling, but other than that we have not regretted a thing. God is so faithful to sustain us, and His sovereignty is proved to us day by day! i do not think we have run into any problems that we wouldn't have without moving so quickly, and it sounds like you feel similarly. marriage is ALWAYS going to be hard, no matter how long you courted (or dated, whatever) for. thanks again for your example in humility and for sharing your story! i stumbled on your blog looking for a cloth diaper tutorial and will be a frequent visitor now!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: lovechicken@earthlink.net
IP: 198.174.110.147
URL: 
DATE: 06/28/2010 06:43:41 AM
<p>Kate -</p><p>I am very happy to have found your site/blog.  I am 35yo SAH mom(who also works 10-20hrs/wk night/weekends) of 3 (4yr, 2 1/2, 8mo) who is in awe of a 25yo mom of 2 who is able to do organic living.  I am also soooo blessed to have read your story of God directing your life and marriage.  I live in an area where organic living comes with the assumption of &quot;earth worshiping&quot; and so I have been very hesitant to explore.  your site makes me very comfortable to become better steward of God's creation while worshiping the Creator, not the creation.</p><p>by the way, Awesome that God gave you a husband and children while you were young.  God blessed me with some opportunities for grad school and a wonderful career before He introduced me to my husband and now my children.  You are young, but you are NOT niave.  you are intentional.  May God bless you and your family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelsey
EMAIL: ryandkels@yahoo.com
IP: 209.112.181.73
URL: 
DATE: 08/26/2010 12:48:53 AM
<p>Anonymous - </p><p>I just felt like I should add something here because you seem to be very discouraging to how these people have decided to live their lives. It&#39;s not a path that everyone should take, but in their case, it worked out and they&#39;re happy and I see no reason why you should be unkind about it.  Kate obviously has skills that she could use should she ever need to, and there is nothing shameful about not being completely &quot;independent&quot; before you get married. That&#39;s a myth being perpetuated by our society and it is false. I always thought that I would finish my degree before getting married, but it ended up not being the right decision for us, so I still had two years of school to finish after getting married, which I finished right on time and have no regrets about it. I work outside of the home right now because we have not yet been blessed with children, but given the chance I would have gladly never built a career outside of the home, because I feel that is where I belong. That is not everyone&#39;s opinion and that is fine, but you should be careful about being unkind to those who follow a different path than your own. I applaud Kate for staying home and nurturing her children and family.</p><p>P.S. And to Emma - there are many different ways that people show love to one another. For some, acts of kindness are how they feel the most loved. And for some, acts of kindness is how they best SHOW love. There is nothing shameful about performing kind acts to show love for another human being. Isn&#39;t that exactly what the Savior did while he was on the earth? It&#39;s called service, and it is an excellent way to show love for one another.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/26/2010 04:07:24 AM
<p>Linsey, Pam, Kelsey, Heather, Amy, Brande (anyone else I missed?),</p><p>Thanks so much for your kind words!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.76.96.41
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 04:35:15 PM
<p>What a beautiful story Kate!!  And very similar to my own story.  I married my husband 18 months after we met.  I was 21 and he was 23.  I told my friends 4 weeks after we started dating that I had met my husband.  He was, or should I say is, everything that was on my list too.  I was still in college &amp; I left without graduating.  I only worked full time for 8 months before we decided that I should stay at home.  We are happily married just over 8 years now &amp; have 2 children &amp; hope to soon have a quiverful.</p><p>I must say I am very surprised to see such a negative response to your story.  In my experience, it is not unusual to see people get married at, what is generally considered, a young age within the christian community</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 97.124.66.251
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/29/2010 04:40:48 AM
<p>I enjoyed reading your story.  God certainly has His own way of doing things, and no two couples are exactly alike!  Good for you for doing the right thing.  All I can say to those naysayers is that it appears to me that you both are living by faith and not by sight.  Sure having a college degree and supporting yourself and regarding statistics is the American way, but not necessarily the godly way.  I feel that being stay at home mom is not &quot;depending&quot; on anyone.  It&#39;s a partnership.  </p><p>(I found your blog through Keeper of the Home.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca Pemberton
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.47.129
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 07:19:29 AM
<p>Wow, I cannot believe most of the comments on here. Christ is not glorified in shaming what He has brought together, or casting stones for past mistakes.<br/>Our story is similar in a few ways to you and your husbands. My husband and I met online when we were sixteen (GASP ladies), and married a little over a year and a half later. So I was 17 and he was 18. We had our first child when I was 19. Do I think it is wise to marry this young, for most no, but for those who follow God and know that He has brought them together, it is a blessing. <br/>We were members of a fundamental Baptist church after we had our first child, and people were condemning of us, (in many ways). What were they wanting us to say, we&#39;ll get a divorce just to appease your mind?<br/> <br/>We have now been married 11 years (throw the statistics away). Things are harder now then they have ever been, which has nothing to do with our age when we married. I desire to go back to the love we once had. It is hard when life gets so hectic and satan is throwing pain at you left and right, but I know with God we will endure. Don&#39;t think your marriage can never hit rock bottom either. We were madly in love as well. We now have four children, my husband was unemployed for 6 months (just got a new job!), I lost my mom a few months ago (I cared for her through a battle with cancer), etc. Life can get in the way and you can lose eachother. Stay strong, surround yourselves with supportive people (we lack that), and put God first (we have drifted) and all the rest will fall into place. <br/>May the Lord bless your family</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gayle
EMAIL: gabengayle@verizon.net
IP: 173.71.149.254
URL: 
DATE: 12/01/2010 04:17:03 AM
<p>I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your story after I ran across your blog tonight. Although I doubt you will, please don&#39;t let anyones negative comments discourage you in your view of marriage. Sadly, it is true that the majority of marriages end in divorce these days, but the majority of people no longer regard their marriage vows as sacred and binding. Like you, my husband and I believe that marriage is a lifetime covenant, and we are fully committed to it no matter how difficult it can be at times. We have been married for nearly twelve years now, certainly not a REALLY long time yet, but long enough to weather some serious storms, including the death of a child, something that unfortunately greatly increases the statistical odds of divorce for a couple. The Lord has used the struggles that we have been through to bring us closer and to strengthen our commitment to one another. Do we fight and drive each other crazy sometimes? Of course! But we love each other more deeply as each year goes by, and the more we cultivate our relationship with God, the more he strengthens our marriage. To remind us of that, we both have Ecclesiastes 4:12 engraved inside our wedding rings: &quot;A rope that is woven of three strands is not easily broken.&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Glenda
EMAIL: piper3301@msn.com
IP: 184.98.11.174
URL: http://piperparadise.wordpress.com
DATE: 12/05/2010 08:23:43 PM
<p>I have read about half of the comments and am shocked at the negative tone.  Thank you for sharing your story. I met and married young as well. And we made mistakes - WHO DOESN&#39;T!?!  But we are coming upon our 10th anniversary and couldn&#39;t be happier. Thank you for this awesome blog!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: brandi
EMAIL: brandi384@yahoo.com
IP: 76.122.50.208
URL: 
DATE: 01/20/2011 03:11:35 AM
<p>When you know its the one, you know!!!!!!  good for you to follow your instincts! I met my husband at my university graduation party, we got engaged 3 months later, and pregnant a month after that.  We got married 6 months from when we met (gorgeous free country wedding! that God made all possible even with a brides dress and matching flower girl dress, friends from out of state, and an organ player, and much more!) I delivered at home that following June, and 4 months post partum got pregnant with our 2nd! we were trying  to have them as close together as possible for homeschooling. : )  we only plan on having those two, and I am due this July with #2.  We are the fairy tale couple the previous poster said was unrealistic.  We have never argued. we discuss everything all the time. we dont do chores because we have to, in fact we encourage each other to rest.  During the days, we do what we feel like doing and some days I honestly do feel like cleaning and organizing everything and some days I feel like going to a playdate and the beach. Im now 26 and he is 32, in May we will have known each other for 2 years!  We had plenty of sex before marriage so I think its your choice. That feeling of KNOWING the one is unmistakable, unquestionable, and completely assured. There is no thinking you are mostly or pretty much sure, or mine as well, or prob the best decision, its an overwhelming I FOUND IT!!!!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Our Story: Part 2
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/15/2010 10:00:00 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Part 2 of "Our Story."  Based on the comments on the first half, I must ask all of you to read this with an open mind.  Please also note that is ONLY our experience and we are not recommending anything to anyone else.  We welcome honest questions and differing opinions, but please refrains from insults and personal attacks.  We are all adults here (I hope) and need to behave as such.  Thanks!</p><p>I left the end of part 1 of our story with our wedding date: July 29th, 2006.  But I did skip a lot of parts of our dating experience, and haven't talked at all about our early marriage experience.  I'm going to get to that now.</p><p>Ben and I talked a LOT when we were dating.  It was partially because we lived two hours apart and most days didn't see each other.  But it was also because we both love to think, analyze, and discuss things to death.  So much so that my mother once told me I shouldn't marry him because we were acting like it was "business transaction" instead of a relationship (we didn't feel that way though!).  We are just very intense, analytical people.  Truly so much that by the time we got to our premarital counseling, we had already thoroughly discussed most of the issues they threw at us.</p><p>We knew exactly what we wanted from life: where we wanted to live, who would work and doing what, how many kids we wanted and when, and lots more.</p><p>I remember one day we were discussing having kids.  We'd talked about it quite a lot already, but we were driving up to an outdoor concert in Cleveland (Cincinnati Pops play John Williams, if you're interested) and we talked about it most of the way there.  I said I had always wanted 4: two boys and two girls (as if I get to pick).  Ben said he thought 5 was a good number.  I said, okay, that sounds good.  There was a lot more to it than that, but I can't recall remember all the details of the situation anymore.  But we were sure.</p><p>So then we got married.  We went to Disney World for our honeymoon at the end of July and beginning of August.  We only had three days because Ben had just started a new job (the one he has now) and didn't really have any vacation time.  I was still in college then, slated to graduate the following spring.  I said to him, "You know, we could try for a baby in September and I could finish most of school, then go back when the baby is a few months old."  He said NO.  At that time we were using birth control.  Our parents knew how eager we were to have children, and advised us to wait to even try until I was completely finished with college.</p><p>Well, it ended up that I was going to finish everything November 2007.  So in February we sat down and I said, "This is the first month we could try and I could still finish school."  So we decided to see what would happen.  I haven't taken any birth control since that time.  It only took us until May, when we conceived Bekah.  It was a hot, hot summer and I was nauseous and tired and our central air broke...rather miserable first trimester.</p><p>The pregnancy and other details aren't really important.  We were thrilled -- and terrified -- to become parents.  Ben couldn't really relate at all because he had no idea what to expect.  He was supportive but generally uninterested in the details of pregnancy because it just wasn't real to him (it became real VERY FAST after Bekah came and the second time wasn't like that at all).</p><p>A truly important part of our marriage was December, 2007.  Bekah was due the following month and Ben had saved up his vacation all year, and he took nearly the entire month off.  We spent lazy days sitting together, talking, reconnecting after all the busy-ness of our lives.  This time we had really changed us and brought us closer together -- just in time for Bekah to arrive!</p><p>I like to joke that our life has happened in 9-month segments.  We got married in Jul. 06, then I got pregnant in Apr. 07 (found out in May), 9 months later.  Bekah arrived in January 08, 9 months after that.  When she was 9 months old I got pregnant with Daniel, and of course he arrived 9 months later.  Now he's almost 6 months old, so we'll see what happens in a few more months!  :)</p><p>The reason I've written this is because I'm launching into a series on Biblical marriage and family.  Ben and I have studied this carefully (and continue to on a regular basis).  We have gone through some devotionals together, and have listened to some sermon series on the Biblical family (his father gave us a set on CD right after we got married).  We've also read several books.  Despite all this, I don't think our marriage has been as Godly as it could be, or should be.  I'm hoping to share everything I have learned and am learning with you so that you can take this journey with me, to make your marriage better.</p><p>I've also chosen to do this because recently, it has really hit me that we are still at the beginning of our marriage.  We don't thoroughly know each other yet.  Yes, we've known each other almost 5 years and have been married about 3.5 years.  Yes, we talk all the time and we "know" each other quite well by anyone's standards.  But think about this: how many times have you seen a favorite movie, or read a favorite book?  So many that you could recite it word-for-word.  Yet, each time you watch it or read it, you notice some tiny, subtle nuance that you didn't before.  "I never realized that character wore that shirt then," or "Oh, that sentence didn't say quite what I thought it did."  These are details that many would consider unimportant, and if you're looking at the general story line, they are.  But when you're talking about this level of detail in your marriage, those kinds of things ARE very important.  I have a feeling that when we have been married for 25 or 30 years that we'll be like that.  We'll know each other so well, be so completely entrenched in one another, that we could never be separated.  We'll be two halves of a whole, as God commands us to be.</p><p>But first we have to spend a lifetime trying to get there, by loving one another and doing the best we can to know and cherish and respect one another.  And that is why I'm writing this now.</p><p>That's most of our story.  If I've forgotten anything, I'll try to remember and tell you!</p><p>Are you ready to learn more about the Bibical marriage and family life?  Do you have any resources to share with us?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
art 2 of "Our Story."  Based on the comments on the first half, I must ask all of you to read this with an open mind.  Please also note that is ONLY our experience and we are not recommending anything to anyone else.  We welcome honest questions and differing opinions, but please refrains from insults and personal attacks.  We are all adults here (I hope) and need to behave as such.  Thanks!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/27/2010 09:41:54 PM
<p>&lt;p&gt;Matt,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here is a website that shows a commonly cited Bible verse in many different translations: <a href="http://bible.cc/leviticus/18-22.htm" rel="nofollow">http://bible.cc/leviticus/18-22.htm</a>&lt;/p&gt;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2010 12:11:13 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Could you please reference a passage or passages from the Bible that state homosexuality is a sin?  I&#39;m sure I&#39;m not as familiar with the Bible as you are.</p><p>Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/24/2010 03:11:48 AM
<p>Matt,</p><p>Sorry I haven&#39;t responded yet.  Things get a bit crazy sometimes.  I&#39;ve been trying to think and read before I responded to you.</p><p>I have been taught that homosexuality is a sin because of the Bible.  And I believe the Bible.  I don&#39;t think that, as a Christian, it is my place to pick and choose parts I like from the Bible, but to take it as it is.  As a whole.</p><p>But I do not have anything against people who are homosexuals and I think it&#39;s terrible that people have chosen to treat them poorly.  I believe that ALL people should be treated well and shown grace.</p><p>I don&#39;t really struggle with this, because I believe that God commanded us all to love one another as He loves us.  That is His highest commandment and so that is what I put the most faith in.  Whether someone identifies him or herself as a homosexual or anything else pales in comparison to this.  At least for me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/18/2010 01:39:04 PM
<p>Maisie,</p><p>Ben took off December, and Bekah was born very late January, so I was really bored in January once he was back to work.</p><p>Matt and Steve,</p><p>I need to think a bit more before I respond to your comments.  I want to make sure I can explain what I&#39;m thinking well and also do some research.  But I haven&#39;t forgotten and I will get back to you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maisie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2010 04:08:16 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>If Ben took off the entire month before Bekah was born, why were you bored?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Steve
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2010 03:14:28 AM
<p>Do you believe homosexuality is a sin because you believe it or because the Bible says so?  As a child I was raised Catholic, and convinced myself that I believed certain values that I really didnt, at least not at that point.  For example, it is good to teach children that it is more satisfying to donate all their christmas money to the poor instead of get presents, but I don&#39;t believe children really understand this.  They go along with it, but there is an underlying sense of guilt for wanting presents and not really believing the &quot;right way&quot; of doing things.  Of course, now I do get that satisfaction of giving rather than receiving.  </p><p>I guess my question is did you ever struggle with your beliefs not meeting up with your religion? Like Matt, I am genuinely interested in your opinion and hope you don&#39;t take this post as immature or offensive.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/17/2010 11:13:20 PM
<p>Kate-</p><p>You are correct; we don&#39;t completely agree on the issue.  However, I think it is great that, since you think homesexuality is a sin, that you see it as an equal sin to all other sin.  </p><p>I don&#39;t see it as a sin, and I do beleive that God does create homosexuals.  Approximately 10 percent of all animals (including humans) are homosexual.  This percentage has remained fairly constant throughout time. Your theory of exposure to hormones, chemicals, drugs, and soy is interesting and I will research it (where did you get your information?), but the chemicals, drugs, and hormones really weren&#39;t an issue 20, 30, or 40 years ago let alone centuries ago.  Your theory also doesn&#39;t explain why non-human animals are homosexual. </p><p>I hope you see the above comments, as I see yours, as mature.  I&#39;m honestly interested in your point of view since you are a self-professed Christian.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/17/2010 10:44:23 PM
<p>Matt and Steve,</p><p>Homosexuality is a very divisive, hot issue today and I really don&#39;t want this to turn into a fight or a problem.  I&#39;m warning you and everyone now that I won&#39;t publish any comments that don&#39;t further reasonable, mature debate.  And honestly I&#39;d prefer not to discuss it at all because I&#39;m sure we won&#39;t agree and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  But, I&#39;ll tell you what I think.</p><p>I don&#39;t think people are exactly &quot;born&quot; homosexual.  That is, I don&#39;t believe God creates them as homosexuals.  What I do believe is that a variety of environmental factors beyond a person&#39;s control cause them to become homosexual.  That is, exposure to hormones, drugs, chemicals, etc. while in the womb or as a baby/young child.  In areas where a large amount of soy is consumed (soy contains phytoestrogens), homosexuality tends to be more prevalent.</p><p>That said, I believe marriage specifically is a Biblical sacrament that is to be celebrated between a man and a woman.  That does not mean that homosexuals can&#39;t choose to have a long term relationship and be committed to one another.  I am not FOR homosexual relationships.  But I believe that a lot of Christians have become anti-homosexual to an insane degree.  The Bible says that all sins (and we are ALL sinners in many ways) are equal.  Homosexuals are in no way better or worse than anyone else is, and it&#39;s not fair to treat them poorly.  It&#39;s also not my business, or anyone else&#39;s business, what homosexuals choose to do in their personal lives (or, honestly, what ANYONE chooses to do).</p><p>That is my position on it.  I really, really hope we can all be mature about this discussion.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/17/2010 10:24:06 PM
<p>Ben-</p><p>Do you think people, or for that matter any animal, chooses its sexualtiy?  If people are born homosexual, which I believe, what options do you feel they have if they seek a loving connection with a life partner?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 01/17/2010 08:31:25 PM
<p>Steve,</p><p>That is correct. The Bible says that homosexuality is a sin and marriage is meant to be only between one man and one woman.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Steve
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/17/2010 07:02:15 PM
<p>Since you are for biblical marriages, does that mean you&#39;re against homosexual marriages?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/16/2010 07:23:32 PM
<p>There are moments I wish we could just go out, or have some peace and quiet.  But mostly I think I&#39;d be bored, especially when Ben is gone at work all day.  The month or so when I was finished with school before Bekah came I did NOTHING, just sat in bed all day (and yeah, I was 8 months pregnant so that&#39;s sort of an excuse...).  But I hated having no structure to my day and having a full time job wasn&#39;t something I wanted either.  So no, I don&#39;t really miss the &quot;just the two of us&quot; part.  I enjoy having my kids.  And at the moment, Bekah&#39;s playing with Ben and Daniel&#39;s sleeping next to me while I work so it is pretty quiet!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/16/2010 07:20:30 PM
<p>I wondered the same as Mary Kay.  Having kids is exciting, but once you have them you will always have them.  I guess, though, that since you had them so quickly you probably don&#39;t miss the &quot;just the two&quot; of you time period.  People don&#39;t miss what they don&#39;t have.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mary Kay
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DATE: 01/16/2010 06:15:59 PM
<p>I know you wanted kids right away, but have you ever wished you&#39;d waited just a little bit and had more time for just the two of you? I think I would feel that I&#39;d missed out on a lot if I had kids so quickly.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/16/2010 02:37:04 AM
<p>Joyce,</p><p>Hence the part in this blog post about all the things I hope to know when I have been married 25 years.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joyce
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DATE: 01/16/2010 02:34:49 AM
<p>I think what you say does make sense.  You do deserve a modicum of respect for the success of your relatively young marriage.  I can also see how people who have been married a long time, like the couples who have been married 25 years that you mentioned and really know each other, might think that you are holding yourself up as a relationship and financial expert.  Maybe you aren&#39;t, but I can easily see how your words could be interpreted that way.  Those folks probably want, and deserve, even more respect than you due to the fact that their accomplishements are much greater than yours.  Does that make sense?  A little humility goes a long way.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/16/2010 12:25:34 AM
<p>Joyce,</p><p>Many of the sources we&#39;ll pull from in the Biblical marriage series will apply to many different families.  For example, the book &quot;The Five Love Languages&quot; is really applicable to everyone, even those who are not necessarily Christian.  There are many ways of living that are very different from ours (and that are still perfectly Biblical!) so no, the focus won&#39;t be only on our way.</p><p>I&#39;m not really angry when people say I&#39;m  young; I&#39;m unhappy when they talk down to me or tell me things will never, ever go the way I plan and that I have absolutely no clue what I&#39;m talking about.  There&#39;s a difference between saying that, yes, I&#39;m at the beginning of my marriage (true) and saying that, therefore, I know absolutely nothing about being married (untrue).  Does that make sense?  I may not have a lot of experience, but I would like respect for what I do have.  If others know more than I do, they&#39;re welcome to share other perspectives or reach out to me and my readers; simply sitting back and saying &quot;Oh, you are so naive!&quot; neither furthers a constructive discussion nor teaches me anything.  I&#39;m really looking for constructive discussions.  I hope that makes sense.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joyce
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URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2010 10:25:30 PM
<p>Will the &quot;Biblical&quot; marriage information help strengthen marriages that are a bit different from yours (wife works outside the home, chooses to have only a few children, etc.), or are there specific criteria about the rules and roles for the husabnd and wife and children?</p><p>I know you get angry when people say you are young, but maybe you shouldn&#39;t state really obvious things like, &quot;I have chosen to do this because recently, it has really hit me that we are still at the beginning of our marriage.&quot; Of course 3.5 years is still the really, really early stages of a marriage that lasts a lifetime. You kind of set yourself up for &quot;inexperienced&quot; comments when you make observations that are patently obvious.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: rach
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.36.242.185
URL: 
DATE: 01/09/2011 06:18:41 PM
<p>Since you reference Leviticus (old testament), and abide by the bible &quot;as a whole&quot; and don&#39;t pick and choose parts, does that mean that you abide by a Kosher diet? If not, then why not that part? I&#39;m not trying to be rude, but to gain more understanding about your view point. Also, I do think your message comes across as loving and tolerant and it&#39;s nice of you to remind others to be loving and kind to ALL..</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/09/2011 07:25:20 PM
<p>Hi Rach,</p><p>No, we don&#39;t follow a Kosher diet.  In the New Testament, Jesus made all food clean to eat.  Paul discusses this in Corinthians, I think (I can&#39;t remember exactly where).  When he talks about sacrificing food to the idols.  Since we believe in Jesus, we believe that He made the food clean and we do not have to worry about keeping Kosher.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Personal Financial Responsibility
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/01/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/02/be-my-frugal-valentine-frugal-friday.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p><p>After recently watching Maxed Out and listening to the different heart-wrenching stories, I got to thinking about all the similarities among the families facing serious debt. The same variables popped up in other documentaries I watched, too, like Sicko. I also noticed that these movies offer a thorough view of the problem, but either only a brief solution or none at all. This has made me passionate to share with you all the parts of what I call "personal financial responsibility."</p><p>It may not be easy to do all the things below, initially. But if you seek out Dave Ramsey or a similar plan and start making changes to your life in baby steps (and possibly read some of my previous blogs on money saving and budget making), you CAN do all of these. The steps below are what I consider a minimum to being financially responsible, so that no matter what crisis occurs, what disaster, what economy, you will be stable and secure.</p><p>1. Get health insurance<br/>Examine what plans are available to you and select one that covers what you need. Be sure to look for any and all traps: a super-high deductible, long list of "not covered" items, difficulty getting to any specialists or alternative doctors, life time maximum benefits, etc. Ideally, an HSA is a good idea, with a reasonable deductible ($5000 or so), with extremely high life time maximum (over $1 million) or NO life time maximum, and good coverage (covered in all areas, while on vacation, choice of doctors and hospitals, low co-pays or no co-pays for routine care). Even if you are single you CANNOT afford not to have coverage. You could get sick or in an accident at any time and if you do, you need to know you are okay. Especially if you have a family, you need coverage. There is NO excuse for having tons of medical bills if you don't have insurance and could have.</p><p>2. Get life insurance<br/>If you are single or childless this may not be a huge deal or necessity. But if you have children and/or are supporting your spouse, you must have it!! If you're single, it's still a good idea to have it to cover funeral costs, though you won't need as much coverage. $500,000 or more is a good idea so that all funeral costs are covered and a few years of living expenses. Remember that if you have children and someone dies (even if it's the stay-at-home parent), there will suddenly be daycare costs and other things you didn't have before, so you NEED it. We have $600,000 on Ben and $400,000 on me.</p><p>3. Save up at least $1000 in an emergency fund<br/>This is how you avoid using credit cards for all those little things like your car suddenly needing repairs. You have an emergency fund and you have access to it whenever you really need it. The more you can save, the better, because we all know that sometimes, emergencies are expensive. REALLY expensive. If you don't have an emergency fund (and especially if you also have debt), you're asking for trouble.</p><p>4. Create a budget<br/>Where is your money going? Get on a real budget and find out. Keep close track of your money so that you know where every dollar has gone. Most people are surprised to find how much they've really spent in some areas. With a budget, there are no surprises, and chances are you can find a little extra if you need to one month.</p><p>5. Reduce spending if necessary to live below your means and/or get another job<br/>If looking at your budget shows that you're currently spending more than you earn (as most do in this country), work hard to reduce your spending so that you are spending LESS than you earn. If that is not possible, take a second job so you earn enough to cover your living expenses. You have to live within your means. If you don't, you're taking a huge gamble and could easily lose it all with just one unfortunate event.</p><p>6. Pay off debt: credit cards first, then car loans, then student loans, then mortgage<br/>When your debt is paid off, your money is yours. You don't owe anyone, so if anything comes up, you have all the money you've earned to work with. Owing someone is not a position you want to be in, anyway. Look up what the Bible has to say about owing people money: it isn't pretty!</p><p>7. Save up for any future major purchases (cars, furniture, homes)<br/>You will want to have nice stuff, of course. But you don't have to go in debt to do it. Save up money and put it in savings accounts, or CDs, or even other types of investments (depending on how long you have to save and how much the final purchase is). When you do buy the item, it's YOURS. Nothing can happen to it if you lose your job tomorrow. There's no worry over how you'll pay your debt if you don't have any. This is the responsible way to own nice things.</p><p>8. Invest for retirement and/or college<br/>Don't expect the government to pay for your retirement (or college, of course). Save up the money and pay for it yourself. Invest your retirement money is high-yield, high-risk stocks if you are under 40; stick with a more conservative plan if you're older (and of course, seek out the advice of a qualified investment manager or stock broker or other expert, because I am not one). You can easily save up enough money to pay for college and get you through retirement easily.</p><p>Bonus:<br/>9. Create a larger emergency fund (6 months of living expenses)<br/>If you get laid off and have 6 months worth of living expenses saved up, you don't have to worry at all about finding another job (right away). You'll know that your family is taken care of and you don't even have to cut back at first. You will make that next mortgage payment (if you haven't paid it off), you will have food for your table and gas for your cars. You can put all your energy towards finding the perfect job, instead of worrying how you'll pay your bills.</p><p>10. Step up retirement investing<br/>If you've got a large emergency fund, and all your debt paid, go ahead and put even more towards retirement. The worst that can happen is that you'll need it sooner than you've planned, but you don't have to completely deplete your savings to pay for whatever happened (i.e. medical emergency not covered by insurance -- but make sure you have insurance!!).</p><p>If you follow the steps above, you CAN live the American dream. Rely on God and yourself first and foremost; NOT your government or other people. Governments can have problems, economies can collapse, people can break promises. If you have insurance and savings and you are living below your means, you will always be safe, even as people around you who have debt and who are living outside their means suddenly feel hopeless when an unexpected financial crisis occurs.</p><p>This is just another in our series on personal responsibility.</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
After recently watching Maxed Out and listening to the different heart-wrenching stories, I got to thinking about all the similarities among the families facing serious debt. The same variables popped up in other documentaries I watched, too, like Sicko. I also noticed that these movies offer a thorough view of the problem, but either only a brief solution or none at all. This has made me passionate to share with you all the parts of what I call "personal financial responsibility."
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/06/2010 05:07:57 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Never did we say that we have everything figured out and our way was the only way of living. It is merely what we have learned from reading the Bible and many books on both Biblical and non-Biblical finances. Most of what we&#39;re said has come from men like <a href="www.daveramsey" rel="nofollow">Dave Ramsey</a>, <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.crown.org/Larry/"">http://www.crown.org/Larry/"</a> rel="nofollow">Larry Burkett</a>, <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rabbidaniellapin.com"">http://www.rabbidaniellapin.com"</a> rel="nofollow">Daniel Lapin</a>, and countless others. In almost every post we make about finances, we try to point to the source of that knowledge. We&#39;ve never professed to be experts, merely teachers trying to guide people to one, of many, better paths.</p><p>While I may have used New Testament verses, ask yourself this; why do some many Jewish people have wealth? In the book, &#39;The Millionaire Next Door&#39;, the authors found that people of Jewish heritage were 3 times more likely to have wealth, then non Jewish. In fact Jewish people are the most likely to become wealthly out of all ethnic groups in America. (TMND, page 22) Perhaps because they have found Biblical answers to financial planning. For the Jewish perspective, I would suggest reading, <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rabbidaniellapin.com/product.php?id=6"">http://www.rabbidaniellapin.com/product.php?id=6"</a> rel="nofollow">&#39;Thou Shall Prosper&#39;</a>, by Rabbi Daniel Lapin.</p><p>As for Old Testament verses, I realize they are all from Proverbs, but that doesn&#39;t make them any less valid.</p><p>(plan ahead)<br/>&quot;The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.&quot;<br/>— Proverbs 21:5</p><p>(save for tomorrow)<br/>&quot;Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.&quot; <br/>- Proverbs 6:6–8</p><p>(save for tomorrow)<br/>&quot;In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.&quot; <br/>Proverbs 21:20</p><p>(plan for your children&#39;s - college, etc...)    <br/>&quot;A good man leaves an inheritance to his children&#39;s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.&quot; <br/>- Proverbs 13:22</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/06/2010 04:06:38 PM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Thesea makes a valid point that you and Ben seem to think you have this money and &quot;right way of living&quot; thing all figured out. If God so chooses, nothing wil be your saving grace.  I agree that good stewards prepare for the future, they just don&#39;t act as if their way is the only right way. God also asks us to be humble.</p><p>Your tone, which is admittedly difficult to judge online, is usually one of moral and financial superiority to those who do not do as you do.  Perhaps you need to spend a bit more time &quot;in the Word&quot; contemplating why so many people think that your musings are self-righteous.</p><p>Ben- The Jews don&#39;t believe that Jesus was the Messiah, therefore all of your Biblical quotes from the New Testament are irrelevant to them.  Wasn&#39;t there anything in the Old Testament to support your point of view?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/06/2010 03:23:39 PM
<p>Theresa,</p><p>God calls us to financially responsible.  That doesn&#39;t mean He won&#39;t decide to test us, like Job.  But just because that might happen, doesn&#39;t mean that you shouldn&#39;t try to plan, prepare, and be good stewards.  God might decide you should die tomorrow.  He might decide to take your children.  Does that mean you shouldn&#39;t have children, or shouldn&#39;t love and raise them properly, just in case God takes them?  No.  Money is a necessary evil and you need to be a good steward with it.  The Bible talks about money a LOT!</p><p>I really resent you saying that we &quot;trust money to be our saving grace.&quot;  No such thing is true at all.  We are merely trying to help others to be good stewards with their money as we are trying to be.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/06/2010 02:02:36 PM
<p>Theresa,</p><p>What happened to the Jews was a horrible, horrible, act that can never be made right. However, isolated events like that are not God&#39;s way of saying to us, &quot;Don&#39;t plan for tomorrow&quot;.</p><p>To your point, the Bible does say, in Matthew 6:25-34, <i>&quot;Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.&quot;</i></p><p>The key to take from that passage isn&#39;t to stop planning for tomorrow, but rather, don&#39;t be ANXIOUS about tomorrow, but instead trust in God.</p><p>The Bible says in Luke 14:28-30, <i>&quot;Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’&quot;</i></p><p>God wants us to plan for our futures, and in my case, provide for my fmaily. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, <i>&quot;But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.&quot;</i></p><p>Kate and I absolutely believe that nothing we have is from our own doing, but from God alone. God gave me the talents I have, and it is my duty to use those talents to provide for my family. I have the free will to sit around and do nothing, or to work and plan to save for the future. We are choosing to follow the Bible and prepare, without being anxious, and still trusting in God.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Theresa
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02410176479138340024
DATE: 02/06/2010 01:26:11 PM
<p>Oh I am sorry, but you are so wrong on this. During WW2, I am sure there were many Jews who lived within their means and did everything right. They ended up stripped of EVERYTHING, became a number and suffered and died in the most inhumane ways. Corrie Ten Boom once wisely said &quot;Hold your possessions with an open hand&quot;. If you are a born again Christian, you should know that there is no certainty of tomorrow and we are not to put all our hope in money, insurance, college funds etc. Truly I think you have reached the tipping point of trusting on money to be your saving grace. Nothing and no one but God can decide what will happen......he may just decide to strip us of all we have to see if we are still trusting in him.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/06/2010 02:23:14 AM
<p>Matt,</p><p>On occasion when a post has a lot of comments, I miss one here and there.  It typically is not on purpose.  Most of the people who mentioned &quot;censorship&quot; and actually got published fell into that category -- merely forgotten.  I apologize.</p><p>The only comments I don&#39;t publish are the sarcastic, rude ones which don&#39;t further discussion.  And I did receive a few on this post...another reason yours was lost in the shuffle.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/06/2010 02:14:55 AM
<p>kate-</p><p>I&#39;m kind of, but not totally, surprised that you have chosen to ignore my comments about wanting to work vs. being required to work.  The comments seemed fairly innocuous to me, but I have seen other people mention your censorship before.  Was there something I said that you didn&#39;t like?  I thought I played just as nicely as you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2010 01:10:07 PM
<p>I guess we are just reading the statistics differently.  I am assuming that the 72% of people who make under $50,000 and don&#39;t itemize are also not homeowners.  Those making $50+ are more likely to own a home, and, thus, itemize at a much higher rate.  You are combining all of the incomes into one category and all of the rates of itemization into one category to come up with your figure, and I am taking a closer look at the breakdowns.  Statistics can be manipulated to say pretty much anything.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/05/2010 02:30:53 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>In my last response, before this one, I linked a census report on the number of households in American that are home owners. Since 68.8% of households owned their own home, and 35.61 of households itemized their tax deductions, that means <b>48.24%</b> of US households that owned their own homes, in 2006, did not itemize, regardless of their income level.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2010 12:23:55 AM
<p>Ben-</p><p>I&#39;m not understanding the math you did to come up with 50% of people regardless of income don&#39;t itemize.  The chart you linked to showed that only about 18% of those earning under $50,000  itemized and then it jumped to 58% of those earning $50,000 to $75,000.  As the incomes grow, so, too, does the itemization rate and the likelihood of home ownership. </p><p>Anyway, you are correct.  Itemizing, especially if you are a homeowner, is almost always a good idea.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2010 12:13:27 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>A couple of things need to be clarified about your take on my comments.  </p><p>There is a distinct difference between WANTING to work more and being REQUIRED to do so because of the career one has chosen.  We would all love a sweetheart deal of 40-45 hours a week like Ben has, we just choose to put up with the extended and erratic hours to help society not just ourselves.  </p><p>We would also LOVE to be paid our true societal value.  However, as long as we continue to glorify athletes, media personalities and successful business people, that won&#39;t happen. </p><p>I, for one, won&#39;t forget who was running INTO the Twin Towers to save others and who was running OUT to save themselves.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2010 03:55:52 PM
<p>Thanks for the clarification!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/04/2010 01:52:17 PM
<p>Emily,</p><p>The statement was only meant to reflect what Matt himself said, that some people want to work more and are okay with not earning as much because they believe strongly in what they do.  There really is no better way to say it and no disrespect was intended.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/04/2010 12:29:21 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>In 2006 (the same year as the 35.61% itemization figure), <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/hvs/annual06/ann06t12.html"">http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/hvs/annual06/ann06t12.html"</a> rel="nofollow">68.8%</a> of American households where home owners. That means that at around 50% of households, REGARDLESS OF INCOME, didn&#39;t itemize on their taxes.</p><p>Again, you SHOULD itemize, as I have done every year I&#39;ve worked, even before I bought a house.</p><p>Matt,</p><p>Nothing I said was intended to be self-righteous or prideful. Since, by far, the vast majority of Americans are employed by private companies, not public (like yourself) or non-profits, the advice I gave was intended to apply to most people.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2010 02:44:38 AM
<p>Kate,</p><p>saying &quot;But yes, we need the people who are willing to do more and earn less because their work is important.  Thanks for commenting!&quot; seems awfully patronizing.  It makes it sound as if these people (teachers, firefighters, police officers) are working at McDonald&#39;s or something.  I agree with Matt that it is more important to shape the future generation and have a few loans than take the easy way out and deflect work to those who aren&#39;t ambitious enough to get different jobs.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 09:08:27 PM
<p>Glad to hear that Ben respects people who make other, more altruistic, choices than the choices he has made.  Unfortuantely, the way Ben dispenses advice makes him sound self-righteous and prideful.  Definitely NOT a Christian mentality!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 09:02:53 PM
<p>Maybe only 35.61% of people itemized, but according to the chart you linked the VAST majority of people who don&#39;t itemize make below $50,00 per year. These are the exact people who don&#39;t own homes and will see no benefit in itemizing.  ANYONE who owns a home should itemize. So I stand by my comment - &quot;Who owns a home and doesn&#39;t itemize?  That would be a really stupid financial move.&quot;  Thanks for reinforcing my point!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/03/2010 03:01:14 PM
<p>Matt,</p><p>I agree that the corporate world is definitely not for everyone.  I could never do it myself!  Ironically, Ben does know about the work that goes into a small business because his father owns two, so he grew up with his dad working sometimes 80 hours a week and his mother helping too so they could make things work.  Of course, 25 years later, they&#39;re in a different position.  But yes, we need the people who are willing to do more and earn less because their work is important.  Thanks for commenting!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 02:55:19 PM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I&#39;m glad that no disrespect was intended, because what Ben presented was a really simplistic view of work.  There are many professions that require long hours.  Some are civil servant positions like teaching or being a policeman or fireman, and these positions are vitally important to society.  Many people who enter these professions know that the pay will be less than the corporate world and the hours will be erratic or long, but they hope that people will have some respect for what they are doing to better society.  Ben&#39;s comments make it seem like his view is that we should all be worshiping at the altar of the corporate world and finding the best &quot;deal&quot; for ourselves rather than thinking about how we can make the world a better place.  That may not be how he thinks, but it is the impression he gave.  His comments also don&#39;t take into account people who run their own small businesses.  They often work long hours doing something in which they truly believe.  There is no one right way to live.  Ben&#39;s way may work for you, but I would rather spend my time positively shaping the future generation than climbing the corporate ladder while only looking out for myself.  I&#39;ve done that, and, for me, it is an empty, sad way to live.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/03/2010 02:39:39 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>&quot;What person that owns a home doesn&#39;t itemize? That would be a really stupid financial move.&quot;</p><p>Just because it is stupid, doesn&#39;t make it any less true. In 2007, <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/22499.html"">http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/22499.html"</a> rel="nofollow"> only 35.61%</a> of taxpayers, itemized their taxes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/03/2010 02:09:16 PM
<p>Matt,</p><p>No disrespect was intended, Ben was talking about the corporate world in general.</p><p>Jern,</p><p>Ben left his previous company in Mar. &#39;06 because he didn&#39;t like the long hours he was working as a manager there.  He continued to stay on part time as a salesman until the company went out of business.  So, both are correct.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jern
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 03:10:19 AM
<p>Ben-</p><p>I thought your previous company went out of business and that was why you found a different job?  Which story is accurate?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 03:08:55 AM
<p>What person that owns a home doesn&#39;t itemize?  That would be a really stupid financial move.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 03:07:42 AM
<p>Ben-</p><p>You are extremely lucky if you only work 40-45 hours a week and make enough to support a family.  I am a teacher and I, too, have worked really hard to get where I am. I already have a master&#39;s degree plus more graduate hours.  Going to &quot;night school&quot; as you suggest won&#39;t make a difference in my hours, and I already have a summer job. In eduation, there really are no &quot;other companies&quot; or &quot;different positions&quot; if a person wants to stay in the classroom.  Sixty to 70 hours a week is the reality for most of us.  Your comments are insulting becuase you make it seem like only people who lack ambition and education will find themselves in a position where long work hours are expected.  From what I&#39;ve observed, the more responsibilty required of a position, the more hours a person must spend working. The less expendable you are, the more you work.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/03/2010 02:27:35 AM
<p>To clarify, our central heating and air unit is 25 years old, and while only the a/c unit has died so far, we have been advised to replace the entire unit at once. 5-7k is not an abnormal price range for a complete new unit that will be vastly more efficient, as you pointed out.</p><p>Rent is not always the same as a house payment, and even if they are, repairs to house are your responsibility, while repairs to an apartment are the landlord&#39;s responsibility. After everything is said and done, appreciation is really the only thing that makes a house a better LONG TERM plan then renting. For the short term, it&#39;s better to just continue renting; especially if you are &quot;sacrificing to win&quot; by living in a small apartment to save money.</p><p>As far as the second job goes, I make a great living and only work 40-45 hours a week. I used to work considerably more with a previous company, but since I didn&#39;t like working that much, I found a better company. Despite this &quot;horrible&quot; job market, there honestly are plenty of jobs out there, you just have to look for them. I&#39;ve been contacted twice in the last 3 weeks by recruiters (1 that works for the actual company, not a third party).</p><p>I realize that I am luckier then most with my job situation, but I worked hard to make it that way. If you are working a lot of hours, find a different company, or a different job at the same company. Read books on your area of employment, take night classes, go the extra mile with your assignments; do whatever it takes to find a better position or company.</p><p>As I said before, long term, over 5 years, owning is better then renting. However, since many people are currently under water (meaning they owe more on the home then it&#39;s worth), or have adjustable rate mortgages, maybe it isn&#39;t always the best idea to jump in before you are ready.</p><p>To be absolutely clear, we are not saying, &quot;don&#39;t buy a home unless you pay cash 100%&quot;, but merely, strive toward that goal. It is certainly achievable.</p><p>And for the record, while taxes and interest are deductible, most people take the standard deduction and don&#39;t itemize (therefore, the interest doesn&#39;t come into play). As for me, I&#39;d rather not pay $1 to the bank, to save .25 cents on my taxes. I&#39;ll just pay off the mortgage and keep the entire $1 for myself.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 01:58:24 AM
<p>Central air will cost you $5-7K?  How large is your house?  Ours is 5800 sq. ft. and it cost $2500 for a top of the line air conditioner.  The new unit has more than enough tonnage for the size of our home and is energy efficient.  It is cheaper to run it than our previous unit, and we have recouped the entire expense of the new unit in two summers.  Shop around - I suspect you are being taken by whomever gave you that exhorbitant estimate!</p><p>Also, to get clarification on James&#39; question, if a person is paying rent which is presumably about the same amount as a mortgage and taxes, how will one save several hundred dollars a month in order to pay cash for a house?   I know you said to take a second job, but what if your FIRST job requires you to work too many hours to allow a second?  I already work 7-5 every day and have several hours of work to do each night after I get home.  A second job isn&#39;t an option. Wouldn&#39;t it be smarter to get a mortgage and make the largest payment possible (thus building equity) instead of renting.  Usually homes appreciate, and the interest on the loan and the property taxes are tax deductible.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/02/2010 01:54:10 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>No.  This won&#39;t protect you from EVERY emergency.  There is no way to plan and protect yourself from absolutely everything.  But being financially responsible will protect you from MOST emergencies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2010 01:50:52 AM
<p>We&#39;ve known about Dave Ramsey for years now and have been trying to slowly transition to following his plan. It has promoted a ton of discussion and we&#39;ve been able to set a realistic budget and put money aside. </p><p>The budget is HUGE. It&#39;s also important to figure out how you, individually, deal with money. For instance, my husband spends cash if he has it. If he sticks to using a bank card he&#39;s much more thrifty. I, however, am better off with cash than the card. So I do the grocery shopping and take out cash for it. We&#39;ve also discovered that we needed to have a separate toiletries budget from groceries so I get cash for this as well. It takes time to figure out what exactly works.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/02/2010 01:20:46 AM
<p>James,</p><p>It is a myth that renting is &quot;throwing money away&quot;. I&#39;ve lived in (and Kate since we were married) the same house for 5.5 years. It is currently worth a few thousand less then I paid for it. On top of that, we&#39;ve paid taxes and home owners insuranc every year for 5 years (a few thousand more a year), paid the realtor and closing costs for a mortgage, and paid a house payment. All told, just with that, we are in the hole on owning a house.</p><p>In addition, the central a/c died, which will cost probably $5-7k and various other household repairs that we&#39;ll say is a few thousand.</p><p>NORMALLY (the recession makes this wierd), the house would have appricated in value enough to cover these costs, and as we gradually pay down the mortgage, owning a home is cheaper then renting. However, in the short term, less then 5 years, renting is better then owning a house.</p><p>That being said, you absolutely should buy a home if you decide to live somewhere for at least 5 years. Paying cash is entirely possible; just not the easiest thing to do. First, once you&#39;re out of debt and investing for retirement, save every single dollar you possibly can in a &quot;house fund&quot;. Even $500 a month can make a huge impact. Get a part time job on nights and weekends; that alone could net you an extra $10,000 a year.</p><p>After 4-5 years, you can easily save $50-60,000. In Columbus, there are many decent, smaller homes (1,000 square feet) available for $50,000. If you stick to your savings plan, and include the money you were spending on rent, in a few more years, you can upgrade to a larger, or nicer house.</p><p>The reason we didn&#39;t choose this option, is because I had already purchased the house before we learned these things. I can assure you however, that we will be paying off our mortgage, and saving cash, for any home upgrades we plan to make in the future.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/01/2010 11:38:17 PM
<p>Hattie what is up with your blog?  I can&#39;t make any sense of what is written on it.  Is it a translation of a different language?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/01/2010 11:34:50 PM
<p>So if I ALWAYS save my money and ONLY spend wisely, I will NEVER have ANY emergency that I can&#39;t handle, correct?  Am I understanding your concrete logic correctly?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: James
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/01/2010 05:17:07 PM
<p>Hi, Kate.<br/>How exactly does one save up for a house?  You have to live somewhere, and if you rent while saving up, you are still just throwing money away.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Hattie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/17944651079956909758
DATE: 02/01/2010 06:32:53 AM
<p>I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don&#39;t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.</p><p>Alena</p><p><a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://grantsforeducation.info"">http://grantsforeducation.info"</a> rel="nofollow"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://grantsforeducation.info">http://grantsforeducation.info</a></a></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Reader Survey
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/25/2010 06:37:00 PM
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<p>Hello, dear readers!</p><p>Recently, several other bloggers that I follow did a reader survey, where they asked several questions of their readers to see who was reading and to get a better idea of how they could serve their reader base.  I thought, you know, I should probably do the same.  Traffic is increasing QUICKLY here.  Visits are up 32% over December, and pageviews are up 26%.  And we have another week yet in January!  December's hits were up 60% over November and we're about on track to do that again.</p><p>So, with all those new people coming, I'd love to know more about you!  Fill out my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&amp;formkey=dFp3WHpLdGJQTGx2TmZJcnlnLWNZM0E6MA">reader survey</a> at your leisure.  Pretty please?  I'll post the results in a couple weeks, so that you can all know who is reading along with you!  Thanks!</p><p>Like what you read?  Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Hello, dear readers!</p><p>Recently, several other bloggers that I follow did a reader survey, where they asked several questions of their readers to see who was reading and to get a better idea of how they could serve their reader base.  I thought, you know, I should probably do the same.  Traffic is increasing QUICKLY here.  Visits are up 32% over December, and pageviews are up 26%.  And we have another week yet in January!  December's hits were up 60% over November and we're about on track to do that again.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/25/2010 07:53:58 PM
<p>Okay, fixed!!  lol.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 01/25/2010 07:52:04 PM
<p>Liesel,</p><p>It isn&#39;t working right now apparently...grr.  It&#39;s showing the spreadsheet instead of the survey itself.  We will fix it tonight...sorry!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2010 07:44:26 PM
<p>How do you fill it out? I opened it, but it would not let me type and I couldn&#39;t seem to find anything else that would enable me to.</p><p>Liesel</p><p>P.S. For some reason it won&#39;t verify my saved AIM account details to post under my actual name so anonymous it is. Grrr.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Water Kefir Update
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/14/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Last time I posted about water kefir, we'd made several unsuccessful batches and one successful batch.  That is, drinkable.  We had ideas for more.  So, now that it's been a few weeks, are you curious how it went?</p><p>We have success!  The newest batch of kefir is going fast because we both really like it and are drinking 2 - 3 bottles a day.  So, let me share with you our new favorite recipe:</p><p>Grape Water Kefir (Makes 12 16-oz. bottles)<br/>5 quart mason jars<br/>15 c. water<br/>1.25 c. sugar<br/>5 tbsp. water kefir grains<br/>7.5 c. grape juice (preferably organic)<br/>12 16-oz. glass bottles with tightly sealing top<br/>Plastic spoon<br/>Cheesecloth and rubberbands</p><p>In each (clean) mason jar, add 3 c. water and 1/4 c. (white) sugar.  Stir to dissolve the sugar.  Add 1 tbsp. of kefir grains to each jar.  (Use a plastic spoon for all of this.)  Cover each jar with a piece of cheesecloth and attach it with a rubberband.  Allow the jars to sit 2 days.</p><p>Strain the kefir grains through cheesecloth and set aside to reuse.  Pour 1.25 c. of the kefir into each glass bottle.  Then, add 5 oz. (1/2 c. + 2 tbsp.) grape juice to each bottle.  Cap the bottles.  Let them sit on the counter 2 - 3 days, until you start to see bubbles developing around the edges.  Then, refrigerate them and enjoy!  Make sure to point the bottles away from you when opening because they will "pop" pretty nicely!</p><p>This version tastes just like grape soda to me, without the artificial aftertaste.  Stronger-flavored juices seem to do better than weaker ones.  If you're going for a "soda substitute," grape or cherry juices will produce good ones.  Other people like to get fancy with their water kefir and add egg shells (honestly, we should probably try that for the calcium), dates, lemon slices, and lots of other things.  I found this all confusing and decided to just skip it.  The version we have is yummy and easy!</p><p>We have a batch of cherry going right now, and I expect that will be yummy too!  Soon maybe we'll try cranberry, and you could also try blueberry, pomegranate, or whatever other flavor (or blend of flavors) that you enjoy!</p><p>In case you have different sized bottles, the proportion is 2 parts water kefir to 1 part juice. </p><p>Have you tried water kefir yet?  Do you think it would be a good substitute for your family if you enjoy soda?</p><p></p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
ast time I posted about water kefir, we'd made several unsuccessful batches and one successful batch.  That is, drinkable.  We had ideas for more.  So, now that it's been a few weeks, are you curious how it went?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://openid.aol.com/babychickie1
DATE: 01/14/2010 07:52:20 PM
<p>Where do you buy the kefir grains?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Ash Wednesday
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/18/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Today is Ash Wednesday, which is a really, really important holiday for Christians.</p><p>Although we celebrate Christmas every year, Jesus never actually commanded us to celebrate His birth.  He did, however, command us to celebrate His death and resurrection.  Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, which are the 40 days in preparation for Easter, Christ's resurrection.  This is THE holiday for Christians!  Jesus died on the Cross to save us, and then rose from the dead -- amazing!</p><p>Over the next 40 days, we are called to spend time in prayer, reflecting on Christ's sacrifice for us.  Many people have days where they fast during Lent.  Catholics do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday or Fridays (I grew up Catholic).  Many also choose something else to give up -- specific foods, special activities, etc.  These are as a reminder to pray and feel Christ's pain.</p><p>There are many good blogs that will be following Lent very closely, including <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">Kitchen Stewardship</a>. </p><p>What will you be doing during Lent?  How do you celebrate?  Say a prayer today for Jesus' sacrifice.</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today is Ash Wednesday, which is a really, really important holiday for Christians.</p><p>Although we celebrate Christmas every year, Jesus never actually commanded us to celebrate His birth.  He did, however, command us to celebrate His death and resurrection.  Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, which are the 40 days in preparation for Easter, Christ's resurrection.  This is THE holiday for Christians!  Jesus died on the Cross to save us, and then rose from the dead -- amazing!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen, 3
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/28/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post is linked to <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2010/03/works-for-me-medicine-spoons.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at Rocks in My Dryer</a>!**</p>
<p>Time for the next three steps in the Baby Steps in the Kitchen Series! If you have missed the first two, go back and read <a href="/2010/02/baby-steps-in-kitchen.html">part 1</a> and <a href="/2010/02/baby-steps-in-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>!</p>
<p>7. Replace white flour and white flour products with healthier alternatives (whole wheat, spelt, etc.)</p>
<p>8. Choose healthier oils</p>
<p>9. Try making your own chicken stock instead of buying broth or bouillon cubes, and your own soups!</p>
<p>Okay, so, why these three steps? Good question! Read on for more information!</p>
<p>White flour is basically a non-food. It is stripped of nearly all its nutrients when the hull is removed from the kernal. Most of us know that white flour isn't good for us for all of these reasons, because health experts are constantly asking us to switch to whole-grain alternatives. Right now, I'm going to tell you the same thing: get some whole grains! Buy brown rice instead of white (and NO instant!), whole grain bread, and whole grain flours to bake with. Spelt is an even better option for some -- lower in gluten and generally less "messed with." It can be found at many health food stores and before we went grain-free, I used only spelt flour in my baking for a long time. There will be more steps about grains later, but for right now, just switch to whole grains! Simple, easily available at any grocery store, and not too expensive!</p>
<p>Oils -- Good fats are essential in your diet. I've written two posts about fats so far, so I'm not going to write about why you need them here in detail. People use oil for a lot of things, too, like frying, in many boxed mixes (we'll talk about those later), baking from scratch, putting on bread, dressing salads, etc. Hydrogenated oils and even most liquid vegetable oils are not good for you, so you should limit your consumption. Replace them with healthy oils. These, too, are generally affordable ($4 - $5 for a pound of butter on up to $20 for a jar of coconut oil or bottle of really good olive oil) and easy to find. They're also very nutrient-dense. If you aren't sure of ways to use all these new fats, you'll want to check out my "30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge," starting on March 1st! (Only 2 more days to register!!)</p>
<p>Chicken stock is a wonderful food. Fresh, homemade chicken stock, that is. Canned broths (and canned soups) and bouillon cubes are NOT good. They're mostly made of salt and MSG so that they're "meat flavored" but contain little to no actual meat. (That's why you can get vegetarian "chicken" flavored broth.) These are highly processed, and we've already talked about avoiding MSG or other packaged food ingredients. And although there may be brands out there that are acceptable, be wary of any brand that says "natural flavors," "hydrolyzed" "autolyzed" etc. -- this is MSG too. But, it's so easy to avoid if you just make your own! Buy a whole chicken or turkey, or buy bones (thighs, backs, necks are great -- feet are even better if you can find them! I haven't tried that yet). Put the bones in a large stock pot (at least 8 quarts; 16 is even better) and fill with water. Add vegetable scraps -- onion ends, carrot peels, celery pieces, etc. -- and arguably, a little apple cider vinegar (I tried it once or twice and it didn't make a difference for me, but some swear by it) and turn it on low. Then walk away, for about 24 hours. You'll come back to a big pot of rich, golden broth. This broth is full of calcium and other minerals, it makes great soups and gravies and lots of other food, freezes well, is very healing, and more. It's a wonderful, all-purpose food, and it couldn't be simpler or cheaper to make. A quart of good-quality stock in the store would cost you $2 - $5, depending on brand. At home you can make a whole gallon (or more) for that much! Stock is so wonderful, I could write an <a href="/2009/11/bone-broth-and-detox-diets.html">entire post </a>about it. This is a small change that is easy, will bring a ton of extra nutrition to your diet, and actually SAVES you money! Why not do it?</p>
<p>What are your next three steps, if you're further along? How are you doing on these? How have your changes been going over the last couple of weeks? Is there anything else you'd like to see in this series?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Time for the next three steps in the Baby Steps in the Kitchen Series! If you have missed the first two, go back and read <a href="/2010/02/baby-steps-in-kitchen.html">part 1</a> and <a href="/2010/02/baby-steps-in-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 12:03:56 AM
<p>Just starting to make my own stock this winter. It tastes so much better and I love that I can make it lower-sodium than store bought. I never thought about putting chicken feet in my stock - my poultry guy sells them, but they freak me out a little! Do they add a lot of flavor? I heard something about needing vinegar to draw out minerals from the bones - do you know if that is true?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 2
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/21/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/02/wfmw-traveling-without-my-family.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&amp;utm_medium=twitter?">Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family</a> and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/02/real-food-wednesday-22410.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p><p>Time for the next three Baby Steps in the Kitchen! I've decided to do all the kitchen posts on Saturdays because I have a feeling that kitchen baby steps are going to be the most popular. On Tuesdays I'll be doing the other Baby Steps posts (personal care, cleaning products, etc.). Look for the first one in the personal care series coming up this Tuesday!!</p><p>In case you missed the first three Baby Steps, check it out <a href="/2010/02/baby-steps-in-kitchen.html">here</a>! Then come back and read this one. :)</p><p>Now, here are my "4, 5, and 6" steps to healthier eating:</p><p>4) Replace white sugar with healthier alternatives (sucanat, raw honey, rapidura)</p><p>5) Get rid of aluminum cookware</p><p>6) Buy good milk, or milk substitute (coconut milk)</p><p>Why these?</p><p>White sugar is in ALL our food (that doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup, that is). It's in all the cakes, candies, cereals.... We eat WAY too much sugar, in general. Think about the recipes you bake at home -- many quick bread and cake recipes call for 2 cups of sugar! This much is just not necessary (did you know that in a lot of recipes, you can simply reduce the sugar by up to half without replacing it with anything and the recipe will still turn out well?), and white sugar is completely devoid of nutrients. It's awful, awful stuff. But right now I'm not going to ask you to cut sugar out of your diet -- yet. Instead, reach for a healthier alternative. Real maple syrup, raw honey, and sucanat are the best options. Rapidura is also very good. Turbinado sugar is not bad. Blackstrap molasses are good, but of course have a strong, unique flavor. When you're buying sugar next time, select a different variety. Try putting honey in your tea, maple syrup in your coffee. Use Rapidura or sucanat for baking (and if you remember, use a little less!). You'll feel better for it.</p><p>Aluminum is a huge problem. It's a metal that we don't need in our bodies at all, and which can cause serious health problems over time. When we use it for cookware, the metal leaches into our food and gets into our body. Most people who have some aluminum cookware also have cookware that isn't aluminum, and cookware that doesn't contain aluminum is easy to obtain. (It's also a good idea to get rid of any cookware that is coated with Teflon, but we'll get to that later.) We recently threw out a couple of pans that were bad, but most of our cookware was safe. OLD cookware is what you need to look out for now.</p><p>Milk is a big problem, in modern times. Unfortunately, it's all pasteurized (a process that was invented to purify beer and other alcohol, NOT milk) and homogenized (which breaks down the fat molecules into a size and shape that our body doesn't recognize). The factory farmed dairy cows are also very sick, given hormones (that is slowly changing), poor diet, and the milk they produce is unhealthy to begin with (which is why it needs pasteurized). Something else to consider is that calcium in this milk is not really useable by the body, so the argument "but you have to drink milk to get calcium!" is really moot. However, there are other options. You can buy milk that is non-homogenized, low-temp pasteurized, and grass-fed. Raw milk is even better (but not easy to obtain in many areas). Raw milk can be obtained by purchasing a share in a herd of cows, or by purchasing it for "pet use." These are common now. One caution: many brands of organic milk are "ultrapasteurized," which is even worse for you -- don't buy that! If you don't want to or can't buy good cow's milk, goat milk or coconut milk are very good options. We use coconut milk, which contains medium-chain fatty acids and a lot of great nutrients.</p><p>Those are my next three baby steps! Right now I have 24, so expect this series to continue for at least another 6 weeks.</p><p>What are your next three steps? Have you started on any of these? What do you think?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Time for the next three Baby Steps in the Kitchen! I've decided to do all the kitchen posts on Saturdays because I have a feeling that kitchen baby steps are going to be the most popular. On Tuesdays I'll be doing the other Baby Steps posts (personal care, cleaning products, etc.). Look for the first one in the personal care series coming up this Tuesday!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/27/2010 05:45:00 PM
<p>Katie,</p><p>Here are a couple of sources I&#39;ve found:<br/><a rel="nofollow" href="http://bittergreensgazette.blogspot.com/2005/04/homogenized-milk-devil.html">http://bittergreensgazette.blogspot.com/2005/04/homogenized-milk-devil.html</a></p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/224796/the_dangers_of_pasteurized_homogenized.html?cat=22">http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/224796/the_dangers_of_pasteurized_homogenized.html?cat=22</a></p><p>Dr. Kurt Oster seems to be leading the movement against homogenized milk.  There are scientists who say the opposite, of course.  But I would think these are the same scientists who say GMO foods, irradiated foods, fortified foods are all exactly the same as their whole, natural food counterparts.  </p><p>There is also the issue that when the fat has been broken down into tiny molecules, our body doesn&#39;t recognize it anymore and it can cause us to not process it correctly.  </p><p>&quot;Homogenisation causes the fat globules in whole milk to be fragmented into tiny, tight molecules that will not regroup. Not only do these intense molecules of fat refuse to regroup, they also resist digestion and manage to enter the bloodstream unaltered -which is one reason why so many people are allergic to milk.&quot;  from <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.communicationagents.com/sepp/2003/06/29/milk_and_vascular_disease.htm">http://www.communicationagents.com/sepp/2003/06/29/milk_and_vascular_disease.htm</a></p><p>I believe strongly in whole foods, and it doesn&#39;t make sense to me that something that has been processed in any way would be as healthy or healthier than something that hasn&#39;t.  I&#39;m not sure I can give you better sources than that, unfortunately, because the truth is, they just won&#39;t do the studies they need to confirm these theories because it wouldn&#39;t lead to anything they could patent!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kitchen Stewardship
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02237057208618360053
DATE: 02/27/2010 06:42:21 AM
<p>Kate,<br/>Do you have any references for the homogenized milk issue?  I&#39;m looking into it and (as usual) find mixed reviews. A prof at MSU says no way can homogenized milk get oxidized - are there other reasons it&#39;s supposed to be nasty?<br/>Thank you!<br/>:) Katie</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Steph J
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URL: http://openid.aol.com/flowershopgirl10
DATE: 02/23/2010 07:25:24 PM
<p>I made my own coconut milk from good shredded coconut from Tropical Traditions the other day and wondered if it wasn&#39;t a bit thin. Then I tried a can of coconut milk that was in the pantry to &quot;try&quot; for a couple years. The can was outdated by 2 years and I think it may have been bad. It was thick and had a crisco consistency. I threw it out and figured that we needed to try again with a fresh can. </p><p>We get raw milk here and I love it. It is currently legal to purchase where we live so long as it is not advertised. I love the flavor and so do my kids. The cow we get our milk from is a Jersey mix of some kind and we normally get close to 3 inches of cream on the top of the gallons. I love it and make our own butter for the table and shake up the rest into the milk. </p><p>We went SSteel here with our cookware a little over a year ago. My Mom mentioned it to my Dad that we didn&#39;t have SS and he took me out to get me a set ($150). It was something that wasn&#39;t in my budget to just go do, but that price is an easy target amount to save for if I had it to look at again. We are going to be inheriting my Mom&#39;s set of cast iron too, which I am excited about. </p><p>We use Organic Raw sugar here. I can get it from my local Amish bulk food store for a really good price. We also have a wonderful source for local raw honey and I was super pleased to be able to get a 5 gallon bucket this past fall and split it with a friend. I ended up with 12 qts (24 qts total) and have been loving it. My kids eat it every day in their sandwiches. This switch has been one of the easiest and the hardest just because a lot of my friends use sugar in everything and don&#39;t appreciate the slight flavor changes in things that my family doesn&#39;t seem to mind.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/23/2010 06:20:20 PM
<p>Bethany,</p><p>There is usually coconut milk in cans at regular grocery stores.  In a lot of grocery stores (like Giant Eagle and Kroger), they also carry the cartons now.  I usually find it at Whole Foods.  You can sub it cup for cup for regular milk, yes.  We love it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/18332288474847476858
DATE: 02/23/2010 06:13:01 PM
<p>I just found (&amp; subscribed to) your blog!  I&#39;m curious about the coconut milk...I live in a somewhat small city and am wondering where do you find it (regular grocery store or specialty)?  Also, does it substitute cup for cup like regular milk in recipes?  I&#39;m thinking that may be a good option for us...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/21/2010 07:26:47 PM
<p>Thanks for the clarification!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/21/2010 03:41:32 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I have several posts about fat on here -- those would be a great starting place.  Skim milk doesn&#39;t have fat, obviously, which we want to have.  It&#39;s also much more highly processed than whole milk, and we all know processed food isn&#39;t good for us!  Many brands also contain milk powder to make it appear thicker, which contains oxidized cholesterol -- also not good.  We believe that there&#39;s a reason it was created the way it was, and that we shouldn&#39;t take it apart and mess with it.</p><p>Read &quot;Eating Fat: How and Why&quot; for more information!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/21/2010 03:35:11 PM
<p>Why is skim milk worse than whole?</p><p>Thanks for your help with this!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/21/2010 03:19:24 AM
<p>Oh, and I&#39;ve been meaning to pull out my cast iron cookware too!  Haven&#39;t done it yet.  Donnielle over at Naturally Knocked Up has a great set of tutorials on how to use and care for it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/21/2010 03:18:15 AM
<p>Karly,</p><p>Honey is great for lemonade!  I used to make honey-ginger lemonade a lot when I was pregnant.  I would use hot water and shredded ginger root (let it soak a bit), then add honey and lemon juice.  It was yummy!</p><p>As for the milk, WF sometimes carries it if there are local farms that they can buy it from.  Our WF does have good milk, but I don&#39;t know that all of them would.  I do enjoy the So Delicious coconut milk and I recommend that whether or not you can do dairy!  But hey, whole milk is still better than skim! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 02/21/2010 03:11:50 AM
<p>Love your baby steps posts!</p><p>Sugar:  Trying to use more honey, and will buy maple syrup next shopping trip.  Will check out the other things you mention.  I vow to use no more white sugar.  (Hey, can you make lemonade with honey? Probably a silly question...)</p><p>Aluminum:  No aluminum here, but I do have non-stick cookware.  That&#39;s a huge expense to swallow, but my husband informed me that we have a couple of cast iron skillets in the garage.  Will be pulling those out.</p><p>Milk:  Ugh, this is hard.  We have switched from skim (I can&#39;t BELIEVE I had my family drink that!) to whole, which is one step.  All the organic around here is ultra-pasteurized, so that&#39;s a no-go.  I&#39;m going to look for non-homogenized, low temp. pasteurized, grass-fed next.  Does Whole Foods carry it?  I would love raw milk, but have only found it for $10 a gallon.  Yikes.  My budget isn&#39;t ready for that.  Baby steps, though.  I&#39;m much better than a month ago, and even 6 months ago. :)    Can&#39;t wait for your next baby steps, Kate!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 02/21/2010 01:23:07 AM
<p>We have been using molasses in Cam&#39;s oatmeal (instead of brown sugar) and he is none the wiser! Throw some frozen mixed berries in there and it&#39;s a real treat. <br/>We own no Teflon, ick. Our pots are stainless steel, but Mike really wants cast iron. <br/>Milk, we get Kroger&#39;s Private Selection Organic, whole. It&#39;s &quot;just&quot; pasteurized, although, I saw a half-gallon container of it that said ultrapasteurized, so now I&#39;m confused. DH drinks regular whole milk, but he&#39;s less concerned with the hormones for himself (as opposed to me and the growing fetus, lol). Cam drinks almond milk at the moment, unsweetened vanilla, because we are trying a no-dairy diet for medical reasons right now.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MaryJoan
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IP: 70.20.100.242
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DATE: 10/12/2010 08:29:38 PM
<p>Is almond milk a good alternative?  Thanks! (so much to learn!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/13/2010 01:13:47 AM
<p>MaryJoan,</p><p>It&#39;s not the BEST alternative, but especially if you make it yourself, it&#39;s not bad!  My favorite is coconut milk.  Soy milk is a no-no and rice milk isn&#39;t great either.  In my opinion, if you can, you should go for real raw milk, because it&#39;s the least processed and most nutritious.  Failing that coconut milk is really good too, it just has additives sometimes (guar gum, soy lecithin).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Marta
EMAIL: mmluna7@yahoo.com
IP: 216.185.23.66
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 06:20:53 PM
<p>Is auliminion hard-anodized cookware also bad? We just recently purchased it, ouch!</p><p>As for coconut milk, the one I saw in WF seems to be very processed (I think it was So Delicious). Is this what you had in mind?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/14/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-girl-scout-cookies/">Things I Love Thursday at The Diaper Diaries</a> and <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-shes-pretty">Finer Things Fridays at Amy's Finer Things</a>!**</p><p>Welcome to the first post in the Baby Steps series! This series is intended for all those who want to make changes to their lifestyles but have no idea where to start. For those of you who are farther along in the journey, feel free to leave your ideal "first three steps" in the comment section. I'm sure many will have different opinions about what's most important, so hearing from others would be great too!</p><p>With no further adieu (fun word, lol), here are my first three baby steps:</p><p>1. Buy organic, pastured eggs (instead of factory-farmed)</p><p>2. Buy some organic produce: whatever you can afford from the dirty dozen; starting with whatever you consume the most of (peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, grapes, carrots, pears; that is in order of most to least pesticides, but all are high in pesticides)</p><p>3. Start reading food labels and pick one "bad" food to avoid (I suggest high fructose corn syrup)</p><p>Okay, so, those are totally manageable! Why did I pick those? Let me explain.</p><p>Eggs -- Eggs are among the most nutrient-dense foods you can buy for your money. They are cheaper ounce-for-ounce than almost any other nutrient-dense food, even when you buy them at $3 - $4/dozen (which you should expect to pay for really good eggs). They're a fabulous source of good fats, and great for any women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or might get pregnant. They're great for growing children. They're easy to cook. And at $4 a dozen, you only need to increase your grocery bill a small amount to be able to afford them, so it's a relatively affordable change, even for those on a strict budget. They're also easy to find in many regular grocery stores (I know Kroger, Giant Eagle, and other major chains carry them).</p><p>Organic Produce -- Pesticides aren't good for us. Most of us know that (some deny it!). So reducing our exposure to pesticides is obviously a good thing. Many people tend to eat a lot of, say, lettuce and apples too. Replacing a few of these items with organic versions is doable because you won't even notice the difference when you're eating it. Also, the prices on many of these items (like apples) are about the same whether you're buying conventional or organic (apples are around $1/lb here regardless). Organic produce is easy to find, reasonably priced in a lot of cases, and barely a noticeable switch. In fact, what most say they notice most is how much better the food tastes!</p><p>Food labels -- Sometimes, we don't want to know what's in stuff. Especially if we're sure it's not good for us but it tastes so good. I used to love eating the Frito-Lay jalapeno cheese dip, Reese's peanut butter cups, and Chef Boyardee Ravioli. Oh...it was great! But then I started reading the ingredients and over a period of months, I decided that it really was not worth it to buy and consume those "non-food" items. It was hard to let go...but I haven't had any of those things in over 6 months now. (Just so you don't think I don't get it!) Once you start reading, you'll feel like EVERYTHING is bad. But relax. Choose just one food item that you want to avoid. I suggest high fructose corn syrup because it's been linked to everything from being overweight, diabetes, to hyperactivity. Mercury has been found in it, too. You can replace a lot of common food items (like ketchup) with organic versions, so they won't contain HFCS. There is even soda and tomato sauce and the like that you can find without it, so you don't have to change your eating habits much, and store brands of these items (like at Whole Foods) can be about the same price as many national brands. Another good food item to choose to avoid would be MSG, which might be a little easier because it's not in as many foods and is equally bad. But right now, just pick ONE.</p><p>Those are the first three baby steps! Are they doable for you? If you're further along in your real food journey, do you agree with these? If not, what are YOUR first three baby steps?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome to the first post in the Baby Steps series! This series is intended for all those who want to make changes to their lifestyles but have no idea where to start. For those of you who are farther along in the journey, feel free to leave your ideal "first three steps" in the comment section. I'm sure many will have different opinions about what's most important, so hearing from others would be great too!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy @ Finer Things
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/02728023893111147613
DATE: 02/23/2010 08:56:27 PM
<p>I&#39;m feeling very fortunate.  I get my eggs from a local farmer for only $2/dozen.  Other than the 45 minute round trip to get them (and raw milk)it can&#39;t be beat!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Olivia
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06631915242802169278
DATE: 02/18/2010 09:13:14 PM
<p>Have you heard of Grapefruit Seed Crush? I get mine from beeyoutiful.com and I love it! It cleans my kitchen counters and works as a natural antibiotic too! It&#39;s my one teeny tiny step toward a more natural lifestyle.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08892311830026770042
DATE: 02/18/2010 08:46:10 PM
<p>Good tips - I like the idea of baby steps. I&#39;m trying to NOT buy so much packaged stuff. It&#39;s hard, but we&#39;re working on it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/16/2010 12:06:18 AM
<p>great posts Kate! we have done all 3 (mostly) too...but still working on the organic produce one! i&#39;d say these are good &quot;baby steps&quot;. the next would definetly be good milk in my opinion too! if you are in columbus, i highly recommend Snowville Creamery dairy products...non homogenized, minimum requirement pasteurized, grass fed and LOCAL!  found at whole foods and select giant eagle stores! and at the worthington farm market in the summer! highly recommened!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 02/15/2010 02:06:59 PM
<p>Kroger&#39;s Private Selection organic whole milk is *just* pasteurized, not ultra. Just fyi.</p><p>Also, on soy. We definitely avoid that as much as HFCS.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09657894635737326366
DATE: 02/15/2010 02:49:49 AM
<p>This post is so timely, as this is exactly what we have started doing. it is a bit of an adjustment because I am having to drive an hour to a store that actually sells organic produce, but I am trying to combine all my shopping needs to other stores as well, into one day every 2 weeks, so the trips not bad.</p><p>We are also attempting to cut out much of the refined sugars and white flours etc. So far it hasn&#39;t really been a huge adjustment and everything is yummy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/15/2010 01:56:33 AM
<p>A quick note about the milk -- I&#39;ll be posting on that more in a later &quot;baby steps&quot; post.  Be careful when buying organic, though, because many organic brands are ultra-pasteurized, which you want to avoid!  Organic milk which is grass-fed, non-homogenized, and pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature (or not at all) is the best.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/15/2010 01:23:16 AM
<p>I love this idea Kate!</p><p>We have been doing the 3 you mentioned for various reasons. Cereal is a hard one when it comes to HFCS, but if we go back on grains then I&#39;m going to make my own granola and that will be the only &quot;cereal&quot; we will eat. Even cereals without HFCS have a lot of sugar in them. The healthy ones are so darn expensive so I figure I&#39;ll create my own! We still have to change ketchups... I love my Heinz though as I grew up in Pittsburgh...</p><p>I would tend to say &quot;soy&quot; as a bad food to avoid. Although some soy is healthy, a lot of soy products are overprocessed. But that&#39;s not even my point... soy is in EVERYTHING. Condiments, Salad dressings, snacks... you name it. If I&#39;m going to consume it, then I want to choose to do it!</p><p>With produce we&#39;ve been going slowly. Organic potatoes because of the article a previous poster mentioned... organic bananas because they taste better and aren&#39;t that expensive... grapes will be my next commitment.</p><p>No one has mentioned dairy. I just recently went to organic milk for my husband who loves milk. I definitely think the hormones and antibiotics are a problem.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
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DATE: 02/14/2010 10:21:06 PM
<p>I agree with you on the high fructose corn syrup. That&#39;s one my family&#39;s been avoiding for ages. I&#39;ll be following this series. Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 02/14/2010 06:43:25 PM
<p>Good tips. We don&#39;t buy organic, pastured eggs...I have a hard enough time convincing my husband to buy the $2.50 cage-free, DHA-enhanced eggs when &quot;regular&quot; eggs are $.79 a dozen. A few times this summer we got eggs from local farmers, though. My 2-year-old eats a dozen eggs a week on his own, so buy a LOT of eggs! </p><p>We got rid of HFCS over the past year. Ketchup, we buy Kroger&#39;s &quot;fancy&quot; brand (I think it&#39;s called Private Selection). Most other foods we buy don&#39;t have it, though, since we really limit packaged foods. Cereal was HARD, though, it is in so many types...you really have to read labels, but it&#39;s worth it. Bread is one place they sneak it in, but there are plenty of types that don&#39;t use it.</p><p>Organic produce...we&#39;re getting there. It&#39;s more expensive, and we eat tons and tons of berries and apples as a family. Like, tons. In the summer we grow most of our own produce, but we can&#39;t grow blue-/black-/raspberries here, so we are buying those year-round.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/14/2010 05:13:12 AM
<p>My steps were:</p><p>1. Organic produce - it started with potatoes after you posted the &quot;7 foods experts won&#39;t eat&quot; article link. I was so impressed with the difference between the organic and non that I had more of an open mind about the whole organic thing. I saw that lettuce was the same price organic as non and got that. Now I&#39;m getting celery and a few other veggies. We&#39;ve been doing organic canned pinto beans with tacos for a while now, since they&#39;re no more expensive than the other ones (store brand beans vs. the beans we would&#39;ve been buying anyways) and we do organic chicken stock as well (and have been doing it for a while).</p><p>2. Organic eggs - this one happened the last time I shopped I decided to give them a try and lose the worries about salmonella. Husband agrees that they&#39;re worth buying.</p><p>3. HFCS - we&#39;re on a quest to get rid of this from our lives. It&#39;s hard, as some things we really like have it in (several candies, etc.). Heck, the ranch dip we got today while eating out (Arby&#39;s) had it in! That&#39;s a little ridiculous. I&#39;ve been reading labels more and just trying to move one step at a time. I am trying to find alternatives to products instead of just removing them cold turkey as that would make me more likely to rebound and binge on the HFCS. I mean, they&#39;re called baby steps for a reason, right?</p><p>Technically, we did MSG before all of this, but that was due to allergic reactions mostly on my husband&#39;s part but partly from my stomach as well. I&#39;d rather not feel sick when eating if I can get the same product without the sick feeling elsewhere. So MSG was our &quot;zero&quot; step, if you want to think about it that way. The funny thing is, I don&#39;t miss any of those foods at all. I find I love the foods I&#39;ve replaced them with (in some cases, making my own version, like with chicken veggie rice soup; in some cases, replacing it with a product that only contains actual food) and prefer, say, the Natural thick-cut sea salted potato chips to the Cheetos/Doritos/whatever else.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: thediaperdiaries
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07031990766224099099
DATE: 02/14/2010 03:19:18 AM
<p>Love these ideas. I have already begun 1 and 3. Going to check out prices on 2. I am hoping to do a CSA this year so I can&#39;t wait to get local, fresh produce!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in Personal Care
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/24/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-out-of-the-blue">Finer Things Fridays at Amy's Finer Things</a>!**</p><p>Only 5 more days to <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dEJFTl9MUlZmN2VqS2lfOFJyQmNzVEE&amp;hl=en">register</a> for the 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge!</p><p>The Baby Steps series is SO popular, I decided to do all of the kitchen posts on Saturdays, and do the other series on Tuesdays instead of doing Health News Tuesdays! So on the next several Tuesdays, look for posts on personal care, the medicine cabinet, green cleaning, and possibly more. What else would you like to see?</p><p>Here are the first three baby steps in personal care:</p><p>1) Replace toothpaste with a fluoride-free version (especially for kids)</p><p>2) Replace deodorant with aluminum-free version or abandon it</p><p>3) Switch to natural facial cleanser</p><p>Why those?</p><p><a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/where-the-yellow-went.html">Fluoride is dangerous to your health</a>, especially if swallowed (and especially for kids!!). It is not necessary to help your teeth. Many <a href="http://www.tomsofmaine.com/products/toothpaste.aspx">natural toothpastes </a>are made without it. Some of these can be found for about the same price as the typical national brands, so it's not an expensive switch. It's not a big change in your routine, either, so it's an easy first step.</p><p>Deodorant (specifically antiperspirant) is dangerous because of the aluminum. The aluminum (which your body does not ever need) blocks your sweat glands. This is how your body cools off and releases toxins. If it cannot detox, then these toxins build up in the lymph nodes (as does the aluminum). For this reason, antiperspirant has been said to cause breast cancer. Your body needs to be able to release these toxins. So, it is better to use a simple, non-aluminum deodorant that helps mask odors, or really, nothing at all. This may be a big idea to swallow (most natural deodorant brands do still contain aluminum, by the way), but it is a really, really important one. Decreasing and eventually eliminating your exposure to heavy metals is critical to gaining optimal health. Cost remains minimal here, and the overall savings on health care could be huge!</p><p>Natural facial cleanser is an easy switch. You're looking for something that doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate-80, or any of the other dangerous chemicals. Castile-soap based cleansers are a great option (that is, only vegetable oils in the soap, essential oils for fragrance are okay too). There are several great options out there, which actually work better. I've found that using a natural cleanser has eliminated my need for additional facial stuff (masks, pimple cream, etc.) and my skin is much smoother and less red. Cost is minimal here too (and cheaper if you don't need to buy the extra stuff!) and a very simple change.</p><p>What are your top 3 steps, if you have already made changes? Can you make these changes work in your routine?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
The Baby Steps series is SO popular, I decided to do all of the kitchen posts on Saturdays, and do the other series on Tuesdays instead of doing Health News Tuesdays! So on the next several Tuesdays, look for posts on personal care, the medicine cabinet, green cleaning, and possibly more. What else would you like to see?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 02/24/2010 08:18:11 AM
<p>When I first started to go &quot;natural&quot;, I wanted to change everything right away.  However, that proved to be, at best, difficult because there was so much to change!  </p><p>Anyway, I looked at what I was using on my body and changed these things:  my shampoo and conditioner to a more natural formula, body wash and face wash to castile soap (Dr. Bronner&#39;s has lots of great scents!) and water mixed together (some olive oil added to the body wash to help add moisture), a more natural face/body moisturizer, and I quit using make up (although I didn&#39;t use that much to begin with, and will still use a tiny bit on special occasions.)</p><p>I am working on the toothpaste right now, and the deodorant one is a hard one.  I can certainly tell when I don&#39;t use it!</p><p>Hey, I&#39;m sure you are familiar with it, but cosmeticdatabase.com has been a big help for me to research what I&#39;m using and what I can use that&#39;s better.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04018963981535476477
DATE: 02/24/2010 03:30:46 AM
<p>I switched from a face cleanser to using the oil cleanse method over a year ago and never looked back. My skin looks and feels great and even if I use organic castor oil and olive oil the cost is still way below what I would be paying for a cleanser.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Linda
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/24/2010 02:30:32 AM
<p>I checked the link, and Dr, Mercola didn&#39;t have any sources (the study he references was never published).  Do you have anything else?  I&#39;d like to be able to discuss it with my doctor, and an unpublished study really doesn&#39;t give me anything to talk with her about. </p><p>Thanks,</p><p>Linda</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/24/2010 01:16:06 AM
<p>Linda,</p><p>I first heard about it from my chiropractor and since then from several other doctors.  Here is a link to a study that was done: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/09/20/does-your-antiperspirant-cause-breast-cancer.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/09/20/does-your-antiperspirant-cause-breast-cancer.aspx</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Linda
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/24/2010 01:03:51 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I&#39;m very concerned about the link you said exists between breast cancer and anti-perspirant.  Could you please tell your source?</p><p>thanks!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps Series
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/07/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/02/wfmw-eggshell-tip.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a> and <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-progresso-soup/">Things I Love Thursdays at Diaper Diaries</a>!!**</p>
<p>Since some people have expressed interest in making changes to their lifestyles, but they don't seem to know where to start (it is overwhelming!), I'm starting this "baby steps" series. Each Saturday I will discuss some baby steps you can do in different areas of life if you are ready to make changes. I hope some of you will take the challenges along with me!</p>
<p>In each post, I'll give you three baby steps you can try that will make a big difference in your lifestyle. Since I've been doing this stuff for three years (or so), I know that it can take a long time to really make these changes! It's so hard to know where to start. But three small things is not too much to try. Some of the baby steps you may choose to do out of order, and of course it will depend on how important something is to you. For example, I never really wore make up, so stopping entirely to improve my personal care routine and reduce my exposure to chemicals was no big deal to me. But some women feel really naked without their make up and that would be a really HUGE deal! (I'm trying to keep things like this in mind, as well as other potential limitations when I create the baby steps.) I'll also link to other bloggers' sets of baby steps sometimes so that you can get another perspective.</p>
<p>Get ready to change your life! You'll see the following themes (approximately once per month each, except for some special posts):</p>
<p>Baby Steps in the Kitchen<br />Baby Steps in the Medicine Cabinet<br />Baby Steps Around the House<br />Baby Steps in Personal Care</p>
<p>Next Saturday's post is "In the Kitchen." If there are any questions about the baby steps, please feel free to send them in or post them!</p>
<p>Here is a list of the current Baby Steps Posts:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 1</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/21/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-2.html">Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 2</a></p>
<p><a href="/blog/2010/2/27/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-3.html">Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 3</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/24/baby-steps-in-personal-care.html">Baby Steps in Personal Care, Part 1</a></p>
<p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Since some people have expressed interest in making changes to their lifestyles, but they don't seem to know where to start (it is overwhelming!), I'm starting this "baby steps" series. Each Saturday I will discuss some baby steps you can do in different areas of life if you are ready to make changes. I hope some of you will take the challenges along with me!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ally
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.thefrugalfrontier.com
DATE: 02/12/2010 05:11:38 AM
<p>Great idea!  How about recipe organization in the kitchen?  Or creative spice storage for a small kitchen--those are my 2 major battles :)</p><p>Can&#39;t wait to read what you have to offer!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Olivia
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06631915242802169278
DATE: 02/11/2010 08:36:57 PM
<p>Baby steps IS a good idea! Happy TILT!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mom2fur
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09919967314390699344
DATE: 02/10/2010 07:54:41 PM
<p>What a great idea, and a nice thing to do for others, too! I&#39;m going to make a note to come back here saturday to see your tips.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Bloggy Business
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/11/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>I thought, since I've had so many "big" posts lately (you can check them out if you haven't), I would take today to do an easier post.  One that doesn't invite quite so much controversy.  :)  I'll get back to those controversial subjects soon!  Starting on Friday, actually, with more coming up next week.  Bear with me, and please feel free to leave your (reasonable) disagreements on those posts!</p><p>First, if you haven't filled out my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dFp3WHpLdGJQTGx2TmZJcnlnLWNZM0E&amp;hl=en">reader survey</a> yet and you would be willing to, please do so!  It helps know who you are (anonymously) and what you like to read on here.  I'm considering making some changes so this would be really helpful!</p><p>One change -- Health News Tuesdays.  Do you like it?  Hate it?  Wish it took a different format?  Let me know what you think about that!  What would you like to see it changed to?</p><p>Recipes on Thursdays -- love it, hate it?  Wish there were more?  Need more "real food" type posts?</p><p>Meal planning/grocery shopping -- I posted on this only once, but would more examples be helpful?  A weekly meal plan that got sent to your email?  What would be helpful to you?</p><p>Are there any other types of posts you would like to see?  Other suggestions?</p><p>Comments -- I'm seriously considering switching to registered users only (OpenID will be an option).  What does everyone think about that?  (This is because all my usual and good commentors -- and that includes ones who disagree with me, lol! -- usually use their names, while some of the comments I haven't been able to post have all come from anonymous users.  I'm hoping it will discourage that!)</p><p>Finally...announcement!!  On March 1st, we will be launching a new site, a new blog host!  It's not quite ready yet, but we're working hard.  At that point, we'll have tons of new features for you!  Mark it down, because that's just one exciting thing happening here in March!  More to come next week....</p><p>Like what you read?  Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I thought, since I've had so many "big" posts lately (you can check them out if you haven't), I would take today to do an easier post.  One that doesn't invite quite so much controversy.  :)  I'll get back to those controversial subjects soon!  Starting on Friday, actually, with more coming up next week.  Bear with me, and please feel free to leave your (reasonable) disagreements on those posts!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: SarahJ
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15241046397600540034
DATE: 02/11/2010 04:17:46 AM
<p>It&#39;s ok, Kate. Everyone has a bad day. I hope tomorrow goes better for you. I love your blog &amp; read it nightly. The thing you post about that is most relevant for me right now is debt-free living. I&#39;ve made a budget &amp; am working to be free of credit card debt by the end of 2010!</p><p>Keep up the good work &amp; I&#39;m excited to see the new blog!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15092795630255176188
DATE: 02/11/2010 03:25:25 AM
<p>I boo health news Tuesday... more recipes... that are EASY and healthy with pictures!!!</p><p>And you win some you lose some... sorry for the sucky day.  Names for comments... and seriously didn&#39;t we all learn if you can&#39;t say something nice don&#39;t say anything at all back in kindergarten?  Maybe some people failed...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/11/2010 02:31:35 AM
<p>Opal,</p><p>Quite honestly, I forgot.  Today&#39;s not been a good day.  My son is sick, he doesn&#39;t sleep well (ever), I&#39;m pretty tired, and I&#39;m feeling attacked on all sides right now.  There&#39;s more but I&#39;m not going to whine about it all.  I am feeling very frustrated right now so it&#39;s hard to keep a positive attitude.</p><p>Sorry to anyone I may have upset during this.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Opal
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2010 02:20:28 AM
<p>Do you realize that your Facebook status indicating that you think the people reading your blog are annoying shows up on your blog?  Doesn&#39;t that alienate your readers?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Coconut Chocolate Muffins
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/19/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>
<div>**This post is linked to <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2009/10/08/food-on-fridays-chicken-curry-wsweet-potatoes/">Food on Fridays at Ann Kroeker's blog</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/ultimate-recipe-swap-egg-dishes.html/comment-page-1#comment-14057">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as MOM</a>!**</div>
<div>At the moment, we're grain-free, so we were really missing bread. I borrowed the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2008/10/08/coconut-flour-blueberry-muffins/">original version</a> of this recipe from <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/">Ann Marie at Cheeseslave</a>, then made a few changes to suit our tastes and allergies (we can't do blueberries). I believe she found the recipe in <a href="http://www.piccadillybooks.com/cooking-with-coconut-flour.htm">Bruce Fife's Cooking with Coconut Flour: A Delicious, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Alternative to Wheat</a>. I haven't read the book yet myself, but I'd like to!</div>
<p>Our result was pretty yummy! Bekah LOVES them and eats 8 or 9 per day (I made mini-muffins so that's not as much as it sounds like). Here it is:</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />6 eggs, pastured and at room temperature<br />1/4 c. coconut oil<br />1/4 c. coconut milk<br />1/4 c. raw honey<br />1/2 tsp. sea salt<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />1/2 c. coconut flour<br />1/4 c. raw cacao powder<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Cream together honey and coconut oil. Blend in coconut milk, then eggs (if eggs are cold, you will get lumps of coconut oil mix throughout your batter). Add vanilla and salt, stir. Add cacao and stir in, then add coconut flour and baking soda and mix thoroughly (some suggest mixing the dry ingredients separately, but I'm too lazy).</p>
<p>Bake at 400 for 15 min. Or, 10 minutes for mini-muffins. This will make one dozen regular muffins, and 3 dozen or so mini muffins.</p>
<p>These are super nutrient dense, too, without being too sweet and totally grain-free! Coconut is great for you, and so is raw cacao.</p>
<p>Bonus recipe!!</p>
<p>Okay, most of you will NEVER try this. But Bekah loves this. It is "candy" she can have.</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />2 oz. unsweetened chocolate (99% pure cacao)<br />3/4 c. coconut oil<br />1 vanilla bean, scraped out<br />1/2 c. unsweetened coconut flakes (opt.)<br />1 tsp. mint extract (opt.)</p>
<p>Directions:<br />In a medium saucepan, melt chocolate and coconut oil over low heat. Add the caviar (the part you scraped out) from the vanilla bean. Stir until smooth and mixed. Add coconut flakes and/or mint extract if desired. Pour into a small pan (8x8 or smaller) and freeze for 20 - 30 minutes or until hard. Store, covered, in the fridge.</p>
<p>This is completely unsweetened candy. Super nutrient-dense, super rich. Most of us couldn't stomach it because it is really bitter. But for those who don't have much of a sweet tooth, this is pretty good. You could also add 2 - 3 tbsp. raw honey if you'd like a lightly sweet candy. But it is smooth, rich, and very interesting unsweetened. :)</p>
<br />
<div></div>
<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439954280389334274" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 108px; display: block; height: 61px; cursor: hand;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S36ZmIz41QI/AAAAAAAAAH0/XeURRjmUFyo/s200/fof.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<div><br />Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</div>
</p>
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EXCERPT:
At the moment, we're grain-free, so we were really missing bread. I borrowed the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2008/10/08/coconut-flour-blueberry-muffins/">original version</a> of this recipe from <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/">Ann Marie at Cheeseslave</a>, then made a few changes to suit our tastes and allergies (we can't do blueberries).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:41:58 PM
<p>You can buy 100% cacao Ghiridelli baking chocolate at WF. I have a bar for you from San Fran though :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kat
EMAIL: kat_garson@hotmail.com
IP: 99.246.9.197
URL: http://scdkatfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/12/2010 10:59:48 PM
<p>Oh these look good, I might just have to give them a try :) I'm on full SCD/GAPS and have added back in chocolate and doing well with that. Glad you are blogging about your experiences and sharing recipes!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Courtship and Biblical Marriage
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/13/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Now we've discussed several other issues surrounding Biblical relationships and families, so it's time to talk about courtship and marriage! I'm presenting these themes as they appear in the Biblical the teachings of Bible scholars. They represent an "ideal" situation, but are by no means the only way to approach relationships and marriage. They're also not my opinion (in most cases), but Biblical teachings, nor am I judging anyone who chooses a different way.</p><p>Courtship is a Biblical way of selecting a mate that heavily involves parents and which takes the place of dating. Traditional courtship happens when two people spend some time together within a group and/or with their parents as chaperones, and are never alone. They do not engage in any physical relationship (not even kissing) until they are married. Both young adults pray for God's guidance in selecting a mate, and discuss their ideas with their parents, who will either approve or deny the match. The man must then ask the woman's father's permission to propose to her. Only if the father gives it can the man propose to the woman. Then, once the couple is married, they leave their parents' homes and go to their own, where they begin their marriage together. Their first kiss is on their wedding day!</p><p>There are couples who, today, still strive for courtship. Not all families are so strict about it, though some are. <a href="http://www.ja20.com/ourstory.html">Josh and Anna Duggar practiced courtship</a> this strict, and I believe all the Duggar children are required to do so (although I don't know; I've only read Josh and Anna's story). Others are less strict but still believe strongly in courtship. That is, the goal of having the entire family involved in the selection of a mate and parents functioning as chaperones on at least early dates. It is also important that no courting take place until both the man and woman are fully grown and at a point in their lives where they are ready to have an adult relationship and a potential marriage. "Dating" happens as early as age 12 or 13 for some; there is no potential for an adult relationship or a marriage at that age. Courtship holds that early dating is pointless for that reason. Children should be children, and should not worry about relationships with the opposite sex until they are mature enough for marriage (this is not to say that they shouldn't have FRIENDSHIPS with the opposite sex!).</p><p>A typical (less strict) courtship may go like this (as my understanding; some of you may know better than I do): A man and a woman meet each other and become friends. Both are adults and feel they are ready to enter into marriage, if God leads them in that direction (and will be praying about this). They discuss their thoughts and ideas with their parents as well as praying that God will show them if the other person is the the "one." The man is prepared to marry -- that is, he has a good job and a home so that he can take care of his bride independently. The man asks the woman's father's permission to court her. If he gets permission, he will come to the woman's parents' house (of course...realistically, she may or may not still be living with her parents, but that's traditional) to pick her up and take her out. They may be chaperoned, or may not, but the date won't go late and there will be no sexual contact (some say hugging and holding hands is okay; some may say kissing is okay but this is less likely, especially at first). This may continue for awhile but the families will be paying attention. The couple will probably spend a lot of time in groups with friends, siblings, and their parents, so that the whole family knows the man/woman (both families know both). When the man is ready to propose, he will go privately to the woman's father and ask for her permission. Then, he will propose to the woman. Assuming she accepts, their "real" relationship begins and they plan the wedding (that is, they are viewed as betrothed and exclusive and it's considered a relationship, not just a courtship. Some couples may decide that some physical contact, like kissing, is acceptable at this point. Some may not. On their wedding day, they are married and they leave their fathers and mothers and go to one another, and are united as husband and wife (there are Bible verses about exactly this). At this point they are independent, married, and sexual contact is then permitted.</p><p>There is a Biblical basis for courtship. I am going to link to several sites in a "resources" section at the bottom so that you can read about it further if you're interested.</p><p>The reason that I believe a model similar to this is best is because a lot of teenagers waste a lot of time and energy on relationships that won't pan out. They spend time and money going on dates and having boyfriends and girlfriends and making plans for the future that completely change when and if they break up with that boyfriend or girlfriend. (Someone I know selected a college based on the fact that their significant other attended there, even though that college didn't have the intended major. So the entire career path and course of this person's life changed because of this relationship. They broke up a year later and now this person is thinking about revising the plan a bit, but I feel has lost a few years and the opportunity to do what was REALLY desired.) God doesn't want us to suffer like that. He also doesn't want our focus shifted from the task of growing up and discovering who we are as people, and becoming mature adults before we enter into relationships. So many teens are "one person" when they enter into a relationship at age 15, and totally different when they exit at age 17! Adolescents change SO fast, and they need to. For that reason, dating and marriage really should not enter their lives until they are mostly grown and ready for it.</p><p>Our goal for our children will be a modified courtship. We're not going to chaperone all their dates. We're not going to forbid them from ever kissing (though if any choose not to, we will certainly support that choice). We will want to meet the person they are seeing when they first want to have dates (and we will require them to be 18 before they can have true "dates" -- prior to that time, they will be able to go on group dates and have friendships with members of the opposite sex, but not relationships), and we will want men to come to us to ask permission before proposing to any of our daughters. And we hope that our sons will come and let us know they plan to propose, and then seek the woman's father's permission before doing so! We want to get to know all our future daughters-in-law and sons-in-law very well both before and after they are married.</p><p>Once courtship is complete and you are married, then what? God has a plan for marriage, too. I'll link to several articles on a Godly design for marriage below, too, but based on the studies we've done (premarital counseling, sets of CDs of pastors talking about marriage, a series in our church we heard live, some books we've read, the Bible itself of course), I will try to explain what we believe and try to practice.</p><p>The husband is the head of the family. He submits himself to God and Christ, and he is the family's spiritual leader. He is commanded to "agape" love his wife (which is a very special kind of love). This means, basically, that he is selfless and self-sacrificing for her, that he loves her as Christ loves him, and that nothing ever stops or changes his love for her. It is higher than brotherly love; it is like the love God offers us. There is no good translation for it. It is the husband's responsibility to love his wife this way to make her feel safe and cherished. He should also provide for his family, financially and in other ways.</p><p>The wife should submit to her husband. This is not like we think of "submission" in modern times, where a woman simply bows to her husband's will. Instead, she is charged with respecting him and his will (which of course needs to be aligned with God's will). When things come up in their marriage, they will discuss it because they are partners and they need to pray about major decisions together. But if the husband feels especially strongly, the wife should bow to his will and allow him to make the decision. By the same decision, if the wife feels especially strongly, if they feel she is right based on their prayers, the husband should love her and allow her to do things her way. Submission doesn't mean she lets her husband walk all over her by any means. A woman is called to ALWAYS respect her husband. She should not speak ill of him in public nor do anything to put him down or hurt his pride. A wife should feel safe with her husband and always loved by him, so that she is free to be herself, while still respecting him. In public (and in heaven), the husband speaks for the family.</p><p>I personally find my role very satisfying. I know that at home, I have an equal say (sometimes more than my share!) about how we will raise our children, handle our money, etc. Ben will come to me and say, "This is something that's in my head right now and this is what I think we should do. But I would like your input." We will discuss the issue, and often I agree he is right. If I don't, we discuss until we come to a conclusion we both agree with. So far we haven't had any times where he's had to say, "We can't agree, so we're going with what I say," but if it came to that, it would be my role to allow that to happen. I can trust Ben to be strong for me. So, for example, if there are demands on our family from the outside that I can't handle, Ben can stand up for us and say, "No, my family needs a break right now," and be a barrier between me and whatever is causing stress. I don't have to feel the burden of providing for my family because Ben takes care of it. Instead, of course, I raise our children, which is really MORE work most of the time. :)</p><p>I'm sharing my personal views on this because I know a lot of people will see the word "submit" and automatically get upset and say "No! A wife is completely equal to her husband in all ways and that is demeaning to women!" But it really isn't the way we think of submission. The typical view of a submissive wife -- that is, a husband who rules the family very strongly, and the wife who simply stays out of his way and says "Whatever you think is best" and generally seems to have no independent role or voice -- is NOT what the Bible was talking about. The husband needs the wife as much as she needs him. Their roles are just DIFFERENT.</p><p>I love one section from the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Let%27s%20put%20the%20husband%27s%20leadership%20and%20the%20wife%27s%20submission%20in%20biblical%20balance:%20%201.%20God%20has%20given%20the%20husband%20the%20leadership%20role%20for%20the%20good%20of%20his%20wife,%20not%20as%20an%20excuse%20for%20him%20to%20be%20proud%20or%20selfish,%20and%20not%20as%20an%20excuse%20to%20treat%20her%20as%20a%20servant.%20%20Some%20husbands%20do%20not%20seem%20to%20understand%20that%20yelling%20for%20food%20or%20beverage%20service%20while%20they%20are%20watching%20a%20sports%20event%20on%20TV%20and%20while%20their%20wives%20are%20scrubbing%20the%20kitchen%20floors%20on%20their%20hands%20and%20knees%20does%20not%20reflect%20biblical%20truth%20in%20balance.%20%202.%20God%20has%20not%20said%20the%20husband%20must,%20or%20should,%20make%20all%20decisions%20in%20his%20family.%20If%20a%20husband%20wants%20to%20please%20God,%20and%20if%20he%20loves%20his%20wife%20with%20agape%20love,%20he%20will%20delegate%20some%20decision%20making%20to%20her--she%20has%20brains%20too.%20%203.%20God%20has%20not%20said%20that%20the%20husband%20must%20make%20decisions%20without%20obtaining%20input%20from%20his%20wife--she%20has%20brains,%20too.%20%204.%20God%20has%20not%20said%20that%20the%20husband%20must%20make%20decisions%20according%20to%20his%20wishes,%20nor%20even%20according%20to%20his%20wisdom.%20Instead%20he%20must%20make%20decisions%20that%20are%20best%20for%20his%20wife.">Biblical marriage roles</a> below that I am going to quote it here:<br/><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Let's put the husband's leadership and the wife's submission in biblical balance: </p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic">1. God has given the husband the leadership role for the good of his wife, not as an excuse for him to be proud or selfish, and not as an excuse to treat her as a servant. </p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Some husbands do not seem to understand that yelling for food or beverage service while they are watching a sports event on TV and while their wives are scrubbing the kitchen floors on their hands and knees does not reflect biblical truth in balance. </p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic">2. God has not said the husband must, or should, make all decisions in his family. If a husband wants to please God, and if he loves his wife with agape love, he will delegate some decision making to her--she has brains too. </p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic">3. God has not said that the husband must make decisions without obtaining input from his wife--she has brains, too. </p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic">4. God has not said that the husband must make decisions according to his wishes, nor even according to his wisdom. Instead he must make decisions that are best for his wife. </p>I think that really sums up how God views marriage, or at least the role of love and respect. It actually goes on with several more excellent points, but I'm not going to post the whole thing here. Read it, it really is a great resource!</p><p>We are always personally striving to do better in our roles as husband and wife. In our culture, it is easy to say, "I would love her more if she were nicer to me" or "I would respect him if he earned it," but that is not what God commands. Sometimes we need to remember that love and respect need to be truly UNCONDITIONAL, as God's love is for us.</p><p>Please click on the resources below to learn more. All the hyperlinks are articles!</p><p>Resources<br/><a href="http://www.momof9splace.com/court.html">Courtship vs. Dating</a><br/><a href="http://www.gotquestions.org/agape-love.html">Agape love</a><br/><a href="http://www.sjchurchofchrist.org/agape.shtml">Biblical types of love</a><br/><a href="http://www.studiesintheword.org/biblical_marriage.htm">Biblical marriage</a><br/><a href="http://www.christianmarriage.com/">Christian Marriage</a><br/><a href="http://www.biblical-counsel.org/pa-02.htm">Biblical marriage roles</a> (discusses submission)<br/>Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman<br/>Intended for Pleasure, by Ed Wheat/Baker<br/>Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires, the Respect He Desperately Needs, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs / Thomas Nelson</p><p>Do you subscribe to courtship and Biblical marriage? Why or why not? What do you believe about marriage?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Now we've discussed several other issues surrounding Biblical relationships and families, so it's time to talk about courtship and marriage! I'm presenting these themes as they appear in the Biblical the teachings of Bible scholars. They represent an "ideal" situation, but are by no means the only way to approach relationships and marriage. They're also not my opinion (in most cases), but Biblical teachings, nor am I judging anyone who chooses a different way.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/18/2010 03:13:09 AM
<p>As someone who had very involved relationships very early (age 14), I definitely see the value in teaching my children to wait. I was expected to make &quot;the right&quot; decisions growing up, but was not taught how to do that. Consequently my parents missed their window of opportunity to correctly instill this value and I suffered a lot because I was very young and naive.</p><p>I&#39;m 27 years old and have been married for almost 4 years. I have a beautiful daughter and a wonderful marriage. I am still haunted by my earlier relationships and actions before meeting my husband. This is not something I want my daughter to experience. I want her to know and experience purity within her marriage.</p><p>My husband and I have not decided on how we are going to handle this- what the ground rules with be and what values we want to instill in our children regarding dating/courting. Right now all I can say is that I fully intend to be open with our kids and talk to them. My parents did not communicate well if at all regarding this.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/17/2010 01:09:22 AM
<p>Well said James.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: James
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DATE: 02/16/2010 04:41:03 PM
<p>Hi, Kate.</p><p>I think there are a few merits to dating before one is ready to &quot;settle down,&quot; so to speak.  I think dating helps one learn a lot about himself and about what he needs in a potential spouse.  So, while I agree that relationships formed early probably won&#39;t pan out, they can be excellent learning experiences for all involved parties, as long as they maintain a realistic outlook on the relationship.</p>
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AUTHOR: Annie
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DATE: 02/15/2010 06:51:35 PM
<p>How could you possibly know that you were ready to marry someone after 8 days? Didn&#39;t you have doubts?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/13/2010 05:25:53 AM
<p>Josh Duggar was 18 when he met his wife and  20 or 21 when they married.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/13/2010 04:56:01 AM
<p>I hope they do too. I think I might not understand your &quot;get married to date&quot; philosophy. I think you should thoroughly know the person before marrying; this takes time and experience with that person. How do you know that God has provided the right person if you don&#39;t date them for a while?  How would you even meet the right person without dating?  </p><p>I would worry about kids feeling that waiting until 18 is too restrictive and then rebelling once they are 18, but that depends on the kid.  They could just as easily rebel if they are made to wait until 16.  </p><p>You must have been an exceptionally mature boy.  I don&#39;t know any boys of 20 (and I choose to use the term &quot;boys&quot; because they aren&#39;t yet men) who are truly &quot;ready&quot; - either emotionally or financially - to marry.  </p><p>I think, like you, the world&#39;s view of dating is probably off kilter.  I do think, however, that the world&#39;s view of people waiting to marry until they are self-actualized adults (the average age for females in the US is now almost 26 and for males is almost 28)is a good thing shaped by volumes of data about the lack of success of younger marriages. I know it worked for you, but I doubt it would work for most people.  Again, you must be exceptional!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/13/2010 02:46:05 AM
<p>My parents didn&#39;t really set an age when I could start dating; however I chose not to date until I met Kate at 20. I would honestly say, that I was ready for marriage, at least ready to commit to a serious courtship, at 19. I already had a management job at a retail store and a house. Although Kate and I didn&#39;t get married until I was 21, I told my sister I was ready to marry her 8 days after we met.</p><p>I&#39;ve always felt that you get married to date. Once you&#39;ve found that right person, that God has provided for you, you get married and spend the rest of your life getting to know each other.</p><p>I hope that our kids will see the value in the path we chose, despite what the world&#39;s view is.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/13/2010 02:01:17 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>At age 18, our children will reach majority age and we will have no legal say in their dating lives.  We will teach them not to date until they are ready for marriage (whether that&#39;s age 18 or 40) but we will have to rely on them to make their own choices at that point.  A few kids are ready to self-support and marry at 18 (I think Josh Duggar was 18?), but many are not.  All kids are different, as are all adults.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/13/2010 01:52:12 AM
<p>This would, of course, presumably help to prevent having sex until one is a pusedo-adult (age 18).   Why not prohibit dating until kids are REAL auldts - out of college, self-supporting, etc. (22, 23, 24)? Isn&#39;t that what the Duggars expect - date when you are ready to choose and support (whether financialy or emotionally) a spouse?  If children can&#39;t/shouldn&#39;t date until they are ready to handle marriage, 18 seems way, way too young.  How many kids are ready to self-support and commit to a marriage at 18?  I don&#39;t know of any!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/13/2010 01:42:09 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>We believe that true &quot;dating&quot; (i.e. for the purpose of having exclusive relationships) before the age of 18 is pointless.  However, if our children would like to take an opposite sex friend as a date to the prom (preferably with a group of their friends, which is common), they will be able to do that.  It&#39;s not that they can&#39;t &quot;go out&quot; with friends to special occasions; it&#39;s that they can&#39;t waste time on serious relationships that will very likely not pan out.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/13/2010 01:20:35 AM
<p>No dating until age 18?  Really?  How old were the two of you when you were allowed to date?  What aboyut special occaisions such as Homecoming or Prom?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Daily Attitude
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/20/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Today I read a great post over at Raising Arrows called "<a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/2009/07/me-time-myth.html">The Me Time Myth</a>."  I suggest going over there to read that post before you read this one.  I'll wait.  :)</p><p>Okay, now.  I'm betting a lot of you disagree with it.  But I don't.  I think it's very right, and very important.  Who we are isn't the person we are in the small stolen moments.  Who we are isn't who we wish to be once all the "work" is done (especially as a parent!).  Who we are is what we do everyday, all day long.  And that's how it should be.  If you don't like what you do everyday, what you surround yourself with -- change that.  But having a mindset of needing to escape from it to be "yourself" is going to lead to frustration and anger.</p><p>I've found that most of the time, I enjoy including my kids in my daily activities.  I might want to go out to lunch with a friend, spend time cooking, go shopping, etc.  But I enjoy bringing my kids with me.  I often choose to even when I don't "have" to (like when Ben is home).  I like having them with me and involved in my activities, in general. </p><p>There are times when having my children with me isn't a good idea.  Such as, if I'm cooking with knives or when I was teaching and needed to pay attention to my student.  It's one of the reasons I closed the business -- I did not like feeling under pressure and like I needed my children to "go away" for awhile.  It made me angry and frustrated with them.  I didn't like feeling that way, so I needed to step away.  It's why I try not to take on time-sensitive projects too often, because life is unpredictable with children and they need me first.</p><p>So, I suggest to you, our attitude should be joyful towards our daily routine.  We should enjoy doing laundry, cooking, shopping, and caring for our children.  Not all moments will be joyful, obviously (like when dinner's boiling over, the phone is ringing, and all the children are screaming) but we should attempt to enjoy WHY we are doing them.  We are raising children and that is the biggest and best job ever!</p><p>Like Amy, every time I feel like I need some "me" time, I'm impatient to get away from my family and get away from the day-to-day activities.  I'm short with them and angry that they need me so much.  I'm not joyful and purposeful in the way I care for them anymore.  I don't like being that way.</p><p>Instead of seeking "me" time, I need to focus on the activities that need done everyday, and give them all my attention and loving care.  I honestly feel that most people don't think this way.  Most people believe strongly that everyone needs time alone.  But unless you're taking a few quiet moments to pray, you shouldn't need time alone.  Your time should be spent with your family and your friends, blessing them.  You shouldn't try to minimize parenting by hoping your kids will go away and play alone so you can work on a project, or hoping they'll go to bed early every night so you can watch TV or take a bath.  If it works out that you happen to get some time alone, that's great, but your parenting should be based on your family's needs first, not your own.  That is selfish and that is not how God treats us.</p><p>Ben and I both seem to have a different perspective on this, honestly.  Ben believes in "me" time.  This has led to some fights.  He will want to go out by himself and say "Well, I encourage you to go too!  You just never do!"  And I do go out, usually during the day, and I almost always take at least one child with me.  And I don't mind doing that, until Ben says "But you SHOULD have time to yourself!"  It just isn't feasible right now, with a nursing infant.  But when he says it then I suddenly feel the 'stress' of not having the time to myself, that I suddenly feel like I am entitled to it.  It seems unfair to me that Ben should get this time and I don't.  Then we fight because Ben desperately wants to get away and believes we're both entitled, and I come to feel that way too.  Instead, we need to focus on our family first and finding joy in being together and doing what needs to be done instead of those rare times when we can "escape."</p><p>I'm not saying any of this because I'm perfect.  On bad days I feel the need to escape too.  But it needs to be a quiet moment in prayer and a deep breath, with the intention of diving back in, not pulling away.  I'm trying to remember this everyday.  I hope all of you can feel calm and fulfilled by your daily lives (at least most of the time!).</p><p>Take delight in the people around you instead of seeking the elusive "me time."  Family time is what you really need.</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today I read a great post over at Raising Arrows called "<a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/2009/07/me-time-myth.html">The Me Time Myth</a>."  I suggest going over there to read that post before you read this one.  I'll wait.  :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
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DATE: 02/23/2010 11:36:19 PM
<p>I think all people need to realize this before they have children.  It isnt fair to expect a child to understand why their caregiver wants to be away from them.  This is probably why there are so many neglectful parents out there.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/21/2010 07:40:14 PM
<p>I, too, mostly agree with your post.  I think that Liesel has a point, and some people need &quot;quiet&quot; time in order to concentrate on certain tasks like grocery shopping or bill paying. That&#39;s where dads need to step up and watch the kids so these important tasks can happen.</p><p>Some of us may also need &quot;quiet&quot; time to recharge.  This time may not be quite as elusive as it seems, which I think is your point Kate.  It can be found when the kids are napping or playing quietly, and we are folding laundry, doing dishes, or reading or writing blogs.  Obviously the laundry and dishes examples are more selfless than the blogging example, but all of them are time for us to be alone with our thoughts.  We need to think of these situations as our &#39;me&quot; time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/21/2010 04:27:17 AM
<p>I really liked this post Kate. I mostly agree, but I do think everyone is different. I&#39;ve always enjoyed... not &quot;me&quot; time necessarily, but &quot;quiet&quot; time. And like Alison said, when I do go out on a quick errand alone I come back refreshed. It&#39;s not &quot;me&quot; time, it&#39;s grocery shopping for my family which I actually love doing. Doing that with a focused mind once in awhile means I can get the best deals and value to provide food for my family. That&#39;s just one example. So I think the motive is key. It&#39;s not always selfishness and that is what you have to assess.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christie
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00317826048003266759
DATE: 02/21/2010 02:24:38 AM
<p>I agree with the majority of this post.  I love doing things with my family and my children.  I always include them in everything.  I honestly don&#39;t find myself searching for &quot;me time&quot;, especially when it just isn&#39;t the right moment for it.  I know I become frustrated with things sometimes and that I need a moment to recollect myself, but I think that is something else entirely and only lasts a minute.  And if I have some task to get done that really requires my full attention then I wait until everyone goes to bed.  I guess it is because I am elated to spend time with and do something for someone else before myself.  Nice post.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09657894635737326366
DATE: 02/20/2010 05:51:33 AM
<p>Thank you for posting this. i agree with so much of this, yet have never been able to put it into words before. I grew up believeing in me time...believing i deserved it, earned it, needed it to be whole....but you know, everytime i craved it, sought it, etc....well I turned into a person I did not like. puching my child away. Being upset that she was &quot;bothering&quot; me, when she just wanted my attention...and that in an of itself is selfish. it was selfish of me, and even after getting that &quot;me time&quot; I did not feel better, i felt worse for the way i had acted. I often, even without thinking, chose to take my child with me when I go some place. I have found that when I am not in the quest for the ever eleusive me time, I not only enjoy my child more, but also my life more. I find i am more content, happier, and satisfied in my life. By enjoying the now, busy life, child and all. This is not saying that occassionally i do not enjoy my time away, but or me it is the quest of &quot;me&quot; time that i have found to be, for lack of a better word....selfish.<br/>Going to go blog about this now LOL</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
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DATE: 02/20/2010 03:42:54 AM
<p>Thank you for the article and for your point of view.  It is an interesting point of view.</p><p>I am a stay at home mom.  I love my kids, I love my husband.  I take my job as a stay at home mom very seriously. </p><p>However, I do not compeletly agree with this point of view.  I feel that it is ok to go out without the kids.  I feel that it is ok to want that time alone.  </p><p>When I get time alone (usually just a quick trip to the store) I come back from it energized, refreshed even.  It gives me the time to refocus on my family and to remember why it is I enjoy them so much.  Perhaps it goes to the old adage, Absence makes the heart grow fonder.</p><p>I cannot tell you the last time my hubby and I got to go out alone or a time that I spent more than a couple of hours away from my family.  Heck we just did our date night with the kids tonight. But  I do feel that it is important to take that time away to refocus.  If hubby and I can&#39;t spend time together alone what will be left of our marriage when our kids are grown and out of the house?</p><p>I am not saying go and pawn off your kids whenever you can.  I am saying that keep in mind that part of God&#39;s plan is for your marriage.  It is also very important to nuture that part of your life too.</p><p>This is just my opinion.  It is not meant to offend.  I hope I was able to make my opinion clear without offending anyone.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 02/20/2010 02:25:02 AM
<p>Great article, Kate, and you are right.  &quot;Me Time&quot; is elusive.  I know that because I seek it and it&#39;s never enough.</p><p>I do agree with the post, and with you.  I&#39;m not perfect, either (FAR from it!), but I like the encouragement the article, and you, provide to take delight in the people around us, and do as unto the LORD.  </p><p>This way of thinking, though, is counter-cultural, and it&#39;s easy to lose focus on what&#39;s important in our society today.  Thank you for the gentle reminder to seek God in those times we &quot;need&quot; a break so that we can be refreshed and ready to dive back in.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Eating Fat: How and Why
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/16/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2010/02/17/real-food-wednesday-feb-17-2010/">Real Food Wednesdays at Cheeseslave </a>and <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/02/wfmw-tips-for-raising-strong-willed.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>!**</p><p>Okay, so, I've been harping on eating fat a lot lately! But now I want to get even more indepth about what types of fat you should eat, why, and then give you several meal/snack ideas on how to get more good fats into your diet. In the ideas, I'll be specifically focusing on dairy-free ideas. There is already a great list on <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/07/15/100-ways-to-eat-more-fat/">how to eat more fat at Cheeseslave</a>'s blog that focuses on a lot of dairy-full ideas.</p><p>So, fat. It's EVIL in this culture. But here's what you need to know: in fat-free or low-fat products, something has to replace the flavor and calories that fat brings. That is almost universally SUGAR. Sugar is far more evil! Overconsumption of sugar is why we're a nation of people who are overweight and (type II) diabetic! The other day at the store, I looked at a box of Snackwell's fat-free chocolate cookies and the FIRST ingredient was sugar. Before flour! So if you think you're doing a good job on a diet because you're eating these fat-free cookies, no way! You'd be better off eating a tub of lard. For many reasons.</p><p>Then there's the perception that we need low-fat, low-calorie meals that are filled with just veggies to be healthy. The average person (and this is according to the government; I don't entirely agree) requires 2000 calories and 65 grams of fat in day. That's about 500 calories each at breakfast and lunch, 700 at dinner (or better, 700 at breakfast and 500 each at lunch and dinner) plus 300 calories of snacks per day. So if you're focusing on a super low-fat lunch of a salad and vegetable soup which contains all of 200 calories, you are way, way under the amount you need per day. A lot of people skip breakfast, too, so that puts you even further down. This opens you up to fatigue, slowed metabolism, weakened immune system, and of course the very likely possibility that you'll end up snacking on junk food later.</p><p>It's also known that eating fat helps the absorption of nutrients. It's why even mainstream dieticians recommend eating an oil-based dressing on your salad (of course, they say only a tiny bit and don't overdo the nuts, which I disagree with). There are so many detriments to NOT eating fat, and so many positives to eating it.</p><p>As I mentioned in another blog post, the body requires either fat or carbohydrates as energy. Fat is a great energy source isn't actually stored in the body as fat (it's actually burned slower than carbs, but to me it feels "faster" because I'm hungry sooner). Carbohydrates are burned faster by turning into simple sugars (yes, even whole grains -- it's slower and the bran helps, but they still break down into sugars, because that's what carbs are) and spiking your blood sugar. They are then easily stored as fat.</p><p>Fat also does many great things for our bodies, including:<br/>*Balances hormones (including serotonin, responsible for mood; and serotonin, which tells you when to stop eating)<br/>*Develops babies' brains<br/>*Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients<br/>*Saturated fat composes about 50% of our cells, so eating it helps cellular regeneration<br/>*Many more! (read the resources below)</p><p>How much fat should you get in your diet per day? According to <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Lowfat-Diets.html">Weston A. Price Foundation</a>, anywhere from 30 - 80% of one's calories per day should be from fat (high percentages being for therapeutic diets, not normal ones). On average, 37% is normal, which translates to around 97 grams per day (significantly more than the U.S. RDA's "65 grams or less").</p><p>If that's true, how do we go about getting more fat into our diets? Here are several dairy-free ideas:</p><p>*Smoothies with coconut milk or coconut oil added (or <a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/coconut_cream_concentrate.htm">coconut cream</a> if you can get some)<br/>*Coconut milk ice cream made with honey and extra coconut oil<br/>*Potatoes fried in coconut oil, lard, bacon grease, or beef tallow<br/>*French fries made in beef tallow<br/>*Grass-fed burgers cooked with extra beef tallow and grilled onions (add bacon too!)<br/>*Bacon and pastured eggs cooked in bacon grease<br/>*Eggs scrambled in beef tallow with avocado<br/>*Coconut flour muffins made with coconut oil, and topped with sunflower butter or real butter (if you can eat dairy)<br/>*Carrot or celery sticks dipped in sunflower butter (or peanut butter)<br/>*Sausage fried in lard with peppers and onions<br/>*Cream soups made with coconut milk and oil</p><p>Add cheese, cream, or butter to anything if you can do dairy!</p><p>Now that you've read about how and why to eat fat, it's time for a CHALLENGE! Starting on March 1st, I am launching a 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge. Here's how the challenge works:</p><p>*<a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEJFTl9MUlZmN2VqS2lfOFJyQmNzVEE6MA">Register </a>for the challenge<br/>*Each person will have a username throughout this challenge so that it is anonymous to other readers (this is because we'll be sharing height/weight/diet information)<br/>*Each day, I will post a new tip or idea on fat: how to eat more, random fact about why it's good, etc.<br/>*Each week, all the participants will come back to the blog (so, Mar. 8, 15, 22, and 29; final results on Mar. 31) to "check in" on a variety of factors (detailed below)<br/>*The participant who does the best in the most categories (details below) will win either a copy of my new cookbook, or a jar of my Soothing Skin Cream (similar to the homemade diaper rash cream recipe I posted earlier), winner's choice.</p><p>Measures:<br/>*Most weight lost<br/>*Most (healthy!) fat consumed (fat sources added to meals or snacks)<br/>*Most creative way(s) to add fat to your diet</p><p>Each week, participants will report the following:<br/>*How much they weigh<br/>*The fats/fattening foods that they ate each day (i.e. "organic bacon grease and eggs at breakfast, olive oil and almonds at lunch, coconut oil at dinner")<br/>*The most interesting fat-filled meals they prepared in the last week</p><p>Rules:<br/>1) All participants MUST officially register and agree that their username and other information can be posted to the site (real names won't be used)<br/>2) Participants must come to every weekly check-in, including the final check in<br/>3) All fat consumed must be HEALTHY fats. That is, coconut oil, organic lard, organic palm shortening, organic beef tallow, butter, ghee, sustainably produced meat, dairy, nuts, eggs, etc. The following fats do not count: vegetable oil, peanut oil, anything containing trans fats, commercial fried food, processed foods containing fat, factory-farmed meats, eggs, milk. (For your convenience, I'll post a chart of approximately how much fat common foods contain on Mar. 1)<br/>4) The winner must submit his or her mailing address for the prize to be sent by April 3rd, 2010.</p><p>Please feel free to spam this contest everywhere!</p><p>Resources<br/><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Taking-the-Fear-Out-of-Eating-Fat.html">Taking the Fear Out of Eating Fat</a><br/><a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/02/11/benefits-of-coconut-oil/">Benefits of Eating Coconut Oil</a><br/><a href="http://www.health-report.co.uk/saturated_fats_health_benefits.htm">Proven Health Benefits of Saturated Fats<br/></a><br/>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Okay, so, I've been harping on eating fat a lot lately! But now I want to get even more indepth about what types of fat you should eat, why, and then give you several meal/snack ideas on how to get more good fats into your diet. In the ideas, I'll be specifically focusing on dairy-free ideas. There is already a great list on <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/07/15/100-ways-to-eat-more-fat/">how to eat more fat at Cheeseslave</a>'s blog that focuses on a lot of dairy-full ideas.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/26/2010 12:37:59 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>If it&#39;s been awhile since you&#39;ve eaten a lot of fat, your body will not be used to it anymore.  Start very gradually in upping your fat amounts.  A year or so ago, I didn&#39;t feel well either when I ate a lot of fat.  Coconut oil in cold smoothies (as opposed to hot, greasy foods) seems to help too.  Your body needs to get used to digesting fat as energy again, and your gallbladder has to be put back to work (ironically, I&#39;ve learned lately that it&#39;s a LACK of fat in the diet that causes gallbladder problems, even though a low-fat diet is specifically recommended to treat it since it doesn&#39;t handle fats well once it&#39;s been damaged -- but, I think it&#39;s one of those &quot;use it or lose it&quot; things).</p><p>I think a lot of people feel the way you do -- eating carb-heavy foods, fat doesn&#39;t make them feel well, but no &quot;diet&quot; has helped them lose weight.  Another small key is that processed food contains so little nourishment that even though you&#39;re getting a lot of calories, you&#39;re not getting the nutrients you need, so your body wants you to eat more.</p><p>HTH!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2010 03:44:54 AM
<p>All of my life, till I turned 18, I ate homecooked meals with fat contents that were never really measured. I did pig out a bit every now and then, on carbs, but I rarely ever had a &quot;processed&quot; snack, maybe once in 6 months. Fast forward almost 8 years, my diet becoming more like the &quot;typical&quot; american diet of processed foods, and here I am 100 lbs heavier than I was 7 years ago. I never imagined a day that I could be this heavy - almost twice my original weight! I am working with a dietician now to get things back to normal, and even though my blood sugars and cholesterol numbers are great (waaaaaaay under the recommended normal values), it has become more and more apparent to me that processed foods and high glycemic carbs are the real evil (at least for me). </p><p>I do have a problem eating foods with high fatty contents, as i feel nauseous afterwards. Have you come across anyone else who has this problem? If so, do you know how they were able to get over it? Thanks...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: 'Becca
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org
DATE: 02/23/2010 03:57:55 PM
<p>Fat certainly is important in the diet and has been ridiculously demonized by the trends of the past 50 years!  Another important benefit to note is that eating enough fat keeps your skin healthy and reduces dryness.</p><p>Serotonin is not a hormone; it is a neurotransmitter.  Saying it&#39;s &quot;responsible for mood&quot; is a huge oversimplification since a lot of other chemicals are involved in mood, but it is important for mood stability and optimism. Prozac, Zoloft, and similar drugs work by damaging the brain&#39;s ability to &quot;put away&quot; serotonin so that it stays in the synapses longer, but they don&#39;t increase the production of serotonin and may actually decrease it over time (as the brain reacts to the presence of more serotonin in the synapses by making less). Dietary changes may be a more effective, healthier way of treating depression and anxiety.</p><p>Fat is important to the brain not just for babies! Children&#39;s brain development requires fat all the way through adolescence, and there is some evidence that excessively lowfat diets harm adults&#39; brains, especially late in life.</p><p>I&#39;m surprised you didn&#39;t mention fish oil. More health benefits of that (when it comes from non-polluted fish) are being discovered every year.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/21/2010 10:57:39 PM
<p>Avivah-</p><p>Which &quot;facts&quot; presumed about the Atkins diet are inaccurate?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/21/2010 03:15:41 PM
<p>Avivah,</p><p>There is a link you can click in the post.  Click on the word &quot;register.&quot;  If it doesn&#39;t work, let me know!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Avivah @ Oceans of Joy
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://oceansofjoy.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/21/2010 05:14:00 AM
<p>This sounds like a fun contest to participate in!  How does one register?</p><p>Anon, the &#39;facts&#39; presumed about the Atkins diet are innacurate, like much of what passes for nutritional info nowadays.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Your Frugal Friend, Niki
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12433264163042853577
DATE: 02/19/2010 01:14:50 PM
<p>My doctor has advocated this kind of eating for years. It has greatly reduced my blood sugar levels.</p><p>Interesting post...thanks for sharing!</p><p>:)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/18/2010 02:39:21 PM
<p>Eating a lot of fat (as I&#39;m recommending) doesn&#39;t necessarily mean that you don&#39;t eat carbs.  A lot of vegetables (carrots, potatoes, other root vegetables) contain a lot of carbs.  I&#39;m not suggesting you restrict those.  It&#39;s a focus on eating plenty of HEALTHY fat and fewer grains but otherwise generally a balanced diet.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/18/2010 02:52:07 AM
<p>Maybe they were from the original version, but I don&#39;t think so.  The original Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution was published in 1972.  The Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution was published in September, 2002, and the studies were from 2004 and 2005.  Therefore, since two to three years passed between the new version of the diet and the studies, the studies likely petained to the new version.  Healthy carbs, inculding fruits and vegetables, are introduced into the diet after a couple of weeks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wendy (The Local Cook)
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.thelocalcook.com
DATE: 02/17/2010 11:09:49 PM
<p>Most of the up to date nutritionists will agree with you! Fats from real food are fine. For the person asking about Atkins - the original version was based on incomplete science and severely restricts healthy carbs (like fruits and vegetables!) Even the so called official Atkins diet has backed away from that. I&#39;m guessing that the studies were based on the original version.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/17/2010 10:02:04 PM
<p>Emily-</p><p>It&#39;s pretty well-known that following Atkins has led to kidney problems.  I got the rest of the information, much to my shame because it&#39;s such an unreliable source, from Wikipedia.  The coronary artery disease and cardiovascular disease references did not include citations (exactly why I dislike wikipedia).  The osteoporosis and kidney stones citation came from the Journal of the American Diatetic Association.  The same journal also said the Atkins diet causes constipation, halitosis, and has even resulted in death. There was another citation from Obesity Reviews stating that Atkins causes high cholesterol.  Typically, I see Wikipedia as the lazy man&#39;s method of research, but they did a pretty good job on the substantiation of research in this case.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01986200647153081940
DATE: 02/17/2010 03:03:35 PM
<p>just curious about what type of problem an 80% fat diet would be theraputic for, are you thinking epilepsy and the ketogenic diet? for fun, checkout this MD&#39;s site, he personally follows a 70% fat diet- www.paleonu.com</p><p>in regards to atkins, id like to see the &#39;proof&#39;, anonymous, that it caused kidney disease and heart problems.  saying this is one thing, please substantiate before stating such a dramatic thing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/17/2010 11:41:04 AM
<p>Great!  Thanks for your help!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/17/2010 01:40:20 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I don&#39;t know a ton about Atkins, but I looked it up.  I think that it focuses on some processed foods (low carb pasta? not natural), lots of protein, too little fat, and the wrong kinds of fats.  It promotes unsaturated oils and lean protei sources.  Also, consuming factory-farmed meats is linked to health problems.  Atkins never discusses organic food, sources of meat, etc.  Eating a factory-meat-heavy diet is going to cause health problems.  Eating little or no saturated fat isn&#39;t good either.  Atkins is kind of...&quot;standard American diet, slightly modified,&quot; while whole foods rejects a lot of what most consider healthy.  &quot;Nourishing Traditions&quot; is a good book to read to learn more.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/17/2010 01:22:27 AM
<p>I know that following the Atkins diet has been proven to contribute to kidney problems, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, and osteoporosis.  How does what you are suggesting eating compare/contrast to Atkins in relation to these diseases?  I know you said that you are focusing on whole foods vs. fat.  Atkins focuses more on protein/carbohydrate ratios and fat is not really a consideration.  Whole foods, beef, bacon, dairy, and fats are all part of Atkins just as they are part of your plan.  Any insight you can give would be greatly appreciated.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/16/2010 05:43:44 PM
<p>Anonymous 1,</p><p>It is similar to Atkins, but instead of focusing only on fat, we&#39;re focusing on whole foods, like coconut oil, grass-fed beef, etc.  Atkins isn&#39;t so specific about the sources of fat.</p><p>Anonymous 2,</p><p>Grass-fed cows, or even corn-fed organic cows aren&#39;t given any antibiotics or hormones.  You can buy uncured bacon which does not contain any nitrites or nitrates (at Whole Foods, all brands are free of these chemicals), and this is safe.  I personally love uncured bacon!  Natural sea salt is also not a problem (which organic brands will have).  As for frying, if you heat the oil too high, it can change the properties, but saturated fats are very stable and generally safe to fry with.  Hope that helps!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/16/2010 05:35:16 PM
<p>When you fry healthy oils does it change the properties of the oil?  What about bacon?  Since it is full of salt and nitrates, should this be a form of fat that we should eat?  And what about cows that have been given antibiotics or hormones, or are grass-fed cows not given these things?  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/16/2010 03:12:14 AM
<p>This seems really similar to the Atkins diet.  Does it differ from Atkins?  If so, how?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dana
EMAIL: dana@seilhan.net
IP: 65.60.143.194
URL: 
DATE: 04/24/2010 04:40:55 PM
<p>I know this is really late and I question whether it'll be posted but I get pretty upset when I see people parroting all the old rumors about Atkins without actually asking an Atkins-follower (in the sense of following the diet) or reading any of the books.  Particularly unforgivable since in the former instance you can find us all over the blogosphere and in the latter instance, Atkins books are usually available at the public library.  (I see them a lot at Goodwill too--dunno if that is just my area of the country or if it's true everywhere.  People give up on diets and eventually declutter their diet books--I find other diet books there as well.)</p><p>I don't know what to say to the supposed risk of death.  I will say that a lot of people who do Atkins are very obese and quite desperate, because conventional wisdom says nobody needs to do Atkins unless they're really fat.  That's a myth, and it isn't important just why at the moment, but let's run with this.  So the people who go on Atkins are already at risk of cardiovascular disease.  I should probably remind the people here, because surely they already knew since they are so informed about Atkins, that Dr. Atkins was a cardiologist.  Naturally he was interested in weight loss since his training told him obesity is tied to heart disease.  So you have all these people with serious problems adopting this allegedly extreme diet out of desperation.  Isn't it possible that at least some of them were already well on their way to a heart attack and didn't have time to reverse the damage before the damage killed them?  People die every day who had gone on low-fat diets, and virtually no one blames the diet.  Well, I do, but I realize I'm a minority voice at this point.</p><p>The American Dietetic Association tells diabetics to eat high-carb diets.  Here is a source:</p><p>http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6813</p><p>Quote:  &quot;You need to keep track of the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Your RD will determine a specific amount of carbohydrates for each meal or snack to ensure your blood sugar stays in good control. Your job is to learn the number of carbohydrates in each food measured in grams, then keep to the planned number.<br/>Carbohydrate counting gives you wiggle room in terms of making food choices. However, to ensure you eat healthfully your focus should be on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and low-fat milk.&quot;</p><p>If you are diabetic, you should not be eating grains AT ALL, and beans are not a good idea either.  Low-fat milk is also too high in sugar.  Why in the world would the ADA like Atkins?  Atkins actually works for diabetics, and reduces or eliminates their need for drugs.</p><p>I know people who are diabetic and who follow their doctors' advice about what to eat.  Every single one of them, without exception, maintains unhealthy blood sugar levels, EVEN if they are on meds.  Their blood sugar could be normal if their doctors and dieticians would get over the dogma and start counseling them based on the actual science.</p><p>The advice for healthy people stinks too.  The ADA talks about avoiding fads but they themselves are participating in one.  Everybody has advice these days about how to be healthier by eating lots and lots of vegetables.  No one except WAPF-affiliated folks has any advice about the healthfulness of meat and how to obtain maximum nutrition from it.  Meat's viewed by the mainstream as a way to get protein and little else.  The ADA even has advice pages on how to adopt vegetarianism.  *shudder*  Yet another reason they would oppose Atkins.  You can do the later stages of Atkins as an ovo-lacto, but Atkins is almost universally viewed as a meat-eaters' diet.</p><p>And speaking of which.  There isn't anything unbalanced about eating only meat even if that *were* something Atkins advised.  There are people who've done it quite successfully for decades.  There are indigenous people who've done it their entire lives.  The traditional Inuit, traditional Maasai and certain traditional Siberian indigenous groups all eat 90 percent or more of their diets as animal foods, including (at least in the case of the Maasai) dairy and fermented honey.  (Fermenting, by the way, removes sugar.)  Why aren't they dropping dead of osteoporosis and kidney failure?  I've heard that the Inuit suffer from osteoporosis NOW, but they're also eating our junk food rather than, or in addition to, their traditional foods.  If they weren't eating our garbage, would they be suffering?  I rather doubt it;  their diet would have been high in calcium and vitamin D.  The Maasai definitely don't have bone problems.  The traditional ones are tall and well-formed, with strong skeletons and straight, beautiful teeth--and they have room for all of them, even the wisdom teeth.  How many people in our society following &quot;balanced diets&quot; can say the same?  (Contrary to popular belief, wisdom teeth are NOT &quot;becoming vestigal.&quot;  The truth is that 90+ percent of us are deformed at this point, failing to develop properly because we are not eating properly.  This is a problem plaguing all agricultural communities to some degree, not just ours--even in Weston Price's studies, the traditional Swiss had more cavities than any other traditional group he examined.)</p><p>A &quot;balanced diet&quot; is one in which you obtain all the nutrients you need for surviving and thriving, not a diet in which you get X number of servings from Group A, Group B, and Group C.  If you can get all your nutrients from one kind of food then there's no reason to obsess about it.  And you can get everything you need from animals without too much trouble.  You can even get vitamin C from animal foods because all animals except a small handful (mainly simian primates and guinea pigs) can make their own, so it is present in their bodies.  And a person on an all-meat diet doesn't need as much vitamin C because it doesn't have to compete with all that excess glucose from plant foods.  Every other nutrient is present in animal foods in large amounts.</p><p>And even the 1971 Atkins diet wasn't all-meat.  I have a copy of the book, for Pete's sake.  (Good ol' Goodwill again.)  Atkins counseled his readers to start out with one salad and gradually re-introduce carbohydrate consumption until they reached their upper tolerance point, exactly the way he had his readers eating in later editions, except they started out with two salads instead of one.  For those who were metabolically resistant he recommended starting out with zero carbs and then re-introducing as soon as weight loss kicked in, but that was meant to be a temporary solution.  For all his revolutionary ideas (many of which weren't even original to him--he only popularized them, as he admitted in his writings), Atkins was still a product of his training and his training told him that people need to eat plants.</p><p>Plants *are* good as additional sources of nutrients, and many of them taste good and offer medicinal benefits.  I wouldn't tell someone who really loves plant food to go without it.  But none of the plant foods are required to sustain human life.  Think about it.  We have not always been farmers, and have not always stored our food.  We would have had to make do with what was available.  What plants are available in winter when the ground's frozen?  How in the world did we survive the Ice Age?  Needing plants makes no sense given our history.  Even if you don't believe we evolved, I have yet to hear a creationist argue that the Ice Age didn't happen and that people didn't live through it.</p><p>As for &quot;halitosis,&quot; that's actually ketone breath, and it shows up mainly in people doing the Induction phase.  It doesn't happen in everybody, and even if it did, remember that many people who do Atkins and stick with it are people who started out with serious obesity-related health problems. (And no, ketosis is not the same as ketoacidosis, and is not dangerous, especially if you drink adequate water.)  Do you really think they are going to care if their breath stinks?  Do you imagine someone out there finds the smell of their breath more important than whether they will still have working kidneys ten years from now?  I dunno, maybe some do--I feel sorry for them, though.</p><p>Speaking of kidneys, that old idea that high-protein diets cause kidney failure has long been debunked.  People are still trying to invoke it, but it has no standing.  Here's an example:</p><p>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2859733.stm</p><p>Oh yeah.  Protein doesn't damage your kidneys if you're healthy but gee, you might not be healthy so you might kill your kidneys.  Oh, but eat vegetarian or dairy proteins and you'll be OK.  (I thought dairy proteins ARE animal proteins?)</p><p>Frankly, I don't think I could eat enough animal protein to damage my kidneys because I'd make myself sick.  Meat is remarkably satiety-inducing.  But anyone who's studied the issue outside of mainstream thought comes to understand that even indigenous groups who eat a lot of meat don't eat it by itself.  They don't go in for any of that &quot;eat only lean meat&quot; nonsense.  They go straight for the fat, and eat lots of it.  That seems to protect them from a condition known as rabbit starvation--here's more info here:</p><p>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_starvation</p><p>Even if you don't go into full-blown RS, if someone tries to do Atkins without enough fat in their diet, I bet they'll give themselves at least mild issues.  That's part of what happened to people following the Kimkins (scam) diet... do a Google search, it's interesting.</p><p>And here's the last claim I'll address here because I'm not doing everybody's homework for them--the claim that low-carb diets cause &quot;lethargy.&quot;  It was mentioned in that UK article.  Uh, no.  Being low-carb doesn't make me lethargic.  Eating LOTS of carbs makes me lethargic.  In the first few days some people do feel tired and suffer vague flu-like symptoms, but that's the body switching over to a different metabolic pathway, not something that's supposed to happen all the time.  Unless they are really doing something wrong, most people start feeling better in the first week and some start feeling good almost immediately.  It depends on how long it takes to burn off the glycogen in your muscles and liver.</p><p>Sorry for the really long post, I just hate seeing this kind of misinformation perpetuated on a website that alleges to debunk mainstream dietary misinformation.  Well, the mainstream says Atkins is dangerous and unhealthy, so keep that in mind when the critics show up again.</p><p>By the way, Dr. Atkins expressed admiration for Nourishing Traditions--if I remember correctly (the book's in the kitchen and I'm lazy at the moment), his endorsement is listed in the front pages of the book!  Thought that might interest you.</p><p>Sorry for the comment length.  Hope it helps, anyway.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The End of an Era
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/02/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Today, the music school I've owned and run for over three years has closed its doors. It is the end of an era.</p><p>I thought I'd use this opportunity to tell you a little about what happened, and why, and where I'm planning to go from here.</p><p>I opened my music school in the fall of 2006, after Ben and I were married. I was so excited! I had said a year earlier I wanted to wait until I was in my 40s and my kids were not little before opening it, but I got too excited and started (much) sooner. I had experience working with children with autism and I also was mostly finished with my degree in music, so I decided to go ahead with it.</p><p>About April 2007, I started to get several students. Enough that when I found out I was pregnant in May, I hired another teacher to help me and to take my students when Bekah was born. I had 20 or so in January 2008. At that point I was completely into teaching -- holding recitals, special classes, summer camps, etc.</p><p>But after Bekah was born my perspective began to change. Suddenly I wanted to spend more time with her and doing other projects, and less time teaching. I did start teaching again when she was only 5 weeks old, but I was only a floor away from her (she didn't like it -- she screamed the whole time, even when Ben was holding her).</p><p>That summer I even hired a babysitter to come in and watch Bekah while I was teaching (the only time -- other than my childbirth education classes before Daniel was born, when I had one of my friends come watch her -- that I ever hired a babysitter). But I didn't like being away from her and it was increasingly becoming a struggle to keep my attention focused on the business. Despite that, we had our most successful Open House ever in August 2008.</p><p>After I found out I was pregnant with Daniel, things started to go downhill. By early 2009, I'd had some staff turn over, and there was more to come. I wasn't paying much attention to new student inquiries or following up with them as I should. Students were starting to leave but not being replaced. As Daniel's birth approached, all but one of my students quit (for varying reasons; they knew I was leaving, of course). In May 2009, I planned the spring Open House -- and NO ONE came. It was then I said, "Okay, God, you're clearly leading me in a new direction." But I held onto the business, increasingly apathetic, until recently.</p><p>At the beginning of this year, there were only about 5 students left, and only one mine. The aggravation of dealing with students and parents and staff wasn't worth it anymore. The loss of space (we have a designated music room) wasn't worth it. So we made the decision to close our doors as of February 1st. Today.</p><p>My music school is closed, but I'm ready to move on. I have so many projects happening now!</p><p>Many of you saw the <a href="/2010/01/breastfeeding-survey.html">breastfeeding survey</a> a couple weeks ago (and some of you took it -- thanks!). I did that because I'm currently pursuing certification as a lactation specialist and a childbirth educator through <a href="http://www.cappa.net/">CAPPA</a>. These are jobs I can do from home (primarily), and around my children. Sometimes even WITH my children! I'm very excited about this. More details about the certification process and some of the life changes that are coming along with it are coming up soon.</p><p>What is going on in your life now? Have you ever had a dream that changed?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today, the music school I've owned and run for over three years has closed its doors. It is the end of an era.</p><p>I thought I'd use this opportunity to tell you a little about what happened, and why, and where I'm planning to go from here.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel B.
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/11634140015896977383
DATE: 02/02/2010 03:30:50 PM
<p>Do you still want more people to complete the breastfeeding survey? I&#39;d be happy to take it for you, if you&#39;d like.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2010 01:33:24 AM
<p>Dreams almost always change.  If they didn&#39;t we&#39;d all be singing or movie stars, or professional athletes, or veterinarians, or have any of the other &quot;dream&quot; jobs we thought we&#39;d have in elementary school.  Dreams change because we revise our visions of who we are and who we want to become. The changing doesn&#39;t stop (hopefully) once you are and adult.  How sad life would be without new dreams and change.  Good luck on your path to your new dream!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous2
EMAIL: 
IP: 199.230.203.254
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 05:19:48 PM
<p>Now that the school is gone, what are you going to do for the extra income? I'm not sure how much it brought in while in its hey days, but I doubt that anything that you're doing at the very moment can pool in as much in the interim. I was just curious about the financial impact to your family.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Granola Bars
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/05/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-21810.html">Pennywise Platter Thursday at Nourishing Gourmet</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/02/frugal-friday-couch-repair-q-and-a.html">Frugal Fridays at Life As Mom</a>!**</p><p>I found the <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/16/recipe-connection-homemade-granola-and-granola-bars/comment-page-1/#comment-4721">original version</a> of this recipe at Kitchen Stewardship's website, but have modified it to suit my family's tastes. So, here is our favorite version of granola bars!</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>1 cup coconut oil<br/>1/2 cup raw honey<br/>1/2 tsp. sea salt<br/>1 tsp. vanilla<br/>1/2 cup gluten-free all purpose flour<br/>1/2 cup brown rice flour<br/>4 cups gluten-free oats</p><p>Directions:<br/>Mix together coconut oil and honey. Add salt, vanilla, and flours and stir. Add oats 1 cup at a time, stir until completely mixed. Add any extras, like chocolate chips, seeds, nuts, etc. (I add about 1/2 cup chocolate chips.) Bake at 350 for about 25 min.</p>
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EXCERPT:
I found the <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/16/recipe-connection-homemade-granola-and-granola-bars/comment-page-1/#comment-4721">original version</a> of this recipe at Kitchen Stewardship's website, but have modified it to suit my family's tastes. So, here is our favorite version of granola bars!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Olivia
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06631915242802169278
DATE: 02/19/2010 07:33:00 PM
<p>Yum! Those sound great! I might have to give them a try. We LOVE granola bars! Happy FF!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/19/2010 03:15:54 AM
<p>Could you please share specifically what you use for your gluten-free all purpose flour?<br/>(or what could be substituted if it is a mix that you buy?)</p><p>Thanks!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Guest Post (Again)!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/19/2010 01:00:00 PM
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<p>As you know, I was a music teacher before I had kids (private teaching). Today I have a <a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/02/music-education-in-homeschool-guest.html">guest post on music education for homeschooling families </a>over at Raising Arrows, Amy's blog. Head over there and check it out!</p><p>While you're there, read more of Amy's blog. She has a lot of great information on parenting a large family (she has 5 kids and is expecting again), Biblical training, homeschooling, and lots more! Her blog is one of my recent finds but I'm really enjoying it. I feel like she is where I hope to be in 10 years!</p><p>I'm really excited about the opportunity to have a guest post there!</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
As you know, I was a music teacher before I had kids (private teaching). Today I have a <a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/2010/02/music-education-in-homeschool-guest.html">guest post on music education for homeschooling families </a>over at Raising Arrows, Amy's blog. Head over there and check it out!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/20/2010 04:29:12 AM
<p>What specific instrument did you teach?  Also, did I read corectly that kids as young as 3 can start on piano?  Don&#39;t they need to be able to read music first?</p><p>Thanks for your help with this!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Guest Post!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/03/2010 01:00:00 PM
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<p>Today I have a <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/03/a-guest-recipe-connection-modern-alternative-mamas-chili/#more-4840">guest post </a>on <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">Kitchen Stewardship</a>'s site about making over a recipe! Head over there to check it out!  I'm very, very excited to be included in such a great blog!</p><p>While you're there, check out lots of the other recent posts about <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/01/monday-mission-healthy-upgrades-make-it-from-scratch/">making over unhealthy, boxed recipes</a>.  Katie is doing that theme right now and she's already made over <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/01/28/the-meals-that-hamburger-helper-was-trying-to-imitate-carnival/">Hamburger Helper </a>and <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/02/a-gathering-of-homemade-dressings/">Salad dressings</a>!</p><p>Tonight's regularly scheduled post will still happen at 8!</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today I have a <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/03/a-guest-recipe-connection-modern-alternative-mamas-chili/#more-4840">guest post </a>on <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">Kitchen Stewardship</a>'s site about making over a recipe! Head over there to check it out!  I'm very, very excited to be included in such a great blog!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 03:46:38 PM
<p>Looks awesome!!!</p><p>Liesel</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Ham and Potato Soup
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/26/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-22510.html">Pennywise Platters at Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/02/lunchtime-an-ultimate-recipe-swap.html/comment-page-1#comment-12636">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom</a>, <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/food-on-fridays-mini-feast-of-cinnamon-rolls/">Food on Fridays at Ann Kroeker</a>, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-february-26th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2010/03/03/real-food-wednesday-march-3-2010/">Real Food Wednesdays at Cheeseslave</a> and <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/10/18/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-soups/">Holiday Progressive Dinner at GNOWFGLINS</a>!**</p>
<p>Only 3 days left to <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dEJFTl9MUlZmN2VqS2lfOFJyQmNzVEE&amp;hl=en">register</a> for the 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge!</p>
<p>This recipe was sort of an accident. I was planning to make ham and bean soup, but discovered a few days earlier that both my kids are allergic to beans. So, that was a no-go. Ben suggested potatoes as a substitute and I ran with it. This is what I came up with.</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />1/4 c. coconut oil<br />1/2 medium yellow onion, diced<br />2 stalks celery, chopped<br />3 carrots, diced<br />4 medium potatoes, chopped<br />1 c. leftover ham, chopped<br />6 c. ham stock (I made mine from a ham we'd had a couple nights earlier)<br />1 tsp. salt (or to taste)<br />1 tsp. thyme<br />1 - 2 c. coconut milk<br />1 c. kale</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Heat the coconut oil in a large soup pot. Add onion, celery, and carrot and sautee until slightly softened. Add potatoes, ham, ham stock, and spices. Cook for 2 - 3 hours, until all vegetables are soft. Add coconut milk and kale and allow the soup to simmer for 30 - 40 minutes longer, until kale is wilted. I served mine with green onions on top. You could add bacon, or cheese if you eat that.</p>
<p>It's yummy and a good source of vegetables with the kale! Next time I might try adding mushrooms too! I'm betting you could use chicken stock if you didn't have ham stock but I haven't tried.</p>
<p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
his recipe was sort of an accident. I was planning to make ham and bean soup, but discovered a few days earlier that both my kids are allergic to beans. So, that was a no-go. Ben suggested potatoes as a substitute and I ran with it. This is what I came up with.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anita
EMAIL: gamgo@optusnet.com.au
IP: 110.33.169.33
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:15:37 PM
<p>This is great! You got me at Coconut Oil &amp; Kale! Yummy:)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Valentine's Day!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/15/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Happy Valentine's Day!</p><p>Tonight, being Sunday, will be spent with our small group from church.  We aren't celebrating in any particular way.  I'll keep it short for tonight.</p><p>How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?  Tell me all about it!</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Happy Valentine's Day!</p><p>Tonight, being Sunday, will be spent with our small group from church.  We aren't celebrating in any particular way.  I'll keep it short for tonight.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LKoh
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07277987502548298663
DATE: 02/20/2010 09:27:14 PM
<p>Sounds like you had a nice, relaxing day with the family! </p><p>We spent our evening celebrating the 1st night of the Chinese New Year. I, personally, do not acknowledge Valentine&#39;s Day, or any other &quot;Hallmark&quot; holiday. But that&#39;s just how we do things. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: Cancer's Secret Weakness, and Childrens' Declining Fitness Levels
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/03/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584519,00.html?test=latestnews">Abstinence-only Education Effective</a><br/>New abstinence-only sex education programs are more effective than other types.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028074_flame_retardants_infertility.html">Flame Retardant Chemical Causes Infertility</a><br/>Yet another reason why you should avoid any product containing these harmful chemicals.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028071_children_fitness.html">Childrens' Fitness Levels Continue to Decline</a><br/>In a study of normal-weight 10-year-olds in 2008, they were weaker and slower than a similar group of 10-year-olds from 1998.  Researchers now acknowledge that weight is not the only marker of health and that children are getting less and less healthy.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028067_self_healing_digestion.html">You are What You Absorb</a><br/>That is, nutrients from food.  Many people suffer from poor digestion and therefore are nutrient-deficient even if they are consuming adequate levels.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028058_probiotics_body_weight.html">Use Probiotics to Lose Weight and Treat Illness</a><br/>Many new benefits to probiotics and how to select the one for you.</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/30/interview-donnie-yance.aspx">Cancer's Secret Weakness</a><br/>An interview with a leading nutritionist.</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584519,00.html?test=latestnews">Abstinence-only Education Effective</a><br/>New abstinence-only sex education programs are more effective than other types.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/03/2010 02:07:36 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>It&#39;s very, very common for bloggers to use many links in some posts.  I do this because a lot of people DON&#39;T read these sites (I do pull from several different ones, including journal articles on occasion) and wouldn&#39;t find these stories.  I spend quite a lot of time searching for these stories that I think my readers would be interested in and putting them here.  It&#39;s a &quot;service,&quot; if you will, for people who don&#39;t want to spend the time to find all of these stories themselves.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2010 04:17:54 AM
<p>Isn&#39;t linking to other websites really just phoning it in?  Why do you do this every Tuesday?  If we want to read these sites, we will do so on our own.  What&#39;s the point?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: 'Natural' Deodorants, 'AminoSweet' Scandals
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/17/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028175_lead_poisoning_ADHD.html">ADHD Caused by Lead Exposure, New Study Claims</a><br/>A variety of environmental causes have been found to cause ADHD, and lead is the most recent culprit.</p><p><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61E4NA20100216">Love Hormone May Help Autism Symptoms</a><br/>Oxytocin, the bonding hormone, helps adults with autism, and may have implications in therapy for young children.</p><p><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1622012320100216?type=marketsNews">FDA Warned Kellogg over Contaminated Waffles</a><br/>Listeria has been found in Kellogg plant, and the company hasn't cleaned up its act. Be careful what you're buying when you get processed food!</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/16/aluminum-lurks-in-crystal-deodorants.aspx">Stop Using 'Natural' Deodorants Until You Read This</a><br/>Many popular 'natural' deodorant brands still contain aluminum. Read the labels carefully, make your own at home, or just skip it!</p><p><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/16/drug-companies-shift-emphasis-to-vaccines.aspx">Drug Companies Shift Focus to Vaccines</a><br/>Rather than focusing money on research and development for new drugs, drug companies are now focusing on vaccine development, because they are worth more in profit.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028151_aspartame_sweeteners.html">Aspartame Renamed and Marketed as a Natural Sweetener</a><br/>Aspartame (also called NutraSweet) is a very dangerous artificial sweetener, which is being renamed AminoSweet and is being marketed as "natural."  It is not!!  Avoid this new product!</p><p>I'm looking for a blog carnival to replace Health News Tuesday.  Preferably something food or kitchen related.  Who has ideas?  What would you participate in?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028175_lead_poisoning_ADHD.html">ADHD Caused by Lead Exposure, New Study Claims</a><br/>A variety of environmental causes have been found to cause ADHD, and lead is the most recent culprit.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/18/2010 12:37:08 AM
<p>Balancing work and parenthood would bde an excellent topic.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/17/2010 01:29:06 AM
<p>Exercise might be a good topic.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Health News Tuesday: Reducing Childhood Obesity, Female Hormones Grow in Trees
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/10/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Health News Tuesday!</p><p>If you have any stories to submit, please post them to the comments section and I'll add them manually.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028112_drug-resistant_bacteria_hospitals.html">Drug-Resistant Bacteria Often Brought Home from Hospitals</a><br/>MRSA is an increasing concern, and the bacteria is often brought from the hospital into the community.</p><p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,585066,00.html">Study Links Sugary Soft Drinks to Pancreatic Cancer</a><br/>Even consuming one or two sweetened sodas per week raises your risk of this rare and deadly cancer.</p><p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/02/08/discovery-female-hormone-progesterone-plant/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%253A+foxnews%252Fscitech+%2528Text+-+SciTech%2529">Female Hormones Grow in Trees, say Scientists</a><br/>Progesterone has been found in walnut trees.</p><p><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35297537/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/">3 Simple Steps Can Cut Childhood Obesity</a><br/>A new study finds that, despite diet, having family dinners, getting enough sleep, and limiting TV time can cut a child's risk of obesity.<br/><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-autism9-2010feb09,0,3496518.story"><br/>Moms Over 40 Nearly Twice as Likely to Have a Child with Autism</a><br/>Another piece of the puzzle is discovered.<br/><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028091_toxic_chemicals_EPA.html"><br/>Nearly 17,000 Chemicals Remain Corporate Secrets</a><br/>What is in these chemicals, which may be in your products?  What do they do?</p><p>Like what you read?  Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Health News Tuesday!</p><p>If you have any stories to submit, please post them to the comments section and I'll add them manually.</p><p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028112_drug-resistant_bacteria_hospitals.html">Drug-Resistant Bacteria Often Brought Home from Hospitals</a><br/>MRSA is an increasing concern, and the bacteria is often brought from the hospital into the community.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/10/2010 01:48:50 AM
<p>Interesting!  I think it may happen from too much electronic stimuli and not enough maternal/paternal stimuli.  So many autistic kids LOVE computers.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/10/2010 01:33:46 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>There are MANY reasons why autism happens, nearly all from our modern life.  Maternal age, antibiotics, vaccines, various diets (including high fructose corn syrup, food dyes, etc.) have all been implicated.  I believe that it is a combination of these factors that cause autism.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/10/2010 01:28:34 AM
<p>From what I have read, I thought you already knew why autism happens.  Are there other reasons? Is this age thing valid?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Making Jerky
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/09/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/02/real-food-wednesday-21010.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/02/frugal-friday-shoe-repair-will-save-money-and-your-soles.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p><p>Jerky!</p><p>This is a really great snack for us on our new diet. But when you buy it, it's expensive, made from factory-farmed meat (often, not always...but if not it's even more expensive!), and can contain sodium nitrite. No thanks!</p><p>I figured I could make my own jerky. How hard can it be? I looked up a bunch of recipes and unfortunately didn't find the step-by-step instructions that I really wanted. So I decided to just plunge in.</p><p>First, I took a grass-fed chuck roast that weighed about 2.5 lbs. It's important that it's as trimmed of fat as possible, because the fat turns to gristle that is impossible to eat once dried. It's hard to trim it off, so find a piece that's pretty fat-free already if you can.</p><p>Freeze the piece of meat until it's mostly solid, but still slightly soft. It will be easier to cut this way because it will hold its shape (instead of just mashing and sliding under the knife). I didn't do this the first few times and it was really annoying.</p><p>Take your meat and slice off all the fat that you can. Then start slicing the meat into very, very thin slices. Less than 1/4" thick, 1/8" is better if you can manage. If it's thicker, it will still work, but try to do it thinly. Once all the meat is sliced, you need to put it into a marinade. Here is my basic marinade:</p><p>Ingredients:<br/>Juice of one lime<br/>1/2 small onion, chopped<br/>3 - 4 cloves of garlic, chopped<br/>1 tbsp. sea salt<br/>Water to cover</p><p>Put the meat in a large bowl and add all the marinade ingredients. Add just enough water to cover the meat. Put a piece of foil over the bowl and refrigerate. I've left it just a couple hours, and I've left it overnight. It doesn't seem to make a difference. You'll notice that the blood will seep out of the meat, and the marinade will become dark red, while the meat turns grayish. This is normal.</p><p>Once the meat is done marinating, you will need a dehydrator to dry them out. I have heard that you can use an oven on low (170 degrees), but I haven't tried that and can't guarantee it. I use my <a href="http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/9-Tray-Large-Excalibur-3900-68-37-regular-prod.htm">Excalibur Dehydrator</a>. Lay the strips out on the trays and then put them into the dehydrator. Turn it on to 155 (the highest setting) and leave it for 3 - 4 hours, checking until it is completely dry. If it's still squishy, bacteria could grow. If you need to leave it longer (I did a batch overnight), turn the dehydrator down to 125 and go ahead and leave it overnight. Just be sure to check for dryness.</p><p>Then, your jerky is done! Store in an air-tight container and eat whenever the mood strikes! Full of protein and very yummy. :)</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Jerky!</p><p>This is a really great snack for us on our new diet. But when you buy it, it's expensive, made from factory-farmed meat (often, not always...but if not it's even more expensive!), and can contain sodium nitrite. No thanks!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chickiepea
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URL: http://chickiepea.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/14/2010 04:47:39 AM
<p>Subbing ;)  This is just what I was looking for.  I think jerky is a must if meat is one of the few things you can eat do to other food restrictions/allergies.  Happy coincidence that we found each other this evening :) Yay!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mum in Bloom
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/03422631998971737584
DATE: 02/12/2010 02:19:46 PM
<p>Great post!  I&#39;ve made a couple batches in our dehydrator and it took a couple days as mine doesn&#39;t have a fan.  I learned to cut off the fat after the first batch - yuck!  Now, it tastes wonderful.  I&#39;m looking forward to trying your marinate recipe.  Thanks for the inspiration :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/09/2010 09:01:30 PM
<p>If you look at the dehydrator as a mini oven, then it is cheap.  You can cook yogurt in it, dry foods, make jerkey, crispy nuts - all at a lower temp than your oven will do it at.   Great investment.      Susan</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/09/2010 02:50:37 PM
<p>I haven&#39;t tried making jerky, but I have dried strawberries to put into oatmeal, candied fruits (mangoes were yummy), and a healthier fruit roll-up. The roll-up was easy - put a bunch of fruit into a blender with a bit of honey. Cover the dehydrator tray with plastic wrap or freezer paper (cut out the hole in the middle), and pour the fruit mixture onto it. Dry until it&#39;s hard (should be sticky-feeling), then let cool before removing it from the tray. The humidity in the air will cause it to soften and be a sticky consistency just like the fruit candy it&#39;s named after.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/09/2010 02:23:39 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>We actually got it for about $180, not as much.  I haven&#39;t figured out how much we&#39;ve &quot;gotten out of it&quot; yet.  But I figure long-term it&#39;ll be worth it because I&#39;ve already used it several times.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: apple wrangler
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04404473074405311014
DATE: 02/09/2010 01:25:39 AM
<p>what an awesome idea! cant wait to try it..</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/09/2010 01:25:21 AM
<p>Oh my goodness is that dehydrator expensive!  How much food will you need to dehydrate before you recoup the cost?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Stuffed Mushrooms
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/27/2010 01:18:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/10/25/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-real-food-appetizers/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kitchenstewardship%2FPgbo+%28Kitchen+Stewardship%29">Whole Foods for the Holidays: Appetizers at Kitchen Stewardship</a>!**</p>
<p>When I was a teenager, we went to the Olive Garden to celebrate someone&rsquo;s birthday and had stuffed mushrooms. I created this recipe after that experience in an attempt to copy those mushrooms. I later adapted it once we were dairy-free and it&rsquo;s just as good that way. My father requested this dish at a recent holiday, it&rsquo;s so good.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:<br />8 oz. button mushrooms, stems removed and reserved<br />&frac12; c. breadcrumbs<br />4 oz. clams, chopped<br />2 oz. asiago or parmesan cheese, grated*<br />&frac12; tsp. oregano<br />1 tsp. basil<br />1 tsp. sea salt<br />&frac12; tsp. black pepper<br />2 tbsp. olive oil<br />*Optional</p>
<p>Directions:<br />Sautee mushrooms in olive oil until soft and juices are running out. Place in a baking pan. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, clams, cheese (if using), oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Stuff mixture into each mushroom. Top with cheese if desired. Bake at 350 for 10 &ndash; 15 min. or until cheese is melted. (If you&rsquo;re not using the cheese, you don&rsquo;t need to bake it, you can serve it immediately.) Makes 3 &ndash; 4 servings.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
When I was a teenager, we went to the Olive Garden to celebrate someone’s birthday and had stuffed mushrooms. I created this recipe after that experience in an attempt to copy those mushrooms.  I later adapted it once we were dairy-free and it’s just as good that way.  My father requested this dish at a recent holiday, it’s so good.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pacifier Use
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/04/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>I know using pacifiers has been hotly debated. I've debated plenty with myself. But, with the recent experience we had, I felt I should weigh in.</p><p>On another blog I recently read, someone said "If you have only one kid and that kid slept well since birth, I don't want your advice [on how to get kids to sleep]." Well, I sure don't fall into that category, since I have two kids -- one who started (usually) sleeping through the night at 22 months and one who, at 5.5 months, still wakes up 6 - 8 times per night! Which, I recently realized, I actually trained him to do....</p><p>Enter the pacifier debate.</p><p>My first took a pacifier for only about 2 months. She took it while I was pumping and bottle feeding the first 6 weeks, but once I got her directly on the breast, she really didn't want much to do with it, so we just kind of took it away. This didn't stop her from having "trouble" sleeping (though what was 'trouble' to me then, how I'd wish for it now!! She woke usually once per night until 8 months, when allergies started to become an issue -- another story for another time -- but I was under the impression then that babies over 2 months old slept 8 straight hours...hahahahaha).</p><p>Now, Daniel...I didn't want to give him a pacifier. Really. But when he was only a couple days old, Ben got up and took him after his last "night" feed (7 am or so) and then let me sleep in and recover. When Daniel woke up and cried, Ben gave him a pacifier instead of bringing him to me to feed. This never caused nipple confusion or anything like that, so I let it go on. Then it became...we used the pacifier to help him fall asleep at night (because, after all, once he was *mostly* asleep he'd spit it out and sleep the rest of the night fine without it). Then we used it to keep him quiet for just a minute while Bekah was whining, dinner was burning, and I was trying to fold laundry all at once. Then in the car when we couldn't get to him right away. Then any time we wanted him to go to sleep or be quiet, assuming he was fed, changed, etc. It wasn't -- usually -- my automatic reaction to just stick a pacifier in his mouth, unless I was only a minute from finishing up a chore and he was ready to eat too soon.</p><p>But, despite my desire not to use a pacifier, we started to use it too much. And then, worse, we started to actually train him to wake up and require a pacifier to get back to sleep. I didn't realize this until today, exactly how it had happened, but now I see it. (We've already taken the pacifier away, the morning of Dec. 29.) I'm going to explain it so you understand my position on pacifier use.</p><p>At 3.5 months, Daniel started a huge growth spurt. He was fussy, and he woke every 1.5 - 2 hours wanting to eat. It was a rough week, but I got him and fed him every time. Once he settled -- precariously -- into a new nightly schedule (eating at 11, 2, 5, and sleeping with me starting at 6 until we got up), I occasionally gave him a pacifier to help him settle after eating if he was acting fussy. This continued for weeks. Months, now. Then, by 5 months, I was starting to get VERY impatient with the waking-every-hour act, so I started giving him his pacifier if it hadn't been at least 2 hours, sometimes 3, since his last feeding. I was also giving him a pacifier during the day if it hadn't been at least 2 hours since his last feeding (I never let him go more than 2 hours if he was fussy). Most of the time, this bought me an extra 30 - 40 minutes before he'd need to eat. This seemed like a good deal -- for awhile.</p><p>Then, in the last week (of December), Daniel has woken every 30 - 40 minutes almost all night. He always wants the pacifier and has an impossible time settling back to sleep without it. Sometimes I even try to feed him and he gets mad...because he isn't hungry, he only wants the pacifier. By giving it to him when he was hungry before, it taught him he could -- and should -- suck to fall asleep, and that he needed his pacifier. So every time his sleep lightened, or he was uncomfortable, he'd want his pacifier back. This meant sometimes I was looking at the clock at 12, 1, 2, 3...and wondering if I'd actually gotten any sleep or if I'd just imagined it. We even tried putting him in his own room, hoping that without our sleep noises, he'd sleep better. Nope -- same schedule. Each night he was back in my room, either in his bassinet or my bed by 2 or 3 am, when I got tired of running up and down the hall (average: 5 trips to his room before I brought him into mine).</p><p>It had to stop. I got so sleep deprived, it was ridiculous. But I realized I really did teach him to<br/>wake at night. I used the pacifier as a soother, to make him sleep longer, so he began to associate it with falling asleep. I had used it during the day or night during growth spurts, when he really did need a little snack or "top off" just 30 minutes after his last meal. So, he wasn't getting quite enough to eat during the day sometimes (despite feeding mainly demand) and he was making up for it at night...then getting into the habit of needing the pacifier to settle back to sleep. Vicious cycle.</p><p>So we went cold turkey on the pacifier. No more. On the first day, we put him down for a nap with a crib toy he can turn on and off himself (i.e. he doesn't require my help at night to soothe) and he fell asleep! No fussing! (We've been reading the "No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley, and are using ideas from it, plus doing some things of our own.) Later that day he got so tired before his next nap that Ben gave him the pacifier to help him settle (even cuddled in my arms, at my breast, he just screamed and thrashed). Oh well. After that, he fell asleep twice in the car without a pacifier. Then, our biggest success, after he'd nursed before bedtime, he fell asleep in my arms. Typically he'd continue to root at me or fuss and squirm until he was given a pacifier. This time he looked around; at the TV, then at me; then he tried to suck his fingers and the blanket, and eventually just relaxed himself and gently drifted off. This was REALLY great.</p><p>After that, well...he did spend about half the night sleeping with me. But it was really hot in my room and once I realized how much and made him cooler he slept better on his own. The next day I fed him more often, and gently rocked him for five minutes or so before laying him down (awake) for a nap. He simply sucked on his hands or arm (gave himself a hickey, lol) and played with his crib toy before falling quietly asleep.</p><p>I have hope that we will break this sucking-to-sleep problem and that within a couple of weeks, he'll be sleeping quietly in 4-hour stretches (and later, longer, but hey, 4 straight hours would be FABULOUS right now!) in his own room and he won't need settled in between. I think he'll also be able to go down for naps quietly and easily, just the way he did today. I also feel much more in tune with him and his needs now that I don't have a pacifier to use -- even as a last resort.</p><p>Side note on sleeping: It really IS possible to re-train your baby to sleep well without ANY crying. You don't have to "Ferberize" the baby or use any form of cry-it-out, modified or otherwise. I realized that by trying to be super-responsive to Daniel's needs, I had trained him to wake too often. I also realized that I could gently undo it without leaving him to cry. I was so torn for so long because I really WANTED to respond to his every need, but I also needed more sleep! This gentle, absolutely no-cry sleep solution (you can find much more in Pantley's book) really works and works with the baby's needs, not against them for the parents' convenience.</p><p>So, my opinion on pacifiers? If you can possibly avoid it, just don't use them. There will be kids that do just fine with them and sleep through the night and don't care if they drop them. There will be kids who scream and scream unless they're given one, especially kids suffering from colic (if that's your baby...investigate food allergies as a possible cause, otherwise, I am very sorry). And I know what all the research says..."it helps prevent SIDS"..."it causes kids to need braces"...etc. I don't need to summarize that for you here.</p><p>I think that using pacifiers, no matter how well you intend to use them (as I did), it's easy to fall into "just take this for one minute while I finish this..." or "I know you're tired, just take it and go to sleep" etc. If you must use them, take them away by 3 months or your baby will get used to it. I think you will find yourself a better and more responsive parent if you don't use the pacifier and have to find alternate, more hands-on ways to soothe your baby.</p><p>This is coming from hard-earned experience and many lost nights of sleep. There is no judgment here. Just what I have learned through having two different children and two different experiences.</p><p>Do you use pacifiers? Why or why not?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I know using pacifiers has been hotly debated. I've debated plenty with myself. But, with the recent experience we had, I felt I should weigh in.</p><p>On another blog I recently read, someone said "If you have only one kid and that kid slept well since birth, I don't want your advice [on how to get kids to sleep]." Well, I sure don't fall into that category, since I have two kids -- one who started (usually) sleeping through the night at 22 months and one who, at 5.5 months, still wakes up 6 - 8 times per night! Which, I recently realized, I actually trained him to do....
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/16750337573558077917
DATE: 02/12/2010 03:16:26 PM
<p>Hey Kate!  It&#39;s Melissa- Maddie never used a paci, didn&#39;t want one and we didn&#39;t see any reason for one.  She like to chew/suck on blankets instead and that&#39;s what she did to fall asleep.  Ben, however, does use a pacifier.  He is only allowed to have them in his bed.  I notice that he spits them out after falling asleep and doesn&#39;t have them in even an hour after he&#39;s fallen asleep.  I totally understand why you &quot;pulled the plug&quot; on Daniel&#39;s pacifier.  I personally can&#39;t stand seeing kids- especially 2 and 3+ out in public with a pacifier in their mouth.  Plus they cause problems with teeth formation and kids may need painful and expensive procedures to have the roof of their mouth expanded.  </p><p>Anyway, there is my two cents!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/04/2010 07:13:57 PM
<p>Around here, I haven&#39;t seen a baby without a pacifier in ages. Even brand-new through 2 month old babies are just &#39;plugged&#39; any time they start to make a sound, instead of trying to figure out what the actual problem is. I&#39;ve even seen kids that try to spit it out purposely (especially younger ones, closer to newborn than a year) because they just don&#39;t want it but mom just keeps sticking it in there because it&#39;s easier in public than figuring out why baby is fussy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/04/2010 02:57:01 AM
<p>Interesting thoughts. I totally understand what you mean about the sucking to sleep cycle and we use a pacifier for that reason. If it wasn&#39;t the pacifier, then it would&#39;ve been my boobs and quite frankly, they couldn&#39;t take it. Now maybe it would be different if Liea hadn&#39;t had so many food problems that made her so fussy that she couldn&#39;t fall asleep peacefully, but I don&#39;t know. </p><p>I don&#39;t mind the pacifier, she&#39;s not completely reliant on it all day (just for sleep) and she can find them on her own at night. We always made sure to have a ton of them in bed with her so she can &quot;root&quot; for it herself. Fact is, even with a pacifier, she still just wants to be with us so she&#39;s not sleeping through the night anyway.</p><p>To go back and do it again, IF I had a child that did NOT have food allergies, I would really try to nurse before sleep, not nurse TO sleep. I think that is really our issue right now at 18 months old. I would do that and try to lay them down awake like you&#39;re doing with Daniel.</p><p>So much to learn... too much!!! :)</p><p>Liesel</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pseudo-Healthy Diets
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/08/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Today, most people believe a healthy diet is what mainstream America (and many doctors) say that it is: lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meat, and generally low fat, low cholesterol choices.</p>
<p>However, this is NOT a healthy diet. At all. It's true that fruits and vegetables are very healthy and should absolutely be included in your diet -- in fact, up to 50% of your daily intake can come from fruit and vegetables (some say even more). But eating a lot of grains (even whole grains), a lot of sugar (which is what replaces fat in most products) and too little fat and cholesterol is extremely unhealthy!</p>
<p>I wrote a previous post about <a href="/blog/2009/10/25/why-we-eat-fat.html">Why We Eat Fat</a>, but now I'm going to break it down for you, discussing each area that mainstream America considers healthy and necessary for your diet, why it's NOT healthy, and what to replace it with. Get ready! All your knowledge about healthy diets is about to change....</p>
<p>First point. Every food is measured in major nutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Usually a food is high in one or two and low in another. We derive our energy either from carbs or from fat. We cannot survive on a diet that is low in both; we will get sick and weak. This is why <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/The-South-Beach-Diet-by-Arthur-Agatson.html">the South Beach Diet is the worst possible diet you can adopt</a>. The optimal fuel is fat. Most people, however, get a large amount of carbs, and mainly from sugar (juice, fruit, sweetened foods). This is why diabetes (type II) is so rampant in this country now.</p>
<p>A quick side note: Although we are not exercising formally at this point (just chasing children), we have continued to lose weight since my post in October. Ben's lost about another 5 lbs., and I've lost 7 - 8 lbs., putting my weight at the lowest it has ever been since I reached my full adult height (around 12o). This is eating a very high fat diet. I aim for 4 tbsp. of saturated fat per day whenever possible.</p>
<p>Now, for the list of foods that are "healthy" and why they're not.</p>
<p>Whole Grains -- Everyone wants you to believe that whole grain foods are good for you (and in some cases, they are). However, there are several problems with this. The first is that normal, whole grain foods are filled with <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/12/sprouting-grains-2.html">phytates</a> (which are anti-nutrients; they pull nutrients from you and/or prevent absorption). This is because the way grain is grown and processed has changed a lot over the last 50 or 60 years. Grain needs to be either <a href="http://www.godsdirectcontact.com/vegetarian/sprout.html">sprouted</a> or <a href="http://www.suegregg.com/about/c.htm">soaked</a> to release its nutrients and enzymes to make it digestible and absorbable, but almost no one does this. Instead, manufacturers <a href="http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/food-nutrition/food-basics/facts/enriched-fortified-food">fortify the grain </a>with various vitamins and minerals, but only synthetic ones (which really doesn't increase absorption at all). Much grain is also <a href="http://editor.nourishedmagazine.com.au/articles/puffed-grains-should-we-eat-them">extruded</a> to be processed into cereal, and a lot of it is mixed with high amounts of sugar (think cereal again, and breads, cakes, cookies...). Even worse, some grains (corn, and sometimes rice) are grown <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/wheat/">genetically modified</a>, which are also bad for you. Grains should be organic, sprouted or soaked, and consumed minimally (no more than 25% of your daily food intake). This is hard because most snack foods, breakfast foods, and side dishes are filled with grains.</p>
<p>Low-fat dairy products -- There are LOTS of problems with this! First, there's the issue of actually being low-fat. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/07/AR2006020701681.html">Low fat is bad</a>, since that's where you should be getting your energy. Then, there is the fact that making dairy low-fat requires it to be heavily processed. Water is added, nutrients are removed, fat is removed, and in some cases, skim milk powder is added to give the milk body. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powdered_milk">Skim milk powder </a>contains <a href="http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=20011005222648">oxidized cholesterol</a>, which is NOT naturally occurring and is bad for you. The dairy products then have fake nutrients added back to it (fortification). These are NOT healthy. Instead, you should consume full-fat dairy products that are either raw or which have been pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature and are not homogenized. The milk should be from grass-fed cows. And you should eat plenty of butter, raw cheese, raw milk and cream, etc. It is extremely nutrient-dense.</p>
<p>Lean meat products -- Some meat is naturally lean and that is okay. But you shouldn't strive for only lean meats, or limit your meat consumption due to fat content. <a href="http://chefsblade.monster.com/news/articles/340-why-i-eat-meat-and-why-you-should-too">Beef (grass fed)</a> is good for you! Most people say that red meat is bad, but that's only because factory farmed meat is bad. <a href="http://farmsanctuary.org/issues/factoryfarming/">Factory meat </a>has a low vitamin and mineral content, potential contamination, and often is full of hormones and antibiotics. However, naturally raised, grass-fed meat is not the same, and you should consume plenty of that. Natural sausages (containing fatback), lard, beef tallow, etc. are also very good for you. Saturated animal fats are also nutrient-dense. I personally can't wait to get my beef tallow to fry food in!</p>
<p>Cholesterol -- Cholesterol is actually absolutely key to brain development and function.  Modern baby formula doesn't have any cholesterol in it, while breastmilk contains large amounts.  This is a huge detriment (formula)!  <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/The-Benefits-of-High-Cholesterol.html">Cholesterol helps protect us </a>from <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/113203/the_health_benefits_of_cholesterol.html">many problems </a>and has <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/022960_disease_health_heart_disease.html">never been proven to cause heart disease</a>.  Only natural sources of cholesterol are good, however; oxidized cholesterol (as in processed milk products) is not good.  But don't worry about the cholesterol in butter or healthy meat.  Your body needs it.</p>
<p>Unsaturated fats -- Experts recommend eating primarily or entirely unsaturated fats. However, they are not as healthy as they seem. Olive oil <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/10/15/cooking-oil.aspx">should not be used for cooking</a>, because heating it can create trans fats. In fact, most liquid oils can go rancid easily when exposed to heat, light, and air (which they are on grocery store shelves). Also, corn and soybean oils ("vegetable oil") are often made from genetically modified plants. Finally, unfortunately, <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/08/14/con-ola1.aspx">canola oil</a>, which is engineered, is bad for you as well (click the link for more). Saturated fats, like butter, grass-fed beef tallow, organic lard, and coconut oil are the best fats to eat and cook with.</p>
<p>Artificial sugar -- In attempt to eat less sugar (and yes, sugar is bad), a lot of people have turned to artificial sugars, like <a href="http://www.truthaboutsplenda.com/factvsfiction/index.html">Splenda</a> (which is mostly made from chlorine) and <a href="http://www.dorway.com/badnews.html">aspartame</a>. Both have been shown over and over again to be harmful. The body doesn't recognize them as food, and so they can create several long-term health problems. In fact, real sugar is better but should still be eaten in moderation. Evaporated cane juice, raw honey, and real maple syrup are all "good" sugars, but in general, our country eats far too much sugar. Limit your consumption to rare occasions. A spoonful of honey in your tea or an occasional (not daily!) dessert are okay.</p>
<p>Soy -- For quite awhile, soy has been considered the ultimate health food. However, s<a href="http://www.mercola.com/article/soy/index.htm">oy</a> is bad. It contains phytoestrogens, which have been claimed to cause cancer in women, and puberty issues in kids.  The jury is still out on these claims, but soy is not a food you should turn to.  It's also frequently genetically modified, which is not safe.  If you do consume soy, it should be organic and fermented, and in moderation.</p>
<p>Yes, this is pretty weird stuff!  But the new Baby Steps series will help you to make changes in your diet, if you're so inclined.</p>
<p>Also, starting on March 1st, I am launching a "30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge!"  The details of this challenge will be announced on February 15th, so look for that post.  Starting on March 1st (which is also the launch date of our NEW SITE!), I will post a daily tip or idea on eating fat.  We'll have a weekly "check in" for those participating, and the winner will have a choice between a copy of my cookbook or a jar of my skin cream.  Coming up soon!!  Tell your friends!</p>
<p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today, most people believe a healthy diet is what mainstream America (and many doctors) say that it is: lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meat, and generally low fat, low cholesterol choices.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kitty
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DATE: 02/11/2010 04:23:43 AM
<p>Some anthropologists call agriculture the biggest mistake of human history.  Skeletal remains were found at the Dickson Mounds in Illinois from both before and after the onset of agriculture.  Those that were from the time period after agriculture started were in MUCH worse health than those from before.  They had all kinds of problems with their teeth and bones.   All of this has manifested itself again and again through the generations and now we&#39;ve got more disease and decay than we can handle.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janice
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DATE: 02/11/2010 02:18:05 AM
<p>Aren&#39;t wide jaws, straight teeth, and the lack of cavities genetic?  How would diet effect these things, especially the width of the jaw?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/11/2010 12:30:36 AM
<p>Rose,</p><p>As I said before, &quot;I am not intending to say that formula feeding moms are bad.&quot;  Not my intention at all.  I&#39;m sorry if it came across that way.  Yes, I think manufacturers should do a better job but that in no way has anything to do with you.  That is THEIR issue.  I wish there WERE better options out there for moms who need to use formula!  And I am, again, NOT insulting moms who use formula.  That&#39;s not even what this post was about.  I&#39;m very sorry that that&#39;s all you took away from it.</p><p>Janice,</p><p>Weston Price noted that his patients who ate traditional diets had very straight, white teeth and strong, wide jaws; while patients who did not had narrow jaws, cavities, etc.  So he decided to spend time investigating WHY this was, and devoted the rest of his time to studying diet and its influences on bone structure, development, and other measures of health.  So, he started as a dentist but began studying nutrition due to his expectations.</p><p>Vonda,</p><p>I wouldn&#39;t say I post only &quot;nice&quot; comments (you can read some above aren&#39;t especially nice, people insult me all the time unfortunately), but I try not to post those that are rude to me.  People who just come in and tell me I&#39;m mean and callous and judgmental and etc. etc. don&#39;t get posted typically.  Please feel free to disagree with me -- but you don&#39;t have to call me names to do it!</p><p>EVERYONE, let&#39;s remember.  If you&#39;re insulted by something I said (especially something I just posted generally and not in a comment response to you or something), I really was NOT intending it to hurt you or upset you.  Please think about that when you respond.  It&#39;s really upsetting to see people take my words out of context and call me mean, rude, etc. all day long.  Please read your comments back before you post them and think if that&#39;s the way you would want someone who UNINTENTIONALLY upset you to approach you.  Seriously.  It only takes a minute and it can change everything.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vonda
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DATE: 02/10/2010 11:54:41 PM
<p>Do you only post nice comments?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: janice
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/09595658289441121364
DATE: 02/10/2010 11:51:08 PM
<p>Just curious- why would I listen to a dentist fromt the early 1900&#39;s about my diet?  What special knowledge does a dentist have that a nutritionist or phyiscian doesn&#39;t have, particularly one from almost one century ago?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/10/2010 11:45:17 PM
<p>Vonda,</p><p>Honestly, your friend&#39;s comment really confused me, which is why I didn&#39;t post it.  It also seemed a little angry/insulting.  But I&#39;ll paraphrase the concerns for those who haven&#39;t seen it and then address them.</p><p>A commenter wanted to know why there isn&#39;t some brand of bread that is adequate to buy that doesn&#39;t contain phytates and suggested that there must be alternatives, even at Costco.  She also suggested that she generally disagrees with my conclusions and that plenty of people have found healthy food without worrying about all the information I&#39;ve presented here.</p><p>The part about phytates -- that is something ALL grains contain (and legumes, too).  The way that modern wheat is processed doesn&#39;t remove them.  The only ways to remove them are to sprout the grains, or to soak the flour before baking.  There are brands of bread that do this (www.foodforlife.com products do this) but they are expensive and difficult to find.  Any brand in a normal supermarket will contain non-sprouted, non-soaked grains and will contain phytates.  Nearly all will also contain preservatives and other undesirable ingredients (even the ones that say &quot;no preservatives&quot; do...because I bought a loaf of bread that said that and it lasted a few months with no mold.  Homemade bread lasts only about a week before it goes moldy, so clearly something had been added to the store bought).  Phytates are not required to be on the label, so there&#39;s no way to specifically tell if a product contains them.  But unless it says &quot;sprouted grain&quot; or &quot;flourless&quot; it does.</p><p>There are many, many different ways to eat.  Some people rely heavily on raw milk, cheese, butter, etc.  We don&#39;t do dairy at all here, primarily because of allergies.  Either way is okay.  People have different needs.</p><p>What remains constant, though, is that modern processed food is not good for us.  There are some healthier options out there, and a lot of people prefer them for sheer convenience.  Are you going to drop dead tomorrow if you eat traditional whole grains?  No.  But there&#39;s a reason why so many people are now deficient in B vitamins, anemic, diabetic, etc. and that&#39;s largely because of low meat consumption, high grain consumption, and anti-nutrients.</p><p>There is a LOT more information at www.westonaprice.org. They&#39;ve done a lot of this research, so I suggest going there.  Also, a lot of other bloggers have discussed this issue, including www.kitchenstewarship.com, www.gnowfglins.com, www.keeperofthehome.net, www.passionatehomemaking.com, www.cheeseslave.com.  Check out these other blogs for similar perspectives but possibly better explanations.</p><p>I hope that helps!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vonda
EMAIL: 
IP: 
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DATE: 02/10/2010 11:31:14 PM
<p>Kate-</p><p>A good friend of mine sent you a comment disagreeing with you about this diet, but I haven&#39;t seen it posted.  I&#39;m really confused and torn, so I would love to here your point of view about why my friend is right or wrong about finding healthy foods, particularly whole grains, at places like Costco.  Could you please post it and respond?</p><p>Thanks- you&#39;re SUPER!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 02/09/2010 04:46:41 PM
<p>This has been my WOE (way of eating) since October 2008. </p><p> October 24, 2008 in local news<br/>   41 year old non-diabetic woman discovered in walking coma has become type one diabetic. <br/>PS this was not an actual headline LOL</p><p>The only things I didn&#39;t eat:</p><p>~lots of meat, I tried to avoid red meat. I ate lots of dishes that contained very little meat. You know those famous Meatless Monday dishes. *wink* I especially avoided fried foods. And foods that contained skin of any kind.</p><p>~ also avoided salt of any kind (you know not good for the old heart)</p><p>~ any fat at all! none. zero. <br/>unless it was in the form of homemade ice cream smile that was my only realy weakness and I was ashamed of it<br/>oh wait, I used olive oil/coconut oils only. I avoided all animal fats...I probably would have died (wait I almost did without it, but anyway) if any lard or tallow entered my kitchen. however I never allowed margarine or any man-made veggie-oils into my kitchen either. I did allow butter because my darling beloved hard working husband enjoyed it on his from scratch, all-natural bread. </p><p>He did enjoy pork rinds and beef jerky...HA! not in my house. well that was the case until Feb. 2009. smile pork rinds are salty, crunchy and require no injected insulin...SOLD! thanks!</p><p>Now, the only fruits and veggies I eat are very very limited. The list can be found at www.healingnaturallybybee.com <br/>BTW, I am not Bee, just a person who is thankful she found that website.</p><p>Anyway, I didn&#39;t chose this WOE, it chose me. So far it works for me.</p><p>Have a blessed Tuesday and I will be following closely. I will record my foods and my blood sugars also the amount of insulin I personally inject. I went on Feb 4, 2010 to the doc for them to draw my blood and check my A1c which averages my total blood glucose levels over the coarse of 3 months. However, since I am their most strict diabetic patient I only am seen every 6 months. *smile* I will record my A1c (? waiting for a call from the lab), blood pressure (which was 102/78) and temp (97.7) my weight 94.4 lbs (yeah, I gained!!!).</p><p>For Breakfast this morning I had:<br/>2 eggs (fried in homemade pure lard)<br/>very fatty Pork chop (cooked in crock pot over night in lots of lard, no water) with 3 tablespoons melted butter <br/>and my own electrolyte to drink.</p><p>I will soon eat lunch it will be:<br/>at least one fried egg<br/>probably more pork chop with maybe a side dish of a fried in lard 73/27 ground beef patty with lots of butter and melted cheese<br/>along with my homemade electrolyte.</p><p>Supper will be simiar but I will include a veggie and probably sauted onions and garlic with the cheese-burger. along with homemade electrolyte.<br/>Sometimes but not always I use a romaine lettuce leaf in place of the bread/bun. </p><p>I look forward to watching and learning from you all.</p><p>Have a Wonder-Filled Day!<br/>Paula<br/><a rel="nofollow" href="http://gracethymecottage.blogspot.com">http://gracethymecottage.blogspot.com</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vonda
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DATE: 02/08/2010 11:42:52 PM
<p>I&#39;m just amazed that so many nuritionists and doctors are wrong about what constitutes a healthy diet, especially when what you are suggesting would TASTE so mush better and be more satisfying!  Thanks Kate!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: apple wrangler
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04404473074405311014
DATE: 02/08/2010 09:59:54 PM
<p>All very well said. Thanks for sharing and spreading the word.  I was very lucky to have found all of this info while i was pregnant so i began taking cod liver oil and found a farm locally where i was able to become part of a cow share and drink raw milk ever since...I had been a vegetarian for 7 years prior and i never realized why i was so fatigued all of the time.  I just feel so grateful i came across the weston a price  and nourishing traditions info when i did.  I am not saying i follow it all perfectly (soaking my grains and stuff) all the time, but I do make my own sauerkraut, kimchee, drink the raw milk and always take our cod liver, and limit our sugar intake for sure... We also do organic as much as possible. Yikes, just writing this is making me think about getting more strict again,,, thx!:)</p><p> www.misswrangler.blogspot.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/08/2010 08:47:35 PM
<p>Emma - first of all, nice name! I just came from your situation recently (dining hall, no good food choices, etc.).</p><p>Some of the things that I was able to do in my dining hall that I&#39;d recommend you seeing if you can do:</p><p>1. Have a blender in your room to make your own fruit smoothies. Add peanut butter to smooth it out, use frozen fruit if possible (so you don&#39;t have to use ice cubes) or fresh fruit with some ice cubes and juice. Peanut butter (preferably without hydrogenated oils) is good for protein.</p><p>2. Find someone who lives outside of the dorms (even if it&#39;s an instructor) who would let you borrow their kitchen, if only on weekends. We used to go over to Pastor&#39;s house to cook tehm dinner and eat something home-cooked at least once a weekend (they also let us use their laundry machines...so awesome of them!).</p><p>3. Look for protein sources elsewhere - does the salad bar have hard-boiled egg? Put it on there for a healthy dose of protein. If you can, see if they have hard-boiled eggs that aren&#39;t chopped up that you can eat too. </p><p>You can&#39;t really eat organically at a dining facility, unfortunately, but pick as smart as you can. Most fried foods at dining facilities (chicken fried steak, etc.) is AWFUL for you - they often contain trans fats (at my school they didn&#39;t have to put out info on that) or are fried in unhealthy oils. If given a choice between a baked potato and mashed potatoes, go for baked and dress it yourself. Powdered mashed potatoes have all sorts of nasty stuff in them. If nothing else, get the baked potato, pull out all the flesh, and make your own mashed potatoes out of them. </p><p>There are a lot of ways to make food in your room if you only have an electric skillet or even a hot pot. Heck, I&#39;ve seen people make grilled cheese on an iron with aluminum foil over it to protect the iron itself. Hot pot heating elements (the metal piece on the bottom) can be used to fry foods - I had a roommate who used to make blueberry pancakes on it. Those, with Vermont maple syrup and dining hall fruit/yogurt/juice smoothies were some of the best Friday night dinners ever.</p><p>If you like oatmeal, don&#39;t get the pre-flavored packets. Take a plain packet and add what you want to flavor it. Brown sugar, raisins, nuts, other dried fruits, even a small amount of jelly or apple pieces. If you&#39;d rather not do the sugar, you can buy yourself small jars of spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg) so you can flavor it yourself. You&#39;ll find you don&#39;t need as much or even any sugar if you have the flavor of spices like those. Honey works as a great sweetener that&#39;s more natural too.</p><p>If you can do dairy, cottage cheese is a great food (fats, calcium, etc.), and my school always had kidney beans or black beans available for vegetarians - they make a good healthy addition to tacos, fajitas, etc. If you have a choice between fresh fruit and, say, mixed fruit in syrup, go for the fresh. It&#39;s always healthier than syrup for the sake of syrup. </p><p>Hope that helps some - feel free to ask me questions about anything that I wrote that didn&#39;t make sense, or ask specific questions about foods.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/08/2010 01:39:02 PM
<p>Here&#39;s an interesting new article (makes me sad though): <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.westonaprice.org/WHOLE-FOODS-PROMOTES-MILITANT-VEGETARIAN-AGENDA.html">http://www.westonaprice.org/WHOLE-FOODS-PROMOTES-MILITANT-VEGETARIAN-AGENDA.html</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/08/2010 01:28:26 PM
<p>Emma,</p><p>In a situation like that, you&#39;re kind of stuck.  Go for anything that&#39;s fresh, like fruits and vegetables (which you do).  Some argue that white bread would actually be better in that case because when the grain is stripped of its outer layer, it doesn&#39;t have the phytates (I&#39;ll find a link later, but Sally Fallon of WAP said that, I believe).  Avoid red meat and stick to chicken, because federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones and such in chickens, but not beef.  Avoid packaged, processed foods.  Get salad and dress it with olive oil.  And every now and then, try to get off campus for a meal or cook for yourself if you can!  It&#39;s hard when you&#39;re busy, I know.</p><p>In the 1950s, several things were going on.  The end of the war brought the Baby Boom, a ton of processed food (originally created for the soldiers, later marketed to the American people as &quot;better&quot; and &quot;more convenient&quot;), the lipid hypothesis (the idea that high cholesterol causes heart disease; it&#39;s since been disproven over and over but scientists and doctors still cling to it), and the Prudent Diet.  The Prudent Diet was replacing bacon and eggs with lower-fat foods like cornflakes and grapefruit.  It was to &quot;prevent heart disease&quot; (although the researcher who started it and many of his test subjects died of heart disease while on this diet) and to reduce sex drive (that&#39;s why cornflakes were invented, actually).  I think the dual motives, plus the idea that packaged foods were better (like the cornflakes) really drove it into our culture.  Then, with that bias heavily in mind, all research since that time has not really looked at other options.  </p><p>Although, if you read some of the links I put in here, you&#39;ll see they&#39;re starting to get it.  The Washington Post had an article recently that detailed a new study showing no link between dietary cholesterol and heart disease, so things are slowly changing.  But of course, without that link, there would be no need for Lipitor or other huge cholesterol drugs (and those are some of the most popular, well-selling drugs ever.  Some want to give them to children as young as 8 or even put them directly in the water supply!).  So we&#39;re fighting an uphill battle here.</p><p>Let me know if you have any other questions, I can find more links too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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DATE: 02/08/2010 05:25:22 AM
<p>I&#39;m a college student and consume all of my meals at the same dining hall.  I&#39;ve been going for whole-grain options, fruits, and vegetables over fried, greasy food (of which there is no shortage!) Do you have any suggestions for those of us who do not control the foods we buy and who still want to have a healthy lifestyle? Also, why are today&#39;s &quot;experts&quot; so wrong on the issue of nutrition?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/08/2010 02:40:48 AM
<p>Rose,</p><p>There are cases -- like yours -- where formula feeding is necessary.  However, if you are interested, the Weston A. Price foundation has some homemade formula recipes that are very good.  It&#39;s what I would have chosen if I hadn&#39;t been able to breastfeed.  If you are not interested in actually making your own, there are options for a few simple additions to formula (coconut oil, for one) that can balance the fats to be more beneficial to babies.  I hope that helps!  I&#39;m not intending to say that formula feeding moms are bad, truly, I&#39;m saying that formula manufacturers are not doing a good job at matching breastmilk appropriately and that they should do better.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rose
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DATE: 02/08/2010 02:34:53 AM
<p>I resent you saying that feeding a baby formula is a detriment.  I adopted my child and can&#39;t breast feed.  However, the environment in which my child will grow up is a huge benefit compared to the one his birth mother, who would have been able to breast feed, could give him. You need to consider the circumstances of other people and be kinder.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/08/2010 02:29:47 AM
<p>Weston A. Price was a dentist in the early 1900s who did a large amount of research on traditional diets and their affect on peoples&#39; health.  The foundation now promotes this type of traditional diet and continues to fund research, recipes, the movement to make raw milk available to all, etc.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/08/2010 02:27:00 AM
<p>What is the purpose of the Weston Price Foundation - the source of many of your links?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Irene
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.247.38.112
URL: 
DATE: 04/17/2010 04:59:11 AM
<p>You can find healthly bread at costco, they carry sprouted breads.<br/>I think it's called &quot;Squirrelly Bread.&quot; (But not made from squirrels.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 04/26/2010 12:34:35 PM
<p>thank you for your blog and this article in particular, found a lot of useful information, will share with others</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Raine
EMAIL: raine@agriculturesociety.com
IP: 71.33.12.217
URL: http://www.agriculturesociety.com
DATE: 09/25/2010 06:47:00 PM
<p>Hi Kate - love this post, and love your explanation about low-fat, grains, and healthy meats! I think this is so easy to understand - especially for those who are new to this information - and hopefully will appeal to people who are open to change for their health and diets, and are tired of being sick, overweight, and fatigued every day of their lives. Thanks for doing the work you do, it is greatly appreciated!  :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Raw Honey
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/25/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-silly-beanz-hair-accessories/">Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries</a> and <a href="/2010/02/raw-honey.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p><p>Note: It's frugal because it is cheap and it has SO many awesome uses!!</p><p>Raw honey is a really great food. In fact, it's not just a food. It's also a medicine! I thought, since next week the first "Baby Steps in the Medicine Cabinet" is coming up, I might give you a place to start with home remedies.</p><p>Honey is a natural substance produced by bees to feed their young. It is thick and rich with a characteristic taste, which can change subtly depending on the bees' diet and location. It contains a lot of beneficial bacteria, which can help to kill bad bacteria in your system, balance yeast, and much more (depends on who you ask). It is great for baking, mixing in drinks, or just eating off a spoon. It is 1.5 times as sweet as table sugar so you don't need as much of it.</p><p>That's just a quick summary of honey's benefits, though. There are many, many more! Here are others:</p><p>*Honey is an effective cough syrup. It has been shown to be more effective than medicinal cough syrups and much safer for kids age 1 - 6 (and for adults!). It can help to kill the bacteria in your throat (if it's raw) as well as coating your throat and soothing it.</p><p>*Some say honey can increase fertility, especially when paired with raw goat's milk (especially in men).</p><p>*Honey can be used as a salve to treat wounds and ulcers, more safely than antibiotics and with no side effects. In parts of Europe, it is put on wounds and then the wound is bandaged, and the honey will keep the wound clean and help it to heal. (This is not accepted in the U.S. in general, unfortunately.) At home, use honey on burns and other wounds and dress it with clean gauze, instead of using an antibiotic cream.</p><p>*Honey and lemon, when used together, can help you lose weight by making fat stores into useable energy. Drink some honey-ginger lemonade to kick-start your metabolism and weight loss! (Which is also a great morning sickness cure, by the way.)</p><p>*Honey can help to cure allergies! By taking a teaspoon per day, a person can build up an immunity to the dust, pollen, and molds that are naturally found in the honey (which won't make you sick because of the good bacteria in it). This is where being LOCAL is really important, so you're exposed to the bacteria from your own environment.</p><p>*Honey can help cancer, because it has anti-tumor properties (check the resources for a link to a published study on this).</p><p>*Honey is a good moisturizer and can be used as a facial cleanser or mask, and in homemade shampoos.</p><p>*Honey is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and it never spoils, so it can be used for many things and kept for a long time! Honey may crystallize, but this is normal. Heat the honey gently ON THE STOVE in a water bath (microwaves are bad!) and it will become clear again.</p><p>Remember, all these benefits (and more! check the resources) are achieved by RAW honey. The pasteurized honey you buy in the regular grocery store won't have all these amazing properties.</p><p>There is a special kind of honey called Manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand. It is very strong and used for medicial purposes. It's rather expensive, too, but it can cure many different conditions, including MRSA staph infections (with no side effects and the MRSA can't become resistant to it!). Read the resources below to learn more about it. (I looked up buying some awhile back but 8 oz. can be up to $45!)</p><p>Resources<br/><a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-organic-locally-grown-raw-honey/">Raw Honey Benefits</a><br/><a href="http://www.reallyrawhoney.com/healthfacts.php">Really RAW Honey Science</a><br/><a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&amp;dbid=96">WHFoods Honey</a><br/><a href="http://www.naturalhealthezine.com/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/">Natural Health Ezine</a><br/><a href="http://www.benefitofmanukahoney.com/">Benefits of Manuka Honey</a></p><p>Do you use raw honey? What do you use it for? Where do you get yours? What's your favorite benefit (anything I haven't mentioned)?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Raw honey is a really great food. In fact, it's not just a food. It's also a medicine! I thought, since next week the first "Baby Steps in the Medicine Cabinet" is coming up, I might give you a place to start with home remedies.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: The Diaper Diaries
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.thediaperdiaries.net
DATE: 02/27/2010 08:03:15 PM
<p>We have been using honey all winter when my girls have coughs. It always does the trick. And I am going through bucketfuls making my own bread. I love a good honey flavor in a wheat bread.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/25/2010 07:36:58 PM
<p>Michelle,</p><p>I haven&#39;t had occasion to try it yet on wounds either.  Which is good! I&#39;ve read several studies though.  I&#39;ve also heard it&#39;s great if you tear during childbirth, but didn&#39;t need it last time (was prepared in case I did though).</p><p>I need to go buy more today!  I&#39;m trying a bunch of stuff for us to kick our sinus infections, raw honey being one.  I&#39;m drinking honey-ginger lemonade with extra vit C added right now!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
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URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2010 07:28:24 PM
<p>oh, and do you have any experience using it on wounds? i&#39;ve read that often but (thankfully)have not yet had a chance to try it out:) just curious...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2010 07:25:09 PM
<p>Great reminders, Kate! we LOVE our local raw honey:) i use it if i ever feel like i&#39;m getting sick (cold etc or mastitis when i used to get it often)...mixed w/ 1 clove garlic, minced and 1/2 t. minced fresh ginger   definetly helps prevent sickness (just be sure to take it at night before a long stretch w/out nursing if you have kids:)(if you use the garlic) ....i also take it mixed with fresh ginger tea to prevent/help colds (then eat the ginger!) yum! and seriously helps too! ...thanks for the inspiring post...i think i shall have some coconut oil and honey toast for a snack now!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pyrenees Honey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.pyreneeshoney.com
DATE: 02/25/2010 03:45:08 PM
<p>I get the most amzing raw honey from the people I work with here in Brighton and at an excellent price too! I recommend it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08563154977078187669
DATE: 02/25/2010 02:03:55 AM
<p>You need to be careful with honey and children under 2. Honey contains botulinum, which can cause botulism (symptoms are constipation, weakness, decreased appetite and, in severe cases, requires breathing assistance and hospital care until the child is well again) in children under 1-2. It only takes a single spore of botulinum to sicken a baby and has often been reported in kids who only came in contact with a small amount of honey (just a small amount as a salve on sore nipples from nursing can cause it). </p><p>That&#39;s not to say that honey is the only place kids can come into contact with that substance - it&#39;s found in everything (dirt, dust, etc.). </p><p>Oh, and honey is fantastic as a cough syrup replacement. I was in the DR when I tried it the first time. It actually tasted good and helped my cough.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wendy (The Local Cook)
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.thelocalcook.com
DATE: 02/25/2010 02:03:15 AM
<p>I buy mine from a local homebrew supply place that is sourced from a local beekeeper. I have read that if you eat raw honey from local sources in season, it can help with allergies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ari-Food Intolerances Cook
EMAIL: foodintolerancescook@gmail.com
IP: 216.201.77.38
URL: http://foodintolerancescook.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 03:09:31 AM
<p>Where do you get your raw honey? You said it was cheap? I can't seem to find it anywhere cheap......it is always way expensive!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Sexual Purity
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 02/06/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<p>Sexual purity is a really difficult topic in today's world. A lot of people believe that sex before marriage is not wrong. Some even believe that you SHOULD have sex before marriage to see if you are "compatible!" Unfortunately, loose morals (i.e. sleeping with everyone who makes it to the "third date," one-night stands, etc.) have led to rampant STDs, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and other negative consequences. Clearly, what the world considers 'right' is not necessarily good. There are also significant emotional consequences to premarital sex, which no one is discussing at all.</p><p>First, we'll turn to the <a href="http://www.twopaths.com/faq_premaritalsex.htm">Bible for what it says about sex before marriage</a>.</p><p><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Arial,Helvetica;" >Flee from </span><i style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;">sexual immorality</span></i><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Arial,Helvetica;" >. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.</span><b><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;"> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;">(TNIV, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20)</span></p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;">It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid </span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;">sexual immorality</span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;">; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;</span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;"> (TNIV, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)</span></p><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Arial,Helvetica;" >Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.</span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;"> (NIV, 1 Corinthians 7:8-9)</span></p><p>It is pretty clear, especially from the last quote, that God intended sex only for married people. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, recommends that if they are consumed by desire for sex, they should get married rather than sin by having sex outside marriage.</p><p>This is not an impossible standard to reach. However, the boundaries must be absolutely clear. There is no waffling around, no "what-if" situations. People (including pastors) are afraid to say, "Sex is for married people. Not for engaged people. Not for people who are in love. Not for anyone who uses a condom. But only for married people." This is not 'to each his own.' This is, the Bible and God clearly state, "No sex before marriage."</p><p>It's not easy, of course. And it's not supposed to be. In a culture that wants instant gratification, it seems impossible to be truly in love with someone and have a strong desire for sex, and yet NOT do it. However, it is the right thing to do. It also better, truly, because when you get married and give yourselves to each other for the first time, it is an amazing experience. It's also true that plenty of people have slept with people they loved and "hoped" to marry, but ultimately didn't marry. It is easy to get hurt in a situation like this because sex is something that is not only physical, but extremely emotional. When married people have sex, they have already made a true physical, mental, and emotional commitment to one another and there is the trust required to have a sexual relationship. But when people are not married and not committed to each other, having a sexual relationship can make things weird. The absolute love, trust, and COMMITMENT are necessary to a sexual relationship.</p><p>All of this is why we will be teaching our children about purity. We will not be telling them "We hope you don't have sex before marriage, but if you do, at least get some birth control." This is wrong, and it also sends a very mixed message. Instead, we'll be very open with them about sexuality and God's plan for it. We'll let them know from a young age that God gave sex as a gift to married people, and that is is an extremely emotional and spiritual act, a special way for married people to connect. We'll also let them know that it's where babies come from (although opinions on this vary, I will have no problem telling Bekah if she asks next time I'm pregnant, despite that she is only 2. I don't believe you need long explanations but I don't believe you should hide it, either). We will be willing to discuss any of our children's concerns with them about being in relationships, being in love, how hard it is to wait, why we believe in waiting, and what the sexual relationship should be like within marriage.</p><p>It's hard to teach kids about purity when a lot of their friends are telling them something different, and certainly all of the media is telling them that sex is okay, great, and that they're missing out.  It's important to discuss sex with your children and set the bar high.  I'm not going to go into great detail about this issue, however, because I don't have kids old enough to have reached this point in their lives, so I'm not entirely sure how we will handle it.  I know what we will discuss and teach, but I can't say specifically how they'll respond.  I'd love parents who have had teenagers and chose to teach them about purity to weigh in on this.</p><p>It is truly worth it to wait. There are many good resources about sexuality for Christians, which I'll mention at the end.</p><p>What about once you are married? Then where does sex fit in?</p><p>As I stated above, God gave sex as a gift to married people. It is for procreation, obviously, but it is not ONLY for procreation. It is a special way for married people to connect and love one another. God WANTS married people to have sex!</p><p>Let's see what the Bible says about sex within marriage:</p><p><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Arial,Helvetica;" >Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of the temptation to </span><i style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;">sexual immorality</span></i><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Arial,Helvetica;" >, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.</span><b><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;"> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica;">(English Standard Version, 1 Corinthians 7:1-5)</span></p><p style="FONT-FAMILY: georgia">It is clear that, first, God again says "sex should only occur within marriage." But read the last sentence of the quote carefully: "Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time..." God wishes married people to have sex on a regular basis, to stave off temptation. It is not good for married people to abstain from sex for a long period of time, because they can drift apart from one another and find themselves tempted by extra-marital affairs. And most of us are aware that MANY affairs begin when a married couple are too busy with children, work, or other outside interests to connect emotionally and sexually, so one or both partners look outside the relationship for gratification.</p><p>Since one of the purposes of getting married is to have sex (and children), then people should have sex when they are married, unless there is a temporary reason why they cannot. <a href="http://www.bible.ca/marriage/sex-on-demand.htm">They should not refuse each other</a> so that both feel satisfied. It is a pleasure and a gift for married people.</p><p><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/mp/2001/spring/4.34.html?start=1">Within marriage</a>, infidelity is never okay. Continued marital relations should help to avoid infidelity. Frequent sexual fantasies are considered infidelity too (about someone other than your own spouse, of course). Beyond what is forbidden in and outside of marriage, and that husbands and wives should enjoy regular sex, there is not much more that the Bible specifically says about sex.  To that end, people should enjoy sex with their husband or wife and remain in constant communication about what they need and want.</p><p>Check out some of the resources I've listed below if you are wanting to learn more about this issue (what the Bible says about sex).  Kay Arthur is a good resource.</p><p>How do you feel about sexual purity? What will you teach your children?</p><p>Resources:<a href="http://www.bible.ca/s-premarital-sex.htm"> </a></p><p><a href="http://www.bible.ca/s-premarital-sex.htm">Bible Verses on Premarital Sex</a></p><p><a href="http://www.biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/sex.html">Bible Study on Sex</a></p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Bible-About-40-Minute-Studies/dp/0307457710/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1265405505&amp;sr=1-2">What Does the Bible Say about Sex</a> by Kay Arthur</p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sex-According-God-Purity-Temptation/dp/1578568439/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1265405674&amp;sr=1-1">Sex According to God: How to Walk with Purity in a World of Temptation</a> by Kay Arthur</p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Sex-World-Wants/dp/1400071003/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1265405674&amp;sr=1-2">The Truth About Sex: What the World Won't Tell You and God Wants you to Know</a> by Kay Arthur</p><br/>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Sexual purity is a really difficult topic in today's world. A lot of people believe that sex before marriage is not wrong. Some even believe that you SHOULD have sex before marriage to see if you are "compatible!" Unfortunately, loose morals (i.e. sleeping with everyone who makes it to the "third date," one-night stands, etc.) have led to rampant STDs, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and other negative consequences. Clearly, what the world considers 'right' is not necessarily good. There are also significant emotional consequences to premarital sex, which no one is discussing at all.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Harper
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951
DATE: 02/10/2010 07:09:03 PM
<p>Good article!</p><p>I would like to note, though, that the Bible has plenty to say about sex, in addition to what you listed, in the Old Testament.  For example, you&#39;re not supposed to do it while the woman is menstruating, and she is supposed to get a break from it while recovering from childbirth.  It also lists out temporal penalties for those who commit sexual indiscretions and discourages male masturbation.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/10/2010 06:04:47 PM
<p>Jennifer,</p><p>I think that most people define it as no intercourse, or possibly no other types of sex (i.e. no oral sex).  Others are so strict that they define it as no physical contact whatsoever.  I would say we fall somewhere in the middle of that, although Ben said at one point that he kinds of wishes we hadn&#39;t kissed before marriage.  I think each couple needs to pray about where they feel the line is, as we did several times before we were married.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jennifer
EMAIL: 
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DATE: 02/10/2010 06:00:58 PM
<p>I was not asking to know what you have done, but to see where you draw the line on &quot;purity&quot; since everyone has a different opnion on the topic. Some people draw the line on purity only when it reaches sexual intercourse, and they are fine with doing everything leading up to it, and some people wont do anything at all untill married.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/10/2010 02:51:27 AM
<p>No one has the right to ask you what you&#39;ve done and with whom.  I guess discussing personal issues, like sex, makes prople feel  a bit too comfortable about asking you questions they shouldn&#39;t ask.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/10/2010 02:28:21 AM
<p>Sarah.</p><p>Seriously.  I&#39;ve been asked by many people, a lot which haven&#39;t been posted, exactly what I&#39;ve done and with whom and under what circumstances.  Clearly personal.  I&#39;ve had people send me comments that are absolutely vulgar.  That is why it is hard for me to respond sometimes.  That is why it makes me sad.  It&#39;s possible that the people whose comments got posted were truly innocent, but a lot sure weren&#39;t.</p><p>As for &quot;many people don&#39;t quite live up,&quot; that means that we are ALL sinners in some way!  And we are!  I am!  I&#39;m not denying that.  And it&#39;s OKAY, that&#39;s why we have Jesus&#39; forgiveness.  I&#39;m not intending it to be mean AT ALL, just say that we all need to keep in mind that no one&#39;s perfect and it&#39;s OKAY not to live up to the standard of perfection.  That&#39;s all.  I&#39;m NOT trying to insult anyone or be mean.  </p><p>I really, really hope that we&#39;re done with this...I&#39;m honestly really sad, I&#39;ve been beaten down with comments today more than you know.  And I hope that we ALL prayerfully consider one another&#39;s words and respond gently when we comment, and take other peoples&#39; words with the best possible intentions.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/10/2010 02:21:47 AM
<p>I think you are taking the comments personally when they are not intended to be.  I haven&#39;t seen any comments &quot;judging&quot; you or anyone else for that matter.  I think that the subject (is pre-marital sex a sin?)lends itself to many opinions, and people are simply expressing them.   </p><p>There have been may comments about &quot;secondary virginity,&quot; but, since you have never indicated whether or not you &quot;considered&quot; yourself one, how could those comments be of a personal nature? </p><p>I&#39;m not sure why this is such a touchy subject for you, but you are lashing out at others presuming ill-intent.  You comment &quot;many people (including many of you, I&#39;m sure) don&#39;t quite live up&quot; was really mean-spirited - definitely more mean-spirited than any of the comments from your readers that I have seen. Who&#39;s judging whom?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/10/2010 01:30:13 AM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>Ways to get close include cuddling, kissing, holding hands, talking at length, etc.  Really all of these are forbidden according to &quot;traditional&quot; courtship, but I would not consider any of them to affect one&#39;s purity.  Some people might disagree.  But everyone&#39;s &quot;line&quot; is different.</p><p>I will not answer anymore personal questions.  I feel like this is turning into an attack on my character and judgment of my life.  This information is presented for everyone to think about, and to accept or reject as they please.  What any individual chose, or any mistakes an individual has made or not are not the point.  Do not pass judgment on anyone else.  This conversation is becoming only people asking more and more questions about my personal life and attempting to judge and condemn me.  That is not Christ-like and I will not entertain it any longer.  Take the information as you will, discuss the topic at hand, but please, this part of my life is private and I have no obligation to share it.  </p><p>I really feel badly that people are so eager and willing to judge and be harsh.  What I&#39;ve presented here represents the IDEAL, and what we will teach our children, but many people (including many of you, I&#39;m sure) don&#39;t quite live up.  But we can NEVER live up to Jesus in any way, no matter how hard we try, hence why He died to save us.</p><p>Further comments that are personal in nature won&#39;t be posted.  Comments discussing the subject matter (agreeing or disagreeing) will.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/09/2010 10:36:39 PM
<p>If you &quot;explore&quot; those other ways, are you still pure? Isn&#39;t purity more about intent than action?  It&#39;s kind of like finding a way to cheat on a test.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/09/2010 04:12:19 PM
<p>Jennifer,</p><p>I&#39;m not going to go into much detail because that is a private part of our lives, but we did not have sex before marriage.  There are many other ways to be intimate without sex though, so I was referring to some of those before.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
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DATE: 02/09/2010 04:04:26 PM
<p>Here you say you were pure before marriage, but before you stated that you took things too far, and you would explain that later. You never explained that, and now you say you stayed pure. I am confused. Can you explain this please?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/08/2010 09:18:37 PM
<p>Emma-</p><p>Then why give it a euphimistic name?  Why not just call it what it is?  </p><p>Honestly, I really don&#39;t care too much about this.  I don&#39;t see sex in a committed ADULT relationship as sinning, so secondary virginity is really just silly to me.  </p><p>I guess if your point-of-view is different and you do see committed adult sex without marriage as a sin, you would search for a way to make yourself feel better about your earlier choice(s). However, I do think that applying euphimistic terms to pretty much anything is a form of lying to yourself.  It may make you feel better, but it is dishonest.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/08/2010 08:26:38 PM
<p>Sarah - the reason that I am trying to explain &quot;secondary virginity&quot; to you is that I think we&#39;re talking about two different things. I agree with you, that your body won&#39;t spontaneously regrow a hymen because you decide to stop having sex.. Your birth canal can re-tighten itself given enough time between sexual encounters, but not to the point that it is the exact same as if you hadn&#39;t had sex. One important thing to note, however, is that the hymen naturally can break down for a variety of other reasons. Tampon usage, high activity levels (sports), horseback riding, etc. can all break the hymen to the point that it is the same as if someone had sex previously.</p><p>Secondary virginity doesn&#39;t refer to the body resetting itself to being physically a virgin, but to the person&#39;s commitment to stop sinning.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2010 05:30:43 AM
<p>I&#39;m amazed at the amount of people who find cheating to be &quot;perfectly normal.&quot;  Several people I know think it is okay if alcohol was involved, or if the other member of the couple was out of town.  Even for unmarried couples, I think adultery is the ultimate form of betrayal.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/08/2010 02:27:40 AM
<p>Okay, I&#39;ve written way too much of this when I was sleep deprived...so let me try to sum it up now that I&#39;ve thought more about it (though I&#39;m still sleep deprived, so I hope this makes sense).</p><p>Yes, it was Paul&#39;s writings.  The Bible is entirely written by men, but they were acting as steward&#39;s of God&#39;s word.  We actually discussed that in church today.  It was rather stupid to say &quot;but they weren&#39;t Jesus&#39;s words&quot; even though that&#39;s technically true.  Again, it was late and I wasn&#39;t thinking straight.</p><p>I really take that passage to mean that husbands and wives are joined together body, mind, and soul, and that they therefore &quot;belong to each other.&quot;  So, in this case, if one person wants to have sex, and asks the other, maybe the other person decides to go along with it even if they&#39;re not truly &quot;in the mood&quot; in order to make their partner happy.  Haven&#39;t we all been there before?  I feel like this is saying, &quot;don&#39;t deny each other on a regular basis.&quot;  Allow yourselves to desire one another and remain connected and stray from temptation.  And no, being tempted doesn&#39;t excuse adultery.  But the Bible&#39;s pretty clear on that one too -- NO adultery, regardless of reason or excuse.</p><p>I really didn&#39;t explain any of this very well....  Shouldn&#39;t have written this post in a fog.  I hope the rest of the series is better, and that you&#39;ll all read it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/07/2010 11:33:58 PM
<p>Emma-</p><p>I&#39;m not sure why &quot;secondary virginity&quot; is such an issue with both you and Kate.  I never said you couldn&#39;t be forgiven for the &quot;sin&quot; of pre-marital sex if you sought God&#39;s forgiveness.  I only said you can&#39;t be a virgin again.  I find the term to be euphimistic - similar to saying you are &quot;pro-choice&quot; when that really means you find abortion to be acceptable or calling adultery an &quot;affair.&quot;  Dressing situations up with pretty words doesn&#39;t change the situation. When virginity is gone, it&#39;s gone.  God&#39;s forgiveness and lack of condemnation doesn&#39;t re-establish virginity.  </p><p>I have no problem accepting the New Testament as the Word of God; Kate, not I, pointed out that the passage she cited was Paul&#39;s words and, therefore, not to be attributed to Jesus.  Hopefully you have cleared this up for Kate.</p><p>Regardless of what the Bible or Sheet Music  says, my body, even though I am married, is and always will be my own and my husband&#39;s is his.  As I said before, the cited passage really only applies to women since men CAN&#39;T have traditional sex with women unless they want to. I&#39;m all for having a loving marriage, but equality in the terms and conditions of that marriage needs to apply to both the woman and the man.  Honestly, I can&#39;t imagine that God would want it any other way as we are all equal in his eyes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
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URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/07/2010 10:41:27 PM
<p>Sarah - I&#39;m not Kate, but I did want to address what you wrote about and what others talked about with &quot;secondary virginity.&quot; John 8:1-11 discusses it through Jesus&#39; actions. This is the story of the adulterous woman who was about to be stoned to death and Jesus steps in and says to those accusing her &quot;He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.&quot; After He makes that statement, His words to the woman make His position fairly clear: &quot;I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.&quot;</p><p>The point is that this woman was caught in the very act of adultery and Jesus forgave her sins and commanded her to &quot;sin no more.&quot; What is sinning no more? Having extramarital sex in this case. </p><p>So if you have had sex at some point before marriage but you confess it to God (as He knows what you&#39;ve done - you&#39;ve been &#39;caught&#39; by him if by no one else), He forgives you that sin and commands you to do it no more. He doesn&#39;t say that she (or you) are still a dirty person, that you are no good anymore, He forgives you, saves you from your sin, and helps you move on with you life.</p><p>Sarah - you asked why we &quot;interpret&quot; words in the Bible about sex to be Jesus&#39; commands. The Old Testament is pretty clear about not having sex before you were married. The Old Testament commands on this are records of God&#39;s law for the Israelites. The New Testament stuff can be a bit trickier. However, if you accept that the Bible is the word of God, everything in it is God&#39;s word, but He used different people to write it. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that &quot;All Scripture is inspired by God (God-breathed in some translations) and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.&quot; So by the words in that verse, all scripture, regardless of who the human that wrote it was, is written by God.</p><p>One other thing - for further reading on the &quot;your body is not your own&quot; issue, I&#39;d recommend checking out the book &quot;Sheet Music.&quot; The book is intended to be for newlyweds who have never had sex before - a combination of a &quot;how to&quot; manual and a discussion on the issues that you face in that situation. His discussion on how a loving marriage should operate, especially with regards to the &quot;your body is not your own&quot; topic is extremely helpful.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/07/2010 03:50:46 PM
<p>This is exactly why basing murky life decisions on what is written in the Bible is so difficult.  Who actually spoke the words?  Did they receive the information from God or Jesus, or did they simply express their own opinions and feelings as Paul did here according to you?  If Jesus never said anything about sex, why do we &quot;interpret&quot; the words in the Bible about sex to be his commands?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LKoh
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07277987502548298663
DATE: 02/07/2010 02:07:54 PM
<p>I was a child that grew up in a church that was VERY adamant about preaching that everything &quot;worldy&quot; was wrong. Pre-marital sex was the #1 sin. We were indoctrinated with this 24/7, whether it be from parents or church leaders, and we were constantly &quot;reminded&quot; that pre-marital sex was wrong and was the main topic of Youth Group meetings. </p><p>Now what do you think happened to me and my peers? We challenged EVERYTHING as soon as we had a chance. Whether is be &quot;worldy&quot; things or pre-marital sex. </p><p>From this experience, most of us have changed our views on how we live or want our relationships(married or not)to work and how we raise our children. </p><p>That being said, my parents did not get married until 3 days before I was born. However, unlike my grandparents generation, my parents were always open about everything and answered any questions we ever asked. They were determined to make sure that we got through our teen years and didn&#39;t make the same mistakes they did. After we turn 18 and moved away, they washed their hands of us and it was our responsibility, as adults, to make our own choices and deal with the consequences.</p><p>Looking back over my &quot;crazy&quot; years, I can say that I learned valuable lessons throughout my teens and 20&#39;s. Sometimes I do think back and say, &quot;Wow, that was really stupid!&quot; or &quot;What was I thinking?&quot; Those &quot;worldly&quot; experiences, have made me into the person and mother, that I am today and I wouldn&#39;t change anything that has happened. </p><p>I have come to conclusion, in my new decade of life, that as parents, we are charged with raising our children to the best of our abilities. It is up to them, as adults, what they choose to carry on. Whether it be our beliefs and traditions, or their own.</p><p>Keep up the good work on the blog, Kate! I love reading other opinions and views on life.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/07/2010 04:23:28 AM
<p>Sarah,</p><p>It was Paul who wrote and made the concession; not Jesus.  I&#39;m not sure what, if anything, Jesus himself specifically said about sex.  Paul was unmarried and clearly felt that was the better path.  But, again, they were his words, not Jesus&#39;s.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/07/2010 03:06:56 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>I read you links - you know, the links you put in for a reason - and found that three of them were links to Amazon for books I could buy.  The others were a bit more useful in that they actually provided some commentary on the passages you cited. Based purely on &quot;the worde&quot; and not the &quot;interpretations&quot; given, I learned was that sexual immorality is a sin. (Actually, I already knew this.)  Jesus made a CONCESSION - not a commandment- that we could have sex within marriage, but really felt that having NO sex was the best way to live (like he did).  Thanks for suggesting the further reading; it definitely verified for me that my comments to you were absolutely correct.</p><p>By the way, your strong defense of the &quot;secondary virgin&quot; staus makes it seem like you may have considered yourself one before your marriage. &quot;Thou doth protest too much&quot;!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/07/2010 02:34:04 AM
<p>Cornetta,</p><p>Perhaps &quot;extrapolating&quot; was the wrong choice of words.  But the Bible requires interpreting.  That is, one must understand the historical situation and other issues surrounding the passages so that they make sense.  We need to know the cultural significance of certain comments.  For example, and this is not an exact quote, &quot;It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.&quot;  That sounds crazy.  But they are not referring to a LITERAL &quot;eye of a needle.&quot;  Back in Biblical times, when cities were surrounded by high walls, they had a large main gate, which was closed at night, and a small, one-person sized door that could be opened at night if someone needed to come in.  This door was referred to as the &quot;eye of the needle,&quot; and camels had to get on their knees and were very difficult to get through.  But it was possible.  Without that bit of cultural information, that passage doesn&#39;t make any sense.  So that is what I mean here.  Check the other links I posted with the article; that is where I got a lot of the information and interpretations.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/07/2010 02:28:17 AM
<p>Sarah,</p><p>The Bible clearly says that when we accept Jesus, we are born again and made clean.  We may be considered &quot;pure&quot; of any previous sins at that point.  So a person may not actually be a virgin again, but is pure in the eyes of the Lord.  So I have been told.</p><p>Other links I included in the post explain this better than I do.  And they are written by pastors and Bible scholars who understand the issue far better.  That is where I get &quot;sex should be celebrated.&quot;  I suggest you read those; I included them for a reason.</p><p>I&#39;ve never suggested that sex should be used as power.  No way!  If you read one of my responses above, you&#39;ll see that the Bible commands a husband to love his wife, and a wife to love her husband.  Therefore the rest of their relationship should be blossoming so that their desires and preferences in the bedroom (namely, when they do or don&#39;t want to have sex, in this case) should be respected.  If a husband or wife is using sex as a weapon, then something is very wrong with that marriage!  You are taking my comments about sex out of context, because this only works within a loving, Godly marriage.  Please read the rest of the series and you will see.  I hope.</p><p>I named my blog &quot;Modern Alternative Mama&quot; because I am living in modern times, and I am living a very alternative lifestyle.  Few people have home births, do not vaccinate, breastfeed beyond a year, strongly follow Christianity, etc.  So our entire lifestyle is &quot;alternative&quot; compared to what is considered &quot;normal&quot; now.  People who are interested in our lifestyle are welcome to read, whether out of curiosity or interest.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cornetta
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DATE: 02/07/2010 02:13:00 AM
<p>If you don&#39;t pick and choose from the Bible, how do you justify &quot;extrapolating&quot; from it?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/07/2010 01:37:03 AM
<p>Kate-</p><p>Just like the victim of a murder, virginity is dead after sex.  Life can be different for the murderer too.  </p><p>The Bible doesn&#39;t mention secondary virginity exists, yet you&#39;ve &quot;extrapolated&quot; that it can be.  Either you take the Bible as it is, or you choose to extrapolate to suit your own choices. If you are choosing to &quot;interpret&quot; the Bible, can&#39;t others interpret it differently than you and still be right?  </p><p>I really can&#39;t see how &quot;sex is to be celebrated when it is between a husband and a wife&quot; from the passages you provided.  Perhaps you feel this way because of other passages or is it your &quot;interpretation&quot; of these passages?  The passages you provided only mention sex as either immoral or a way to keep Satan at bay.  Niether of those reasons is a celebration.</p><p>Actually, you were quite clear about always saying yes to your husband in your original post - you made it clear that your interpretation is that refusing sex for any reason is wrong.  You quoted a Bible passage saying not to refuse unless through a mutual decision AND stated your opinion that not refusing sex should help to prevent infidelity.  Both statements made it pretty clear to me that you think sex is obligatory and the magic bullet for preventing most infidelity. I find both statements offensive.  Sex, even between a husband and wife, should always be consensual.  Additionaly, even if a partner refuses sex, infidelity is still wrong and dishonors the committment to stay together through good times and bad. Sex shouldn&#39;t be used as a source of power (not being able to say no or using sexual power to prevent infidelity) either inside or outside of marriage. </p><p>Sex is a way to create children and beyond that it is ONLY a pleasure.  Sex is not necessary to sustain life or a relationship.  Building it up to be some holy experience only serves to cheapen truly holy experiences.  </p><p>I&#39;m wondering why you chose to name your blog &quot;Modern Alternative Momma&quot; when you are neither modern in your thoughts nor do you provide alternatives to living beyond the typical &quot;go green&quot; movement.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/07/2010 12:37:33 AM
<p>Sarah,</p><p>No.  I don&#39;t see sex as something I have to do because my husband says so.  I&#39;m very clear on that in the original post, actually.  Sex is to be celebrated when it is between a husband and a wife.  I think that husbands and wives who ROUTINELY refuse one another are at risk for infidelity, but obviously if that is the case, there are usually other issues going on too.  I also addressed the quotes in my response to Kaitlyn.</p><p>As far as secondary virginity, I believe that God forgives sins we repent for and that is all that matters in this case.  Unlike murder, no one is dead.  Life can be different.  The Bible doesn&#39;t mention &quot;secondary virginity&quot; or many other concepts we&#39;ve extrapolated from it, but forgiveness is absolutely key.</p><p>I think that no sex until marriage is something that everyone should strive for -- even though, of course, no one is perfect and God is forgiving.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
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DATE: 02/06/2010 11:31:41 PM
<p>I agree with Kaitlyn that the quote about bodies not belonging to ourselves is disturbing.  And quite honestly, this quote ONLY applies to the wife in a marriage.  Without getting graphic here, a man physically CAN&#39;T have traditional sex with a woman unless the man is &quot;ready&quot; to have sex.  So my problem with the &quot;not your body&quot; philosphy of your post is that, like most aspects of the Bible, women are viewed as chattel. </p><p>As far as waiting until marriage to have sex goes, there has always been pre-marital sex.  It&#39;s not something new that your generation or your parent&#39;s generation or even your grandparent&#39;s gneration started.  There may have been less pre-marital sex in your grandparents generation because people married so young.  During your parents&#39; generation (60&#39;s and 70&#39;s I&#39;m assuming), pre-marital sex was accepted and prolific.  If we are going to base whether or not pre-marital sex is acceptable on the Bible, take a closer look at the passages you quoted.  ALL of them say it is best to not have sex (&quot;flee from sexual immorality,&quot; &quot;avoid sexual immorality,&quot; &quot;if they cannot control themselves, they should marry.&quot;).  Sex within marriage is said to be a way &quot;that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.&quot;  So even sex within marriage is seen as something only those who lack self-control can use to stave off Satan.  Is that truly how you see sex-  something you do to keep Satan at bay because you would otherwise lack self-contol? Do you really think that your marriage would be prone to infidelity if you didn&#39;t have sex every time your husband wants it?  That, in my opinion, is sad and certainly not reflective of a truly committed relationship. </p><p>I think it is great if you decided to wait until you were married to have sex.  I think it&#39;s fine if you didn&#39;t as long as you were in an ADULT, committed relationship.  Since you were so, so young when you married, you really didn&#39;t have time to have an adult relationship before your marriage.  Therefore, having one relationship, if that&#39;s all you have had, worked for you.  However, the average age for marriage in the U.S. for women is almost 26 years old and for men is approaching 28 years old, which is plenty of time to have an adult, committed relationship at least as long as your marriage.</p><p>I also think Kaityln is right that marrying so you can have sex is a potential problem.  Thus, the increase is &quot;starter&quot; marriages amongst those who marry young.  I don&#39;t see getting married to have sex and then divorcing because you married the wrong person as any more correct than having pre-marital sex. </p><p>I don&#39;t agree with your opinion on &quot;secondary virgin&quot; status.  God may forgive you for having sex if you ask for forgivness, but once you have sex you are no longer a virgin.   Here&#39;s an analogy - God may forgive a murderer that truly repents, but the victim is still dead.  Is there any mention of being a &quot;secondary virgin&quot; in the Bible?  </p><p>My final point is that I have taught, and will continue to teach, my children(who are teenagers and older) that sex is for adults (at least over 18 and over 21 is better) because it is deeply emotional, especially for women.  Whether they choose to have adult sex in a committed, unmarried relationship or a committed, married relationship will be their business since they will be ADULTS. They won&#39;t need to justify their actions to me or to you.  It will be between them and God as all adult decisions are.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/06/2010 10:18:04 PM
<p>Anonymous,</p><p>I believe it can.  God doesn&#39;t condemn us for mistakes that we make, if we turn to Him and repent.  So, for example, if someone has sex before they believe (or even as a believer, in a moment of weakness) and then chooses to change their ways and asks for forgiveness, then I believe that person is then pure.  But it must be a true attempt at change.  Having sex over and over and repenting every time, but making no attempt to change, is not purity.  But people DO make mistakes and God does not condemn us for them, if we are honest.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/06/2010 10:07:05 PM
<p>Does being a &quot;secondary virgin&quot; count as being pure?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Desiree
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DATE: 02/06/2010 08:14:57 PM
<p>A great series that is TRUTHFUL and TASTEFUL for children is &quot;God&#39;s Design for Sex&quot; each book is age appropriate but goes along with biblical truth.  Brenna and Stan Jones are the authors of them and Carolyn Nystrom wrote the 2nd book in the series. ~Des</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/06/2010 03:42:27 PM
<p>Kaitlyn,</p><p>I figured this would be a contentious topic.  As for the Bible verses, we believe as Christians that we take the Bible as a whole.  We do not pick and choose the parts we like.  Also, that translation wasn&#39;t really the best to explain that passage.  Another translation (NIV) says, &quot;The wife&#39;s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband&#39;s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.&quot;  So -- in this case, it says the body belongs to BOTH people, not just to the other person.</p><p>Also, this passage must be viewed in the way it was intended.  A husband is commanded to love his wife, and a wife to respect her husband.  So, for example, if the wife is sick or unhappy, her husband should know this and should not ask her, because he loves her and does not need to have sex then.  Or if a wife knows her husband does not want to, she should not ask out of respect for him.  Then, when they DO ask, they have no reason to deny each other.  To say simply &quot;They should not deny each other&quot; takes it out of context (but we&#39;ll get to the rest of that in the next two weeks, actually).</p><p>People should not rush into marriage just because they want to have sex.  We are not advocating that.  We are advocating self-control, delayed gratification, prayerful consideration.</p><p>Read the rest of the series, sexuality does not stand alone, it is a part of God&#39;s view for marriage.  And if it is taken along with all of the other parts of marriage, it works well.  It does not, in any way, promote &quot;treating people like objects,&quot; because the Lord wouldn&#39;t do that.</p><p>Anonymous,<br/>We were pure before our marriage, and we did always feel this way.  We know how hard it is (and our parents were constantly talking to us about it while we were dating!), which is why I hope our children will listen when it comes time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kaitlyn
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DATE: 02/06/2010 05:43:17 AM
<p>I absolutely do not agree with this.  &quot;For the wife does not have authority over her own body, the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, the wife does.&quot; NO! &quot;They should not refuse each other&quot;? How is that healthy? That&#39;s like ASKING to be taken advantage of.  Sex should be consensual, and just because one spouse wants it and the Bible says the other spouse can&#39;t deny it does NOT make it consensual.  I don&#39;t think there is anything wrong with abstaining before marriage, and I think it is good that you will be open with your children.  However, I think some of these other messages are unhealthy and promote viewing people as objects.  Also, this seems like a great way to rush into marriages without really knowing the person.  I think it&#39;s horrible to marry someone just because you can&#39;t stand not having sex any longer.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/06/2010 02:11:25 AM
<p>I think it is nice that you think purity is the answer for your children.  Did you always feel this way?  Did both you and Ben remain pure before your marriage?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Things I've Learned About Allergies
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 02/23/2010 01:00:00 AM
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<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Don't forget to <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dEJFTl9MUlZmN2VqS2lfOFJyQmNzVEE&amp;hl=en">register</a> for the 30-Day Eat More Fat challenge!</p><p>Many times as we've gone through dealing with my childrens' allergies, I've felt it was terribly unfair that my children were always reacting and I had to be hypervigilant about everything they ate and on the lookout for any tiny sign of reaction, when so many other peoples' kids were completely fine! And many of them didn't try nearly as hard for the natural, organic lifestyle! Where was the justice?</p><p>These are my thoughts in my dark hours, of course. Most of the time I'm just happy that I'm paying attention and that I'm helping them feel better and hopefully heal from their allergies. Then there are those times that I've heard other parents make comments that sounded strange to me...and I began to wonder, are there children experiencing minor food sensitivity symptoms, but they don't realize it? I've gone back and forth, wondering what might be "weird" but normal, and what might really be a sign of sensitivity. But after talking with other moms of 'allergy' children, I've come up with a list of things I've learned by dealing with kids with allergies (I could be wrong, but this is what I believe to be true, and our pediatrician has discussed some of these points with us):</p><p>1) Eczema is a sign of allergies.<br/>Yes, always. It could be food, laundry detergents, local pollution, who knows. But it is allergies, not just something children get. All the allergic children I know (including mine) will flare up with eczema badly if they are exposed to an allergen; but when they're not, their skin is perfectly clear! No creams touch it as long as they are still exposed to the allergen. A LOT of kids have eczema...and also, food sensitivities their parents haven't realized.</p><p>2) Cradle cap is a sign of allergies.<br/>This is common in young babies, but any that persists for more than a few days or gets bad is actually a sign of some kind of allergy (usually milk, since it shows up so early). My daughter had this horribly (as did a lot of other allergy babies). My son, since we discovered his allergies almost immediately and cut the offending foods, never did.</p><p>3) Reflux is a sign of allergies.<br/>So many moms say "my baby has reflux!! I hope they outgrow it! At least it's not allergies!" Sorry to let you know, but in almost all cases, it IS allergies. Many of these moms learn when their babies are older that they DO have an allergy to something. It really just is a sign that the baby has an allergy, generally, again, usually to milk. Especially if it's accompanied by screaming or projectile vomitting.</p><p>4) Sleep disturbances are a sign of allergies.<br/>While sleep disturbances can happen for MANY reasons (growth spurts, teething, routine disruptions, etc.), continued night waking with no obvious cause, especially after a year old, are often a sign of allergies. Bekah continued to wake up several times a night well past a year (as have many other allergy kids) and STILL wakes up at night, at age 2, if she eats something that isn't good for her. If sleep disturbance is persistent and combined with other symptoms, consider allergies.</p><p>5) Diarrhea and/or constipation are a sign of allergies.<br/>If a baby's system isn't ready for a food, or s/he is allergic to it, diarrhea or constipation can result. It's not normal for any food to just "cause diarrhea." That only happens if the body is not digesting it properly. This is related to the next sign, so I'll discuss it further in a second....</p><p>6) Undigested food in the poop is a sign of allergies.<br/>If the body is handling a food properly, there should be no trace of it when it comes out the other end. It's a myth that certain foods -- grapes, corn, beans, cranberries, etc. -- just cause "nasty poop." No. That is not normal. That is a sign of allergy to that food! I have heard over and over that grapes cause nasty poop, but when Bekah eats a ton of grapes (and she is allergic to SO MANY foods), there are no issues. We only get the "nasty poop" when the food is clearly not good for her! I've talked to a lot of other moms of allergic kids who have said the same thing.</p><p>7) Persistent diaper rash is a sign of allergies.<br/>If your child eats something, has nasty poop, and then gets a diaper rash, that is a sign of allergies too. Yes, kids can get diaper rash for a bunch of reasons, but if it happens frequently and is hard to get rid of, consider allergies. It may be an allergy to the brand of diapers or detergents. Or, it may be food.</p><p>8) Stomachaches, fussiness, gas, etc. can be a sign of allergies<br/>This can also be a sign of illness, of course, but if it happens after eating particular foods, consider allergies. Eating a food that causes an allergic reaction will likely upset the child's stomach and make him/her not feel well and be irritable. Some will even scream.</p><p>None of these symptoms are those of "true" allergies (i.e. the life-threatening, not-breathing kind) but they are signs of serious food sensitivities. And they should be taken seriously. These symptoms can be minor and, if you're not paying attention, seem like nothing. After all, every baby has a fussy day, or a little eczema, or nasty poops every now and then, right? Well...yes, but there's ALWAYS a reason for those things! And food sensitivities are often to blame.</p><p>If you notice a pattern of some of these symptoms, no matter how minor, I suggest that you keep a food journal. Write down what your child eats and when, and any symptoms you note and how long after eating the offending food that they occur. Take this to your child's doctor and ask him or her about possible food sensitivities. Try an elimination diet to see if s/he does better without the foods (my guess would be yes!).</p><p>It seems like nit-picking, but these small sensitivities are affecting your child's gut health and immune system. Avoiding the foods causing the problems is very important, even if the diet changes are difficult. Believe me -- I know it's hard. But we've been much better off since we've made the changes. Our children sleep better, are happier, and clearly feel better. And we do too.</p><p>Have you noticed any symptoms in your children? If you know you have allergic children, what do you think about this list?</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
any times as we've gone through dealing with my childrens' allergies, I've felt it was terribly unfair that my children were always reacting and I had to be hypervigilant about everything they ate and on the lookout for any tiny sign of reaction, when so many other peoples' kids were completely fine! And many of them didn't try nearly as hard for the natural, organic lifestyle! Where was the justice?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2010 04:08:27 AM
<p>Ben, sInce you vowed never to use a microwave again, what do you do for lunch now?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
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IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2010 12:12:07 AM
<p>Ben and Kate-</p><p>Great advice, and I will look into the GAPS diet like you suggested and a nutritionist.  I already take several Standard Process supplements, so I know they are GREAT, I just don&#39;t know which one(s), if any, to give my child. Interestingly enough, she has a food sensitivity to honey (breaks out in hives and throat tightens making it difficult to breath), so that is out.  We will keep looking.  Thanks for the encouragment!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/25/2010 12:05:10 AM
<p>Julie,</p><p>I would look into the GAPS diet (www.gapsdiet.com), which is created by a doctor to help allergies and other conditions.  I have also read that raw honey can help these allergies (actually, I&#39;m posting on that tonight).  I&#39;m sure there is SOMETHING you can do, although it may not be as straight forward.  Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ben Tietje
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/01395945446379035093
DATE: 02/25/2010 12:01:33 AM
<p>Julie,</p><p>My entire life I have had very thick, full hair. About 6 months ago I noticed it start to thin out, and about two months ago I realized it had stopped growing completely. As a 25 year old, obviously this was not normal. Through muscle testing it became evident that I was severely allergic to plastics. The main cause of this being the lunch I microwave in plastic containers nearly every single day for the last 3 years. (By microwaving the plastic, toxins leeched into the food, which I then ingested in large quantities over those three years.) The nutritionist told me that there was a low likelihood of correcting the issue because it had been so long. </p><p>(NOTE: if you have issues with your hair it is usually a sign of health problems. In the same way that your body stops pumping blood to your extremities during extreme cold, your hair and fingernails are the first causalities in a health battle. Rather than letting important bodily functions fail, your body simply let&#39;s your hair growth slow or die off.)</p><p>A combination of avoiding plastic whenever remotely possible, storing our microwave in the basement and vowing to never use one again, and taking supplements recommended by our nutritionist from <a href="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.standardprocess.com/display/router.aspx"">http://www.standardprocess.com/display/router.aspx"</a> rel="nofollow">Standard Process</a>, has corrected this issue after only a month on these supplements.</p><p>While my hair isn&#39;t nearly as healthy as it was even a year ago, it is growing again. With any luck after 6-12 months of this regimen, I will be back to normal. I would strongly encourage you to seek the guidance of a homeopathic nutritionist as soon as possible. Since your child is still growing and changing, there is always a possibility of fixing the allergies before it becomes permanent. I wouldn’t rule diet out, since food sensitivities could lead to a weakened immune system, or minor food issues could cause a poorly functioning liver (which would limit the toxins, in your cause mold, dust, and pollen) Keep trying different things; nothing is to “crazy” to try when it comes to your health. I wish you the best of luck in helping your child.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
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DATE: 02/24/2010 10:37:01 PM
<p>Kate-</p><p>So, from your description of &quot;true allergies,&quot; it sounds like the symptoms you mention in your post are actually symptoms of food sensitivities.  My child, confirmed by testing, is allergic to mold,dust, and corn pollen, so I wonder if changing foods would help.  From the discussion here, it doesn&#39;t sound like diet would help.  Any advice on how to handle true allergies vs. the advice you gave for food sensitivities?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: katherine
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06744029240763334783
DATE: 02/24/2010 09:06:21 PM
<p>Ahhh....thanks for the info. I wish I had known it can take two months for dairy to leave your body. Hubs and I took a cruise (away from the kids) right after Christmas where I had dairy for several days, so I&#39;ve only been dairy-free since the beginning of the year. Frustrating...</p><p>Though, after posting my comment last night, I realized her cradle cap is getting better. I&#39;ve been scraping some off and her hair is growing better. I&#39;ll try the oil to see if that helps. </p><p>Thanks for the insight!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/24/2010 08:53:07 PM
<p>Krista,</p><p>You&#39;re right and I alluded to it in the post but didn&#39;t discuss it indepth.  A &quot;true&quot; allergy is one that is permanent, as you said (although there are some who claim to be able to cure those, I don&#39;t know much about it) and which will show up on a blood test, for an IgG reaction.  There are also IgE tests for allergies.  If they don&#39;t show up on either of these tests, they are considered &quot;not allergies.&quot;  According to blood tests, Bekah has NO allergies.  But that&#39;s clearly not the case because if she eats certain foods she has diarrhea, persistent diaper rash, bad eczema, night waking, etc.  Even her pediatrician said &quot;these blood tests are not very accurate, an elimination diet is much better.&quot;</p><p>So yes, we are talking about sensitivities here, but they are still serious and need to be dealt with!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krista
EMAIL: 
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/14616414842380204671
DATE: 02/24/2010 08:48:59 PM
<p>Hi again!  Just wanted to post a few more things.  Regarding the lady whose son gets ezcema on his cheeks, is that really ezcema?  Sounds to me more like windburn.  Ezcema definitely is an allergic reaction to something.  If he&#39;s just getting red dry skin on his cheeks from the wind, that&#39;s windburn.</p><p>Also, just since you didn&#39;t already mention it (I don&#39;t think anyway.....just going from memory), allergies and sensitivies are not the same thing.  With a true allergy, there will be a change in the blood and this is detected through a traditional (scratch) test.  True allergies are usually permanent.  With sensitivies, there is not a change in the blood, but there is some sort of reaction, usually a skin issue (ezcema, hives, or something similar) however a sensitivity will not show up on an allergy test and these are the kind that many children outgrow.  That&#39;s why many doctors don&#39;t believe sensitivities actually exist....because they don&#39;t have tests to prove they exist.  But just ask any mom (like me!) who had a child with ezcema, went to a naturopath and had a sensitivity test done, got results and then had the ezcema go away when we got rid of the foods that popped up on that test.  I KNOW there is a food link, even though our MD doesn&#39;t really believe in it.....oh, well, our experience is enough proof for me!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/24/2010 07:51:01 PM
<p>Pamela,</p><p>It&#39;s true that some children can get reflux or other symptoms from some other cause (like the cold wind).  Some of the signs I mentioned above are OFTEN, but not ALWAYS, a sign of allergies.</p><p>As for research -- I&#39;m relying on my observations and consultations with Bekah&#39;s various doctors (pediatrician, chiropractor, acupunturist, others) for my information.  In some cases, there are no mainstream, published sources stating this information, but the doctors I talk to agree that this is true.  It was from them that I first heard some of this.</p>
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AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/24/2010 07:36:08 PM
<p>Sorry Kate, but some is this simply untrue and not very well researched. Elijah has terrible GERD and Ryan has excema on his cheeks during the winter from the cold, dry wind. Both of them have had allergy testing and have no allergies. Sometimes kids just get dry skin on their cheeks and have reflux for reasons that have nothing to do with food allergies. </p><p>Pamela</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ktietje85
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06468720997061862399
DATE: 02/24/2010 04:36:29 PM
<p>Vanessa,</p><p>I bet there is something else going on.  Try the food journal and let me know what you learn!</p><p>Liesel,</p><p>Yes, it&#39;s funny how telling poop can be! lol.</p><p>Katherine,</p><p>Yes, I would suspect additional allergies, if it has been more than 2 months since you cut dairy from your diet (it can take that long to completely clear your system).  Try the other top 7 allergens -- soy, gluten, eggs, fish, peanuts, nuts.  Of course it may not be any of those, those are just the most common.  We&#39;ve found legumes to be an issue here (peas, beans, peanuts, etc.).  ALL legumes, unfortunately (Lindsey, I would suspect that for Cam as well, I remember you telling me he used to eat beans a lot and then his diapers would be nasty.)</p><p>As for cradle cap, rub some natural oil into it and gently brush it out.  If it goes away and doesn&#39;t come back, then you&#39;ve got it.  In my experience it doesn&#39;t always go away on its own.  We had to pick Bekah&#39;s out of her hair and it didn&#39;t grow at all until we did (at 6 months).  Daniel got a little cradle cap around 3 months after we used a standard baby shampoo (never again!) and it hasn&#39;t gone away but hasn&#39;t gotten worse either.  We&#39;ve ignored it because his hair grows fine and you can&#39;t actually see it.</p><p>I can find more resources if that doesn&#39;t answer your questions, though!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 02/24/2010 04:13:50 PM
<p>I&#39;m with Katherine on the cradle cap...I&#39;m wondering if I have to scrape it off and then see if the dietary changes (also no dairy) are working. He (my son, he&#39;s 2--you know that but others might not, lol) still has cradle cap, though he has only been dairy-free for...3 weeks? Something like that. But maybe I have to get rid of it and then we&#39;ll see that it doesn&#39;t come back? Is that how it works?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: katherine
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/06744029240763334783
DATE: 02/24/2010 04:45:22 AM
<p>i&#39;m curious if you know much more, or have more resources, about cradle cap and allergies. our six-month-old daughter was diagnosed with cow&#39;s milk protein intolerance at three months. she&#39;s breast fed, but my diet has been free from dairy. she still has bad cradle cap.</p><p>would you suspect other foods are allergies/sensitivities for her? i&#39;d love to know your thoughts/suggestion!</p><p>thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
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DATE: 02/24/2010 03:02:54 AM
<p>Very good post Kate!</p><p>In the book Digestive Wellness, the author talks a lot about poop! She says that it is the best way to know how your body is doing and I agree. I loved when she said, &quot;A good healthy poop will let you know when it needs to come out.&quot; :) I learned a lot from that book about the need for regular consistancy and regular intervals for pooping. This is something I pay attention too a lot with Liea.</p><p>I&#39;d also like to add that while breastmilk baby poop is runny, it shouldn&#39;t be projectile! (I didn&#39;t catch onto this one soon enough with Liea.) It&#39;s hard to differentiate between normal and diarrhea at the newborn age so I think it&#39;s really important to pay attention to pooping intervals and look for other signs of allergy.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krista
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/14616414842380204671
DATE: 02/23/2010 08:51:01 AM
<p>Thanks for this post!  I hear you with the injustice of it all!  After my (first) son was born, I had a horrible recovery from his birth.  He also didn&#39;t nurse and pumping and bottle feeding only lasted so long, so he got formula supplements and I even started him on solids around 4 months.  He&#39;s never had any allergies.  My daughter (my second baby) had a pristine birth.  No problems, no complications with me or her.  She nursed like a pro!  She nursed exclusively for at least 8 or so months and then I introduced solids and BAM!  We found her first allergy when she reacted to pureed carrots (of all things!).  She had mild ezcema as a baby (which I didn&#39;t realize at the time was related to her food issues) and then as a toddler it got really bad.  We ended up taking her to our naturopath and had her tested for food sensitivities.  Sure enough, carrots came up, as did dairy, peanuts and tomatoes (which I suspected when she had a huge flare up in late summer and we were eating tomatoes left and right from the garden).  Its so hard to think these great foods that I grew myself were making her miserable!  </p><p>The funny thing is that my pediatrician thinks I&#39;m nuts for thinking the ezcema is related to allergies.  She gave me this handout about it and it almost made me laugh &quot;we don&#39;t know what causes ezcema&quot; was the gist of it.  I&#39;m thinking &quot;well I do!&quot;</p><p>I do hope she outgrows some of these sensitivies (our naturopath seems to think its likely).  I&#39;m learning a little about raw milk at the moment and am thinking of trying some to see if she can handle it.  With my daughter, I also think there is some environmental factors as well.  The eczema definitely is the worst in the middle of summer and coldest part of the winter....which makes sense since they are the two driest times of the year.  When it gets bad, we do resort to creams, but I&#39;m hoping to find some that are better for the skin than what&#39;s currently at the pharmacy.  I found something called &quot;Un-Petroleum Jelly&quot; and wondered if that works.  </p><p>Anyway, thanks again for the informative post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa VH
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URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15480248461585115642
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:21:31 AM
<p>Thanks you for your thought provoking post! I am so uncertain what to do with my 2 1/2 yo that I suspect has food allergies. He sometimes has the &quot;nasty&quot; poops which give him the hard to get rid of rashes. He has always been sensitive to things (no disposable diapers, had to try several ways of washing the cloth ones to get those to work) I was off wheat and milk completely while pregnant and breastfeeding him (his is still not totally weaned although I now eat wheat but not milk)So I think that would rule out those two as allergens. The Pediatrician and my DH both think there is nothing wrong with him and that I shouldn&#39;t change his diet... Your idea to do a food journal is great. Maybe I can notice something specific that way..</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.185.16.19
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:36:30 AM
<p>What do you do for lunch now???</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Wooden Toys Winner!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/24/2010 05:00:00 PM
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<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Using Random.org, I selected the winner for the wooden toy giveaway.  It is:</p><p><strong>Pat</strong> (<a href="mailto:douglassandpat@yahoo.com">douglassandpat@yahoo.com</a>)</p><p>Congratulations, Pat!  Please email me, <a href="mailto:ktietje85@gmail.com">ktietje85@gmail.com</a> with your mailing address by Friday, February 26th to claim your prize.</p><p>Next week we're launching the new site (details on Sunday) and with it, we'll have a WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS!  I have skin cream, baby toys, a Seventh Generation Starter Kit, Tropical Traditions Coconut flour, and more!!  Follow the new site for details on all of those giveaways!</p><p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Using Random.org, I selected the winner for the wooden toy giveaway.  It is:</p><p><strong>Pat</strong> (<a href="mailto:douglassandpat@yahoo.com">douglassandpat@yahoo.com</a>)
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Wooden Toys...GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 02/22/2010 01:00:00 AM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>**This giveaway is CLOSED and the winner has already been selected.**</strong></p>
<p>Today, we have an awesome giveaway! It's sponsored by CSN Stores. They have a number of great websites, like their <a href="http://www.moremailboxes.com/">Mailboxes</a> site. However, today's giveaway is from CSNBaby and is a prize package of wooden toys! Here they are:</p>
<p><a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S3bxwgzfQPI/AAAAAAAAAHk/bVGqfPwPA5E/s200/Wooden+toy+giveaway+1.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437799415838359794" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 166px; float: left; height: 166px;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S3bxwgzfQPI/AAAAAAAAAHk/bVGqfPwPA5E/s200/Wooden+toy+giveaway+1.bmp" border="0" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S3byDGW5kKI/AAAAAAAAAHs/P6R_ekp7KU0/s200/Wooden+toy+giveaway+2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437799735156641954" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 166px; float: right; height: 166px;" src="http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/472883/6075848/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S3byDGW5kKI/AAAAAAAAAHs/P6R_ekp7KU0/s200/Wooden+toy+giveaway+2.bmp" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDUCjvR1HqE/S3bxwgzfQPI/AAAAAAAAAHk/bVGqfPwPA5E/s1600-h/Wooden+toy+giveaway+1.bmp"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you would like to win, there will be ways to enter at the end of the post. But first, why wooden toys?</p>
<p>These days, when plastic toys (complete with batteries, music, and flashing lights) are the most common playthings, wooden toys have taken a back seat. But wooden toys used to be the only type of toys children had. With all the new options (which, with their bright colors, look so appealing in the store and on TV), why would we want to go back to wood?</p>
<p>Wooden toys have MANY great benefits.</p>
<p>They are SAFE.<br />With many plastic toys coming out of China and new scares everyday about BPA and other chemicals being found in toys, or lead being found in paint or dyes, it's hard to know what is really safe to play with. American (or Canadian or European) made wooden toys are safe, and are generally not painted, or are painted with lead-free paint. Buying from small, local manufacturers supports small business and ensures you know exactly what is in the toys you're buying.</p>
<p>They LAST.<br />So many plastic toys are flimsy. Throw them down the stairs once or step on them (as children do from time to time) and they're broken and have to be thrown out. Wooden toys are very durable and will last through being mistreated. They can be passed down from child to child and even down generations. They'll still look just as nice as they ever did, requiring little more than a fresh coat of paint, if that.</p>
<p>They foster CREATIVITY.<br />Many of the plastic toys have one function. There are a thousand plastic dolls out there: some eat, some wet, some are "sick," some are for dress-up, etc. There are toys that play a song if a button is pressed. But once this function has been thoroughly investigated, the toy is useless and typically tossed aside. Wooden toys, however, don't have just one use. In fact, they don't "do" anything. They require children to play their own games and use their imagination to play. A single doll can be any number of different things! A kitchen set or a rocking horse can be many different things, too. A rocking horse could be "just a horse," or it could be a cowboy's trusty mate, a police officer's way to get around, or not a horse at all -- perhaps a zebra or something foreign! Children today need a chance to have their imagination stimulated.</p>
<p>They help ATTENTION SPAN.<br />When a toy fosters creativity, children play with it longer. They rehearse their lives and come up with elaborate games to play with the toys. Children who are constantly surrounded by beeping, flashing, single-function toys will go rapidly from toy to toy as they become bored. If this is constant their attention spans will be short because they are used to getting bored with things quickly. (TV has also been blamed for causing this.)</p>
<p>There are other great articles about wooden toys:<br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-Benefits-of-Wooden-Toys---Durable,-Develop-Imaginations,-and-Educational&amp;id=2512991">Benefits of Wooden Toys</a><br /><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/12/safe-and-natural-childrens-toys.html">Safe and Natural Wooden Toys<br /></a></p>
<p>Now, how can you enter to win the wooden toys above?</p>
<p>1. Leave a comment below (with your name, not anonymous) about why you would like to win the toys and/or why you think wooden toys are good</p>
<p>2. Visit CSN Baby and tell me what other wooden toys you think your family would enjoy (future giveaway...?)</p>
<p>3. Subscribe to me via RSS or email (or tell me that you already do).</p>
<p>4. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>5. Tweet about this giveaway.</p>
<p>6. Email this giveaway to 5 friends, or post about it on Facebook.</p>
<p>Please leave each entry in a SEPARATE comment. So if you do 1, 2, and 4, you must three different comments! I will use Random.org to generate a number and then whichever comment that is (numbered from first received to last) will be the winner!  There are 6 possible entries!</p>
<p>The giveaway closes at 12 AM EST on Tuesday, February 23rd. I will announce the winner at 8 PM Wednesday, February 24th. The winner needs to contact me via email by Friday, February 26th with his/her full name and mailing address to claim the prize.</p>
<p>Thanks, and good luck!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today, we have an awesome giveaway! It's sponsored by CSN Stores. They have a number of great websites, like their <a href="http://www.moremailboxes.com/">Mailboxes</a> site. However, today's giveaway is from CSNBaby and is a prize package of wooden toys! Here they are:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04018963981535476477
DATE: 02/24/2010 03:27:56 AM
<p>And I tweeted about this giveaway.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04018963981535476477
DATE: 02/24/2010 03:26:15 AM
<p>I&#39;m following you on Twitter!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04018963981535476477
DATE: 02/24/2010 03:25:41 AM
<p>I took a look at the CSN baby store and I have to say, my favorite wooden toy has to be a basic set of blocks, like the Melissa and Doug or Guidecraft sets. Endless possibilities for fun!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04018963981535476477
DATE: 02/24/2010 03:21:32 AM
<p>I&#39;d love to win one of these. My first baby is due in May and I want wooden toys for him/her to enjoy. Mostly because they seem to last a long time even with lots of use and encourage creative thinking. And I don&#39;t have to listen to any annoying sounds like I would with plastic battery toys.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cara
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/04253120851598570692
DATE: 02/23/2010 10:03:51 PM
<p>Those are really cute! We like wooden toys the best too.  They last for generations, my kids play with several wooden toys that were mine.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15250646887030288782
DATE: 02/23/2010 05:36:42 PM
<p>I think we&#39;d also like the Melissa and Doug First Vehicle Wooden Toy Vehicle set...it&#39;s adorable!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15250646887030288782
DATE: 02/23/2010 05:33:53 PM
<p>I tweeted! @jkbaxter612</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15250646887030288782
DATE: 02/23/2010 05:32:58 PM
<p>I&#39;m following you on Twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15250646887030288782
DATE: 02/23/2010 05:32:01 PM
<p>I have a 7 month old baby girl and we love wooden toys!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:39:04 PM
<p>I posted this on Facebook!  <br/>Meredith H</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:12:16 PM
<p>Went to the site.  The Melissa and Doug Wooden Vehicle set looks like it would be so much fun for any child!  I know mine would love it.  Also you can never go wrong with a set of wooden blocks.  Sometimes the fun comes from just taking them in and out of the box!!!<br/>Meredith H</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:05:44 PM
<p>We are always looking for new toys that foster creativity.  I can remember pretending when I was young.  I get concerned that my child won&#39;t be challenged to be creative or pretend as he is growing because there is so much &quot;stuff&quot; geared toward little kids that takes the creativity out of play.  Just because it&#39;s flashy or loud doesn&#39;t make it a great toy.  Hooray for fostering creativity among all the other positive things wooden toys do!  <br/>Meredith</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa VH
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15480248461585115642
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:11:55 AM
<p>I shared a link to your site on FB</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa VH
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15480248461585115642
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:11:34 AM
<p>The Guidecraft pull along dog is just too cute for words! <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.csnbaby.com/Guidecraft-G2061-EZ1033.html">http://www.csnbaby.com/Guidecraft-G2061-EZ1033.html</a></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa VH
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15480248461585115642
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:05:30 AM
<p>I would love to win the wooden toys because all 3 of my boys (ages 4, 2 and 1) play with the wooden ones we already have and love them :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa VH
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/15480248461585115642
DATE: 02/23/2010 02:04:16 AM
<p>Just subscribed, neat site!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2010 10:27:30 PM
<p>I like wooden toys for the reasons you cited, mainly they are safer and much more durable. I have 5 children and can testify that the wooden toys will be passed on to grandchildren while the plastic ends up in the trash-we can&#39;t even recycle it!</p><p>pat(douglassandpat@yahoo.com)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2010 08:54:54 PM
<p>I am already a subscriber.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2010 08:53:53 PM
<p>I agree the Melissa and Doug Puzzles are great my son loves all of them he has ever played with.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2010 08:52:39 PM
<p>I love love these wooden toys! I think that they can be played with in so many different ways. Imagination is what the video game generation is completly missing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2010 03:33:47 PM
<p>Just visited site (been there before!) and one thing I&#39;d love for our next baby is the Cariboo baby gym. I think Liea would love the Shape sorter pounder thing or even the pound a peg.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2010 03:25:43 PM
<p>We are always looking for new toys for Liea as well as for the little ones we babysit. Liea has wooden toys from 40 some years ago that she loves!</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/00123085825475433734
DATE: 02/22/2010 01:33:40 PM
<p>Well, I can&#39;t participate because I don&#39;t do Twitter, but those are too cute! I&#39;ll check out the website and try to pick up a few things for the new baby. We tossed all of our polyester toys and I&#39;ve been making new rattling/jingling teethers with cotton/bamboo fabrics, but I always love getting nice, new wooden toys (especially because I can&#39;t make those myself, lol).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2010 02:28:34 AM
<p>I agree wooden toys are better, but they have been around forever.  Thus, they are conventional and plastic toys are modern.  </p><p>Also, not only does TV decrease attention span, computer games, including &quot;educational&quot; games, do the same thing. As you suggest, it&#39;s much better to let kids color and play with traditional toys than to be bombarded with constantly changing images.  </p><p>Nice giveaway! Too bad I don&#39;t know anyone who could use them.  Good luck to everyone who can!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 02/22/2010 01:56:12 AM
<p>I follow your blog via Google Reader!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 02/22/2010 01:55:34 AM
<p>I would LOVE a set of wooden blocks.  And, of course, anything Melissa and Doug would be fabulous! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karly
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12104801824445226420
DATE: 02/22/2010 01:49:48 AM
<p>I would love to win the toys to supply our third child (6 months old) some more wooden toys.  I agree with you that wooden toys are SO much better than conventional, plastic ones.</p><p>Great giveaway, Kate!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wehaf
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/10181985355367212602
DATE: 02/22/2010 01:23:16 AM
<p>I think the Melissa and DOug wooden puzzles would make great giveaways.</p><p>urchiken at gmail dot com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wehaf
EMAIL: 
IP: 
URL: http://www.blogger.com/profile/10181985355367212602
DATE: 02/22/2010 01:21:11 AM
<p>I would love to win these for a friend who just had her first baby.  She is very into a natural lifestyle and would appreciate natural toys.</p><p>urchiken at gmail dot com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chanelle
EMAIL: hhhh147@juno.com
IP: 76.174.139.198
URL: http://simplyrealfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 08:18:36 PM
<p>I'd like to win these because they look like great toys! I love to get high quality, old fashioned (not plastic) toys for my kids.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Family Life Updates
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/01/2010 01:00:03 AM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<div>Today is the LAST DAY to <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dEJFTl9MUlZmN2VqS2lfOFJyQmNzVEE&amp;hl=en">register</a> for the 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge! See you tomorrow! <br /><br />We have BIG news to share with you all today! Some bigger than others. :) <br /><br />A month or so ago, I joined CAPPA, and I am now pursuing certification in Childbirth Education and Lactation Specialist. I've been very busy working on research, writing papers, reading books, and doing other things towards these certifications, among other projects. We've also converted our music room into a playroom/meeting room for when I am certified and can hold classes here. I'll be posting about that and showing you pictures of that room in a later post! <br /><br />Tomorrow is our NEW SITE LAUNCH!! The address is <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/">http://www.modernalternativemama.com/</a> and it is currently live, if you're too eager to wait until tomorrow to check it out. If you've subscribed to me here, I believe you will need to go over there and re-subscribe (but I'll double check on that). I would love it if you did! Comments will be locked over here starting with this post, so you'll need to hop over to the new site anyway if you want to comment. All future posts will be posted ONLY on the new site! <br /><br />And, to help you along with visiting the new site, I will have a WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS!! Every single day (Monday - Friday) there will be a new giveaway! Here is a sneak peek about the posts I'll have and the giveaways: <br /><br />Monday -- 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge! Giveaway: Baby toys (a talented friend is making them, more details to follow) <br /><br />Tuesday -- Baby Steps in the Medicine Cabinet. Giveaway: Modern Alternative Mama Soothing Skin Cream. <br /><br />Wednesday -- Review of Seventh Generation household products. Giveaway: Seventh Generation Home Starter Kit, including glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, toilet cleaner, shower cleaner, tub &amp; tile cleaner, kitchen cleaner, natural paper towels, and reusable tote. <br /><br />Thursday -- Orange sherbet recipe (sugar free!!). Giveaway: Coconut flour from Tropical Traditions! <br /><br />Friday -- Top 10 Posts and new features! Giveaway: Tweedlebugs Diaper, cloth wipes, and wipe solution package! <br /><br />Join us next week to read all the awesome new entries and enter all the giveaways! <br /><br />A small family update -- we are about to start the GAPS diet here. We've been easing our way into it for awhile but we have to just take the plunge. I'll be posting on it more later for those who are interested, but there's plenty of information on other blogs right now. <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/">Keeper of the Home</a>, and <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/">Kelly the Kitchen Kop </a>have both posted a fair amount about the subject. Look for more on that on the new site! <br /><br />Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</div>
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EXCERPT:
We have BIG news to share with you all today! Some bigger than others. :) <br /><br />A month or so ago, I joined CAPPA, and I am now pursuing certification in Childbirth Education and Lactation Specialist. I've been very busy working on research, writing papers, reading books, and doing other things towards these certifications, among other projects. We've also converted our music room into a playroom/meeting room for when I am certified and can hold classes here. I'll be posting about that and showing you pictures of that room in a later post!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/01/2010 02:28:34 AM
<p>Kate, great site!  LOVE the header!  </p><p>So excited about your giveaways this week, especially Fridays!  :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/01/2010 01:00:48 PM
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<p>Welcome to the new site!&nbsp; What do you think?&nbsp; We've been working hard for the last several weeks to get it ready!</p>
<p>And now, it is time to start the 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge!&nbsp; If you have not yet registered but would still like to participate, you can either click on the link to the registration form or leave your information in the comments section.&nbsp; I hope you participate, it's going to be a lot of fun and there are prizes!!</p>
<p>To register, leave this info:</p>
<p>1. Your screen name</p>
<p>2. Current weight/health (how do you feel on a daily basis?)</p>
<p>3. Current diet (what do you eat in a typical day, briefly?)</p>
<p>4. What changes you hope to make this month in your diet, especially with fats</p>
<p>5. Can you make weekly check-ins? (Yes/No)</p>
<p>I'll announce the final list of participants in tomorrow's daily fats tip!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To win, you need to meet the following criteria:</p>
<p>1. How much weight you lost/how your health has improved</p>
<p>2. How much your diet has changed and what fats you have begun to use and how much (if you know)</p>
<p>3. Most creative ways you have gotten fats into your diet</p>
<p>The person with the most change in all categories will be the winner!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Please remember the rules: fats must be HEALTHY.&nbsp; Butter, coconut oil, organic lard, organic beef tallow, ghee, avocados, palm shortening, raw olive oil, etc.&nbsp; The following fats do NOT count: margarine, vegetable oils (inc. corn, soybean, peanut), any refined oils, commercially fried food, etc.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Can't wait to see you there!!&nbsp; Now, hop over to our first giveaway to celebrate our brand new site!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome to the new site!&nbsp; What do you think?&nbsp; We've been working hard for the last several weeks to get it ready!</p>
<p>And now, it is time to start the 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge!&nbsp; If you have not yet registered but would still like to participate, you can either click on the link to the registration form or leave your information in the comments section.&nbsp; I hope you participate, it's going to be a lot of fun and there are prizes!!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Medicine Cabinet
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/02/2010 04:00:59 PM
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<p>This may be a brief series, unless you all have questions about things.&nbsp; Let me know if you do!</p>
<p>Here are my first three baby steps for your medicine cabinet:</p>
<p>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reduce reliance on pain relievers</p>
<p>2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eliminate cold medicine (especially for children)</p>
<p>3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Try one alternative remedy: honey for coughs</p>
<p>Okay, so why those?&nbsp; And really, why am I writing this series at all?&nbsp; Explaining the first step will answer two questions!</p>
<p>Pain relievers -- A lot of people have gotten used to using pain relievers (like Advil, Tylenol, Aleve) quite liberally.&nbsp; They're used at the first sign of a headache, fever, muscle ache, etc.&nbsp; However, this is really over-use, and it can be dangerous.&nbsp; Tylenol is the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S. (and Britain, I believe).&nbsp; Some narcotics were reformulated last year because the Tylenol component was dangerous, not the narcotic itself!&nbsp; Casual use is just not safe, but it's become widely accepted.&nbsp; These medications also slow the body from healing itself.&nbsp; When you have a fever, your body is trying to kill some infection you have, and by lowering your temperature, you are not allowing your body to fight the infection and you are prolonging your healing.&nbsp; There are also MANY alternatives to using pain relievers, such as hot or cold compresses, massage (professional or just a family member helping out!), taking a warm bath, using essential oils, and more.&nbsp; We'll talk about more of them later.&nbsp; But for now, if you get a headache or a muscle ache, try taking a nice warm bath or taking a nap before you automatically reach for a pain reliever.</p>
<p>Cold medicines, too, can be dangerous.&nbsp; They only treat symptoms temporarily, they don't actually cure anything.&nbsp; And they are especially problematic for young kids.&nbsp; In 2008, the FDA pulled all cold medicines marketed for children under 2 off the market, and cautioned not to use cold medicines in children under 6.&nbsp; Taking a bunch of decongestant, cough syrup, and various other medications simultaneously isn't a good idea and isn't beneficial.&nbsp; There are many other remedies that can help you as much or more without the side effects of the drugs (like heavy drowsiness).&nbsp; Avoid using them if at all possible, especially in young children or if nursing or pregnant!</p>
<p>Honey is a GREAT substitute for sore throats or cough syrup.&nbsp; It's been proven more effective than cough syrup in clinical trials and is safe for anyone over age 1.&nbsp; Honey is cheap, easily obtained, and most people are familiar with it and already have it.&nbsp; Raw honey is even better because it contains beneficial bacteria, but the soothing action comes from it coating the throat, so any honey will do.&nbsp; It's easy "alternative" remedy to try, so go for it!</p>
<p>Next time we'll talk about more remedies to try instead.&nbsp; What are your suggestions?&nbsp; How have you reduced your reliance on drugs?&nbsp; What questions do you have?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
This may be a brief series, unless you all have questions about things.&nbsp; Let me know if you do!</p>
<p>Here are my first three baby steps for your medicine cabinet:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/04/2010 04:59:10 PM
<p>These are all good points, and all good things to do if you can. But keep in mind that for some people, these things just aren't an option. For example, if I get a headache that makes my head feel like it's about to explode, I still have to go to work. I can't take a sick day unless I go to a doctor and get a doctor's note saying that I can't work, and I have to take the medicine prescribed while I'm there.</p><p>Or another instance - I've had a cold since last Thursday night (well, that was the night that I first had a cough problem, after running 5 miles outside in the fairly cold weather). I was lucky that my two worst days were over a weekend so I didn't have to work. But I tried massaging my sinuses/pressure points, I tried doing a saline nose wash and garlic/sage/salt gargle, and I still was a non-functioning human. Luckily, we had leftover chicken soup for my husband to heat up for dinner. Taking a walk outside did help some, but not enough. So when Monday came around and I was still miserable (coughing at night, stuffed sinuses, headache and toothache from sinus pressure) but had to go to work, I had to treat the symptoms. I think it's important that everyone understands that cold medicines don't make your cold go away faster, that they do just treat symptoms, but if you have to work even though you're sick, treating the symptoms makes all the difference. In some cases, treating the symptoms can be just as beneficial as treating the illness itself: if you can't sleep because of the cold, and you can get quality sleep by taking medicine, your body can fight off the illness better than if you got no sleep the night prior. That's why I take Motrin to help with swelling and any pain associated with it. Motrin makes swelling go down (albeit temporarily), but that relieves the CAUSE of the pain, not just the symptom (pain itself).</p><p>One other thing - for headaches, one of the most common reasons people get headaches is actually dehydration. If you aren't drinking enough water (for me, that's at least two full Nalgene bottles of water per day, more in the summer), you can get splitting headaches. Combine that with eyestrain (if you sit at a computer or your office has fluorescent lighting) and you get a double whammy. Before you reach for the medicine bottle, drink several glasses of water, close your eyes, and wait for a few minutes. Does the headache go away, or lessen? If so, take a break from the computer (go outside to allow your eyes to readjust to non-fluorescent lighting) and drink as much water as you can bring yourself to - small sips every two or three minutes if, like me (as opposed to my husband, who gulps down half of his Nalgene bottle at a time) you don't like drinking huge amounts of water at once. To know if you're dehydrated or not, here's a simple test: if your urine isn't clear or very close to clear, you're dehydrated (not the toilet after you go, but the color as it comes out; the water in the toilet bowl dilutes the color and makes you look more hydrated than you are).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:38:21 PM
<p>Emma,</p><p>I do sympathize with people who have no choice but to go to work and therefore need to treat symptoms.  I'll discuss more remedies later in this series for those who are interested in avoiding drugs at all costs (that is, with minor, temporary illnesses).</p><p>It's also important to note that although certain drugs can relieve pain by causing swelling to go down, that is NOT treating the underlying cause.  What caused the swelling to occur in the first place?  That is what you need to know.  Something goes wrong in your body, so swelling occurs (and it can be obvious, like a swollen ankle, or not so obvious, like swollen internal issues that might cause higher blood pressure), which causes a more noticeable symptom (pain) so that you realize something's wrong.  But the issue isn't the pain OR the swelling but the initial cause.  Perhaps you twisted your ankle.  So the strain on the muscle/ligaments, the injury, is the underlying cause, and taking pain medication doesn't change that.  Only time and allowing it to heal changes it.  With blood pressure, a change in diet would relieve the issue.  Medication would lower it by reducing swelling but again, wouldn't address the underlying cause.  Typically, modern medicine looks at all your symptoms and seeks to reduce/eliminate them, and calls it &quot;cured.&quot;  But whatever is causing your underlying problem (especially in chronic conditions) is typically ignored.  And that is why I'm writing this series.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chanelle
EMAIL: hhhh147@juno.com
IP: 76.174.139.198
URL: http://simplyrealfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/08/2010 09:51:08 PM
<p>how do you take honey for a sore throat? Eat it? mix it with hot water? or...?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 03/09/2010 08:08:10 PM
<p>Chanelle,</p><p>You can just eat it, off a spoon.  I've been taking about a teaspoon a day.  The thickness is soothing and coats the throat, plus the natural good bacteria helps stop the coughs/soreness.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Seventh Generation Product Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/03/2010 01:00:59 PM
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<p>Today we've got a super AWESOME giveaway!&nbsp; First, though, I'm going to share my review.&nbsp; Seventh Generation was nice enough to send a basket full of cleaning supplies to me so that I could try them and review them for you!&nbsp; Here is what the basket contains:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Living Home Starter Kit<br /></span>Glass Cleaner - Grapefruit<br />All-Purpose Cleaner - Green Mandarin<br />Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Emerald<br />Shower Cleaner - Green Mandarin<br />Tub &amp; Tile Cleaner<br />Kitchen Cleaner<br />(2) Natural Paper Towels - 120 Count<br />Reusable Tote</p>
<p>&nbsp;Now, you can enter to win the same starter kit!&nbsp; There are 9 possible entries, plus a bonus entry if you do them all!&nbsp; This giveaway will end at 12 AM Saturday, and the winner will be announced by 8 PM Saturday night (Mar. 6, 2010).&nbsp; The winner needs to contact me by Sunday (Mar. 7, 2010) at 8 PM with their name and mailing address to claim their prize.</p>
<p>1. Leave a comment about why you would like to win</p>
<p>2. Visit <a href="http://www.nearlyfearless.blogspot.com/">Seventh</a> Generation and tell me which of their products you like best.</p>
<p>3.&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">Subscribe</a> via RSS or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> to&nbsp;this blog (remember you have to re-subscribe on the new site)</p>
<p>4. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>5. Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&amp;id=23304012#!/pages/Columbus-OH/Modern-Alternative-Mama/310966612912?ref=sgm">Facebook</a></p>
<p>6. Tweet about this giveaway (mention my name, @ModernAMama)</p>
<p>7. Post about this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>8. Search through this blog and tell me your favorite entry</p>
<p>9. Look through the blog and tell me your favorite new feature or what you like about the new site!</p>
<p>If you can do ALL of them, then I will give you a bonus entry!&nbsp; Leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment (including an 10th to say "I did them all!" if you did).&nbsp; There are&nbsp;TEN possible entries.&nbsp; So if you don't do Twitter or Facebook, that's okay, you can still do the others to enter!</p>
<p>Disclaimer: Seventh Generation provided me with the products to giveaway and review for free.&nbsp; They did not pay me to write this review, and my opinions are my own.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today we've got a super AWESOME giveaway!&nbsp; First, though, I'm going to share my review.&nbsp; Seventh Generation was nice enough to send a basket full of cleaning supplies to me so that I could try them and review them for you!&nbsp; Here is what the basket contains:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/03/2010 02:32:34 PM
<p>I've just started using some Seventh Generation products in the past several months, and I would love to try more, especially the glass cleaner.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/03/2010 02:43:04 PM
<p>I like the diapers and dishwasher detergent.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/03/2010 02:47:05 PM
<p>I like the diapers and dishwasher detergent.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/03/2010 02:49:12 PM
<p>I google reader you! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/03/2010 02:50:17 PM
<p>I like your posts about being debt free!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/03/2010 02:50:55 PM
<p>I like your resources page!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:35:26 PM
<p>I just started using Sev. Gen. detergent for diapers and would like to try some more of their products.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:37:08 PM
<p>I have to say that I've tried a sample of their dryer sheets and really liked them! I love the eucalyptus and lavender scent combo.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:37:43 PM
<p>Subscribed via email already.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:38:20 PM
<p>Fan on FB already.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:40:20 PM
<p>Posted on FB re this giveaway.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:42:45 PM
<p>I love your Coconut Chocolate Muffin recipe entry. I'll have to try that bonus recipe too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:44:04 PM
<p>I like your About Me page. It's short enough that people will actually read it and it is just a nice summary.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 02:13:43 AM
<p>I would love to try these new green style cleaners!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 02:17:32 AM
<p>Disinfecting is huge in our house so that is a product that gives me great interest.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime G
EMAIL: gibbsfamily@earthlink.net
IP: 98.115.209.189
URL: http://likeabuubblingbrook.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/05/2010 02:22:39 AM
<p>I love EVERYTHING by Seventh Generation!  Count me in! :o)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 02:56:51 PM
<p>Fav 7th gen product... the dipes!  BUT I love all of their stuff!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 02:57:54 PM
<p>I want to win b/c this stuff is EXPENSIVE!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 02:58:40 PM
<p>Google reader :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 03:00:02 PM
<p>I love the small steps series, not a &quot;post&quot; as much as a series of posts but they are so practical and doable!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 03:03:33 PM
<p>I like how you have good posts, and your favorite links as the footer, nice and easy to find/ use</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: mattnsarah.pfeifer@gmail.com
IP: 75.170.196.50
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 04:44:11 PM
<p>I am interested in trying their products.  I am 6 months pregnant and want to avoid the use of harmful chemical as much as is possible.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: mattnsarah.pfeifer@gmail.com
IP: 75.170.196.50
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 04:48:24 PM
<p>I would be interested in trying their chlorine free bleach.  I currently use an off brand of oxy-clean and would not mind trying something different.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Orange Sherbet
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/04/2010 01:00:35 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/03/pennywise-platter-thursday-34.html">Pennywise Platter Thursdays at Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Since we've been no-sugar, I've been seeking some type of "dessert" I can eat. I tried a super simple recipe for orange sherbet and it was "okay." I decided to scrap that and try again. The second attempt is what I've posting for you today, and it is excellent! In fact, it tastes like an Orange Julius to me! So for those of you missing fast food...make some of this!! <br /><br />Ingredients: <br />2 egg yolks (pastured/organic) <br />2 vanilla beans <br />1.5 c. coconut milk, unsweetened <br />3 c. orange juice <br /><br />Directions: <br />Heat coconut milk in a medium saucepan on low. Beat in eggs yolks. Scrape out vanilla beans and add the caviar to the milk mixture. Cut the vanilla beans in half and add them too. Stir and cook on low until the mixture is steaming and slightly thickened. Watch it carefully so the eggs don't cook. Remove it from the heat, and add cold orange juice. At this point, pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. <br /><br />I haven't tried this, but if you used orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice, I'm betting it would be even better!!</p>
<p>Look at today's next post for our giveaway!!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Since we've been no-sugar, I've been seeking some type of "dessert" I can eat. I tried a super simple recipe for orange sherbet and it was "okay." I decided to scrap that and try again. The second attempt is what I've posting for you today, and it is excellent! In fact, it tastes like an Orange Julius to me! So for those of you missing fast food...make some of this!!
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Top 10 Posts and New Features!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1






DATE: 03/05/2010 01:00:51 PM
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BODY:
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/frugal-friday-bake-it-yourself.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>Today I thought I'd share the Top 10 Posts with you!&nbsp; That is, the 10 most popular posts according to my analytics.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; If you haven't read them all, check them out now!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/15/ways-to-save-money-around-the-house.html">Ways to Save Money Around the House</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/6/sexual-purity.html">Sexual Purity</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/8/our-story-part-1.html">Our Story: Part 1</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/12/mama-cloth.html">Mama Cloth</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/16/eating-fat-how-and-why.html">Eating Fat: How and Why</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/25/cloth-around-the-house.html">Cloth Around the House</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/1/personal-financial-responsibility.html">Personal Financial Responsibility</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/5/granola-bars.html">Granola Bars</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/14/germ-theory.html">Germ Theory</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/22/wooden-toysgiveaway.html">Wooden Toys Giveaway</a> (so, okay, why aren't my giveaways here more popular?!&nbsp; They get lots of views but few people entering.&nbsp; FREE STUFF, guys!&nbsp; Enter!)</p>
<p>Have you read them all?&nbsp; What's your favorite?</p>
<p>Now, you may have noticed a few new things around here.&nbsp; I am posting in the morning instead of at night!&nbsp; Which do you like better?</p>
<p>Coming soon...a forum!&nbsp; All my readers can be interactive there.&nbsp; Details in a couple weeks.&nbsp; Would you use such a forum?</p>
<p>Today's the final giveaway!&nbsp; And you can still enter the ones from Wednesday and Thursday, so please go and do so!&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>See you tomorrow for the next part of the Baby Steps in the Kitchen series!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
oday I thought I'd share the Top 10 Posts with you!&nbsp; That is, the 10 most popular posts according to my analytics.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; If you haven't read them all, check them out now!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen, 4
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/06/2010 01:00:40 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/03/real-food-wednesday-3110.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2010/03/works-for-me-easy-growth-chart.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at Rocks in my Dryer</a>!**</p>
<p>Here are my 10, 11, and 12 steps!&nbsp; If you haven't read part 1, part 2, and part 3, go back and look at them first!</p>
<p>10. Learn to bake your own bread</p>
<p>11. Reduce reliance on packaged/prepared meals (replace one store-bought item per day)</p>
<p>12. Reduce consumption of factory-farmed meat, and either have vegetarian meals or replace it with organic meat (eventually include plenty of organic meat in your diet)</p>
<p>So why those?</p>
<p>Bread is something most people eat a lot of.&nbsp; Unfortunately, the cheap bread is crap and the really good bread is expensive!&nbsp; It's cheaper -- and yummier -- to bake your own.&nbsp; Buy good flour (whole wheat is good, spelt is better, and sprouted flour is best! But we'll get to that.&nbsp; At least buy unbleached!!) and learn to bake your own.&nbsp; If you don't have time, you can use a bread machine.&nbsp; There are tons of great recipes for it and you just have to dump the stuff in and forget it.&nbsp; Of course, it's cheaper to do it by hand because you don't need any special equipment.&nbsp; I loved to bake my own, it only takes about ten minutes to stir it together and another five minutes to knead and then you just let it rise.&nbsp; It does take awhile, but most of that time is ignoring it.&nbsp; It's like doing the laundry -- takes all day, but doesn't require a lot of "face time."&nbsp; Plus, if you've ever had homemade bread, it is just so much better.&nbsp; And of course, you can use healthier sugar and flour (honey is great in bread), and no preservatives.&nbsp; Try it!&nbsp; It's so good and worth it.</p>
<p>Packaged meals are not good for you.&nbsp; Most of us know this, but they're just so convenient.&nbsp; And EXPENSIVE.&nbsp; They contain high fructose corn syrup, MSG, preservatives, artificial colorings, and more.&nbsp; We've already talked about avoiding just one of those ingredients.&nbsp; But now, I want you to choose one item each day that you're going to not eat and have something fresh instead.&nbsp; Maybe instead of a handful of crackers for snack, you have a couple slices of that homemade bread you've made.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; Or replace jarred applesauce with a whole apple.&nbsp; Bake some chicken breasts (or drumsticks for more fat!) instead of baking frozen chicken tenders.&nbsp; Slice up some potatoes and coat them in olive or coconut oil and sea salt and bake them for your own fries instead of having frozen fries.&nbsp; There are LOTS of easy ways to do this.&nbsp; Just ONE per day!&nbsp; Eventually you'll start to shift to more and more homemade food when you realize how much cheaper, easier, and healthier it is (you'll feel a lot better).&nbsp; And if you're pressed for time, you can spend a weekend making up a bunch of spaghetti sauce, blanched (unbaked) fries, frozen pizzas (more on that later...anyone want to learn how to make your own frozen pizza?) and just freeze it all for "convenience" baking later.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; Cheaper and yummier!</p>
<p>Factory-farmed meat is not good for you.&nbsp; Beef has hormones, antibiotics, and all meat is fed corn and lots of junk and their farms are dirty and horrible.&nbsp; Naturally, these animals aren't healthy, so neither is the meat they're producing.&nbsp; They're low in nutrients and high in chemicals.&nbsp; Good meat, though, is expensive.&nbsp; But WORTH IT.&nbsp; It's not easy to just go to the store and swap all your factory-farmed meat for good meat, though, because you would see your grocery bill triple.&nbsp; So for now, start eating a few meatless meals (think vegetable soup, beans and rice, grilled cheese, etc.).&nbsp; Or, buy just a small amount of good meat and use it for just one meal a week.&nbsp; Make soup with it to stretch it as much as possible.&nbsp; A small amount of good meat and a reduction in the consumption of factory farmed meat is all you need for now.&nbsp; As we make more changes, you'll have more money free and be able to change how you buy groceries (for example, if you're making your own bread and not eating as many convenience foods, you might have the extra money you need to buy the good meat...!).</p>
<p>How is it going?&nbsp; Are you still taking baby steps?&nbsp; Does this "whole foods" lifestyle seem more doable to you?&nbsp; If you're further along in your journey, what would your next steps be?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Here are my 10, 11, and 12 steps!&nbsp; If you haven't read part 1, part 2, and part 3, go back and look at them first!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenny
EMAIL: jennspeaks@gmail.com
IP: 68.44.1.217
URL: http://justjennifer.me
DATE: 03/06/2010 05:31:51 PM
<p>Oh wow what a beautiful blog!! I'm so jealous :D Did you design it? I'M IN LOVE WITH IT :D</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 12:55:49 AM
<p>I got a bread maker at the thrift store (Ohio Thrift Store) years ago with directions for only $8-9! There are great deals out there if you keep an eye out. And if you find one without the directions you can use any recipe (search online) as long as you know whether you have a bread maker that makes a 1lb, 1.5lb, or 2lb loaf.</p><p>There's nothing like waking up to fresh baked bread and slathering some butter and honey on a nice warm piece!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/08/2010 08:14:32 PM
<p>I've done these three, quite by accident. :)  I started to make my own bread just to be more frugal and to see if I could... and I did!  And, the more I have tried to make homemade things, the emptier the section of my pantry that had the prepackaged foods has become!  It looks bare!  As for the meat, my husband hunts, so we have a freezer full of elk meat (and sometimes venison) that is naturally grass fed and wild! </p><p>My next step would be to make sourdough bread... but it's reputation as being difficult has me waiting. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: SkylarKD
EMAIL: paintingpinkpajamas@gmail.com
IP: 99.251.195.82
URL: http://paintingpinkpajamas.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/11/2010 09:47:56 PM
<p>Great tips! I went back to the other articles to read your other tips! By the way, next time, can you link them within the post? I had to use your search box to find them. Thanks! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenny
EMAIL: jennspeaks@gmail.com
IP: 68.44.1.217
URL: http://justjennifer.me
DATE: 03/15/2010 06:17:24 PM
<p>I have been trying to learn to make bread 'cause my mom has been making these awesome loafs and they taste so good. But she won't make them for me more then once so I have been trying to make them myself (with help from my mother in law ;) )</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Toys Giveaway
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 03/01/2010 01:00:49 PM
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BODY:
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<p>Our first giveaway is AWESOME!&nbsp; My friend, Lindsey, makes all kinds of awesome baby toys to sell -- foam blocks, cloth teethers, and more.&nbsp; They are wonderful, and today we have some for you!&nbsp; She is making a small toy pack that will include those items and more.&nbsp; Here is a picture of her son (he's 2 now, but he was very young in this picture) playing with one of her toys!<br><span class="full-image ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 150px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/teether2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1267410227468" alt="" /></span></span></p> <p>(The fabric won't be the same on the ones for this giveaway but you can see her awesome work here; same with the example of blocks.)<br><span class="full-image ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Foam%20blocks.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1267410184671" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>There are 10 possible entries, plus a bonus entry if you manage to do ALL of these!&nbsp; Below are all the possible entries.&nbsp; Please leave each one in a SEPARATE comment.&nbsp; This giveaway will end at 12 AM Wednesday (Mar. 3, 2010) morning, and I will post the winner on Wednesday by 12 PM.&nbsp; The winner needs to contact me by&nbsp;Thursday (Mar. 4, 2010)&nbsp;night at 8 PM to claim the prize with their full name and mailing address.</p>
<p>To enter, do the following (first is required, others are optional):</p>
<p>1. Leave a comment about why you would like to win</p>
<p>2. Visit <a href="http://www.nearlyfearless.blogspot.com">Nearly Fearless</a>, Lindsey's blog, then come back and tell me your favorite post</p>
<p>3. Follow Lindsey's blog (and tell me you are)</p>
<p>4.&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">Subscribe</a> via RSS or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> to&nbsp;this blog (remember you have to re-subscribe on the new site)</p>
<p>5. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>6. Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&amp;id=23304012#!/pages/Columbus-OH/Modern-Alternative-Mama/310966612912?ref=sgm">Facebook</a></p>
<p>7. Tweet about this giveaway</p>
<p>8. Post about this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>9. Search through this blog and tell me your favorite entry</p>
<p>10. Look through the blog and tell me your favorite new feature or what you like about the new site!</p>
<p>If you can do ALL of them, then I will give you a bonus entry!&nbsp; Leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment (including an 11th to say "I did them all!" if you did).&nbsp; There are ELEVEN possible entries.&nbsp; So if you don't do Twitter or Facebook, that's okay, you can still do the others to enter!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Our first giveaway is AWESOME!&nbsp; My friend, Lindsey, makes all kinds of awesome baby toys to sell -- foam blocks, cloth teethers, and more.&nbsp; They are wonderful, and today we have some for you!&nbsp; She is making a small toy pack that will include those items and more.&nbsp; Here is a picture of her son (he's 2 now, but he was very young in this picture)
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/01/2010 02:37:17 PM
<p>I would love to win so baby friendly toys!  I have *sigh* too many plastic ones and definitely want to go more natural/baby safe!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/01/2010 02:44:07 PM
<p>Went to Lindsey's blog and I'm really excited about the baby toy tutorial!  Way cool!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/01/2010 02:45:29 PM
<p>I have a lot of favorite posts here, but the ones I am enjoying right now are the Baby Step ones.  So helpful!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/01/2010 02:47:42 PM
<p>I really like how your new site is organized in a way that it's easy to find things.  Not busy at all!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/01/2010 02:48:28 PM
<p>Oh yeah, I subscribe to you via Google Reader. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:27:49 PM
<p>I would love to win because I plan on having more children and the toys look fabulous! Lindsey is so creative!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:31:06 PM
<p>I love Lindsey's blog and needed to get caught up! My favorite recent post is &quot;Tuesdays are for why-ning.&quot; It reminds all of us Mommas that we all have days like those and we are all human. It also gave me a good laugh because I so clearly identified with it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:36:40 PM
<p>Following Lindsey via Google!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:38:29 PM
<p>Subscribed to you via email!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:39:03 PM
<p>Following on FB!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:40:36 PM
<p>Posted on FB about this blog and today's blog post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:42:51 PM
<p>Hehe... my favorite recent entry (much as with Lindsey's blog) is &quot;Oopsie&quot; because it's &quot;real&quot; to me. It fosters our connection as real Mommas who are constantly juggling to balance all we have going on in life. To be human is to forget and then make the most of the situation. You always make the most of any situation!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2010 10:45:12 PM
<p>Well, I like 2 things... I like the overall design (particularly the top of the page with the zoo, church, house, etc.) but I also like that if you scroll to the bottom you can see all the blog links that tell about you (About Me section.) I was able to easily go and read about Bekah and Daniel since I had not been following the blog back when those were posted.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:06:36 AM
<p>I want baby toys for puppy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:07:41 AM
<p>I follow lindsey!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:08:25 AM
<p>I love the top of the new page... super cute!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:09:37 AM
<p>follow on FB... but am twitter illiterate!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:11:07 AM
<p>Lindseys favorite... A HA!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:11:52 AM
<p>you fave... the pumpkin bread... yummy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:13:09 AM
<p>I google reader you :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sandra
EMAIL: larsantg@gmail.com
IP: 74.126.32.22
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:47:35 AM
<p>Congrats on all your efforts!  The new website looks great!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.87
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:53:16 AM
<p>I'd love to win because I have a friend who's 5.5 months pregnant and who would love those toys.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.87
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:55:10 AM
<p>I just resubscribed to the new site on my google reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.87
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:55:38 AM
<p>I follow you on twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.87
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/02/2010 02:56:49 AM
<p>My favorite post of yours is the one with the recipes for potato soup and for chicken soup. I've made both recipes, and love them love them love them. So does my husband. We're both suckers for soups with fresh baked homemade bread :)</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Skin Cream Giveaway
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/02/2010 01:00:50 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post is linked to <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-healthy-choice/">Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries</a>!**</p>
<p>Today we're giving away some <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/store/">Modern Alternative Mama Soothing Skin Cream</a>!&nbsp; It's a new product, and based on the "homemade diaper rash cream" recipe I posted last year.&nbsp; It's really helped my kids' diaper rash, and it has helped get rid of other peoples' rashes or dry skin too.&nbsp; We love it!</p>
<p>There are 8 possible entries, plus a bonus entry if you do all the other ones.&nbsp; This giveaway will last until 12 AM Friday (Mar. 5, 2010), and the winner will be selected by 12 PM Friday.&nbsp; The winner must contact me via email by Saturday (Mar. 6,2010) at&nbsp;8 PM&nbsp;with their full name and mailing address to claim the prize.</p>
<p>Entries:&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. Leave a comment about why you would like to win (why do you need this skin cream?)</p>
<p>2.&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">Subscribe</a> via RSS or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> to&nbsp;this blog (remember you have to re-subscribe on the new site)</p>
<p>3. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>4. Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&amp;id=23304012#!/pages/Columbus-OH/Modern-Alternative-Mama/310966612912?ref=sgm">Facebook</a></p>
<p>5. Tweet about this giveaway</p>
<p>6. Post about this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>7. Search through this blog and tell me your favorite entry</p>
<p>8. Look through the blog and tell me your favorite new feature or what you like about the new site!</p>
<p>If you can do ALL of them, then I will give you a bonus entry!&nbsp; Leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment (including an 9th to say "I did them all!" if you did).&nbsp; There are&nbsp;NINE possible entries.&nbsp; So if you don't do Twitter or Facebook, that's okay, you can still do the others to enter!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Our first giveaway is AWESOME!&nbsp; My friend, Lindsey, makes all kinds of awesome baby toys to sell -- foam blocks, cloth teethers, and more.&nbsp; They are wonderful, and today we have some for you!&nbsp; She is making a small toy pack that will include those items and more.&nbsp; Here is a picture of her son (he's 2 now, but he was very young in this picture)
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 05:43:41 PM
<p>I would love this skin cream because I recently showed up as having a chemical sensitivity and though I'm not sure what product(s) are causing it, smelly chemical based &quot;lotions&quot; cannot be helping!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 05:44:43 PM
<p>I have already subscribed. Does that count again or only the first time?</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 05:44:57 PM
<p>Already a follower on FB.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 05:49:16 PM
<p>Can I choose another favorite post? If so, it's your post about Raw Honey. I kept hearing such good things about it and learned a lot from the post. And what is cool is that I've seen sugar (not honey, but same idea) used on wounds on horses. It creates an environment where stuff simply cannot grow. How fun! Too bad this still doesn't cross over to human medicine here.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 05:50:40 PM
<p>I like that you are apparently going to have a store on the new site! I can't wait to see what else you have to offer as time goes on. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 76.76.41.110
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 06:37:07 PM
<p>I would love to win this cream because as a mother I am always washing my hands. So I have very dry hands and would love to give your cream a try.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 76.76.41.110
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2010 06:38:01 PM
<p>I am following you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Eos Mom
EMAIL: shannonhowl@yahoo.com
IP: 68.3.152.234
URL: http://swellhowls.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/04/2010 08:25:40 PM
<p>I want to win because I'm trying anything and everything to heal my dry, cracked hands! Thanks!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Coconut Flour Giveaway!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/04/2010 01:00:36 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/food-on-fridays-leilas-fast-easy-creamy-cheesy-macaroni-and-cheese/">Food on Fridays at Ann Kroeker</a>!**</p>
<p>Today's giveaway is from Tropical Traditions!&nbsp; It is a 2.2 lb. bag of coconut flour!&nbsp; I LOVE coconut flour and I use it all the time.&nbsp; There are a few recipes on here for coconut flour recipes (chocolate coconut muffins, for one).&nbsp; There are many more recipes on the <a href="http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/">Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour Recipes</a> blog, too.&nbsp; Coconut flour is full of fiber and protein and is great for you.&nbsp; Even if you're not grain or gluten-free, you can replace a small amount of regular wheat flour with coconut flour (adding an equal amount of extra liquid) in any recipe!&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are 10 entries, plus a bonus entry if you do ALL of these!&nbsp; This giveaway will close on Sunday (Mar. 7, 2010) at 12 AM, and I will announce the winner by 8 PM Sunday.&nbsp; The winner must contact me by Monday (Mar. 8, 2010) at 8 PM with their full name and mailing address.</p>
<p>1. Leave a comment about why you would like to win</p>
<p>2. Visit <a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com">Tropical Traditions</a> and tell me your favorite product</p>
<p>3. Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/Troptraditions">Tropical Traditions</a> on Twitter</p>
<p>4.&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">Subscribe</a> via RSS or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> to&nbsp;this blog (remember you have to re-subscribe on the new site)</p>
<p>5. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>6. Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&amp;id=23304012#!/pages/Columbus-OH/Modern-Alternative-Mama/310966612912?ref=sgm">Facebook</a></p>
<p>7. Tweet about this giveaway</p>
<p>8. Post about this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>9. Search through this blog and tell me your favorite entry</p>
<p>10. Look through the blog and tell me your favorite new feature or what you like about the new site!</p>
<p>If you can do ALL of them, then I will give you a bonus entry!&nbsp; Leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment (including an 11th to say "I did them all!" if you did).&nbsp; There are ELEVEN possible entries.&nbsp; So if you don't do Twitter or Facebook, that's okay, you can still do the others to enter!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Today's giveaway is from Tropical Traditions!&nbsp; It is a 2.2 lb. bag of coconut flour!&nbsp; I LOVE coconut flour and I use it all the time.&nbsp; There are a few recipes on here for coconut flour recipes (chocolate coconut muffins, for one).&nbsp; There are many more recipes on the <a href="http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/">Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour Recipes</a> blog, too.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: equusbeth@gmail.com
IP: 72.191.221.234
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 05:35:23 PM
<p>I use their Virgin coconut oil for all kinds of things and would love to try their coconut flour for my baking!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: equusbeth@gmail.com
IP: 72.191.221.234
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 05:36:12 PM
<p>My favorite product is their gold label virgin coconut oil.  Such a great product!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: equusbeth@gmail.com
IP: 72.191.221.234
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 05:36:43 PM
<p>I subscribed to this blog via my Google Reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: equusbeth@gmail.com
IP: 72.191.221.234
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 05:38:31 PM
<p>My favorite post here so far was 2/20's Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 2.  I'm intrigued about using coconut milk in place of my usual 2%!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: equusbeth@gmail.com
IP: 72.191.221.234
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 05:40:42 PM
<p>Favorite new feature on the site...It's tough because I found this blog shortly before you started the new site, so I don't remember the old one that well, but I really like the most popular topics that you have on the right side.  It makes it easy for me to look for things I want to know by subject.  Thanks so much!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:44:50 PM
<p>Duh... I totally want to win so I can make MORE muffins! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:46:50 PM
<p>Their coconut cream concentrate looks amazing and very versatile!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:47:07 PM
<p>Subscribed via email already.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:47:20 PM
<p>Follower on FB already.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:49:19 PM
<p>Posted about this on FB!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:50:11 PM
<p>I like your Mama Cloth post. It's very convincing and trust me, I was NOT at all convinced previously. I still haven't tried it yet but...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2010 06:50:58 PM
<p>I like that you have links right at the bottom to popular resources. Very helpful for lazy sleep deprived Mommas.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: rachel@olsonzoo.com
IP: 209.240.88.186
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 02:01:08 AM
<p>I really like the coconut cream in coffee or hot chocolate. It gives a light taste of coconut - not too much.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: susanb
EMAIL: sbinzel@earthlink.net
IP: 66.82.9.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 04:06:47 AM
<p>I have been reading up on coconut oil and flour and would love to try some of this.  I'm already using coconut oil in cooking and baking (and tea!) so this is the logical next step.   Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:32:01 PM
<p>well i have been interested in coconut flour for awhile but have resisted paying so much for it yet...i would love to TRY some:) and then probably be hooked on it and need to go buy my own! thanks for the fun giveaways...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:33:59 PM
<p>i posted this giveaway on my facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:37:31 PM
<p>my favorite product is definitely their coconut oil! yum</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:38:23 PM
<p>i am already following you on facebook as of today...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:38:45 PM
<p>i just subscribed to your blog today!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:40:36 PM
<p>my next favorite post is your recent one on allergies for kids. very interesting...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:42:30 PM
<p>what else i like about this site? the recipes all in one place!! (at least i think that is new...i wasnt on the old blog very long before you switched here!)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:45:16 AM
<p>I would love to win because I love all the Tropical Traditions products that I've tried.  I'm sure this one would be fabulous too!  I've read about all the side effects from wheat/gluten and know that coconut flour is a good alternative.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:49:29 AM
<p>I love all their products, but recently I really love the Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream.  We use it as a lotion, face cream, lip balm, on rough skin patches, etc.  It's awesome!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:49:54 AM
<p>Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:51:08 AM
<p>Subscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:51:55 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:53:20 AM
<p>http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/10104193347</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/07/2010 04:00:52 AM
<p>I like the post about Natural Personal Care Products</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tweedlebugs Cloth Diaper Package Giveaway!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/05/2010 01:00:51 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/frugal-friday-bake-it-yourself.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-signs-of-spring">Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things</a>!**</p>
<p>Today's giveaway is really AWESOME!!&nbsp; I contacted several cloth diaper shops looking for this one.&nbsp; Elisa of <a href="http://www.babiesbottomsandmore.com">Babies, Bottoms and More</a> responded and was willing to send me a wonderful giveaway package (and, lucky me, a second one for me to review!).&nbsp; Elisa was just great to work with, responding to my emails quickly and professionally, and she shipped the packages to me super fast!&nbsp; We first emailed on a Thursday and the packages arrived by Saturday!&nbsp; I highly recommend going over to her site and purchasing diapers from her if you don't win (or even if you do!).</p>
<p>The diaper package consists of:</p>
<p>*A Tweedlebugs one-size diaper</p>
<p>*Bumgenius bamboo wipe</p>
<p>*Bumgenius cotton wipe</p>
<p>*Washy wafers sample</p>
<p>I'm so excited to try mine!&nbsp; On my first examine of the diaper, it looks a lot like the Bum Genius diapers, except with snaps.&nbsp; The sewing is very nice, and the diaper has a wide front with 16 snaps in two rows.&nbsp; It has two smaller sizes to snap down, plus the full size.&nbsp; It comes with two inserts: one that is very thick and can be snapped down, and one that is for newborns or doubling.&nbsp; There are two openings in the diaper, one at the back and one at the front, so the diaper can easily unstuff itself in the wash.&nbsp; No inserts to pull out!&nbsp; The only thing I don't like is the wing snaps.&nbsp; There are only two, and I'd prefer the diaper had four.&nbsp; But it is a nice, professional-looking diaper.&nbsp; It's also highly affordable at around $13 each.&nbsp; I tried it overnight, and no leaks!!&nbsp; I don't quite like the way it fits because I don't quite like one-size diapers ever (it has a tight fit, but it's a little bulky and I just don't like how it looks snapped down), but it sure works well!&nbsp; In general I would recommend it to someone who's looking for a nice, one-size snap diaper at a reasonable price.</p>
<p>If you would like to win one to try, enter&nbsp;this contest!&nbsp; There are 9 possible entries, plus a bonus entry if you do all of them.&nbsp;&nbsp;The contest will run until Monday (Mar. 8, 2010) at 12 AM.&nbsp; I will announce the winner by Monday at 12 PM.&nbsp; The winner must contact me by Tuesday (Mar. 9, 2010)&nbsp;at&nbsp;8 PM&nbsp;with their full name and mailing address&nbsp;to claim the prize.&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. Leave a comment about why you would like to win</p>
<p>2. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://babiesbottomsandmore.com/">Babies, Bottoms and More</a>&nbsp;and tell me your favorite product</p>
<p>3.&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">Subscribe</a> via RSS or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> to&nbsp;this blog (remember you have to re-subscribe on the new site)</p>
<p>4. Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>5. Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&amp;id=23304012#!/pages/Columbus-OH/Modern-Alternative-Mama/310966612912?ref=sgm">Facebook</a></p>
<p>6. Tweet about this giveaway</p>
<p>7. Post about this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>8. Search through this blog and tell me your favorite entry</p>
<p>9. Look through the blog and tell me your favorite new feature or what you like about the new site!</p>
<p>If you can do ALL of them, then I will give you a bonus entry!&nbsp; Leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment (including an 10th to say "I did them all!" if you did).&nbsp; There are TEN possible entries.&nbsp; So if you don't do Twitter or Facebook, that's okay, you can still do the others to enter!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Today's giveaway is really AWESOME!!&nbsp; I contacted several cloth diaper shops looking for this one.&nbsp; Elisa of <a href="http://www.babiesbottomsandmore.com">Babies, Bottoms and More</a> responded and was willing to send me a wonderful giveaway package (and, lucky me, a second one for me to review!).
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:06:36 PM
<p>ok, i would LOVE to win this package because i have tried cloth diapers the old fashioned way and was really not into, but love the concept and would really love to try some newer style diapers.....perhaps even before i get around to sewing enough to use:)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:12:08 PM
<p>ok, i visited the website and found several cool ideas i love...the first being her waterproof reusable diaper storage bags, i am assuming you just throw these in the wash with the diapers...what a neat idea! also, swim cloth diapers, obviously i am not so knowledgeable about cloth diapers, as i'd never heard of these...i wonder if pubic pools would really let you use them?</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:15:48 PM
<p>ok, i subscribed by email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:19:09 PM
<p>ok, i'm on your facebook. i dont do twitter.....just as an aside question, can we enter more than one contest?</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 03/05/2010 01:41:26 PM
<p>Michelle (and all),</p><p>Yes, you can enter more than one contest!  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 03:47:15 PM
<p>I really want to start cloth diapering my third child!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 03:51:03 PM
<p>This isn't my favorite product, but it's my favorite feature on the Babies, Bottoms and More website.  I like that you can get a free sample of cloth diaper friendly laundry detergent.  That's a good way to try some out before you buy.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 03:51:27 PM
<p>I google reader you!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 03:52:16 PM
<p>I was intrigued by your Mama Cloth post.  It really made me think of things I have never thought of before.... :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 03:53:02 PM
<p>I like that you have a store!  Looking forward to seeing what else you'll be selling!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:23:33 PM
<p>well, i must say so far my favorite post was clolth around the house...very inspiring and fascinating...i use cloth for most everything cleaning wise, but am very intrigued by mama cloth and family cloth(though my husband has already STRONGLY vetoed any family cloth hopes i may have had:) but i may have too look into the mama cloth, even though i really cant stand pads, so i dont know....definitely somthing to thnk about! hopefully i shall be gettin back into cloth diapering soon.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:25:28 PM
<p>what i like best about the new site...all your family stories with easy links, i have not gotten to read them all yet, but very interesting and fun to get to know you a bit more!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.210.252.140
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:35:17 PM
<p>i posted this giveaway on my facebook.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: rachel@frugalandsimple.com
IP: 74.179.33.69
URL: http://frugalandsimple.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:07:16 PM
<p>I would love to win the diaper! I'm cloth diapering my baby due in April and I'm going to be trying out different diapers!! This would be a wonderful way to try it out!! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: rachel@frugalandsimple.com
IP: 74.179.33.69
URL: http://frugalandsimple.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:09:43 PM
<p>Favorite product...the Mommy's Touch Medium wet bags!! I need a wet bag!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: rachel@frugalandsimple.com
IP: 74.179.33.69
URL: http://frugalandsimple.com/
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:10:36 PM
<p>I'm following you on Twitter! I am @frugalandsimple!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:50:57 PM
<p>I'd like to win because I'm three months away from baby's arrival and super excited about cloth diapers!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:54:24 PM
<p>My favorite product is probably the Tweedle Bugs 1-size pocket. &quot;think&quot; I want to do mostly pre-fold and covers for frugalities sake but love the idea of having one-size pockets around for easy night time changes as well as babysitters and such. I love that theirs is so much cheaper than most of the others I've seen and still works well!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:55:29 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter (BRC_MacKenzie)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:56:05 PM
<p>I follow you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/05/2010 11:59:41 PM
<p>I subscribed by email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 12:03:30 AM
<p>I tweeted about this giveaway.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 12:13:06 AM
<p>I posted it on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 12:23:22 AM
<p>I loved your mama cloth post as I was looking for that for information about postpartum options. I hate disposable pads and can't stand the idea of having to use them for such a long time.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 12:24:56 AM
<p>My favorite feature would be the most popular topics sidebar. I love those on sites, they make it so easy to explore new sites.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.192.189
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 12:26:25 AM
<p>I think I did them all!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: questa@rochester.rr.com
IP: 66.66.229.54
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 01:52:44 AM
<p>I would love to win because I'm just starting out with cd for my 8 week old son, and I would love to try as many different types as I can to make the best possible decision about what ones to get more of.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: questa@rochester.rr.com
IP: 66.66.229.54
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 01:58:47 AM
<p>I visited  Babies, Bottoms and More and I like the organic baby soap bits.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: questa@rochester.rr.com
IP: 66.66.229.54
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 01:59:30 AM
<p>I subscribed to the blog :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: questa@rochester.rr.com
IP: 66.66.229.54
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 02:00:13 AM
<p>I became a fan on facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: questa@rochester.rr.com
IP: 66.66.229.54
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 02:02:13 AM
<p>I posted about the giveaway on facebook :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: questa@rochester.rr.com
IP: 66.66.229.54
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 02:06:39 AM
<p>so far &quot;Ways to Save Money Around the House&quot; is my fave, we already do most of these things, but I love others doing the same</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: questa@rochester.rr.com
IP: 66.66.229.54
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 02:25:26 AM
<p>I am new here so I don't know what is new with the site, but I love the overall look of the sight as well as the insight and information you write about.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elisa
EMAIL: admin@babiesbottomsandmore.com
IP: 70.251.106.211
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 03:44:36 AM
<p>Thanks for doing this giveaway, it was a lot of fun!  Just a note to your readers, I love helping people learn about cloth diapers, so please don't be shy and email me if you have any questions about any of our products! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: homemakingjoyfully@gmail.com
IP: 75.70.36.45
URL: http://www.homemakingjoyfully.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 05:11:33 AM
<p>I would love to win this because my daughter is always removing her velcro diapers and I am in the process of getting more with snaps.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: homemakingjoyfully@gmail.com
IP: 75.70.36.45
URL: http://www.homemakingjoyfully.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 05:15:31 AM
<p>My favorite product is the Mommy's Touch AIO with snaps!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: homemakingjoyfully@gmail.com
IP: 75.70.36.45
URL: http://www.homemakingjoyfully.com
DATE: 03/06/2010 05:17:44 AM
<p>I'm following you on Twitter - I'm @LauraVenning</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 06:06:36 AM
<p>I love cloth diapering my son and love to try new dipes! That is why I would love this giveaway!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 06:07:48 AM
<p>I loooove the sheepish grins wash wafers.  I have some of those and LOVE them for a wipes solution.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2010 06:08:20 AM
<p>Subscribed via email.  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 03:46:08 AM
<p>On the site i would like the diva cup... interested in starting using it</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 03:46:41 AM
<p>We can always use new fun dipes :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 03:47:07 AM
<p>google reader :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 03:47:44 AM
<p>FB :)... i just dont tweet!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 03:48:38 AM
<p>I will agree with the others cloth around the house was a good one</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 03:49:17 AM
<p>I like the favorite topics links</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 12:12:01 PM
<p>I love how this site divides the blog from the resources and such.  Very nice feature.  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 12:13:15 PM
<p>I became a fan on FB!  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 12:14:21 PM
<p>Posted about giveaways on FB!  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 12:19:18 PM
<p>I enjoyed learning more about mama cloth.  It is something that has been interesting me for a while.  Thanks for the info.  :)</p>
-----

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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: 30-Day Eat More Fat Challenge Participants
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/02/2010 01:00:50 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Here are the participants in this month's challenge!</p>
<p>Flowergirl725&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; height: 5'9"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; weight: 160</p>
<p>Momof4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;height: 5'7"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;weight: 155</p>
<p>If you would still like to enter, please leave a comment!&nbsp; There will be a cookbook and/or skin cream as a prize!&nbsp; Two contests is an awfully small challenge!&nbsp; :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Fat tip of the dayFat
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/03/2010 01:00:59 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Did you know?&nbsp; Lard is the best form of saturated fat you can consume, because it helps cellular regeneration!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Fat tip of the day
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/04/2010 01:00:36 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Coconut oil (extra-virgin, unrefined) is a wonderful fat.&nbsp; It contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid found only in mother's milk, besides coconut.&nbsp; It is anti-viral and anti-bacterial and can help you to lose weight!&nbsp; It also tastes delicious!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Toys Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/03/2010 06:31:06 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>The winner is...</p>
<p><strong>Karly!</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations! Please contact me by Friday with your full name and mailing address!&nbsp; Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/03/2010 08:09:18 PM
<p>Very cool! So excited!  Thanks, Kate!</p>
-----

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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Skin Cream Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 03/05/2010 08:32:13 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>The winner of the skin cream is...</p>
<p><strong>Traci (</strong><a href="mailto:traci@ksei.us"><strong>traci@ksei.us</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Email me with your contact info by Saturday night to receive your prize!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 76.76.41.110
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2010 08:54:29 PM
<p>Yeahhhh, I am so excited!!!</p><p>**Edited to remove personal info**</p>
-----

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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grace
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/07/2010 01:00:18 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>What is grace?&nbsp; Why should we care?</p>
<p>Grace is giving someone the "benefit of the doubt," so to speak.&nbsp; Believing the best about a person instead of the worst.&nbsp; Even if the person makes a mistake, being willing to forgive and look past what they have done.</p>
<p>We all would like grace extended to us.&nbsp; Picture this: you wake up in the morning and your children are all screaming.&nbsp; They won't calm down and they don't feel well.&nbsp; But, you have an appointment to get to, so you get them all dressed and fed and to your appointment.&nbsp; They're melting down and you're losing your mind.&nbsp; At one point you grab one child's arm and sharply scream, "Stop that NOW!!"</p>
<p>People watching who don't know what your morning was like might think, "Wow, that lady is a bad parent!&nbsp; I would never treat my kid that way!"&nbsp; I'm sure everyone has seen someone say/do that to their kid and had that thought.&nbsp; But step back.&nbsp; What if they knew what your morning was like?&nbsp; Would they sympathize with you?&nbsp; Most of them would, because we all know parents aren't perfect.&nbsp; But without that knowledge, it just appears that you're an angry, impatient person.&nbsp; Would you want them to assume that, or extend grace and think "Wow, she must have had a rough morning.&nbsp; Too bad."</p>
<p>I know that when we're having a bad day (Bekah only wants the purple cup, no others; she won't get dressed; Daniel won't let me put him down; Bekah spills her breakfast on the floor instead of eating it; Daniel is freaking out as I try to strap him into his car seat and Bekah's not listening to a word I say) I sometimes yell at Daniel to BE QUIET and yell at Bekah to SIT DOWN so we can just go!&nbsp; I wonder what the neighbors would say, and hope that they would extend grace and not think I was a bad parent.</p>
<p>We all need to remember that what we are seeing everyday is only a small snapshot of someone's life.&nbsp; We don't know the whole story.&nbsp; We find it easy to look at other people and pass judgment based on a single action, but we shouldn't.&nbsp; We should think about what "might be happening" instead and offer grace: a smile, a nice comment, or even just a nice thought.&nbsp; It can make someone's day better to smile at a stranger and say, "We've all been there."</p>
<p>With people we know it's even more important.&nbsp; &nbsp;We might know their stories, but we still need to extend grace.&nbsp; It's easy to look at someone, especially someone we've admired and respected, and when they trip up, lose our admiration and respect for them.&nbsp; But no one is perfect (except Jesus!), so we need to see them as fallible, as we are, and offer them grace and a hand to get up.</p>
<p>A story that honestly really has stuck with me is one I heard in our small group on a video we're watching (I wish I could remember the name of it, but I can't.&nbsp; It's on relationships and done by a famous pastor).&nbsp; A man gets on a bus with three young children.&nbsp; He sits down and faces the window and ignores them.&nbsp; Meanwhile, they're running up and down the aisles, shrieking and being a general nuisance.&nbsp; He does absolutely nothing to stop this.&nbsp; Everyone on the bus is uncomfortable and unhappy about this and assumes he is a bad, unattentive father.&nbsp; People keep looking at each other, trying to decide what to do.&nbsp; Finally, someone taps the man on the shoulder and says, "Sir.&nbsp; SIR.&nbsp; Your children are being quite a nuisance.&nbsp; Can you please settle them down?"&nbsp;</p>
<p>The man turns around and gives the person a sad look, and says, "I'm sorry.&nbsp; We just came from the hospital.&nbsp; My wife, their mother, just died."</p>
<p>Then what happens?&nbsp; Nothing has really changed, except that the bus now knows that man's story.&nbsp; A man who gets on the bus and lets his children behave that way on an ordinary day might be annoying, obnoxious, inexcusable.&nbsp; But given that his wife just died, it is completely understandable that he might be too numb to care that his children are shrieking, and they're too grief-stricken to be quiet.&nbsp; Grace is what is needed, not annoyance.</p>
<p>So next time you see something that makes you go, "Hmm..." instead of judging the person, try to think about what might be going on that you don't know, and extend grace.</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
What is grace?&nbsp; Why should we care?</p>
<p>Grace is giving someone the "benefit of the doubt," so to speak.&nbsp; Believing the best about a person instead of the worst.&nbsp; Even if the person makes a mistake, being willing to forgive and look past what they have done.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:15:12 PM
<p>Amen!  What a blessing (and gentle reminder) this was!  Thank you, Kate!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chris
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.210.145.151
URL: 
DATE: 03/09/2010 03:59:44 AM
<p>I think grace goes beyond just treating people the way you'd want to be treated.  </p><p>I think grace makes you go out of your way to help others that more than likely don't deserve it.   It will make you sacrifice something for someone else.   It's hard because i don't think it really comes naturally to people.  We just want to focus on ourselves.</p><p>I also don't think you can fully understand Grace until you know God.   It makes it alot easier to extend grace to others when you know where grace got you.</p><p>This radio station I was listening to challenged its listeners every Monday I think to perform at least one act of love or grace on another.  It could be as simple as buying coffee for a coworker.  I thought it was pretty neat.  So often I don't set out for my day with that mindset, but this blog was a good reminder.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Seventh Generation Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/07/2010 03:51:20 AM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>The winner is...</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please contact me with your mailing address by Sunday night to claim your prize.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cool Kitchen Tips
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/08/2010 01:00:44 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/frugal-friday-making-my-own-instant-oatmeal.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>Okay, I'll admit it: I had a super busy weekend.&nbsp; The post I'd planned for tomorrow morning just isn't happening.&nbsp; I haven't had dinner, nor finished any chores.&nbsp; We've had guests or parties nearly constantly all weekend and nothing's gotten done.&nbsp; Oops, real life intervenes!&nbsp; Next week I'm going to work very hard to get back to my regularly-scheduled blog posts, because I do have some awesome things coming up.</p>
<p>So today I'll just share some cool kitchen tips.</p>
<p>First, I got a Vita-mix blender as a birthday present!!&nbsp; Which is so very, very awesome.&nbsp; If you know anything about good blenders, you know Vita-mix is basically the dream blender.&nbsp; Mine can be used to grind grains, as a juicer, all kinds of things.&nbsp; If you have the money (the best ones are about $500), I'd recommend it.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>When I was using my new Vita-mix, I discovered that if I blended a whole apple (quartered, but not peeled or cored) then poured the mash into some birdseye cotton I have around from diaper making, I could squeeze all the juice out and get quite a lot.&nbsp; I'm used to an old juicer that barely gets an ounce or two from an apple; I got 4 - 5 ounces!&nbsp; Birdseye cotton is a GREAT substitute for cheesecloth!</p>
<p>Another tool on my list is a microplane grater, but I haven't gotten it yet.&nbsp; It can slice quickly and uniformly, so another very cool kitchen tool.</p>
<p>Anyone interested in learning to make ghee (clarified butter)?&nbsp; I am planning to learn tomorrow.&nbsp; I discovered we can have it!</p>
<p>Finally, we are embarking on the GAPS diet now, for real, no cheating.&nbsp; So if anyone's interested in that I can plan a series of GAPS information, recipes, etc.&nbsp; I got the book for my birthday and I've learned many interesting things!</p>
<p>Now, to end this entirely random post.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; What would you like to see next, now that the excitement of the new site is dying down?&nbsp; What types of giveaways?&nbsp; What types of posts?&nbsp; Let me know, I love to hear from my readers!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Okay, I'll admit it: I had a super busy weekend.&nbsp; The post I'd planned for tomorrow morning just isn't happening.&nbsp; I haven't had dinner, nor finished any chores.&nbsp; We've had guests or parties nearly constantly all weekend and nothing's gotten done.&nbsp; Oops, real life intervenes!&nbsp; Next week I'm going to work very hard to get back to my regularly-scheduled blog posts, because I do have some awesome things coming up.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joyce
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.239.215.155
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 11:30:11 PM
<p>(Medina friend)</p><p>I know you decided to do home made Christmas because you felt like home made gifts are better and more thoughtful, but it seems like all of the gifts you get (dehydrator and blender) are not only store-bought but also very, very expensive.  I guess I don't understand the double standard.  Could you enlighten me?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Coconut Flour Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/08/2010 03:11:06 AM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>The winner is...</p>
<p><strong>Melissa W. (matt4melis@hotmail.com)</strong></p>
<div class="adminLinkTableWrapper">Congratulations!&nbsp; Please contact me with your mailing information by Monday night.</div>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 07:53:52 PM
<p>I sent you an email this morning with my address.  Did you get it?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Birthday to Me!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/09/2010 01:00:42 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/09/2010 06:47:32 PM
<p>Have a blessed day Kate!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karly
EMAIL: karlenemgreen@gmail.com
IP: 98.177.207.212
URL: http://indescribablelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/09/2010 09:19:21 PM
<p>Happy Birthday, Kate!  Enjoy your day!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 199.230.203.254
URL: 
DATE: 03/09/2010 09:46:41 PM
<p>Happy Birthday to you Kate! Have a great day?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps Special: Clean Water
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/09/2010 01:00:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Do you know what's on your water?&nbsp; The answer may surprise you.</p>
<p>In the past few months, clean water has become a major issue for us, and I want to share with you what I've learned.&nbsp; City water isn't as safe as it seems to be, or as it should be.&nbsp; And that can be a huge problem.</p>
<p>The most concerning new trend is that there are <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23503485/">pharmaceuticals</a> in the water supply.&nbsp; Yes, really.&nbsp; They get there either by being dumped (most people are told to flush unused medication down the toilet, rather than throwing it in the trash), or more commonly, because people excrete unmetabolized medication and it doesn't get removed in sewage treatment plants, therefore getting back into the water supply.&nbsp; With some drugs, as much as 80% is NOT used by the body and ends up getting excreted and back into the water!&nbsp; Most water treatment plants are not testing for pharmaceuticals because they are not required to.&nbsp; There&nbsp;are no federal regulations regarding the amount of type of pharmaceuticals in the water supply.&nbsp; Currently, studies are being conducted (quietly) on the long-term effects of a random cocktail of <a href="http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1673139/drugmakers_leaking_pharmaceuticals_into_water_supply/">pharmaceuticals</a> on people, and the results are not good.&nbsp; Serious damage is showing up, as you might imagine.&nbsp; This is part of a growing threat of "stuff" in the water that just doesn't belong there.</p>
<p>But what about all those things that ARE regulated, like chlorine levels?&nbsp; The current regulations are at least 35 years old and some say they aren't adequate.&nbsp; Water is supposed to be tested on a regular basis, and there are two benchmarks: the legal limit and the healthy range.&nbsp; Typically the legal limit is much more liberal than the healthy range.&nbsp; Yet, in some areas drinking water actually meets neither mark in different areas.&nbsp; Locally (Columbus, OH), water typically has twice as much chlorine as would be permitted in a public swimming pool.&nbsp; Chlorine is easily and rapidly absorbed by the body, so every time you drink the water or take a bath or shower, you are absorbing large amounts.&nbsp; You can check your local water through the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html">Environmental Working Group's water reports</a>.</p>
<p>In general, tap water is truly not really safe now.&nbsp; We found this out the hard way because Bekah was still reacting even after we'd removed many foods.&nbsp; One weekend we were on vacation at someone's house where there was only filtered water to drink.&nbsp; Her reactions disappeared.&nbsp; At home, we removed city water and used bottled water and the trend continued.&nbsp; Anytime she drinks city water or has too many baths in a week, she begins to react again.&nbsp; Chemical sensitivities are a huge problem.</p>
<p>It is sad that in a country like the U.S., safe water can't be taken for granted.&nbsp; We think of dangerous water as a problem only in third world countries, but unfortunately that's not the case.&nbsp; With the increase in chemicals in our world, these chemicals are in the water we drink, too.</p>
<p>The best option I have found for getting rid of ALL of these issues (chlorine, pharmaceuticals, anything that should not be in your water) is a <a href="http://www.berkeycleanwater.com/articles/water-supply-contains-pharmaceutical-cocktail">Berkey water filter</a>.&nbsp; (We don't own one.&nbsp; My research tells me this is true, and many people I've talked to have recommended it.)&nbsp; There is evidence that ordinary water filters, even reverse osmosis filters, do not remove all of these harmful chemicals.&nbsp; The particles are just too small.&nbsp; Also, the problem is so new that most filters just aren't designed to handle it.&nbsp; There are companies in some areas that claim to reduce or eliminate pharmaceuticals, like <a href="http://www.rainsoft.com/">Rainsoft</a>.&nbsp; It may be worth looking into.</p>
<p>Be aware of what is your water.&nbsp; Clean water isn't to be taken for granted.&nbsp; Ideally, reduce the frequency of your baths/showers, and try to consume filtered water whenever possible.&nbsp; We buy water that is filtered by reverse osmosis and additional filters locally to drink.&nbsp; It's especially important for young children, and pregnant and nursing mothers.&nbsp; Even better if everyone can do it!&nbsp; Get your local water report, realize it isn't really thorough (since some things don't have to be tested) and decide what you're ready to do.&nbsp; I recommend installing a water filter or buying bottled water, especially if someone in your family suffers from allergies.</p>
<p>Do you use a water filter?&nbsp; Which one?&nbsp; Are you surprised about what might be in your water?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Do you know what's on your water?&nbsp; The answer may surprise you.</p>
<p>In the past few months, clean water has become a major issue for us, and I want to share with you what I've learned.&nbsp; City water isn't as safe as it seems to be, or as it should be.&nbsp; And that can be a huge problem.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 199.230.203.254
URL: 
DATE: 03/09/2010 08:07:55 PM
<p>Please! please!! please!!! Encourage your husband to take a shower. TODAY!!! Conserving water or not, there's no reason for him to stink so bad.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 199.230.203.254
URL: 
DATE: 03/09/2010 09:45:49 PM
<p>I posted a comment earlier about your husband, and I really apologize for the meanness of it. In all honesty, I think what you are doing is a great cause, and I do like the post today. I appreciate knowing that our water is unsafe. Its just that I dont think one should completely sacrifice personal hygiene at the cost of conserving water. I can understand making small changes or even significant changes, but going as extreme as not taking frequent showers is a little too far. Summer is in the air, and with the heat, the body produces more hormones and more sweat which makes one smell. I think it would be very appreciated if he had a relatively natural odor that didnt smell bad even if it meant taking a few more showers. I really do appreciate the efforts you're making from a conservation of resources standpoint and making our earth a better place one person at a time. Sorry about the earlier rudeness.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Saving Plans
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/15/2010 12:00:25 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/frugal-friday-save-money-on-pizza-night.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>There are many ways to save money that can really work well for you.&nbsp; I don't know all of them myself, so I'm writing this with Ben, who knows a lot more about money and finances than I do.&nbsp; We're hoping to give you a summary of good savings options!&nbsp; They're listed in order from most liquid (easy to get money out whenever you need it) to least liquid.</p>
<p>Savings Account -- Everyone knows about these.&nbsp; You can get one at any bank.&nbsp; Most have a very low interest rate (under .1% these days), but you can take money out whenever you need to.&nbsp; It's a good place to keep your money if you know that you'll need it soon, like to pay your next month's bills, or if you're saving up for something that only costs a few hundred dollars and will only take a month or so to earn.&nbsp; They're not good, however, for long-term savings because the interest rates are so low.</p>
<p>Money Market -- These have better interest rates than savings accounts, up to 1.5%. These are almost as easy to withdraw from as a normal savings account, but often it will take 2-3 days to wire the money. Our 'emergency fund' money is currently in a money market. It's separate from our normal checking and savings accounts, so we're not tempted to spend it, but quick enough to get out that if we had an emergency, we'd still be able to pay for it.&nbsp; (We've used it only used once, when our a/c went out and I was pregnant.)</p>
<p>Investment Account -- This is not a 401k or IRA, this is just a plain stock investment account with a brokerage company. If you're planning on saving the money for at least 5 years, but it's not for retirement or college, an investment account is a good idea. If you invest your money in good growth stock mutual funds, and you leave it alone for at least 5 years (95% of the 5 years periods in the stock markets 100 year history have made money), you'll have a very safe chance of getting a 6-8%+ rate of return per year. Even in the face of 'great recessions', stock investing is a wise choice. We did not sell or adjust a dollar of our retirement investments. They are currently worth exactly what they were 3 years ago, despite the huge drop in the stock market. You can see that at times, stock investments can go down, but for the long term investor, you will almost always come out way ahead. Obvisouly though as a savings-account-style investment, it both takes time to get money out (a week or so) and you may have to sell at a loss if you absolutely have to get the money out. For that reason we recommend only using stock investments for long term purchases, like buying rental real estate, a vacation home, or some other large purchase that you won't be forced to liquidate your stocks for, like an emergency.</p>
<p>Certificate of Deposit (CD) -- These have decent interest rates, too,&nbsp;1 - 2%.&nbsp; However, you must sign a specific term, often a year or two, during which your money is not available.&nbsp; Once the CD is ended, then you can have your money back or re-invest it. Many people think that CDs are a good investment, but they are terrible for two reasons. One, they barely make any more interest than a money market, and your money is completely tied up for 1-2 years. Second, the interest rate you earn is actually less than inflation (which has averaged about 3% a year for the last 10 years), so by the time the CD matures, you'll actually have less money then when you started.</p>
<p>For almost all of you reading, money market accounts will probably be the best option. Keep in mind that this is all just basic information and you should consult a financial expert before making investment decisions. Even Warren Buffett, the greatest investor in the world, who is currently worth about $60 billion, has a council of experts for when he makes decisions. It is always a good idea to seek wise council.</p>
<p>There are more savings options that are specifically for retirement or education savings, but we'll discuss those in future posts in much more depth.&nbsp; This is a basic overview.</p>
<p>How do you save or invest your money?</p>
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EXCERPT:
There are many ways to save money that can really work well for you.&nbsp; I don't know all of them myself, so I'm writing this with Ben, who knows a lot more about money and finances than I do.&nbsp; We're hoping to give you a summary of good savings options!&nbsp; They're listed in order from most liquid (easy to get money out whenever you need it) to least liquid.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/15/2010 09:24:45 PM
<p>You have to be careful with generalizations about savings and money market accounts. The bank I use (USAA; it's an online bank that is fantastic to work with if you're eligible to use their services) gets better returns in its savings accounts (about .8% right now) than I was getting when I had my money in their money market account (.5% when I still had my money in it). Don't rely on generalizations - go and look at each individual account that you want at your bank and compare them. I took my money out of the money market as soon as I calculated what returns I was getting. So not worth it!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Chicken in Cream Sauce
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/11/2010 01:00:25 PM
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<p>**This post was entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/03/pennywise-platter-thursday-311.html">Pennywise Platter Thursdays at Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/food-on-fridays-lentil-barley-stew/">Food on Fridays at Ann Kroeker</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/2010/04/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-whats-egg-to-do.html">Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays at Blessed with Grace</a>!**</p>
<p>I invented this one night when I was craving a creamy, saucy chicken.&nbsp; It's delicious!&nbsp; It can be modified to be GAPS-friendly by using ghee instead of butter and coconut milk, and simply uncovering to reduce the sauce (before adding milk) instead of using flour.&nbsp; Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or, for GAPS, steamed cauliflower.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>2 cloves garlic, minced</p>
<p>&frac14; onion, minced</p>
<p>2 tbsp. butter*</p>
<p>&frac12; cup mushrooms, sliced or chopped (optional)</p>
<p>1 cup chicken stock</p>
<p>1 cup milk</p>
<p>2 tbsp. water</p>
<p>2 tbsp. arrowroot starch (or flour)</p>
<p>2 chicken breasts, cut into large pieces</p>
<p>&frac12; tsp. coriander</p>
<p>Salt and pepper to taste</p>
<p>*If using mushrooms, double amount of butter.</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Melt butter over low heat.&nbsp; Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms (if using) to butter.&nbsp; Saute until soft.&nbsp; Turn up heat and add chicken to mixture, cooking until chicken is lightly browned on both sides.&nbsp; Add chicken broth, stirring to mix all flavors, and cooking until chicken is done through.&nbsp; Add milk.&nbsp; Mix cornstarch (or flour) and water, and add.&nbsp; Stir constantly and cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened.&nbsp; Serve.</p>
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EXCERPT:
I invented this one night when I was craving a creamy, saucy chicken.&nbsp; It's delicious!&nbsp; It can be modified to be GAPS-friendly by using ghee instead of butter and coconut milk, and simply uncovering to reduce the sauce (before adding milk) instead of using flour.&nbsp; Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or, for GAPS, steamed cauliflower.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ann Kroeker
EMAIL: ann@annkroeker.com
IP: 24.223.131.92
URL: http://annkroeker.wordpress.com
DATE: 03/13/2010 01:07:24 PM
<p>Yum. I love sauces--this sound scrumptious! Thanks for participating in Food on Fridays.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brenda
EMAIL: brendaboston@hotmail.com
IP: 66.229.247.111
URL: http://www.brendasblogfromparaguay.com/
DATE: 04/06/2010 11:55:46 PM
<p>This looks really good.  I think I would like it with pasta</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa@BlessedwithGrace
EMAIL: blessedwgrace@gmail.com
IP: 71.85.215.136
URL: http://www.blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/07/2010 03:04:10 PM
<p>This recipe sounds like a great choice for very tasty chicken!Thanks for sharing your recipe and linking to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Living for Joy
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/12/2010 01:00:19 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-post-nap-snuggle">Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things</a>!**</p>
<p>What does it mean to "live for joy?"</p>
<p>Living for joy means looking for happiness in every moment, every activity.&nbsp; Focusing on the positive instead of the negative.&nbsp; Trying to be happy instead of being sad.</p>
<p>It's easy, in today's world, NOT to live for joy.&nbsp; There are so many things that can go wrong.&nbsp; People tend to commiserate more than celebrate (it's unfortunately seen as bragging and rude if you meet a stranger and tell them what a wonderful day you're having; but it's quite normal to say you're having a terrible day).&nbsp; When everything's happening, it's easy to focus on what didn't go right, what's preventing you from doing what you want.&nbsp; I know I struggle with it.&nbsp; But living for joy is so much better.</p>
<p>When your toddler opens a bottle of lotion and pours it on the carpet and smears it around (yes, this happened at our house recently), instead of focusing on your ruined carpet and the mess you'll have to clean up, focus on how creative your toddler is!&nbsp; When your child decorates your table with permanent markers (yes, that happened too, awhile back), use it as a teachable moment.&nbsp; When your child sneaks around and brings you a hastily-prepared snack with no supervision, be excited about her resourcefulness instead of thinking about the mess she might have made.</p>
<p>Choose to see your child's antics as the ways she's growing up and exploring her world instead of the challenges she presents to you.</p>
<p>When your husband comes home late for work, think about how he might have been stuck in traffic, doing something sweet for you, working hard to provide for your family; instead of how he may have messed up your dinner plans.</p>
<p>If your friend cancels at the last minute on your plans, think about how she might be trying to put her family first, or doing something to help someone else.&nbsp; This does go along with grace -- if you offer someone grace, you'll feel joyful instead of angry.</p>
<p>We have a choice everyday when we wake up to be happy and live for joy, or to be unhappy and frustrated.&nbsp; If we're unhappy, it will make others around us unhappy, most of all our families.&nbsp; Our children will be happy if we are happy.&nbsp; Everything around us is better when we are happy!</p>
<p>When I play with Daniel and smile at Bekah and sing, Daniel smiles and Bekah randomly runs up to me and gives me kisses.&nbsp; They're HAPPY.&nbsp; When I'm unhappy, they cry and whine and fuss.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So when you wake up each day, think about living for joy.&nbsp; Choose to see the good in every moment instead of the frustration.&nbsp; It will make your whole life happier!</p>
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EXCERPT:
What does it mean to "live for joy?"</p>
<p>Living for joy means looking for happiness in every moment, every activity.&nbsp; Focusing on the positive instead of the negative.&nbsp; Trying to be happy instead of being sad.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 03/12/2010 06:07:28 PM
<p>nice post Kate, good reminders..i've noticed the same thing for sure! when i am happy and singing my 2 girls sure are happier too!!:) interesting how that works, but should be no surprise to me as i specifically remember instances where my own mothers attitude signiificantly affected mine....now if only i could REMEMBER this:)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nola
EMAIL: 
IP: 64.25.184.66
URL: 
DATE: 03/13/2010 03:08:37 PM
<p>This is something that I have been working on since January, when I &quot;ditched&quot; the idea of New Years resolutions for a key word to focus on for the year instead. I chose my word to be joy. I got this idea from the blog Steady Mom. Its really been affecting my life. Its amazing how it keeps popping up! </p><p>Something I do when I feel like I can't go on...I find this especially hard when I have problems with my hands (health issue that makes them hurt) and I can't do what I want to do as easily, and when my kids are just being kids...but you know, they get in the way....and then I resent them, instead of focusing on how they are a blessing to have around even if they make messes and &quot;get in the way&quot;....well I sing. I sing praise songs- choruses or hymns. I can get back to work easier this way, and it keeps my focus off me...and now my daughter also sings along and I hear her singing too, even when I am not. I hope it teaches her to also focus on God when she is having a rough time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy @ Finer Things
EMAIL: amysfinerthings@gmail.com
IP: 138.210.229.98
URL: http://amysfinerthings.com
DATE: 03/18/2010 08:21:42 PM
<p>Great reminders.  You're right, it's hard not to be positive without someone thinking it's &quot;bragging.&quot;  Sad!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 5
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/13/2010 01:00:29 PM
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<p>Time for steps 13, 14, and 15!&nbsp; If you haven't read the previous articles in the series, go back and read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/21/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/27/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-3.html">part 3</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/6/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-4.html">part 4</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Here they are:</p>
<p>13. Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet</p>
<p>14. Increase the amount of fat in your diet</p>
<p>15. Find healthier snack options</p>
<p>Why those steps?&nbsp; Okay, here we go!</p>
<p>Sugar is responsible for many of the problems we're having today.&nbsp; Too much sugar causes diabetes (which we all know) but also a host of other problems.&nbsp; According to Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, 85% of blood cholesterol is caused by the body metabolizing sugar and carbohydrates.&nbsp; So, no, high fat diets don't cause cholesterol -- high carb diets do!&nbsp; These days, the average American eats 180 lbs. of sugar per year, which is over 1/2 lb. of sugar per DAY!&nbsp; It's become ridiculous.&nbsp; It's happening partially because there's sugar added to EVERYTHING produced commercially (especially low-fat or fat-free products).&nbsp; Another is because we're just used to eating sweet desserts and snack foods.&nbsp; With the serious health consequences (which can be reduced fertility, heart disease, and lots more), we need to reduce our consumption of sugar.&nbsp; We've already talked about choosing healthier forms of sugar (a lot of refined white beet sugar is GMO), but in general, you have to reduce your consumption to be truly healthy.&nbsp; A small amount of healthy sweeteners (Dr. Mercola recommends under 15 mg per day) is not going to hurt you.&nbsp; But much more can spell serious health issues, long term.&nbsp; Try using less in coffee or tea and fewer fruits (yes, those count too), no juice, and hopefully you're already avoiding pre-sweetened products, since most are made with HFCS.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you're decreasing sugar, you need to increase fat.&nbsp; More fat won't hurt you, and is really GOOD for you, especially saturated!&nbsp; Fat protects you.&nbsp; Lard helps cellular regeneration.&nbsp; Saturated fats and cholesterol help brain development and boost brain regeneration in adults.&nbsp; They help hormone regulation too.&nbsp; I've written extensively on the subject before.&nbsp; Get over your fear of fats and eat it!&nbsp; Organic lard, beef tallow, butter, ghee, olive oil (raw), coconut oil.&nbsp; They're really not too expensive and they'll make you feel better, lose weight, and generally improve your health.&nbsp; They can increase your fertility.&nbsp; So many benefits!</p>
<p>Snacks are a major area that need help.&nbsp; So many people rely heavily on sweetened, grain-based snacks, like fruit, pretzels, bread, chips, etc.&nbsp; To reduce sugar and carbs (that will happen naturally as you reduce sugar), you need to change your snack foods.&nbsp; Try unsweetened dried fruit, unsweetened seed or nut-based crackers instead of sweetened wheat crackers, jerky, fresh vegetable sticks, cheese (raw; if you can have it), nuts, etc.&nbsp; Reduce or eliminate cookies, fruit snacks, granola bars (or make your own that aren't so sweet), anything pre-packaged.&nbsp; It takes a little ore planning to wash and cut fruit or vegetables, make your own crackers, etc. but you can do a lot at once and it's worth it!&nbsp; So much better!</p>
<p>How are you doing on the baby steps?&nbsp; Are they helping you?&nbsp; If you are further along, what do you think about these steps?&nbsp; How doable are/were they for you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Time for steps 13, 14, and 15!&nbsp; If you haven't read the previous articles in the series, go back and read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/21/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/27/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-3.html">part 3</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/6/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-4.html">part 4
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joe
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.232.38.99
URL: 
DATE: 03/14/2010 03:17:18 AM
<p>Why do you consider fruit to be grain based and sweetened? If you consider natural fats to be healthy and to be eaten liberally, shouldn't the same be said for naturally sweetened fresh fruit?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 03/14/2010 07:16:21 PM
<p>Joe,</p><p>It's not that fruits are grain-based.  It's that they contain a lot of fructose.  A lot of fructose in the diet, whether it's natural or processed, is not very good for you.  Certainly fruit is better for you than table sugar!  And some fruits don't contain a lot of fructose (berries, lemons, limes) and can be eaten in large quantities with no problems.  But other fruits (apples, bananas, grapes) are quite sweet and should be eaten in moderation.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.95.174.184
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/15/2010 05:03:53 AM
<p>Last year I went through several sugar fasts . . . absolutely no added or refined sugar for about a month at a time.  It was so eye opening about how much sugar was in every type of prepared food (canned vegetables, cereal, yogurt, etc).  It's made me shop/cook so differently and pay extra attention to what I feed my daughter.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tweedlebugs Giveaway WINNER! 
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/08/2010 12:53:27 PM
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<p>The winner of the Tweedlebugs Giveaway is....</p>
<p><strong>Laura (homemakingjoyfully@gmail.com)</strong></p>
<div class="adminLinkTableWrapper">Congratulations! Please contact me with your mailing information by Tuesday night.</div>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amelia
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.239.215.155
URL: 
DATE: 03/08/2010 11:31:32 PM
<p>(Medina friend)</p><p>Did you use random.org to choose your four different winners?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Modern Alternative Mama Skin Cream
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/10/2010 01:00:39 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-direct-trade-coffee-club/">Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries</a>!**</p>
<p>Some of you have noticed we have a store on this site.&nbsp; So far, we only have one item for sale -- our skin cream.&nbsp; Why are we selling skin cream, you may ask?</p>
<p>Last fall, Bekah had terrible diaper rash that wasn't going away.&nbsp; We were prescribed an antibiotic cream, which I tried twice.&nbsp; It did not help the diaper rash even a tiny bit, and her eczema began to flare up.&nbsp; I stopped using it immediately and started researching natural solutions.&nbsp; I've always been interested in creating creams and soaps and other bath products and this was the push I needed to go for it.&nbsp; I selected several ingredients known for their skin soothing and antibacterial properties and created a cream, which I applied to Bekah's rash.&nbsp; And after just one night, the rash was GONE!</p>
<p>So we decided to see what else it could do.&nbsp; Ben had some very dry skin he put the cream on, and it helped him.&nbsp; I gave some to my father and grandmother for Christmas to see what they would think.&nbsp; My father later told me it cured a bit of infected, split skin that nothing else had touched in months -- in only three days.</p>
<p>The cream was so awesome, we decided we needed to share it!&nbsp; Hence, Modern Alternative Mama Skin Cream was born!</p>
<p>And, as a special, I'll offer the first 10 people who order a deal: $10 per jar (usual is $15) with free shipping!&nbsp; Cream will ship by Friday.&nbsp; Only the first 10 people will get this special, so hurry!&nbsp; If you order and are not one of the first 10, I will contact you and let you know before processing the order.</p>
<p>Head over to the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/store/">store</a> to order now!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Some of you have noticed we have a store on this site.&nbsp; So far, we only have one item for sale -- our skin cream.&nbsp; Why are we selling skin cream, you may ask?
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The GAPS Diet
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/14/2010 01:00:44 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/03/real-food-wednesday-3172010.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.gapsdiet.com">GAPS diet</a>.&nbsp; I've mentioned it a few times before, but haven't gone into any great detail about what it is, why we're doing it, or anything else.&nbsp; A LOT of bloggers are now doing it, hoping to do it, or have previously done it, including Donielle at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com">Naturally Knocked Up</a>, Stephanie at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home</a>, Kelly at <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>, and Ann Marie at <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com">Cheeseslave</a>.&nbsp; You can visit all their blogs for their perspectives on the diet, and some good GAPS-friendly recipes.</p>
<p>The GAPS diet stands for "Gut and Psychology Syndrome," and is so named because there is a gut-brain connection.&nbsp; That is, if the gut (intestines) is not working right, it can cause all kinds of symptoms in the brain and other parts of the body.&nbsp; The GAPS diet was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, who used it to heal her son from autism.&nbsp; While this is controversial, the diet has done miracles for MANY kids on the spectrum.&nbsp; It is supposed to cure or help ADD, ADHD, autism, allergies, and many other conditions children suffer from (and adults!).&nbsp; The diet is based on one created in the mid-1900s called "SCD," or "Specific Carbohydrate Diet."&nbsp; The only difference is that GAPS removes casein from the diet too, while SCD doesn't.</p>
<p>We're doing this diet because of Bekah's allergies.&nbsp; We have seen many, many different doctors and tried many different things and so far, nothing has really helped her.&nbsp; The biggest help has been what I've done at home, in figuring out what she's allergic to and helping her avoid it.&nbsp; I also believe it's best to try to heal through food/nutrition whenever possible, and not through any unusual therapies (which can be anything from standard drugs to homeopathy to accupuncture, all of which we've tried to some extent!).&nbsp; The body is meant to heal itself; we just have to provide it with the optimal environment to heal.</p>
<p>In reading Dr. Campbell-McBride's book, I've learned why people have allergies and other issues.&nbsp; They have so-called "leaky gut" syndrome, where their bodies are populated with the wrong type of bacteria.&nbsp; We all have approximately 2 lbs. of gut flora.&nbsp; We should have S. Boulardii, Lactobaccillus, E. Coli (yes really), and others; but most people's gut flora has shifted so there is too few of these and too much candida, streptoccocus, and other "opportunistic" gut flora.&nbsp; These 'bad' bacteria make us sick in many different ways.&nbsp; They make us vulnerable to acute infections like colds, flu, etc., but they also affect the way our food is digested and absorbed.&nbsp; The gut walls can be missing patches of bacteria because the good guys are so reduced, and partially digested food can be absorbed through the gut into the bloodstream too soon, where the body doesn't recognize it and produces an allergic reaction to it.&nbsp; The bad bacteria also produce their own symptoms -- fatigue, anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, etc.&nbsp; B12 deficiency (which Bekah has) is common.&nbsp; It all has to do with the fact that the gut flora are not digesting and absorbing the nutrients from the food properly.</p>
<p>So, the goal is to fix the gut flora.&nbsp; There are many diets out there that are "supposed" to fix this, like the yeast-free diet.&nbsp; But the problem is it only temporarily corrects the problem, and as soon as you go off the diet, the yeasts start growing again and symptoms get worse.&nbsp; (In the book, Dr. Campbell-McBride goes through several popular diets and why they don't quite work.)</p>
<p>In GAPS (if you looked at the website, it probably seems overwhelming to you -- and it is, at first.&nbsp; I had to read it several times over a period of months before I felt I got the gist and could really pull it off), the idea is to remove all the foods that are hard on the gut, and eat a lot of the foods that will heal the gut.&nbsp; The foods that will hurt the gut are: all disaccharides (any form of sugar except honey, all grains, potatoes, sweet potatoes), and dairy products (except ghee, which is pure milk fat and does not contain any lactose or casein).&nbsp; The foods that will heal the gut are: homemade meat stock, raw egg yolks, meat, marrow (from stock bones), animal fats.&nbsp; Most fruits and vegetables are permissible (there are a few vegetables that need to be avoided because they are mucus-producing, like okra).</p>
<p>The diet focuses on animal products: lots of fresh, homemade meat stock (made by simmering bones with a little meat in water and adding some sea salt and other plain spices if desired), soups made with well-cooked veggies, meats, and the stock; raw egg yolks; probiotic foods (fermented pickles or other veggies, kombucha, kefir, etc.); and meat/veggie dishes.&nbsp; Fruit and honey can be eaten as snacks or with tea.&nbsp; Later, ground nuts are introduced to make breads and pancakes.&nbsp; There are MANY great recipe blogs out there, and with a few substitutions, one doesn't have to be deprived at all.&nbsp; Coconut milk can be used instead of regular milk, coconut flour and nut flours can be used in baking, honey instead of sugar.&nbsp; The diet does really require home cooking but that's not a horrible sacrifice.&nbsp; Most people are already cooking at home anyway because of their various dietary restrictions.</p>
<p>What do we eat everyday?&nbsp; Soup for one or two meals, eggs with bacon (you can cook the eggs however you like, even though the egg yolks are best raw or soft-boiled; we scramble them), apples and carrot sticks for snacks.&nbsp; I make a "salad" with chicken cooked in coconut oil, various greens, and fresh salsa for snacks too.&nbsp; Soups are the biggest thing, though.&nbsp; We try to drink broth with every meal if we don't have soup.&nbsp; (We mix a little freshly pressed juice into Bekah's to get her to drink it.)&nbsp; Ben drinks water kefir and I drink kombucha everyday too (soon I'll post on making it.&nbsp; I tried it 6 months ago and it tastes sort of like vinegar, sort of like alcohol, bitter, strange at first.&nbsp; I hated it.&nbsp; Then I tried it again two weeks ago and liked it...and kept drinking it...and now I'm OBSESSED WITH IT!!&nbsp; I crave it!&nbsp; But it has a lot of great bacteria in it so I'm supposed to drink it, and it really just tastes like soda to me now, without the artificial aftertaste.&nbsp; It is carbonated.&nbsp; Yummy!).</p>
<p>Already, Daniel is tolerating the ghee well (through my milk, not directly).&nbsp; He used to scream if I ate even a little butter.&nbsp; We believe that by keeping him exclusively breastfed while I healed (we've been dairy-free over 7 months, gluten-free for 6, and grain-free for 2 before starting GAPS), he may just escape all these allergies.&nbsp; We've started to give him small tastes of homemade stock and some of the veggies cooked in it, which he LOVES and seems to tolerate well.</p>
<p>All the recipes I'll be posting will be either GAPS-friendly or easily modified to be GAPS-friendly in the future.&nbsp; It's so hard when you first start, but once you find some good resources it's not so bad.&nbsp; I recently discovered <a href="http://www.grainfreefoodie.blogspot.com">Grain Free Foodie</a> and I love it!&nbsp; So many awesome recipes, it's like we're "normal" again.&nbsp; I've tried a couple, they were good.</p>
<p>Do you have questions about the GAPS diet?&nbsp; Think that it could help you or your family?&nbsp; Does it sound crazy?&nbsp; (It is a little at first!)</p>
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EXCERPT:
The <a href="http://www.gapsdiet.com">GAPS diet</a>.&nbsp; I've mentioned it a few times before, but haven't gone into any great detail about what it is, why we're doing it, or anything else.&nbsp; A LOT of bloggers are now doing it, hoping to do it, or have previously done it, including Donielle at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com">Naturally Knocked Up</a>, Stephanie at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home</a>, Kelly at <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>, and Ann Marie at <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com">Cheeseslave</a>.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amelia
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.239.215.155
URL: 
DATE: 03/14/2010 08:13:17 PM
<p>Does the GAPS diet help heal real allergies or just the &quot;food sensitivities&quot; that you are calling &quot;allergies&quot;?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kat
EMAIL: kat_garson@hotmail.com
IP: 99.246.9.197
URL: http://scdkatfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/14/2010 09:05:27 PM
<p>Interesting to hear your reaction to kombucha. I plan on trying it soon and I'll make sure to give it a second try if I don't like it the first time!</p><p>Looking forward to reading your posts and seeing some GAPS recipes. Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/16/2010 12:09:41 AM
<p>I can't see us doing this right now since we are progressing with our most recent diet changes. I will be reading up on this though and I completely agree with the benefits of eating gut-healing foods. We have been eating a lot of soup lately and it's something Liea loves which is wonderful!</p><p>Super baby steps... my next project will be Kefir.</p><p>You're amazing Kate! Keep it up!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jarred
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.239.215.155
URL: 
DATE: 03/16/2010 02:21:03 PM
<p>how about trying these recipes?</p><p></p><p>http://www.lulu.com/content/4956212</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: lisa@babyvibe.ca
IP: 207.81.10.92
URL: 
DATE: 03/23/2010 01:35:19 AM
<p>Wow - this is a great blog! I have just started the Introduction diet of the GAPS diet and I am a little (OK a lot) hungry. I am on day two of stage one and will enter stage two tomorrow. My only problem with this part of the diet is I find that I am constantly hungry. My stomach is growling all the time. I know that once I get to the part where I can have more variety including ghee, coconut oil and flour, all will be well. Any tips for getting through the introduction stage? I'd like to put my oldest daughter on the diet as she is such a picky eater. But I fear that she will never have the soup. She is that picky!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Thoughts on Children
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/17/2010 12:00:56 PM
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<div>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/03/wfmw-letter-writing-tips.html?">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>, <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-cover-girl-simply-ageless-concealer/">Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-woosh-woosh-woosh-woosh-woosh">Finer Things Fridays at Amy's Finer Things</a>!**</div>
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<div>Recently we (my friends and I) were out with our children and it just got me thinking about several things.&nbsp; So, I thought I'd share my happy thoughts with you!<br /><br />1) Sometimes, just say yes. <br />The other day I was at the mall's indoor playground with Bekah. Daniel was asleep in his stroller so I didn't have to watch him too closely. Every now and then she'd run out of the play area, laughing. She only wanted me to chase her, a game; she didn't really want to run away. At first I tried to tell her to stay in the play area but I was laughing too hard to say it with a straight face and mean it (the mall wasn't busy). I decided instead to just give up and let her do it. Most of the time she was laughing so hard that her "running away" was a very slow crawl, anyway. :) We had FUN together! <br /><br />2) Take a break to just play <br />Sometimes we go to the mall or to story time even though I really have chores to do. Sometimes Bekah asks me to read a story (or 4) while we're supposed to be getting dressed and doing our morning routine. But, you know, we're all a lot happier if we just take 10 minutes (or 3 hours...:) ) out of our day to do something fun! <br /><br />3) Give them a chance to be good <br />When I remember, I tell Bekah before we ever leave the house what's expected of her that day. i.e. "No running or screaming, stay with mommy," etc. Once I told her it was time to leave the play area and I explained she needed to sit in her stroller and not cry or scream, and if she did we would come back another day. And you know what? When we talk calmly about what's expected ahead of time, she does it! Despite not wanting to stop playing, she left quietly and calmly. And she's barely 2! <br /><br />4) Laugh instead of cry <br />Sometimes children get into things...okay, well, they do that a lot. Especially at my house, where "no" is a challenge. But sometimes they really don't know it's wrong. If you've never told them it's wrong, how can they know? No matter how big a mess they've created, just laugh and help clean up. It's like the time Bekah found the chili powder, which I had left sitting next to my Crockpot, and she took it into the play room, opened it, and started shaking it on the rug. No one had told her not to! (And I probably shouldn't have left it where she could reach it, even if she did have to climb up or stand on tippy toes.) Or if the child is tired and screeching while you dress her for bed...just laugh! "You must be sooooo tired to scream that way! Oh no! We better get you to bed fast!" It's so much better than crying...or screaming yourself! <br /><br />5) Extend grace <br />It's kind of like the previous idea. Sometimes kids are just having a bad day. You don't have to punish them every time. A quiet word of correction (if necessary) and a hug and a "free pass" are sometimes needed. We all say and do things that we know we shouldn't sometimes, but what we really need is someone to give us a hug and say "It's going to be okay." So why do we say to our kids, "I know you're tired/hungry/having a bad day, but that's NO excuse...." (Obviously this doesn't apply to very serious issues like biting, running in traffic, etc.) Extend grace instead! <br /><br />6) When torn, cherish and be proud <br />There are times that Bekah learns to do something new, that is totally shocking to me, and I am torn between anger (how could she do that?!) and pride (wow, she's grown up to think of that!). Go with pride. As above, a kid doesn't know something is wrong unless they've been told. So just be proud! "You're so grown up, how did you think of that? Now, help me clean up...we really shouldn't do that." <br /><br />This all goes along with living for joy. :) <br /><br />Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!</div>
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EXCERPT:
Recently we (my friends and I) were out with our children and it just got me thinking about several things.&nbsp; So, I thought I'd share my happy thoughts with you!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angela Griffin
EMAIL: thespicerack09@gmail.com
IP: 173.71.23.229
URL: http://thespicerack09.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/19/2010 11:31:17 AM
<p>I love your thoughts in this post.  My favorites are &quot;Take a break to just play&quot; and &quot;Extend grace.&quot;  Sometimes these things are so hard to do, with how much, we as mothers, have to do each day.  But they are so important.  Thank you for saying it so eloquently.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Allison @ Alli 'n Son
EMAIL: momma@alli-n-son.com
IP: 71.98.48.216
URL: http://alli-n-son.com
DATE: 03/20/2010 03:50:56 PM
<p>Great post. I especially agree with #2. I try to put aside the cleaning and organizing when my kiddo needs to play. After all, those moments won't last forever.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy @ Finer Things
EMAIL: amysfinerthings@gmail.com
IP: 138.210.229.98
URL: http://amysfinerthings.com
DATE: 03/20/2010 04:30:57 PM
<p>Extend grace.  Definitely!  I expect it from my children and certainly need to return the favor!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kc
EMAIL: kristyshanks@gmail.com
IP: 75.64.138.209
URL: http://www.livingitupcornfree.com/
DATE: 03/25/2010 12:28:02 AM
<p>I really enjoyed reading about another parent that seems to feel the same way that I do. My kids grew up so fast (now 17 and 14). I never look back and regret not folding clothes, but I do regret any time that I missed with them. We started homeschooling during elementary but I wish we had done it from the start. It is the best.</p><p>I also wanted to add this: tell your kids how much you enjoy and appreciate their unique qualities. So much of parenting is setting boundaries that it can get to the point that everything you say is negative unless you work really hard to remember to tell them positive things. I didn't get a lot of that when I was a kid. I knew my Mom loved me, but I don't feel like she appreciated my humor, intelligence, self discipline or strength of character.</p><p>I really love the tip about &quot;laugh instead of cry&quot;. My house has always been a house full of good humor and sassy wit and learning to laugh at ourselves. I think it makes a huge difference to a person's outlook. My children's friends always say how much they love being with us here. I think it is because we all genuinely like each other and enjoy our time together. I always cringe when I hear a parent snapping at a child or slapping their hand for touching something in a store. I never punished my children for being curious or acting like a child, but like you, just told them how I expected them to act. I think parenting is all about teaching your children to have self discipline and to learn to care for themselves and become happy adults - whatever path they choose for themselves. Too many people get it mixed up and start to think that their job as a parent is to &quot;mold&quot; the children into the desired shape or to make the kids &quot;mind&quot;. I don't want my kids doing things &quot;because I said so&quot; but because it is the right thing for them to do. Great post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Expat Mom
EMAIL: freelanceprowriter@gmail.com
IP: 200.119.173.189
URL: http://expatmom.info
DATE: 01/03/2011 07:36:54 PM
<p>Love these thoughts! They are so true. I work at home and so I find myself working a lot with the kids around. One rule we made early on was that if they want me to read to them or give them a hug, then I will take a break from what I&#39;m doing, no matter what and read to them. They love it because they know they can always get my attention.</p><p>As for talking about what to expect, that really does work! My oldest can throw a tantrum like you would NOT believe, but when he knows what to expect, he&#39;s fine anywhere, in a restaurant, at the market, etc.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in Personal Care, Part 2
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/16/2010 12:00:15 PM
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<p>It's time for the next three steps in the personal care series!&nbsp; If you haven't read the first one, go back and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/24/baby-steps-in-personal-care.html">read it</a> now!</p>
<p>Here they are, steps 4, 5 and 6.</p>
<p>4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switch to natural body soap (castile soap)</p>
<p>5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switch to natural shampoo and conditioner</p>
<p>6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reduce make-up use</p>
<p>Why those steps?</p>
<p>If you look at the ingredients in your body soap, you'll see a LOT of chemicals.&nbsp; Polysorbate 80, sodium lauryl sulfate, and much more.&nbsp; Most of them are chemicals that are supposed to color it, make it smell nice, lather well, etc.&nbsp; It doesn't help you get any cleaner, but it makes the experience seem nicer.&nbsp; However, those chemicals are getting absorbed through your skin when you wash with it!&nbsp; Switch to a more natural, vegetable-oil-based soap, like Dr. Bronner's castile soap.&nbsp; It will help you get clean just as well, if not better (I really feel cleaner with natural soaps), but you won't be exposed to all those chemicals anymore.&nbsp; It's a simple switch -- still using soap, it can still smell nice (essential oils are fine), and price-wise it shouldn't be much different.&nbsp; But since soap tends to last awhile anyway, does it matter if you pay $3 a bottle instead of $2?</p>
<p>Shampoo and conditioner have the same issues as body soap -- sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate (SLS and SLES), other detergents and harsh chemicals, which your body is absorbing.&nbsp; Make the switch to natural shampoo and conditioner.&nbsp; There are options that are anywhere from $3/bottle on up to $20/bottle depending on exactly how "clean" you want them.&nbsp; Read the labels carefully, though: a lot of "natural" options still contain the bad chemicals!&nbsp; They may be free of phthlates, parabens, etc. but still contain SLS.&nbsp; So read very carefully before you select a product.&nbsp; You may choose to use things you have around the house to wash your hair sometimes too, like lemon juice, eggs, etc.&nbsp; You can also use the same castile soap on your hair as you do on your body.&nbsp; If you do, this can be quite a cheap switch, and definitely worth it!</p>
<p>Make up.&nbsp; A lot of women feel naked without it.&nbsp; I don't personally wear it except on rare, special occasions (my mom never did either), so for me, this is a non-issue.&nbsp; But I know a lot of women really feel they NEED it.&nbsp; But, try to reduce your use of make up.&nbsp; Maybe some touch-up powder or liquid instead of a complete foundation.&nbsp; A little mascara but no other eye make up.&nbsp; Some natural lip gloss instead of lipstick.&nbsp; There's no need to do a long, involved routine everyday.&nbsp; In fact, the goal of make up is to look totally natural, right, like you're not really wearing any?&nbsp; I've watched a few people put on make up for 10 or 15 minutes and not look any different when they were done.&nbsp; So what's the use?&nbsp; Reduce your make up use to only what you feel you really need and save the "big" stuff for special occasions.&nbsp; This will actually SAVE you money!</p>
<p>How do you feel about these steps?&nbsp; How are you doing on the baby steps?&nbsp; What would your next steps be?</p>
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EXCERPT:
It's time for the next three steps in the personal care series!&nbsp; If you haven't read the first one, go back and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/24/baby-steps-in-personal-care.html">read it</a> now!</p>
<p>Here they are, steps 4, 5 and 6.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/17/2010 12:52:08 AM
<p>My favorite way of thinking about make-up is this:</p><p>If you wear makeup every day, on the one day that you don't, people will think &quot;she doesn't look too good today...&quot;</p><p>If you don't wear makeup every day, when you do wear makeup people will think &quot;she looks great today!&quot;</p><p>Which would you rather have?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/18/2010 12:00:30 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/03/pennywise-platter-thursday-5.html">Pennywise Platters at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/food-on-fridays-whole-wheat-honey-bread/">Food on Fridays at Ann Kroeker</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/2010/03/tempt-my-tummy-tuesdayeaster-weekend.html">Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays at Blessed with Grace</a>!**</p>
<p>I love sun-dried tomatoes.&nbsp; Once I had a large glass jar of them packed in olive oil (which is how you should buy them if at all possible) that I needed to use up.&nbsp; It was summer and I had fresh tomatoes, too.&nbsp; I created this sauce and tossed it with some angel hair pasta.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a light, flavorful and delicious sauce!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 clove garlic, minced</p>
<p>&frac14; cup sweet onion, chopped</p>
<p>5 &ndash; 6 sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, chopped</p>
<p>1 medium ripe tomato, chopped</p>
<p>1 tsp. oregano</p>
<p>1 tsp. salt</p>
<p>1 tbsp. olive oil</p>
<p>4 oz. pasta, cooked according to package directions*</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Heat olive oil in pan.&nbsp; Add onion and garlic, saut&eacute; until soft.&nbsp; Add tomatoes and spices.&nbsp; Cook until some of the liquid is gone and flavor is blended all through tomatoes.&nbsp; Serve immediately over hot pasta.&nbsp; Serves&nbsp; 1.</p>
<p>Hint: Top with fresh-grated parmesan for another layer of flavor. (If you can!)</p>
<p>*Serve with spaghetti squash to make this a GAPS-friendly recipe!</p>
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EXCERPT:
I love sun-dried tomatoes.&nbsp; Once I had a large glass jar of them packed in olive oil (which is how you should buy them if at all possible) that I needed to use up.&nbsp; It was summer and I had fresh tomatoes, too.&nbsp; I created this sauce and tossed it with some angel hair pasta.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a light, flavorful and delicious sauce!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ann Kroeker
EMAIL: annkroeker@earthlink.net
IP: 24.223.131.92
URL: http://annkroeker.wordpress.com
DATE: 03/20/2010 01:00:42 AM
<p>That sounds so fresh and flavorful, like you should eat it on the veranda of an Italian villa!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 6
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/20/2010 12:00:42 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/03/wfmw-making-easter-story-eggs.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>!**</p>
<p>First, if you haven't read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/21/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/27/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-3.html">part 3</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/6/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-4.html">part 4</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/13/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-5.html">part 5</a>, go back and read all of those first!&nbsp; And if you're new here, take it SLOW!&nbsp; Don't try to catch up with us, go at your own pace.&nbsp; (That really goes for everyone, you may not be ready for three new steps every week, and that's okay.)</p>
<p>Now, it's time for steps 16, 17, and 18!&nbsp; Here they are:</p>
<p>16. Start meal planning</p>
<p>17. Try making your favorite packaged meal(s) from scratch</p>
<p>18. Reduce your consumption of grains<span id="_marker">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>So why those?</span></p>
<p><span>Meal planning will help you a TON.&nbsp; I started getting serious about it last spring and I really love it.&nbsp; If I do no other chores, I will always do it.&nbsp; It's kind of the highlight of my week.&nbsp; Yes, I'm a nerd. :)&nbsp; But, meal planning is crucial.&nbsp; I started because at the end of the day, Ben would come home and say, "What's for dinner?"&nbsp; I'd say, "I don't know, what do you want?"&nbsp; He'd say, "Whatever, you know I'm not picky."&nbsp; Well, that gave me no guidelines at all!&nbsp; We'd go back and forth, I'd think, "What do I really want?" and more often than not, dinner would be served late, it would take a long time to cook (I'd get a craving or an awesome idea that was really fancy at 6:00), and/or I'd need to take a trip to the store for ingredients I didn't have on hand.&nbsp; That, or we'd want to run out and pick something up from a restaurant.&nbsp; And that's exactly what happens to most people!&nbsp; They pick something up, they toss something in the oven that was just from the freezer and dinner is late and not very healthy.&nbsp; It also wastes money because you buy food you don't need or you buy things last minute, or of course buying packaged/fast food is expensive.&nbsp; Instead, start writing out your meal plan a week (or two) at a time and then write your shopping list.&nbsp; Don't forget to plan breakfast, lunch, and snacks in addition to dinners.&nbsp; You'll always know the answer to "what's for dinner," you can do prep work in advance (even if it's just taking meat out to thaw).&nbsp; It's just a fabulous, fabulous system.&nbsp; We'll be talking more about meal planning in the future...so if you're unsure where to begin, look for that coming up!</span></p>
<p><span>A lot of people don't want to give up their favorite packaged meals because they love them and there's no way to have those meals otherwise.&nbsp; But you can!&nbsp; You need to learn to cook those meals from scratch.&nbsp; You can make awesome fried chicken, french fries, pizzas, etc. at home, from scratch.&nbsp; Check out <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/01/26/how-to-reverse-engineer-a-recipe-for-real-food-quality/">Kitchen Stewardship's "reverse engineering" series</a> to learn how to do this.&nbsp; You'll save money, and the food will actually be better, trust me.&nbsp; I eventually got to the point where if I tried something I liked in a restaurant or from a box, I automatically tried to replicate it from fresh, real ingredients.&nbsp; Try it!&nbsp; You'll get your favorite foods but much healthier, cheaper, and overall better.</span></p>
<p><span>Grains are not so good for you.&nbsp; We talked about that last week a little bit.&nbsp; If you're choosing healthier snack options like the ones we talked about, you're already reducing your consumption of grains.&nbsp; But now turn to your main meals.&nbsp; Most probably have pasta, rice, bread, etc., right?&nbsp; That's how we used to be.&nbsp; So now, instead of serving fries, serve a salad.&nbsp; Instead of pasta, try some spaghetti squash (we don't even really like squash but we eat it).&nbsp; Skip the bread entirely and add an extra vegetable.&nbsp; Serve food over potatoes or cauliflower instead of rice.&nbsp; Pay attention to how many grains you really eat; it's probably a lot! Aim for grains to make up no more than 25% of your daily food intake.&nbsp; Focus on meats, dairy if you can have it (especially cultured), and fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts.</span></p>
<p><span>How are you doing on the baby steps?&nbsp; What are your next steps?</span></p>
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EXCERPT:
First, if you haven't read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/21/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/27/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-3.html">part 3</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/6/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-4.html">part 4</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/13/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-5.html">part 5</a>, go back and read all of those first!&nbsp; And if you're new here, take it SLOW!&nbsp; Don't try to catch up with us, go at your own pace.&nbsp; (That really goes for everyone, you may not be ready for three new steps every week, and that's okay.)
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Problems with Whole Foods and other Health Food Stores
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/19/2010 12:00:28 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-march-19th/#more-1757">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>I love Whole Foods.</p>
<p>I love the experience of shopping there, the smells of wonderful foods, the array of fresh produce, all the local products they feature.&nbsp; I look forward to going there every other Friday morning to buy the vast majority of my food (except for beef, which I buy from a farm, and produce in the summer).&nbsp; I almost always get a salad or something for lunch before I leave.&nbsp; Although...I have a hard time selecting something to eat from their prepared foods.&nbsp; It's because they use a lot of low-fat foods, canola oil, gluten, dairy, and other things I can't eat.&nbsp; Some of those are simply my restrictions, but some of them are pseudo-healthy, like the canola oil.</p>
<p>Therein lies the major problem with Whole Foods and other health food stores.&nbsp; They have a lot of products that are perceived as "healthy," but which are not.&nbsp; Some are outright NOT healthy, like organic potato chips, organic soda, organic ice cream....&nbsp; Yes, they're made with organic ingredients, but they are still stripped of nutrients, full of sugar (real cane sugar instead of HFCS, but still), made with unsaturated oils, etc.&nbsp; They're not health foods.&nbsp; They're labeled as being "better" because they use sea salt instead of regular salt, or sunflower oil instead of GMO corn oil.&nbsp; But still, they're junk food.&nbsp; They're not whole foods, they're not worth eating.&nbsp; Most health food stores are quite aware that these products they're selling are not truly healthy, but most people who want to eat health food still want to feel normal, so they want the option to buy "health" food that looks almost exactly like the usual packaged food they're no longer buying.&nbsp; Also, these packaged foods make most of the money for the stores, so they need them to survive financially.</p>
<p>Beyond that, though, there are many different ideas about what's healthy out there.&nbsp; Soy, low-fat diets, canola oil, etc.&nbsp; But none of these are healthy.&nbsp; Non-GMO soy, fermented and used only as a condiment, is not bad.&nbsp; But there is a huge array of products made from heavily processed soy, like soy burgers, soy "chicken," soy "hot dogs," soy yogurt, soy milk...and on and on.&nbsp; These products are extremely processed and are not healthy.&nbsp; At all.&nbsp; There's soy margarine, which everyone celebrates!&nbsp; Earth Balance, no trans fats, yay!&nbsp; But no.&nbsp; It's a fake food.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Health food stores are heavily biased towards low-fat and fat-free diets, too.&nbsp; On <a href="http://traderjoes.com/static/product_faqs.asp#FatDifference">Trader Joe's website</a>, they discuss different types of fats.&nbsp; They vilify saturated fats far more than they do TRANS FATS!&nbsp; Look at the text here:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em><strong>&nbsp;Saturated fat</strong> is a triglyceride molecule that contains only single carbon bonds. They can raise your blood cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease. Animal fats found in meat, poultry and whole-milk dairy products are all high in saturated fats.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Trans fat</strong> is a specific kind of fat that is formed when oil manufacturers change a liquid oil into a solid or semi solid fat, such as shortening or margarine. Hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oil to solidify it. This process is called hydrogenation, and it creates trans fats. Trans fats are also found in nature, but in very small amounts in some animal based foods.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Isn't that amazing?&nbsp; Saturated fats are blamed for heart disease and cholesterol issues; trans fats aren't even labeled as "bad!"&nbsp; I've already written to Trader Joe's about this, suggesting that they do some research and update their site accordingly.&nbsp; I would suggest that you all do the same.&nbsp; However, since their company is highly pro-low-fat diet, I doubt they'll take it seriously.&nbsp; They are proudly selling their low-fat granola, low-fat brownie mixes (I haven't looked at the sugar content on those, but I'd bet it's extremely high), and other low-fat foods.</p>
<p>Health food stores aren't catering to a truly healthy audience.&nbsp; They're catering to what the mainstream perceives as healthy.&nbsp; They're not interested in a real-food perspective.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I've read that John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, is vegan.&nbsp; Whole Foods stores are increasingly leaning towards vegan offerings.&nbsp; They've <a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/03/whole-foods-pulls-raw-milk-in-4-states/">pulled raw milk from the shelves</a> in several Western states (where it is legal), they're putting out <a href="http://wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/blog/2010/01/20/health-starts-here%E2%84%A2-launches-at-whole-foods-market%C2%AE/">brochures and programs designed to reduce consumption of animal products</a> and increase consumption of low-fat, raw foods.</p>
<p>This all makes me sad.&nbsp; Why, as the mainstream begins to notice the "new" real foods movement, is the "health" community pushing back so hard with raw foods, veganism, low-fat diets, and all of the other 90s fads that have been shown by those doing real science to be not that great after all?&nbsp; (NOT that you shouldn't consume raw foods; the lifestyle to ONLY consume raw foods is just too extreme.)</p>
<p>I believe we need to fight back now.&nbsp; The mainstream isn't going to pick up on the real food movement unless we make a bigger deal about it.&nbsp; We need to keep blogging about it, keep holding events, write letters to health food stores asking them to have real-food speakers and feature real-food products, and reduce reliance on low-fat, high-sugar products.&nbsp; We need to let them know we're out there so that they can cater to us and so that the culture will slowly change.</p>
<p>Stand up, write a letter.&nbsp; Boycott the stores if you have other options (a lot of people don't, unfortunately).&nbsp; Shop at farmer's markets in the summer and find local farmers you can buy from off-season if possible (for meat, or if they grow in the greenhouse).&nbsp; Make your presence known.&nbsp; This is important, because the health community is writing off the real food movement right now.&nbsp; Last month, <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen</a>&nbsp;issued a 28-day Real Food Challenge that was extremely well participated in.&nbsp; So well, in fact, that it made the news on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/23/real.food.challenge/index.html">CNN</a>.&nbsp; There are 764 comments on that article, and many of them negative.&nbsp; That's the view of the real food movement right now.</p>
<p>What do you think of the real food movement?&nbsp; What do you think of health food stores?&nbsp; Will you continue to shop at Whole Foods after their latest annoucements?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I love Whole Foods.</p>
<p>I love the experience of shopping there, the smells of wonderful foods, the array of fresh produce, all the local products they feature.&nbsp; I look forward to going there every other Friday morning to buy the vast majority of my food (except for beef, which I buy from a farm, and produce in the summer).&nbsp; I almost always get a salad or something for lunch before I leave.&nbsp;
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/19/2010 08:35:55 PM
<p>My Dad always says, &quot;Everything is politics and follow the money.&quot; So until companies start making &quot;real&quot; money off of &quot;real&quot; food, nothing will change. Our country has to gain more than good health to change mainstream. I do not intend to shop at Whole Foods exclusively, ever. I hope to be able to grow most of our food and store it via canning or freezing and to shop locally for meat, honey, etc, etc. As you said, WF and TJ do not actually carry that many &quot;whole&quot; or &quot;real&quot; foods anyway so what's to be bought? I try to support my local somewhat-ghetto Kroger and buy as much organic foods there as possible so that at least maybe the prices will be more competitive in the future. Plus, as no one else is really purchasing what I buy, there tends to be a lot of Manager's Specials to be taken advantage of.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aurochs
EMAIL: 
IP: 151.196.51.45
URL: 
DATE: 03/20/2010 12:36:30 PM
<p>WOW! You have suscinctly said what I have been thinking for a very long time. I am not putting my real name because I work at one of these two stores you mention. I think Mackey is a fraud. He's promoting veganism because there is a high profit margin in those foods. Trader Joes would sell you &quot;organic plutonium&quot; if you wanted to buy it. They are opportunists and tend to sell people what people think is healthy. The sad thing is that so may people who are trying to be healthier end up in these stores looking for better food and get sold processed crap. I get customers who ask me health questions all the time and I have to look both ways, lean in close and whisper &quot;put all that crap(lowfat granola, organic cookies, fat-free salad dressing) back on the shelf and get real food!&quot; I dont expect these companies to change any time soon and would love to see a resurgence of co-ops and locally owned stores that sold real food. Then again mom and pop &quot;health food&quot; stores are full of soy everything and the one I shop at refuses to carry fresh meats or evil substances such as organic heavy cream.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JenE
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.12.137.222
URL: 
DATE: 03/21/2010 03:16:59 PM
<p>Amen!  Thanks for posting this.  I've been trying to explain this exact fact to many folks.  Now I can just forward this link to them : ).<br/>JenE</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Juanita
EMAIL: juanitafranke@hotmail.com
IP: 184.60.11.104
URL: http://juanita-life-at-home.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/26/2010 06:56:52 PM
<p>I was just in both of those stores this morning, and you can do a reasonable job shopping if you follow old, traditional grocery store rules, such as sticking to the perimeter and buying ingredients, not convenience foods.  However, it makes my blood boil to think that it is somehow any better to shop at TJ or WF than a local grocery store.  Processed organic food is still processed food.  </p><p>I think the primary problem is that we live in a &quot;sound-byte&quot; society where everyone gets their information in 20 second snippets on NPR instead of actually researching what they put into their bodies.  And, of course, who wants to take the time to actually bake or cook?  Even women who stay home with their children look at me as though I am from outer space when I say that I make all of our baked goods, canned goods, and meals.  When I mention that I grind my own flour, they are completely lost for words.</p><p>TJ and WF capitalize on our rushed society by offering items consistent with the sound-bytes without requiring any actual work to make the food.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: hippygirl
EMAIL: jvtrias@gmail.com
IP: 74.206.45.242
URL: http://hippygirl.wordpress.com
DATE: 04/03/2010 12:47:07 AM
<p>I agree with Liesel. Eventually I would like to not shop at any grocery store. I'd like to grow our own, can our own, and supplement with produce from the Farmer's Market. We already try to buy our meat locally and we have our own chickens. There is a locally owned bulk store in town for spices and flours and pantry stuff. </p><p>For now, our local store has most of the organic, whole foods that I need. There isn't a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods in probably 100 miles of me anyway. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: CSAs: What are They, and Why Participate?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 03/21/2010 12:00:14 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/03/real-food-wednesday-32410.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-inline ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/garden.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1268852808485" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Image from <a href="http://www.dutchlabusa.com">www.dutchlabusa.com</a></p>
<p>Now that spring is nearly here, a lot of people are talking about gardening.&nbsp; But what if you don't have the time, space, or inclination to garden?&nbsp; What if you have a black thumb and everything you touch dies? (Just kidding.)</p>
<p>Enter the CSA.</p>
<p>It stands for "Community Supported Agriculture."&nbsp; Many <a href="http://www.eatwild.com">local farms</a> offer one.&nbsp; This is a program where several families sign up to be a part of a farm.&nbsp; They pay a certain fee each spring and/or pledge to work a certain number of hours on the farm during the growing season.&nbsp; Then, each week you get a share of what has been harvested from the garden, all summer long (and often into the fall if the garden is still producing). It's a great way to guarantee fresh, (sometimes organic) local produce on a regular basis, and joining a CSA will save you money over even buying at a farmer's market.</p>
<p>The CSA we're planning to join this year at <a href="http://www.flyingjfarm.com">The Flying J Farm</a> (which is also where we buy our beef; they have wheat and spelt flour as well as maple syrup, too) has two options: $575 with no farm work and pick up at a local farmer's market; or $475 plus 30 hours' work on the farm and pick up at the farm.&nbsp; We'll be doing the latter, because the farmer really likes having kids/families at the&nbsp;farm, and we want our kids to know where their food comes from.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I think it's important for kids to understand where their food comes from and how it's produced.&nbsp; Too many kids today think that graham crackers from the grocery store are "real food" and they have no idea what they're made from or how their food is really grown.&nbsp; Being part of a CSA is a great way to teach your kids about where food really comes from if you can't or don't want to garden for yourself.&nbsp; It's okay for them to know that we don't all specialize in everything and that we have "our farmer" who grows our food!&nbsp; How awesome is it to have your very own farmer?&nbsp; To be able to visit the farm where your fresh food is being grown and even help out?</p>
<p>We also did a little breakdown on the math and figured we were spending close to $300 a month on produce alone.&nbsp; Really!&nbsp; At $475 for 4 - 5 months of produce, we'll come out WAY ahead.&nbsp; We should also receive enough of some things to can for the winter, like tomatoes (I plan to also grow those because we use a lot for sauce and salsa).&nbsp; Last year, the farmer was selling the tomatoes for only $0.50/lb because he had so many in August!&nbsp; We'll get to take advantage of that this year (hopefully; barring weather complications).&nbsp; With the planned canning in the fall (and spring; we want to go berry picking), we will save a TON of money on groceries this year.&nbsp; Look for more ideas on saving money on groceries coming up soon!</p>
<p>Have you ever heard of CSAs or participated in one?&nbsp; If so, what was your experience?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Now that spring is nearly here, a lot of people are talking about gardening.&nbsp; But what if you don't have the time, space, or inclination to garden?&nbsp; What if you have a black thumb and everything you touch dies? (Just kidding.)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: 
IP: 216.26.97.242
URL: 
DATE: 03/21/2010 03:59:45 PM
<p>My friends and I share a CSA share. There are three of us, so a full share would be WAY to much for any of us alone. This year we are paying $320 for our share (in Madison, WI) and we are guaranteed 20 weeks of food - but this farm has averaged 23 weeks in the past. Another thing that is really great is that our health insurance through our jobs reimburses half of this cost as part of their wellness initiative! So we're each getting TONS of fresh foods for 20+ weeks for about $55. AWESOME DEAL!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Paula
EMAIL: PaulaB52@cox.net
IP: 98.185.133.54
URL: http://www.motherhen68.wordpress.com
DATE: 03/24/2010 07:09:21 PM
<p>I was a member of a CSA.  It was very difficult to get in and I was very very excited to join.  Then the &quot;rules&quot; set in.  We hardly got any produce.  Like 1 head of cauliflower every other week.  We could only pick up between 3-5 on Saturday afternoon, every other week.  There just wasn't enough produce for all the members.</p><p>Then the drought we had last summer hit.  We basically had hot peppers.  That was it.  I had that coming out my ears at my own house!  :)  We went ahead and let our membership go because it was just too difficult to get to the pick up.</p><p>I think the problem w/this CSA is it's run by a hobby farmer and not a real farmer who is dependent on making a living.  This is a non-profit and they run it as so.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Community: Why It's Important
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/24/2010 12:00:45 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-sleep-number-giveaway/">Things I Love Thursdays at the Diaper Diaries</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-progress">Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things</a>!**</p>
<p>Community.</p>
<p>What does it mean, in today's day and age?&nbsp; Your Twitter followers?&nbsp; Your Facebook friends?&nbsp; The people who comment on your blog or participate on your message board?</p>
<p>Yes, often it DOES mean those things.&nbsp; But it didn't used to.&nbsp; It used to mean your neighbors, your friends, the people who physically lived near you, with whom you had a relationship.&nbsp; Think Smalltown USA.&nbsp; Of course, that sort of thing is derided now, unfortunately.&nbsp; Why would you want to focus on your small town friends when there are big cities and a whole internet to open you up to new, world-wide connections?</p>
<p>I, however, prefer the old-fashioned community.&nbsp; I like knowing who the people around me are.&nbsp; The people who help me, take care of me.&nbsp; The people who provide services for me, and to whom I provide services.&nbsp; Here's a list of "my community," which includes all my 'service' people, who are also my friends:</p>
<p>My <a href="http://www.flyingjfarm.com">Farmer</a>, Dick.</p>
<p>My <a href="http://www.amygarrettphotography.blogspot.com">photographer</a>, Amy.</p>
<p>My massage therapist, Desiree.</p>
<p>My <a href="http://www.raisinrack.com">health food store</a> (the employees know my kids and always say hi and ask about them when we come in).</p>
<p>My small group (from church).</p>
<p>My playgroup (also from church, which partially overlaps my small group).</p>
<p>My <a href="http://www.cakeflowers.com">bakery</a>&nbsp;(they did a birthday cake for me that was dairy, egg, nut, soy, and gluten free!&nbsp; And YUMMY!&nbsp; No commercial bakery can do that!).</p>
<p>I love having all these people around me!&nbsp; I'm the person they come to if they want to know how to sew diapers or other crafty-type things.&nbsp; We help each other, we are friends outside of our business relationship in many cases.&nbsp; I enjoy that we can sometimes make deals -- Amy has done pictures for us in exchange for skin cream.&nbsp; Farmer Dick has offered us excellent deals just because we drove out to the farm to pick up, and he has invited us to come back and explore any time (and once he pulled me out of the mud with his tractor!).</p>
<p>I feel like having a community is very important.&nbsp; People who you can call when you need something, who provide personal attention.&nbsp; People who truly care about you.&nbsp; I don't want to call up some business and just be a name or number.&nbsp; I want to be important to them.&nbsp; I love the sense of friends helping friends with their special talents and skills!&nbsp; It's an amazing feeling, and I think we really need more of it.&nbsp; We have enough nameless, faceless stuff going on with the internet and large corporations.</p>
<p>Wouldn't it be nice to go buy some bread and have a chat with your baker, who is also your friend?&nbsp; Go to your grocery store or farm and chat with your farmer or checker?&nbsp; Head to your photographer for a special Easter session and chat with yet another friend?&nbsp; And it's wonderful because there's flexibility.&nbsp; What if you can't pay until tomorrow, or if your friend can't deliver the cake until later in the day?&nbsp; It still works out!&nbsp; There are no hard-and-fast rules, just friends making deals and respecting one another.</p>
<p>Do you have a community?&nbsp; Who is your community?&nbsp; Do you think it's important to have?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Community.</p>
<p>What does it mean, in today's day and age?&nbsp; Your Twitter followers?&nbsp; Your Facebook friends?&nbsp; The people who comment on your blog or participate on your message board?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenny
EMAIL: jmgarner2003@yahoo.com
IP: 98.66.172.48
URL: http://lovebeinginthekitchen.blogspot.com/
DATE: 04/02/2010 11:56:50 AM
<p>We are currenly builing a restaurant in the downtown area of a big city.  My husband has been constantly amazed at how everyone has been so wonderful about helping him out.  He needed a small amount of mixed concrete - the paving guy down the road sold him the 3 yards he had left from a job at 1/2 the cost other companies wanted to charge him.  The Office Depot manager created, printed and is handing out flyers for us at NO COST!  At least 20 people stop by each day to offer assistance or to just encourage them the daunting task of totally renovating a run down building and making it a sucessful business.  This is a true communtiy in a huge city of all places!  It makes my husband want to go to work each day.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Average Grocery Spending and Ways to Save on Real Food
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 03/22/2010 12:00:55 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/03/pennywise-platter-thursday-6.html">Pennywise Platter Thursdays at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/03/frugal-friday-budget-friendly-vacation-tips-part-one.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p>How much do you spend on groceries?&nbsp; Especially if you focus on real food.&nbsp; People say that real food is "just so expensive!"&nbsp; So I started to do some reseach about how much people really spend on groceries so I could figure out where I fit in, then I started looking for ways to save even more!</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/FoodPlans/2009/CostofFoodDec09.pdf">U.S. gov&rsquo;t data</a>, a family of 4 should spend a certain average amount on groceries per week.&nbsp; Here are there breakdowns:</p>
<p>$116.20 (thrifty)</p>
<p>$147.50 (low cost)</p>
<p>$182.70 (moderate cost)</p>
<p>$226.30 (liberal plan)</p>
<p>To me, that seems like a lot!&nbsp; I spend between $100 - $125 per week on groceries and I find that to be VERY liberal.&nbsp; I could easily do it for a lot less, I&rsquo;m sure.&nbsp; And I buy tons of fresh produce, high quality meat (and a lot of it), entirely organic foods.&nbsp; One would expect my food to cost a lot more.&nbsp; By the way, I'm feeding two adults with huge appetites (I'm exclusively breastfeeding an 8-month-old and breastfeeding a 2-year-old 3 - 4 times a day) and a 2-year-old with a huge appetite (my friends are shocked at how much she can eat).</p>
<p>So how do we do it?&nbsp; And how can we save even MORE?</p>
<p>First, if you think that buying "real food" means buying organic potato chips, Annie's bunny snacks, organic canned food, organic pop...stop right there.&nbsp; Yes, that's horribly expensive.&nbsp; And no, it's not any better for you.&nbsp; Go back and read several articles in my blog to get a feel for what I mean by "real food" first.&nbsp; You'll see I don't include any processed or packaged snacks at all.&nbsp; The only "packaged" snack I buy is dried fruit.&nbsp; THAT is the first, HUGE money saver!&nbsp; So now, here is more:</p>
<p>*Plan your meals in advance.</p>
<p>We're going to talk a LOT more about this soon.&nbsp; But if you write down exactly what you're planning to have each day (all meals and snacks, not just dinner), you can make a grocery list based on it.&nbsp; No more last minute "what's for dinner" followed by a quick trip to the store.&nbsp; No more purchasing food you don't end up using because you just didn't make any meals that needed it.&nbsp; Less wasted food = cheaper.</p>
<p>*Buy in season</p>
<p>Have you noticed that strawberries are dirt cheap in May and June and extremely expensive otherwise?&nbsp; You might find them for $1 or so per lb. in the spring and $5 or more the rest of the year.&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; Because strawberries bloom everywhere in May and June so the supply is huge.&nbsp; The rest of the year they have to be grown in hot houses or flown in from who-knows-where.&nbsp; You can save a lot of money by knowing which produce is in season in your area and when.&nbsp; Then, buy primarily those items to plan your meals around.&nbsp; What happens if you live in a climate where it's cold part of the year and nothing's really in season, like I do?&nbsp; We'll get to that.</p>
<p>*Buy at a farmer's market</p>
<p>Grocery stores have to mark up their prices because they're really the "middle men" in the transaction.&nbsp; They don't grow the food, they get it from the growers and sell it.&nbsp; So why not go straight to the growers?&nbsp; Many areas have farmer's markets, usually on Saturday mornings (but not always, so check your local listings).&nbsp; Often times, this produce is picked that morning before being brought to the market so it's as fresh as possible.&nbsp; It's not marked up because there is no middle man.&nbsp; And you might be able to strike a deal with some of the farmers if you buy enough or if you know them, because unlike retail stores, they set their prices and have the ability to change them if desired.</p>
<p>*Join a CSA</p>
<p>We talked about what this was yesterday, so go back and read that post (click the link at the top of this post).&nbsp; CSAs can save you so much money, because you're paying a flat fee for guaranteed fresh produce every week (barring some natural disaster that kills the crops, obviously).&nbsp; You'll get a lot of produce for much less money over all.&nbsp; We calculated we'll save at least $700 on produce just through a 4-month growing season.&nbsp; But it doesn't end there....</p>
<p>*Can fruits and vegetables at home</p>
<p>This is a HUGE money saver.&nbsp; Take advantage of your CSA or farmer's markets and stock up on that local produce when it's super cheap.&nbsp; Buy TONS more than you could possibly eat right now just because of the freshness and great prices.&nbsp; Then learn how to can and put it up for the winter.&nbsp; Your produce will still be local and fresh (sort of) and you'll have saved tons of money.&nbsp; If you choose, you can just freeze it.&nbsp; But my freezer is full of stock and meat, and later I'll have to put sprouted grains in there, so I'm going to choose to can my fruits and vegetables.&nbsp; This year, we'll be canning apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes (as sauce and salsa), and who knows what else!&nbsp; Some things don't need canning -- potatoes, garlic, and onions, for example -- just store them in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or root cellar to keep them good through the winter.</p>
<p>*Buy in bulk</p>
<p>Bulk always saves you money and it's not just for packaged purchases.&nbsp; Sometimes you can find apples for $3/lb but $20/half bushel.&nbsp; A half bushel weighs at least 20 lbs. (It's not done by weight but by volume.)&nbsp; See how that works out?&nbsp; If you can buy 20 lbs. of apples or pears or strawberries or tomatoes at once, you can save a lot of money.&nbsp; Just can the ones you can't eat right away.&nbsp; Buy meat in large quantities -- a quarter cow, a side of cow, a half a cow, etc.&nbsp; The same can be done for pigs, sheep, etc.&nbsp; Chickens may be able to be purchased in bulk, too, although that would mean several chickens.&nbsp; We're planning to get half a pig soon, and we'll be paying only $1.75/lb hanging weight, as opposed to buying bacon, ham, or pork roasts at $6/lb or more.&nbsp; By the way, if you don't have a huge freezer yet, get one.&nbsp; You can also buy coconut oil, lard, etc. in bulk too.&nbsp; The sky's the limit here!</p>
<p>Another hint about bulk buying: we've started to set aside money every time we use up some of our bulk purchases.&nbsp; So, every time we use a package of ground beef ($6, 1.5 lb. package), we move that money into a savings account.&nbsp; When our beef is nearly gone, we'll have the money right there waiting to buy more.&nbsp; This works for any bulk purchase.&nbsp; Start setting aside $5 - $10 per week now, and then buy a bulk item when you can afford it.&nbsp; Set aside a little money when you use it, and maybe a little extra if you're looking for another bulk item.&nbsp; You'll eventually get on a "bulk rotation," where each time you get paid, or each month, you replace a different bulk item.&nbsp; Other bloggers have discussed this more indepth; we're just starting out with it.</p>
<p>*Buy directly from farms</p>
<p>What happens when farmer's markets end?&nbsp; Well, keep track of your favorite farmers and ask if you can buy directly from their farms when the season's over, if they have food that is still available (like beef, maple syrup, etc.).&nbsp; Most will say yes.&nbsp; Some will even give you a discount for driving out to the farm.&nbsp; Sometimes they'll give you a great deal for buying in bulk.&nbsp; You never know!&nbsp; But get to know your farmers and who knows what kind of deals you could get.</p>
<p>*Grow your own</p>
<p>If you're so inclined, start a garden.&nbsp; It doesn't have to be huge.&nbsp; A small pot of herbs on the windowsill is garden just as much as a half acre full of every food imaginable is.&nbsp; Do it as big or small as you want; it will require tending but you'll get SO much fresh produce from it.&nbsp; Then preserve it as desired and you're set.</p>
<p>*Use EVERYTHING</p>
<p>When you buy a chicken, don't just roast it and eat the meat.&nbsp; No, eat the skins, use the bones for broth, cut the bones open and tap out the marrow and eat that too.&nbsp; Eat every part of the vegetable, reserving the "weird" parts for soups or stocks (a lot of bloggers have said they keep a baggie in the freezer of vegetable scraps to use for stocks.&nbsp; I keep meaning to try it and forgetting but it's a great idea!).&nbsp; If you really can't use it, feed it to your animals or put it out to compost, so you can use it to grow your own food.</p>
<p>*Focus on nutrient-dense foods</p>
<p>If you're feeding a big family, or just people with big appetites, it will seem like you're always fixing food.&nbsp; I can make a couple pounds of meat and several apples, a couple pounds of carrots and assorted other veggies and it's gone in one meal.&nbsp; Really.&nbsp; But the thing is, if you're feeding your family good quality eggs, meat, and lots of veggies, you won't need to buy as much as if you were feeding them junk, because those foods have so many more nutrients per gram of food.&nbsp; Plus, some of the most nutrient-dense foods (like eggs) are really quite cheap!</p>
<p>How much do you spend on groceries per week or month?&nbsp; How do you save money?</p>
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EXCERPT:
How much do you spend on groceries?&nbsp; Especially if you focus on real food.&nbsp; People say that real food is "just so expensive!"&nbsp; So I started to do some reseach about how much people really spend on groceries so I could figure out where I fit in, then I started looking for ways to save even more!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julia
EMAIL: julia.greer@gmail.com
IP: 76.20.235.162
URL: http://www.lifeispoodleful.com
DATE: 03/22/2010 04:16:51 PM
<p>Love this! I laughed at your description of what &quot;buying organic&quot; is NOT (ridiculously expensive &quot;organic&quot; packaged/processed foods). Yeah, that's a sure way to spend $1,000 or more a month on groceries -- yikes!</p><p>My personal goal is not to set foot in a grocery store at ALL any more, with the exception of a local non-chain shop that carries organic staples and seasonal produce/meat/dairy from local farms. I also do some of my bulk shopping at Costco, but I haven't set foot in the big chain grocery store 2 minutes from my house, in at least 4 months! I love my CSA and have found three more organic farms within 25 miles from me... so excited to start buying grass-fed stuff from them!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 03/23/2010 01:40:26 AM
<p>We spend $100 a week, on average, on the 3 of us. Two adults and a toddler who eats like an adult. ;) That's lots of fresh produce, meat, and less than average in the way of processed/packaged foods. Some weeks are cheaper...especially if we have meat in the freezer or veggies/berries ready in the yard. Some weeks are more expensive, but usually because of toiletries/cat litter/etc. </p><p>We try to buy &quot;good&quot; meats (and are switching our meat shopping to Giant Eagle because our area Kroger just isn't cutting it). We don't generally buy organic produce...I know, I know. We're working on the switch. In the summer we grow lettuces, carrots, peas, onions, green beans, strawberries, sweet potatoes, squash (we are still eating potatoes and squash from last summer!), raspberries, tomatoes, etc. Huge savings there! We use the peas into the winter in stir fries (we freeze them), the carrots last ages after being blanched, as well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/23/2010 03:09:10 AM
<p>My grocery bills for my husband and I vary quite widely. A good portion of that is due to our both working (at the moment) from 7 am until 7 pm most days, and dinner has to be easy to prepare after that sort of a day. Two nights a week we eat with church events (I know, it's not nearly as healthy as it could be) but with our schedules, it's the best we can do. We've been making changes - as much organic produce as we can get at our Winn-Dixie, organic eggs instead of non, better cuts of meat since we don't eat it as often. But...our lunches can't be anything that needs heated (we have an ice pack to keep stuff cold, but no time to go home at lunch) so we're doing cold cuts and chips (not 100% organic ones, but ones with sea salt and organic potatoes and oil, no MSG) with fruit and pudding. Depending on if we have people over, our weekly grocery bill can vary from $50 (on a week where we end up not having anyone over and/or eat at other peoples' houses on the weekends) to $150, but never more than that.</p><p>Meal planning with our schedule is a must, though. If we didn't, we'd never eat.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/24/2010 02:55:07 AM
<p>Lindsey-<br/>You should try separating &quot;pets&quot; and &quot;toiletries&quot; from your grocery budget and see if that works for you. I love that because I would be SO frustrated on weeks where we need T.P., Paper towels, and cat litter on top of regular groceries! I use a cash system for groceries and toiletries so I either separate out toiletries and pay for them separately from groceries or just transfer the cash from the toiletries pocket in my wallet to the grocery pocket at a later time. We keep pet money in Savings and keep a running total on how much we have. The extra that adds up over time helps us to pay for any Veterinary care they might need. It's taken awhile to figure out exactly how much we need for each, but it definitely helps you keep track of your spending and it keeps me from feeling guilty about spending money at the grocery store. I know exactly how much I have and when it will be replenished :)</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime G
EMAIL: gibbsfamily@earthlink.net
IP: 98.115.209.189
URL: http://likeabuubblingbrook.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/25/2010 07:55:03 PM
<p>Great post!  Our grocery budget is $65 a week, including toiletries, which are usually free or nearly free by rolling over CVS extra care bucks.  More about that on other blogs, though ;o)</p><p>Regarding our groceries, we buy some organic, but not all.  We buy local whenever possible, and keep a small garden (11x11).  I shop farmer's markets when they are in season here.  We don't eat lots of meat, but when we do I like to buy Amish chickens from our local butcher.  They come from only about an hour away, and I feel pretty good about how they are treated.  </p><p>We do not usually buy processed foods.  We also buy grains in bulk, and I use my grain grinder to do our breads, muffins, etc.  It works for us.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: julie
EMAIL: royaljewels@gmail.com
IP: 67.235.226.155
URL: 
DATE: 03/25/2010 10:45:45 PM
<p>we spend around 130-180 every week, but that is not counting our CSA and meat, which we buy in bulk form the farms.  I am trying to get it lower, but I don't buy a lot of 'fluff' food, chocolate and coffee are it mainly.  I buy whole foods and raw ingredients, but $38 of that is raw milk every week.  I do buy deli meats, applegate, I am trying to figure out other lunches that aren't sandwiches, I made my own bread for a short while, but with a new baby it is hard to get the basics done in the kitchen as it is.  I would love to know what you are buying and cooking to keep your bill at $100. I really liked your idea for your bulk purchases about setting aside money every week as you eat something.  I am going to have to start to do that.   thanks!  good post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janet
EMAIL: miss_jama@hotmail.com
IP: 173.22.242.214
URL: http://www.frugalandfocused.com/
DATE: 03/26/2010 07:37:15 PM
<p>Excellent and very imformative. I am making an effort to shop more like you suggested. I reacently found a local co-op and will start shopping the Farmer's Market when things are in full swing. I'm also making the effort to buy bulk beans &amp; grains. Our budget is very limited  right now but I'm trying to make the most of it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa @ Dyno-mom
EMAIL: naaskofamily@gmail.com
IP: 75.70.56.140
URL: http://www.dyno-mom.blogger.com
DATE: 12/29/2010 03:25:38 PM
<p>While I agree that it is possible to get under the USDA Thrifty plan level, I would like to point out that the plan accomodates four adults because as kids get older the eat as much as adults. If you read the plan carefully, all the portions are the same size. This is important so that parents who need guidance can get some despite the age of ther children. I am nursing as well and I know how much I eat, and it doesn&#39;t hold a candle to the teen boys.</p><p>Believe me, at some point, boys start to eat twice as much as an adult. My husband warned me that our boys would eat more than he does (he is six and half feet tall and three hundred pounds) and I didn&#39;t believe it. He was right. My 17 year old son lifts weights and runs about 20-25 miles a week right now. He can eat a pound of meat at a sitting and would eat more if I let him. One pound!? Isn&#39;t that supposed to feed four people?</p><p>I have ten children and four in the teen and tween age range. Affording food is a consideration. I spent $900 dollars a month and the lion&#39;s share goes to meat, appropriately enough. We go through about 120# a month. I have learned that buying meat in bulk (that is by the case) at Costco is the way to go. I can get a case of whole organic chickens (that is 10ct) for $1.74/#. To stretch that amount even more I always make stock with the carcass. If you use a little acid (I like Bragg unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar) you can pull more gelatin from the bones and get more protein for your dollar. Adding it to brown rice (and serving it with beans, often times) gives us a bigger protien boost and allows me to serve less meat.</p><p>Just FYI in case anyone else is reading the year&#39;s highlights. Happy New Year!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 10:04:02 PM
<p>We must live in an area where farmers don&#39;t know how to grow food somewhat inexpensively because our farmer&#39;s market is EXPENSIVE!  I still shop there for whatever I can, but a small bunch of carrots is $2 and there are only 4 carrots.  Potatoes are $4 a pound the whole summer.  Tomatoes vary, but are usuall $2 a pound.  I want to support the local growers and do whenever I can, but it certainl isn&#39;t a money saver and I never buy enough from them to can the extra.  We&#39;re trying to become more self sufficient, but our garden was a flop this past summer.  We have dairy goats and free ranging chickens, but didn&#39;t get much in the way of produce this year.  It was probably a good lesson to learn though!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: VA mom
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.163.250.66
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 10:44:42 AM
<p>Like Kelly, I don&#39;t find the farmer&#39;s markets to provide any savings at all.  The prices are about double what I find at the grocery stores.  CSA&#39;s are also quite a bit more expensive in my area, even when you&#39;re going to the farm (an hour + away, so gas and time are factors as well) and picking your own stuff--every family I&#39;ve talked to that has done CSA&#39;s has ended up going back to the grocery store for their produce the next year because they just couldn&#39;t afford the prices.  I do find quite a bit of savings by buying my own whole grains in bulk and grinding them myself.  But when I tried buying a slaughtered pig directly from a farm, it ended up costing quite a bit more per pound than I had anticipated, lots of hidden costs, and didn&#39;t get nearly as much meat as I had expected.  Grass fed beef prices are 3-4 times higher than the prices in the grocery stores for &quot;regular&quot; beef--and it can be less per pound if you buy a whole or half cow, but I worry that my experience will be just like when I bought the pig... As it is I pay more than double the grocery store prices for eggs and milk, so I can get raw milk and fresh, pastured eggs.  But that&#39;s a huge chunk of my grocery budget right there, just for milk and eggs.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps Around the House
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/23/2010 12:00:52 PM
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<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/22/spring-cleaning-carnival-get-the-antibacterials-out/">Kitchen Stewardship's Spring Cleaning Carnival</a>!**</p>
<p>Baby Steps Around the House is going to focus on how we can make our home a cleaner, healthier place: reducing chemical exposure, getting better cleaning products, etc.&nbsp; So here are the first three steps:</p>
<p>1. Stop using air fresheners (spray or plug-in)</p>
<p>2. Switch to free and clear laundry detergent (or other "green" alternative)</p>
<p>3. Switch main cleaning product to green alternative OR use vinegar and baking soda</p>
<p>Why those?&nbsp; Okay, here we go!</p>
<p>Air fresheners are bad for you.&nbsp; Anything containing artificial fragrances is, because those fragrances are basically just petrochemicals (read: derived from petroleum).&nbsp; They can cause headaches, breathing problems, and have been said to cause cancer in the long term.&nbsp; They're also NOT necessary!&nbsp; You can totally abandon them and replace them with nothing, which will really save a lot of money.&nbsp; If you want to freshen up your house, though, you can leave your windows open to air it.&nbsp; Buy houseplants (they'll absorb the bad chemicals and release oxygen, so bonus!).&nbsp; Mix some water and essential oils and spray that.&nbsp; Use essential oils in a diffuser, or candles scented with essential oils.&nbsp; Essential oils are 100% natural and they can safely be used to scent your home.</p>
<p>Laundry detergents, too, are made with petrochemicals.&nbsp; How do you think they get all those fancy artificial fragrances and colors and fun washing agents in them?&nbsp; When you wash your clothes in those, they're absorbing those chemicals, and when you wear them, your skin is, too.&nbsp; Don't you notice that your clothes come out of the wash smelling like the fragrance of the detergent?&nbsp; Yeah, you're going to absorb that through your skin.&nbsp; Buy a free and clear version (slightly better, but still not a great washing agent) or better yet, a totally natural one, like Charlie's Soap, or soap nuts.&nbsp; I love my soap nuts and you can't get more natural than those!&nbsp; They grow on trees, so there's no processing whatsoever.&nbsp; I've been using those for almost two years now.&nbsp; As for fabric softener, a little white vinegar in the washing machine rinse will take care of it.&nbsp; Or you can hang the clothes outside (that will reduce cling but it WILL make the clothes a bit stiff).&nbsp; But you really don't need it.&nbsp; It has the same problems as the detergents -- lots of chemicals in the fragrance and such.&nbsp; One awesome part is that these laundry chemicals tend to be expensive, and soap nuts and white vinegar are not!</p>
<p>You probably have one spray bottle of something you love and use to clean most things.&nbsp; Replace this with a green alternative, like Seventh Generation, or just baking soda and vinegar.&nbsp; The latter is super cheap and works very well on almost anything.&nbsp; I've used baking soda to successfully shine my faucets, clean mold from my shower, wipe down dirty counters, and more.&nbsp; It is a bit abrasive so it really works well.&nbsp; Vinegar is awesome in the laundry, down slightly clogged drains, to shine faucets if baking soda alone doesn't work, etc.&nbsp; If there's something it doesn't quite work for, then a bottle of Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner would work fine.</p>
<p>Speaking of which....</p>
<p>I never did post my Seventh Generation product review.&nbsp; They sent me a really awesome set of cleaning products for free, to try out and review.&nbsp; I just hadn't received them yet by the previous post's publish date.&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; Now I've had them for a couple weeks!</p>
<p>**Disclaimer: I contacted the company and they offered to send me the product for free to review.&nbsp; I received toilet cleaner, glass and surface cleaner, shower cleaner, tub and tile cleaner, kitchen cleaner, all purpose cleaner, a roll of 100% recycled paper towels, and a reusable tote.&nbsp; I was not, however, compensated for writing this review.**</p>
<p>I tried the toilet cleaner and found that it works nicely.&nbsp; I don't have any super-soiled toilets in my house, but the toilet's clean after I used it, and it doesn't smell strongly and I don't worry that my daughter is nearby when I'm using it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I also tried the glass cleaner and it worked really well, the glass was clean and streak-free.&nbsp; I even let my two-year-old wipe the glass for me since it's non-toxic.&nbsp; She enjoyed having the job, although stopped halfway through. :)&nbsp; I tried it on my storm door and some bathroom windows and found it worked equally well on both.&nbsp; Which is awesome, because frankly, most of the usual glass products I've tried DO leave streaks and I don't like them.</p>
<p>The kitchen cleaner worked well too.&nbsp; I honestly hadn't realized my sink was so dirty.&nbsp; It looked a little tarnished, not so shiny, but seemed...okay.&nbsp; No obvious dirt.&nbsp; But once I started cleaning with this, I realized it was actually pretty dirty, LOL.&nbsp; There was a lot of grease and dirt around the edges, and this cleaner took it all away.&nbsp; That was great!&nbsp; My sink actually looked shiny after!&nbsp; It also worked well on my kitchen counters.</p>
<p>The only thing I didn't like about these products is that the ones that were supposed to be scented with essential oils smelled like they had been scented with chemicals.&nbsp; They're not, but I wish they didn't have a chemical-y smell to them.&nbsp; I had a couple "free and clear" ones and those were fine.&nbsp; I guess I'm a little hesitant because these were "non toxic chemical" type products and I worry about that a little, how do we REALLY know it's non-toxic?&nbsp; But if the basic vinegar/baking soda isn't doing the job, I'd definitely use these.</p>
<p>Also, this isn't really positive or negative...but I think their cleaning products have a LOT of overlap.&nbsp; Do I need a kitchen cleaner AND an all-purpose cleaner?&nbsp; A tub cleaner AND a shower cleaner?&nbsp; I'm not sure why those products needed to be different.&nbsp; I would have preferred to see a starter kit containing: all purpose cleaner, tub/shower cleaner, toilet cleaner, dishwasher detergent, dish soap (for the sink), and maybe laundry detergent.&nbsp; I think that's a more basic package.&nbsp; But...you know.&nbsp; You take what you can get.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; I can't recommend you buy ALL of those different products though....&nbsp; I think I might have even used the tub cleaner on a mirror and it worked just fine, so really, you only need a couple.</p>
<p>Have you tried Seventh Generation products?&nbsp; What did you think?&nbsp; What are your baby steps around the house?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Baby Steps Around the House is going to focus on how we can make our home a cleaner, healthier place: reducing chemical exposure, getting better cleaning products, etc.&nbsp; So here are the first three steps:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: 
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 03/23/2010 01:11:18 PM
<p>Hey Kate-</p><p>This is totally off topic for the post today, but I came across this article (http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/22/rotavirus.vaccine/index.html?hpt=Sbin) while reading CNN.com this morning &amp; I know it's a hot topic with you. The Rotarix rotavirus vaccine produced by GlaxoSmithKline was found to contain foreign DNA from a pig virus that is not supposed to be in it. Now, they said that this DNA is found in many meat products and it is not known to cause disease in humans or animals. But, just to be safe, they're recommending that people stop using this immediately, and switch to the Merck version of this vaccine. However, they are not recalling it until they do further safety testing.</p><p>I'm still not sure about whether I will vaccinate my children or not when the time comes, but I always keep my eyes open for any news about them. I found this article to be a bit unnerving. If they're just finding out now that this foreign DNA has been in the vaccine since they started producing it - what else is in it (and/or other vaccines) that they don't know about. Scary. Just wanted to share.</p><p>-Sarah</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/23/2010 02:53:40 PM
<p>Kate - just wanted to add to what you were talking about. Vinegar is awesome at cleaning, and my latest use for it is keeping the inside of my dishwasher clean. After we put the dishwashing detergent in the little container thing and close it up, we splash some vinegar in the dishwasher itself. This keeps our dishwasher from having stains (like in the door where it gets closed and thus not exposed to the cleaning), dishes and glasses no longer have spots, and it keeps anything from smelling bad afterwards. It doesn't seem to help much at getting crusted-on stuff off of your plates and such, but it keeps the inside of the dishwasher looking much cleaner.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: pautsch@ruralwaves.us
IP: 72.164.233.1
URL: http://www.amysmamaonamission.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/24/2010 12:23:12 AM
<p>Great post!  Can you tell what kind of vinegar you use?  I am a bit nervous about just plain white vinegar when I found out it is made from petroleum.  Do you know anything about this?  </p><p>Thanks for the helpful hints.  I use Seventh Generation Laundry soap and Dish soap.  I have bought baking soda and plan on making my laundry soap soon.  My dishes come out clean with the dish soap but over time my plumbing has become clogged.  Long term, the dishsoap really does not cut grease enough to keep drains clean.  Have any ideas about a good dish soap?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lenetta @ Nettacow
EMAIL: nettacow@gmail.com
IP: 174.39.168.43
URL: http://nettacow.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/25/2010 04:28:27 PM
<p>My MIL has one of those plug in air fresheners and every time I walk in, I think &quot;funeral parlor&quot; - ugh!  Thanks for sharing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship
EMAIL: kitchenstew@gmail.com
IP: 99.180.75.227
URL: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com
DATE: 04/06/2010 09:02:37 AM
<p>Kate,<br/>Excellent round-up, and I think your baby steps are just perfect!  I can't stand air fresheners, either.  My collaborating teacher used to have one in our tiny little resource room, and I always thought it would make the kids (already having trouble learning) sick and not able to concentrate.  Ah, well.  We do what we can!<br/>: ) Katie</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Fruity Kefir Popsicles
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/25/2010 12:00:10 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/food-on-fridays-quiche/">Food on Fridays at Ann&nbsp;Kroeker</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://asouthernfairytale.com/2010/03/28/berry-lemonade/">Mouthwatering Mondays at A Southern Fairy Tale</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/03/30/tuesday-twister-blog-carnival-2010-03-30/?">Twister Tuesdays at GNOWFGLINS</a>!**</p>
<p>I came up with this idea because I need to get more probiotic foods into my daughter, and we both have an aversion to the texture of yogurt and kefir normally.&nbsp; So, why not make it into popsicles?&nbsp; I believe this would also work as ice cream too, if you have an ice cream maker, but I haven't tried that.&nbsp; These popsicles are super nutritious and super yummy!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 qt. unsweetened kefir (coconut milk or whole milk)</p>
<p>1/2 lb. mixed berries (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, elderberry...whatever you like)</p>
<p>2 tbsp. raw honey</p>
<p>6 egg yolks</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix all ingredients together in a blender.&nbsp; Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.&nbsp; Then enjoy!&nbsp; Super easy!&nbsp; You can leave out the honey if you want, it just adds a tiny bit of sweetness and extra nutrition.</p>
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EXCERPT:
I came up with this idea because I need to get more probiotic foods into my daughter, and we both have an aversion to the texture of yogurt and kefir normally.&nbsp; So, why not make it into popsicles?&nbsp; I believe this would also work as ice cream too, if you have an ice cream maker, but I haven't tried that.&nbsp; These popsicles are super nutritious and super yummy!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mrs. Jen B
EMAIL: jen@bardall.net
IP: 68.46.16.79
URL: http://misadventuresofmrsb.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/27/2010 03:11:04 PM
<p>What a good idea! I'm not skilled in the art of ice cream or popsicle making, though, and am wondering about the eggs yolks - what do they add, exactly? Do you think they could be left out or are they vital?</p><p>Thanks for sharing this @ FOF!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 03/27/2010 05:32:49 PM
<p>Hi Jen,</p><p>The egg yolks aren't necessary, no.  They add extra fat and nutrients, like choline.  We're trying to get more fat/nutrients into our diet, especially raw egg yolks.  Raw egg yolks are great for you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS
EMAIL: wardeh@gnowfglins.com
IP: 166.129.174.218
URL: http://gnowfglins.com/
DATE: 03/30/2010 01:52:16 PM
<p>Yumm! I make these in the summer time quite a bit, but have never added egg yolks. What a good idea!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Nutrition for Moms, Kids, and Babies Series
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 03/26/2010 12:00:23 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/03/wfmw-dying-easter-eggs.html?">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>!**</p>
<p>In April, we have a VERY exciting series coming up.&nbsp; It's called "Nutrition for Moms, Kids and Babies," and is focusing on real food diets for moms and their babies through pregnancy, infancy, and childhood.&nbsp; There will be recipes, giveaways, blogger panels, and carnivals!&nbsp; Each week will have its own theme.&nbsp; Here is the schedule:</p>
<p>Week 1: Pregnant and Nursing Moms</p>
<p>Apr. 5 (Monday): How mom&rsquo;s nutrition impacts babies&rsquo; development</p>
<p>Apr. 6 (Tuesday):&nbsp;Pregnant and nursing moms&rsquo; diets</p>
<p>Apr. 8 (Thursday):&nbsp;Eating well around morning sickness (featuring Amy @ Raising Arrows!) and CARNIVAL&nbsp;-- link up your suggestions&nbsp;on how&nbsp;to&nbsp;eat well with morning sickness.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Apr. 9 (Friday):&nbsp;Review of &ldquo;real food&rdquo; resources</p>
<p>GIVEAWAY: A copy of Nina Planck's "Real Food for Moms and Babies"</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Week 2: Newborn and Infant Nutrition</p>
<p>Apr. 12 (Monday):&nbsp;Why Breastfeed?</p>
<p>Apr. 13 (Tuesday):&nbsp;Breastfeeding FAQ (send in any questions you may have NOW and I will have them answered for this post)</p>
<p>Apr. 15 (Thursday):&nbsp;Breastfeeding Survey results and support suggestions.&nbsp; CARNIVAL --&nbsp;link up your breastfeeding stories here!</p>
<p>Apr. 16 (Friday):&nbsp;Know what's in formula</p>
<p>GIVEAWAY:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Week 3: Feeding Young Children&nbsp;</p>
<p>Apr. 19 (Monday):&nbsp;Introducing solids: what, when, why (Apr. 19, 20, 22, 23)</p>
<p>Apr. 20 (Tuesday):&nbsp;Snack ideas for babies and young children</p>
<p>Apr. 22 (Thursday):&nbsp;Several recipes for children (kid-friendly food), CARNIVAL -- link up your own kid-friendly real food recipes!</p>
<p>Apr. 23 (Friday):&nbsp;Panel of&nbsp;bloggers for &ldquo;what do you feed your real-food kid?&rdquo; interview (Featuring <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>, Katie @ <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">http://www.kitchenstewardship.com</a>, and Jenny @ <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">http://www.nourishedkitchen.com</a>!)</p>
<p>GIVEAWAY: Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Week 4: Food Allergies, Elimination Diets and GAPS</p>
<p>Apr. 26 (Monday):&nbsp;Infant allergies and treatment (Apr. 26, 27, 29, 30)</p>
<p>Apr. 27 (Tuesday):&nbsp;GAPS/allergy diets in allergic families</p>
<p>Apr. 29&nbsp;(Thursday):&nbsp;GAPS recipes and modifying favorites for GAPS protocol, CARNIVAL -- link up your GAPS recipes or GAPS-related posts</p>
<p>Apr. 30 (Friday):&nbsp;One family&rsquo;s story about GAPS success (want to be featured here?&nbsp; Still looking for a family!)</p>
<p>GIVEAWAY: Modern Alternative Mama In the Kitchen -- our new cookbook!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Join us for an AWESOME series!&nbsp; See you on Monday, April 5th!</p>
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EXCERPT:
In April, we have a VERY exciting series coming up.&nbsp; It's called "Nutrition for Moms, Kids and Babies," and is focusing on real food diets for moms and their babies through pregnancy, infancy, and childhood.&nbsp; There will be recipes, giveaways, blogger panels, and carnivals!&nbsp; Each week will have its own theme.&nbsp; Here is the schedule:
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 7
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/27/2010 12:00:29 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/03/real-food-wednesday-33110.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Time for the next three steps in the Baby Steps Series!&nbsp; If you haven't read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/21/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/27/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-3.html">part 3</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/6/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-4.html">part 4</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/13/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-5.html">part 5</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/20/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-6.html">part 6</a>, go back and read those first!&nbsp; Next week is the LAST week in this series except for a surprise finale post, so we're almost done -- can you believe it?&nbsp; How has your journey to real food been?</p>
<p>Here are steps 19, 20, and 21!</p>
<p>19. Try a new, healthy meal once per week (check the blog for recipes!)</p>
<p>20. Avoid canned items (replace with glass bottles or from-scratch)</p>
<p>21. Try sprouting grains<span id="_marker">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>Why those steps?&nbsp; I'm glad you asked!</span></p>
<p><span>Number 19 should be pretty obvious.&nbsp; Now that you've worked on changing your habits, like including more fats, fewer grains, and healthier snack foods, you really will need some new meal ideas!&nbsp; Making over your old favorites is a good option (as we talked about last time), but you might just find that it's time to make some new favorites!&nbsp; Every Thursday I post a new real food recipe, so you can check through this blog for new ideas.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> has several; so does <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Nourishing Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://www.grainfreefoodie.blogspot.com">Grain-Free Foodie</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Kitchen Stewardship</a>, and more.&nbsp; Pick ONE new one to try each week.&nbsp; If you don't like it -- oh well, one night wasted.&nbsp; If you do, yay, new favorite!&nbsp; We've added tons of new meals to our rotation this way and no matter what "diet" we're currently following, we have a pretty decent array of meals to eat.&nbsp; You can't be more adventurous unless you're willing to try!&nbsp; Tell me what new meal you'll be trying this week, and leave the recipe or a link to it if it's not from here.</span></p>
<p><span>Canned items are not good for you.&nbsp; Not because they're canned -- sometimes there's no way around it, if the food's just not in season -- but because metal cans have BPA linings that can leach into your food.&nbsp; We all know BPA's no good; in fact, the U.S. is finally following the lead of other countries to ban it in baby bottles and other children's products.&nbsp; Hopefully we'll eventually see it entirely banned for food use.&nbsp; But until then, make a choice: you won't buy any more.&nbsp; Instead, replace it with BPA-free plastic (that's hit or miss), glass items (always safe), or fresh (also safe).&nbsp; <a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com">Tropical Traditions </a>sells a great strained tomato product by Bionature.&nbsp; (We love it.)&nbsp; Anything you can buy in glass, or better yet can yourself, is great.&nbsp; It avoids chemicals and is better for the environment because glass is easily reused or recycled.&nbsp; (I'm keeping all my kombucha bottles to use when I start brewing!&nbsp; More on that next week....)</span></p>
<p><span>Sprouting grains.&nbsp; What IS it?&nbsp; And why do it?&nbsp; I'm not going to get into it here, because I've mentioned it before and it's REALLY complicated.&nbsp; Very briefly, sprouting the whole grains (i.e. the berries, not pre-ground flour) helps to unlock the nutrients inside the grain, making it more digestible.&nbsp; To learn lots more about this, hop on over to <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Kitchen Stewardship</a>; she's been talking all about it for the last couple of weeks.&nbsp; I'll assume you're going now....&nbsp; Okay, you're back!&nbsp; Now you know why.&nbsp; There's a great tutorial on HOW over at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/12/making-your-own-sprouted-grain-flour.html">Keeper of the Home</a>.&nbsp; It's very easy.&nbsp; Basically, you soak the grain overnight, then drain it and let it sit for a day or two until you see little tails growing (rinse it every several hours so it stays moist, and keep it covered).&nbsp; Then, dry it in a dehydrator or oven on low, and grind it yourself.&nbsp; Some blenders can grind it, and so can coffee grinders, so you don't have to have any special equipment for this (you can buy a grain mill, but you don't need it).&nbsp; People who are sensitive to gluten can sometimes handle the sprouted grain, and it really just improves digestibility and nutrients for everyone.&nbsp; If you went to Kitchen Stewardship and read up you already know that.&nbsp; But try it!&nbsp; Once you've sprouted, dried, and ground the grain, you proceed as usual with recipes.&nbsp; No alterations needed.&nbsp; Please keep your flour in the freezer; it can go bad faster if you don't.</span></p>
<p><span>How's your baby steps journey going?&nbsp; Have you tried these?&nbsp; What are your next steps?&nbsp; Jump in the discussion, I love comments!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">&nbsp;</span></p>
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EXCERPT:
Time for the next three steps in the Baby Steps Series!&nbsp; If you haven't read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/21/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-2.html">part 2</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/27/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-3.html">part 3</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/6/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-4.html">part 4</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/13/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-5.html">part 5</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/20/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-part-6.html">part 6</a>, go back and read those first!&nbsp; Next week is the LAST week in this series except for a surprise finale post, so we're almost done -- can you believe it?&nbsp; How has your journey to real food been?
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Thoughts on Sugar Cravings
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/29/2010 12:00:48 PM
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<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.simplysugarandglutenfree.com/slightly-indulgent-tuesday-4610/">Slightly Indulgent Tuesday at Simply Sugar and Gluten Free</a>!**</p>
<p>I've never been a huge sugar fan.</p>
<p>Really!&nbsp; When everyone else was raring for dessert after a big family meal, I was looking for more salad, soup, meat with gravy....&nbsp; I prefer to fill up on real foods.</p>
<p>Yet, now that I'm eating no sugar, I'm craving it.&nbsp; But if I eat enough to feel truly satisfied, my craving goes away.&nbsp; It led me to some thoughts on sugar cravings.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2010/03/28/6622/if-you-can-taste-the-fat-you-dont-eat-so-much-of-it-/">New research</a> published in the British Journal of Medicine indicates that people can taste six different things: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, protein (yes, really) and fat.&nbsp; The researchers found that people have receptors on their tongues that can taste fat, and it may be a key to us feeling satiated -- getting enough fat.&nbsp; I disagree with their conclusion -- that people who are most sensitive to it eat a lot less of it and therefore don't get fat -- but the research is extremely interesting.&nbsp; I think it's more likely that those who are more sensitive to it eat the right amount for their bodies, while those who aren't sensitive to it have become that way because they've been eating wrong for years (wrong kind of fats, too much sugar, etc.) and their bodies basically ignore it.&nbsp; It's likely that if people are eating the right kinds of fats, and their body detects it, that this ability to "taste" the fat is sending signals to the brain that helps to regulate hormones, including leptin, which controls appetite.&nbsp; So fat is really a very important part of our diet, and this research shows how it functions.</p>
<p>My thought is that if we are not getting enough fat, that our body doesn't taste it and sends a message that we need more.&nbsp; We've been programmed to eat sugar instead of fat now (how do you think those "fat free" products taste so good?), so if we don't get the fat we need, we binge on sugar instead.&nbsp; All that extra sugar puts a strain on our bodies, causing higher cholesterol, weight gain, diabetes, etc.&nbsp; But it all has to do with the fat we are -- or are not -- consuming.</p>
<p>I find that if I eat enough in general, to the point where I'm truly satisfied, that I no longer crave sugar.&nbsp; If I'm left a bit hungry after meals, the sugar craving can be very strong.&nbsp; I don't think it's really a craving for sugar at all.&nbsp; I think it's a craving for more energy, and if I don't or won't eat enough fat, my body wants the sugar to provide some quick energy.&nbsp; But this leads to energy spikes and crashes.&nbsp; It's why most dieticians have recommended eating plenty of protein when you're hungry instead of sugar for so long.&nbsp; But up until very recently, researchers didn't know that we could taste fat, too, not just protein.&nbsp; I'm betting if people had enough fat and protein, their sugar cravings would begin to fade.</p>
<p>That's not the entire picture, of course.&nbsp; People have trained themselves to enjoy sweet by eating so much sugar, and sugar is addictive.&nbsp; So simply eating enough protein and fat isn't enough initially.&nbsp; You have to re-train your body not to desire so much sugar.&nbsp; The best way to do this is to simply go "cold turkey" and decide you won't eat anything sweetened or containing extra sugar.&nbsp; Low-sugar fruits, a small amount of raw honey, and other naturally sweet foods can be enough.&nbsp; Corn and carrots taste extremely sweet if you're not used to refined-sugar sweetened foods.&nbsp; And they're supposed to (carrots taste like candy to me!).&nbsp; If you can get rid of the extra sugar for a month, then your body will get used to not having the sugar and will not crave it so much.&nbsp; Ramp up the protein and fat so that you are truly satisfied and you won't even need the sugar.</p>
<p>30 days later you'll feel incredible!&nbsp; Your body will become used to having the right amounts of protein and fat and not needing the sugar so much (you'll have to limit other carbs, too, although whole grains are better than white flour, of course).&nbsp; Then your body will run the way it's supposed to.</p>
<p>I believe this is why we have sugar cravings so badly in our society: we eat way too much sugar and not enough fat!&nbsp; Truly, it's as simple as that.</p>
<p>So I challenge you: change your eating habits over the next 30 days and see how much better you feel.</p>
<p>Is anyone interested in a formal challenge?&nbsp; A 30-day "no sugar" challenge?&nbsp; Let me know in the comments section and we'll see about it this summer....</p>
<p>What do you think about sugar cravings?&nbsp; Do you have them?&nbsp; How do you control them?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I've never been a huge sugar fan.</p>
<p>Really!&nbsp; When everyone else was raring for dessert after a big family meal, I was looking for more salad, soup, meat with gravy....&nbsp; I prefer to fill up on real foods.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 03/29/2010 01:02:30 PM
<p>Very cool stuff. I  have always had a &quot;sweet tooth&quot; and I still kind of do, although I like to called it a &quot;refined sweet tooth&quot;. I don't like overly sweet things now and I really like to experience the taste of a good dessert. However, most desserts are way too sweet to really enjoy. In most other countries, except Panama where my sister lives, desserts are not nearly as sweet as they are in the U.S. My tastes have changed so much in the last couple months, but I'm sure I need to be eating more fats as well. I'll have to pay attention to that more. I have had many evenings where I haven't felt truly satiated after dinner.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 03/29/2010 01:57:56 PM
<p>I never used to think that carrots tasted sweet for a long time. I used to hate raw carrots! I finally stopped buying/using &quot;baby carrots&quot; and bought some real (full size) carrots for the first time this week. I was shredding them for salads (husband doesn't like eating them so I have to make they really small) and tasted a little bit of a carrot and you're right - it was incredibly sweet!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kat
EMAIL: kat_garson@hotmail.com
IP: 216.191.251.36
URL: http://scdkatfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/29/2010 02:10:18 PM
<p>Have you seen http://www.healthhomehappy.com/2010/03/refined-sweetener-free-challenge.html <br/>Cara at Health, Home &amp; Happiness is doing a month of refined sweetener free challenge. I joined in too! It's for the month of April, any chance you want to join in? I know you have a lot on your plate already for April though!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jackie
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.89.211.212
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 08:57:00 PM
<p>Amen!  Sugar is a major problem in our modern diet today.  Way too many folks depend upon caffene and sugar to get through thier day.  Its sad.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aubree Cherie
EMAIL: 
IP: 216.158.60.250
URL: http://livingfree.aubreecherie.com
DATE: 04/07/2010 12:42:26 PM
<p>Love this post! I've actually been refined sugar free since before November of last year. The difference is pretty fantastic. I definitely agree that natural foods now have an amazing sweet flavor (I frequently eat plain roasted sweet potato as dessert!). My struggle now is to reduce the amount of fructose I consume, even though its usually in 'natural' sources. Balancing all the nutrients our bodies need can be challenging sometimes. One step at a time I guess! :) </p><p>~Aubree Cherie</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Top 10 March Posts
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1






DATE: 03/28/2010 12:00:03 PM
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<p>Seeing as it's the weekend and I'm busy with my family, I'm going to give you the top 10 posts for March!&nbsp; I'm skipping the giveaway posts (believe me, those were top 10) because they're not information-based.&nbsp; Which one(s) were your favorite?</p>
<p>1) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/22/average-grocery-spending-and-ways-to-save-on-real-food.html">Average Grocery Spending and Ways to Save Money on Real Food</a></p>
<p>2) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/11/chicken-in-cream-sauce.html">Chicken in Cream Sauce</a></p>
<p>3) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/4/orange-sherbet.html">Orange Sherbet</a></p>
<p>4) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/19/problems-with-whole-foods-and-other-health-food-stores.html">Problems with Whole Foods and other Health Food Stores</a></p>
<p>5) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/14/the-gaps-diet.html">The GAPS Diet</a></p>
<p>6) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/8/our-story-part-1.html">Our Story: Part 1</a></p>
<p>7) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/6/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-4.html">Baby Steps in the Kitchen, part 4</a></p>
<p>8) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/18/sun-dried-tomato-sauce.html">Sun-dried Tomato Sauce</a></p>
<p>9) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/14/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">Baby Steps in the Kitchen, part 1</a></p>
<p>10) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/17/thoughts-on-children.html">Thoughts on Children</a></p>
<p>There you go!&nbsp; What are you up to this weekend?</p>
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EXCERPT:
eeing as it's the weekend and I'm busy with my family, I'm going to give you the top 10 posts for March!&nbsp; I'm skipping the giveaway posts (believe me, those were top 10) because they're not information-based.&nbsp; Which one(s) were your favorite?
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Medicine Cabinet, Part 2
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 03/31/2010 12:00:00 AM
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<p>Time for the next three steps in the medicine cabinet!&nbsp; It's been a few weeks since we talked about the last one, so if you haven't read it, go read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/2/baby-steps-in-the-medicine-cabinet.html">part 1</a> now.</p>
<p>Here are steps 4, 5 and 6:</p>
<p>4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Purchase rice-filled heating pads and use them</p>
<p>5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clear out all old medications (expired, unused)</p>
<p>6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reduce use of fever reducers</p>
<p>Why those steps?&nbsp; Let me explain:</p>
<p>When you're in pain (muscle aches, cramps, etc.) you don't need to automatically pop an aspirin or other pain reliever.&nbsp; They have many side effects associated with them, as we've already discussed.&nbsp; So instead, purchase or make rice-filled heating pads (to make: fill an old sock 1/2 way with rice and sew it shut) and use them instead.&nbsp; Heat can help pain a lot and has no side effects.&nbsp; Simply heat the pad in the microwave for 60 - 90 seconds and apply, re-heating as necessary.&nbsp; Since the socks have no heat source and will only get cooler, they're also safe for babies and children.&nbsp; Some moms use them to warm baby's bed in the winter.&nbsp; When pain strikes, try this first, before you try any other medication.&nbsp; It may just help you.</p>
<p>The next step is something EVERYONE should do, regardless of your medical beliefs.&nbsp; Take a look through your medicine cabinet(s) and look for any medication that is out of date, that you no longer use (including prescriptions), duplicates, etc.&nbsp; Get rid of everything you can't or shouldn't use.&nbsp; Dispose of it properly -- most recommend flushing it down the toilet.&nbsp; There's no reason to have possibly unsafe medication cluttering your medicine cabinet -- you could grab it and take it in the middle of the night if you don't feel well and don't think to check the label.&nbsp; This goes for any vitamins or supplements, too.&nbsp; Just get rid of anything you won't or can't use anymore.</p>
<p>When you're sick, you may get a fever.&nbsp; Kids tend to get fevers often when they're sick.&nbsp; But a fever is not a BAD thing.&nbsp; A fever is the body's response to an infection.&nbsp; The higher temperature makes the body inhospitable to the illness and kills it.&nbsp; When you artificially lower the fever, you can prolong the illness because you're not letting the body do its job to fight the infection.&nbsp; So when you get a fever (or your children do), don't automatically take some Tylenol or another fever reducer.&nbsp; Simply wait it out.&nbsp; You can sip warm tea or a cool drink -- whatever makes you feel better.&nbsp; Take a warm bath with lavender essential oil and/or some epsom salts (they draw toxins out of the body).&nbsp; Sleep as much as possible.&nbsp; Kids often sleep fine through fevers (I've NEVER medicated my kids' fevers, not even once, not even at 104).&nbsp; A "high" fever isn't what most people think -- it's not 101 or 102.&nbsp; A truly high fever is 106 or 107.&nbsp; A person's temperature must be close to 107 before brain damage is possible, so you don't need to worry as much as you think.&nbsp; Also, the febrile seizures that are possible in children with fevers are NOT dangerous; they are the body's reaction the higher temperature and don't cause any damage.&nbsp; You don't need to medicate a fever on the off chance your child may have one, because even if s/he does, it won't hurt him/her.&nbsp; In general, an illness will go away faster if you leave the fever alone.&nbsp; If you feel you MUST use a fever reducer, use the smallest dose, as infrequently as possible (i.e. if the person is comfortable, DON'T give another dose just because it's "time"), and DON'T mix different types of medication.&nbsp; Let your body fight the infection itself!</p>
<p>What are your baby steps in the medicine cabinet?&nbsp; How are you doing on these?</p>
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EXCERPT:
ime for the next three steps in the medicine cabinet!&nbsp; It's been a few weeks since we talked about the last one, so if you haven't read it, go read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/2/baby-steps-in-the-medicine-cabinet.html">part 1</a> now.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jason
EMAIL: killerspacerobots@gmail.com
IP: 99.139.167.226
URL: 
DATE: 03/31/2010 10:57:24 PM
<p>Medicine that is flushed down the toilet can end up in the water supply. Filtration and water quality testing systems aren't necessarily designed to detect or remove pharmaceuticals. In the UK, they have detectable levels of Prozac in their water supply. </p><p>A better choice would be to find a local medicine disposal program. You should be able to contact your city, or maybe even the pharmacy to find your options.</p>
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AUTHOR: savanna
EMAIL: 
IP: 66.41.72.91
URL: 
DATE: 03/31/2010 11:18:12 PM
<p>Great advice--only thing is please do NOT flush old meds down the toilet!!  There have been studies done showing that our tap water is showing up with traces of prescription meds and OTC meds because people are flushing them down toilets and traces are showing up in tap water.  Please do not flush! Thank you! =)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 04/01/2010 12:24:01 PM
<p>Thanks, Jason and Savanna!  I wasn't aware of the new recommendations.  I know it *used* to be flushing it down the toilet.  I'm aware of the contamination problem but didn't know there was a way around it.  Thanks for updating us!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kaleigh
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.32.147.224
URL: http://www.stultzfamily.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/12/2010 04:44:51 PM
<p>An easy and effective way to dispose of old medication is to allow it to sit in old, used coffee grounds for a couple days, then simply throw it away in the trash. If you are worried about kiddos getting into the trash, you can always dispose of it in an old jar/can/box that they more than likely won't be getting into. The coffee absorbs and breaks down the medication so that it is unusable and the ingredients are neutralized.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Vegetable Soup with Cheese Tortellini
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/01/2010 12:00:08 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/03/pennywise-platter-thursday-41.html#more-2801">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://asouthernfairytale.com/2010/04/05/easter-feast/">Mouthwatering Mondays at A Southern Fairy Tale</a>, <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/04/06/tuesday-twister-blog-carnival-2010-04-06/?">Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a>, <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/04/real-food-wednesday-4710.html">Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>&nbsp;and<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/04/ultimate-recipe-swap-beans-and-lentils.html"> Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p>Trying to come up with a vegetable soup that had plenty of flavor, wasn&rsquo;t bitter, and didn&rsquo;t rely on processed ingredients wasn&rsquo;t easy.&nbsp; I spent many days eating bitter, nearly flavorless soup before I hit on this one.&nbsp; The secret is the lemon and sugar (you could use a little raw honey, too)!&nbsp; (It can be made without the tortellini to be dairy-free and GAPS-friendly.)&nbsp; Since it's vegetarian, it's suitable for a Good Friday meal.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>&frac14; c. olive oil</p>
<p>1 small onion, diced</p>
<p>2 cloves garlic, minced</p>
<p>3 stalks celery, chopped</p>
<p>2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped</p>
<p>2 medium green peppers, chopped</p>
<p>1 large red pepper, chopped</p>
<p>8 oz. corn</p>
<p>1 head broccoli, florets cut off</p>
<p>1 medium potato, chopped</p>
<p>2 cups garbanzo beans</p>
<p>2 cups kidney beans</p>
<p>8 oz. mushrooms</p>
<p>2 small zucchinis, chopped</p>
<p>1 small yellow squash, chopped</p>
<p>1 large tomato, diced</p>
<p>6 cups tomato juice</p>
<p>4 cups water</p>
<p>1 tsp. celery salt</p>
<p>&frac12; tsp. thyme</p>
<p>1 tsp. oregano</p>
<p>1 tsp. parsley</p>
<p>1 tbsp. brown sugar</p>
<p>Juice of one lemon</p>
<p>1 bay leaf</p>
<p>Salt and pepper to taste</p>
<p>8 oz. cheese tortellini</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Sautee onions, garlic, and mushrooms in oil.&nbsp; Add all the other vegetables <em>except</em> squash and zucchini.&nbsp; Add spices, tomato juice, lemon juice, sugar and water.&nbsp; Allow the soup to simmer on medium for 1 &ndash; 2 hours.&nbsp; Add zucchini and squash and simmer for another hour.&nbsp; Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package directions.&nbsp; When the soup is done, add the tortellini and salt/pepper to taste.&nbsp; Serves 8 &ndash; 10.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Trying to come up with a vegetable soup that had plenty of flavor, wasn’t bitter, and didn’t rely on processed ingredients wasn’t easy.  I spent many days eating bitter, nearly flavorless soup before I hit on this one.  The secret is the lemon and sugar (you could use a little raw honey, too)!  (It can be made without the tortellini to be dairy-free and GAPS-friendly.)  Since it's vegetarian, it's suitable for a Good Friday meal.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.180.73.13
URL: 
DATE: 04/01/2010 04:43:19 PM
<p>Sorry to be so clueless, but are you using 2 cups DRY or 2 cups COOKED beans?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.20.156.99
URL: http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com
DATE: 04/01/2010 11:18:03 PM
<p>I bet this soup is beautiful!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS
EMAIL: wardeh@gnowfglins.com
IP: 166.129.187.101
URL: http://gnowfglins.com/
DATE: 04/06/2010 05:13:42 PM
<p>Yumm! I love soup - and especially a soup that is full like a stew. Thanks for sharing in the Twister!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Good Friday
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 04/02/2010 12:00:19 PM
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<p>Today's an important day for Christians.&nbsp; Today we lay in wait for Jesus' resurrection.&nbsp; Yesterday he was betrayed,&nbsp;and today he dies.&nbsp; This is the most important celebration for Christians.&nbsp; Jesus died to forgive our sins, and then rose from the dead -- a true miracle!&nbsp;</p>
<p>I want to share with you a part of my life that really changed me, and it happened on Good Friday.</p>
<p>As a child, I grew up in the Catholic church, but religion wasn't part of our home life.&nbsp; I went to church and Sunday school but we didn't talk about it or pray as a family.&nbsp; I remember praying a few times by myself and feeling oddly better, but not understanding it.&nbsp; As a teen I chose not to go to youth group and eventually, not to go to church.&nbsp; I was disillusioned by the church, because I saw so many hypocrites there.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I still remember praying, though.&nbsp; I remember once when I was about 16, I was auditioning for band for the first time (most kids had been doing it since they were only 10, and I'd taught myself to play just recently).&nbsp; I remember praying, "God, you know what I want.&nbsp; Place me where you think I should go.&nbsp; I don't know where the best place for me is.&nbsp; I will submit to your will."&nbsp; I had no idea that this was a "perfect" prayer -- it isn't easy to submit to the Lord's will, and even though I was far away from the church, I knew I needed God and His protection and His will.&nbsp; (I got what I wanted, by the way -- a spot in the top band!)</p>
<p>It wasn't for another year and half, though, that I was forced to really confront my faith.&nbsp; At that time, all the kids I knew at school who were in the youth group at my local church were really mean to me and I wanted no part of it.&nbsp; It seemed cliquish and immature and just...dumb.&nbsp; Then I started dating this guy who was involved at that church (it was a Catholic church).&nbsp; We discussed this and he was rather disturbed that I felt that way because church was important to him (ironically, I'm not sure that's the case anymore...but I feel that God placed him in my life to call me back at that time).&nbsp; He told his parents and they invited me to church with them on Good Friday.&nbsp; It was 2003 and I was 18.</p>
<p>I agreed.&nbsp; The youth group was presenting the Stations of the Cross.&nbsp; I was familiar with it, having gone to Sunday school from kindergarten through eighth grade.&nbsp; But it didn't really mean anything to me.&nbsp; I felt, then, like I was searching for a place to belong.&nbsp; I knew what I believed, what I felt, but I couldn't seem to find any people who believed what I did.</p>
<p>We went to church and the lights were dimmed and the room nearly silent.&nbsp; There was a cross at the front.&nbsp; The program began and the youth acted out the stations silently.&nbsp; After each one, two students did a voice-over explaining what each station was about and how it applied to our daily lives and values.&nbsp; I was fascinated -- they were describing exactly what I felt and believed in!&nbsp; I couldn't believe that this was where I should have been all along, but I knew it was.&nbsp; When it came time for the Veneration of the Cross, I watched people who had been in the church for years just walk up to it and kiss it.&nbsp; I felt that maybe they didn't get it anymore, that they were immune to what they were doing.&nbsp; I couldn't actually bring myself to touch the cross because I felt so much power coming from it.&nbsp; I genuflected in front of it, then got up and went back to my seat.</p>
<p>I began to go to church after that.&nbsp; Every time I listened to the sermon I felt like it was something I needed to hear.&nbsp; I couldn't quite believe how amazing it was to be able to receive Communion.&nbsp; It was just...overwhelming.</p>
<p>Even now, when we're singing praise and worship songs, if I really think about what I'm saying, I can't sing at all because I will cry.&nbsp; It is bigger than me.&nbsp; It is amazing.</p>
<p>Most people don't know this about me because I have trouble sharing my true feelings about anything.&nbsp; I have trouble praying out loud, even with my family.&nbsp; I rarely share anything of true importance.&nbsp; (This drives Ben nuts.)&nbsp; But my feelings run deep and I treasure my Lord and Savior.&nbsp; Today is a day to celebrate this.&nbsp; Easter is an even bigger time to celebrate and rejoice!</p>
<p>When did you get saved?&nbsp; How do you define your walk with the Lord?&nbsp; What does today mean to you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's an important day for Christians.  Today we lay in wait for Jesus' resurrection.  Yesterday he was betrayed, and today he dies.  This is the most important celebration for Christians.  Jesus died to forgive our sins, and then rose from the dead -- a true miracle! 

I want to share with you a part of my life that really changed me, and it happened on Good Friday.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen, Part 8
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/03/2010 12:00:32 PM
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<p>Okay, this is the last week of the Baby Steps in the Kitchen series, at least the regular steps!&nbsp; (Look for a surprise post next week.)&nbsp; If you haven't read part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, go back and read those first.</p>
<p>Now, steps 22, 23, and 24!</p>
<p>22) Try something &ldquo;big&rdquo; &ndash; fermenting food, making kefir, eating organ meat, etc.</p>
<p>23) Eliminate the use of the microwave</p>
<p>24) Put together a &ldquo;food&rdquo; binder</p>
<p>Why these?&nbsp; Well, we've come a long way, so it's time for some BIG steps now!&nbsp; Are you ready?</p>
<p>Time to make some real steps towards making real food.&nbsp; Fermented food is awesome for your health -- kefir, yogurt, fermented veggies (salsa, salad dressings, pickles, sauerkraut, ginger carrots, etc.).&nbsp; Eating organ meats is something that most people don't really want to do but they're also great for you.&nbsp; Pick one of these big things and make the decision to just jump in and try it.&nbsp; I have a post on making water kefir up, and soon I'll be posting one on kombucha (which you may or may not know is my latest obession).&nbsp; There are great tutorials on how to do many of those things on other blogs, including <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Nourished Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home</a>, <a href="http://www.gnowfglins.com">GNOWFGLINS</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Kitchen Stewardship</a>, and more.&nbsp; All those blogs have a search feature so look for whatever you choose to try.&nbsp; This is where most of us "real foodies" are -- afraid to take the leap into something (often organ meats and fermented foods), but really needing to just do it!&nbsp; So pick one for yourself and vow to do it!</p>
<p>The <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/03/microwave-safety-health-nutrition.html">microwave</a>.&nbsp; Okay.&nbsp; Most of us rely on it quite heavily.&nbsp; It's convenient to heat food up in just a minute or two, or thaw out meat for dinner very quickly.&nbsp; It seems like you really need to have it.&nbsp; But microwaves aren't good for us!&nbsp; One woman did an experiment where she microwaved water, cooled it, and used it to water plants.&nbsp; The plants died.&nbsp; Microwaves destroy nutrients and enzymes and make our food dangerous to consume.&nbsp; So I'm going to suggest you get rid of it.&nbsp; You can heat food in the oven (in any glass container) or in a toaster oven with no problem.&nbsp; Meat can be thawed in a sink full of hot water if you need it quickly, or in the fridge or on the counter if you have more time.&nbsp; We put ours away almost three months ago and haven't missed it.&nbsp; At the very least, don't use anymore plastic in the microwave!&nbsp; If you must use it, stick to glass!&nbsp; And try to use it less and less.&nbsp; We found that as long as it was available, we would occasionally use it if we were in a pinch.&nbsp; Eventually we just put it in the basement so we wouldn't be tempted.&nbsp; I have really never missed it, either!</p>
<p>A food binder is a way to organize all your new recipes and cooking techniques.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/01/organization-in-the-real-food-kitchen-my-recipe-binder.html">Keeper of the Home</a> has a great series on how to do this.&nbsp; Depending on how you organize yourself, you can do a paper-based binder or an online binder.&nbsp; I keep my recipes in a file online, with new ones added individually and kept organized in a folder.&nbsp; I also bookmark sites I like and organize them so I know what I'm looking for if I, say, need to look up how to soak flour for pancakes.&nbsp; Whichever way works for you, go for it!&nbsp; Keep it organized so that you always have your new meals and information at your fingertips.&nbsp; It will help keep you organized and on track in your new, real food kitchen!</p>
<p>Have you enjoyed the Baby Steps series?&nbsp; How are you doing in your journey to real food?&nbsp; Any other ideas, suggestions, thoughts?&nbsp; I love comments!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Okay, this is the last week of the Baby Steps in the Kitchen series, at least the regular steps!  (Look for a surprise post next week.)  If you haven't read part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, go back and read those first.

Now, steps 22, 23, and 24!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Easter!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/04/2010 12:00:42 PM
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<p>Happy Easter, everyone!&nbsp;</p>
<p>We are celebrating Jesus' resurrection and spending time with our families today, so no real post.&nbsp; Enjoy your holiday!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tax Returns and Guidelines
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 03/31/2010 12:00:23 PM
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<p>Today's post is from Ben.&nbsp; Thanks Ben!</p>
<p>It's nearly April, which means we're only a few weeks away from April 15th, the day taxes are due for most Americans. Hopefully, you've already filed and your refund is on the way, but in case you haven't; better get a move on! :)<br /><br />In either case, if you're a normal family, you're probably pretty happy right now, since the average American household is expected to receive a refund of $3,100 <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704117304575137610728587560.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5">this year</a>. The question I ask though, is this really a good thing? Of course I'm happy that you're getting money back; we are as well. What DOES bother me, and the reason I'm driven to ask this question is, "What is best for my family?"<br /><br />Let's start by looking at this in reverse. Let's say you've got $3,100. You decide that you don't really need it at the moment, so you decide to invest it. The bank offers to loan it to others for a year; like a certificate of deposit (CD). They offer you the amazing interest rate of 0%. They are willing to take your <br />$3,100 for a year, and give you absolutely nothing in return. Sound like a good deal? Want to sign up? <br /><br />In addition, considering that inflation will probably go up between 1-3% during that year, in actuallity, your money will be worth less when you get it back than when you started. Even better right?<br /><br />Well, that is exactly what a tax refund is. You loan the government thousands of dollars for a year, and receive absolutely nothing in return. So instead of using that money to pay down credit card debt, which might save you 8-20% interest, you get 0%. Or, instead of investing your tax refund into the stock market (in a 401k or Roth IRA) every April, where it would have had a chance to grow 8-10% during that year, you get 0%.<br /><br />Not only do you receive no interest, AND lose money due to inflation, but if you are lucky enough to live in a state like California, you might not even get your money back at all, and instead, the government might <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1371885/california_to_issue_ious_for_income.html">give you an IOU</a>.<br /><br />The far better idea is to adjust your W-4, the IRS form that sets your deductions, and determines how much of your paycheck is withheld for taxes each year, so that you receive only a few hundred dollars at the end of the year, or better yet, that you owe a few hundred. Wouldn't you rather the government wait to get money from you, instead of you having to wait, or beg, to get it back from them? When the W-4 was first created, the deduction formula was pretty accurate, but as time has gone on and our tax code has become more and more complicated, to the point that is is now nearly 65,000 pages long, the W-4 deduction calculation isn't very useful anymore. You should talk to your tax professional, and if you have to claim 25 dependents to not get a refund, do it. In the end, that dependent number has nothing to do with what reality is, but rather is just used to calculate your withholding.<br /><br />For most people, your expenses and pay should remain pretty steady from year to year. Obvously, if you have a huge gain of income in a year, you might not have enough taken out, and inversely, if you have a large, unexpected expense, you might still be taking out too much. The point is though, that with a tax professional's help, you should be able to estimate your tax burden for 2010, and take home an extra few hundred each month, rather than getting it all the following April.<br /><br />Use that extra money each month to buy more organic foods, or pay down some debt, or take some college classes. Enrich your lives, and take control of your own destiny, instead of feeling honored, because YOUR government, gave you back YOUR own money, with no interest.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's post is from Ben.&nbsp; Thanks Ben!</p>
<p>It's nearly April, which means we're only a few weeks away from April 15th, the day taxes are due for most Americans. Hopefully, you've already filed and your refund is on the way, but in case you haven't; better get a move on! :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 04/01/2010 02:47:22 AM
<p>I love it. California's issuing IOUs...and yet, I'm rather glad that they are. I mean, think about it this way - the state is actually trying to fix its budget and if they can't afford tax returns and admit, good for them. All the other states are pretending that they can afford it. Heck, the federal government is pretending it has all the money in the world...when really, we're trillions of dollars in debt (estimated at $12.6 trillion at the moment). It averages out to about $41,000 per person. And yet we're still spending billions of dollars a day on all sorts of ridiculous stuff. Did you look at Senator McCain and Coburn's report on the most wasteful spending in the stimulus bill? If not, the link is http://coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.View&amp;FileStore_id=a28a4590-10ac-4dc1-bd97-df57b39ed872</p><p>That will make you do some thinking. It's a long read (close to 100 projects if I remember right) and, if you total up all of the ones that had prices listed (some didn't; some were just &quot;this wasteful thing was paid with by part of the money given for X project&quot;), it totals up to $5,725,813,591.00. And to think that that amount is less than one percent of how much we owe the rest of the world...what's going to happen when China decides that they want their money back?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How Mom's Nutrition Impacts Baby's Development
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/05/2010 12:00:56 PM
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<p>We've been told, often, that a mother's nutrition (especially when breastfeeding) doesn't affect a baby's development.&nbsp; After all, the mother's body gives the baby everything first, so it shouldn't matter if what she eats isn't the greatest, right?</p>
<p>Science says that isn't true.</p>
<p>While it's true that, yes, a mother will give her baby what it needs first, if she is deficient, her baby will be deficient too.&nbsp; Also, just because a baby is technically getting what he needs doesn't mean he's getting optimal levels of nutrients.&nbsp; And there is no more critical time of development than during pregnancy and the baby's first two years of life.&nbsp; The baby's mother having optimal nutrition before, during, and after her pregnancy is critical to help her baby develop as well as possible.</p>
<p>Following is a summary of key nutrients and they affect baby's development, along with optimal dietary sources (supplements are not recommended; food sources are preferred):</p>
<p>B vitamins -- These are perhaps the MOST critical vitamins during pregnancy.&nbsp; B6, pyroxidine, can help morning sickness.&nbsp; Folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects (like spina bifida).&nbsp; B12 can help prevent some forms of anemia.&nbsp; All B vitamins help neurological development and provide the mother with energy.&nbsp; Good food sources include beans, leafy greens, and properly prepared grains.&nbsp; The best "supplement" source (which is really a food) is Brewer's yeast.&nbsp; Kombucha is also an excellent source (I'll be posting on this soon.)</p>
<p>Calcium -- It helps baby's bones develop strongly, and it also prevents mom's bones from losing minerals during her pregnancy.&nbsp; If mom isn't getting enough calcium, it will leech from her bones to provide her developing baby with the minerals it needs.&nbsp; Leafy greens, bone broth, and raw dairy are good sources of calcium (pasteurized dairy is NOT, as the calcium is not in an absorbable form).</p>
<p>Magnesium -- It needs to be balanced with calcium.&nbsp; Too much calcium without magnesium can block the absorption of other nutrients.&nbsp; Magnesium also helps to build strong bones.&nbsp; Nuts, beans are good sources.</p>
<p>Vitamin D -- This helps the baby develop bones, but it also functions in a number of ways that we don't even know yet.&nbsp; Scientists are just starting to realize what a huge role vit D plays in immunity and even more.&nbsp; It's not totally understood, but vit D is absolutely crucial.&nbsp; The best source of it is the sun.&nbsp; Get out in the sun for a hour or so a day (scientists disagree on how much time is needed; some say only 10 minutes, while others say a couple hours, and it does depend on your location, the time of year, and the color of your skin too) to soak up the rays.&nbsp; Make sure you wear NO sunscreen at all, because it blocks your body's absorption!</p>
<p>Vitamin C -- It can help boost immunity, and help the absorption of iron.&nbsp; Citrus fruits are a good source.</p>
<p>Iron -- Mother's blood volume expands so rapidly during pregnancy (especially early in the second trimester) and she's also creating blood for her baby.&nbsp; For a lot of moms, this causes anemia.&nbsp; Eating a lot of iron-rich foods can help (calcium blocks iron absorption so don't eat those together).&nbsp; Iron-rich foods include red meats (grass-fed and organic, please!), organ meats (especially liver), and spirulina and any blue-green algae.</p>
<p>Fat -- Fat is absolutely CRUCIAL for development, especially saturated fat!&nbsp; Fats build baby's brain and neurological connections.&nbsp; Even if you usually subscribe to a low-fat diet (which I don't recommend; see my posts on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/25/why-we-eat-fat.html">Why&nbsp;We Eat Fat</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/16/eating-fat-how-and-why.html">Eating Fat: How and Why</a>), pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't the times to do that.&nbsp; Your baby needs fat each and everyday.&nbsp; Butter, cream, cheese, red meat, coconut oil, lard, beef tallow...these are all good sources of fat!</p>
<p>Cholesterol -- This is also crucial for baby's brain development.&nbsp; The brain is largely made of cholesterol.&nbsp; Be sure to consume healthy sources of it, like grass-fed beef, butter, raw milk, etc.!</p>
<p>Protein -- Adequate protein intake will give you the amino acids necessary to build baby's body.&nbsp; (Proteins are comprised of various amino acids; there are 8).&nbsp; Intake should be between 80 and 100 grams of protein per day.&nbsp; Meats, nuts, peanuts, and whole grains are good sources.</p>
<p>Resources:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/nutrientsvitaminspregnancy.html">American Pregnancy</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/FAQ-Diet-in-Pregnancy.html">Weston A. Price Pregnancy FAQ</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_514.asp">March of Dimes</a></p>
<p>On Wednesday, we will be talking in more detail about an appropriate diet for pregnant and nursing women.&nbsp; Look forward to that if all this sounds like too much!</p>
<p>Now, for some fun!&nbsp; A GIVEAWAY!&nbsp; I'm giving away a copy of Nina Planck's "Real Food for Moms and Babies."&nbsp; If you're interested in this, here are several ways to enter:</p>
<p>1) Tell me why you want to win this book (required)</p>
<p>2) Visit Nina's website, <a href="http://realbabyfood.info/">http://realbabyfood.info/</a>&nbsp;and tell me something new you learned.</p>
<p>3) Subscribe to this blog</p>
<p>4) Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">me</a> on Twitter</p>
<p>5) Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/ninaplanck">Nina</a> on Twitter</p>
<p>6) Tweet this giveaway (mention @ModernAMama when you do)</p>
<p>7) Post this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>8) Tell me your favorite pregnancy food</p>
<p>You can do any or all of these -- the first is required, but the rest are optional!&nbsp; There are 8 possible entries.&nbsp; Please leave each entry in a SEPARATE comment.&nbsp; The giveaway ends on Thursday, April 8th at 11:59 PM.&nbsp; The winner will be announced Friday morning, and will be chosen by <a href="http://www.random.org">www.random.org</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Good luck!!</p>
<p>Thursday we'll be having Amy @ Raising Arrows talking about eating well with morning sickness, and we'll be having a carnival where you can link up your posts about eating well during morning sickness, or recipes you enjoyed during pregnancy too!&nbsp; Don't miss it!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
We've been told, often, that a mother's nutrition (especially when breastfeeding) doesn't affect a baby's development.  After all, the mother's body gives the baby everything first, so it shouldn't matter if what she eats isn't the greatest, right?

Science says that isn't true.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn Norman
EMAIL: dawnteacher@comcast.net
IP: 98.250.17.191
URL: 
DATE: 04/05/2010 01:32:49 PM
<p>I'd love to win this book because we're planning on having more children and this will help me eat more healthy during the pregnancy and feed the baby better when they start eating solids also. Great giveaway. Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn Norman
EMAIL: dawnteacher@comcast.net
IP: 98.250.17.191
URL: 
DATE: 04/05/2010 01:41:57 PM
<p>Nina has some great links on her site. I'm looking forward to looking through them all and learning more and more. I also loved her page with suggestions of things for mom and baby and her review of the stuff she's used. That's helpful to me also.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn Norman
EMAIL: dawnteacher@comcast.net
IP: 98.250.17.191
URL: 
DATE: 04/05/2010 01:42:51 PM
<p>I already subscribe to this blog in a reader. Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: Snowski824@aol.com
IP: 68.115.229.70
URL: http://thehalberthome.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/05/2010 08:22:40 PM
<p>I just found out I was pregnant last Thursday and I would love to win this book to keep healthy as I start out in pregnancy. Perfect timing with this series!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: 
IP: 94.113.44.75
URL: http://bethstedman.com/
DATE: 04/05/2010 08:49:00 PM
<p>Great info on essential nutrients during pregnancy. <br/>And what a great give away. I'd personally love to win this book - I just had my first son and I've been doing tons of research on nutrition and diet for myself as I am nursing and also for my son as I prepare to start introducing solids to him soon (he just turned 6 months old). This book looks like it would be a great read and a wonderful resource.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa S.
EMAIL: myissa2003@yahoo.com
IP: 200.86.7.29
URL: 
DATE: 04/05/2010 09:26:05 PM
<p>I would love to win this book because I want to be better prepared for my third pregnancy.... I had trouble gaining weight with both my pregnancies. My first son didn't gain weight like the doctor wanted him to after he was three months old, so the doctor told me to supplement my breast milk with a special formula. My second son was born with some minor problems that turned into a major problem (a perforated intestine). All that to say, I feel like I need to make some major changes in MY diet before getting pregnant again. This sound like a wonderful book! I am also looking forward to your posts this month about pregnancy and feeding babies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 216.26.97.233
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 02:12:16 AM
<p>I'd like to win this book because, while I'm not pregnant or going to be pregnant very soon, my fiance and I plan to have children and I'd like to be as prepared as possible when that time comes. I'm a Nutrition student, so I'm interested in nutrition for all developmental stages. Also, I have Nina Planck's book &quot;Real Food&quot; and love it, so I'm sure this one would be great too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 216.26.97.233
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 02:18:22 AM
<p>I visited Nina's website and read her op-ed article about the risks of being vegan and the impact it can have on your baby. Vegan breastmilk is lacking in DHA and may lack B12, vitamin A and D, calcium, and magnesium. All very important as you indicated above.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 216.26.97.233
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 02:20:32 AM
<p>I already subscribe to this blog! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 216.26.97.233
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 02:21:07 AM
<p>I already follow you on Twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 216.26.97.233
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 02:21:47 AM
<p>I'm following Nina on Twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 216.26.97.233
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 02:24:33 AM
<p>I tweeted about your giveaway!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.102.41
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/06/2010 12:37:50 PM
<p>I need this book!  My 1st child has autism and to be honest, I believe diet plays a big role in that (gut problems, etc.)  My2nd baby is looking good so far (although I didn't change my diet during pregnancy).  I plan on havng a couple more and I'd really like to clean up my diet.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.102.41
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/06/2010 12:38:30 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter.  (@jkbaxter612)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.102.41
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/06/2010 12:39:00 PM
<p>I follow Nina on Twitter, as well.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.102.41
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/06/2010 12:40:19 PM
<p>I've Rt'ed for you! (@jkbaxter612)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.102.41
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/06/2010 12:42:10 PM
<p>My favorite pregnancy food this last time was ice.  Oh wait, that's not a food!  Umm...chocolate? lol  With my first, it was red meat (which was strange because I only liked chicken previously).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.102.41
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/06/2010 12:45:24 PM
<p>Looking at her site...I had no clue that pregnant women needed salt.  I love my Celtic sea salt...good to know!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa S.
EMAIL: myissa2003@yahoo.com
IP: 200.86.7.29
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 03:15:36 PM
<p>My favorite pregnancy food was macaroni and cheese... it was a lifesaver during morning sickness!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica S
EMAIL: jessy.spencer@gmail.com
IP: 70.110.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 10:13:04 PM
<p>I'd love to have this book because I'm expecting baby #3 this summer.  I was completely unable to breastfeed my previous two due to lack of milk supply (well, really no milk supply, it never seemed to come in).  Not too long ago I read Nourishing Traditions and started on the real food bandwagon and since have become convinced that my diet caused my milk supply issues.  So I'm reading everything I can to make sure I'm able doing everything possible to be able to breastfeed this time around!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica S
EMAIL: jessy.spencer@gmail.com
IP: 70.110.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 10:16:37 PM
<p>I learned that walnuts and flaxseed are not good sources of omega-3's.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica S
EMAIL: jessy.spencer@gmail.com
IP: 70.110.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 10:17:46 PM
<p>Following you on twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica S
EMAIL: jessy.spencer@gmail.com
IP: 70.110.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 10:18:11 PM
<p>Following Nina on twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica S
EMAIL: jessy.spencer@gmail.com
IP: 70.110.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 10:18:45 PM
<p>My favorite pregnancy food is cheese!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica S
EMAIL: jessy.spencer@gmail.com
IP: 70.110.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 04/06/2010 10:19:41 PM
<p>Subscribed to your blog.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 04/07/2010 02:01:55 AM
<p>I would love to win this book as i am always looking for more good ideas for food for babies/children and hopefully future pregnancies as well:)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Whitney
EMAIL: whitney.archer@gmail.com
IP: 65.216.158.74
URL: 
DATE: 04/07/2010 08:48:30 PM
<p>I'd like to win this book because I'm learning about old nutrition just now and I'm curious if I could have prevented my son's birth defect (cleft lip and palate). Who knows? But it couldn't hurt!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Whitney
EMAIL: whitney.archer@gmail.com
IP: 65.216.158.74
URL: 
DATE: 04/07/2010 08:50:55 PM
<p>Pregnant women not needing iron supplements is news to me!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Whitney
EMAIL: whitney.archer@gmail.com
IP: 65.216.158.74
URL: 
DATE: 04/07/2010 08:52:53 PM
<p>I'm a new blog subscriber!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Whitney
EMAIL: whitney.archer@gmail.com
IP: 65.216.158.74
URL: 
DATE: 04/07/2010 08:53:24 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Whitney
EMAIL: whitney.archer@gmail.com
IP: 65.216.158.74
URL: 
DATE: 04/07/2010 08:53:51 PM
<p>Also following Nina on twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Whitney
EMAIL: whitney.archer@gmail.com
IP: 65.216.158.74
URL: 
DATE: 04/07/2010 08:54:30 PM
<p>Also, my favorite pregnancy food was whole wheat crackers with salt on top. I wanted salt so badly!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 04/08/2010 02:14:26 PM
<p>well i cant say that i learned anything much new at her recipe since i am already familiar with that type of eating...but i had never heard of her or her books and have already reserved them at the library in case i dont win this one:) I did think her advice about continuing to eat some fish while pregnant was a reminder to me though,...not that im  pregnant now, but it is good to know!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 04/08/2010 02:16:02 PM
<p>i just posted about the giveaway on facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 04/08/2010 02:16:35 PM
<p>I am already suscribed to you</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 04/08/2010 02:18:15 PM
<p>and my favorite pregnancy food...well with my first baby it was peanut butter by far! not smelly, high in protein and just plain yummy; with my second pregnancy i was really liking yogurt and carob-covered frozen bananas that i make!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in Personal Care, part 3
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/06/2010 12:00:36 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Time for steps 7, 8, and 9 in Personal Care!&nbsp; If you haven't read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/24/baby-steps-in-personal-care.html">parts 1</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/16/baby-steps-in-personal-care-part-2.html">2</a>, go back and read them now!</p>
<p>Here they are:</p>
<p>7)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Replace lotions with natural alternatives</p>
<p>8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shower less often (if everyday, start skipping a day)</p>
<p>9)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Find natural make-up alternatives</p>
<p>So why those?</p>
<p>Ever look at a bottle of lotion?&nbsp; While some of the ingredients are natural, like plant extracts, a lot of lotions are mainly chemicals.&nbsp; Most usually at least have fragrance and/or some dye.&nbsp; Whatever you put ON your skin is going INTO your body, and lotion (unlike, say, body wash) is meant to stay on your skin and will be completely absorbed.&nbsp; You don't want those chemicals absorbed into your body.&nbsp; Instead, replace your usual lotion with a natural alternative.&nbsp; There are organic lotions you can buy (but be careful, <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/028500_organic_products_shampoo.html">not all organic personal care products are good</a>!), or you can simply buy raw shea butter or extra virgin coconut oil to use as a moisturizer.&nbsp; Of course, you could always go over to the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/store/">store</a> and buy my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/2/16/soothing-skin-cream.html">Soothing Skin Cream</a>. :)</p>
<p>We've talked before about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/3/natural-personal-care-products.html">why you shouldn't shower as much</a>.&nbsp; It helps your skin to retain its natural moisture and can help dry skin and eczema.&nbsp; Of course, it also saves water and is a green alternative.&nbsp; It's not a good idea to just start showering once a week if you're used to showering daily, though.&nbsp; Start skipping a day here and there, maybe once or twice a week.&nbsp; That is, shower a day, skip a day, shower a couple days, then skip another day, etc.&nbsp; Slowly start to shower less so that your body has time to adjust (your oil glands are over producing to make up for the fact that you're washing away the oil you need so often, but as you shower less, they'll produce less and it'll be fine).&nbsp; Your body will thank you, and so will your water bill!</p>
<p>Okay, so...make up.&nbsp; I've already told you that I don't wear make up, so this is a non-issue here.&nbsp; But a lot of women feel naked without it.&nbsp; Start washing your face with a natural cleanser and using coconut oil as a moisturizer.&nbsp; Your skin will be smoother and softer and you won't really need to wear make up anymore.&nbsp; Gentle moisturizer should be all you need for day-to-day wear.&nbsp; Reduce and eliminate your make up use slowly except for special occasions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What do you think?&nbsp; How are you doing on your personal care mission?&nbsp; (Be sure to click that link about the not-so-great personal care products; the article lists major organic brands that are NOT really organic products.)</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Time for steps 7, 8, and 9 in Personal Care!  If you haven't read parts 1 and 2, go back and read them now!

Here they are:
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnant and Nursing Moms' Diets
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/07/2010 12:00:58 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/04/wfmw-greatest-tips-edition.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-april-9th/?">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>.**</p>
<p>From <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Diet-for-Pregnant-and-Nursing-Mothers.html">Weston A. Price</a>'s website, here is their ideal pregnancy diet:</p>
<p>1 quart (or 32 ounces) whole milk daily, preferably raw and from pasture-fed cows (learn more about raw milk on our website, A Campaign for Real Milk, <a href="http://www.realmilk.com/">www.realmilk.com</a>)</p>
<p>4 tablespoons <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Why-Butter-Is-Better.html">butter</a> daily, preferably from pasture-fed cows</p>
<p>2 or more eggs daily, preferably from <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Real-Eggs-from-a-Real-Farm-Beneficial-Farm-Turns-a-Hatchery-Egg-Machine-into-a-Barnyard-Animal.html">pastured chickens</a></p>
<p>Additional egg yolks daily, added to smoothies, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, etc.</p>
<p>3-4 ounces fresh liver, once or twice per week (If you have been told to avoid liver for fear of getting "too much Vitamin A," be sure to read <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Vitamin-A-Saga.html">Vitamin A Saga</a>)</p>
<p>Fresh seafood, 2-4 times per week, particularly wild salmon, shellfish and fish eggs</p>
<p>Fresh <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/It-s-the-Beef.html">beef</a> or lamb daily, always consumed with the fat</p>
<p>Oily fish or <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Put-Lard-Back-in-Your-Larder.html">lard</a> daily, for <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/The-Miracle-of-Vitamin-D.html">vitamin D</a></p>
<p>2 tablespoons <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/coconut_oil.html">coconut oil</a> daily, used in cooking or smoothies, etc.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Lacto-Fermentation.html">Lacto-fermented</a> condiments and beverages</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Broth-is-Beautiful.html">Bone broths</a> used in soups, stews and sauces</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Be-Kind-to-Your-Grains...And-Your-Grains-Will-Be-Kind-To-You.html">Soaked whole grains</a></p>
<p>Fresh vegetables and fruits</p>
<p><strong>AVOID: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Trans</em> fatty acids (e.g., hydrogenated oils)</li>
<li>Junk foods</li>
<li>Commercial fried foods</li>
<li>Sugar</li>
<li>White flour</li>
<li><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Soft-Drinks-America-s-Other-Drinking-Problem.html">Soft drinks</a></li>
<li>Caffeine</li>
<li>Alcohol</li>
<li>Cigarettes</li>
<li>Drugs (even prescription drugs)</li>
</ul>
<p>I would change a few things here:</p>
<p>*Sometimes raw milk doesn't work well for pregnant women, or having 32 oz. is a lot.&nbsp; I would recommend drinking SOME but perhaps not that much.</p>
<p>*Plenty of fresh, purified water each day</p>
<p>*16 - 32 oz. of pregnancy tea and/or red raspberry leaf tea (Traditional Medicinals makes a good one that I drank during my second pregnancy).&nbsp; Alfalfa, oatstraw, raspberry leaf, etc. are good.</p>
<p>*Kombucha (if tolerated and you've started prior to pregnancy)</p>
<p>*Water kefir, milk kefir, or other fermented drinks and foods (homemade yogurt is great in smoothies or made into frozen yogurt if you are averse to the texture like we are)</p>
<p>*2 - 4 eggs each day or more if desired; extra egg yolks if you desired (raw is good)</p>
<p>*At least 4 tbsp. saturated fat, in the form of butter, coconut oil, or whatever you can tolerate (lard, beef tallow, etc.)</p>
<p>*Soaked OR sprouted whole grains.&nbsp; I recommend sprouted, personally.&nbsp; I also would recommend not consuming grains that are NOT soaked or sprouted.</p>
<p>*Sunlight for plenty of vit. D instead of supplements</p>
<p>*A fresh salad everyday, and other raw vegetables and fruits (served with fat; try raw whipped cream with fruits and olive oil with a salad)</p>
<p>*Lots of soups made with homemade bone broth</p>
<p>*Plenty of grass-fed beef and other pastured meats</p>
<p>Try to avoid processed foods.&nbsp; I found during my second pregnancy that when I ate whole, fresh foods my morning sickness was minimal, but if I did eat any processed food (which is mostly what I ate during my first pregnancy) I felt worse.&nbsp; You also don't need nearly as many grains as mainstream sources recommend.&nbsp; While some (sprouted) grains are good, you should mostly focus on nutrient-dense foods like milk, cheese, grass-fed meat, etc.&nbsp; These are MUCH more important than grains, which are just fillers in many cases.</p>
<p>If you DO feel bad and can't stomach these, try drinking a glass of cool water (I liked mine ice cold, but for some people that makes it worse) with half a lemon squeezed into it.&nbsp; Peppermint oil can also help, in a diffuser.</p>
<p>What did you eat when you were pregnant?&nbsp; How does this compare to your diet?&nbsp; Does this seem doable?</p>
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EXCERPT:
From Weston A. Price's website, here is their ideal pregnancy diet:

1 quart (or 32 ounces) whole milk daily, preferably raw and from pasture-fed cows (learn more about raw milk on our website, A Campaign for Real Milk, www.realmilk.com)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: harper@aceweb.com
IP: 109.65.47.14
URL: http://www.trialanderrorhomeec.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/07/2010 10:08:14 PM
<p>Quinoa is known for being an almost perfect food, and is excellent for pregnancy and preparing the body for conception.</p><p>When I was pregnant, I had gestational diabetes in which drinking cold milk (non-homogenized and whole, of course!) would send my blood sugar through the roof!  But if I ate fermented dairy products or anything in which the milk had been heated first (hot chocolate sweetened with stevia, for example), the effect on my blood sugar was unnoticeable.  I craved dairy during my pregnancy, so there was a lot of yoghurt (with wheat germ), cottage cheese, hot chocolate, and pudding in my life.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.207.196.71
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/08/2010 01:23:41 PM
<p>I am currently following the brewer diet which is pretty similar to what you listed but more general. For the first 5 months I had really bad morning sickness so my diet was awful. I pretty much lived on whole wheat bagels, bananas and peanut butter. I would leave tips on your post above but I don't have anything, and I tried everything I had ever heard might help, especially once I started losing weight. Nothing worked for me except waiting it out. </p><p>My water kefir died while I was too sick to take care of it but I do still try and get at least one serving on my homemade yogurt everyday plus several glasses of milk. A quart sounded like a lot when I started but now it is my easiest category to reach each day. Eggs are my hardest. I normally like eggs, but now that I'm in my 8th month, I will admit that I am getting quite sick of them. </p><p>I second your recommendation for pregnancy tea. I've been using the traditional medicines one but just bought bulk herbs to make it more economical. Not only is the &quot;tea&quot; good for you but it helps ensure you don't get dehydrated. I also take a walk each day so I do get sunlight but I also take cod liver oil for the healthy fats and vitamins.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bek
EMAIL: roxygirl1171@yahoo.com
IP: 71.218.49.241
URL: 
DATE: 11/04/2010 02:01:37 AM
<p>FYI for pregnant mamas still nursing another kiddo, skip the peppermint oil (tip at the end of the article). I found out the hard way that it wreaks havoc on your supply.<br/>Also, I just discovered Kombucha at 4 weeks along - should I avoid drinking it now?<br/>Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara
EMAIL: sara@designelectricinc.com
IP: 66.207.95.61
URL: 
DATE: 02/16/2011 02:43:31 PM
<p>THanks for this list! I have one baby (almost 13 months old) and I&#39;m still nursing her. I had a wonderfully easy first pregnancy (no morning sickness at all), and I attribute that partially to eating non-processed foods and staying active. And that was before I discovered raw milk and traditional foods! I am looking forward to having another baby in a couple of years, and this is a great reminder of foods that I should be eating now and continue eating throughout the next pregnancy.</p><p>I wonder if anyone has done a study on morning sickness and diet? My own experience is anecdotal, but one of my coworkers had horrible nausea throughout both of her pregnancies, and she has an equally terrible diet. A co-worker of mine was pregnant at the same time as I was, and, like me, didn&#39;t suffer much morning sickness at all. She eats a better diet since her husband has celiac&#39;s so they have to limit the processed food that they eat. Interesting!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: diamondt75@yahoo.com
IP: 68.57.20.200
URL: http://culturedmama.com
DATE: 02/23/2011 09:50:17 PM
<p>I&#39;d like to point out that a lot of the recommended items can be combined into smoothies, which might be easier to consume, especially early in the pregnancy.  This is a great way to knock out those daily eggs when you start to get tired of them!  The greens, kefir/yogurt, eggs, coconut oil, even small amounts of raw liver can be blended for a nutrient dense meal!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Eating Well with Morning Sickness
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/08/2010 12:00:25 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-world-vision/">Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries</a>!**</p>
<p>Today we have Amy Roberts from <a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net">Raising Arrows</a>, talking to us about eating well during morning sickness!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Amy%20Roberts.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1270431032609" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Amy is the homeschooling mother of 5 living children, with one on the way, and a precious little girl named Emily who left her arms at 7 months to be held for eternity in the Lord's.&nbsp; You can find Amy blogging about the joy and grief of raising these wonderful little arrows at <a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/">http://www.raisingarrows.net</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How do you usually eat when you&rsquo;re not pregnant?&nbsp; How would you describe your diet?</p>
<p>We eat as much organic as possible.&nbsp; Most of our meat is grass-fed, free range and hormone free.&nbsp; I must admit, despite the fact that I use organic raw sugar, I still eat way too much of it.&nbsp; I also like my soda...Dr. Pepper and Pepsi in particular.&nbsp; It's these two pitfalls that keep me over my ideal weight outside of pregnancy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What changes when you are pregnant?&nbsp; How bad is your morning sickness?</p>
<p>My morning sickness has ranged from hyperemesis to minor nausea and vomiting.&nbsp; Each pregnancy has gotten progressively better.&nbsp; I really don't know if diet has anything to do with this or not.&nbsp; I actually weigh more than I did with my worst pregnancy; however, the food choices we make as a family are much better now than they were then.</p>
<p>In pregnancy, I cannot drink soda or even eat much sugar in the early stages of pregnancy.&nbsp; I also eat very little red meat during that time.&nbsp; I tend to crave fruit and veggies, and have quite a bit of difficulty getting enough liquids.&nbsp; I also crave very specific things and then can only eat them once (until later in the pregnancy).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How do you handle eating when you have morning sickness?&nbsp; What do you eat?&nbsp; What are the &ldquo;best&rdquo; healthy foods for morning sickness?</p>
<p>Morning sickness definitely changes my eating habits.&nbsp; I have to eat fairly often, but there is very little that sounds good.&nbsp; I have to eat specifically what I am craving or it doesn't set well.</p>
<p>I do try to eat rather bland, but this is partially because I am keeping in mind what it will be like coming back up.</p>
<p>I've found that the I have better days when I start my day out with protein.&nbsp; Keeping my protein intake up all day has been a huge help in these past few pregnancies.&nbsp; In fact, I am up in the middle of the night typing on this because I woke up feeling ill and realized my supper had been quite lacking in the protein department.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How do you ensure you&rsquo;re getting the nutrients your baby needs?</p>
<p>I wish I could say I am as diligent as my friend who checks off every single food need from the Blue Ribbon Diet, but I'm not.&nbsp; Thankfully, I crave good things and firmly believe that what I am craving is needed.&nbsp; When I start craving orange juice, I figure I need a little more folic acid.&nbsp; When salads sound good, I figure more veggies are necessary.&nbsp; I figure as long as my protein intake is fairly good, baby is happy too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How do you cook for your family with morning sickness?</p>
<p>I must admit, I don't cook during morning sickness.&nbsp; I just can't.&nbsp; I wonder if some of this contributed to my hyperemesis in earlier pregnancies...the inability to keep up with my food needs.&nbsp; I now have a 12 year old who can help with cooking and he's good to make me whatever I need and also help out with the family's needs.&nbsp; My husband pitches in where he can, and my mother comes about once a week to help.&nbsp; I am very blessed.&nbsp; I also go ahead and budget in take out.&nbsp; It is just so much easier for someone else to cook, especially considering I can't even step foot in the kitchen or see certain foods without getting violently ill.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What works for you to help your morning sickness?</p>
<p>Protein, lemon in any form (drops, squeezed into water, etc), aromatherapy (I often put peppermint in a diffuser or light a candle), cool air, baths, soothing music, and lots of prayer.&nbsp; Nothing eliminates the nausea and vomiting, but these help relieve the symptoms greatly.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>7)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What advice would you give moms who are struggling to eat well because of morning sickness?</p>
<p>Avoid heaping guilt on an already tough situation.&nbsp; When we are sick, it is so easy to feel like we are colossal failures at everything.&nbsp; Don't be afraid to ask for help.&nbsp; Keep in mind, this is temporary (although I know it doesn't feel like it!), and it's okay if you are a bit needy right now.&nbsp; Do what you need to do keep your head above water during the morning sickness months and try to find some distractions if you can manage it.&nbsp; It really is better if you have someone to talk to every now and then.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Time for the CARNIVAL!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Link up your posts about eating well while suffering morning sickness.&nbsp; If you have recipes you really enjoyed while you were pregnant, or that helped you get over your morning sickness, those are fine too!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=23183" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" border="0" alt="" width="119" height="39" /></a></p>
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EXCERPT:
Today we have Amy Roberts from Raising Arrows, talking to us about eating well during morning sickness!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara
EMAIL: amaranth3@prodigy.net
IP: 75.51.198.182
URL: 
DATE: 04/08/2010 09:51:04 PM
<p>In Susan Weed's book herbal for the childbearing year, she suggests that having a build up of hormones can also cause the sickness.  She says that walking outside can help break down the buildup of hormones.  I am not sure if this is true, but found with my current pregnancy that walking helped tremendously with my mild morning sickness.  Also eating frequent protein helped a lot.  What sounded good changed day to day.  I usually eat &quot;crispy nuts,&quot; but during morning sickness I would roast the crispy almonds and add some tamari or braggs.  They were also good with raisins.  Fresh almond milk was good as well as eggs and bean spreads.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mara
EMAIL: eheiding2@gmail.com
IP: 98.239.178.106
URL: http://www.morningsicknessfix.com/acupressure-a-promising-cure-to-morning-sickness/
DATE: 04/09/2010 07:24:53 PM
<p>It's interesting how morning sickness affects people differently.  You mentioned starting your day out with protein - the only thing that seems to work for me is ginger tea!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: suzannah @ so much shouting/laughter
EMAIL: suzannah.paul@gmail.com
IP: 72.95.170.231
URL: http://www.somuchshoutingsomuchlaughter.com
DATE: 04/25/2010 07:31:52 PM
<p>oh man, eating well while pregnant is so hard!  my first pregnancy, i ate so many kids' meals on my way home from work to keep from hoarking on the side of the road.  with my last one i tried to eat better, but the one time i soaked oatmeal i was sickest of all!  i posted about it here: <a href="http://www.somuchshoutingsomuchlaughter.com/2009/08/treating-nausea-in-pregnancy.html" rel="nofollow">how to treat nausea in pregnancy.</a> one of my commenters suggested green apples.  for whatever reason, they helped me, too.<br/>adding you to my blogroll--great site!  we just started drinking raw milk and OH MY GOSH is it delicious:)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Giveaway Winner! And more....
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/09/2010 12:00:21 PM
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<p>The winner of the "Real Food for Moms and Babies" by Nina Planck giveaway is:</p>
<p><strong>Beth Stedman! http://bethstedman.com/</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please email me your full name and address by Saturday night, and your prize will be in the mail soon.</p>
<p>Now, some awesome Real Food resources for you:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com">Naturally Knocked Up</a>&nbsp;-- Donielle has LOTS of great resources for nutrition while conceiving or during pregnancy.&nbsp; I can't pick just one article of section because her entire blog is dedicated to this topic.&nbsp; Be sure to visit her and read all about pregnancy nutrition!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/?s=pregnancy">Food Renegade</a>&nbsp;-- I just found this blog and love it.&nbsp; Kristen is currently pregnant and has posted some articles about pregnancy.&nbsp; She's a real food mama, so she has lots to share.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.healthhomehappy.com/2009/08/being-informed-about-childbirth.html">Health Home Happy</a>&nbsp;-- Cara has a section on her blog devoted entirely to pregnancy and babies.&nbsp; Read her story and advice about real food and nutrition during pregnancy.</p>
<p>What are your favorite real food resources?&nbsp; How did you like the first week of the Nutrition for Moms and Babies series?&nbsp; Next week we're talking breastfeeding and newborn nutrition, so get ready!!</p>
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EXCERPT:
The winner of the "Real Food for Moms and Babies" by Nina Planck giveaway is:

Beth Stedman! http://bethstedman.com/

Congratulations!  Please email me your full name and address by Saturday night, and your prize will be in the mail soon.

Now, some awesome Real Food resources for you:
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps in the Kitchen Wrap-Up
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/10/2010 12:00:34 PM
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<p>Okay, so here are our baby steps!&nbsp; Can you believe we've done all this?</p>
<ol>
<li>Buy good eggs</li>
<li>Buy some organic produce (dirty dozen)</li>
<li>Choose one food ingredient to avoid (HFCS, MSG)</li>
<li>Replace white sugar with healthier alternatives (sucanat, raw honey, etc.)</li>
<li>Choose one additional food ingredient to avoid (soy?)</li>
<li>Buy good milk, or milk substitute (coconut milk)</li>
<li>Replace white flour and white flour products with healthier alternatives (whole wheat, spelt, etc.)</li>
<li>Choose healthier oils </li>
<li>Try making your own chicken stock instead of buying broth or bouillon cubes, and your own soups!</li>
<li>Learn to bake your own bread</li>
<li>Reduce reliance on packaged/prepared meals (replace one store-bought item per day)</li>
<li>Reduce consumption of factory-farmed meat, and either have vegetarian meals or replace it organic meat (eventually include plenty of organic meat in your diet)</li>
<li>Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet</li>
<li>Increase the amount of fat in your diet</li>
<li>Find healthier snack options</li>
<li>Start meal planning</li>
<li>Try making your favorite packaged meal(s) from scratch</li>
<li>Reduce your consumption of grains</li>
<li>Try a new, healthy meal once per week (check the blog for recipes!)</li>
<li>Avoid canned items (replace with glass bottles or from-scratch)</li>
<li>Try sprouting grains</li>
<li>Try something &ldquo;big&rdquo; &ndash; fermenting food, making kefir, eating organic meat, etc.</li>
<li>Eliminate the use of the microwave</li>
<li>Put together a &ldquo;food&rdquo; binder</li>
</ol>
<p>Have you done it all?&nbsp; What step was hardest for you?&nbsp; What steps were surprisingly easy?&nbsp; Tell me all about your real food journey!&nbsp; What impact has it made on your family's health?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Okay, so here are our baby steps!  Can you believe we've done all this?

Buy good eggs
Buy some organic produce (dirty dozen)
Choose one food ingredient to avoid (HFCS, MSG)
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why I Don't Like "Organic Valley"
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 04/11/2010 12:00:44 PM
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<p>A lot of people are probably familiar with the "Organic Valley" brand of dairy products.&nbsp; I've seen them in the stores a lot.&nbsp; I've bought a couple of their products.&nbsp; But the more I learn about them, the less I like them.&nbsp; And here's why:</p>
<p>1) They're too big/corporate</p>
<p>I know the company started out as a coop, but now they're national.&nbsp; They don't seem to have as much connection to the local farms anymore.&nbsp; They have a huge list of products now, including some that don't seem very healthy.&nbsp; They seem very "mainstream" organic to me, which is absolutely against everything I believe in (small, local farms; true sustainable agriculture; little to no processing).</p>
<p>2) Their standards are very low</p>
<p>Organic Valley ultra-pasteurizes all of their milk.&nbsp; Ultra-pasteurization is terrible for you!&nbsp; I don't recommend ever buying any of their milk even if you buy other products for this reason.&nbsp; Most of their cows aren't fed grass (they have a few, very expensive products that specify the cows were grass-fed, but in most cases they're not).&nbsp; They seem to do just barely what they must to be labeled organic, but I wouldn't consider their products healthy at all.</p>
<p>3) Their prices are very high</p>
<p>The one product of theirs that I did buy was grass-fed butter.&nbsp; But it cost almost twice as much as an imported, grass-fed brand!&nbsp; It seems pretty suspect that they would need to charge so much when an imported company doesn't.&nbsp; To me, this seems like they're really taking advantage of the market (and I only bought it because it was on sale and clearly marked "grass fed" while the other brand wasn't -- I had to look it up when I got home to learn that).&nbsp; Their milk costs more than I pay for local, raw milk.&nbsp; Their prices are just way outside of what I'd expect to pay for something as low-quality as what they're producing (I consider non-grass-fed and ultra-pasteurized to be "low quality" when we're talking about organic dairy).</p>
<p>4) They have unhealthy products</p>
<p>Organic Valley makes reduced-fat milks, which I don't think is good (it's not a WHOLE food if it's been separated and processed).&nbsp; They make sour cream with skim milk and other unnatural ingredients.&nbsp; They make dry milk powder!&nbsp; Basically, this company makes mainstream products that are "organic."&nbsp; But they're not really health food.&nbsp; They're not any better for you than the mainstream versions.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I can't recommend you ever buy Organic Valley products.&nbsp; They're just "organic" versions of the exact same mainstream products you would otherwise buy.&nbsp; And since they're ultra-pasteurized (at 270 degrees, according to their website), they're highly denatured and could cause health problems.&nbsp; If you want GOOD dairy products, try to buy local and pastured.&nbsp; The organic label isn't important if you know your farmer.&nbsp; Failing that, I like the Kerrygold butter (I wish their cheese was raw, but it's probably not bad -- I haven't tried it though).&nbsp; Be sure to read labels carefully and know what you're really getting into.&nbsp; Just because something says "organic" doesn't mean it's really good!&nbsp; Research companies, or better yet -- go with local farms and don't bother with companies at all.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>Where do you buy your food?&nbsp; Have you relied on larger organic companies in the past?&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
A lot of people are probably familiar with the "Organic Valley" brand of dairy products.  I've seen them in the stores a lot.  I've bought a couple of their products.  But the more I learn about them, the less I like them.  And here's why:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kat
EMAIL: kat.garson@gmail.com
IP: 99.246.9.197
URL: http://scdkatfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/11/2010 03:08:46 PM
<p>This scared me at first, I thought you were talking about Organic Meadow a company I buy milk from in Ontario. Organic Meadow is a province-wide company, I guess large enough, but they collect all their milk from small family-owned farms. I can't verify each farm or know exactly where the milk comes from, but they do state the cows are on grass as much of the year as possible. They don't use ultra-pasteurization and actually offer non-homogenized whole milk. The cream actually concentrates at the top.</p><p>Great job investigating this. I think too many people just go buy &quot;organic&quot; thinking it's the healthiest thing. You really do need to know where the food comes from and how it is processed.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 04/11/2010 07:55:24 PM
<p>I'm a little confused by one thing you've written. You know that most of the world doesn't agree with the fact that high fat diets, so why are you so surprised that they make skim products? They, like any business, want to make money, and there is demand for skim products. I wouldn't discount a company for selling a product whose actual nutrition you don't believe when you know that a majority of the people in this country believe that it is healthy. If the company can sell those products in order to stay afloat and still offer the other products whose nutrition you do believe in, I don't see why you use that fact to discount the company's legitimacy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LaVonne
EMAIL: lavonne.long@gmail.com
IP: 71.112.74.45
URL: http://longwaitforisabella.blogspot.com/
DATE: 04/12/2010 02:01:39 AM
<p>We have an organic valley farm here in Skagit County, Washington. The cows are outside in a grass and we visit when we drive by while they are being fed (real grass). I don't much about the company but the farm here in our area seems like a great small local family farm that happens to sell their milk to OV. I will have to look into the other things you say though. Thanks for posting.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 04/12/2010 02:03:12 AM
<p>Organic Valley doesn't only milk reduced-fat milk products that are unhealthy.  They make dry milk powder and other products that even the mainstream acknowledges are not the greatest.  For an organic company, who should have higher standards of health (I don't know of ANY other organic dairy company that makes any such thing), this is inexcusable.  It is common for organic dairies to produce various fat-content milk, but not to make highly-processed dairy products.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 04/12/2010 02:06:02 AM
<p>LaVonne,</p><p>According to their website, OV buys from lots of small farms.  I'm sure some are run very well, like the one near you!  But others may not be run as well.  Even if they are, ultra-pasteurizing the milk ruins many of its benefits.  If I were you I'd try to buy from that local farm directly!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Organic Valley
EMAIL: webmaster@organicvalley.coop
IP: 68.65.34.227
URL: http://www.organicvalley.coop/
DATE: 04/12/2010 04:26:44 PM
<p>Dear Modern Alternative Mama,</p><p>Unfortunately, much of what you've written about our coop in the post above is inaccurate. We'd like to take the opportunity to post a reply:</p><p>1.) Organic Valley is and always has been a farmer-owned cooperative. We're owned by 1,652 organic farmers from across 34 states, and our CEO and board of directors are Organic Valley Family Farmers, not Wall Street fatcats. The farms in our cooperative are all family-run, the average number of cows on our dairy farms, for example, is 80, which is well below what you will find with most dairy brands, whether organic or conventional.</p><p>By definition, Organic Valley is a cooperative of local farms, farming as sustainably as possible. The fact that our 1,652 family farms have banded together in order to effectively gain access to markets and to ensure a sustainable pay price is a GOOD THING because it helps keep small-scale family farms in business.</p><p>2.) Contrary to your article, the vast majority of fluid milk product we make is available in both ultra pasteurized and traditionally pasteurized varieties. There are many Organic Valley consumers who prefer ultra pasteurized milk products due to the longer shelf life afforded by that process. Conversely, other groups of people prefer the characteristics of traditionally pasteurized milks. We give them the choice to purchase the types of dairy they prefer based on their preferences, and we think choice is a GOOD THING.</p><p>Organic Valley makes the highest quality dairy products available on the market today, and we have a long list of product awards to prove it. <a href="http://www.organicvalley.coop/products/awards/" rel="nofollow">http://www.organicvalley.coop/products/awards/</a></p><p>We know that the best milk is produced when cows are on pasture, which is why Organic Valley has a very strict pasture policy that ensures our dairy cattle remain on grass as long as possible throughout the year. We were at the forefront of the effort to get the National Organic Program (NOP) to implement a more strict rule concerning pasture, and we were very gratified to see that the NOP recently adopted nearly all of our recommendations. <a href="http://www.organicvalley.coop/why-organic/pasture/" rel="nofollow">http://www.organicvalley.coop/why-organic/pasture/</a></p><p>3.) Our cooperative's product prices are right in-line with other organic dairy brands. It's not applicable to compare our retail prices with those of raw milk on the farm: the farmer you buy raw milk from does not have to pay for hauling, processing, packaging, distribution, promotions, etc., so it's no wonder he/she can sell for less.</p><p>4.) Yes, we make reduced fat milks, many of our consumers prefer them to whole varieties, and choice is good. And yes, we also make organic milk powders, they come in handy for cooking, camping, and emergency situations. It's a good thing we make powder, too, because we were able to contribute over 40,000 pounds of our organic milk powder product to the Haitian relief effort earlier this year after the devastating earthquake occurred. We're proud of our ability to do things like that, and powder makes it possible.</p><p>While pasteurization, lowfat milks, and milk powders may not appeal to you, it doesn't mean that others should not have the opportunity to choose them, nor does it mean that those types of products are unhealthy.</p><p>It's important to remember that our mission is to save family farming culture through organic farming.</p><p>Thanks for allowing us to chime in!</p><p>The Farmer-Owners of Organic Valley</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 04/14/2010 02:21:39 PM
<p>Organic Valley,</p><p>Thanks for responding and letting us know about your products.  I am glad to hear that most of your products are mainly grass-fed and coming from small farms.  I would suggest that you label them all as such on the packaging so your consumers can make a decision (when I was choosing butter, I only saw &quot;grass-fed&quot; on the label of your most expensive option).  I found this to be confusing.  Is it possible that you are not putting &quot;grass fed&quot; on all of your products because you know that people are seeking out grass-fed products and will pay a premium for those which are?  I was certainly confused by this labeling.  I would not have bought the most expensive product had all of them been labeled &quot;grass fed.&quot;</p><p>As far as choice goes, with certain products -- low and non-fat milks, soy milks, agave nectar, ultra-pasteurization -- I believe an organic company has a responsibility to inform their customers about why such options are not in their best health interest, rather than producing them simply because there is a demand.  Consumers deserve to know why their dollars are better spent elsewhere.  This is a problem, however, with most large organic companies today, whatever their sources and roots.  Ultra-pasteurization denatures milk SO much that it is no longer worth consuming.  Therefore it doesn't really matter what the source of the cows, what they ate, how the milk was produced.  Ultra-pasteurized milk keeps without refrigeration for several weeks and cannot be used to make cheese because it won't form a curd.  That says something about how much the milk has been changed from its natural state.  Although pasteurization is the only legal way to sell milk in many areas (unfortunately), ultra-pasteurization is never required.</p><p>Most people would truly be better served simply by going to their local farms directly.  It produces much less of a carbon footprint and is cheaper for everyone.  Farmers can also educate their consumers about what is truly healthy, and they don't produce processed foods.  Unfortunately, however &quot;good&quot; a large company is, it will and can never measure up to having access to local farmers.  Perhaps your money and time would be better spent helping your customers to find their local farmers directly instead of gathering up the products, processing and packaging them, and distributing them?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kc
EMAIL: kristyshanks@gmail.com
IP: 75.64.138.209
URL: http://www.livingitupcornfree.com/
DATE: 04/19/2010 08:27:53 AM
<p>I will buy Organic Valley pastured butter when it is on sale and less expensive than Kerrygold because it is one of the very few corn-free dairy products available in my city and we are allergic to corn. I would much prefer raw dairy from a local farm but I live in one of the states that has laws against selling raw milk. We do without milk even though Organic Valley does make an &quot;unfortified&quot; organic milk (all vitamin D milk contains GMO corn as far as I know) because that particular milk is only available as ultrapasteurized. That milk is not labeled as grassfed either so I would have to avoid it on the chance that the cows were fed corn. It was good that they posted about their pasteurization process since most consumers would otherwise be unaware that anything but ultrapasteurized was available. I don't believe there is a single organic milk in my city that isn't ultrapasteurized, I truly didn't know there was any other organic option these days.</p><p>By the way, cheesemaking enzymes were one of the first GMOs put into our food system and most US cheeses use these enzymes to make cheese - even raw cheese. As if that wasn't bad enough, these GMO enzymes are grown on a GMO corn medium so the only safe cheese for my family is Kerrygold (imported from Ireland). That would be a discussion to have with any local cheesemaker before choosing their product. Even organic cheeses may not be free from GMOs.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 04/19/2010 01:23:38 PM
<p>KC,</p><p>I didn't realize that GMOs were such a pervasive problem!  Thanks for alerting us. :(  I hope my rennet is GMO-free, because I do have access to raw milk (though I also live in a state where it is illegal).  Have you been able to find a cow share?</p><p>As for ultra-pasteurized vs. pasteurized, I went to a &quot;regular&quot; store the other day and noted three brands of organic milk: Organic Valley, Horizon, and store brand.  All of them in half gallon cartons were ultra-pasteurized.  The plastic gallons were just pasteurized.  Even so it doesn't say what the cows were fed or what temp the pasteurization was done at.  I stick with milk from local farms, which I know is either raw or pasteurized at the lowest legal temp. (which is fine for yogurt making).  I'm not quite sure why most organic milk is ultra-pasteurized; anyone shed some light on that thought process?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kara
EMAIL: kara@anhourinthekitchen.com
IP: 96.249.18.234
URL: http://anhourinthekitchen.com
DATE: 04/19/2010 01:38:30 PM
<p>Buying local organic is usually my first choice, but I don't see any reason to vilify Organic Valley.  At the very least they aren't adding harmful pesticides to the environment. The more people who choose ANY organic brand, the better.</p><p>Did you watch the special features from Food Inc? The founder of Stoneyfield had some good points.</p><p>Thanks for the thought-provoking post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lanise
EMAIL: ebaylb@yahoo.com
IP: 68.2.67.89
URL: 
DATE: 04/19/2010 02:43:35 PM
<p>We buy OV milk that is not ultra-pasturized.  That's my choice when I'm not using local raw milk.  We don't buy their cream because of UHT, but I know that they sale milk that is not UHT.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Raine
EMAIL: raine@agriculturesociety.com
IP: 71.220.154.60
URL: http://www.agriculturesociety.com
DATE: 04/19/2010 05:18:44 PM
<p>I am absolutely horrified to learn that most cheese enzymes by U.S. cheesemakers are from GMO sources! In my city, Boise, Idaho, there are very few raw cheeses available (although it wouldn't matter anyway because apparently most cheese products are tainted by GMOs), and we never have enough raw milk leftover to make our own cheese. We can't afford to buy more milk as it is $10 per gallon for our share through the farm. </p><p>I have been buying Organic Valley raw cheeses for several years as I felt it was my only option, but I have been bothered for a long time about the ultra-pasteurization process and milk powders they use for a long time - so I avoid buying those other products completely. Does anyone know of any other options for buying good quality cheeses that are not tainted with GMOs? I have never seen Kerrygold cheese anywhere in our city, or any other city when I've shopped for that matter. I do buy the butter regularly though. </p><p>I had been buying the Organic Valley Pasture Butter, but I agree with you Kate, their butter is extremely expensive. It ends up being almost $10 a pound. I was able to get good raw butter from a farm in Vermont for $9 a pound, but then I had to pay for shipping and it just became too expensive (as well as harmful on the environment due to span of distance it has to travel to get to my home).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 04/19/2010 09:53:17 PM
<p>Raine - if you don't have enough milk leftover to make cheese, might you have enough for butter? Butter doesn't require as much milk as cheese (so far as I know; I've made butter, but not cheese) to get a usable amount. Also, if you have a stand mixer, butter is fairly easy to make - see http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/16/homemade-butter-gift-of-the-day/ for a tutorial. Making butter also gives you buttermilk, which my husband and I use for making fried chicken - coat in the dry mixture (we use cajun seasoning with self-rising flour), dip into buttermilk, dip back into dry, and fry in your oil of choice.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mel
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.20.46.221
URL: 
DATE: 04/19/2010 11:21:36 PM
<p>Our family doesn't drink their milk because we have a raw source but we enjoy OV's butter and will continue doing so.  While I can see some of your points, I think your blog post was a little over the top...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: ahaapala95@hotmail.com
IP: 207.171.103.126
URL: 
DATE: 12/22/2010 12:10:41 AM
<p>It was really hard for me to read your post about Organic Valley because my sister and her family sell their organic milk to Organic Valley. They agree that raw milk is the best and sell it to many members of their community. Without having a place to sell their milk to they would not be able  survive as a family farm! As it is they struggle financially but believe in what they are doing.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why Breastfeed? and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/12/2010 12:00:41 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Breastfeeding.</p>
<p>If you have kids, or are thinking about having kids, chances are you've already been told "breast is best."&nbsp; You may have heard it even if you're not thinking about kids yet.&nbsp; But you may not know WHY.&nbsp; A lot of people talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, but in kind of a watered-down way, as if the benefits just <em>might</em> exist, but really it's not a whole lot different from formula feeding.&nbsp; And anyone who tries to say differently is called a "breast Nazi" or worse.</p>
<p>Let me tell you, breastfeeding <em>is</em> a lot better.&nbsp; Incomparable.&nbsp; You can call me a breast Nazi if you want, but what it comes down to is that I believe all mothers need to know all the<em> facts</em> before they make such an important choice about feeding their newborns.&nbsp; You need to know what breastfeeding's benefits are -- and the struggles (we'll talk more about those later in the week).&nbsp; You also need to be fully versed in your alternatives, including knowing what's in formula, detriments of formula, and best options if you really <em>can't</em> breastfeed.&nbsp; It really is not just about a simple choice: it's your child's future health.&nbsp; It is a choice, but it's one you need to take very seriously, and your child's best interests should be the first thing you consider, not your own comfort or desires.&nbsp; If you think you come first: NEWSFLASH!&nbsp; You're a parent now.&nbsp; You don't come first anymore.&nbsp; Ever.</p>
<p>Had to say it, because it drives me nuts that so many people think of most parenting decisions as if they don't matter much and that having children should somehow be convenient and work should be minimized.&nbsp; I'll talk about that indepth in another post.&nbsp; But...that's why I said it.&nbsp; I'm not coming down on women who truly can't breastfeed, or who have some medical problem.&nbsp; But this is a serious issue and a lot of women don't get it.&nbsp; And I'm very passionate about it!&nbsp; So, here we go!&nbsp; Why should you listen to a word I have to say or even care about breastfeeding, much less commit to doing it?</p>
<p>*Breastfeeding has tons of immunities, prevents illness</p>
<p>Breastmilk contains all the immunities you currently have (so, to chicken pox, or whatever you've had).&nbsp; It also can develop immunities as you and your baby are exposed to new illnesses.&nbsp; That is, if you're exposed to a cold, your body immediately starts to make antibodies against that illness and passes them to your baby.&nbsp; If your baby is exposed first, his saliva is absorbed into your breast and then you produce antibodies in your milk against it.&nbsp; It's an amazing system!&nbsp; This is why breastfed babies are less likely to get sick.&nbsp; The <em>entire</em> time you breastfeed, you are still passing immunities to your baby.&nbsp; There is no time when it's "done" or anything.&nbsp; In fact, childrens' immune systems don't mature until they are around school age, so breastfeeding as long as possible is great!</p>
<p>*Breastfeeding colonizes gut flora properly and develops the gut</p>
<p>Unborn babies have sterile guts.&nbsp; When they're born, their guts are colonized for the first time with the flora from their mothers' vagina (babies born via c-section unfortunately don't get this benefit).&nbsp; Then, their guts are colonized more and more by "good" bacteria as they breastfeed.&nbsp; A breastfed baby's gut is colonized largely by bifidobacterium and b. infantis, as well as lactobaccilus.&nbsp; This changes when a baby is fed even a single bottle of formula, or when the baby starts solids.&nbsp; A baby's gut doesn't reach the first stage of maturity (the gut at birth is open and therefore permeable to any large proteins, which can cause allergies; breast milk provides immunoglobin A, which helps the gut to close and become impermeable so that undigested proteins don't get through) until at least 18 weeks of age, and sometimes until even later.&nbsp; New research suggests that babies who are given formula or solids before reaching at least 18 weeks of age have guts that take longer to mature, or which don't ever fully mature.&nbsp; The next stage of maturity is producing the necessary enzymes to actually break down solid foods, and these don't start production until 8 - 9 months of age, and aren't complete until around 26 months (which is why I recommend breastfeeding at least that long).&nbsp; Doing mixed feeding (whether with formula or solids) can affect the baby's gut health for life, predisposing the baby to allergies, being overweight, asthma, diabetes, and other autoimmune disorders.</p>
<p>*Breastfeeding promotes bonding</p>
<p>When you're breastfeeding, you have to hold your baby close.&nbsp; There's no way around it.&nbsp; Holding and cuddling your baby several times a day (breastfed babies eat at least 12 times a day in the early weeks, and often times more than that) will bring you close.&nbsp; Also, breastfeeding release oxytocin, a bonding hormone, which makes you feel even closer.&nbsp; Breastfeeding is made to bond you!</p>
<p>*Breastfeeding promotes natural appetite, prevents obesity</p>
<p>We, as a society, are obsessed with weights and measures.&nbsp; We want to know exactly how much our babies are eating -- how many ounces, how many calories, how many feedings per day.&nbsp; But we don't need to know that.&nbsp; Breastfeeding is very inexact.&nbsp; We don't know how much milk baby is taking per feeding, and the amount of fat and calories in the milk varies from feeding to feeding and even from the beginning to the end of a feeding.&nbsp; But it's always exactly what your baby needs right then.&nbsp; New research even shows that the milk you produce is different in the morning than the evening, and the milk in the evening promotes sleeping!&nbsp; But, because we can't tell how much baby is getting, we're not tempted to try to get baby to take "just a little more" or "finish off the bottle" or anything.&nbsp; Baby nurses as much as he needs and stops when he's full (my son, now almost 9 months, will simply unlatch and sit up when he's done).&nbsp; This encourages baby to listen to his body to regulate when he is hungry and when he is full, rather than some arbitrary measure like how much food is available.&nbsp; This promotes natural appetite control and can help prevent obesity.</p>
<p>*Breastfeeding promotes proper jaw development</p>
<p>The way a baby breastfeeds is that he takes a large amount of the breast into his mouth (most of the areola, or red area surrounding the nipple, should be in his&nbsp;mouth).&nbsp; The nipple elongates into the back of his throat.&nbsp; He must work his jaws to compress the breast tissue to get the milk to squirt out of the nipple.&nbsp; He is not really "sucking," but "suckling."&nbsp; The jaws are wide open and they have to work hard to get the milk.&nbsp; This promotes proper jaw development and may save you from having to get braces when the child becomes a teenager!</p>
<p>*Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition</p>
<p>There is no argument: breastfeeding provides the BEST nutrition.&nbsp; It has the right balance of fats, proteins, carbs, and water for baby, and changes to meet baby's needs.&nbsp; Breastmilk is heavy on cholesterol and saturated fats.&nbsp; In fact, over half of the calories in breastmilk come from fat.&nbsp; This is because baby <em>needs</em> these fats for his development.&nbsp; It also contains a lot of whey and lactose and a low amount of casein (proteins), which is what your baby needs.&nbsp; Whey and lactose are highly digestible, while casein is harder to digest.&nbsp; It also contains the perfect nutrients in the perfect amounts, assuming you're not deficient in anything (see my post on Pregnant and Nursing Moms' Diet).&nbsp; It contains "lower" amounts than formula, but the vitamins are highly absorbable.&nbsp; This is in addition to all the immunities, antibodies, and other "stuff" it contains.&nbsp; Breastmilk has been called "white blood" because it is really a living, changing substance rather than just a food!</p>
<p>&nbsp;Resources:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/07/increasing-milk-supply-homemade-mothers-milk-tea.html">Increase Your Milk Supply</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/">Government Resources for Breastfeeding</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drgreene.com/qa/benefits-breastfeeding">Benefits of Breastfeeding</a></p>
<p>GIVEAWAY!</p>
<p>We're giving away 1 4-oz. jar of Modern Alternative Mama Soothing Skin Cream!&nbsp; It can be used on sore nipples while breastfeeding (wash it off before nursing, just in case, although if you forget -- it's 100% natural ingredients).&nbsp; Although it has tons of uses!</p>
<p>To enter, you can do the following things:</p>
<p>1) Leave me a comment telling me about your breastfeeding experience</p>
<p>2) Leave me a question about breastfeeding, which I'll answer in Wednesday's FAQ (even if you know the answer, leave me one anyway to help me think of what questions really are frequently asked)</p>
<p>3) Subscribe to the blog (or tell me you already do)</p>
<p>4) Follow me on Twitter</p>
<p>5) Tweet this giveaway</p>
<p>6) Post about this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>7) Promise that if you win, you'll post a review of the cream to our store. :)</p>
<p>There are 7 possible entries!&nbsp; And 3 of them are super easy!!&nbsp; The winner will be chosen on Friday morning, and the winner needs to contact me by Saturday night, Apr. 17.&nbsp; U.S. residents only, please!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Breastfeeding.

If you have kids, or are thinking about having kids, chances are you've already been told "breast is best."  You may have heard it even if you're not thinking about kids yet.  But you may not know WHY.  A lot of people talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, but in kind of a watered-down way, as if the benefits just might exist, but really it's not a whole lot different from formula feeding.  And anyone who tries to say differently is called a "breast Nazi" or worse.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: d.a.vogel@gmail.com
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 12:05:52 PM
<p>I do not dispute any of your facts.  I do, however, dispute that the breast is ALWAYS best.  As a dear friend of mine would say, breast is best until it isn't.  I was unable to successfully nurse my first daughter.  I nursed her for 6 weeks and then we switched to formula.  And she is a beautiful, smart young girl.  I successfully nursed my second for a full year.  She, too, is a beautiful, smart girl.  I was also unsuccessful in nursing my son.  We nursed for 3 months.  My son, in essence, was allergic to my  milk.  We tried eliminating foods from my diet but to no avail.  My son could NOT eat from me.  I find posts like this one ignorant.  I find it abrasive and harsh and in part, hurtful.  I am not sure that you know what it is like to have a desire to nurse a child and have that choice ripped from your hands.  Had I continued to nurse my son he most likely would have had to be hospitalized as he was not growing.  We are not talking about the slower gaining breastfed baby here, we are talking flat out not growing.  When we look back at pictures we realize that he was so thin.  He remind me of those pictures of starving children in Africa.  <br/>So breast is NOT always best.  Please take into consideration that there are children who simply can't nurse.  Don't make them feel more guilty for not being able to nurse than they already do.  As a parent yourself, you should know that the guilt that the parent can experience is already more than enough.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 12:37:27 PM
<p>Questions about breastfeeding: I have several friends who have recently had babies, started breastfeeding, then stopped after 2 weeks at max because it was too painful or really inconvenient. However, I hope that I wouldn't stop breastfeeding so quickly because of these reasons. Do you have any tips or suggestions on reducing pain? </p><p>I also know one of them was having trouble producing enough milk. Is there anything that can be done to help with that?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 12:37:55 PM
<p>I already subscribe to your blog (and love it!).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 12:38:07 PM
<p>I already follow you on Twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 12:40:35 PM
<p>I tweeted about your give-away.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 12:41:23 PM
<p>I promise that if I win, I'll post a review of the cream to your store!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 04/13/2010 12:47:34 PM
<p>Alison,</p><p>There are some rare cases where women really can't breastfeed, and I'll be talking more about that later in the week.  It's very sad and it does happen, and I'm sorry that it happened to you.  I have another friend for whome her milk just did not come in at all.  At 10 days old her baby literally was getting nothing.  So later this week I will be addressing what options women like you (and she) have.  The problem is that there are a lot of women out there who are not fully aware of the benefits of nursing.  I read several forums and articles in preparation for writing this and the message I was seeing was &quot;it honestly doesn't matter which you choose.&quot;  And it absolutely DOES matter.  For you, that meant you absolutely had to choose formula.  But it still mattered!  There are other babies who might die if they DIDN'T get breastmilk.  And there are babies who would seem fine either way but really do better with breastmilk.  I am trying to reach the crowd who have never thought too seriously about the decision, to impress upon them that how you feed your baby is a serious decision.  What would have happened if you hadn't been paying attention to your son's needs?  If you had decided that you were going to breastfeed him absolutely no matter what?  That would not have been good.  So it was a really important and serious decision for you, too, not just a coin toss: &quot;I think I'll do formula today instead.&quot;</p><p>Thanks for sharing your story!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 01:50:59 PM
<p>Oops, Kate! I left the earlier comment with the 2 questions about breastfeeding. I'm not sure who Michelle is, but she must have been on this website on this computer before me. Sorry about that!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: d.a.vogel@gmail.com
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 04:53:27 PM
<p>There are women who don't understand the benefits.  Frankly, I find that you can catch more flies with honey approach is a better one.  Making people feel guilty for what they choose to do is not productive and actually can turn people off to the whole idea of breastfeeding.  For the babies that might die from not having it, that is why there are milk banks available.  There are other ways to present this, other than making people feel bad. </p><p>Formulas have come a long way.  They are still no where near the complexity of breastmilk but they are much better than what they used to be.  If a parent chooses to formula feed, who are you (or anyone else, not you specifically) to say otherwise.  Every parent tries to make the best decisions for their children.  I am all about educating people about the choices that they have whether it be formula vs breastfeeding, co-sleeping vs not, baby wearing vs strollers, etc.  But when it comes down to it every parent has the final say and it isn't our place to judge them.  We don't know their story.  We don't know what life threw them.  We simply do not know, nor do we have to.  I think supporting women/parents is what we need more of, regardless of the choices they make.  It may not be what we would have done but that is ok.  We can live our lives, educate others as to what we have done, and then let them live theirs.  Being a parent is hard enough without the constant judgment of others.  </p><p>I thank you for the information and for allowing my comments to be posted.  It says alot about you when you are open to putting up differing views than your own.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa S.
EMAIL: myissa2003@yahoo.com
IP: 200.86.7.29
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:12:55 PM
<p>With my first son I read several books on breastfeeding... I was determined to succeed! Everything went well and he nursed until he was 11 months old. Before my second son was born, I read the books again, but I skipped the part about nursing under difficult circumstances &quot;because that would never happen to me.&quot; Well, it did happen to me and my son was in the Neonatal Unit for the first two months. I am very thankful for the doctors and nurses who encouraged me to pump so that as much breastmilk as possible was given to my son and they literally cheered me on when I was finally able to start nursing him. <br/>Even though I was able to start nursing my son, I was never able to build up my milk supply so that he exclusively nursed. I can relate to what Alison said about guilt... I had many thoughts like, &quot;Maybe if I had pumped more... or drank more water... or taken some kind of miracle pill.&quot; But the important thing is to just do your best!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: journeytorealfood@gmail.com
IP: 68.238.139.6
URL: http://www.journeytorealfood.com/
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:13:46 PM
<p>1. My first was born when I was really young and knew next to nothing.  I breastfed her for the first week and towards end of the week I could tell there was something wrong, she was really weak and dehydrated.  I took her to the doc and he said she wasn't getting enough to eat and to supplement formula.  I ended up just doing all formula.<br/>With my second I decided to try and breastfeed again and the same thing happened.  After this experience I decided that there must be something wrong with me.  My milk never came in (at least noticeably to me) but I was actually producing colostrum for a while.  I talked to the lactation consultant at the hospital and she was clueless.<br/>Now I am pregnant with my third and and now know the dangers of commercial formula.  Therefore, I am doing everything I can to learn more about proper nutrition and breastfeeding in hopes that I will be successful this time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: journeytorealfood@gmail.com
IP: 68.238.139.6
URL: http://www.journeytorealfood.com/
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:15:12 PM
<p>2.  What foods or herbs would you suggest for someone who is pregnant in order to make sure her milk supply is adequate?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: journeytorealfood@gmail.com
IP: 68.238.139.6
URL: http://www.journeytorealfood.com/
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:15:32 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: journeytorealfood@gmail.com
IP: 68.238.139.6
URL: http://www.journeytorealfood.com/
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:15:57 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: journeytorealfood@gmail.com
IP: 68.238.139.6
URL: http://www.journeytorealfood.com/
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:16:35 PM
<p>I tweeted about the giveaway.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa S.
EMAIL: myissa2003@yahoo.com
IP: 200.86.7.29
URL: 
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:16:41 PM
<p>I am already subscibed to your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: journeytorealfood@gmail.com
IP: 68.238.139.6
URL: http://www.journeytorealfood.com/
DATE: 04/13/2010 08:17:48 PM
<p>I promise I'll review the cream if I win!  Although it may be a few months from now until I'm able to use it for it's primary purpose ;)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Choosehealth
EMAIL: Choose.health@ymail.com
IP: 71.95.174.231
URL: 
DATE: 04/16/2010 10:01:49 AM
<p>I work with prenatal and post-natal women everyday.  As a dietitian I believe breastmilk is the best way to give your baby a healthy start in life.  I am expecting my first child in September and am looking forward to the beautiful experience of breastfeeding.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Breastfeeding FAQ
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/14/2010 12:00:15 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/04/wfmw-organized-hiding.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/04/frugal-friday-golden-rules-of-frugality.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 300px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Blog_Pictures_003.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271292854089" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 300px;">Me, nursing Daniel recently</span></span></p>
<p>Now it's time for a bunch of common breastfeeding questions!&nbsp; If you have one that's not answered here, feel free to ask it below.&nbsp; I'm answering questions because I have 2+ years of breastfeeding experience, including breastfeeding two newborns, breastfeeding through pregnancy, extended (after age 2) breastfeeding, and tandem nursing.&nbsp; I'm also working on my certification as a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) through CAPPA.</p>
<p>Q: Will breastfeeding hurt?&nbsp; If so, why and how long?</p>
<p>A: Yes, it will hurt -- a little.&nbsp; Your breasts just aren't used to their new job.&nbsp; It is common for your breasts to ache a little at latch-on and after feedings (if you can leave them open to the air, they won't hurt as much.&nbsp; They tend to hurt between feedings because they're tender from the unaccustomed suckling and moisture and they're being rubbed by your bra/clothes).&nbsp; This will last 2 - 4 weeks on average.&nbsp; However, extreme pain, pain that continues throughout a feed, pain that is accompanied by fever, lumps in the breast, a hot red spot, which causes your nipples to bleed is never normal.&nbsp; If you experience more than a minor, aching pain, please see a lactation consultant to make sure your baby is latching properly.</p>
<p>Q: What does a proper latch look like?</p>
<p>A: Baby's mouth should be open WIDE, and should cover most of your areola.&nbsp; His bottom lip should be against your breast (the inside of the lip) and his tongue over his bottom gums, curved around your breast.&nbsp; His jaw should remain open wide the entire time he's nursing.&nbsp; You can find pictures and good step-by-step guidelines <a href="http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_images_latchon.html">here</a>.</p>
<p>Q: Can I give my baby pacifiers or occasional bottles?</p>
<p>A: It's not recommended in the first 6 weeks.&nbsp; Some babies will suffer from "nipple confusion."&nbsp; This is where baby forgets how to breastfeed properly because bottles and pacifiers don't require the same type of sucking.&nbsp; They are easier to suck on, too, so some babies will not want to "work" to nurse when bottles are easier.&nbsp; After the first 6 weeks it is possible to introduce bottles and pacifiers if desired (for example, if you have to go back to work and someone else will need to feed the baby).&nbsp; Be aware that it is possible for babies to suffer nipple confusion or refuse to breastfeed even after 6 weeks if you introduce bottles.&nbsp; From my personal experience, however, my first baby had a pacifier at one day old and a bottle at two days old and went back and forth with no problems.&nbsp; My second had a pacifier from around a week old (never a bottle though) and also had no problems.&nbsp; But, not all babies are alike.</p>
<p>Q: How do I know my baby's eating enough?</p>
<p>A: Pay attention to the baby's signs.&nbsp; Is the baby having 6 - 8 wet diapers per day (after the first couple days)?&nbsp; Pooping most days (and sometimes at every change)?&nbsp; Is the baby happy?&nbsp; Calm?&nbsp; Goes to sleep after feeding?&nbsp; Gaining weight well?&nbsp; The baby is getting enough to eat.&nbsp; If the baby seems frantic, wants to nurse often, cries a lot, isn't gaining weight, isn't wetting or pooping enough, then the baby may not be getting enough to eat (or there could be another problem, like a food intolerance).&nbsp; Either way, seek help if that is the case.&nbsp; MOST babies do get enough to eat, and be aware that some babies will want to nurse ALL the time even if they are getting enough to eat.&nbsp; If your baby wants to nurse very frequently but is still gaining, peeing, pooping, then the baby may want comfort or may be going through a growth spurt, but all is well.</p>
<p>Q: HELP! My breasts are huge and my baby can't latch, and I'm in pain.&nbsp; Is this normal?</p>
<p>A: Yes, unfortunately.&nbsp; Although breastfeeding MORE is the solution to help stop this and even prevent this.&nbsp; What's happening is that your breasts have become engorged.&nbsp; But it's not the milk causing it (though yes, there's a lot of milk too).&nbsp; It's that there is so much blood flow to the breasts as they adjust to making milk, so they are swollen.&nbsp; If your baby can't latch, put cold or hot compresses on them (whatever feels better to you; hot can help to get the milk out and cold can help bring down the swelling) and massage them to get some milk out.&nbsp; Then feed your baby.&nbsp; Make sure you feed your baby on demand.&nbsp; Within a few days this will go away.&nbsp; You won't ever be quite so engorged again, even if you skip a couple feedings.&nbsp; Right now your body is trying to adjust to its new job, so it might be doing it a little TOO well.</p>
<p>Q: My breasts are no longer engorged!&nbsp; They don't seem to have any milk in them!&nbsp; Am I producing?</p>
<p>A: Yes.&nbsp; Once your body adjusts to making milk, the swelling goes down and you don't notice your breasts filling anymore.&nbsp; This is NORMAL.&nbsp; You are still producing plenty of milk.&nbsp; As long as your baby seems fine (read above), don't worry.&nbsp; I never feel like I have much milk in my breasts, personally, and yet I am making enough to feed two kids.</p>
<p>Q: What happens if I give formula occasionally?&nbsp; Will it hurt anything?</p>
<p>A: Well...not in the short term.&nbsp; If you absolutely must give it, then do.&nbsp; But be aware that even one bottle of formula will change your baby's gut flora and delay (or even prevent) the gut from maturing properly.&nbsp; If you are considering giving occasional bottles of formula sheerly for "convenience," I would highly encourage you not to.&nbsp; At least wait until your baby is 18 - 20 weeks old if you feel you need to for convenience reasons.&nbsp; If you feel you need to because your milk supply is low, please be aware there are ways to boost your supply, and that supplementing will cause you to make LESS milk, requiring more supplements.&nbsp; It is common for your baby to go through growth spurts where they are hungry all the time and seem like they are not getting enough.&nbsp; They are naturally trying to boost your supply so you will make enough as they grow larger!&nbsp; Supplementing is a bad idea because it will cause you to not produce enough.&nbsp; Almost all women CAN produce enough for their babies and then some, if they allow their babies to nurse on demand (I'm currently producing enough for a mostly-breastfed 9 month old, and a 2 year old who nurses 3 - 4 times a day.&nbsp; I'd estimate I produce 64 oz. or more in each 24-hour period!).&nbsp; Be aware that at the first slight worry that your baby might not be getting enough, or fussiness, a lot of people (including many uninformed pediatricians) are quick to suggest supplementing.&nbsp; If you're worried, get to a lactation consultant and make sure things are okay, but don't supplement unless you really need to!</p>
<p>Q: How long should I breastfeed (per session)?</p>
<p>A: All babies differ.&nbsp; I've heard of babies who took 90 minutes to finish nursing.&nbsp; Mine were always done in 5 - 10 minutes, even as newborns.&nbsp; Some babies are very efficient, while others like to be lazy about it.&nbsp; The average is probably around 20 - 30 minutes per feeding though.&nbsp; Contrary to what many will tell you, you don't need to limit the baby's time on each breast, even in the beginning.&nbsp; When the baby is finished (or needs a burp), s/he will unlatch and let you know.</p>
<p>Q: How long should I breastfeed (total time in months)?</p>
<p>A: As long as you can.&nbsp; 6 months exclusively is highly recommended.&nbsp; The WHO says 2 years.&nbsp; APA says 1 year (and both say "and as long after as mutually desired").&nbsp; I recommend at least 26 months, because that is when amylase and other enzyme production reaches maturity, the brain has gone through its largest developments, and the immune system is fairly mature.&nbsp; But continue as long as you and baby are comfortable.</p>
<p>Q: What can I do to prepare for breastfeeding?</p>
<p>A: That depends.&nbsp; The old advice of "toughening the nipples" is not good advice.&nbsp; Please leave your breasts alone!&nbsp; Rubbing and pulling on them doesn't mimic what nursing will feel like and won't help you be less sore.&nbsp; However, it's a good idea to learn all you can about proper breastfeeding technique, problems you might experience, solutions to those problems, etc.&nbsp; Have the number of a local lactation consultant whom you can call in case you do experience problems, and don't be afraid to use it!&nbsp; Consider taking a breastfeeding class before your baby is born (you'll learn all the information you need and resources to call upon in such a class).&nbsp; Having some mother's milk tea around (or mixing up your own) can help.&nbsp; Lansinoh breastfeeding cream (or my cream :) ), a nursing pillow, and any other supplies you think you might need would also be good advance purchases.</p>
<p>Q: What foods and herbs will help me breastfeed?</p>
<p>A: There are several foods and herbs that are galactogues: that is, they increase milk supply.&nbsp; Brewer's yeast, oatmeal, fennel, fenugreek, alfalfa, nettle, and red raspberry leaf are just a few.&nbsp; There is a cookie recipe you can make that contains oatmeal and brewer's yeast.&nbsp; Serve it up with some tea made with the herbs and you're set!&nbsp; Make sure that you are receiving plenty of healthy fats and lots of water, too.&nbsp; If you are not eating enough or drinking enough you will not produce enough milk, or the composition of your milk can change.&nbsp; I recently noticed that when I was thirsty and didn't drink enough, my son's pee (he's mostly breastfed) became strong.&nbsp; He wasn't getting enough water through my milk because I wasn't.&nbsp; It DOES affect your baby and your milk.&nbsp; I also noticed that when I was pregnant, if I ate extra fat (my favorite at that time was bread dipped in olive oil), I had more milk.&nbsp; Fat + water = more milk!!</p>
<p>Q: What might affect my milk coming in?&nbsp; Can it happen that it just doesn't?</p>
<p>A: Some women are extremely sensitive to certain drugs used in labor, antibiotics, other drugs (like cold medicine), stress, etc.&nbsp; For some women, these factors can cause your milk not to come in, or to dry up after it has come in.&nbsp; This is rare, and for a lot of women these things don't affect them.&nbsp; But it CAN happen.&nbsp; Probably 97% of women will have their milk come in no matter what happens (unless you take a drug specifically to prevent it) and things will go fine as long as you're breastfeeding often.&nbsp; But, it does happen sometimes that your milk just doesn't come in.&nbsp; To make sure this is the case, wait at least 7 days after birth and weigh your baby before and after feeding.&nbsp; If there is no weight gain, then your milk has not come in.&nbsp; Make sure you are under the care of a doctor and/or lactation consultant if you suspect this is happening to you.</p>
<p>Q: What happens if I CAN'T breastfeed for some reason?</p>
<p>A: It's rare (much more so than people want you to think -- right now over 60% of women think they "can't" breastfeed, but it's more like 1 - 3%.&nbsp; These women think they can't because they have received no support or bad support, which is something we definitely need to address!).&nbsp; But if it happens, there are options.&nbsp; There is commercial formula, of course.&nbsp; There's also homemade formulas that you can try.&nbsp; Weston A. Price foundation has an excellent homemade formula recipe (with options for cow's milk, goat's milk, and milk-free formulas).&nbsp; Most doctors will tell you not to use these, but if I were unable to breastfeed this is what I would do.&nbsp; If you do choose to use commercial formulas, it is a good idea to add some coconut oil and other supplements to it (this is also on the WAP website) to help it more closely match breastmilk.</p>
<p>Please feel free to leave any additional questions, comments, advice, etc. below!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Now it's time for a bunch of common breastfeeding questions!  If you have one that's not answered here, feel free to ask it below.  I'm answering questions because I have 2+ years of breastfeeding experience, including breastfeeding two newborns, breastfeeding through pregnancy, extended (after age 2) breastfeeding, and tandem nursing.  I'm also working on my certification as a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) through CAPPA.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janae
EMAIL: jesmacktima@gmail.com
IP: 174.17.23.6
URL: 
DATE: 12/27/2010 10:05:35 PM
<p>I have a 3 week old preemie (born at 32 weeks) and have been feeding him my breastmilk plus Neosure via bottle (or bottle and feeding tube while still in hospital)  up until we got home.  I nursed every other feeding as advised by doctors and pumped and bottlefed bmilk plus Neosure which ended up being most of what he got.  </p><p>My dilema is that my frozen milk supply will run out today and I&#39;m barely getting any milk when I pump (20 ml total at most!).  Yesterday and today I am taking Mother&#39;s Milk tea, eating oatmeal, drinking more water, and for the most part, just staying in bed with my son sleeping and nursing.  Also, I stopped pumping, so that I will be more apt to have some milk for him when he wants to eat.  I don&#39;t know what to do to get my milk supply back up and I don&#39;t know what to do in the meantime so he doesn&#39;t starve.  He&#39;s a preemie and though is a strong kid and doing better (maturing faster) than any doctor expected, I don&#39;t want him to lose weight and get sick, etc.</p><p>Normally I would wake him up to eat every 3 hours but I&#39;ve just been letting him sleep until he wakes up to eat.  He nurses well and I believe he gets more than my pump does, but he doesn&#39;t seem completely satisfied when he&#39;s done.  He&#39;ll fall asleep and then wake up later and want to eat but doesn&#39;t always latch on.  So that&#39;s why I&#39;m worried he&#39;s not getting enough.</p><p>Any suggestions?  I will probably have to resort to the Neosure formula today and I really don&#39;t want to!  It&#39;s bad enough that I&#39;ve been supplementing my bmilk with it to add calories.  But I can&#39;t starve the poor kid!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/27/2010 11:40:04 PM
<p>Janae,</p><p>If he is nursing well, and is nursing on demand (which, since you&#39;re mostly just in bed with him, sounds like he is), he probably IS getting enough.  If he seems happy and not fussy, and is having plenty of wet/dirty diapers, he is doing okay.  You have to be careful with preemies, but if he really is nursing well he is probably fine.  He may want to nurse when he&#39;s NOT hungry just for comfort, which is fine (it&#39;ll stimulate your milk supply, and make him feel better), but it doesn&#39;t mean your supply is low.  If you are truly concerned, you could see a lactation consultant in your area to see what she has to say.  There is a device called a &quot;Lact-aid&quot; that is basically a tiny tube that is taped to your breast.  Your baby gets a small amount of other milk (pumped milk or formula) through this tube while nursing.  That&#39;s probably the best way to ensure that he&#39;s getting enough yet is associating nursing with getting fed and not a bottle.  As he gets older and stronger it won&#39;t be such a concern.  Keep going!  I know it&#39;s hard, but you can do it and it will be so worth it!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Breastfeeding Stories
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/15/2010 12:06:45 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-huggies-jean-diaper/comment-page-1/#comment-27568">Things I Love Thursdays at The Diaper Diaries</a>!**
<p>Time to enter your breastfeeding stories, tips, hints -- any posts that have to do with breastfeeding!  Let's see 'em!  And don't forget to link your post back to this post so that everyone can visit all the other great links.  Just a little carnival etiquette. :)</p>

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EXCERPT:
Time to enter your breastfeeding stories, tips, hints -- any posts that have to do with breastfeeding!  Let's see 'em!  And don't forget to link your post back to this post so that everyone can visit all the other great links.  Just a little carnival etiquette. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lenetta @ Nettacow
EMAIL: nettacow@gmail.com
IP: 174.39.147.236
URL: http://nettacow.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/17/2010 02:53:32 AM
<p>Thanks for the reminder to link back - I submitted a post from a couple of weeks ago and it didn't even cross my mind.  I also shared on facebook!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Steps Around the House, Part 2
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/13/2010 12:00:53 PM
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<p>Time for the next part of "Baby Steps Around the House!"&nbsp; This is the final post on this area unless any of you can think of things I forgot.&nbsp; Can you?&nbsp; Tell me in the comments!&nbsp; If you haven't read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/23/baby-steps-around-the-house.html">part 1</a>, go back and read it now.&nbsp; Next we'll be talking about some spring cleaning and other fun stuff!</p>
<p>Here are steps 4, 5 and 6:</p>
<p>4. Reduce use of appliances</p>
<p>5. Consider cloth products</p>
<p>6. Eliminate/reduce plastic containers</p>
<p>Why those?</p>
<p>Reducing appliance use simply means, if you don't need to use an appliance, don't.&nbsp; Can you bake bread by hand instead of using a bread machine?&nbsp; Do it.&nbsp; Now that it's nice outside, can you hang laundry out instead of using the dryer?&nbsp; Try it.&nbsp; Can you was those dishes by hand instead of doing an extra load of dishes?&nbsp; Make it happen!&nbsp; We rely way too much on the use of appliances when we don't need to, and we use a lot of extra power, water, etc. to do it.&nbsp; It doesn't take any energy to leave a bowl of bread dough out on the counter to rise; but it takes a lot more to put it through a bread machine.&nbsp; No energy to let clothes dry in the sun and wind; a lot to go through a dryer!&nbsp; Sometimes you'll need your appliances, like if it's raining or you must be away from home all day, and that's okay.&nbsp; But when you don't, just don't use them!&nbsp; (I've been hanging all my laundry out for the last couple weeks and I love it!)&nbsp; Bonus: you save money this way.</p>
<p>We've talked about cloth products before, including <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/12/mama-cloth.html">mama cloth</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/28/getting-started-with-cloth-diapers.html">cloth diapers</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/25/cloth-around-the-house.html">cloth around the house</a>.&nbsp; If you haven't seriously considered switching to any of these yet, consider it now.&nbsp; If you decide to use cloth napkins, you'll just toss them in the wash with the rest of your kitchen towels.&nbsp; Is it really that much more work?&nbsp; Same with cloth towels instead of paper ones.&nbsp; It will really reduce your use of disposables around the house to go with the cloth products, and it's much better for the environment.&nbsp; If you hang them out to dry and use natural laundry soap to wash them, even better!&nbsp; Although there is some initial investment (maybe) to buy or make the items (though you can make them out of old sheets and towels, or buy sheets or towels to use from thrift stores), you'll really save money in the long run.</p>
<p>Plastic containers.&nbsp; By now, we know that they contain phthlates, BPA, and other harmful chemicals.&nbsp; What's worse is that ANY plastic can leach chemicals into your foods.&nbsp; There are no safe ones.&nbsp; I learned a lot about the dangers of plastic at <a href="http://fakeplasticfish.com/2010/04/no-more-plastic-food-containers-please/">Fake Plastic Fish</a> last week.&nbsp; Go look right now, I'll wait....&nbsp; Back yet?&nbsp; Okay.&nbsp; I don't want to reiterate all the dangers of plastic when it's right there for you, so if you haven't looked...go!&nbsp; Now.&nbsp; You can still use plastic for all of your non-food items, it's fine.&nbsp; It's good to store office supplies, too-small clothing, etc. in plastic.&nbsp; But not food.&nbsp; Instead, store food in stainless steel or glass containers.&nbsp; You can find lots of cool ideas for buy glass containers cheap at <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/canning-101">Heavenly Homemakers</a>.&nbsp; I can't wait to hit up the thrift stores and get a bunch of new glass jars with rings and lids to store milk, yogurt, and later actual canned goods.&nbsp; It's awesome!&nbsp; Use old spaghetti sauce jars, if you still buy those.&nbsp; Whatever glass you have, keep it and use it.&nbsp; And just so you know, my 2-year-old frequently carries around my glass containers and has yet to break one (though I've probably just jinxed myself by typing that).&nbsp; We use <a href="http://kleankanteen.com/">Klean Kanteens</a> for drinking, though.&nbsp; Love them for traveling!&nbsp; Regular glasses at home (and my 2-year-old does just fine with those too).&nbsp; I bought my KKs through a coop and got them pretty cheap.</p>
<p>What are your baby steps around the house?&nbsp; Anything I forgot?&nbsp; How are you doing with all these changes?&nbsp; Now, are you ready to spring clean?!&nbsp; I'm off to do some right now!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Time for the next part of "Baby Steps Around the House!"  This is the final post on this area unless any of you can think of things I forgot.  Can you?  Tell me in the comments!  If you haven't read part 1, go back and read it now.  Next we'll be talking about some spring cleaning and other fun stuff!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Artificial Baby Milk: What's In It?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/16/2010 12:00:52 PM
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<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-april-16th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>I'm writing this article because I believe that what you choose to feed your baby is of utmost importance.&nbsp; Whether that ultimately means you breastfeed or use formula, you need to know exactly what you're getting into.&nbsp; We've already discussed the benefits of breastfeeding, so now we're going to talk about formula: the good, the bad, and the ugly.&nbsp; And there are all three.</p>
<p>By "artificial baby milk," I mean formula.&nbsp; Because that's what it is.&nbsp; "Authentic baby milk" would be breastmilk, the milk that you produce that was designed specifically for your baby.&nbsp; Anything else is artificial, a substitute, no matter how good it is.&nbsp; That's something to keep in mind here: it's not "all the same."&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is a common misconception that today,<a href="http://www.breastfeed.com/articles/issues-for-mom/the-case-for-the-virgin-gut-3451/"> formula is really pretty darn close to breastmilk and it honestly doesn't matter which you feed your baby</a>.&nbsp; It's also common to think that all formulas are the same and interchangeable.&nbsp; Neither is true!&nbsp;&nbsp;We're going to talk about what's really in formula, how it's made, and how it really compares to breastmilk.&nbsp; The goal of any artificial baby milk should be to mimic breastmilk as closely as possible.&nbsp; You may be surprised to learn ways in which some artificial baby milks don't come very close!&nbsp; And of course, there are others that are better options too.</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients in formula</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nestle-baby.ca/en/products/formula/starter/GOOD_START.htm">Nestle Good Start</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span id="Body02_Text">PARTIALLY HYDROLYZED REDUCED MINERALS WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (FROM COW'S MILK), LACTOSE, CORN MALTODEXTRIN, PALM OLEIN, SOYBEAN OIL, COCONUT OIL, MINERALS (POTASSIUM CITRATE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM CITRATE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, FERROUS SULPHATE, ZINC SULPHATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, COPPER SULPHATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, MANGANESE SULPHATE), HIGH OLEIC SAFFLOWER OIL OR HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL, VITAMINS (SODIUM ASCORBATE, CHOLINE BITARTRATE, INOSITOL, ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, NIACINAMIDE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, VITAMIN A ACETATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, FOLIC ACID, PHYLLOQUINONE, BIOTIN, VITAMIN D3, VITAMIN B12), TRYPSIN, TAURINE, NUCLEOTIDES, (CYTIDINE 5'-MONOPHOSPHATE, DISODIUM URIDINE 5'-MONOPHOSPHATE, ADENOSINE 5'-MONOPHOSPHATE, DISODIUM GUANOSINE 5'-MONOPHOSPHATE), L-CARNITINE.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Similac: I can't find the ingredients listed anywhere on their website.&nbsp; They heavily promote the addition of DHA and ARA but don't give a full ingredient list or cite sources of their DHA, etc.&nbsp; I'm not sure why not....</p>
<p>Enfamil (I found this only because I dug up an old sample can I had around, and took it from that label.&nbsp; They also don't list ingredients on their website):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Reduced Minerals Whey, Nonfat Milk, Vegetable Oil (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut and High Oleic Sunflower Oils), Lactose, And Less Than 1%: Mortierella Alpina Oil (A source of Arachidonic acid-ARA), Crypthecodinium Cohni Oil (A source of Docosahexaenoic Acid-DHA), Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E Acetate, Vitamin K1, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Vitamin B6 Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12, Niacinamide, Folic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Sodium Ascorbate, Inositol, Calcium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Cupric Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Selenite, Taurine, Nucleotides (Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate, Cytidine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5'-Monophosphate)&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When you're reading those ingredients, think about how many words you recognize.&nbsp; Not that many, right?&nbsp; Hmm.&nbsp; Many of the words ARE various forms of synthetic vitamins, so that's really good news/bad news.&nbsp; Good that it's a vitamin, bad that it's synthetic.&nbsp; Synthetic vitamins are not well absorbed, and can cause stomachaches or other problems in some babies.&nbsp; Iron, especially, can cause problems in babies, so be aware of that if your baby is struggling with formula.</p>
<p>Also, unrefined coconut oil is one of the best sources of medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid (found heavily in breastmilk).&nbsp; All oils in formula are refined oils, and many times they say "x, y, and/or z" when listing oils.&nbsp; This is because they use whatever oil is cheapest to provide fats.</p>
<p>There is some concern that not all of the ingredients are reported on the label.&nbsp; Recently, <a href="http://www.truthinlabeling.org/formulacopy.html">MSG and other chemicals</a> have been found in baby formulas.</p>
<p>It is also important to note that each of the major manufacturers uses different combinations of proteins and oils, and not all combinations may be suitable for all babies.&nbsp; Some manufacturers use only whey protein; others use different ratios of casein and whey.&nbsp; They are not all the same and should not be used interchangeably.</p>
<p><strong>Discussion of fats</strong></p>
<p>Commercial formula typically does not contain any cholesterol, while breastmilk does.&nbsp; To more closely match breastmilk, it SHOULD contain cholesterol.&nbsp; It may be wise to add a small amount of unrefined coconut oil (which actually still doesn't contain cholesterol, but does contain lauric acid, also important) or another oil to add fat to your baby's formula.&nbsp; There are ideas on <a href="https://www.westonaprice.org/Recipes-for-Homemade-Baby-Formula.html#fcf">Weston Price's website</a> about additions to make to commercial formula to help it more closely match breastmilk.</p>
<p><strong>Manufacturing processes</strong></p>
<p>Realistically, formula is a highly processed food.&nbsp; Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are extracted from their various sources (cow's milk, unsaturated oils, synthetic vitamins, etc.) and combined.&nbsp; In some cases, these are then dried and powdered.&nbsp; Be aware that this is the case.&nbsp; Ready-to-feed formula is the least processed of all the formula out there and doctors do tend to recommend it for any babies who are premature, have serious allergies, or other difficulties (it's also least likely to be contaminated since it is sterilized during processing and doesn't require additions or mixing).</p>
<p>There are those who believe that highly processed food is not a bad thing, because one can achieve the desired balance of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins from various sources.&nbsp; And there are those who much prefer a whole foods approach and don't care for processed foods (like me).&nbsp; So be aware that this is the case.</p>
<p>Soy formulas are also highly processed, and can contain large amounts of phyto estrogens, which is increasingly a concern among some.&nbsp; <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/06/13/soy-formula-part-one.aspx">Other compounds</a> are also considered a problem by some.</p>
<p>Also, there are special formulas for babies with serious allergies and other issues, like Similac Alimentum and Neocate, and Enfamil Nutramigen and Elecare.&nbsp; These formulas basically contain corn syrup and individual amino acids, since proteins in food are what typically cause allergic reactions.&nbsp; These formulas may be recommended for babies who are not gaining weight, have severe allergies, or other medical problems.&nbsp; These, too, are highly processed, but if breastfeeding is not possible (in many of these cases, a very severe elimination diet would be required, and sometimes reactions can't be completely figured out), these formulas may be recommended.</p>
<p><strong>Lack of immunities, antibodies, etc.</strong></p>
<p>Formula does not contain any immunities, antibodies, or anything living.&nbsp; It also is exactly the same every time, while a mother's milk changes to meet her baby's needs, and flavors change with what she eats.&nbsp; See the article on benefits of breastfeeding for more.</p>
<p><strong>Healthier alternatives to tradtional formula</strong></p>
<p>Commercial formula is not the only option if you are unable to breastfeed or choose not to.&nbsp; Homemade formula is also an option.&nbsp; The advantage to homemade formula is that it is composed of whole foods rather than processed foods, which some babies can tolerate better.&nbsp; It also can be adjusted to meet your baby's needs.&nbsp; For example, if you note that your baby is allergic to one ingredient, you can leave it out or substitute something similar that your baby is not allergic to.&nbsp; Doctors do discourage making homemade formula but as a parent, it is up to you to provide the best nutrition, and homemade formula can be that for many babies.&nbsp; Here is a recipe:<a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/Recipes-for-Homemade-Baby-Formula.html#rmbf"> Homemade baby formula</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you choose to make homemade formula, please follow all safety precautions about handling and storing the milk and prepared formula in order to prevent contamination.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whatever method you choose to feed your baby, pay careful attention to the baby to make sure that everything is going well.&nbsp; Some signs that your feeding method of choice may not be right:</p>
<p>*Fussiness</p>
<p>*Excessive spitting up and/or projectile vomitting</p>
<p>*Gassiness</p>
<p>*Rashes/eczema</p>
<p>*Red ring around the anus</p>
<p>*Chronic diaper rash</p>
<p>*Reflux</p>
<p>*Failure to thrive/low weight gain</p>
<p>*Trouble sleeping</p>
<p>*Persistent cradle cap</p>
<p>If you note any of these problems, see your baby's doctor.&nbsp; Consider keeping a food journal if you are breastfeeding to try to eliminate any foods that may cause problems for your baby.&nbsp; Common culprits are dairy, soy, beans, onions, garlic, chocolate, coffee, cabbage, broccoli, and other gas-producing or caffeine-containing foods.&nbsp; However, anything can bother your baby even if it is not on the "common" list, so keep trying until you figure it out.&nbsp; Nuts, tomatoes, peppers, etc. can also be problems.&nbsp; Don't forget hidden sources of these foods, as well, such as breads made with milk or butter, etc.</p>
<p>By making an informed choice about your baby's diet and paying careful attention to make sure that he is thriving, you are setting your baby up for a lifetime of excellent nutrition and health.</p>
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EXCERPT:
I'm writing this article because I believe that what you choose to feed your baby is of utmost importance.  Whether that ultimately means you breastfeed or use formula, you need to know exactly what you're getting into.  We've already discussed the benefits of breastfeeding, so now we're going to talk about formula: the good, the bad, and the ugly.  And there are all three.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.24.134.180
URL: http://talesofaclosethomemaker.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/17/2010 01:59:21 AM
<p>Kate,<br/>Thanks for making mention of specialized formulas and instances where it may be best for a family .  Just for reference here are the ingredient links to Elecare and Alimentum RTF.  Also if anyone is interested in any of the other similac product ingredients you can reach them through these links, it will be under the infant nutrition tab.  Also you made no mention of organic formulas and what is out there concerning them.  I realize it is still a processed product, however such options are better than the standard when a parent is posed with a situation where nursing or a milk bank is not feasible, and may not agree with the idea of a homemade formula.  If I personally had to give a (normal :)) child formula I would give Baby's only organic.  It is advertised as a &quot;toddler formula&quot; but is nutritionally comparable to an infant one, so would be suitable for a child under one as well as an older child. I've included an ingredient list for that as well.  </p><p>Similac Powder/ RTF Alimentum  ... http://abbottnutrition.com/Products/similac-alimentum</p><p>Elecare Unflavored Infant ... http://abbottnutrition.com/Products/Elecare</p><p>Baby's Only Organic Dairy Based ... http://www.naturesone.com/dairy/ingredient-quality/</p><p>Hopefully no one has to use any of these, however I know we as moms are not always dealt the cards we expect to receive, and there isn't always a better way.  What is important is we do pay attention to our children and do what we believe is best for our children.  For my family that meant formula, however, our family is nowhere near the norm :)  </p><p>Happy Feeding!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 04/17/2010 02:18:37 AM
<p>Amy,</p><p>Thanks for the links, and the comments on organic formulas.  I couldn't find the ingredients and I don't know enough about those brands/types to comment on them, so I left them out.  Thanks for adding to that discussion!  Does anyone else know much about the organic formulas, in case anyone needs this information?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: d.a.vogel@gmail.com
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 04/17/2010 01:13:34 PM
<p>Kate,<br/>Here is the info on Neocate.<br/>http://www.neocate.com/aaa_neocate/12281-neocate-infant-with-dha-and-ara---ingredients.html<br/>This should direct you straight to the ingredients list.  <br/>Just thought you might want to have that information too.  :)</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Introducing Solids: What, When, How...and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/19/2010 12:00:57 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>As babies get older, breastmilk is no longer quite enough for them.&nbsp; They also get very interested in what we're eating and start to grab it off our plates!&nbsp; So, they need to start eating solids.&nbsp; But when?&nbsp; What should they eat?&nbsp; How should they eat it?&nbsp; I've posted before on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/31/baby-led-solids.html">Baby-Led Solids</a>, so that's a good starting place for some ideas.&nbsp; But now that Daniel is 9 months old and I've had some more experience with feeding a baby solids, I wanted to share additional thoughts with you.</p>
<p>*Wait a long time.</p>
<p>Enzyme production (like amylase) doesn't even really start until 8 - 9 months of age, so there's no reason to begin solids much earlier than this, even with babies that seem interested and especially with babies prone to allergies.&nbsp; Daniel was grabbing food at 5 months but we didn't really let him eat until 8 months, and even then noted that he really couldn't handle many foods he would happily eat (they would appear in the diaper undigested and cause diaper rash).&nbsp; Interest in great, and don't start feeding solids <em>without </em>it, but you don't need to start just because your baby is interested or because he reaches 6 months, or because some well-meaning but clueless person says "babies NEED food at 4/6/etc. months old!"&nbsp; Really, they're just tasting and learning until they're around 12 months, and at that point 80% of their diet should still be milk, so waiting is just fine.</p>
<p>*Start with easy-to-digest, "familiar" foods</p>
<p>The key with this is to look at the composition of breastmilk.&nbsp; Babies are used to having a lot of fat.&nbsp; Meats and egg yolks most closely match this, and these are often well tolerated.&nbsp; WAP recommends starting with egg yolks.&nbsp; However, a lot of babies at 4 - 6 months don't tolerate that well.&nbsp; Which is yet another reason to wait until around 8 months old.&nbsp; Most babies tolerate meats and eggs just fine at this point.&nbsp; Even the whites, by the way.&nbsp; People were mildly horrified to hear we fed Daniel eggs whites at 8 months old, but the only reason to avoid them is in case your baby is allergic.&nbsp; If there is no family history, go ahead and try them.&nbsp; Scrambled eggs are a favorite here and were well-tolerated immediately, while other foods (even chicken) needed a slower introduction.&nbsp; With this slow introduction and focus on fats/proteins, we have never had the constipation and other struggles that many babies face when starting solids (Bekah, on a more "typical" path, did have those struggles).</p>
<p>*Go very slowly</p>
<p>There is NO reason that once your baby tastes food, you need to give it daily.&nbsp; We let Daniel taste food about once a week at first.&nbsp; It's okay to offer small tastes every now and then.&nbsp; It doesn't need to be a big fanfare with the highchair, the bib, the spoon, and making a big deal out of "meal time."&nbsp; Just offer your baby a taste here and there and look for any reactions (more below).&nbsp; Once your baby has had a food 2 - 3 times, you can feed it more often if you want, but really, most of your baby's calories should still be from milk, so skipping a few days is no big deal.</p>
<p>*Note any reactions</p>
<p>Figuring out food reactions is very important.&nbsp; A reaction may mean that baby is simply not ready for that food (i.e. undigested chunks in the diaper), or it may mean an actual allergy (fussiness, vomitting, diarrhea, rashes, etc.).&nbsp; Either way, the offending food will need to be avoided for awhile.&nbsp; You can try the former type ("not ready") every few weeks until the baby can handle it.&nbsp; But be aware that many babies can't handles fruits/veggies until around a year old, and some can't handle grains until 26 months, when amylase production reaches mature levels.&nbsp; Focus on fats, meats, and dairy (cultured, preferably) at first; they are less likely to cause reactions and they are more nutrient-dense.</p>
<p>*Be aware of gut maturity and enzyme production</p>
<p>Going slow and starting late will help ensure that the gut is as mature as it can be before any "foreign" substance hits it.&nbsp; 4 - 5 months is when the gut closes and becomes less permeable to large proteins and therefore less likely to cause allergies.&nbsp; 8 - 9 months is when amylase and other enzymes are beginning to be produced.&nbsp; The gut will continue to mature until it reaches a mostly mature state by 26 months of age.&nbsp; It is better to delay foods, especially harder to digest or starchy foods, until around age 2 for this reason.&nbsp; Never start solids before 18 weeks of age because the gut is still permeable.</p>
<p>*Continue with plenty of breastmilk</p>
<p>Solids shouldn't replace breastmilk until well after the first birthday.&nbsp; Baby should continue to taste and try different foods, but primarily rely on breastmilk.&nbsp; Make sure feedings continue on demand, with a chance to eat once or twice a day, perhaps at the family's breakfast and/or dinner time.&nbsp; Here, Daniel usually gets a chance to eat eggs for breakfast 3 - 4 days a week, and a chance to eat some meat while we're having dinner most nights.&nbsp; Occasionally he gets another chance or a different chance, depending on that day's activities.&nbsp; And some days he doesn't eat much at all.&nbsp; But, he's still nursing every 3 - 4 hours during the day and about every 2 hours at night.</p>
<p>*Offer water and herbal tea</p>
<p>Once your baby is eating solids everyday, it's okay to offer a bit of water or herbal tea.&nbsp; Fennel tea is a good choice for babies as it aids digestion and is very gentle (both my kids love it).&nbsp; Offer it in a sippy cup so that your baby doesn't associate a bottle with eating.&nbsp; Juice isn't necessary at this age, or until well after a year (we only use it for smoothie bases).&nbsp; Fruit-flavored teas can be good for babies who are a year or so, but make sure they're real fruit, not artificial flavors.&nbsp; Ginger tea is also good, but make sure it is weak because ginger is spicy (Bekah won't drink it and she loves tea).&nbsp; Mint is another good option, although some have caffeine, so be careful.</p>
<p>*Let the baby feed himself</p>
<p>If you put safe food on the baby's tray, let him go to it.&nbsp; He doesn't need you to feed him, and if he's incapable of feeding himself, he doesn't need to eat yet.&nbsp; The only thing we've spoon fed is yogurt, but everyone uses a spoon for that.&nbsp; Even then, we hold out the spoon, and let Daniel grab it and help it to his mouth.&nbsp; Always let the baby lead; never force food into his mouth.&nbsp; If he wants to eat, he will.&nbsp; If he doesn't, he won't.&nbsp; This ensures that he's following his body's cues about hunger and satiety.</p>
<p>As a side note, "baby food" is not necessary.&nbsp; Very small bites (to prevent choking) are just fine, or foods that are naturally pureed (yogurt, applesauce).&nbsp; Baby food is unnatural and doesn't taste like the real thing.&nbsp; A small portion of whatever you're serving for dinner, minus spices is just fine.</p>
<p>How do you feed your babies?&nbsp; What did/will you introduce first?&nbsp; What tips and ideas do you have for first foods?</p>
<p>And...GIVEAWAY!</p>
<p>I'm so horrible about remembering I need to attach the giveaway information to each Monday's post this month.&nbsp; And then when I remember I'm too tired to do it.&nbsp; There was nighttime, then lunch was a lot of turkey and I think the tryptophan really got to me....&nbsp; So now I'm finally sitting down to do it!&nbsp;</p>
<p>This week's giveaway is for Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter.&nbsp; <span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 100px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/troptraditions_coconut_peanut_butter_photo.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271710337361" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I haven't tried it, as my kids are allergic to peanuts, but I love all their other products so I'm sure it's great!&nbsp; And whoever wins can come tell me how good it is.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; Here are ways to win (1 and 2 are required):</p>
<p>1) Leave me a comment telling me why you'd like to win and what you'd make with it</p>
<p>2) Subscribe to <a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm">Tropical Traditions newsletter</a></p>
<p>3) Subscribe to this blog (or tell me you already do)</p>
<p>4) Follow<a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama"> me</a> on Twitter</p>
<p>5) Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/troptraditions">Tropical Traditions</a> on Twitter</p>
<p>6) Link up to Thursday's "kid-friendly real food" carnival and tell me you did</p>
<p>7) Tweet this giveaway (mention @ModernAMama)</p>
<p>8) Post this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>There are 8 possible entries!&nbsp; This giveaway closes late Thursday night and the winner will be chosen Friday morning via random.org.&nbsp; The winner must contact me by Saturday night.&nbsp; Ready...set...go!</p>
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EXCERPT:
As babies get older, breastmilk is no longer quite enough for them.  They also get very interested in what we're eating and start to grab it off our plates!  So, they need to start eating solids.  But when?  What should they eat?  How should they eat it?  I've posted before on Baby-Led Solids, so that's a good starting place for some ideas.  But now that Daniel is 9 months old and I've had some more experience with feeding a baby solids, I wanted to share additional thoughts with you.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
EMAIL: jewels3795@gmail.com
IP: 68.102.159.67
URL: 
DATE: 04/20/2010 04:11:48 AM
<p>I follow you on twitter</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
EMAIL: jewels3795@gmail.com
IP: 68.102.159.67
URL: 
DATE: 04/20/2010 04:12:02 AM
<p>I follow your blog</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Blair
EMAIL: hopeforluck@hotmail.com
IP: 97.86.161.46
URL: 
DATE: 04/20/2010 06:50:22 PM
<p>I'd like to try a new natural peanut butter that isn't the fresh-ground stuff at Whole Foods.  I would make my tummy happy with it as I usually just at salt and honey to the nuts and eat it that way!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/21/2010 01:03:19 PM
<p>I'd love to win this peanut butter! I'm always willing to try a new natural peanut butter - and the coconut sounds like a delicious twist! I would probably just eat it with carrots, apples, or celery as a yummy snack.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/21/2010 01:04:12 PM
<p>I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/21/2010 01:04:33 PM
<p>I already subscribe to your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/21/2010 01:04:50 PM
<p>I already follow you on Twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/21/2010 01:05:57 PM
<p>I am now following Tropical Traditions on Twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/21/2010 01:07:39 PM
<p>I tweeted this giveaway.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chanelle
EMAIL: hhhh147@juno.com
IP: 76.174.139.198
URL: http://simplyrealfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/21/2010 11:09:40 PM
<p>That sounds really good and I'd love to try anything from Tropical Traditions.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chanelle
EMAIL: hhhh147@juno.com
IP: 76.174.139.198
URL: http://simplyrealfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/21/2010 11:10:14 PM
<p>I subscribe to TT newsletter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 04:21:56 AM
<p>I'd love to win this because I've tried it before and loved it. I've made peanut butter coconut flour muffins with it, spread it on waffles, and put it in oatmeal.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 04:22:46 AM
<p>I  subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 04:23:32 AM
<p>I subscribe to this blog via Google Reader</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 04:24:07 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter (@matt4melis)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 04:24:32 AM
<p>Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter (@matt4melis)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 04:26:03 AM
<p>http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/12619730946</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 04:33:47 AM
<p>extra entry for being so special :)    (i.e. this isn't my first time here)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/23/2010 01:35:12 PM
<p>Not sure if this is too late - but I wanted to add that I get the special entry for following you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 66.78.193.43
URL: 
DATE: 04/24/2010 07:18:13 PM
<p>Who won the PB!?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brianna Graber
EMAIL: heartforliberia@gmail.com
IP: 174.100.211.132
URL: http://www.fountainlove.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:18:29 AM
<p>I know this is a rather old post, but if you have a minute, I have a question about spices, because it&#39;s something I&#39;ve been wondering about, as we&#39;ll probably start introducing solids somewhere around 9 months, just 1 1/2 months away (less, actually- time flies!).  You mention offering what you&#39;re eating, minus the spices.  Besides the possibility of them not liking the spiciness/full-flavor of something, is there any other reason to avoid spices?  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:57:04 PM
<p>Brianna</p><p>There is a tiny chance that they coud be aergic [sorry my keyboard is missing many keys!] or that too many spices coud upset their tummies.  Try to introduce them a bit at a time once soids are estabished.  My son OVES spicy foods sour foods etc.  Especiay if you start soids ate you dont have to be as concerned.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/16/2011 03:51:27 AM
<p>Thanks for such an informative post.  My little guy is 6 months and we&#39;ve let him play with a banana and he mostly spits it out.  I also found chunks in his poo.  So to me this is a sign he isn&#39;t ready.  I have no issues waiting but his dad really wants to start letting him try stuff.  We are BLW so there is no spoon feeding but I still feel more comfortable waiting even longer.  I am hoping that reading this post will help him realize it&#39;s ok to wait a little bit longer.  :)  At a minimum I may compromise and let him give Kaiden something to play with, probably try egg yolk next, once a week.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Snack Ideas for Babies and Young Children
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/21/2010 12:00:29 PM
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BODY:
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<p>**This post has been entered in<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/04/frugal-friday-get-what-you-pay-for.html"> Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom</a>!**&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sometimes it's hard to have snacks around for real-food kids.&nbsp; Most kids just eat store-bought crackers, chips, granola bars, and snacks marketed especially to babies and toddlers.&nbsp; (Not to mention it's cheaper NOT to buy those packaged snacks!) Real food kids typically don't.&nbsp; So what can you feed them?</p>
<p>Babies</p>
<p>*Frozen organic vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)</p>
<p>*Freeze-dried fruits or vegetables (<a href="http://justtomatoes.com/">Just Tomatoes</a> makes some great ones)</p>
<p>*Yogurt (preferably homemade and plain)</p>
<p>*Raw milk cheese</p>
<p>*Fresh fruit or veggies</p>
<p>*Leftover meatballs, bits of chicken, etc.</p>
<p>*Whole-fruit popsicles (puree fruit, freeze)</p>
<p>*Frozen yogurt or homemade, low-sugar ice cream</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Kids</p>
<p>*All of the above</p>
<p>*Granola bars (homemade)</p>
<p>*Sprouted or soaked bread or muffins</p>
<p>*Cheddar crackers, made with sprouted flour</p>
<p>*Hummus with pitas or fresh veggies</p>
<p>*Organic corn chips with fresh salsa</p>
<p>*Dried fruits (use your dehydrator if you have one!) like apples or banana chips</p>
<p>*Larabars (I just love them)</p>
<p>*Crispy nuts</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>What are your favorite real-food snacks?&nbsp; Which ones travel the best?&nbsp; Share with us!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Sometimes it's hard to have snacks around for real-food kids.  Most kids just eat store-bought crackers, chips, granola bars, and snacks marketed especially to babies and toddlers.  Real food kids typically don't.  So what can you feed them?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 04/21/2010 10:28:00 PM
<p>Cam loves our trail mix...its ingredients vary depending on what we have, but it usually consists of walnuts, dried fruits (apricots, raisins, craisins, etc), bits of rice cake/dry cereal (like Kix or Rice Chex or something), and we have been putting some dark chocolate-covered raisins from his Easter basket in there, as well as some candied sesame seeds. Just little hints of sweetness that encourage him to eat the rest of it. ;)</p><p>Other things that work...yogurt covered raisins, saltless pretzels/Goldfish (we are avoiding those types of grains, so he hasn't had those in a while now), cheese cubes (obv need to refrigerate if using those), banana/apple &quot;chips,&quot; and I've been wanting to get some honey roasted (or something similar) almonds b/c he isn't a huge fan of the plain ones.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jamie
EMAIL: yzjamie@gmail.com
IP: 208.104.196.184
URL: 
DATE: 04/22/2010 02:24:32 AM
<p>Also, coconut cream concentrate from Tropical Traditions.  Little chunks of it.  I just saw that Nina Plank tweeted that about a week or so ago.  I thought it was a fab idea.  Lauric acid and all that goodness.  My youngest is too young for solids yet, but I am buying some for my niece, who is 9 mos old.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: niki
EMAIL: ndisilvio@gmail.com
IP: 68.44.219.214
URL: http://www.free2befrugal.com
DATE: 04/24/2010 03:57:09 AM
<p>Hi there...just stopping by from Frugal Friday.</p><p>I enjoyed your post. We eat a lot of the same, but also snack on hard-boiled eggs and whole wheat pretzels.</p><p>Stop by and see me sometime over at Free 2 Be Frugal.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Kid-Friendly Real Food Recipes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/22/2010 12:00:59 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>I am guest posting today over at <a href="http://simplyrealfood.blogspot.com/2010/04/real-food-and-religion-series-christian.html">Simply Real Food</a>! Go check it out!!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/04/pennywise-platter-thursday-422.html">Pennywise Platter Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/things-i-love-thursday-kids-decor-inc-giveaway/">Things I Love Thursday at The Diaper Diaries</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/04/27/tuesday-twister/">Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a>!**</p>
<p>Time to enter your recipes!!&nbsp; What real-food recipes do you have that are especially kid-friendly?&nbsp; That is, no exotic flavors, unusual spices, etc.&nbsp; Yes, real food kids are notorious for eating lots of un-kid-friendly foods, but let's keep it simple this time. :)</p>
<p>Here's mine:</p>
<p>Bekah&rsquo;s Favorite Smoothie</p>
<p>My smoothies grew so fancy that I tired of always hauling out all the ingredients for Bekah.&nbsp; Then I discovered she was allergic to some anyway.&nbsp; The original version of this smoothie called only for orange juice, banana, and a handful of frozen berries &ndash; whatever I had around.&nbsp; The additional ingredients (coconut oil, flax seed oil, raw honey) are added for their nutritional benefits.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>&frac12; c. orange juice</p>
<p>&frac12; banana</p>
<p>&frac14; c. blueberries, frozen</p>
<p>&frac14; c. strawberries, frozen</p>
<p>&frac14; c. raspberries, frozen</p>
<p>1 tbsp. coconut oil</p>
<p>1 tsp. flax seed oil</p>
<p>1 tbsp. raw honey</p>
<p>Water (as needed)</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix all ingredients together in a blender.&nbsp; Add water as needed to get the preferred consistency.&nbsp; Makes 1 serving.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=25158" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Time to enter your recipes!!  What real-food recipes do you have that are especially kid-friendly?  That is, no exotic flavors, unusual spices, etc.  Yes, real food kids are notorious for eating lots of un-kid-friendly foods, but let's keep it simple this time. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa
EMAIL: keepmyeyesonheaven@yahoo.com
IP: 67.170.191.43
URL: http://www.walknt.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/22/2010 11:04:48 PM
<p>Hi,<br/>I posted the link to &quot;soaked&quot; oatmeal cookies- healthy cookies, who can beat that?  I also posted about crockpot pear sauce this week on my blog (like applesauce) but since not every kid likes pears (but don't they all like cookies?) I didn't share that one :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily/Miss Mommy
EMAIL: malonescotland@yahoo.com
IP: 91.125.235.198
URL: 
DATE: 04/25/2010 06:33:23 PM
<p>Thanks for the smoothie recipe- I am always looking for a good recipe since everyone just &quot;throws it in the blender.&quot;  So nice to actually have ingredients to plan for.  :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: What Do You Feed Your Real-Food Kid Panel
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/23/2010 12:00:46 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in<a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-april-23rd/"> Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>,<a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2010/04/22/food-on-fridays-festival-spillage/"> Food on Fridays at Ann Kroeker</a>, and <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-just-the-two-of-us">Finer Things Fridays at Amy's Finer Things</a>!**</p>
<p>Today we have a super-awesome entry!!&nbsp; We have three big-name bloggers weighing on what they feed THEIR real-food kids.&nbsp; Let me introduce them to you:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Jenny_McGruther_5.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271813736780" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px;">Jenny McGruther of Nourished Kitchen</span></span></p>
<p>Jenny is a wife and mother with a passion for real food.&nbsp; Together, with her husband, she started and manages one of Colorado's most progressive farmers markets which serves its community and consistently provides fresh, local and organic foods to residents of her community regardless of income. Jenny blogs at NourishedKitchen.com where she shares wholesome, nutrient-dense recipes and discusses the value of traditional foods and growing your foodshed.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/kelly-the-kitchen-kop.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271812817990" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px;">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</span></span></p>
<p>Kelly has been blogging about &ldquo;politically incorrect&rdquo; health &amp; nutrition topics on <strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop</strong> since January of 2008. She has passionately researched how to eat better and live better since discovering the <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/01/weston-price-have-you-heard-of-him.html" target="_blank"><strong>Weston A. Price</strong></a> Foundation in 2004. Kelly also enjoys the opportunity to speak to groups about these issues, and to help individuals become healthier through one-on-one consultations.</p>
<p>Kelly lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband of 20 years and 4 children.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Katie%20Kimball.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271812878418" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px;">Katie Kimball of Kitchen Stewardship</span></span></p>
<p>Katie Kimball is a former teacher and mom to two kids who both inherited her stubborn temper.&nbsp; She cooks, eats, and blogs in Michigan.&nbsp; And sleeps, sometimes.&nbsp; Find her and her baby steps to balancing food, the environment, time and money through the eyes of faith at <a href="http://www.KitchenStewardship.com">www.KitchenStewardship.com</a>.</p>
<p>Let's see what they had to say about feeding their real-food kids!</p>
<p>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When did your real food journey begin?&nbsp; How old were your kids?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>:&nbsp; We always valued wholesome, healthy natural foods and, for a long time, my husband and I waffled between vegetarianism and veganism.&nbsp; I became pregnant after really focusing on cleaning up my diet, and about half-way through my pregnancy I began to hear about the traditional foods movement and it's about this time that I began to integrate a small amount of wild-caught fish into my diet.&nbsp; About a year later,&nbsp; when my son was nine or ten months old, I happened across Sally Fallon Morell's Nourishing Traditions in an online book swap and fell in love.&nbsp; Suddenly, food just made sense.&nbsp; We began integrating the fundamental aspects of real food into our kitchen: soaked grains, sourdough, fresh milk, pastured- and grass-fed meats as well as plenty of wholesome fats and things began to grow from there.</p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>: &nbsp;6 years ago.&nbsp; My oldest was 11, so he's been the most tricky.&nbsp; The other 3 were either not born yet or very young, and they are OK with most everything, including cod liver oil!</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>: &nbsp;I've always made a lot from scratch, but I started making some of the bigger changes and eradicating all (almost all) processed foods just over a year ago.&nbsp; My daughter was only 6 months, so she's oblivious, but my son was 3 1/2, so...</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you started real food after your kids were older, how did they deal with the transition?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>: My son grew up on real food and while I wish I knew more about the value of traditional foods so that I could have better nourished his developing body during my pregnancy, he was always fed real food: exclusively breastfed until he was about 6 and a half months when we began <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/baby-led-weaning/">baby led weaning</a>. So, for him, there was no transition.&nbsp; Real food is all he's ever known.</p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>:&nbsp; With lots of complaining!&nbsp; He misses the fast food junk, the pop tarts, the boxed cereals, etc...&nbsp; However, once in a while I get a glimmer of hope, when some junk food he has makes him feel like crap and he realizes why...&nbsp; (he he he)</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>: ...he says things like, "We never have cereal anymore," and "When are we going to get those little yogurt cups again?"&nbsp; He loves the raw milk and sourdough whole wheat bread with raw honey, and he's always eaten plain homemade yogurt with no sweetener, but there are things he balks at.&nbsp; Mostly he likes a dessert after every meal, and although I used to think, "Two pieces of candy per day is so much better than all the other kids out there..." now I'm starting to crack down on that, too, much to his dismay!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you started real food before your kids were born, how did you introduce solids to your kids?&nbsp; What were favorite foods in the toddler years?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>:&nbsp; We introduced solids through the baby-led method, after about a week of failed spoon-feeding.&nbsp; It was simple.&nbsp; My son showed classic signs of readiness: he sat on his own, unsupported; he expressed interest in meal time; he'd lost the tongue-thrust reflex.&nbsp; Since we prepared wholesome, natural foods in our home we simply served him a small amount of whatever my husband and I were eating.&nbsp; Sure, most of it ended up on the floor or mashed into his high chair, but it mattered little: the real purpose of solid food in the first year is to expose baby to flavor and texture.&nbsp; The bulk of the nutrients should come from mother's milk during the first year - even after the introduction of solids.&nbsp; It wasn't until my son was about a year old or so that he began to eat meals as opposed to enjoying small tastes of food. You can read more about how I nourished my son <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/nourishing-my-child/">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>: &nbsp;Hardly any jarred baby foods, not many "baby foods" at all actually - I'd puree a few things that we were eating, but mostly he just had finger foods when he was ready and the breast until he was about 14 months.&nbsp; Favorite toddler foods...hmmm, it's been a while so I have to think...I loved giving him little pieces of eggs knowing how packed with nutrition the yolks are.&nbsp; Or just anything we were having I'd give him a little bit of, it was all very slow and natural and relaxed.&nbsp; Since he was our 4th, I knew he'd get there and didn't fret over when.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>:&nbsp; I did a lot less rice cereal with my daughter and tried the egg yolk thing, but she was not impressed.&nbsp; With both kids plain yogurt was a vital element after 8 months.&nbsp; My daughter loves soaked oatmeal, and beans were always a big thing too. &nbsp;Frozen peas and blueberries have to take the cake as "favorite finger food" though!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did your kids go through a picky phase?&nbsp; How did you handle it and make sure they still got good nutrition?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>:&nbsp; My child is not picky.&nbsp; I attribute this to the fact that I breastfed him thus exposing him to a variety of subtle flavors in my milk during his early infancy and beyond.&nbsp; Then, through taking his lead in weaning onto solid foods and allowing him to experience a multitude of flavors and textures in that first year, he grew accustomed to the variations naturally found in foods.&nbsp; Sure, from time to time he just doesn't want to eat or he picks at his food.&nbsp; I pay it no mind, I know that by offering nutrient-dense foods he'll eventually get all the nutrition he needs.&nbsp; The Clara Davis experiments in the late 1930s illustrate that babies and young children, when given only wholesome, nutrient-dense foods, will eventually choose a diet that is well-rounded.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>: &nbsp;Heck yeah, they all do.&nbsp; I never freaked out, because if you do that, they'll fight it all the more.&nbsp; I'd always remember that if I stayed matter-of-fact about it, they'd come back to liking that food again, and they always did.&nbsp; It was normal for each of them to go through streaks where they wouldn't take their cod liver oil, or eat eggs, or whatever, but soon they'd be fine again.&nbsp; (Sometimes a few days, sometimes a few weeks.)&nbsp; In the meantime I just kept offering a variety of foods and they always had their raw milk, and they did fine.</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>: &nbsp;Much to MY dismay, my son who used to make me so proud because he ate everything, even lettuce salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing as a 3-year-old, is entering deeper and deeper into the picky phase right now.&nbsp; Grrrrrr.&nbsp; It's mentally harder to regress than if he had just started out this way! I basically trust that he'll eat when he's hungry (same for picky toddler daughter) and continue to offer healthy options. No dinner, no dessert, of course.&nbsp; Again the yogurt and raw milk, sourdough bread comes through to ease my mind about nutrition.&nbsp; I slather butter on things when they're having extra picky days!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today, what is a typical meal in your house?&nbsp; How do your kids like it?&nbsp; What is their favorite meal?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>: &nbsp;&nbsp;A typical supper in our home consists of a small to moderate portion of pasture-raised or grass-fed meat, a big salad of mixed greens, one or two vegetables and a small portion of a naturally fermented vegetable like sauerkraut.&nbsp; If we eat dessert, it is usually fruit or custard.&nbsp; For example, tonight we enjoyed slow-cooked pasture-raised pork ribs in a homemade barbecue sauce, a big green salad with a fresh buttermilk herb dressing, baked yams and sour beets.&nbsp; We had an unsweetened blackberry sorbet (http://nourishedkitchen.com/blackberry-sorbet) for dessert. Breakfast is often eggs served over wilted greens or soaked oatmeal with yogurt and lunch is usually soup brimming with vegetables and served with a big green salad and, occasionally, a slice of sourdough bread and fresh butter or an aged raw milk cheese.&nbsp;&nbsp;My son's favorite meal, believe it or not, is lamb or beef carpaccio served with arugula, pecorino cheese and plenty of olive oil.&nbsp; He also loves fried chicken livers and homemade sourdough pizza.</p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>:&nbsp; Hmmm, for breakfast we have soaked waffles or pancakes, smoothies, eggs or yogurt.&nbsp; For lunch the kids usually pack sandwiches with soaked/fermented bread and lunch meats from the farm along with a fruit pack (yes, I buy those store-bought little fruit packs sometimes for lunches...after checking the label over well!), also usually another piece of fresh fruit, and water.&nbsp; Sometimes they'll pack a yogurt (whole milk of course) and a cheese stick.&nbsp; Some of their favorite dinner meals are "ketchup soup", burgers (we buy ground beef with ground heart), homemade chicken nuggets, or spaghetti.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>: Typical meals are lots of soups this time of year, which is really hit or miss with the kiddos.&nbsp; Sometimes they hardly eat two bites.&nbsp; For breakfast, scrambled eggs or soaked oatmeal are almost 100% successes.&nbsp; I always feel good knowing they started the day off with real food!&nbsp; Their favorites are pizza, tacos, French fries...like any kid, I guess, except that it's soaked whole wheat pizza dough, homemade tortillas and grass fed beef tacos, and beef tallow French fries.&nbsp; My son actually says his favorite meal is roast chicken, mashed potatoes and peas.&nbsp; He likes to mix them all together!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How do you handle being around other kids who don&rsquo;t eat real foods?&nbsp; Do your kids want what the other kids have?&nbsp; Do you ever let them?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>:&nbsp; In general, we invite people to our homes so we can share the beauty of real food with them, though we're always good guests too - eating what's served.&nbsp; We don't limit what our son eats at birthday parties for example; however, we explain that sugary foods and other processed foods are likely to leave him feeling ill and, with the exception of chocolate, he'll resist eating junk food on his own which is a tough show of self-restraint for an adult, let alone a four-year-old.&nbsp; He even boos the Coco Cola truck when it passes us on the street.</p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>: &nbsp;I go by the 80/20 plan.&nbsp; If we do well 80% of the time (usually when we're at home), I don't worry so much about the other 20%.&nbsp; It's not always easy for me to chill out, but I don't want them to totally rebel when they leave home someday, so when we're out, I let them have what the others are having.</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>: Uh, struggle, yes, yes - that's the struggle, both internal and external.&nbsp; I hate being a mean mom!&nbsp; I have to tell myself that if I don't let him eat anything fun, he'll totally rebel when he gets bigger and my husband will disown me for it.&nbsp; This will become a bigger problem when he's in school eating lunches with other kids daily.&nbsp; I shudder at the thought!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>7)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will you share a favorite kid-friendly real-food recipe with us?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>:&nbsp; My <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/molasses-custard/">molasses custard</a> is teeming with wholesome fats and sweetened only by a touch of molasses, it's a delicious, nourishing dessert that no child I've met can resist.&nbsp; For other ideas, try my post: <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/healthy-treats-for-kids/">10 Healthy Treats for Kids</a></p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>: See above. :)</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>: Let them mix their roast chicken with mashed potatoes and peas!&nbsp; Also our fav snacks:<a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/10/13/recipe-conection-one-bowl-pumpkin-breadmuffins/"> One Bowl Pumpkin Bread Muffins </a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/08/sourdough-recipes-galore-whole-wheat-crackers/">Whole Wheat Crackers</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipes/homemade-chicken-nuggets/">Homemade Chicken Nuggets</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/10/23/successful-hamburger-helper-substitute/">Hamburger Helper Substitute</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/07/21/recipe-connection-sausage-spinach-pasta-toss/">Sausage and Spinach Pasta Toss</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipes/three-bean-soup/">Three Bean Soup</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any other tips or thoughts on feeding real-food kids?</p>
<p><strong>Jenny</strong>:&nbsp; We don't give our children enough credit.&nbsp; We assume that babies must be raised on strained peas and rice cereal and that our toddlers will like nothing but macaroni and cheese and hot dogs.&nbsp; Nothing could be further from the truth.&nbsp; If there's one thing I hate, it's finding a children's menu with nothing but buttered noodles, chicken fingers and hamburgers.&nbsp; How can our children learn to love real food unless we expose them to real food.&nbsp; We can raise real food enthusiasts by giving them the opportunity to try many foods from the very beginning. You can learn more about my philosophy in this post: Teaching Kids to Enjoy Fruits and Vegetables (http://nourishedkitchen.com/encourage-children-enjoy-fruits-vegetables/).</p>
<p><strong>Kelly</strong>: Try not having the junk around the house, then they can't beg for it!&nbsp; Be patient in getting the kids on board, and keep trying recipes until you get them the way the whole family likes it.&nbsp; It takes time but is so worth it to show them how tasty Real Food can be!</p>
<p><strong>Katie</strong>: Don't stress about it; they can sense that and push back.&nbsp; Try your best to convince grandparents that your way of eating is the best so they don't introduce all the contraband in the world like my in-laws do!&nbsp; And talk to the kids about things like "growing foods" "super foods" and "fun foods" so that they have some ownership in their eating and understand why you feed them the things you do.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, ladies!&nbsp; Hop on over to their sites, if you haven't been there, to say hi to them and thank them for participating here!&nbsp; I've learned a lot, how about all of you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today we have a super-awesome entry!!&nbsp; We have three big-name bloggers weighing on what they feed THEIR real-food kids.&nbsp; Let me introduce them to you:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: emily
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.72.189.227
URL: http://www.mplsrealfoodlover.com
DATE: 04/23/2010 03:13:37 PM
<p>nice interviews, i love reading how other moms feed thier kids real, good food. thank you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christina @ Spoonfed
EMAIL: christina@spoonfedblog.net
IP: 66.66.9.55
URL: http://www.spoonfedblog.net
DATE: 04/23/2010 03:59:38 PM
<p>Great post and great idea. I love hearing how other people engage their kids with real food. Thanks to everyone for sharing so much.</p><p>I actually write a blog about this exact topic. It's called Spoonfed: Raising kids to think about the food they eat (http://www.spoonfedblog.net).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: ackaufmann425@Yahoo.com
IP: 76.250.72.180
URL: 
DATE: 04/23/2010 05:02:15 PM
<p>WONDERFUL WONDERFUL! THanks for this, ladies!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 70.67.171.101
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 04/23/2010 05:10:15 PM
<p>Three of my favorite food bloggers! This is a great interview. Glad to have found you today!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brenda
EMAIL: 
IP: 96.42.251.178
URL: 
DATE: 04/24/2010 12:59:18 PM
<p>You three ladies are wonderful!  I am walking this path, though starting a few years behind you.  Thanks for putting your lessons learned out there to make this easier for the rest of us.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Cheesy Potatoes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/08/2010 12:00:27 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/04/pennywise-platter-thursday-48.html#more-2820">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>,<a href="http://www.simplysugarandglutenfree.com/slightly-indulgent-tuesday-41310/"> Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays at Simply Sugar and Gluten Free</a>, <a href="http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/2010/04/tempt-my-tummy-tuesdayasparagus.html">Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays at Blessed with Grace</a>, <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/04/real-food-wednesday-41410.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/04/ultimate-recipe-swap-how-to-peel-a-potato-and-recipes-that-use-root-veggies.html">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p>This one I absolutely HAVE to share with you.&nbsp; I've loved cheesy potatoes since I was little.&nbsp; Every time we had a picnic my mom would make a pan of them.&nbsp; The problem?&nbsp; They relied heavily on canned soups.&nbsp; I don't do canned soups anymore, so cheesy potatoes were out (not to mention for awhile we were dairy-free).&nbsp; Once we re-introduced raw dairy successfully, this was on my radar!&nbsp; My goal was to create a creamy-soup-base-like (is that WORD?) with butter, flour (arrowroot in this case as I didn't have sprouted flour) and spices, and to mix that with the potatoes so I could pretend there was soup in there.&nbsp; Success!&nbsp; It's delicious.&nbsp; Play with the types and amounts of cheeses to get the flavor you want.&nbsp; Sour cream (usually not my favorite) is absolutely necessary to this dish!!&nbsp; You could add more butter and bacon if you wanted, dump in some chicken or vegetables to make it a complete meal.&nbsp; Very versatile.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>3 tbsp. butter</p>
<p>3 slices bacon, chopped</p>
<p>1/3 c. onion, minced</p>
<p>1.5 c. whole milk</p>
<p>1 tbsp. arrowroot powder</p>
<p>6 &ndash; 7 medium potatoes, cubed</p>
<p>2 c. cheddar cheese, preferably raw&nbsp;</p>
<p>&frac12; c. Romano cheese (raw)</p>
<p>16 oz. sour cream, organic</p>
<p>2 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>&frac14; tsp. thyme</p>
<p>&frac14; tsp. pepper</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Cook bacon until lightly crispy.&nbsp; Add butter and onion and cook until onion is soft.&nbsp; Add salt, pepper, and thyme.&nbsp; In a small bowl, mix milk and arrowroot powder.&nbsp; Add milk mixture to the bacon mixture and cook and stir until thickened.&nbsp; Pour over potatoes in a 9 x 13 baking dish.&nbsp; Stir in sour cream and cheeses, reserving a small amount of cheddar for the top.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for an hour and a half.</p>
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EXCERPT:
This one I absolutely HAVE to share with you.  I've loved cheesy potatoes since I was little.  Every time we had a picnic my mom would make a pan of them.  The problem?  They relied heavily on canned soups.  I don't do canned soups anymore, so cheesy potatoes were out (not to mention for awhile we were dairy-free).  Once we re-introduced raw dairy successfully, this was on my radar!  My goal was to create a creamy-soup-base-like (is that WORD?) with butter, flour (arrowroot in this case as I didn't have sprouted flour) and spices, and to mix that with the potatoes so I could pretend there was soup in there.  Success!  It's delicious.  Play with the types and amounts of cheeses to get the flavor you want.  Sour cream (usually not my favorite) is absolutely necessary to this dish!!  You could add more butter and bacon if you wanted, dump in some chicken or vegetables to make it a complete meal.  Very versatile.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/08/2010 03:34:56 PM
<p>YUM! I can't wait to try these! I love cheesy potatoes too, but this sounds like a much better alternative to the current recipe I use. Now let's see if my family can tell a difference.... :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kathleen
EMAIL: leenielovescookin@gmail.com
IP: 75.30.146.75
URL: http://gonnawantseconds.blogspot.com/
DATE: 04/09/2010 12:14:18 AM
<p>Wow these sound outrageously delicious!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ClassiclyAmber
EMAIL: ClassiclyAmber@gmail.com
IP: 75.117.76.50
URL: http://classiclyamber.com/blog/
DATE: 04/09/2010 02:22:59 PM
<p>Mmmm!! These sound VERY similar to some cheesy baked potatoes that I posted last month on my blog. See 'em here:</p><p>http://classiclyamber.com/blog/2010/03/16/award-winning-cheesy-baked-potatoes/</p><p>I'm curious about this one with the arrowroot powder, though! Also - extra points for the sour cream and thyme!! Yuuuuuuuum!!! :D</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: gfe--gluten free easily
EMAIL: glutenfreeeasily@gmail.com
IP: 74.214.45.151
URL: http://glutenfreeeasily.com
DATE: 04/18/2010 07:32:54 PM
<p>Great, natural way of making cheesy potatoes--yum! Who needs those canned soups anyway? For me, they are almost always full of gluten anyway, not to mention the other stuff I don't need. Wonderful recipe, thanks!</p><p>Shirley</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Fermented Foods Make Me Feel Fabulous
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/17/2010 12:00:26 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/04/wfmw-organize-your-life.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>!**</p>
<p>Try saying that 3 times fast!</p>
<p>I've shared with you before about water kefir, and I've mentioned kombucha (post on that tomorrow).&nbsp; But I want to share with you how much including fermented foods in my diet has helped.&nbsp; Not only me, but my kids!</p>
<p>When I first heard about fermented foods, I thought...ugh.&nbsp; It sounded dirty to me.&nbsp; Many fermented foods are cultured with some type of obvious bacteria, yeast, or something else.&nbsp; And like most people, I'm just not used to bacteria in my food being a<em> good</em> thing.&nbsp; Plus a lot of the common foods that people ferment just sounded...weird to me.&nbsp; Sauerkraut, ginger carrots, kombucha...I didn't even know what kombucha <em>was</em>, let alone did I want to try it.</p>
<p>But I kept hearing about how great fermented foods are for your health.&nbsp; They are full of probiotics, so they can aid digestion, boost your immune system, and lots more.&nbsp; And you don't need to eat a ton of them to get the benefits.&nbsp; Many are considered condiments and a few teaspoons may be enough (in fact, some people can't handle too much because if your body is toxic from poor diet, environmental stresses, etc. it will cause your body to detox).&nbsp; I decided I should go ahead and try some...just to see.</p>
<p>Water kefir was the most palatable sounding thing for me.&nbsp; So I decided to give it a go.&nbsp; It was...okay.&nbsp; Somedays it tasted pretty good to me.&nbsp; Somedays, eh.&nbsp; But sometimes we didn't make it very well.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; Then I decided to try pickles, which went moldy on me before they finished fermenting, so I didn't really try them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Then I decided to try kombucha.&nbsp; At first...yuck.&nbsp; Weird.&nbsp; Felt and tasted like drinking alcohol.&nbsp; I waited several months before trying it again, and when I did, it was...okay.&nbsp; Decent.&nbsp; Good enough to take a second taste a couple days later.&nbsp; That was...good.&nbsp; So I kept drinking it and quickly became obsessed.&nbsp; I LOVE kombucha now!!&nbsp; It makes me feel so good.&nbsp; Light, warm, happy.&nbsp; Kind of like drinking alcohol without the loss of inhibition or motor control.&nbsp; Others have reported this same feeling, so I'm not crazy.&nbsp; (Gosh, just writing this makes me want to get some, and I've already had some today!)</p>
<p>Then I decided to try yogurt.&nbsp; We finally got our hands on some raw milk, so I bought a yogurt starter and let it ferment for about 8 hours.&nbsp; I tasted a little on a spoon, plain, and didn't really like it.&nbsp; Very tart and not much other flavor.&nbsp; So I added it to a smoothie with some berries.&nbsp; FABULOUS!&nbsp; And after finishing the smoothie I just felt...so great.&nbsp; Just happy and energetic and amazing.</p>
<p>I gave some to Bekah and Daniel too and they did so well with it.&nbsp; Their reactions to foods have been slowly clearing.&nbsp; It's been such a big help to us, really.&nbsp; The probiotics in the foods are so well assimilated into the body (there is controversy over this, but I believe all naturally-occuring nutrients in foods are well-assimilated in the body and a little can go a long way).&nbsp; In fact, we rarely note reactions in them at all, unless they eat grains (and the reaction to sprouted grains is slowly disappearing).&nbsp; Dairy is no longer a problem.</p>
<p>Fermented foods are just so amazing!&nbsp; Tomorrow, read all about how to make kombucha!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Try saying that 3 times fast!

I've shared with you before about water kefir, and I've mentioned kombucha (post on that tomorrow).  But I want to share with you how much including fermented foods in my diet has helped.  Not only me, but my kids!
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Kombucha
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/18/2010 12:00:08 PM
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<p>There are LOTS of blog posts about kombucha out there, but I thought I'd share too, since I currently have an obsession with it!&nbsp; Just a week or so ago, I finished brewing my first batch.&nbsp; Prior to that I bought it and drank it for about a month.&nbsp; It's expensive to buy -- but not to brew!</p>
<p>Kombucha is super easy to brew, too.&nbsp; First you need to obtain a SCOBY, or "Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast."&nbsp; You can buy them at <a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com">Cultures For Health</a> or <a href="http://www.fermentedtreasures.com">Fermented Treasures</a> and probably lots of other places, too.&nbsp; You can also <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/how-to-grow-a-kombucha-scoby/">grow your own</a>&nbsp;(I did, and it really is that easy!&nbsp; Mine is still sitting in its jar.&nbsp; It floated to the bottom after it was about 1/2" thick, and now I think a second one is starting to grow.&nbsp; They grow FAST).&nbsp; The reason I didn't use the one I grew is because just before it was ready, a really nice person on the Kefir Making Yahoo Group sent me a couple of them.&nbsp; I gave one to a friend and used the other to brew my kombucha.&nbsp; If you have friends who brew kombucha, just wait a week or two and they'll have one to give you.&nbsp; In fact, they'll be GLAD to give it to you.&nbsp; We'll get to that, though.</p>
<p>Here is what you will need to brew kombucha:</p>
<p>*1 gallon-sized glass jar</p>
<p>*1 piece of cheesecloth (I used birdseye cotton) that covers the top of the jar</p>
<p>*1 rubberband</p>
<p>*15 cups or so black tea (boil a gallon of water, and add&nbsp;8 regular tea bags or 1/2 c. loose black tea)</p>
<p>*1 cup sugar (organic, to avoid GMOs)</p>
<p>*1 kombucha SCOBY with at least 1/2 c. brewed kombucha (that's important and any SCOBY you get should be in some kombucha)</p>
<p>So, first.&nbsp; Boil the water and steep the tea for 3 - 5 minutes.&nbsp; Then stir in the sugar.&nbsp; Once that's done, let the tea sit until it is cooled.&nbsp; Most say room temperature.&nbsp; Mine was a little warmer than that because it was getting late and I was impatient, but the jar felt warm to me -- not hot.&nbsp; 100 degrees is probably okay; 180 is not.&nbsp; Use your judgement here.</p>
<p>When the tea is cool, add the mother to the top of the jar, pouring the brewed kombucha in with it.&nbsp; Place the cloth over the top of the jar and put the rubberband on to keep it in place.&nbsp; You want oxygen to be able to get to the tea, but not bugs.&nbsp; Set the jar somewhere warm and dark (like a pantry, the top of your fridge; it only needs to be room temperature and out of sunlight) for about two weeks.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;I checked mine everyday after about 6 days.&nbsp; At first it smelled sweet to me, so I knew it wasn't done.&nbsp; Finally, on the 11th day, it smelled vinegar-ish.&nbsp; That was when I bottled it.&nbsp; I don't have any pictures of the process up to this point, but I do have some after....</p>
<p>I saved most of my G.T. Dave's kombucha bottles, and I used these.&nbsp; Here's a picture of them all in the dishwasher (there are 26):</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 300px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Blog_Pictures_008.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271294163424" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 300px;">See all my bottles!</span></span></p>
<p>I gathered all my bottling supplies then:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 300px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Blog_Pictures_011.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271294282915" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 300px;">Kombucha, bottles, funnel, and juice</span></span></p>
<p>I'm using the <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/how-to-brew-kombucha-double-fermentation-method/">double fermentation method</a>, so when I bottled these, I added about 1 oz. of grape juice to each bottle, then filled the rest of the way with kombucha, about 15 oz.&nbsp; This is about the same proportions as G.T. Dave's uses too: 95% kombucha and 5% juice.</p>
<p>Once bottled, I let the bottles sit out for two more days.&nbsp; This is how it develops its nice carbonation.&nbsp; After two days, they went into the fridge.&nbsp; I don't have a picture of that.&nbsp; This made 7 16-oz. bottles, with enough plain kombucha left over to cover the mother(s!!), which will brew the next batch.</p>
<p>Speaking of mother(s) (another name for the SCOBY), I discovered something cool when I took the cloth off the top:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 300px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Blog_Pictures_012.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1271294679877" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 300px;">TWO Mothers!!</span></span></p>
<p>I warned you these things grow fast.&nbsp; I was told that a "baby" would grow each time I brewed kombucha and that it might or might not separate from the mother.&nbsp; So, I was under the impression that it would be kind of small.&nbsp; Maybe a smaller diameter or only like 1/4" thick or less.&nbsp; But no.&nbsp; It was full grown second mother!&nbsp; The one on the right is the "baby."</p>
<p>For me this is great.&nbsp; So far.&nbsp; It takes 2 weeks to brew a batch and I plan to drink 16 oz. per day.&nbsp; Do the math: it makes 7 16-oz. bottles, which will last only ONE week.&nbsp; So assuming I'm constantly brewing only one gallon I will still have a week to go without any kombucha! NO!!&nbsp; So I need to either brew two gallons at once or start one gallon each week so I always have fresh kombucha available.&nbsp; I might even eventually brew more if I decide I want to drink more per day or if I can get the rest of my family to drink it too.&nbsp; So I do need more "mothers" now.&nbsp; But in a few weeks I'll have way too many.&nbsp; And then...I don't know.&nbsp; Want to buy one?&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>Do you brew kombucha?&nbsp; Have you made other fermented beverages?&nbsp; What are your favorite?&nbsp; If not, what is holding you back?</p>
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EXCERPT:
There are LOTS of blog posts about kombucha out there, but I thought I'd share too, since I currently have an obsession with it!  Just a week or so ago, I finished brewing my first batch.  Prior to that I bought it and drank it for about a month.  It's expensive to buy -- but not to brew!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheri
EMAIL: sheridack@yahoo.com
IP: 74.32.230.130
URL: 
DATE: 04/20/2010 04:11:50 AM
<p>I just finished making my first batch of water kefir and it is delicious! My husband is drinking it too even though he is not 100% convinced that it is not alcoholic :)<br/>For some reason kombucha is a little weird for me. Something about the mother is a little creepy. I do want to try it though. I guess I should try some store bought stuff before I make my own though. I can't really imagine what a fermented tea would taste like! What do people do with so much extra mother if they can't give it away? I am imagining this thing just taking over my kitchen :) Is it &quot;taboo&quot; to throw some out?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/20/2010 12:17:30 PM
<p>I just bought my first kombucha yesterday after hearing you and other bloggers rave about it. I tried GT's and....I LOVE it! :) I'm definitely going to stock up from Whole Foods....and then who knows. Brewing my own next??? Can't wait!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janice @ SAHMville
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.22.48.26
URL: http://sahmville.blogspot.com/
DATE: 04/20/2010 01:15:47 PM
<p>I really enjoyed reading your post.  I am currently on Day 4 of my very first batch of kombucha.  Since I second-guess myself on this, reading about others' kombucha experiences has been important to me lately.  I've purchased some organic black cherry juice to put in mine..I thought it sounded tasty, but we'll see how it turns out.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dean
EMAIL: deansavatar@gmail.com
IP: 108.96.173.121
URL: 
DATE: 06/30/2010 02:36:48 PM
<p>If you don't know anyone to get a scoby from you can culture a scoby of your own, simply and easily from a bottle of raw Kombucha: </p><p>16 oz bottle of raw, unflavored kombucha (room temp)<br/>1 cup of black tea (room temp)<br/>1 tablespoon of white table sugar<br/>clean large jar, cover cloth, rubber band</p><p>Dissolve the sugar into tea. Then combine the entire bottle of raw organic kombucha with sweetened tea (sugar only provides energy for the yeasts in the developing scoby) in the jar and secure the cloth over the mouth of the jar with the rubber band and set in a location out of direct sunlight where it will remain undisturbed for about 3 weeks (less time when the weather's hot).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pamela
EMAIL: pamela@seedsofnutrition.com
IP: 75.39.138.52
URL: http://www.seedsofnutrition.com
DATE: 08/27/2010 03:20:28 AM
<p>Great post, though I am wondering where you got your recipe at with it calling for 16 bags of tea??<br/>Virtually every recipe per each 3 quarts of water boiled to add the tea and sugar to call for only 4 bags / 5 at the most.<br/>I&#39;ve been making Kombucha for 2 1/2 years now..here&#39;s a link to one of my postings http://seedsofnutrition.com/?p=5976</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/27/2010 03:24:08 AM
<p>Pamela,</p><p>What size tea bags?  I think that may be the difference.  I only use 2 per gallon if I am using the quart-sized bags, but many more if I am using the &quot;single serving&quot; bags.  I need to do an update on this post though because I&#39;ve now been brewing continuously for several months (4 gallons at a time!) and have changed a few things slightly.  Thanks for your link!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 10/26/2010 03:15:42 PM
<p>I was going to ask if you were still brewing. I have a mother that&#39;s been sitting on top of my fridge for months. Maybe I should use it to get started again. My 4 and 6 year old daughters LOVE kombucha!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.228
URL: 
DATE: 01/19/2011 02:59:19 PM
<p>I love Kombucha too! I&#39;ve been brewing for a few months. It is true that there are a million ways to do it seems. I only use 6-8 tea bags for 1 gallon of water. I use 1 cup of organic white sugar. I live in Texas where it is warmer so I only brew for 7-9 days, then my second &quot;ferment&quot; is usually just one or two nights. I like putting chopped strawberries in my bottles for a strawberry flavored kombucha. </p><p>Also, I read that the wider mouth jar you can use the better, so it has more room to breathe. Also, I was told that a cheesecloth is too porous and gnats can get in between the weave. I use a clean t-shirt doubled over with a rubberband.</p><p>I don&#39;t make as much kombucha as you because I also make water kefir daily. I make about three bottles of it a day.</p><p>I read that the extra SCOBY&#39;s make good in your compost. I give some to my mom to compost (she has a compost pile) others I just throw in my soil and bury a bit.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cara
EMAIL: curly1invista@hotmail.com
IP: 75.11.174.252
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 10:42:25 PM
<p>Thanks for the great Kombucha tips. I&#39;ve wanted to do this but have been procrastinating. I will try to make my own using Dave&#39;s ... didn&#39;t know I could do this. So it roughly takes about 3 wks from scratch?? I wonder how many children like it or if there are specific recipes that children like better. I would like to have a list of all the medicinal benefits on kombucha. I just read that it helps balance candida. I wonder if it could help people with autism. Thanks again!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mark
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.22.17.35
URL: 
DATE: 02/23/2011 11:38:24 PM
<p>GT Dave&#39;s bottles are absolutely perfect to reuse for your own brew! To remove the labels, I found the best way is to fill the bottle with water to just above the label, then microwave it for 3-4 minutes (lid OFF!). It&#39;s HOT so use a towel to handle it. Put folded towel over top, hold down with one hand, and peel the label off with the other. Should peel right off, leaving little to no residue. Veggie oil then dish soap will easily remove any remains. Then you can get a good view of your brew!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Fermented Food Challenge
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/01/2010 12:00:25 PM
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<p>I've been posting about my love of fermented food lately, so I thought I'd issue you a fermented food challenge!</p>
<p>It seems crazy to think about eating fermented food when you first hear about it, doesn't it?&nbsp; I don't even drink alcohol (fermented food!) so for me, it was WAY out there.&nbsp; I don't like sauerkraut or yogurt or anything.&nbsp; So WHY on earth would I decide to include fermented in my diet?&nbsp; If you've read my other post about how fabulous they make me feel, you already know the answer to that.&nbsp; (And if you haven't, go back and read it to learn why fermented food IS fabulous.)</p>
<p>Nevertheless, it wasn't that easy to make the jump from intellectually knowing I should eat fermented food to actually eating it.&nbsp; Hence this challenge.&nbsp; I want to give you some motivation to eat some (and make it, if you dare).</p>
<p>You've got a week.&nbsp; A week from today to try one fermented food for yourself.&nbsp; The winner will get a fermented food starter (kombucha mushroom, kefir grains, etc.) as a prize...to encourage you to try more!</p>
<p>Okay, so how to do you enter?</p>
<p>1) Leave your name and email address below</p>
<p>2) What fermented foods HAVE you tried, if any?</p>
<p>3) What fermented foods have you been meaning to try?</p>
<p>4) The winner is the person who bites the bullet and tries the most fermented foods!&nbsp; In the case of a tie, the winner is the one who was the most "adventurous" in trying the fermented foods (I'll let all of you vote on that).</p>
<p>Let's hear it!&nbsp; What are you going to try first?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I've been posting about my love of fermented food lately, so I thought I'd issue you a fermented food challenge!</p>
<p>It seems crazy to think about eating fermented food when you first hear about it, doesn't it?&nbsp; I don't even drink alcohol (fermented food!) so for me, it was WAY out there.&nbsp; I don't like sauerkraut or yogurt or anything.&nbsp; So WHY on earth would I decide to include fermented in my diet?&nbsp; If you've read my other post about how fabulous they make me feel, you already know the answer to that.&nbsp; (And if you haven't, go back and read it to learn why fermented food IS fabulous.)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/01/2010 03:51:02 PM
<p>1) Emma (you already have my contact info :) )</p><p>2) What fermented foods HAVE you tried, if any? </p><p>Does yogurt count? I've recently switched from flavored sweetened yogurts to buying it plain and flavoring it myself with pureed fruit and honey; it's thinner, more like a smoothie, but there are some days when I'm eating it and it's just a relief. Guess I needed those probiotics! I eat yogurt at a minimum every weekday. I've eaten sauerkraut before, and love it on reuben sandwiches, but I have those very rarely, especially now that I no longer live in New York. </p><p>3) What fermented foods have you been meaning to try?</p><p>I'm curious about the kefir, as it seems to be the simplest to make. Don't know what my husband would make of it, but I'd drink it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.180.73.13
URL: 
DATE: 05/01/2010 05:35:10 PM
<p>I am just in the process of getting used to Kombucha. I have been drinking 4 oz a day for the past 2 weeks. (I am pregnant, so I am trying to go very slow with new foods) I would really like to try making sourdough bread and dairy free yogurt. I am not sure about kefir, I haven't read much about it yet.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sabrina
EMAIL: buhlers@telus.net
IP: 199.126.156.206
URL: 
DATE: 05/01/2010 07:32:56 PM
<p>I have been reading alot about fermented foods lately, and after reading 'The Makers Diet' I decided to try making my own gingerale.  I love it. It doesn't taste like store bought gingerale, but it really does make you feel good! And I love know howing good it is for me. I'm 32 weeks pregnant right now, but after I've had my baby I plan on trying kombucha, I've also been meaning to make Sally Fallons ginger carrots recipe from nourishing traditions. I figure that it might be a great way to get my family to try fermented foods also!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: beth.stedman@gmail.com
IP: 86.49.71.187
URL: http://bethstedman.com/
DATE: 05/03/2010 11:52:16 AM
<p>I've always loved yogurt, but in the past few months I've really increased the fermented foods that I'm eating. I've fallen in love with Kefir (although I really didn't like it at first and had to force myself to drink it for a while - now I'm addicted). Last week I tried organic soured milk but it didn't go over very well. A  two weeks before that I made two fermented recipes from Nourishing Traditions - Beet Kvass and a fermented grain drink from Quinoa (which was recommended for breastfeeding). I loved both of them although my husband thought that the beet kvass was too salty and didn't like it at all. This week I'm making more of both of those drinks. I'd also really like to try my hand at ginger ale and sauerkraut in the near future.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sabrina
EMAIL: buhlers@telus.net
IP: 199.126.156.206
URL: 
DATE: 05/03/2010 02:19:56 PM
<p>I forgot this in my last comment, but I've also tried kefir, and my daughter and I go through ALOT of homemade yogurt. We love it with granola and fruit!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sally
EMAIL: scottsally@hotmail.com
IP: 209.221.205.130
URL: 
DATE: 05/05/2010 11:52:37 PM
<p>Hi - I've tried the following fermented foods out of NT:<br/>Kimchi<br/>Japanese Saurkraut<br/>Fermented Carrots<br/>Punch <br/>I think that's it.  The favorites have been the Kimchi and the Punch.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 05/06/2010 04:31:53 AM
<p>2) What fermented foods HAVE you tried, if any? sourdough, Greek yogurt, kefir, beet kvass, lacto-fermented pickles, lacto-fermented beets, homemade saurkraut, lacto-fermented green tomatoes, Green Pasture fermented cod liver oil, lacto-fermented mayo, lacto-fermented salad dressing....and I think that's it :)  This past year has been filled with lots of changes in our eating.  We grow a garden and have been experimenting with fermenting.  We drink kefir sweetened with fruit smoothies every day.  I make sourdough waffles, pizza crust, cake, etc.  Adding whey to homemade mayo and salad dressing is an easy way to ferment.</p><p>3) What fermented foods have you been meaning to try? I've been meaning to try water kefir and lacto-fermented salsa.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Audrey
EMAIL: audrey_loewen@hotmail.com
IP: 76.121.165.227
URL: http://everyurlwastaken.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/06/2010 07:32:54 AM
<p>I've tried the typical yogurt and other cultured dairy products, and then I've tried sauerkraut, fermented ginger carrots, and fermented ketchup.</p><p>Next week, I'm planning on making fermented ginger, and with the fermented ginger, I'm planning on making fermented ginger ale! Someday (hopefully soon) I want to try kefir (dairy and water). I've never had it (or made it), but I'm reeeeeeally curious!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/15/2010 11:15:16 PM
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<p>**This post is linked to <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/04/pennywise-platter-thursday-415.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at Nourishing Gourmet</a>,<a href="http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/2010/04/tempt-my-tummy-tuesdaya-guacamole.html"> Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays at Blessed with Grace</a>, <a href="http://www.simplysugarandglutenfree.com/slightly-indulgent-tuesday-42010/">Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays at Simply Sugar and Gluten Free</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/04/real-food-wednesday-42110.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>These cookies are SO yummy and they will boost your milk supply, too.&nbsp; Brewer's yeast and oatmeal are known for increasing milk.&nbsp; For an added benefit, replace each egg with 1 tbsp. ground flax seed and 3 tbsp. water (also makes the recipe vegan, if you're interested).</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1&nbsp;cup coconut oil</p>
<p>&frac12; cup turbinado <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/sugar-139"><span style="color: windowtext;">sugar</span></a></p>
<p>&frac14; cup firmly packed&nbsp;dark <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/brown-sugar-375"><span style="color: windowtext;">brown sugar</span></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2 <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/egg-142"><span style="color: windowtext;">eggs</span></a></p>
<p>1&nbsp;teaspoon <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/vanilla-350"><span style="color: windowtext;">vanilla</span></a></p>
<p>1.5&nbsp;cups <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/flour-64"><span style="color: windowtext;">flour</span></a></p>
<p>1&nbsp;teaspoon <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/baking-soda-7"><span style="color: windowtext;">baking soda</span></a></p>
<p>1&nbsp;teaspoon sea <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/salt-359"><span style="color: windowtext;">salt</span></a></p>
<p>3&nbsp;cups <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/oatmeal-465"><span style="color: windowtext;">oats</span></a></p>
<p>1&nbsp;cup <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/chocolate-224"><span style="color: windowtext;">chocolate chips</span></a></p>
<p>4&nbsp;tablespoons <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/library/yeast-62"><span style="color: windowtext;">brewer's yeast</span></a></p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Cream coconut oil (softened) with sugars.&nbsp; Mix in eggs, baking soda, sea salt, and vanilla.&nbsp; Add brewer&rsquo;s yeast and flour and stir to combine.&nbsp; Finally, fold in oats and chocolate chips (may leave out chocolate if desired).&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 8 &ndash; 10 minutes.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
These cookies are SO yummy and they will boost your milk supply, too.  Brewer's yeast and oatmeal are known for increasing milk.  For an added benefit, replace each egg with 1 tbsp. ground flax seed and 3 tbsp. water (also makes the recipe vegan, if you're interested).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Iris
EMAIL: iris@thedailydietribe.com
IP: 74.66.68.211
URL: http://www.thedailydietribe.com
DATE: 04/21/2010 12:00:02 AM
<p>Love the cookie name! Very cute!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kelly@questforrealfood.com
IP: 65.82.249.60
URL: http://www.questforrealfood.com
DATE: 04/21/2010 02:36:25 PM
<p>Yum!  These sounds really good, and with an 8 month old, I can use all the help I can get!  Thanks for posting! (I found you via Real Food Wednesday)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 04/17/2010 01:40:52 AM
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<p>The winner of this week's giveaway, a jar of Modern Alternative Mama Soothing Skin Cream is:</p>
<p><strong>Jessica (</strong><a href="http://www.journeytorealfood.com"><strong>www.journeytorealfood.com</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please contact me by Saturday night with your full name and mailing address!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: 6-month "Blogiversary"
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 04/20/2010 12:00:49 PM
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<p>It's actually just slightly past my 6-month "blogiversary" if you want to get technical.&nbsp; My introduction post was up on October 9, 2009, and of course it's currently April 20, 2010.&nbsp; But here's a secret: I can never seem to remember the exact day I started my blog.&nbsp; I always know it was mid-October sometime, but exactly which day seems to escape me.&nbsp; I had to look it up to write this post, actually.</p>
<p>Anyway, happy "blogiversary!" to this blog!&nbsp; How long have you been reading or following?&nbsp; A few of you have been around since the beginning -- THANK YOU!&nbsp; Others have joined me along the way -- thank you, too!&nbsp; Without my readers I wouldn't really have a blog.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>If you've been a faithful reader and/or commenter for awhile (i.e. this isn't your first time here), go over to my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/19/introducing-solids-what-when-howand-giveaway.html">Tropical Traditions Giveaway</a> post and tell me that, and I'll give you an extra entry.&nbsp; Just for being so special.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>So how far have we come since we started?</p>
<p>*In October, we got only 67 unique visitors and 348 pageviews.&nbsp; In March, those numbers were 1,528 unique visitors and 9,323 pageviews.&nbsp; That's a big increase!&nbsp; We've seen an increase every month, actually, with the exception of February - March (we moved March 1).&nbsp; But even with the move, hits were about the same in March!&nbsp; Thanks for coming with us when we moved!</p>
<p>*So far in April, we're on track to hit almost 2,800 unique visitors and over 10,000 pageviews. Lots of new people are discovering us everyday!</p>
<p>*Currently, we have 43 daily subscribers.&nbsp; If you don't yet subscribe, do you want to join us?&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">click here</a> to sign up via an rss reader, or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">click here</a> to receive our blog feed directly to your preferred e-mail provider.</p>
<p>*Currently, we have over 350 followers on twitter. If you're not currently following us, please <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">click here</a> to do so. New posts and giveaways are announced here first.</p>
<p>*We've just started a fan page on Facebook, and will be announcing special events and new features on here. Only 12 fans so far, so please <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Columbus-OH/Modern-Alternative-Mama/310966612912?ref=ts">click here</a> to support us.</p>
<p>*Currently there are over 500 pages linking to us from some of the most popular natural food and health blogs around. If you'd like to do a link exchange or guest post exchange with us, please <a>email me</a>.</p>
<p>*We've had a total of 216 posts!&nbsp; That's a lot!</p>
<p>*We've had a LOT of comments -- I can't actually count them accurately because of the move and other issues, but there are well over 900 comments. &nbsp;Positive feedback or constructive criticism, we welcome the debate of ideas and ideology. I love hearing from my readers!&nbsp;</p>
<p>*We've had 9 giveaways so far -- pretty awesome!</p>
<p>*We've started to sell <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/store/">Modern Alternative Mama Soothing Skin Cream</a>, and the reviews coming in have been extremely positive.&nbsp; If you haven't checked it out yet, please take a look!</p>
<p>Here are some things to look forward to in the next six months:</p>
<p>*More really cool themes (like fermented food, crafting, canning and preserving, and more!)</p>
<p>*More giveaways!</p>
<p>*Lots of informative, relevant posts.</p>
<p>*The launch of the Modern Alternative Mama: In the Kitchen cookbook</p>
<p>*My diaper patterns will be for sale, along with how-to videos and kits to make your own cloth diapers!</p>
<p>*Modern Alternative Mama local classes on sewing, breastfeeding, and pregnancy (with possible e-courses if there is interest!)</p>
<p>*A forum, so you all can participate and discuss more freely!</p>
<p>All of this is possible because of you, the readers. We appreciate your support as we continue our journey into even more natural living. It's not always an easy life, but it is certainly made easier by sharing our story with you, and the support you've shown us.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone!!</p>
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EXCERPT:
It's actually just slightly past my 6-month "blogiversary" if you want to get technical.  My introduction post was up on October 9, 2009, and of course it's currently April 20, 2010.  But here's a secret: I can never seem to remember the exact day I started my blog.  I always know it was mid-October sometime, but exactly which day seems to escape me.  I had to look it up to write this post, actually.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 04/20/2010 01:10:59 PM
<p>Wow - 6 months! Congratulations! It's been a pleasure reading your blog. I've learned so much &amp; I can't wait for what's to come.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: surfcitynanny@gmail.com
IP: 98.151.171.211
URL: http://www.nannysarah.wordpress.com
DATE: 04/21/2010 05:29:45 AM
<p>I always forgot my Blogiversary too!</p><p>So thankfully I found the Blogiversary countdown.</p><p>If you go to my blog you will see the button on the rightside. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wendy (The Local Cook)
EMAIL: wendypchef@yahoo.com
IP: 12.239.150.194
URL: http://thelocalcook.com
DATE: 04/21/2010 12:54:29 PM
<p>Congrats!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Call to Action: Raw Milk Debate
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/24/2010 12:00:56 PM
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<p>The <a href="http://www.realmilk.com">raw milk</a> debate is raging now.&nbsp; There are those on one side (that I am on) that believe that raw milk is one of the healthiest foods around and we should have the right to purchase and consume it freely if we choose.&nbsp; And then there are those who believe that raw milk is a very dangerous food, not worth consumption by anyone ever, and that it should be illegal to sell.</p>
<p>In a country like America, which believes in freedom, it's ridiculous to think that something as basic as <em>milk</em> would actually be considered dangerous and therefore <a href="http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2010/1/19/how-will-wi-raw-milk-opponents-choose-to-fight-on-the-issues.html">illegal</a>.&nbsp; Milk!&nbsp; Yet, in most states, it is <a href="http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/03/23/got_raw_milk/?page=2">currently illegal</a> to buy or sell the milk in any retail way.</p>
<p>There are ways around this, however.&nbsp; In most states, milk can either be bought for "pet use" or by participating in a cow share program.&nbsp; In a cow share, families approach a farmer and pay certain fees that go towards feed, boarding, etc. and in return, get a certain amount of milk per week or month.&nbsp; The details of each farmer's contract is different, but this gets around the law because if you own a cow or part of a cow, you are entitled to its milk.&nbsp; This is how we intend to get our raw milk, and how most get it when they live in states where it is illegal.&nbsp; Raw milk must be purchased directly from a farm.</p>
<p>We've bought raw milk from a farm before and it was something we didn't write down, just kind of exchanged money and milk.&nbsp; It felt like a back-alley deal; like we were buying drugs!&nbsp; Sad, that we have to sneak around just to buy healthy food, in a country where freedom is prized!</p>
<p>The reason that some say raw milk is dangerous is because factory-farmed milk, when raw,<em> is</em> dangerous.&nbsp; The cows are sick, have mastitis and other infections.&nbsp; The milk is full of pus.&nbsp; The cows are constantly given antibiotics to try to suppress the infections.&nbsp; Until recently, most cows were give rBST, a growth hormone that caused them to produce more milk.&nbsp; They are kept in tiny stalls and fed mostly GMO corn and other grain products, which is not the cow's natural diet and which makes them sick and fat.&nbsp; Their conditions and treatment are so poor that most only live about 18 months.&nbsp; Compare that to a cow who is out on free pasture and not given hormones or antibiotics, which lives 4 - 5 years.</p>
<p>When factory-farmed cows are milked, the milk is full of blood, pus, and other yucky stuff.&nbsp; It must then be pasteurized (at least 180 degrees), and in some cases, ultra-pasteurized (270 degrees) in order to even be palatable or "safe" to drink.&nbsp; The idea is to kill all the bacteria and enzymes so that the milk is sterile; then bottle it.&nbsp; The theory is that if it is sterile and sealed, bad bacteria cannot grow.&nbsp; People who believe this always works and is beneficial also believes that the natural balance of good bacteria in raw milk can allow bad bacteria to grow and it will make people sick.&nbsp; (By the way, NO, I would not drink raw milk from a factory-farmed cow, and neither would anyone I know.)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when milk is sterile, anything can then grow in it if it becomes contaminated.&nbsp; In raw milk, the good bacteria can often keep the bad bacteria in check, should it become contaminated.&nbsp; Each year, there are <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/files/foodborne_illness_FAQ.pdf">76 million cases of food-borne illness</a>, and about 5000 deaths.&nbsp;In the last 10 years, despite raw milk consumption increasing, there have been only a thousand or so reported cases of illness and two deaths (however,<a href="http://www.realmilk.com/press-release-12mar07.html"> there is no official data</a> which proves these records at all, so numbers may be lower).&nbsp; It is clear that even if these numbers ARE correct, that raw milk is hardly a threat.&nbsp; No food is 100% safe, but raw milk is a tiny, tiny portion of the problem.&nbsp; The problem can be avoided entirely by approaching dairies that are obviously clean and have high safety standards (most of the time).</p>
<p>Beyond the issue of raw milk actually being safe, it is highly beneficial.&nbsp; Many people who are lactose-intolerant or even dairy-allergic can safely consume raw milk with no ill effects.&nbsp; Others have claimed it has helped or cured allergies, asthma, eczema, and more.&nbsp; Raw milk is a living food, consumed in its natural form.&nbsp; Vitamins and minerals are also more well-absorbed from raw milk.&nbsp; Pasteurized milk is a denatured food, from which vitamins are not well absorbed.</p>
<p>Personally, our family has experienced that raw milk helps us a lot.&nbsp; Our dairy-allergic children can consume it with no problems.</p>
<p>Finally, there is simply the issue of choice.&nbsp; Consumers should have the choice to buy raw milk from local farmers if they choose to.&nbsp; Small family farms should not be regulated the same as national confinement farms.&nbsp; There should be high safety standards (including keeping cows healthy, no antibiotic use, free grazing, chilling milk immediately and keeping it chilled, etc.) but consumers should be able to purchase this milk if they would like to.</p>
<p>If you believe strongly in raw milk, or at least the freedom of choice, please write to your congressmen and tell them so.&nbsp; You can include a copy of this letter, which I will be sending to mine:</p>
<p>Dear Congressman,</p>
<p>I believe strongly in choice in America, and I hope you do too.&nbsp; Right now, there is a debate raging over raw milk in America.&nbsp; Raw milk is a safe food by all reports and may be highly beneficial.&nbsp; I believe that Americans should have the right to choose to purchase and consume raw milk if they would like to.&nbsp; Please support any legislation that would allow us to have the freedom to purchase raw milk.&nbsp; It is important to our family and our right as Americans.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Your Name</p>
<p>How do you feel about the raw milk debate?</p>
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EXCERPT:
The <a href="http://www.realmilk.com">raw milk</a> debate is raging now.&nbsp; There are those on one side (that I am on) that believe that raw milk is one of the healthiest foods around and we should have the right to purchase and consume it freely if we choose.&nbsp; And then there are those who believe that raw milk is a very dangerous food, not worth consumption by anyone ever, and that it should be illegal to sell.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/24/2010 05:43:45 PM
<p>Here in Wisconsin our legislators passed a bill that allows for raw milk sales.  This just happened in the last hours of their session a few days ago.  It is kind of crazy that here in THE DAIRY STATE we've only just now made it legal for farmers to actually sell their milk in a raw state directly to the consumer.  The only way to get it before was a cow share program, but even those were considered legally questionable.  I believe there are still a few limits on the amount a farmer can sell, but overall it is a step in the right direction.</p><p>The one issue I had with the bill (and I do not know if it was in the final one or not) was that the farmers would also have no liability whatsoever if someone became sick or died due to their products.  I'm typically against suing anyone and think that it is crazy how people use the courts, but I also think that if you have the right to sell a product you have to be willing to stand behind it.  The only group I know of that has liability protection is vaccine companies and I hate, hate, hate that they do.  It will be interesting to see how this change actually impacts our ability to buy raw milk.  I'm hoping it will make it possible soon!</p><p>Thanks for your interesting posts,<br/>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Johanna
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.98.12.57
URL: 
DATE: 04/24/2010 06:57:03 PM
<p>Thank you for putting into succinct terms the details of this issue. I will be sharing this with my extended family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: wowenlikewoah@yahoo.com
IP: 71.71.27.38
URL: 
DATE: 04/25/2010 12:45:22 AM
<p>I don't drink raw milk but I think it should totally be up to the person not the government. This post grossed me out so bad I just want a glass of almond milk now lol.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Roxy
EMAIL: rswanson@inbox.com
IP: 97.127.126.98
URL: http://www.themiddleofnow.com/
DATE: 04/26/2010 01:06:29 AM
<p>I've been recently researching raw milk for my family and have also been following news articles and debates.  I think that it's amazing that people don't know how to connect the dots. People don't get that this isn't about food safety, it's about control and money. You see the same thing with seeds (meaning Monsanto).  The sad thing is these small dairy farmers aren't even making enough money to pay some of their bills.  For a small farmer to sell clean raw milk directly to a consumer for a fair price could ultimately save their farm. <br/>I don't know if any of you have followed Max Kane's case against WI, but he had posted a YouTube video that really struck a cord with me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgMLbNfmOxk<br/>http://www.rawmilkparty.com/  This is his website it you want to get caught up.</p><p>Very well written article!  I just found your website and will defiantly be coming back!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liz G
EMAIL: 
IP: 74.107.114.121
URL: 
DATE: 04/26/2010 04:09:46 AM
<p>I feel that people should have the right to choose what they eat and where they get that food from.  Raw Milk is inherently clean and healthy, despite what the FDA says. It's the sanitary practice of the farmer,  and the grass feeding of the animals that ensures it remains clean.     A farmer I obtain milk from has recently been harrassed by FDA agents. It's very sad that a small local farmer is getting the brunt of this when the agents should be out there taking twinkies and ho ho cakes off the market- those are the real things that will kill people.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Quiskaeya
EMAIL: quiskaeya@gmail.com
IP: 76.108.99.219
URL: http://www.quiskaeya.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 12:26:06 AM
<p>In Florida you can purchase raw milk but those that sell it must label it as for pet consumption only. I recently transitioned my family to raw milk because we suffer from allergies. We have had no issues with raw milk like we had with homogenized milk. Homogenized milk would make us very congested and gave my kids indigestion. We will never switch back.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Geklierrexsen
EMAIL: hanspeter230@aol.com
IP: 91.12.181.65
URL: http://2-cam.com
DATE: 12/13/2010 12:56:07 AM
<p>i am hobby illustrator, perhaps you like to use some of my photographs? i think it would be nice and fit on your site :-)<br/>absolutely enjoy your page! send me a e-mail please in case you want to see my pics</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liz
EMAIL: 
IP: 70.109.190.31
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 06:17:06 AM
<p>I grew up drinking raw milk on  a dairy farm.  However, our farm was a far cry from the current situations.  Our cows were on pasture in the summer (in the barn overnight) and were allowed out of the barn into the barnyard in the daytime in the winter.  My parents boasted that the &quot;test&quot; on their raw milk had a lower bacteria count than what was required for pasteurized milk.</p><p>For years we&#39;ve been stuck drinking the stuff from the store because there was no source we could find locally for raw.  A couple of years ago a family about 5 miles away started selling raw milk from their small farmstead (which they can do legally in our state).  While it&#39;s a little less convenient (sometimes I arrive and they&#39;re sold out) then buying at the store, it is so good to be drinking real milk again.  I&#39;ve complained for years about the after taste in store milk (especially lower fat varieties) from the vitamins that have to get added back in.  We&#39;ve been drinking primarily raw milk for nearly two years now with no illnesses associated with it.  It&#39;s only pennies more a half gallon than the stuff from the store, we know where it comes from, and we know that it&#39;s got all the good bacteria left in it.</p><p>I truly wish that the government would focus their attention on the parts of the agricultural industry that really make people sick (feed lots that produce e-coli, corn producers who contribute mightly to obesity, chicken operations where salmonellla is rampant etc) instead of focusing on the remote possibility that people will get sick from locally grown foods from small operations.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Sunscreen: To Use, or Not to Use?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/25/2010 12:00:16 PM
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<p>Sunscreen.</p>
<p>Now that it's getting warm outside (which is super awesome!), if you happen to find yourself in the middle of any given group of mothers, you'll find them obsessively slathering their little ones with sunscreen before they go out to play.&nbsp; After all...we wouldn't want them to get any sunburns!</p>
<p>I would not be one of those mothers, however.</p>
<p>So far we've gone to the zoo three times and the park several and have spent several hours in a row outside many days in a row.&nbsp; I've gotten a little color here and there.&nbsp; But my kids?&nbsp; Nothing.&nbsp; No tans, no burns at all.&nbsp; And that's being outside in the middle of the day, full sun, whenever possible.&nbsp; And NO sunscreen.</p>
<p>Why do people use sunscreen?&nbsp; What's in it?&nbsp; Are there times that warrant it?&nbsp; Are there times that don't?&nbsp; Let's look at some major points that might answer some of these questions.</p>
<p>*Worries about sunburns and skin cancer</p>
<p>It's true: these days, rates of skin cancer are through the roof.&nbsp; Experts blame too much sun exposure and suggest using more sunscreen.&nbsp; In fact, they point to tanning, repeated sunburns, and overall sun exposure as the primary causes of cancer.&nbsp; Some suggest putting sunscreen on every single morning as part of your beauty routine, and to never even walk to the mailbox without it.</p>
<p>Then WHY are skin cancer rates much higher among people who work 40 hours a week in office jobs than in people who are lifeguards?&nbsp; Why did people who worked 12-hour days in the fields 100 years ago not get skin cancer?&nbsp; Why was sun exposure really not a problem -- until now?&nbsp; Some say it's the hole in the ozone layer, but that just doesn't add up, considering it's not located over the area in which most of us live.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/state.htm">According to the CDC</a>, some of the states with highest skin cancer rates are Connecticut, Vermont, Colorado, Washington state, Oregon...some of the states with<em> least</em> sun exposure (based on seasonal temperature shifts).&nbsp; Comparatively, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Mississippi and others had relatively low rates of sun exposure, despite having moderate temperatures year around, allowing people more sun exposure.&nbsp; Why would southern states have <em>lower</em> rates of skin cancer if sun exposure causes it?&nbsp; It's not as simple as that, but sun exposure does not equal skin cancer.&nbsp; Death rates from skin cancer were also higher in northern states vs. southern states.&nbsp; In fact, rates of other cancers show a similar pattern!&nbsp; Lack of sun exposure seems to be correlated more highly with rates of cancer than does too much.</p>
<p>*Vitamin D deficiency has become rampant</p>
<p>On the other hand, as we've used more and more sunscreen, vitamin D deficiency has increased sharply.&nbsp; (So have cancer rates in general, by the way.)&nbsp; Some children are actually get Ricketts again, a disease in which bones are weak from a lack of vitamin D and actually begin to bend.&nbsp; For this reason, the<a href="http://www.aap.org/family/vitdpatients.htm"> AAP</a> increased the recommende vitamin D amount per day from 200 IU to 400 IU for children about a year ago.&nbsp; Of course, the best source of vitamin D, and the safest, is the sun -- not any supplement.&nbsp; Most people in this country are vitamin D deficient now.&nbsp; Ideal levels are around 60 - 80 ng/mL, but many people now are only in the 20 - 30 ng/mL range, some even lower.&nbsp; Ricketts isn't the only concern.&nbsp; Osteoporosis, all forms of cancer, and generally lowered immune system (meaning more colds, flus, etc.) are also concerns.&nbsp; Low levels of vitamin D are why people are sick more in the winter, when they are not exposed to sunlight very often.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's also interesting to note that even the AAP acknowledges that sunscreen "<em>prevents the formation of vitamin D in the skin</em>."&nbsp; So if you are taking your children outside frequently but always using sunscreen, they are not getting any vitamin D!&nbsp; (But ignore the part about sun causing cancer, they have no evidence of that, nor do they provide any links to studies!)</p>
<p>*Toxic sunscreen ingredients</p>
<p>What's in sunscreen, anyway?&nbsp; Here is a<a href="http://www.sunscreeningredients.com/"> list of ingredients</a> in popular brands:</p>
<blockquote>
<table border="0" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="50%">&middot; Cinnamates<br />&middot; OMC (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)<br />&middot; Ethylhexyl p-Methoxycinnamate<br />&middot; Salicylates<br />&middot; OCS (Octyl Salicytate)<br />&middot; Homomenthyl Salicylate<br />&middot; Triethanolamine<br />&middot; PABA (Para Aminobenzoic Acid)</td>
<td>&middot; Padimate O<br />&middot; Padimate A<br />&middot; Glyceryl Aminobenzoate<br />&middot; Octyl Dimethyl Paba<br />&middot; Octocrylene<br />&middot; Zinc Oxide<br />&middot; Titanium Oxide</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The sunscreen ingredients that are used to absorb UVA radiation include:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&middot; Benzoophenones<br />&middot; Oxybenzone<br />&middot; Dioxybenzone<br />&middot; Avobenzone</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So what's the problem?&nbsp; <a href="http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/8/2/101843.shtml">Many of these ingredients are known to cause cancer</a>.&nbsp; Your skin is a big sponge, and anything you put on it is going to be absorbed right into your body.&nbsp; These chemicals have been shown to cause all forms of dysfunction in your cells.&nbsp; Sunscreens have also been linked to increases in asthma, allergies, and ADHD.&nbsp; The <a href="http://www.ewg.org/cosmetics/report/sunscreen09/investigation">Environmental Working Group</a> completed a study last year about sunscreen safety and found that many were absorbed into the skin, didn't protect, contained harmful chemicals, or otherwise weren't what they were supposed to be -- 84% of them!</p>
<p>*Long sun exposures</p>
<p>Sometimes, you will be outside all day, and there's the possibility you will get burned just from sheer length of exposure.&nbsp; The best idea is to stay outside only until you begin to turn light pink, then go inside.&nbsp; However, what if you're at a beach vacation or another special event?&nbsp; In these cases, some sun protection is warranted.&nbsp; Long, loose clothing and hats with wide brims are a good idea to protect against the sun without any chemicals.&nbsp; Coconut oil, aloe vera, and certain essential oils or plant compounds have been shown to help protect (but, beware: a lot of essential oils increase photo sensitivity, or sun sensitivity, and can cause sunburn, so don't use one without plenty of research and/or consulting a professional).&nbsp; If you need a sunscreen, there are some better options.</p>
<p>*Safer sunscreens</p>
<p>The safest sunscreen brands are UV Natural #1 (according to EWG), and Badger (from my experience).&nbsp; Although I have not used any sunscreen myself in several years nor ever on my children, I do own Badger brand.&nbsp; Its active ingredient is only zinc oxide, which is completely safe, and its inactive ingredients are okay too.&nbsp; Some say that titanium dioxide is also safe (Burt's Bees brand contains both this and zinc oxide as active ingredients).&nbsp; These creams produce a barrier against the sun and are thicker, greasier, and often show up as white on the skin, so they're not as "attractive" to use, but they are much safer.</p>
<p>Do you use sunscreen?&nbsp; Which brands?&nbsp; Will this information change your sunscreen habits?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Sunscreen.</p>
<p>Now that it's getting warm outside (which is super awesome!), if you happen to find yourself in the middle of any given group of mothers, you'll find them obsessively slathering their little ones with sunscreen before they go out to play.&nbsp; After all...we wouldn't want them to get any sunburns!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Darcy (aslansavz)
EMAIL: aslansavz@yahoo.com
IP: 70.250.176.80
URL: http://aslansavz.wordpress.com
DATE: 04/25/2010 12:17:37 PM
<p>We are becoming more aware of Vitamin D deficiencies everyday. My father was diagnosed with severe VitD deficiency and is taking mongo supplement now. I've been reading on the net more and more about it, and we've switched our sunblock use to being out long-term. My family is very fair skinned and we don't tan well - we burn. So for us, sunblock is for those days when we're going to be exposed for long periods of time, and it's sunburn prevention more than anything. Sunburns for us are painful..and we'd prefer not to have that pain. But if we're out playing for the afternoon or gardening, we generally don't use it unless we're going to be in one position for a very long time (such as when we put a deck on our house last week, and we had our backs to the sun for hours as we were building. That would've left us with pretty bad burns that day. But we do expose for a while before we put on block.<br/>Did I ramble much there? I completely agree with your assessments.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 04/25/2010 02:15:34 PM
<p>Ahh, sunscreen...I hate it. When I was a kid, my mom just had us wear shirts in our pool because sunscreen clogs up the filter (well, the diatemaceous earth, but still, it's a kind of filter). It worked fine and we were always popping under the water and back up again so we never got too bad of burns on our faces. Then I moved to the south.</p><p>The sun is a TON more direct down here than in Ohio; three weeks ago I went to the zoo and was outside for a good two hours or so. I didn't put on any sunscreen because I really just forgot about it. My arms from my sleeves down were very burned. Not to the point of blisters, but they took about two weeks for the burn to start peeling and they're actually still peeling now. When we went to the beach last weekend I reapplied SPF 50 twice and didn't get a burn.</p><p>I think the thing I've realized is that if you expose yourself to sun regularly (even down in the south). I'm outside every afternoon for about an hour, doing all sorts of stuff for work. I'm wearing long sleeves and pants but my face is exposed. That sun exposure on my face is why at the zoo my face didn't get burned like it usually would have. I'm focusing on getting out in the sun more regularly without sunscreen so that I'll be a bit more immune to the burning effects of the sun. I doubt whether I'll be able to do the beach without sunscreen at all (white sand beaches give you twice the burning effect than normal life, plus the water's reflective also) but it would be cool. At least I hope that I can swim in the pool without sunscreen at some point. I hate putting it on because I know I end up eating some of it because it's on my hands, and it's just...ugh.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 166.205.11.34
URL: 
DATE: 04/25/2010 02:27:10 PM
<p>I completely agree with you on the Vitamin D deficiency being a HUGE problem. A Vitamin D expert in my department (Nutritional Sciences) recently told us at a seminar that he recommends vitamin D supplements over sun exposure. I was irate - this Vitamin D expert is ignoring a known fact - the best Vitamin D source is sun exposure!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 04/25/2010 09:18:12 PM
<p>We use sunscreen if we're going to be out, on a hot and completely sunny day, for hours. A beach trip, for instance. If we go to the park or the zoo for a couple of hours in the morning, we don't bother...we bring a baseball cap for Cam, in case his head gets hot. Afternoon play is a little different...if we're out at 2pm, sitting in the sandbox for an hour or two, I might put it on him...but only after a half hour of being uncovered. </p><p>We are pretty fair-skinned people, and definitely burn if we're out too long in intense sun. BUT Cam's pediatrician even said...if WE aren't using sunscreen, he probably doesn't need it, either. He also recommended letting him go uncovered at least a half hour before applying sunscreen.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.48.48.156
URL: http://lostvegan.wordpress.com
DATE: 04/25/2010 10:07:52 PM
<p>Along with building up a tolerance to the rays of the sun, diet can affect how quickly you burn.  If the fats in your skin are mostly polyunsaturated, you are much more likely to burn.  Coconut oil taken internally can protect you against sunburn.  Saturated fats in the skin are much less prone to sunburn.  So eat your coconut oil, your butter and your grass fed beef.  Like all matters dietary, it can take many months to replace the fats your skin is made of with those resistant to sunburn.  </p><p>For vitamin D, exposing 85% of your skin, until it is just pink is necessary to get optimum vitamin D.  In colder climates in Winter, it may not be possible to get all your vitamin D from the sun and vitamin D rich foods should be eaten.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 04/26/2010 03:09:12 AM
<p>One other note: if I'm out long enough to get pink, I'll be burned and peeling by the end of the night, even if I go inside out of the sun immediately at that moment. I'm sure I'm not the only one like that, either. I don't mind getting a little sun-kissed, but the amount of burn I'll have at that point would be hard to take.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 04/26/2010 03:10:34 AM
<p>Forgot one thing still...sorry. The more hydrated you are at the time of and after the burn, the less severe it will be. If you continually drink water (preferably) while out in the sun and afterwards, your burn will be nothing like if you drink alcohol or don't drink anything at all.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Linsey
EMAIL: linsey@yourperfectbirthohio.com
IP: 173.99.10.163
URL: 
DATE: 05/07/2010 01:00:29 AM
<p>I have never used sunscreen and have only burned twice in my life - both times on 12+ hours of early spring sun after long winters spent inside with no exposure. With my god-kids I use sunscreen if their parents request it. I will not use sunscreen on my children unless their are very fair skinned - then I will use aloe vera. Natural is better and we are meant to be in the sun. Thankfully we have surgeons to treat the few who are susceptible to melanoma.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anon
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.128.87.102
URL: 
DATE: 02/21/2011 05:24:10 PM
<p>You can take Vitamin D supplements. You die from melanoma.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/21/2011 05:41:52 PM
<p>Anon,</p><p>Show me the data that says synthetic vit D supplements are as effective as sunlight, AND that the sun has been actually proven to cause melanoma (which, interestingly enough, occurs FAR more often in office workers than lifeguards...) and I&#39;ll consider your position.</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Infant Allergies and Treatments...and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/26/2010 12:00:51 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Infant allergies are no picnic.&nbsp; It's impossible for little babies to tell their parents what's wrong, so instead they scream, writhe in pain, spit up, refuse to sleep, etc.&nbsp; Often times this is simply called "colic," and sometimes infants are diagnosed with reflux.&nbsp; But in almost all those cases, some type of allergy or sensitivity is at the root of the infant's pain.&nbsp; It's not easy to figure out what that allergy is, though.</p>
<p>Later this week we'll have a couple of peoples' stories about how they figured out their children's allergies and how they treated it.&nbsp; But for now, let's talk about some basics about infant allergies.</p>
<p>First of all the most common allergens are these: milk, soy, wheat/gluten, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, nuts.&nbsp; Babies are most likely to be allergic to milk or soy (yet...that's what most formula is based on...).&nbsp; This includes if you are breastfeeding and consuming any of these foods.&nbsp; However, your baby's allergy may be to none of these things...or all of them.&nbsp; Some babies are sensitive to peppers, or tomatoes, or chocolate, or something completely random (Daniel was sensitive to pomegranates).</p>
<p>Here are several signs of infant allergies:</p>
<p>*Fussiness</p>
<p>*Gassiness</p>
<p>*Excessive spitting up</p>
<p>*Projectile vomitting (this is never, ever normal)</p>
<p>*Red cheeks</p>
<p>*Eczema</p>
<p>*Other rashes</p>
<p>*Persistent diaper rash</p>
<p>*Persistent cradle cap</p>
<p>*Crying/screaming</p>
<p>*Back arching</p>
<p>If your baby is exhibiting any of these signs, it may be worth it to keep a food journal, if you are breastfeeding.&nbsp; What you eat can get into your milk anywhere from immediately to 20 hours after you consume it, depending on your body.&nbsp; I found that it was usually around 5 hours after I consumed an offending food that Daniel would react, typically by latching on for a few seconds, then arching away and screaming.&nbsp; If you can't pinpoint what might be causing a reaction, the best thing to do is to start eliminating highly probable foods from your diet for a couple weeks.&nbsp; It can take up to two months for some foods to leave your system entirely, but you should see a change within three weeks (and probably some relief within a few days).</p>
<p>&nbsp;If you are formula feeding, it may be time to change your baby's formula (see your doctor for suggestions; if you are on a milk-based formula, your doctor may recommend a soy-based formula or a gentle version of a milk-based formula, or even a hypoallergenic formula.&nbsp; You can also choose to make homemade formula, either milk- or liver-based).</p>
<p>There is the issue of colic.&nbsp; Doctors define colic as "unexplained crying, lasting for at least three hours, three nights per week."&nbsp; It typically disappears around three months of age, but can last longer.&nbsp; Infants with "colic" typically scream, bunch up their legs and appear as if they are in extreme pain.&nbsp; However, some don't believe in colic, and instead think it is simply a sign of allergies.&nbsp; This makes sense in a breastfed baby, because it may occur somedays and not others, depending on what the mother has eaten.&nbsp; Formula-fed babies who are "colicky" may tend to be rather miserable all the time, but most miserable late in the day.&nbsp; However, all babies naturally go through a fussy period late in the day, as they are starting to get tired (but...don't we all? :) ).&nbsp; It is really worth looking into if your baby is unusually fussy, to see if it is really a sign of a food intolerance or other reaction.&nbsp; If you can do something to help your baby, there is no reason to simply hold them while they cry!</p>
<p>Reflux, too, has been said to be caused by allergies.&nbsp; Many babies have ended up on reflux medication when they show signs, often without dietary changes.&nbsp; I would recommend talking to your doctor and doing some research to see if dietary changes would help first, before thinking about a reflux medication.&nbsp; It is also possible that the baby has reflux because their digestive system is immature, but -- try dietary changes first.&nbsp; There is no reason to medicate the baby unless it's truly warranted.&nbsp; (Not to mention that babies didn't really seem to ever be diagnosed with reflux until the last 5 - 10 years, which makes me wonder....)</p>
<p>Some babies don't show up with obvious reactions until they begin solids.&nbsp; Then, you may notice diarrhea, undigested food in the diaper, vomitting, screaming, night waking, and many of the other signs above.&nbsp; Pay careful attention to your baby as s/he starts solids to look for possible reactions.</p>
<p>(Side note: A lot of doctors and professionals have scared parents into thinking they can never, ever introduce certain "allergenic" foods, like eggs, before a baby is at least 1 year old.&nbsp; This is really unwarranted.&nbsp; If the baby has a history of reactions/intolerances, or if there is a family history, then yes, you would be wise to avoid certain foods until the baby is older, possibly even 2 or 3 years old.&nbsp; But if there is no family history, there is no problem with introducing "allergenic" foods younger.&nbsp; For example, although we've struggled with many allergies, eggs are not on that list.&nbsp; We introduced Daniel to eggs at 8 months with no issues.&nbsp; However, we have not introduced any grains and won't until he around age 2, because of our family history -- even though doctors suggest introducing grains as early as 4 months!&nbsp; And due to family allergies to rice, we won't be introducing that ever.&nbsp; There really are no hard-and-fast rules about you "must" introduce a food at a certain time or in a certain order; nor rules about foods that "must" be avoided either.&nbsp; And, don't hit me ::ducks:: but we give him raw honey, too, from local farms.&nbsp; If I know the source and I know it's raw, I don't worry so much about it.&nbsp; I would suggest knowing all the "rules" and knowing why they are "rules," then decide if you feel comfortable breaking them.)</p>
<p>Once you have determined that your baby does, in fact, have some type of allergy, the first thing to do is to avoid the offending food.&nbsp; Doctors will tell you there is nothing else you can do, that an allergy is for life.&nbsp; But this doesn't have to be true (ask me how I know!!).</p>
<p>There is the possibility that your child will simply outgrow the allergy, with time.&nbsp; If your child avoids the offending food(s) until around age 3, you may notice that s/he simply doesn't react anymore.&nbsp; This is because the digestive and immune systems have matured and no longer overreact to a harmless substance.</p>
<p>There is also the possibility that your child could go on special diets, like the <a href="http://www.gapsdiet.com">GAPS diet</a>.&nbsp; We'll talk more about that later in the week.&nbsp; The basic premise is that if your child can avoid foods that are difficult on the system, and consume a lot of healing foods, including probiotics, the gut flora can be "fixed" and the gut wall can heal so that undigested foods no longer get into the bloodstream, causing allergies.</p>
<p>Homeopathy can help cure allergies, too.&nbsp; See a classical homeopath for more details on how that works; it is very individual.</p>
<p>NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique), which is related to acupuncture, can also help to relieve allergies.&nbsp; This involves introducing a substance into a person's electromagnetic field and then performing acupuncture or, more commonly, acupressure to "fix" the misaligned energies (yes, it sounds crazy...but it has an 80% or greater success rate).</p>
<p>NRT (Nutritional Response Testing) is another possibility for eliminating allergies.&nbsp; This involves doing muscle testing to see what the person is allergic to, and then giving targeted supplements to boost the person's system.</p>
<p>There are other ways to eliminate allergies using Eastern medicine principles; I am not familiar with all of them.&nbsp; I have listed just a few of the major ones here.</p>
<p>Would anyone like to share their experiences with allergies and treatments?&nbsp; We will be having a carnival on Thursday for those who are interested!&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>Now, the GIVEAWAY!&nbsp; I'll admit, I have too many projects going on, and my cookbook isn't ready yet.&nbsp; But <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Katie at Kitchen Stewardship</a> has allowed me to giveaway a copy of hers, called: "Healthy Snacks to Go!"</p>
<p>So here's how to enter:</p>
<p>1) Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win</p>
<p>2) Subscribe to me (or tell me that you already do)</p>
<p>3) Visit <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Katie's blog</a> and tell me your favorite thing</p>
<p>4) Subscribe to Kitchen Stewardship (or tell me that you already do)</p>
<p>5) Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>6) Follow Katie on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/kitchenstew">Twitter</a></p>
<p>7) Tweet this giveaway (mention @ModernAMama and @Kitchenstew)</p>
<p>8) Post about this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>The winner will be chosen via random.org on Friday morning, and will have until Saturday night to contact me with their information.&nbsp; It's an ebook, so your email is enough this time.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; Good luck!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Infant allergies are no picnic.&nbsp; It's impossible for little babies to tell their parents what's wrong, so instead they scream, writhe in pain, spit up, refuse to sleep, etc.&nbsp; Often times this is simply called "colic," and sometimes infants are diagnosed with reflux.&nbsp; But in almost all those cases, some type of allergy or sensitivity is at the root of the infant's pain.&nbsp; It's not easy to figure out what that allergy is, though.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/26/2010 06:31:26 PM
<p>2.  I subscribe to your blog!  </p><p><br/>Thanks for the giveaway,<br/>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/26/2010 06:32:05 PM
<p>4.  I subscribe to her blog too (and hope to win that grain mill!)</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/26/2010 06:33:34 PM
<p>1.  I'd like to win because I have a husband that is doing more and more traveling for work (sometimes for days at a time, all in the car and he loves snacks while driving) and I have a 21 month old who is in need of snacks.  Oh, I'm also pregnant and we have found that if Mommy doesn't eat every few hours she turns cranky and then gets sick...not fun.  This would be a perfect way to provide some healthy snacks for all of us!</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/26/2010 06:34:45 PM
<p>3.  I have many favorites, but right now I love the Spring Cleaning Carnival.  It is overwhelming in some ways, but the information is great.  I can't wait for Nettacow's post tomorrow as she is a someone I love keeping up with.  I enjoy down to earth Mommy's who are all doing the best we can for our families!</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: candbgom@yahoo.com
IP: 205.201.101.13
URL: 
DATE: 04/26/2010 08:16:21 PM
<p>I subscribe to you in Reader.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: candbgom@yahoo.com
IP: 205.201.101.13
URL: 
DATE: 04/26/2010 08:16:59 PM
<p>I subscribe to Kitchen Stewardship in Reader, too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: candbgom@yahoo.com
IP: 205.201.101.13
URL: 
DATE: 04/26/2010 08:17:52 PM
<p>I fed my older kids a mostly SAD. I have a 14 month old and would love help in feeding him more healthfully!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: candbgom@yahoo.com
IP: 205.201.101.13
URL: 
DATE: 04/26/2010 08:19:11 PM
<p>I like Katie's Mission Monday posts and others like it. They are really helpful for the newbies in figuring out how to move in the direction of more healthy living.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: deb
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.234.178.163
URL: 
DATE: 04/27/2010 02:47:09 AM
<p>I would love to win because I am coming off a few years of raw vegan and need some help!<br/>I will subscribe and I will visit Katie's blog!<br/>deb</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa @thebeadgirl
EMAIL: info@StudioJewel.com
IP: 71.205.40.207
URL: http://www.studiojewel.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 12:11:55 PM
<p>i need to win cause i think it's awesome! :) how's that for a ridiculous response? i do think this book will be so useful...truly!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa @thebeadgirl
EMAIL: info@StudioJewel.com
IP: 71.205.40.207
URL: http://www.studiojewel.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 12:13:16 PM
<p>and i follow YOU on twitter :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa @thebeadgirl
EMAIL: info@StudioJewel.com
IP: 71.205.40.207
URL: http://www.studiojewel.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 12:13:49 PM
<p>and I follow Katie on twitter!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.94.56
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 09:44:07 PM
<p>I'd like to win because I have a 9 month old who is starting to eat solids.  I really want to start her off right because I totally missed the boat on this with my first child. :(</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.94.56
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 09:45:24 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter.  (@jkbaxter612)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.94.56
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 09:45:47 PM
<p>I follow Katie on Twitter.   (@jkbaxter612)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: jkbaxter612@yahoo.com
IP: 99.163.94.56
URL: http://www.strivingtobemore.blogspot.com
DATE: 04/27/2010 09:46:58 PM
<p>I tweeted!  (@jkbaxter612)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 71.64.26.72
URL: 
DATE: 04/29/2010 03:54:26 AM
<p>Not entering (although you can enter me :)) as much as commenting...</p><p>Don't forget about sinus stuff as a reaction.  Lots of babes have constant colds, and/ or a constant runny nose/ cough/ congestion which is cased by a reaction.  And behavior...  :/</p><p>I can chime in on formula side of stuff if you ever want it... and on our experience with our witch doctor :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/30/2010 04:58:43 AM
<p>I would love to win because I have four kids.  I'd also like to provide more variety in their school lunches.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/30/2010 05:01:11 AM
<p>Subscribe to your blog via Googe Reader</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/30/2010 05:02:14 AM
<p>Subscribe to Kitchen Stewardship via Googe Reader</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/30/2010 05:03:47 AM
<p>I love Katie's Monday Missions on her blog</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/30/2010 05:04:20 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/30/2010 05:04:44 AM
<p>Follow Katie on Twitter</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/30/2010 05:06:10 AM
<p>tweet</p><p>http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/13111992370</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: GAPS/Allergy Diets
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/28/2010 12:00:43 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in<a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/04/real-food-wednesday-42810.html/comment-page-1#comment-66296"> Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/04/wfmw-tip-for-moms.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>!**</p>
<p><strong>TOMORROW -- GAPS/Allergy Friendly Recipes CARNIVAL!&nbsp; Come back to share your links!</strong></p>
<p>In Monday's post, I mentioned "GAPS" and allergy diets in order to help or cure allergies.&nbsp; Today I'm going to talk about them a little bit more indepth.</p>
<p>Ah "allergy" diet is typically an elimination diet, or one that seeks to eliminate offending, or potentially offending foods.&nbsp; It is the most accurate way to diagnose food allergies, because sometimes tests will show up negative for a food when a person is still having some sort of reaction.&nbsp; An elimination diet gets rid of the offending foods to see if symptoms clear up.&nbsp; There are two ways to do an elimination diet, depending on severity of symptoms, age of the person, etc.</p>
<p>Number one (most popular way): Eliminate one food at a time for at least two weeks and see if the symptoms subside.&nbsp; This can take a long time, and it's possible that more than one food is causing a problem, so symptoms may or may not subside.&nbsp; For example, if you are slightly allergic to dairy, and more allergic to wheat, and you eliminate dairy first, you may not realize it's still causing a problem because your symptoms were still bad from eating the wheat.&nbsp; However, you don't need to adjust to a drastically limited diet so quickly, which can be hard on your body AND just hard to deal with emotionally (what can you eat? what can't you? Having to read so many food labels and suddenly avoid many favorites is hard).</p>
<p>Number two (harder in the short term, easier in the long run): Eliminate ALL potential offenders right away.&nbsp; This includes the top 8 allergens plus anything else in your family history, or anything you test for via blood tests or muscle tests.&nbsp; Once you are symptom-free, slowly add foods back in (avoiding ones you actually tested as allergic to), giving each several days in case you develop symptoms.</p>
<p>Elimination diets aren't fun.&nbsp; But they can be necessary if your quality of life is low due to constant allergic symptoms.&nbsp; By the way, unusual symptoms of allergies include:</p>
<p>*Emotional outbursts</p>
<p>*Unexplained anger</p>
<p>*Behavior problems</p>
<p>*ADHD</p>
<p>*Delayed development</p>
<p>You may not have realized these were allergy issues, but may notice they clear up when you remove offending foods!</p>
<p>It can be very helpful to keep a food journal when you are doing an elimination diet.&nbsp; Write down what you eat each day (or what your child ate) and keep track of any symptoms, including unusual behavior or sleep disturbances (and with children you may also want to note things like teething or growth spurts, which can throw things off too).</p>
<p>Then, there is GAPS.&nbsp; Some people, when doing elimination diets, discover that their children (or adults) are allergic to so many foods, or are having such severe symptoms that they need to do a special diet to attempt to heal.&nbsp; GAPS is that type of diet.</p>
<p>On the GAPS diet, people eliminate all forms of grain from their diet, and other foods that are difficult to digest.&nbsp; They replace these foods with very healing foods, like natural fats, homemade stock, healthy meats, and probiotic foods.&nbsp; This causes the gut to begin to heal, and the symptoms to subside.&nbsp; This can even cure allergies and other conditions.&nbsp; For a full list of non-allowed and allowed foods, you can visit <a href="http://www.gapsdiet.com">GAPS Diet</a>.</p>
<p>There are other, similar types of allergy diets, like the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), which is very similar to GAPS (GAPS is based on SCD), the Feingold diet (which eliminates salicylates and other things), and the candida diet (yeast elimination).</p>
<p>Have you ever been on any type of allergy diet?&nbsp; If so, which?&nbsp; Did it help?</p>
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EXCERPT:
In Monday's post, I mentioned "GAPS" and allergy diets in order to help or cure allergies.&nbsp; Today I'm going to talk about them a little bit more indepth.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bobcat
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.196.167.76
URL: 
DATE: 04/28/2010 09:14:24 PM
<p>I have a brief suggestion about your blog. This might just be &quot;me,&quot; so if it is, don't feel the need to change just for me. I hope if anyone agrees with me, they'll say so.</p><p>I find that the small size of the font, and the fact that some of the paragraphs can get rather long (combined with small font), makes it difficult to read. It's also compounded by the fact that the words are grey, and the background is a lighter shade of grey. </p><p>Black font on white background would be the ideal, and of course you don't need to go that extreme, but I find the grey on grey, combined with font that seems to be around a 10 point, is hard to read, and I find myself skipping through a lot of it, even though I &quot;want&quot; to read your blog because of the titles of the posts and the cute little pics on the top.</p><p>This could also be because I have CFS and thus have &quot;brain fog&quot;...so larger fonts are best for my brain to process. I'm just throwing this out there in case other readers might feel the same, and have a hard time with the font size, etc. It might be hard for older people, people with not a lot of patience, etc, or people with brain fog, adhd, any kind of reading disability, etc.</p><p>I'm just trying to be helpful......for people that can read this font, it's not a big deal.....just throwing out the perspective of an outsider.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Allergy-Friendly Recipes CARNIVAL!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 04/29/2010 12:00:50 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in<a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/04/pennywise-platter-thursday-429.html"> Pennywise Platter Thursdays at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Time for an allergy-friendly recipe carnival!&nbsp; Enter your links below!</p>
<p>Recipes should be "free" of something -- eggs, dairy, gluten, nuts, etc. in order to be sensitive to peoples' allergies.&nbsp; Please leave a comment after linking, telling us what your recipe is free of.</p>
<p>Also, don't forget your "carnival etiquette" -- link back to us!</p>
<p>Here is my recipe:</p>
<p>Sprouted Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>&frac12; c. butter or coconut oil</p>
<p>&frac14; c. organic sugar</p>
<p>3 tbsp. raw honey</p>
<p>1 tbsp. maple syrup</p>
<p>1 tsp. vanilla extract</p>
<p>1 egg</p>
<p>&frac12; tsp. baking soda (can be omitted)</p>
<p>&frac12; tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>2 &frac14; c. sprouted flour</p>
<p>1 c. chocolate chips</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:&nbsp;Cream butter (or oil) and sugar.&nbsp; Add honey, maple syrup, and egg.&nbsp; Stir to combine.&nbsp; Add in baking soda, salt, sprouted flour and chocolate chips.&nbsp; Stir together.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 8 &ndash; 10 min.</p>
<p>*This recipe is free of dairy (if using coconut oil), soy, and may be suitable for those with grain issues due to sprouted flour!*</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=25451" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: GAPS/Allergy Diet Stories
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/30/2010 12:00:42 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-april-30th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>Today we have stories from two families about how they did GAPS/allergy elimination diets and how it helped them.&nbsp; They are actually friends of mine in real life, so let me introduce you:</p>
<p>Liesel -- Is the mother of one little girl, Liea, who is 21 months old.&nbsp; They have struggled with food allergies since her birth.</p>
<p>Michelle -- Hello! My name is Michelle and I am the wife of Eddie (my wonderful husband of just over 3 years) and mommy to 2 beautiful girls: Rosemary (21 months) and Bethany (6 months). I discovered in my college years that I had multiple, longstanding, food sensitivities, which after treatment dwindled down to an intolerance of much wheat and a lactose intolerance. All of my siblings and mother have known or suspected food sensitivities. I am currently in the midst of determining what foods my girls are sensitive to and praying about the possibility of a GAPS trial. I have been preparing food in Nourishing Traditions ways on and off for the past 4-5 years, being much more on top of it since rereading Nourishing Traditions after the birth of my first daughter (about 1 &frac12; years ago).</p>
<p>Here is what they had to say!</p>
<p>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Why did you start GAPS (or other allergy diet)?</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: &nbsp;My daughter has had food intolerances since birth and for her entire life I have been trying to figure it out. Since her birth we have made many changes, but we started a specific diet as directed by a health practitioner when my daughter was 19 months.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>: The main reason I started it this time was that my 18 month old daughter has very red cheeks&hellip;as in raised bumps/rashy look to them and I suspected it might have something to do with food allergies (even though I tried to be so careful when first introducing each food&hellip;.somehow the red cheeks slipped by me until they were really bad). Her cheeks would always look great in the morning and become more inflamed at various times through the day, often after meals&hellip;.or if crying/stress&hellip;. I had done allergy diets before for my own food allergies, but at the time all I was doing personally was no wheat.&nbsp; Her cheeks were really her only symptom that I noticed.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How did you start GAPS (or other allergy diet)? (jump right in, ease in, what changes did you make first?)</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>:&nbsp; I had already eliminated many things at various times to see if my daughter would benefit so it was fairly easy to make the new changes. Once you've eliminated things like dairy and soy from your mainstream American diet, you are definitely at an advantage and cannot help but eat "real" foods anyway.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>:&nbsp; &hellip;.I was pregnant when I first realized an allergy elimination diet might help her and so put off doing anything b/c I was so hungry at the time all the time and did not feel up to cutting out a food group just then&hellip;.once we finally decided to go ahead with it, I gave myself 2 days before the start day and then went for it very strictly from that time on. The first round I cut out wheat, corn and dairy (just from guesses based on my own sensitivities and those of my mom and sister)&hellip;.a couple weeks later we moved on to no soy and egg as well at the advice of a chiropractor.&nbsp; We already ate almost always home prepared meals (except for the occasional night out to a healthy place) so cutting out wheat and soy was no problem (esp. since I already made gluten free bread for myself anyway). Dairy was harder&hellip;. I made sure we had plenty of snacks around the house and did a big grocery shopping trip before starting anything though.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How did your family do with special diets?</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>:&nbsp; Excellently. We are all healing and when we've cheated :) we don't experience any significant effects. To me, this means we are healing and able to handle the occasional onslaught of irritants again. Despite this, we are continuing on the diet until directed otherwise.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>:&nbsp; Well, my daughter and I did the diet fully always, my husband when he ate at home,&hellip;so he still was able to have cheese in his lunch, etc&hellip; it was hardest for him not having some of our favorite meals with cheese and because he does not always enjoy the different foods we try. Thankfully, he was always willing to try it and eat it, but I know he did not enjoy it always. It just took more experimentation to find some yummy favorites! Also, we did a lot of soups, and sometimes you can only eat so much soup (well, I can eat it a lot, but I know others have trouble with it). My daughter likes most anything, but it was hard if we went out where other kids were eating something she could not have&hellip;I just always made sure to have a snack for her.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What was your biggest struggle?</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: Our grocery budget. When you can't eat grains and you're only eating "real" foods, and it's winter, it's very hard to make a small budget work. I look forward to garden veggies this summer!</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>:&nbsp; My biggest struggle was to be ALWAYS prepared with good filling snacks. I am in the habit of meal planning etc&hellip;but sometimes it is hard to think of snacks when you are hungry, so being sure to plan ahead and bake more was the hardest part!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How has GAPS/other diet helped your family?</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>:&nbsp; My daughter is sleeping the best she ever has in her life. She is eating well and loves food. Her stools are very consistent in amount and regularity. She is also digesting food so much better. I am no longer fatigued and have lost a few pounds to where I feel absolutely amazing. It's incredible how much 5 lbs of weight can slow you down and you don't even realize it. (However, I've never been a crazy dieter and always comfortable with my weight.)</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>:&nbsp; Well, so far it has not helped with the problem I was hoping to find an answer to (my daughter&rsquo;s red/rashy cheeks)&hellip;.but my youngest daughter&rsquo;s cradle cap cleared up and I am beginning to notice a difference in myself and in her when I eat dairy and when I don&rsquo;t. We are currently experimenting with raw dairy products, so hopefully those will be better! My older daughter shows no signs of being affected by dairy at all, though we are shifting our focus from avoiding allergens to eating more probiotic/cultured foods and gut healing foods such as broth&hellip;more of a move towards GAPS. However, we are travelling at the end of this month for a couple weeks and so I am holding off starting any more restrictive diets until we come back home! I will say though that in this past week or so that we have added in small amounts of wheat/corn/dairy/soy etc&hellip; but prepared in a strictly nourishing traditions type of way and adding more broth and cultured foods, I am finally noticing some improvement! (but then again, it&nbsp; is warming up and the extra dry skin season is over!)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How long did/will you do GAPS?&nbsp; Have you done it before, and how long? (Or, did you have to try other diets, too?)</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>:&nbsp; We will never go back to our old eating habits, though we hope to introduce certain grains and sugars in the next few months. I have been on a limited diet for about 18 months.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>:&nbsp; It has been since the beginning of February that we have been doing allergy elimination diets and only the past couple weeks have we shifted toward a more GAPS-like approach, but not strictly GAPS. I plan to continue this(a semi-GAPS and nourishing traditions diet) probably for always at home(I have been doing primarily NT for the past several years), though when we go out/travel etc..we eat the best available and are not very strict.&nbsp; I have never done a full GAPS diet before, but have tried a candida diet years ago (BAD idea for me at least). I have not been able to eat wheat much myself for many years, but am looking forward to trying spelt or wheat sprouted soon.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do you recommend doing GAPS/elimination diets?&nbsp; To whom?&nbsp; Why or why not?</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>:&nbsp; I recommend it to anyone who is having food sensitivities or unexplained illness. I have a family member who suffered from whole body pain for years only to discover it was grain related.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>: I would recommend a temporary elimination diet as being helpful to anyone who suspects they may have allergies or who has a low immune system or any skin issues at all. Cutting out sugar and dairy would be my first recommendation and doing a WHOLE FOODS diet would be what I would recommend: NOT eating the weird chemical alternatives to dairy or any other food you suspect you may be allergic to. Although I have never tried full GAPS, if you know you have any allergies, I would recommend it or at least a modified version. The only people who I would perhaps not recommend it to would be for those who are pregnant&hellip;but I don&rsquo;t really know enough about it to say for sure, you would just have to be VERY careful you are eating PLENTY; but a GAPS with raw dairy and sprouted carbs added in would probably be a great pregnancy diet! Oh, and I would not recommend making your husband do any special diets if he is not inclined to do so!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>9)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What are your favorite GAPS (allergy-friendly) recipes?</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>:&nbsp; I like the Allergy Self Help Cookbook (waffle recipe) and there are many blogs online (including The Spunky Coconut Blog) that have awesome ideas and recipes.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>: We like lots of different soups&hellip;chicken soup being the favorite with my husband, chili is my favorite; recipes for which you can find at many other blogs. We try to eat a lot of soup (which was easier when the weather was cold).</p>
<p>We do a lot of eggs for lunch usually&hellip;often scrambled with whatever leftovers I have on hand, or now that spring is here many different herbs/greens from the garden! Our favorite version uses Spanish chorizo, greens such as arugula or corn salad or dandelion greens, chives and some calendula flower petals!</p>
<p>For snacks, we make a lot of smoothies in the summer&hellip;</p>
<p>One of our favorites is so simple:</p>
<p>2 frozen bananas, sliced</p>
<p>&frac12; cup coconut milk</p>
<p>Blend until smooth. Makes a yummy ice cream-like texture! I admit that in my standard blender, I need to use more liquid than is called for above, but I am looking forward to my Vitamix arriving soon (!!) and hopefully being able to achieve the texture I prefer.</p>
<p>We add in berries and other things as available&hellip;and more coconut milk/yogurt/or water or juice would make a more smoothie-like texture!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>An allergy-free bread I tried that I ended up liking better than my standard GF bread is this one: egg, wheat, dairy, soy, corn free</p>
<p>2 cups brown rice flour</p>
<p>&frac12; cup millet flour</p>
<p>&frac12; cup arrowroot</p>
<p>2 &frac14; teaspoon xanthan gum</p>
<p>1 Tablespoon yeast</p>
<p>1 teaspoon salt</p>
<p>2 Tablespoons olive oil</p>
<p>2 Tablespoons honey</p>
<p>1 &frac12; - 2 cups water (or part coconut milk)</p>
<p>1 teaspoon vinegar</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mix all in a stand mixer. Spoon into an oiled bread pan and smooth the top. Let rise 30-60 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes at 350*. This is less crumbly than many GF breads and so works well for sandwiches to go!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>10)&nbsp; Any other thoughts/comments on doing GAPS/elimination diets?</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: Find support from others who are doing the same thing. There is strength in numbers and you will need to be able to talk to someone who is going through your same situation when everyone else is eating Fritos and queso dip at a party.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle</strong>: I just have to say if you are planning to do one find support! Whether online or, even better, in person, it is so helpful to have others around who are doing it too! I am really looking forward to doing more GAPS-friendly cooking in the future, focusing on cultured foods and broth and getting lots of probiotic foods into us (specifically my daughters and I); but I doubt I would ever do a full gaps unless I had more serious health issues. My husband enjoys going out fairly often (2-4 times a month) and we both enjoy visiting others and so having such a restrictive diet always is hard&hellip;If you have health issues/allergies that make it necessary, that is one thing, but if you are just trying to eat healthy, then I recommend doing so at home, but giving yourself a little more freedom when you go out. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Support Certified Professional Midwives in Ohio
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 04/27/2010 12:00:58 PM
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<p>In several states, Ohio included (where I am), certified professional midwives are technically not legal and not regulated in any way by the state.&nbsp; This eliminates choice from women in their obstetrical care, as well as leaving the door open for perhaps dangerous or bad midwives (although this isn't a primary concern, it can and does happen).&nbsp; On Wednesday, May 12, groups of people from all over the state will be gathering in the capital, Columbus, to demonstrate for the right to have licensed CPMs in Ohio.</p>
<p>The organization that is driving this is <a href="http://www.safebirthohio.org">Safe Birth Ohio</a>.&nbsp; The organization is dedicated to women's choice in who their care provider will be during pregnancy and where women will give birth.&nbsp; Currently, about 97 - 99% of babies are born in hospitals because women aren't told there are other options.&nbsp; In some areas of the state (including Dayton), there are birthing centers attached to hospitals where women can labor more naturally, but still be close "just in case."&nbsp; There are also about 1000 babies born every year at home (including my son!).&nbsp; Home birth is a safe option for low-risk women; in some cases, safer than a hospital birth (based on lower mortality rates).&nbsp; Women should have the information they need to make the right choice for themselves and their families.</p>
<p>On May 12, the rally will begin at the Statehouse at&nbsp;10&nbsp;AM (registration ends at 9:30, and participants should&nbsp;arrive by then to pick up their materials).&nbsp; There, we will demonstrate with signs, a group of 1000 onesies (to represent the babies born at home each year), and spreading information to people who are around.&nbsp; Then, we will break out into a reception and meetings around 11 AM.&nbsp; People will be meeting with their Congressmen to discuss the rights of women to have homebirths, and to share their own stories.&nbsp; There will be a reception held at a nearby church from 11 - 2, where people can come in, have something to eat, and talk to one another.</p>
<p>This rally is the third annual.&nbsp; Last year, there were 300 supporters at the rally.&nbsp; This year, they are aiming for 500.&nbsp; I'll let you know after the fact how many were really there!&nbsp; Ben and I will both be going.</p>
<p>The rally is aiming to help with<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/safebirthohioorg/aas"> three main points</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<div><span style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Access</span></span></div>
<div>Because there is no licensure mechanism for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in Ohio, families in Ohio go to great lengths to employ a midwife, with some even traveling to give birth with a licensed midwife in another state, families who cannot find a qualified midwife may go without prenatal care and birth unassisted at home, and families have no standard or regulation to rely upon when choosing a care provider to attend their homebirths.</div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #302714;">Ohio families deserve access to licensed CPMs, whose training is uniquely focused on out-of-hospital birth. Ohio can best protect families who choose to birth out of hospital by implementing legislation that regulates qualified providers as 26 other states already do with some or all components of the CPM credential.</span></div>
<div><span style="color: #302714; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Affordability</span></span></div>
<div><strong><a name="A2"></a></strong>Ohio families must pay out of pocket for maternity care when they have already paid for healthcare coverage. Out-of-hospital birth is not covered by many insurance companies due to CPMs not being licensed by the state of Ohio. <br /><br />The Key Findings from <a href="https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6re1aSbvM2hZWQ5YzhkNWEtMzEwMS00ZTU3LWFhMzktZWFlZTc5M2FhYTdi&amp;hl=en" target="_blank">Washington State&rsquo;s Certified Professional Midwife Cost-Benefit Analysis</a> shows that CPM care saves precious resources. Low-risk, out-of-hospital births of Medicaid patients cost the state at least $473,000 less than comparable low-risk, hospital births during the state's two-year budget cycle. When both public and private insurers are included, over $2.7 million in costs are avoided per budget cycle.<br /><br />Certified Professional Midwife care helps avoid costly interventions because CPMs have significantly fewer low-birth weight babies, much lower c-section rates, and significantly lower risk of other costly medical interventions in labor and birth.</div>
<div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Safety</span></span></div>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif;">Studies have shown that home birth offers safe outcomes for mothers and babies when facilitated by qualified midwives who are trained and experienced in screening for risk factors and transferring care appropriately.&nbsp;<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">CPMs are trained experts in out-of-hospital birth, and are the only maternity caregiver whose education requires extensive clinical experience and training in the skills necessary for safe out-of-hospital births.</span></span></span></div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7505/1416%20" target="_blank">CPM 2000 study</a> of over 5000 births in North America is one of the many recent scientifically sound studies to demonstrate the safety of midwife-attended out-of-hospital births. The implementation of licensure for&nbsp;CPMs&nbsp;creates a quality assurance mechanism for out-of-hospital birth attendants by establishing qualification standards and practice guidelines.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you are not in Ohio but would like to support CPMs, you can go to Safe Birth Ohio and donate money.&nbsp; It would even help to write your story and submit it, if you have had a home birth.&nbsp; Tell others about your experience so that people understand that this can be "normal" for some women.</span></div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks!&nbsp; </span></div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you support CPMs and midwife licensure?&nbsp; Have you had or are you considering a home birth at any point?</span></div>
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EXCERPT:
In several states, Ohio included (where I am), certified professional midwives are technically not legal and not regulated in any way by the state.&nbsp; This eliminates choice from women in their obstetrical care, as well as leaving the door open for perhaps dangerous or bad midwives (although this isn't a primary concern, it can and does happen).&nbsp; On Wednesday, May 12, groups of people from all over the state will be gathering in the capital, Columbus, to demonstrate for the right to have licensed CPMs in Ohio.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Ohio Midwifery Rally
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/15/2010 12:00:58 PM
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<p>This past Wednesday was the Ohio Midwifery Rally!&nbsp; I have lots of awesome pictures and information to share with you!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010821.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274151260801" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010823.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274151505057" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>We had two speakers there -- Audra Phillips, CPM, who is leading this effort, and Stephanie Beck-Borden, who is the head of Ohio Families for Safe Birth.&nbsp; Their speeches were brief, but the crowd was excited!&nbsp; Despite the fact that it was raining here that day.</p>
<p>Following the speeches, some people had appointments with their state Senators or Representatives.&nbsp; However, several (including us) were unable to get appointments.&nbsp; Lucky for us, Ben knows someone who is an intern for one of the Senators, so he went into the building to see if he could find him, taking Daniel with him.&nbsp; Apparently Daniel was so cute (he flirts with everyone he meets!) that people were more than willing to help him, and Ben eventually found himself in a meeting of several Senators.&nbsp; After it ended, he was able to talk to Senator John Kerry (Ohio senator, not U.S.) a little bit about why we really need licensed CPMs in Ohio.&nbsp; The talk was brief because they were all on their way to another meeting, but at least he got a chance!&nbsp; We found out later that Senator Kerry is one of the key Senators we're trying to reach about this issue.</p>
<p>By this time it was starting to rain, so we headed over to the reception.&nbsp; There was tons of healthy food there, and a chance to network with other families.&nbsp; The whole thing was great!</p>
<p>In the next few weeks, I (and others) will be writing to the Reps we were not able to meet with to express our desire for their support for CPMs.&nbsp; I don't think we'll get a lot done (unfortunately) because it's an election year and they are more concerned with getting re-elected than taking care of "minor" issues. :(</p>
<p>But we will keep at it!&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
This past Wednesday was the Ohio Midwifery Rally!&nbsp; I have lots of awesome pictures and information to share with you!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Unschooling
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/07/2010 12:00:41 PM
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<p>When we got married, I knew Ben had been homeschooled almost all the way through high school.&nbsp; I knew he wanted our children to be homeschooled, and I agreed.&nbsp; We'd discussed his experiences with curriculum and learning and entering college at age 16, and felt that our kids would do best if we taught them at home and allowed them to work at their own pace, at least when they were young.&nbsp; We agreed that at high school age, they would be offered a choice to go to "real" school if they wanted (Ben was offered that choice and turned it down).</p>
<p>That was really as far as the conversation got at that point.&nbsp; But after Bekah was born, I started to research homeschooling more, and came upon a theory called "unschooling."</p>
<p>The theory is generally that if you allow a child to simply explore his/her interests without any set curriculum, he/she will learn everything he/she needs to know.&nbsp; There is no curriculum, there are no lessons, there is no bookwork, tests, or papers.&nbsp; It is completely unstructured.</p>
<p>Early studies show that children who learn through this approach, especially in the elementary years, ultimately score far higher on tests because different learning aspects and approaches are favored, such as creativity and self-starting.&nbsp; Children are allowed to follow their interests and work on projects as they choose.</p>
<p>This approach is actually a lot of work for parents, but in a different way.&nbsp; They don't have to seek out good curriculums, match them to their children's needs, assign and oversee lessons, etc.&nbsp; Instead, though, they have to pay close attention to each child's interests in order to draw them out and see how they could learn from them, and then provide them with the tools and experiences they need to keep learning.</p>
<p>For example, one unschooling mom once asked, "My son's only interest right now seems to be video games.&nbsp; Should I let him play them all day?&nbsp; What can I do?"&nbsp; The answers were great: find him a game designer to learn how to program them.&nbsp; Find a musician to teach him how to compose game music.&nbsp; Help him to write his own small games.&nbsp; Get him games that are puzzles and require critical thinking skills to solve.&nbsp; Video games could open up lots of worlds for him!</p>
<p>Here are the reasons we are attracted to this method of homeschooling:</p>
<p>*No need to choose curriculum</p>
<p>When I was a music teacher, I had the hardest time picking a set of books to teach my students from.&nbsp; I didn't really like any approach.&nbsp; Some were better than others, but I ultimately always ended up writing some of my own material and picking and choosing from different books, and it was a lot of work.&nbsp; I don't anticipate that homeschooling would be any different, if I had to choose.&nbsp; I don't think I'd find it easy to choose one curriculum in any subject that would really meet our needs, and if I found one, it wouldn't work for the next kid.&nbsp; I could spend a ton of time and money on trying to find the "perfect" curriculum, or trying to create one, but it just wouldn't be worth the effort.</p>
<p>*Children can truly work at their own pace</p>
<p>Some children who unschool don't learn to read until they're nearly teenagers.&nbsp; Some learn when they're 3.&nbsp; But either way, they all eventually learn to read (and do math, etc.).&nbsp; There is no pressure to have to learn a particular skill at the same time and pace as everyone else.&nbsp; There's nothing that says 6-year-olds learn to ready, 8-year-olds learn to multiply, etc.&nbsp; Every child is different, developmentally, and every child can work on each skill as they are ready and interested (by the way, one girl who didn't learn to read until age 11 went on to write professionally and publish a book by the time she was 14!).</p>
<p>*Plenty of time for "non-basic" interests</p>
<p>Sometimes, homeschoolers can get caught up in having to do all the reading, writing, math, etc. that they don't have as much time as they would like for "outside" interests, like art, music, robotics, programming, etc.&nbsp; With unschooling, everything is centered around those interests.&nbsp; They are the focus, not the afterthought.</p>
<p>*Integrative learning</p>
<p>This is "all the rage" these days in schools, but is hard to do when the focus has to be reading, writing, math and standardized testing.&nbsp; But at home, in unschooling, the child picks and interest and can start a project based on that interest.&nbsp; Perhaps the child wants to learn to build a robot.&nbsp; So the family visits museums to look at robots, talks to engineers who currently build them, reads about how to build them, studies designs and plans about building them, carefully selects parts to build them, then actually builds one.&nbsp; This involves reading, writing, math, communication, science, and all sorts of other skills.&nbsp; And it's a real world application, so the lessons are much more likely to stick.</p>
<p>*Fosters creativity</p>
<p>When children are allowed to come up with their own projects, they can feel free to think of anything.&nbsp; Maybe a child wants to be a chef, so they are allowed to work in the kitchen, creating recipes and writing a cookbook.&nbsp; (Which, by the way, involves reading recipes to learn how food goes together, writing recipes, doing math to see exactly how much of what should go in to make the recipe work, chemistry to see how foods will react, etc.)&nbsp; Perhaps another child wants to write a symphony.&nbsp; Or another, a collection of poetry.&nbsp; Or another, starting a business!&nbsp; The options are endless.</p>
<p>*No busy work</p>
<p>This was one of Ben's biggest complaints about homeschool, and mine about public school.&nbsp; So many things rely on busy work.&nbsp; That is, "now that you've learned to add, do these 30 problems to practice!"&nbsp; It may be that some people enjoy practicing this way, but it's not a "real world" application, and most people don't need that many problems to understand the skill.&nbsp; Children don't need to read prescribed passages in a reader to learn to read; books that interest them work just fine.&nbsp; Busy work is just wasting a child's time, and yours (for having to check it).</p>
<p>*No testing</p>
<p>When you are at home with your children and working closely with them on a day-to-day basis, you know whether they understand something or not.&nbsp; You don't need a test to tell you.&nbsp; A child who is excited about building a robot will tell you ALL about it (whether you want to hear it or not :) ), and clearly understands it.&nbsp; Another child will show you how to count by helping you decide how many apples to buy in the store.&nbsp; There are plenty of real-life examples to know how much your children really understands (by the way, many schools are attempting to do this now -- it's called "authentic assessment" and they rely on portfolios and samples of the child's work because they can't have a lot of 1:1 interaction with 30 kids and 1 teacher in the classroom).&nbsp; I know Bekah knows colors because I can ask her to bring me "the red lid" for a container, or that she can sort because she puts the silverware away properly.&nbsp; I don't need special toys or worksheets or tests to tell me.</p>
<p>*Free schedule</p>
<p>This might bother some people, but not us.&nbsp; I like a general routine but I can't stand schedules.&nbsp; I feel trapped after awhile.&nbsp; I want to know that maybe one day we'll stay at home and work on some projects, and another day we'll go to the zoo and identify animals.&nbsp; We don't have to do the same things everyday, and yet we can always still be learning.</p>
<p>We are lucky because we live in a major area, and we have a great zoo, COSI (a hands-on science center for kids), AHA! Children's museum (another hands-on science museum), lots of parks, many homeschool groups, youth orchestras, bands and choirs, church youth group, story times at many libraries, summer camps for kids as young as 2, and lots more.&nbsp; We have so many opportunities that our kids will never be lacking for ways to learn, nor friends to learn with.</p>
<p>I am very excited about our unschooling journey!&nbsp; And because it's so non-structured, we have really been "unschooling" since birth.&nbsp; Bekah and I work on colors all the time, numbers ("Bring me 3 lemons to make lemonade"), animals, and lots more.&nbsp; And the older she gets the more we'll be able to do!</p>
<p>Here are a few challenges of unschooling:</p>
<p>*Motivating some children to take on projects</p>
<p>Some children go through unmotivated stages (more than others).&nbsp; They just want to play outside, or play video games, and they don't want to start projects or do work.&nbsp; It can be hard to motivate them to do something new, especially when there's nothing really driving the projects other than themselves, and they know it.</p>
<p>*"Knowing" what your child really understands</p>
<p>Sometimes you might feel bad because you aren't testing your child, wondering "Does s/he really get it?"&nbsp; Sometimes I see my friends with their toddlers, who are naming colors and counting and saying words Bekah doesn't, and I worry that she is behind or doesn't understand.&nbsp; But you have to remember that you see examples everyday of what they do and don't know, and they probably know more than you think.&nbsp; Perhaps Bekah doesn't say "red," but she can bring me the red lid if I ask, so she clearly understands what "red" is.&nbsp; She doesn't have to do flashcards and worksheets that teach "red" to get it.&nbsp; If it makes you feel better, though, you can keep a file (quietly) of major skills and check them off when you've seen your child demonstrate them.&nbsp; Then go look at it when you forget how much they know.</p>
<p>*Criticism from those who don't get it</p>
<p>Some people think homeschooling in general is bad.&nbsp; And even some homeschoolers think that unschooling is crazy.&nbsp; People think that if you're not sitting down with a curriculum in hand and specifically teaching a lesson, your child must not be learning.&nbsp; It can be hard to hear that all the time from generally well-meaning people.&nbsp; Your best defense is to ignore them and allow your children to keep learning, then show up at science fairs and recitals doing an awesome job. :)</p>
<p>*Finding sources for your child's projects&nbsp;</p>
<p>Depending on where you live, it may not be easy to find the experts or materials for your child to work on the project he is really interested in.&nbsp; And it takes a lot of time for you to find those experts or materials, sometimes.&nbsp; It can also take a lot of time if you have to travel to see different experts or go to different events, yet you HAVE to because it's your child's "school."</p>
<p>Unschooling isn't for everyone, but it is a valid and awesome method for some families.</p>
<p>Do you homeschool, or will you?&nbsp; If so, have you ever considered unschooling?</p>
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EXCERPT:
When we got married, I knew Ben had been homeschooled almost all the way through high school.&nbsp; I knew he wanted our children to be homeschooled, and I agreed.&nbsp; We'd discussed his experiences with curriculum and learning and entering college at age 16, and felt that our kids would do best if we taught them at home and allowed them to work at their own pace, at least when they were young.&nbsp; We agreed that at high school age, they would be offered a choice to go to "real" school if they wanted (Ben was offered that choice and turned it down).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/08/2010 12:16:52 AM
<p>You're right, even though I was homeschooled for grades 1-7, I think some of unschooling is crazy. Looking back, I see that my mom did some of the tenets of unschooling with our homeschooling curriculum that made it work, and still got us ahead of our grade level every time our state required we be tested (IOWA Test anybody?). I'd look into required state tests before choosing unschooling for you, just to be sure.</p><p>Also, I'd like to give you a few words of caution that I'm rather afraid of:</p><p>1. You only have 2 kids now, so teaching them or any of the other kids the basics is easy. Now try teaching older kids calculus without a curriculum and younger kids basic reading/writing math/colors/whatever simultaneously.</p><p>2. I was a fairly hard studier, and I loved learning. But I probably would have never gone beyond basic arithmetic if I hadn't had a curriculum to study from. I was homeschooled with mostly the A Beka books, and honestly, they were awesome. But without a book to show me what I didn't know yet, I probably wouldn't have moved beyond adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing in math, and I liked math.</p><p>3. Homeschooling doesn't have to be about busywork! That's why it's awesome! My mom would give us our assignments in the morning (written down on a notepad) and we'd do them. But, let's say, for math, she'd assign us maybe 5 problems max in the topic being covered. Those questions would cover all the variations presented in the curriculum, and if we got them right, that's all we had to do in that subject. Say, for instance, I was learning subtraction. There'd be one or two single digit subtractions, one or two double digit subtractions, and one or two &quot;other&quot; like &quot;4x-2x=?&quot; type questions. When we finished a book for the year, we'd have occasional reviews of it, but that was it. If we missed questions even on a test, we'd have to do the problem again until we got it right...which was the most valuable lesson I learned.</p><p>4. Testing your kids is a good thing. Even if some elementary schools have moved away from traditional tests, believe me, colleges haven't. Test anxiety is a hard thing for kids who aren't used to taking tests, and the only way they'll get over it is by doing the unthinkable...taking tests.</p><p>5. It's great to let your kids pick the projects, trust me, I think it's awesome. We did that and used a curriculum. When we were kids and learning about different types of graphs, mom had my sister and I walk to the lake and count how many boats were on the water and how many were docked that day, and we later made graphs of two months' worth of boats. It was fun, got us out of the house, but it worked in with what we were learning in the books. </p><p>6. Some stuff just has to be learned for later education. I know that the example of the girl who didn't learn to read until 11 is a great story, but I actually know multiple people who didn't learn to read until not quite that late who still can barely read. Listening to them read out loud is like nails on a chalkboard...like watching a train wreck and not be able to do anything about it. How are you going to pass your SAT if you don't know advanced math? How are you going to learn advanced math without a curriculum? How are you going to learn the parts of speech without sitting down (even if you don't want to) and just doing it? There goes the verbal section of your SAT, or ACT, and colleges still very much require them.</p><p>Those are my biggest issues...but then again, I know that they're your children. But there was a girl who lived in my neighborhood whose mom prescribed to an unschooling like method of homeschooling...the oldest girl now has a child out of wedlock and has been arrested multiple times for drug related offenses. When she got to high school she could barely read. None of the rest of her siblings are much better either. I think when choosing a method of instruction for you and your family, you have to pay attention to the bad stories along with the good ones. After all, stories can be misleading...the average salary for Michael Jordan's graduating class in geography was $300,000...Michael with $3,000,000 and everyone else with $20,000. I'm not sure where I was going with that...but sue me...I just got home from a long day at work for dinner and am about to head out to work again for another 2 hours. :(</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/09/2010 04:49:17 PM
<p>Emma,</p><p>Many kids who unschool start out using no curriculum...then, when they are older, choose to use one to learn subjects that specifically interest them, like math.  It is difficult to learn math without a curriculum but you don't need one to learn to add, subtract, tell time, etc. -- all those typical elementary school topics.  Primarily we will be avoiding curriculums at that age -- doing the basics.</p><p>There was a set of schools in urban areas that were converted to &quot;unschools.&quot;  Children through 6th grade were not given any curriculum, but were allowed to learn freely.  When tested in math at 6th grade age, they scored lower than most (as expected).  Then they began a formal math curriculum for one year, at 7th grade, and were tested again after.  At that point they scored far HIGHER than most.  Not having a curriculum while learning the basics improved their outcome.</p><p>With testing, there is no reason to test small children.  It is possible to tell what they know without testing.  When they are older, they can take the tests for fun initially, and later study to take them well.  Many unschooled children do extremely well on college standardized tests because they haven't had the yearly test anxiety and performance-driven issues that public school children have had.  I'm not saying they will NEVER take these tests or that they shouldn't, but it's something for when they're older.  Young children do not need that sort of pressure.  They also should not spend most of their time learning how to take tests, and learning material that is on a test, rather than actual, natural learning.  Bloom's taxonomy has creativity at the top, and rote learning very far down.</p><p>As far as good AND bad stories, you will find those no matter what method of schooling or child rearing you choose.  You can find kids raised in the church who are awesome and those who've gotten pregnant in high school.  Same with public school, private school, other types of homeschool....  There really is no reason to discount ANY of those methods because some people did it wrong.  It really comes back to parenting: is what you are choosing right for YOUR child?  Are you properly disciplining your child?  Are you meeting your child's needs? You can learn from those stories what NOT to do, and hopefully then make your approach successful.  But I would not consider a few bad stories as a reason to abandon any approach.</p><p>I hope that clears it up a little bit!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.171.4.144
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/10/2010 10:17:17 PM
<p>I was homeschooled growing up and we plan to homeschool our kids. I don't think complete unschooling all the way is a choice I would make though. I do like the idea of a more lax approach with young children, just work on reading and getting basic math from life. I remember Marilla in the Anne of Green Gables series insisting that the two younger kids stay out of school until they were 7 since school was no place for little ones! </p><p>But at a certain age I think a more formal approach is best. But one of the great things about homeschooling, without mindless filler work to keep kids quiet and time lost going between classes, waiting in line, etc is that you have so much more free time. Even in middle school and high school, my &quot;homework&quot; took probably half the time I would have spent in a school so I did have plenty of time to explore my other interests and work on fun projects (although I'm not sure how many other kids would think translating Harry Potter from french to english was fun, I did!) </p><p>On a side note, most small kids actually seem to find rote memorization fun. Just because we adults tend to think of it as mind numbing, doesn't mean they do. I don't think we should force them to learn lists of unimportant facts but if done in a fun, non stressful way, having certain things memorized can be a benefit down the line.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/05/2010 12:01:02 PM
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<p>Awhile ago, Tropical Traditions sent me a quart of their extra-virgin coconut oil to review.&nbsp; I'm finally getting around to posting that review!&nbsp; (They sent me the coconut oil for free, but did not compensate me in any way for actually writing this review.)</p>
<p>My experience before TT had been with Nutiva, which I love (I did not receive any free products nor compensation from them).&nbsp; That was my "standard" when I was thinking about how I liked TT's coconut oil.&nbsp; So here are the positives:</p>
<p>*Comes in a glass jar (woo-hoo!)</p>
<p>*Unrefined</p>
<p>*Light coconut scent/flavor, not overpowering</p>
<p>*Worked well in cooking and baking</p>
<p>*Good taste</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Negatives</p>
<p>*A little more pungent than Nutiva's</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, the upshot is, I do like Nutiva's better, but you have to give Tropical Traditions credit for a glass jar.&nbsp; And it is a fine product.&nbsp; I only noticed a slight difference in scent/taste when raw.&nbsp; In baking/cooking it was exactly the same.&nbsp; I would say I mainly like Nutiva's better because I've used it longer.</p>
<p>Tropical Traditions is an AWESOME company though!&nbsp; They have great sales all the time, and about once a month they have free shipping (I stock up on Bionaturae's strained tomatoes when they have free shipping).&nbsp; They also have excellent customer service.&nbsp; They are super willing to do blog giveaways and are very professional.&nbsp; The only thing I don't like is that their shipping can take longer than most.&nbsp; From other companies I may get a product 2 - 4 days after ordering, but from TT it always takes at least a week, usually 8 days.&nbsp; I wish it didn't take quite so long to get things!&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; Still a great company!</p>
<p>Have you ordered from Tropical Traditions before?&nbsp; What's your favorite product?&nbsp; Which would you like to try (future giveaway, possibly...)?&nbsp; :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
Awhile ago, Tropical Traditions sent me a quart of their extra-virgin coconut oil to review.&nbsp; I'm finally getting around to posting that review!&nbsp; (They sent me the coconut oil for free, but did not compensate me in any way for actually writing this review.)
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cascade 24-Hour Challenge and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/11/2010 12:00:01 PM
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<p>Today I have something rather different for you.&nbsp; I was approached by the MyBlogSpark network to see if I would take Cascade's 24-hour Challenge.&nbsp; I agreed.&nbsp; For this challenge, I was provided with a glass Pyrex baking dish, a recipe, a package of Cascade's new "Cascade Complete" dishwasher tablets, and a $25 Walmart gift card for giveaway to one lucky reader to take the challenge for him/herself!&nbsp; These items were provided by Proctor &amp; Gamble via the MyBlogSpark network.&nbsp; I was not, however, paid to write this review.</p>
<p>The challenge is simple: make the recipe in the dish provided (the recipe was for blueberry cobbler, and as my family wouldn't eat that, I made baked beans instead -- something still pretty messy!), eat the food, then don't rinse the dish and put it through the dishwasher with the Cascade Complete to see how it performs.</p>
<p>Here is the dish after we finished the food: pretty dirty!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010808.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1273614108625" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I loaded it into the dishwasher with my other normal dishes, for a "real" test.&nbsp; There's no way I'd actually just wash ONE dish, after all:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010815.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1273614244250" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>So how about after?&nbsp; Here is a pic of the dish after washing!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010816.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1273614443031" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>As you can see, it's pretty clean!</p>
<p>So, Cascade Complete held up.&nbsp; It cleaned the dish with no prewashing, even with baked-on food.&nbsp; Works pretty well!</p>
<p>The only thing I didn't like was that this formula still contains phosphates.&nbsp; All companies are legally required to phase these out by July 2010 though, which will make all dishwasher detergents a bit safer.&nbsp; I can't fully recommend the product because it contains phosphates, but it does work well.</p>
<p>Who wants to take the Cascade Challenge ($25 Walmart gift card so you can buy a dish and some Cascade Complete)?&nbsp; To enter the giveaway, you can do any or all of the following:</p>
<p>1) Leave me a comment telling me why you want to win and a dishwasher issue you currently have</p>
<p>2) Subscribe to me (or tell me you already do)</p>
<p>3) Follow me on Twitter</p>
<p>4) Tweet this giveaway</p>
<p>5) Post this giveaway on Facebook</p>
<p>This giveaway ends on Friday, May 14th.&nbsp; The winner will be chosen via random.org and&nbsp;announced by 8 PM that night, and will have 2 days to contact me with their name and address.&nbsp; Good luck!</p>
<p>What is your favorite dishwashing detergent?&nbsp; Have you tried Cascade products before?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today I have something rather different for you.&nbsp; I was approached by the MyBlogSpark network to see if I would take Cascade's 24-hour Challenge.&nbsp; I agreed.&nbsp; For this challenge, I was provided with a glass Pyrex baking dish, a recipe, a package of Cascade's new "Cascade Complete" dishwasher tablets, and a $25 Walmart gift card for giveaway to one lucky reader to take the challenge for him/herself!&nbsp; These items were provided by Proctor &amp; Gamble via the MyBlogSpark network.&nbsp; I was not, however, paid to write this review.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/11/2010 04:16:32 PM
<p>I follow you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/11/2010 04:19:57 PM
<p>I want to win because I want a new pyrex dish :)</p><p>Actually, I do have lots of them, but am always looking to add to my collection to use in freeze ahead cooking and for storing leftovers.  I love avoiding plastic.</p><p>And my dishwasher issue is that I barely ever use it.  We have an old one that was here when we bought the house.  It does okay in a pinch, but isn't that great.  We only use it when I'm at the end of a pregnancy or we have a new born as I do not want to spend time doing dishes when I have so little energy and it all needs to go to my baby!  We are only 4 weeks away from Baby 2 coming so this would be PERFECT timing!  We'd love to give it a try and see if it helps our old dishwasher do a better job!</p><p>Thanks for the giveaway,<br/>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: chanelle
EMAIL: hhhh147@juno.com
IP: 76.174.139.198
URL: http://simplyrealfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/12/2010 12:30:25 AM
<p>I agree with the post above- I'm most interested in the dish! I currently use dish soap with no phosphates but I do a lot of prewashing. I'd be interested to see the difference.</p><p>I follow your blog!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: surfcitynanny@gmail.com
IP: 98.151.171.211
URL: http://www.nannysarah.wordpress.com
DATE: 05/12/2010 05:52:02 AM
<p>I'm already subscribed to your blog thru my email!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: surfcitynanny@gmail.com
IP: 98.151.171.211
URL: http://www.nannysarah.wordpress.com
DATE: 05/12/2010 05:53:19 AM
<p>I already follow you on twitter!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: surfcitynanny@gmail.com
IP: 98.151.171.211
URL: http://www.nannysarah.wordpress.com
DATE: 05/12/2010 05:59:18 AM
<p>I would love to win a pyrex dish! I don't own any yet :).</p><p>My current dishwasher problem is that I have water spots as of yesterday and I havn't had any, ever. Craziness and it's driving me N-U-T-S!!</p><p>;D</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Taylor
EMAIL: cnlatl149@att.net
IP: 68.219.102.99
URL: 
DATE: 05/12/2010 09:11:46 PM
<p>I'm already a subscriber to your blog, and I'd like to try cascade!  My dishwasher doesn't have a disposer in it, so whenever I leave a dish in like that, any food bits fall to the bottom, and clog the drain.  Did that happen for you?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: millswriting@gmail.com
IP: 71.95.174.184
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/13/2010 05:03:35 AM
<p>When I use a &quot;regular&quot; soap with phosphates, it's Cascade.  Fun contest!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mami2jcn
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.99.15.218
URL: http://grandgiveaways.wordpress.com
DATE: 05/14/2010 03:39:08 PM
<p>I'd like to win because I never use my dishwasher  because I don't trust it can get my dishes clean and this product sounds like it really works.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mami2jcn
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.99.15.218
URL: http://grandgiveaways.wordpress.com
DATE: 05/14/2010 03:42:01 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter @mami2jcn.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mari
EMAIL: 
IP: 166.137.142.195
URL: 
DATE: 05/15/2010 07:11:13 AM
<p>I don't use my dishwasher very often, because pretty much everything I have tried seems to never quite clean the dishes to my satisfaction. So I'd love to see if this does the trick.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mari
EMAIL: 
IP: 166.137.142.195
URL: 
DATE: 05/15/2010 07:12:28 AM
<p>Email subscriber</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/18/2010 06:26:56 PM
<p>I'm a follower of you as well!</p><p>Thanks again,<br/>Heather</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 04/25/2010 12:33:50 AM
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<p>The winner of the Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter is:</p>
<p><strong>Melissa! (matt4melis...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations! Please contact me with your full name and address by Sunday night.&nbsp; Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 98.177.159.21
URL: 
DATE: 04/26/2010 01:12:31 AM
<p>I sent you an email last night with my address.  Did you get it?  :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Biblical Child Training, Meet Attachment Parenting
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 05/03/2010 12:00:50 PM
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<p>My husband and I are in an interesting subset of parents.&nbsp; That is, we ascribe to both Biblical Child Training AND Attachment Parenting.&nbsp; There are some areas in which these two philosophies can be very, very different.&nbsp; Discipline, namely.&nbsp; BCT focuses on careful training and uses physical discipline (spanking) to teach and train children.&nbsp; AP uses gentle discipline and avoids spanking and often any form of true punishment, preferring instead to focus on natural consequences.</p>
<p>However, we've found a way to make these philosophies match up for us.&nbsp; We've found a middle ground that works for us.&nbsp; I know a lot of families sort of feel trapped between these philosophies, so I thought I'd share our thoughts.</p>
<p>First of all, these philosophies don't HAVE to be at odds.&nbsp; The underlying themes are the often same in each.&nbsp; BCT believes in training your child up to love the Lord and treat others the way the Lord treats us.&nbsp; AP believes in meeting your child's needs to produce a gentle and loving child.&nbsp; The end goal is really the same: only the strictest methods are different.</p>
<p>Speaking of methods, those don't HAVE to be different either.&nbsp; The true spirit of AP is to meet your child's needs, where they are.&nbsp; It means that you, as a parent, respond sensitively to what your child is showing you.&nbsp; It often contains practices like breastfeeding, baby wearing, bed sharing, etc. but it doesn't HAVE to.&nbsp; BCT is also about meeting your child's needs, because no one is suggesting that you stand back over your child and mete out punishment to train the child without love.&nbsp; BCT requires a gentle and loving relationship, because children don't readily accept correction from people who don't love or respect them.&nbsp; When you think about it that way, the methods really are not so different.</p>
<p>That was the line of thinking I eventually came to, after doing a lot of reading and talking to a lot of parents.&nbsp; Both methods tell me to love and respect my child, and to gently teach them and train them.&nbsp; How I choose to do that depends wholly on meeting their needs.</p>
<p>I spend my time focusing on developing a relationship with my children.&nbsp; For the first year or so (almost two years, really), I hold them, carry them, nurse them, let them sleep next to me (Bekah didn't and before too long Daniel will move to his own room too...he's almost 10 months), and speak to them gently.&nbsp; I show them by example how to behave: talking to them gently, treating them carefully, and saying no calmly.&nbsp; I say "no" to them and show them another way from the time they're only a few months old (for example, if they grab my hair as a small baby I will gently say "no" and unwind their hands, and show them how to stroke softly instead).&nbsp; I don't focus on all the ways that I should be pushing them away or teaching them to grow up; I keep them close and let them grow at their own pace.</p>
<p>So far with Bekah I found that right before her second birthday, she really started to be more independent, to do things on purpose, to actually test me and misbehave deliberately.&nbsp; That is when I begin the training aspect.&nbsp; (Although some people start discipline/training quite young, I don't think it's good until they are able to do things deliberately, because your goal is for them to be gentle and loving and joyfully obedient.&nbsp; If they can't choose to be obedient, you can't really discipline them anyway.&nbsp; A quiet word about being gentle and being an example is enough until they are older.)</p>
<p>Training begins by explaining what the expectations are in any given situation.&nbsp; Children are smart and they do pick up on what's going on around them (they are good little mimics!), which is why it's important to be an example, as a parent.&nbsp; But other children will be examples, too, and children will mimic them.&nbsp; You may or may not find those behaviors acceptable (for example, children will learn to push others by watching other children).&nbsp; And so it's important to talk to children about why we don't push our friends.&nbsp; I find that saying "If we can't be nice to our friends, we will have to go home and not play with them" to often be a motivator for good behavior (here's where the AP comes in: I'm training the child, but I'm enforcing natural consequences whenever possible).</p>
<p>I think it's important to have a constant dialogue with our children about what they are doing, what we are doing, what we expect, etc.&nbsp; It's good to tell them how they should behave.&nbsp; It's good to tell them when they have done well.&nbsp; It's good to tell them when they haven't, and talk about what they might choose next time.&nbsp; "Blessing" the children (telling them how wonderful a character trait they have displayed, like patience, is and what a blessing they are for displaying it) is an integral part of BCT.&nbsp; (It also helps children develop pride in character traits and hopefully look for and respond to these traits in others.)&nbsp; This is part of developing a relationship with the child, part of BCT and AP.</p>
<p>Natural consequences are preferred in both BCT and AP whenever possible.&nbsp; Think about the Prodigal Son story.&nbsp; The father lets his child go, so that he can discover for himself that it is a mistake to squander his money and otherwise act out.&nbsp; And he welcomes him festively when he returns, having learned that lesson on his own.&nbsp; If a child is doing something they shouldn't and there is a natural consequence available (and not dangerous), let it happen.&nbsp; For example, if two (evenly matched) children are fighting over a toy and it breaks, they've learned a lesson.&nbsp; Obviously, running out into the street when a car is coming is NOT a lesson you want them to learn the hard way!&nbsp;</p>
<p>(Once, when I was a baby, I was learning to climb the stairs.&nbsp; My father was walking up behind me so I wouldn't get hurt.&nbsp; At one point I stood up and leaned back...and fell.&nbsp; He let me fall backwards...and then into his arms.&nbsp; He wanted me to understand that stairs could be dangerous, but he didn't want me to get hurt.&nbsp; Another example of "natural consequences.")</p>
<p>There are some situations which just don't really lend themselves to natural consequences, though.&nbsp; Possibly because they are dangerous (like the car coming), or because there is no way to enforce the consequence immediately (and for toddlers it has to be NOW, not "when we get home"), or just because it is an obedience issue.&nbsp; AP doesn't concern itself with obedience very much; BCT does heavily.&nbsp; We allow our children more freedom than some, because if the activity they've chosen is not dangerous to themselves or others, nor destructive, we will probably let them do it.&nbsp; I let my daughter walk around stores instead of having to be strapped in a cart.&nbsp; I let her help me in the kitchen a lot, even with peeling vegetables and such (she does a pretty good job!).&nbsp; We also focus a lot on offering choices whenever possible (more on that in a minute).&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, there are certain situations that simply require obedience.&nbsp; We behave a certain way in church, for example (she is usually in the nursery, but comes in "big church" for special events).&nbsp; We listen if mommy or daddy have to say no (what if mommy says "Stop RIGHT NOW!" because the child is running straight for the street and a car is coming but the child doesn't listen?).&nbsp; Most of these situations where mommy or daddy's word is final are safety issues, like not climbing out of the crib, not running in the street, etc.&nbsp; A few are attitude issues, like screaming/throwing fits, etc. (more on THAT in a minute too).&nbsp; And with these no-nonsense issues, we do spank if we don't get obedience.&nbsp; There are warnings, there is calm discussion before and after, but we do spank.&nbsp; Some of you are now horrified.&nbsp; But small children are not mature enough to control themselves and they don't respond to idle threats or simple discussion sometimes.&nbsp; They need something that tells them absolutely, in the moment: this is not acceptable.&nbsp; These may be very rare, but these moments occur.</p>
<p>Back to choices.&nbsp; We offer our children (mostly Bekah, as Daniel's too young) choices whenever possible.&nbsp; "Which shirt would you like to wear today?&nbsp; What would you like for lunch, chicken or cheese?&nbsp; Do you want to go outside before or after nap?" etc.&nbsp; If we can offer a choice, we do, even if it has to be limited ("The red one or the blue one?")&nbsp; We also simply talk a lot, about why we're doing things.&nbsp; "Right now we can't play outside because we've had a busy morning and we need to take a nap.&nbsp; But after nap, we will play outside."&nbsp; Often times, this works and totally heads off any tantrums, because the child feels heard and understood and realizes that it will be okay.&nbsp; We've worked hard to teach Bekah about "later" and "tomorrow" by relating it to concepts she can clearly see.&nbsp; "Tomorrow" we explained as "The light will go away, and when it comes back, it is tomorrow."&nbsp; (We tell her that her grandparents are coming "tomorrow" a lot to reinforce this.)&nbsp; But as she's learned, she's gotten more patient with things.&nbsp; Delayed gratification is SUPER important...I'm getting off topic.</p>
<p>Anyway, by offering choice and keeping a constant dialogue, we are heading off MOST tantrums.&nbsp; She still has some if she's tired or hungry or just in a bad mood, but it's not too bad.&nbsp; And if she DOES have a tantrum, I don't give in.&nbsp; At Sunday's lunch, she wanted white cheese, but we were having yellow cheese.&nbsp; So she whined and cried about the cheese, but I told her "Today we are having yellow cheese.&nbsp; So you may have yellow cheese, or no cheese."&nbsp; She eventually accepted the yellow cheese and asked for more about three times!</p>
<p>Another side note: children are born not knowing social conventions and unable to control themselves.&nbsp; They learn quickly, but they are immature.&nbsp; It is our job as parents to know what is safe and acceptable for them and teach them about it.&nbsp; We cannot let them do dangerous or bad things just because we want them to explore their boundaries.&nbsp; There are times and places for exploration...and times and places for obedience.&nbsp; All children are different and will require different boundaries and forms of discipline.</p>
<p>More side notes: I tell Bekah that I really don't like/disapprove of her actions, but never her.&nbsp; "Mommy REALLY doesn't like that you did that, it was a bad thing to do."&nbsp; There&nbsp;ARE bad actions, but it doesn't mean that I don't love her.</p>
<p>Final side note: This post makes it come off like I'm the perfect parent, who is always calm and has it all figured out.&nbsp; Nope!&nbsp; Not even close.&nbsp; This is how I am on my best days, with my best intentions.&nbsp; There are days I lose my cool and scream, even sometimes at Daniel (oops...but you know, he's pinched me/pulled my hair for the 50th time, I already had a headache, Bekah's whining...and so on).&nbsp; Sometimes I'm angry when I discipline, no matter how hard I try not to be.&nbsp; It is a learning process and things are NOT perfect at my house.&nbsp; By any means.</p>
<p>What parenting philosophy do you subscribe to?&nbsp; Do you look to more than one?&nbsp; If so, how do you balance conflicting information?</p>
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EXCERPT:
My husband and I are in an interesting subset of parents.&nbsp; That is, we ascribe to both Biblical Child Training AND Attachment Parenting.&nbsp; There are some areas in which these two philosophies can be very, very different.&nbsp; Discipline, namely.&nbsp; BCT focuses on careful training and uses physical discipline (spanking) to teach and train children.&nbsp; AP uses gentle discipline and avoids spanking and often any form of true punishment, preferring instead to focus on natural consequences.</p>
<p>However, we've found a way to make these philosophies match up for us.&nbsp; We've found a middle ground that works for us.&nbsp; I know a lot of families sort of feel trapped between these philosophies, so I thought I'd share our thoughts.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/03/2010 01:30:50 PM
<p>It's funny that you posted this today because yesterday I had a chance to see how well even younger children do respond to a calm response from parents.</p><p>It was my friend Amber's last Sunday at church before she moves with her husband and little girl (she's somewhere between a year and 1.5 years) overseas. In church, their little girl was acting out, so her father took her back to the 'coffeehouse' where he could listen to the sermon but keep her from throwing a tantrum in church because she wasn't allowed to run around and do what she wanted to. He held her even in the coffeehouse and calmly told her no whenever she struggled to get out of his arms even though she cried and tried to throw a tantrum. It took her less than five minutes to calm down, and then she was just content to lay there.</p><p>Later, we all got food at a restaurant and she was sitting in a chair between her mom and I. She wanted me to hold her, so I put her on my lap. She calmly sat there, and only once did she try to get down. I told her no, and that she had to stay on a chair, and she contented herself with dipping homemade tortilla chips in salsa and eating them, then cuddling close. When the food came, we got a high chair and sat her in it. She still tried to get us (her mom and I) to hold her, but we just explained to her that she had to stay in the chair and she was okay with it.</p><p>I was also surprised at how she mimics her mother, even though she really can't speak beyond a few words here and there. Her mom was watching a friend's baby over a month ago, and was walking around patting her on the back to help her burp after a feeding. Well, while I was holding A (the little girl) at the restaurant, she picked up her stuffed bear and held it like her mom was holding the other baby and patted it on the back just like her mom did. It was adorable. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime G
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.115.209.207
URL: http://likeabubblingbrook.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/03/2010 09:48:53 PM
<p>Ours is quite similar to yours.  Thanks so much for posting this... It's good to know that there's another family that subscribes to the same philosophies as us :o)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.27.164.149
URL: 
DATE: 05/09/2010 01:36:44 AM
<p>Thanks so much for posting this!  We too have similar parenting philosophies.  So many times on attachment parenting blogs, I find myself never really fitting in and disagreeing with many things they say, but I don't really fit in with other parenting styles either.  We're just trying our best to do what works for us and our family even if no one else does the same thing!  Still, it's nice to know there are other parents out there who combine philosophies.  Thanks again!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: caffeinatedautismmom
EMAIL: caffeinatedautismmom@gmail.com
IP: 67.185.107.202
URL: http://caffeinatedautismmom.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 10:11:36 PM
<p> Wow. You did a great job addressing this subject! Your philosophy and mine are almost identical. I commend you on your honesty, knowing that we all have our best intentions and are not always capable of following through on them. Life happens, right? Lord knows I&#39;m far from perfect. Sometimes I hear my mother&#39;s voice as I&#39;m speaking to my boys, and it freaks me out. But, we all do the best we can. The twist in my story is that both of my boys have autism, which turned everything I thought I knew upside-down. My husband and I have had to be okay with accepting and learning that we needed to change our parenting style and techniques. Anyway, I&#39;ve been mulling over this very topic in my brain as a possible entry for my own blog (http://caffeinatedautismmom.blogspot.com). What you wrote makes me realize that I&#39;m on the right track, when I finally have the energy and gumption to write about this topic. Thanks for sharing your story!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 174.27.3.133
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2011 12:55:10 AM
<p>THANK YOU!!! I have been reading books from both &quot;camps&quot; for over a year now, trying to find my way. I needed to see that it can be a blending of both! What a thought! No polarization needed!</p><p>Thanks again!<br/>Karolee</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: diamondt75@yahoo.com
IP: 68.57.20.200
URL: http://culturedmama.com
DATE: 02/28/2011 04:27:48 AM
<p>We&#39;re still early in our discipline journey, but back during our pregnancy, we discovered AP, and even though we both came from spanking backgrounds, we decided the no-spank approach appealed to us the most.  </p><p>We haven&#39;t yet in 18 months had a need to spank, and I&#39;m really hoping we never do.  While many parents may think we are naive to have that attitude, I am greatly put off by folks within our circle who insist we HAVE to and that we are somehow disobeying God, or HATE our daughter (yes, I was told this!!) if we don&#39;t.</p><p>Like I said, so far we haven&#39;t had any disciplinary issues, even like the ones you described above come up yet.  I am willing to allow God to guide us in how we raise up our children, and to adhere to one of the prime directives of AP; do what feels right for you and your child. :-)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Fermented Food Challenge Check-In
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/08/2010 12:00:57 PM
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<p>Okay, so, several of you entered the "Fermented Foods Challenge" a week ago.&nbsp; Let's hear it!&nbsp; What did you try?</p>
<p>Tomorrow I'll post the top 3 people so we can see what they tried, and if there was a tie, we'll vote on who tried the most adventurous stuff!</p>
<p>Me, personally...I tried sourdough bread!&nbsp; :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
Okay, so, several of you entered the "Fermented Foods Challenge" a week ago.&nbsp; Let's hear it!&nbsp; What did you try?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/08/2010 01:12:54 PM
<p>I must admit, I didn't try anything beyond yogurt. I guess I should have figured this would happen, as I don't know anyone near me who makes any of these things that I could get starters from, and because work was extremely busy (yesterday I worked from 9 am until 11 pm). So my report is that I wondered how to make any of those foods without a starter, like kefir or kombucha without a health food store that sells it to make my own starter from.</p><p>Also, one other thing that I thought of - remember that Amish friendship bread stuff that took a week before you could bake it? Is that a fermented recipe? I made that way back when....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.180.73.13
URL: 
DATE: 05/10/2010 01:48:49 AM
<p>I didn't do anything new either.... same reasons as above. Plus just to tired from pregnancy to experiment with cooking!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: beth.stedman@gmail.com
IP: 86.49.71.187
URL: http://bethstedman.com/
DATE: 05/11/2010 11:54:03 AM
<p>That's fun that you tried Sourdough - that's what I tried too. I started my very own Sourdough starter from scratch - still haven't made bread with it, but I have used it for pancakes and crackers, and I plan on trying my first loaf of bread with it tomorrow or the next day. I wrote a post about my experience with starting a sourdough starter on my blog: http://bethstedman.com/2010/05/07/making-a-sourdough-starter/<br/>I'd love to hear about your experience with sourdough - I'm still learning and could definitely benefit from any info you gained making yours :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Audrey
EMAIL: audrey_loewen@hotmail.com
IP: 76.121.165.227
URL: http://everyurlwastaken.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/12/2010 04:03:24 AM
<p>I got the ginger cut up and all that, but it's fermenting still. It's got a few more days on it before I'll be able to try it. And then the ginger ale will take another couple days. :(</p><p>Next time you should make the challenge a month or two long instead of a week!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Gentle Discipline
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/02/2010 12:00:50 PM
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<p>Today's blog post is related to others I'm doing this week.&nbsp; It's actually like a 3-day mini-series, which I may expand upon, depending on how my thoughts go and the response I get.&nbsp; We'll see.&nbsp; And don't forget to come back on Tuesday for a "Bad Mommy Moment" Carnival!</p>
<p>Gentle discipline.</p>
<p>It's one of the cornerstones of attachment parenting.&nbsp; I subscribe to AP philosophy, mostly.&nbsp; I also subscribe to Biblical child training.&nbsp; How those two go hand-in-hand is actually tomorrow's topic, so I'll get there.&nbsp; But for right now, I just want to talk about gentle discipline.</p>
<p>The circle of friends I spend the most time with all believe in gentle discipline, and this is pretty evident in how they deal with their children and the conversations we have.&nbsp; And some of them do a great job!&nbsp; And others...well, some children are more "difficult," let's say.&nbsp; Which brings me to my discussion on gentle discipline.</p>
<p>There seems to be the idea that in order to discipline a child gently, we must never do anything that would interrupt the child's natural flow, use any kind of physical restraint or punishment, and allow the child as much choice as possible.&nbsp; I don't believe that these things need to be true.&nbsp; It is possible to practice gentle discipline and still make sure that you are the authority and your voice is heard.</p>
<p>Take, for example, a scenario I witnessed within the last few weeks (actually, more than once and with more than one child):</p>
<p>A toddler is in a group of children, most smaller than he is (average age is around a year old, this child is over 2).&nbsp; The child charges around the room, grabbing toys and yelling "Mine!"&nbsp; He pushes children who are in his way.&nbsp; He is generally rough with the other children.&nbsp; His mother sometimes doesn't pay attention, and sometimes says, "Oh, honey no!&nbsp; Don't do that!"&nbsp; Sometimes she gently leads him away by the hand, but sometimes she just talks to him.&nbsp; The behavior continues until the mother, looked stressed, decides to leave.&nbsp; The rest of the mothers are a bit relieved to see them go, sadly.</p>
<p>There are those out there who might say the mother handled it fine, that the child is just in a "mine" phase, or a "wild" phase, and that he needs to be left alone to express himself until he outgrows the phase.&nbsp; NO.&nbsp; The child is destructive and is hurting and upsetting other children.&nbsp; Phase or no phase, he doesn't have the right to treat others that way, and his mother (or father) needs to step in and gently teach him that his behavior is unacceptable.&nbsp; It doesn't need to involve screaming, or spanking, or anything harsh at all.&nbsp; Here is what the parent should do (in my opinion, and what I do with my children):</p>
<p>*Before going to a playdate, explain expected behavior. "We need to play nice with our friends.&nbsp; Use gentle touches, share toys, use an indoor voice.&nbsp; No hitting or screaming."&nbsp; I like to tell kids both what they SHOULD do and what they SHOULDN'T do.&nbsp; Some people say to only use positive words.&nbsp; I like to use positive words whenever I can, but kids also need to know what's NOT okay.</p>
<p>*Explain consequences for inappropriate behavior. "If you choose to hit your friend, you will need to sit in a naughty spot.&nbsp; If you do it more than once, we are leaving."&nbsp; Choose whatever consequences you want, but I would highly suggest sitting out of play for awhile initially, and leaving if the behavior continues.</p>
<p>*Remind the child upon arrival what the expectations are.&nbsp; Discuss ways that the child might play nice. "It would be great if you offered to share your toy/snack/etc."</p>
<p>*If you see undesirable behavior, intervene IMMEDIATELY.&nbsp; "We talked about this.&nbsp; It is not okay to treat your friend that way.&nbsp; We don't push, we use gentle touches.&nbsp; Tell your friend you are sorry.&nbsp; If I see you do it again, you will be in your naughty spot/we're leaving."&nbsp; Get down on the child's level, place your hands on his shoulders, and look him straight in the eyes.&nbsp; Make sure you have his full attention.&nbsp; Children just love to ignore you if they think you're not really paying attention.</p>
<p>(Side note: Bekah and I worked a LOT on "look at mommy" because if she wasn't looking at me, she wasn't listening to me.&nbsp; If I asked her to stop when she wasn't looking at me, or worse, I wasn't looking at her, I might as well have just saved my breath, because it wasn't doing any good.)</p>
<p>*If the behavior continues, go get your child physically (and I mean, take his hand or touch his shoulder and lead him away; pick him up if he throws himself on the ground or won't come with you) and administer the final consequences.&nbsp; "We need to play nice with our friends.&nbsp; Since you have chosen not to, we are leaving."&nbsp; And LEAVE.&nbsp; Right then.&nbsp; Don't talk to your friend for another five minutes.&nbsp; Don't put him down and give "just one more chance" because he gave you a hug.&nbsp; Leave.</p>
<p>In my experience, it doesn't take too long for children to figure out how they should behave when you do things this way.</p>
<p>It's true that all children are a little rough at times.&nbsp; My children are not perfect.&nbsp; They have days where they push friends, fight over toys, screech at me, etc.&nbsp; But there is a difference between a child who is having a bad day and one who is always rough.&nbsp; There is a difference&nbsp;between a child who accidentally pushes a friend on his way to get a coveted toy, and one who deliberately shoves another for no reason.&nbsp; There is a difference between two children who see the same toy at the same time and both want it (and are fighting for it equally), and a child who knocks over another child and does whatever it takes to get the toy for himself.&nbsp; The former situations are all anticipated when young children play together; the latter situations are never acceptable.</p>
<p>In my experience, it's the "correction" phase that just doesn't happen.&nbsp; Parents are talking to their friends, they're distracted.&nbsp; They're not paying attention to their child and often don't notice when their child is doing something out of line (even more so because often times it's a momentary thing, like shoving another child).&nbsp; Other parents don't want to discipline someone else's child, so often you'll hear quiet admonitions, "Oh, please be gentle."&nbsp; I would personally never discipline someone else's child, and not even say anything unless that child was physically hurting one of mine.&nbsp; It's not in me to correct someone else's child.&nbsp; On the other hand, if I hear someone saying something to Bekah about being gentle, or I see someone trying to help her be careful, I will go over and quickly intervene.&nbsp; It's my job to correct her, but not anyone else's child.</p>
<p>A lot of other parents don't get down on the child's level.&nbsp; They just stand above the child and say "No!&nbsp; Don't!&nbsp; Stop!" and hope that their child will listen.&nbsp; But 2- and 3-year-olds could care less about what you are saying.&nbsp; They are impulsive and they are independent.&nbsp; They need a parent who is physically right down in their face, pulling them (gently) away, and saying, "No.&nbsp; We do not treat our friends that way."&nbsp; There is nothing wrong with picking up your angry, kicking child and walking away, sitting in a chair, and simply holding him and talking to him quietly.&nbsp; Or even saying nothing.&nbsp; You have a responsibility to teach your child to be gentle, so that play group is a safe time for all children to play.&nbsp; And if you can't, or won't, don't come.</p>
<p>If I sound a little harsh, it's because I feel very passionate about this.&nbsp; I strive to always see when my children are being too rough and intervene, and I appreciate it when other parents let me know that they're doing something I didn't see so that I can intervene.&nbsp; I have made Bekah sit on a chair and not get up before.&nbsp; I have left before.&nbsp; It's my duty as a parent to be consistent that way.</p>
<p>I'm also passionate about this because, if some other child was hurting mine, I would be most likely to quietly say "Be gentle!" then simply pick my child up and walk away, because in the moment I'm trying to avoid confrontation.&nbsp; But I'm probably thinking, "<em>Where is this child's mom and why isn't she doing something about this?!"</em>&nbsp; I don't want that to even be an issue.&nbsp; I want to know that if a child is misbehaving, the mom WILL take care of it.</p>
<p>Okay, enough ranting.&nbsp; I could go on forever.</p>
<p>So there you have it.&nbsp; Gentle discipline, in action, that quietly keeps your authority as a parent and teaches your child about acceptable behavior.</p>
<p>What do you think?&nbsp; Do you practice gentle discpline?&nbsp; Has your child ever been the rough one?&nbsp; Or has your child ever been on the other side, the one dealing with a rough child?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's blog post is related to others I'm doing this week.&nbsp; It's actually like a 3-day mini-series, which I may expand upon, depending on how my thoughts go and the response I get.&nbsp; We'll see.&nbsp; And don't forget to come back on Tuesday for a "Bad Mommy Moment" Carnival!</p>
<p>Gentle discipline.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amber Morrisey
EMAIL: birthroutes@gmail.com
IP: 24.85.175.98
URL: http://www.birthroutes.com
DATE: 05/02/2010 04:16:56 PM
<p>I have been in the place of the child I am with being the 'rough' one, and being the one feeling/getting hurt. </p><p>While I think your post is valid for you, I don't agree with all your ways on handling a 'difficult child', and this is fine. I find there is quite a bit of build up about rules/expectations/demands as an authoritative figure, without much self learning. </p><p>In my opinion laying out the law before going somewhere basically tells the child you do not trust them to be caring, gentle or respectful. At this age, they aren't choosing to hit most of the time, but showing us all a moment in time where we can learn how to resolve an issue, through intervention and parent help, because they are tiny people who clearly lost it in the moment and need help. By explaining your expectations of them everywhere you go, you are interfering with their natural instincts and self expression. How would they have acted if you didn't basically tell them they were already wrong? Would they have been more calm if you had trusted them more? </p><p>It just reminds me of the child in school who got called the 'bad' kid, and he spent the rest of his school years keeping that image up, because this is what everyone thought of him. </p><p>I don't believe in punitive chairs or timeouts as gentle discipline, it is fine that you do. But to me those are shaming and authoritative measures used to control a child. I want to work with the child, explore their feelings, address their needs and actions. </p><p>So, after I disagree, you wonder how I would handle it? <br/>Choose an appropriate activity for your child, engage them, distract them, move on. Some children do not do well in limited space and just need more room to roam, it doesn't mean they are difficult children, just in the wrong activity.  <br/>I can often see in the mothers eyes that she is trying so hard, and is spent, so instead of standing aside, I join her, work with her and her child to try to find a solution that works. </p><p>While I do believe that children need guidance, help through difficult activities etc, I also think that they are far wiser than we let on, and given time together to work things out, they will. Mind you, violent behaviours aren't acceptable and need to be addressed. </p><p>I believe that parents should all work together, be the collective eyes and ears in play groups, help all have fun and be safe. I'd be more than happy if another parent pointed out a dangerous behaviour to a child. I couldn't turn a blind eye to someone being hurt, simply because I am not the parent. </p><p>We have very different ideas of what 'Gentle Discipline' is, and I find that very interesting. Thank you for writing this post and giving me time to think further into other peoples views of the same title.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa @ WellGrounded Life
EMAIL: lisabyrne1015@gmail.com
IP: 76.116.206.141
URL: http://www.wellgroundedlife.com
DATE: 05/02/2010 06:44:09 PM
<p>Thank you for this post.  It is refreshing for me to hear SPECIFIC examples of what you mean by gentle discipline -- I so often hear that term in conversation or in writings, though definitions or examples are never followed up so it is hard for me to know if I'm in alignment with their thinking.</p><p>I also appreciate your taking this topic on.  If you don't mind I'll share an issue I am working through personally- I'd love to hear your thoughts about it.  </p><p>I have a very close friend who has a different way of parenting than I do.  Mainly she allows her children a lot more unsupervised play time with each other and she is more comfortable with rough physical play than I am (I have a 22 month old and a 3 1/2 yr old-  she has a 3 1/2 yr old and a 4 1/2 y old).   Because we differ in what we find acceptable and when we intervene, I find myself disciplining my son (3 1/2 yr old) often during times when we all get together and the other children never get disciplined at all.  </p><p>This feels unfair to me and I wonder how he is internalizing this (being the only one that gets disciplined -- I don't want him to feel he is the &quot;bad&quot; one - when in fact the others act out in the same ways he gets disciplined for).</p><p>I struggle because my friend is not an aquaintance-- she is one of my closest friends and we are very involved with each others lives.  My gut tells me right now until the kids get older to do my best to limit play time with them (even though that may feel alienating) and when we do all get together go forward with overseeing, intervening and disciplining as I see fit...</p><p>Maybe this (long, I apologize) comment is simply allowing me to come to my own conclusions.  It just feels awkward to parent differently than another parent-- and I suppose it is my own insecurity in wondering whether I am being too overbearing and over disciplining.  </p><p>Typing out loud.  </p><p>Looking forward to hearing more from you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/02/2010 07:08:52 PM
<p>Amber,</p><p>Yes, we all have very different ideas about discipline, even something like &quot;gentle discipline.&quot;  Thanks for sharing yours.</p><p>I believe that children, when very young, are not as able to control themselves as they will be as they get older.  They also are unaware of social norms and conventions.  I know that I, even as an adult, need some instruction if I'm going to be entering a new social situation.  That's because I don't know the group, I don't know the norms, and I would like to know them so I can act appropriately and not alienate people.  I feel like children need the same type of instructions.  It doesn't need to be shaming or mean, simply, &quot;We are going to visit some friends today.  How do we treat them?&quot;  Then you can talk about ways to be gentle and nice, like sharing toys, using gentle touches, etc.  It's a dialogue, not a monologue featuring the parent talking down to the child.</p><p>And the truth is, if there is one child in a play situation who is being overly rough, that needs to be addressed.  Quickly.  There are times that children fight and that everyone has a bad day, but if one child is bullying other children, especially if there is a pattern to it, it MUST be addressed.  It is the parent's job to control the child if s/he can't or won't, until s/he is able to practice self-control.  2-year-olds are not very good at self-control, and at times and be physically quite powerful.  I don't find it acceptable for any child to run through a room, knocking kids over, taking their snacks, stealing toys, etc.  Perhaps the solution is to leave, because that activity is inappropriate for that child.  But too many parents won't do that, either.  They want a break, they want to stay and have an adult conversation, so they leave the child in an inappropriate and potentially dangerous situation (i.e. where their child could become a danger to smaller children).  But this behavior NEEDS addressed, in some way.</p><p>Lisa,</p><p>I think you are thinking while typing, and I think that's great. :)  I do that a lot too!  I think you're right, limiting time together might be good while your kids are still younger.  But even when older you may find the same issues -- that possibly, your friend's children may be allowed to roam the neighborhood or have other freedoms that you find unacceptable for your children.  The more I observe my daughter with other kids, the more I realize how much it matters what influences surround her.  She and her friends so quickly pick up on one another's behaviors and mannerisms, that it is a good reminder that you will act like the company you keep.</p><p>To avoid your children feeling bad, I would talk to them before/after a playdate, and explain that different families have different rules, and that you are holding your children to your family's rules.  That it has nothing to do with them being &quot;bad,&quot; it is just different expectations.  You could ask your 3.5 YO how he feels when he is in the group and gets reprimanded when the other children don't.  He may be unhappy about it, OR he may feel they are being too rough and dislike playing with them.  He may surprise you.  But, explain your thinking, have a dialogue with him, and maybe you two can decide together that you will play those friends less often and find friends who are more like you. </p><p>I hope that helps!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Taylor
EMAIL: cnlatl149@att.net
IP: 68.219.102.99
URL: 
DATE: 05/03/2010 07:56:54 PM
<p>Thank you for this post!  I agree with Lisa, who said she appreciated the specific examples of gentle discipline.  My son is the rough one, but he's only one.  I implement a lot of what you're saying, but I'm often not as hands-on, and I see now how I can implement this in my parenting.  I wonder, though, how you would handle a 1-year-old?  Can I really expect him to understand when I explain to him what is and isn't accptable behavior when we're on the way to playgroup?  Does he understand when I say we'll leave if he does x again?  What are some tips for non-verbal kids?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/03/2010 09:13:59 PM
<p>Taylor,</p><p>1-year-olds don't totally &quot;get it&quot; like some of the older children do, no.  But they are starting to understand, so I would still take the time to talk, just much quicker and simpler.  Things like &quot;we're going to play with your friends!&quot; and &quot;we use gentle touches&quot; are fine, no long explanation needed.  You can also demonstrate if possible, like stroking his arm while you say &quot;gentle touch&quot; to show him what you mean.</p><p>However, at that age, the best thing to do is simply redirect the child's attention.  He really doesn't understand yet that his actions have consequences (but he will in a few months).  If he hits a friend, pick him up and say &quot;No, we use gentle touches,&quot; and help him to use a gentle touch.  Then move him to a new activity.  If redirection just isn't working, then take him home.  Since he's so young, I wouldn't say that leaving is &quot;punishment&quot; for not behaving nicely -- he won't get that (until close to age 2) -- but you might say &quot;You must be very tired/hungry/etc. since you are having so much trouble, so let's go home.&quot;  Because of course, kids are more likely to act out when they are tired or overwhelmed.  The key is to acknowledge his feelings and constantly redirect his attention if he is being rough.  Give him something he CAN be rough with, like a pillow, or a place he can really run around to get his energy out.  But even though you're not punishing him (yet) for being rough, the behavior still needs to be gently addressed.  &quot;No, we don't take toys from others.  Let's share.  Now, come over here and play with this toy instead.&quot;  As he gets older he will start to learn and if you've always been consistent, then he will do better when he is old enough to understand consequences.</p><p>I hope that helps!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: 
IP: 134.71.214.146
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/27/2010 07:10:19 PM
<p>I take a similar approach to yours and I find that when my daughter (32 months) knows what to expect in a situation, she does so much better.  I similarly try to prepare her -  &quot;your cousin is a lot smaller than you and we need to think about being patient with her&quot; &quot;since other kids are coming over, they will want to play with your toys.  You can put your special things in the closet but you need to share your other toys.&quot;  I've had two rough times when I had to correct her behavior and then follow through with leaving . . . one was her best friend's birthday party and it was one of the hardest things I've done but she was disobeying me in a situation that could have compromised her safety and I had to take a hard line.  Now that she's a little older, she'll ask me sometimes, &quot;Mommy, what is my consequence?&quot; when she knows she's done something wrong :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Don't Be "That" Parent
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/04/2010 12:01:21 PM
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<p>This post, too, is a little bit of a rant, although slightly tongue-in-cheek, because I think we've all been "that" parent sometimes.&nbsp; There's no way to avoid it.&nbsp; But, it's a good idea to try not to be "that" parent, at least most of the time. :)</p>
<p>*If you are somewhere that you are not supposed to bring food, please don't.&nbsp; If you do, chances are that I (and other moms) followed the rules and didn't, and our kids will be staring at you and begging us for snacks.&nbsp; That we didn't bring.&nbsp; So we will be the bad guys.&nbsp; Or, our children will embarrass us by trying to mooch off you.&nbsp; Either way it's bad.</p>
<p>*If you ARE allowed to bring snacks, please do.&nbsp; Because it's also bad if everyone else brought snacks and you didn't, so your child is walking around mooching off everyone else.&nbsp; Especially in a room full of strangers.</p>
<p>*And one last thing about snacks.&nbsp; Even if everyone has them and everyone wants to mooch, and you're okay with that, please ask before you allow someone else's child to eat your snacks.&nbsp; They might be allergic to what you are offering.&nbsp; (I've had people, usually teenagers, offer Bekah cheese when she was still dairy-free.&nbsp; She loves it so she said yes!&nbsp; But...yeah.)</p>
<p>*Bring diapers, AND wipes, for your kids.&nbsp; Nothing is worse than going to change a diaper, realizing the child pooped, and having to beg wipes off any stranger nearby.&nbsp; (Umm...unfortunately guilty of this one!)</p>
<p>*Even when you're in a room full of moms that you LOVE to talk to, please try to pay attention to your child.&nbsp; Don't wait for someone to bring your child over dripping wet, with battle wounds, etc. saying, "Is this your child?"&nbsp; As moms, we expect conversation to happen in 30-second snatches in between correcting children. :)</p>
<p>*Don't have illusions about your child, especially in a group.&nbsp; Like everyone else, your child isn't perfect.&nbsp; They all have good qualities and annoying ones.&nbsp; Accept it and move on.</p>
<p>*Related to that last point, yes, sometimes your child DID start the fight.&nbsp; Don't always look for someone else to blame; simply correct your child and move on.&nbsp; The more you insist to the other parents "But Fifi NEVER does things like that!" the crazier you look.&nbsp; Chances are, Fifi ALWAYS does that and the other moms think you're a whack job (this isn't any parent I currently know, but it happened a lot when I was a kid!).</p>
<p>*Don't brag about how awesome your child is.&nbsp; "Fifi's only 2, but she can already read, say the alphabet backwards, tie her shoes, and oh...Harvard called yesterday!"&nbsp; It's probably a lie, and even if it isn't no one wants to hear about it.&nbsp; (Umm...I think sometimes I'm guilty of this!&nbsp; But it's only if I think my kids might be behind and I'm trying to reassure myself.)</p>
<p>*Don't bring your child to a play date when they're sick.&nbsp; If they have a fever, cough, very runny nose, the plague, etc. -- just stay home!&nbsp; Otherwise, the entire play group is going to be sick within a few days, including all the moms, and no one will be happy with you.&nbsp; This is especially important if it's NOT just a cold, but something like the flu or a longer-term, yuckier illness. (Umm...with colds, yeah, I've done this.)</p>
<p>*And if you DO happen to bring your child when she's sick, don't lie.&nbsp; "It's just allergies!" or "Oh...I didn't notice she was coughing."&nbsp; Chances are you knew full well what you were doing and people will be mad at you later for it.</p>
<p>*If your child gets into a fight with another child, and that child accidentally (or maybe accidentally-on-purpose) hurts your child, don't freak out.&nbsp; First of all, if that other parent was paying attention (ahem) and got involved quickly enough, chances are your child is really okay.&nbsp; There's no reason to make everyone feel bad by acting like a wounded mama bear "How could your child DO that?&nbsp; Doesn't she know Fifi is sensitive?&nbsp; Fifi had that toy first anyway!&nbsp; Ugh, your child is a bully!"&nbsp; Kids fight.&nbsp; It happens.&nbsp; Parents intervene and discipline as necessary.&nbsp; And that should be the end of it.</p>
<p>*If you are worried about people getting to close to your newborn, don't bring him out.&nbsp; Or at least wear him in a carrier against you so no one can get close.&nbsp; Otherwise, you are asking for it.&nbsp; I have seen parents bring out tiny babies (under 6 weeks old), lay the babies across their laps (or worse, set them down in a car seat and walk away) and then freak out if anyone approaches and tries to touch the baby.&nbsp; Sorry, but...toddlers are curious!&nbsp; (I did bring Daniel out sometimes when he was tiny, but he was ALWAYS in a wrap, and I really could have cared less if people touched him.&nbsp; I don't know, it doesn't bother me that much.)</p>
<p>*If you bring your baby, please don't put him in a car seat and throw a blanket over him and ignore him.&nbsp; Especially if he's awake.&nbsp; If you MUST do it so he will sleep, okay.&nbsp; But otherwise, get that kid out of the seat and let him interact with the world!&nbsp; (This is my personal pet peeve and something I NEVER do.&nbsp; I carried Daniel into places in his seat maybe 7 times in his entire life, usually because he was asleep.&nbsp; But he never stayed there, I always picked him up pretty quickly because he woke up.)</p>
<p>And...finally, if people start ducking playdates with you, avoiding your calls, or smiling and saying, "I really love you...but our kids really need a break!" you might be THAT mom!!&nbsp; Oh no!&nbsp; :)&nbsp; Act like the big girl you are, put on a brave smile, and resign yourself to having only mom's nights out with these people until your children are older.&nbsp; Unless you're the mom who won't shut up about how awesome your child is ALL the time, even when she's not there.&nbsp; Then don't come to mom's nights either.</p>
<p>Kidding!</p>
<p>Well...sort of.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>Have you ever been "that" parent?&nbsp; Which ones of these have you done?&nbsp; C'mon, we've all done SOME of these!&nbsp; And just to make sure you can admit it...CARNIVAL!&nbsp; Let's hear your "bad mommy moment" stories!</p>
<p>In case you need MORE from me (I've been told I come across on the blog like I'm perfect and so is my house...which is SO not true) I'll tell you one of my semi-recent bad mommy moments:</p>
<p>I was going out to hang the laundry, and Bekah wanted to come with me.&nbsp; She wanted to bring her doll stroller too.&nbsp; She pushed it over to the door and got ready to go out.&nbsp; We have to walk down two rather large steps to get out, so it's kind of awkward -- especially when carrying a heavy laundry basket, which I was.&nbsp; I was also standing far back so I could hold the door for her and not be in her way or the stroller's way.&nbsp; She wanted me to push the stroller out for her, and I told her I didn't have any extra hands to help her.&nbsp; She started to whine: "Mommeee, mommee!"&nbsp; I tried to convince her to just push the stroller out and then go after it, but she wouldn't.&nbsp; Impatiently (as my basket was slipping out of my arms), I grabbed the stroller's handle and shoved it out the door -- not realizing she was still holding onto it!&nbsp; She tumbled head over heels with it onto the patio.&nbsp; She wasn't hurt at all, but was scared.&nbsp; So I scooped her up, calmed her down...and she lived to tell the tale.&nbsp; Oops.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=25493" type="text/javascript"></script>
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EXCERPT:
This post, too, is a little bit of a rant, although slightly tongue-in-cheek, because I think we've all been "that" parent sometimes.&nbsp; There's no way to avoid it.&nbsp; But, it's a good idea to try not to be "that" parent, at least most of the time. :)
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Shower, Part Two??
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/09/2010 12:00:17 PM
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<p>Recently I've been invited to a few baby showers.&nbsp; And I have to say, I was kind of surprised to be invited to them.&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; Because they were for second and subsequent babies.&nbsp; This seems to be a new trend popping up: to have a shower for every baby.&nbsp; But should we do this?</p>
<p>Traditionally, a woman had a baby shower for her first baby.&nbsp; She was a brand-new parent and didn't have any baby items yet, so she would register for all the basics (sometimes referred to as "the layette") and people would get together to buy them for her.&nbsp; Women received clothes, diapers, car seats, walkers, toys, nursery decor, and more.&nbsp; When a woman had a second (or later) baby, it was assumed she had all the major purchases she needed, so she did not have baby showers.</p>
<p>Now, though, women are holding showers for every baby they have.&nbsp; I can think of a few reasons why this trend might be popping up:</p>
<p>*The desire to celebrate each child as an individual</p>
<p>Yes, every baby is special.&nbsp; I think women must feel that each child needs a few new toys and clothes, even if "big" items are no longer needed.</p>
<p>*The second (or later) child is the opposite gender or season</p>
<p>If the first baby was a summer baby and the second a winter baby, or one was a boy and the other a girl, the mom may not have the clothes she needs for the baby.&nbsp; A baby shower could help out with the cost of buying a new baby wardrobe.</p>
<p>*Having babies much later in life and/or second marriages</p>
<p>Some women think they're done having kids and get rid of all their baby things, only to wind up pregnant a few years later.&nbsp; Others get divorced and think they won't have more kids...then get remarried and end up wanting another baby.&nbsp; Either way, they're sort of starting over with major baby purchases.</p>
<p>Honestly, I can't think of any other justifications for this.&nbsp; And I can think of a LOT of reasons why having second showers is rather selfish:</p>
<p>*New babies don't need all new things</p>
<p>You don't need people to buy you brand new things for each baby.&nbsp; If you really need to replace an item, go down to a children's resale store and buy one cheaper.&nbsp; It doesn't have to be brand new.</p>
<p>*You shouldn't expect others to buy everything you need; plan and budget to buy yourself</p>
<p>Babies can be expensive, but they are your expense, not others'.&nbsp; Plan and budget to pay for your baby's needs yourself, rather than expecting others to buy for you.</p>
<p>*When all your friends are having babies, being invited to so many showers gets to be a drain on everyone's finances</p>
<p>Among my friends, someone is having a baby at least every 2 - 4 months.&nbsp; That ends up being a lot of baby showers, if everyone has one for every baby.&nbsp; Having to buy a brand-new $20 gift for each person is more expensive than if you had just saved that money and bought used items for your own baby.&nbsp; People really feel like they need to buy really nice and new things for baby showers, so cost is a huge factor.</p>
<p>*Baby items can and should be reused (under most circumstances)</p>
<p>If your first baby is a girl...DO NOT BUY PINK EVERYTHING!&nbsp; Your second baby might be a boy, and you won't want to use a pink carseat, a pink pack-n-play, a pink stroller, etc.&nbsp; And those items barely got any use because babies just don't use them that long.&nbsp; Buy things that are gender-neutral instead and you can reuse them again and again.&nbsp; It is absolutely selfish to have to have all brand-new, all pink big-ticket items because your first baby is a girl, then have a second shower to get all new boy big-ticket items because you don't want to use the pink ones for him.&nbsp; Seriously.&nbsp; And I know many people don't do this, but too many of them do.&nbsp; If you must do this, buy the second set of items yourself. (The exception being any carseat that is expired; you will then need a new one.)</p>
<p>*Many people (especially grandparents) feel the need to give present(s) anyway</p>
<p>When babies are born, most close friends or family will bring gifts when they come to visit you to see the baby.&nbsp; Grandparents love to bring lots of clothes and toys and other nice stuff, whether you need it or not.&nbsp; You don't really need to have a shower because people who love you will bring you gifts anyway, and it will be just because they love you, not out of any obligation.</p>
<p>All of that said...what if someone chooses to have a second baby shower anyway, and you get invited?&nbsp; I say, evaluate the situation.&nbsp; Are you close to that person?&nbsp; Would you choose to give a gift even without a shower?&nbsp; Is that person really in need?&nbsp; If you feel like you should go and bring a present, then do it.&nbsp; If you aren't that close to the person and/or they're not really in need...then just don't go.&nbsp; It is up to you.</p>
<p>What I, personally, think people should do, if they are inclined to have showers for every baby, is to have one...BUT.&nbsp; Say no gifts, and instead make the party about a celebration of the baby's birth.&nbsp; Spend some time with your friends right before your baby is born, celebrate your excitement for his/her arrival, etc.&nbsp; There's nothing wrong with a party.&nbsp; Just don't expect people to bring presents (and gratefully accept any that you are brought anyway).&nbsp; I'm considering this next time I have a baby.&nbsp; But we'll see.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>What do you think about "second" baby showers?&nbsp; Have you or would you have one?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Recently I've been invited to a few baby showers.&nbsp; And I have to say, I was kind of surprised to be invited to them.&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; Because they were for second and subsequent babies.&nbsp; This seems to be a new trend popping up: to have a shower for every baby.&nbsp; But should we do this?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.180.73.13
URL: 
DATE: 05/10/2010 01:47:46 AM
<p>I totally agree with you that expecting a full blown shower with each is too much. There are a few situations when I think it is appropriate (as you mentioned above, later in life etc) I happened to have attended a very small &quot;shower&quot; once where they gave the mother to be all frilly girl clothes (she was finally having a girl after 7 boys!)</p><p>I also agree that every baby deserves to be celebrated. What we have chosen to do in our family is have a big celebration when the baby is Baptized (something we usually choose to do in the first few months) It is always a great time, and people don't all bring presents. And usually they do seem to get quite a few things from grandparent's anyways :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathryn
EMAIL: miro1924@hotmail.com
IP: 71.71.101.253
URL: 
DATE: 05/10/2010 12:23:21 PM
<p>Of course I have and would have a baby shower for each child!  I am, frankly, surprised you have stated that &quot;traditionally&quot; baby showers were only for the first baby.  My mother, who grew up in the 50's-and can, therefore, be considered &quot;traditional&quot; has told me that showers were always given for each baby.  A shower was given for each of her three children and all her friends babies were given showers, with gifts.  No one thought it odd or selfish.  It is only recently that I have noticed some debate on whether or not a second or third child deserves a shower.  Of course, no one should feel obligated to purchase a large, expensive item(and I, personally, have never felt any pressure to do so), but simply bringing diapers, a nice rattle, or some other small token is always appreciated by a mother-to-be.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.171.4.144
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/10/2010 09:57:06 PM
<p>I agree with Cathryn. I'm only on my first babe but I don't necessarily have a problem with second showers. I think all of your points are valid, but most are equally valid for first babies too! </p><p>I had a small surprise shower thrown by some girl I did a bible study with and after the baby is born our Sunday school class is planning on showering us too. Neither was/is big and they are more for celebration than an excuse to demand gifts. We are trying to be very intentional with what we are buying, mostly basic, gender neutral items (we don't know the sex yet so that makes it easy :-) Since the women that threw my first shower knew that, they were so great about getting me lots of essentials (onesies, burp rags, etc). Nothing extravagant but it was all much appreciated! Even if I had known about the first shower, I wouldn't have expected to receive any big items. </p><p>For showers that I attend, I like to take simple homemade items -  embellishing cloth diapers for burp rags, knitting a little sweater or hat. None of those costs more than a few dollars but I believe show more thought than running out and buying a wipe warmer. Maybe it depends on your community and friends, since that is more the &quot;norm&quot; around here, I never feel cheap for sticking within my tight budget.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/10/2010 11:48:39 PM
<p>I've been to several first baby showers, and one third baby shower. The mom to be at the latter thought her shower was silly considering it was her third, but her older two kids are 4/5 (don't remember their ages exactly) and 3/4. She's having another little boy, which is the same as her older baby, but she was out of clothes due to giving them to others who had babies in between hers. I've only been to one shower where big item things were given off of the registry, and two people split the gift so they could get something bigger.</p><p>Usually at showers, I've seen people bring bottles, bibs, pacifiers, cute onesies or clothes for baby when he/she gets older, baby blankets, diapers/wipes, nightlights, etc. Only the last one I went to had play gyms and those vibrating baby holder things (that have baby laying down but somewhat propped up...I don't know what they're called) and stuff like that. If I were going to a later baby shower, I still bring a gift, but it's generally more practical unless the mom and I had worked out a baby quilt design for her and baby.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tiffany
EMAIL: coyotetiffany@hotmail.com
IP: 75.89.163.145
URL: 
DATE: 05/11/2010 12:03:59 AM
<p>I have a friend who just gave birth to her sixth child.  We decided to throw her a &quot;freezer cooking&quot; shower instead of purchasing her more baby items.  She didn't need clothes and toys as much as she needed some extra help to make dinners a little easier.  The three of us that made her food had a good time making it together, invited her to join us in the afternoon for some cinnemon rolls and chatting, and then dropped her frozen meals off that night.  She was very excited and felt a lot of love through our gift.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janine
EMAIL: j@hollowstar.com
IP: 76.115.17.162
URL: http://alternativehousewife.com
DATE: 05/12/2010 10:23:39 AM
<p>I am currently pregnant and not even sure how large of a shower I am going to have for my first. That said, I have already begun telling people (before invites are even close to being sent) that I want secondhand whenever possible. I think that for a second shower the list of needs/registry should be more specific (or at least a list given of what the mom DOESN'T need) and that she should be especially open to hand-me-down items. Even a secondhand-only shower could be a fun idea!</p><p>Honestly, what you register for when you are hoping for presents and what you would actually buy yourself are rarely the same. I try to remember that when creating my own registry.</p><p>I don't have a problem with the idea of a second shower in theory, especially if it isn't wasteful!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel
EMAIL: 
IP: 164.107.153.242
URL: 
DATE: 05/15/2010 06:49:09 PM
<p>I love second showers! I am helping to host one in June for a friend. I love to celebrate the new life that is coming and get a Momma something she truly needs. Of the second showers I've been too (and I've helped plan them all) the mom has always been very open to secondhand items and very thoughtful of what she truly does need for the new baby. I've had a lot of great feedback from those who attended. I think it's all in how you present it on the invitation and who your circle of friends are. </p><p>But then... I am totally a gift giver. I love it!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Buttermilk Pancakes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/06/2010 12:03:16 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/05/pennywise-platter-thursday-56.html#more-2872">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Buttermilk is my new obsession!&nbsp; I bought some a few weeks ago for some reason...I think to make some <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/how-to-make-mozzarella-cheese">cheese</a>?&nbsp; But then I had a bunch left so I started using it to make muffins, pancakes, fried chicken....&nbsp; It's SO yummy!&nbsp; It makes everything moist and delicious.&nbsp; I came up with the BEST buttermilk pancakes, so I have to share them with you.</p>
<p>Buttermilk Pancakes</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 &frac14; c. sprouted flour</p>
<p>3 tbsp. organic sugar</p>
<p>&frac12; tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1 tsp. baking soda</p>
<p>1 egg</p>
<p>1 c. cultured buttermilk (or as needed)</p>
<p>1 tsp. vanilla</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix all dry ingredients together.&nbsp; Add egg, vanilla and stir.&nbsp; Add buttermilk as needed to create desired texture, about one cup.&nbsp; Heat pan and melt butter in it (make SURE your pan is preheated so that the pancakes are sizzling as soon as they are in the pan, or they won't rise and be light and fluffy!&nbsp; More on perfect pancakes later).&nbsp; Cook pancakes for about 3 &ndash; 4 minutes on each side, until bubbles pop and stay open.&nbsp; Serve with butter and maple syrup.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Buttermilk is my new obsession!&nbsp; I bought some a few weeks ago for some reason...I think to make some <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/how-to-make-mozzarella-cheese">cheese</a>?&nbsp; But then I had a bunch left so I started using it to make muffins, pancakes, fried chicken....&nbsp; It's SO yummy!&nbsp; It makes everything moist and delicious.&nbsp; I came up with the BEST buttermilk pancakes, so I have to share them with you.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Do Your Research!: Vaccines
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/10/2010 12:00:53 PM
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<p><strong>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/05/wfmw-bulk-blogging.html">Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a>!**</strong></p>
<p><strong>*Have you seen the latest reviews of the Modern Alternative Mama Skin Cream?&nbsp; </strong><a href="http://peacecreekontheprairie.com/2010/05/modern-alternative-mama-soothing-skin-cream-review.html/"><strong>Peace Creek on the Prarie</strong></a><strong> did one last week, and </strong><a href="http://samicone.com/2010/05/modern-alternative-mama-soothing-skin-cream-review/"><strong>Sami Cone</strong></a><strong> posted one last night!*</strong></p>
<p>We've shared in the past that we don't vaccinate our kids, and all the reasons why we don't.&nbsp; But we (and most others who don't vaccinate) have been accused of doing poor research.&nbsp; Plus, there are a lot of families out there who feel really uneasy about vaccines but just don't know where to begin.&nbsp; So, I'm going to set out several questions and unbiased sources here that you can use to start your research, if you are so inclined.</p>
<p>This post is the first in a series called "Do Your Research!"&nbsp; The series is intended to show you questions to ask and sources to check to start your research.&nbsp; We won't post any conclusions in these posts, because the idea is for you to look for yourself and draw your own conclusions.&nbsp; Sometimes there will be a post later in the week explaining our conclusions, but not always.&nbsp; Feel free to discuss the research and your ideas in the comments, though. :)</p>
<p>Questions to ask about vaccines:</p>
<p>1) What is the recommended vaccine schedule?</p>
<p>2) What safety studies have been done on each vaccine?&nbsp; By whom were they conducted?&nbsp; Is there any conflicting data?</p>
<p>3) What diseases are the vaccines meant to prevent?</p>
<p>4) For each disease, what are the symptoms?&nbsp; Severity?&nbsp; Likelihood of contracting?&nbsp; Likelihood of having complications?&nbsp; What are those potential complications?</p>
<p>5) What are each vaccine's side effects?&nbsp; What are the likelihood of severe side effects for each vaccine?</p>
<p>6) What are the ingredients in each vaccine?</p>
<p>7) What studies have been done on vaccine efficacy?</p>
<p>8) How were the illnesses treated and why were/are they deadly without vaccines?</p>
<p>9) What issues surrounding vaccines are controversial?&nbsp; Why is this so?&nbsp; What research has been done on these issues, and by whom?</p>
<p>10) When is each vaccine supposed to be administered?&nbsp; When is it supposed to protect?&nbsp; Why is it administered when it is?&nbsp; How long is protection supposed to last?</p>
<p>11) When looking at studies, who did the studies?&nbsp; Is the original, full version available?&nbsp; Were there any financial conflicts of interest?&nbsp; Do several studies by different groups show the same results?&nbsp; What are the person's credentials (especially if it is "non mainstream" or ghost-written)?</p>
<p>12) Is there any worrying anecdotal evidence?&nbsp; Do any studies support this concern?</p>
<p>13) Did vaccines eradicate disease, or are/were there other factors?&nbsp; Which were most effective and most important?&nbsp;</p>
<p>14) What is herd immunity and what does it have to do with vaccines?</p>
<p>15) Do my children have any specific recommendations or contraindications to receiving certain/all vaccines (weak immune system, allergies, genetic disorders, etc.)?</p>
<p>Sources to look for information:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.immunize.org/who/">WHO Position Papers on Vaccines</a>&nbsp;and Diseases</p>
<p><a href="http://www.who.int/topics/vaccines/en/">WHO Vaccine Information</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/">CDC Vaccine Site</a></p>
<p><a href="http://aapredbook.aappublications.org/resources/IZSchedule0-6yrs.pdf">AAP Vaccine Schedule</a></p>
<p><a href="http://vaers.hhs.gov/index">Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm">CDC Vaccine Side Effects</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/additives.htm">Vaccine Ingredients (CDC)</a></p>
<p><a href="http://askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/">Dr. Sears' The Vaccine Book</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.immunize.org/concerns/offit_moser2009.pdf">The Problem with Alternative Schedules, by Dr. Paul Offit</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nvic.org//">National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)</a></p>
<p><a href="http://fourteenstudies.org/">Fourteen Studies</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.whale.to/vaccines/wakefield.html">Dr. Andrew Wakefield</a></p>
<p><a href="http://drtenpenny.com/default.aspx">Dr. Sherri Tenpenny</a></p>
<p><a href="http://vaccines.mercola.com/">Dr. Mercola on Vaccines</a></p>
<p><a href="http://generationrescue.org/vaccines">Generation Rescue on Vaccines</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller15.html">Dr. Donald Miller on Vaccines</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.vaccinetruth.org/dr_blaylock.htm">Dr. Blaylock on Vaccines</a></p>
<p>**Please note that I do NOT agree with nor recommend all of these sources.&nbsp; But I have included sources from both sides of the debate so that you may accurately research for yourselves.**</p>
<p>What are your thoughts, after having done some reading?</p>
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EXCERPT:
We've shared in the past that we don't vaccinate our kids, and all the reasons why we don't.&nbsp; But we (and most others who don't vaccinate) have been accused of doing poor research.&nbsp; Plus, there are a lot of families out there who feel really uneasy about vaccines but just don't know where to begin.&nbsp; So, I'm going to set out several questions and unbiased sources here that you can use to start your research, if you are so inclined.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MacKenzie
EMAIL: NaethingM@gmail.com
IP: 24.171.4.144
URL: http://brcbanter.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/10/2010 09:43:13 PM
<p>Our baby is due in two weeks and we have spent so much time these last few months researching this issue. Normally it only takes a little bit of research before I form my opinion  but not this time. Vaccines are complicated.  I think this was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make so far and we are still undecided on two vaccines (pc and hib, we are skipping the rest, at least for now) but I do think it is important to get out there and decide for yourself.</p><p>It seems so odd to me that so many new parents don't even look into it. Even if you still go with the recommended CDC schedule, you should at least know why you are making that decision.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Children'sHealthAdvocate
EMAIL: 
IP: 97.118.118.76
URL: 
DATE: 05/12/2010 07:14:36 PM
<p>Hello,<br/>Thank you for encouraging all parents and parents-to-be to make an informed decision for their child's health. May I also recommend a few additional trustworthy sites?  </p><p>Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center - www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/<br/>GAVI Alliance (partners with WHO) - www.gavialliance.org</p><p>Autism Science Foundation - www.autismsciencefoundation.org</p><p>Protect Tomorrow - www.aap.org/protecttomorrow/</p><p>PKIDS - Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases - www.pkids.org</p><p>Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition - www.childrensimmunization.org</p><p>Meningitis Angels - www.meningitis-angels.org</p><p>California Immunization Coalition - http://immunizeca.org/index.pacq?id=154&amp;tier=2</p><p>Immunization Action Coalition - www.immunize.org</p><p>Every Child By Two - www.ecbt.org</p><p><br/>Remember to check each source you find for credibility. The Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition gives these tips for evaluating a website:</p><p>    *  Find the “About Us” link on the site – This is usually at the very top or the very bottom of the home page. Read what the site says their purpose is and what they believe in. Also read the organization's mission to glean more information.<br/>    * Google the authors on the site – Learn more about the site contributor's qualifications, credentials and connections to the subject.<br/>    * Look for a profit bias - Is the site selling or promoting a product? Does the site take a stand on an issue without being clear that they are an advocacy site? Bias is not necessarily bad, but it should be stated clearly and with intent<br/>    * Check the dates on the information – Especially in vaccine research it is imperative that the information on the site is current and accurate. New vaccine information, findings and discoveries are constantly being published. Make sure you are reading the most current research and data.<br/>    * See the destination of site links and the site’s sponsors – Click around and see what the site is endorsing and linking to as credible sources. Also look for sponsors on the site as these are a strong indicator of what organizations agree with the site's mission.<br/>    * If it is a nonprofit organization, look up their Guidestar profile - Guidestar is a free online database of over 1.8 million IRS recognized tax-exempt organizations. This site pulls together IRS information on the organization's donors, financial stability and more. See where an organization is getting their funding.<br/>    * Contact the site – If you are still unsure of a site's credibility send them a note asking them to send you more information.</p><p><br/>Best of luck in your research!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: millswriting@gmail.com
IP: 71.95.174.184
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/13/2010 05:07:02 AM
<p>I like how you're advocating informed parenting.  We are following an &quot;alternative&quot; vaccination schedule, opting not to do many of them and using a delayed schedule for those we are giving our daughter.  If you haven't already done a &quot;Do your research&quot; on choosing a pediatrician, I think his/her openness to alternative vaccinating and respect for parent's wishes regarding vaccines is a kay question!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Superchikk
EMAIL: superchikk@cox.net
IP: 70.178.28.214
URL: http://www.superchikk.com
DATE: 05/19/2010 01:59:21 PM
<p>We have decided not to vaccinate our son (at least for now), and most people who find out that our 2 1/2 year-old hasn't had any shots are amazed and appalled at the same time. They don't know what to say. I hate that the mainstream media thinks you're crazy if you don't vaccinate, leaving no room for thoughtful, carefully-derived conclusions that can be different for each person. And it's completely ironic to me how people are willing to break the rules in so many areas of their lives, yet they don't even consider bending the rules for vaccinations.</p><p>Our state allows religious, medical, and philosophical exemptions from vaccinations. Most people don't know about them. And admittedly, they are difficult to find information on. You MUST do your homework. I find that people tend to do more research on buying a car than in giving their child vaccines. To me, that's a little upside down.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.66.20.34
URL: http://www.trialanderrorhomeec.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/19/2010 07:24:51 PM
<p>Here's a post I recently did about how I researched this issue and came to my own conclusions (we've decided to delay until 2 and then only do polio and DTaP).</p><p>http://trialanderrorhomeec.blogspot.com/2010/04/vaccination.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carmen Vidal
EMAIL: carmen.vidal@tx.rr.com
IP: 72.190.72.16
URL: http://pebblecrossing.blogspot.com/2010/05/vaccines-are-they-really-safe-effective.html
DATE: 05/20/2010 02:09:17 AM
<p>Shalom, I'm so happy you've posted on this issue.  Yes, let's do our own research.  I'm new to blogging and I just wrote a book review on the book &quot;Vaccines: Are They Really Safe?&quot;  by Neil Miller. A great book in the sense that it presented the facts.  Neil encourages parents of young children or anyone to follow up on their own to make an educated decision.  Here is the link to my book review, I'd appreciate some feedback.  http://pebblecrossing.blogspot.com/2010/05/vaccines-are-they-really-safe-effective.html .   Also check out www.thinktwice.com for more information with regards to immunization laws, vaccines themselves, studies and more.  We need to learn to break out of our conventional programming.</p><p>blessings<br/>carmen</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Do Your Research!: Antibiotics
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/17/2010 12:00:27 PM
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<p>Antibiotics: they've become somewhat controversial lately.&nbsp; Doctors say they're overused.&nbsp; There are scares about MRSA (Methycillin Resistant Staphyloccocus Aureus) and other serious, antibiotic-resistant diseases.&nbsp; And yet, pediatricians frequently prescribe them for ear infections and other illnesses.&nbsp; When are they necessary?&nbsp; When are they not?&nbsp; Do Your Research! and find out.</p>
<p>Questions to ask:</p>
<p>*Does the illness in question (you will have to ask this question every time you are prescribed antibiotics) really require antibiotics, or will it clear on its own?&nbsp; If it will clear on its own, how long will that take? (Make SURE you look at independent sources on this one.&nbsp; Most doctors automatically prescribe antibiotics for ear infections, for example, but most will clear on their own and really don't require it.&nbsp; On the other hand, other infections can be very dangerous if not treated.)</p>
<p>*Without antibiotics, what are the potential complications of this illness?</p>
<p>*What antibiotics are available for this illness?&nbsp; What is their success rate?</p>
<p>*What are the side effects of the chosen antibiotic?&nbsp; Which are likely to occur?</p>
<p>*What is the infection recurrence rate with and without antibiotics?&nbsp; Is infection recurrence a side effect of this antibiotic (it is in some cases, so ask!)?</p>
<p>*What are long-term side effects of antibiotic use, especially repeated use?</p>
<p>*Are there other ways to treat this illness successfully besides antibiotics?</p>
<p>*How long has this antibiotic been in use?&nbsp; Is it safe?&nbsp; How often is it prescribed to people this age (insert your age, your child's age, etc.)?</p>
<p>*How is this antibiotic to be used?&nbsp; How will we know if it is working or not and what should we do if we have questions?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antibiotics/fl00075">Mayo Clinic</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/using-antibiotics-wisely-topic-overview">WebMD</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/anitbiotic-resistance-faqs.html">CDC</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/023595_homeopathic_medicine_homeopathy.html">Natural News on Homeopath</a>y</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tufts.edu/med/apua/">Tufts -- APUA (prudent use of antibiotics)</a></p>
<p><a href="http://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/1/3/76">Pediatrics in Review -- Using Antibiotics in Upper Respiratory Illness</a></p>
<p><a href="http://search2.aap.org/search?site=Search_all_sites&amp;client=default_frontend&amp;proxystylesheet=default_frontend&amp;output=xml_no_dtd&amp;q=antibiotics">AAP on antibiotics</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Antibiotics: they've become somewhat controversial lately.&nbsp; Doctors say they're overused.&nbsp; There are scares about MRSA (Methycillin Resistant Staphyloccocus Aureus) and other serious, antibiotic-resistant diseases.&nbsp; And yet, pediatricians frequently prescribe them for ear infections and other illnesses.&nbsp; When are they necessary?&nbsp; When are they not?&nbsp; Do Your Research! and find out.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/18/2010 06:24:22 PM
<p>Quick question---do you have an opinion about not using antibiotics for a birth when you are Strep B +?  I was with my first and had 10 or 11 doses...yes, long labor.  This time we are using a birth center (very home birth like) and will not have access to antibiotics unless we transfer to a hospital.  I am positive again and would love any information you have!</p><p>Thanks,<br/>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/18/2010 09:10:03 PM
<p>Heather,</p><p>Some of the research I've done indicates that it's usually not necessary to take antibiotics for Group B Strep.  When my son was born at home, I wasn't even tested.  The thing is, the bacteria normally lives in the rectal/vaginal area in many people and is not a sign of infection or problem.  Less than 1% of women who are GBS positive will actually pass the infection to their infants, and IV antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and later blood infections.  Here are some sources:</p><p>http://www.healthychild.com/birth/treating-group-b-strep-are-antibiotics-necessary/<br/>http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gbs.html<br/>http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/group-b-streptococcus.html</p><p>All &quot;mainstream&quot; sources I found simply say &quot;Group B strep is dangerous, use antibiotics&quot; but they do not cite any studies or statistics so I'm not including them here.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 05/20/2010 12:21:32 AM
<p>Heather,<br/>Check the following website, as well. It was a good source to me when pregnant with my first. He was born at home in 2008--I wasn't tested for GBS during pregnancy, but had tested positive in the past/before getting pregnant (I had a GBS+ UTI). The statistics shown on the linked website are for the UK, but a lot of the information is still valid for US reading. :)</p><p>http://www.homebirth.org.uk/gbs.htm</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Do Your Research!: Cloth Diapers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 05/24/2010 12:00:31 PM
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<strong><p>Have you heard about <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/05/wfmw-organize-a-blog-calendar/">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>!**</p>
</strong></p>
<p>As you may know, we use cloth diapers and are therefore totally convinced of their use.&nbsp; But, you may or may not be.&nbsp; So I thought I'd give you some questions and sources on cloth diapers so you can make the decision for yourself (keep in mind, though, that if you are interested in cloth diapers it doesn't have to be "all or nothing."&nbsp; Part time works too!).</p>
<p>Question to ask:</p>
<p>1) What is most important to you, convenience, environment, health, money, time?</p>
<p>2) Do you have access to washing facilities?&nbsp; Easily?</p>
<p>3) Do you mind doing a bit of extra laundry?</p>
<p>4) Are you going back to work?&nbsp; If so, would your daycare/babysitter be willing to use cloth?</p>
<p>5) Will you travel a lot? (disposables may be easier on trips; not always)</p>
<p>6) Is there a brand of disposables that is acceptable, in both price and "contents?" (There are natural, extra-dry, night time, sensitive, regular, etc.)</p>
<p>7) Do you have the money to buy cloth diapers all at once?&nbsp; Invest in other supplies?</p>
<p>8) How important is saving money?</p>
<p>9) Can you deal with cleaning out cloth diapers (dumping, storing, etc.)?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, a few questions about disposables:</p>
<p>1) Do you have easy access to disposables (i.e. nearby stores)?</p>
<p>2) Are your trash services good/easy (i.e. home pick up)?</p>
<p>3) Do you have a&nbsp;place to store new diapers?&nbsp; Dirty ones?</p>
<p>4) Do you have the money to buy disposables (about $50/month)?</p>
<p>5) Does your baby have sensitive skin?&nbsp; If not yet born, do you or your husband? (If yes, baby could be allergic to disposables)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>A few questions about cloth (I will discuss my opinions on some of these later this week!):</p>
<p>1) Do you have the money to invest in a cloth diapering system, or can you do so over a few months' time?</p>
<p>2) Will any daycare or babysitters be willing to use cloth?</p>
<p>3) What system(s) would you prefer to use? (I recommend pockets, but some honestly prefer flats and wool covers)</p>
<p>4) What brands are you interested in? (Several cloth diaper stores offer a "trial pack" and you can return the ones you don't like)</p>
<p>5) Do you prefer one-size diapers or sized diapers?</p>
<p>6) Can you realistically wash them 2 - 3 times per week?</p>
<p>7) Do you have a way to store them, both clean and dirty?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here are some sources to look at:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.borntolove.com/facts.html">Myths VS. Facts About Cloth and Disposables</a></p>
<p><a href="http://diaperdecisions.com/">Diaper Decisions</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/49/1/Reusable-cloth-vs-disposable-diapers.html">Environmental Impact of Disposables and Cloth</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.everydaydiapers.com/Cost_Comparison_Cloth_Fuzzi_Bunz_Vs_Disposable_Diapers_s/14.htm">Cost Comparison</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.consumersearch.com/diapers">Comparison of Top Disposable Brands</a></p>
<p><a href="http://diaperbrands.wordpress.com/">Disposable Diaper Reviews</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.babycottonbottoms.com/what_type_diaper.htm">Cloth Diaper Types, Pros/Cons</a></p>
<p><a href="http://diaperpin.com/diapers/diaperpages.asp">Cloth Diaper Reviews</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>What do you use, cloth, disposable, or a combination?&nbsp; What are your favorites?</p>
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EXCERPT:
As you may know, we use cloth diapers and are therefore totally convinced of their use.&nbsp; But, you may or may not be.&nbsp; So I thought I'd give you some questions and sources on cloth diapers so you can make the decision for yourself (keep in mind, though, that if you are interested in cloth diapers it doesn't have to be "all or nothing."&nbsp; Part time works too!).
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: 'Becca
EMAIL: becca@earthlingshandbook.org
IP: 157.229.22.13
URL: http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2008/04/18/cloth-diapers.aspx
DATE: 05/28/2010 07:30:14 PM
<p>We used cloth diapers and loved, loved, loved them!  Here is <a href="http://blog.earthlingshandbook.org/2008/04/18/cloth-diapers.aspx" rel="nofollow">my article on the advantages of cloth diapering</a> from the perspective of a busy mom employed outside the home.  I was excited about the environmental and financial advantages, but what really sealed my opinion was learning that real diapers just simply work better than fake ones.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: All About Pocket Diapers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/26/2010 12:00:16 PM
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<strong><p>Have you heard about <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</p>
</strong></p>
<p>I feel pretty confident on this topic, because I've been using pocket diapers for almost 2 years, and sewing them nearly as long.&nbsp; Well, I guess longer, technically, since I sewed all my own diapers. :)&nbsp; I've used many different designs and styles, including fitted pockets and covers, one-size pockets, sized-pockets, ones with back openings, sham openings....</p>
<p>So I thought I'd share what I've learned about these diapers so far!</p>
<p>Pocket diapers are the most popular type of diapers out there today.&nbsp; They are diapers which have an opening somewhere (either at one edge, two edges, or somewhere in the middle of the diaper) so you can stuff in an insert of some type.&nbsp; This allows the diaper to be fully customizable.&nbsp; You can add less stuffing for daytime use, and more stuffing for night or naptime use, or while traveling.&nbsp; You can also adjust it for different babies, different ages...and so on.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.bumgenius.com/one-size.php"><img style="width: 400px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/detail3onesizeopen_530x310.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274645027097" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 400px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>That is a picture of a Bum Genius one-size diaper, taken from their website.&nbsp; This diaper is currently the most popular one-size pocket diaper out there.&nbsp; Notice that the opening is towards the back of the diaper, but not at the edge.&nbsp; This is how my diapers are, too.&nbsp; I believe this makes the diapers a lot easier to stuff, they look nicer, and they fit baby better.</p>
<p>One thing many don't like about the Bum Genius, however, is that it is a hook-and-loop closure.&nbsp; There are other brands that use snaps instead.&nbsp; Bum Genius's organic diapers also use snaps.&nbsp; Other diapers that use snaps are Fuzzi Bunz, Tweedlebugs, Blueberry, SnapEZ, Swaddlebees EcoNappi, Mommy's Touch, SmartiPants, and most companies have a version (usually organic) that is snaps.&nbsp; Most "standard" pocket diapers are hook-and-loop (like Velcro but better for diapers).</p>
<p>Personally, I prefer snaps.&nbsp; There are those who prefer hook-and-loop because there are more "fit options" -- that is, you're not locked down to whatever you can get with the snap settings, you can make them as tight or as loose as your baby needs.&nbsp; All babies fit differently, but mine have never had this problem.&nbsp; We have always been able to find a snap setting that fit.&nbsp; It also takes little fingers a lot longer to learn to undo snaps than to undo hook-and-loop!&nbsp; Bekah learned to undo hook-and-loop at 5 months old...but didn't get the snaps until close to age 2.</p>
<p>Pocket diapers are an average of $18 each, although they range from $13 to $30 for individual diapers (typically cheaper if you buy in packages of 3, 6, 12, etc.).</p>
<p>There are reviews of the various options on <a href="http://www.diaperpin.com">DiaperPin</a>, but be aware that every diaper will fit babies differently (i.e. a long, skinny baby would do better in a different diaper than a short, chubbier baby).&nbsp; If you are not sure which brand to use, you can <a href="http://nickisdiapers.com/pages/15DayWash.php">try them out through special programs</a> so you see which your baby really does best in!</p>
<p>Most pocket diapers require you to pull the insert out before you wash, which is something to think about if you don't want to touch dirty diapers.&nbsp; With other styles, there is no insert, so no need to handle the diaper much after you change it.&nbsp; However, other styles may not get as clean and will not dry as quickly for the same reason.&nbsp; Some brands have a wide enough opening that the insert will simply come out in the wash (I NEVER pull my inserts and 95% of the time they do come out in the wash.&nbsp; And if they don't it's a lot less gross to pull them out after washing but before drying!).</p>
<p>Most diapers need to be washed in a small amount of detergent.&nbsp; I recommend washing in <a href="http://www.naturoli.com/soapnuts/">soap nuts</a>.&nbsp; I love my soap nuts and have been using them for almost two years!&nbsp; These are completely natural, so you don't have to worry about any chemicals or residue in the diapers.&nbsp; I really recommend them!&nbsp; Diapers should be washed on HOT, and dried on HOT.&nbsp; Some will tell you not to put diapers in the dryer because the PUL will last longer (that is the stuff on the outside that makes them waterproof).&nbsp; However, I've washed and dried diapers every 2 - 3 days for over 15 months with no issues at all, so I don't think the diapers would really last that much longer if you didn't put them in the dryer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the warm months, it is good to hang the diapers out to dry sometimes, because the sun can kill any bacteria that might be left in the diapers, as well as getting rid of stains.&nbsp; I hang mine out whenever I can, because they require less washing and work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Typically, if I'm drying in the dryer, I will do two washes, and use RLR laundry additive every 3rd or 4th wash.&nbsp; If I'm hanging outside, I only wash them once and then just hang them.&nbsp; Much easier, and they smell much cleaner.&nbsp; Be aware that they will be a bit "crunchy" after hanging out though!</p>
<p>If you are feeling adventurous, you could try <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/23/sewing-cloth-diapers.html">sewing your own diapers</a>.&nbsp; I have a good <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/30/cloth-diaper-tutorial.html">tutorial on making pocket diapers</a>.&nbsp; I made all of mine (8 dozen or so) plus several for friends (I keep thinking about selling diapers, but that's just ONE MORE PROJECT, you know...).&nbsp; I have taught a few classes on sewing diapers, we are planning to sell my patterns (once they've been tested more and professionally drafted) and we also plan to make a video tutorial on sewing diapers.&nbsp; Things for the future....</p>
<p>Now that you've heard my 8 dozen figure, how many do you REALLY need?</p>
<p>12 will just barely make it.</p>
<p>18 will "cover" you (I recommend no fewer than this).</p>
<p>24 will make things pretty good.</p>
<p>36 will mean you always have a diaper, even if you leave some at Grandma's, in the car, etc.</p>
<p>I have 24 newborn, 36 small, and 36 medium, which is where my "8 dozen" comes from.&nbsp; Yes, they are all pocket diapers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Newborn pocket diapers -- should you buy them?</p>
<p>My babies are born weighing barely more than 7 lbs.&nbsp; I sew my own diapers.&nbsp; The cost to sew a pocket diaper is only about $2.&nbsp; The cost to buy is about $18.&nbsp; My babies wear newborn size for about 2 months before they can reliably fit into a small or one-size diaper (around 10 lbs.).&nbsp; So, for me, yes, it's worth it to have newborn pocket diapers.&nbsp; If you have larger babies, or have to buy them all, it's probably not worth it.</p>
<p>That is my haphazard, all-about-pocket-diapers post!</p>
<p>What style of diapers do you use?&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; What brand is your favorite?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I feel pretty confident on this topic, because I've been using pocket diapers for almost 2 years, and sewing them nearly as long.&nbsp; Well, I guess longer, technically, since I sewed all my own diapers. :)&nbsp; I've used many different designs and styles, including fitted pockets and covers, one-size pockets, sized-pockets, ones with back openings, sham openings....
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Get Started Blogging
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/21/2010 12:00:31 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Have you heard about <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</p>
<p><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/womanatcomputer2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274145951459" alt="" /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px;">Image Credit</span></p>
<p>Do you have a blog, too?&nbsp; (If you do, leave a link to it in the comments!&nbsp; I'll put it on my resources page.)&nbsp; Have you ever thought about starting one, but aren't sure where to begin?&nbsp; I was in your shoes about 7 months ago, so I thought I'd give you a few pointers. :)
<p>First there is one hump you need to get over, that I did, and so did many other people.&nbsp; Yes, there are probably HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of blogs out there that touch on or focus on whatever topic you would like to blog about.&nbsp; But that doesn't mean there isn't room for one more.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; You may have a totally unique spin on your topic, and you certainly have your own voice and perspective.&nbsp; There's no reason to NOT start a blog just because there are so many others out there.
<p>Supposing you're now determined to start yours, here are some things you should know:
<p>1) Pick a good name
<p>Whatever blog name you pick, that's who you will be known as in the blogging community.&nbsp; People refer to me as "Modern Alternative Mama" much more often than they refer to me as "Kate."&nbsp; So choose a name you'll feel good about using, something that says something about you.&nbsp; I chose mine because I'm living in a modern world, but I live a very alternative lifestyle and of course, I'm a mama. :)&nbsp; Nicknames can be good, ideas that you've had in your head, etc.&nbsp; Some blogs I follow are<a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com"> Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Kitchen Stewardship</a>, <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com">Passionate Homemaking</a>, <a href="http://www.halleethehomemaker.com">Hallee the Homemaker</a>,<a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com"> Food Renegade</a>, and <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home</a>.&nbsp; Those are some of the popular ones in homemaking/real food blogs.&nbsp; You'll notice common words in there, like "home" and "homemaking."&nbsp; Check out blogs in your niche and then choose a name that fits but is unique, too!
<p>2) Consider buying the domain name
<p>While it's fine to have <a href="http://www.blogname.bloghost.com">www.blogname.bloghost.com</a> as a name, people will find you more easily and you'll seem more professional if it's simply <a href="http://www.blogname.com">www.blogname.com</a>.&nbsp; I've seen huge blogs that never do it, but most do.&nbsp; It's typically $10 a year or less, so if you're serious about blogging, go ahead and do it.&nbsp; That way if you ever get bigger and decide you want it, you'll know you have it (otherwise it might be unavailable!).&nbsp; Plus search engines find you more easily (and they rank you higher if you pay for more than one year at a time, just so you know).
<p>3) Decide what your theme/focus is
<p>What are you blogging about?&nbsp; It can be very general, like "being a stay-at-home mom," and anything that might fall within that (discipline, cooking, cleaning, diapering, feeding, etc.).&nbsp; Or, it might be very specific, like "eliminating plastic containers" (such as Fake Plastic Fish's site).&nbsp; It's up to you, but decide what your overarching theme is going to be.
<p>4) Pick some sub-topics to blog about
<p>If your theme is very specific, you may not need to do this.&nbsp; But if you're blogging about "stay at home moms" you will need to pick things.&nbsp; Do you want to focus on homeschooling, child-rearing, etc.?&nbsp; Or would you rather focus on nutrition, cooking, homemaking tasks?&nbsp; Make a list for yourself of topics you'd like to blog about.&nbsp;
<p>5) Come up with ideas for blog posts
<p>Now, take your sub-topics and come up with ideas for posts.&nbsp; Write them all down.&nbsp; If your blog host has a post "scheduler," take advantage of it and put them directly into the blog and set them as drafts (i.e. not published).&nbsp; You can always edit or delete them later, but at least you have several ideas going.
<p>6) Write tag lines and an introduction
<p>My tag line was "Living the non-mainstream life!" along with other bits about what I blog about: Jesus-loving, cloth diapering, non-vaccinating, etc.&nbsp; Come up with your own tag lines and bits about what you will be blogging about, especially if it's not necessarily obvious from your title (for example, there's a blog that I know of called "<a href="http://www.sarahsmusings.com">Sarah's Musings</a>," which could really be about anything, but I believe is about stay at home moms and food).&nbsp; Then, write your introductory post.&nbsp; Tell who you are, why you wanted to blog, what you plan to blog about, etc.&nbsp; Introduce your family if it's a family-friendly blog (or at least mention them even if it's not).&nbsp; Publish this post immediately.&nbsp; You can pull from this later to write an "about me" section, but don't do everything in one day.
<p>7) Decide how often you'll post, how long posts will be, etc.
<p>Set a posting schedule.&nbsp; Everyday?&nbsp; Three times a week?&nbsp; Once a month?&nbsp; It's whatever you decide.&nbsp; Will you have any theme days, like "Real Food Wednesdays" (hosted at <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>)?&nbsp; Or repeating posts?&nbsp; Get a general idea for how you'd like to do.&nbsp; Try to put up your first "real" post within a week of your introduction, too.
<p>8) Promote yourself&nbsp;
<p>Once you've started your blog and gotten a post or two up, it's time to start promotion.&nbsp; Right now, no one knows you exist, except maybe your friends and family members.&nbsp; But assuming your blog isn't meant just for them, you'll need to promote yourself.&nbsp; The BEST way to do this is to visit all the other blogs in your niche and start commenting on them.&nbsp; Many of them have a way for you to link back to your own blog, and some of them have CommentLuv, which will automatically post a link to your most recent blog post in your comment.&nbsp; Plus, if you regularly comment, a lot of bloggers will get curious and go check out your blog, too.&nbsp; Also, remember, it's a COMMUNITY.&nbsp; These people are your friends, not your competition.&nbsp; Everyone has a slightly different slant and it's great to work together, even if everyone is posting on similar topics (common!).&nbsp; Right now in the "real food" world, most bloggers are offering "how to cook real food" e-courses.&nbsp; But they're all promoting one another's courses because they work together, they're not in competition.
<p>Later, sign up for <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com">Facebook</a> (as a business).&nbsp; Twitter, in my opinion, is an absolutely useless tool from a personal standpoint.&nbsp; I don't really care if you're on your way to the grocery store or are eating for the third time today.&nbsp; But from a business standpoint, it's excellent.&nbsp; You can use post links to all your posts and use hashtags to gain attention from people posting on similar topics.&nbsp; They'll then "follow" you, and hopefully click over to read your posts.
<p>9) Offer carnivals, giveaways, etc.
<p>Once your traffic is decent, you can start to hold "carnivals," which is where you put out a linky box for people to link their posts to yours.&nbsp; It means all of those people are coming on to your blog to put in their links, and they're also linking back to you from their sites, so their readers can find you too.&nbsp; Giveaways are fun because people like free stuff.&nbsp; You can simply contact companies you're interested in working with and ask if you can do a giveaway.&nbsp; Many are happy to help.&nbsp; The two best companies I've worked with on giveaways are <a href="http://www.seventhgeneration.com">Seventh Generation</a> and <a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com">Tropical Traditions</a>.
<p>That's it!&nbsp; Now you have a blog!
<p>And please, please remember: it absolutely is a community.&nbsp; I have seen new bloggers feel like the "big" bloggers are the enemy because they have so much traffic and are "stealing your thunder."&nbsp; But trying to work against them won't help you because they have a large, loyal following.&nbsp; Trying to work WITH them will help you, because maybe they'll take notice of you and mention you in a post and drive traffic your way (this has happened to me).&nbsp; It's awesome to network with <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/19/my-favorite-bloggers.html">so many awesome bloggers</a>!
<p>Good luck with your blog!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Do you have a blog, too?&nbsp; (If you do, leave a link to it in the comments!&nbsp; I'll put it on my resources page.)&nbsp; Have you ever thought about starting one, but aren't sure where to begin?&nbsp; I was in your shoes about 7 months ago, so I thought I'd give you a few pointers. :)
<p>First there is one hump you need to get over, that I did, and so did many other people.&nbsp; Yes, there are probably HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of blogs out there that touch on or focus on whatever topic you would like to blog about.&nbsp; But that doesn't mean there isn't room for one more.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; You may have a totally unique spin on your topic, and you certainly have your own voice and perspective.&nbsp; There's no reason to NOT start a blog just because there are so many others out there.
<p>Supposing you're now determined to start yours, here are some things you should know:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: beth.stedman@gmail.com
IP: 86.49.71.187
URL: http://bethstedman.com/
DATE: 05/21/2010 02:01:51 PM
<p>Kate, this is a good intro post on blogging. I personally have been keeping a blog for years so the first few points were already taken care of and pretty easy for me, but it hasn't been until recently that I've decided to really put some effort into blogging. I actually hadn't heard of CommentLuv before - that's a really great feature - I'm gonna look into it. Thanks! :) I write a lot about faith, food and family as well as whatever else catches my fancy, my blog is www.bethstedman.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Terri
EMAIL: termikgal01@gmail.com
IP: 71.59.141.114
URL: http://tergal.wordpress.com
DATE: 05/22/2010 05:46:52 AM
<p>This was some great advice. I started my blog about 7 months ago. I am so impressed with all the other blogs I follow and feel a bit intimidated. My post are mainly about simple living, frugality, gardening, real food, homemade things.....My blog is called Simply Basic. I am learning as I go and would like to get it looking more professional.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kimberly Hartke
EMAIL: kim.hartke@gmail.com
IP: 68.55.212.51
URL: http://hartkeisonline.com
DATE: 05/22/2010 10:28:41 AM
<p>Thanks for this blogging primer! I wish I had read this when I first started Hartke is Online! two years ago. My blog is about real food, raw milk and home remedies. I also recommend folks to become affiliates of Real Food Media by putting our widget on their blog:</p><p>https://www.realfoodmedia.com/blogroll/create-account.php</p><p>As part of a growing network of food and health blogs, you can build a blog with our team, and learn from other bloggers, as you go.</p><p>Kimberly<br/>http://hartkeisonline.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 05/24/2010 06:50:33 PM
<p>I just found you - and what a timely post! I just started my own blog a few weeks ago and am really enjoying it. I never really thought about marketing it in any way, though. Thanks for all the tips!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Pizza Dough
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/13/2010 12:00:37 PM
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BODY:
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/05/pennywise-platter-thursday-513.html">Pennywise Platter Thursdays</a> at The Nourishing Gourmet!**</p>
<p>Foccacia is really just a fancy name for pizza dough with no sauce on it.&nbsp; It traditionally has oil and spices, and sometimes even cheese or vegetables (like tomato slices) on it.&nbsp; We created this recipe after using many different pizza dough recipes and combining all our favorite ones.</p>
<p>Recently I tried this with no sugar and using sprouted flour, and it is still delicious!&nbsp; We made pizza with homemade sauce, homemade mozzarella, homemade sausage (I'll post that one for you sometime too), and it was SO good!&nbsp; Ultimate, forever-my-recipe good.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>2.5 tsp. yeast</p>
<p>1.25 c. warm water</p>
<p>1 tsp. turbinado sugar (opt.)</p>
<p>&frac12; tsp. basil (opt.)</p>
<p>1 clove garlic, minced (opt.)</p>
<p>2 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>2 tbsp. olive oil</p>
<p>3 &ndash; 4 c. flour (whole wheat, spelt, or sprouted wheat or spelt all work!)&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>In a large bowl, mix yeast, warm water (not warmer than 120 degrees) and sugar, if using.&nbsp; Allow to sit about 5 minutes or until foamy.&nbsp; Add any optional spices, salt, and olive oil.&nbsp; Then, begin to add the flour about &frac12; - 1 c. at a time, stirring to incorporate thoroughly.&nbsp; When the dough becomes thick, difficult to stir, and pulls away from the bowl, add more flour but use your hands to knead the dough.&nbsp; When it is smooth, stretchy, and no longer sticky, it is done.&nbsp; Allow the dough to rise until doubled, about one hour.&nbsp; Then punch it down.&nbsp; Spread it onto pizza pans (2 &ndash; 3 large, or 3 &ndash; 4 medium, depending on crust thickness).&nbsp; Or, spread it onto one giant cookie sheet to make one BIG pizza!&nbsp; Pre-bake at 425 for 5 minutes, then remove and top as desired.&nbsp; At this point, the pizzas can be wrapped tightly and frozen for later.&nbsp; Either way, bake at 425 for 15 &ndash; 25 minutes, until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.&nbsp; Makes 2 &ndash; 3 pizzas (serves about 4).</p>
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EXCERPT:
Foccacia is really just a fancy name for pizza dough with no sauce on it.&nbsp; It traditionally has oil and spices, and sometimes even cheese or vegetables (like tomato slices) on it.&nbsp; We created this recipe after using many different pizza dough recipes and combining all our favorite ones.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Jacquart
EMAIL: sarah.jacquart@gmail.com
IP: 144.92.35.119
URL: 
DATE: 05/13/2010 01:11:43 PM
<p>You mean each pizza serves ~4? So total, if you made 3 pizzas it would serve 12?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/13/2010 04:33:01 PM
<p>Sarah,</p><p>Depends on how hungry the people are how many toppings you put on, etc.  I would say if you divided the dough into three, you'd get about three medium, thin-crust pizzas.  If you're talking about feeding two adults with an average appetite and a couple small kids, each pizza might feed 4.  At our house, the entire batch will feed three of us for about two meals (as my son doesn't eat grains yet).  But I think we eat more than average...lol.  6 - 8 might be a better estimate unless you were serving other foods with it (for the batch, not per pizza).</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Cook Perfect Pancakes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/18/2010 12:01:01 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/05/real-food-wednesday-51910.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Pancakes.</p>
<p>Depending on the recipe, I can love them or hate them.&nbsp; I grew up eating your standard Bisquick pancakes, and although I liked them, I got tired of them really fast.&nbsp; But it was what I was used to, so the one time my mom hauled out her cookbooks and made "real" waffles (yes, I know, not pancakes...but we used Bisquick for both), my brother and I both didn't like that they were slightly sweet and said we preferred the mix.&nbsp; As my mother didn't like to cook much anyway, she never bothered again.</p>
<p>So as an adult, I had to learn to make good pancakes myself.&nbsp; I've experimented with many different recipes, recently settling on my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/6/buttermilk-pancakes.html">buttermilk pancakes</a> recipe.&nbsp; It is SO good...I could (ha, I DO!) eat them everyday.&nbsp; And if you don't use sprouted flour like I do, it lends itself well to soaking.</p>
<p>But, through trying all these different recipes and variations, I have found a few constants in making truly perfect pancakes.&nbsp; Today I'll share these with you.&nbsp; (And by the way, if you want fresh pancakes all the time, you can either make up a double batch and then freeze them -- they toast well -- or mix all the dry ingredients together and keep it in a container, pulling out about 1.5 cups each time and mixing with 1 egg, a little vanilla, and about 1 cup buttermilk.&nbsp; That's just as easy as Bisquick!)</p>
<p>First, you'll need to mix up your recipe.&nbsp; Generally, you'll want to mix the dry ingredients together first (if you haven't done this ahead of time), then add in the wet.&nbsp; The nice thing about my buttermilk pancake recipe is that it doesn't call for any melted butter or oil so it's very easy to mix.&nbsp; You can also add as much or as little buttermilk as you want, depending on if you want thick or thinner pancakes.&nbsp; I recommend somewhere in the middle.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010865.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274149136889" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Second, start heating your pan on medium-high.&nbsp; You can use a griddle if you have one, but I don't.&nbsp; I hear they're a must for large families, but we haven't gotten there yet.&nbsp; Hmm...I wonder if my parents are still using theirs?&nbsp; Maybe I could "borrow" it. :)</p>
<p>Some of you are saying, "Wait!&nbsp; Shouldn't you start to heat the pan as soon as you start mixing the batter?&nbsp; It saves time!"&nbsp; But, no.&nbsp; You actually want the batter to rest for a little while before you make the pancakes, so waiting to heat the pan until after you've finished mixing the batter will force you to do this.&nbsp; Seriously, leave it alone for 10 or 15 minutes.</p>
<p>Get your butter out of the fridge.&nbsp; I make my own.&nbsp; I'll post a cool tutorial on that in a couple weeks, when I do it again.&nbsp; Can you tell how yellow that butter is?&nbsp; It was made from my local raw milk and it is awesome!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010868.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274150617289" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Now, put your butter in the pan.&nbsp; It should immediately sizzle and melt, and may brown SLIGHTLY.&nbsp; If it browns a lot or smokes...your pan is too hot.&nbsp; Take it off the heat for a minute and turn the heat down.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010869.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274150402889" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Use a spoon or small ladle to make your pancakes.&nbsp; I use whatever's handy.&nbsp; Your pancakes should start to sizzle around the edges IMMEDIATELY.&nbsp; If the first one doesn't, don't add any more.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010871.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274150065720" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>That part is VERY IMPORTANT.&nbsp; If your pan isn't hot enough when you add the batter, your pancakes won't rise.&nbsp; If it's too hot, they'll burn before the inside is cooked enough to flip.&nbsp; So it must be very hot, but not too hot.&nbsp; You'll catch on after a batch or two.</p>
<p>When the bubbles are just starting to pop and stay open (as opposed to filling in), gently flip the pancakes.&nbsp; If they resist flipping and feel like they'll fall apart if you try, wait slightly longer.&nbsp; But if you wait until there are many bubbles popped and still open, they'll be burned.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010873.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274150781862" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>They really only need to stay in the pan just another minute or two, to finish cooking.&nbsp; Then, remove them and put them on a plate, preferably inside a towel that will keep them nice and warm.&nbsp; Or not, if you're going to freeze them.&nbsp; They're also good served immediately and covered with lots of butter and some maple syrup (real, please, not that fake stuff).</p>
<p>Add more butter to your pan before starting the next batch.&nbsp; This is why my buttermilk pancakes really don't need butter: they'll get plenty during cooking.&nbsp; So you must add butter between EVERY batch.</p>
<p>Cook the rest of the batches the same way, being careful that your pan never gets too hot.&nbsp; It's easy for that to happen with subsequent batches and you may want to turn your pan down just slightly to prevent it.</p>
<p>I hope you have a nice stack of perfect pancakes now!&nbsp; I know I do!&nbsp; Time to enjoy. :)</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010880.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274151131873" alt="" /></span></span></p>
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EXCERPT:
Pancakes.</p>
<p>Depending on the recipe, I can love them or hate them.&nbsp; I grew up eating your standard Bisquick pancakes, and although I liked them, I got tired of them really fast.&nbsp; But it was what I was used to, so the one time my mom hauled out her cookbooks and made "real" waffles (yes, I know, not pancakes...but we used Bisquick for both), my brother and I both didn't like that they were slightly sweet and said we preferred the mix.&nbsp; As my mother didn't like to cook much anyway, she never bothered again.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: sparilis@mac.com
IP: 98.221.205.86
URL: 
DATE: 05/19/2010 03:24:30 PM
<p>I appreciate the effort, but honestly, these pancakes don't look so perfect to me.  They look nearly burnt. I'm not sure what kind of bottom is on that pan that you are using, but I suspect it's the culprit. I prefer seasoned cast iron for pancakes.  The heat is much easier to control. Also, you won't have to butter the pan before each batch.</p><p>You also said:  &quot;If your pan isn't hot enough when you add the batter, your pancakes won't rise.  If it's too hot, they'll burn before the inside is cooked enough to flip.  So it must be very hot, but not too hot&quot;.  This is true except for your last sentence.  The answer is to have the pan on medium heat, not &quot;very hot&quot;.  Your pancakes will rise and brown gently and they will cook all the way through, and they won't burn.  </p><p>More important to note is that with pancakes - and any food that you cook in batches, the pan gets hotter with each batch (unless you use an electric griddle with a thermostat). So if you start out with a &quot;very hot&quot; pan for the first batch, the third batch will be charcoal.  Unless, of course, you are removing the pan from the heat between batches to cool it down. </p><p>Once again, I appreciate the effort that you took to write this post because not enough people are cooking from scratch these days and it should be encouraged, so thanks for that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/19/2010 06:21:55 PM
<p>Sue,</p><p>Thanks for your comments and recommendation on cast iron -- I keep meaning to get mine out, but haven't yet!  Maybe this will be my motivation.</p><p>We enjoy adding butter to the pan between each batch, for the flavor and added fat.  We also like the pancakes well the way they came out.  They are very slightly burned, yes, but they are also fluffy and light and moist, NOT easy to achieve with sprouted flour!  I also did note in the post that you should turn the pan down a bit after the first batch to help control the heat.  But, thanks for your notes.  </p><p>If you haven't been here before, look around and see some of my other recipes -- there are several, and according to the comments many are excellent. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The Ultimate Diaper Bag
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/12/2010 12:00:42 PM
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<p>What's in YOUR diaper bag?</p>
<p>A couple weeks ago I was shopping with my mom for shoes (don't laugh...I bought my first pair of dress shoes since I was 13!) and I'd worn sandals and no socks or pantyhose.&nbsp; But my mom had her purse and had brought some "ankle high" panty hose, so I borrowed them to try on shoes.&nbsp; I didn't have my kids with me so I had no diaper bag, and I don't carry a purse anymore (just throw my wallet and keys in the diaper bag or my pocket) so I really had nothing with me.&nbsp; It got me thinking, though.&nbsp; As a mother I ought to be more prepared!&nbsp; MY mom was prepared and she doesn't even have little kids anymore!&nbsp; So I decided I needed to think of the Ultimate Diaper Bag.&nbsp; What it looks like, and what's in it.</p>
<p>First, let's keep in mind I have two small children.&nbsp; Bekah is 27 months, and Daniel is nearly 10 months.&nbsp; Bekah WAS in diapers when I thought this up, but now is basically done with them (Saturday she just decided to take off her diaper and use the potty with no prompting or help at all and has stayed dry...).</p>
<p>So what would the ultimate diaper bag LOOK like?</p>
<p>*Small enough to be easy to carry, but big enough to contain all my random stuff</p>
<p>*Lots of pockets!&nbsp; I love pockets.&nbsp; Inside, outside, etc.</p>
<p>*Zips completely closed so nothing will fall out</p>
<p>*A built-in wet bag section would be super nice!&nbsp; Then if I forget one there's still a good place to keep dirty diapers that's not near our snacks and etc.</p>
<p>*Small section just for snack cups and stuff</p>
<p>*Drink carriers on the outside</p>
<p>*A special, small compartment for my wallet, keys, cell phone that is easy to access</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>What would my ultimate diaper bag contain?</p>
<p>*Two diapers/and or training pants per child (more if really long outing, but generally two)</p>
<p>*One full change of clothes for each child</p>
<p>*2 - 3 small snacks</p>
<p>*Baby wipes and a spray bottle of water</p>
<p>*Wet bag (or built-in if I'm lucky)</p>
<p>*A few small toys, preferably very interesting and very quiet ones</p>
<p>*A bib</p>
<p>*A couple small spoons (recently I stopped to get snacks on the way to the park and ended up with yogurt...and no spoon...it was a good thing I had extra clothes!)</p>
<p>*Extra socks, and shoes for a longer trip</p>
<p>*A small towel/changing pad</p>
<p>*A small hairbrush and a couple ponytail holders</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hmm...I think that's it for my usual trips.&nbsp; That should cover us no matter WHAT happens!</p>
<p>What does YOUR ultimate diaper bag look like?&nbsp; What's in it?&nbsp; Anyone interested in trying to design one with me?!&nbsp; Hmm...I think a project is coming. :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
What's in YOUR diaper bag?</p>
<p>A couple weeks ago I was shopping with my mom for shoes (don't laugh...I bought my first pair of dress shoes since I was 13!) and I'd worn sandals and no socks or pantyhose.&nbsp; But my mom had her purse and had brought some "ankle high" panty hose, so I borrowed them to try on shoes.&nbsp; I didn't have my kids with me so I had no diaper bag, and I don't carry a purse anymore (just throw my wallet and keys in the diaper bag or my pocket) so I really had nothing with me.&nbsp; It got me thinking, though.&nbsp; As a mother I ought to be more prepared!&nbsp; MY mom was prepared and she doesn't even have little kids anymore!&nbsp; So I decided I needed to think of the Ultimate Diaper Bag.&nbsp; What it looks like, and what's in it.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 05/12/2010 05:55:24 PM
<p>I didn't start carrying a &quot;diaper bag&quot; until I was going out regularly with Cam AND Owen--so, when the kids were 9 and 18 months. Then I'd bring a diaper for each kid, maybe wipes, sippies, snacks...plus wallet, cell, etc. If I was just out with Cam, I had a diaper in the car if I was lucky (he rarely pooped out in public, lol). I just threw a toy in my purse for him (which was just a cotton bag, not a real purse). Wallet, cell phone...that's it! Easy peasy. I usually didn't even remember a snack/sippy for him, lol.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: C
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.100.247.231
URL: 
DATE: 05/13/2010 04:35:24 AM
<p>The skip hop duo has a ton of pockets There are three large pockets inside, 4 small magnetic pockets outside 2 zippered upper pockets in my bag. I use mine as my 'purse' and I have 3 girls. One fully trained so just need snacks and a drink, one in training so I always have a change of clothes, drink, snacks. One 5 mo old 3 mo adjusted with nursing issues, so I have diapers, change of clothes, emergency bottle with ice pack and pumped milk, formula just in case.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MIchelle
EMAIL: dorkkitty@yahoo.com
IP: 74.79.78.7
URL: http://punkrockmichelle.blogspot.com/
DATE: 05/13/2010 07:10:58 AM
<p>I also like to carry special treats like lollipops in case we get stuck in traffic .They have saved us from screaming &amp; tantrums more that once &amp; I'll admit it!  Plus, I collect all the free crayons that restaurants give out &amp; keep them in a side pocket w/ a small coloring book for my LO.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Solid Advice: Use Cash!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/05/2010 12:00:08 PM
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</em><strong>Have you seen the new ad on the right hand side?&nbsp; Kristen of Food Renegade just launched her NEW ebook, </strong><a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105"><strong>Real Food Nutrition and Health</strong></a><strong>, which is a textbook for homeschool families!&nbsp; If you're trying to teach your children about true nutrition and health (not the politically correct version), you need this book.&nbsp; Or, if you're just trying to learn for yourself...you still need this book!&nbsp; If you click the link above or the ad on the right, I will get a small commission, and I thank you for that. :)</strong></p>
<p>Today's post was supposed to be on strawberry picking.&nbsp; But unfortunately I wasn't able to take pictures of our recent trip, because Ben has been out of town this week (he's back now, and we missed him!) and took the camera with him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I wish I'd gotten a picture of Daniel.&nbsp; He sat in the field and just ate strawberries until he was COVERED in red juice.&nbsp; He did a great job of getting messy.&nbsp; That is a little boy's job, right?&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>Instead, though, I'm going to tell you today about a change we recently made to how we handle our grocery budget and what a huge difference it has made to us.</p>
<p>I'm going to be honest with you.&nbsp; Very honest.&nbsp; About a year and a half ago, we agreed that we would have $340 to spend every two weeks on "household needs."&nbsp; This meant food, gas, toiletries, etc.&nbsp; I was the one who did the math and came up with the number.&nbsp; We found, several months later, that we were frequently going over.&nbsp; Bulk purchases, extra car trips and other things kept happening and we couldn't keep up, especially with rising gas and food purchases.&nbsp; Ben absolutely hates going over budget so this meant some fighting between us.&nbsp; I re-did the math, including some wiggle room for the "extras" that kept occurring, and we increased it to $380 every two weeks.</p>
<p>Now, as a small side note: I'm giving you hard numbers here because I hate reading blog posts where people talk vaguely about how they save money but don't really tell you how much they spent or saved.&nbsp; I can't figure out if it really helped, if it would help me, if what I'm spending is in line with what others are spending, etc. if I can't see the math.&nbsp; So here it is.</p>
<p>When we initially came up with this plan, we set it up this way: we created three bank accounts.&nbsp; One for savings, one for "bill pay" (out of which our mortgage, insurance, etc. come), and one for "household."&nbsp; The only thing should be going in and out of household is that $380 and groceries, gas, etc.&nbsp; I have a debit card for that account (so does Ben).&nbsp; Over time, though, because we only have checks for that account (it used to be our primary/only account), and a few things initially got set up as direct deposit from that account, there were several "extra" transactions going through it.&nbsp; Ben checked it and covered any extras from the bill pay account, but things got way too confusing.</p>
<p>Plus, there was the issue that I wasn't paying as much attention to what I was spending as I should have.&nbsp; I made my careful meal plans and lists but when I got to the store I would let Bekah choose a snack, I'd buy a little extra of something, I'd decide I didn't need something, I'd substitute things, I'd remember something else we really needed, etc.&nbsp; I always ended up spending more than I had planned.&nbsp; With all of these things going on, we were frequently going over budget -- again.&nbsp; I kept adding up what I knew I'd spent and I was usually coming out under.&nbsp; But there was less money in the account.&nbsp; We absolutely couldn't resolve this because it made no sense.&nbsp; So we decided that the system was broken and needed to change.</p>
<p>I estimate that I do spend, and need to spend about $250 every two weeks on food.&nbsp; I'm slowly reducing that, actually, but that's where we are now.&nbsp; We decided I would get that amount in cash instead of using the debit card.&nbsp; Gas would still go on the debit card because frankly, I find it annoying to use cash at the gas station now.&nbsp; You have to prepay, then go in again to get your change...with two small children in the car, it's just not worth it.</p>
<p>Our first time doing this was starting a week ago.&nbsp; I wrote my list out very carefully, making sure to use up anything we had left at home, which included some beef roasts, frozen cooked chicken, beans, some veggies, etc.&nbsp; It was easy, really, because Ben was out of town so I wasn't making too many real "meals," just odds and ends for me and the kids.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Then I created several envelopes and set aside money in them.&nbsp; I have envelopes for "Farm orders," "Bulk orders," "Non-food coop," "Kitchen gadgets," and "Special treat."&nbsp; Here is what they each are for:</p>
<p><strong>Farm orders</strong> -- For anything we buy from the farms.&nbsp; Eggs, meat, milk, etc.&nbsp; I create a list of what I need in the short- and long-term and set aside money each week to buy those things.&nbsp; For example, this week we're buying some ground beef, some whole chickens, bacon, eggs, and milk.&nbsp; We're also saving to buy half a pig, which I still start setting aside money for next week, as we won't go to the farm again for three weeks (i.e. we don't need money to buy an immediate order next week).&nbsp; I have $95 set aside for this week's order.</p>
<p><strong>Bulk orders</strong> -- This includes any grains, pasta, beans, etc. that we might buy in large quantities, either from a local coop or from online sources like <a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com">Tropical Traditions</a> or <a href="http://www.azurestandard.com">Azure Standard</a>.&nbsp; I keep a running list of items we buy in bulk, how much they cost, how long certain quantities would last us, etc. so that I can slowly create my system to always have money for bulk items when I need them.&nbsp; This includes strained tomatoes in glass jars, spelt grains, sprouted pasta, garbanzo beans, etc.&nbsp; I have $40 set aside here right now, but I'm not ordering yet (because the shipping is more than I anticipated since we don't have any drop points from Azure Standard in my state).</p>
<p><strong>Non-food coop</strong> -- I belong to some coops online from which I buy other natural products, like soap nuts.&nbsp; Soap nuts, retail, are about $40/kg.&nbsp; I can get them for $18.50/kg plus shipping in the coops.&nbsp; I set aside money for those items here, since I buy them separately.&nbsp; I have $25 set aside here.</p>
<p><strong>Kitchen gadets</strong> -- There are TONS of kitchen gadgets I can think of that would make my life easier, like a mandolin slicer, a digital scale, etc.&nbsp; I am going to start a list of all of these items and then prioritize them.&nbsp; I'm setting aside a bit of money each week so that as I've saved up I can start to buy them.&nbsp; And, since I've saved, I can make sure to do some research and get ones that will last and work well.&nbsp; I have $10 set aside here.</p>
<p><strong>Special treat</strong> -- If I happen to have any money leftover after setting aside all the rest of this, and buying whatever I need locally, I will put it in this envelope at the end of the two-week period.&nbsp; When we've saved up enough (probably $20 - $30), we can go out to eat, go play mini-golf, or do something else fun as a family.&nbsp; Just to keep things interesting!&nbsp; I have nothing set aside here, because we are not at the end of the two weeks yet!</p>
<p>After doing all of this, I still had around $100 (I'd spent some this time on our mini-vacation last week so I didn't have as much as usual.&nbsp; Ben's sister got married!).&nbsp; I spent about $45 at local stores to buy cheese, some corn chips, potatoes, and a few other basic necessities.&nbsp; Then I spent an additional $10 or thereabouts at a local farmer's market to buy some produce and some sausage.&nbsp; I had set aside less in the envelops initially but after seeing how little I needed from the stores, I went ahead and set aside more, the amounts written above.&nbsp; I have $20 left for various and sundries now, but I have all the food I need for the next week (except, of course, for the farm order, which we'll be picking up today; it will last for three weeks).</p>
<p>This system has already made a HUGE difference for us.&nbsp; Unbelievable.</p>
<p>In addition to switching to a cash/envelope system, we also added in $20 of "blow money" each every two weeks.&nbsp; This is one of <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com">Dave Ramsey's</a> concepts.&nbsp; The idea is that you get a small amount of money to spend however you want as a reward for sticking to a budget.&nbsp; I really need this, psychologically.&nbsp; I found when I didn't have any blow money, I wanted to sneak more treats into the grocery cart, or buy lunch at Whole Foods, or do other things that were seriously upping my grocery bill because I knew I didn't really have any money that was "mine" and I would not get a treat otherwise.&nbsp; I couldn't buckle down and get serious about the budget because I felt like it wasn't fair.&nbsp; Ben and I struggled with this because he desperately wanted me to be on board and I just wasn't and couldn't tell him why.&nbsp; Finally I told him I needed some blow money.&nbsp; To which he said "You have to tell me these things!&nbsp; This is OUR budget; we make decisions together!" and he drove to the bank and gave me $20.&nbsp; I used it to take the kids out for Mexican food (which Ben hates) with a friend this week.&nbsp; We had a great time and I don't have to feel guilty. :)</p>
<p>The end result of ALL of this is that we spend less money, get more food (and better food in certain cases), we are all happier, Ben and I are truly on the same page now and...well...there are no downsides!&nbsp; I don't find it to be a big deal to carry cash around, especially since I don't do much shopping at local stores at this point anyway -- mostly at the farms is where I get stuff, or online.</p>
<p>I highly recommend this system!&nbsp; I avoided it for SO long.&nbsp; I knew about this system three years ago I "didn't wanna," but...it's worth it!</p>
<p>How do you pay for groceries?&nbsp; If you use cash, have you found it makes a difference for you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's post was supposed to be on strawberry picking.&nbsp; But unfortunately I wasn't able to take pictures of our recent trip, because Ben has been out of town this week (he's back now, and we missed him!) and took the camera with him.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: jrcrhansen@gmail.com
IP: 24.118.175.57
URL: http://thehansens.wordpress.com
DATE: 06/18/2010 08:01:52 AM
<p>Awesome post! I really need to start using cash for our food budget... ever since we switched to real food over the last 6 months, our food budget has at least doubled. Mostly because I've been buying everything in bulk (from Azure Standard and Tropical Tradtions), but we also joined a CSA this year, and we started buying more expensive local raw milk and local pastured eggs, AND we're also saving for an order of 12 pastured chickens and a 1/4 a cow! YIKES! Something to the likes of $600-800 a month between all of that, and it's just TWO of us!! Just crazy. I keep telling myself that once I buy all this stuff in bulk, then all I have to do is &quot;restock&quot; when I'm low, so hopefully it will work out in the long run, but it's still been hard on the pocket to shell out that much money each month, while also working hard at getting out of debt. And yep, I do struggle with randomly buying things that look good or on sale at the store or online... need to plan a little better with that. You know what's been holding me back? The 2% cash back I get for using my debit card... but I KNOW that we're not saving anything if I keep overspending to get that extra cash... so counter-intiuitive! Definitely going to try switching to all cash this next month. :) Thanks for this!  (sorry for the LONG comment!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 72.95.228.164
URL: 
DATE: 02/27/2011 09:50:54 PM
<p>Cash is the way to go.  My husband and I follow a similar system.  It really helps to have personal money to spend as we see fit.  That way if I have a night where I am really tired I can say &quot;we&#39;re going out for Thai food&quot; and I have the money to cover it, or if I must buy yarn (for my entertainment).  We also include an &quot;infrastructure&quot; envelope for purchases that enrich our &quot;homestead.&quot;  Books, courses, tools and other type items come out of that envelope.  I just wish there was a good way to reduce our gas costs.  Thanks for this post. I really appreciate hearing how someone else handles the grocery budget issue.  I also love the real numbers!  It helps to visualize the system.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Caesar Dressing
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/20/2010 12:00:23 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/05/pennywise-platter-thursday-520.html#more-2902">Pennywise Platter Thursdays at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/07/cool-foods-and-an-ultimate-recipe-swap.html">&nbsp;Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as MOM</a>&nbsp;and Whole Foods for the Holidays Salads at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/11/01/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-salads/">Naturally Knocked Up</a>!**</p>
<p>When I was almost 10, we went to Disney World.&nbsp; But on the way, we stopped to visit my mom's sister's family.&nbsp; My Uncle Jim is a mailman, but in his younger days, he was a waiter at a very upscale restaurant.&nbsp; Many waiters at such establishments learn to make their own versions of Caesar salad, so they can prepare it right at the table to the delight of their customers.&nbsp; My Uncle Jim had learned to do this and still prepared it from time to time for his family.&nbsp; The night we visited, he prepared it for us.&nbsp; I loved it!&nbsp; I've never had a Caesar salad as good as his, but that doesn't stop me from constantly trying to find it again.&nbsp; Today I'm bringing you the version I've recently made.&nbsp; I'm not 100% happy with it, but it's pretty good!&nbsp; It's also very healthy!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>2 large cloves garlic</p>
<p>3 anchovy filets, mashed</p>
<p>1 egg</p>
<p>3 tbsp. red wine vinegar</p>
<p>2 tbsp. lemon juice</p>
<p>1 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. basil</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. thyme</p>
<p>1/2 c. olive oil</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, here you can see all my ingredients, minus the thyme and sea salt.&nbsp; I forgot about those at first, but decided as I was mixing and tasting that I needed them.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010827.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274644787806" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>First, use a microplane grater to crush your garlic.&nbsp; If you don't have one (and you should!), you can mince it, but it'll be better incorporated into the dressing if you can really crush it.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010833.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274645136245" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Then, go ahead and mash up your anchovy filets.&nbsp; I suppose you could use a bit of anchovy paste, too.&nbsp; But, see, I really LIKE anchovies.&nbsp; In fact, I sampled several while I was making the dressing. :)&nbsp; When I was in high school, my dad and I used to order anchovy and pineapple pizza -- yes, really.&nbsp; So I have no need for anchovy paste, because then I couldn't eat them.&nbsp; You can actually leave them out if you really don't like them...but as I said, I really do.&nbsp; I also like the sheer complexity of flavors (the more flavors in most dishes, the better, for me).</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010840.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274645243661" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Add the red wine vinegar.&nbsp; And, a quick note about that.&nbsp; Most people in the "real food" world extoll the benefits of apple cider vinegar and use it pretty much exclusively.&nbsp; I can't stand the stuff.&nbsp; It smells and tastes like apple juice gone bad to me.&nbsp; Red wine vinegar, on the other hand, I love.&nbsp; And this Eden brand is unfiltered and contains sediment and "mother of vinegar" just like ACV does, so why not use it?&nbsp; You could use ACV if you love it, but I just don't.</p>
<p>Then, you need to coddle your egg.&nbsp; You don't HAVE to if you're using a pastured egg (which I am), but I've read it makes your dressing a bit smoother.&nbsp; So, I coddle it.&nbsp; Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove, then add the egg for exactly 45 seconds.&nbsp; My timer is only in minutes, so I set it for 1 minute, then wait until it ticks down to 45 seconds and quickly add the egg.&nbsp; When it beeps, it's done.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010837.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274645619695" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Crack your egg into your dressing and whisk it in.&nbsp; I had started whisking a little before I remembered to take a picture.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010842.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274645465069" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Add your lemon juice now.&nbsp; Just squeeze in about half a lemon, you don't need to measure it.</p>
<p>Then, add your spices.&nbsp; Salt, thyme, basil.&nbsp; You can add a little black pepper, too, if you want.&nbsp; I considered it but then...just didn't.&nbsp; It's good either way.</p>
<p>Now, slowly stream in your olive oil.&nbsp; SLOWLY.&nbsp; If you go too fast, the dressing won't emulsify, meaning that your oil will separate from your other ingredients.&nbsp; It doesn't matter if that happens, you'll just have to shake a lot before you use it each time.&nbsp; Make sure you are whisking as you do this.&nbsp; Here's what it looks like, finished:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010846.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274645956764" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I did find it much more likely to emulsify once I added the egg, so maybe it will work out easily for you, too!</p>
<p>Then, pour your dressing into a bottle.&nbsp; I can't find the lid for my "dressing bottle," so I'm using an old strained tomatoes bottle.&nbsp; Recycling or something, right?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010847.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274646303919" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Finally, serve it!&nbsp; I've torn up my Romaine lettuce, topped it with chicken cooked in coconut oil (SO GOOD!), sheep's milk Romano cheese (Parmesan is traditional), and poured on the dressing.&nbsp; Here's a picture of what that looks like, with the extra anchovies on top (since I love them):</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010850.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274646703479" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>You'll notice I'm missing one traditional element: the croutons.&nbsp; I had good intentions, but ended up taking a nap instead of finishing them.&nbsp; Here's as far as they got:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010853.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274646856559" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>That's my first attempt at sourdough, by the way.&nbsp; It was very dense because it only rose during baking and not that much.&nbsp; But since croutons were on my list it didn't matter too much.</p>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; That's Caesar salad!&nbsp; And I've been eating it while writing this and now I have to say, it really is fantastic!&nbsp; Maybe I initially misjudged it...hmm.&nbsp; But it's pretty yummy!</p>
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EXCERPT:
hen I was almost 10, we went to Disney World.&nbsp; But on the way, we stopped to visit my mom's sister's family.&nbsp; My Uncle Jim is a mailman, but in his younger days, he was a waiter at a very upscale restaurant.&nbsp; Many waiters at such establishments learn to make their own versions of Caesar salad, so they can prepare it right at the table to the delight of their customers.&nbsp; My Uncle Jim had learned to do this and still prepared it from time to time for his family.&nbsp; The night we visited, he prepared it for us.&nbsp; I loved it!&nbsp; I've never had a Caesar salad as good as his, but that doesn't stop me from constantly trying to find it again.&nbsp; Today I'm bringing you the version I've recently made.&nbsp; I'm not 100% happy with it, but it's pretty good!&nbsp; It's also very healthy!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bridgette
EMAIL: 
IP: 208.54.35.82
URL: 
DATE: 05/20/2010 10:29:52 PM
<p>It looks like you forgot to list the egg in the ingredien<br/>ts list. I love anchoves also and like to eat them out of the tin.<br/> Thanks for posting this!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Chocolate Fudge Cake
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/27/2010 12:00:40 PM
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<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Have you heard about </strong><a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273"><strong>Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</strong></a><strong>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-may-28th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>Today's recipe is a definite indulgence.&nbsp; But it is soooooooooooo delicious.&nbsp; Rich, dark, gooey...and totally flourless!</p>
<p>A little over a week ago, I was craving some really rich chocolate dessert.&nbsp; I searched through various recipes and just couldn't find anything I really wanted to make.&nbsp;&nbsp;I decided to head into the kitchen and start mixing things together, see what I came up with.&nbsp; This is it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 c. hot water (a little extra; needs to be 1 c. after boiling)</p>
<p>8 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate</p>
<p>1.5 c. Sucanat</p>
<p>2 tsp. baking soda</p>
<p>1 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>2 tsp. vanilla extract</p>
<p>2 eggs</p>
<p>4 tbsp. butter</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Place hot water in a pan over medium heat.&nbsp; Bring to a boil and re-measure (should still be 1 cup; add a little extra if necessary).&nbsp; Add chocolate and stir until melted.&nbsp; Mix in sucanat, salt, eggs, vanilla, and butter.&nbsp; Add baking soda.&nbsp; Stir until smooth.&nbsp; Pour into a 9 x 13 buttered pan.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 20 &ndash; 25 min.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Glaze:</p>
<p>2 tbsp. butter</p>
<p>&frac14; c. cocoa powder</p>
<p>1 c. powdered sugar (more for thicker frosting)</p>
<p>2 tbsp. water</p>
<p>1 tsp. vanilla extract</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mix together, drizzle over top of slightly cooled cake.&nbsp; Alternately, stir in extra powdered sugar and spread over the top (may need to double all ingredients, and more than double powdered sugar, to have enough frosting to do it this way).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's recipe is a definite indulgence.&nbsp; But it is soooooooooooo delicious.&nbsp; Rich, dark, gooey...and totally flourless!</p>
<p>A little over a week ago, I was craving some really rich chocolate dessert.&nbsp; I searched through various recipes and just couldn't find anything I really wanted to make.&nbsp;&nbsp;I decided to head into the kitchen and start mixing things together, see what I came up with.&nbsp; This is it.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle (Health Food Lover)
EMAIL: healthfoodlover@gmail.com
IP: 60.240.231.219
URL: http://healthfoodlover.com
DATE: 05/27/2010 01:33:30 PM
<p>Wow! This recipe was calling my name! Anything chocolate- I'm there!</p><p>So what was the texture like for the cake? And do you have a picture?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Things Kids Say...And Their Parents, Too
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/16/2010 12:00:58 PM
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<p>If you don't have kids, or spend much time around them, you might not know why this is such a big deal.&nbsp; But it has been for years.&nbsp; Remember that old show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things?"&nbsp; Silly as it may be to put it that way, they sure do!&nbsp; And in response to some of the things kids say, parents say some pretty ridiculous things too.&nbsp; So here is a collection of funny things kids (and parents!) have said:</p>
<p>&nbsp;"Bekah!&nbsp; Don't decorate my shoulder with spaghetti!" (recently!)</p>
<p>Bekah: "Uh-oh!&nbsp; Silly brother!" (frequently, but most recently after he dumped his breakfast on the floor)</p>
<p>Bekah, as she climbs into the driver's seat: "I drive car!"</p>
<p>A kid in my first grade class (way back in 1991!) "Those bodacious marks." (He meant "quotation marks.")</p>
<p>From Twitter:</p>
<p>@SeattleBabyGear: "Mom, I'm not for tickling, I'm just for loving!"</p>
<p>@HW_L: "That's redigiless" said my neighbors 3 yr old little Amy ! :o)</p>
<p>@Pattibear: My granddaughter was in kindergarten the teacher said "give this to Mom," she said "That's not my mom, it's grandma and she's 47."</p>
<p>@amhrani: I'm not a parent but when I worked daycare I heard a 5yr old girl say to a boy "{NAME}, you're delicious like a cheeseburger."</p>
<p>What are some crazy things you've said as a parent?&nbsp; Or that your children have said?</p>
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EXCERPT:
If you don't have kids, or spend much time around them, you might not know why this is such a big deal.&nbsp; But it has been for years.&nbsp; Remember that old show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things?"&nbsp; Silly as it may be to put it that way, they sure do!&nbsp; And in response to some of the things kids say, parents say some pretty ridiculous things too.&nbsp; So here is a collection of funny things kids (and parents!) have said:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/17/2010 01:12:43 AM
<p>This was heard second-hand from a friend, but I figured it'd work:</p><p>This friend was at a New Years' party and the couple hosting it had a 5-6 year old kid that they decided to let stay up for the ball drop. The hosts started making out at midnight, and their kid walked up to them and said &quot;Um, when you're done with that, can I have a glass of water?&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: tris
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.28.245.222
URL: 
DATE: 05/18/2010 02:53:56 AM
<p>i'm a soon to be mother.  however, last night my husband and i were at a cookout with a bunch of people from church.  my husband says &quot;my wife is tarded&quot; (short for retarded, if you saw the movie idiocracy you'd know what i'm talking about)  he only says it b/c he thinks that part of the movie is funny, but one of the little kids heard him.  the kid asked me what that meant and i said &quot;it's short for a word you're probalby not allowed to say.&quot;  well the kid figured it out and then later i hear him yell at me &quot;hey tarded can you get me something to drink&quot;</p><p>my husband makes me nervous about becoming parents to say the least.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: My Favorite Bloggers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/19/2010 12:00:59 PM
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<p>In the world of blogging, no one goes it alone.</p>
<p>That is to say, I didn't just start my blog out of nowhere.&nbsp; Yes, I had "things" to say all the time, motivation to want to talk to my audience, but the idea was in my head for a long time before I did anything about it.&nbsp; It was after I started reading several excellent blogs that I finally decided to go ahead and try it out myself.&nbsp; Today I thought I'd share some of those with you, so that if you haven't "met" these bloggers yet, you'll have a chance to do so!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home (Stephanie)</a></p>
<p>Stephanie's blog is one of the first I found, and the first I actually subscribed to.&nbsp; Looking around her site, we had a TON in common!&nbsp; She's a stay-at-home mom who, at the time, was pregnant (her little girl is about 9 months now, about a month younger than Daniel).&nbsp; She loves the Lord, she gardens, she cooks traditional foods, she's into alternative health, she breastfeeds and cloth diapers -- it was amazing to see all we had in common!&nbsp; She was sort of a role model for me, for the mom and homemaker I'd like to be someday, and the blogger I still hope to become.&nbsp; If you haven't read her blog, go over to say hi!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a></p>
<p>I actually found Kelly's blog first, a long time ago, when I was searching for a recipe.&nbsp; At that time I didn't pay a whole lot of attention because I wasn't into "real food" much yet.&nbsp; But I found her again through other blogs I was reading and now I subscribe.&nbsp; Kelly blogs all about real food issues, but she is also a Catholic mom and she blogs about that, too.&nbsp; Anything surrounding real food and an alternative lifestyle, Kelly has written about at one point or another, although she focuses on real food.&nbsp; Kelly knows a TON about buying and cooking good quality food and has a lot of great sources!&nbsp; I've read excellent tutorials on water kefir and other foods that were once daunting to me on her site.&nbsp; She is another great resource, so go visit her!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Kitchen Stewardship (Katie)</a></p>
<p>I LOVE this blog.&nbsp; I found it, actually, when Stephanie (Keeper of the Home) had Johanna last summer and had a series of guest posters.&nbsp; Katie was one of them.&nbsp; After that I clicked over to her blog and have subscribed and been reading daily ever since.&nbsp; Katie writes about real food, too.&nbsp; She has such long, informative, well-researched posts on a variety of subjects.&nbsp; I wish I could write posts like hers!&nbsp; She takes the time to really look into issues, contact experts, and write really definitive posts on a variety of subjects.&nbsp; Recently she's been talking about "soaking grains" and has talked to many different experts.&nbsp; She's also posted a number of excellent tutorials on making sourdough bread, yogurt, and lots of other foods.&nbsp; I use these all the time!&nbsp; Katie doesn't do anything small or partially done, she really goes all out on every issue.&nbsp; She also has one fantastic series after another.&nbsp; Currently it's her "Spring Cleaning Carnival," which is focusing on issues like meat, gluten, plastic, etc. instead of traditional spring cleaning.&nbsp; Prior to that she had a "Real Food Face-Off" series where she had interviews from many excellent bloggers and authors on their experiences with real food.&nbsp; Everything she writes is amazing!&nbsp; I really wish I could do what she does!&nbsp; She also has only been blogging a little over a year, yet has tons and tons of amazing posts and nearly 4,000 subscribers!&nbsp; If you'd like to join her subscriber list, she's planning some awesome giveaways this fall that are dependent on the number she has (with extra entries for loyal readers!).&nbsp; That's just one incentive, but her truly excellent posts are enough of an incentive, so head over there now!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net">Raising Arrows (Amy)</a></p>
<p>Amy sticks out in this list because she's NOT a food blogger.&nbsp; Instead, she blogs primarily about homeschooling and large family living.&nbsp; I follow her blog closely because she's the mommy I hope to be in a few years.&nbsp; She teaches me so much about how she makes her family work when she has so many kids (expecting #7 right now, although she lost a little girl a couple years ago).&nbsp; She's my inspiration to make so many small changes to my family's lifestyle and more importantly, to my mentality about family.&nbsp; She gives me lots of practical ideas how to make organization work in a large family, especially a homeschooling family.&nbsp; If you're even a little bit curious how she does it, go over and say to her!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.lifeasmom.com">Life as MOM (Jessica)</a></p>
<p>Jessica, too, has a large family.&nbsp; She also blogs about food and freezer cooking.&nbsp; I enjoy reading her meal plans, how she makes things work for her large family, AND they are totally debt-free!&nbsp; I've enjoyed reading her posts on how they managed to be debt-free and how they purchase nice things for the family now.&nbsp; She has lots of practical suggestions on how to make money work, and also blogs about saving money on groceries!&nbsp; Visit her to see all her excellent ideas!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com">Food Renegade (Kristen)</a></p>
<p>Kristen's blog is a very recent discovery for me.&nbsp; I'll be honest, I haven't subscribed yet.&nbsp; But I do visit over there a couple times a week, and every time I find something just perfect!&nbsp; Once I was looking for a recipe for barbecue sauce everywhere, then happened to go to Kristen's site and she had just posted one!&nbsp; She posts on "real food" and has so many excellent recipes and ideas and is just awesome.&nbsp; If you're looking for more information on "real food," especially hard-to-find recipes (like barbecue sauce, pickle relish, etc.), head over there!</p>
<p>There are other awesome bloggers that I follow, but I actually follow so many that I don't read them all everyday.&nbsp; These are just the ones that I really read on a regular basis.&nbsp; Be sure to tell them hello and read through their archives because there is some amazing stuff in there!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: Kelly@Kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 24.180.132.163
URL: http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com
DATE: 05/20/2010 05:27:28 AM
<p>Kate, you big SWEETHEART!  That was so nice of you, thanks a ton!!  :)<br/>Kel</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Make Amazing French Fries
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 05/25/2010 12:00:18 PM
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<p><strong>Have you heard about </strong><a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273"><strong>Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</strong></a><strong>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/05/real-food-wednesday-52610.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>French Fries.</p>
<p>They aren't exactly "real food," so maybe you don't eat them anymore.&nbsp; We don't (usually) eat French fries that came in a bag, frozen or from restaurants.&nbsp; But from home?&nbsp; Absolutely!&nbsp; There is redeeming value to eating real, homemade French fries.&nbsp; Yes, because they're so starchy it probably isn't a good idea to have them all the time, but hey -- sometimes is fine!&nbsp; We love these so I do make them a couple times a month.&nbsp; They are so good, though!&nbsp; You'll have to try them for yourself. :)</p>
<p>I first got the idea to do fries this way from <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/11/homemade-fast-food-french-fries-recipe-from-jeanne-another-way-to-cook-with-tallow.html">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>.&nbsp; She loved them too (although hers are slightly different), so there's another reason to go ahead and try them!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>4 - 6 large potatoes</p>
<p>Oil for frying (beef tallow or lard)</p>
<p>Sea salt</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>First, wash your potatoes and bring them to your cutting board.&nbsp; Start a large pot of water to boil on the stove.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010886.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274647184936" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Slice all your potatoes into fries.&nbsp; You can choose how thick you want them, just make sure they're roughly uniform.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010882.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274647415184" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>When your water is boiling, put your fries into the water for about three minutes.&nbsp; This blanches, or partially cooks them.&nbsp; Do this about one or two potatoes at a time so you don't overwhelm the pot.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010888.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274647596448" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Start a large pan heating with the oil in it.&nbsp; ONLY fry in organic saturated fats.&nbsp; DO NOT use vegetable oil or any other liquid oil.&nbsp; Liquid oils will oxidize and create trans fats and are very unhealthy for frying in (and really, ever).&nbsp; You can mix whatever saturated fats you want, though.&nbsp; I have fried in both tallow and lard.&nbsp; Tallow (beef, that is) has more of a flavor, while lard is more neutral.&nbsp; I started frying in lard, truthfully, because I ran out of beef tallow and haven't had time to render more.&nbsp; But both produce equally crispy, yummy fries.&nbsp; You want your fat hot when you add your fries, hot enough that they sizzle immediately.&nbsp; If it's not, they'll just take longer to cook, but will turn out fine.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 600px;" src="/storage/P1010887.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274647704400" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>When the timer goes off, take the fries out and put them on a towel to drain.&nbsp; Pat them dry carefully.&nbsp; If they're still wet when they go into the oil, they will cause the oil to pop and spatter you -- not fun!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010889.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274647921572" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Now, add your fries to your oil.&nbsp; If your oil isn't hot enough, you can turn it up a little bit.&nbsp; Aim for about medium-high heat.&nbsp; Too high and they'll burn quickly; not high enough and they'll just take forever.&nbsp; Which is okay if you want to be in the kitchen ALL DAY.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010893.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274648027160" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>When your fries are between golden and dark brown (depending on how crispy you like them), remove them from the pan.&nbsp; Mine looked like this just before I removed them:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010894.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274648169891" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Place them on a plate (with a towel to catch the grease if you want).&nbsp; Shake sea salt over them.&nbsp; Give them just a minute to cool so you don't burn yourself, then sample your fries!</p>
<p>Repeat the procedure for each batch that you have.&nbsp; How many batches depends on how many potatoes and the size of your pan.&nbsp; In a medium pan, I can get about 1 large potato at once.&nbsp; In a large pan (pictured), I can get about 2 large potatoes at once.</p>
<p>Don't they look yummy?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/P1010895.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274648302432" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Do you make fries at home?&nbsp; How do you do it?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
French Fries.</p>
<p>They aren't exactly "real food," so maybe you don't eat them anymore.&nbsp; We don't (usually) eat French fries that came in a bag, frozen or from restaurants.&nbsp; But from home?&nbsp; Absolutely!&nbsp; There is redeeming value to eating real, homemade French fries.&nbsp; Yes, because they're so starchy it probably isn't a good idea to have them all the time, but hey -- sometimes is fine!&nbsp; We love these so I do make them a couple times a month.&nbsp; They are so good, though!&nbsp; You'll have to try them for yourself. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bridgette
EMAIL: 
IP: 38.104.181.134
URL: 
DATE: 05/25/2010 02:46:00 PM
<p>Where do you get lard or tallow? Can you get it at Whole Foods? I've never made these kinds of fries, but my husband and daughter had some from a place that uses duck fat and they both loved them so it might be fun to try your recipe. Sometime we make sweet potato fries, instead of frying we just coat them with olive oil and bake them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 05/25/2010 03:20:14 PM
<p>Bridgette,</p><p>I get mine from local farmers.  I rendered the tallow myself; I got a big bag of &quot;beef suet&quot; to work with!  Messy but not difficult.  I got the lard from another farmer.  If you can find a local farmer to buy from, I would.  I have not specifically seen it at Whole Foods (and as they are pro-vegan and pro-low-fat, well...).  Don't buy it at a regular store because while they have &quot;lard,&quot; it is not pure lard.  It is lard mixed with &quot;partially hydrogenated lard.&quot;  Ugh!!</p><p>Check www.eatwild.com to look for a local farm, and even if they don't list it on their website, if they have animals, call or email and ask.  (Neither of my farmers &quot;officially&quot; offer it for sale, but I asked and got it.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 05/25/2010 06:43:44 PM
<p>Oh. My. Gosh. That looks amazing. I am starving now! </p><p>I never fry if I can help it - I don't like how messy it is, and plus I feel like the whole house ends up smelling like stale grease. Those look worth it, though...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joke
EMAIL: 
IP: 83.101.72.72
URL: 
DATE: 05/30/2010 07:48:09 PM
<p>Greetings from the country of fries (Belgium!) and a little warning: as soon as your fries start turning golden, acrylamide is forming!<br/>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylamide#Cooking_methods_that_affect_acrylamide_production<br/>Be careful :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cora
EMAIL: 
IP: 208.64.88.78
URL: 
DATE: 12/28/2010 06:41:46 PM
<p>We do &quot;baked&quot; fries.  We cut up the potatoes, just as you did, then brush with some oil and salt, place on a large cookie sheet and bake in oven ~375 degrees until crispy.  It takes about 40 minutes.   We usually turn them one time, 20 minutes in.  They taste great, but aren&#39;t loaded with as much oil.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Giveaway Winner!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 05/06/2010 10:17:27 PM
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<p>SO sorry this is late!!&nbsp; I know it's ridiculous.&nbsp; I'll be explaining a few of the projects I've been working on recently later on the blog, and I did lose internet for 2 days, and have houseguests most of last weekend, but...still.&nbsp; Anyway, the winner of Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship's ebook, "Healthy Snacks to Go" is:</p>
<p><strong>Christy (candbgom@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please contact me and I will pass along your information to Katie!&nbsp;</p>
<p>For those who didn't win, please <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">go visit Katie</a> and buy her ebook!&nbsp; You will love all the great snack recipes she has in it!&nbsp; :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
SO sorry this is late!!&nbsp; I know it's ridiculous.&nbsp; I'll be explaining a few of the projects I've been working on recently later on the blog, and I did lose internet for 2 days, and have houseguests most of last weekend, but...still.&nbsp; Anyway, the winner of Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship's ebook, "Healthy Snacks to Go" is:
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Introduction
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 05/14/2010 12:00:42 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in<a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-may-21st/"> Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>Welcome to a brand-new series!&nbsp; Since I know many of my readers are just starting to work on their journeys to real food eating, I found another blogger who is on the same path.&nbsp; She'll be giving us regular updates on her family's progress, including their goals, struggles, and victories.&nbsp; Join us on the path to real food!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Today we have our introduction.&nbsp; Our blogging mama is Lisa, from<a href="http://lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com/"> Life&nbsp;Of a SAHM</a>.&nbsp; Please visit her to say hello!&nbsp; Now, on to her:</p>
<p>Hi! My name is Lisa. I am a stay at home mom to two boys and married to a great man. Stephen and I have been married for 6 years. He is a recruiter for the Army National Guard. My first son, Lincoln, was a medicated hospital birth. He was born on 10/10/07. I knew I wanted something different for our second child, so I planned a natural water birth at our local hospital. However, my son had a different plan and Gabriel was accidentally (and unassisted!) born at home on 12/8/09. I want a few more children before I feel our family will be complete.</p>
<p>Besides taking care of my house and children, I am looking to get back into school. I am half way done with my bachelors in science in nursing degree. After I get my degree, I am going to work in labor in delivery for a year, then pursue becoming a certified nurse-midwife so I can deliver babies. I am also going to be homeschooling my kids. Needless to say I am BUSY.</p>
<p>How do we eat now? Well, breakfast is eggs, bacon, biscuits, cereal or a combination of all. Lunch is usually mac and cheese, a lunchable or a PB&amp;J sandwich. Dinner was eaten out more often than not. My favorite place to go for dinner is a local sushi place. Then the Cold Stone next door. If it wasn&rsquo;t sushi, it was Chili&rsquo;s, or Olive Garden, or pizza.</p>
<p>Why do we want to change our diet? We used to eat out a few times a week until we looked at our budget. We realized for our family of 4 (well, 3 that eat, Gabriel is exclusively breastfed for now) it was between $20 and $50 to eat dinner every time we ate out! We knew we could save money by simply eating at home. I have already started to cook more at home. Then I started looking into what we were eating.</p>
<p>While watching cartoons on GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting) with my son the other day, I saw that the movie &ldquo;Food Inc.&rdquo; was coming on. I decided to record it and my husband and I watched it together a few days later. This movie was very eye opening. The part that got me was the woman who lost her 2 year old son due to E Coli from eating tainted beef. OMG! I have a 2 year old son!! My heart BROKE for this woman, and I knew we needed to change things NOW!</p>
<p>What am I hoping a change in diet will do for us? My husband was just diagnosed with sleep apnea, and he has a strong family history of heart disease and diabetes. I hope that by getting him to eat better he will not develop these diseases. I am always tired and I know that what I eat has a lot to do with this. I am a sugar and junk food addict. I love cookies, cakes, chips, popcorn... Basically everything that is not good for me. I am hoping to have more energy. I am not really hoping for any changes in my children, as I don&rsquo;t see things<br />with them that need to change, but I am hoping to teach them where our food comes from and how to eat healthy.</p>
<p>What are we going to change and what are our long term goals? We started with changing our eggs because we eat so many of them. I bought the best eggs I could find at the grocery store and when we ate all of those, I bought some from our local farmer. The next thing to go is regular meat. We will be buying grass fed beef, pork and chicken from our local farmer. Then we will be adding in organic, locally<br />grown fruit and vegetables. I am hoping to cut out most processed foods and a lot of sugar from our diets. That last one is going to be the hardest for me!</p>
<p>Thanks for following me on this journey.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome to a brand-new series!&nbsp; Since I know many of my readers are just starting to work on their journeys to real food eating, I found another blogger who is on the same path.&nbsp; She'll be giving us regular updates on her family's progress, including their goals, struggles, and victories.&nbsp; Join us on the path to real food!&nbsp;
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel Y :-)
EMAIL: 
IP: 70.121.131.157
URL: 
DATE: 05/14/2010 09:00:25 PM
<p>Awesome!!  There's a thing Rodney found about buying only things grown within 50 miles of your house...and NO plastic! I'll see if I can find the link for you! We are starting to eat better, it's a more gradual process, although about to be sped up tremendously due to my diagnosis of PCOS, me being overweight, and apparently with very high cholesterol (i don't have my numbers, despite a phone call to the office to get them). Needless to say things here will be changing!! So we're right there with you!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/17/2010 01:27:20 AM
<p>I've been trying to do that too (despite two more than full-time jobs between my husband and I). A few things I've learned thus far:</p><p>1. Prepare snack foods when you get home from the grocery store. If you bought it as a snack food, you won't touch it later when you want it if it isn't easy like the processed ones. Make your carrot sticks, cut your other veggies and fruits and refrigerate them. That way when your kids are whining, you're trying to make dinner, and you're on the phone, you can easily placate them with an already-prepared snack.</p><p>2. Cook for leftovers. Honestly, it helps more than you'd think. You'll be able to eat it for lunch (try jazzing it up with a few spices or cheese sprinkled on top, depending on what it was), later dinners when you're too stressed or busy to make something from scratch.</p><p>3. If you can, do the harder parts of prep ahead of time when you have time. I love cooking, but cutting up veggies takes forever, especially if you're supposed to have five cups of veggies for a stew or soup. This past week I was going to make both chicken and rice casserole (was supposed to be soup, but the rice took up too much of the broth) and beef stew. They used most of the same veggies (carrots, onions, celery), so I cut them all at once. I put the stew ones into a container in the fridge and they were ready to go when I was going to make the stew. I just grabbed the container, dumped it in the crock pot, added the liquids and meat, and turned it on. It wasn't fun cutting all the veggies at once, but it ended up being a TON easier later in the week when I really didn't have the time to cut those five cups of veggies.</p><p>4. Make it yummy so you'll be less prone to cheating. My favorite sweet treat is a smoothie (my husband makes the most amazing ones ever). It's generally 1 banana, about a cup of frozen fruit (whatever we have on hand), 1/4 to 1/2 cup yogurt, juice (we drink the V8 fusions that are only fruit and veggie juice, no sweeteners or other chemical additives), milk, a spoonful of peanut butter (seriously...it smooths out the drink and thickens it and I don't usually taste it too much) and a tablespoon or so of honey. Blend it until smooth, and it is honestly like drinking a fruity milkshake because the peanut butter smooths and thickens it to that extent.</p><p>5. Don't expect to do it all at once. My husband and I are slowly working our way towards healthier eating too, and sometimes you'll just end up eating something you know you shouldn't. Just pick up and drive on, don't let it get you down even if dinner one night is spaghetti or beanie weenies or whatever! It's like dieting or any other resolution...if you don't pick yourself up and dust yourself off, you'll never improve. You will have those moments where you give in, but what you do after it happens is what will separate you from the rest of the people who are trying to eat healthier along with you. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bwsf
EMAIL: bethwankel@yahoo.com
IP: 67.180.11.214
URL: http://verybloggy.com
DATE: 05/20/2010 05:00:04 PM
<p>Good for you guys! What you're doing is so important! It's tough, but you'll get into the swing of it. And you will start to feel better, really!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Blog News and Thoughts...and June's New Series!!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/22/2010 12:00:32 PM
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<b><p>Have you heard about <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</p></b>

<p>So, I thought I'd go ahead and give you guys an update.</p>
<p>Here's the thing: a lot of bloggers I like have been posting lately about how they need to pull back from blogging and make their families a priority.&nbsp; I'll be honest: I hate reading that.&nbsp; Because I like their posts, because I wish they could do it all, because I don't want to face the reality that being "professional" doesn't mean separating your family life from the work that you do.&nbsp; But the reality is, family DOES come first.&nbsp; So here I am doing a similar post.</p>
<p>I think when I started blogging, I really had lofty goals.&nbsp; I wanted to write on a wide variety of subjects, some that merely interest me but which I know nothing about.&nbsp; I wanted to write lots of long, involved posts on those subjects.&nbsp; I wanted to post every single day.&nbsp; The truth is, I can't really do that.&nbsp; And I've put up some posts that are really...not up to my standards, because I was trying to pull it together on a subject I didn't know enough about and hadn't researched enough, because on some level I didn't even want to do it (that is, that particular subject...not blogging in general).</p>
<p>I wanted to use this blog as a sort of soapbox for issues that are important to me.&nbsp; And, let's face it, that is one reason why people blog: to discuss issues that are important to them, and bring them to the attention of others.&nbsp; But the truth is I just don't know enough about some of those issues.&nbsp; And I've come off like I'm trying to be perfect.&nbsp; My house isn't perfect, anymore than anyone else's is.&nbsp; There are days everything just comes apart.&nbsp; And maybe what needs to stop on those days is my internet/blogging time first.</p>
<p>So now, I'm going to shift my focus to things I know a lot about.&nbsp; I've been avoiding talking about some of those topics, for reasons I don't even know.&nbsp; Because although there is a lot I don't know, there are things I do.&nbsp; So expect to see more of these topics:</p>
<p>*Meal planning</p>
<p>*Cloth diapering</p>
<p>*Cooking/recipes</p>
<p>*Sewing</p>
<p>*Money saving (certain things; I'm not into couponing!)</p>
<p>*Random projects I'm excited about and feel like sharing</p>
<p>*Family stories and updates</p>
<p>In addition to my slight shift in focus, I also won't be blogging on Sundays anymore.&nbsp; Sundays are my day to spend with my family, so I'm not going to kill myself to get a post done that day anymore.&nbsp; You'll still see blogs Monday - Saturday.</p>
<p>I've started this shift this week already.&nbsp; I hope you've enjoyed the two recipes/tutorials I posted with all the pictures!&nbsp; More of that is coming soon!&nbsp;</p>
<p>And, there's a brand-new awesome series coming in June!&nbsp; We will be discussing "Real Food on a Budget," for those of you who don't have unlimited money (um, all of us?) but want to eat well.&nbsp; We'll feature different families and how they make it work (including practical, detailed information on what they buy, how much they spend, etc.), creating workable meal plans, sourcing local farms and markets, and much more.&nbsp; Come join us starting on June 1st for this excellent series!</p>
<p>What subjects would you like to see me blog about?</p>
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EXCERPT:
So, I thought I'd go ahead and give you guys an update.</p>
<p>Here's the thing: a lot of bloggers I like have been posting lately about how they need to pull back from blogging and make their families a priority.&nbsp; I'll be honest: I hate reading that.&nbsp; Because I like their posts, because I wish they could do it all, because I don't want to face the reality that being "professional" doesn't mean separating your family life from the work that you do.&nbsp; But the reality is, family DOES come first.&nbsp; So here I am doing a similar post.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creating Your Cloth Diaper Stash
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 05/29/2010 12:00:49 PM
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<strong><p>Have you heard about <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</p>
</strong></p>
<p>We've talked about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/28/getting-started-with-cloth-diapers.html">basics of cloth diapers</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/24/do-your-research-cloth-diapers.html">researching cloth diapers</a>,<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/26/all-about-pocket-diapers.html"> pocket diapers</a>, and even<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/30/cloth-diaper-tutorial.html"> sewing your own</a>.&nbsp; Now it's time to build up your stash.&nbsp; Where do you start?</p>
<p>First, do you know what type of diapers you want?&nbsp; Choose what style you will use: flat, prefold, fitted, pocket, all-in-one.&nbsp; Many people buy more than one type, but typically a stash is made predominantly of one type.&nbsp; Pocket diapers are the most popular, but all-in-one diapers are also popular.&nbsp; AIO or fitted diapers are more popular for newborns, while pocket diapers are more popular for babies who are 10 lbs. to potty training.&nbsp; You may want to keep this in mind, because even if you choose "one-size" diapers, they will probably not fit until around 10 lbs. (no matter what the diaper company says).</p>
<p>I recommend, if you are buying diapers, to buy either fitteds or prefolds and covers for the newborn stage.&nbsp; Prefolds are a lot cheaper and a lot more versatile; they can be used as burp cloths, all-purpose clean-up cloths, and stuffers for bigger diapers.&nbsp; We have newborn prefolds and infant prefolds (which supposedly fit 5 - 10 lbs. and 7 - 15 lbs. respectively) and still use both.&nbsp; Stuffed in a medium diaper, an infant prefold still lasts Bekah (almost 30 lbs.) overnight.&nbsp; It's been the most versatile, useful purchase we made.</p>
<p>Second, what style of diapers do you want?&nbsp; One-size or sized diapers (small, med, large)?&nbsp; Do you want hook-and-loop or snaps?&nbsp; Keep in mind that if you select sized diapers, you will need to buy x-small/newborn, small, and medium for sure (although a few babies skip small entirely).&nbsp; Bigger babies will also need large diapers (though many never do).&nbsp; If you choose one-size, you will need a solution for the first few weeks when the baby is too small for the smallest setting; also these will be rather bulky in the early days.</p>
<p>My recommendation is to buy prefolds and covers for the newborn days, then buy medium sized diapers that will fit from 12 or 15 lbs. to potty training.&nbsp; (The "small" diapers that I sew fit from about 10 - 30 lbs., because Daniel fit in them at 10 lbs. and Bekah can still wear them now, in a pinch.)&nbsp; Or, if you don't mind the "bulky" aspect, buy one-size diapers for after the newborn period.&nbsp; I also recommend snaps for all diapers.</p>
<p>Third, what brand of diapers do you want?&nbsp; You will be somewhat limited by the other options you've chosen.&nbsp; Not all brands have snaps, for example, or one-size diapers.&nbsp; Search around and consider trying out a few different brands to see what works best for you.&nbsp; It may not be possible to simply buy your entire stash when you're still expecting your baby (I wanted to, but...just couldn't visualize how the diapers would fit my baby).&nbsp; Try popular and less popular brands.&nbsp; You may get a great deal on a less popular brand but it could still work perfectly for you.</p>
<p>Here are some guidelines:</p>
<p>*Buy 24 - 36 newborn diapers or prefolds, as newborns usually go through a LOT of diapers (plus you'll be too tired to wash very often).</p>
<p>*Buy 18 - 24 (or more, if you like) small/medium/one-size diapers.</p>
<p>*Have enough inserts to have one per diaper (most come with inserts, but not all)</p>
<p>*4 - 6 doublers</p>
<p>*6 - 12 liners (in case you need to use diaper rash cream)</p>
<p>*24 cloth wipes (you can use regular wipes, but I wouldn't, it's annoying to separate the wipes from the diapers, etc.)</p>
<p>*Wipe solution or water in a spray bottle</p>
<p>*2 large wetbags (waterproof, zippered or drawstring bag for holding dirty diapers until wash)</p>
<p>*1 - 2 travel wetbags (for the diaper bag)</p>
<p>Some will say you need a diaper pail; I've never used one.&nbsp; Others will say you need a diaper sprayer; I hate them.&nbsp; Be aware that they're out there in case you feel the need to get them.</p>
<p>Also, cloth diapers have great re-sale value.&nbsp; You can buy them used for $10&nbsp;- $12 each (instead of $18 new).&nbsp; But you can also SELL them for those prices.&nbsp; So if you're not planning to have another baby, or at least not right away, it may work out better for you to sell the smaller sizes as you're finished with them and use that money to offset the cost of bigger sizes.&nbsp; If you buy used, you may come out diapering practically for free!</p>
<p>Check out <a href="http://www.diaperswappers.com">DiaperSwappers</a> for used diapers.</p>
<p>What's in your cloth diaper stash?&nbsp; What do you recommend for new parents?</p>
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EXCERPT:
We've talked about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/28/getting-started-with-cloth-diapers.html">basics of cloth diapers</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/24/do-your-research-cloth-diapers.html">researching cloth diapers</a>,<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/26/all-about-pocket-diapers.html"> pocket diapers</a>, and even<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/30/cloth-diaper-tutorial.html"> sewing your own</a>.&nbsp; Now it's time to build up your stash.&nbsp; Where do you start?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Fil
EMAIL: 
IP: 74.13.84.112
URL: http://www.onewoundcare.com
DATE: 08/03/2010 01:56:43 PM
<p>These are some great tips. Especially for new parents, they would love these. Never thought of reselling the diaper clothes.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Memorial Day!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/31/2010 12:00:08 PM
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<p>Enjoy your day with your families!</p>
<p>Tomorrow will start our NEW series: "Real Food on a Budget."&nbsp; Lots of great information there, so be sure to stop by for that!</p><b><p>Have you heard about <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!  LAST DAY TO REGISTER!</p></b>
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EXCERPT:
Enjoy your day with your families!</p>
<p>Tomorrow will start our NEW series: "Real Food on a Budget."&nbsp; Lots of great information there, so be sure to stop by for that
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Real Food on a Budget: Introduction
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/01/2010 12:00:48 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/06/wfmw-mom-im-bored-summer-edition-2/">Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family</a>!**&nbsp;</p>
<p>This series is because we are ALL on a budget (though some of us stricter than others) and we all want to feed our families the best food we possibly can.&nbsp; That means we have to get creative.&nbsp; It means we have to make sacrifices.&nbsp; It means we have to plan, shop, and prepare food as carefully as we can.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I know that when I read many of my<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/19/my-favorite-bloggers.html"> favorite blogs</a>, I have wondered how they possibly buy and prepare such high quality food for so little money.&nbsp; Every single time one of them posts on this topic (and I'll be including several of those throughout this series), I read and re-read the post, trying to figure it out.&nbsp; I always want to know more about cooking real food on a limited budget!&nbsp; And so, I thought, it's time for a series dedicated to exactly this.&nbsp; How do we make it work?&nbsp; Step-by-step, in tiny bits.</p>
<p>Here's what you have to look forward to during this month-long series:</p>
<p><em>&nbsp;</em></p>
<p>Welcome to Real Food on a Budget!&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>June 1: Introduction to &ldquo;Real Food on a Budget&rdquo; (Today!)</p>
<p>June 2:&nbsp;Purdy Family Profile (how THEY eat on a budget)</p>
<p>June 3: Creating a Meal Plan: Favorite Meals and In-Stock Items</p>
<p>June 4: Creating a Meal Plan: Seasonal Meals</p>
<p>June 5: Strawberry Picking</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>June 7: Creating a Meal Plan: Breakfasts and lunches</p>
<p>June 8: Creating a Meal Plan: Dinners</p>
<p>June 9: Review of "Real Food on a Budget" ebook (via Stephanie at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home</a>!)</p>
<p>June 10: Creating a Meal Plan: Snacks</p>
<p>June 11: Creating a Grocery List</p>
<p>June 12: Cooking with Bekah</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>June 14: &ldquo;Good Enough&rdquo; Substitutes</p>
<p>June 15: &ldquo;Good Earth&rdquo; Product review and giveaway</p>
<p>June 16: Bokros Family Profile</p>
<p>June 17: Side-by-Side comparison: SAD vs. Real Food</p>
<p>June 18: Most nutrient-dense foods for your money</p>
<p>June 19: Father&rsquo;s Day Post</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>June 21: Finding local resources</p>
<p>June 22: Farmer&rsquo;s markets</p>
<p>June 23:&nbsp;Thompson Family Profile</p>
<p>June 24: Making the most of a CSA</p>
<p>June 25: Readers&rsquo; Best Money-Saving Ideas (send them in!)</p>
<p>June 26: Family Farm Trip Pictures</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>So as you can see, there's a LOT going on this month!&nbsp; Be sure to come back everyday -- subscribe, if you haven't! -- so you don't miss a post!</p>
<p>What are your best money-saving ideas when buying quality food?</p>
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EXCERPT:
This series is because we are ALL on a budget (though some of us stricter than others) and we all want to feed our families the best food we possibly can.&nbsp; That means we have to get creative.&nbsp; It means we have to make sacrifices.&nbsp; It means we have to plan, shop, and prepare food as carefully as we can.&nbsp;
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn Purdy
EMAIL: jennpurdy@gmail.com
IP: 24.99.86.249
URL: 
DATE: 06/02/2010 06:04:37 PM
<p>What a great series! Thanks for doing this work. I can't wait to read it all.</p><p>Jenn (June 23!)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Affording Real Food: Purdy Family
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/02/2010 12:00:51 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in<a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/06/real-food-wednesday-6210.html"> Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Today, meet the <strong>Purdy Family</strong>!&nbsp; Jen, the mom, will be answering some questions about how THEY eat real food!&nbsp; Here she is:</p>
<p>Married to Nick since May 1996. I am 39 and Nick is 38. We have 4 children whom I homeschool: Jack &ndash; 11, Tynan &ndash; 8, Townes &ndash; 6, Shaelen &ndash; 4. We own our own businesses and keep life local in terms of work, church, friends, neighborhood, and food as much as possible. Faith, education, relationships, service (home and outside), friends, fitness, music, culture, and food are important aspects of our daily family life. I enjoy searching out the things in life that are beneath the mainstream, because that&rsquo;s where the true heart and value of things is to be found. I am an alternative modern mama!</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">1.</span><span style="color: #993300;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #993300;">What does &ldquo;real food&rdquo; mean to your family?</span></p>
<p>Real food means food that is in the form it comes naturally, or minimally processed in the case of dairy products.</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">2.</span><span style="color: #993300;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #993300;">What do you eat in an average week? </span></p>
<p>Breakfasts:</p>
<p>Scrambled, hard boiled, or poached eggs</p>
<p>Sauteed spinach or peppers with the eggs</p>
<p>Bacon or fresh turkey sausage from farmers&rsquo; market</p>
<p>Berries or pineapple, or some other fresh fruit</p>
<p>Coffee w/heavy cream or raw milk</p>
<p>Sprouted grain bread with butter or my homemade fig jam (we have a fig tree)</p>
<p>Homemade coconut or almond flour muffins.</p>
<p>Coconut or nut flour pancakes with real maple syrup.</p>
<p>Water</p>
<p>Kids may eat cereal with raw milk a few times a week if they get up ahead of us or while I&rsquo;m still out at crossfit. They still will get some eggs/bacon. We home school, so the morning schedule isn&rsquo;t rushed. Try to be done breakfast between 8 and 8:30am.</p>
<p>Snacks:</p>
<p>I make my own nut bars. I&rsquo;m the only one who eats them!</p>
<p>Almond flour brownies, cupcakes, or cookies. I try recipes all the time.</p>
<p>Nuts &amp; dry fruit.</p>
<p>Kids like Nature Valley Granola Bars. I only buy those, no HFCS.</p>
<p>Fresh fruit.</p>
<p>Apple with sunflower seed butter.</p>
<p>Organic corn chips &amp; salsa (family, I don&rsquo;t eat corn)</p>
<p>Veggies &amp; guacamole.</p>
<p>Chicken in a lettuce wrap with cheese, avocado, salsa. (this can be lunch, too)</p>
<p>Celery stick with almond butter.</p>
<p>Sprouted grain bread with nut butter &amp; raw honey.</p>
<p>Beef jerky from our farmers&rsquo; market</p>
<p>Hard boiled eggs</p>
<p>Cheese</p>
<p>Fruit leather (Trader Joe&rsquo;s &ndash; I don&rsquo;t make my own yet)</p>
<p>Protein/yogurt smoothies. (the only way I get a few of my kids to eat yogurt)</p>
<p>Lunch:</p>
<p>We Homeschool, so lunch is made at home every day at lunch time, not earlier in the day. Often I don&rsquo;t know what it&rsquo;s going to be until I come down from the school room and start pulling things out of the fridge. I used to do a lot more pasta, now hardly ever and it&rsquo;s been some effort coming up with lunch for 4 kids without a pasta base. We do resort to the traditional sandwich a couple times a week, but I try to do grain-free lunches as much as I can.</p>
<p>Leftovers from dinner.</p>
<p>Lettuce wrap sandwiches.</p>
<p>Nitrite free hot dogs &amp; whole wheat rolls (Trader Joe&rsquo;s) with cucumbers or apple slices.</p>
<p>Our lunch fruit/veg is most often cucumbers and apples or grapes. They&rsquo;ll all eat those!</p>
<p>Lunchmeat sandwich with cheese &amp; lettuce. (probably the most traditional thing I make)</p>
<p>Salad with chunks of chicken or other meat.</p>
<p>Quick frozen things like pre-made meatballs or chicken nuggets &ndash; my own or Trader Joe&rsquo;s.</p>
<p>Dinner:</p>
<p>Dinner has made the largest transformation since January. I used to have a starch (pasta or rice) at every meal, often with bread in addition. I&rsquo;ll now make pasta or rice for the family about once a week. I don&rsquo;t eat the grains. I don&rsquo;t often meal plan. I&rsquo;ve tried in the past and it backfires because of a meal out, or a baseball game, or I have an evening meeting for work. I do much better with a stock of ingredients that I can create with on the spot. I&rsquo;ll get ideas while shopping too, and may have certain dishes in mind, but don&rsquo;t assign them to specific days of the week.</p>
<p>Dinner formula: meat of some kind (grilled or stir fry or stew), cooked veg (broccoli, carrots, asparagus, cauliflower, etc.), and a fresh veg like a full salad or just a cucumber salad with evoo/vinegar/salt/pepper/bit of honey or agave.</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">3.</span><span style="color: #993300;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #993300;">What groceries do you buy?</span></p>
<p>See attachment of food table. I post the table on my fridge. It&rsquo;s pretty much what we eat, ingredient wise. I made it as a reference point for my family to see that it&rsquo;s real food, and to get my kids constantly thinking about real food ingredients. There are no Cheeze-its on the list!</p>
<p>I go to the big warehouse farmers&rsquo; market once a week, traditional grocery store twice a month, Trader Joe&rsquo;s once a month (mostly due to distance), and local farmer once a week (co-op milk/egg pick up with a friend, so we alternate).&nbsp; See below on &ldquo;where do you buy.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>A typical week purchase:</strong></p>
<p>1 whole chicken (4 pounds)</p>
<p>8 chicken breasts</p>
<p>1 2lb steak</p>
<p>2 lbs ground turkey</p>
<p>1 lb ground beef</p>
<p>2 lbs sausage</p>
<p>2 lbs bacon</p>
<p>2 lbs fish or pork</p>
<p>1 lb sliced deli turkey</p>
<p>3 avocados</p>
<p>2 heads of lettuce (green, red, or romaine)</p>
<p>1 bag of spinach</p>
<p>3 onions</p>
<p>2 red peppers</p>
<p>4 medium sized heads of broccoli</p>
<p>5 granny smith apples</p>
<p>1 head cauliflower</p>
<p>1 celery stalk</p>
<p>2 cups various dry fruit</p>
<p>5 cups various nuts &amp; seeds</p>
<p>2 lbs cheddar or motzarella cheese</p>
<p>1 box cheerios</p>
<p>1 bottle salsa</p>
<p>2 gallons raw milk</p>
<p>1 lb butter</p>
<p>1 lb plain full fat yogurt</p>
<p>1 cups heavy cream</p>
<p>4 dozen eggs</p>
<p>1 cantelope</p>
<p>2 pts strawberries</p>
<p>1 pt blueberries</p>
<p>&frac12; pound of coffee</p>
<p>1 red onion</p>
<p>1 bunch of grapes</p>
<p>6 bananas</p>
<p>3 lemons</p>
<p>1 lime</p>
<p>2 boxes of Nature Valley granola bars or Trader Joe&rsquo;s Fruit bars</p>
<p>1 dark chocolate bar (Trader Joe&rsquo;s)</p>
<p>1 loaf bread (often sprouted grain)</p>
<p>&frac14; cheese slices</p>
<p>1 pack cheese sticks</p>
<p>1 bunch asparagus</p>
<p>2 English cucumbers</p>
<p>4 big pieces of hand-made beef jerky</p>
<p><strong>Food staples on hand that don&rsquo;t get bought weekly:</strong></p>
<p>Olive oil</p>
<p>Vinegar</p>
<p>Grapeseed oil</p>
<p>Raw honey</p>
<p>Agave nectar</p>
<p>Sea salt</p>
<p>Spices</p>
<p>Coconut oil</p>
<p>Bacon fat</p>
<p>Frozen fruit &amp; veggies</p>
<p>Almond butter</p>
<p>Protein powder</p>
<p>Coconut flour</p>
<p>Almond flour</p>
<p>Garlic</p>
<p>Fresh ginger</p>
<p>Soy sauce &amp; other condiments</p>
<p>Coconut milk</p>
<p>Cocoa powder</p>
<p>Canned tomatoes</p>
<p>Jars of tomato sauce</p>
<p>Rice</p>
<p>Organic corn chips</p>
<p>Fruit leather</p>
<p>Organic chocolate syrup</p>
<p>Maple syrup</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">4.</span><span style="color: #993300;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #993300;">Where do you buy your groceries?</span></p>
<p>45% at &ldquo;Your Dekalb Farmers&rsquo; Market&rdquo; &ndash; this is a unique-to-Decatur, GA single-owner warehouse of vegetables, fruit, in-house made breads, coffee, bulk spices, tea, dry fruit &amp; nuts, bulk beans &amp; pasta &amp; flours, whole-food dry goods, wine, beer, fresh cheese &amp; meats, fresh fish, dairy products, in-house made sausages. It&rsquo;s not a typical outdoor &ldquo;farmers&rsquo; market.&rdquo; They import from around the world. Prices and quality are excellent. Each type of produce is labeled with country of origin.</p>
<p>25% Trader Joes</p>
<p>15% at a regular grocery store like Publix or Kroger. I use coupons and wait to match store sales with my coupons. Usually my bill is 50% or better less than the regular retail.</p>
<p>15% Local outdoor markets, farmer-direct. I get all my milk, eggs, raw honey from a farmer in Georgia.</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">5.</span><span style="color: #993300;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #993300;">How much do you spend per week or month?</span></p>
<p>Monthly: $600, or about $100 per person in the family.</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">6.</span><span style="color: #993300;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #993300;">What are the biggest ways you save money?</span></p>
<p>Coupons at the grocery store. I buy 4 newspapers for $1 each every Sunday. I have multiple copies of coupons I might use. I wait for store sales to match my coupons then stock up. The best situation is &ldquo;buy one get one free&rdquo; for which I can use all 4 coupons for 4 items, but I&rsquo;m only paying for two, then less the coupon value. It makes products cost far less than half price each. Many times things are free or I may even get money credited to &ldquo;buy&rdquo; something. That depends on how aware the cashier is!</p>
<p>Buying real food that keeps us healthy so we are not paying for things like OTC medicine, doctor visits, or even tissues!&nbsp; Real food costs less than processed foods. I buy pastured eggs at $3.50 per dozen rather than a $3.50 box of cereal.</p>
<p>Buying little in the way of processed or packaged foods &ndash; things from factories.</p>
<p>I purchase healthier items at Trader Joe&rsquo;s such as laundry soap, tea tree oil soap, sea sponges, dish detergent. Not only are their products better for us, they cost less. I do not buy much that is &ldquo;mainstream&rdquo; as far as cleaning or health products go.</p>
<p>I used cloth diapers and infant potty training for my four children. That saved thousands!</p>
<p>We use &ldquo;Groupons&rdquo; and other online and print ad restaurant coupons when we eat out.</p>
<p>We do not eat fast food, except for Chick-fil-a about once a month.</p>
<p>We are very good at pulling together meals for the family out of various leftovers to stretch the food budget.</p>
<p>We have a small vegetable garden and a huge fig tree. We sell fresh figs and jars of homemade fig jam to neighbors.</p>
<p>Cow-sharing for grass-fed beef purchases.</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">7.</span><span style="color: #993300;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #993300;">What are your biggest struggles in sticking to a budget?</span></p>
<p>Feeding 6 people lots of healthy meat and proteins.</p>
<p>Opportunities to try new ingredients and recipes, which may require new purchases. Often these get incorporated into the family diet, like almond flour most recently. My pantry has changed significantly in the past 8 months, which can skew the budget sometimes as adjustments are made and kids learn to eat new things.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today, meet the <strong>Purdy Family</strong>!&nbsp; Jen, the mom, will be answering some questions about how THEY eat real food!&nbsp; Here she is:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/02/2010 06:18:38 PM
<p>I like seeing this real life example!  Making a change over to really local, in season food has been a big change for us and I love seeing how other families do it!</p><p>Also, I've e-mailed you a few times about the Walmart card...not sure if you are getting them as I've had no response.  Please let me know if you need my address again!</p><p>Thanks,<br/>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly @ quest for real food
EMAIL: kelly@questforrealfood.com
IP: 65.82.249.60
URL: http://www.questforrealfood.com
DATE: 06/02/2010 07:55:50 PM
<p>Thanks for posting this! It really helps to see exactly how someone else makes real food work for them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: ackaufmann425@yahoo.com
IP: 76.250.72.180
URL: 
DATE: 06/02/2010 08:35:23 PM
<p>This sounds a lot like our family in a month! Even the Chick-fil-A once a month! Haha! It is our one splurge! Love seeing these real life examples! Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alex@amoderatelife
EMAIL: alex@amoderatelife.com
IP: 24.46.174.75
URL: http://www.amoderatelife.com
DATE: 06/02/2010 10:48:17 PM
<p>Hey mamma! GREAT article and I think it is wonderful to really do a question and answer with real foodists to show folks that it is not that difficult and it's a whole lot better than stouffers! :) Putting you on my blogroll and grabbing you rssfeed! Take care and keep it real!! Alex</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Meal Planning: Taking Inventory and Meals List
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/03/2010 12:00:51 PM
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<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/">Meal planning</a> is something I'm totally obsessed with.</p>
</em>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/06/frugal-friday-sell-something.html/">Frugal Fridays at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p>It's actually kind of scary.&nbsp; I do <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/17/grocery-shopping-for-healthy-foods.html">major grocery shopping</a> every two weeks, and I spend two or three days before each shopping trip carefully making my meal plan and then checking and re-checking it to make sure it meets our family's current goals and needs.&nbsp; Then I make my grocery shopping list based on the meal plan, checking and re-checking that too.&nbsp; It doesn't NEED to take this long, especially not now that I've got a good routine going (I've been doing this faithfully for over a year), but I actually enjoy it.&nbsp; Am I strange?&nbsp; Probably.&nbsp; But that's okay.</p>
<p>Anyway, because I do this so often and have done it for so long, I figured I'm probably a pretty good person to talk to you about how to do it.&nbsp; I've been meaning to for awhile, actually.&nbsp; I just could never find the right time in the middle of all the other stuff that was going on.&nbsp; But now that I'm <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/22/blog-news-and-thoughtsand-junes-new-series.html">changing my mission a little</a> and focusing on what I know, it's the perfect time.</p>
<p>Before you can even start making a meal plan (that is, if you're serious about making this a habit), you will need to do some organizational chores.&nbsp; These include taking inventory and making a meals list.</p>
<p>What are those and why do you need to do them?</p>
<p>An <strong>inventory</strong> is a list of all the basics that you currently have in your kitchen.&nbsp; That means salt, pepper, other spices, flour, sugar, honey, oils/fats, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/19/grassfed-beef-and-local-farms.html">meat</a> (especially if you buy in large quantities and freeze), potatoes, onions,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp; You may want to keep track various items that you usually have to buy, too, like cheese, butter, milk, etc.&nbsp; Know what you have, so you know what you need!&nbsp; What you keep around may (should) change by the season, by what your weekly meal plan is, etc.&nbsp; But it's still a good idea to keep your pantry staples (and freezer staples) pretty full.</p>
<p>A <strong>meals list</strong> is basically a list of meals or recipes that are tried-and-true: you KNOW your family enjoys them, you know you can make them, and hopefully you usually have the ingredients on hand for them.&nbsp; Keeper of the Home has an excellent post on creating a <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/01/organization-in-the-real-food-kitchen-my-recipe-binder.html">recipe binder</a> just for this purpose.&nbsp; I don't use a binder, personally.&nbsp; I keep a list on my computer, in a "recipes" folder.&nbsp; But, for people who like a more tangible reminder, that might be great!</p>
<p>It's time to take inventory now.&nbsp; Go in your kitchen and write down all of the major staples that you have.&nbsp; And write down all of the things you need to use up, too, like an extra piece of fish, a small piece of cheese, some old-looking broccoli, etc.&nbsp; We're going to write a meal plan to use up as many of these things as possible.&nbsp; So you really need to know what you have!&nbsp; I happen to have some small roasts in the freezer, some chicken, some stock, and some apples that need used up.&nbsp; What do you have?&nbsp; Seriously, if you haven't gone to take inventory now -- GO!</p>
<p>Okay, you're back.&nbsp; Now, it's time to make a meals list.&nbsp; What are your family's favorite meals?&nbsp; For now, just write down anything your family likes.&nbsp; Tomorrow we'll talk about seasonal meals and rotating meals and other such things.&nbsp; Here are our top meals:</p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/23/stuffed-peppers.html">Stuffed peppers</a></p>
<p>*Meatloaf</p>
<p>*Pasta with meat sauce</p>
<p>*Taco salad</p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/15/soup-comfort-food.html">Chicken soup</a> (any kind)</p>
<p>*Pizza</p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/25/christmas-eve-and-one-quick-recipe.html">Chicken and potatoes</a></p>
<p>*Scrambled eggs</p>
<p>*Burgers and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/25/how-to-make-amazing-french-fries.html">fries</a></p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/6/buttermilk-pancakes.html">Buttermilk pancakes</a></p>
<p>Inevitably, these meals will be on my meal plan almost every week.&nbsp; I know they are family favorites.&nbsp; I know everyone will eat them!&nbsp; Most of my job is simply plugging in these meals, then adding in some new ideas or less-favorites for a few of the "other" meals.&nbsp; I'll share that with you soon, though.&nbsp; Not today!</p>
<p>Make a list of your family's favorite meals now.&nbsp; Most families have about 20 meals in their rotation.&nbsp; We have the list above plus several more in our "rotation."</p>
<p>What are your favorite meals?&nbsp; Have you completed your list and your inventory?&nbsp; Make sure to keep these somewhere you can access them repeatedly, because it will help keep you on the meal planning bandwagon!</p>
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EXCERPT:
It's actually kind of scary.&nbsp; I do <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/17/grocery-shopping-for-healthy-foods.html">major grocery shopping</a> every two weeks, and I spend two or three days before each shopping trip carefully making my meal plan and then checking and re-checking it to make sure it meets our family's current goals and needs.&nbsp; Then I make my grocery shopping list based on the meal plan, checking and re-checking that too.&nbsp; It doesn't NEED to take this long, especially not now that I've got a good routine going (I've been doing this faithfully for over a year), but I actually enjoy it.&nbsp; Am I strange?&nbsp; Probably.&nbsp; But that's okay.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.203.29
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 06/03/2010 05:26:16 PM
<p>I stared meal planning a couple of months ago.  I can't believe how much easier it makes my life!  Not only do I spend less money at the store by only buying what we need, but I don't have to deal with the &quot;what should we have for dinner&quot; monster that never seems to want to think of something when it's time to make it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 06/03/2010 09:37:30 PM
<p>Nathan and I used to do formal meal plans, but now it's just a &quot;what would you like to eat&quot; sort of thing and ad libbing it. We've gotten fairly good at that method, though - we can go into the store with just a list of the things we know we need (eggs, bread, lunch meat and cheese, fruits and veggies, etc.) and come out with just what we need for breakfast, lunch, and the dinners for that week. I will admit lately to cooking in larger quantities so we eat leftovers fairly often. I've found that the secret to leftovers done well is to re-spice them. I added some red pepper flakes, chives, and parsley to the chili and it tastes phenomenal even the third time around, and a little bit of creole seasoning makes chicken and rice soup/casserole/whatever have more flavor and a bit of a kick (the red pepper in it helps clear out my sinuses really well, haha). Give it a new flavor, and leftovers suddenly aren't this awful thing anymore.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Roasted Asparagus
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/03/2010 12:00:49 PM
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</em><br />A lot of people are talking about asparagus right now, because it's in season.&nbsp; Not for much longer, but it is!&nbsp; We've gotten an abundance of it from our CSA this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A lot of people have also been talking about roasting it.&nbsp; The thing is, though, most roast it in olive oil, and really, you shouldn't heat olive oil.&nbsp; I decided to try roasting asparagus the other day, and here's how I did it:</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 bunch asparagus</p>
<p>1/4 c. lard</p>
<p>sea salt</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Put everything on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at 350 for a few minutes to let the lard melt.&nbsp; Pull it out and toss it together, then let it stay in for about 5 - 10 more minutes, until you start to see some brown spots.&nbsp; Tops will be a bit crunchy.</p>
<p>Super yummy and super simple!&nbsp; And great use of fat + veggies!&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
A lot of people are talking about asparagus right now, because it's in season.&nbsp; Not for much longer, but it is!&nbsp; We've gotten an abundance of it from our CSA this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A lot of people have also been talking about roasting it.&nbsp; The thing is, though, most roast it in olive oil, and really, you shouldn't heat olive oil.&nbsp; I decided to try roasting asparagus the other day, and here's how I did it:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kat
EMAIL: kat.garson@gmail.com
IP: 216.191.251.36
URL: http://scdkatfood.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/03/2010 02:23:12 PM
<p>For some reason I love asparagus in coconut oil with garlic. The flavors just seem to go together. I haven't tried it in lard yet, but will next time.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creating a Meal Plan: Seasonal Meals
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/04/2010 12:00:50 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-june-4th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>There's been a lot of talk about seasonal meals lately, and with good reason.&nbsp; Now that we're in late spring, a lot of fruits and vegetables are starting to come into season.&nbsp; That means they're cheap at the store because they're abundant.&nbsp; If you're looking to really save money on your food, using these seasonal ingredients is a huge way to do it.</p>
<p>A good way to rotate your meal planning is to use seasonal ingredients, too.&nbsp; That way you're not cooking and serving the same meals all the time, year around.&nbsp; It keeps meals fresh and cheap!&nbsp; Plus, there's just something about eating light, fresh foods in the summer and comforting, thick stews full of root vegetables in the winter.</p>
<p>The first thing to do is to learn what's in season and when.&nbsp; I'm in Ohio, so what's in season for me may be slightly different for you depending on your climate.&nbsp; But here's approximately what's in season and when:</p>
<p><strong>May/June</strong></p>
<p>Strawberries, lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, asparagus, peas, beets, some herbs, chickens, pigs, milk (after cows calve).</p>
<p><strong>July</strong></p>
<p>Beets, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, peas, peppers, spinach, squash, tomatoes, blackberries, black raspberries, onions, potatoes</p>
<p><strong>August</strong></p>
<p>Cucumbers, green beans, melons, onions, peaches, raspberries, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, okra, beets, broccoli, cabbage, soybeans, leeks, peas, peppers, turnips, herbs, blueberries</p>
<p><strong>September/October</strong></p>
<p>Argula, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, gourds, leeks, melons, onions, leeks, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, turnips, okra, apples, raspberries, pears</p>
<p>These are not exhaustive lists; there are other produce which may be in season at these times (pretty much anything that doesn't require tropical weather, like oranges, lemons, pineapples, etc. can be grown in Northern states!), but these are pretty decent lists here.&nbsp; They are definitely good starting places for creating seasonal meals.</p>
<p>Please also note that chickens, turkeys, eggs, and milk (and in some places, pigs and sheep and possibly beef) are seasonal as well.&nbsp; Chickens tend to be butchered in the late spring and summer; turkeys in the fall; and eggs are available from early spring through fall, and milk the same.&nbsp; Beef seems to be available year around, at least where I am.&nbsp; But remember that for some of those foods to be available, chicks have to be born and raised and it has to be warm for them to lay; and cows have to calve before they can produce milk.</p>
<p>During the winter, when nothing is really "in season," it's best to rely on foods that can be kept long-term, like potatoes, carrots, onions, and other root vegetables.&nbsp; Or, to use foods that have been canned to be preserved (tomatoes, apples, pumpkin, etc.).</p>
<p>So here are some seasonal meal ideas that you may want to consider:</p>
<p><strong>Spring</strong></p>
<p>Salads (Caesar salad, taco salad, etc.), cooked beets, roasted chicken, strawberry pie, roasted asparagus, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Summer</strong></p>
<p>Roasted or boiled corn, fried chicken, watermelon, roasted or stuffed tomatoes, grilled chicken, kebabs, grilled potatoes, salads, pickles or relish, berries with whipped cream, pasta with fresh tomatoes, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Fall</strong></p>
<p>Pasta with tomato sauce, cream of potato-leek soup, apple butter, applesauce, baked apples, pumpkin pie, mashed turnips, steamed broccoli or cauliflower, mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Winter</strong></p>
<p>Applesauce, chili, mashed potatoes, tomato sauce and pasta, chicken pot pie, breads, roasts with root vegetables, etc.</p>
<p>As you can see, foods rotate through the seasons.&nbsp; You can also look online for recipes for preparing some of those vegetables in new and inventive ways, like asparagus, turnips, etc.&nbsp; Casseroles work well in the winter with whatever you have left.</p>
<p>What are your favorite seasonal meals?&nbsp; How do you include them on your meal plans?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
There's been a lot of talk about seasonal meals lately, and with good reason.&nbsp; Now that we're in late spring, a lot of fruits and vegetables are starting to come into season.&nbsp; That means they're cheap at the store because they're abundant.&nbsp; If you're looking to really save money on your food, using these seasonal ingredients is a huge way to do it.</p>
<p>A good way to rotate your meal planning is to use seasonal ingredients, too.&nbsp; That way you're not cooking and serving the same meals all the time, year around.&nbsp; It keeps meals fresh and cheap!&nbsp; Plus, there's just something about eating light, fresh foods in the summer and comforting, thick stews full of root vegetables in the winter.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michael chastain
EMAIL: 1536011@charter.net
IP: 71.87.248.110
URL: http://www.eliminatestomachfat.com
DATE: 11/15/2010 06:26:15 PM
<p>Those are some very healthy meals. Definitely going to try . People should follow this as well as ditch the Sodas.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creating a Meal Plan: Breakfasts and Lunches
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/07/2010 12:00:59 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>Time to continue our meal planning series, and get to the "meat" of it.&nbsp; That is, actually writing a meal plan.&nbsp; Today we're going to talk about breakfasts and lunches because there seems to be some confusion about these meals.&nbsp; I'll offer a few suggestions to you here.</p>
<p>First, some people don't plan these meals at all.&nbsp; Breakfast is a free-for-all (with items like muffins, orange juice, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, etc. always available) and lunch is sandwiches and/or leftovers from the previous night's dinner.&nbsp; That's one way to do things.&nbsp; If you have a family where most people have to go to work or school and don't have a lot of time in the morning and aren't home for lunch anyway, that's probably your best bet.</p>
<p>But what if you homeschool and have a crowd to feed and time to do it?&nbsp; Or small children not yet in school?&nbsp; Then it's a whole different ball game.&nbsp; That's my situation now: I have two small children who, upon waking, immediately ask to eat.&nbsp; I have to have a plan.</p>
<p>Here are a few more options for meal-planning breakfast:</p>
<p><strong>Rotating Schedule</strong> -- That is, every Monday you have pancakes.&nbsp; Every Tuesday is oatmeal.&nbsp; Every Wednesday is bacon and eggs.&nbsp; And so on.&nbsp; Every week is the same but there is variety throughout the week.&nbsp; It's nice because you know what to plan all the time but can get a little boring.</p>
<p><strong>Same Thing Everyday</strong> -- We actually do this.&nbsp; It's bacon and eggs everyday, and occasionally we add a smoothie or some frozen (homemade) pancakes to it.&nbsp; Very easy, I always know what we have.&nbsp; Some people can't handle this monotony.&nbsp; If that's you, you might consider serving the same thing everyday for a week, then serve something different the next week.</p>
<p><strong>Fresh Breakfast Daily</strong> -- That is, you plan and cook an entire meal everyday.&nbsp; Maybe your family is busy in the evenings and breakfast is the time you can sit together.&nbsp; Or, maybe you just enjoy getting your family often to a great start with a huge, freshly-cooked breakfast.&nbsp; Remember that plans don't have to be complicated.&nbsp; Smoothies and scrambled eggs are a great breakfast, as is sprouted toast and cheese.</p>
<p>These same ideas can work for lunch, too.&nbsp; It depends on how you like to do lunch, and that may change by the season of life you're in.&nbsp; For a long time I used the "same thing everyday" plan for lunch, too, except I would change the offering every week.&nbsp; One week it was vegetable soup, the next week it was burritos.&nbsp; But eventually I got tired of having the same two meals everyday so that didn't work anymore.&nbsp; Plus my kids usually didn't like what I was serving or wouldn't eat leftovers and I ended up having to make something anyway.&nbsp; For now we do "same everyday" breakfasts and "fresh lunch daily" so we have a bit of variety.</p>
<p>It's a good idea to keep your breakfast and lunch plans simple unless you're sure you have time to cook and really want to do it everyday.&nbsp; Lunch, especially, should be simple because either you're busy with small children, busy homeschooling, or it's just you while the rest of the family is out.&nbsp; Either way you don't need a three-course meal at lunch time.</p>
<p>Here are some breakfast ideas:</p>
<p>*Eggs (scrambled, poached, made into omelets or however you like)</p>
<p>*Bacon</p>
<p>*Muffins (with fruit, nuts, or whatever you like)</p>
<p>*Smoothies (with or without yogurt)</p>
<p>*Oatmeal</p>
<p>*Other cereals (I recommend granolas; other types are made with extruded grains and are not good)</p>
<p>*Pancakes or waffles</p>
<p>*Breakfast burritos</p>
<p>*Breakfast cookies</p>
<p>*Lunch-type items (who says you need to eat "breakfast foods" just because it's breakfast time?)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Lunch Ideas</p>
<p>*Pasta with sauce</p>
<p>*Salads with homemade dressing and chicken</p>
<p>*Sandwiches with veggies, meat and cheese</p>
<p>*Veggies and homemade dip</p>
<p>*Smoothies</p>
<p>*Fruit salad</p>
<p>*Soups</p>
<p>*Quesadillas, burritos, tacos</p>
<p>*Baked chicken and mashed potatoes (easy if chicken's leftover!)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Those are just a few ideas.&nbsp; Of course, you can make whatever you like!</p>
<p>Decide HOW you will meal plan.&nbsp; Which of the above suggestions (including free-for-all and leftovers) works best for you, right now?&nbsp; Then simply sit down and write out what you would like to eat for your breakfasts and lunches -- or not, if you don't feel you need to!</p>
<p>I like to just so I know what's going on.&nbsp; You can click over to my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/">meal plans</a> section to see what I'm having this week.</p>
<p>How do you do your meal plans?&nbsp; What are you eating this week?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Time to continue our meal planning series, and get to the "meat" of it.&nbsp; That is, actually writing a meal plan.&nbsp; Today we're going to talk about breakfasts and lunches because there seems to be some confusion about these meals.&nbsp; I'll offer a few suggestions to you here.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beka
EMAIL: bekarene@yahoo.com
IP: 71.111.177.188
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 09:36:21 PM
<p>Hope you don&#39;t mind comments on older posts ... we have three people in our family (myself, my husband and our almost two year old daughter) and I write meal plans every week. We use the cash envelope system you described and grocery shop weekly. I use a weekly budget and meal plan as opposed to a bi-weekly or monthly plan because my husband works shifts as a store manager and has a different schedule every week. I have to plan meals based on what time he&#39;ll be home each day and which days he has off. </p><p>Recently I put together a &quot;mommy binder&quot; to keep track of all our details and schedules. On section of my binder is devoted to meal planning. I created a spreadsheet with columns that are given general meal categories - Meat and Potatoes, Crockpot, Soups, Pastas, etc. In these columns, I filled in the names of my tried and true meals that I make again and again. Now when I&#39;m meal planning and I can&#39;t think of what to make, I can just refer to my list for inspiration. I also included a list of quick veggie and side dishes, </p><p>I only meal plan for dinner. My husband takes dinner leftovers to work with him and my daughter and I eat leftovers or sandwiches or a healthy ready-made option. Breakfasts are cereal (usually granola), toast, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, applesauce or some combination of the above. It works for us and we stay on budget!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creating a Meal Plan: Dinners
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/08/2010 12:00:24 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/06/real-food-wednesday-6910.html?">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>When most people think of "meal planning," dinners are what they mean.&nbsp; Meal planning is the answer to the question "What's for dinner?" which is asked by at least one family member every night (at least in my house).</p>
<p>By now you've already made your <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/3/meal-planning-taking-inventory-and-meals-list.html">list of ingredients, favorite meals</a>, and looked into some <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/4/creating-a-meal-plan-seasonal-meals.html">seasonal meals</a>, so it's time to start actually doing your meal plan.&nbsp; There are a few ways to do this:</p>
<p><strong>Weekly</strong> -- This is probably the most common.&nbsp; Each week, choose a day to sit down and write out what meals you will make for the following week.&nbsp; The advantage is you can vary what you're making more often and&nbsp;plan to use up leftovers or ingredients that are getting old from last week.&nbsp; But you will be doing it fairly often and it may take a bit more time.</p>
<p><strong>Bi-weekly</strong> -- A lot of people get paid every other week, so meal planning at that rate may suit you, too (this is how I do it).&nbsp; You choose a time to sit down every other week and plan out what you'll eat for two weeks.&nbsp; It takes less time, you only have to do major grocery shopping every other week instead of every week.&nbsp; However, you may find that something you planned for the second week won't work (because you ran out of an ingredient, something went bad, your family didn't like it the first time, an experimental recipe didn't work out, etc.) and therefore your plan needs adjusting.</p>
<p><strong>Monthly </strong>-- This can be good because once you've written out an entire month's worth of meals, you're basically done for the month.&nbsp; But you run into some of the same problems as bi-weekly in that you may run out of things, experimental recipes may not work, or other things may cause the plan to change.&nbsp; But, it might be worth it if you don't have a lot of time to do it this way so that at least you have SOME idea what you're making each day.</p>
<p><strong>Seasonally</strong> -- This isn't really one "way," it's something you can add to writing out your plan weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.&nbsp; This idea isn't mine, either, it came originally from<a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/05/spring-monthly-menu-plan.html"> Passionate Homemaking</a>.&nbsp; Basically, you have a "meals list" that varies every 3 - 4 months and you pull meals from each list depending on what's currently in season.&nbsp; You might have less variety each season but every new season brings with it new meals.</p>
<p>Once you've come up with a general plan (and you CAN change your mind later so don't worry!), sit down with your meals list and start plugging in some ideas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Think about the foods you have in your cupboard already, especially anything that's perishable and needs to be used soon.&nbsp; I also like to think about the following options as I'm meal planning:</p>
<p>*Amount of meat -- Overall, how much meat are we using per week?&nbsp; To keep costs low, we need to keep careful track of this.&nbsp; Some people choose to do meals that are vegetarian once or twice a week, or which have meat as only a small part of the meal so they can use less.</p>
<p>*Types of meat -- I like to balance out using beef and chicken so we're not relying on the same type of meat everyday.&nbsp; I also may focus more heavily on whichever meat I can currently obtain more cheaply (we're now able to get whole chickens for around $2/lb from a local farmer, which is our cheapest, yet still great, source).</p>
<p>*Other protein sources -- Including eggs, cheese, beans, etc. helps to balance out our meals and make them cheaper.</p>
<p>*Including plenty of veggies -- I like to include a salad a few times a week, or steamed broccoli (family favorite) or some other veggie in or with the meals.</p>
<p>*Reducing grains -- I try to avoid serving grain-heavy meals, like pasta, very often.&nbsp; I also try to have a fruit or veggie as a side dish instead of rice or potatoes when possible.&nbsp; I go over my meal plan after I've made it to see if I've included too many meals that have grains as either the main dish or a side dish to see if I can't replace something with a vegetable instead.</p>
<p>*Special circumstances -- Are we going to be out of town for a meal?&nbsp; Is someone visiting us?&nbsp; Is it a special occasion?&nbsp; I plan those in too.&nbsp; If we're going to a party I'll write down the dish we're taking if it's a potluck.&nbsp; If we're having a party (my son's birthday is coming up) I'll write in "party" and plan for that separately.&nbsp; If it were our anniversary I might choose to make something less frugal that we really love, like fish (Ben loves it blackened).</p>
<p>*Prep time -- Do any parts of the meals I've planned need extra prep time, and will I have time that day or earlier in the week to accomplish it?&nbsp; i.e. to soak beans, bake bread for sandwiches, cook and shred meat, etc.&nbsp; I have had to change meal plans because I got busy and didn't have time to cook whatever it was by the time I had free time to cook at all.&nbsp; Also because I needed some ingredient (like bread) that I hadn't gotten around to baking.&nbsp; So remember to think about these issues when you're planning something.&nbsp; In the winter I always planned soups or something I could just prepare early in the day and stick in the oven on Mondays, because we used to always have appointments Monday nights and we weren't home until around 6, and then it was dinner time!</p>
<p>Now, if you haven't, write your meal plan!&nbsp; Double check it, and remember you can always change it last-minute if you have to.&nbsp; If I have to, I think about the ingredients that would have gone in that night's dinner and see if I can make anything else with them.&nbsp; For example, this week we were supposed to have sprouted pasta and meat sauce with veggies one night.&nbsp; I don't have tomato sauce or sprouted pasta because I wasn't able to do a bulk order yet.&nbsp; I will be using the meat and veggies to create something else, and possibly including beans or barley or something else I have on hand.&nbsp; Meal planning is still flexible!</p>
<p>Tomorrow I have a special post for you about an awesome new ebook!</p>
<p>Thursday we'll talk about snacks and a few other things.&nbsp; Get ready!</p>
<p>What are your favorite meals?&nbsp; What's on your plan this week?&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
When most people think of "meal planning," dinners are what they mean.&nbsp; Meal planning is the answer to the question "What's for dinner?" which is asked by at least one family member every night (at least in my house).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 06/08/2010 06:43:20 PM
<p>My meal planning looks like this: Every three months, figure out approximately 10 dinners (I have a huge list of meals to choose from and I rotate and try new things a lot). Make/prep 6 of each one, and stick 60 meals in the freezer (this leaves me figuring out a cook-from-scratch or order-pizza dinner twice a week). </p><p>Then, it's thaw and bake/grill/crockpot/stir-fry for dinner until the freezer is once again empty. I have been doing it this way for so long, that if I run out of freezer meals, I get confused and don't know what to cook. It saves me time every night on cooking, cleaning, planning....it's the only way to go. I know a lot of people think freezer cooking is icky, like making a tv dinner every night, but it isn't. I rarely put cooked food in the freezer, but prepping 6 meatloafs all at once and freezing them uncooked in disposable loaf pans is a very efficient use of time. Thawed and baked, it tastes as fresh as if I made it that day. Plus I can buy things in bulk, great quantities on sale...I rarely waste food this way - you know, finding those mysterious gray packages of meat in the back of the freezer.</p><p>I tend to get carried away, and think I'll make dinners for all of us! and lunches! and breakfast! but I am working on that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bridgette
EMAIL: 
IP: 38.104.181.134
URL: 
DATE: 06/08/2010 08:06:22 PM
<p>I think that the person who left the comment on making 60 freezer meals should do a guest blog spot here and go into more detail. This sound amazing and I must know more!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 06/09/2010 04:57:38 PM
<p>Guest post coming, Bridgette!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bridgette
EMAIL: 
IP: 38.104.181.134
URL: 
DATE: 06/09/2010 05:47:43 PM
<p>Wow, i can't wait! And thanks so much for this series. So far we've done meal planning a few times and it's been AMAZINGLY helpful, but it's difficult to get the hubby totally on board (he really cooks most of the meals). We're trying to get our budget down to and hopefully under $600 and when we plan it seems to work the best.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Affording Real Food: Stephanie's Ebook
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/09/2010 12:00:48 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>I recently got the opportunity to read and review "Real Food on a Real Budget," by Stephanie Langford of Keeper of the Home.&nbsp; It's absolutely perfect because it fits right in with this month's theme!&nbsp; Truthfully although I was interested to read it just for its own sake, I also wondered how others do it and if she could teach me anything I didn't know.&nbsp; The book ended up being just excellent in so many ways!</p>
<p>First of all, Stephanie discusses lots of information on creating a budget, eating real food cheaply, how to cook, shop, preserve and all different ways to reduce your grocery budget while eating good, healthy food.&nbsp; Unlike so many other books and websites dedicated to reducing your budget, she doesn't advocate using coupons as a primary method and sacrificing quality, or relying heavily on canned goods or beans and rice.&nbsp; She has many practical, real suggestions on how to afford real food from the best sources while still reducing your costs.</p>
<p>I loved reading it and it actually inspired my recent <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/5/solid-advice-use-cash.html">switch to cash</a>.&nbsp; Even when I was reading something I'd heard before, it served as a gentle reminder to actually DO something about it.&nbsp; I'm so excited now because I just can't wait to implement even more of her suggestions and reduce my grocery budget even further.</p>
<p>If you're struggling with eating real food and keeping your grocery budget under control, I highly recommend purchasing this book.&nbsp; Stephanie makes her advice accessible to everyone, no matter what their goals (including vegetarian and vegan families).&nbsp; She is also quite down-to-earth in her writings, willingly sharing things that have happened in her own kitchen, even some unconventional storage means that have kept her grocery costs down!&nbsp; But if you want to know, you have to buy the book. :)</p>
<p>If you love this idea and would like to order your own copy, head over to her site and order it right now!&nbsp; It's worth every penny because believe me, you'll save a lot more on groceries than you spend on her ebook.</p>
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EXCERPT:
I recently got the opportunity to read and review "Real Food on a Real Budget," by Stephanie Langford of Keeper of the Home.&nbsp; It's absolutely perfect because it fits right in with this month's theme!&nbsp; Truthfully although I was interested to read it just for its own sake, I also wondered how others do it and if she could teach me anything I didn't know.&nbsp; The book ended up being just excellent in so many ways!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creating a Meal Plan: Snacks
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/10/2010 12:00:21 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>Snacks.</p>
<p>If you have kids, you know that several times a day they whine "I'm hungry!" even if a meal has just concluded.&nbsp;&nbsp; What are you supposed to do?</p>
<p>You could just buy a ton of snack foods and have something around for when they're hungry.&nbsp; But most snack foods aren't very healthy and rely heavily on grains and/or sugars.&nbsp; So that's probably not the best idea.</p>
<p>You could buy a ton of extra fruit and cheese and other healthy food and have that on hand for snacks.&nbsp; While not a bad idea nutritionally, it may or may not be a good idea budget-wise.&nbsp; Hmm.&nbsp; So what to do?</p>
<p>The best thing we've done is to keep a list of all our family's favorite snacks.&nbsp; On our list is banana chips, cheese, bread and butter, corn chips and salsa, nuts, homemade ice cream.&nbsp; Fresh fruit is sometimes a favorite too.&nbsp; From this list, I can choose whatever's on sale, seasonal, etc. and buy that for our snacks.&nbsp; Carrot sticks and cheese cubes work fine.&nbsp; Apples (in the fall) and a slice of bread is good too.</p>
<p>That's really my best advice: bake or make your snacks if you can and stick to what's seasonal or on sale (but still healthy).</p>
<p>For awhile, I did actually plan out our snacks, but I stopped because we never paid attention to the list anyway.&nbsp; At least not on a daily basis (i.e. "today we're having yogurt").&nbsp; I did stick to what I knew we could snack on, though, and didn't use up foods that I needed to make meals later.</p>
<p>If you have a big "snack time" at your house, though, such as when all the kids get home from school, you might want to plan a daily snack.&nbsp; Maybe one day is fruit salad, another day is veggies and dip, another is mini-ham and cheese sandwiches...etc.&nbsp; You can borrow the same ideas for doing other meal planning for snacks.&nbsp; When I was a kid, 3:30 was snack time...everyday.&nbsp; And we had to be done by 4 so we were hungry for dinner.&nbsp; So at 3:30 we all trooped in the kitchen to raid the pantry.&nbsp; My mom wasn't much for meal planning or cooking so what we ate probably wasn't the best most days.&nbsp; But if you're into meal planning and healthy food, and you schedule snack time...consider scheduling what to serve, too!&nbsp; Get creative -- mini frozen pizzas?&nbsp; (I'll be telling you how to do that soon.)&nbsp; Soft pretzels with cheese dip or marinara sauce?&nbsp; Fruit dipped in chocolate sauce (I'm working on perfecting homemade chocolate sauce)?&nbsp; Lots of ideas!</p>
<p>Katie at <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Kitchen Stewardship</a> has an awesome ebook, Healthy Snacks to Go.&nbsp; I'm not an affiliate, but I did get a free copy for helping edit it. :)&nbsp; I would recommend that you buy it if you are at all struggling for snack ideas.&nbsp; She has tons of recipes for granola bars, Power Bars, Larabars, and various other easy to-go snacks for kids that are truly healthy and very frugal.</p>
<p>How do you handle snack time?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Snacks.</p>
<p>If you have kids, you know that several times a day they whine "I'm hungry!" even if a meal has just concluded.&nbsp;&nbsp; What are you supposed to do?
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Fried Potatoes with Broccoli and Cheese
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/10/2010 12:00:21 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/06/pennywise-platter-thursday-610.html">Pennywise Platters at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Recently I've tried two new recipes that I loved.&nbsp; One was something I sampled while on vacation that I'm hoping to replicate soon (and share with you if it goes well; early attempts are...hmm...) and something I created tonight.&nbsp; Fabulous!&nbsp; So wonderful I couldn't stop talking about it while I was eating it.&nbsp; So I have to share it with you today.</p>
<p>Fried potatoes with broccoli-cheddar sauce.&nbsp; I had been planning to make the sauce and put it over baked potatoes like a normal person, but my husband doesn't like baked potatoes (or broccoli-cheddar sauce).&nbsp; He does, however, like fried potatoes, so I thought it would be simpler to make one type of potato that everybody likes.&nbsp; Plus it would have extra fat and it sounded GOOD.&nbsp; And believe me, it was GOOD!&nbsp; If you've ever had a frozen dinner that was roasted potatoes with broccoli and cheese, it tastes kind of like that, only lots better because it's fresh and has only real food in it.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 - 2 medium potatoes</p>
<p>Sea salt</p>
<p>Onion powder</p>
<p>Lard</p>
<p>Broccoli, chopped (2 heads)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Cheese sauce:</p>
<p>2 tbsp. butter</p>
<p>1 tbsp. arrowroot powder</p>
<p>1 c. raw whole milk</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. sea salt (or to taste)</p>
<p>1/2 c. raw cheddar cheese</p>
<p>1/4 c. raw romano cheese</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.&nbsp; Toss into a frying pan with some lard (about 1/4 c.), sea salt, and onion powder.&nbsp; Fry on medium heat until browning and crispy.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, steam the chopped broccoli.</p>
<p>Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.&nbsp; Mix the milk and arrowroot powder in a measuring cup and add to the butter.&nbsp; Stir and cook on medium for just a minute.&nbsp; Remove from heat and add the cheeses, finely shredded, and the salt.&nbsp; Cook and stir until cheeses are melted and mixture is slightly thickened.</p>
<p>To serve:</p>
<p>Put potatoes on a plate.&nbsp; Mix steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce.&nbsp; Top potatoes with the broccoli-cheese sauce mixture.&nbsp; Serve.&nbsp; YUMMY!!!&nbsp; I think I will make this all the time.&nbsp; I had twice as much cheese sauce as I needed so I put&nbsp;half away in the freezer (I put about 1 head of broccoli in the cheese sauce actually, because Ben and Bekah like it without cheese.&nbsp; If you use both heads this should make just enough).</p>
<p>This cheese sauce is soooooooo good.&nbsp; I bet you could use it over macaroni for mac'n'cheese.&nbsp; I plan to experiment with adding pickled jalapenos to it for a nice nacho dip.&nbsp; Oh, the possibilities....</p>
<p>Update: Since I originally wrote this post (over the weekend), I've had some breakthroughs on my attempts to replicate the other recipe, so you may just be seeing it next week!!&nbsp; Stay tuned for that, and don't forget to subscribe if you haven't so you don't miss it!</p>
<p>What's your favorite use for cheese?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Recently I've tried two new recipes that I loved.&nbsp; One was something I sampled while on vacation that I'm hoping to replicate soon (and share with you if it goes well; early attempts are...hmm...) and something I created tonight.&nbsp; Fabulous!&nbsp; So wonderful I couldn't stop talking about it while I was eating it.&nbsp; So I have to share it with you today.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.203.29
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 06/10/2010 02:54:39 PM
<p>Yummy.  This sounds so good.  Must try.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 06/10/2010 06:10:40 PM
<p>I'm sure you have covered this somewhere else, but could you tell me why you use lard instead of oil?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stacy @ Delighting in the Days
EMAIL: homeschoolingaussie@yahoo.com
IP: 99.40.103.232
URL: http://delightinginthedays.com
DATE: 06/10/2010 06:26:08 PM
<p>Yum! I am definitely making this one.  I think the whole family will enjoy it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 06/10/2010 06:56:58 PM
<p>Deb,</p><p>Liquid oils can't be heated very high because they can create free radicals (i.e. trans fats) and become dangerous too easily.  Saturated fats like lard are much more stable and much better for frying.  Coconut oil would be another good choice (we've used it many times), or beef tallow.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stacy @ Deligting in the Days
EMAIL: homeschoolingaussie@yahoo.com
IP: 99.40.97.235
URL: http://delightinginthedays.com
DATE: 07/27/2010 07:30:15 PM
<p>Just wanted to come back and say that I am making this for the fourth time today!  We love it.  It is also a great way to use up leftover baked potatoes.  Just chop them up and fry in the lard or oil.</p><p>I included it in my list of <a href="http://delightinginthedays.com/my-go-to-recipes-from-around-the-web/" rel="nofollow">Go-to Recipes From Around The web</a></p><p>It is now a family favorite!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 99.185.72.68
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 10/18/2010 12:20:02 AM
<p>Thanks. Am now subscribing to your blog!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Creating a Grocery List
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/11/2010 12:00:49 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>Now you should have your meal plan done: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (or at least some idea for everything other than dinner).&nbsp; Hopefully you've used up everything you can think of that's sitting around in your kitchen, like a bit of leftover cheese, half a jar of tomato sauce, <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/06/what-to-do-with-all-that-lettuce-guest-post-from-kate-at-modern-alternative-mama.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">some old lettuce</a>, etc.&nbsp; However, unless you buy EVERYTHING in bulk, you will have to do some grocery shopping.&nbsp;</p>
<p>First, let's go over a few options for where to grocery shop:</p>
<p>Grocery store (obvious, right?)</p>
<p>Health food store</p>
<p>Farmer's market</p>
<p>Bulk online stores</p>
<p>Local coops</p>
<p>Direct from farms</p>
<p>Of those options, I wouldn't recommend the first.&nbsp; As part of my research for this series, I checked options and prices at local major grocery chains.&nbsp; I noted that they had very, very small organic sections (if any) and they were mixed with "natural foods" too (which covered imported brands and things that were not necessarily healthier) and that most of these sections were filled with packaged and processed "health" foods.&nbsp; I also noted that their prices were higher than even local health food stores on many items, even brand-name items that should be roughly the same across the board.&nbsp; Since we're trying to save money, I can't recommend that you buy most "real food" from regular grocery stores.&nbsp; There may occasionally be sales that make it worthwhile, and you can check ads if you happen to get them in the mail or email, but these stores probably are not your best bet.</p>
<p>The rest of the options are all good ones, just depending on what's available in your area.&nbsp; You can check <a href="http://www.eatwild.com">Eat Wild</a> to find local farms and farmer's markets in your area to see if this is an option.&nbsp; For the most part, you will get the best prices by buying direct from farmers.&nbsp; Of course, you're then limited to the items that they produce and what's currently in season.&nbsp; It's a good idea to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/4/creating-a-meal-plan-seasonal-meals.html">eat seasonally</a> anyway, but just keep in mind that they may or may not have what you want.</p>
<p>Bulk online stores like <a href="http://www.azurestandard.com">Azure Standard</a> are also an option.&nbsp; I've found that they have great prices on single-item foods (like beans, rice, grains, etc.) but that their prices aren't as good on brand-name items.&nbsp; They have drop points in several states, but not all, and if they don't have a drop point in your state, shipping can be quite expensive (recently I was thinking about ordering from them and found I would have to pay $20 to ship a $27 order, plus handling fees!).&nbsp; But, for many they are a great option.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com">Amazon</a> is also a surprisingly good option for some things.&nbsp; They have a natural foods section and good prices on many of the items.&nbsp; I often have ordered Nutiva coconut oil through them, as well as Traditional Medicinals teas.</p>
<p>It's worth checking to see if you have a local coop or indoor natural market.&nbsp; We have both here.&nbsp; I noted that prices on bulk items at the coop were much, much cheaper than anywhere else I could find, online or locally.&nbsp; It's worth it to shop around to see if you have these options in your area.</p>
<p>Finally, health food stores.&nbsp; Whatever I can't get at one of the other locations, I buy at health food stores.&nbsp; In the winter (since I didn't preserve anything last year), that was quite a lot.&nbsp; Now, I'm spending less than $50 every two weeks at actual stores.&nbsp; Whole Foods is a locally recognized chain of stores, and they're good, although I have some issues with their mission statement (they think the whole world should be vegan).&nbsp; Trader Joe's is good too, with some things.&nbsp; We've found some excellent cheeses and good prices on some organic produce.&nbsp; But be aware, they are strongly pro-low-fat diets and not all of their food is organic.</p>
<p>Now, onto the actual list.&nbsp; Look at your meal plan and write down all the obvious things you'll need: pasta, bread, certain produce, meats, etc.&nbsp; But there are several things that you shouldn't overlook, but which are easy to forget:</p>
<p>*Salt</p>
<p>*Spices (marjoram, thyme, sage, etc.)</p>
<p>*Mustard</p>
<p>*Ketchup</p>
<p>*Other condiments</p>
<p>*Onions</p>
<p>*Soup bones (if not buying whole chickens)</p>
<p>*Cheeses (that are used sparingly and easily forgotten)</p>
<p>*Baking powder</p>
<p>*Arrowroot powder</p>
<p>*Other baking supplies</p>
<p>*Wax or parchment paper</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Make sure you check amounts, too.&nbsp; You may know that you have pepper currently, but do you have enough?&nbsp; This goes for items you are buying as well as ones currently in your pantry.&nbsp; If you need 5 lbs. of meat to make your meals work, don't forget to count and bring home only 4!</p>
<p>I usually make my list based on my meal plan, then run into my kitchen and look through everything to see what I'm running out of.&nbsp; I also look through my recipes to see if there's any item I may have forgotten.&nbsp; I usually try to make my list a day or two before I shop so I have some time to cook and remember "Oh yeah!&nbsp; I'm going to need X by shopping day!"</p>
<p>Be very careful in making your list, because the idea is to stick to it exactly.&nbsp; Write down the amounts that you'll need and approximately how much they should cost (you can learn more about price comparisons and using them to save money in <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/9/affording-real-food-stephanies-ebook.html">Stephanie's ebook</a>, "Real Food on a Real Budget").&nbsp; If you aren't careful, you'll get to the store and say "Oh!&nbsp; We're out of this!&nbsp; And I should probably stock up on that.&nbsp; What about this, it's on sale!" etc. and suddenly you've way overspent!&nbsp; When you're thinking about buying an item you may be running low on, ask yourself: do I need this item for the next week's meals?&nbsp; If the answer is "no," then don't buy it.</p>
<p>Now, a note on sales: If you have enough money in your budget and there is an item that you use a lot of and it is on sale for a really, really good price, I am not saying you shouldn't stock up.&nbsp; It's a good idea to do it.&nbsp; But be prepared to compensate by buying less of something else, or even omitting some other item.&nbsp; And if you don't have money budgeted for it and can't make changes in other areas, then don't buy it and blow your budget.&nbsp; You can probably always find a way to work it so that you can take advantage of sales, but this is why you check ads and make your list carefully BEFORE you shop!</p>
<p>Another trap: the kids are fussy and you're tired, so you pick up some snacks or lunch to eat while you're out.&nbsp; Just to tide you over.&nbsp; That really blows the budget too....&nbsp; Ask me how I know!!&nbsp; If you would like to buy a snack or lunch, plan for it in advance and make sure you bring money along to do so.&nbsp; This is why we have blow money.</p>
<p>Once you've made your grocery list and you're sure you've got everything on it, go shopping!!&nbsp; Buy everything because you've planned and budgeted and carefully sourced the best ingredients at the best prices.&nbsp; Then it's time to come home and cook!</p>
<p>Next week we'll be talking about "good enough" substitutes, in case you have cut your shopping list and meal plan down and still can't quite afford everything.&nbsp; We'll also be discussing more about nutrient-dense foods and other options for sourcing your food at amazing prices.</p>
<p>How do you make a grocery list and stick to it?&nbsp; Where do you do most of your shopping?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Now you should have your meal plan done: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (or at least some idea for everything other than dinner).&nbsp; Hopefully you've used up everything you can think of that's sitting around in your kitchen, like a bit of leftover cheese, half a jar of tomato sauce, <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/06/what-to-do-with-all-that-lettuce-guest-post-from-kate-at-modern-alternative-mama.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">some old lettuce</a>, etc.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: "Good Enough" Substitutes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/14/2010 12:00:18 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>!  It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health!  Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>When we're talking about sticking to a budget in real life, the truth is, we're going to have to make some compromises.&nbsp; While it would be ideal to eat only organic foods, top-quality meats, local foods, etc. it is not always possible.&nbsp; Perhaps some options are not available.&nbsp; Perhaps any top-quality alternatives are too expensive.&nbsp; However, some substitutes are better than others.</p>
<p>Today we're going to talk about some of those substitutes.</p>
<p>The very first thing to remember, and hopefully find, is food which is not certified organic but which is raised according to organic principles.&nbsp; If you are lucky, you can find a farm in your area that raises their food sustainably (and you can visit the farm) but they are not actually certified organic.&nbsp; This may mean eggs are $2.50/doz instead of $4 or more.&nbsp; Ground beef could be only $3/lb instead of $4.50 or more.&nbsp; In this case you're sacrificing only a label, NOT quality, to pay significantly less.</p>
<p>Another way to sacrifice is to look for "second quality" foods -- those which have bruises or blemishes, are close to expiry, or cuts of meat which are tougher and require more cooking (or are just cheaper, like using only ground meat instead of steaks).&nbsp; Again, you are not really sacrificing quality here, just buying things that might require more preparation or to be eaten very quickly.&nbsp; An advantage to this is that you can find these items in any average grocery store instead of having to find a local farm, which not everyone has access to.</p>
<p>Memorize the "clean 15" produce list, and purchase these non-organic.&nbsp; If you haven't memorized the list, remember to look for fruits and vegetables with thick skins, inedible peels, etc.&nbsp; Pineapples, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, avocados, etc. are fine non-organic and they are cheaper.&nbsp; Here is the full list:</p>
<ol>
<li>Onion</li>
<li>Avocado</li>
<li>Sweet Corn (but be careful, this is likely GMO if non-organic)</li>
<li>Pineapple</li>
<li>Mango</li>
<li>Asparagus</li>
<li>Sweet Peas</li>
<li>Kiwis</li>
<li>Cabbage</li>
<li>Eggplant</li>
<li>Papaya</li>
<li>Broccoli</li>
<li>Watermelon</li>
<li>Tomato</li>
<li>Sweet Potato</li>
</ol>
<p>By buying these items non-organic, especially when they are in season and very cheap, you can save a LOT of money.&nbsp; Even more so if you learn to can or preserve them!</p>
<p>If you have any Amish families in your area, you may be able to buy products from them, either directly or through a local store, for cheaper than other good-quality foods.&nbsp; I have found Amish spelt for $1.09/lb when other local farmers were charging $1.50/lb or more.</p>
<p>What about if you just have to cut down even more?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/06/03/the-list-what-to-eat-what-to-avoid-how-to-compromise-2/">Kitchen Stewardship</a> has a great list about <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/32442215/The-List-What-to-Eat-What-to-Avoid-How-to-Compromise">acceptable substitutes</a>.</p>
<p>Here are a few ideas (some from her list, and some from my own brain):</p>
<p>*Canned fruit in juice instead of fresh (NO sugar syrups!)</p>
<p>*Unsweetened applesauce in a jar</p>
<p>*Canned tomatoes or beans in a pinch (try to avoid BPA, and dried beans are cheaper anyway)</p>
<p>*Any milk that is not ultra-pasteurized, even if not organic; try to avoid rBST</p>
<p>*Non-organic cheese (but not "processed cheese product")</p>
<p>*Grocery store chicken (occasionally I buy this) or "natural" chicken (organic chicken = $6/lb, natural = $3/lb for me!)</p>
<p>*Any non-organic cor product (chips, etc.) that is labeled non-GMO</p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/05/27/three-expert-takes-on-the-value-of-white-bread/">White bread</a> without preservatives or HFCS</p>
<p>*White pasta (just don't eat it too often)</p>
<p>*Single liquid oils -- canola (although I don't like it), grapeseed, peanut, sesame, extra virgin olive oil, etc. (NOT "vegetable oil") (Side note: I can find good prices on olive oil at local health food stores, around $6/lt. which is cheaper than even Walmart.&nbsp; I just buy it and don't worry too much about whether or not it's the best.)</p>
<p>*Frozen fruits/veggies that are organic and/or not on dirty dozen (Trader Joe's has organic frozen strawberries for $2/lb, and good price on organic veggie mix too)</p>
<p>*Cheaper variety of organic potatoes (I like red potatoes but was paying $5 for 5 lbs. or more; Russets are $3 for 5 lbs.)</p>
<p>*Bagged produce instead of loose (you don't get to pick, but sometimes pay half the cost)</p>
<p>*Non-organic orange juice (some say don't buy juice...I allow a cup for breakfast somedays, and 1/2 gal. is only $2 at Trader Joe's)</p>
<p>*Any food product where you recognize and can pronounce all the ingredients (this is more for if you run out of time than money, because it will be more expensive usually)</p>
<p>*Regular non-organic black tea IF you will be fermenting it (same with white sugar)</p>
<p>*Grocery store honey</p>
<p>*Any peanut butter without sugar and hydrogenated oils (Whole Foods has a great price on their brand)</p>
<p>*Health food store brand cereal bars (sweetened with evaporated cane juice and fruit juice instead of HFCS) and cheaper than Walmart's too!</p>
<p>*Hot dogs with no nitritites and beef with no hormones/antibiotics (may still be corn-fed).&nbsp; Trader Joe's brand is relatively cheap!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, while we're at it, I thought I should give you a list of things I don't ever recommend compromising on:</p>
<p>*Canned vegetables</p>
<p>*GMO corn or soy products</p>
<p>*Unsprouted or unsoaked whole wheat products (choose white in a pinch)</p>
<p>*Non-organic dirty dozen produce (whenever possible)</p>
<p>*Grocery store beef</p>
<p>*Lunch meats/cured meats with sodium nitrite</p>
<p>*Canned fruits in heavy syrup</p>
<p>*Products containing high fructose corn syrup</p>
<p>*Products containing artificial sweeteners</p>
<p>*Products with long lists of ingredients that you can't pronounce</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Finally, don't be fooled.&nbsp; Sometimes products that seem like they SHOULD be cheaper are not, such as "natural" meat products in the store vs. grass-fed organic meat from the farm.&nbsp; Or, grocery store "good" milk vs. raw milk (where I am, grocery store organic milk is $6 - $7/gal sometimes while raw is $5/gal).&nbsp; Make sure you are accurately price comparing, and don't forget to account for differences in package size!</p>
<p>What substitutes do you make if you can't afford something?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
When we're talking about sticking to a budget in real life, the truth is, we're going to have to make some compromises.&nbsp; While it would be ideal to eat only organic foods, top-quality meats, local foods, etc. it is not always possible.&nbsp; Perhaps some options are not available.&nbsp; Perhaps any top-quality alternatives are too expensive.&nbsp; However, some substitutes are better than others.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 06/14/2010 04:46:08 PM
<p>There are some things that you shouldn't substitute on quality, though. I tried using a cheaper dental floss (we'd gotten some of the more expensive kind with a coupon and on sale, but didn't want to pay that much money again) but the results were horrible - it would fray instead of cut off a piece, and after I got a piece stuck between my teeth (my teeth have what dentists call tight contacts - the teeth themselves are really close together) and took ten minutes to get it out, I no longer buy the cheaper floss. Some things can be bought cheaper, but not all!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.203.29
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 06/14/2010 11:01:05 PM
<p>Do you have any more information on wheat--soaking and sprouted?  I'm just learning about the benefits so I'd love a guide for the &quot;dummies.&quot;  :)</p><p>Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cara @ Health Home and Happiness
EMAIL: carafaus@gmail.com
IP: 97.121.213.238
URL: http://healthhomehappy.com
DATE: 06/19/2010 05:50:36 PM
<p>Great list! I buy organic unsweetened apple sauce from Costco, frozen conventional berries (not ideal), and prewashed spinach. Those are my cheats and I like them :P</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Chelsea
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.152.70.255
URL: http://simplicated10.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/08/2011 11:24:43 PM
<p>Buying in bulk is how I cheat the high organic prices.  My local health food store sells most items for the cupboard in bulk.  Compare a can of organic black beans at $2.75 to $1.15/lb organic dry black beans in bulk.  Other bulk items with big saving are rice, oats, sugars (I buy sucanat), granola, spices, real maple syrup, yeast, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, popcorn, chocolate chips, etc.  Check your organic bulk section for good &quot;cheats.&quot;</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: "Good Earth" Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/15/2010 12:00:50 PM
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</em>Recently, I was given the opportunity through MyBlogSpark to review a new product: Good Earth Dinner Kit.&nbsp; It's kind of like Hamburger Helper, only with natural ingredients.&nbsp; I was provided with a Good Earth dry dinner kit, a set of bamboo plates and tableware, a cutting board, and a reusable bag by MyBlogSpark and Good Earth to facilitate this review.&nbsp; I was not paid for writing it.&nbsp; These companies are also providing the same kit to one of my readers as a giveaway so that one of you can try this, too!</p>
<p>I received the kit and spent some time looking at the box.&nbsp; I had the Mediterranean Chicken variety.&nbsp; I recognized and could pronounce almost all the ingredients on the box, which was great!&nbsp; There were a few towards the end of the list that had me concerned, but anything with packaged sauce mixes is going to have a few preservatives in it.&nbsp; In general it seemed like a big improvement over other, similar options.</p>
<p>The box required me to buy a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, which I did.&nbsp; It was really quite easy to make -- dip the chicken breasts in the prepared, seasoned flour mix, fry them in olive oil, and add in the sauce mix, seasoning packet, water and milk.&nbsp; Pasta (included in the box) was boiled separately.&nbsp; I also needed to provide the olive oil to fry, as well as the milk and water.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010914.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284497826617" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I didn't quite follow the directions because the dinner kit has a creamy sauce and my husband doesn't like creamy sauce.&nbsp; So I separated about half the chicken from the pan before adding the sauce mix.&nbsp; I was wishing that there were some nice sun-dried tomatoes to go with the creamy sauce, and when I opened the "Mediterranean seasoning packet" I found they had sun-dried tomatoes in there!&nbsp; Yummy!</p>
<p>Doesn't it look good?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010917.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284499889505" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I served it to my husband without the pasta or sauce (paired it with some steamed broccoli for him) and he and my son both LOVED it.&nbsp; Nice flavor on the chicken, and they like fried chicken anyway.&nbsp; So it was a win for them.</p>
<p>I enjoyed it a lot, too.&nbsp; The sauce was very flavorful and creamy, and went well with the chicken and pasta.&nbsp; My daughter had some too, with the creamy sauce and she really liked it.&nbsp; So ultimately, the whole family could eat.&nbsp; With a small side of steamed broccoli it was easily enough for the 4 of us for one meal, too.</p>
<p>My only hesitation is the fact that it DOES come in a box.&nbsp; But if we're talking about an occasional meal, when we need to save some time but still want something pretty decent and yummy, this was a good option.</p>
<p>Now, would you like to try one for yourself?&nbsp; One lucky reader will get that chance!&nbsp; To enter,</p>
<p>1. Leave a comment telling me what you like about this product and why you'd like to try it</p>
<p>2. Subscribe to me (or tell me you already do)</p>
<p>3. Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>4. Tell me your favorite quick dinner recipe</p>
<p>This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will close Friday, June 18 at 8 PM.&nbsp; The winner will be announced by Saturday, June 19 at 8 PM, and the winner must contact me within 2 days to claim his/her prize.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Recently, I was given the opportunity through MyBlogSpark to review a new product: Good Earth Dinner Kit.&nbsp; It's kind of like Hamburger Helper, only with natural ingredients.&nbsp; I was provided with a Good Earth dry dinner kit, a set of bamboo plates and tableware, a cutting board, and a reusable bag by MyBlogSpark and Good Earth to facilitate this review.&nbsp; I was not paid for writing it.&nbsp; These companies are also providing the same kit to one of my readers as a giveaway so that one of you can try this, too!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.76.41.110
URL: 
DATE: 06/15/2010 02:45:12 PM
<p>I would love to give this meal a try. I just had a baby, so quick and easy is all that I have time for, but still try to cook healthy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 06/15/2010 03:21:17 PM
<p>I would very much like to try this! Even though I try to feed my family home-cooked-from-scratch meals every night, sometimes it just doesn't happen. I would love to have a quick meal in a box that I could pull out and still feel good about it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/16/2010 12:35:22 AM
<p>I would love this for after the baby comes...although it better show up any day as we are at 41 weeks today!</p><p>Simplicity and a stocked pantry and freezer make for easier newborn periods for me!</p><p>Also, could you let me know if you got my address?  </p><p>Thanks!<br/>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/16/2010 12:36:02 AM
<p>I subscribe to your blog!</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/16/2010 12:38:34 AM
<p>My favorite quick dinner recipe is typically pasta.  I boil pasta and make a quick cheesy, yummy sauce by melting down cream cheese, adding pasta water or chicken stock, add veggies/meat (mushrooms, onions, and bacon or tomatoes, bacon and spinach are favorites), lots of pepper, garlic powder, chives out of the herb bed, and other herbs as sound good.  When the bacon is already in cooked in the freezer and the rest just takes some quick chopping it makes for a fast meal....sauce is done before the pasta is and dinner can be on in about 20 minutes with less hands on time than that.  And it is one of hubbys favorite dinners!</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristen
EMAIL: couponboss@gmail.com
IP: 24.130.40.29
URL: 
DATE: 06/18/2010 05:28:06 AM
<p>I'm anxious to try these because I've tried other kits and they're so easy and good...much better than frozen meals!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Affording Real Food: Thompson Family
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/16/2010 12:01:01 PM
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<p>Welcome to Sarah Thompson, sharing with us today about how HER real food family sticks to a budget!&nbsp;</p>
<p>John and Sarah Thompson live in coastal Maine with their two children,  ages 4 and 5 months. &nbsp;John is a timber frame carpenter specializing in  traditionally-joined heavy timber construction. &nbsp;He owns Garden Joinery,  which designs and builds custom garden structures. &nbsp;Their website is <a href="http://www.gardenjoinery.com/" target="_blank">www.gardenjoinery.com</a>,  and their blog is <a href="http://www.breadandbuilding.com/" target="_blank">www.breadandbuilding.com</a>.</p>
<p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What does &ldquo;real food&rdquo; mean to your family?<br />&nbsp;<br />Somewhere along the course of changing/abandoning my career and having my first child, I became aware of how little I actually KNEW about food and drugs (and I always ate "well" by average US standards, naturally low-fat foods, lots of green stuff, little refined sugar).&nbsp; During my pregnancy I struggled with hypoglycemia, so I started using Dr. Brewer's dietary guidelines, and I got hooked on the idea that my assumptions about food were pretty skewed.&nbsp; Most people in my culture think nothing of being sick a lot of the time, of being tired, having bowel trouble, consuming pharmaceuticals by prescription or over the counter, doing what the doctor says.&nbsp; Is it really right to feel sort of bad all the time, to put things in one's body of bizarre and intensely synthesized origin?<br />&nbsp;<br />We started to shift.&nbsp; My husband was vegan when we started dating, so he was very open to critically analyze food decisions and eating "weird" if it worked for us.&nbsp; Over time I gave up the microwave, the processed or one-pot meals, then also moved away from pasteurized foods, away from foods washed/cooked in fluoridated water, a lot of things that most folks seem to find pretty far out.&nbsp; I found local sources of food, bulk sources; got to know my farmers, my butcher.&nbsp; For us, being sick is very unusual, and always results from some stressor.&nbsp; I guess "real food," for us, is food that works *with* our bodies, that enhances their natural capacity for immunity and health, food that we understand in the sense that we know where it comes from and what's in it.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What do you eat in an average week? (Inc. meal plan if you happen to have one)<br />&nbsp;<br />We eat what's in season in the growing months, and what's stored in the winter months.&nbsp; So, asparagus is in season right now.&nbsp; If we are eating asparagus, we eat ASPARAGUS!&nbsp; I buy several pounds, make up some well-soaked grains such as rice for a side, and we fill up on the centerpiece food.&nbsp; I buy accent foods, too.&nbsp; A lot of cheeses, a LOT of seasonings (generally in bulk).&nbsp; These things are expensive, but they stretch the cheap stuff really well.&nbsp; There are four of us, but one is an infant so he doesn't eat "outside the nursie."&nbsp; Between the other three, in a typical day, we will eat at least 5 eggs, 1/4-1/2 loaf of bread (I make my own bread, usually whole wheat made by delayed fermentation, sourdough if I've been organized), natural peanut butter, cheddar cheese (I am learning to make my own from raw milk but for now I also buy a lot, raw if I can afford it), goat cheese, big salads from the farmer's market, maybe a grain like rice or quinoa (I try to soak these well with some acidulated water or whey), yogurt that I make from local, raw milk.&nbsp; Last night we just ate roasted rutabagas because I had a lot left from this winter.&nbsp; I buy some juice which I dilute with water, or use to sweeten a green smoothie.&nbsp; I mix molasses into milk to drink sometimes.&nbsp; We have a well with an ro filter system for water.&nbsp; Ds1 and dh like to have lots of fruit (dh always packs lunch), so I buy a lot of fruit, either in season or out.&nbsp; I buy a few canned things, tomatoes, coconut milk, salmon, kippers.&nbsp; I make ice cream and buy dark chocolate, so we do have sweets around.&nbsp; I'll buy anything requested, but I do try to steer away from processed and sweetened.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What groceries do you buy? (Include general amounts)<br />&nbsp;<br />A week's "shopping list" would probably be 2 gallons raw milk, 1 lbs cheddar, 6-8 oz goat cheese, 1-2 lbs onion, 2-3 heads garlic, 2 lbs seasonal greens (salad and cooking), 5 lbs root vegetables, 3 loaves bread, 3 lbs peanuts, raisins, oats mixed (and chocolate!), a jar of fermented food like cabbage or beets, 2-4 lbs legumes and rice, 1 lbs mushrooms, 5lbs apples, 3 lbs bananas, oils, spices, etc.<br />&nbsp;<br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Where do you buy your groceries?<br />&nbsp;<br />I buy some stuff at the store, but the bulk of it comes from farms and farmer's markets, the butcher/dairy, buying clubs.<br />&nbsp;<br />5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How much do you spend per week or month?<br />&nbsp;<br />Probably about $500.&nbsp; I just averaged the past 5 months and that seems about right.<br />&nbsp;<br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What are the biggest ways you save money?<br />&nbsp;<br />I am in a CSA; I did a work share last year but this year I am paying. I buy up lots of bulk stuff or take it free when there is overage.&nbsp; I have a small chest freezer; if it can't be frozen as is it can be pureed and frozen for cooking or smoothies.&nbsp; I get free bones and other stuff sometimes just by being out and about with the farmers and the butchers.&nbsp; I use these with 5 gallon buckets to store stuff away from pests; they can even stay outside (my house is only about 1000 ft^2 and I don't have a basement!).&nbsp; When I find a good price on something, I stock up.&nbsp; I pay with everything I can on account, by credit card, or with a check, and then I look each month at what I am really spending (as opposed to what I wish I were spending).&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What are your biggest struggles in sticking to a budget?<br />&nbsp;<br />Luxury items like alcohol, sweets, fancy cheese, meat (my husband doesn't eat it so it's just for me sometimes).&nbsp; I try to keep an eye on what I am spending so I know whether I can justify a bottle of wine or not.&nbsp; Cheese is a staple for us, but I don't always have to have 5 different kinds on hand!&nbsp; Sometimes I force myself to let stuff run out, just to see how long it really takes before I need it again.&nbsp; It's easy to get carried away with the stocking up!</p>
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EXCERPT:
elcome to Sarah Thompson, sharing with us today about how HER real food family sticks to a budget!&nbsp;</p>
<p>John and Sarah Thompson live in coastal Maine with their two children,  ages 4 and 5 months. &nbsp;John is a timber frame carpenter specializing in  traditionally-joined heavy timber construction. &nbsp;He owns Garden Joinery,  which designs and builds custom garden structures. &nbsp;Their website is <a href="http://www.gardenjoinery.com/" target="_blank">www.gardenjoinery.com</a>,  and their blog is <a href="http://www.breadandbuilding.com/" target="_blank">www.breadandbuilding.com</a>.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.115.210.52
URL: 
DATE: 06/17/2010 04:31:50 AM
<p>I would love to hear more about how Sarah makes her yogurt from raw milk.  I have been doing the same, but just can't seem to get the consistency I want.  It is very thin &amp; runny (especially once we've added a little maple syrup and vanilla for flavor).  Any thoughts on how to achieve something akin to Nancy's yogurt?  Also, what do you use for your starter culture?<br/>Thanks so much!<br/>Michelle</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Thompson
EMAIL: shcarley@yahoo.com
IP: 71.173.77.199
URL: 
DATE: 06/20/2010 12:14:47 PM
<p>My yogurt is not quite as thick as the store-bought kind.  Neither is my ice cream quite as creamy, usually.  I attribute this to the fact that a lot of creamy foods have carageenan or gums in them, and I don't add either (although I don't think there is anything wrong with carageenan.  I just haven't tried it).  Mediterranean and near-eastern yogurts are usually made with a higher percentage of milk fat, according to Julie Sahni, author of &quot;Classic Indian Cooking&quot; and &quot;Classic Indian Vegetarian and Grain Cooking.&quot;  </p><p>Since raw milk is not homogenized, all the cream rises to the top.   So, I let the milk settle, and then leave a few cups in the bottle when I pour it in the pan so that there is a higher percentage of cream in the yogurt milk (I drink the rest!).  For every gallon of milk, I use about one cup of my own yogurt as a starter.  If I run out, I buy Brown Cow or some other hippie brand at the health food store.  </p><p>Still too thin?  Or, maybe the batch didn't set right and it is sort of grainy and runny?  Strain it through several layers of cheesecloth or cotton sheeting, and save the whey for soaking grains (soak chickpea flower with it overnight to make farinata, for instance - so good!).  The thickened yogurt &quot;cheese&quot; is also good as a substitute for sour cream or cream cheese if you let it hang for a long time.  Use it as labneh, which a middle eastern appetizer of yogurt with salt, olive oil and fresh mint.  </p><p>BTW, I meant to include a link in my response above.  Where it says &quot;these lids,&quot; I mean these: http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/gamma_seal_lids_gamma_lid_products.aspx</p><p>Sarah</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: SAD VS. Real Food
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/18/2010 07:00:39 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/06/21/tuesday-twister-2010-06-22/">Tuesday Twisters at GNOWFGLINS</a> and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/06/real-food-wednesday-62310.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>So.&nbsp; Is eating real food REALLY more expensive?&nbsp; And if so, how much?&nbsp; Is it realistically doable on an average budget?&nbsp; In case you haven't been convinced yet by the family profiles and other awesome money-saving tips (and there are more to come!), I've chosen an average menu for 3 days to feed a family of 4.&nbsp; I'm going to look at the cost of eating real food vs. packaged, processed food using the same menu.</p>
<p>First, here's our menu:</p>
<p><strong>Breakfast&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p>Waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon (everyday)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Lunch</strong></p>
<p>Day 1 &ndash; Turkey sandwiches, veggie sticks and dip</p>
<p>Day 2 &ndash; Chicken noodle soup, yogurt cups</p>
<p>Day 3 &ndash; Frozen pizza</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dinner</strong></p>
<p>Day 1&mdash; Chili and cornbread</p>
<p>Day 2 &ndash; Pasta dish (Hamburger Helper), peas</p>
<p>Day 3 &ndash; Burgers and fries</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Dessert/Extra</strong></p>
<p>Vanilla ice cream (1.5 qt.)</p>
<p>1 case Pepsi</p>
<p>I'd say that's a pretty decent, average meal plan.&nbsp; It could be made with either real foods or processed foods.&nbsp; So let's break it down and look at the grocery lists for real food and SAD and see how much each costs.</p>
<p><strong>SAD</strong></p>
<p>I went to my local Walmart and wrote down these prices last weekend.&nbsp; I noted sales, store brands, etc. and generally chose the cheapest option when compiling this price list.</p>
<p>Grocery List</p>
<p>1 box frozen waffles&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1.50</p>
<p>1 doz. Eggs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1.25</p>
<p>1 lb. bacon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $3</p>
<p>1 lb. deli turkey&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $7</p>
<p>1 lb. cheese&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $6</p>
<p>1 lb. baby carrots&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2</p>
<p>Ranch dip&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $3.50</p>
<p>1 family-sized can soup&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2</p>
<p>4 yogurt cups&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2</p>
<p>2 frozen pizzas&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $10</p>
<p>1 family-sized can chili&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; $4</p>
<p>1 box cornbread mix&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $0.50</p>
<p>1 box Hamburger Helper&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; $1.50 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>2 lbs. ground beef&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $6</p>
<p>1 bag frozen peas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2</p>
<p>1 bag bakery buns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2.50</p>
<p>1 bag frozen fries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2</p>
<p>1 gal. milk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2 &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>1 box ice cream&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $3</p>
<p>1 case Pepsi&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5 (24 cans)</p>
<p><strong>Total spent:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $66.75</strong></p>
<p>Remember, that's the amount to feed a family of 4 for THREE days!&nbsp; This is average SAD spending.</p>
<p><strong>Real Food </strong></p>
<p>These are average prices based on health food stores, local farms and farmer's markets and also making my own things where possible, like butter or cheese:</p>
<p>3 lbs. of flour&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1.50</p>
<p>1/2 lb. of cornmeal&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $0.50</p>
<p>1 doz. eggs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2.50</p>
<p>1 lb. bacon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5</p>
<p>1/2 lb. butter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>1 gal. milk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $5</p>
<p>1 lb. turkey&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $9</p>
<p>1 lb. cheese&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $6</p>
<p>1 lb. carrots&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>8 oz. sour cream (ranch dip)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>2 lbs. chicken&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $4</p>
<p>1/2 lb. celery&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $0.50</p>
<p>1/2 lb. onions&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>1/2 lb. noodles&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>1/2 tub of yogurt&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2.50</p>
<p>1/4 lb. pepperoni&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2.50</p>
<p>1/2 lb. kidney beans&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>2 lb. ground beef&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $8</p>
<p>Tomato juice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2</p>
<p>1 lb. peas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>1/2 lb. pasta&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1</p>
<p>2 lb. potatoes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1.50</p>
<p>2 c. tomato puree&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; $1.50</p>
<p>Sugar, spices, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2</p>
<p><strong>Total:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $61.50</strong></p>
<p>Yes, it's a bit harder to estimate the "real food" amounts because I'm working with raw ingredients instead of packaged foods, and prices can vary widely by area.&nbsp; But I think that this represents a decent average of prices.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Notice -- real food came out LOWER than SAD!&nbsp; $5.25 lower for three days!&nbsp; (And yes, I realize most of that difference is the fact that I didn't include any soda in the "real food" plan, but the fact is, most people who eat SAD drink a lot of pop, and most people who eat real food choose water, which is free, so I think this still is a pretty accurate reflection.)</p>
<p>And remember that I didn't even include things like restaurant meals, candy, donuts, chips, pretzels, crackers, and other snack foods that typically are included in a SAD diet.&nbsp; It could have been a LOT higher if I'd added those things.&nbsp; It could have also been higher if I'd included more convenience foods, like pre-packaged veggies'n'dip cartons, or individual serving pizzas, or frozen breakfast meals.&nbsp; I also didn't include butter or condiments in this total.</p>
<p>On the real food side, costs could have been even lower if I'd been able to choose more frugal meals or factor in things like having a CSA share.&nbsp; However, in the interest of an "easy" comparison I chose meals that would be easy to make either way.&nbsp; A fresh salad with CSA greens, while frugal, wouldn't have been that much different on a SAD diet and a lot less likely to be on the menu!&nbsp; So the costs here could have been even lower.</p>
<p>The next time someone tells you "It's just too expensive to eat well," point them to this blog post.&nbsp; I've just shown, it's really not!&nbsp; And as far as the cooking times -- buy a bread machine and make your own sandwich bread, pizza dough, etc. very quickly and easily.&nbsp; Then making a pizza or sandwich is no harder than a pizza kit or any other sandwich.&nbsp; Making a quick tomato sauce and boiling some pasta is no harder than Hamburger Helper.&nbsp; Throwing beans, meat, tomato juice and spices into the Crock pot is no harder than opening a can, really.&nbsp; It might all take an extra few minutes of preparation, and certainly more forethought (i.e. remembering to put the ingredients into the bread machine or Crock pot) but does not require much hands-on time at all.</p>
<p>So what do you think?&nbsp; Is real food worth it?</p>
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EXCERPT:
So.&nbsp; Is eating real food REALLY more expensive?&nbsp; And if so, how much?&nbsp; Is it realistically doable on an average budget?&nbsp; In case you haven't been convinced yet by the family profiles and other awesome money-saving tips (and there are more to come!), I've chosen an average menu for 3 days to feed a family of 4.&nbsp; I'm going to look at the cost of eating real food vs. packaged, processed food using the same menu.</p>
<p>First, here's our menu:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: hbenza@comcast.net
IP: 98.247.164.80
URL: http://www.benzabulletin.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/21/2010 06:50:43 AM
<p>YES YES YES Real food IS worth it! Even if it came out more expensive at the grocery store it's cheaper than the money we'd spend to fix the poor health that results from all the yucky stuff in processed food.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: barefootmommy
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.216.25.196
URL: 
DATE: 06/21/2010 05:56:09 PM
<p>Wow. I am all for real food but here in Canada there is no way I could find 1/2 tub of yogurt for $1 (try $5) or a half pound of butter for $1 (try $4) or a dozen eggs for $2.50 (try $6). I do agree that in the long run real food does end up cheaper, or at the very least the same cost. You can stretch out a bag of flour more then a bag of buns!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 06/21/2010 06:53:57 PM
<p>Barefootmommy,</p><p>I found a few great deals at Walmart (Dannon yogurt where the only ingredient was cultured milk!), and I make my own butter from local cream.  Otherwise I'd be paying $3 for that 1/2 lb. or more!  Local farms provide me with eggs for around $2.50/doz.  I know food costs here are lower than in some areas, but since I can't take into account regional differences I went with current prices here.  But as you mentioned, yes, you can stretch things a lot further with real food!  Such a whole chicken -- enough meat to make several meals, plus stock, and I always use drippings for gravy and freeze it.  Then it's just as easy as dry mix or jar gravy but healthy!  There are TONS of ways to get more creative and save even more than I've laid out here so I'm betting real food is still cheaper -- especially if you figure in fewer health costs and etc. too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 06/23/2010 12:31:19 AM
<p>This is a fantastic post. Definitely an eye-opener, I'm sure, for those who truly think that you can't eat real food on a budget. I would like to add a flip-side to your argument, just for the sake of it needing to be said:</p><p>Yes, you save money by buying everything in its lowest common denominator (milk instead of butter, for instance). But the hidden costs here are your time. You save five dollars, but how much extra time do you spend cooking? In some cases, not that much. To make butter, if you have a stand mixer, just requires you to be in the kitchen while it's 'churning' your butter. And the price per use of your time is fairly low. Same with bread - mix it, knead it, let it sit and rise, bake it. Not too hard. And definitely yummier!</p><p>The true frugality of a family involves more than budgeting your money - it's also budgeting your time, because time = money. For some, their time is too important to be able to trade it off for a few dollars saved. My husband and I both work more than 8 hours a day some days, so while real food is important to us, so is our time because our 'home time' is worth more than work time. Is it less expensive to use homemade butter? Kate just proved that it is. But finding the time (and energy) after dealing with other peoples' problems and fixing stuff all day (getting home at 6 pm when you have to be there at 5 am is a bit rough) can be a challenge. So we pick and choose our battles, so to speak. We use canned organic pinto beans instead of using dry, even though we could save money using dry. We use pre-made butter and cheese, even though making it ourselves would save money, although it would require much more time and energy from us, which we may or may not have.</p><p>As a SAHM or a SAHW, I think that this is a great blog post to refer to, and I applaud you if you do real food. I don't know if I could spend so much time in the kitchen. For working mothers/wives, let's pick our real food battles and attack what we can fit in. Weekend time is useful for making stuff ahead of time (if it can be done ahead), so let's do as much as we can...our bodies will thank us later! </p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebekkah
EMAIL: rebekkah.smith@yahoo.com
IP: 74.177.113.159
URL: http://realfoodmommy.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/24/2010 02:11:08 PM
<p>Thanks for this post! Very interesting.  </p><p>Along my journey into cooking real food, I've started valuing food based on it's nutritional content and not on it's caloric quantity.  Even if the two menus came out the exact same, the real food menu is much more nutritionally valuable.  </p><p>But, lots of stuff is way cheaper when homemade, like bread.  I can make a loaf of homemade bread for about $1, and, oh my, it tastes so much better than store bought bread, even the bread from the deli.  Most baked goods are cheaper in general when made traditionally.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: sugarloaf10@gmail.com
IP: 74.138.193.140
URL: http://nopreservativesadded.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 06:08:03 PM
<p>Thank you for this excellent comparison post! I think many people shy away from eating real food because they think it is either more costly or more time consuming. You&#39;ve just shown how it&#39;s not on both accounts! Real food comes out a winner every time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.228
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 09:17:37 PM
<p>I think a real food diet is important even if it does cost more. And for me, it costs more than my old diet... but that&#39;s because I guess I was half real food/half SAD. I stopped buying soda, crackers, chips, and other snack foods a long time ago. I haven&#39;t cooked with a Hamburger Helper since I left home for college. So I was eating &quot;real&quot; foods but not the right real foods. I wasn&#39;t eating locally grown, grass fed, pastured and the healthy fats. I was eating standard lean chicken, standard lean beef, KRAFT cheese, cheap milk and eggs, white flour and vegetable oil. I was cooking everything from scratch, and it was CHEAP! </p><p>Then I found Nourishing Traditions Oct 2010. Now instead of a $4 chicken, I&#39;m eating an $8 pastured chicken (but I am making homemade stock from that chicken instead of buying it in boxes for $3 a box!) My butter is $5 for a pound instead of $1.50. My Raw Milk is $8 a gallon instead of $1.75. My pastured eggs are $4-5 instead of 89 cents a dozen on sale... So, yes my husband is complaining about the grocery bill jumping, but we also haven&#39;t had to pay for cough syrup this year since none of us have gotten sick. Last winter we probably went through 10 bottles (at what, $4-7 dollars each??) minimum just on cough syrup. We haven&#39;t had to pay co-pay at the docs office. So those are things to think about too!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Peaches'n'honey Tea
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/18/2010 06:53:37 PM
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**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/06/freezer-smoothies-summer-recipes-an-ultimate-recipe-swap.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as MOM</a>!**

The other day I got a craving for peach tea, and decided to see what happened if I mixed some things together.  This is what I came up with.

Ingredients:
1 or 2 tea bags (black tea)
8 oz. water
1.5 tsp. peach rooibos tea (opt.)
1 tbsp. raw honey
2 - 3 peach slices

Directions:
Boil water.  Add either 1 tea bag + rooibos (or other peach) tea, or 2 tea bags.  Steep 3 - 5 minutes.  Remove tea.  Mix in honey, then pour tea into a blender with peach slices.  Blend all together.  Serve over ice.  Makes 1 serving.

What's your favorite kind of tea?
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EXCERPT:
The other day I got a craving for peach tea, and decided to see what happened if I mixed some things together.  This is what I came up with.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: bloomingbabycakes@gmail.com
IP: 72.68.90.69
URL: http://www.bloomingbabycakes.com
DATE: 06/20/2010 01:52:32 AM
<p>MMM- would love some of this peach tea right now! I love pretty much any black tea, and anything with the name chi in it :) Peppermint tea always seems to settle my stomach- Thanks for the post!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Most Nutrient-Dense Foods For Your Money
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/18/2010 12:00:53 PM
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<p>Several bloggers have done excellent posts on this.&nbsp; Since life happened and I didn&rsquo;t get this posted when I had intended, I&rsquo;m going to summarize this a bit briefly and point you to some excellent articles on other blogs.</p>
<p>First, though, I&rsquo;d like to share my perspective on &ldquo;nutrient-dense&rdquo; foods.&nbsp; I was all set to do this post a certain way when I first planned it.&nbsp; That is, to look up the nutrient content of various foods and choose those which were both cheap and had a lot of essential nutrients in them, like eggs, raw cheese, grass-fed meats, etc.&nbsp; But then I read a very interesting post over at Kitchen Stewardship about when Katie heard Michael Pollan speak recently.&nbsp; He talked about people who are snobs about nutrition and see foods&rsquo; worth as the sum of its nutrients rather than taking the food as a whole.&nbsp; This leads to thinking that certain foods are really better than others.</p>
<p>But, as he points out, how is that better than the current view?&nbsp; The one that says that fractionating foods into their nutrient parts and adding nutrients or removing them (think, fortified cereal, low-fat milk, etc.) is a good thing?&nbsp; It&rsquo;s really not any different.&nbsp; And how do you place value on any nutrient more highly than any other? &nbsp;How do you separate truly fresh, whole foods into categories of bad, better, best?&nbsp; If we&rsquo;re talking about organic, local, and seasonal, how do you say anything is really &ldquo;better&rdquo; than anything else?&nbsp;</p>
<p>I don&rsquo;t think you can.&nbsp; I think the best advice is a varied diet, with the foods eaten in their whole form and appreciated for what they are.&nbsp; All whole foods are nutrient-dense and necessary for you to be healthy.&nbsp; We were meant to eat a large variety.&nbsp; There&rsquo;s nothing (whole foods-wise) that&rsquo;s off-limits, and nothing you must eat.&nbsp; There&rsquo;s plenty of calcium in raw milk, but also in bone broth and dark leafy greens.&nbsp; Who&rsquo;s to say one is a better source than another?&nbsp; Or a superior food overall?</p>
<p>Eat a good variety of foods and eat whatever&rsquo;s cheapest that week (i.e. what&rsquo;s on sale, what&rsquo;s seasonal) and you will be fine.&nbsp; Here&rsquo;s a brief list of generally cheaper real foods which you may make your meals around, but don&rsquo;t be afraid to occasionally include more expensive foods, or to include them in smaller amounts:</p>
<p>*Eggs</p>
<p>*Raw milk (depending on where you live; it&rsquo;s cheap here)</p>
<p>*Raw cheese</p>
<p>*Celery</p>
<p>*Green peppers</p>
<p>*Apples</p>
<p>*Lettuce</p>
<p>*Grass-fed beef</p>
<p>But since all these prices can vary widely by region, season, etc. even these may not be your cheapest options.&nbsp; Weigh what you can find cheapest locally and eat a good varied diet and everything will be okay.</p>
<p>What do you think?&nbsp; Are there foods on your &ldquo;must eat&rdquo; list for health?&nbsp; If so, which and why?&nbsp; If not, why not?</p>
<p>Articles</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/02/20/how-to-buy-organic-eggs-pastured-vs-free-range-eggs/">Eggs: Pastured vs. Free Range (Cheeseslave)</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2008/06/08/food-choices-local-vs-nutritious-vs-cost/">Food Choices: Local vs. Nutritious vs. Cost</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/eating-real-food-on-a-budget/">Eating Real Food on a Budget</a></p>
<p><a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/03/nourishing-frugal-healthy-meals.html">Nourishing Frugal Healthy Meals</a></p>
<p><a href="http://thenourishingcook.com/category/bang-for-your-buck-recipes/">Bang for Your Buck Recipes</a></p>
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EXCERPT:
Several bloggers have done excellent posts on this.&nbsp; Since life happened and I didn&rsquo;t get this posted when I had intended, I&rsquo;m going to summarize this a bit briefly and point you to some excellent articles on other blogs.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 06/21/2010 03:34:24 PM
<p>Don't forget that tomatoes have been shown to reduce the likelihood that men get prostate cancer! Besides, they're really good...when I was a kid, I'd eat fresh off the vine tomatoes for a snack! There's nothing like a sun-warmed tomato that you can just pop into your mouth!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: deb from p.s. bohemian
EMAIL: nwdeb@yahoo.com
IP: 131.191.12.138
URL: http://psbohemian.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/26/2010 06:02:04 PM
<p>&quot;*Raw milk (depending on where you live; it’s cheap here)&quot;  - you are blessed. It is $8-$10 and more here in the Puget Sound area.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Father's Day Post
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/19/2010 12:00:53 PM
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</em>It's Father's Day.</p>
<p>This was supposed to post yesterday, but because of my unbelievably busy weekend I'm letting it post today.&nbsp; I know, I know, I'm not supposed to post on Sundays anymore.&nbsp; But this is just how it turned out.&nbsp; I really didn't have more than a minute or two at a time from Thursday until tonight to sit at the computer, so...here it is.</p>
<p>First, happy Father's Day to everyone out there!&nbsp; We are all lucky to have such wonderful fathers!</p>
<p>But now I want to talk about two fathers in particular: mine and my children's.</p>
<p>Mine grew up with a tough life.&nbsp; His mom was a teen mom and his parents divorced by the time he was 8.&nbsp; His step-father was tough and sometimes abusive to him.&nbsp; He left home at barely 18 and joined the army.&nbsp; Yet, when he became a father, although he could be a bit impatient at times, he was wonderful.&nbsp; He was gentle with us, and calm, and increasingly patient as we got older.&nbsp; He was my hero when I was growing up, because he took a strong interest in everything I was doing and genuinely encouraged me.&nbsp; He's a scientist, a physicist, actually.&nbsp; Yet when it became evident that music was my passion, he didn't suggest that I spend my time on more "intellectual" pursuits.&nbsp; No, he whole-heartedly supported me.&nbsp; He drove me to lessons and rehearsals even after I was able to drive myself.&nbsp; He drove me all over the state to audition at colleges, to find obscure musical items, to purchase my instruments and to get them repaired.&nbsp; He helped me save up money to buy my instruments.&nbsp; He drove me to and from college frequently my first year because I didn't want to stay there (I transferred after my first year and lived at home).&nbsp; He saw my need to come home and allowed me to give up a full scholarship and transfer schools (and drove me to my new auditions too!).&nbsp; Even once I was getting married he drove to see me a lot in my new home.&nbsp; He came and helped me paint and fix up the house.&nbsp; He made me breakfast every Saturday morning when I was still driving up every week to work after I got married.&nbsp; He drove down to see me on the weeks I couldn't come up.&nbsp; And even now he drives down every other week to see me and my kids.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He's been a wonderful example to me of exactly how to parent.&nbsp; Impatient or not, he was always fair about rules and discipline.&nbsp; His rules were few but important and he always took the time to explain them to me.&nbsp; If I broke them he quietly pulled me aside and meted out my punishment, and I always knew that he was right.&nbsp; He never disciplined me in anger, not even the few times I was spanked.&nbsp; He stands out, to me, as a shining example of exactly how to parent.&nbsp; I have respect for him especially because, given his childhood, he could have been a bad father and had an "excuse."&nbsp; But he wasn't, he was a great father.&nbsp; So Happy Father's Day, dad!</p>
<p>Then there's my husband.&nbsp; I always feel like I have two wonderful men behind me.&nbsp; Ben is a great father.&nbsp; He takes his job as "father" seriously and goes out of his way to be a great one.&nbsp; From the moment our children were born he was hands-on.&nbsp; He wasn't afraid to jump in and change diapers, do night feedings (if I had pumped!), hold the babies, or do anything else.&nbsp; Whenever he's home, one or both children are with him.</p>
<p>Ben arranges his work schedule so that he is up at 5:30 and at work by 7 or so, which allows him to come home by 4 almost everyday.&nbsp; This means that he really has several hours everyday to spend with his kids, not just a short time before bed.&nbsp; He did this just so he could spend more time with his kids.&nbsp; Everyday when he comes home he asks me what I need to get done, then takes the kids so I can finish my chores or blogging or whatever else.&nbsp; He will watch them 100% of the time until bed if I need to work or even just take a nap!&nbsp; He encourages me to take time for a nap or a bath or whatever I need even while he is watching the kids.&nbsp; He gets up on the weekends with them and lets me sleep in, and every other day he's here.&nbsp; He has taken many days off work when I was sick of exhausted so that I could rest a bit more and he watched the kids.</p>
<p>He will do anything for his kids, and for me.&nbsp; About six months ago he took over all of Bekah's night wakings, even though he has to get up so early for work.&nbsp; He is a 100% involved father!</p>
<p>Ben is clearly passionate about being a father.&nbsp; He loves spending time with his kids, playing with them, taking care of them.&nbsp; He loves to talk to Bekah and thinks that she is just amazing.&nbsp; He thinks the same of Daniel, who of course can't talk much yet.&nbsp; He enjoys his family life above all, and that's clear in the decisions he makes and how much time he makes for us.&nbsp; He can't wait to have more children to share his love with them!</p>
<p>It is wonderful to have a husband who truly puts the family first, who takes such an active role in childcare.&nbsp; It's obvious when Daddy comes home and both children light up and reach for him.&nbsp; Bekah can't go to bed anymore unless Daddy comes in to give her a hug and tuck her in.&nbsp; She loves to spend time with Daddy!</p>
<p>So, Ben, we love you!&nbsp; We couldn't live without you.&nbsp; You are the best father (and husband) ever!&nbsp; Happy Father's day!</p>
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EXCERPT:
This was supposed to post yesterday, but because of my unbelievably busy weekend I'm letting it post today.&nbsp; I know, I know, I'm not supposed to post on Sundays anymore.&nbsp; But this is just how it turned out.&nbsp; I really didn't have more than a minute or two at a time from Thursday until tonight to sit at the computer, so...here it is.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: Kelly@Kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 75.135.147.247
URL: http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com
DATE: 06/21/2010 04:31:00 AM
<p>Kate, that was positively BEAUTIFUL.  What a great tribute to your Dad and husband.  Even if they might not show it, that HAD to have melted them and made them feel even stronger in their roles.  What a great lesson for us all.  We need to lift up the men in our lives and tell them how we appreciate them!  (There's almost always something you appreciate about them, even if they're not as perfect as the men Kate describes here!)  Thanks for sharing something so personal and so SPECIAL with us.<br/>Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Darren
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.20.131.156
URL: 
DATE: 06/24/2010 02:06:06 AM
<p>Wow! Ben and your dad sound great!  It's wonderful that your dad supported your music career.  I, too, am a music teacher.  I mainly teach autistic children and children with other disabilities at a small private school in a metropolitan area.  I find it so rewarding, and wonder if you also teach music along with your blogging and family responsibilities?  It's also great that Ben is so helpful with your children.  My father was not very supportive of my music, and he was not very helpful to my mother while we were growing up.  I cannot imagine him ever giving my mother the entire night &quot;off&quot; so that she could pursue her interests or even just rest.  He would have said that he was tired too from working all day and that they should both take care of the children, not just him.  Yours is the type of relationship I would like my partner and I to emulate when we adopt.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 06/24/2010 03:25:29 AM
<p>Darren,</p><p>I used to teach, but after my second child was born I found it was too much and honestly, would rather spend time with my children than other peoples'!  So I stopped teaching.  But, I too, worked with special needs kids when I did teach.  I am lucky to have Ben and have him so supportive of me and my goals. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Finding Local Resources
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/21/2010 12:00:17 PM
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<p>If you&rsquo;re going to get the freshest, best real food, you have to buy locally.</p>
<p>There is no one that I know in the &ldquo;real food world&rdquo; who disagrees with this.&nbsp; Farmer&rsquo;s markets are starting to pop up all over the place, as are websites and other guides to finding local food.&nbsp; Hopefully this post will point you to some of those sources now.</p>
<p>So how do you find local resources?</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.eatwild.com">Eat Wild</a></strong> &ndash; This website is dedicated to helping you find farms in your area.&nbsp; You can click your state then scroll through a list of farms.&nbsp; Those that have websites will list that so you can click through to learn more about them.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.pickyourown.com">Pick Your Own</a></strong> &ndash; This website helps to find U-pick fruits and vegetables in season.&nbsp; Click your state and scroll through the list (you can also search by county once you&rsquo;ve selected your state).&nbsp; Most of these farms are not organic, however; but those that are are noted.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.craigslist.com">Craig&rsquo;s List</a></strong> &ndash; Some farms will advertise on Craig&rsquo;s list, especially if they have extra produce to sell or are new farms.&nbsp; Check appropriate categories.</p>
<p><strong>Word of Mouth</strong> &ndash; Ask your friends where they buy their food, or what farms they visit.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ve found a lot of great farms this way.&nbsp; If you find one farm and they don&rsquo;t have certain items, you can ask if they have farming friends who have those items (for example, ask your beef farmer where to get good eggs).</p>
<p><strong>City Websites</strong> &ndash; If your city has a farmer&rsquo;s market, it should be listed on the city&rsquo;s website.&nbsp; You can also search for &ldquo;city name + farm market&rdquo; to see if you can find the local farmer&rsquo;s market.</p>
<p><strong>Farmer&rsquo;s markets</strong> &ndash; Some farmers don&rsquo;t advertise online or have websites, but if you go to the farmer&rsquo;s market you can find them and hopefully figure out if you can come out to their farms and possibly buy larger quantities from them.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a good place to network with farmers.</p>
<p><strong>Driving around</strong> &ndash; Sometimes you will find people with small gardens who are selling or giving away produce from their yards, especially out in the country.&nbsp; These small places typically are not certified organic, of course, but they also don&rsquo;t spray.&nbsp; We found a lovely little garden just a block down from our church that someone is growing in their front yard instead of having a lawn, and they always have a ton to sell!&nbsp; We&rsquo;ve found many more just a bit outside the city.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.neighborhoodfruit.com">Neighborhood Fruit</a> </strong>&ndash; This website helps you find local fruit trees that are on public property, or private property where the owners don&rsquo;t mind people coming to pick.&nbsp; Typically these are trees that would not be harvested at all otherwise and are not sprayed or really &ldquo;kept&rdquo; at all, so the fruit is free for the taking.</p>
<p><strong>Local Health Food stores</strong> &ndash; You may be able to notice signs that say &ldquo;locally produced!&rdquo; with a farm name on them, and then look for that farm.&nbsp; Or, you may be able to ask the health food store for the area farms (they may or may not tell you since they&rsquo;d lose business if you bought directly through the farms and not through them, but you can ask, especially if you&rsquo;re looking for bulk purchases).</p>
<p>What other resources do you have?&nbsp; How do you source your food?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
There is no one that I know in the &ldquo;real food world&rdquo; who disagrees with this.&nbsp; Farmer&rsquo;s markets are starting to pop up all over the place, as are websites and other guides to finding local food.&nbsp; Hopefully this post will point you to some of those sources now.
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Farmer's Markets
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/22/2010 12:00:16 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/06/wfmw-let-them-eat-cake/">Works For Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/06/frugal-friday-how-to-live-without-credit-cards.html/">Frugal Fridays at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p>Yesterday I touched on farmer&rsquo;s markets.&nbsp; But they are such an important resource that I need to expand on them.</p>
<p>The local farmer&rsquo;s market, if you have one, is your BEST resource for locally grown, seasonal food.&nbsp; Many local farmers will come to the same place at the same time and set up booths to sell what they&rsquo;ve grown or produced.&nbsp; There will be a TON of options for you, all in one (hopefully) convenient location.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s certainly more convenient than driving to all those farms individually!</p>
<p>To find a farmer&rsquo;s market, look for signs around town.&nbsp; Ask friends.&nbsp; Look on your city&rsquo;s website.&nbsp; If there is one, you&rsquo;ll be able to find it.&nbsp; Most happen on Saturday mornings from 8 or 9 AM until around 12 PM.&nbsp; There are exceptions, though; one of our local farmer&rsquo;s markets is on Wednesdays from 3 &ndash; 6 PM.&nbsp; Make sure you check the days and times.</p>
<p>What can you find at a farmer&rsquo;s market?&nbsp; Naturally-raised meats (beef, chicken, pork; also cured meats like sausage, bacon, etc.), cheeses, produce, bread, vegan options (like veggie burgers, raw foods like guacamole, etc.), candy, honey, jams and jellies and preserves, plants (both edible and ornamental) and sometimes non-food natural items like bags, clothes, etc.</p>
<p>There will be several farmers selling similar items.&nbsp; There may be 4 or 5 (or more!) stands selling the same seasonal produce.&nbsp; This is why, the first time you visit the market, it&rsquo;s a good idea to walk all the way through before making a purchase.&nbsp; Stop at stands that interest you and examine their offerings.&nbsp; Ask questions, like &ldquo;Do you spray your crops?&nbsp; What do you feed your animals?&rdquo; etc.&nbsp; Some farms will still feed their animals grains instead of just grass, and some will vaccinate them, or spray with &ldquo;natural&rdquo; chemicals.&nbsp; Make sure to ask.&nbsp; Note prices, too, because they can vary widely in some cases.&nbsp; Some will have free samples and/or literature about their farms for you to pick up, too.</p>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve found a few farms that you like and would like to purchase from, you can go back and make your purchases.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a good idea to bring a bag or basket with you put your purchases in, because many farmers won&rsquo;t have these items.&nbsp; Bring cash, too, because most farmers don&rsquo;t accept anything else.&nbsp; Remember that on your first trip you don&rsquo;t HAVE to buy anything though.&nbsp; It can be a &ldquo;fact finding&rdquo; mission only.</p>
<p>Buy your items by waiting your turn for the farmer to help you.&nbsp; Ask any additional questions at this time, like &ldquo;does your bacon contain nitrates?&nbsp; Does your sausage contain corn syrup?&rdquo; (you might be surprised &ndash; I have been!)&nbsp; If all else fails, buy a small amount to try and decide later if you&rsquo;d like to buy from that farmer again.&nbsp; Remember that you can try different farmers each week until you find your favorites.&nbsp; Once you do find favorites, you can ask about buying in bulk, or CSAs for future years, etc.&nbsp; You can also ask about their favorite ways to prepare their food, or preserve it, etc.&nbsp; Farmers are a wealth of knowledge.</p>
<p>Do you go to farmer&rsquo;s markets?&nbsp; How often?&nbsp; What are your favorite purchases?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Yesterday I touched on farmer&rsquo;s markets.&nbsp; But they are such an important resource that I need to expand on them.</p>
<p>The local farmer&rsquo;s market, if you have one, is your BEST resource for locally grown, seasonal food.&nbsp; Many local farmers will come to the same place at the same time and set up booths to sell what they&rsquo;ve grown or produced.&nbsp; There will be a TON of options for you, all in one (hopefully) convenient location.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s certainly more convenient than driving to all those farms individually!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 06/22/2010 01:26:11 PM
<p>Also, some farmers markets in bigger cities (I read in Atlanta this is for sure) are starting to take food stamps and WIC (Women, Infants, Children) coupons so that even those who are having hard times can get fresh, healthy produce.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: millswriting@gmail.com
IP: 71.95.143.90
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/23/2010 05:03:33 AM
<p>I buy most of my produce from farmer's markets or the CSA.  I know it can take some planning ahead (meal planning) to make sure you're getting as much of your produce as possible from local sustainable sources, but we're lucky to  live in southern California where, within a 10 mile radius, there's a farmer's market every day of the week except Mondays.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Darren
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.20.131.156
URL: 
DATE: 06/24/2010 01:55:56 AM
<p>You mentioned that some farmers feed their cows grains while others feed the cows only grass.  I'm curious, what do the farmers feed the grass fed cows during the winter?  Love your website!  You have such great information!  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 06/24/2010 03:23:38 AM
<p>Darren,</p><p>Thanks for your compliments!</p><p>Farmers grow hay and other grass-like things, bale it, and feed that to the cows in the winter.  I believe alfalfa is also commonly fed to grass-fed cows in the winter.  They choose these natural substitutes instead of choosing corn or other grains.  In some areas they may even supplement the cow's diet with these grasses in the summer, if there is not enough pasture for all their cows.  But, that's how they achieve 100% grass-fed cows even when grazing is not always possible.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 06/24/2010 05:12:57 AM
<p>I posted about Farmer's Markets also - finding them can be a hunt! Great tips.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Olivia
EMAIL: 105olivia@gmail.com
IP: 76.127.16.207
URL: http://suchakingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 06/25/2010 08:01:00 PM
<p>I would love to make the farmer's market a part of our regular monthly grocery buying!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Affording Real Food: Bokros Family
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/23/2010 12:00:25 PM
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<p>Welcome to our last family to answer the "Real Food on a Budget" questions!&nbsp; This is Maggie Bokros, mom to many.&nbsp; You can find her blogging about their adventures at <a href="http://www.abokroskindoflife.com/">A Bokros Kind of Life</a>.</p>
</em><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">What does &ldquo;real food&rdquo; mean to your family? &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Real  food, to us, means preparing it from it's natural state; i.e., using  fresh green beans as a side dish instead of canned. &nbsp;We very seldom use  pre-packaged or pre-prepared foods.</span></p>
<p><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">What do you eat in an average week? (Inc. meal  plan if you happen to have one) &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Our meal plan last week was: Monday -  Chickpea and Tomato Fettuccine with Baked Zucchini, Tuesday - &nbsp;Salad  Night (this is just a HUGE salad with tons of fixins) , Wednesday - left  overs, Thursday - Sweet Potato Burritos with Green Beans, Friday -  Tacos, Saturday - Homemade Pizza, Sunday - Egg Casserole and Waffles</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">What groceries do you buy? (Include general  amounts) see above</span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">4.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Where do you buy your groceries? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Kroger and  Costco for bulk items and dry goods. &nbsp;I get my meat from a local Organic  Meat Co-op and my produce from a local Organic Produce Co-op. &nbsp;I also  get my free-range eggs from a local farm.</span></p>
<p><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">5.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">How much do you spend per week or month?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">I spend  on average $250 a week on produce, staples and eggs. &nbsp;I buy my meat  every other month and I usually spend about $250-300 on that. &nbsp;I try to  stay around $1000 total for the month. &nbsp;Keep in mind my paper goods and  diapers are included in these numbers!</span></p>
<p><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">6.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">What are the biggest ways you save money? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Costco  saves me money, but I am very careful to ration out what I buy so it  lasts. &nbsp;For example I buy Kettle brand chips there in huge bags and  divide them into smaller gallon baggies. &nbsp;I date the baggies so that  everyone knows they cannot open the new bag until the date on the bag.  &nbsp;If I just put the huge bag on the shelf in the pantry it would be gone  in no time! &nbsp;The other things I do to save money is stock up on items  when I find a really great deal. &nbsp;I use my deep freeze and the top of my  pantry for storage. &nbsp;Recently I found bags of all natural flour at my  Kroger on closeout for very cheap. &nbsp;I bought everything they had on the  shelf (10 bags). &nbsp;It will stay fresh in the freezer for a very long time  and I saved over $2.00 a bag! &nbsp;Lastly, I ALWAYS plan my meals and shop  with a list! &nbsp;This translates into huge savings and little waste!</span></p>
<p><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">7.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">What are your biggest struggles in sticking to a  budget? &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">The hardest thing is keeping my little girls requests to a  minimum while we are in the store. &nbsp;I have found that staying to them,  "We are only buying what's on the list." works well. &nbsp;I usually say it  once before we go in and then use it as a reminder while we are  shopping. &nbsp;We also pray in the car before we go into the store that God  will help us to be good stewards of the money He has given us to spend  for groceries and that He would help us to have self-control while we  are in the store.</span></p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome to our last family to answer the "Real Food on a Budget" questions!&nbsp; This is Maggie Bokros, mom to many.&nbsp; You can find her blogging about their adventures at <a href="http://www.abokroskindoflife.com/">A Bokros Kind of Life</a>.</p>
</em><span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">What does &ldquo;real food&rdquo; mean to your family? &nbsp;</span>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: rachel@olsonzoo.com
IP: 209.240.88.186
URL: 
DATE: 06/24/2010 03:27:32 PM
<p>How many children do you have and what is the age range? $1000 seems like a lot of money!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: joanne
EMAIL: joanne@godspost.com
IP: 99.23.203.157
URL: http://www.frugalhomeandhealth.blogspot.com/
DATE: 06/25/2010 04:37:25 AM
<p>Wondering the same thing as the first commenter, I checked out &quot;A Bokros Kind of Life&quot; to see if I could find out how many children they are supporting with $1000 a month [I did not figure it out].  It would be nice to know how many children and their approx. ages.  </p><p>I could not imagine spending that much money on toilet items and food combined ... and I cook for myself, 3 children who are basically adults, and 3 adult men.  I spend about $50 a week on groceries but we eat very little meat and no dairy.  We eat a lot of simple, basic foods like beans, rice, corn tortillas, lentils, etc., and buy in bulk as often as we can.</p><p>I am new to your blog ... I look forward to checking it out more.  </p><p>In Christ, Joanne in MO</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maggie
EMAIL: mebokros@gmail.com
IP: 70.140.61.241
URL: 
DATE: 06/30/2010 12:47:15 PM
<p>It is a lot of money!!!  BUT, I am feeding a family of 10 on most days.  This includes my husband and I, four teenagers/young adults (3 of them boys!) and four little girls.  My husband works from home so that is lunches also for most of us each day.  Please also consider that we eat almost completely organic foods and rarely eat out.  That's about $25 a week per person.  We do eat meat 3-4 times a week (always mixed in, not the main course).  I have done it for as little as $800, but $1,000 is a good average.  Hope that helps!</p><p>Maggie<br/>www.abokroskindoflife.com</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Making the Most of a CSA
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/24/2010 12:00:44 PM
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</em>Today's post is a guest post that comes to us from Wendy of <a href="http://www.thelocalcook.com">The Local Cook</a>.&nbsp; Her goal is to cook entirely local, seasonal foods as she cooks her way through a seasonal cookbook (you can learn more about her mission by visiting her blog).&nbsp; Since she's the "local" cook, CSAs are one of her specialties!&nbsp; Today she's telling you all about how to use a CSA to its fullest!&nbsp; Here she is:</p>
<p>CSA is shorthand for Community Supported Agriculture, where you pay up front for a &ldquo;share&rdquo; in the farm. Then, during the growing season, you pick up your share of the vegetables each week. This is a great way to get organic vegetables relatively inexpensively, as well as support local farmers and build community.</p>
<p>For some, the upfront cost seems like a lot of money. OK who am I kidding; it IS a lot of money! Even if it is cheaper than buying comparable goods at the farmer&rsquo;s market, it&rsquo;s still a large investment. So it&rsquo;s important to maximize the return on that investment. Here are some ways that I&rsquo;ve found to make sure I&rsquo;m getting the most for my money:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Get a working share.</strong> Some farms require you to work a number of hours, where others don&rsquo;t require it, but you can get a discount if you agree to spend a certain number of hours working on the farm. This can be anything from weeding to helping out with the website. So if you have more time than money, you might want to look into this.</li>
<li><strong>Take advantage of U-pick opportunities. </strong>Many shares offer u-pick opportunities. The first CSA I was part of had an inconvenient location, so I didn&rsquo;t pay much attention to it. The CSA I have now is right down the street, so I make sure to go and pick my full allotment. Sometimes they even have all you can pick; you can be sure I stocked up on beans when that was offered! I froze them and had beans all winter. You might also ask fellow members who might not live near the u pick area if they would mind if you picked their share. I had two friends who did the &ldquo;in town&rdquo; pickup option and never made it out to the farm, so they let me pick theirs and keep it. <strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Learn what freezes/cans well, and what doesn&rsquo;t.</strong> For example, there&rsquo;s not much you can do with lettuce. So you&rsquo;ll want to eat that right away. But green peppers, chard and kale, and other vegetables don&rsquo;t take much preparation to freeze well. When you pick up your share, assess what you&rsquo;ll be able to eat and focus on preserving what you won&rsquo;t. <strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Meal planning.</strong> This item goes hand in hand with the above. When you have a CSA, you need to get used to menu planning from the perspective of &ldquo;this is what I have, what can I make?&rdquo; vs. &ldquo;this is what I want to make, what does my shopping list need to look like?&rdquo; I&rsquo;ve found it helpful to take a sheet of paper and divide it into three columns. On the left hand side, I write down the produce I need to eat. In the middle I write the recipes I want to make. In the right hand column I write what additional items I need to make those recipes. I also draw arrows from the side columns to the middle so if something goes bad or someone eats it I know I need to replace it or not do that recipe.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Be adventurous.</strong> Don&rsquo;t be afraid of new vegetables. A helpful book for figuring out what they are and what to do with them is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0972121781?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=simme08-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0972121781">From Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Cooking Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce</a><strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Be flexible</strong>. There are lots of recipes out there. Oodles of cookbooks. However not many are going to include all the neat varieties of vegetables that you get with a CSA share. So, don&rsquo;t be afraid to substitute various greens (for example, Swiss chard for kale or spinach) or other vegetables.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Choose a few go-to recipes. </strong>Some recipes lend themselves to flexibility. Salads, for example. Stir fry. Soup. Learn a few of these by heart and you&rsquo;ll never be stuck wondering what to do with that random carrot or kohlrabi again. For my Top 10 Favorite &ldquo;Recipes&rdquo; for Random Vegetables, visit my website at ____________________.<strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Although the above tips were written with a CSA share in mind, they are helpful for gardeners too! How about you, how do you make the most of your share or harvest?<strong></strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's post is a guest post that comes to us from Wendy of <a href="http://www.thelocalcook.com">The Local Cook</a>.&nbsp; Her goal is to cook entirely local, seasonal foods as she cooks her way through a seasonal cookbook (you can learn more about her mission by visiting her blog).&nbsp; Since she's the "local" cook, CSAs are one of her specialties!&nbsp; Today she's telling you all about how to use a CSA to its fullest!&nbsp; Here she is:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.203.29
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 06/24/2010 01:46:08 PM
<p>Great post!  We just got our first batch from our CSA, and I'm already so excited to find new ways to prepare this wonderfully locally grown food!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wendy (The Local Cook)
EMAIL: wendypchef@yahoo.com
IP: 12.239.150.194
URL: http://thelocalcook.com
DATE: 06/24/2010 03:40:10 PM
<p>Thanks for hosting my guest post! I just realized the link to my article on the Top 10 Things to do with Random vegetables was missing from the article. Here it is:</p><p>http://thelocalcook.com/2010/06/21/top-10-things-to-do-with-random-vegetables/</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: newRDcook@gmail.com
IP: 192.154.91.225
URL: http://coldcerealandtoast.com
DATE: 06/29/2010 02:10:23 AM
<p>Great post.  Since joining a CSA this past winter, I have tried certain produce for the first time (kohlrabi) and have exercised creativity and adventure in the kitchen (sweetened turnips with caramelized onions).  CSAs are a great way to learn about food and agriculture while expanding a healthful diet.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Family Farm Trip
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/26/2010 12:00:56 PM
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</em>Today's post comes to you from Alex of <a href="http://www.amoderatelife.com">A Moderate Life</a>.&nbsp; She lives near Amish country and wanted to share her recent farm trip with us.&nbsp; So here we go!</p>
<p>I would like to thank Modern Alternative Mama for allowing me to write this guest post for her blog!</p>
<p>We are blessed to be able to purchase raw milk from a buying club that is supported by CARE, which is a coalition of Amish and other biodynamic farmers who supply various dairy, meat and hand crafted items to buying clubs. The products are of excellent quality and I feel such tremendous gratitude to these earth-friendly and animal-friendly farmers for supplying us with what we need and giving back to the earth by using traditional practices.</p>
<p>We got an invitation to Farm Day about a month ago and from the minute I received it, I had been excited to go! I had a strange desire to see the cows that produced our milk and understand their lives, care, feeding and home. I also wanted to shake the hand of the farmer!</p>
<p>Well, after getting lost and having to call for directions, which was very funny because I got the farmer&rsquo;s wife Anna on the phone, which was located outside their home, and she laughed at me because she didn&rsquo;t know the roads! We finally got directions from one of Ben, the farmer's, sons and rolled on in to see a large group of folks sheltered under a large spreading oak in the shadow of the main house.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/Farm%20panorama.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242673200" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>We came in to registration and were greeted warmly and given some lovely iced cold mint tea sweetened with stevia.&nbsp; Four of the family&rsquo;s nine children, dressed in traditional Amish summer clothes and bare feet, were there to direct us, and we decided to go and see the barn before lunchtime.</p>
<p>The calves were in large straw covered pens inside the very cool barn. Even though it was over 90 degrees outside, the ancient barn was cool and a slight breeze blew through it.&nbsp; The calves were allowed to snuggle and many were grooming each other and curled up sleeping.&nbsp; Ben gives them access to their mothers each day when they come in for milking at 5am and 5pm. I love that they can see their moms until they are weaned. He says that the moms produce plenty of milk for a baby and the club and it is so much more healthy for the baby to be with its mom and receive the love and also the probiotics she produces in her milk. A strong bond with the mother makes a strong cow in the future.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/Cows%20in%20barn.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242682941" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>We were able to visit with the work horses that were impeccably kept. They have Standard bred trotters for the family carriages, that stood well over 18 hands high and Shires for the wagon work and hauling, whose heads were almost as long as my daughter is tall!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/Horses%20in%20pen.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242659756" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>All the animals were tame and gentle and we had fun petting them! They also had a large litter of piglets who were still nursing and a litter of 10 puppies who were 4 weeks old and so cuddly and soft!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/Puppies.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277241966589" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>We then went into the milking room, which contained two spotless rows of stalls.&nbsp; As a child I had been in a traditional milking room many times while visiting a friend who was a dairy farmer. The big difference here was that his animals stayed in during the winter and overnight so there was a conveyor belt to remove waste. Ben&rsquo;s cows only come in to the milking room at 5am and 5pm during their milking season. If they are not in season, they are outside with access to grass or hay and clean spring water.</p>
<p>Each cow is milked with a canister milker and is prepped individually and checked for any issues before milking. The milk is then placed into a cooling and stirring tank immediately and then bottled and put into another refrigerator, or used to make traditional cheeses, yogurt and butter.&nbsp; The milk processing room was also immaculate, with all equipment washed and drying on wall racks.</p>
<p>Besides milking, Ben says the biggest job every day is hauling water out for the cows. He has 67 acres of grass and hay fields and a 10 acre woodlot that he would like to let his hogs root through in the future. Because Ben runs an Amish farm, only a few pieces of equipment can be mechanized. Daily, he and his sons haul thousands of gallons of spring water up to the highest point on the farm using the horses, and connect the tanker wagons to feeder lines so the cows in the lower areas can have fresh water. They collect any rain water off the barn roof in a large cistern to water the gardens. The spring also supplies water for the house and barn.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/Cows%20on%20pasture.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242176719" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>We drifted down to the house after visiting the barn and the family was preparing a huge feast for us! We had sausage sandwiches with Pennsylvania Dutch (who are really Deutsch which is German) potato rolls, a mixed salad filled with egg and cheese and creamy cultured butter milk dressing, raw cheeses, butter, delicious potato, carrot and ground beef soup and lemonade.&nbsp; Anna provided us with copies of all the recipes and I will certainly be making them all in the future, they were so exquisite! Everyone gave a love offering donation for the food if they were able, but the farmer did not ask for it, a jar was simply set out and people gave what they could. After a short prayer, everyone dug in and had seconds because the meal was so delicious!</p>
<p>Ben then introduced all the folks who helped to make the milk club and his farm successful. He spoke of how important the connection to his buyers was for him and his family and that without our support, he would not be able to continue to farm the way he wanted to and have a consistent market for his products. He introduced his driver, the website manager, and his kids who help on the farm, process and pack the products and run his on farm store. His parents were also there and they work on making the Kombucha and Ginger ale which were both absolutely amazing.</p>
<p>We then learned that because Ben is a grass farmer as well as a dairy man, and because his farm is only 67 acres that he must obtain many of the products the club wants from other farmers who are set up differently. The grass-fed beef and pastured poultry and eggs come from other Amish farmers who are set up to run those types of operations efficiently. We did see the chickens that supply the family with pastured eggs and they all seemed happy scratching away in the chicken yard.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/chicken in yard.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242275971" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>The family has two garden plots filled with herbs, vegetables, strawberries, raspberries, a few fruit trees and a few acres of corn, which is fed to the chickens and hogs. Each row was perfectly hoed and not a single weed was in sight! &nbsp;We know that these cows are not being fed grain or silage because their silo is completely empty! We were able to look inside and it seemed kind of spooky!</p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/empty silo.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242325105" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>After lunch, everyone cleaned up and Ben hitched up a team of horses to a long wagon and we were treated to a ride around the farm.&nbsp; The cows were out grazing in the fields and separated into two groups; those that had been freshened and were currently giving milk and those who were dry. Since the cows are all very well trained and will try and walk to the barn when it is milking time, it&rsquo;s easier to keep the two groups separated so he only gets the milkers in the barn when he needs them!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/horse wagon.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242387116" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>The majority of the herd is Jersey cows with a few cross breeds of Brown Swiss and Aireshires. All are heritage breeds that give very high butterfat milk and do well on grass, water and hay.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/jersey cow.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242477935" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>We then passed the hogs that were given a pasture of their own and a wallow. Once the piglets are weaned they go out in the pasture with the adult pigs and wander around rooting for bugs and laying in the mud wallow during the summer heat. Ben spoke of how intelligent and clean pigs are and how they cover themselves in mud to prevent sunburn not to be messy!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/pigs in barn.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1277242544305" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>It has been a dry season and so Ben spoke of the need for more rain. Since the farm is not mechanized there is little in the way of irrigation except hand pumps for the family vegetable gardens. Since cows are used to fresh grass or hay, if they have enough spring water, the milk will not suffer, but it is always better for the pastures to have more water.</p>
<p>Ben uses a small solar powered cell to run moveable electric fences. This way he can pen the animals into a certain field and move them when they have eaten the grass down to a certain level. He can also separate out animals that may be ill from the herd, but he hardly ever has to do that. Because his farm is so compact, using the electric moveable fences gives him more flexibility which is key to good farm management.</p>
<p>Finally, we had a lovely dessert of molasses cake with fresh sweet cultured whipped cream and home canned strawberry preserves, along with homemade ice cream. It was simply divine! The entire family helped and all seemed healthy, happy and peaceful at their work. I was not surprised, but I am sure some people would be regarding their slim fit bodies even though they consistently ate saturated fats, heavy meals and natural sugars. Anna spoke about using fresh honey and maple syrup harvested from their own land but not commercially available, and Ben spoke of having to be a good steward to his land and animals and not try to do too much with the farm. It was very interesting to hear him discuss the balance between what the land can handle and the bounty that can be produced.</p>
<p>They discussed getting up at 4am and how the little ones got to sleep in until 5:30am! How they all got to rest most days after lunch to escape the heat and that during the summer months, they didn&rsquo;t get as much sleep as they wanted because it was light out so late and there was always something to do!&nbsp; You could see there was an easy rhythm to their days, filled with family and faith and on Sunday there was prayer and visiting relatives for large meals and fellowship.</p>
<p>As the heat of the day came upon us, we were all loathe to leave, because the vibe was so wonderful! We thanked Ben and his wife Anna and their children very much for their hospitality, made some purchases at the farm store and went on our merry way, winding through other Amish farms to the main road and back to civilization. The difference of course is jarring and shocking. While I know working on an Amish farm would entail a level of labor that I am sure would be far more intense than expected, I am so in love with working the land that for a moment I would love to try it. I am glad that I can share in their world even briefly and the idea that they are willing to share a glimpse of their lives with me and appreciate me is heartwarming.&nbsp; That I can balance living in the modern world with obtaining healthful traditional products is simply the best, and now that I know how they do it, it feels even better to me! We will certainly be visiting again next year, but this time, we will know the way to go.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Please visit me at <a href="http://amoderatelife.com/">http://amoderatelife.com</a> for more balanced healthy lifestyle information so you can join me living life, in the middle of the road! Thanks again to Kate for sharing you, her beloved readers with me!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's post comes to you from Alex of <a href="http://www.amoderatelife.com">A Moderate Life</a>.&nbsp; She lives near Amish country and wanted to share her recent farm trip with us.&nbsp; So here we go!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alex@amoderatelife
EMAIL: alex@amoderatelife.com
IP: 24.46.174.75
URL: http://www.amoderatelife.com
DATE: 06/27/2010 09:24:57 PM
<p>Hi! Thanks so much for sharing this with your readers! We really did have a tremendous amount of fun! Alex@amoderatelife!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle (Health Food Lover)
EMAIL: michelle@healthfoodlover.com
IP: 60.240.231.219
URL: http://healthfoodlover.com
DATE: 06/28/2010 01:03:59 PM
<p>That would be such a great experience! Ben sounds like a great farmer who really does care about his animals and farm. And wow 4 am every day! That's dedication. You know it's really refreshing and inspring to hear positive stories of modern farms these days!</p><p>Man, all that food sounds so nice! Alex I hope you'll be sharing some recipes from the farm? :)</p><p>Those piglets and puppies are so gorgeous!</p><p>Great post Alex!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Beef, Dairy, and Questions
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 05/28/2010 12:00:16 PM
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<p><strong>Have you heard about </strong><a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273"><strong>Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</strong></a><strong>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</strong></p>
<p>The Journey to Real Food series is written by Lisa of<a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-list.blogspot.com"> Life of a SAHM.</a>&nbsp; If you missed her introduction, you can read it <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/14/journey-to-real-food-introduction.html">here</a>.&nbsp; Now, for her latest update!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>How are we doing? Well&hellip;.this is harder than I thought! I had gotten so used to snacking on unhealthy food that it is all my body wants. I have never craved chips so bad in my life! We are almost out of all the processed food that was in my pantry. Canned veggies are almost gone. No more mac-n-cheese from a box (my toddler is NOT happy about that one!) and the leftover Halloween candy has been tossed.</p>
<p>We are buying only local grass fed beef. I found our local grocery store (1.5 miles from home) stocks it, but it is cheaper at Whole Foods (about 15 miles) so we drive down there to get it. I can not believe how much better it tastes. We also buy a roast at least once a week. I am trying to find new recipes for the ground beef though. I am getting tired of hamburgers!</p>
<p>I got some eggs from a local farmer a few weeks ago. I am going to get honey this week and some cheese. Raw milk is next on my list to try too. I am not sure if our budget can afford it all the time though. We go thru two gallons of milk a week at my house and at $6 -$7 a gallon that would be a big dent in our budget!</p>
<p>Speaking of budget, we have not noticed much of a difference. I used to spend around $150-$200 every two weeks on groceries. We are now going to the grocery store every week, and I spent $60 the first week, and $120 the second. So that fits into what we were used to spending.</p>
<p>I have changed our shopping habits. I used to just go thru the store, picking up whatever I thought looked good. I actually stop to read labels now. I am surprised at how many ingredients I do not recognize that are in our foods! Reading the peanut butter jar at home scared me! I found the fresh ground peanuts at Whole Foods, and we now use that. It is amazing what fresh peanut butter taste like! I have made it a point if I don&rsquo;t recognize an ingredient, than I will not buy the product. I try to stay out of the middle of the store, since that is where most of the processed foods are. We spend most of our money in the meat and produce departments.</p>
<p>We took our first ever trip to the local farmers market here in town. I made the mistake of grocery shopping the day before so we didn&rsquo;t need anything but I have a list for this week of items I need! I contacted a farmer to see about buying some items from him and touring his farm but I have not heard back yet. I would like to buy part of a cow to save money. Most of the local farms do vegetable sharing and I missed the sign up for that for this year. I will not miss it next year!</p>
<p>We are trying vegetables I have never thought to try. I cooked an artichoke last night. That was something new for us! I love snow peas and fresh green beans. We switched to whole wheat pasta. I honestly can&rsquo;t taste a difference in whole wheat and the white flour pasta and neither can my picky toddler.</p>
<p>I need help in a few areas. What potato is the best? White, red, some other kind? I need some recipes for ground beef. How about bread? Whole wheat is what I have been buying, but is that the best choice? I NEED a recipe for something chocolate! Preferably cake&hellip; Which flour is the best? How do you ladies manage to cook all the time while keeping the house and children in order too? I think my head is going to explode! <br />My husband just told me last night that he has never felt better in his life, so I must keep going.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your support. I appreciated the comments on the last post!</p>
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EXCERPT:
The Journey to Real Food series is written by Lisa of<a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-list.blogspot.com"> Life of a SAHM.</a>&nbsp; If you missed her introduction, you can read it <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/14/journey-to-real-food-introduction.html">here</a>.&nbsp; Now, for her latest update!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 98.145.223.216
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 05/28/2010 05:43:22 PM
<p>If you have cheese and milk/cream, you could probably try making a hamburger helper type skillet meal. Brown the ground beef with some onion and garlic, add some fresh tomatoes (maybe), and the cheese and milk. Actually, you'd probably want to put the cheese and milk into another pot with some melted melted butter and an egg yolk or two (I'm improvising this based off of my alfredo recipe) and stir until it's smooth and everything's melted, then pour it over the meat mixture. Oh, screw it, here ar ethe general proportions for the alfredo:</p><p>3 tbsp butter<br/>1 cup heavy cream<br/>1 egg yolk lightly beaten<br/>1/2 cup cheese (I usually use Parmesan  and/or Romano<br/>salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste (seriously, the nutmeg makes it awesome...I promise!)</p><p>Mix it in that order, stirring the whole time. Melt the butter before adding the cream, though. </p><p>As for potatoes, we've just recently switched to organic on white potatoes, and the difference is phenomenal. They actually smell like potatoes when you cut them, and they are SO much easier to cut.</p><p>If you want a good green bean recipe, try cooking them like this:</p><p>Heat whatever oil you use (or lard/tallow/whatever) in a skillet on medium-high. Add a few cloves of minced garlic (and fresh ginger too if you want a Chinese flavor) and green beans (I usually break them in half). Stir fairly often to get the beans all evenly bright green, then add up to 1/4 cup of either water or some sort of stock (chicken stock makes it taste fantastic). Reduce heat and cover, cook until desired tenderness. Drain, and add sea salt. They are amazing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly @ quest for real food
EMAIL: kelly@questforrealfood.com
IP: 65.82.249.60
URL: http://www.questforrealfood.com
DATE: 06/02/2010 03:26:37 PM
<p>Your budget sounds very reasonable!  I constantly struggle with this aspect of eating real foods but remind myself that what I am buying is substantial and worth the money!  <br/>I love to make tacos and burritos with ground beef.  I just cook it, drain the fat, and add some taco seasoning.  I think when I run out (I bought a big container at Costco) I may try making my own so I actually know what's in it!<br/>For chocolate and other treats, I try to stick with whole wheat flour recipes (I have some on my website if you're interested).  For bread, I also buy whole wheat but also organic (because otherwise it is likely to contain genetically modified ingredients that don't have to be labeled).  <br/>Keep up the good work. Pretty soon if you eat some of the foods you used to eat, your body will rebel and you'll remember why you're doing it ;)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Falling Off the Bandwagon
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/11/2010 12:00:51 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>Here's Lisa's latest update!:</p>
<p>I started out so well this week! We went to the farmers market where I bought most of our fruits, veggies and bacon. I found pepper sauce, apple butter and bread at the local farmers market also. Then we went to Whole Foods and got our meat and the rest of our groceries. Then life got busy! We went to my moms one night, then had a birthday party over here for some friends, then Memorial day&hellip;. I kinda lost motivation! We went out for pizza twice this week! Argh. My freezer is full of good food, I just lost the motivation to cook it. We are going on vacation next week too.</p>
<p>We are trying to get back on the bandwagon today. I picked up our raw milk from the farmer and some more eggs. Drinking a glass of milk as we type. It doesn&rsquo;t taste much different from our old milk. I only bought one gallon since we are leaving town Saturday.</p>
<p>Vacation will be totally off the bandwagon. We vacation with my mom and her husband and they are not on the same path we are food wise. They don&rsquo;t eat unhealthy by any means, but don&rsquo;t shop at Whole Foods or farmers markets and such. How do you handle vacation? Do you bring all your food with you or buy it when you are there? If you do eat out where do you go? What do you order?</p>
<p>I also would like to make our bread. How easy is it? I LOVE to bake, so I don&rsquo;t think I will have a problem. Anyone have a recipe for whole wheat bread? We eat a lot, so I need an easy one!</p>
<p>I am hoping to have a better report in a few weeks! My second son has started on solids this week too. I made his food at least!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Here's Lisa's latest update!:</p>
<p>I started out so well this week! We went to the farmers market where I bought most of our fruits, veggies and bacon. I found pepper sauce, apple butter and bread at the local farmers market also. Then we went to Whole Foods and got our meat and the rest of our groceries. Then life got busy! We went to my moms one night, then had a birthday party over here for some friends, then Memorial day&hellip;. I kinda lost motivation! We went out for pizza twice this week! Argh. My freezer is full of good food, I just lost the motivation to cook it. We are going on vacation next week too.</p>
<p>We are trying to get back on the bandwagon today. I picked up our raw milk from the farmer and some more eggs. Drinking a glass of milk as we type. It doesn&rsquo;t taste much different from our old milk. I only bought one gallon since we are leaving town Saturday.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie
EMAIL: angelajiniel@gmail.com
IP: 76.1.0.83
URL: http://angelajiniel.blogspot.com/
DATE: 06/17/2010 11:56:41 AM
<p>I have a great recipe for whole wheat bread at my blog:<br/>http://angelajiniel.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-home-made-bread.html</p><p>It's easy and delicious! The artisan bread in 5 minutes a day book is also good, but that's usually a crustier loaf! Good luck, and enjoy your vacation!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.45.26
URL: 
DATE: 10/03/2010 05:18:47 AM
<p>We went on a lengthy vacation this summer so lets see if I can remember what we did food wise. We pulled our camper so it was easier to bring larger quantities of food with us (family of 6), but some of these things could still be brought in the car etc. I made a large batch of our favorite granola and put it in a large tupperware type container that has a pour spout. We ate this with yogurt or use it as a cereal. (e-mail me if you want the recipe) <br/>I made a couple different trail mixes to snack on in the car...I made some indian honey glazed almonds and added some raisins, then I made up a batch of chocolate chips, dried fruits, and nuts. We also brought some organic pretzels, yummy! If you are going to be staying in one location awhile look up a whole foods or other health food stores online. When we went out to eat we ate at buffets a few times (I know terrible lol) but there are healthy options at most buffets, such as salads, baked fish, veggies, etc. Wendy&#39;s, Panera Bread, and Chipotle are the healthier options for fast food places. I say Wendy&#39;s because I enjoy their salads or baked potato if there are no other options around.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Entry 4
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 06/25/2010 12:00:16 PM
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</em>Today's post is the fourth from Lisa of <a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com">Life of a SAHM</a>, who is writing about her journey from processed foods to real foods.&nbsp; Here she is!</p>
<p>We went to Orlando, Flordia last week. Usually while on vacation, we eat  burgers, hotdogs, fried chicken etc by the pool for lunch a few days  and usually snack on chips, popcorn, and generally everything unhealthy.  We did better last week than I thought we would. We did not stick to  our &ldquo;real food&rdquo; diet that much, but did try to stay away from unhealthy  choices. We did have chips but also had a lot of fresh fruit. We cooked  at the condo instead of going out to eat.  <br /> <br />When we got home, I had to shop at the local grocery store because I  did not feel like driving all the way down to Whole Foods. While at the  local grocery store, we got lots of fresh fruit, and tried to buy the  fruits that were grown most locally. I stayed out of the middle of the  grocery store, since that is where most of the processed foods are. I  found my grass fed beef from a local farmer that I am so grateful our  chain grocery store sells! I also bought a whole chicken from a local  farmer at the grocery store. I am determined not to fall off the  bandwagon! <br /> <br />When we first started out on this journey, I figured it would be  easy. Just stop buying all the processed foods, right? Yeah, I am  learning there is so much more to it! I am still trying to carve out  time in my days to make bread, find new recipes, and see what else we  need to cut out. This week I am going to tackle making jelly! We shall  see how it goes!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today's post is the fourth from Lisa of <a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com">Life of a SAHM</a>, who is writing about her journey from processed foods to real foods.&nbsp; Here she is!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: New!!  Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse on Cooking Real Food!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/22/2010 12:00:32 PM
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<p><strong>Have you heard about </strong><a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273"><strong>Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</strong></a><strong>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</strong></p>
<p>You may be seeing the above statement on the blog for the next several days. :)&nbsp; Well, you will. Ha.</p>
<p>That's because Jenny, of <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Nourished Kitchen</a> (do you remember in April's series on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/5/how-moms-nutrition-impacts-babys-development.html">Nutrition for Moms and Babies</a> when Jenny participated in our <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/23/what-do-you-feed-your-real-food-kid-panel.html">What Do You Feed Your Real Food Kid panel</a>?), is holding an awesome new e-course on cooking Real Food.&nbsp; Here's her <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/how-to-cook-real-food-an-online-cooking-class/">course description</a>:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>We&rsquo;ll cover the fundamental principles behind a nourishing diet based on traditional foods &ndash; the natural foods I write about at Nourished Kitchen (view the </em><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/"><em>course outline here</em></a><em>).&nbsp; I post a lot of nourishing, </em><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/recipe-index/"><em>wholesome recipes</em></a><em> at Nourished Kitchen, but they all rely on simple techniques and once you truly master those simple techniques &ndash; from soaking whole grain to fermenting vegetables or roasting meats &ndash; you can prepare any dish.&nbsp; And that&rsquo;s the beauty of this class &ndash; it&rsquo;s not only about mastering the fundamental techniques that are essential for maximizing nutrient density and minimizing cost in the kitchen, but also about learning to apply those basic techniques in creative ways so that you can always shop in season and create simple, nourishing recipes from locally available fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats and milks that meet your family&rsquo;s needs.&nbsp; For this reason, the class is particularly important for those who suffer from food intolerances or sensitivities &ndash; as every lesson is adjustable to your family&rsquo;s needs.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll even cover gluten-free sourdough bread in our class on sourdough baking!</em></p>
<p><em>Each week, through online video tutorials, downloadable print materials, easy-to-read charts and other comprehensive materials I&rsquo;ll provide you with simple tools, techniques, tips and advice on preparing whole, local foods from scratch easily and affordably.&nbsp; After covering tips for sourcing local, fresh nourishing foods in the first week, you&rsquo;ll learn how to master a recipe for a basic soaked, whole grain pilaf that you can adjust as your kitchen creativity dictates.&nbsp; Then we&rsquo;ll move on to baking whole grain scones from soaked flour including which flavors, herbs and spices best complement one another.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll also cover how to prepare a basic vinaigrette and creamy, enriched salad dressings (can you imagine a healthy, homemade&nbsp; ranch dressing without soybean oil or weird additives?), how to braise, roast and season vegetables, how to roast and flavor grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, how to make the most of inexpensive cuts, how to create your own recipes for probiotic, naturally fermented foods.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll also address how to make yogurt from fresh milk &ndash; while even including a discussion of dairy-free yogurts for those families who suffer from food sensitivities.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll cover making the switch from soda and soft drinks to water kefir and kombucha as well as how to exchange natural sweeteners for refined sugar in basic recipes, and how to make healthy desserts without any sweetener at all.</em></p>
<p><em>I will teach you the basics, and by mastering those basics through the </em><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/"><em>12-week online cooking class</em></a><em>, you&rsquo;ll be able to expand your techniques in the kitchen and ensure that you can create beautiful, healthy recipes and meals from scratch for your family.&nbsp; You can </em><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/"><em>read more about the class</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/about-the-nourished-kitchen/contact-me/"><em>contact me</em></a><em> with questions or </em><a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/secure.ultracart.com/cgi-bin/UCEditor?merchantId=5555&amp;ADD=ECOURSE');" href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273"><em>sign up</em></a><em>.&nbsp; It is a comprehensive look at real food designed to help you master the art of preparing wholesome, natural meals from scratch.&nbsp; The class begins June 1st, and space is limited, so </em><a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/secure.ultracart.com/cgi-bin/UCEditor?merchantId=5555&amp;ADD=ECOURSE');" href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273"><em>sign up today</em></a><em> &ndash; it averages to only $10 a class!</em></p>
<p><em>&nbsp;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>How cool is that?&nbsp; Here are the lessons she'll be teaching:</p>
<blockquote>
<h3><strong>The Lessons &amp; Recipes</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson1"><strong>Lesson #1</strong></a>: What is Real Food &amp; Where to Find It<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson2"><strong>Lesson #2</strong></a>: Soaked Grains: Pilaf &amp; Scones<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson3"><strong>Lesson #3</strong></a>: Homemade Sourdough Bread<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson4"><strong>Lesson #4</strong></a>: Salads: Vinaigrette &amp; Enriched Dressing<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson5"><strong>Lesson #5</strong></a>: Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted &amp; Braised<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson6"><strong>Lesson #6</strong></a>: Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkrauts &amp; Sour Pickles<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson7"><strong>Lesson #7</strong></a>: Pasture-raised Meat: Roasts and Slow-cooked<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson8"><strong>Lesson #8</strong></a>: Mineral-rich Broth: Soups<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson9"><strong>Lesson #9</strong></a>: Raw Milk Yogurt &amp; Yogurt Cheese<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson10"><strong>Lesson #10</strong></a>: Brewing and Flavoring Kombucha &amp; Water Kefir<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson11"><strong>Lesson #11</strong></a>: Natural Sweeteners &amp; Fruit: Compotes, Ice Creams and Desserts<br /><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/what-youll-learn/#lesson12"><strong>Lesson #12</strong></a>: Menus &amp; Meal Planning</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you're curious, there's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dauZS0waWXE&amp;feature=player_embedded">video</a> about the class too!</p>
<p>If you're new to real food, I HIGHLY recommend you take this course!&nbsp; Jenny has done some very awesome things in the real food world, and she knows a lot about cooking real food.&nbsp; If you've ever read her blog you already know that!</p>
<p>And by the way, if you click on any of the links in here (except in the big block quote), I will receive a small commission, as I am an affiliate of this course.&nbsp; I would love it if you'd <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">support me and click through here</a> to sign up.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; But courses like this are truly needed, so that's why&nbsp;I am promoting it!</p>
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EXCERPT:
You may be seeing the above statement on the blog for the next several days. :)&nbsp; Well, you will. Ha.</p>
<p>That's because Jenny, of <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Nourished Kitchen</a> (do you remember in April's series on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/5/how-moms-nutrition-impacts-babys-development.html">Nutrition for Moms and Babies</a> when Jenny participated in our <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/23/what-do-you-feed-your-real-food-kid-panel.html">What Do You Feed Your Real Food Kid panel</a>?), is holding an awesome new e-course on cooking Real Food.&nbsp; Here's her <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/how-to-cook-real-food-an-online-cooking-class/">course description</a>:
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cascade 24-Hour Challenge Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 05/24/2010 08:07:04 PM
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<p>The winner of the Cascade 24-hour Challenge Giveaway (Walmart giftcard) is:</p>
<p><strong>Heather (heather@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please contact me with your full name and mailing address.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 05/28/2010 06:35:16 PM
<p>I just wanted to check in as I sent you an e-mail, but hadn't hear back.  Am I the winner?  Or were there two of us Heathers?  :)</p><p>Thanks for the giveaway...we are excited to win!<br/>Heather</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Nourished Kitchen Ecourse GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 05/26/2010 07:26:54 PM
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<p><strong>Have you heard about </strong><a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273"><strong>Jenny at Nourished Kitchen's Ecourse</strong></a><strong>?&nbsp; She is teaching beginners to cook Real Food!&nbsp; Sign up to learn the basics in an easy, user-friendly way!</strong></p>
<p>Okay everyone...I am super excited!</p>
<p>Over the last few days, <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen</a> has been offering some blogs the chance to giveaway one of her <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">ecourses</a>!&nbsp; And today I got the word that I get to do it, too!</p>
<p>One of you is going to get an awesome opportunity here!&nbsp; This is a $120 value, for FREE!&nbsp; And also, Jenny just announced that everyone who participates in her course gets LIFETIME access to the course content!&nbsp; That means if you get in the middle of the course and life just gets too busy for you to finish then, you can pick it back up whenever you have time!&nbsp; Lifetime access to the course content means EVERYTHING, including the members-only message board, where you can ask Jenny all your questions.</p>
<p>And if you're curious how it's going to work, you can check out the <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/bonus-lesson-nuts-seeds/">FREE BONUS&nbsp;LESSON</a> Jenny has provided.</p>
<p>Here's how it works:</p>
<p>You will actually be writing an essay,&nbsp;explaining why you could use this ecourse.&nbsp; If you win, you will get FREE&nbsp;enrollment in the course!&nbsp; How awesome is that?</p>
<p>There's a small catch: essays must be in by <strong>TOMORROW AT NOON</strong>!&nbsp; Yes, really -- <strong>essays are due by THURSDAY, MAY 27 at&nbsp;12 PM</strong>!</p>
<p>Here's something even more awesome: even if you don't win, you will get a coupon code for money off the course just for entering!</p>
<p>The winner will be announced by 8 PM on Thursday (yes, tomorrow!!), so this is a really quick giveaway.</p>
<p>Please <a href="Kate@modernalternativemama.com">email me</a> your entries.&nbsp; I'm looking forward to reading them!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Okay everyone...I am super excited!</p>
<p>Over the last few days, <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen</a> has been offering some blogs the chance to giveaway one of her <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse?AFFID=36273">ecourses</a>!&nbsp; And today I got the word that I get to do it, too!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Nourished Kitchen Ecourse Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 05/27/2010 08:02:28 PM
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<p><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Thanks for all the entries in Real Food ecourse giveaway!&nbsp; I&rsquo;m excited that we had a good handful even with such a short deadline.&nbsp; It was awesome to read everyone&rsquo;s essays and I really, really wish I could give the ecourse to each of you!&nbsp; Unfortunately, I can&rsquo;t.&nbsp; Those of you who entered and didn&rsquo;t win, though, please check your email for a coupon code to save some money on the course!&nbsp; I hope you will ALL take it because I know you could all use it and you would all love it!</span></span></p>
<p><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">The winner of the Real Food Ecourse at Nourished Kitchen is:</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Amy Garrett!</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Here is her winning essay:</span></span></p>
<p><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Allergies, allergies, oh they abound.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">All over our house, each one can be found.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Gluten, soy, dairy, but luckily, not eggs.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Sure make this mommy run off her legs.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Please oh foodies, give us a chance.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">A chance to love food, with out filling their pants.</span><br /> <br /> <span class="apple-style-span">And food while we're at it, gross as can be!</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">The stuff they try to sell us, is disgusting!</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">The way meat is raised, and vegetables grown,</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Is enough to make this mommy cry on the ground.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">So Please, oh you foodies, teach us your ways.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Teach me that real food is not just hay.</span><br /> <br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Because Soaking and Fermenting, is all well and good.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">But those things don't come naturally over in our hood.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">You see hot dogs and nuggies are the favorite foods,</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Of a toddler who runs a muck, she's hardly two!</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">And her brother you see, needs it more than she.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">"Special Needs" is the term they have deemed him to be.</span><br /> <br /> <span class="apple-style-span">So Please oh you Foodies, give me a break.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">Teach this mommy to cook the right way.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">The way that will nourish us down to our souls.</span><br /> <br /> <span class="apple-style-span">I am a SAHM to 2 lovely allergic children, an almost two year old</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">little girl, and a 7 month old little miracle boy. My Husband and I</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">also suffer from multiple food sensitivities. &nbsp;After a busy schedule</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">of playing with friends, doctor and therapy appointments, and</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">crafting, the idea of going the next step towards all real food is</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">more than I can handle. &nbsp;While I am making steps towards eating local</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">and less processed, I know I will never get there without a guiding</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span">hand. &nbsp;So Please, Oh you foodies, teach this mommy to cook!</span></span></p>
<p></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: d.a.vogel@gmail.com
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 05/28/2010 12:05:36 PM
<p>Congrats Amy!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Affording Real Food: Our Story
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/12/2010 12:00:59 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget about Kristen's ebook, <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=105">Real Food Nutrition and Health</a>! It's an excellent resource for homeschool families or anyone wanting to know the truth about nutrition and health! Disclosure: I am an affiliate and will earn a small commission from each sale if you click the link or ad.</strong></p>
<p>I figured I should answer the questions I've asked other families, too, so that you can see details about how it works in our house!</p>
<ol>
<li>What does &ldquo;real food&rdquo; mean to your family?</li>
</ol>
<p>"Real food" to us means totally unprocessed -- the way that God made it.&nbsp; If it is processed, contains chemicals, comes in a package, we probably don't eat it.&nbsp; We focus on nutrient-dense foods like animal foods (grass-fed beef, pastured chickens, pastured eggs, butter, etc.) and also plenty of produce, especially in the summer.&nbsp; We try to limit our grains and focus on sprouted spelt when we do consume grains (although we also consume barley, quinoa, etc.).&nbsp; We try to avoid white flour, white sugar, any newer varieties of wheat, anything that is GMO or hybridized or otherwise "messed with" as far as food goes.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. What do you eat in an average week? (Inc. meal plan if you happen to have one)</p>
<p>You can actually visit my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/">meal plans</a> section to see what we eat in an average week.&nbsp; Lots of cheese, eggs, meat.&nbsp; Breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes or waffles (yes, my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/6/buttermilk-pancakes.html">buttermilk pancake recipe</a> works great as waffles -- just melt a couple tbsp. of butter into the batter first), soups (made with homemade <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/7/bone-broth-and-detox-diets.html">bone broth</a>), burgers, tacos, etc.&nbsp; We try include dishes that have a lot of varied ingredients, including a lot of vegetables.&nbsp; I also focus heavily on including fats in our meals.&nbsp; The more fat, the better (this has resulted in my husband losing over 60 lbs.).</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp; What groceries do you buy? (Include general amounts)</p>
<p>We buy groceries every two weeks.&nbsp; Typically, 2 - 3 whole chickens, 5 - 10 lbs. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/19/grassfed-beef-and-local-farms.html">grassfed beef</a>, 5 lbs. of carrots, 10 lbs. of potatoes, 5 lbs. of broccoli, 2 - 4 heads of lettuce, lemons, olive oil, raw honey, sucanat, onions (2 lbs.), garlic, butter (truthfully, grass-fed whipping cream, which I use to make my own butter; MUCH cheaper), 2 gallons of raw milk, various other produce, spices, etc.&nbsp; Other things vary completely based on what I'm making those weeks -- maybe sausages, bacon, beans, grains, etc.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp; Where do you buy your groceries?</p>
<p>At this point, I buy most things from one of two different farms.&nbsp; One has eggs, meat, and milk.&nbsp; The other has grains, my CSA, maple syrup, and grass-fed beef.&nbsp; After that I buy some online from Tropical Traditions or Amazon (they have a pretty decent natural foods section).&nbsp; I also go to farmer's markets now that they're open to buy more produce and occasionally meats.&nbsp; I round it out with a visit to a local co-op now and then for some grains or beans or other bulk items.&nbsp; Whatever's left I get from local health food stores.&nbsp; Last trip (two weeks ago) that was only $45.&nbsp; The rest was from farms or farmer's markets.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp; How much do you spend per week or month?</p>
<p>We are slowly working to reduce this amount.&nbsp; We've recently switched to a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/5/solid-advice-use-cash.html">cash system</a>, which has really helped.&nbsp; I spent only $140 on two weeks' worth of groceries.&nbsp; Top quality stuff, too!&nbsp; I didn't compromise on anything or buy anything packaged.&nbsp; This is a bit low; in the past it's been closer to $250.&nbsp; When including my bulk purchases (which I didn't make last time), it will probably average out around $200.&nbsp; So I'll be spending around $400 a month to feed four of us (two adults who eat a LOT, plus a 2-year-old and 11-month-old who also seem to eat a LOT).&nbsp; If I had to, I could probably do it on $300/month.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; 6.&nbsp; What are the biggest ways you save money?</p>
<p>CASH.&nbsp; I cannot say that enough.&nbsp; It made a HUGE difference for me in my spending.&nbsp; My grocery bill dropped from $250 - $300 every two weeks on average to just $140 instantly when I switched over.&nbsp; But I made it work that way for several reasons: I didn't feel the need to toss some extra snacks in the cart for the kids because we had a long shopping trip, I shopped at several different places instead of just buying things at one big store (usually Whole Foods), I didn't have lunch out when I shopped, I didn't buy any packaged "organic" snacks for later, I bought only what we really needed (I used to think, "Hmm...couldn't we use just one more package of chicken?&nbsp; Wasn't I running low on olive oil?" etc. when really, I DID NOT NEED those items for my current meal plan.&nbsp; Not that buying chicken or olive oil is bad, but it was driving up my average grocery bill to buy them before I needed them, and to have a trend to always stock up like this, especially when these items weren't on sale).&nbsp; There were several times when I thought, gee, I should go back to the store to buy X because it would make my life easier...but then I realized I really could live without it for a few more days, until my next shopping trip was due.&nbsp; And guess what?&nbsp; I really DIDN'T end up needing any of those things I thought about.&nbsp; Sticking to one trip every two weeks and really enforcing that, except in an emergency or pre-planned farm trip (for which I've set aside money) really helps.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; 7.&nbsp; What are your biggest struggles in sticking to a budget?</p>
<p>Truthfully, my biggest struggles were two-fold.&nbsp; First, I was using a debit card.&nbsp; This made me feel out of control because I never knew exactly how much money I had.&nbsp; Sometimes I felt like oh no, I've way overspent, we have no money...but it turned out I'd spent less than I thought and everything was okay.&nbsp; Other times I thought we still had plenty...but it turned out Ben had gotten gas or something that he hadn't told me and it hadn't posted to the account, so then it was overdrawn.&nbsp; I just really was uneasy with the whole system.&nbsp; I'd do my Friday shopping trip and kind of go "all out" because I knew I wouldn't have the money to go back, so I had better buy what I needed the first time!&nbsp; Ben was also the one who checked the accounts frequently (although I COULD have, I didn't) so I sort of relied on him to tell me if I could or couldn't spend the money.&nbsp; Since the grocery amount was something I was SUPPOSED to be in control of, but didn't feel that way, it just was beyond me to budget it appropriately.&nbsp; My second struggle was just that I disagreed with how we were handling the budget (which I guess is because I felt out of control).&nbsp; Give me a little cash and trust me to work the system myself and I can do it.&nbsp; I like leaving the store knowing that I spent less than I'd planned and having "extra" cash to possibly buy something nice.&nbsp; I actually started an envelope for "kitchen gadgets" so I can start buying nice "toys" to make cooking easier!&nbsp;</p>
<p>I used to worry about having enough money for each thing I wanted every month.&nbsp; I was sure that once I finished the shopping there would be no money leftover for something "extra" that we needed, like kitty litter, some natural health product, etc.&nbsp; And there usually wasn't.&nbsp; Now, I physically separate money into envelopes for things we really need before I ever go shopping, and if we don't have enough then I can make choices ahead of time about what we truly need.&nbsp; It's worked out great.&nbsp; And now, I love knowing that although I need to make a big bulk order soon, and we *may* have just about enough in the current grocery budget to cover it, it doesn't matter because I have some money saved up already!&nbsp; Very freeing system.&nbsp; I can't say enough about it.</p>
<p>I hope in answering these questions that I have helped you in some way!&nbsp; What are your best money-saving tips?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I figured I should answer the questions I've asked other families, too, so that you can see details about how it works in our house!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 06/12/2010 03:44:35 PM
<p>&quot;The more fat, the better (this has resulted in my husband losing over 60 lbs.) &quot; </p><p>Wait, What???</p><p>Please elaborate.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 06/13/2010 02:24:12 AM
<p>He's actually planning &quot;guest post&quot; on this topic pretty soon.  :)  But here are two posts I've written that touch on this:</p><p>http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/16/eating-fat-how-and-why.html<br/>http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/25/why-we-eat-fat.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: The 50 Best Health Blogs
EMAIL: jimpurdy1943@yahoo.com
IP: 70.234.108.48
URL: http://the50besthealthblogs.blogspot.com/
DATE: 06/14/2010 01:53:29 AM
<p>These are some especially good suggestions that you made:<br/>--&quot;&quot;Real food&quot; to us means totally unprocessed&quot;<br/>--&quot;We try to limit our grains&quot;<br/>--&quot;We try to avoid white flour, white sugar, any newer varieties of wheat, anything that is GMO or hybridized or otherwise &quot;messed with&quot; as far as food goes.&quot;<br/>--&quot;We try include dishes that have a lot of varied ingredients&quot;</p><p>It sounds like you do an amazing job of eating high-quality food on a budget. Congratulations!</p><p>Jim Purdy</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather Prenger
EMAIL: heather_arndts@yahoo.com
IP: 75.185.99.197
URL: http://www.momgoinggreen.wordpress.com
DATE: 06/17/2010 06:26:36 PM
<p>Great post and blog!  We too have enjoyed the feeling of more control and less spending from meal planing, budgets and lists vs. just entering a store and randomly buying what looked good.  I am curious what/where the local co-op is that you mentioned.  We aren't in a summer CSA due having our own large garden (BTW if you want any lettuce I have a ton!) but we are hoping to join a winter CSA this year.  There is one that delivers in New Albany that I'm looking into.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: jrcrhansen@gmail.com
IP: 24.118.175.57
URL: http://thehansens.wordpress.com
DATE: 06/18/2010 02:41:48 PM
<p>I feel like your answer to #6 could be me speaking (typing?)... I am so similar! Just last time I went to Costco, I bought some olive oil (and a couple other things) that were not on my list just because I figured, &quot;oh I'll need these sometime soon, it'll save me time/money to just get them now, right?&quot; WRONG! I ended up returning it and other things the next time I went. I so need to start this cash system.... very excited!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 11:50:23 PM
<p>A nice peek into your grocery planning system - I have read that a lot of financial gurus advise a cash only budget (sometimes called envelope system) for anyone who needs to get their budget back on track. It looks like it worked for you - I should follow suit with a &quot;kitchen toy&quot; fund for some pricey pampered chef stoneware bakeware I want! :-)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Changing Diet: Our Story
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/28/2010 12:00:06 PM
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<p>Today&rsquo;s post is about Ben, and partially written by Ben (he&rsquo;s driving as we write so I&rsquo;m &ldquo;helping&rdquo; him, haha).&nbsp; Recently, he traveled for business and was forced to eat out for a three and a half days.&nbsp; It inspired us to write a detailed post about &ldquo;his story&rdquo; because it served as a strong reminder to us about why we eat the way we do.&nbsp; So now let&rsquo;s go back and tell his story.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When we met, Ben was working as a retail manager, a job that kept him on his feet most of the day.&nbsp; He usually went out to eat or brought a frozen meal to work.&nbsp; At that point he weighed about 220 lbs. (he is 6&rsquo;2&rdquo;).&nbsp; He worked second shift &ndash; about 1 PM to 10 PM 5 days a week.&nbsp; He typically skipped breakfast, ate frozen food for lunch, and when he got home, had fast food.&nbsp; He didn&rsquo;t have time to make anything that wasn&rsquo;t premade.&nbsp; Even on his days off, he usually ate this way, with the rare exceptions of making spaghetti or chili (but used prepared/canned ingredients and white pasta).</p>
<p>In 2006, when we got married, Ben left his job as a retail manager and began working for Cardinal, where he sat at a desk all day.&nbsp; He gained some weight, topping out at 235 lbs. in the summer of 2007.&nbsp; At this time, we ate &ldquo;better&rdquo; but by no means well.&nbsp; When we got married a typical meal in our house was Rice&rsquo;a&rsquo;roni and baked chicken, or soup made with canned broth, conventional veggies, and factory-farmed chicken breast.&nbsp; We never felt well; every night after dinner we just sat around feeling very bad.</p>
<p>Neither of us could understand why we were gaining weight when we were eating &ldquo;well&rdquo; by SAD (Standard American Diet) standards.&nbsp; We went out to eat once or twice a week, made boxed or frozen foods, but also cooked some for ourselves.&nbsp; We ate a low-fat diet as much as possible, focusing on boneless, skinless chicken, frozen veggies, margarine, vegetable oil, etc.&nbsp; Yet our weight continued to climb (I topped out at 143, which is when I got pregnant with Bekah; I weighed 170 lbs. when I was 9 months pregnant).</p>
<p>In late 2007, in an effort to combat our weight gain, Ben started to work out.&nbsp; He ran several mornings a week and also worked with weights.&nbsp; He did this for several months with no effect on his weight.&nbsp; Then, he was very sore and having back problems and quit.&nbsp; In March 2008, Ben started an exercise program again.&nbsp; By this time we were slowly starting to change our diet.&nbsp; We were still not eating very well and still eating a low-fat diet, and there was still no effect on Ben&rsquo;s weight.&nbsp; He was running on a treadmill for about 2 miles almost everyday at this time.&nbsp; We still didn&rsquo;t feel well.</p>
<p>Towards the end of 2008, when I got pregnant again, we found the Weston A. Price Foundation and started to read about higher fat diets and different food choices.&nbsp; We began to incorporate some of these principles in our diet and began to lose weight.&nbsp; I was down to 127 lbs. before I got pregnant with Daniel.&nbsp; Ben began to lose weight, too.&nbsp; He got down to around 210 by early 2009, when we got a Wii with Wii Fit.&nbsp; Daily cardio on the Wii accelerated his weight loss a little bit, although we only did it for about a month (I was about 6 months pregnant and very slowly gaining, of course).</p>
<p>It was towards the end of my pregnancy with Daniel (he was born July 2009) that we really started to focus on fats.&nbsp; We bought coconut oil and I made smoothies everyday with a lot of coconut oil.&nbsp; We baked fries in coconut or olive oil.&nbsp; We began to eat a lot of real butter.&nbsp; We ate a TON of food and a lot of fat and our weight began to drop.&nbsp; By the end of 2009, I weighed around 125 lbs. and Ben weighed around 190 lbs.</p>
<p>In early 2010 we focused even more heavily on meat and fat.&nbsp; We&rsquo;d gotten grass-fed beef at the end of 2009 and ate a lot of that, a lot of coconut oil, lots of coconut milk, olive oil, whatever we could find that was high in fat.&nbsp; We cut out grains entirely in January 2010 for about two months, as well as sugar.&nbsp; During this time our weight fell further, Ben&rsquo;s reaching down to 175 lbs. and mine to 113 lbs. at our lowest.&nbsp; Ben&rsquo;s weight has remained stable there, mine rose to about 118 lbs. after I began eating grains again (but I suspect that at my height, 5&rsquo;3&rdquo;, and frame, that 113 was a bit too low).</p>
<p>Ben was at 175 lbs. when he left for his trip recently.&nbsp; While he was gone, he ate as well as he could &ndash; meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, minimal grains.&nbsp; He did not have the option to choose raw dairy, grass-fed meat, or organic produce however.&nbsp; When he came home, despite eating less than usual, and not choosing &ldquo;horrible&rdquo; choices (i.e. fried foods, high sugar foods), he had gained 5 lbs. He also had gotten a cold and felt very fatigued and generally ill. It took him only three days eating real food again to lose the weight, and within a few days he felt much better.</p>
<p>When we choose whole, real foods with plenty of real fat and minimal grains (choosing sprouted whole grains when we do have them), our weight remains low naturally, no matter how much we eat.&nbsp; We eat until we are satisfied, which is different on different days.&nbsp; We generally feel quite good all the time, rarely getting sick and having plenty of energy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also, as we&rsquo;ve mentioned before, Ben had lost some of his hair and it wasn&rsquo;t growing back.&nbsp; At its worst, his hair completely stopped growing for over two months.&nbsp; When we began to eat more fat, and stopped using our microwave to heat food (and never, ever in plastic, even when traveling), his hair began to grow back &ndash; after over a year and a half!&nbsp; All of the signs of health began to return when we ate healthy, whole foods.&nbsp; Our kids don&rsquo;t ever burn in the sun, even after 2+ hours of direct exposure with no sunscreen at all.&nbsp; I burn, but only on my back/shoulders or other areas that don&rsquo;t often get exposed.&nbsp; I used to burn everywhere, badly, but my legs, arms, neck and face no longer burn.&nbsp; I have watched plump little children playing in the sun, slathered in SPF 45, still burning.&nbsp; These are ominous signs of a lack of health.</p>
<p>Our modern diet is not healthy.&nbsp; Conventionally grown produce, corn-fed animals, the microwave, storing food in plastics, packaged and processed foods, chemical food ingredients, etc. are causing a myriad of problems which may or may not seem obvious, but which are affecting our health in both the short- and long- term.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unfortunately most people lump sugar and fat in the same category: bad, avoid at all costs.&nbsp; Fat is good for you!&nbsp; Sugar is bad.&nbsp; Remember that. :)</p>
<p>Also, I referenced in a recent post that Katie at Kitchen Stewardship had written about &ldquo;bad, acceptable, good&rdquo; foods, in my Good Enough Substitutes post.&nbsp; There, she says that eating conventional fruits and veggies is better than not eating any.&nbsp; I would have to disagree.&nbsp; As I wrote in my Most Nutrient-Dense Foods for Your Money post, we shouldn&rsquo;t be looking at foods based on the individual composition of nutrients.&nbsp; There&rsquo;s no one food that is entirely essential; nutrients are found in multiple foods.&nbsp; With the heavy pesticide residue in many, especially the dirty dozen, it&rsquo;s best to eat meat and cheese and avoid vegetables if the meat and cheese are less pesticide-laden than the vegetables.&nbsp; I would, however, agree, that choosing conventional fruit/veggies from the Clean 15 or with heavy/inedible peels is better than none at all.</p>
<p>How much fat do you eat?&nbsp; If you&rsquo;ve switched over as we have, what has the effect been on your weight and health?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today&rsquo;s post is about Ben, and partially written by Ben (he&rsquo;s driving as we write so I&rsquo;m &ldquo;helping&rdquo; him, haha).&nbsp; Recently, he traveled for business and was forced to eat out for a three and a half days.&nbsp; It inspired us to write a detailed post about &ldquo;his story&rdquo; because it served as a strong reminder to us about why we eat the way we do.&nbsp; So now let&rsquo;s go back and tell his story.&nbsp;
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 06/28/2010 05:51:48 PM
<p>This is just fascinating. I feel like I might embark on an experiment....</p><p>My kids are very healthy and are at a healthy weight, and I never concern myself with how much fat they are ingesting - after all, little brains need fat and low fat products often substitute things that are also not healthy (ie salt) in place of the fat. They eat lots of cheese and milk, although getting meat down them is a challenge. I recently started grinding my own wheat and making my own bread, and I think that everyone's health has gotten better even with that small change. </p><p>So....interesting food for thought. Can you link to this Weston Price information?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 06/29/2010 03:19:56 PM
<p>One of the main reasons I started looking into real foods is my family's health/weight.  So I am very new to this.  I am confused however with this article and your meal plan.  On the meal plan you have grains every day.  Am I misunderstanding something?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 06/29/2010 04:53:32 PM
<p>Becky,</p><p>We were grain-free for awhile at the beginning of the year.  We're currently eating grains, but trying to reduce our reliance on them again.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: Kelly@Kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 24.180.126.105
URL: http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com
DATE: 06/30/2010 03:50:47 AM
<p>I've already sent this post to a few people and will be adding it to my Monday post, thank you!<br/>Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.118.141.5
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 04:27:22 AM
<p>It sounds like you&#39;ve found what works really well for you, congratulations on improving your health so much! This may not fit your situation at all but I did Atkins for about a year, over 10 years ago... I had so much more energy making sure I was getting protein and that part was great, but I also changed my cooking and eating habits so much that all the veggies I used to eat, I really cut back on... after I while I had digestive problems and 10 years later I am still trying to get back my digestive health. </p><p>Now I eat mostly veggies, raw and cooked, organic much of the time but not always, meat, and very limited grains (I get headaches if I eat gluten so I&#39;ve cut out most grains). I feel much better now but just wanted to say - the moment anyone gets constipated is the moment to add vegetables! I so wish I could do that part differently from my 10-years-ago diet change. </p><p>Thanks again for sharing what&#39;s working for you, keep it up!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: sugarloaf10@gmail.com
IP: 74.138.193.140
URL: http://nopreservativesadded.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 06:26:02 PM
<p>What an amazing story! We are trying to eat more real foods, slowly but surely, and when you look back and compare the befores and afters, it is truly astounding how much of a difference it really makes!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mia wallace
EMAIL: 
IP: 84.245.64.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 11:06:36 AM
<p>it is funny how (some) americans discover a revolutionary diet - eating real food, and present it as 8th wolrd wonder, when everywhere in the world this &quot;real food&quot; is just normal food. i can never imagine serving my kids anything premade and not cooking every single day possible.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: nwheatley426@gmail.com
IP: 68.55.123.190
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2010 04:31:27 PM
<p>Thanks so much for sharing your story! I am definitely on the path to changing eating habits but I have to admit I am nervous about incorporating more fat into my diet ( I eat a ton of fruits and vegetables though). When you were starting did you experience a similar apprehensions or is it just me?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/05/2010 01:23:22 AM
<p>Nicole,</p><p>Yes, almost everyone I&#39;ve talked to has had the &quot;this seems wrong&quot; feeling when first starting to eat more fat!  After years of &quot;low fat is good&quot; blaring from every corner, it&#39;s hard to re-train yourself to think otherwise!  But you will get there, slowly. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: whopper
EMAIL: deannamason@hotmail.com
IP: 76.90.0.54
URL: http://pantryliving.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/08/2011 07:33:48 AM
<p>This is the first time I&#39;ve seen sunburn correlated with health. Where have you read about that? I&#39;d love to read more on it. I sunburn really easily - like in 15 minutes. We started &#39;real food&#39; last April but I&#39;ve been super lax now that I&#39;m pregnant again. Anyway, I&#39;d love to get rid of my sunburning tendencies! Where can I go to learn more about it?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Early Signs of Bad Health
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 06/29/2010 12:00:41 PM
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<p>When I first thought about this post, I thought, people in this society seem to have very different definitions of what "health" is. &nbsp;I hear just about everyone saying "My child is so healthy!" while diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc. runs rampant. &nbsp;Clearly not everyone is healthy! &nbsp;I thought, it's pretty easy to say "I'm not healthy" once you've already caught a serious or chronic illness, but up until that point, it's not so easy.</p>
<p>We need a definition of what good and bad health are, besides a lack of a chronic or serious illness. &nbsp;So I thought I'd start by listing a few of the early signs of bad health, so that hopefully people who may be at risk can realize this and return to health before chronic illness strikes.</p>
<p>*Being overweight as a child</p>
<p>Being overweight is never a good sign. &nbsp;While everyone has a different "right" weight for their frame, age, etc. and BMI is often inaccurate for short women, children, and those with large muscle masses, being truly overweight is not healthy (there are some studies that say it doesn't matter, but it does). &nbsp;Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, etc. &nbsp;Children who are overweight, especially young children, are at even greater risk. &nbsp;If you believe your child may be too heavy, see your doctor for an appropriate plan, and reduce your child's intake of sugar, refined carbs, etc. (but NOT fat, as children need it to grow and develop properly; plus eating fat does NOT make you fat).</p>
<p>*Burning easily in the sun</p>
<p>Some say this doesn't have anything to do with it, but it does. &nbsp;Toxins in the body are released partly through the skin, which speeds up burning. &nbsp;If you suspect this may be happening to you or your children, switch to organic foods, avoid food additives (if you can't recognize/pronounce it, don't eat it!), and drink plenty of clean water (hint: that may not be tap water).</p>
<p>*Frequent illnesses/catching everything</p>
<p>We are exposed to illnesses everyday. &nbsp;Most we can fight off because our immune systems get rid of the "bad" stuff before we get sick (yes, I know this is germ theory and I don't fully believe in it, but we're not getting into that right now). &nbsp;People who are getting sick all the time have immune systems that are not working properly. &nbsp;They're allowing the bad stuff to take over too frequently. &nbsp;This is a bad sign because should a chronic or serious illness come along, the immune system won't be strong enough to heal the body. &nbsp;See a doctor or chiropractor and stay with excellent nutrition to boost immunity (probiotics and other supplements may also be a good idea).</p>
<p>*Slow to heal from illnesses or injuries</p>
<p>This is similar to the last sign. &nbsp;If the body is taking a long time to heal from illnesses (i.e. most people are healing in 3 - 4 days but it's hanging on for 7+ days in someone else) or a small cut is taking weeks to heal, something's wrong. &nbsp;The immune system should be fighting and healing but it's not. &nbsp;This, too, is a dangerous sign for potential serious illnesses. &nbsp;See a doctor or chiropractor to boost your immune system.</p>
<p>*Complications of illnesses</p>
<p>This goes along with the last two. &nbsp;If, instead of the body fighting off the illness and it resolving within a short time, illnesses frequently get worse and lead to complications and/or hospitalizations, the body isn't doing its job. &nbsp;This means the immune system is weak, leaving a person vulnerable to serious or chronic illness. &nbsp;Again, seek a doctor or chiropractor's help.</p>
<p>*Multiple allergies</p>
<p>When a person has multiple allergies, especially if they are continually developing and life threatening, the body's immune system is in overdrive and again not working properly. &nbsp;This could lead to (or be a sign of) autoimmune disorders. &nbsp;Seek help from a doctor or NAET specialist to get allergies under control.</p>
<p>*Autoimmune disorders</p>
<p>Obviously, if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, you already know that your health is not the best.&nbsp; See a doctor and explore alternative doctors to find ways to potentially reduce or eliminate symptoms.</p>
<p>*Continuous "symptoms" (fatigue, etc.)</p>
<p>&nbsp;If you are always or usually tired, have a runny nose, frequent sleep disturbances, etc. then something is wrong.&nbsp; It may be signs of an undiagnosed illness (in which case, see a doctor), or simply signs that something isn't quite right with your body.&nbsp; Focus on excellent nutrition to see if it makes a difference.</p>
<p>What are signs of bad health to you?&nbsp; What are signs of good health?&nbsp;</p>
<p>*If this post seems short, it's because I wrote it once, then lost it all because my browser crashed just as I was hitting save.&nbsp; Oops!&nbsp; It's late now so I'm writing as fast as I can!*</p>
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EXCERPT:
When I first thought about this post, I thought, people in this society seem to have very different definitions of what "health" is. &nbsp;I hear just about everyone saying "My child is so healthy!" while diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc. runs rampant. &nbsp;Clearly not everyone is healthy! &nbsp;I thought, it's pretty easy to say "I'm not healthy" once you've already caught a serious or chronic illness, but up until that point, it's not so easy.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 06/29/2010 03:22:56 PM
<p>Ok, I'll try not to get too graphic here....but I always feel like everyone's systems are working well when they are &quot;regular&quot; if you know what I mean. </p><p>As the mom of small kids, I feel like a disturbing amount of the conversations I have with my husband are related to the kids' bathroom habits.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.203.29
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 06/29/2010 06:07:06 PM
<p>Interesting article.  I think it's great to consider the signs of bad health before problems become tragedy.  Thanks for posting.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sundari
EMAIL: info@eatwhereulive.com
IP: 71.218.2.242
URL: http://www.eatwhereUlive.com
DATE: 06/30/2010 01:28:39 PM
<p>Ok, not to be a pill about this, but is there any research at all that says that sunburning easily is due (even partially) to toxins in the diet? I'm a big fan of eating healthy, clean, real food -- but I'm also a fan of making sure that the arguments in favor of said food are substantiated. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo, and we (as real food advocates) are less likely to reach the audience we're trying to communicate with.</p><p>All throughout my life it has seemed that people with fair complexions burn easily (regardless of diet), and those with more olive/darker complexions don't. I've even seen this within my own family, where siblings -- who all eat the same food -- sunburn differently based on the lightness of their skin.</p><p>So, is there any research about this? Any source?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 07/01/2010 11:08:18 PM
<p>Sundari,</p><p>Here's a blog post on it: http://oreganicthrifty.blogspot.com/2009/05/natural-sunscreen-protection-with-real.html</p><p>I also have plenty of anecdotal evidence from my own family and several others that they stop burning after switching to real food diets.  To me that says something in their diet was causing it, and likely the modern chemicals they put in food are the problem.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leonie
EMAIL: leonieandstuart@bigpond.com
IP: 58.164.209.124
URL: http://www.kiwiatheart.com
DATE: 12/14/2010 09:13:31 AM
<p>I can sooo relate to this post!! I have two autoimmune diseases, get sick constantly, sunburn easily and now I am into day 14 of a cold and chest infection! I need to make changes URGENTLY!<br/>thanks for writing an AWESOME blog.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Freezer Cooking: Introduction
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 07/05/2010 12:00:09 PM
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<p>Welcome to a brand-new series on freezer cooking!&nbsp; Deb will be guest posting about her experiences with doing serious marathon freezer cooking -- three months of meals at once!&nbsp; Feel free to leave all your questions below so she can answer them in future posts!&nbsp; Here she is:</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What&rsquo;s for Dinner?</span></strong></p>
<p>Here&rsquo;s the thing. I can't face making dinner every. single. night. An hour of cooking and hour of cleaning every night is just not my idea of a good time. Eating out is not a good solution, because Hi, I&rsquo;m a tightwad and plus it&rsquo;s just not very healthy. So every three months, I spend a week or two in a cooking frenzy and make a bunch of meals for the freezer.</p>
<p>From a financial standpoint, I have discovered that living this way has saved me a lot of money. I got sick of buying stuff on sale, putting it in the freezer, and then throwing it away 6 months later because it morphed into an unidentifiable gray lump. Now I never put anything in the freezer unless it&rsquo;s cooked, or prepped for cooking. Grabbing dinner out of the freezer saves time, money, and gives me more time with <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">the remote</span> the kids.</p>
<p>My typical goal is to stock the freezer with 60 meals. That will give me dinner five nights a week, for three months. Even when I don&rsquo;t even think about dinner until 4 o&rsquo;clock in the afternoon (it&rsquo;s not just me, is it?), I can still provide my family with a healthy, home-cooked meal.</p>
<p>I am not talking about cooking a 20 pound turkey and assembling a bunch of dry, flavorless tv dinners. I am only interested in freezing meals that taste as good out of the freezer as they do when they are made fresh. It&rsquo;s a lot of work, after all. I&rsquo;m not trying to waste a bunch of time and money on something no one wants to eat. Some things, like soup, stew, chili, and spaghetti sauce freeze extremely well, and you can just thaw them and eat. I also prepare meals that can be cooked easily on serving day. I occasionally branch out and stock up on organic whole-grain muffins for breakfasts and single serve lunches for my husband. The freezer is probably <em>the most</em> indispensible tool in my meal planning arsenal.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Plan Before The Plan</span></strong></p>
<p>It&rsquo;s a good idea to start fairly small. A great first goal would be twenty or thirty meals. There are several decisions that need to be made before you can dive right into cooking.</p>
<p>First, think about your lifestyle and what you want to achieve by stocking your freezer. Do you want a bunch of thaw-and-eat meals that you can throw on the table after soccer practice? Dinners you put in the crock pot in the morning and they&rsquo;re ready when you get home from work?</p>
<p>Next, decide how many meals a week you want to be able to grab from your freezer &ndash; three days a week? Five days a week? Figure out how often you can rotate your recipes. Will your family eat spaghetti once a week or once a month? The questions of how often you want to eat from the freezer and how often you rotate specific meals have to be answered simultaneously. A decent variety of food is important, or your family will stage a mutiny. On the other hand, the whole point of freezer cooking is to be more efficient in the kitchen and make several meals at once.</p>
<p>Also consider how you want to go about doing this. One easy way to begin is by simply tripling your recipes every night when you cook dinner. Serve one and put the other two into the freezer. Instead of one meatloaf, make three (two go into the freezer uncooked). Instead of making enough spaghetti sauce for one meal, make a huge vat and freeze the leftovers in appropriately sized containers when dinner is over. If you did this three nights a week, in one month you would have 24 meals in the freezer. You could continue to do that a couple times a week and stay ahead of the game indefinitely. Another method (and this is what I do), is marathon cooking. I just cook and cook for days, until it&rsquo;s done. Finally, you can partner up with other people. Instead of you making 5 servings of six different meal options by yourself; three people each cook 15 servings of two different options. Then you swap. (By &ldquo;servings&rdquo; I don&rsquo;t mean individual portions, I mean enough food to feed your whole family one meal &ndash; i.e. one pan of lasagna = one serving)</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Figure out What to Cook</span></strong></p>
<p>Deciding what to cook is obviously very subjective. Only you know your family and your lifestyle. Start by making a list of main dishes that you already eat and your family likes. If you come up with 10 options, you will be in great shape. A lot of the recipes in your current repertoire probably freeze well, and you can dive right in, cooking larger quantities of food you already know.</p>
<p>For the sake of this discussion, let&rsquo;s say you want to eat from the freezer five days a week for a month. That means you need to get 20 servings in the freezer. The first thing to do is look at your meal idea list and identify any food your family is willing to eat once a week. If your family eats tacos every Friday and Lasagna every Sunday, you already know you need to assemble 4 lasagnas and brown a bunch of hamburger. Eight meals down, twelve to go. But now you realize that they are not willing to eat anything else that often. No problem, just calculate the remaining twelve meals on a once-every-ten-days basis. That means coming up with four other meal options, and making each one three times.</p>
<p>Over the years, I have developed a pretty big list of meal ideas and have collected an arsenal of cookbooks. I have some things that I make every time and other things that I make depending on the season. In the winter, I tend to make a lot of soups and stews and things that are a nice and hot on a cold day. In the summer, I prep meats for grilling, or things that can go in the crock pot and cook without heating up the house. I try to balance recipes that are more work to assemble with recipes I can throw together with very little effort. I also try to provide a decent variety of food without having to buy ten thousand ingredients. I love finding those ideas that I can use in more than one way (like meatballs). I will usually scour my cookbooks during the planning phase and try out one or two new recipes. If you are trying out a new recipe, I would recommend eating it once before you invest a lot of time and money making 8 servings and then discovering your family hates it.</p>
<p>The very first freezer cooking book I bought was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Day-Gourmets-Book-Freezer-Cooking/dp/0966446763/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1276222177&amp;sr=1-2-spell">The 30 Day Gourmet</a>. They have a new edition out now, but the one I have is quite old. It has a wealth of information on planning, shopping, and the kind of equipment you need. It has a lot of recipes in it, but I did not find them to be as healthy as I generally like. However, the new edition probably has better recipes, and the other information alone is worth the price. If you go to Amazon and search the term Freezer Cooking or Once a Month Cooking, you will be amazed at how many materials are out there. Some of my new favorites are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Panic-Dinners-Freezer-Great-Tasting/dp/0800730550/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1276221797&amp;sr=8-2">Don&rsquo;t Panic, Dinner&rsquo;s in the Freezer</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Dinners-Dinnertime-Assemble-Freeze/dp/0060784229/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1276221914&amp;sr=8-1">Dream Dinners</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;My own freezer happens to be bare right now, and I am planning for my next Big Cook. In the next few articles, I will take you through my own freezer-stocking process &ndash; from planning to shopping and then to the actual cooking. I hope you find this information helpful and inspiring. If anyone wants to know anything specific, I am open to suggestions and questions.</p>
<p>Thanks Deb!&nbsp; What do you all think?&nbsp; Do you do any freezer cooking?</p>
<p><span class="il">Deb</span>&nbsp;has always&nbsp;stored the odd&nbsp;bit of  leftover&nbsp;spaghetti sauce&nbsp;in the <span class="il">freezer</span>.&nbsp;Six  years ago, when&nbsp;pregnant with&nbsp;her first child, she&nbsp;decided to take  that&nbsp;method to new heights.&nbsp;Armed with an idea and some <span class="il">freezer</span> baggies,&nbsp;she stocked her <span class="il">freezer</span> with enough  meals to last three months.&nbsp;Instead of <span class="il">cooking</span> dinner every night,&nbsp;<span class="il">Deb</span> and her husband were  able to enjoy more time with their brand-new son. It worked out so  well,&nbsp;she has been doing it ever since. <span class="il">Deb</span> blogs about <span class="il">cooking</span>, knitting, and home  educating her children at&nbsp;<a href="http://notinadequate.com/" target="_blank">Not Inadequate</a>.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome to a brand-new series on freezer cooking!&nbsp; Deb will be guest posting about her experiences with doing serious marathon freezer cooking -- three months of meals at once!&nbsp; Feel free to leave all your questions below so she can answer them in future posts!&nbsp; Here she is:</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What&rsquo;s for Dinner?</span></strong>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 70.118.132.42
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 07/05/2010 03:41:15 PM
<p>I don't do dinners this way, but when my husband and I make banana bread, it makes two loaves. We put one in the freezer in plastic wrap, and when you need a quick breakfast on the go, you pull it out of the freezer, slice it, butter the slices, and warm in the oven or microwave. We've also done breakfast burritos that way - made a dozen or so, wrapped in aluminum foil, and frozen.</p><p>I would like to know what foods you've had the best luck with in this whole 'freezer dinners' thing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 07/05/2010 04:56:50 PM
<p>Hi Emma!</p><p>I would say that the things that I have never had any trouble with freezing are soups and stews (without pasta), chili, spaghetti sauce, and meatloaf (uncooked). I also make single servings of barbeque beef and french dip meat for my husband's lunches, and they taste just as fresh as the day I cooked them. I have had success with lasagnas - especially if I use the no-bake noodles. </p><p>I have also made noodle-based casseroles, however it is vitally important that you only cook the noodles for HALF the recommended cooking time, and run them under cold water immediately to stop the cooking. Don't assemble that sort of casserole until all the ingredients are cool (cooked chicken, etc). Firstly because you don't want anything to continue cooking in the freezer or it will compromise the quality; and secondly because you do not want to encourage bacteria to grow.</p><p>I have had zero luck freezing mashed potatoes. I don't know why, they always turn out all soupy.</p><p>As you said, baked goods freeze extremely well, I have 8 loaves of homemeade wheat bread in my freezer right now and am planning on making some muffins this afternoon. </p><p>Thank you so much for your interest! Feel free to ask any other questions you might think of. </p><p>Deb</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michelle.adkins.hulse@gmail.com
IP: 98.183.78.72
URL: http://lagniappeacademy.blogspot.com
DATE: 07/05/2010 09:39:41 PM
<p>Being a good Cajun girl, I always make huge batches of gumbo (and other soups and stews) and hope there are enough leftovers for a couple of freezer meals.  The winter is easy for me, but I never have enough food in the freezer that I'm willing to eat during the super hot summer months.  Plus, with our switch to gluten-free casein-free, I'm barely capable of cooking anything anymore.  We're back in the test phase to find out what we like and what works, and I have no idea how any of it will freeze.  But count me in anyway!  I'm making meatloaf this week, so I'm going to make at least one extra for the freezer.   And maybe some meatballs too.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wheng
EMAIL: wheng_russel@yahoo.com
IP: 203.87.179.234
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2011 09:31:07 PM
<p>I am not much into cooking too. Just so glad I have the same feeling as you had. Thanks for the book you shared, The 30 Day Gourmet seems to be an interesting book. :) I will look into it. I am into freezer cooking too the reason why I love freezer containers just the same. I can proudly recommend to you a good site where you guys can buy quality and affordable freezer containers, it is at www.freezer-containers.com. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Breakfast Burritos
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 06/24/2010 12:00:44 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/06/pennywise-platter-thursday-624.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Okay, this is the post I promised awhile ago!&nbsp; The one that I was trying to get to work out but that wasn't going well?&nbsp; But now I figured it out!</p>
<p>While I was out of town a few weeks ago, we had some breakfast burritos at the breakfast bar.&nbsp; They were SO good.&nbsp; They had soft, white flour tortillas, lots of cheese, some eggs, sausage, fried potatoes...all kinds of yummy stuff.&nbsp; I knew I had to make them at home, only healthier.</p>
<p>The result isn't quite what I had in mind, because they're not as soft (more crispy, which is probably just because I haven't perfected my tortilla-making technique) but they are still super yummy, and truly a great breakfast-on-the-run.&nbsp; So I'll share them with you.&nbsp; This recipe will make 24, which is plenty to freeze and eat for a week or two.&nbsp; Surprisingly, Bekah likes them, even though she's not really big on "mixed foods" (prefers things plain and one at a time, like her daddy!).</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 recipe "<a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2009/05/07/sprouted-spelt-tortillas/">Sprouted Spelt Tortillas</a>"</p>
<p>1 doz. pastured eggs</p>
<p>1 lb. breakfast sausage</p>
<p>1/2 lb. (or so) raw mild cheddar cheese</p>
<p>1 lb. potatoes, fried in lard (optional)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Make the tortillas according to the directions, adding just a pinch more salt.&nbsp; I can't tell you how much I love these tortillas for anything and everything, seriously.&nbsp; While you're at it, make double the recipe and keep some for wraps, quesadillas, whatever you can think of.&nbsp; (By the way, I make mine more like 6 - 7", which is how I get 24 instead of 17.&nbsp; They just don't need to be so big for this purpose.)</p>
<p>Cook the sausage, loose, in a pan until browned.&nbsp; Add in all the eggs and cook until the eggs are done.&nbsp; Shred the cheese while this is cooking.</p>
<p>Line the tortillas up on a big baking pan.&nbsp; Fill each with a bit of egg mixture and top with cheese (and potatoes, if using -- I was too lazy this time).&nbsp; Roll them up and place them on the baking pan seam-side down.&nbsp; Put the pan into the freezer at least 4 hours.&nbsp; I left mine overnight.</p>
<p>Remove the pan from the freezer and transfer to a big plastic bag (or 2 or 3 -- I think it took me 3 gallon-sized bags to fit them all, but mine didn't roll up very well because I overcooked my tortillas a little and they were crunchy instead of soft) and put them back in the freezer.&nbsp; This is so they won't all freeze to each other in a giant ball.</p>
<p>When you're ready to eat them, place the desired number on a baking pan and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes.&nbsp; Enjoy!</p>
<p>You could also add chopped onion and/or green pepper to your sausage/egg mixture, or any other veggies.&nbsp; Tomatoes, mushrooms.&nbsp; Even salsa if you were so inclined.&nbsp; You could serve with salsa too.&nbsp; My first time eating them, I didn't have any salsa so now I'm not inclined to want it, even though I'm sure I'd love it.&nbsp; I'll let you know if I make any updates to this one.</p>
<p>By the way, when making your own tortillas from scratch, yes, this takes quite awhile to do all at once, but then breakfast takes NO time at all later.&nbsp; Literally less than a minute to get them out of the freezer and into the oven, then from the oven onto a plate.&nbsp; Toss some fresh fruit and/or yogurt on the side, maybe some raw milk or a bottle of kombucha and you have a great breakfast.&nbsp; And with the eggs, meat and cheese inside they're not too grain-heavy.&nbsp; Wonderful!</p>
<p>What do you eat for breakfast on the go?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Okay, this is the post I promised awhile ago!&nbsp; The one that I was trying to get to work out but that wasn't going well?&nbsp; But now I figured it out!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 03/01/2011 02:49:16 PM
<p>I use about twice as much cheese in mine, and some Chipotle Tabasco sauce. I LOVE that sauce, and I mix everything (including the cheese) together in a big bowl before filling my tortillas because I don&#39;t want to get a bite of cheese, then a bite with no cheese, then a bite of just potato, etc.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Freezer Cooking: Part 2
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 07/12/2010 12:00:17 PM
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<p>Welcome back Deb, who will be talking to us more about freezer cooking!</p>
<p>To continue this series on Freezer Cooking, I am going to walk you through my personal method of stocking my freezer with three months worth of dinners. When I say I am stocking my freezer with 60 dinners, I mean 60 main dishes. On serving day, I will add salads, veggies, pasta, or whatever to round out the meal. As I said in the previous article, my freezer is presently bare, and I am just beginning the process of planning for my next cooking session. When I was younger and had zero kids and more energy, I could do three months of cooking in a weekend. Now, I have two kids that I am homeschooling, a husband that works full time from home, and definitely less energy than I did ten years ago. So the Big Cook generally takes a couple of weeks of planning and cooking.</p>
<p>I have an excel spreadsheet to help me out. I&rsquo;m one of those people that needs to see things on paper in order to think clearly. I also have a huge list of meals that I can look at for inspiration. I have chosen to do a twelve week meal plan this time, because that will get me to October, when I will shift gears and start thinking about cold weather dishes. At that time, I may only do a 10 week meal plan because Thanksgiving and Christmas will be on the horizon and we will be eating leftovers instead of freezer meals. A good goal for a beginner would be enough meals for month &ndash; 20 or 30, depending on how often you wanted dinner from the freezer.</p>
<p>The key to freezer cooking (aside from finding good recipes), is to make sure you have enough variety. I plan on eating from the freezer five nights a week for three months. I need to decide how often I can repeat my menu. If I go with twice a month for each item, then I need to have ten different options, making each one six times. If I can eat the same thing week in and week out, then I could get by with five different options, making each one twelve times. I think ten options is too many and five is too few, so I am going to shoot for a happy medium of eight different meal options. I will then plan to make each item somewhere between six and twelve times each, until I get to sixty.</p>
<p>I know you might be thinking, &ldquo;my gosh, is she really going to feed her family only eight different meals for three entire months?&rdquo; No, because I have two days a week to eat pizza or get takeout or make whatever else we might want. My meal plan really only has us repeating each meal two or three times a month; and since I have previously fallen into the spaghetti-three-times-a-week rut, this will be plenty of variety.</p>
<p>Now, onto deciding what to cook. I sometimes browse the internets for ideas and I always review my cookbooks and look for things we haven&rsquo;t tried yet, but want to. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Dinners-Dinnertime-Assemble-Freeze/dp/0060784229/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1278716050&amp;sr=8-1">Dream Dinners</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Super-Suppers-Cookbook-Judie-Byrd/dp/0696230542/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1278716105&amp;sr=8-10">Super Suppers</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Panic-Dinners-Freezer-Great-Tasting/dp/0800730550/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1278716050&amp;sr=8-2">Don&rsquo;t Panic</a> are all great cookbooks. I just ordered Cook&rsquo;s Illustrated book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Ahead-Recipe-Cooks-Illustrated-Magazine/dp/1933615141/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1278716153&amp;sr=1-1-fkmr1">The Best Make Ahead Recipe</a> and am looking forward to reading it.</p>
<p>We like to grill a lot in the summer, and I know that we will eat grilled chicken at least three times a month. That&rsquo;s also a super easy thing to do, so I&rsquo;ll be able to get 9 meals worth of pre-marinated chicken in the freezer in about 30 minutes [portion chicken into quart freezer baggies. pour store-bought marinade over. stick in the freezer and you&rsquo;re done. it marinates as it thaws and stays very juicy].</p>
<p>I will do the same for steak &ndash; buy family sized packages (getting an extra $0.50 per pound discount), divide them into appropriately sized portions, and wrap in freezer paper.</p>
<p>Obviously, you don&rsquo;t have to do this. It&rsquo;s certainly not that much more trouble to buy chicken or steak every week at the grocery store. But I like to be able to wait for a good sale, buy every ingredient I need (like Lawry&rsquo;s Marinade), and be done with it for a few months. I know I will still be able to feed my family a good dinner even if I don&rsquo;t make it to the store that week; I get better discounts for buying in bulk; and I only have to disinfect my kitchen once from the chicken (ok, maybe that&rsquo;s just a benefit to me &ndash; I have a bit of Raw Chicken Paranoia). Plus, I never have to throw food away because our schedule got crazy that week and it went bad. And my husband can go rummage out in the freezer to decide what he&rsquo;d like instead of hassling me about cooking.</p>
<p>Between the chicken and the steak, I&rsquo;ll have about 18 dinners already to go. Make a little salad on the side or pick up some fresh corn at the farmer&rsquo;s market and we&rsquo;ll have some easy summertime meals. I will also be making a ton of <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=658">meatballs</a>. I have not made them in a year because they are kind of a pain in the butt. However, they are delicious. Meatballs are something that I can put in the crock pot at noon and they will be done for dinner. Swedish Meatballs, Barbeque Meatballs, Spaghetti and Meatballs&hellip;leftovers can go in sandwiches or on pizza, and my kids like them (I probably don&rsquo;t have to tell you what a bonus that is). I will definitely be planning on making enough meatballs to eat a batch per week, and at 20 meatballs per batch, I am looking at around 250 meatballs. Speaking of meals that require ground meat, I will make 6 <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=658">meatloaves</a>. Delicious and easy &ndash; especially if I freeze them in a disposable tin foil loaf pan. Between the meatballs and the meatloaf, I have added another 18 meals to my list. I&rsquo;m halfway there and I haven&rsquo;t even had to think that hard yet.</p>
<p>Now I need to plan some thaw-and-serve meals - soups and stews that don&rsquo;t require anything except heating up and eating. Even in the summer, we love soup because it&rsquo;s just so easy to get on the table. This summer has been busy, so I want to make sure I get some quick meals in the freezer. There is one recipe in particular that I have been perfecting, and my husband loves it. So a batch (or two) of my <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=608">Chicken Tortilla Soup</a> is on the list. If I have the energy, maybe I&rsquo;ll make some Beef Burgundy. I got some little steaks on sale a while back, and even though I don&rsquo;t like the flavor for grilling, they will be perfect for that long-cooking stew. I love Ham and 16 Bean Soup, and the last one is thawing right this minute, so I&rsquo;ll do a quick batch of that. If I can get 6 quarts of each soup, I&rsquo;ll be up to 54 meals already! I&rsquo;ll go through my cookbooks and find a new recipe to try, or maybe do a few lasagnas, and I&rsquo;m there.</p>
<p>Next time I&rsquo;ll talk about the hard part &ndash; the actual cooking.</p>
<p><em><span class="il">Deb</span>&nbsp;has always&nbsp;stored the odd&nbsp;bit of  leftover&nbsp;spaghetti sauce&nbsp;in the freezer.&nbsp;Six years ago, when&nbsp;pregnant  with&nbsp;her first child, she&nbsp;decided to take that&nbsp;method to new  heights.&nbsp;Armed with an idea and some freezer baggies,&nbsp;she stocked her  freezer with enough meals to last three months.&nbsp;Instead of cooking  dinner every night,&nbsp;<span class="il">Deb</span> and her husband were  able to enjoy more time with their brand-new son. It worked out so  well,&nbsp;she has been doing it ever since. <span class="il">Deb</span> blogs about cooking, knitting, and home educating her children at&nbsp;<a href="http://notinadequate.com/" target="_blank">Not Inadequate</a>. </em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome back Deb, who will be talking to us more about freezer cooking!</p>
<p>To continue this series on Freezer Cooking, I am going to walk you through my personal method of stocking my freezer with three months worth of dinners. When I say I am stocking my freezer with 60 dinners, I mean 60 main dishes. On serving day, I will add salads, veggies, pasta, or whatever to round out the meal. As I said in the previous article, my freezer is presently bare, and I am just beginning the process of planning for my next cooking session. When I was younger and had zero kids and more energy, I could do three months of cooking in a weekend. Now, I have two kids that I am homeschooling, a husband that works full time from home, and definitely less energy than I did ten years ago. So the Big Cook generally takes a couple of weeks of planning and cooking.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tajuana
EMAIL: tajuanar76@yahoo.com
IP: 99.188.100.3
URL: http://crossrhodesacademy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 07/13/2010 09:30:34 PM
<p>I can't wait to see what you will share next.  It's amazing how you can get 3 months of meals done.  I learned about freezer cooking 8 months ago and have tried to do it monthly.  It's overwhelming because I've only mastered doing one weeks worth of meals so far.  I hope to hear more about what your shopping trips look like.  Do you buy all your meats at one time (in bulk) and do light shopping (fruits, veggies, milk, ect.) weekly?  I try to be as frugal as I can and need to stay within our budget.  I usely spend under $100 a week for a family of 3 (less when prices aren't as high as they are now).   I'm just trying to understand how you buy so much meat at one time.  Is this expensive to do?  We have a membership at Costco so maybe I could utilize it to help me to do better with freezer cooking. Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: debbuster@hotmail.com
IP: 67.190.90.145
URL: http://notinadequate.com
DATE: 07/13/2010 11:54:07 PM
<p>Thank you Tajuana!0</p><p> In my next article, I will outline how much I spent on everything I made. I try to buy meat in bulk or on sale - I got my hamburger for $1.99 a pound last time and got 20 pounds. That is $40.00, but I got almost 30 dinners out of it. The Mexican Gumbo I made only takes one package of chicken to make 5 quarts of soup. There are ways to make it stretch, it just takes a little planning. </p><p>There are a lot of things that are WAY less expensive at places like Sam's and Costco - butter, sugar, milk, dried beans, chicken...etc. The chicken at Sam's is usually $2.99 a pound for boneless, skinless breasts, and with a little planning, you can get it in the freezer for future dinners. </p><p>It might take a while to work up to making lots of meals at once, but perhaps you can plan to make a large batch of one thing a few times a month. If you did that consistently, you could keep a steady supply of meals in your freezer without a huge outlay of money all at once.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Freezer Cooking: Part 3
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 07/19/2010 12:00:12 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Freezer Cooking: Part 3</span></strong></p>
<p>Okay, now we&rsquo;ll put all the planning from <a href="../../blog/2010/7/5/freezer-cooking-introduction.html">Part 1</a> and <a href="../../blog/2010/7/12/freezer-cooking-part-2.html">Part 2</a> to work and get started cooking.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">General Tips</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Probably one of      the things you are wondering about is what sort of storage products you will      need in order to stock your freezer. I rely primarily on gallon sized      freezer bags, quart sized <a href="http://www.ziploc.com/Products/Pages/TwistLocContainers.aspx?SizeName=Medium">Ziploc      Twist &amp; Loc</a> containers, and disposable tin foil casserole dishes      and loaf pans. There is a lot of good information in freezer cooking      guides that can give you other ideas. I have tried it all, but those are the      things I always return to. I do have a FoodSaver, which I LOVE and I use      it for things that I might want to keep longer than three months. It&rsquo;s not      essential to have though, and you can find them at garage sales.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Do all your      grocery shopping the day before you want to start cooking. That way, you      can get up bright and early and dive right in. Shop only for the meals you      know you can make in the next day or two. Don&rsquo;t get carried away and buy enough      for everything, unless you are positive you can get to it before it goes      bad <em>and</em> that you have the room      to store it. When making your list, be as specific as possible &ndash; i.e. 14      onions or 10 cans of tomatoes. You don&rsquo;t want to get caught short. You may      have to shop several times during a weeklong cooking session. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Clean out your      refrigerator to make room for your supplies, and your freezer to make room      for all your new meals. When storing large amounts of meat in your      refrigerator, put it on a sheet pan to catch any drips. Clean the kitchen      thoroughly and try to start with an empty dishwasher if at all possible. In      my house, we have agreed that during the Big Cooking Session, my husband      will clean the kitchen every night so I can start each day fresh. Also, I      do not cook dinner during that time. Too busy cooking. I don&rsquo;t make this      food so they can eat it&hellip;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Schedule your      cooking time. You can do all your ground meat meals on one day, all your      chicken meals on another, and all your soups on yet another, and so on. I      do that to a certain extent, but my primary focus is usually on staggering      cooking times and cooking surfaces so I can be as efficient as possible.      For example, I might start a crock-pot soup first thing in the morning so      it can work all day, then I&rsquo;d start a beef stew that cooks in the oven for      four hours. After that I&rsquo;d start in on something more labor intensive,      like meatballs. Be aware that putting a lot of hot food into your freezer at      once will put a strain on it, so you might want to stagger the times of      day that items are ready to go into the freezer. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>When working      with hamburger and raw chicken, invest in some disposable food service      gloves. It&rsquo;s helpful to be able to strip them off and answer the phone or deal      with the kids.</li>
</ul>
<p>And now, my actual cooking diary, complete with mistakes and distractions:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day One &ndash; June 28</span></p>
<p>Cleaned Kitchen, Made List, Grocery Shopped. Hamburger $1.99 a pound! Buy 20 pounds. Get funny looks from other shoppers. Text hubby from the store to make room in the fridge. After unloading groceries, rinse and set black beans to soak. At 8 pm, I remember I need chicken for the Chicken Tortilla Soup, and send hubby out to get some. This works out fine - he had to go get something for dinner anyway, because we have NO FOOD in this house.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day Two &ndash; June 29</span></p>
<p>Cleaned kitchen AGAIN. Gah. Mental game plan - first get Chicken Tortilla soup going in the crock pot, then make stuffing for meatloaves so it can cool (regret forgetting to do this last night), get started on meatballs.</p>
<p>In the afternoon, the game plan gets adjusted, since I forgot that I had signed up to go to a bread making class in the afternoon. Have to push meatballs to tomorrow. Still, I manage to get 10 quarts of <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=608">Chicken Tortilla Soup</a> in the freezer by nightfall. Total cost for Chicken Tortilla Soup = $40. That comes out to $4 per quart, which for us is three individual servings. $1.35 per serving is not bad.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/chicken tortilla soup.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279498077159" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day Three &ndash; June 30</span></p>
<p>There are 20 pounds of hamburger in the refrigerator waiting for me. On the agenda &ndash; <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=658">meatballs and meatloaves</a>. Ended up with 7 meatloaves at a total cost of $26.41, which will yield at <em>leas</em>t 4 individual servings each. That works out to $0.94 per serving. Total time spent making meatloaves: Two hours, including cleanup. Took a lunch break, then got started mixing up the meatballs.</p>
<p>Ran out of steam after getting the meatball mixture together, probably from <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">yelling</span> saying &ldquo;go PLAY&rdquo; to my kids all day. Wrapped the mixture tightly with two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of tin foil and parked it in the fridge. Cleaned the kitchen for the third time that day.</p>
<p>Had a $75 gift certificate to Omaha Steaks AND hit a sale! After the Fed-Ex guy delivered them, I threw those babies in the freezer and called it good. Otherwise, I would have bought family packs and wrapped each steak individually.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day Four &ndash; July 1</span></p>
<p>Got up and went right to work making meatballs. Total cost for a bajillion meatballs = $27.00.</p>
<p>Miscalculated slightly on my meatball yield per pound of hamburger (I corrected the recipe), and ended up with FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY meatballs. Packaged them 20 meatballs per bag with the Foodsaver, and ended up with 22 bags of meatballs. Cost per bag = $1.22. I will end up adding pasta and sauce or barbeque sauce and buns on serving day, but still &ndash; that is an amazing price for what will be around 5 individual servings (for my family) in each bag. Note: I buy the giant bottle of barbeque sauce at Sam&rsquo;s or Costco, pour it into tiny disposable Ziploc containers and freeze that, too.</p>
<p>So far I have spent less than a hundred dollars, and have made 39 meals for my family (not counting the steak). I won&rsquo;t be ready to see another pound of hamburger for a while, though&hellip;.</p>
<p>I am going to take a small break to celebrate the holiday and get our bread reserves back up. I&rsquo;ll regroup, and start back up next week.</p>
<p>Not bad for four days of hard work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Freezer Cooking: Part 3</span></strong></p>
<p>Okay, now we&rsquo;ll put all the planning from <a href="../../blog/2010/7/5/freezer-cooking-introduction.html">Part 1</a> and <a href="../../blog/2010/7/12/freezer-cooking-part-2.html">Part 2</a> to work and get started cooking.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">General Tips</span>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cooking tips
EMAIL: chefbrian@charter.net
IP: 75.133.27.185
URL: http://www.chefbrianscookingtips.com
DATE: 10/30/2010 10:34:30 PM
<p>39 meals for under a hundred bucks! This is awesome, I think I write about you on my blog. Your attention to detail is marvelous and the story is sooooo complete! Thanks for the excellent read.</p><p>Chef Brian</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Freezer Cooking: Part 4
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 07/26/2010 12:00:37 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Please welcome back Deb, for the final post in the Freezer Cooking Series!</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Freezer Cooking: Part 4</span></strong></p>
<p>This is the fourth and final installment of my series on Freezer Cooking. I have received a gratifying amount of positive response on this series. I am always happy to answer questions, so if anyone decides to try this lifestyle, please feel free to contact me. If you missed them, please check out <a href="../../blog/2010/7/5/freezer-cooking-introduction.html">Part 1</a>, <a href="../../blog/2010/7/12/freezer-cooking-part-2.html">Part 2</a>, and <a href="../../blog/2010/7/19/freezer-cooking-part-3.html">Part 3</a> of the series.</p>
<p>After taking a break for the long Independence Day weekend, I regrouped and got ready to finish loading my freezer. Prior to the weekend, I had made <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=608">Chicken Tortilla Soup</a>, <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=658">Meatloaves, and Meatballs</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day 5 &ndash; July 8</span></p>
<p>Get the news that my husband is going out of town for work next week. Am very annoyed by this and decide I&rsquo;d better make some kid-friendly foods to make it easier on Temporarily Single Mom. I need to get some muffins in the freezer anyway. I have been putting this off for a while, but the kids hate cereal and hopefully with my new mixer, it will be easier. Make <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=701">13 dozen muffins</a>. Store the muffins in gallon freezer bags, thaw as needed either overnight on the counter or for 20 seconds in the microwave.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day 6 &ndash; July 10</span></p>
<p>Grocery shop for a couple more meals &ndash; Marinated Chicken and Ham and Bean Soup. Get the chicken portioned into quart freezer baggies, covered in store-bought marinade, and stashed in the freezer in a matter of minutes (it marinates as it thaws and stays very juicy as it cooks on the grill). Here are some recipes for <a href="http://notinadequate.com/?p=780">home-made marinade</a>, too.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I did not accomplish very much at all over the next few weeks. My husband was out of town for a week, and I was just trying to keep everyone alive and fed. Freezer Cooking took a hiatus until the end of the month.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day 7 &ndash; July 23</span></p>
<p>I need to get my cooking mojo back after such an extended break. Luckily, the supplies I bought before for the Ham and Bean soup are still in the pantry and fridge waiting for me; so this morning I set my beans to soak, and make a grocery list for my other soups. One recipe that I have really wanted to try is <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/irish-beef-and-stout-stew">Irish Beef and Stout Stew</a>. I&rsquo;ll make a small-ish batch to see how everyone likes it and how well it freezes. If it goes over well, I will add it to my rotation.</p>
<p>After grocery shopping, I come home and get the Irish Stew going. It needs to cook for 3 hours, so after I get it in the oven, I start the Ham and Bean soup. I lost a lot of cooking time today with shopping, so I don&rsquo;t even get the bean soup going until 6 pm. That&rsquo;s ok &ndash; it&rsquo;ll simmer along this evening, and I&rsquo;ll put it away before bed. I have another idea for a knock-off version of Beef Burgundy. The reason I don&rsquo;t make that more often is because it calls for cooking a bunch of bacon and then browning the meat in batches in the grease. I don&rsquo;t particularly care for browning large batches of meat &ndash; it&rsquo;s messy and gets grease everywhere. It can also be very time consuming when cooking large quantities. The meat I am planning on using is a <a href="http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/OnlineShopping?Dsp=14&amp;PCR=0&amp;PID=&amp;IID=1695&amp;ITMSUF=BND&amp;RAND=L7964">Mediterranean skewer</a> that has a very strong flavor of rosemary, and I don&rsquo;t like it. But I got it on sale and it&rsquo;s perfectly good meat, so I am determined to not let it go to waste. Since it&rsquo;s already on skewers, I have the idea to grill the meat and then continue cooking the stew in the oven as usual. I get my husband to grill it, and stick it in the fridge for tomorrow.</p>
<p>We have the Irish Beef stew for dinner, which was proclaimed DELICIOUS by my tasters, so I will type this recipe up (I made a few alterations) and add it to my rotation. I am planning on having the recipe for that and the Ham and Bean soup posted on <a href="http://notinadequate.com/">my blog</a> sometime this week, so check there if you are interested in it.</p>
<p>By the end of the evening, we have packaged up 8 quarts of Irish Beef Stew and 10 quarts of Ham and Bean Soup. I go to bed feeling very productive.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Day 8 &ndash; July 24</span></p>
<p>Today I just have one other stew planned to add to my freezer, and then I will have done everything on my list! I am so excited! We are starting back to school next week and it will be a relief to focus on homeschooling and not have to worry too much about dinner. I fry up the bacon for the Beef Burgundy, assemble all the ingredients, including the grilled meat from yesterday, and chuck everything in the oven for a few hours. It will be done in time for us to have it for dinner.</p>
<p>So, even though this cooking session ended up taking an entire month, I only actually spent about 8 days cooking. I am very pleased with what I have accomplished, even though it took longer than I planned. My meals will last for the rest of the summer and into the fall. I can sit back and relax, knowing that even if I don&rsquo;t remember dinner until 4:30 in the afternoon, we can still eat a home-cooked meal. My Freezer Meal Inventory now looks like this (even after eating some of it this month):</p>
<p>Marinated Chicken &ndash; 6</p>
<p>Steak to Grill &ndash; 9</p>
<p>Meatballs &ndash; 20</p>
<p>Meatloaf &ndash; 6</p>
<p>Chicken Tortilla Soup &ndash; 8</p>
<p>Ham and Bean Soup &ndash; 10</p>
<p>Irish Beef and Potato Stew &ndash; 8</p>
<p>Beef Burgundy &ndash; 10</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s over 70 dinners. I think I have a fairly good variety of meals &ndash; some to grill, some to bake, and plenty to thaw-and-eat. I am also pleased because a lot of the meat came from stuff I already had in the freezer, so it did not cost a lot of extra money.</p>
<p>Oh &ndash; a note on freezing meat. You do not want to thaw and re-freeze raw meat. It will change the quality. However, it is perfectly fine to thaw, cook, and then freeze meat. Frankly, I don&rsquo;t notice a change in the quality at all. So you can still cook these meals if you have a stash of beef in your freezer.</p>
<p>I hope everyone has enjoyed this series &ndash; I enjoyed writing it. Keep checking <a href="http://notinadequate.com/">Not Inadequate</a> for more recipes, I still have several to type up and get into .pdf format. Once again, feel free to contact me if you need any advice, or if you just want to brag about your freezer cooking exploits!</p>
<p>Thanks to Kate, who provided this forum and opportunity.</p>
<p>Happy Cooking!</p>
<p>Deb&nbsp;has always&nbsp;stored the odd&nbsp;bit of leftover&nbsp;spaghetti sauce&nbsp;in the  freezer.&nbsp;Six years ago, when&nbsp;pregnant with&nbsp;her first child, she&nbsp;decided  to take that&nbsp;method to new heights.&nbsp;Armed with an idea and some freezer  baggies,&nbsp;she stocked her freezer with enough meals to last three  months.&nbsp;Instead of cooking dinner every night,&nbsp;Deb and her husband were  able to enjoy more time with their brand-new son. It worked out so  well,&nbsp;she has been doing it ever since. Deb blogs about cooking,  knitting, and home educating her children at&nbsp;<a href="http://notinadequate.com/" target="_blank">Not Inadequate</a>.</p>
<p>How did you like this series?&nbsp; Has it piqued your interest in freezer cooking, and answered some of your questions?</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Please welcome back Deb, for the final post in the Freezer Cooking Series!</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Freezer Cooking: Part 4</span></strong></p>
<p>This is the fourth and final installment of my series on Freezer Cooking. I have received a gratifying amount of positive response on this series. I am always happy to answer questions, so if anyone decides to try this lifestyle, please feel free to contact me. If you missed them, please check out <a href="../../blog/2010/7/5/freezer-cooking-introduction.html">Part 1</a>, <a href="../../blog/2010/7/12/freezer-cooking-part-2.html">Part 2</a>, and <a href="../../blog/2010/7/19/freezer-cooking-part-3.html">Part 3</a> of the series.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 217.91.36.71
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 07/26/2010 02:26:52 PM
<p>This has definitely piqued my interest in freezer cooking...once I get a house, I'm planning on trying it to some extent. My husband and I have done this on a much smaller scale (his mom's meatball recipe makes enough meatballs for 4 servings of spaghetti and meatballs), but doing it this way does sound interesting! My husband's going to be leaving for 3 months starting at the end of August for work (booooo), so maybe I'll try it then (we move into our new house four days before he leaves, so I'll have a kitchen with my kitchen stuff, none of this extended-stay hotel junk. </p><p>I'm definitely interested in the recipes of the foods that Deb makes to freeze...I'll be heading over to her blog to check them out!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bethannmonroe@yahoo.com
IP: 99.18.86.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 09:37:04 PM
<p>I also found this very interesting and would like to try it. I have five children, four of them under the age of four, so getting dinner prepared each night is very difficult. I often wait until my husband gets home from work (6&#39;ish) to even start dinner, so this would be awesome! I think my husband will agree that this is a wonderful plan for feeding healthy dinners regularly.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Living Without a Microwave
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/09/2010 12:00:36 PM
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<p>In this day and age, living without a microwave sounds at the least, very backwards, and at the most, totally crazy.  With busy schedules, how does one live without one?  They're so very convenient for reheating food, cooking frozen meals, defrosting dinner at the last minute, and lots more.  Why would anyone want to live without one?</p>
<p>I'm not going to write a long post reiterating all the dangers of microwave cooking here.&nbsp; Instead I'll point you to several excellent posts by other bloggers on the subject.&nbsp; So, go and read some of them, then come back here.</p>
<p><a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/03/microwave-safety-health-nutrition.html">Kitchen Kop on Microwave Dangers</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/05/01/mind-the-microwave-in-may-challenge/">Mind the Microwave at Kitchen Stewardship</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.relfe.com/microwave.html">Microwave is Killing You!</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards2.htm">Proven Dangers of Microwaves</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.unhinderedliving.com/microwave.html">Dangers of Microwave Cooking</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.herbalhealer.com/microwave.html">Radiation Ovens</a></p>
<p>Okay, that's enough.&nbsp; Did you read them?&nbsp; Seriously, go and do it if you haven't.</p>
<p>So, now, my big confession: I haven't used a microwave in at least 7 months.&nbsp; In fact, it's put away in my basement and my dehydrator took its place.</p>
<p>That's right.&nbsp; There's no microwave in my house.&nbsp; Not one that can be used, anyway.&nbsp; And other than 2 small uses, I haven't missed it.&nbsp; For accuracy's sake, here are the ways I've missed it:</p>
<p>1) Heating up rice-filled socks when I need a heating pad (i.e. a non-food use which is perfectly safe)</p>
<p>2) A place other than the fridge to put my plate if I need to leave the kitchen during dinner so the cats won't get it.</p>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; I really don't miss it for defrosting, heating, etc.&nbsp; I'll tell you now how I live without it.&nbsp; Unlike most people, I don't even have a toaster oven.&nbsp; I'm not opposed to them; I just don't happen to have one.&nbsp; I kind of wish I did have one.&nbsp; But, alas...not on the priority list right now.</p>
<p>1) Plan in advance</p>
<p>If I remember, I get meat out of the freezer the night before.&nbsp; Small packages (1 lb. or so) go into the fridge; large ones (whole chickens) go out on the counter.&nbsp; Or, I get them out in the morning to cook that night.&nbsp; Works great and is defrosted nicely when I need it.</p>
<p>2) Hot water</p>
<p>Supposing I forget that I need to defrost dinner until it's time to make it (although I have no excuse since I do my meal plans), I will place the package(s) in a sinkful of hot water for 20 - 30 minutes while I do some dishes, fold some laundry, or play with my kids.&nbsp; Then it's defrosted enough to at least start cooking it.&nbsp; This really hasn't slowed me down.&nbsp; And it's almost faster than trying to microwave defrost something because you don't have to be constantly checking the food, rotating, stirring, etc.&nbsp; You just ignore it.&nbsp; Some say you should only use cold water, but if it's only going to be in the water for a short time and you're going to cook it immediately, who cares?</p>
<p>3) The stovetop</p>
<p>I put soups and pastas and other leftover foods into a pot on the stove, turn it on medium, and go about my life for 10 minutes until it's hot.&nbsp; It really doesn't take much more time than a microwave.&nbsp; Yes, it's 10 minutes instead of 1, but...who cares?&nbsp; If I'm impatient (or the kids are), I can always get some carrot sticks or corn chips or something to eat while I'm waiting.&nbsp; But truthfully I'm just not that impatient, I do dishes or whatever needs done while the food is heating so I can stir it once or twice.</p>
<p>4) The oven</p>
<p>We store everything possible in glass dishes (not plastic) so we can just stick it right in the oven.&nbsp; Remove lid, put it oven.&nbsp; We don't even preheat (which is safer for the glass anyway, no huge temperature change).&nbsp; In 10 minutes or so the food is ready.&nbsp; Bonus: it doesn't even require stirring or watching because it won't burn in the oven.&nbsp; We've even accidentally left bowls of soup in the oven for a couple hours at it was just fine.</p>
<p>5) Toaster</p>
<p>We use the toaster same as always.&nbsp; But I'm not tempted to throw frozen pancakes or bagels (not that my family EATS bagels...) into the microwave to thaw them a little before or instead of toasting.&nbsp; They just go straight in the toaster and I turn it up or turn it on again if I need to.&nbsp; No big deal.</p>
<p>The truth is...I just don't miss my microwave.&nbsp; And I know our family is healthier.&nbsp; When we stopped using it, Ben's hair (that had been thin on top and not growing for a year and half) started regrowing.</p>
<p>For me, I had to put it in the basement so it wasn't there at all.&nbsp; Some people can have a microwave and not use it, but I couldn't.&nbsp; I wouldn't use it for a few days, but then I'd say "I forgot to defrost this and it's not in a water-tight package so it would be so much easier to just throw it in the microwave!"&nbsp; (Hint: put it in a plastic bag that you use and re-use just for this purpose, rinsing after each use.)&nbsp; Or I'd say "I only need to heat this for 10 seconds to get the chill off it to serve to the baby!"&nbsp; Which is a really horrible use of microwave anyway.&nbsp; Once it was just gone it was so easy not to need it.</p>
<p>So, if you're ready...take the challenge.&nbsp; Put the microwave away and see if you can live without it!&nbsp; It really is easy and worth it!</p>
<p>Do you use a microwave?&nbsp; Why or why not?</p>
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EXCERPT:
In this day and age, living without a microwave sounds at the least, very backwards, and at the most, totally crazy.  With busy schedules, how does one live without one?  They're so very convenient for reheating food, cooking frozen meals, defrosting dinner at the last minute, and lots more.  Why would anyone want to live without one?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Meghan
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.16.121.215
URL: 
DATE: 07/09/2010 08:36:09 PM
<p>We don't use a microwave for food either. I stopped using it about 3 years ago, when my mom told me that it damages the nutrients in food. Now that I'm into real food, I would especially never go back - I spend a lot of time and money to buy and prepare nourishing food, so why would I risk damaging that food by using the microwave? A microwave IS great, though, for heating up &quot;rice bags,&quot; as you mentioned. The apartment we're renting has a microwave installed and I use it a lot in the winter just for that purpose. I might even have to buy an old one when we eventually move - my feet get so cold at night in the winter!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: 
IP: 74.128.114.57
URL: 
DATE: 07/09/2010 10:38:45 PM
<p>AAACCKKK!! I had no idea! Why didn't I make this connection? I knew I wasn't supposed to heat breastmilk in the micro, but I never thought about what it was doing to the food, and to my family!! Tonight instead of re-heating our leftovers in the micro I used a saucepan.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: 
IP: 210.10.240.138
URL: http://whatdoesandreaeat.blogspot.com/
DATE: 07/09/2010 10:56:50 PM
<p>The first time I heard of someone living without a microwave I thought that was just crazy. However, I myself have been microwave free for a few years now, and have finally convinced my parents to stop using theirs as well. I think everything we do is grounded in habit. Not having a microwave does not slow me down at all. It's just part of how we live. Just like if people watch TV or something, it becomes a habit and many sure find time for that. If there is something that you really want to do, exercise, read daily, watch TV, whatever, you will find time for it, make it a habit, and you won't think of it as slowing you down at all. Proper planing does play a lot into it too, but like you, there are many times when I haven't been so prepared and it's not a problem. We also have a toaster oven which is a great alternative, same size as a microwave too. It's handy for those small things without heating up the whole big oven.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mari
EMAIL: runningmatey@hotmail.com
IP: 166.137.141.197
URL: 
DATE: 07/10/2010 03:31:17 PM
<p>I too no longer use a microwave. We still have one on the house, as my dh refused to throw it out. I do most of the cooking, though, so as long as I am at home making meals, it isn't used. I agree that preplanning is the key.</p><p>This is another reason why I don't like going out to restaurants, because I know for a fact that they use microwaves to prepare food. That plus the fact that I like to know exactly what ingredients go into my meals.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: blaire
EMAIL: blaire@silverstar.com
IP: 207.183.179.212
URL: 
DATE: 07/11/2010 04:10:06 AM
<p>I haven't used a microwave for about 5 years.  When we built our new house we didn't put one in.  I only miss it for the buckwheat pillow that is now obsolete...<br/>I do have an &quot;Insta-Hot&quot; hot water thingy that I love for blanching spinach or other greens and for heating up coffee cups.  I also have a two part oven, the top of which doubles as a toaster.  Most of our reheating goes on in the &quot;toaster&quot;.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heatherngillis@yahoo.com
IP: 75.132.183.84
URL: 
DATE: 07/11/2010 05:02:09 AM
<p>I donated my microwave to the homeless shelter 5 or  years ago.  I had read about the nutrient issues, and, since neither of us really like the taste of microwave food, anyway, we quickly were down to using it to defrost things &amp; melt butter for popcorn.  In a kitchen where counterspace was so much in short supply that a small microwave was using about 1/3 of the total--and wasn't getting used enough to justify its allotment of counter space!  So we donated it--and have never looked back.  I do have a toaster oven, bought a couple of years ago when we were living in an RV with a dead oven.  I wonder if rice bags couldn't be warmed up in a crock pot?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mara
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.72.140.37
URL: 
DATE: 07/12/2010 01:35:46 AM
<p>I've never had one.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.218
URL: 
DATE: 12/09/2010 11:31:29 PM
<p>I have 5 uses for the microwave, 2 being the same as yours (rice pack and safe-from-cat space).  The others are:</p><p>Cooking bacon--it just tastes so much better and cooks evenly; I grew up eating it this way.</p><p>Softening butter for toast when I forget to do it ahead of time.</p><p>Heating up leftovers for lunch at work.</p><p>Other than these things, we reheat leftovers in the oven or toaster oven or on the stovetop.  I&#39;ve heard a steamer works well for some things, too.  All cooking aside from bacon is done microwave-free as well.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Part 6
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 07/23/2010 12:00:48 PM
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<p>This is the next post in a series by Lisa of Life of a SAHM.  She is making a journey from eating SAD (Standard American Diet) to Real Food!</p>
<p>I was determined not to fall off the bandwagon this month, and I am  happy to report we did not.  <br /> <br />I tackled making jelly. Who knew it was that easy? I made 7 jars, 4  of which were seeded, and 3 were seedless. I tossed the seeds in the  back yard by the creek in hopes that we will have blackberries next  year. I wish I could have picked a few more berries but we got busy and  the season ended. I was very saddened to go to my picking spot and only  see the dead berries. I am not skilled in anyway in gardening so I am  hoping that my berries will grow wild like they do in my favorite  picking spot. <br /> <br />This past week was the first time I have ever planned out 2 weeks of  meals in advance. It made shopping so much easier, and I did not forget  anything. I did have to buy over 7 lbs of ground beef, which got  expensive. I also have a few meals that make extra, so that extra  is  going into the freezer for the nights I don&rsquo;t feel like cooking.  <br /> <br />We have completely cut out white flour. I never tried to make bread  though. For some reason, I am terrified of making bread. I have heard  horror stories about people making bread. Luckily, I went to Whole Foods  with my mom, and she showed me bread that has no preservatives and is  made with sprouted grains. It is a little weird compared to the bread we  were used to, but we are getting used to it. <br /> <br />White sugar is the next thing to go. I am using the last bit of it  up now, then trying to figure out what to go with next.  <br /> <br />We are finally getting used to not having the junk food in the  house. For the longest time my husband and I would both go into the  kitchen and stare at the pantry and in the fridge looking for something  to snack on. We do have a few snacks in the house but they are things  like cheese, almonds, fruit or peanuts.  <br /> <br />We are still getting our eggs and some of our milk from our local  farmer. It is just not in the budget to buy all of our milk from him,  but we hope to be there one day. I also am hoping to get on the produce  cost share next year. I found out about them too late this year!</p>
<p>Thanks Lisa!&nbsp; Do any readers have any tips or ideas for her?</p>
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EXCERPT:
This is the next post in a series by Lisa of Life of a SAHM.  She is making a journey from eating SAD (Standard American Diet) to Real Food!</p>
<p>I was determined not to fall off the bandwagon this month, and I am  happy to report we did not.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Valerie@RadaKnives
EMAIL: info@cookingsharp.com
IP: 72.242.143.221
URL: http://www.cookingsharp.com
DATE: 07/26/2010 12:12:20 AM
<p>Hi, Lisa,  </p><p>Don't be scared of making bread!  The worst that can happen is that it might fall in the middle, but then you have lovely toast, croutons, or chicken feed. ;-)</p><p>You can start off with quickbreads like biscuits, muffins, or banana bread, and &quot;work up&quot; to yeast breads.  If you're using whole grain flour, you may need more baking powder than the recipe calls for.  For the quickbreads with whole grain flour, you'll want a very moist dough (the opposite is true for yeast bread, where you need it just tacky).</p><p>Once you've tasted a whole-grain, homemade biscuit with your homemade jelly, I bet you'll be eager to try a real loaf!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather Prenger
EMAIL: heather_arndts@yahoo.com
IP: 75.49.21.245
URL: http://www.momgoinggreen.wordpress.com
DATE: 08/02/2010 03:41:56 PM
<p>Sounds like you are on a great track!  We only use white flour and sugar when making a large batch of baked goods for a party or when baking for someone else who isn't used to &quot;healthier&quot; ingredients - I know it sounds terrible to feed other's bad food but its too expensive to buy the good stuff except for our family.  I'm also getting a hand-me-down bread machine later this summer, excited to experiment  with bread!  What is the produce cost share?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Zucchini Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/01/2010 12:00:55 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/06/pennywise-platter-thursday-7.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/06/4th-of-july-recipes-and-an-ultimate-recipe-swap.html/">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as MOM</a>!**</p><p>It had been on my plan to make lemon-poppy-seed bread anyway when I started getting lots of zucchini from my CSA.&nbsp; So I thought, I ought to make some zucchini bread too!&nbsp; However, I didn't have a recipe for either that really worked for me yet.&nbsp; Then I got the brilliant idea to combine them into one delicious, healthy bread.&nbsp; I had also sampled some cheesecake that had nutmeg in it and the flavor had reminded me of lemon zest, so I thought, I bet that will be the perfect spice for this bread.&nbsp; I probably could have even added more than I did.&nbsp; The result was fabulous -- moist on the inside and chewy-crunchy on the outside!</p>
<p>By the way, if you ever try any of my recipes, stop in and leave a comment to let me know you did, and how it came out!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>2 c. sprouted spelt flour</p>
<p>1 tsp. baking soda</p>
<p>&frac12; tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>&frac14; tsp. nutmeg</p>
<p>Zest of 1 lemon</p>
<p>2 tbsp. poppy seeds</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>3 tbsp. butter, softened</p>
<p>&frac12; c. sugar (organic)</p>
<p>1 egg</p>
<p>&frac14; c. maple syrup</p>
<p>1 tsp. vanilla</p>
<p>Juice of 1 lemon</p>
<p>1 c. zucchini, shredded</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Preheat oven to 350.&nbsp; In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients thoroughly.&nbsp; In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar.&nbsp; Add egg and maple syrup and blend together.&nbsp; Add vanilla, lemon juice and zucchini and stir until smooth.&nbsp; Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.&nbsp; Pour into greased loaf pan and bake for 40 &ndash; 50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.&nbsp; It would also bake nicely as muffins, or in a Bundt pan.</p>
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EXCERPT:
It had been on my plan to make lemon-poppy-seed bread anyway when I started getting lots of zucchini from my CSA.&nbsp; So I thought, I ought to make some zucchini bread too!&nbsp; However, I didn't have a recipe for either that really worked for me yet.&nbsp; Then I got the brilliant idea to combine them into one delicious, healthy bread.&nbsp; I had also sampled some cheesecake that had nutmeg in it and the flavor had reminded me of lemon zest, so I thought, I bet that will be the perfect spice for this bread.&nbsp; I probably could have even added more than I did.&nbsp; The result was fabulous -- moist on the inside and chewy-crunchy on the outside!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue Ann
EMAIL: richardac@centurytel.net
IP: 98.125.152.124
URL: http://www.onestoppoppyshoppe.com
DATE: 07/26/2010 05:36:02 PM
<p>I absolutely LOVED it! My family is raving for more. Great job! You made me a star!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 08/30/2010 04:12:25 AM
<p>hmmm.... Could you please help me modify this delicious recipe? I have WW flour and spelt flour but not sprouted. Do you know of a way to turn this into a soaked recipe with the spelt or WW four? Thanks! I bought the spelt flour about a month ago but haven&#39;t used it yet and am looking forward to trying it in something soon!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/30/2010 04:55:30 PM
<p>Shannon,</p><p>I think if you replaced teh zucchini (or at least 1/2 the zucchini) with whole milk or yogurt, you could soak the flour overnight in either yogurt OR milk + lemon juice, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.  If you try it, let me know!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Herb-Roasted Potatoes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/08/2010 12:00:56 PM
-----
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/07/pennywise-platter-thursday-78-2.html">Pennywise Platters at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>As I was roasting a chicken to make the week's meals (gravy, stock, etc.) I thought...I bet some yummy herb-roasted potatoes would be great with this.  I'd just gotten some very delicate, organic Yukon gold potatoes from our CSA so I was dying to try it.  Ben wasn't a fan, but the kids loved them and so did I.  So here they are:</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1 lb. small potatoes (yellow or red)</p>
<p>2 tbsp. raw butter</p>
<p>2 tbsp. olive oil</p>
<p>1 tsp. rosemary</p>
<p>1 tsp. thyme</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. sage</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. parsley</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1/4 tsp. black pepper</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix everything together in a baking dish.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for about 40 min. (I actually baked at 325 because that's what my chicken happened to be at.)&nbsp; Serve.</p>
<p>Easy and yummy!</p>
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EXCERPT:
As I was roasting a chicken to make the week's meals (gravy, stock, etc.) I thought...I bet some yummy herb-roasted potatoes would be great with this.  I'd just gotten some very delicate, organic Yukon gold potatoes from our CSA so I was dying to try it.  Ben wasn't a fan, but the kids loved them and so did I.  So here they are:
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Italian Salsa
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/15/2010 12:00:24 PM
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<p>**This post is linked to <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/07/pennywise-platter-thursday-715.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/07/20/tuesday-twister-3/">Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a>, <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/07/real-food-wednesday-72110.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/08/04/wheatless-wednesday/">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a>!**</p>
<p>I came up with this recipe when a friend visited.  It was delicious.  She said "I hate chicken, but I love this!"  The juicy, marinated chicken blended perfectly with the smoky bacon, creamy cheese, fresh tomatoes and sweet basil.  It was a perfect summer meal.  I served it with some fresh green beans I'd briefly sauteed in the chicken pan.&nbsp; This is also a wonderful grain-free meal!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chicken</span></p>
<p>One recipe <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/5/recipe-chicken-marinade.html">awesome chicken marinade</a>, replacing marjoram with basil</p>
<p>2 lbs. chicken breast, thinly sliced</p>
<p>6 - 8 slices of bacon</p>
<p>6 - 8 thin slices of Gruyere cheese</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Italian Salsa</span></p>
<p>6 roma tomatoes, chopped</p>
<p>1 tbsp. olive oil</p>
<p>1 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1/4 c. white onion, chopped</p>
<p>6 fresh basil leaves, chopped</p>
<p>juice of 1/2 lemon</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>First, mix up the marinade and put the chicken breasts in it and place it in the fridge.&nbsp; Chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours; overnight is better.&nbsp; Then, mix all ingredients for salsa together in a medium bowl, cover and place in the fridge.&nbsp; About an hour before you want to eat, take the chicken out of the fridge.&nbsp; Wrap 1 - 2 slices of bacon around each piece (depending on size).&nbsp; Fry chicken in a medium pan until the bacon is mostly cooked, about 5 - 8 minutes per side.&nbsp; Place all chicken in a baking pan.&nbsp; Top with Gruyere cheese.&nbsp; Place chicken in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes to finish cooking.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To serve, top with Italian salsa or place salsa on the side.&nbsp; Serves about 4 (we had 3 adults and 2 small children!).</p>
<p>What's your favorite way to serve chicken?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Grace
EMAIL: graceannwilson@gmail.com
IP: 206.246.25.199
URL: http://gracewilson.tumblr.com
DATE: 07/15/2010 04:34:44 PM
<p>This sounds delicious!  I will definitely have to try it out.  We usually just marinate the chicken and then cook it through in the skillet.  It's quick and easy and tasty.  I'd grill it, but we don't have a grill!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Sprouted Blueberry Muffins
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/22/2010 12:00:52 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/07/pennywise-platter-thursday-722.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a> and <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-july-23rd/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>These muffins are awesome!  I set out to make a (refined) sugar-free version and this is what I came up with.  They were delicious, and could be very versatile.&nbsp; Try them and see!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>2 c. sprouted spelt flour</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1 tsp. baking soda</p>
<p>1/4 tsp. nutmeg</p>
<p>zest of 1 lemon</p>
<p>1 egg</p>
<p>1/4 c. raw honey</p>
<p>2 tbsp. maple syrup</p>
<p>1/4 c. butter, melted</p>
<p>1/2 c. whole milk yogurt</p>
<p>1 c. blueberries</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.&nbsp; Add the blueberries and toss gently to coat with flour.&nbsp; In the pot where you melted the butter (do NOT microwave!!), add egg, syrup, and honey.&nbsp; Stir to combine.&nbsp; Add to the dry ingredients and stir lightly, until just incorporated.&nbsp; Add the yogurt and stir again until all dry ingredients are moistened, but not overmixed.&nbsp; Batter will be a bit lumpy.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 20 - 25 minutes (or 12 - 15 as mini muffins).&nbsp; Makes 1 doz. regular muffins or about 2.5 doz. mini muffins.</p>
<p>Enjoy with lots of fresh butter or cream cheese!&nbsp; (I thought topping with cream-cheese frosting, sweetened with a little maple syrup and fresh berries would be super yummy!)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
These muffins are awesome!  I set out to make a (refined) sugar-free version and this is what I came up with.  They were delicious, and could be very versatile.&nbsp; Try them and see!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy Y.
EMAIL: sphyg101@yahoo.com
IP: 64.184.37.96
URL: http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com
DATE: 07/23/2010 06:24:26 PM
<p>Looks very good!  Need to try it today!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.97.90
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 07/24/2010 04:55:04 AM
<p>Excellent and so healthy! Just found you through Food Renegade. Always nice to find new bloggers I have a few things in common with! I invite you to link up at my Vegetarian Foodie Friday carnival if you'd like. I'm all about real food veggie style and definitely don't live in the mainstream. I'll be back for sure!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Sprouted Spelt Biscuits
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/29/2010 12:00:09 PM
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<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/07/pennywise-platter-thursday-729.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/08/03/tuesday-twister-5/">Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a> and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/08/real-food-wednesday-8410.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Last weekend I had biscuits and gravy on my meal plan.  Ben had requested it.  The last time I'd tried to make it, it hadn't come out too well.  The biscuits had been dry and tough and strange-flavored; the gravy had been thin.  The whole meal had been...blah.  So this time, I decided not to look up a recipe for biscuits, but just to go by feel and see what I came up with (and I measured, in case it was good).  It was SO delicious I just have to share it with you!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>About 2 c. sprouted spelt flour (I had just under)</p>
<p>1 tsp. baking soda</p>
<p>1 tsp. salt</p>
<p>4 tbsp. butter</p>
<p>1 c. buttermilk</p>
<p>Flour for dusting</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 400.&nbsp; Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together.&nbsp; Add the butter (cold) and cut it in, leaving some large chunks.&nbsp; Don't be afraid to do it a lot less than you think you need to -- this is the secret to fluffy biscuits!!&nbsp; (By the time I was completely finished working with my dough, I had chunks of butter sticking out everywhere.&nbsp; Some even melted in the oven as I put the biscuits in and turned brown on my baking sheet.&nbsp; You NEED the dough to look like this!)&nbsp; Add buttermilk a little at a time, stirring gently until incorporated.&nbsp; Put the dough onto a floured cutting board (it will be sticky) and fold it over a few times.&nbsp; Make it into a round about 1" thick.&nbsp; Cut biscuits in any shape you'd like (I did triangles so I wouldn't have to re-work the dough to cut more, which results in less tender biscuits).&nbsp; Bake for about 15 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet.&nbsp; Serve warm.</p>
<p>I also spread them with lots of butter and a little honey -- also delicious!!&nbsp; Built-in "dessert" after the sausage gravy. :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
Last weekend I had biscuits and gravy on my meal plan.  Ben had requested it.  The last time I'd tried to make it, it hadn't come out too well.  The biscuits had been dry and tough and strange-flavored; the gravy had been thin.  The whole meal had been...blah.  So this time, I decided not to look up a recipe for biscuits, but just to go by feel and see what I came up with (and I measured, in case it was good).  It was SO delicious I just have to share it with you!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/07/2010 03:14:06 PM
<p>Am thinking I could use clabbered milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?    Thanks for a great idea!</p><p><br/>Would love it if you would consider sharing this blog or another post at Monday Mania.   Hope to see you there!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/08/2010 06:27:33 PM
<p>Sarah,</p><p>Yes, clabbered milk should work fine in this. :)  Although I haven't tried!  Let me know if you do!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: News in July
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 07/02/2010 12:00:33 PM
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<p>It's July already!&nbsp; If you missed June's series on "Real Food on a Budget," you may want to go back and take a look.&nbsp; We had a few excellent guest posts, as well as help with meal planning and lots more.</p>
<p>But now it's July so we're on to new things!</p>
<p>This month we have some exciting new series.&nbsp; First, we have a set of guests posts by Deb, who will be talking all about Freezer Cooking.&nbsp; She'll be sharing her methods and recipes and lots more!&nbsp; Don't miss that, it's coming up on Mondays!</p>
<p>On Tuesdays we'll be doing a series of tutorials.&nbsp; I'll be teaching you to sprout grains and make butter and other fun things!&nbsp; Are there other specific tutorials you'd like to see?</p>
<p>Then we're starting a series on having a healthy pregnancy!&nbsp; This series will continue for several months.&nbsp; I'll be offering tips on how babies develop, key nutrients at different times, tips on cooking/eating with morning sickness, and etc.&nbsp; Everything pregnancy related!&nbsp; If there's anything you'd specifically like to see (or if you're interested in guest posting for this series), please let me know.</p>
<p>There will still be awesome recipes on Thursdays, of course. :)</p>
<p>We have a few thought-provoking posts coming up too.&nbsp; I'll keep those a secret for now, but look for posts on helping girls in trouble and driving hybrid cars.&nbsp; But...it's not what you think!</p>
<p>July is shaping up to look great!&nbsp; And there may be a few surprises along the way.&nbsp; Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't yet so you don't miss a post!</p>
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EXCERPT:
It's July already!&nbsp; If you missed June's series on "Real Food on a Budget," you may want to go back and take a look.&nbsp; We had a few excellent guest posts, as well as help with meal planning and lots more.</p>
<p>But now it's July so we're on to new things!</p>
<p>This month we have some exciting new series.&nbsp; First, we have a set of guests posts by Deb, who will be talking all about Freezer Cooking.&nbsp; She'll be sharing her methods and recipes and lots more!&nbsp; Don't miss that, it's coming up on Mondays!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Independence Day!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 07/03/2010 12:00:17 PM
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<p>Happy Fourth of July!  Enjoy your day with your family.  We'll be off watching fireworks and playing games at our church tonight.  They host an awesome event called "Food, Fun and Fireworks" every year.  If you're local, come join us!  It starts at 7. :)
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tutorial: Sprouting Grains
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/06/2010 12:00:41 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/07/real-food-wednesday-7710.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and<a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/07/frugal-friday-saving-for-the-big-kahuna.html/"> Frugal Fridays at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p>Sprouted grains.  I've mentioned them before, but I've never told you HOW to do it, have I?  Hence, today's tutorial. :)</p>
<p>Sprouted grains have a ton of health benefits.&nbsp; They're more easily digested and nutrients more readily absorbed, they are full of extra vitamins, especially B vitamins (did you know that's why white flour is enriched with B vitamins?&nbsp; Because manufacturers know they should and do contain these, but stripping the bran off gets rid of them), some gluten-sensitive individuals can eat them, they contain few to no anti-nutrients -- they're wonderful!&nbsp; Of course, it's best to reduce your intake of grains overall, but when you eat them, sprouted grains are the best you can get.</p>
<p>Buying them, though, is extremely expensive.&nbsp; We're talking about $3/lb to buy it!&nbsp; Since most white flour is only about $0.50/lb and good whole wheat flour (unsprouted) is about $1/lb (as are whole, unground grains), that's a huge price increase.&nbsp; It may be worth it to some who have more money than time to purchase the sprouted flour, or even to simply buy sprouted grain products, but for most of us, it's far better use of time and money to sprout it ourselves.&nbsp; And it really is not much work at all.&nbsp; Most of the time it takes is wait time.</p>
<p>Ingredients/Utensils</p>
<p>*Whole, unground grains (wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, etc.), amount of your choice</p>
<p>*Clean, filtered water</p>
<p>*Large bowl</p>
<p>*Colander</p>
<p>*Kitchen towel</p>
<p>*Dehydrator or oven that goes down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit</p>
<p>If you know that you can tolerate grains well and want to sprout a lot at once, I'd recommend doing 4 - 5 lbs. (which will fit into a 9-tray Excalibur dehydrator).&nbsp; If you don't have as much space for drying and/or you just want to try it out, don't do more than 1 lb. this first time.</p>
<p>First, place your grains in a nice, large bowl.&nbsp; You need extra room for water.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010906 2.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278363542183" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Then, pour in enough water to cover the grains by at least an inch.&nbsp; They'll absorb a lot so check in an hour or so to see if you need to add a bit more.&nbsp; They should be covered completely and will soak overnight or about 6 - 8 hours.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010909 2.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278363701876" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Then, pour the grains into the colander to drain them.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010910 2.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278363825237" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Rinse the grains thoroughly with water.&nbsp; You will do this every 8 - 12 hours until they are sufficiently sprouted (which will take 1 - 2 days).&nbsp; They need to remain wet.&nbsp; If the weather is hot and humid, this is ESPECIALLY important, because otherwise the grains will grow fuzzy mold and need to be thrown out.&nbsp; Guess how I know?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010911 2.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278363921720" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Once your grains have short tails on them, about 1/4", then are ready.&nbsp; There is no harm in leaving them longer and I often do.&nbsp; Some may be quite a bit longer and this is fine.&nbsp; Rinse them one final time before drying.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010918 2.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278364054801" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>See the little tails on them?</p>
<p>Now, put the grains on dehydrator trays or on large baking sheets (the kind with edges).&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010923 2.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278364193797" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Put them in the dehydrator (or oven) at about 120 degrees for 4 - 5  hours, until they are completely dry.&nbsp; If they're not, they could get  moldy and will certainly clog your grain mill or blender.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010926.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278364308727" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>When they are done, transfer them to bags and store in the freezer until you need them.&nbsp; It's best to grind them as you need them.&nbsp; If you must grind at once, definitely store in the freezer for no longer than one month (otherwise the oils will go rancid and they will lose a lot of vitamins).</p>
<p>You can grind your grains in a special grain mill, or you can use a good quality blender like a Vitamix.&nbsp; I use my Vitamix for grinding mine and can get a coarse texture for a "rustic" type of bread or cracker, or a nice fine texture for smooth, wonderful baked goods.&nbsp; Grinding time is everything. :)</p>
<p>Sprouted flour can be used successfully in many recipes.&nbsp; It doesn't bake exactly like unsprouted flour, but it's pretty similar.&nbsp; Yeasted bread will take longer to rise, but most cookies and quick breads do just fine.</p>
<p>And here's a pic just for fun:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010907.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1278364455968" alt="" /></span></span>That's me and Daniel, about a month ago. :)</p>
<p>That's sprouting flour!&nbsp; Easy, no?&nbsp; Have you ever done it before?&nbsp; Do you want to someday?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Sprouted grains.  I've mentioned them before, but I've never told you HOW to do it, have I?  Hence, today's tutorial. :)</p>
<p>Sprouted grains have a ton of health benefits.&nbsp; They're more easily digested and nutrients more readily absorbed, they are full of extra vitamins, especially B vitamins (did you know that's why white flour is enriched with B vitamins?&nbsp; Because manufacturers know they should and do contain these, but stripping the bran off gets rid of them), some gluten-sensitive individuals can eat them, they contain few to no anti-nutrients -- they're wonderful!&nbsp; Of course, it's best to reduce your intake of grains overall, but when you eat them, sprouted grains are the best you can get.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.226.212
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 07/07/2010 05:04:41 PM
<p>Thanks for this!  I keep hearing how easy it is, but I still am glad to have a guide to follow!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Naomi
EMAIL: nsnider@triad.rr.com
IP: 98.26.133.49
URL: 
DATE: 07/07/2010 07:19:19 PM
<p>I noticed you place the grains directly on the screens, as I do.  However, I keep losing some grains through the mesh, so I placed a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of my dehydrator to catch the smaller ones who like to live life on the edge!  Then all I need do is pull the paper out and add those grains back in.</p><p>I do keep hearing different temperatures to use in drying grains.  Some say not to go above 105, others say 150 is okay.  And 5 hours?  Are they really dry after only 5 hours?  And if I go over 5 hours, will the nutrition suffer?  I don't want to overdo it, but I'm like you, I don't want to clog my mill.  Thanks for posting this.  I'm still in the learning process here!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 07/07/2010 09:14:23 PM
<p>Hi Naomi,</p><p>My grains tend to be dry after 5 hours (or less), but I'll confess, if I've been good about rinsing them during the sprouting I often don't rinse them again before putting them in and I'm sure this reduces the time it takes to dry!  115 - 120 degrees is the temp. at which enzymes are killed so best not to go above that if you can avoid it.  Taking longer to dry at a lower temp is fine and it won't affect the nutrition.  Higher temps will though.</p><p>Cool trick about putting parchment paper on the bottom!  I should really do that! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bekah
EMAIL: mrsbekahglass@gmail.com
IP: 64.55.161.194
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 07:15:37 PM
<p>Do you keep the bowl full of water between rinses, or do you just keep them in the bowl without water after the initial soak?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/20/2010 10:07:46 PM
<p>Bekah (seems funny writing that, it&#39;s my daughter&#39;s name! :) ): Just leave them in a bowl or colander between rinses so they are wet but not soaking once they are done with the initial soak.  They could get moldy if they are soaked too long.  It should only take 24 - 36 hours to sprout sufficiently after the soak. :)  Hope that helps!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Rewards and Consequences
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 07/13/2010 12:00:46 PM
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<p>Natural rewards.</p>
<p>When I was a music teacher, I believed heavily in natural rewards.&nbsp; I wasn't the type of teacher to constantly assign and check practice charts, give out stickers and candy, and otherwise bribe my students.&nbsp; No, I believed that music was a reward in and of itself.&nbsp; To motivate my students, I would explain to them why we needed to do things that may have been less fun (like practicing etudes and exercises) and reward them with something like a new, fun solo.&nbsp; That's a natural reward -- practice exercises and master a new skill, play a fun, harder solo piece as a result.&nbsp; I loved it!</p>
<p>In parenting this has held true too.&nbsp; I've rarely used any form of bribery to teach my children any skill.&nbsp; Recently we potty trained Bekah.&nbsp; She's not 100% reliable but accidents are VERY rare (once a week, if that).&nbsp; It took less than a week, I can count on one hand the number of accidents she had during that time, and I never bribed her.</p>
<p>Most people recommend making a big deal out of potty training.&nbsp; Buying the potty, buying the training pants or underwear, starting a chart for times they go on the potty or at least try, stickers or candy for going, etc. etc.&nbsp; Now, they don't recommend making a big deal out of accidents...only successes and trying.&nbsp; I, however, disagree.</p>
<p>Bekah got interested in the potty over a year ago.&nbsp; We bought one and talked about it, made it available to her but didn't push.&nbsp; We allowed her to sit if she wanted to.&nbsp; We allowed her to wear panties if she wanted, but the rule was "if you pee in the panties, the diaper goes back on."&nbsp; At that time, she didn't even seem to realize when she'd wet her pants.&nbsp; But, we allowed her to try because she was interested.</p>
<p>Then, this summer, she began to actually understand and have control.&nbsp; She also started to hate having her diapers changed, hated sitting in them, got very upset about the diapers.&nbsp; The rule became "If you don't want your diaper changed, you must use the potty.&nbsp; And if you don't want to use the potty, you must deal with having your diaper changed.&nbsp; Choose one."&nbsp;</p>
<p>We continued to read books about using the potty, watched a couple videos (which are rare in our home), looked at pictures of friends using the potty, watched friends use the potty, watched mommy and daddy use the potty, etc.&nbsp; We talked all the time about how to use the potty.&nbsp; Long before she was physically able to hold it, or verbal enough to tell us she needed to go, she understood the process: take pants down, sit, wipe, pants up, flush, wash hands.&nbsp; We practiced this with her whenever she wanted to.</p>
<p>Finally when we knew she was ready (she'd tell us "I pee in diaper" right before or as she was going), we took a very hands-off approach.&nbsp; We encouraged her to sit on the potty more.&nbsp; We explained that it would feel better and not hurt her (she has sensitive skin and gets diaper rash easily).&nbsp; When we changed her we'd just leave her naked.&nbsp; She quickly got the feeling of needing to go (with one poop and one pee accident) and would sometimes ask for a diaper when she knew she needed to go.&nbsp; We would ask her to sit on the potty instead but if she was very stubborn or upset we'd put a diaper on her.&nbsp; Within only a few days she realized she preferred the feeling of just going on the potty, and figured out how to relax to go when she needed to (it frustrated her for a few days that she couldn't figure out how to relax to pee).&nbsp; At that point she had basically trained herself.</p>
<p>Case in point: she wears panties to church on Sunday, her first outing in panties!&nbsp; I was extremely concerned, as many moms of newly-trained children are.&nbsp; I repeatedly asked her to go and took her before dropping her in her Sunday school class.&nbsp; She insisted she didn't need to go and didn't.&nbsp; She told her teachers she didn't need to go (and didn't wet her pants).&nbsp; She told me she did not need to go upon arriving home and got extremely upset when I insisted she try!&nbsp; After lunch, while I was cleaning up, she simply walked over to her potty and went when she needed to.&nbsp; She brought it to me to clean immediately after. :)</p>
<p>Truthfully I didn't pay much attention to the potty training at all.&nbsp; We talked about it a lot, we observed, we prepared.&nbsp; Then we sat back and waited for her to discover it mostly on her own.&nbsp; We never sat her on the potty on a regular basis.&nbsp; We never bribed her with candy for sitting or for going.&nbsp; Using the potty had its own rewards, like not having to sit in a wet or dirty diaper.&nbsp; It really wasn't in me to be asking her every 10 minutes if she needed to go, taking her every 30 minutes whether she said she needed to or not, etc.&nbsp; I have friends who did this for months and they got their children to pee on command, but if they missed an "appointment" their child would wet his/her pants and never give any indication that s/he needed to go.&nbsp; Which is not really training anyway.&nbsp; But now Bekah's basically trained (even wakes up dry sometimes) and needed no rewards.</p>
<p>We took the same approach with sleeping in her "big girl" bed.&nbsp; We read, we talked, we looked at pictures, we saw friends' beds, etc.&nbsp; We asked her now and then if she was ready.&nbsp; Meanwhile others were telling me "You are the parent, YOU choose, not her.&nbsp; Just take her crib away and make her deal with it."&nbsp; But we waited until she said "yes!" and then never looked back!&nbsp; Very smooth transition for all of us.</p>
<p>Consequences, when possible, occur the same way.&nbsp; If Bekah cannot follow mommy's instructions when she is helping, then she is not allowed to help with that chore.&nbsp; If she makes a mess, she must clean it up (or at least help).&nbsp; If she hurts someone, she must apologize to them and help if possible (she's started to automatically say "sorry!" when she bumps into someone).</p>
<p>Are there times that Bekah must go and sit in time out?&nbsp; Or receive a spanking?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; She's still an impulse-driven little kid.&nbsp; But the older she gets, the more we enforce natural consequences.</p>
<p>We've also found it helpful to stop and say a prayer together for Jesus to help Bekah honor mommy.&nbsp; She takes this seriously and sometimes will request it.</p>
<p>When we consider any parenting decision for our children, we think -- what is the real issue here?&nbsp; What do we want to teach her for a lasting lesson?&nbsp; What will work all the way through her life?&nbsp; And then we make decisions accordingly.&nbsp; Natural consequences and rewards are a big part of this.&nbsp; In the future I'll talk about a few other decisions we've made or are making with this thought in mind!&nbsp; (I actually have a LOT more to say on this subject, so look for more similar posts coming up in the next few weeks.)</p>
<p>What do you do about natural rewards and consequences?&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Natural rewards.</p>
<p>When I was a music teacher, I believed heavily in natural rewards.&nbsp; I wasn't the type of teacher to constantly assign and check practice charts, give out stickers and candy, and otherwise bribe my students.&nbsp; No, I believed that music was a reward in and of itself.&nbsp; To motivate my students, I would explain to them why we needed to do things that may have been less fun (like practicing etudes and exercises) and reward them with something like a new, fun solo.&nbsp; That's a natural reward -- practice exercises and master a new skill, play a fun, harder solo piece as a result.&nbsp; I loved it!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.226.212
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 07/13/2010 01:42:15 PM
<p>Yes!  I completely agree.  We don't actually have children yet (but may have one on the way, fingers crossed!)  I actually work in our church's nursery, and it so interesting to watch the different approaches to parents as their kids become &quot;of age&quot; to use the potty.  I totally believe in natural rewards, and I will save this post for future considerations.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: Kelly@kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 166.137.133.157
URL: http://www.KellytheKitchenKop.com
DATE: 07/14/2010 04:45:10 AM
<p>Such common sense parenting, I love it!  We are very similar in that we waited 'til the kids were ready, and then transitions were simple.  &quot;Pick your battles&quot; is the best parenting advice out there. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 07/14/2010 11:38:03 AM
<p>This is the way we potty trained all of our potty trained kids (4/5).  It also took us about 1 week for each kid to be potty trained. After my 2nd son was potty trained, we happened to go on a vacation that involved a 7 hour car ride.  I was nervous, but, he didn't have a single accident because he actually understood about needed to go to the potty.  I do think natural consequence training is the best for the majority of the time, but it is sometimes scary since it is so anti-cultural.  Good luck on your journey!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Teri
EMAIL: ideserveit@gmail.com
IP: 67.237.237.122
URL: http://howsustainablecanwebe.blogspot.com/
DATE: 07/18/2010 08:40:06 PM
<p>I couldn't agree more! It scares me that this concept is so foreign to people and it is so sad!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Harvest House
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/10/2010 12:00:08 PM
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<p>Harvest House is a brand new project in Dayton, OH.&nbsp; It is a ministry intending to reach out to young girls (teen to early 20's) who have been hurt by abuse and similar issues.&nbsp; Harvest House is a place that they can go to live, learn job skills, receive counseling, and the help they need to turn their lives around.</p>
<p>From their website:</p>
<blockquote>
<h5>Harvest House</h5>
<p>Harvest House is a free-of-charge Biblically-based home that offers a   wide range of services to support young women from various economic   backgrounds. Harvest House is committed to providing excellent services   that allow the young women we serve to recognize their self-worth and   heal destructive habits.&nbsp;</p>
<h5>Professional Care</h5>
<p>Staff and counselors at Harvest house are under the supervision of   ordained clergy and PhD level Christian counselors and psychologists.   Additionally, several physicians (MD's) assist with other medical needs   free-of-charge.</p>
<h5>Family Style Environment</h5>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Harvest House is a family-style environment. Within the supervision   and nurturing care of a two-parent home young women learn Biblical   principles and receive around the clock care and love.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is a unique ministry in Dayton; there is nothing else like it available right now.&nbsp; The house will be opening on August 1st, 2010 for girls.&nbsp; Girls who are in need of help need to apply (they can go to the <a href="http://harvesthousedayton.com/">Harvest House website</a> or email <a href="harvestdayton@gmail.com">Harvest House</a>) to become part of the program.</p>
<p>The house that has been selected for the project is an old house, one that is historical in Dayton.&nbsp; The people in charge of the day-to-day aspects of the program, Casey and Christine Spitnale, are close friends of ours.&nbsp; They are really in need of a lot of help with this ministry because they are in charge of all of the cleaning, preparation, volunteers, and financial aspects of the program.</p>
<p>First, if you are in the Dayton area and would like to volunteer to help get the house ready, or to mentor the girls once the program is open, you can <a href="harvestdayton@gmail.com">email them</a> to ask for details.</p>
<p>Second, if you are able to contribute financially, please consider doing so.&nbsp; You can <a href="http://harvesthousedayton.com/support/">donate online</a>.&nbsp; There are many ways to help: sponsoring a girl in need (for as little as $20/month on up to $500/month), a one-time gift towards the program's needs (rent, utilities, etc.), ongoing gift towards the program's needs, etc.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Third, if you are unable to contribute financially but would like to help, they will need donations of clothing, toiletries, Bibles, etc.&nbsp; Any new or gently used items would be appreciated (please <a href="harvestdayton@gmail.com">email them</a> for details on how to donate).</p>
<p>Fourth, prayer would be much appreciated.&nbsp; Please pray that our friends can get the house ready, that people will be generous with their time and money, that the girls who come to the house will get the help they need to change their lives, etc.&nbsp; Prayer is always needed!!</p>
<p>To learn more about the program, please <a href="http://www.harvesthousedayton.com">visit their website</a> (you can see a few pictures of my family on their <a href="http://harvesthousedayton.com/blog/">blog</a> when we went to help get the house ready a few weeks ago!).</p>
<p>Thanks to anyone who can help in any way! :)</p>
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EXCERPT:
arvest House is a brand new project in Dayton, OH.&nbsp; It is a ministry intending to reach out to young girls (teen to early 20's) who have been hurt by abuse and similar issues.&nbsp; Harvest House is a place that they can go to live, learn job skills, receive counseling, and the help they need to turn their lives around.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Casey
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.65.113.48
URL: http://www.harvesthousedayton.com
DATE: 07/11/2010 10:01:32 PM
<p>Thanks for your help Kate! You and you're family are so helpful!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series Introduction
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/07/2010 12:00:28 PM
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<p>Welcome to a new series!&nbsp; For the next several months, we'll be talking all about healthy pregnancy.&nbsp; Some posts will be short and related to the development of your baby, while others will be longer and more involved, talking about nutrition, prenatal testing, and lots more.&nbsp; This is supposed to be "THE" guide to having a healthy, hopefully hands-off (medically speaking) pregnancy.&nbsp; Honestly I had hoped to be expecting again by the time I started this series, but I'm not, so hopefully this will cure my baby fever!&nbsp; We'll see.&nbsp; It's hard when your little ones turn 1, isn't it?&nbsp; My youngest turns 1 in only 9 days!</p>
<p>So anyway, healthy pregnancy.&nbsp; Pregnancy is a wonderful and joyful time of life for most women (and their families).&nbsp; It's a natural, normal part of life.&nbsp; It's not, as modern medicine would have you believe, a disease or a condition which warrants panic, lots of testing, and excessive treatment.&nbsp; There are a few women who have high-risk situations for a variety of reasons, but for at least 80% of women (and in areas more) pregnancy is a perfectly normal state.</p>
<p>Of course, although pregnancy is NOT a disease or something that is "wrong," it does require some special care.&nbsp; Primarily this special care is through nutrition and rest.&nbsp; Pregnant women require more food and more nutrients than non-pregnant women do, especially B vitamins (and no, fortified white bread is not a good source of nutrition; low-fat diets are not good either!).&nbsp; They also require a lot of water.&nbsp; Some need extra help in this area due to morning sickness or other normal, yet difficult circumstances surrounding pregnancy.&nbsp; So some of what we'll be talking about is getting optimal nutrition and especially doing so during morning sickness.&nbsp; Amy of <a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net">Raising Arrows</a> guest posted on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/8/eating-well-with-morning-sickness.html">Eating Well During Morning Sickness</a> awhile back, so if you'd like a crash course now, check out that post.</p>
<p>Most pregnant women in the U.S. see a doctor or a midwife who is directly supervised by doctors, and most babies are born in the hospital.&nbsp; Throughout the country, several prenatal tests are common and many are required (I just found out that the HIV test is now required in the state of Ohio; if you refuse, they will test your newborn instead).&nbsp; This includes an initial prenatal blood panel (to check blood sugar, cholesterol, STD/HIV, anemia, immunity to various diseases like rubella, etc.), several vaginal/internal exams, urine tests (to check for sugar/protein), ultrasounds (commonly at 8 and 20 weeks but possibly other times), quad screen at 16 weeks, gestational diabetes test (1 and sometimes 4 hour versions), second blood panel (primarily to check anemia), group B strep test, and possibly other tests determined by individual doctors.&nbsp; Some recommend an amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling; others recommend genetic counseling; there are myriad tests a pregnant woman can undergo!</p>
<p>Some feel that pregnancy can't happen without all these tests.&nbsp; Because WHAT IF something went wrong?&nbsp; We'll be talking about each of these tests in a more indepth manner soon, so that you can understand WHY your doctor may want you to have them, and then make a decision about whether or not you believe they are necessary in your situation.&nbsp; My personal preference is to skip most (but not all) of them.</p>
<p>Then there's the matter of delivery.&nbsp; Most deliveries are highly "managed" these days.&nbsp; They are expected to happen on a particular schedule.&nbsp; Babies are to be born at or before 40 weeks in most cases, and inductions are often scheduled between 37 and 39 weeks for the convenience of the mother and/or doctor.&nbsp; When mothers arrive at the hospital they're placed on continuous fetal monitoring, frequently given Pitocin, epidurals, and other "labor augmentations" and pain relief.&nbsp; They're basically forced to lie on their backs in bed and deliver in this position with their bottoms up in the air and their legs in stirrups.&nbsp; Mothers frequently tear in this position and/or require episotomies, stitches, vacuum extraction, forceps, and more.&nbsp; This is assuming that mothers don't end up with c-sections for "failure to progress" or worse, scheduled c-sections with no medical cause.&nbsp; Some c-sections that doctors state are "necessary" (primarily because mother is tired/labor is taking too long, NOT obvious complications) are actually written on medical charts as "elective."</p>
<p>Once their babies are born they're immediately whisked from mothers (not in ALL hospitals; there are baby-friendly ones, but even then if the hospital suspects anything even MIGHT be wrong with baby, baby is taken quickly for examination) and weighed, measured, bathed, injected, receive eye ointment, and more.&nbsp; What a welcome!&nbsp; Breastfeeding frequently isn't encouraged until 2 - 3 hours after birth, and even then may not be, depending on the hospital and the nurse.</p>
<p>It's no wonder that with pregnancy and birth being so confusing, managed, and often out of a woman's control (many obstetrical practices take the opinion that "We are the professionals, so allow us to guide you and explain what you should do" -- yes, there are exceptions, but most OBs seem to feel that their credentials and experience mean that you should do what they tell you) that women today are scared and uncertain about pregnancy.&nbsp; They don't know who to listen to or what their options are.</p>
<p>When I was pregnant for the first time, I devoured every mainstream book.&nbsp; I allowed a ton of tests and interventions of which I didn't even understand the purpose (nor was I offered that information).&nbsp; I was not really encouraged to ask questions (the doctor said "Do you have any questions" as she was halfway out of her seat and heading for the door), not encouraged to create a birth plan or deviate in any way from the norm.&nbsp; I was not told what to eat.&nbsp; I was told I was overweight in a rather rude way (I was, slightly, but...still...I was technically "within normal BMI") and not even offered ways to control my weight during pregnancy.&nbsp; I couldn't decide if it was worse to eat sugar or fake sugar and went back and forth between eating real sugar and eating aspartame during my pregnancy (!!).&nbsp; I ate a low-fat diet because no one had told me otherwise.&nbsp; I was not given any choice about having an IV, continuous monitoring, or having my water broken.&nbsp; The entire experience left me confused and upset and feeling like I'd totally missed something.&nbsp; I was sore for weeks after and it took me months to feel like I'd finally bonded with my baby girl.&nbsp; I barely remember the first several months of her life.</p>
<p>My second pregnancy, after I'd done a LOT of reading and research and made some very different choices was so much better.&nbsp; Much smoother, I had much more control, and I didn't end up with anything that I didn't want.&nbsp; And the minute my son was born he was placed on my chest and he was MINE.&nbsp; The way I've parented him is incredibly different than the way I parented my daughter as a young infant (which was pretty mainstream).&nbsp; And it shows -- he's not afraid of anyone or anything; she tends to be more nervous.</p>
<p>Anyway -- because of the lack of information out there, and my own experiences, I will be bringing you all manner of information on having a TRULY healthy, informed pregnancy!</p>
<p>What are some topics you would like to see covered in this series?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome to a new series!&nbsp; For the next several months, we'll be talking all about healthy pregnancy.&nbsp; Some posts will be short and related to the development of your baby, while others will be longer and more involved, talking about nutrition, prenatal testing, and lots more.&nbsp; This is supposed to be "THE" guide to having a healthy, hopefully hands-off (medically speaking) pregnancy.&nbsp; Honestly I had hoped to be expecting again by the time I started this series, but I'm not, so hopefully this will cure my baby fever!&nbsp; We'll see.&nbsp; It's hard when your little ones turn 1, isn't it?&nbsp; My youngest turns 1 in only 9 days!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.226.212
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 07/07/2010 02:30:48 PM
<p>I'm so excited for this series!  My husband and I are trying for our first.  Luckily, since I'm a little bit &quot;older&quot; I've been able to witness a lot of my friends struggle with the mainstream way of things and then witness them change things around with their second.  We're definitely hoping for a at home natural birth with a midwife.  Of course, first that whole &quot;get pregnant&quot; thing.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 66.94.72.23
URL: 
DATE: 07/08/2010 01:26:56 PM
<p>I'd love to see topics that include decorating a nursery with as little &quot;bad&quot; materials as possible....and definitely something on making your own diapers! Ways that we can naturally nurture our need for nesting in our homes before the baby comes! :)<br/>Not that I'm pregnant. I just like your ideas.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 07/08/2010 01:27:36 PM
<p>What a great topic! I would love to hear more about the natural birth not the hospital one as right now it sounds pretty scary for me. <br/>Thanks</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kimlyn
EMAIL: 
IP: 152.133.8.6
URL: 
DATE: 07/08/2010 04:13:41 PM
<p>Just the more info you can get out there about alternative pregnancy practices  . . . the better.  American woman are so &quot;afraid&quot; of pregnancy/labor that I think we need more positive energy devoted to empowering woman to trust their bodies.  Looking forward to reading this series!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jada
EMAIL: jadakiss9@hotmail.com
IP: 70.177.243.214
URL: 
DATE: 07/08/2010 08:06:44 PM
<p>I just found your blog and I must say I love it! I can't wait for this series! I'm sure you will cover all the bases!</p><p>God bless you ;) jada</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.221.56.241
URL: 
DATE: 07/09/2010 01:10:15 AM
<p>I'm excited about the series.  We just had our second early term miscarriage, although heart wrenching it is better than 5 years of nothing happening, now we know we can get this far.  I would love to hear what the differences you made, as applied to during the actual pregnancy, testing, birthing procedures and such.  Did you use the same Dr for both? How &amp; when did you bring up your decisions with medical staff? Did you use a midwife?  What reading recommendations do you have?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 07/09/2010 01:54:10 AM
<p>Hi Rebecca,</p><p>I'm sorry to hear about your losses. :(  I've never suffered one myself so I don't know how it is (i.e. I'm not going to pretend I understand).  I love your attitude though and wish you luck with staying pregnant in the future!  (I know someone who once suffered 5 or 6 early m/c I think...and now has a healthy baby, so it DOES happen!)</p><p>My son's birth story is on this site (look at the bottom) and there are some details about my daughter's birth in her story, although it's about her allergies/health issues really.  I really, really did not like the doctor I had for my first birth; she wasn't interested in what I wanted at all.  It was her way or no way.  She literally told me I could have my water broken or just go home when I was 4 cm along.  She said &quot;This is the hospital; we move things along here.&quot;  That was her philosophy right there.  I was not encouraged to talk to her about any decision I would have preferred.  With my son, we used midwives and he was born at home.  Wonderful experience.  I had hour-long appointments with them through the third trimester (which is when I switched over; otherwise it would have been the whole pregnancy!) so they knew, in detail, exactly what I wanted and were prepared to honor it unless some emergency arose (it didn't).</p><p>I would look into &quot;The Business of Being Born&quot; and anything by Ina May Gaskin.  They approach birth from the perspective that it is normal, natural, nothing to be afraid of.</p><p>We'll talk about SO much more though!  I'm glad everyone is so excited for this series!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Top 10 Things To Do When You Find Out You're Expecting
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 07/14/2010 12:00:36 PM
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<p>...or when you decide to try to conceive your baby.</p>
<p>Sorry, that title was getting too long so I decided to finish it in the body of the post.  ha.&nbsp; But, seriously, this list is the "Top 10 Things You Should Do when you Decide to Try to Conceive or Find Out you are Expecting."&nbsp; Very important.</p>
<p>1) Give up <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/7/pseudo-healthy-diets.html">all chemicals in food</a>, especially fake sugars (<a href="http://www.mercola.com/article/aspartame/dangers.htm">aspartame</a>, saccharin, <a href="http://www.splendaexposed.com/">sucralose aka Splenda</a>), <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;cd=2&amp;ved=0CA8QFjAB&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.mercola.com%2Fsites%2Farticles%2Farchive%2F2007%2F08%2F28%2Fdangers-of-msg.aspx&amp;ei=vawzTLSNGsGAlAer_8y-Cw&amp;usg=AFQjCNGeeaJ2p8DQQZRdiossIOu4PVahLA&amp;sig2=TuZIRgkAYidFXQK77D8CkA">MSG</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;cd=2&amp;ved=0CBEQFjAB&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thekitchn.com%2Fthekitchn%2Ffood-science%2Fprinceton-proves-high-fructose-corn-syrup-woes-once-for-all-112003&amp;ei=1KwzTJHjNoOBlAeoqv2_Cw&amp;usg=AFQjCNH7dP-S846NYPukDSrEcrLC8kZ-0w&amp;sig2=sKanl_KI5FC88HXvZaOzxw">HFCS</a>, etc.&nbsp; If God didn't make it, don't eat it.</p>
<p>2) Give up or heavily reduce your caffeine intake (i.e. only one cup of organic coffee per day if you MUST have some, though ideally have none; and NO soda!!).</p>
<p>3) Increase your <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/16/eating-fat-how-and-why.html">fat intake</a> (especially saturated fats) -- go slow if you are suffering from morning sickness.</p>
<p>4) Increase your <a href="http://www.storknet.com/ip/nutritional_health/nutrients/protein_matters.html">protein</a> intake.</p>
<p>5) Decrease your sugar intake (this <a href="http://www.help-me-natural-health.com/morning_sickness.html">may help with morning sickness</a>).</p>
<p>6) Modify your exercise routine to be low-impact and limit or eliminate exercise on your back (no exercise lying on your back AT ALL after the first trimester).&nbsp; If you don't have a routine, you can start one slowly if you are trying to conceive; but don't start one if you are already pregnant without consulting a doctor or midwife.</p>
<p>7) Call doctors/<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/28/midwives-and-doulas.html">midwives</a> in your area to schedule appointments.&nbsp; Interview them and discuss issues that are important to you (such as where you want to birth, having a birth plan, routine testing, etc.).&nbsp; Don't feel like you need to settle on the first one you meet.&nbsp; It's a good idea to do this even before you become pregnant if possible.</p>
<p>8) Begin researching the best options in your area (birthing centers, hospitals, childbirth classes, etc.).&nbsp; Talk to lots of moms who have been there.</p>
<p>9) If you plan to use one, start researching pediatricians, as well as issues related to child-rearing (<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/10/do-your-research-vaccines.html">vaccines</a>, cord clamping, etc.).</p>
<p>10) Get lots of rest and relaxation and dream about your baby-to-be!</p>
<p>What are your top 10 steps for newly pregnant women?</p>
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EXCERPT:
...or when you decide to try to conceive your baby.</p>
<p>Sorry, that title was getting too long so I decided to finish it in the body of the post.  ha.&nbsp; But, seriously, this list is the "Top 10 Things You Should Do when you Decide to Try to Conceive or Find Out you are Expecting."&nbsp; Very important.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: pregnancy los angeles
EMAIL: leslie@itchair.com
IP: 75.56.206.108
URL: http://www.melttherapy.com/
DATE: 07/15/2010 08:43:52 PM
<p>I am going to try to have a baby next year but decided to started research. I did not realized so much to considered from type of birth to the minute matters of diapers. I want to have natural birth but undecided if I want epidural and hire a doula. I am going to have to bookmark this for references! Thanks for the post it has given me some clarity. <br/>Leslie</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cori
EMAIL: cc.betterworld@gmail.com
IP: 90.43.98.36
URL: http://www.wellbeinguniverse.info
DATE: 07/16/2010 07:38:24 AM
<p>Don't also forget to eat high-fiber foods like cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables (for when pregnant, you often suffer from constipation)  and of course, avoid alcohol when pregnant.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 07/16/2010 01:34:49 PM
<p>Cori,</p><p>I agree absolutely about avoiding alcohol -- thanks, can't believe I forgot that!  Maybe because I don't, personally, drink ever. </p><p>But I disagree about the high-fiber part.  I'll be posting on that soon, though!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Options in Maternity Care
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/21/2010 12:00:38 PM
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<p>When you find out you're expecting (or are hoping to be shortly), one of the first things you'll need to do is find some maternity care.  Prenatal care is stressed no matter WHAT experience you are looking for because trained maternity personnel can help you determine if everything is progressing normally with your pregnancy -- or not, so that you can get help if you need it.  I wouldn't recommend ever that ANYONE not have some type of prenatal care.  But where you get it and who provides it can vary widely depending on what is available to you and your preferences.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Obstetricians</span></p>
<p>The "standard" maternity care in the U.S. is currently to seek an obstetrician, who delivers in a hospital setting.&nbsp; This comes along with all of the usual tests (including at least 2 blood tests, if not more; frequent urine tests, ultrasounds, etc.).&nbsp; An obstetrician typically spends 5 - 10 minutes per visit with patients.&nbsp; This may vary depending on the patient's insurance and how busy the doctor is.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is important to note that obstetricians are medical-model and are highly trained surgeons.&nbsp; If you feel or know that, for any reason, your pregnancy falls in a high-risk category or believe you will NEED a c-section (for example, I knew of someone who had been in a horrible car accident and shattered her pelvis completely; it had been put back together with rods and screws but attempting vaginal birth was too dangerous for her), an obstetrician is something you will need.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you choose an obstetrician, it is best to find one who will be willing to work with both your needs and wants as well as their opinions and training.&nbsp; There are doctors who treat pregnancy as a joint effort, and there are those who believe "I'm the doctor, so do it my way."&nbsp; Find one who matches your beliefs as much as possible and who will take the time to talk to you and answer your questions.</p>
<p>Be aware though, that most obstetricians treat pregnancy as a disease or at least a delicate condition that requires managing and testing to make sure all is well.&nbsp; They do not trust the body to handle things naturally.&nbsp; They also do not believe in out-of-hospital birthing (as a rule) and are often partial to "moving things along" (i.e. breaking your water, administering pitocin, scheduling inductions, etc.).&nbsp; If you are low-risk and looking for a rather hands-off approach, an obstetrician may not be for you.&nbsp; As 75% of women are low-risk, don't automatically assume you will NEED to have an obstetrician as your primary caregiver.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Certified Nurse-Midwives</span></p>
<p>A CNM is a nurse who has graduate-level training in midwifery.&nbsp; She (or he) has gone to school to obtain her RN, usually practiced in the field for awhile, then gone on to graduate school to obtain midwifery training so she can deliver babies.&nbsp; She is directly supervised by an OB and only delivers low-risk babies.&nbsp; If a woman in her care becomes high-risk, or she suspects a problem, she refers the woman to her OB for further care.&nbsp; She delivers babies only in hospitals (in most states) and sometimes birthing centers associated with hospitals.&nbsp; She is still medical-model in most cases, but is more inclined towards natural birthing than an OB.</p>
<p>If you are nervous about birth and are definitely looking for a hospital or birthing center experience, but are hoping for a more natural experience, a CNM may be for you.&nbsp; CNMs are more likely to take a "wait and see" approach if all is going normally during labor, and they are less likely to push unnecessary interventions (but this depends on personality, too, so make sure you know your CNM!).&nbsp; They typically spend a bit longer, 20 - 25 minutes during each visit.&nbsp; Since you are under the care of an OB, too, you will usually have all the same tests and many are required.&nbsp; Be aware, too, that it depends on how heavily the OB is involved in care.&nbsp; In most cases, you will have to meet him/her once or twice during your pregnancy (often for ultrasounds) just so you've met should something go wrong in the delivery room.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Certified Professional Midwives</span></p>
<p>CPMs practice almost entirely out-of-hospital births.&nbsp; In some states they can attend birthing center births; in others they attend only homebirths (depending on the state's laws).&nbsp; CPMs do not have formal medical training.&nbsp; They sometimes attend midwifery school directly; other times they learn through apprenticeships.&nbsp; All go through apprenticeships whether or not they go to midwifery school.&nbsp; They are then licensed by a national organization, which is recognized in some states and not others.&nbsp; They have typically attended many (30 or more) births by the time they are certified and have functioned as a midwife under the observation of a licensed midwife in several of them.</p>
<p>A CPM typically is not medical minded.&nbsp; She tends to believe that pregnancy is a natural, normal part of a woman's life and that in most cases, does not require much intervention.&nbsp; She will not perform ultrasounds or blood tests (other than possible finger sticks to check anemia).&nbsp; She will often perform urine tests, palpitations (feeling the fetus' position from the outside), check the baby's heartbeat, the mother for swelling, etc.&nbsp; Her equipment is low-tech and she checks for any signs that something MAY be wrong and refers any women with warning signs to an OB for follow-up testing.&nbsp; CPMs do not deliver high risk mothers in most areas (though in states where they are legally recognized, may assist in doing so if working with an OB).&nbsp; CPMs do not do things to "move things along" including inductions, breaking a mother's water, using pitocin, etc. under ordinary circumstances (there are rare circumstances that a CPM may use some natural methods to move labor along).&nbsp; A CPM typically spends 45 - 60 minutes per appointment with her clients throughout pregnancy.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a completely natural experience, where you trust your body and do not want any unnecessary testing, a CPM may be for you.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Practice VS. Single</span></p>
<p>Whichever option you are looking at, you will run into this question: should you choose a single doctor/midwife or a practice with several?&nbsp; When you have only a single person to rely on, you run the risk that they may be sick, on vacation, or at another birth when you go into labor, and you may have a complete stranger delivering your baby.&nbsp; This may or may not bother you, and it's unlikely to happen (but always possible).</p>
<p>With a practice, you are guaranteed to get SOMEONE in the practice, but you often have no idea who you will get.&nbsp; Typically they have an "on-call" rotation, so that Dr. X is on call Monday and Thursday, Dr. Y is on call Tuesday and Friday, Dr. Z is on call Wednesday and Saturday, and they all rotate Sundays.&nbsp; This means that whatever day you go into labor, that's who you'll get.&nbsp; It also means if you go into labor at 6 PM on Wednesday but don't deliver until 6 AM on Thursday that you'll have to switch doctors in the middle!&nbsp; You will at least have met the person who delivers your baby (you will have appointments with a different doctor at each appointment, often times, so that you WILL meet them all), but you may or may not prefer him/her.</p>
<p>With CPMs, they sometimes work in teams.&nbsp; If they don't, they usually have a "back up midwife" whom you'll meet once or twice during your pregnancy.&nbsp; Sometimes they have a "back up's back up" for nights when things get REALLY busy and in that case you may not have met the person who delivers your baby.&nbsp; But, it's up to you to decide what you are comfortable with.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Selecting Care</span></p>
<p>You do NOT have to keep the first doctor with whom you schedule an appointment.&nbsp; You are allowed (encouraged!!) to go to your first appointment with a list of questions so that you can determine if that doctor is really a good fit for you or not.&nbsp; I will include a list below.</p>
<p>If the doctor doesn't answer your questions to your satisfaction, or seems brusque, rude, busy, or avoids any particular questions, etc. -- go somewhere else!&nbsp; Do not feel that you need to stay with this person if you do not feel comfortable.&nbsp; It does not matter how many fancy degrees the person has or how much experience.&nbsp; If they are not willing to be in a partnership with you and make you feel listened to and appreciated during your pregnancy, you don't need them for a doctor.&nbsp; It can even be DANGEROUS in some cases to have a doctor (or midwife) who does not listen to you.&nbsp; Mother's instincts are strong and if you feel that something is wrong but they brush you off with "Oh, that's just normal pregnancy stuff," it could have serious consequences for you and baby.</p>
<p>If you are already pregnant and are with a doctor whom you don't feel comfortable, it is never too late to switch.&nbsp; There are women who switch right up to their 36th week, and a few switch during their labor!&nbsp; (I, for one, was ready to kick my doctor out of the room and let the on call doc deliver me during Bekah's birth.)&nbsp; Don't let any person tell you that you have to do anything you are truly uncomfortable with, and never be afraid to switch.&nbsp; You have rights!!&nbsp; (Which we will cover in the future.)</p>
<p>Questions to Ask</p>
<p>1. What is your philosophy towards birth?</p>
<p>2. What percentage of women in your practice have c-sections?&nbsp; Of first-time moms?</p>
<p>3. What percentage get an epidural or other pain medication?</p>
<p>4. Do you have a policy about IVs in labor?</p>
<p>5. Do you allow or encourage a birth plan?&nbsp; When do we discuss it and how closely will we stick to it, assuming all is normal?</p>
<p>6. How many support people do you allow in the delivery room?&nbsp; Who can I have?&nbsp; Are there limitations?&nbsp; (NOTE: Some practices have banned <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/28/midwives-and-doulas.html">doulas</a>!&nbsp; This is an unacceptable breech of women's rights and any doctor who places such limitations on you should be avoided.)</p>
<p>7. If something goes wrong, will you discuss my options with me?</p>
<p>8. What experience/credentials do you have?</p>
<p>9. Will I get to hold my baby immediately, assuming all is well?&nbsp; Will we be able to room-in?</p>
<p>10. What tests or procedures do you perform routinely?&nbsp; Can I opt out of any of them?&nbsp; Will you explain the benefits and risks to me of each test/procedure? (This could be a HUGE red flag if the doctor says "The tests are required and they are definitely beneficial to you" and will not explain much further.)</p>
<p>11. Will I be working with anyone else in the office (if a practice)? When do I get to meet them?</p>
<p>12. What happens if you are unable to attend my birth?</p>
<p>13. What is your policy about eating/drinking during labor?</p>
<p>14. How do you feel about fetal monitoring during labor?&nbsp; What do you typically do?</p>
<p>Please feel free to included other questions that are important to you.&nbsp; These are the ones that jumped out to me as being important.&nbsp; Use each not only to get information but to gauge the doctor's attitude towards birth and towards patients.&nbsp; Don't go back if you are not happy or comfortable!&nbsp; That is VERY important to know!</p>
<p>Good luck selecting the best option in maternity care!&nbsp; And remember this is YOUR choice and your partner's, not your parents', not your neighbors', not anyone else's.&nbsp; We'll talk about THAT later too!</p>
<p>Where do you or would you get maternity care?&nbsp; What options exist in your area?</p>
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EXCERPT:
When you find out you're expecting (or are hoping to be shortly), one of the first things you'll need to do is find some maternity care.  Prenatal care is stressed no matter WHAT experience you are looking for because trained maternity personnel can help you determine if everything is progressing normally with your pregnancy -- or not, so that you can get help if you need it.  I wouldn't recommend ever that ANYONE not have some type of prenatal care.  But where you get it and who provides it can vary widely depending on what is available to you and your preferences.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 07/21/2010 03:56:36 PM
<p>Thank you so much for this series and this post!  We hope to be expecting in the near future, and my mind has already been racing with the details of what kind of birth experience I hope to have and how to find the kind of maternity care I want.  This definitely made things more clear to me!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bek
EMAIL: roxygirl1171@yahoo.com
IP: 71.218.49.241
URL: 
DATE: 11/04/2010 02:25:02 AM
<p>I switched at 23 weeks in my first pregnancy from an OB group to a birth center and I am SO GLAD I did. After watching The Business of Being Born I was convinced and I am so thankful that my typically traditional, mainstream-thinking (and sometimes fearful) husband was willing to listen and very open and supportive of the change. We had the most amazing experience and we are so thrilled to visit the midwives again now that I am pregnant with #2. I am saddened by the women who don&#39;t ask quesitions or read books out of fear that it will freak them out (a friend actually told me that!). Almost everyone I know who has been unprepared in choosing her care and with her birth plan and prep has ended up with an &quot;Emergency C-section&quot; and it makes me so sad.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Common Maternity Tests
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/28/2010 12:00:52 PM
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<p>Time for the next update in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/7/healthy-pregnancy-series-introduction.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>!  If you haven't read the first few, you may want to go back and read them.  We've already talked about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/14/healthy-pregnancy-series-top-10-things-to-do-when-you-find-o.html">Top 10 Things to Do when You're Expecting</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">Options in Maternity Care</a>.</p>
<p>Now, it's time to talk about common maternity tests.&nbsp; Depending on where you get your care (see Options above), you may be subject to MANY tests.&nbsp; Today we'll talk about what they are, when they happen, and why they happen.&nbsp; Then, at the end, I'll tell you which ones I, personally would get, and why.</p>
<p><strong>Initial Blood Tests</strong></p>
<p>At the initial blood test (8 weeks pregnant), you will be tested for anemia, STDs, HIV, immunities (especially rubella), major blood counts (i.e. cholesterol, blood sugar) and anything else your practitioner deems necessary.&nbsp; In some states, HIV tests are optional; in others they have become mandatory.</p>
<p><strong>Ultrasounds</strong></p>
<p>Most people know that ultrasounds are a part of pregnancy!&nbsp; They are most commonly done at 20 weeks (halfway through), but also often done at 8 weeks, and occasionally at other times.&nbsp; At 8 weeks, the ultrasound would be trans-vaginal (i.e. done through your vagina, because your uterus is not big enough to see on your abdomen yet) and would be to verify pregnancy and the baby's heartbeat.&nbsp; At 20 weeks, several measurements aer taken to ensure the baby is the "proper" size for gestational age.&nbsp; Other ultrasound may be performed if there is a concern -- to check growth, heartbeat, fetal position, placental position (it's bad if the placenta is too low and/or covering the cervix), fluid levels, etc.&nbsp; High-risk women may have ultrasounds frequently throughout pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Quad Screen</strong></p>
<p>This is an optional blood test done at 16 weeks to check for potential genetic abnormalities.&nbsp; It does not come back with a "yes" or "no" on any, but rates your chance of having a baby with a particular abnormality.&nbsp; Many times it comes back "1 in 900" or some very remote chance.&nbsp; Occasionally it comes back much higher, in which case parents may choose to have further testing done to find out if their baby does, in fact, have some type of abnormality.</p>
<p><strong>Amniocentesis/Chorionic Villi Sampling</strong></p>
<p>This is usually performed on women over 35, high risk women, or those who had a high probability of genetic disorder (either through genetic counseling or the quad screen).&nbsp; A large needle is used to gather some of the fluid surrounding the baby, and the baby's cells that have been sloughed off in the fluid are tested for genetic abnormality.&nbsp; This test will tell almost 100% if the baby has any issues, and will also tell the sex of the baby.&nbsp; There is a slight increased chance of miscarriage with this test.</p>
<p><strong>Glucose Tolerance/Gestational Diabetes</strong></p>
<p>At 28 weeks, women are given a 50-mL glucose solution to drink.&nbsp; This is not a fasting test; it can be done at any time of day and you can eat beforehand.&nbsp; You must drink the solution within a 10-minute window, then go to the doctor and have your blood drawn exactly 1 hour later.&nbsp; If your blood sugar comes back high, you will be asked to take a 4-hour test, which IS a fasting test (no eating beforehand).&nbsp; If this test comes back high, too, you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes and placed on a restricted diet.</p>
<p><strong>Third Trimester Blood Test</strong></p>
<p>At 28 weeks, your blood will also be tested for anemia again.&nbsp; It is common to have lower iron levels later in pregnancy because you need so much to make a baby.&nbsp; If you are found to be low, you will be given some form of iron supplement.&nbsp; Typically, this is the same blood draw as your glucose test, so you don't have to get two blood tests done.</p>
<p><strong>Urine Tests</strong></p>
<p>Some practitioners will do these every visit; others will do them occasionally.&nbsp; Typically they are to check for sugar and protein.&nbsp; These can be signs of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, so testing is important.</p>
<p><strong>Group B Strep</strong></p>
<p>This is typically done at 37 - 38 weeks, and is a swab in your vagina that is cultured to check if you have this bacteria.&nbsp; If you are, your practitioner will recommend antibiotics be given through an IV during labor.&nbsp; Read more about this practice <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/04/to-strep-b-or-not-to-strep-b-that-is.html">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Stress Test</strong></p>
<p>This test is performed only late in pregnancy if there is some question that the baby is doing okay, and often if they are overdue.&nbsp; It involves drinking or eating something sweet to wake the baby, then monitoring the baby's heart rate and movements to make sure they are doing well.&nbsp; If you "fail" a stress test, you may be scheduled for induction.</p>
<p><strong>Vaginal Exams</strong></p>
<p>You may have vaginal exams a few times during your pregnancy.&nbsp; Usually at your first appointment, to make sure everything feels normal.&nbsp; Then again late in pregnancy to check for dialation and effacement.&nbsp; You may have additional exams if you experience bleeding/spotting or other abnormal symptoms.</p>
<p><strong>Standard Examination</strong></p>
<p>At every prenatal visit, your practitioner should check for the fundal height (how high the uterus is; the length in cm should roughly correspond to how far along you are in weeks), the position of the baby, the baby's heart rate, your blood pressure and pulse, and look for any swelling or fluid retention.</p>
<p>So...now for the opinion part. :)&nbsp; Which would I get?</p>
<p>I recommend these: blood tests ONLY for anemia, urine tests and standard examination.&nbsp; These are important because being anemic can affect both your baby and you, making it dangerous to deliver vaginally or outside of a hospital (due to the risk of hemorrhage).&nbsp; It's also simple to fix.&nbsp; Although I recommend using spirulina or other algae instead of ferrous sulfate, which is what a doctor would prescribe (extremely hard on the stomach and isn't metabolized well anyway).&nbsp;</p>
<p>A urine test is important because it can show if you have protein or sugar in your urine, which could indicate the need for further testing.&nbsp; I don't recommend having a gestational diabetes test as a matter of course, but if your urine tests indicate you are at risk, then it's something you may need to do.</p>
<p>Finally, swelling and elevated blood pressure (especially with protein in the urine) are major signs of preeclampsia, which would warrant further action.&nbsp; The position of the baby and its heart rate allow you to know it's doing well.&nbsp; If any of these come back abnormal, then other testing may be necessary.&nbsp; But I think these basic, non-invasive tests will let you know if there are any potential concerns before you jump in and start having tons of tests.</p>
<p>We'll talk about some of these tests (like ultrasounds) in more detail another time, but these are the tests to expect.&nbsp; RESEARCH them all so that when your doctor says "Okay, let's do X test" you are informed about what decision you would like to make.&nbsp; You don't HAVE to do it even though that's how many make it sound.&nbsp; And be prepared, if you refuse some tests, some practices WILL kick you out.&nbsp; The practice I was in initially in my second pregnancy would have kicked me out for refusing the gestational diabetes test, but I switched at that point to avoid the issue.&nbsp; However, if the practice won't respect your wishes, you need a new one anyway.&nbsp; Go back to the "options" post again.</p>
<p>What tests did/do you have done during pregnancy?&nbsp; What do you recommend and why?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Time for the next update in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/7/healthy-pregnancy-series-introduction.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>!  If you haven't read the first few, you may want to go back and read them.  We've already talked about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/14/healthy-pregnancy-series-top-10-things-to-do-when-you-find-o.html">Top 10 Things to Do when You're Expecting</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">Options in Maternity Care</a>.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie @ Confessions of a Trophy Wife
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.192.64.204
URL: http://www.stefibeth.blogspot.com
DATE: 07/28/2010 04:24:23 PM
<p>Hindsight is 20/20 and all that, so I'll definitely do things differently next time around, but with my first pregnancy I had:</p><p>A handful of blood tests.  Some I feel were necessary, others not.</p><p>Ultrasounds performed at (I think) 12 weeks (trans-vaginal), around 20-ish weeks (anatomy scan), and another performed late in my 3rd trimester to determine the size of the fetus as my CNMs kept telling me they thought the baby was large.  I feel that U/S are fairly unnecessary, but they do put your mind at ease.  So 1 or 2 of them are okay in my opinion as long as everything is going well.  The doctors really made me feel like the last one was a necessity and got me scared thinking the baby was too large, but we found out that he was average size.  This would have been unnecessary if they hadn't made such a big deal over the measurement of my uterus.</p><p>I had a Group B strep screening, I feel this is necessary as it's an easy fix if you do have it.</p><p>Standard examinations are a good idea to check all the important stuff - baby's growth/your growth, weight, blood pressure, etc. and they are non-invasive.</p><p>Vaginal exams.  I don't feel that these are necessary unless there is worry that there's something wrong, like problems with your cervix dilating early or bleeding.  I had a few done at the end of my pregnancy.  My doctor's office usually starts internal exams at 37 weeks, but I was able to opt to hold off until 38 weeks.  At 37 weeks I could tell on my own that nothing was happening down there yet!  The internals performed at 38 and 39 weeks did nothing but make me uncomfortable and get my hopes up for labor starting as I was beginning to dilate and efface.  At 40 weeks I asked that they strip my membranes to encourage labor.  It didn't work.</p><p>Did the glucose test, I feel it's unnecessary unless there are indicators that you are at risk for GD.</p><p>I opted out of the quad screen and an amnio wasn't necessary.  For us, we decided that the quad screen was done far enough along in pregnancy that regardless of what we &quot;found out&quot; we would carry the pregnancy to term anyway so there really wasn't any need to worry ourselves ahead of time if they found we were more likely to have a baby with some sort of &quot;problem&quot;.  </p><p>I didn't have a non-stress test, but I would have had to have one if I stayed pregnant longer than 41 weeks.  I went into labor on my own at 40 weeks, 6 days.  I feel that NSTs are okay.  They let you know that everything is fine in there and they're non-invasive and it will usually buy you some time with your doctor since they are quick to recommend induction if you go past your EDD.  I'd rather undergo a NST than opt for an unnecessary induction.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 07/28/2010 04:59:41 PM
<p>Stephanie (and others) -- PLEASE read the link I put in the post on Group B Strep.  It is NOT a necessary test!  Most women are positive at some point and only a tiny, tiny percentage of babies born to GBS-positive mothers will ever get it.  And most of those will be just fine.  More babies will be harmed by the routine antibiotics than by GBS!  This is SO dangerous.  It is not at all &quot;an easy fix.&quot;  It doesn't need fixing and you don't need to be tested at all, because if you are, they will insist you get antibiotics and that is an AWFUL way to bring your baby into the world -- destroying his/her initial gut flora!  It could affect the rest of his/her life.  So, please do more research on that.  Group B Strep really is NOT a necessary test and does NOT require treatment.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: whatsformeat@gmail.com
IP: 71.95.174.184
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 07/29/2010 04:38:27 AM
<p>I'm 38 weeks right now . . . I'm had to be transferred to a hospital after about 20 hrs of labor with my first daughter and had a c-section after about 36 hours.  I recommend what you do - the blood tests for anemia (I'm anemic this pregnancy) and standard examinations.  Because I'm going for a VBAC, I've been &quot;cooperative&quot; about the GBS and Glucose tolerance tests and had 2 ultrasounds.  Glucose was normal, ultrasounds were fine.  My doctor told me I was GBS positive in my first trimester (from a pap smear - weird that it showed up) and I begged her to retest me because I'd love to avoid antibiotics.  I did the garlic protocol described here:  http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gbsCohain.html.  I used a whole clove for only 5 nights and I was declared GBS negative!   I first heard about the garlic from my midwife during my first pregnancy.  Her anecdotal evidence was that only 3 or 4 women out of 70 had tested positive since she started asking her moms to do it.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Birthday Daniel!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/16/2010 12:00:43 PM
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<p>My sweet baby boy is ONE today!</p>
<p>It seems impossible I've had him for a whole year.&nbsp; A year ago (at the time this posts), I was in labor and waiting on his birth, which occurred at 9:54 am.&nbsp; You can read his <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/13/daniels-birth-story.html">birth story here</a>.&nbsp; It was a cool, partly sunny morning and I snuggled my little boy right after he was born.&nbsp; He was mine.</p>
<p>Since then, he's grown and changed so much!&nbsp; He's walking, saying "mama" and "dada" and learning more everyday!&nbsp; He's a VERY social little boy who doesn't know a stranger.</p>
<p>A couple weeks ago we were at the store and while I was trying to pay the cashier, Daniel kept standing up in the cart.&nbsp; Eventually he got tired of me sitting him back down and held his arms out to the lady behind us (total stranger!).&nbsp; Not wanting him to fall, she picked him up.&nbsp; He smiled and waved at her and her children and thoroughly enjoyed all the attention he was getting.&nbsp; When I took him back, thanking her for helping, Daniel continued to smile and happily waved bye-bye to his new friends.&nbsp; That is Daniel in a nutshell!</p>
<p>These days if Bekah's sleeping or playing somewhere else, Daniel is bored.&nbsp; He can't wait for her to wake up.&nbsp; He'll play on the floor by himself for only a few minutes, but will play with her for an hour or so.&nbsp; He chases the bigger kids around the playground.&nbsp; His favorite thing in the world is to be surrounded by potential playmates of any age!</p>
<p>And, funny enough...Daniel's not sleeping through the night yet.&nbsp; At. All.&nbsp; He is still up anywhere from 2 - 6 times on an average night.&nbsp; We are slowly helping him towards that milestone, and trust that he'll get there when he's ready (most of the time!).&nbsp; Part of his problem is that he's so social he doesn't like to sleep alone!&nbsp; (He sleeps in his crib next to my bed and sometimes in my bed.)&nbsp; Part of it is that he is growing so fast right now that he gets really hungry at night!&nbsp; But I've come to realize it is part of who he is, it won't last forever, I'm not actually READY for him to sleep all night, every night in his own room, and I am at peace with it.</p>
<p>Besides, my son loves me!&nbsp; Every time I enter a room he scrambles for me.&nbsp; He yells "Mama!" when he wants me.&nbsp; He snuggles up to me and gives me kisses and loves to nurse.&nbsp; He's my little guy!</p>
<p>Happy birthday to my very sweet, snuggly boy!</p>
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EXCERPT:
My sweet baby boy is ONE today!</p>
<p>It seems impossible I've had him for a whole year.&nbsp; A year ago (at the time this posts), I was in labor and waiting on his birth, which occurred at 9:54 am.&nbsp; You can read his <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/13/daniels-birth-story.html">birth story here</a>.&nbsp; It was a cool, partly sunny morning and I snuggled my little boy right after he was born.&nbsp; He was mine.</p>
<p>Since then, he's grown and changed so much!&nbsp; He's walking, saying "mama" and "dada" and learning more everyday!&nbsp; He's a VERY social little boy who doesn't know a stranger.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katrine
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.25.51.251
URL: 
DATE: 07/19/2010 02:14:42 AM
<p>When you are ready for your dear one to sleep thru the night, or go longer stretches, I highly recommend Elizabeth Pantley's &quot;No Cry Sleep Solution&quot;  Just from some of your other posts that I've read, I believe it would fit your parenting style.<br/>I don't get on here every day, but I do enjoy reading your blog.  (I found you from a link on Raising Arrows )</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Sleeping Babies
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/24/2010 12:00:49 PM
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<p>In the U.S., babies are expected to sleep through the night.&nbsp; And they're expected to do so at a fairly young age -- only 6 to 8 weeks old.&nbsp; We're told that newborns live on a random sleep-wake cycle, evenly divided over 24 hours, but by the time they're 6 weeks or so, they should be sleeping more at night (4 - 6 hour stretch) and less during the day.&nbsp; Yet, for many families, this isn't the case.&nbsp; Some babies aren't sleeping through the night at 3 months...6 months...12 months...2 years....</p>
<p>Research says this is more common than not.&nbsp; Most young babies DO need to awaken at night for at least most of their first year, if not well beyond that.&nbsp; They may need to eat; they may need comfort, a new diaper, or they may be teething, have a cold, etc.&nbsp; Doctors will advise that babies over 6 months don't need to eat at night and to give a bottle of water or nothing; they often advise to "just let them cry it out; when they figure out you're not coming, they'll start sleeping better."&nbsp; While this sometimes works, it's harsh advice.&nbsp; Babies don't cry "for no reason."&nbsp; There is ALWAYS a reason why they are crying, and they need a parent who will recognize this and help them.</p>
<p>I speak from experience.&nbsp; My first "slept through the night" (5 - 6 hour stretch) from the time she was three weeks old, but continued to wake at least once most nights until 22 months!&nbsp; She still wakes occasionally at 2.5 years old.&nbsp; My second still wakes 3 - 4 times every night, sleeping in no longer than 3 hour stretches -- on a good night.&nbsp; From 3 months until 10 months, he'd be up every 40 - 90 minutes all. night. long.&nbsp; So believe me, I know what it is to be tired, to be sleep deprived, to want nothing more than a decent night's sleep!&nbsp; I know how frustrating it is to wish your baby would just SLEEP, already.&nbsp; I know how frustrating it is to hear everyone around you say "Just let him cry it out, he doesn't need anything."&nbsp; But I want to offer a new perspective on sleeping babies today.</p>
<p>Since my son was born at home, I've always felt a close bond with him.&nbsp; I've often felt that I could figure out his needs almost like magic, more easily than anyone else could.&nbsp; Even when my husband was frustrated and exhausted and saying, "He doesn't NEED anything, he's just being a brat!" I knew (usually, ha) that it wasn't true.&nbsp; But my ability to read him and be in tune with him (breastfeeding and co-sleeping help too) have allowed me to recognize some things about his sleep patterns that explain why he sleeps the way he does.</p>
<p>Case in point: last night.&nbsp; Daniel went to bed at 9 and woke around 11.&nbsp; I fed him and changed him and put him back down.&nbsp; 10 minutes later he was awake again.&nbsp; I repeatedly laid him back down, saying "Shh, it's bedtime."&nbsp; But he'd lie in bed, roll around, try to fall asleep -- and always eventually start whining and get back up again.&nbsp; So after a few minutes, I changed him again (he was wet).&nbsp; But he still didn't settle.&nbsp; He kept fussing and rolling around fitfully.&nbsp; I went and got a cup of water, because I had a feeling he was thirsty.&nbsp; I brought it to him and he drank quite a bit, then pushed it away and fell soundly asleep for 3 hours.&nbsp; He didn't require me to pick him up, nurse him, or offer him anything.&nbsp; He does occasionally use a pacifier (only for sleep) but when he's fully satisfied, he doesn't need it.&nbsp; He doesn't use any "crutches" to go to sleep, like having to be in my arms or bed, needing a breast or a bottle, etc.&nbsp; He can fall asleep by himself if someone is sitting near him.</p>
<p>Does any of this sound familiar to anyone out there?&nbsp; We read "The No-Cry Sleep Solution" when Daniel was only about 5 months old and started putting some principles to work.&nbsp; We worked on his sleep environment, we tried having sleep in his own room (didn't work), we tried pacifier/no pacifier, we trained him to fall asleep in his own space, we changed up the way we put him to bed so he didn't require the same parent or exact circumstance (but kept the general routine the same), we tried an earlier bedtime, we tried shhing and patting him back down instead of picking up....&nbsp; In short, we tried everything the book said and nothing made a difference.&nbsp; Not even months later.</p>
<p>I slowly came to the conclusion that some babies (and adults) are just VERY sensitive, and very light sleepers.&nbsp; And there is NOTHING you can do about that.&nbsp; That is their personality.&nbsp; My daughter still wakes randomly at night and plays in her room for awhile sometimes.&nbsp; She taught HERSELF to sleep independently, before I was even planning to teach her!&nbsp; That is her personality.&nbsp; Other babies, like my son, are different.&nbsp; His personality is that he is easily disturbed by small things.&nbsp; My husband is like that to some extent, and so is his father.&nbsp; It's just how it is.</p>
<p>There are some things that I learned along the way that helped us, though.&nbsp; I won't tell you the whole story (too long!) but I will tell you the important parts we learned:</p>
<p>1) The room must be dark</p>
<p>It was happening that Daniel would sleep okay at night (sort of), but by 5:30 in the morning, he would only sleep in my bed and would roll and kick me and sleep quite fitfully.&nbsp; It was summer and quite bright in the room by this hour.&nbsp; We tried putting up some dark curtains and putting blankets over the sides of his bed to block out most of the light.&nbsp; He started sleeping in his own bed until 7:30 - 8 in the morning before he 'needed' to join me after this!!&nbsp; The light really bothered him.</p>
<p>2) "Proper" pajamas</p>
<p>We tried all manner of pajamas and sleeping atire.&nbsp; Daniel hated wearing real pajamas, and still will not sleep well if I try to put a sleeper on him.&nbsp; We tried just a onesie, which worked all right until it got hot and we had the a/c on pretty low -- then he got too cold (and he won't sleep in his bed if he's cold).&nbsp; The best solution was a onesie with sweatpants.&nbsp; He sleeps more comfortably in this than anything.</p>
<p>3) Well-fed</p>
<p>Both of my children (and my husband!) can.not.sleep. if they are hungry.&nbsp; So we started making sure he ate throughout the day, and that he had a bedtime snack in addition to nursing.&nbsp; It happened that he would often fall asleep on someone's lap, but the instant they moved he'd wake up, over and over.&nbsp; Once we fed him well he would sleep soundly.&nbsp; Same thing if he wakes at night to nurse -- he may finish one side and fall asleep, but if I don't shift him to the other side and feed him until he's completely done, he'll wake again in 10 minutes to eat more.&nbsp; It's worth it to take the few extra minutes while I'm already holding him.</p>
<p>4) Daddy helps at bedtime</p>
<p>Daniel struggles to fall asleep with me in the room.&nbsp; He wants to play and snuggle and nurse.&nbsp; He won't just settle down.&nbsp; Once I've snuggled him and nursed him, I hand him off to daddy and leave.&nbsp; Sometimes he settles himself to sleep next to daddy in only a few minutes.&nbsp; Sometimes it takes a bit longer.&nbsp; But he does much, much better for daddy than mommy!</p>
<p>5) Check for teething</p>
<p>Any type of pain will keep Daniel wide awake.&nbsp; We keep teething tablets on hand, should he need them.&nbsp; We don't recommend using Tylenol or other drugs.&nbsp; An amber teething necklace may also be helpful, though we haven't tried that yet.</p>
<p>6) Wet diapers</p>
<p>Daniel tends to be VERY bothered by a wet diaper, even if it's only slightly wet.&nbsp; This started happening when he had a diaper rash that just wouldn't go away, and has continued even though he's usually fine now.&nbsp; He has very sensitive skin.&nbsp; If he's in a diaper more than a few hours he WILL turn red.&nbsp; At night he'd roll and twist, especially his lower half.&nbsp; If I change his diaper, he'll fall asleep by the time I've got the diaper off and sleep through the re-dressing.&nbsp; We also noted that taking an extra few minutes to wash his bottom thoroughly before bed, even if he seemed clean already was worth it (there were a few nights he would NOT settle down until someone re-washed his bottom or even SCRATCHED his bottom -- seriously).</p>
<p>7) Keep some water handy</p>
<p>Especially when it's hot, older babies get thirsty!&nbsp; (Note: do not give water to babies under 4 months or who are exclusively breastfed.)&nbsp; There are times when Daniel cannot settle down even after nursing, but a drink fixes him right up.&nbsp; Bekah was the same way too -- if we forgot to leave a cup of water in her bed, she'd wake up and ask for one.&nbsp; ALL my children will always have a cup of water (WATER ONLY!) in their beds.</p>
<p>8) Soft bed</p>
<p>Daniel's mattress seemed REALLY hard.&nbsp; More so than Bekah's was, and uncomfortably so.&nbsp; We put a mattress pad on it, then a thick microfiber blanket (smoothed and tucked in), then a sheet.&nbsp; It was perfectly safe and his bed was just a bit softer.&nbsp; This helped him to sleep, too.</p>
<p>9) Add a pillow</p>
<p>Around a year we added a pillow to Daniel's bed.&nbsp; I wouldn't recommend this for a much younger baby.&nbsp; But we noted that when he was in our bed, he'd crawl up onto our pillows and want to sleep there.&nbsp; So we got out an old pillow and put it in his crib.&nbsp; Sometimes he sleeps on it; sometimes not.&nbsp; But sometimes it's the only way he stays in his crib, especially in the mid-morning hours (6 am and later).</p>
<p>10) Blankets</p>
<p>Some babies NEED a swaddle; others need at least a light blanket on them to feel safe.&nbsp; Not Daniel.&nbsp; He HATES blankets on him.&nbsp; If I cover him, even if he's cold, he'll squirm and fuss and crawl out from under it.&nbsp; I've seen him on a cold night, with only a onesie on crawl out from a blanket and fall asleep on top of it.&nbsp; Not all babies like or want blankets (and little tiny ones shouldn't sleep with them, anyway).&nbsp; We did TRY all sorts of blankets over a period of months and found Daniel just does better without them.</p>
<p>Beyond this, patience is key.&nbsp; I know Daniel won't be waking me up at night forever.&nbsp; I know he won't sleep in my room forever.&nbsp; We're SLOWLY teaching him now to sleep by himself.&nbsp; And here is our proposed method:</p>
<p>Step 1: Allow him to fall asleep on our bed, near daddy, but not being held (this is going well)</p>
<p>Step 2: Daniel falls asleep in his crib or on a mattress on the floor with daddy on the bed near him, but not on the same surface.</p>
<p>Step 3: Daniel falls asleep with daddy "nearby" in the room but not next to him (sitting in a chair a distance away or something)</p>
<p>Step 4: Daniel falls asleep in his own space alone in the room</p>
<p>Step 5: Daniel falls asleep in his own room (we may have to have someone "nearby" again for the first few nights we do this)</p>
<p>During this process, we are allowing Daniel to realize that he CAN fall asleep on his own and settle himself, but we are never leaving him alone and we are never letting him cry.&nbsp; We will nudge him along as we feel he is ready.&nbsp; We are considering that he may never be a "crib baby" and might sleep better on a mattress on the floor, which is fine with us.&nbsp; During the night, our response will be to pick him up and make sure that his needs are met, then lay him down and let him re-settle himself.&nbsp; Again, he's not crying.&nbsp; If he is fitful or seems upset, we will check again to see what he needs.</p>
<p>The idea is that, once his needs are fully met, Daniel will learn to sleep.&nbsp; We will be talking to him about what is happening, too, now that he is starting to understand what we are saying to him.&nbsp; The transition is slow, gentle, and mainly at his pace.&nbsp; And I have faith he WILL learn to sleep on his own!&nbsp; We are training him to soothe himself rather than just "leaving him alone to figure it out."</p>
<p>How did you train your babies to sleep?&nbsp; Did you or do you have a difficult sleeper?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
In the U.S., babies are expected to sleep through the night.&nbsp; And they're expected to do so at a fairly young age -- only 6 to 8 weeks old.&nbsp; We're told that newborns live on a random sleep-wake cycle, evenly divided over 24 hours, but by the time they're 6 weeks or so, they should be sleeping more at night (4 - 6 hour stretch) and less during the day.&nbsp; Yet, for many families, this isn't the case.&nbsp; Some babies aren't sleeping through the night at 3 months...6 months...12 months...2 years....
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 07/25/2010 01:31:07 AM
<p>1. We've always tried to keep Cam's room dark. Mike just recently taped heavy cloth to Cam's windows as a last-ditch effort (at 2.5, he sleeps fine at night but wakes every morning between 5:45 and 6:15).<br/>2. When we moved him to his own room around 9 months, we realized he was getting cold in his own bed. He is a cold sleeper, and wears winter pajamas even in the summer (and in winter we can.not. keep his feet warm).<br/>3. He always nursed before bed.<br/>4. Daddy has always helped with bedtime here. From the time we started a bedtime routine, Mike did bath and story reading, then I nursed Cam before laying him down. Since Cam weaned, Mike has done all of bedtime.<br/>5. Teething thankfully didn't bother Cam at night (except for one or two random wakings). Sometimes it messed with naps, though.<br/>6. While he never seemed bothered by wet diapers, he used to wake poopy multiple times a week (and be red-bottomed because of it). I never did figure out if he pooped as he was waking for the day, or if it happened in the night.<br/>7. This we didn't start until he was close to 2, and he doesn't get one every night. He does ask upon waking in the morning/from nap, though, and sometimes before falling asleep (just recently).<br/>8. He had an organic innerspring mattress in his crib, so I'm fairly confident it was soft enough...he always slept terribly in the Pack n Play, though (like on vacation)...the mat was too loud, slippery, thin and flat. <br/>9. He didn't really need one until he moved to the twin...I included it as part of the new, fun big kid bed. ;) He had a small pillow (9 in?) in his crib for about a year, though. <br/>10. Again with the coldness thing. He had 1-2 blankets with him as soon as he was sleeping alone in a crib (so, 9 months or so).</p><p>It seemed like every little thing we tried (own bed, pajamas, no binky, etc) helped him sleep a little better. He was waking up to 7 times a night at 8.5 months old, and once we started making those changes he started sleeping better and better.</p><p>Fletcher is a bit of a freak...likes sleeping in his own bed (seems to prefer it much of the time), sleeps well at night (lately only waking once at 6 weeks old), puts himself to sleep (always has) and goes back to sleep after stirring (Cam would be up immediately, for good).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karyn
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.235.224.87
URL: 
DATE: 07/26/2010 11:17:11 PM
<p>It's good to hear I'm not the only one! None of my four children have slept through the night regularly until they reach three or so. I've tried this and that, except for all out crying. I've always felt like a bit of failure for not getting any of them to sleep through the night sooner. Now, with number four, I'm not even going to worry about it, she'll sleep through the night at some point! Or, maybe I'm too sleep-deprived to fight it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.76.87.115
URL: 
DATE: 09/30/2010 10:30:09 AM
<p>I was very lucky with my first dd.  She was a sleeper &amp; still very much so is.  She has slept through from the day she was born, never ever woke for food in the night, only occasionally woke because of being ill.  How lucky was I??!!  She was an incredibly light sleeper though &amp; for the first year of her life, we had to be extremely quite in our little house so as not to disturb her.  She was easily re-settled though.</p><p>DD2 was &amp; still is a completely different story.  If I remember correctly, she is the same age as your ds with only a day between them.  She needs to have things a certain way in order to sleep.  The room has to be pitch black. She needs to be warm.  In the summer she wore a wool cover over her diaper, a vest, a onesie, socks, sleeping bag &amp; cardigan.  We are only at the end of September &amp; long sleeve vest &amp; blanket have already been added to the list.  I dread winter.  She also has to be well fed before bed &amp; daddy needs to be the person who puts her into her crib.</p><p>She only started sleeping through in the last couple of months.  She sleeps through about 5 nights a week on average, waking for an early morning feed at around 5am the other 2 nights.</p><p>After she turned 6 months, she no longer slept well in our bed.  She kicked me &amp; woke up frequently not needing a feed.  I am someone who needs my own space when I am asleep &amp; dd1 is the same, she would never sleep in our bed, so I decided to try dd2 in her own crib.  She slept through the night for the first 2 nights &amp; then started waking twice a night.  I cried alot those nights for a couple weeks (I had also just lost my mom so it was a hard time in general).</p><p>Then one day, after some prayer &amp; reflection, it dawned on me that I was making all of this a hell of a lot harder for myself.  Who said that my baby should be sleeping through the night?  She was obviously waking because she was hungry.  Once I accepted that the 2, 20minute, feedings she had every night were normal &amp;  weren&#39;t that bad, it was alot easier for me.  Sleeping through the night still is not an expection for me, I still expect her to wake &amp; I will for a while yet.  They are only babies for such a small time which makes it even more important to enjoy every aspect, even the night wakings.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.50.167
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 03:06:43 AM
<p>It is true that each child has their own personality and we need to embrace them. I admit that I did let my first and second born cry it out sometimes, due to my ignorance and listening to bad parenting advice. It was a constant struggle getting both of them to sleep as infants/toddlers. My oldest sleeps great now and does not like to get up unless someone REALLY wakes him up. My second crashes in the evening very fast but gets up very early and wakes easily. My third (daughter 3) co-slept with us and she sleeps well, hasn&#39;t waken in the night except when she was a young nursling. My third son, who is 14 months, has to have a full belly (at all times lol) and a drink, and then he only likes his bed. He has also scheduled himself as to when he wants to sleep, very predictable. He lets you know when he wants his bed lol. <br/>So I can&#39;t complain, non of them have sleeping problems or wake at night (unless sick). <br/>I think it helps that we let them sleep when they are tired and let them wake when they have had enough rest. In other words we don&#39;t strictly schedule them. Everyones body is different. Such as my husband and I, I need a lot more sleep than him to function optimally. I remember my mom and my husbands parents telling both of us that as children we were always in bed by 7pm! I cannot imagine putting my children to bed at 7pm, it just would not work for them or us, and I don&#39;t think anyone would be getting much sleep. Let them stay up with you and enjoy snuggling, they usually fall fast asleep anyway lol.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Interview: Thyroid Disease Update
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 07/20/2010 12:00:11 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>A few months back, I interviewed someone about her experience with thyroid disease and natural healing.  I have a new update to share with you now!  If you haven't read the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/29/interview-on-hypothyroid-disease.html">original story</a>, go back and read it now.</p>
<p>Here's the new interview:</p>
<p>Q1:  Where was your health a few months ago, after having tried several  alternative treatments?&nbsp; What options were you looking into at that  point?</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>About two years ago I&nbsp;went to see an endocronologist who  wanted to completely remove my thyroid because of a lump he found on the  thyroid itself, and because of&nbsp;swelling in the glands in my neck. After  that diagnosis I decided to see a doctor who focused on more natural methods of treatment, like eating a wheat- and sugar-free diet and  taking&nbsp;vitamin supplements&nbsp;to heal the body.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>A few months ago, my health had improved to the point that the only  real issue I was dealing with was soreness in my lymph glands. The  glands were swollen and sore to the touch, even though the&nbsp;lump on my  thyroid could no longer be felt.&nbsp;The soreness also restricted my ability  to talk at length and intensified when I tried to sing.</div>
<div class="im">
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><br />Q2: What did you end up trying?&nbsp; What changes did  you see in your health and how quickly did they occur?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>At this point Kate introduced me to kombucha. I had never  heard of it, and frankly my initial reaction was that it was really  weird, (especially the little floaty things in the bottle) but since it  is a natural detoxifier I got past the yuck factor and tried it. My  first impression of kombucha was that it tasted somewhat like soda. We  drove to the nearest health food store and I purchased 14 bottles to  give it a fair try over the next two weeks.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>My plan was to drink one full bottle per day and see if anything  happened. By day two I noticed that the swelling in the lymph glands was  going down. By day&nbsp;five I noticed that my voice was stronger. By the  end of the two week period, I was able to sing again without straining  my voice which is something I had not been able to do in over three  years.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>After the two week supply ran out, I purchased an additional two  week supply and began to&nbsp;make my own kombucha with a recipe Kate shared  with me. It took some effort to understand the process but it has been  well worth it financially. My husband has also been drinking a bottle a  day and the eczema on his skin has really improved. We are hoping it  will completely disappear.</div>
<div class="im">
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Q3: What  have your doctors said about your health since you've made these  changes?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>I went to see the doctor last week and he was really pleased  at the progress I had made in the past few months. He could tell the  swelling in my glands was reduced. His comments were very encouraging.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Q4: What  will your next move be?</div>
<div class="im">
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>After talking at great length with both the medical doctor  and my dentist, my next step will be to have two silver fillings removed  from my teeth. We are hoping that the removal of these mercury-based  fillings will be reduce the strain on my lymph glands.</div>
<div class="im">
<div><br />Q5: What advice would you give to someone in your shoes (a few  months ago)?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>If you sincerely want your health to improve, keep your mind  open to trying new things. There are many natural&nbsp;products that promote  healing so don't give up until you find something that works for you.</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Thanks!&nbsp; What a wonderful testimony!</p>
<p>Do you engage in natural healing?&nbsp; If so, what have you tried?&nbsp; What has proven most beneficial for you?</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
A few months back, I interviewed someone about her experience with thyroid disease and natural healing.  I have a new update to share with you now!  If you haven't read the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/29/interview-on-hypothyroid-disease.html">original story</a>, go back and read it now.</p>
<p>Here's the new interview:
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: angelikness@yahoo.com
IP: 67.235.133.172
URL: 
DATE: 02/14/2011 05:24:23 PM
<p>The original link isn&#39;t working</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tutorial: Making Butter
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/27/2010 12:00:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/07/real-food-wednesday-72810.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/07/5-ways-to-save-on-christmas-expenses-frugal-friday.html">Frugal Fridays at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p>Butter.</p>
<p>It's a wonderful fat.  However, buying GOOD butter (grass-fed, organic) is expensive.  We're talking anywhere from $5 - $9 a pound.  That can get expensive, especially if you go through butter like we do (about 1 - 1.5 lbs. per two weeks).  However, making it yourself is MUCH cheaper!  And it's easy, too.  Today I'm going to show you how.</p>
<p>First, I should note that I buy a 1/2 gal. carton of whipping cream (local, grass-fed and low-temp. pasteurized, because that's the best available to me) for about $8.&nbsp; This makes 3 lbs. of butter for me.&nbsp; Not all cows will produce cream that has such a high ratio of butter to cream (75% of mine turns to butter), but I'm lucky. :)&nbsp; So this breaks down to being less than $3/lb.&nbsp; Pretty sweet for good, grass-fed butter, huh?</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>Whipping cream (any amount, NOT ultra-pasteurized)</p>
<p>A blender or food processor</p>
<p>Water</p>
<p>A glass dish</p>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; Simple.&nbsp; You could add salt, too, if you like your butter salted, but I prefer not to.&nbsp; Butter doesn't taste like BUTTER to me when salt is added, and it's easier to bake and cook with if you can control the salt in each recipe individually.</p>
<p>Here's a picture of my supplies:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010982.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280193104955" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Now, pour your whipping cream into your blender (or food processor). With my blender (it's a Vitamix), I can only do 2 cups at a time, or else it doesn't all get mixed in well.&nbsp; I occasionally forget this and try to do larger batches, but I end up having to scoop out some whipped cream while I finish one batch of butter, then add it back to the next batch...not worth it.&nbsp; You'll have to experiment with your machine, but 2 c. works well for me.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here's a picture of cream in the blender:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010984.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280193278360" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>It's just sitting there so far.&nbsp; And yes, you can see the blender itself, my dry container, and various other jars in the background.&nbsp; Those are my loose tea jars. :)</p>
<p>Now, place the blender on the base and turn it on LOW.&nbsp; On my Vitamix, 3 is the best setting.&nbsp; If I turn it too high, it will whip the cream until thick, then get stuck and be unable to move further.&nbsp; When that happens I have to keep turning it off and using a long tool to loosen it.&nbsp; When it's on low, it's agitating it enough to keep it moving but without making it too thick and getting stuck.&nbsp; Make sense?&nbsp; Well, trust me, that's what happens, I've done it enough times!&nbsp; (And I still don't always remember....)&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here is what it looks like while whipping:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010985.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280193656067" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Let it keep going for awhile.&nbsp; If you stop it after a few minutes, when the sound changes and it sounds "thick" (does thick have a sound?), it will look like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010987.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280193941925" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Smooth, thick, whipped cream.&nbsp; It's not ready yet.&nbsp; If this is what you have, turn the blender back on.&nbsp; Soon it will start to look like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010988.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280194114760" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Can you see the thick yellow-ness at the bottom, with the whitish stuff on top?&nbsp; That's butter!!&nbsp; And buttermilk on top.&nbsp; It has separated, so it's done now.&nbsp; See what it looks like as I stir it:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010990.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280194261570" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Now you can REALLY see the butter in the center.&nbsp; The liquid may not be the buttermilk, it may be water.&nbsp; I don't remember when I took this picture.</p>
<p>Because, here's what to do next: pour off the buttermilk into a separate container and KEEP IT.&nbsp; It can be used like milk, and ironically has a high fat content.&nbsp; You do not want to get rid of this!!&nbsp; It is not the same as cultured buttermilk, but it is still very good to use.</p>
<p>Then, pour some water in the blender.&nbsp; Use a spatula to squish it around, like I'm doing in the above picture.&nbsp; The water will be white at first.&nbsp; Pour it off and repeat.&nbsp; Keep doing this until the water is clear.&nbsp; This is the most annoying and time consuming part, but you need to do it.&nbsp; This "washes" the butter -- gets the remaining milk out.&nbsp; If you don't, your butter won't last very long.</p>
<p>Once your butter is washed and has been pressed so that all the water (or as much as possible) is out, it's time to store it.&nbsp; I buy glass Pyrex dishes, 3-cup size.&nbsp; I split my 1/2 gal. of cream into 2 dishes.&nbsp; One goes in the fridge, one goes in the freezer.&nbsp; I also store the buttermilk in a Pyrex dish and put that in the fridge until I need it.&nbsp; Here is my finished butter and buttermilk:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010992.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280194560432" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>There it is!&nbsp; You've made butter!</p>
<p>That wasn't so hard, now was it?</p>
<p>Do you make butter?&nbsp; Are you interested in doing so someday?</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Butter.</p>
<p>It's a wonderful fat.  However, buying GOOD butter (grass-fed, organic) is expensive.  We're talking anywhere from $5 - $9 a pound.  That can get expensive, especially if you go through butter like we do (about 1 - 1.5 lbs. per two weeks).  However, making it yourself is MUCH cheaper!  And it's easy, too.  Today I'm going to show you how.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenny @ Nourished Kitchen
EMAIL: jenny@nourishedkitchen.com
IP: 97.122.232.161
URL: http://nourishedkitchen.com
DATE: 07/27/2010 01:18:14 PM
<p>LOVED your tutorial.  I facebooked it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dana
EMAIL: gardendana@comcast.net
IP: 24.17.125.126
URL: http://www.my3littleducks.blogspot.com
DATE: 07/27/2010 07:37:02 PM
<p>I can't wait to try this! Thank you</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lacey
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.34.222.125
URL: http://themamacompact.blogspot.com/
DATE: 07/28/2010 04:47:21 AM
<p>I've made butter a few times with our local milk.  We are so lucky to have a local all-natural milk source 20 miles from our home :)</p><p>I've made it in my stand mixer, but I think I'll try it in the blender or food processor next time</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Esther
EMAIL: 
IP: 137.186.187.92
URL: 
DATE: 07/28/2010 02:45:57 PM
<p>Here's how I make my butter: I go out to the barn and get fresh, raw milk from my favorite cow. I bring it home to my cream seperater and seperate the cream from the milk. I put two cups cream in my vita mix and blend on highest speed till the sound of the mixer changes. Then I scrap the sids of the container and put the machine on 5 (half power) and whip for 5 seconds or just till you can hear that it's not blending. (Sometimes as little as 2 seconds.) Each time it stops blending I scrap the container again and put the mixer back on. I do this about 7 times. Then I have butter.<br/>I write this because I realize we all have different vita mix machines. I mean, that some older models do it differently then the newer models. I know this because I had an older one for years and just recently bought a newer one. So for some people my instructions might work better and for other people your instructions might work better. <br/>This is a great post. I hope it gets people making their own butter more often as yes, it is so easy and so rewarding and less expensive.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle Madgett
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.176.228.87
URL: 
DATE: 07/30/2010 08:54:37 PM
<p>Could you do a post about the Vitamix?  Year after year now, when the CA mid-state fair rolls around, I think of buying one.  Then I hear the price and I choke.  Online, without the bells and odd gadgets, it was a little less $$$, but still!  So, if you've got Got-to-Have-It opinions, I'd love to hear them.  Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: h.l.lionelle@gmail.com
IP: 72.174.166.83
URL: 
DATE: 08/30/2010 05:19:16 PM
<p>My Vita Mix is 11+ years old and I ended up using a combination of the original tutorial and the modifications posted by Lacey. After it got to a really nice whipped cream stage my blender got bound up at the 3 setting. I&#39;ll own up I had bumped it up to about 3.5 because I was getting impatient. So I came back here and saw Lacey&#39;s post. I then scraped it down and turned it up to 5 and followed her directions. It very quickly separated and I had butter! I keep finding new ways to use my Vita Mix. I love it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: lauraof4@ca.rr.com
IP: 76.168.144.49
URL: 
DATE: 10/17/2010 11:17:28 PM
<p>How long will the butter last in the refrigerator?  Thank you.  Can&#39;t wait to try it.  We&#39;ve done it by hand, shaking it in a jar.  This looks much easier!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 99.185.72.68
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 10/18/2010 12:17:28 AM
<p>We make our own butter using raw milk. It&#39;s expensive though, so sometimes we have to buy non-raw butter at the store.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story: Introduction
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 07/30/2010 12:00:42 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-july-30th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a> and <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/08/monday-mania-822010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>Over the next few months, we'll be following one of my long time friends, Amanda, as she makes her journey towards better health.  Today's post will let you know a little bit about Amanda's history.  Most of it is her words, although I'll be adding some of my own commentary. :)</p>
<p>First, you should know that Amanda and I go WAY back.&nbsp; Since we were only 9 or 10.&nbsp; So we have been friends most of our lives.&nbsp; Recently we started talking more and I began to share a little bit about our real-food lifestyle with her.&nbsp; And so, let her tell you her background:</p>
<div>I'm 24, and I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at 15 years old.</div>
<div></div>
<div>I started  my cycle in 7th grade, and had normal periods for a few months, until  it gradually faded to nothing. My cycle because very thick, mucousy, and  dark brown in color. Mom took me to a gynecologist, where they did an  ultrasound on me (which NO ONE bothered to tell me was done  vaginally, so I was uncomfortable and scared). They found hundreds of  tiny cysts on my ovaries, usually a strain found in middle-aged, obese  women. I was 15 and 135 lbs. at the time.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Instead of researching futher,  my gyno put me on birth control and my mom (a nurse) never thought twice about it. I was not  given any kind of alternatives, or other treatment options. I was not  told what I should and should not eat. I was not given anything to help  me with my transition to living with a chronic condition in any way, shape or form.  And because my mother and doctor never made it a big deal, I never  thought twice about the negative aspects of it....or how it would affect  my fertility.</div>
<div></div>
<div>I slowly stopped dreaming of having kids because I  thought there was not hope for me, unless I did IVF (which is expensive)  or adoption (also expensive). I gained weight on the pill and then,  because of bad habits and eating in college coupled with stress (note: which is a HUGE problem in the PCOS cycle),  gained even further until I graduated. It wasn't until these past two  years that my friends started becoming pregnant and giving birth, which  sent my biological clock ticking away faster than&nbsp;Alice's White Rabbit. I  have always been wonderful, patient and had a special place for  children in my heart, and the need that God placed inside me to be a mother was re-emerging fully. I really thought that there was no hope  for me, until you (Kate) showed me all the different options of eating, and  helping me become aware of different fertility options.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Now, I'm switching to eating a full-fat, reduced-to-none- sugar and  grain-free lifestyle. Increasing my proteins and limiting my grain  intake will naturally balance the insulin imbalance I have (thereby fixing some of the other hormonal imbalances and helping the PCOS). I have also  been taking Vitex, a B-complex vitamin and Licorice Root everyday to see  how they affect me. I have taken myself off BC by choice as of July 1,  2010. So far I've had people comment on how I look thinner. I&nbsp;find I am  also happier and don't feel as "heavy" as I did when I eat a carb-rich  diet. I can't wait to fully implement these food and herbal remedies  when I move into my apartment and start a new chapter in my life!</div>
<div></div>
<div>That's Amanda's story!&nbsp; Unfortunately, it's a much too common one in our society today.&nbsp; But through a real-foods lifestyle, many women in Amanda's shoes go on to become mothers.&nbsp; She and I talked quite a lot and she's now drinking kombucha (when she can; soon she'll be brewing it herself), eating organic food, and focusing on nutrient-dense foods.&nbsp; In a week or two we'll see how she does her first month off birth control.&nbsp; I can't wait to find out!</div>
<div></div>
<div>Join us as we go with Amanda towards better health.&nbsp; And if you, too, suffer from PCOS or just need to make some dietary changes, consider this a challenge: get healthy along with Amanda!&nbsp; Check out my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/10/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen-wrap-up.html">Baby Steps Series</a> if you need help getting started!</div>
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EXCERPT:
Over the next few months, we'll be following one of my long time friends, Amanda, as she makes her journey towards better health.  Today's post will let you know a little bit about Amanda's history.  Most of it is her words, although I'll be adding some of my own commentary. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelley
EMAIL: randkell@comcast.net
IP: 71.231.91.29
URL: 
DATE: 07/30/2010 04:27:40 PM
<p>That sounds like my story minus the birth control!! I suffered with heavy periods and a short 23 days from one to another and the fibroid caused my uterus to look like a 5 month pregnancy. Every doctor I went to offered me a hysterectomy!! It truly discussed me!! I am now 47 years old,two years ago I eliminated soy and corn and began only eating organic and I also began taking 'Female Corrective Formula'  and it has done it's name well!! It took 2 months to regulate my cycle and about 6 months for my tummy (fibroids) to subside!! My periods are still every month but I can actually go in to public and not worry that I've leaked through!! I purchase mine through Birthjunkie.com ! I will continually pray that God would show you what will work for you!!<br/>Kelley</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 02:28:43 AM
<p>Thank you for sharing Amanda's brave story at Monday Mania.   I am eager to hear how her situation improves over the next few months as you follow her progress!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Kitchen Wish List
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 07/31/2010 12:00:43 PM
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<p>If I had all the money in the world, I'd buy....</p>
<p>The problem is, I don't know.&nbsp; And the nice people over at CSN stores have offered to let me choose an item to review for you.&nbsp; They have many great products, like these <a href="http://www.cookware.com/Dinnerware-C43220.html">dinnerware sets</a>.&nbsp; Although they have plenty of gadgets and appliances and...oh, so many!&nbsp; I'm like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory, with too many choices.</p>
<p>So I thought, you know, maybe my readers can help.&nbsp; I'll let you see my wish list and visit their site and you can tell me what you'd like to see me review.&nbsp; Right now I'm in a season of canning, and I'll be getting to pears, apples, and tomatoes pretty soon.&nbsp; A LOT of them.&nbsp; So keep that in mind as you're suggesting things I might want to review for you. :)</p>
<p>Here's my wish list:</p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.cookware.com/EatSmart-ESKS-06-EES1004.html">Kitchen scale, digital</a></p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.cookware.com/Jaccard-200819-JCD1021.html">Mandolin slicer</a></p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.cookware.com/Paula-Deen-51481-EEN1072.html">Santoku knife</a></p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.cookware.com/Universal-Housewares-701-UHW1001.html">Apple peeler</a> (works great on pears too!)</p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.cookware.com/Emerilware-by-All-Clad-EC81121-EAC1034.html">Cast iron pan</a> (to be honest, I have one...and am just not sure how to go about seasoning it)</p>
<p>*Ravioli maker</p>
<p>*<a href="http://www.cookware.com/Hamilton-Beach-59785-HMB1176.html">Immersion blender</a></p>
<p>*???</p>
<p>What else might I like, as I'm beginning to do all my canning, freezing and other cooking??&nbsp; Check out <a href="http://www.cookware.com">CSN Cookware</a> and let me know!&nbsp; Then come back in a few weeks to see my review!</p>
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EXCERPT:
If I had all the money in the world, I'd buy....</p>
<p>The problem is, I don't know.&nbsp; And the nice people over at CSN stores have offered to let me choose an item to review for you.&nbsp; They have many great products, like these <a href="http://www.cookware.com/Dinnerware-C43220.html">dinnerware sets</a>.&nbsp; Although they have plenty of gadgets and appliances and...oh, so many!&nbsp; I'm like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory, with too many choices.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amandamarie8@gmail.com
IP: 72.23.172.46
URL: 
DATE: 07/31/2010 12:33:38 PM
<p>Ravioli makerrrrrr.....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Care
EMAIL: miriamtorason@gmail.com
IP: 76.69.24.249
URL: 
DATE: 07/31/2010 02:41:20 PM
<p>Were it me?  I'd end up with the Go Big or Go Home mentality, and shoot for a KitchenAid stand mixer with the sieve/grinder attachment (makes applesauce a breeze - or so I'm told) and the pasta maker attachment.  </p><p>But yes.  That's where I'd go with it.  Of course, I've been jonesing for a KitchenAid mixer for... oh, something like three years now.  ^_~</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Drew @ How To Cook Like Your Grandmother
EMAIL: drew@cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
IP: 75.10.132.193
URL: http://cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
DATE: 07/31/2010 04:13:21 PM
<p>Immersion blender. Everything else on your list makes things easier, but there's nothing you can't do without them. First time you use use the immersion blender in a pot of spaghetti sauce, or make your own mayonnaise, you'll wonder how you ever got by without it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 217.91.36.71
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 07/31/2010 07:37:39 PM
<p>Hmm...I love my immersion blender. It makes smoothie making SO much easier because you don't have to poke fruit down towards the blades like you do with a traditional blender. Mine has a food processor attachment too, which is also awesome. Then again, I LOVE my santoku knife. It makes mincing garlic or ginger a snap, and I honestly use it every time I'm going to cut veggies. Good luck choosing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.21.176.238
URL: 
DATE: 08/01/2010 03:28:09 AM
<p>I have the apple peeler, the knives and the blender. I like the blender, mine has an chopper attachment bowl that goes with it that I use when I am making batches of baby food. The apple peeler I use occationally, but the knives I don't know how I ever lived without them. They are great, very sharp and sturdy for cutting through big things like watermelon. If you don't have a set of knives that you love I would recommend the kinves.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.224.243.123
URL: 
DATE: 08/01/2010 04:12:09 AM
<p>I've been looking a scales for so long.  I use my old fashioned scale all the time for putting bulk foods or cooked meals in the freezer.  Plus, I so want to start making my own soap.  Next thing on my list is an electronic scale.<br/>I've looked at tons, but still haven't decided what to get.<br/>So, that's my vote, a kitchen scale.<br/>Hard decision for you.  I took the first thought in my mind.  If I thought about it some more I could make you a fifty page list.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: d.a.vogel@gmail.com
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 08/01/2010 11:45:50 AM
<p>Seasoning a cast iron skillet is really easy.  We put some sort of fat, and warm it in the oven.  Let it sit overnight and then wipe clean.  DO NOT use soap on it after you have seasoned it or you will take the seasoning right out.  Just use water.  :)</p><p>What an amazing list of products they have!  I love the Rachel Ray stainless steel cookware.  Stoneware from La Cruet is also on my list of things to get.  Good luck with your decision.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 08/01/2010 07:28:10 PM
<p>I'd review the scale or blender as they are more expensive items. In terms of what you need for canning apples and pears... you NEED an apple peeler! However, they are cheap so don't waste your review on it.</p><p>For seasoning a cast iron skillet... I found great info online recently about doing it. Basically you rub oil (like coconut oil) on it and turn it upside down on a cookie sheet and bake it for awhile. You do this a multitude of times to get it seasoned and never use soaps to clean it thereafter.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Kombucha in the News
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 06/30/2010 12:00:06 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/06/real-food-wednesday-63010.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-july-2nd/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>Kombucha.</p>
<p>We've talked about it before because it's an excellent health drink.&nbsp; In fact, I even <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">showed you how to brew it</a> (updates coming soon as we've experimented more!).&nbsp; But now there is concern that maybe kombucha contains more alcohol than the label states, which is 0.5%.&nbsp; In fact, some allege it contains as much as a beer (which is 4%).&nbsp; If testing shows that it is consistently high, then producers will have to either revise their production methods to ensure lower levels, or kombucha will be labeled and sold as an alcoholic beverage.&nbsp; Meanwhile, major retailers, including <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/techbiz/2010/06/17/D9GDA56O3_us_fea_food_whole_foods_kombucha/index.html">Whole Foods</a>, have pulled it from the shelves.</p>
<p>This story started with an <a href="http://boomnews.info/kombucha-maker-labels-not-lindsay-led-to-halt/">incident at the MTV Movie Awards</a>, where Lindsay Lohan's SCRAM bracelet (which detects alcohol) went off.&nbsp; Rumors say that it was because she drank G.T. Dave's kombucha, of which she is a big fan.&nbsp; However, both Lindsay and G.T. deny that this is the reason.</p>
<p>Instead, Whole Foods initiated this check on the products (it is NOT a recall) because of their concern that alcohol levels had risen after the products had left the warehouse.&nbsp; G.T. Dave is on top of the situation and hoping to dispell any rumors in <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-1022/EXCLUSIVE-Interview-with-GT-Dave-of-Synergy-Kombucha-Product-Back-on-Shelves-in-Weeks.html">this interview</a> he gave recently.&nbsp; He expects products to be back on the shelves within a few weeks.</p>
<p>Currently, products are being tested to see where the problem lies, if there is a problem, so that manufacturers can address it and get their products back out.&nbsp; Some minor players are <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/25/kombucha-may-be-treated-like-alcohol-government-says/?src=twt&amp;twt=nytimesdining">hoping to beat G.T.'s back to the shelves</a> so they can gain a market edge.&nbsp; A few pasteurized kombucha beverages remain on the shelves, because they don't continue to ferment after bottling and are therefore properly labeled.</p>
<p>Now, for my comments. :)</p>
<p>I personally think the whole thing is a bit ridiculous.&nbsp; I've bought dozens of bottles of G.T.'s kombucha, as well as brewed dozens of my own and have never noted that kombucha has a significant amount of alcohol.&nbsp; And I don't drink at all, so if it did I'd easily get tipsy.&nbsp; <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/10/kefir-sodaan-alcoholic-beverage-real-food-wednesday.html">Kelly the Kitchen Kop investigated this</a>, too, and found that alcohol levels were consistently quite low.</p>
<p>Then there's the issue of "pasteurized kombucha."&nbsp; This is an absolutely ridiculous, useless product.&nbsp; The entire point of making kombucha is so that it contains live cultures and beneficial enzymes.&nbsp; The point of pasteurization is to kill all enzymes.&nbsp; So WHY would you spend the time to culture the tea and then kill all the benefits with pasteurization?&nbsp; It makes NO sense to me why such a product would even be on the market.&nbsp; So that people can get the taste without the benefit (it's not THAT good without the awesome feelings)?&nbsp; So people can feel like they're doing something about their health without actually doing anything?&nbsp; Just ridiculous.</p>
<p>A few smaller health food stores in my area are still selling the kombucha (since it wasn't officially recalled) with a sign saying "If you don't like that it might be mislabeled and contain alcohol, don't buy it" except, of course, a bit more PC than that.</p>
<p>If you really want a consistent supply of kombucha, of course, just brew your own.&nbsp; Much faster and better and no one can take it away from you.&nbsp; Even if it DOES contain alcohol, it's perfectly legal to brew and drink it if you're over 21.&nbsp; Though I don't believe it contains alcohol anyway.</p>
<p>Were you aware of this issue?&nbsp; What do you think about it?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
Kombucha.</p>
<p>We've talked about it before because it's an excellent health drink.&nbsp; In fact, I even <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">showed you how to brew it</a> (updates coming soon as we've experimented more!).&nbsp; But now there is concern that maybe kombucha contains more alcohol than the label states, which is 0.5%.&nbsp; In fact, some allege it contains as much as a beer (which is 4%).&nbsp; If testing shows that it is consistently high, then producers will have to either revise their production methods to ensure lower levels, or kombucha will be labeled and sold as an alcoholic beverage.&nbsp; Meanwhile, major retailers, including <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/techbiz/2010/06/17/D9GDA56O3_us_fea_food_whole_foods_kombucha/index.html">Whole Foods</a>, have pulled it from the shelves.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen C.
EMAIL: kkclementi@gmail.com
IP: 76.206.224.198
URL: 
DATE: 06/30/2010 03:26:17 PM
<p>This whole thing is so silly.  We can't get kombucha around here anywhere right now.  All brands are gone at all stores.  I bought the last bottle of GTs in Cranberry (YUCK!) early last week at the local HFS. I love kombucha, especially when I have a stomach bug and coincidentally had one over the weekend with no kombucha to be found. Very frustrating!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amandamarie8@gmail.com
IP: 72.23.172.46
URL: 
DATE: 07/04/2010 03:08:29 AM
<p>It certainly seems a bit silly. When we were as Mustard Seed, I tried it for the first time and tasted no alcohol. Carbonation? YES! Yummyness? YES. But no alcohol.<br/>I applaud those who are truly committed to doing their research about what goes into their bodies....but these people are taking it too far. Bring back the kombucha! (and G.T., can you keep making it in guava?) </p><p>:)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: PrimalLadyRosy
EMAIL: primaldiet@yahoo.com
IP: 75.95.135.0
URL: http://www.primaldietfriends.spruz.com
DATE: 07/05/2010 02:51:50 PM
<p>It would be good if they made a new section for raw healthier alcoholic drinks to present GTDave kombucha in.  So many people like it, it has to come back and it's obviously better than pasteurized.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Schatz - Allergy Free Menu Planners
EMAIL: sarah@heartofcooking.com
IP: 69.255.122.154
URL: http://www.heartofcooking.com
DATE: 07/18/2010 12:59:59 AM
<p>All I can say is I am very happy I am brewing my own so I don't have to worry about not having a supply of it.  Kombucha truly helps my digestion and I am grateful for it.  I don't drink alcohol at all and I know if I did, I would probably get drunk with only 1-2 beers so I am certain that the alcohol levels in kombucha are very low.  I hope they bring it back to the stores though!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: New Surf and Turf Class and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 08/02/2010 12:00:16 PM
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<p>You may have noticed that most of my recipes here are for chicken, or baked goods.  Right?  And that's not because those are the only foods I eat, or even the ones I make most often.  It's because those are the foods I do well.</p>
<p>However, I do LOVE a good seafood or steak dinner from time to time.&nbsp; But I've never made steak and I can really only bake fish.&nbsp; I honestly have no idea what else to do with it.&nbsp; I'm betting a lot of you are in the same boat.&nbsp; (Ever been to a restaurant and had some kind of stuffed fish with a delicious creamy sauce?&nbsp; And then wished you could make it at home but had no idea how?&nbsp; Yeah, me too!)</p>
<p>That's where <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Ann Marie's new class</a>, Surf and Turf, comes in.&nbsp; She's going to teach you all about how to cook wonderful seafood meals and grass-fed beef so that it's perfect every time.&nbsp; Watch this video to learn more about the course:</p>
<p><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZnldlTAAHBQ&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZnldlTAAHBQ&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></p>
<p>Isn't that cool?&nbsp; Are you hungry yet?&nbsp; I can't wait to learn to make some of those dishes!&nbsp; You may have noticed that Ann Marie is also going to talk about organ meats.&nbsp; I have some liver in my freezer right now because I KNOW how good it is for me, but I can't bring myself to actually cook it.&nbsp; I've gotten it out a few times, and ended up just putting it back in.&nbsp; I have no idea what to do with it!&nbsp; But Ann Marie's class will teach us!&nbsp; That is, not just ways to cook it, but delicious ways that our families will actually eat!</p>
<p>This course is going to be a wonderful way to learn all about the best ways to cook nutrient-dense foods!&nbsp; Did you catch some of the facts Ann Marie shared in the video?</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Omega-3 fatty acids in seafood and grass-fed meats can prevent  depression and Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease?</li>
<li>Pregnant and nursing mothers eating seafood and grass-fed meats can  increase their children&rsquo;s IQ and prevent ADD?</li>
<li>According to Julia Ross, author of <em>The Mood Cure,</em> we need  to eat 20-30 grams of protein three times a day &mdash; just to <em>maintain</em> our current brain chemistry?</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>That is some serious stuff!</p>
<p>It's also worth noting that if you are following a special diet, this course is good for GAPS or SCD, Paleo, grain-free, and other similar diets.&nbsp; It is totally grain-free, sugar-free and dairy-free (some courses will include optional dairy).</p>
<p>The class costs $120 for 13 weeks, which is less than $10 per class!&nbsp; That is a HUGE bargain.&nbsp; If you were to take a class like this locally, it would run you $35 per class or more (seriously -- some bloggers who teach ecourses also teach similar classes locally and they really do cost that much).</p>
<p>And to make it even better, Ann Marie is willing to offer ONE e-course to a lucky reader of mine.&nbsp; If you've always wanted to learn to cook meat and fish in more creative and delicious ways, this course is for you.&nbsp; To enter, do the following (leave each in a separate comment):</p>
<p>1) Tell me why you want this course</p>
<p>2) <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">Subscribe</a> to me, or tell me you already do</p>
<p>3) Check out <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com">Ann Marie's blog</a> and tell me which recipe or post you like best</p>
<p>4) <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Cheeseslave or tell me you already do</p>
<p>5) Share your favorite cooking tip for meat or seafood</p>
<p>6) Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/ModernAMama">me</a> on Twitter</p>
<p>7) Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/cheeseslave">Cheeseslave</a> on Twitter</p>
<p>There are 7 possible entries!&nbsp; The winner will be selected on Friday, August 6th.&nbsp; Then, the other participants in the giveaway will receive a coupon code via email.&nbsp; You must email me AFTER the giveaway finishes to receive this code!</p>
<p>What do you think?&nbsp; I'm excited for this ecourse!</p>
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EXCERPT:
You may have noticed that most of my recipes here are for chicken, or baked goods.  Right?  And that's not because those are the only foods I eat, or even the ones I make most often.  It's because those are the foods I do well.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 66.94.72.23
URL: 
DATE: 08/02/2010 02:50:25 PM
<p>I'm already sub'd to you, and I just subbed to Cheeseslave!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 05:33:11 AM
<p>I subscribe to Cheeseslave's blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 05:34:00 AM
<p>I want to take this course in order to better feed my family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 05:34:57 AM
<p>Letting my meat come to room temp has helped my beef taste better.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 05:37:04 AM
<p>I subscribe to your blog - via email.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 05:40:28 AM
<p>I love her buttermilk ranch dressing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 05:40:57 AM
<p>I follow you on twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/03/2010 05:42:06 AM
<p>I follow cheeseslave on Twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 07:35:07 PM
<p>I need all the help I can get learning to cook.  My mother only taught me how to make microwave processed cheese sandwiches!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 07:35:59 PM
<p>I subscribe to you.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 07:38:43 PM
<p>I subscribe to cheeseslave</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 07:41:52 PM
<p>I like her homemade nachos</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 09:35:57 PM
<p>I want to win because the only seafood I know how to cook is salmon.   I'm excited about all the recipes too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 09:37:30 PM
<p>Subscribe to you</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 09:39:40 PM
<p>I love her Homemade Lacto-Fermented Mayonnaise recipe.  I use it all the time.  I've also tried her Tacos de Lengua (Beef Tongue Tacos) and actually like it!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 09:40:10 PM
<p>Subscribe to Cheeseslave</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 09:43:52 PM
<p>One tip for getting organ meat into your diet:  We mix 1/2 pound of ground heart with 1 pound of ground beef.  I can still taste the heart, but my kids don't even notice.  Also another tip is to just serve it and don't tell the kids what they're eating.  We've done that with beef tongue and liver and it worked.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 09:44:25 PM
<p>Follow you on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 09:44:59 PM
<p>Follow Cheeseslave on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Molly
EMAIL: molval@mac.com
IP: 76.202.242.238
URL: 
DATE: 08/05/2010 04:15:40 PM
<p>I follow you and Ann Maries on both rss feed and twitter</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Caroline
EMAIL: moonshinethreads@yahoo.com
IP: 216.194.144.254
URL: 
DATE: 08/10/2010 01:52:29 PM
<p>I really learned a lot about making mayo from the Cheeslave post/recipe on how to make lacto-fermented mayonnaise...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Caroline
EMAIL: moonshinethreads@yahoo.com
IP: 216.194.144.254
URL: 
DATE: 08/10/2010 01:54:05 PM
<p>My favorite tip for cooking seafood...marinating slamon! I throw a little lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, coriander, pinch of cayenne pepper, white wine vinegar and salt together, then pour it over the fish and let sit for 30 minutes before broiling it for 8-10 minutes. Delish!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Roe V. Wade, 37 Years Later
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/03/2010 12:00:00 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>Roe V. Wade is a large part of history.  It is the landmark court trial that legalized abortion throughout the country.  Today, it is often mentioned as a herald of feminism: the true right to choose how one deals with one's own body.  But little more is said about it than that.  So who were the people in Roe V. Wade, and where are they today?</p>
<p>The case began in Texas in 1970.&nbsp; A young woman, 21 years old, was pregnant for the third time (her first two babies had been given up) and wanted out.&nbsp; In Texas at that time, it was legal to obtain an abortion in the case of rape or incest.&nbsp; At the urging of her friends, she initially tried to claim rape, but as there was no police report it didn't hold up.&nbsp; The illegal clinic had recently been shut down, so she was out of options.&nbsp; Someone suggested to her that she go see two young lawyers, Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington.&nbsp; They recognized the opportunity to make their careers, and took the case.</p>
<p>Roe V. Wade (named for "Jane Roe," a pseudonym, and Henry Wade, the Dallas County Defense attorney) wasn't decided until 1973, but which time Ms. Roe had, of course, had her baby (and had placed it for adoption).&nbsp; But at that point bans on abortion were declared unconstitutional and abortion became legal throughout the country.</p>
<p>Who was "Jane Roe?"&nbsp; If anyone thinks about her at all, they seem to assume that she was a feminist, the type who might say "Keep your laws off my body!"&nbsp; She was a champion for women everywhere, pioneering in her field for the right to choose for yourself.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; After all, it was her case that made a difference for women.</p>
<p>However, that's not how it went.</p>
<p>Norma McCorvey, aka Jane Roe, was simply a poor working girl in Texas who had no options and was looking, desperately, for a way out.&nbsp; She was not a feminist and was not concerned with women's rights.&nbsp; She simply didn't want to go through yet another pregnancy.&nbsp; The young lawyers, she later said, took advantage of her, making her a pawn in a grand scheme to get abortion legalized, a huge boone to feminism.&nbsp; But not to her own life.</p>
<p>After the trial was over, McCorvey worked in abortion clinics for awhile, helping young women who were facing what she had.&nbsp; But one day, she says, she looked carefully at a poster on the clinic's wall, which depicted the baby's development.&nbsp; She realized that by 6 weeks' gestation (which is about the time most women came for an abortion), the babies already had a heartbeat.&nbsp; Suddenly she realized it wasn't a choice; it was a baby!</p>
<p>McCorvey left the abortion clinic and joined the Catholic church.&nbsp; She is now a crusader for the pro-life movement, speaking at many different venues for the cause.&nbsp; She even attempted to get a petition heard by the courts in 2005 to try to overturn the decision, stating that the procedure harms women -- she was denied.</p>
<p>Isn't it interesting that the woman at the center of this landmark case is now on the opposite side?&nbsp; She clearly supports pro-life organizations.&nbsp; And even though SHE is techincally the reason abortion is legal, the courts are not willing to re-hear her case: their decision has been made.</p>
<p>Unfortunately this is the way many things in this country appear to be now: someone might make a request, or start a court trial, or begin a movement, and it gets entirely out of control.&nbsp; The liberal agenda takes over and uses these people to get their laws passed.&nbsp; And even when the person who started it says, "Wait, I made a mistake, let's re-think this," no one is interested.</p>
<p>Very sad where we've ended up, isn't it?</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Roe V. Wade is a large part of history.  It is the landmark court trial that legalized abortion throughout the country.  Today, it is often mentioned as a herald of feminism: the true right to choose how one deals with one's own body.  But little more is said about it than that.  So who were the people in Roe V. Wade, and where are they today?
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: FarmgirlCyn(Cindy)
EMAIL: cindy50@altelco.net
IP: 216.176.10.83
URL: 
DATE: 08/03/2010 01:36:42 PM
<p>I believe, one of the saddest day in our nation's history. And I believe God wept. And still weeps.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: karyn
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.235.237.226
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 01:01:29 AM
<p>Wow, I didn't know that. What a fascinating, if terribly sad, story...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/04/2010 05:13:55 AM
<p>thank you - I am now more glad I get your email updates!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: DigitalSuze
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.116.19.51
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 11:53:44 AM
<p>Current abortion laws don't compel anyone to have an abortion, and not everyone regrets having an abortion. It's not an easy choice to make, but I'm thankful that women in this country have the right to make that decision for themselves. Many women's lives have been saved by having an abortion.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 192.5.109.49
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 02:18:40 PM
<p>Since the court proceedings took 3 years, I think she had plenty of time to change her mind during the trial.  Regret is a terrible feeling, but Roe vs. Wade was a great decision for the country.  Abortion isn't right for every woman.  That's why it's important to use proper contraception - another great result of the feminist movement!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/04/2010 02:41:17 PM
<p>DigitalSuze -- I disagree.  There have been many, many more lives lost through abortion.  Innocent lives.</p><p>Anonymous -- For a young girl in a national, whirlwind trial, realizing what was really going on and possibly going to happen would have been difficult in the midst.  It wasn't until several years after that McCorvey was able to recognize what was happening and change her stance.  I also don't generally believe in contraception, either, which comes with its own set of risks!  It's a huge issue (various forms of popular contraception as well as using abortion AS contraception, which some do) and I didn't get into it here.  But abortion is NOT the &quot;amazing&quot; boone to feminists that people think it is.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: roopzip10@msn.com
IP: 174.29.128.53
URL: 
DATE: 08/04/2010 05:37:15 PM
<p>What I think is sad is the thousands, if not millions of children around the world that cannot be close to cared for properly.  They end up handicpped, some very severely, becuase no one was able to care for them, or just literally touch them, or feed them properly.  The back of their heads are flat from never being picked up, (plagiocephaly).  They cannot connect with people, they suffer from attachment disorders.  Or maybe they are just born into such poverty and disfunction that basic necessities are hard to come by such as food, shelter, LOVE from a mother.  Are they abused?  Physically, sexually, emotionally? <br/>These are innocent lives that are lost everyday.  Just the fact we are all have access and time to computers leads me to believe that we don't have any idea what it is like to REALLY be hungry, to be thirsty.  To lay in a crib day in and day out, in dirty diapers, in a room full of hundreds of other orphans with no one to love us.  <br/>I don't have the answer, but to say that the majority of children &quot;saved&quot; from abortion, go on to lead happy little childhoods, go on to create productive adult lives, is...well, a crock.  Check out your local foster to adopt program.  Let me know what you find out about those kids.  Because many of my friends are involved in these programs.  It's not pretty.  Am I saying they should have been aborted?  No, I don't have the answer.  But I do know that people making decisions, mostly stemming from their religion, shouldn't get to tell other people how to govern their lives.  (Separation of Church and State - see Constitution)  And per the feminist movement:  our governing body was hugely dominated by white, middle to upper class men at the time.  Nope, I don't think that those men should be telling women what to do with their bodies, or actually any kind of reproductive issues.  That is exactly why it was an amazing boone to feminism.  (BTW, I am a white, middle-class woman that grew up in a Christian, conservative Midwest area.)<br/>Sad?  Sad is seemingly widely held belief that there are no repercussions to banning abortions.  Don't believe in abortions?  Engage and counsel young people about using birth control, or for some abstinence.  Foster and adopt a couple of kids from your local program.  God may just be weeping at the mess we've made on this planet.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 08/05/2010 01:47:56 AM
<p>DigitalSuze said: Many women's lives have been saved by having an abortion. She didn't say that MORE women's lives have been saved by having an abortion. </p><p>It all comes down to choice. We all have one, and any woman's choice is of no business to anyone else. Sure, I wish there weren't women out there using abortions as birth control. Of course I wish all babies were conceived in love, born to mothers that want them, cared for and loved the way they deserve. But the truth is, women are raped and get pregnant...others give birth to babies they don't want or can't care for--babies that grow up hungry, or abused. Maybe there are medical issues (for mother or baby)--there was a case just recently, the mother was dying because of pregnancy complications and was forced to either choose to die (and leave her other children motherless) or terminate the pregnancy. What if the baby was going to be born with a painful, debilitating disease that would kill the child before its first birthday? There are so many factors for a woman to consider, and until I walk in that woman's shoes, I really can't open my mouth to criticize.</p><p>Abortion isn't a choice everyone will make, but for those who make it...it's what they feel is the best choice for them. It's rarely a decision that's made lightly. And whether it is legal or not, it's going to happen--we can offer it in an environment with trained professionals and safety measures, or we can outlaw it and send women searching for underground clinics.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Prenatal Visits
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/04/2010 12:00:48 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>When you are <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/14/healthy-pregnancy-series-top-10-things-to-do-when-you-find-o.html">pregnant</a>, you will have prenatal visits, no matter <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">what type of care you select</a>.&nbsp; But what does an average prenatal visit look like?&nbsp; When are you supposed to go?</p>
<p>An average schedule of visits looks like this:</p>
<p>8 weeks</p>
<p>12 weeks</p>
<p>16 weeks</p>
<p>20 weeks</p>
<p>24 weeks</p>
<p>28 weeks</p>
<p>30 weeks</p>
<p>32 weeks</p>
<p>34 weeks</p>
<p>36 weeks</p>
<p>37 weeks</p>
<p>38 weeks</p>
<p>39 weeks</p>
<p>...and continuing weekly until your baby is born.</p>
<p>So, for the first seventh months, you go monthly.&nbsp; Then, for two months you go bi-weekly.&nbsp; The final month, you go weekly.&nbsp; This is an AVERAGE of visits.&nbsp; If you start prenatal care earlier or later, or if you are high-risk, your schedule of visits will look different.&nbsp; Some care providers will have you come every three weeks instead of every two weeks when you hit 7 months.&nbsp; Others will start weekly visits at 35 or 37 weeks instead.&nbsp; Again, it can vary greatly based on your needs, but this is an average.</p>
<p>What happens at your appointments?&nbsp; There are some things that are the same no matter what type of care provider you select.&nbsp; An average appointment looks like this:</p>
<p>*You will be weighed, have a urine test (if your provider does them regularly), have your blood pressure taken, your pulse checked, and asked if you've had an unusual symptoms (by a nurse in you are seeing a practice with doctors).&nbsp; You may also have any<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/28/healthy-pregnancy-series-common-maternity-tests.html"> tests </a>performed at this time, if any are scheduled that day.</p>
<p>*Your baby's position will be checked (if past 12 or 16 weeks, depending on the care provider), and your baby's heartbeat will be checked too.&nbsp; Past 20 weeks, the height of your uterus will be measured.</p>
<p>*The care provider will ask you if you have any questions, and you will be able to discuss any concerns that you have.</p>
<p>An average visit with a doctor is about 8 minutes; an average visit with a certified nurse-midwife is about 20 minutes; an average visit with a certified professional midwife is 45 - 60 minutes.&nbsp; The remainder of the visit time is spent talking.&nbsp; That is, sharing your fears, history, discussing diet, going over your birth plan, etc.</p>
<p>Regardless of who your care provider is, make sure you write down any questions or concerns you have between visits and bring them with you each time.&nbsp; You may forget to mention them otherwise.&nbsp; If your concerns are more serious (such as if you are bleeding or cramping in between appointments), call immediately.&nbsp; But if your concerns are minor (such as, is it safe to eat this food?), you can write them down and wait for your appointment.</p>
<p>You will have many, many doctors visits (or midwife's visits!) so make sure you are comfortable with your care provider!&nbsp; Each visit is another opportunity to get to know him/her!&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>What were your prenatal visits like?</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
When you are <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/14/healthy-pregnancy-series-top-10-things-to-do-when-you-find-o.html">pregnant</a>, you will have prenatal visits, no matter <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">what type of care you select</a>.&nbsp; But what does an average prenatal visit look like?&nbsp; When are you supposed to go?
-----

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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Peach Jelly
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 08/05/2010 12:00:49 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/08/pennywise-platter-thursday-85.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/08/monday-mania-892010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a> and <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/08/11/wheatless-wednesday-august-11/">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a>!**<strong><br /></strong></p>
<p>Recently I canned a TON of peaches. I had read before doing so that I should save the skins and make peach skin jelly out of them, so I did. Gotta be extra frugal! The result was so good I'm going to share it with you. :)</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>Peach skins (from about 20 lbs. of peaches)</p>
<p>Water</p>
<p>2 tbsp. lemon juice</p>
<p>2 tbsp. honey</p>
<p>2 tbsp. fruit pectin (no-sugar needed)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Put the peach skins in water in a medium saucepan and boil them down until thickened and syrupy.&nbsp; Strain them.&nbsp; If any of the strained liquid has grittiness in it, strain it again so you have only pure liquid (I had to strain twice).&nbsp; You need about 2 c. of liquid.&nbsp; Mix in the lemon juice and pectin, bring to a boil.&nbsp; Boil hard for one minute.&nbsp; Remove from heat and add honey, stir to combine.&nbsp; Pour into 4 oz. jelly jars that have been heated.&nbsp; Place lids on and process in a water bath canner.&nbsp; Makes about 6 jars.</p>
<p>If you're looking for a recipe that <em>does</em> contain sugar, you can check out this<a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2009/09/07/peach-pit-jelly/"> Peach Pit Jelly</a> from Donielle at Naturally Knocked Up!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Recently I canned a TON of peaches. I had read before doing so that I should save the skins and make peach skin jelly out of them, so I did. Gotta be extra frugal! The result was so good I'm going to share it with you. :)
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/10/2010 11:44:30 PM
<p>I have a huge bag of organic cling peaches in the freezer from a food club I buy from.   This would be a great use for some of them!   Thank you for stopping by Monday Mania!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: healthy pregnancy
EMAIL: giltain1@hotmail.com
IP: 89.138.1.98
URL: http://www.my-healthypregnancy.com
DATE: 08/18/2010 06:41:20 AM
<p>Hi<br/>I  have a lot of good recepies if you want,contact me if you need.I&#39;ll be more then happy o give them to you.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Review of Vitamix
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/06/2010 12:00:08 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>I was asked on a recent post to do a review of the Vitamix, so here it is!</p>
<p>For the first three years or so of my marriage, I had an old blender.&nbsp; It had belonged to one of our parents, and they had given it to us because they no longer needed it.&nbsp; It was a headache for me, and I yearned for a high quality, professional blender.&nbsp; I did not have the money to buy one, though, so I had to deal with what I had!</p>
<p>Our old blender was the typical style -- it could be taken apart at the base to clean the blades and other pieces separately from the canister.&nbsp; Which also meant that it could, and did, leak often times, even when I put it back together carefully.&nbsp; It jammed often and wasn't particularly sharp or able to handle much.&nbsp; It WAS old, of course.&nbsp; But it just wasn't...nice.&nbsp; And it didn't have too many options.&nbsp; It was your run-of-the-mill blender.</p>
<p>Then, in March of this year, I was given a Vitamix for my birthday!&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.vitamix.com"><img src="/storage/Vitamix.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280689224504" alt="" /></a></span></span></p>
<p>Yes, it was one of the newer models (not THE newest) and yes, it probably cost around $600.&nbsp; Which is a LOT for a blender.&nbsp; But, oh, the things it can do!</p>
<p>The Vitamix has one of the best warranties and customer service in the industry.&nbsp; We haven't needed it, but they were excellent at the time of purchase.</p>
<p>It also does so MANY things.&nbsp; It comes with both a "wet" container (8 c. capacity) and a "dry" container (4 c. capacity).&nbsp; The wet container makes any type of liquid, while the dry container handles grinding grains or other "dry" things.&nbsp; Here are some things I've done with it:</p>
<p>*Made smoothies</p>
<p>*Ground grains</p>
<p>*Made seed butter (would work for nut butter too!)</p>
<p>*Ground basil into a paste</p>
<p>*Made ice cream</p>
<p>*Made <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/27/tutorial-making-butter.html">butter</a></p>
<p>*Made whipped cream</p>
<p>*Chopped veggies for relish</p>
<p>That's not an exhaustive list, just top and recent uses.&nbsp; I use it almost everyday.&nbsp; It handles almost anything and if used properly, rarely ever jams (and if it does, the handy spatulas that were included with it quickly un-jam it).</p>
<p>I love that it is versatile.&nbsp; I don't feel like any other blender (or at least not any standard one) would have the range of uses that this one does.&nbsp; I certainly wouldn't have trusted my old one to make butter or grind grains!&nbsp; It eliminates my need for a food processor or grain grinder or other kitchen tools, which could potentially save money, not to mention counter space.</p>
<p>I also love that it has so many settings.&nbsp; The Vitamix has a dial that goes from 1 - 10, and then a switch to turn it on high.&nbsp; The "1" setting is just barely on.&nbsp; Using the lowest settings is how I prevent the blender from jamming when I'm doing thick stuff, like fruit smoothies and butter.&nbsp; Sometimes even if I forget and turn it up high, if I turn it back down low it will un-jam itself.</p>
<p>I consider it one of my indispensible kitchen tools now.&nbsp; I wouldn't be able to get along without it (or my dehydrator, but that's another story).&nbsp; I can make nearly anything in it.&nbsp; Other than the dehydrator I can't think of anything I use more often.&nbsp; Even my stove!&nbsp; (Okay, maybe my stove, sometimes.)</p>
<p>I have a friend who grew up with a Vitamix.&nbsp; 15 years or so of using it multiple times a day, and the motor finally died.&nbsp; But with a small part repair it will be good to go again.&nbsp; She's constantly jealous that I have one (she doesn't have one in her own home yet) because they are THAT awesome.</p>
<p>Any downsides?&nbsp; Well, the container is plastic.&nbsp; Which I haven't found to be a HUGE issue, but some people really prefer all glass.&nbsp; The price, obviously -- $600 is very steep!&nbsp; I really can't think of anything else, though.</p>
<p>My theory is that if you can <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/1/debt-free-living.html">afford it</a>, get the best.&nbsp; What is the point in buying a series of cheaper blenders or other kitchen tools because they just don't do what you want and they wear out easily?&nbsp; You'd need a grain grinder, food processor, mixer, and maybe others to do what the Vitamix does in one machine.&nbsp; And an average $50 blender won't last very long.&nbsp; Over time you'd spend far, far more buying extra appliances and replacing your blender than you would if you had just bought the Vitamix.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There ARE other top-level machines out there but I haven't tried them and can't speak for them.&nbsp; I'm comparing Vitamix to an average home blender.&nbsp; And by the way, no, I don't think you should go into debt to buy one, no matter how awesome.</p>
<p>What blender do you have?&nbsp; Do you like it?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I was asked on a recent post to do a review of the Vitamix, so here it is!</p>
<p>For the first three years or so of my marriage, I had an old blender.&nbsp; It had belonged to one of our parents, and they had given it to us because they no longer needed it.&nbsp; It was a headache for me, and I yearned for a high quality, professional blender.&nbsp; I did not have the money to buy one, though, so I had to deal with what I had!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erica
EMAIL: 
IP: 205.209.14.63
URL: 
DATE: 08/07/2010 06:41:49 AM
<p>So far I have only used my Vitamix for making smoothies and for grinding my sprouted grain flour. When we bought it, the dry container was extra but my husband got it anyway and I thought, what a waste! I'll never use that. But this year I started making my own flour and my Vitamix has been put to such good use!  If I never used it for any other purpose, it would still be one of my favorite tools in the kitchen. I saw your blog about making butter and am planning to try that one of these days. I know it's also great for soups, green drinks, ice cream etc.</p><p>Also I am curious, what kind of dehydrator do you have (and love)?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: h.l.lionelle@gmail.com
IP: 72.174.166.83
URL: 
DATE: 08/07/2010 01:30:47 PM
<p>I have an old model Vita mix. When I got my first apartment, Mom bought a new one and gave me the old. I love, love, love my vitamix. It also makes excellent chocolate fondue. I'm pretty sure if the one I have ever dies, I'll have to have another, it's just so versatile.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Things I've Learned This Summer
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/07/2010 12:00:49 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>This summer was my first time participating in a CSA, frequenting farmer's markets, and really paying attention to what's going on around me.  And I learned a lot!</p>
<p>1) Peaches grow in Ohio.&nbsp; I really thought peaches were a Southern thing.&nbsp; They grew in Florida and were ripe in the mid-spring.&nbsp; I thought you couldn't grow them up North because of the temperate climate.&nbsp; Turns out I was wrong!</p>
<p>2) Lettuce can't grow in the heat, because it bolts (grows upwards weirdly and becomes bitter).&nbsp; So it's really a spring food, not a summer food.</p>
<p>3) Corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and other "fall" foods actually start to ripen in July.&nbsp; I've already gotten some!</p>
<p>4) I have basically no use for kale in the summer, but love to add it to cream soups in the winter.&nbsp; Hence, I ate almost none of what I got and it's all been washed and chopped and frozen for later use. :)</p>
<p>5) Canning is a lot of fun!&nbsp; And the food tastes SO much better than anything you'd buy at the store.&nbsp; More on canning next week....</p>
<p>6) I love sweet pickle relish.&nbsp; I hadn't had any in YEARS (like, since I was about 4!) but turns out I really like it.</p>
<p>7) It's possible to buy honey that is light and slightly mint-flavored.&nbsp; Isn't that cool?&nbsp; I bought some and I've been using it in spearmint tea for a refreshing summer drink!</p>
<p>8) Despite my best intentions, kohlrabi and beets continue to elude me...as in, WHAT do I do with those things?</p>
<p>9) I LOVE freezing all this delicious food for my family.&nbsp; In addition to canning it (which I also love).&nbsp; It is wonderful to know I am going to have so much local, wonderful food to eat in the winter, not to mention all the money I'll save!</p>
<p>10) Being outside in the sun as much as possible is super fun and with our real food lifestyle, we don't burn!&nbsp;</p>
<p>So that's what I've learned this summer!&nbsp; What have you learned?</p>
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EXCERPT:
This summer was my first time participating in a CSA, frequenting farmer's markets, and really paying attention to what's going on around me.  And I learned a lot!</p>
<p>1) Peaches grow in Ohio.&nbsp; I really thought peaches were a Southern thing.&nbsp; They grew in Florida and were ripe in the mid-spring.&nbsp; I thought you couldn't grow them up North because of the temperate climate.&nbsp; Turns out I was wrong!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cindy (FarmgirlCyn)
EMAIL: cindy50@altelco.net
IP: 216.176.10.83
URL: 
DATE: 08/07/2010 01:28:29 PM
<p>We grow peaches here in West Michigan and they are wonderful! <br/>I add some finely chopped kale to nearly done fried potatoes along with some spicy seasonings and it has become my favorite summertime kale recipe. Like you, I also steam, chop, and freeze for winter soups.<br/>Kohlrabi is great just peeled and cut into large matchstick pieces as a crudite for homemade ranch dip. <br/>And beets? I love them pickled, but I also just roasted some this week and they were SO good!<br/>Every summer is a chance to learn new things, eh? The CSA is an especially great way to try new things. I had never even heard of kohlrabi before that!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 217.91.36.71
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 08/07/2010 06:21:44 PM
<p>For the beets, I found a few recipes you might want to try. First, beet chips - thinly sliced on a baking sheet, brushed with olive oil, 30 minutes at 350F. Lots of people roast them too - cut off the top, wrap in foil, bake at 400 for 1 hour or until tender, cool, remove skins with a butter knife. You can boil them instead of roasting, and cool and peel the same way. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/260373/how_to_cook_beets_3_yummy_recipes_to.html has recipes for beet salad, mixed veggies with beets, borsch (the Russian cold beet soup). You can even pickle beets...that's my favorite way to eat them. My dad's favorite way, too. </p><p>Also, you can do the same things to the beet greens as chard or kale. Saute them, put them in a soup, etc. </p><p>As for kohlrabi, I've seen it in the marketplace here but don't know how to cook it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: 
IP: 64.229.36.253
URL: 
DATE: 08/08/2010 09:40:26 PM
<p>Kohlrabi are really good raw, with dip. You can also cook them (my mum used to boil them in chicken broth), but i prefer them raw. <br/>As for beets, they can be pickled and served as a side dish with roast etc, and I love beet salad. You can make it either with raw or cooked (or canned) beets. Make a vinaigrette that is a tad vinegary, add onions and herbs to it, then grate the raw, peeled beets right into the bowl. Or chop cooked or canned beets and add to the vinaigrette.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Canning for Beginners
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/09/2010 12:00:22 PM
-----
BODY:
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<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/08/real-food-wednesday-81110.html">Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Canning.</p>
<p>It's addictive.&nbsp; At least for me!&nbsp; And it's not nearly as hard as it appears to be.&nbsp; I was so excited to try but so intimidated to start.&nbsp; It seems like you need a LOT of supplies, and it will take a LOT of time, and be easy to screw up.</p>
<p>But guess what?&nbsp; It's not bad at all!&nbsp; You do need a fair amount of supplies, but most are jars.&nbsp; You will need a LOT of jars!&nbsp; The rest you may or may not need, really.&nbsp; It also doesn't take as much time as I thought it would.&nbsp; At least not active time.&nbsp; And it doesn't need to be done ALL AT ONCE, like I thought.&nbsp; I was imagining several hard, long days in the kitchen where I did nothing but canning and couldn't even watch my children well while doing it (I had planned to ask Ben to stay home a couple days, or do it on the weekends).&nbsp; But it's not like that.&nbsp; In fact, most of it is quite easy!&nbsp;</p>
<p>I'm going to go into a quick FAQ for you, here.&nbsp; Tomorrow I'll walk you through a project I did in my own kitchen last weekend.&nbsp; I bought 75 lbs. of tomatoes so I had to do something with them!&nbsp; Yes, I might be insane, and no, I'm not done.&nbsp; I still want more tomatoes.</p>
<p><strong>Why would anyone want to can when there's such an abundance of food at grocery stores now?&nbsp; It's not like we HAVE to.</strong></p>
<p>Well, it saves a LOT of money if you do it right.&nbsp; It also brings high quality, organic, local food to your kitchen in the middle of the winter.&nbsp; You know exactly what's in it.&nbsp; I was able to buy local peaches for around $1/lb. and tomatoes for $0.70/lb.&nbsp; Even though I used 2 - 3 lbs. per quart jar, that STILL works out to only $2 per quart of food!&nbsp; To get something as high quality in a grocery store, you'd expect to pay $5 or more.&nbsp; That's a huge savings.&nbsp; And we're talking LOCAL, ORGANIC food!!&nbsp; My "bottom" price for 24 oz. of strained tomatoes in glass jars is $2.79 (this is assuming purchasing from Tropical Traditions during a "free shipping" day -- I could easily pay a $1 or so more than that if I don't get the sale).&nbsp; My 32 oz. jars of sauce cost only $2.&nbsp; How awesome is that?&nbsp; Plus, the food just tastes so much better!</p>
<p><strong>Okay, but don't you need tons of fancy equipment?&nbsp; Isn't getting started expensive?</strong></p>
<p>Sort of.&nbsp; If you decide you MUST have all the "proper" equipment and that it needs to be new and of the best quality, yes, it will be expensive.&nbsp; I know people who rushed out and bought $60 water bath canners...then realized that wouldn't work, and ran out and bought $80 pressure canners.&nbsp; You could buy brand-new, top-quality funnels, brand-new wide-mouth jars, etc. etc. and spend quite a bit of money.&nbsp; But what I did was use my 16-qt. stock pot (it just has to be big enough to cover your largest jar by 1 - 2" with water) and put a folded dish towel at the bottom of it (to protect the jars from breaking; this replaces a "jar rack").&nbsp; Cost to me: $0.&nbsp; You may be able to find jars at garage sales or thrift stores.&nbsp; But be aware that local big box stores (Walmart, Meijer, etc.) will have them too for about $0.60/jar so if they cost more than that used, don't buy them.&nbsp; Even if you need a lot of jars, when $8/doz. is the MAX price you pay (smaller jars are cheaper, that's the quart price), you really won't spend TOO much.&nbsp; And of course you can reuse them.</p>
<p>If you happen to be gifted some old jars like I was (and make sure they're "real" canning jars, not old mayonnaise jars, which could break) but they don't have any lids OR rings, you can buy a package of lids + rings for $3.&nbsp; And you can buy just lids for $1 a doz. or so.&nbsp; You do have to buy new lids every year, but at that price, who cares?</p>
<p><strong>I've got all my stuff, but I'm nervous!&nbsp; How much time will this really take?</strong></p>
<p>It depends on what you're making.&nbsp; Some foods are more labor-intensive than others.&nbsp; And it also depends on what procedures you follow.&nbsp; When making tomato sauce, are you going to blanch, peel, and seed your tomatoes?&nbsp; Expect to spend a lot more than than if you just roughly chopped them and blended them up!&nbsp; (I recommend seeding but not the rest.)&nbsp; If you're doing sliced foods that must be peeled and cored (peaches or pears, for example), that will take longer than something like applesauce, where you can strain it later.</p>
<p>I'll discuss the specifics of how to make some of these things in future posts, but it the longest it took me was about 4 hours to can 12 qts. of peaches.&nbsp; And that wasn't even 100% active work time.&nbsp; I took breaks to check my email, eat dinner, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp; Everything else, so far, has been a lot less time.&nbsp; You can make just a few jars at once and process them.&nbsp; You don't have to do ALL the stuff you have.&nbsp; I have even finished a jar and stuck it in the fridge overnight and processed it the next day.&nbsp; It's pretty flexible.</p>
<p><strong>What about safety?&nbsp; I don't want to get burned, break jars, etc.</strong></p>
<p>Yes, you do need to be careful.&nbsp; But as long as you are, it's unlikely you will get hurt or break anything.&nbsp; Always make sure you are using the proper tools (like the magnetic lid lifter, or the jar gripper tongs) when you are handling hot items.&nbsp; If you choose to use a pressure canner, always follow the directions in the recipe.&nbsp; But it's not as difficult as it seems.&nbsp; When I processed my first jars, I was sure I would need my husband to lift them out of that boiling pot of water, especially because it's so big and I'm short and couldn't get a great angle.&nbsp; But, with the jar gripper tool, I was able to do it easily and have never had any problems.&nbsp; Make sure you prepare your jars -- warming them before adding hot food, and you allow things to cool undisturbed.&nbsp; Keep everything away from children, of course!&nbsp; But I've found that my safety worries are a lot less than when I started.&nbsp; I am still careful, but I am not intimidated anymore.</p>
<p>What about buying all that food at once?&nbsp; Isn't that expensive?</p>
<p>It can be.&nbsp; But if you talk to others, look around, find deals -- it's not too bad.&nbsp; I anticipate spending $250 - $300 on my food this fall, but I will be canning enough to last most of a year!&nbsp; Since that's how much I spend on groceries in 2 - 3 weeks, well, you can see that this will really pay off (and yes, I will still have to buy meat and cheese and such, but my grocery bill will go way down once I can pull from the pantry).&nbsp; The first year is hard because you don't have anything saved up (unless you were smarter than I am!).&nbsp; After the first year you can set aside the extra money you're not spending on groceries for your next year's purchases.&nbsp; But I have found many places give you great deals if you buy in large quantity.&nbsp; I found 25 lbs. of tomatoes for $17.50 (about $0.70/lb), a bushel of apples for $40 or so (that's about $1/lb), and so on.&nbsp; You could garden, or join a CSA (we did) or beg, borrow, and steal (just kidding about the stealing) from friends whose gardens are overflowing.&nbsp; There are LOTS of ways to get what you need.</p>
<p>Also, I've found things are coming in stages.&nbsp; Strawberries are in June, blueberries in July, tomatoes in August, peaches in July-August, pears in September-October, apples in Semptember-October too.&nbsp; So I don't have to pay all the money OR do all the work at once.&nbsp; I had imagined most of the bounty coming in around the same time and having to spend a few intense weeks canning and of course pay all that money at once, but it hasn't worked out that way.</p>
<p><strong>How do you do canning with small children around?</strong></p>
<p>It's actually pretty easy.&nbsp; Many things are not that labor-intensive and you can do a bit while they're playing nearby, or having a snack, or napping.&nbsp; I can easily slice, seed, and puree a few lbs. of tomatoes while my kids eat breakfast, then I can ignore it on the stove for an hour or so while I play with them or attend to other chores.&nbsp; I can chop veggies for relish and set that to soak while my kids play, then drain it and toss it in a pot awhile later, then quickly fill jars and put them in the canner.&nbsp; It's only a few minutes of work here and there, so I can easily attend to kids.&nbsp; For things that are more labor intensive (blanching, peeling, and slicing peaches, for example) -- I do most of it after daddy's home for the night.&nbsp; Although, I can do some while they are playing, because if I need to stop for 5 or 10 minutes I can.&nbsp; It'll wait.</p>
<p>And remember, distraction is your friend. :)&nbsp; Sometimes we have friends over and the kids play and the adults talk while I work.&nbsp; Or, I fill the sink and let the kids "play water" nearby (I have a cool thing called a Learning Tower that is really safe and awesome for them to play in).&nbsp; Or, sometimes I turn on a video and just let them watch TV for a bit.&nbsp; It keeps them safe, and it lets me get my work done.&nbsp; In a perfect world, we'd NEVER watch TV (and on most days, we don't), but in the real world when mommy has a lot of work sometimes, well...it happens.</p>
<p><strong>So what DO I need for canning?&nbsp; Practical advice, here.</strong></p>
<p>I'm going to give you a couple lists that I searched high and low for when I was starting.&nbsp; I found it hard to plan because I couldn't figure out what I REALLY needed, or how much food I needed, or anything.&nbsp; Nothing made sense!&nbsp; But here is what I finally learned:</p>
<p>You need:</p>
<p>*A big pot with a lid (to cover jars by 1 - 2" with water)</p>
<p>*Jar grippers (it will make your life so much easier)</p>
<p>*Something to protect the bottom of your pot -- a kitchen towel or a jar rack</p>
<p>*Lots and lots of jars (whatever size/shape you want, but make sure they're canning jars. Ball, Mason, etc.)</p>
<p>*Lids and rings (lids must be NEW, rings can be reused)</p>
<p>*Wide mouth funnel (not an absolute necessity but will make your life easier)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tomatoes</p>
<p>3 lbs. = 1 qt. of sauce (about)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Peaches/Pears</p>
<p>2 lbs. = 1 qt. of slices</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Apples/Pears</p>
<p>3 lbs. = 1 qt. of sauce</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's as far as I've gotten now.&nbsp; As I do more and more canning I'll tell you all the things I've learned!</p>
<p>What questions do you have about canning?&nbsp; What are you most eager to make or learn about?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Canning.</p>
<p>It's addictive.&nbsp; At least for me!&nbsp; And it's not nearly as hard as it appears to be.&nbsp; I was so excited to try but so intimidated to start.&nbsp; It seems like you need a LOT of supplies, and it will take a LOT of time, and be easy to screw up.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 74.221.111.25
URL: 
DATE: 08/11/2010 03:19:07 AM
<p>I would love to know where you are finding the canning lids for $1.  I have yet to find them for less than $2.50 a dozen locally (and yes, that is just the lids, no rings)...do you buy yours online?  Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/11/2010 02:14:28 PM
<p>Cathy,</p><p>We have a Walmart and a Meijer that have the lids this cheap.  I am not sure of an online source, but I'm sure there is one!  I've found that &quot;real&quot; grocery stores, like Kroger, are typically more expensive on canning supplies than the &quot;big box&quot; stores though.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 01/20/2011 07:20:24 PM
<p>Have you tried the reusable BPA-free canning lids made by Tattler? I am considering them for summer 2011 canning but am a little turned off by the larger upfront cost. But having BPA-free lids is appealing to me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/20/2011 07:56:15 PM
<p>Robin,</p><p>I haven&#39;t, because of the cost.  Maybe someday!  But I figure the tiny amount of BPA in the lids really doesn&#39;t touch the food, so I&#39;ll have to call it good.  Lots better than a whole can lined with BPA!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Canning Tomato Sauce
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/10/2010 12:00:27 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/08/17/tuesday-twister-7/">Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a>!**</p>
<p>Tomato sauce wasn't even my first project, but it was the one that weighed most heavily on my mind.  While friends were gathering up strawberries and other earlier crops to make jellies and jams and all sorts of things, I was just waiting.  My family won't eat jellies and jams so there was no reason to make any.  But tomato sauce!  We go through that like crazy!  It was one of the biggest things I've planned to can and no, I am STILL not done!  But I actually did this one in a few different stages so I "perfected" my technique a bit.  I'll share with you the way that I did it, and explain why some of the other ways are not my preferred way.  Here we go...be prepared to get messy!</p>
<p>First, you need a LOT of tomatoes.&nbsp; Take a look at some of mine:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010628.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281406717912" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>That's with the box about half full.&nbsp; I had THREE of these boxes full originally, 75 lbs!&nbsp; And no, it was NOT enough. Ha.</p>
<p>Take your tomatoes and chop them up.&nbsp; I usually quarter mine, then cut each quarter in half the "fat" way.&nbsp; Not into eighths in slices/wedges, if that makes sense.&nbsp; It's easier to get the seeds out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To seed or not to seed?&nbsp; My first batch, I didn't seed.&nbsp; It took a long time to boil down (because of all the extra liquid surrounding the seeds) and there were a ton of seeds in it, and they were very obvious.&nbsp; Seeding only adds an extra few seconds and I haven't found it to be a big deal.&nbsp; I like it better seeded.</p>
<p>Scrape the seeds out into a bowl (you don't need them, but you don't need to be running back and forth to the sink every time) and then toss the pieces into your blender.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010626.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281406836943" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Okay, when your blender is full, it's time to blend it up!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010629.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281407244350" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Mine's full of pretty tomatoes.&nbsp; They'll squish down as they blend.&nbsp; See?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010630.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281407779190" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>They're collapsing into the puree at the bottom.&nbsp; Oh, how I love my Vitamix.</p>
<p>Now, I have puree.&nbsp; See my puree?&nbsp; A full blender (mine is 8-cup capacity) turns in 4 - 5 cups of puree each time.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010631.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281407895565" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>This pale pink puree gets poured into a big pot to boil down.&nbsp; At first it's foamy, like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010621.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281408090542" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>But after awhile it starts to cook down and then it looks like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010623.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281408372124" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Nice and smooth now!&nbsp; But this is tomato juice right now, not sauce.&nbsp; You need to let it cook down for another couple hours if you want sauce.</p>
<p>When mine is cooked down to ALMOST the way I want it (kind of like a thin sauce), I add some chopped onion, garlic, salt, basil, and olive oil and let it simmer a bit longer until it's as thick as I want it.&nbsp; This usually takes another 30 - 40 minutes.</p>
<p>Then, I have tomato sauce!</p>
<p>At this point my camera dies so you're going to have to just imagine the rest....</p>
<p>When it's time to actually can the sauce, I get my jars, lids, and rings out.&nbsp; My rings get set aside.&nbsp; My lids go into a pot of hot (not boiling) water.&nbsp; I just use the hottest tap water I have for this, it's probably around 180 degrees.&nbsp; Although many people boil them, the instructions actually say not to.&nbsp; I leave these in the water for 5 - 10 minutes, until I have all my jars filled and ready.</p>
<p>I sterilize my jars as well as I can just before I put the sauce in them.&nbsp; They'll get fully sterilized in the hot water bath and it's impossible to keep them TRULY sterilized before that because they're still exposed to the open air.&nbsp; I wash my (basically clean) jars in the hottest water I can stand with a little soap right before I fill them.&nbsp; This makes sure they're clean, AND it heats them up so they don't break when I pour hot food in them.</p>
<p>Then I stick my nice wide-mouth funnel in my jars (one at a time) and fill them.&nbsp; Should I forget to use this or somehow spill anyway, I wipe the mouths of the jars so they are clean (otherwise, it could interfere with the seal).</p>
<p>When they are ALL filled, I get my lids out of the hot water and put one on each jar.&nbsp; Then I screw on the rings until they are just tightened, but not TOO tight.&nbsp; You don't want them super tight or that could interfere with the seal.</p>
<p>Into the water bath they go!&nbsp; The water should be covering the jars by at least 1".&nbsp; That is, the TOPS of the jars.&nbsp; Nothing should be exposed.&nbsp; Bring the water to a boil.&nbsp; Once it is at a full, rolling boil, set the timer for 30 minutes.</p>
<p>At the end of 30 minutes (the entire time at a boil), the jars are done!&nbsp; Turn the water off and wait a minute for it to stop boiling so hard (otherwise it might splash and burn you).&nbsp; Then use your nifty jar lifter to pull them out of the water bath.&nbsp; Listen for that neat little pop that says they are sealed.&nbsp; MOST jars will pop almost immediately, but it can be up to 12 hours.&nbsp; Wait until the next day and check if you don't hear them all right away.&nbsp; If they DON'T seal, get a new lid and re-process the jar for the full amount of time again.&nbsp; Or put it in the fridge and use it right away.&nbsp; I have done both.</p>
<p>Now, do you need a lid on the pot?</p>
<p>Most say yes.&nbsp; I don't use one.&nbsp; BECAUSE, when my stock pot is full enough to cover the jars appropriately (it covers them about 2" if filled pretty much to the brim), it is so full that a rolling boil will knock the lid right onto the floor and then boil water everywhere.&nbsp; Well, it boils water everywhere anyway.&nbsp; Which is why my children aren't generally allowed in the kitchen when I'm processing a full load of quarts.&nbsp; As long as the water stays at least 1" above the jars the entire time, they'll be fine.</p>
<p>You may have noticed I don't peel my tomatoes.&nbsp; Why not?&nbsp; Well, my Vitamix does a good enough job getting the skins pureed so that I don't really care.&nbsp; And having to blanch and skin each tomato would add so much time to my routine (believe me -- I did peel the ones for salsa, so I know exactly how long!) that it's just not worth it.&nbsp; So I don't peel, but I do remove seeds.</p>
<p>What do you think?&nbsp; Have you canned tomato sauce before, or do you plan to in the future?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Tomato sauce wasn't even my first project, but it was the one that weighed most heavily on my mind.  While friends were gathering up strawberries and other earlier crops to make jellies and jams and all sorts of things, I was just waiting.  My family won't eat jellies and jams so there was no reason to make any.  But tomato sauce!  We go through that like crazy!  It was one of the biggest things I've planned to can and no, I am STILL not done!  But I actually did this one in a few different stages so I "perfected" my technique a bit.  I'll share with you the way that I did it, and explain why some of the other ways are not my preferred way.  Here we go...be prepared to get messy!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: AmyJo
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.168.109.134
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2011 04:30:37 PM
<p>Well, now I want to can tomatoes!  Thanks for the post...it certainly makes me think I can do it.  I&#39;m curious...how many quarts of sauce did you get for 75lbs of tomatoes?  And do you have to fill the jar up?  What if I only have half a jar?  Just use a smaller jar probably, huh?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Diet Revisited
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 08/11/2010 12:00:48 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/08/monday-mania-8162010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>I posted on what a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">healthy pregnancy diet</a> is a few months back.  But, it's so important that it bears revisiting now, in this healthy pregnancy series.</p>
<p>Your baby is made largely of fat (most of it saturated and including cholesterol!) and protein.&nbsp; You need a LOT of these foods while pregnant.&nbsp; Some experts recommend 80 - 120 grams of protein PER DAY during pregnancy!&nbsp; While this is a lot, it is helping you build your baby.&nbsp; It may also help stave off morning sickness for some women.</p>
<p>As for fat -- <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/16/eating-fat-how-and-why.html">you don't need to be afraid of it</a>.&nbsp; Your baby's body NEEDS the fat.&nbsp; Saturated fat is a large part of your baby's brain!&nbsp; And cholesterol is found in every cell in your body (and your baby's).&nbsp; There is an <a href="http://rda.mercola.com/redirect/view.aspx?Email=ktietje85@gmail.com&amp;ReturnURL=http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/10/making-sense-of-your-cholesterol-numbers.aspx">excellent article by Dr. Mercola</a> explaining why we are afraid of cholesterol and why we shouldn't be.&nbsp; Cholesterol is not only NOT bad, it's absolutely NECESSARY!!&nbsp; To everyone!</p>
<p>Read the previous article (linked at the top) about what a pregnancy diet ought to include.&nbsp; But now let's talk specifics: what does a pregnancy diet actually look like each day?&nbsp; Here is an example:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breakfast</span></p>
<p>Fruit smoothie with juice, frozen fruit, and plain yogurt; eggs with bacon or sausage.&nbsp; Pregnancy tea or lemon water.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Snack</span></p>
<p>Slice of sprouted whole grain bread with peanut or almond butter; water or pregnancy tea.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lunch</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/5/recipe-chicken-marinade.html">Grilled chicken breast</a>, steamed <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/10/fried-potatoes-with-broccoli-and-cheese.html">broccoli with cheese sauce</a>, salad with <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/20/caesar-dressing.html">dressing</a>.&nbsp; Water or pregnancy tea.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Snack</span></p>
<p>Apple slices with peanut or almond butter; or cubes of cheese and carrot sticks.&nbsp; Kombucha or other fermented beverage.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dinner</span></p>
<p>Grass-fed burgers on sprouted buns with cheese and bacon, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/25/how-to-make-amazing-french-fries.html">homemade French fries</a>, fresh fruit with whipped cream or <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/29/dairy-free-ice-cream.html">homemade raw ice cream</a>.&nbsp; Water or pregnancy tea.</p>
<p>Note each meal has plenty of protein and fat, but few carbs.&nbsp; There are SOME in some of veggies (carrots and potatoes) and sprouted breads.&nbsp; But meals are primarily based around meat and veggies with carbs alongside, rather than as the focus of the meal.&nbsp; This is really how EVERYONE should eat.</p>
<p>This example provides a nutrient-dense set of meals that will keep you full and provide the nutrients your baby needs to grow!&nbsp; The lemon water is included because the sour taste can help nausea in some women.</p>
<p>There are plenty of other examples, of course.&nbsp; This one just happens to be close to something I like to eat frequently! :)&nbsp; No, I'm not pregnant.&nbsp; But when you are nursing and/or trying to conceive, eating a pregnancy diet is a good idea.</p>
<p>What if you're too nauseous to eat?&nbsp; We'll be covering that in the near future -- how to stave off morning sickness!</p>
<p>How do you eat when pregnant?&nbsp; What does your meal plan look like?</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
I posted on what a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">healthy pregnancy diet</a> is a few months back.  But, it's so important that it bears revisiting now, in this healthy pregnancy series.</p>
<p>Your baby is made largely of fat (most of it saturated and including cholesterol!) and protein.&nbsp; You need a LOT of these foods while pregnant.&nbsp; Some experts recommend 80 - 120 grams of protein PER DAY during pregnancy!&nbsp; While this is a lot, it is helping you build your baby.&nbsp; It may also help stave off morning sickness for some women.</p>
<p>As for fat -- <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/16/eating-fat-how-and-why.html">you don't need to be afraid of it</a>.&nbsp; Your baby's body NEEDS the fat.&nbsp; Saturated fat is a large part of your baby's brain!&nbsp; And cholesterol is found in every cell in your body (and your baby's).&nbsp; There is an <a href="http://rda.mercola.com/redirect/view.aspx?Email=ktietje85@gmail.com&amp;ReturnURL=http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/10/making-sense-of-your-cholesterol-numbers.aspx">excellent article by Dr. Mercola</a> explaining why we are afraid of cholesterol and why we shouldn't be.&nbsp; Cholesterol is not only NOT bad, it's absolutely NECESSARY!!&nbsp; To everyone!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn
EMAIL: jennifferbsch23@gmail.com
IP: 66.162.102.226
URL: 
DATE: 08/11/2010 04:02:28 PM
<p>Do you stay away from caffeine when ttc?  It seems I won't be able to get rid of my coffee habit until I find out I am actually pregnant!  I only have one cup a day.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/11/2010 04:14:48 PM
<p>Jenn,</p><p>It's probably best to stay away from caffeine while TTC -- in a perfect world.  I don't have a problem with it because I don't drink coffee anyway.  But 1 cup a day isn't going to hurt, especially if it's organic.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: nancy
EMAIL: nancykdunn@gmail.com
IP: 68.207.123.168
URL: http://wanderingnancy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/11/2010 04:15:22 PM
<p>I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant and that looks very close to what I have been eating, even before getting pregnant. I've had such an easy pregnancy and I blame it on my diet. Oh can't forget the fermented cod liver oil and high vitamin butter!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/23/2010 12:43:39 AM
<p>Hi Kate, great post!   Enough can&#39;t be said about the right pregnancy diet.   Thanks for visiting Monday Mania with this so very important info.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bekah
EMAIL: mrsbekahglass@gmail.com
IP: 64.55.161.194
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 09:07:02 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been looking for a post someone wrote about a lady who had been trying to get pregnant for 8 years and finally did after changing her diet.  Are you familiar with that, or is anyone?  I&#39;d love to find it again and read about it since I&#39;m having a difficult time.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/12/2010 12:00:21 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/08/pennywise-platter-thursday-8.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a> and <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/08/17/wheatless-wednesday-blt-spaghetti/">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a>!**</p>
<p>I wanted to make vanilla milkshakes at home, and I thought, why not use vanilla frozen yogurt for it?&nbsp; I haven't actually made the milkshakes yet because I'm not sure that I like this frozen yogurt, but my kids go CRAZY for it!&nbsp; It's all Bekah wants to eat these days.&nbsp; We even eat "ice cream" for breakfast.&nbsp; But with nutrition like this...who cares?&nbsp; Since she won't eat yogurt otherwise, I don't mind making this for her.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>4 c. plain yogurt (homemade or otherwise; we're using Dannon right now)</p>
<p>1/4 c. grade B maple syrup (or a bit less if you want)</p>
<p>2 tsp. vanilla extract</p>
<p>2 - 3 raw egg yolks</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix all ingredients in a blender.&nbsp; Love my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/6/review-of-vitamix.html">Vitamix</a> for that!&nbsp; Then freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions.&nbsp; The result is rich and creamy, but still quite tart.&nbsp; It's not at ALL like commercial frozen yogurt, so don't expect that!&nbsp; But as I said, my kids love it!</p>
<p>How do you eat yogurt?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I wanted to make vanilla milkshakes at home, and I thought, why not use vanilla frozen yogurt for it?&nbsp; I haven't actually made the milkshakes yet because I'm not sure that I like this frozen yogurt, but my kids go CRAZY for it!&nbsp; It's all Bekah wants to eat these days.&nbsp; We even eat "ice cream" for breakfast.&nbsp; But with nutrition like this...who cares?&nbsp; Since she won't eat yogurt otherwise, I don't mind making this for her.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up
EMAIL: donielle@naturallyknockedup.com
IP: 69.214.6.249
URL: http://www.naturallyknockedup.com
DATE: 08/19/2010 12:36:09 AM
<p>Great idea!! We&#39;ll have to try that sometime! Thanks for linking up - I stumbled. :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: AllieZirkle
EMAIL: freebieallie@gmail.com
IP: 65.104.86.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/04/2010 09:05:13 PM
<p>So you don&#39;t cook this at all to heat the yolks first?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/04/2010 09:20:02 PM
<p>Allie,</p><p>Nope.  I just make sure I get my eggs from a farmer I trust, and then I eat them raw!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story: Update
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/13/2010 12:00:03 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!&nbsp; Registration ends TOMORROW!<br /></strong></p>
<p>It's time to check in with our friend Amanda!&nbsp; If you remember, we met her two weeks ago and heard a little about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">her story</a>.&nbsp; Amanda's now moved into her own apartment, so let's see how she's doing!</p>
<div><em>Amanda says:</em></div>
<div></div>
<div>I'm doing all right....have not lost any weight but I think it's  because I'm dog-sitting for the week and it's a different house with  different food. I went to Mustard Seed market and Walmart for  groceries...spent a lot of money. It was also local Fair week and I  could not resist some&nbsp;of the food....:) I have found a love of  sauerkraut but I don't know what to do with my beets.... :(</div>
<div></div>
<div><em>(Anyone want to jump in here and help Amanda with lacto-fermented sauerkraut and something to do with her beets?!)</em></div>
<div></div>
<div>I went to the farmer's market and I will only buy cheese and bread  from there from now on! Found a woman who sells spelt bread....can't  wait to try it!</div>
<div></div>
<div>I also got mason jars and I hope to start fermenting salsa next  week when I am back in my apartment. My routine is nowhere near settled  yet. But! I have found that drinking milk keifer in the morning makes me  feel amazing and full of energy. I'm also learning to cook for myself  in big quantities on Sunday and so all I have to do is pull out my food,  heat and go! I may have the opportunity to buy into a cow at some point  here in the near future. I want to make sure it's raised right, but the  deal seems amazing and would literally take care of my meat for the  entire year!!!!</div>
<div></div>
<div>I've gotten more aware of the sugar I take into my body and have  reduced it - no more sweet tea, ketchup etc....but I have a ways to go. I  have also eliminated household cleaning products from my home for the  most part and clean only with baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen  peroxide.</div>
<div></div>
<div>My period is supposed to come on the 13th....I'm praying for it.  I'm still on the B12, Vitex and Licorice, though I have done some  forgetting in the last two weeks and skipped a few days here and there. I  bought myself a weekly pill reminder to pre-place all my pills for the  week in it, and carry it around in my purse.</div>
<div></div>
<div>I keep telling myself that these little baby steps are very good, and once I have these down I can master new ones!</div>
<div></div>
<div><em>And now back to Kate....</em></div>
<div></div>
<div>Thanks Amanda!&nbsp; We'll be waiting to hear how things go, if you get your period -- which is a HUGE step for someone with PCOS who is not on any meds!</div>
<div></div>
<div>Does anyone else have suggestions for Amanda?&nbsp; Has anyone out there struggled PCOS and found any herb or other therapy that was very helpful?</div>
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EXCERPT:
It's time to check in with our friend Amanda!&nbsp; If you remember, we met her two weeks ago and heard a little about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">her story</a>.&nbsp; Amanda's now moved into her own apartment, so let's see how she's doing!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Surf and Turf Ecourse Final Chance!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 08/14/2010 12:00:23 PM
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<p><strong>Don't forget to check out and sign up for the <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave  Surf and Turf course</a>!&nbsp; Learn how to cook delicious, healthy  grassfed meats and fish the easy way!</strong></p>
<p>Today is your LAST chance to enroll for <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave's Surf and Turf Ecourse</a>!&nbsp; And in case you aren't convinced yet that you need to take it, check out this new video, where Ann Marie gives you a SNEAK PEEK into one of her lessons!</p>
<p><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZnldlTAAHBQ&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZnldlTAAHBQ&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></p>
<p>Doesn't that look good?</p>
<p>Remember, if you entered the giveaway and didn't win, you can still receive a coupon code for $20 off.&nbsp; Just send me a message in order to get that code!</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today is your LAST chance to enroll for <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/cooking-classes/?AFFID=40365">Cheeseslave's Surf and Turf Ecourse</a>!&nbsp; And in case you aren't convinced yet that you need to take it, check out this new video, where Ann Marie gives you a SNEAK PEEK into one of her lessons!
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Updates and News
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 08/16/2010 12:00:43 PM
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<p>First, it's been several months and I figure it's about time to do a reader survey.  My traffic has increased a lot (I'll tell you how much in a minute!) and I would LOVE it if you would <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c&amp;hl=en&amp;authkey=CNiw5oEB">fill it out for me</a>.&nbsp;  Pretty please???&nbsp; I would really like to know who is reading and what you like (and don't like!).&nbsp; The results of this survey will guide some of the content and special features I'm planning to offer in the next few months!</p>
<p>Traffic has increased lots in the last few months!&nbsp; Here are a few stats that I currently know:</p>
<p>8,000 page views per month</p>
<p>2,000+ unique visitors</p>
<p>200 subscribers</p>
<p>That's pretty good!</p>
<p>The most popular posts from June, July and August (so far) are):</p>
<p>10. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/1/real-food-on-a-budget-introduction.html">Real Food on a Budget: Introduction</a></p>
<p>9. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/22/average-grocery-spending-and-ways-to-save-on-real-food.html">Average Grocery Spending and Ways to Save Money on Real Food</a></p>
<p>8. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/30/kombucha-in-the-news.html">Kombucha in the News</a></p>
<p>7. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/1/zucchini-lemon-poppy-seed-bread.html">Zucchini Lemon Poppy Seed Bread</a></p>
<p>6. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/5/freezer-cooking-introduction.html">Freezer Cooking: Introduction</a></p>
<p>5. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/9/living-without-a-microwave.html">Living Without a Microwave</a></p>
<p>4. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/28/changing-diet-our-story.html">Changing Diet: Our Story</a></p>
<p>3. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/27/tutorial-making-butter.html">Tutorial: Making Butter</a></p>
<p>2. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/">Meal plans</a> (not one post, but a new section!)</p>
<p>and the most popular was....</p>
<p><strong>1. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/18/sad-vs-real-food.html">SAD vs. Real Food!</a></strong></p>
<p>This tells me that my most popular posts were practical, money saving advice; meal planning; personal testimonals; and tutorials.&nbsp; Am I right?&nbsp; Head over to my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c&amp;hl=en&amp;authkey=CNiw5oEB">reader survey </a>and tell me!&nbsp; :)&nbsp; If you haven't read all of these great posts, click the links to read them now!</p>
<p>If your favorite post was a different one, what was it?</p>
<p>In the next few weeks we have a LOT of great stuff coming up!&nbsp; Some will remain a secret for now, but it's time to announce some of it!</p>
<p>Starting on Sept. 1st, we will be launching a forum!&nbsp; It will be a place where you can discuss all your "green living" needs -- parenting, green products, sourcing raw dairy, etc.&nbsp; Look for the announcement about sign ups coming soon.&nbsp; I will be approving all members manually to prevent spam.</p>
<p>Be looking for another awesome announcement coming in the next few weeks -- I've got a great project in the works!&nbsp; This announcement will be made on Facebook first, so if you want the scoop, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbus-OH/Modern-Alternative-Mama/310966612912">you have to "like" me there</a>!</p>
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EXCERPT:
First, it's been several months and I figure it's about time to do a reader survey.  My traffic has increased a lot (I'll tell you how much in a minute!) and I would LOVE it if you would <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkekNq35FL38dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c&amp;hl=en&amp;authkey=CNiw5oEB">fill it out for me</a>.&nbsp;  Pretty please???&nbsp; I would really like to know who is reading and what you like (and don't like!).&nbsp; The results of this survey will guide some of the content and special features I'm planning to offer in the next few months!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jill
EMAIL: jjjlalliii@msn.com
IP: 174.24.221.64
URL: 
DATE: 08/17/2010 02:48:14 PM
<p>I would fill it out but I don&#39;t understand how to.  Tried but it wouldn&#39;t let me fill in the fields.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.130.237
URL: 
DATE: 08/17/2010 04:24:06 PM
<p>I tried to also, but didn&#39;t know how to fill in the fields either.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmatic are the LAST Things I Want my Kids to Learn
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/17/2010 12:00:48 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**You can find me guest posting today over at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com">Naturally Knocked Up</a>.&nbsp; Topic?&nbsp; <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/08/17/fertility-signals-while-breastfeeding/">Fertility Signs while Breastfeeding</a>!**</p>
<p>You may ask why in the WORLD anyone would say "I don't want my kid to learn to read, write, or do math."  That's not exactly what I'm saying, but it caught your attention, didn't it?  Rather, although I consider those skills important, I consider them less important than other skills.  Let me explain.</p>
<p>Education has become a place where kids learn only the "basics:" reading, writing, and math.&nbsp; They also learn how to take turns, stand in lines, be quiet, and do busy work.&nbsp; Even if your children go to an EXCELLENT school with a wonderful teacher, the nature of a teacher having 15 - 35 kids in one classroom means that she (or he) cannot give everyone attention at once.&nbsp; Thus, individual assignments are given to the children while the teacher works with small groups of children at once.&nbsp; It's the only way a classroom with such a high teacher:student ratio can function.&nbsp; These individual assignments may be wonderful and creative -- or not.&nbsp; But regardless they won't meet the needs of every child in the classroom.&nbsp; Someone will be bored and someone will struggle.</p>
<p>In a truly excellent situation, there will be a fairly low teacher-to-student ratio, perhaps 1:15 or 1:20.&nbsp; The teacher will assign every child a portfolio and will use his or her precious "free" time (after school hours) to follow each student's progress in each subject area and will assign them individualized work that they are to do while she works with small groups of students for reading, math, etc.&nbsp; The students all get to move at their own paces while getting their teacher's attention.</p>
<p>In a poor situation, the teacher assigns everyone the same busy work out of the book while she holds small groups or just sits and observes, helping kids as they ask.&nbsp; The student-to-teacher ratio is 1:30 or higher.</p>
<p>Naturally most situations in between these.&nbsp; Regardless, though, they all still have regimented schedules, going to lunch, recess, "extras" (art, music, gym) at the same times every day.&nbsp; The teacher doesn't control this.&nbsp; In these schools, proper behavior, focused attention, standing in line, conformity -- are all valued.&nbsp; The schools (especially public) exist as much to teach "proper" conformist behavior as much as anything else.&nbsp; And valued most highly is, of course, reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic.&nbsp; If those suffer, schools will cut whatever they have to to focus on those.</p>
<p>I understand that not everyone can or desires to homeschool, and for these families, finding schools more like the excellent one I described are the best place for them to be.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now I want to explain to you MY version of education.&nbsp; I believe that education is not primarily about "the basics."&nbsp; I believe it is primarily about the skills and character needed to live a successful life -- whatever path you choose.&nbsp; 30 years ago, schools understood this a little better and required students to take a money management class, driver's ed, home economics.&nbsp; The students had to learn to balance a checkbook, hem a pair of pants, cook a meal, do laundry, and drive while they learned all the other skills schools had to offer.&nbsp; Today these skills are relegated to "those easy A classes" that many students never take, because they are considered "fluff" classes.</p>
<p>I couldn't disagree more.</p>
<p>For MOST students, what will they need more in 20 years?&nbsp; How to make dinner, or calculus?&nbsp; How to sew on a missing button or French literature?&nbsp; Let's talk practical, everyday skills here.</p>
<p>Unfortunately practical, everyday skills are considered nearly worthless in our culture.&nbsp; Homemakers are looked down upon.&nbsp; Domestic chores are relegated to maids if at all possible, or passed along to children.&nbsp; But they aren't a source of joy or pride, they are simple necessity and unfortunate drudgery.&nbsp; Actually studying them seems pointless and laughable!</p>
<p>However, I think this breeds contempt for daily life and leads to missing important parts.&nbsp; What we do at home, with our families (cleaning, eating, sleeping, relaxing) is the "stuff" of our lives.&nbsp; The rest (work, school) are things we do to supplement our lives.&nbsp; We do THOSE because they are necessary to help us with our "real" lives, not the other way around!</p>
<p>So, in this light, "life skills" are a pretty crucial part of the "education" that children should receive!&nbsp; In fact, my priorities in education, in order, are these:</p>
<p>1. Character/pursuing God</p>
<p>2. Life skills (cooking, cleaning)</p>
<p>3. "Academic" skills (reading, writing, math)</p>
<p>That is how it should be!</p>
<p>Children should learn first to have good moral character and to love and pursue God.&nbsp; They should be taught to have a servant's heart, to spend time loving and serving others.&nbsp; They should be encouraged to pray frequently, to pursue God and a relationship with Him.&nbsp; They should study God's word and apply it to their lives.&nbsp; They should study the Commandments and in all things, strive to live a Godly life.&nbsp; And of course, their parents should model this!&nbsp; (More on that another day.)</p>
<p>Second, children need practical life skills.&nbsp; They need to know how to do the laundry, cook a meal, do the grocery shopping, create and stick to a budget.&nbsp; They need to know how to organize and manage a household.&nbsp; They need to know how to repair clothing (hemming pants, fixing tears, sewing on buttons).&nbsp; They need to know how to mow the lawn, possibly perform basic car repairs.&nbsp; They need to know how to fix basic things around the house (changing light bulbs, hammering on loose baseboards).&nbsp; They need to know how to appropriately care for younger children.&nbsp; This is the "stuff of life" we will deal with EVERYDAY!</p>
<p>Third, children need to know basic academic skills (and maybe beyond).&nbsp; All children should know how to read, write, and do math, of course; although they may not need to know as early as some of us feel they should.&nbsp; And for advanced academic skills (like calculus and French literature), they may not need to know at all.&nbsp; Does their future career or lifestyle require this knowledge?&nbsp; Do they have a strong desire to learn it or passion for the subject?&nbsp; If the answer is "no" why bother?&nbsp; Beyond the basics (which should also include basic science and history), children don't really need to know a bunch of useless academic facts just so they can "know."&nbsp; Better is to equip them with a desire for knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking so that should they desire to learn in the future (whatever that may be), they are able to teach themselves.&nbsp; Their passion for any given subject will lead them to learn what they need to know, if they are allowed to have these passions and given the tools to satisfy them (which is where <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/7/unschooling.html">unschooling</a> comes in for us, personally).</p>
<p>This is real-life education.&nbsp; It's education with its priorities sorted out.</p>
<p>What do you really believe about education?&nbsp; Has this post changed your view of things at all?&nbsp; (It took me a long time to sort through all of the stuff I've always read and heard and come to this view!)</p>
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EXCERPT:
You may ask why in the WORLD anyone would say "I don't want my kid to learn to read, write, or do math."  That's not exactly what I'm saying, but it caught your attention, didn't it?  Rather, although I consider those skills important, I consider them less important than other skills.  Let me explain.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 217.91.36.71
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 08/17/2010 12:58:05 PM
<p>Question - if you hope for/expect your children to go to college, they will need to have higher math, writing, and science skills than just learning about whatever interests them at the moment. How do you marry the two (college without having actually learned higher math/science/whatever) in your mind?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/17/2010 04:15:20 PM
<p>We don&#39;t NECESSARILY want our kids to go to college.  Those who will need to for the careers they choose (if they choose one; maybe some of our daughters will know, like me, that they want to be at home with children) will study what they need to know in their teen years.  The rest of them have no reason to study &quot;advanced&quot; subjects unless they desire to do so.  And honestly, most colleges these days kind of don&#39;t care if your required math class is algebra 1, your science class is intro to earth science, etc.  They&#39;re catering to some pretty average-to-low students.  I certainly wouldn&#39;t encourage my academically gifted students NOT to study these subjects just because &quot;the college will teach you,&quot; but I don&#39;t think it&#39;s as big a deal as many think!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: Kelly@Kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 24.180.126.105
URL: http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com
DATE: 08/18/2010 05:28:28 AM
<p>I totally agree with your order of priorities, Kate, but yet I don&#39;t always give my kids as many chores as I should so they can learn that stuff, since they learn by doing. We&#39;re getting there, though.  I always say that I want to raise our sons (&amp; daughter) to be as great around the house as the son that my in-laws raised.  :)</p><p>And don&#39;t get me goin&#39; on the whole college thing.  (Our oldest starts in a couple weeks.)  I think that like you said, for some careers it&#39;s necessary, but for others it&#39;s SO not necessary.  It&#39;s unbelievable how expensive it is, but the number of people who send their kids off to college with no major in mind blows me away.  They&#39;re just taking &quot;the basics&quot;, but there&#39;s no way to know exactly what you need until you know what career you want, so they often just throw money down the drain.  Our son knows exactly what he wants to do, but that doesn&#39;t make it easier writing those checks!  He&#39;ll end up needing loans at some point, which I detest the thought of.</p><p>Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 217.91.36.71
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 08/18/2010 09:51:41 AM
<p>I guess I can kind of see your point, but at the same time, I remember taking both the SAT and the ACT and without having studied all of the subjects (which, on the ACT includes physics, chemistry, etc. in science and, in the SAT now involves writing essays) for several years ahead, I wouldn&#39;t have passed. My public school education prepared me enough that I was scoring higher on both SAT and ACT than 50% of high schoolers when I was in 7th and 8th grade. The basics of math, science, and the English language don&#39;t change whether you&#39;re in 7th or 12th grade, but if you&#39;ve never learned those basics, you won&#39;t get into college no matter how much you want to.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Esther
EMAIL: 
IP: 137.186.187.92
URL: 
DATE: 08/18/2010 02:32:51 PM
<p>Our schools highly value home economics, shop (carpentry, mechanics), Life skills, drivers ed, childraising, healthly living, etc. More important then these are studies in Bible doctrine, good character and loving God. Lastly, academics.</p><p>These schools exist. For those who cannot homeschool, know that there is hope in finding one. Though you may have to move to be near one.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 08/18/2010 04:11:05 PM
<p>Thank you for your post! I have a 1.8 year old and am already thinking about schooling. It starts so early these days. Here in UK children go to preschool at 4. I personally believe that this is just too early.  And what with all the obsession of everyone I know with early counting and learning letters. What for? Does the early start guarantees  you will be happier in life or you will easier find your purpose in life or...? Why not let children be children and just play and be happy, that is what they are intended to do by God, isn&#39;t it so? And the school itself, I dread it. I look at those school children in the bus and I do not want my child to become &#39;that&#39;. Regarding the home schooling I admire people who have courage to do it. To be honest I am thinking about this myself but just do not know where to start. I wonder if you could direct me somewhere. Thank you again for your inspiring post.</p><p>Anna</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: M
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.103.206.200
URL: 
DATE: 08/20/2010 08:10:33 PM
<p>Interesting, but I really don&#39;t support the idea of not preparing your daughters for college because they might want to be moms, as you mentioned in your previous comment.  As a stay at home mom, I do more research now than I ever did when working.  My college experience really prepared me for this, as I&#39;m sure you understand since ot looks like you do a lot of research as well.  Plus, as a college graduate, I can pass my knowledge onto my child and set a good example for her.</p><p>You also have to keep in mind that marriages don&#39;t always last forever.  Divorce and death do happen.  By the time our kids are our age, a Bachelors degree will be essential for just about every job out there.  Even if your daughter says she &quot;just&quot; wants to be a mom, you should still be doing everything you can to get her in and through college.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mary
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.49.23.64
URL: 
DATE: 08/21/2010 06:58:13 AM
<p>I appreciate your point of view but do have concerns about the type of education you are describing.  Our brains are not fully developed even in our high school years and it seems like you are saying that you would let your child decide if they have an interest in certain subjects (&quot;physics&quot;) and if so only then pursue teaching it to them??  How would your child know if they do like a certain subject if they never have the opportunity to explore it?  I think I would always be concerned that I could be holding my child back from their passions and giftings and not even know it.  I also have to disagree about your statement that colleges don&#39;t care what classes you took, etc.....I work for a college and keep up with what is happening in higher Ed and the stakes are actually getting higher and a lot more competitive for getting into college.  I would also agree with the previous post that a bachelors degree is going to be (almost already is) essential to have to be able to get gainful employment.  While I see where you are coming from don&#39;t forget that God has plans for your kid&#39;s lives and that may involve going to college and getting a job (even your daughters).  If your daughters do decide they would like to stay home then it is most likely the case that their husband will have a job that required a degree or else staying home may not be an option financially.  So it may be a good idea to educate your children with a chance to succeed whatever path God leads them on not just what your hopes for them are.  I would also think that being a stay at home mom is a choice that would need to be decided after your daughter were to get married and decide that with her husband not with her mom in hopes she finds someone that can support her financially.  What if she never gets married?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/22/2010 10:22:06 PM
<p>I will be posting on this topic further in the future.  It is clear to me from the nature of the comments here that my readers do not understand the type of schooling I am truly describing, nor its implications on children&#39;s futures.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura Herndon
EMAIL: herndonl@gmail.com
IP: 69.96.204.153
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 03:17:42 PM
<p>I loved this post!  I am a homeschool mom and I aspire to direct my kids education the same way.  It feels good to know that there are other moms out there who have the same goals in education.  As a homeschool mom it is easy to get caught up in the academic part of learning and not think about anything else.  The other day I asked my daughter what she thought was the most important thing I had taught her.  I did this as a result of a parenting class I am taking at our church.  My pastors wife said that the answer would be very revealing as to what we have taught our children to view as priorities.  Sadly, my daughter responded with, &quot;reading, because I can do school and read , and not be dumb.&quot;!  I was hoping she would say something like... love God or love  my family.  Needless to say, I apologized for not emphasizing the important things in my teaching.  What people have to remember about homeschooling is that we have to teach everything. Academics is just a small part of the whole picture, and although it is important, there are other things that need to be taught as a higher priority.  What good is a college degree or advanced calculus if our kids don&#39;t learn to love God, have good relationships, and good life skills?  Adults don&#39;t go to counseling over not having learned algebra, they usually go because their lives are falling apart and they don&#39;t know how to handle it.  Yes... there are higher priorities.  I would encourage everyone here to ask their kids the same type of question about the most important thing you&#39;ve taught them.  Their answers might surprise you.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Managing Morning Sickness
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/18/2010 12:00:33 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.herdaily.com"><img src="/storage/pregnancy.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282099144909" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 181px;">Image by Her Daily</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/08/real-food-wednesday-81810.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Morning sickness is no fun.  However, it does mean your pregnancy is going well!  Remembering that can help, but it still doesn't make it easier to get through your day-to-day realities while feeling nauseous all the time.  Luckily, there are natural ways to cope with morning sickness that can ease or even eliminate the nausea for some women.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net">Amy at Raising Arrows</a> guest posted on how she <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/8/eating-well-with-morning-sickness.html">manages morning sickness</a> awhile back, so check out that post for some practical advice (she was dealing with morning sickness at the time; she's now 36 weeks along!).</p>
<p>Eating a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">healthy pregnancy diet</a>, even a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/11/healthy-pregnancy-series-diet-revisited.html">practical pregnancy diet </a>is difficult if you are in the throes of morning sickness.&nbsp; When you are so nauseous that even the thought of food sends you running to the bathroom, worrying about how much of this or that you are eating is next to impossible (of course, pregnancy does bring with it the unique ability to be nauseous or even vomit and yet be starving!).&nbsp; There are several theories on what causes morning sickness, from sensitivity to progesterone (one of the main pregnancy hormones) to detox to protecting the new baby to "no one knows."&nbsp; But there are many different potential remedies and different things work for different women.&nbsp; Try one, try them all, and see what works for you!</p>
<p><strong>Vitamin B-6:</strong> Most of the population is deficient in B-vitamins, which are found largely in sprouted whole grains and Brewer's yeast (flour is enriched with synthetic versions that we don't absorb well).&nbsp; Taking a vitamin B-6 supplement staves off morning sickness for many women.&nbsp; A B-complex vitamin may also help, since folic acid is recommended during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Lemon water:</strong> Something about the sourness of lemons seems to help many women with morning sickness.&nbsp; Mix the juice of 1/2 lemon with water and drink it (some prefer lemonade, but I did best without sugar, which can exacerbate morning sickness).&nbsp; This also helps detox, gently, and can be drunk as often as needed.</p>
<p><strong>Ginger:</strong> Ginger is an old remedy for nausea, whether brought on by pregnancy or another cause.&nbsp; Drinking ginger tea, taking ginger pills, or chewing on ginger candy can help quell the queasiness.</p>
<p><strong>Fennel:</strong> Fennel is another remedy for nausea.&nbsp; Fennel tea is safe and gentle to drink (so gentle it can be given to newborns with colic).&nbsp; Make fennel tea by pouring boiling water over crushed fennel seeds.&nbsp; Sweeten with a small amount of honey if desired.</p>
<p><strong>Protein:</strong> Some women are only able to feel okay if they eat enough protein -- 80 to 120 grams per day!&nbsp; Constantly snacking on protein-rich food can help, because it fills the stomach and is also helping to grow the baby.&nbsp; Keep a handful of nuts, a slice of sprouted bread, some beans, meat, or cheese around at all times to grab in nausea sets in.</p>
<p><strong>Small meals</strong>: Having an empty stomach or a very full stomach is often a recipe for disaster for pregnant women suffering morning sickness.&nbsp; Instead, have frequent, small meals or snacks to keep the stomach lightly full at all times.&nbsp; Keep something near your bed to eat if you wake up in the middle of the night.</p>
<p><strong>Water:</strong> I often found relief by sipping cold water while I was pregnant.&nbsp; Some women do better with room temperature water, which is gentler on the stomach.&nbsp; Choose whatever seems good to you.</p>
<p><strong>Avoid processed food:</strong> Food additives can set off nausea -- this may be part of the "detox" effect.&nbsp; Your body is letting you know that the unnatural additives are NOT appreciated and is getting rid of them for you!&nbsp; I definitely noted that when I ate any canned soup or white flour crackers in my second pregnancy I was more nauseous than when I ate something completely natural.&nbsp; This may be true for other women, as well.</p>
<p><strong>Milk thistle:</strong> Some women swear by a supplement containing milk thistle and turmeric.&nbsp; I have no idea why, but this combination seems to stave off even severe morning sickness in some women.&nbsp; Talk to your doctor, however, because there is some controversy over whether or not milk thistle is safe in pregnancy (most say yes, but a few are unsure).</p>
<p><strong>Fresh air:</strong> Sometimes a breath of fresh air is just what you need.&nbsp; Step outside, take a walk.&nbsp; Get some sunlight (low vitamin D levels aren't helping!) and breathe some fresh air.&nbsp; The act of getting up and out may help, too.</p>
<p><strong>Sea bands:</strong> These are accupressure bands designed to put pressure on a specific point on the wrist that helps to minimize nausea.&nbsp; They are intended to help motion sickness but can help morning sickness in some women as well.</p>
<p><strong>Accupuncture:</strong> If you need greater help, seeing a professional accupuncturist can get help to re-balance your body and alleviate nausea.</p>
<p><strong>Neroli oil:</strong> Aroma therapy with real essential oils is extremely powerful.&nbsp; Neroli oil is safe for use in pregnancy and may alleviate nausea.&nbsp; Simply dilute in water and spray in the room around you.&nbsp; (Unfortunately it's also extremely expensive, but orange and lemon oils may have a similar effect and in weak dilutions should be safe.)</p>
<p>A quick note on essential oils in pregnancy: Keeper of the Home had an excellent 2-part series on this recently.&nbsp; <a href="http://feedblitz.com/r.asp?l=49003597&amp;f=671195&amp;u=8258177&amp;c=3876235">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://feedblitz.com/r.asp?l=49048306&amp;f=671195&amp;u=8258177&amp;c=3876695">Part 2 </a>are here.&nbsp; Bergamot is also excellent in pregnancy and may help reduce depression and anxiety a lot.</p>
<p>How do you handle morning sickness?</p>
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EXCERPT:
Morning sickness is no fun.  However, it does mean your pregnancy is going well!  Remembering that can help, but it still doesn't make it easier to get through your day-to-day realities while feeling nauseous all the time.  Luckily, there are natural ways to cope with morning sickness that can ease or even eliminate the nausea for some women.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.27.160.75
URL: 
DATE: 08/18/2010 06:54:40 PM
<p>Thanks so much for this series on pregnancy.  We are currently trying to get pregnant with a second child while I&#39;m still breastfeeding our 14 month old daughter so your guest post on Naturally Knocked Up was perfect!  This one about morning sickness is very helpful too.  With my daughter I was sick the first 16 weeks and just wanted to die!  I&#39;ve heard that breastfeeding can help with morning sickness, so I&#39;m gonna give that a go and I&#39;m hoping that now that we&#39;re eating more real food and are so much healthier that the nausea will be less severe.   It still makes me slightly terrified to get pregnant though, knowing that I won&#39;t be able to just lie on the couch like I did last time.  My toddler is a little too active and mischievous for that!  Thanks again!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy @ pureMotherhood
EMAIL: cbyoder99@yahoo.com
IP: 75.186.98.24
URL: http://puremotherhood.wordpress.com/
DATE: 10/29/2010 12:41:34 AM
<p>So glad I happened upon your blog today. Love this info on morning sickness. I&#39;m not currently pregnant (or even trying). I&#39;d like to have more babies in the future but the morning sickness (all-day) I experienced with my two boys was so horrible I&#39;ve been dreading being pregnant again. Hopefully some of these options will prove helpful to me.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Sprouted Buns
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/19/2010 12:00:36 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.meckmom.com"><img src="/storage/fresh baked bread.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282099347260" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 260px;">Image by Meck Mom</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/08/pennywise-platter-thursday-819.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>, <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/08/monday-mania-8232010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a> and <a href="http://spaininiowa.blogspot.com/2010/11/whole-foods-for-holidays-bread-dishes.html">Whole Foods for the Holidays, Breads at A Little Spain in Iowa</a>!**</p>
<p>I have been wanting sprouted buns for sometime (and no, the picture above isn't the ones I baked). I've been using my previous go-to recipes but they just weren't working for me. They were coming out hard, crumbly, not well-risen and just didn't taste good. I wanted something soft, sweet, and delicious. Baking yeasted breads with sprouted flour can be difficult though. However, a recent experiment yielded delicious results, so I am happy to share it with you!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>2.5 cups raw milk, scalded</p>
<p>4 tbsp. butter</p>
<p>1 tbsp. yeast</p>
<p>2 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1/2 c. raw honey</p>
<p>4 - 5 c. "lightly sprouted*" flour</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Scald the milk and add the butter.&nbsp; Allow this mixture to cool to 120 degrees or below.&nbsp; If it is too warm you WILL kill the yeast! (Ask me how I know!&nbsp; But I salvaged it okay and it was still yummy, if not really risen.)&nbsp; Put the yeast, honey, and milk mixture in a large bowl.&nbsp; Allow it to proof for 5 - 10 minutes until foamy.&nbsp; Add the salt and then begin adding flour, a bit at a time.&nbsp; When the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, use your hands to knead it.&nbsp; Keep adding flour until the dough is fairly smooth and elastic, but still slightly greasy.&nbsp; (If you add too much flour it won't be as soft.)&nbsp; When the dough is smooth and has been kneaded for 5 minutes or so, put it in a warm place to rise until doubled, about one hour.&nbsp; Punch it down and shape your buns as desired -- hamburger, hot dog, sub roll, whatever!&nbsp; Allow this to rise for about another hour, until doubled.&nbsp; Preheat oven to 400, and bake buns for 15 - 20 minutes, until golden brown.</p>
<p>They freeze well too!</p>
<p>*"Lightly sprouted" means that the grains are sprouted just until tiny tails, 1/8" long have appeared.&nbsp; The more the grains are sprouted, the more the gluten is pre-digested and becomes inactive.&nbsp; Well-sprouted grains are great for quick breads or other products where you don't want developed gluten, but won't yield the soft, risen results you want in a yeasted bread.&nbsp; I specifically sprout my grains differently (different lengths of time) depending on what I'm baking.</p>
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EXCERPT:
I have been wanting sprouted buns for sometime (and no, the picture above isn't the ones I baked).  I've been using my previous go-to recipes but they just weren't working for me.  They were coming out hard, crumbly, not well-risen and just didn't taste good.  I wanted something soft, sweet, and delicious.  Baking yeasted breads with sprouted flour can be difficult though.  However, a recent experiment yielded delicious results, so I am happy to share it with you!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Theresa
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.142.168.138
URL: http://preservinglove.com
DATE: 08/19/2010 01:25:22 PM
<p>Thanks!!! They look delicious and I&#39;m always interested in new recipes.....especially the kind that freeze well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb Kincaid
EMAIL: debkincaid@gmail.com
IP: 97.120.42.163
URL: http://www.planethabit.com
DATE: 08/23/2010 03:30:49 AM
<p>I&#39;m just getting into sprouting-drying-grinding my grain for flour for bread making. So far, all I&#39;ve done is buy the grain mill attachment for my KitchenAid mixer, but I&#39;ll be ordering organic grain soon. So, a couple of questions, please. First, once you soak your grains (overnight?), how long does it take to dry them in the dehydrator so that the grain will grind properly? And the other question, where do you buy your organic (I presume organic) grains? Thanks! I love your posts. I&#39;ve gotten introduced to you via Cultures for Health on Facebook.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/23/2010 02:35:58 PM
<p>Hi Deb!</p><p>Thanks for visiting!  I posted a great tutorial on sprouting grains awhile back.  You can see it here: http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/6/tutorial-sprouting-grains.html.  Make sure once they&#39;ve been soaked that you leave them for another day or two (drained, but rinsed every so often to stay moist) until they have little tails on them.  They usually take 4 - 8 hours to dry completely, depending on whether or not I rinse them the final time.  Around 6 hours is probably average for me.</p><p>I buy my grains locally.  We have a little coop store that brings in a lot of great bulk stuff from Amish farms.  Another farm has some too, where I get my CSA.  If you can find grain locally from a farm or coop that&#39;s probably your best bet.  Ordering online will be more expensive because you&#39;ll need to pay shipping too.  But obviously many do it!  Azure Standard is popular and if you have a drop point near you it would be a great deal!  (I, unfortunately, don&#39;t.)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Making Strides
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 08/20/2010 12:00:57 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/real food.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282099526820" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Real Food</span></span></p>
<p>It's time for Lisa's latest update!&nbsp; If you haven't&nbsp;been following along, Lisa of <a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com">Life of a SAHM</a> is sharing her journey from SAD to real food with us.&nbsp; Let's see how she's doing!</p>
<p>1) What changes have you made so far?</p>
<p>We get raw milk when we can from our farmer. We are still not 100% on<br />raw milk, because it puts a large dent in our grocery budget. I was<br />not worried at all when they announced the egg recall because we get<br />our eggs from our farmer. We are only eating grass fed beef, and free<br />range chicken which is also from a local farmer. I do not use flour<br />that often so we still have white flour, but I plan on picking up<br />whole wheat flour next time I need some. Sugar is still the white<br />sugar, but I do not use it that often too, so once its gone, its gone.</p>
<p><br />2) What do your average meals look like now?&nbsp; Do you have a meal plan to share?</p>
<p>We typically eat eggs and bacon or some fruit for breakfast and peanut<br />butter and jelly with some fruit for lunch. Dinner is usually a meat<br />of some sort with veggies. My husband&rsquo;s favorite things are chili<br />(grass fed beef, tomatoes and a whole bunch of spices), lasagna (grass<br />fed beef and whole wheat noodles) and burgers (grass fed, of course).<br />I have experimented with salmon, turkey and chicken too. I have never<br />in my life cooked a whole turkey until now. We have also started<br />planning our meals 2 weeks in advance. I noticed this helps with the<br />&ldquo;what&rsquo;s for dinner&rdquo; question. My hubby can just look at the calendar<br />and see what is for dinner. I can also look at the calendar and see<br />what I need to prepare the night before or what I need to pull out of<br />the freezer.</p>
<p><br />3) What does Lincoln eat?&nbsp; How about snacks?</p>
<p>Lincoln eats whatever we eat. He is not too picky. We have a hard time<br />getting him to TRY new things, but once he takes one bite, he usually<br />eats it all. Snacks are usually an apple, some grapes, cheese or a<br />glass of milk. He loves fruit just like his daddy.</p>
<p>.<br />4) Has Gabe started solids?&nbsp; What is he eating?</p>
<p>Mr. Gabe LOVES his solids. Well, he loves fruits. He started with<br />avocados, went to sweet potatoes, then had bananas, peaches, pears,<br />green beans, blueberries and squash. I make all of his baby food so he<br />is only getting the best! I am a little leery at giving him dairy yet<br />(yogurt, cheese) because he had tummy issues as a baby when I drank<br />cows milk. He is still breastfed and will be until we decide to stop.<br />I have not decided when I will wean him. I weaned Lincoln at 13-14<br />months, but I would like to nurse Gabe longer, but we are also going<br />to be trying for another baby soon, so it depends on what pregnancy<br />does to my milk supply.</p>
<p><br />5) How is your pantry doing?&nbsp; Are you slowly shifting over towards<br />different products?</p>
<p>I had a friend over the other day and I was cooking. She opened my<br />pantry and commented about how bare it was. My pantry is a useless<br />space now. It used to be full of cookies, chips, canned soups, cereal<br />and all sorts of processed foods. We slowly used up what was in it,<br />and now it looks sad. My fridge and freezer on the other hand are<br />chopped full of fresh food. I love the change.</p>
<p><br />6) How has this affected your grocery budget?</p>
<p>Our grocery budget has not changed much. I still spend about the same<br />amount of money every 2 weeks, but the difference is that now I have<br />dinners planned out for 2 weeks, so I know what to buy. I used to run<br />out of everything and have to run to the store every day for that one<br />last item.</p>
<p><br />7) What changes are you looking forward to making next?</p>
<p>I am ready for next &ldquo;year&rdquo; so I can join the CSA for our vegetables<br />and fruits. That will save a TON of money and I think by getting that<br />weekly, I will only have to grocery shop once a month. We are also<br />going to be buying a cow or half a cow. Once we get a deep freezer.<br />That is all coming by the end of the year.</p>
<p><br />8) What has been the biggest challenge for you?&nbsp; Was anything<br />unexpectedly hard or easy?</p>
<p>Making jelly was much easier than I thought. I am going to tackle<br />apple butter in the fall. The biggest challenge has been when we are<br />not home. When we go to play dates or the mall, I liked to go to<br />McDonalds and pick up lunch, so I can get the kids in bed right when<br />we get home. Now it is a rush home to make lunch so they can nap. I<br />would rather them nap a little late and eat good food, than eat<br />something bad and nap on time. I am not a planner at all, so its taken<br />some time to make my meal plans for the next few weeks, or realize<br />that we are not going to be home at lunch time and make lunch early.</p>
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EXCERPT:
It's time for Lisa's latest update!&nbsp; If you haven't&nbsp;been following along, Lisa of <a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com">Life of a SAHM</a> is sharing her journey from SAD to real food with us.&nbsp; Let's see how she's doing!</p>
<p>1) What changes have you made so far?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 08/21/2010 07:54:10 PM
<p>just a suggestion for your problem with getting home in time to nap your kids and get them lunch before that...we have &#39;solved&#39; that problem by always bringing lunch with us...that is if i even think we may be home late for lunch i pack at least a loaf of bread, a jar of pb and some cut carrots or other veggie...someone suggested that to me once and it has been a wonderful help to us! if i am grocery shopping or out wherever we just stop and either &#39;picnic&#39; at a green spot we can find o rjust  in the back of the van....or even at the mall food court. sometimes i pack a better lunch than that, but since it does not happen all the time, it is a great simple fall back and far better than fast food!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: False Health Claims
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/21/2010 12:00:29 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/08/real-food-wednesday-82510.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>These days, it's hard to sort through health claims on packages.  There are so many of them out there.  Many of them are emblazoned on packages in bright colors and big letters, proclaiming some excellent benefit to that particular food.</p>
<p>However, many of them are simply false.</p>
<p>That's right: claims that companies think are so important that they have to draw your attention to it are not actually as awesome as they say they are.&nbsp; Some of them are downright wrong.&nbsp; And it's not just on processed foods, either.&nbsp; There are claims made on whole, real foods that are wrong too.</p>
<p>This makes it extremely difficult for consumers to actually buy the best food.&nbsp; They see the claims and become confused about what is really a benefit and what is not.&nbsp; They don't know whether to buy this brand, which makes some seemingly awesome claim, or that brand, which doesn't make the claim.&nbsp; How does one sort through these things?&nbsp; How does one know the truth?</p>
<p>Here are some examples of claims:</p>
<p><strong>"Fat free!" </strong>-- Clearly bad, as we've talked plenty about how <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/16/eating-fat-how-and-why.html">fat is good for you</a>.</p>
<p><strong>"Low fat!" or "Naturally low in fat!"</strong> -- While the second one isn't *as* bad, it's still not something I'd consider a true benefit.</p>
<p><strong>"All natural!"</strong> -- I wrote about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/21/natural-labeling.html">natural labeling</a> before.&nbsp; This really means nothing.&nbsp; It can mean "made with highly refined, originally somewhat natural ingredients."</p>
<p><strong>"Hens were vegetarian fed!"</strong> -- HUGE pet peeve.&nbsp; This is NOT a good thing.&nbsp; Hens should be eating bugs and worms in addition to their grain.&nbsp; Being completely vegetarian-fed means that they probably didn't get access to the outdoors as they should have to eat the bugs and worms.&nbsp; Companies use this because some large-scale farms actually feed deceased chicken parts and other junk to their chickens, which clearly isn't good.&nbsp; This is why you need to know your source!&nbsp; No chicken parts but yes bugs and worms!</p>
<p><strong>"Isoflavones in every serving!"</strong> -- Amount varies by claim, seen in advertising soy products.&nbsp; <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/08/soy-protein-shakes-almond-milk-and-other-fake-foods-people-think-are-good-for-them-dr-kaayla-daniel.html">Isoflavones are the chemicals you are trying to avoid</a> when you do not eat soy.&nbsp; They are the chemicals that are responsible for mimicking estrogen in your body and you do NOT want to consume them.&nbsp; Bragging that your product contains them is not a good thing.</p>
<p><strong>"Made with real fruit!"</strong> -- This means nothing.&nbsp; The fruit was probably pressed for juice and then processed.&nbsp; Plus it's probably also full of sugar, HFCS, and who knows what else.&nbsp; That tiny amount of "real fruit" doesn't do anything to improve the health of the product.</p>
<p><strong>"No artificial colors or flavors!"</strong> -- Read the label.&nbsp; There probably isn't anything there that specifically says "artificial colors or flavors" but there may be "natural flavors" listed.&nbsp; "Natural flavors" are simply <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/06/guest-post-from-dr-michael-teplitsky-man-made-flavors-are-bad-for-your-health.html">lab-made chemical flavors that are intended to mimic flavors found in nature</a>.&nbsp; "Artificial flavors" are completely made up chemical compounds that have no natural equivalent.&nbsp; The bottom line is, there are still chemicals in your food.</p>
<p><strong>"Grass-fed meat!"</strong> -- Which is a good thing, generally, but was the meat <em>exclusively </em>grass-fed?&nbsp; Was it finished on grass, or was it given grains at the end to fatten it up (even a small amount of grains, especially given so close to slaughter, can change the pH of the cow's stomach and cause E. Coli to grow, so <a href="http://www.healthytheory.com/corn-fed-vs-grass-fed-beef">grain-finished meat is not safe</a>)?&nbsp; Again, you need to know your source!</p>
<p><strong>"No MSG!"</strong> -- Since MSG can <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/01/17/can-chinese-food-cause-cancer.aspx">hide under tons of different pseudonyms</a>, this claim may or may not be accurate.&nbsp; It won't list MSG on the label, but it may list "spices," "natural flavorings," "autolyzed yeast extract," or any of the other dozens of different ways of saying "we've added MSG secretly."</p>
<p>What other product claims have you seen and been confused by?&nbsp; Let me know!</p>
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EXCERPT:
These days, it's hard to sort through health claims on packages.  There are so many of them out there.  Many of them are emblazoned on packages in bright colors and big letters, proclaiming some excellent benefit to that particular food.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lillian Medville
EMAIL: lillianstestkitchen@gmail.com
IP: 209.6.238.13
URL: http://www.LilliansTestKitchen.com
DATE: 08/30/2010 04:26:37 PM
<p>This is a great post!  Thank you so much for taking on this topic.  I am always confused by the health claims that are on food.  I have retweeted the crap out of this one.  Everyone needs to read this.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenny
EMAIL: jenny@nourishedkitchen.com
IP: 97.122.232.161
URL: http://nourishedkitchen.com
DATE: 08/31/2010 12:53:52 PM
<p>The grass-fed thing is a real kick in the pants, because people are sitll unaccustomed to using the term &quot;grass-finished.&quot;  I&#39;ve been to many a butcher and Whole Foods, and I always ask for grass-fed.  The clerk inevitably responds, &quot;Well, they&#39;re all fed on grass ...&quot; and you have to press hard and ask them lots of questions before they finish up with, &quot;and then shipped to a feedlot.&quot;  Ugh!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: If Mama Ain't Happy....
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/23/2010 12:00:09 PM
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<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!</strong></p>
<p>...ain't nobody happy!</p>
<p>You've probably heard this quote before.&nbsp; But its true meaning has been lost.&nbsp; Many assume that it means that people must make Mama happy so that everyone else can be happy, perhaps by giving her time and space and being nice to her.&nbsp; But that's not what it means at all.</p>
<p>First I need to share a couple anecdotes with you, which will illustrate my point quite well.</p>
<p>Thursday, about two weeks ago: I was feeling frustrated that my house was disorganized and that there was much work to do.&nbsp; I was running around, angry and upset about the situation, trying to put it back in order.&nbsp; As I was doing this, I was short with the children, yelling at them, not taking the time to stop and help them unless I really had to (yes, they still got their breakfast and diaper changes and such!).&nbsp; Everything Bekah did frustrated me and I kept instructing her harshly and punishing her for not listening.&nbsp; Finally (I felt really out of control at this point) she would simply look at me and say "No!" and walk away.&nbsp; No admonitions or punishments had any effect on her; she simply didn't care!&nbsp; Everyone was miserable and the children constantly misbehaved.</p>
<p>Sunday, after I'd come to terms with my house not being perfect.&nbsp; I'd spent extra time with Bekah on Saturday night, talking to her and allowing her to help me.&nbsp; I was allowing her to help prepare lunch on Sunday and speaking softly and gently to her and being very patient and calm.&nbsp; At one point I had to say "I'm sorry, I asked you not to do that, I need to take it away."&nbsp; She threw her arms around me and said "Mommy, I sorry!&nbsp; I sorry!"</p>
<p>What a change in her attitude, ONLY from me changing mine!</p>
<p>Another example is that over the weekend, we traveled and spent quite a lot of time relaxing and actually enjoying one another's company (shocking, right?).&nbsp; At one point I said to Bekah, "You aren't treating people very well, you need to come with me" (just to separate her from the situation).&nbsp; She said "I sorry mommy.&nbsp; Need hug?&nbsp; I make mommy sad."&nbsp; Pretty amazing and insightful from a two-year-old!</p>
<p>The point is, mother sets the tone for the home.&nbsp; If she is angry and impatient, her children will be as well.&nbsp; If she is depressed, her children will be unhappy.&nbsp; If she is negative, they will be worried, unhappy, and likely to throw tantrums.&nbsp; Worse, it becomes a bad cycle.&nbsp; Mom is angry so kids throw a fit -- mom becomes more impatient and yells at kids, who throw more fits.&nbsp; Mom's stress level rises with every thing they do that is wrong or bad and she yells and punishes and yet...nothing changes!&nbsp; The children act out more and more.&nbsp; The whole home is a negative, unhappy place.</p>
<p>Or....</p>
<p>Mom is happy and cheerful.&nbsp; She makes a concentrated effort to respond gently and lovingly towards her children.&nbsp; She handles their fussing in stride, smiling and working to cheer them up and meet their needs (i.e. hungry child gets a snack, tired child gets a nap, etc.).&nbsp; If she does lose her temper and yell, she takes a minute to calm herself and apologizes to her children and explains her frustration: "Mommy is having a bad day, and I'm sorry.&nbsp; I love you and I want to be calm.&nbsp; Can you help me?"&nbsp; And...the children are happy.&nbsp; They feel secure.&nbsp; They are less likely to fuss and any fits are brief.&nbsp; Their attitudes are generally very positive and they don't seek attention by acting out.</p>
<p>A lot of moms seem to have a sense of entitlement: "If they acted better and didn't push my buttons all the time, our home would be happier."</p>
<p>Sorry.</p>
<p>You are the parent, and it's your job to change your attitude first.&nbsp; Even if they are pushing every button you never even knew you had.&nbsp; I KNOW how hard it is, because I've been there.&nbsp; I've been so incredibly frustrated by children who were fussy, mouthy, and constantly making messes and getting into trouble.&nbsp; I've felt so aggravated and stressed that I was nearly begging them (silently) to JUST STOP so I could calm down.&nbsp; To knock it off for a day or an afternoon because I was having a bad day and I "just didn't need that" right then.</p>
<p>But it doesn't work that way.&nbsp; Mom adjusts her attitude first even if it takes EVERYTHING in her, and the children will follow suit.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to do something different.&nbsp; If the children are driving you crazy at home, get out!&nbsp; Take them shopping or to a park.&nbsp; Call a friend and meet them somewhere.&nbsp; Drop all the chores and just read a book or make a fort.</p>
<p>If possible, declare quiet time and put everyone down for a nap or in their rooms with books for awhile, even if it's only 10 - 15 minutes.&nbsp; Sit down yourself and read, pray, or call a friend.&nbsp; (We love quiet time!&nbsp; Even on good days!)</p>
<p>Do something crazy.&nbsp; Go outside and get everyone wet!&nbsp; Take a bath in the middle of the afternoon.&nbsp; Finger paint.&nbsp; Turn music up really loud and just dance and sing.&nbsp; Do some random activity you wouldn't ordinarily do.</p>
<p>Whatever it takes to defuse the tension and make everyone feel better, do it.&nbsp; The dishes will wait till later (and if you change your attitude, your children might feel cooperative enough to help you later, with no threats or bribes!).</p>
<p>To be a happy mother, you need to do the following:</p>
<p>*Take "days off."&nbsp; Not from being a mother, but from all the "extra" stuff in life.&nbsp; Just say no to that playdate, that volunteer committee, that extra event.&nbsp; Play hookie from all your chores for a day (besides the ones you MUST do, like making lunch).</p>
<p>*Take 10 minutes to collect yourself.&nbsp; Have a cup of coffee, sit in the bathroom if you need to, just breathe, pray, think.&nbsp; But don't fall into the trap of thinking you need a lot of "me" time.&nbsp; Your primary focus should be your children, and a very brief escape should help you refocus on what's important.&nbsp; Some mothers can fall into the trap of seeking "me" time FIRST and get annoyed with their children, viewing them as interruptions.&nbsp; Which brings me to my next point....&nbsp;</p>
<p>*Adjust your expectations accordingly.&nbsp; Your children, especially when small, need EVERYTHING from you.&nbsp; Expect that.&nbsp; Don't try to get too much done besides being a mother.&nbsp; Fit your other projects in around your childrens' needs, not the other way around.&nbsp; I find, personally, that my frustration with my children mounts when I have taken on too much and feel that they are being "too needy" on a day when I have a lot to do.&nbsp; And these are the days they behave the worst.&nbsp; This is my own attitude/expectation problem, not theirs.</p>
<p>*Take care of your basic needs.&nbsp; Moms are great at making sure everyone ELSE is taken care of...but not themselves.&nbsp; Take time to drink some water, sit down for a sandwich, get some sleep.&nbsp; If you're well-fed, well-rested, and prepared to take on the day, you'll feel better and so will your children.</p>
<p>*Decide if there is anything that is CRUCIAL to your happiness as a mother.&nbsp; Perhaps having dishes on the counter is your pet peeve, and if it happens you are generally annoyed.&nbsp; Make sure those dishes get done!&nbsp; Or maybe it's needing to go to bed by 10 (most of the time, anyway!), get a weekly date with your husband, an early morning quiet time, or...whatever.&nbsp; Personally, I can't stand it when my house gets disorganized and messy.&nbsp; I feel claustrophobic and frustrated by it, so I try to make sure things stay reasonably well cleaned up.&nbsp; And on days when it's not so clean, I remind myself this season won't last forever and my children need me more than the kitchen counters do, no matter how yucky....</p>
<p>Work to be happy, work to be a relaxed, patient, purposeful mother, and your children will reflect this.</p>
<p>How do you parent on purpose?</p>
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EXCERPT:
...ain't nobody happy!</p>
<p>You've probably heard this quote before.&nbsp; But its true meaning has been lost.&nbsp; Many assume that it means that people must make Mama happy so that everyone else can be happy, perhaps by giving her time and space and being nice to her.&nbsp; But that's not what it means at all.</p>
<p>First I need to share a couple anecdotes with you, which will illustrate my point quite well.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.27.160.75
URL: 
DATE: 08/23/2010 01:51:06 PM
<p>Thank you.  I needed this post so much.  My 14 month old daughter has just been driving me up the wall lately and I tend to get so frustrated during the day.  This post has really really helped me see how I need to adjust my expectations and mood.  Thanks again!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/23/2010 02:47:51 PM
<p>Megan,</p><p>I&#39;m glad this helped you!  Kids are so...busy at that age!  My son is 13 months so I am there with you.  :)  I&#39;ve found myself MUCH more patient the second time because I know what to expect.  When my daughter was that age, there were many days that we just went shopping because we were both frustrated and it completely defused the tension.  I still do that sometimes, because my kids get bored and frustrated at home after awhile!  It&#39;s SO hard to want to do it all, but when you do too much everyone and everything suffers.  :)  Something I&#39;m still trying to remember!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelley
EMAIL: randkell@comcast.net
IP: 71.92.130.218
URL: 
DATE: 08/23/2010 03:07:05 PM
<p>Good Job!! My babies are all grown up Ona-26 married with 1 and 1 on the way,Elizabeth-23 married with 1 on the way,Nic-21 a workin man! Elisha-19 a workin man!! Home schooled, in other words we they were with me 24/7!! I also learned that I was training them to serve and love! Something I was shown while raising them was.........I had a goofy cycle, my PMS was horrible and because they were home they got the brunt of my crankiness! I asked God to change my heart so that I wouldn&#39;t destroy theirs! Well it took a while, but once I figured out what PMS stood for I was a new woman PRAISING MY SAVIOUR time! I tended to see things soooooo differently during this time and with a different view I was now able to mother, home school and be a loving wife!! with only a few mishaps!! <br/>Blessings to you- remember this time goes by so quickly, so take what you learn and use it daily. Mistakes will happen ,but start again with kindness ( which turns away wrath) and your babies will grow up and bless you!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erica
EMAIL: 
IP: 205.209.14.63
URL: 
DATE: 08/24/2010 05:17:27 AM
<p>Thank you so much! This helped me too! I have a 13-month old too and I am just so frustrated with myself lately. You are right, when my energy is bright and upbeat, he follows suit. But on those down days, it&#39;s tough to bring myself and my baby up with me. I will be more deliberate and use these suggestions. (And it also gives me hope to hear that by my second child, hopefully I&#39;ll be a little better equipped! ;)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Health is Great, But....
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 08/24/2010 12:00:51 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!</strong></p>
<p>I'm actually really excited to write this post.&nbsp; Some of you may not be quite as excited to read it though. :)</p>
<p>I've noticed lately that<strong> a <em>lot</em> of the people who are into natural health are really...not as into it as they think they are</strong>.&nbsp; They talk a good talk, but when push comes to shove, they head straight back to conventional doctors.&nbsp; It seems to me that there are a lot of people out there who believe that <strong>natural health is great, but...only if the problem is minor</strong>.&nbsp; Anything serious needs a "real" doctor.</p>
<p>The pervasive attitudes about natural health are that natural remedies <em>may</em> help you, but are just as likely not to.&nbsp; They're mild (even weak), they take a long time to do anything, and they just...don't cure <em>real</em> problems.&nbsp; Almost anyone would try, say, eating a spoonful of honey to get rid of a cough, but many wouldn't hesitate to go for the cough syrup if it wasn't helping.&nbsp; These people simply don't understand and don't trust natural remedies.</p>
<p>I find this unfortunate.&nbsp; For example, a lot of these people may start out doing a delayed or selective vaccine schedule (or not vaccinating) but end up vaccinating eventually because they are too scared not to.&nbsp; What if their kids were to get sick?&nbsp; However, if they'd fully <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/10/do-your-research-vaccines.html">done their research</a>, they likely would have realized there's nothing to be afraid of.</p>
<p>These are the people who will say "Yeah, we never take Tylenol...we rarely see the doctor...why don't people just learn to leave sick babies alone?"&nbsp; But then when their child spikes a fever, or gets a sinus infection, or some other not-so-basic ailment, they run off to the doctor.&nbsp; <strong>They're the types who say, "There are certain things you just can't mess with.&nbsp; For some things, you NEED a doctor."</strong></p>
<p>But, really, <em>do</em> you?&nbsp; <strong>The truth is, natural remedies are powerful.&nbsp;</strong> They are potent, yet they have few to no side effects.&nbsp; They can work quickly (though not all do).&nbsp; The problem is, about 70% of natural remedies are "easy" -- honey for a cough, saline solution for congestion, a hot bath for aches and pains, etc.&nbsp;<strong> 29.9% are <em>not</em> so easy, but they are out there!</strong>&nbsp; And 0.1% really require a doctor.</p>
<p><strong>Most people don't trust those 29.9% of illnesses that require research to find a remedy.</strong>&nbsp; They don't actually believe that ailments can be cured naturally.&nbsp; These people freak out about polio (never mind the research shows it was linked to DDT usage, never proven to be contagious, and that "Guillain-barre syndrome" and others are just polio, renamed).&nbsp; They rush to doctors when pregnant and get ultrasounds and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/28/healthy-pregnancy-series-common-maternity-tests.html">plenty of other tests</a> (many of which are generally unnecessary in healthy pregnancies).&nbsp; They are <em>worried</em> about so many things and believe doctors really are somehow magical.&nbsp; <strong>When the easy fails...get thee to a <em>real</em> doctor for some <em>real</em> medicine, they say!</strong></p>
<p>Plenty of people are going to take offense to this:&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>"But my child had long-term, ongoing condition that could not have been cured otherwise!"&nbsp;</strong> That's probably not true.&nbsp; Maybe your child did fall into the 0.1% who truly needed a doctor.&nbsp; But probably not.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>"But I tried everything I could think of and it all failed!"&nbsp; </strong>Okay, but what else did you do?&nbsp; Did you consult any alternative doctors (naturopath, homeopath, accupuncturist, chiropractor, etc.)?&nbsp; How much research did you do, independently or with the help of a health practitioner?&nbsp; How long did you try alternative methods?</p>
<p><strong>"But the possible natural treatments are just too hard!"</strong>&nbsp; I'm sorry, I have no respect for this one.&nbsp; The side effects alone from 'conventional' treatments are staggering in many cases, and can potentially affect the rest of a person's life.&nbsp; Have you seen the new research showing that young children who undergo chemo are extremely likely to get another cancer later in life (that's obviously an extreme example)?&nbsp; Do what it takes to help yourself or your child.&nbsp; Perhaps taking a pill is easier than changing your diet or your lifestyle, but what will the long-term consequences be?</p>
<p>Personally, I trust natural health 100%.&nbsp; Every time I hear about a condition that someone "just can't treat naturally" I think about all the ways they could possibly treat it naturally.&nbsp; If I think they're open to it, I'll share with them.&nbsp; I'll even do research for them.&nbsp; I'll do whatever it takes to help them.&nbsp; <strong>Because again, 29.9% of conditions are not <em>easy</em> to treat!&nbsp; But it CAN be done!</strong>&nbsp; It may take some time, it may take a lot of research, it may take some trial and error.&nbsp; But in almost every case, it really can be done.</p>
<p>That said, if there's something you've been struggling with and would like help researching your options, I'd be more than happy to help with that.&nbsp; I can help you find various options, which you can choose for yourself or discuss with your healthcare practitioner.&nbsp; (Note: this is help finding information only, I'm not diagnosing, treating, or attempting to cure in any way.)</p>
<p>If you're still skeptical, be paying attention on Friday when we do the latest update on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">Amanda's Story</a>.&nbsp; I think you'll be extremely excited, as I was when I learned of recent events!</p>
<p>Some of you are saying "but it all really requires balance."&nbsp; Yes, but not the way most of us think of balance.&nbsp; We're not talking 50-50.&nbsp; For all the easy stuff (colds, scrapes, bumps, etc.) we go with natural treatments and for all real illnesses (infections, allergies, cancer, etc.) we go with "real" medicine.&nbsp; It's not even a matter of "try a few things and if they don't work, go see a real doctor."&nbsp; Natural medicine is very individual, it may take trial and error and a naturopathic doctor to help.&nbsp; The first two or five or fifteen treatments may not work, or may not work completely, but something out there will.&nbsp; Balance comes in when you've fully researched all your options, tried a variety of things, and truly believe that you are at a point where the illness/condition is taking over your life and you absolutely must try conventional medicine.&nbsp; <strong>If it's life or death, I'm not going to say "don't call a doctor."</strong>&nbsp; But the point at which many give up is far short of where they should give up.</p>
<p><strong>The body was created to heal itself (and yes, I said CREATED!).&nbsp;</strong> It only needs the right tools to do so.&nbsp; This applies in <em>every</em> situation, not just the minor ones.&nbsp; The body can <em>always</em> heal itself.<strong>&nbsp;</strong> It has that ability!&nbsp; But unless you fully trust your body's ability to heal, you will still harbor that tiny thought: "Natural health is great, but...."</p>
<p>Do you trust your body's ability to heal?&nbsp; What's your position on natural health?&nbsp; Are you interested in learning more about some of the less common remedies?</p>
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EXCERPT:
I'm actually really excited to write this post.&nbsp; Some of you may not be quite as excited to read it though. :)</p>
<p>I've noticed lately that<strong> a <em>lot</em> of the people who are into natural health are really...not as into it as they think they are</strong>.&nbsp; They talk a good talk, but when push comes to shove, they head straight back to conventional doctors.&nbsp; It seems to me that there are a lot of people out there who believe that <strong>natural health is great, but...only if the problem is minor</strong>.&nbsp; Anything serious needs a "real" doctor.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: 
DATE: 08/24/2010 01:51:37 PM
<p>Hmmmmm....<br/>While I agree, partailly with what you are saying, I thing the gross generalizations you have portrayed in your post I think do a disservice to a large population of parents and children.  Would it not be for &quot;conventional medicine&quot; I would have a dead son.  DEAD.  He wouldn&#39;t be thriving the way he is.  He would be making backward progress, because every time his body goes into a seizure his brain is further injured.  You said that only &quot;.1 %&quot; of the population truley needs a doctor, but 1% of the population needs medicince to stop the brain damaging effects of epilepsy.  </p><p>This is only one instance, but there are many others.  I agree people give up on things like colds and pain to easy.  But I also know that until you are watching your infant son shaking on the floor uncontrollably, or facing a life threating illness you are not qualified to give medical advice on how I, or someone else, as a parent of a special needs child, should or should not treat.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/24/2010 02:09:15 PM
<p>Amy,</p><p>In general I am not talking about special needs children (should have said that before).  There is no way to say how those children would need treated, what help they may need.  But in the rest of the population, with no such conditions, I believe this is right.  As you said -- people give up way too easily on colds, pain and much more than that (flu, chicken pox, etc.).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: L. Hobbie
EMAIL: greenmama26755@yahoo.com
IP: 74.46.244.172
URL: 
DATE: 08/25/2010 11:06:54 AM
<p>I don&#39;t know precise statistics but our family has always operated in accordance with your outline. We&#39;ve learned to treat all kinds of conditions naturally and herbally. Living in a rural area, we do not have many alternative practitioners so we&#39;ve had to research and d-i-y. After  over 2 decades, it has been quite an education! In the past year, however, I&#39;ve really been thrown a curve ball. Colds, flus, even whooping cough (developed in the only child who had been vaccinated against it!!!) have been treated naturally at home. God is stretching me now as I research (and try not to panic reading some of the stuff!) anorexia, which my teenage son appears to have developed. I would welcome some POSITIVE, helpful input. Herbs, natural foods, and prayer are my preferred and, to date, most potent tools for healthy living.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: roopzip10@msn.com
IP: 184.96.95.144
URL: 
DATE: 08/25/2010 04:04:10 PM
<p>Superb blog!  It&#39;s funny, I found that when I attended herb/nutrition school about 10 years ago, it was mostly attended by people that had tried every conventional treatment they could find for whatever malady they personally had, and to no avail.  Interest in alternative/natural medicine was initially spurred by conventional medicine&#39;s lack of ability to help them.  But then we found out how great natural medicine works!  And I completely agree with what you said, it is not really &quot;natural medicine&quot;, it is learning how to support the body so that it can heal itself.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crunchy Nurse
EMAIL: smdryad@aol.com
IP: 76.252.200.177
URL: http://www.crunchynurse.blogspot.com
DATE: 08/25/2010 05:11:47 PM
<p>I agree with some of what you are saying, but I think sometimes doctors can help to pinpoint a diagnosis, but you can follow up with a naturopath or other alternative medicine type provider.  I have found that the right ND was invaluable when my son was a baby with allergic colitis, for which we had been advised to wean, and did put the baby on neocate while seeking a second opinion.  Because of her, we were able to eventually able to switch back to breast and my son got over a year more of nursing that he would have otherwise.  However, now, at age six we are discovering that he may have an underlying metabolic disorder so we are thrown back into allopathic medicine to see a diagnosis.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Denise
EMAIL: duhknees@aol.com
IP: 71.193.248.233
URL: 
DATE: 08/25/2010 06:30:54 PM
<p>Thanks for this post on a great topic.  I am working to develop my own natural health skills.  And I would like to hear more about less-well-known natural remedies.  Also, I&#39;d LOVE to hear more about building up your own home health arsenal.  What tools and supplements or herbs do you experienced moms keep on hand, to care for yourself and your family?  <br/>I think too often we rely on doctors&#39; &quot;magic knowldge&quot; or their stamp of approval, and don&#39;t develop our own common sense about health and sickness.  If we educate ourselves, we can learn and find the very same information that a doctor can.  And more -- we know ourselves in a way that the doctor never can.  And we can research our own particular health problem with a focus that a doctor just can&#39;t have.  I am more and more encouraged to rely on my own God-given abilities to help my body heal itself, rather than run to the doctor.<br/>I recently was convinced/cajoled into seeing the doctor during a bout of heaving intermenstrual bleeding -- and instantly regretted wasting my money &amp; time.  I quickly realized I knew my body better than she did, and proceded to help my body heal itself.  Soon the bleeding stopped, and now the resulting severe anemia has been resolved, as well as an upper-UTI which followed (complete with kidney pain, which worried me the most).  It is so encouraging to see how well-made our bodies are and how they CAN heal themselves if given the chance.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/25/2010 07:45:56 PM
<p>Thanks for the encouraging comments, everyone!</p><p>Sounds like more is needed on this topic.  I know I&#39;ve spent HUNDREDS of hours researching remedies.  I&#39;m in the process of creating my own &quot;health binder&quot; where I will keep all of the major pieces of information, especially on conditions/symptoms that don&#39;t occur too often (lest I forget by the time I need it again).  I will share this with you in the upcoming months. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.212.173.124
URL: 
DATE: 08/26/2010 05:14:21 AM
<p>I agree, but sometimes I&#39;m afraid to try anything natural.  For example, we tried natural teething tablets that everyone said was great.  The baby started hallucinating, and we were so scared we didn&#39;t sleep all night.  So, I think some natural products do have side effects.  <br/>As far as the baby with the epilepsy, my friends child was never helped by doctors.  He continues to have seizures, and no alternative therapies have been tried.  I guess I worded this wrong, the tons of medications sometimes stop the seizures, but stress seems to play a factor, and his diet in his group home is horrendous.<br/>My son, he was first diagnosed with guillian-barre syndrome, no treatment was given except to have an intubation kit ready.  Almost his entire body was paralyzed.  He was rushed to another hospital, where they then decided he had transverse myelitis, no cause.  Heavy steroid treatment was started, but by then the swelling in the spine had already killed off some nerves, permanently, as of a year later.  Anyway, my question to you.  When I wanted to put him on probiotics, the bottles say not to give to people with low immune problems.  Have any idea why?<br/>One last funny thing...my son does not like a lot of &quot;whole, real food&quot;, and the best thing we did for him, even he had to admit he felt great, was that we sneaked in a bit of breastmilk in his protein smoothies that he needed to get his weight up.  I wish I had a picture of his face when he was told.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 08/29/2010 11:06:05 PM
<p>Wow. what a great post. This is the first post of yours I&#39;ve read as this was linked up to another blog (breastfeeding moms unite) blog that I read. What&#39;s funny to me is that what you&#39;ve typed seems radical today, but I doubt that it was radical even 100 years ago. I&#39;ve come up with my own theory after working in outpatient mental health for years. It seems to me that anything that is a chronic condition doesn&#39;t usually respond well to long-term medical interventions, specifically medication. I&#39;ve had clients on antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, etc... for YEARS. And guess what? They aren&#39;t any better today. Actually, many have developed health problems that I strongly suspect are from the medication such as obesity (think Seroquel) and diabetes or high blood pressure.</p><p>I think when people think of &quot;natural&quot; they tend to limit that belief to herbal supplements. When really, prayer and belief in God, getting rest and exercise, eating healthfully, reducing stress, etc.. are all &quot;natural&quot; remedies. Thanks for the interesting post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy Jane
EMAIL: snow.ffairy@gmail.com
IP: 209.193.57.60
URL: http://helmericks.net/Blog2/
DATE: 08/31/2010 04:31:15 PM
<p>So do I ask my remedy question here?</p><p>Two parts-- A) I assume you&#39;re talking about physical issues,right?  Not things ppl turn to counselors for (though I know those can turn to medication, they don&#39;t have to).</p><p>and B) Though nothing like committed to a &quot;whole food&quot; or organic lifestyle the only two things I &quot;run&quot; to (yes, for now I&#39;d prefer to remain in ignorance of ingredients) are ibuprofen and generic Dimatapp/Sutafed.  Both for the children and me. (Please, fellow commentators, skip the flogging if you can bear it).</p><p>I take (and give) these products when they are needed for a functioning level.  Our def. of needed, you understand (though I feel it is quite moderate). My question is: in your research have you come across an effective natural pain-killer and/or a decongestant? We don&#39;t need them often, but when we do, we really do.</p><p>I would feel completely freed from the pharmaceutical industry if we could find replacements for those.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/31/2010 05:48:51 PM
<p>Amy,</p><p>If you have a question about a remedy, you can either post it here or go to the &quot;contact me&quot; form. :)</p><p>A) Yes, I&#39;m talking about physical complaints primarily.  SOME mental issues (like depression) may be helped by a real foods lifestyle because of adequate nutrients to manage hormones and such, but of course people should seek counseling if necessary.  And hopefully avoid drugs!!  I have heard of some counselors who say &quot;I will not even try to help you unless you start Prozac&quot; or something similar.  If anyone says that to you...walk out!  Find someone else!</p><p>B) I won&#39;t tell you the ingredients now. :)  But if you have questions about other remedies you may be able to use, please let me know!  I did do a post last winter about healing from colds naturally.  You can find that here: http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/13/recovering-from-colds.html.  Headache remedies can be hot/cold compresses, drinking water (often dehydration causes headaches), or certain essential oils.  Rest, too, of course!  Aches and pains can be helped by arnica.  There are others, depending on what you need!  Feel free to ask.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Ultrasounds
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/25/2010 04:00:57 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.yourultrasound.com"><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/ultrasound.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282607931098" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>When you're expecting, <strong>having ultrasounds is practically mandatory these days</strong>.&nbsp;  Besides that, most parents truly look forward to getting a view of  their unborn baby, moving around inside.&nbsp; Doctors and ultrasound  technicians assure us that ultrasounds are perfectly safe and have  absolutely no risks to our babies.&nbsp; In fact, they're <em>so</em> safe that 3-D "vanity" places that have popped up where people can get ultrasounds just for fun!&nbsp; So<strong> there really are no risks involved, right</strong>?</p>
<p>Not so fast.</p>
<p><strong>Ultrasounds are actually <em>not</em> recommended as a routine procedure</strong> by many major organizations, including <em>The American College of Obstetricians </em><em>and Gynecologists</em>, <em>The American Academy of Family Physicians</em> and <em>The American Medical Association</em>.&nbsp; There are also <strong>no studies proving their safety or benefit under routine circumstances</strong>,  and several studies showing that they may cause harm to babies.&nbsp; They  are also highly inaccurate in many cases, resulting in missed diagnoses  and false positives.&nbsp; Let's highlight a few interesting studies....</p>
<p><a href="http://gentlebirth.org/archives/screen.html">The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993</a>.  15,151 were randomly assigned to either receive routine ultrasounds in  the second and third trimesters or not (those who did not receive  routine ultrasounds were given one if a problem, such as bleeding,  occurred).&nbsp; This study found <em>no benefit</em> to receiving routine ultrasounds.&nbsp; The rates of infant mortality, incidence of defects, etc. were unchanged.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.unhinderedliving.com/pultra.html">Another study</a> shows that <strong>children with speech delays of unknown causes are twice as likely to have been exposed to ultrasound</strong> as children who do not have speech delays.&nbsp; Yet another study showed that <strong>women  who had five ultrasounds were much more likely to have babies with  intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight than women who had  only one ultrasound</strong> (linked on the same page).&nbsp; On the other side, external palpations by<a href="http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasoundwagner.asp"> experienced midwives</a> could more accurately discern the size of the babies (and therefore, if  intrauterine growth restriction was an issue) than could ultrasound.</p>
<p><strong>Ultrasound has even been shown to cause <a href="http://www.educate-yourself.org/cn/2001/ultrasoundandbraindamage19dec01.shtml">mild brain damage</a> in babies</strong>.&nbsp; This is due to the extremely loud, high-frequency sound waves that are used during the procedure.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.everyday-wisdom.com/dangers-of-ultrasound.html">Sound waves are incredibly powerful</a>,  and may harm the baby.&nbsp; Many studies are beginning to show that this  can be the case.&nbsp; The use of ultrasound can also cause the <a href="http://www.compleatmother.com/ultrasound_danger.htm">temperature of the amniotic fluid to increase</a>,  which can result in damage to the baby as well (too much heat is the  reason pregnant women are advised to avoid hot tubs or very hot baths).&nbsp;  There are <a href="https://www.asrt.org/content/News/IndustryNewsBriefs/Sono/studyshows062408.aspx">even more studies</a> about brain damage due to ultrasound!</p>
<p>The bottom line looks something like this:</p>
<p>Ultrasound <em>may</em> reveal that something is wrong with your baby.&nbsp; You may or may not  choose to take action if this is the case (such as choosing to abort the  baby).&nbsp; The test may cause a false positive, in which case nothing at  all is wrong with your baby and you've worried and possibly even taken  action without warrant (there have been cases that women have aborted  what turned out to be perfectly healthy babies, when an autopsy was  performed).&nbsp; It may also lead to several more diagnostic tests, which  could cause harm to your baby.&nbsp; <strong>Use of ultrasounds, studies have  shown, does not result in many of the "benefits" that mothers think they  will have, like being at a better hospital, having specialists on hand,  or otherwise being "prepared" for the baby's potential special needs</strong>.</p>
<p>Routine ultrasounds do nothing to improve the outcome of  pregnancy.&nbsp; Knowing exactly how big your baby is and if it is growing  "normally" does nothing.&nbsp; Slower than average growth may indicate a  problem (inadequate nutrition, lower than normal blood flow to the  placenta, etc.) or it may simply indicate a baby who is normally growing  slower and will need a longer amount of time in the womb (there are  stories of women whose pregnancies lasted up to 52 weeks with no  problems).&nbsp; Non-invasive tests, like external palpations performed by  trained, experienced midwives can judge this risk as accurately or more  accurately than ultrasound.&nbsp; It is not necessary to know the gender of  the baby, either.</p>
<p>Ultrasounds may cause damage, including  neurological damage that can lead to speech delays or other learning  disabilities.&nbsp; They may also lead to intrauterine growth restriction,  ironically something they're trying to detect.</p>
<p><strong>Ultrasounds should only be used, therefore, if there is concern about the pregnancy</strong> -- if women are bleeding, if external palpations reveal something  abnormal, if premature labor begins, if there is unusual pain, etc.&nbsp;  There is no justification for routine scans simply because a very small  percentage of women will have unknown problems.&nbsp; The risks of the  procedure itself, and the risks of false positives far outweigh any  benefit to routine scanning.</p>
<p>Don't let your doctor fool you, and  definitely don't go to a "3D fun ultrasound" place.&nbsp; The test isn't  safe, it isn't beneficial, and it shouldn't be used without serious  medical justification.&nbsp; And "we just want to make sure the baby is okay"  is not justification.</p>
<p>Do you get ultrasounds when pregnant?&nbsp; Does this information surprise you?</p>
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EXCERPT:
When you're expecting, <strong>having ultrasounds is practically mandatory these days</strong>.&nbsp;  Besides that, most parents truly look forward to getting a view of  their unborn baby, moving around inside.&nbsp; Doctors and ultrasound  technicians assure us that ultrasounds are perfectly safe and have  absolutely no risks to our babies.&nbsp; In fact, they're <em>so</em> safe that 3-D "vanity" places that have popped up where people can get ultrasounds just for fun!&nbsp; So<strong> there really are no risks involved, right</strong>?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Catie T.
EMAIL: aerocats@hotmail.com
IP: 67.188.45.178
URL: 
DATE: 08/26/2010 01:55:46 AM
<p>My 4.5 y/o stepson has pretty bad speech delays - he&#39;ll likely be held back in (the private) school. His mother had at least 6 ultrasounds with him, she&#39;s real loony &amp; thought she was high risk. Said child has also been attending a Chinese daycare for 4 years; that&#39;s likely to have confused him I think. </p><p>What&#39;s the diff between a midwife using Doppler for a few seconds to hear heartbeat versus ultrasound? Aren&#39;t they the same thing? I felt guilty after learning that - wished it was a fetoscope instead.</p><p>Catie from FB</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/26/2010 04:02:41 AM
<p>Catie,</p><p>That&#39;s too bad that your step-son has been so confused by so many things. :(  I hope he gets whatever intervention he needs to do well!</p><p>Yes, Dopplers are the same as ultrasounds, in the way they work.  And yes, they&#39;re just as damaging.  Fetoscopes are better and easy enough to use during pregnancy.  My midwives used a Doppler only during labor because it was too hard to get me to lie still (or any laboring woman!).  Also, what you don&#39;t know, you don&#39;t know.  I had ultrasounds with both my first two because I didn&#39;t know any better -- at least they were fairly brief!  But I won&#39;t have any with future babies unless we truly believe there is a problem.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Esther
EMAIL: 
IP: 137.186.187.92
URL: 
DATE: 08/26/2010 02:40:26 PM
<p>I had one ultrasound with each of my 7 pregnancies. But I have decided that with this most recent one I will not have one unless there is cause, great cause for concern. <br/>I was convicted with a verse from the Bible that says that God formed us in secret. I&#39;m feel sure that it was his intention that we are kept in secret until he reveals us to our parents at birth. <br/>We do not let our children open their birthday gifts before their big day. Probably God is happiest when we save &#39;opening&#39; our present until He presents us with this amazing gift on the day of our childs birth.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.41.171
URL: 
DATE: 08/26/2010 05:37:45 PM
<p>I&#39;m pretty crunchy in most respects, but have had ultrasounds done with all of my pregnancies ( I have 5 living children, the youngest is 6 months old).  With the first child, I had the traditional two that my OB practice normally did.  With my 2nd pregnancy, we went the midwife route.  At 17.5 weeks I had some spotting so she suggested an u/s; we found out our baby had died in utero.  After this (and due to it), I was diagnosed with a blood clotting problem which causes around a 75% miscarriage rate if untreated.  Since then, the use of ultrasound has been very reassuring to us with the subsequent 4 (successful) pregnancies.  I typically have 10-12 done each pregnancy, though some are not the long ones, just quick checks of blood flow through the cord and such.  So far, of our first 4 children  (one with 2 u/s, the next three with 10-12 each) we have had no speech delay problems.  In fact, people frequently comment on their extensive vocabularies at young ages.  Child #5 is only 6 months so we&#39;ll have to wait and see if he has any problems.</p><p>Anyway, though I know that u/s is overused in some cases for frivolous reasons, I am very thankful for it in ours.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 08/26/2010 06:24:08 PM
<p>Cathy,</p><p>I feel like your situation is the exception that proves the rule.  When you know that you have a history of a problem, and you NEED to check on it for your safety and your baby&#39;s -- DO IT!  In your case it could mean death to the baby if you didn&#39;t check, so what does the risk of potential speech difficulties/ADHD mean vs. losing the child?  But in MOST cases where there is no such problem, u/s shouldn&#39;t be used routinely.</p><p>This is the TRUE problem with the medical system -- they look at a few people who truly NEED intervention and say &quot;Well, let&#39;s just intervene with everyone...just in case.&quot;  Then you get serious overuse (ultrasounds, c-sections, antibiotics, etc.) and the benefits no longer outweigh the risks.  If doctors were willing to truly identify the people who NEEDED intervention and only intervene with those, everything would be a lot better!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi Fiscus
EMAIL: heidi.jo.hillyard@gmail.com
IP: 24.74.126.85
URL: http://www.heidifiscus.com
DATE: 08/29/2010 12:39:31 AM
<p>This post was sent to me by a friend. It has been very helpful and will launch my ultrasound research even though I had already said NO to them.</p><p>I have no urge to see a medical doctor or have any type of ultrasound unless I feel something is wrong. To do it just for a picture seems very selfish and you are invading the baby&#39;s atmosphere. </p><p>I hope this post helps others as well!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Chocolate Chip Cookies
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/26/2010 12:00:30 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/08/pennywise-platter-826.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourme</a>t!**</p>
<p>I experimented with a new version of chocolate chip cookies today, and I liked it so much I thought I'd share it with you. :)</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1/2 c. butter</p>
<p>1/2 c. + 2 tbsp. sucanat</p>
<p>1 tsp. baking soda</p>
<p>1 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1 egg</p>
<p>1 tsp. vanilla</p>
<p>1.5 c. sprouted flour</p>
<p>1/2 c. mini chocolate chips</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.&nbsp; Add egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt; stir to combine.&nbsp; Add flour and chocolate chips; stir together.&nbsp; Bake at 350 (preheated oven) for 9 - 10 minutes.&nbsp; Makes about 3 dozen.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourme</a>t!**</p>
<p>I experimented with a new version of chocolate chip cookies today, and I liked it so much I thought I'd share it with you. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie Riddle
EMAIL: 
IP: 66.82.9.53
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 08/27/2010 02:45:58 AM
<p>This looks great, thanks for sharing! (Visiting from Pennywise Platter.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tiffany @ The Coconut Mama
EMAIL: tiffy.coconutmama@gmail.com
IP: 67.171.218.46
URL: http://thecoconutmama.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/27/2010 04:42:40 PM
<p>I&#39;ve haven&#39;t used sprouted flour in cookies before. I will have to try these! Thanks =)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy Y.
EMAIL: sphyg101@yahoo.com
IP: 64.184.37.96
URL: http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com
DATE: 08/29/2010 05:25:20 PM
<p>Love to find new versions of old favorites....I&#39;m going to have to give this a whirl.  I have one you might want to try as well on my blog...http://vimandvigor.typepad.com/vim-and-vigor/2010/07/inspiration.html</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story: Exciting News!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/27/2010 12:00:19 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="Amanda"><img style="width: 150px;" src="/storage/Amanda.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282879797375" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 150px;">Amanda</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-august-27th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>If you haven't been following so far, please read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">Amanda's Introduction</a> and her <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/13/amandas-story-update.html">first update</a> to learn what's been going on!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Those of you who've read the first two parts (and if you haven't, do it now!) know that Amanda was waiting anxiously to see if her period would arrive.&nbsp; As a brief reminder, Amanda had not had a normal period that wasn't caused by birth control withdrawal bleeding in <em>nine years</em>.&nbsp; And she hadn't had her period at all for two years before that, before she was diagnosed.&nbsp; So effectively she had not had a truly normal, natural period in <em>eleven years!</em>&nbsp; If you can consider it ever being normal!</p>
<p>Clearly she had some work to do to get healthy!&nbsp; And we shouldn't expect too much, given her history.&nbsp; It might take awhile to see real progress....</p>
<p>Are you tired of me stalling yet?&nbsp; Do you want to know what happened?</p>
<p><em><strong>Amanda got her period!!</strong></em></p>
<p>Yes.&nbsp; She did!&nbsp; It was only a 32-day cycle, too!&nbsp; It wasn't ridiculously late.&nbsp; And it has been completely normal!</p>
<p>In case you're not getting the magnitude of what's going on here, let me sum it up for you:</p>
<p>Amanda did not have <em>any</em> period that was not caused by drugs for <em>nine years</em>.&nbsp; She was told she had very severe PCOS, would have to be on birth control for the rest of her life, and would never have children.&nbsp; Any time she stopped birth control, she simply didn't have her period.</p>
<p>Then after only <em>one month</em> of changing her habits -- eating organically, consuming full-fat foods, raw dairy, and taking Vitex, B-complex, and licorice root (and <em>not</em> taking birth control, if you forgot that part), she had the return of a normal cycle!!</p>
<p><em>Are you paying attention to how amazing this is?!</em></p>
<p>It is possible for a body that is "severely ill," one which doctors cannot ever cure, to <em>cure itself</em> after only a few weeks when given the right tools!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, <strong>let's talk to Amanda directly</strong> and see what she says about her situation and her hopes for the future:</p>
<p>Hello all! What a great week! After switching parts of my diet, and  taking Vitex, Licorice and a B-12 complex vitamin (semi) regularly I  got my period!</p>
<div>*deep breath*</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>This. Is. HUGE. I have not had a period on my own, without the aid  of birth control for 9 year. NINE YEARS. To finally see the results of  my efforts and struggles, and so quickly, gives me a great hope! From my  last period (which was really the final Withdraw-Bleed from my birth  control), my luteal phase was around 4-5 days. So, I was prepared for my  cycle to begin on the 13th...well, the 13th came and went, and no such  luck. I was sincerely disheartened, felt fat, bloated, crabby,  miserable, you name it, I felt it. Until the 17th, when I got my cycle.  My cycle ended on the 22nd, so it lasted a full five days. So, my luteal  phase lengthened, too!</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>And let me tell you those days sucked. I had cramps, felt tired all  the time, felt icky. But I couldn't be TOO upset since it was a period!  I don't think there is another woman out there that is as happy to  endure a period as I am. Unless they have what I have, and have been  through as much.</div>
<div>This makes me so happy, because its the first step towards having  my baby, which is a dream I almost had to give up on (and had done so  for a time).</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>This spurns me further towards making better changes in my life.  It's made me more determined not to be afraid of taking my health into  my own hands and doing my own research. Of trying new ways of eating,  new foods to sustain my body and nourish it. And I'm getting to be less  and less afraid of the words "full fat", after years of eating a  low-to-no fat diet.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>I can tell now, when I eat a good protein filled breakfast, that I  have more energy. I feel more balanced on the Vitex/Licorice/B12, more  level headed and able to tackle the day. I feel better that I am  attempting to meal plan, and I feel good knowing I'm taking matters into  my own hands. I will say,</div>
<div>though, that I am no where near where I want  to be. But, I am making baby steps.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>I am working on cutting out white sugar as much as possible. I  don't use artificial sweetener anymore, and will often drink unsweetened  tea whenever possible. I've just started using coconut oil, too, to  make smoothies in the AM. Works great!</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>My next big task: KOMBUCHA! I have been craving this stuff. Aside  from milk and my unsweet tea, and my filtered water, it will be a staple  in my fridge.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>I can't wait to try all these things, but I also have to pace  myself. As a woman who works three jobs, (yes you can say workaholic), I  also need to remember that STRESS is just as bad as anything low fat.&nbsp;</div>
<div>Baby steps now, leads to little real baby steps later.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>And that's the whole point.</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Thanks, Amanda!</p>
<p>So what do you think?&nbsp; How great is Amanda's news?!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
If you haven't been following so far, please read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">Amanda's Introduction</a> and her <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/13/amandas-story-update.html">first update</a> to learn what's been going on!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Those of you who've read the first two parts (and if you haven't, do it now!) know that Amanda was waiting anxiously to see if her period would arrive.&nbsp; As a brief reminder, Amanda had not had a normal period that wasn't caused by birth control withdrawal bleeding in <em>nine years</em>.&nbsp; And she hadn't had her period at all for two years before that, before she was diagnosed.&nbsp; So effectively she had not had a truly normal, natural period in <em>eleven years!</em>&nbsp; If you can consider it ever being normal!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexandra
EMAIL: sunshinelex@hotmail.com
IP: 198.103.223.52
URL: 
DATE: 08/27/2010 04:06:28 PM
<p>Since coming off the pill in January my menstral cycle has not returned. They have not diagnosed me with PCOS and I am working with a naturopath. I am curious if Stephanie could share specifically which herbs/supplements worked for her? I&#39;ve been taking homeopathics that contain vitex, vitamin B-complex and seeds... What about the licorich root? I have not heard of this? Also, did you take only B-6? And vitex alone? If you can it would be great if you could share! Much appreciated.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/28/2010 07:57:36 PM
<p>How wonderful! It is amazing how well our bodies respond to good healthy fats and foods! What an inspiring post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sandra
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.214.20.49
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 03:03:26 AM
<p>Amanda, I am so glad to hear that your health is improving!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy Lu
EMAIL: mimi_lu@charter.net
IP: 71.90.61.106
URL: http://somecallthemstick.typepad.com
DATE: 09/22/2010 06:35:15 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been following Amanda&#39;s story with interest, since it so closely mirrors my own experience.  I&#39;m very encouraged by all of her life changes!  WooHoo!  Way to go!   Something I found was that when I lost just 10% of my body weight, it helped my cycles immensely!  Keep it up Amanda!</p><p>As for the cycle this month, I would be cautiously optimistic.  It takes a while for the pill to work its way out of your system, and it may still be influencing your hormones at this point.  Don&#39;t get discouraged if your period is later next month, or non-existent.  You are definitely on the right track, and because you are young perhaps you have been cured.  Just don&#39;t give up if you&#39;re not.  You will be.  Especially with all the awesome things you are doing for your body!</p><p>I wait up to 4 months for a period, and then will use progesterone to cause a withdrawal bleed if needed.  I was at a place where I was healthy and cycling regularly, and then I started slipping back into old habits.  Now I am at an all time high (weight-wise) and haven&#39;t cycled on my own for about 6 years.  I&#39;ve spent the last 6 months making changes.  Hopefully things will reverse themselves soon!  :o)</p><p>Keep us updated!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Junk Foods I'll Never Give Up
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 08/28/2010 12:00:14 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!</strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/rainbow%20chip%20frosting.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282869567534" alt="" /></span></span><br /></strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/09/01/wheatless-wednesday-taco-salad/">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a> and <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/09/pennywise-platter-thursday-92-2.html#more-3239">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Just in case you thought I was crazy and I that I NEVER eat anything that's bad for me (hahaha), I thought I'd give you a fun little list of all the awful, terrible, horrible processed foods that I still just love and will probably never totally give up.  Although I eat them in extreme moderation!</p>
<p>*Please note I'm not advocating eating junk food.&nbsp; Just noting that no one's perfect and I have a few bad habits myself. :)</p>
<p><strong>Rainbow chip frosting</strong>: Okay, I just love this stuff and always have.&nbsp; It's sweet, creamy, and has those pretty rainbow-colored chips in them!&nbsp; I know there's not a drop of real food in this stuff so I have it once a year or less, but...c'mon, it's SO good.&nbsp; If I could only figure out how to make it myself (what do you think?&nbsp; coconut oil + sucanat + berry juice = rainbow chips?) I would!</p>
<p><strong>Queso dip</strong>: When I go to Mexican restaurants I just have to have it.&nbsp; I know it's processed American cheese and all, but it's so good.&nbsp; Working on a real-food version of this, too.&nbsp; I only eat it once every 3 - 4 months.</p>
<p><strong>Trinidads</strong>: Dark chocolate candy center covered in white chocolate with coconut bits.&nbsp; LOVE that.&nbsp; I keep a box in the freezer and eat one every few weeks.&nbsp; A box can last me a whole year.</p>
<p><strong>Ice cream</strong>: I have yet to make homemade ice cream that <em>completely</em> cures my cravings for the bad stuff.&nbsp; My <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/29/dairy-free-ice-cream.html">homemade ice cream</a> is a compromise, because Ben likes his more like ice-milk, I keep it raw, and I add very, very little sugar.&nbsp; Still love it, but occasionally need the "real" stuff.&nbsp; And yes, I go for Breyer's or another brand that is mostly milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, not all that nasty fake crap.&nbsp; Every now and then, I just need some ice cream!</p>
<p>Hmm...I guess there's not much more than that!&nbsp; Everything else I can either live without or can make at home.</p>
<p>For example....</p>
<p><strong>French fries</strong>: Have you seen my post on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/25/how-to-make-amazing-french-fries.html">how to make amazing fries</a>?&nbsp; These are SO good.&nbsp; You can cut them thick or cut them thin.&nbsp; When I cut them very thin recently, I thought they tasted similar to McDonald's fries, only MUCH better.</p>
<p><strong>Pop</strong>: I was never a huge fan in general, but I do love grape soda!&nbsp; However, now I can make <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">kombucha</a> with a little grape juice in it and it's SO much better.&nbsp; No artificial aftertaste and plenty of probiotics!</p>
<p><strong>Pizza</strong>: Love it, but many have white flour, vegetable oil, processed cheese, etc.&nbsp; When I <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/13/pizza-dough.html">make it at home</a>, though, it's actually really healthy!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Cookies</strong>: What's life without a cookie now and then?&nbsp; I make <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/26/chocolate-chip-cookies.html">chocolate chip cookies</a> that my family love!</p>
<p>You CAN eat your favorite foods even if you are eating real food!</p>
<p>What are your favorite junk foods, made over or not?&nbsp; If they're not made over would you like to try?&nbsp; (Project coming on...!)</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Just in case you thought I was crazy and I that I NEVER eat anything that's bad for me (hahaha), I thought I'd give you a fun little list of all the awful, terrible, horrible processed foods that I still just love and will probably never totally give up.  Although I eat them in extreme moderation!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Darcy
EMAIL: aslansavz@yahoo.com
IP: 70.247.169.161
URL: http://aslansavz.wordpress.com
DATE: 08/28/2010 01:32:03 PM
<p>but if you make pizza out of whole, healthy ingredients, it&#39;s no longer junk food :) I kind of think the same way of ice cream or cookies..make it out of good stuff..and I can justify not calling it junk food!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: Kelly@Kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 24.180.126.105
URL: http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com
DATE: 08/30/2010 02:18:39 AM
<p>Kate,</p><p>For me it&#39;s coffee and sweets now and then, but these days I don&#39;t indulge as much as I used to, that&#39;s for sure!</p><p>It&#39;s funny how you feel about ice cream because now that we&#39;ve made our own and it&#39;s SO stinkin&#39; good (I&#39;m curious what recipe you&#39;ve tried), I don&#39;t even like the stuff from the store anymore!</p><p>A note about the Queso... Food Renegade has a homemade Queso dip on her site that I&#39;ve been meaning to try.  Let me know how it is if you give it a whirl.  :)  (Sorry I don&#39;t have the link handy.)</p><p>Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cara @ Health Home and Happiness
EMAIL: carafaus@gmail.com
IP: 97.121.214.70
URL: http://healthhomehappy.com
DATE: 09/01/2010 02:35:13 PM
<p>Never say never! There are some foods that I thought I&#39;d never want to give up, but I&#39;ve lost my taste for them!  And homemade substitutes with real food ingredients taste so good!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Doodlebug's Mommy
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.0.103.64
URL: http://dandelion-farm.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/02/2010 08:39:23 PM
<p>I just found your blog and I love it! I eat way too much ice cream (Breyers or something more natural), and occasionally when I need a soda I drink Dublin Dr. Pepper because it has no HFCS.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 184.36.123.90
URL: 
DATE: 09/05/2010 12:50:36 AM
<p>For ice cream I would buy the Breyer&#39;s vanilla if I didnt make my own b/c Breyer&#39;s has minimal # of ingredients. However I wont be eating Breyer&#39;s anymore even if I didnt eat it that often b/c of this article http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-robbins/is-your-favorite-ice-crea_b_686629.html - check it out! Shame on Monsanto wanting to take over world&#39;s food supply!!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Real Food for Rookies Ecourse and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 08/30/2010 12:00:59 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/kelly-the-kitchen-kop.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282869608580" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/09/real-food-wednesday-9110.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>So you've probably seen the notes at the top of my blog posts for about the last week.&nbsp; You know, the one right above this. :)&nbsp; <strong>One of my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/19/my-favorite-bloggers.html">favorite bloggers</a>, <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>, has launched her much-awaited <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp;</strong> I am so excited!&nbsp; Kelly was actually one of the first blogs I stumbled on when I was beginning my real food journey, but I didn't yet know exactly how much I'd be reading her site, or how much I'd be getting out of it!</p>
<p>If you're not familiar with Kelly's story, she only began her transition a few years ago.&nbsp; She didn't grow up on real food, so she has had to make the transition like most of us: one tiny, uncertain <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/8/24/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">baby step</a> at a time.&nbsp; She's blogged about much of it, but even her blog (and all blogs!) can be intimidating if you stumble on it at once.&nbsp; After all, she's come so far and she has SO much information for you!&nbsp; You may remember that she shared a little bit of this with us in April, on the "<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/23/what-do-you-feed-your-real-food-kid-panel.html">What Do You Feed Your Real Food Kid</a>" panel (wasn't that nice of her to do?!).</p>
<p>But now, <strong>Kelly has created an ecourse that will hold your hand and walk you through the very, very beginning baby steps.</strong>&nbsp; She'll take you from "I have no idea what to do" to "I can do this real food thing!" The course is only $120, which is just $10 per class!&nbsp; That's a great value for so much information!&nbsp; (Never mind how much you'll be saving by keeping your family healthy through real food instead of always needing drugs, and doctors....)&nbsp; And for those who are busy with family and work and other areas of life (no one, right? :) ), <strong>the course is self-paced and you will have <em>lifetime access</em> to the course content</strong>.&nbsp; That means that if you get busy and can't keep up, it will still be there when you are ready to try again!</p>
<p>If you've watched me promote other ecourses on here and decided to pass, please know I feel differently about <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">this course</a>.&nbsp; Other courses may be more well-suited to people who are already on the real-food bandwagon and want to know how to cook more and better.&nbsp; And maybe that's not you.&nbsp; But <em>this</em> course is different.&nbsp;<strong> This is for people who brand-new to real food!&nbsp;</strong> If you are just really struggling with "What CAN I eat?&nbsp; Where do I find it?&nbsp; What do I <em>do</em>?" This course is for you!&nbsp; Also, everyone who signs up for the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">course</a> will get&nbsp; a FREE copy of Kelly's Real Food Ingredient Guide!&nbsp; That is a HUGE value to someone who just doesn't know what to buy or where to start!</p>
<p>If you're not sold yet (and you should be!! lol), watch this awesome video to learn more:</p>
<p><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h8W-itSLFxc&rel=0&color1=0x6699&color2=0x54abd6&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h8W-itSLFxc&rel=0&color1=0x6699&color2=0x54abd6&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></p>
<p>Wow, I love that video!&nbsp; Kelly makes real food looks SO easy.&nbsp; I can think of a ton of people in my life right now who would LOVE to take a course like this.&nbsp; It seems like <strong>THE answer for people struggling to make sense of food</strong>.&nbsp; How much would I have LOVED to have exactly this course a year ago?!&nbsp; (Seriously, I'm not even pregnant and hormonal and the video was so awesome I want to cry...isn't that sad?&nbsp; lol.)</p>
<p>To make this even sweeter,<strong> Kelly has very generously offered to give one FREE <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">ecourse</a> to one of my readers</strong>!&nbsp; That's right -- one of you lucky people will get to take this course completely free!!&nbsp; And as an incentive (since, sadly, only one of you can win), Kelly has graciously offered a coupon code for 15% off the course to everyone who enters.&nbsp; So even if you don't win, you'll still save money on the course.&nbsp; ENTER!!&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>(By the way, you will need to send me an email after the contest is over or leave your email on your comment so I can send you the code.&nbsp; I can't post it because it's ONLY for contest entrants.)</p>
<p>To enter, you can do the following things.&nbsp; Each one is a SEPARATE entry and you don't have to do all of them.&nbsp; <em>Only the first one is required</em>.&nbsp; Please let me a SEPARATE comment for each one that you do, though, so I can make sure to count them all!&nbsp; Thanks!</p>
<p>1. Visit <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Kelly's course description</a> and tell me what would be most helpful or interesting to you if you took the course.</p>
<p>2. Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> (or tell me that you already do)</p>
<p>3. Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/moderamama">Twitter</a> and post this giveaway to Twitter (mention @ModernAMama when you do)</p>
<p>4. Subscribe to <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>'s blog (or tell me that you already do)</p>
<p>5. Follow<a href="http://www.twitter.com/kitchenkop"> Kelly </a>on Twitter</p>
<p>6. "Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Modern Alternative Mama on Facebook</a> (I'd also love it if you posted this giveaway but I technically can't give you an extra entry for that)</p>
<p>7. Fill out my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c6MQ">reader survey</a> (thanks!&nbsp; it really helps!).</p>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; 7 possible entries.&nbsp; This giveaway will end on Friday, Sept. 3 at 8 AM and the winner will be announced that night by 8 PM.&nbsp; If you don't win (or prefer to just <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">sign up now</a>!), hurry over to register because the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">course</a> officially closes for registration on September 5th!&nbsp; It begins on Sept. 16, so get ready!!</p>
<p>*Note: All the links to the ecourse page are affiliate links, and if you sign up for the course through this page, I will get a small commission.&nbsp; Thank you!</p>
<p>Are you excited for Kelly's ecourse?&nbsp; I am!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
So you've probably seen the notes at the top of my blog posts for about the last week.&nbsp; You know, the one right above this. :)&nbsp; <strong>One of my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/19/my-favorite-bloggers.html">favorite bloggers</a>, <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>, has launched her much-awaited <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp;</strong> I am so excited!&nbsp; Kelly was actually one of the first blogs I stumbled on when I was beginning my real food journey, but I didn't yet know exactly how much I'd be reading her site, or how much I'd be getting out of it!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.234.167.254
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 08/30/2010 01:14:31 PM
<p>What would be most interesting/useful to me - the video on which sweetener to use in which recipe. I have limited options available for sweeteners, so knowing which recipes I could use, say, local honey in instead of sugar would be awesome!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.234.167.254
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 08/30/2010 01:17:06 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.234.167.254
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 08/30/2010 01:21:57 PM
<p>I filled out the reader survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 08/30/2010 02:23:59 PM
<p>Most helpful to me would be to read how to do the real food &quot;thing&quot; while staying within a budget.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 08/30/2010 02:24:44 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog through Google Reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 08/30/2010 02:25:21 PM
<p>I subscribed to Kelly&#39;s blog</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: seaysaves@yahoo.com
IP: 24.171.189.50
URL: 
DATE: 08/30/2010 03:33:03 PM
<p>i subscribe to you and Kelly through Google Reader.  I am really interested in snack ideas and fermenting.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.27.160.75
URL: 
DATE: 08/30/2010 03:49:16 PM
<p>I desperately want this for my sister.  She&#39;s just been diagnosed as having a gluten intolerance and has been struggling with other digestive problems.  I think the fermented food part of the e-course would be particularly great for her!  So glad you&#39;re doing this giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie P.
EMAIL: Katie.paskvan@gmail.com
IP: 99.9.199.184
URL: 
DATE: 08/30/2010 04:23:11 PM
<p>I&#39;d enjoy the lessons on how to cook grass fed and pastured meat</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 08/30/2010 07:13:27 PM
<p>I like that you get the access for life!  The info sounds great and being able to go back is even better!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 08/30/2010 07:14:33 PM
<p>I subscribe to you.<br/>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leslie
EMAIL: bowtiesnbutterflies@live.com
IP: 68.114.200.156
URL: 
DATE: 08/30/2010 08:18:21 PM
<p>I want to learn about the ingredients in conventional food. Thanks for the opportunity.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leslie
EMAIL: bowtiesnbutterflies@live.com
IP: 68.114.200.156
URL: 
DATE: 08/30/2010 08:21:17 PM
<p>I took your survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 06:56:42 AM
<p>Everything Kelly has to say about the course sounds interesting.  If I had to pick I&#39;d say &quot;Make nourishing “fast food” meals to avoid last-minute trips to the drive-thru&quot;.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 07:03:11 AM
<p>I took the quiz</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 07:03:36 AM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 07:04:05 AM
<p>I subscribe to Kelly the Kitchen Kop&#39;s blog via email as well</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: h.l.lionelle@gmail.com
IP: 72.174.166.83
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 02:30:40 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog via e-mail.</p><p>On Kelly&#39;s course I would really love to learn great alternatives to &quot;sugar bomb&quot; cereals and alternatives to Soda. I just keep going back to it grrr. =)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laurie
EMAIL: pray2him@ncwcom.com
IP: 208.93.187.207
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 04:59:26 PM
<p>I subscribe to blog as email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laurie
EMAIL: pray2him@ncwcom.com
IP: 208.93.187.207
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 05:00:57 PM
<p>I follow on Facebook too</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laurie
EMAIL: pray2him@ncwcom.com
IP: 208.93.187.207
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 05:04:41 PM
<p>I would like to see more on what can be done with raw milk and the benefits</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laurie
EMAIL: pray2him@ncwcom.com
IP: 208.93.187.207
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 05:05:12 PM
<p>I took the survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laurie
EMAIL: pray2him@ncwcom.com
IP: 208.93.187.207
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 05:06:15 PM
<p>I subscribe to the blog.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 08:45:42 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 08:46:30 PM
<p>I also subscribe to Kelly the Kitchen Cop&#39;s blog via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 08:49:07 PM
<p>Alot of stuff from Kelly&#39;s corse sounds great.  Some of the most interesting points to me are to learn what to ask at the farmer&#39;s market and how to make soft breads at home (easily I hope!).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.35.69
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 08:55:15 PM
<p>I took your survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kristena
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.181.216.104
URL: 
DATE: 09/01/2010 04:26:42 PM
<p>I subscribe to Kelly&#39;s blog</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: Deborahbuckingham@gmail.com
IP: 98.119.121.184
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 12:42:12 AM
<p>I would like ideas for soda alternatives and sugar alternatives.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: Deborahbuckingham@gmail.com
IP: 98.119.121.184
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 12:43:16 AM
<p>I subscribe to your feed.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: Deborahbuckingham@gmail.com
IP: 98.119.121.184
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 12:44:08 AM
<p>I subscribe to Kelly&#39;s blog.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: Deborahbuckingham@gmail.com
IP: 98.119.121.184
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 01:16:57 AM
<p>I took your survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 02:02:57 AM
<p>I would love to learn how to do meal planning (my #1 weakness) and how to cook easy crockpot meals!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 02:06:46 AM
<p>I subscribed to your RSS feeds!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 02:10:27 AM
<p>I am already subscribed to Kelly&#39;s blog!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 02:11:13 AM
<p>I follow Kelly on Twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 02:13:08 AM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on Facebook :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 02:14:02 AM
<p>I follow you on Twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 02:19:16 AM
<p>I took your Reader Survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.50.130.84
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/02/2010 01:29:11 PM
<p>So much of this would be useful.  I&#39;m slowly changing our family&#39;s diet - one step at a time and this course would save me so much time on the research!  I particularly like the section on sweeteners and the section on healthy lunches and snacks - snacks is an area I struggle with - my kids like the &quot;normal&quot; packaged junk!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.50.130.84
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/02/2010 01:45:25 PM
<p>I subscribed via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stacy
EMAIL: flutegirl150@hotmail.com
IP: 75.185.77.195
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 04:58:59 PM
<p>I subscribed to your blog feed.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bmitchell@phodat.net
IP: 24.140.115.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 09:32:52 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in meals to avoid the drive thru!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bmitchell@phodat.net
IP: 24.140.115.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 09:34:06 PM
<p>I liked you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bmitchell@phodat.net
IP: 24.140.115.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 09:34:44 PM
<p>I subscribe to you via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bmitchell@phodat.net
IP: 24.140.115.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 09:40:16 PM
<p>I took the survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/03/2010 03:54:17 AM
<p>I&#39;m most interested in the HEALTHY LUNCHES, SNACKS AND ON-THE-GO FOODS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/03/2010 03:55:43 AM
<p>Subscribe to  you via RSS (Google Reader)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/03/2010 04:03:48 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter and post this giveaway to Twitter </p><p>http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/22857859024</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/03/2010 04:04:49 AM
<p>Subscribe to Kelly the Kitchen Kop&#39;s blog via Google Reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/03/2010 04:05:25 AM
<p>Follow Kelly on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/03/2010 04:06:05 AM
<p>&quot;Like&quot; Modern Alternative Mama on Facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/03/2010 04:16:04 AM
<p>Filled out your reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa
EMAIL: lagsworld@yahoo.com
IP: 173.20.143.179
URL: 
DATE: 09/04/2010 03:00:19 AM
<p>i need so much help in our family&#39;s diet, this course is just what I am looking for! <br/>thanks!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Re-Organization Mission!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 08/31/2010 12:00:34 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!&nbsp; And don't forget about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/30/real-food-for-rookies-ecourse-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010668.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283027845842" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Kids' playroom</span></span></p>
<p>What does your house look like right now?</p>
<p>I was finding mine was increasingly...not the way I wanted it, to put it mildly.&nbsp; I had trouble keeping up with my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/28/chore-chart-organization.html">chore charts</a>, and long-term projects (like switching the kids' wardrobes as they grow) were getting put off further and further.&nbsp; Toys were in every room of the house and so were dishes (oops).&nbsp; Papers were (are) stacked up on every available surface.&nbsp; My home was "clean" in that I eventually managed to get the floors cleared and dishes done, laundry done, etc.&nbsp; But...it wasn't <em>really</em> clean, nor organized.&nbsp; Something had to change.</p>
<p>I quickly realized that the problem wasn't that I should be more on top of things.&nbsp; I have certain priorities right now, which have to do with spending time with my children and with work on this blog, that mean that I can't spend all my time cooking and cleaning.&nbsp; And why <em>should</em> I?&nbsp; I ultimately came to the conclusion that</p>
<p><strong>I HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF!</strong></p>
<p>Yes.&nbsp; I bet you have no idea what that's like, right? :)&nbsp; So now I'm on a mission.&nbsp; My goal is to get every room of my house cleaned UP and OUT!&nbsp; I want all of the things I don't use and don't need to be put away, give away, thrown away.&nbsp; Whatever it takes to simplify my home and my routines.&nbsp; I've worked a bit on the kitchen and my daughter's room so far, and it really is going better.</p>
<p>Over the next several weeks I'll be posting pictures of the rooms I'm working on, with all the "tips" I learn along the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here's to hoping I can get my house cleaned and organized so that I can keep it that way!</p>
<p><strong>What's your biggest organizational nightmare?&nbsp; Want to join me on my journey to get it cleaned up?</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
What does your house look like right now?</p>
<p>I was finding mine was increasingly...not the way I wanted it, to put it mildly.&nbsp; I had trouble keeping up with my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/28/chore-chart-organization.html">chore charts</a>, and long-term projects (like switching the kids' wardrobes as they grow) were getting put off further and further.&nbsp; Toys were in every room of the house and so were dishes (oops).&nbsp; Papers were (are) stacked up on every available surface.&nbsp; My home was "clean" in that I eventually managed to get the floors cleared and dishes done, laundry done, etc.&nbsp; But...it wasn't <em>really</em> clean, nor organized.&nbsp; Something had to change.
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Denise
EMAIL: duhknees@aol.com
IP: 71.193.248.233
URL: 
DATE: 08/31/2010 11:33:08 PM
<p>I love the advice and encouragement of &quot;Fly Lady&quot; for this kind of thing.  She&#39;s great.  <br/>I personally have a cluttered closet in our office just begging to be de-cluttered and 2 boxes of files that I want to consolidate (ie toss, shred, scan &amp; keep as e-files) into one small file drawer in my desk.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 09/01/2010 01:20:29 PM
<p>well Kate,<br/>that is the absolute ONLY way i can keep my house clean...in fact i constantly have 2 ongoing donate bags of stuff (one for choice and one for general donations) by my front door that i drop off whenever i am out doing errands...that is after i did the initial big run through of what to get rid of everywhere:)  a book i HIGHLY recommend that inspired my initial downsizing is &quot;Living Simply with Children : A Voluntary Simplicity Guide for Moms, Dads, and Kids Who Want to Reclaim the Bliss of Childhood and the Joy of Parenting&quot;<br/>By Marie Sherlock<br/>i found it at the library when i was pregnant with rosemary and have been SO thankful ever since! Hope all goes well...it is a big job initially but well worth it in the end!! oh, and i do rotate toys in and out of storage so that the amount of toys i have out and accessible is an amount rosemary can handle cleaning up by herself (though she does still usually have help anyway)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janice
EMAIL: janice.olick@gmail.com
IP: 76.250.81.42
URL: 
DATE: 09/01/2010 03:29:46 PM
<p>I have been doing the same thing for the past couple weeks.  The whole house was organized before Faith was born, but is far from it now.  I plan to work through one room at a time until its back in order!   I do tend to get a little OCD about getting it just right so organizing takes me forever.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie
EMAIL: Angelaalford22@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.71.227
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 03:32:51 PM
<p>I have made up my mind that this is what is keeping me from doing any housework.  My house is so cluttered no matter what I do it won&#39;t help until I do a deep cleaning.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 08/06/2010 07:58:35 PM
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<p>The winner of the Surf and Turf Ecourse is</p>
<p><strong>Christy (cekayser@...) </strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; The rest of you who participated in the contest, please send me an email to request the coupon code, good for $20 off.&nbsp; I hope many more of you will sign up, it will be a great course!<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 08/09/2010 12:38:44 AM
<p>WOOHOO! Thank you so much!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Contact Form NOTICE!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 08/26/2010 02:46:57 AM
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<p>This is just a very quick note to all my wonderful readers out there.&nbsp; I discovered this afternoon that the contact form on this blog was NOT working!!&nbsp; I am very sorry for this!&nbsp; If you attempted to email me a comment or question via this contact form before about 4 PM today, I did NOT get it.&nbsp; I was not trying to ignore you; it was a technical glitch.&nbsp; It IS fixed now, so if you would like to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/contact-me/">contact me</a>, you can now do so!</p>
<p>THANKS!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Balancing Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 09/01/2010 12:00:51 PM
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<p>Welcome!&nbsp; If you're new here, you may want to subscribe so you don't miss any posts!&nbsp; You can do this via <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS feeds</a>.&nbsp; <em><em>You can also <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">connect with me on Facebook</a>!</em></em></p>
</em></p>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!&nbsp; And don't forget about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/30/real-food-for-rookies-ecourse-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.breastfeed.com"><img src="/storage/pregnant and breastfeeding.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283198305656" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 275px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>This post in the "Healthy Pregnancy Series" isn't going to be applicable to everyone -- at least not entirely.&nbsp; But I've talked to many people lately who are affected by this topic so I wanted to address it.&nbsp; And honestly, some of the suggestions I'll give <em>will</em> be universal, so even if you're not breastfeeding, keep reading!</p>
<p>It's hard enough on your body to be "just" pregnant or "just" breastfeeding.&nbsp; Your body is supporting you <em>and</em> another person! Doing both, however, presents its own set of challenges!</p>
<p>First, and we absolutely must address this,<strong> it is <em>not</em> dangerous to continue breastfeeding while pregnant</strong>.&nbsp; If you were able to become pregnant naturally, then your body will be able to support doing both.&nbsp; Most women can't become pregnant while breastfeeding exclusively because their body could not yet handle both.&nbsp; Once your fertility returns though (common once baby starts solids), then you may get pregnant again and your body is okay with that.</p>
<p><strong>You may hear some doctors or nurses tell you that now that you're pregnant, you <em>must</em> wean, for the sake of your pregnancy</strong>.&nbsp; They may feed you all kinds of stories about how breastfeeding will cause contractions, leading to miscarriage or preterm labor, or that your new baby will not get enough nutrients and will be unhealthy....&nbsp; Just turn away and stop listening.&nbsp; <strong>These are all </strong><em><strong>myths</strong>!</em>&nbsp; If your body ends up not being able to support both, it will naturally stop producing milk to focus on the baby.&nbsp; Some older children continue to nurse anyway (which can feel really weird and some moms wean their children at this point) for comfort.&nbsp; The oxytocin produced by the nursing relationship (which is the doctors' reason why it could cause contractions/miscarriage) is <em>not</em> strong enough to actually dialate your cervix, nor cause any problems.</p>
<p>With that said,<strong> if you have a history of preterm labor (indicating maybe you are especially sensitive to oxytocin or have other issues), it may be wise to wean by the second trimester</strong>, but this will be a rare case.&nbsp; If your doctor has advised you to avoid sex, nipple stimulation, or other behaviors that may cause preterm labor, you will need to wean as well.&nbsp; Again, this is rare.</p>
<p>Now, on to diet. :)&nbsp; Depending on many things (where you are in your pregnancy, how old your baby is, whether or not you're exclusively breastfeeding, etc.), <strong>you may require anywhere from 200 to upwards of 1000 extra calories <em>per day!</em>&nbsp;</strong> That's a ton!&nbsp; If you are both pregnant <em>and</em> breastfeeding, your caloric requirements go up even more.</p>
<p><strong>This is a situation in which you need the <em>best possible nutrition.</em>&nbsp;</strong> If you aren't sure what that looks like, check out my posts on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">Pregnancy and Nursing Diet</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/11/healthy-pregnancy-series-diet-revisited.html">Diet Revisited</a> for suggestions on what to eat and what an average day might look like.&nbsp; If you're pregnant and nursing, though, simply eating whole foods may not be enough.&nbsp; You will need to add extra fat to everything, and you will need to get the highest quality food possible, so that the nutrients are most concentrated.</p>
<p>If you are "just" pregnant, you may be able to get away with eating grain-finished beef (for example).&nbsp; Not something I'd recommend, by the way, but if you're on a budget, it might be okay.&nbsp; If you're doing <em>both</em> you really need to get 100% grass-fed beef so you can get the maximum nutrients.&nbsp; You may need to skip the salad and go for nuts, cheese, and other higher-calorie snacks; or at least add nuts, beans, and plenty of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/20/caesar-dressing.html">healthy salad dressing t</a>o the salad too.&nbsp; <strong>Keep healthy, high-calorie, high-fat, high-nutrient (that means: no donuts!) snacks with you at all times, as well as water, so that you can eat or drink whenever you need to, especially while/after nursing.</strong></p>
<p>Have I harped on diet enough yet?&nbsp; It's because I really think it's <em>that</em> important.&nbsp; <strong>Diet can affect your baby's future health <em>forever</em>.</strong>&nbsp; Moms who consume poor foods, a lot of soy, or other unhealthy diets can have babies who fertility is forever lower, whose risk of diabetes is raised, whose risk of obesity is raised, etc. etc.&nbsp; This is your baby's first and most important chance to develop properly.&nbsp; And while those risks aren't as severe during the breastfeeding relationship (babies can usually mostly recover even if you don't eat so well), it's still critical to their early nutrition and developing their tastes and habits).&nbsp; And by the way, when <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/31/baby-led-solids.html">starting them on their own food</a>, please choose <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/19/introducing-solids-what-when-howand-giveaway.html">healthy, nutrient-dense foods</a> then, too!</p>
<p>Okay, enough on that for now.&nbsp; But I really do think diet is crucial to health!</p>
<p><strong>A mother who is both pregnant and breastfeeding may find that she becomes exhausted more easily.&nbsp; Extra rest, both during the day and at night, is crucial.</strong>&nbsp; Try to sit whenever you can.&nbsp; Reading books, snuggling, even watching some TV can be good ways to connect with your older child(ren) when you can't do much (and no, I don't recommend having the TV on 24/7, but we live in the real world and sometimes it just helps!).&nbsp; If you want to get out, go to a playground (indoor or out, depending on weather) where your child can play independently and you can watch while seated.&nbsp; Focus on your bond with your children and don't worry so much about what the house looks like, at least during the very early weeks and the end weeks.</p>
<p>As for your home, what can you do about that?&nbsp; I highly recommend trying to<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/31/re-organization-mission.html"> re-organize your life</a> so that you just don't have so much "stuff" to deal with.&nbsp; Try to get chores done in 10 - 15 minute "spurts" with rest in between.&nbsp; Enlist the help of any older children and/or your spouse (I realize this isn't always an option, if your spouse works long hours or travels, or if your children are quite young -- Bekah was only 10 months when I got pregnant again!) to do what must be done.&nbsp; Do chores while sitting -- you can fold a basket of laundry while resting on the couch!&nbsp; <strong>Make a list of "must do" chores,</strong> then go over it again -- do you really <em>have</em> to do everything on that list?&nbsp; I recommend dishes, laundry, and preparing meals to be <em>must do</em> chores.&nbsp; The rest (cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, weeding the garden, etc.) are "should do" chores, but they'll wait until you have more energy or someone can help you.&nbsp; They will.&nbsp; <strong>This is a temporary season of life and you need to spend your time resting while you can.&nbsp; You are growing two people right now!</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/18/healthy-pregnancy-series-managing-morning-sickness.html">Morning sickness</a>.&nbsp; I wrote about this before, but breastfeeding while pregnant may present unique challenges.&nbsp; <strong>There is the possibility that breastfeeding will lessen or eliminate your morning sickness.&nbsp; There is also the possibility that it will make it worse (sorry).</strong>&nbsp; Some women find that their worst nausea is when they experience the let-down sensation while nursing.&nbsp; This can make it...a bit tricky, to set the happily nursing baby down with milk now spraying everywhere and run for the bathroom (while confused baby screams).&nbsp; In case you're wondering, this did NOT happen to me and I experienced much less morning sickness while breastfeeding than I did the first time around.&nbsp; But I also had a boy instead of a girl and didn't eat processed foods anymore, so...who knows.&nbsp; I want you to be prepared, though.&nbsp; It may help to start sucking on a lemon or ginger candy or do something else that helps your morning sickness before nursing though...just in case.</p>
<p><strong>You may lose your milk supply during pregnancy</strong>.&nbsp; I say <em>may</em> because about 30% of women never lose their milk.&nbsp; Others lose it anywhere from "right away" (4 - 5 weeks) to around 20 weeks.&nbsp; Some swear that by 6 weeks it's gone...others by 8...still others by the end of the first trimester...and so on.&nbsp; Every woman is different.&nbsp; Keeping a very good diet will help you to maintain your supply, but you still may not keep it.&nbsp; Your supply will drop somewhat even if you do everything "right" and are one of the ones who keeps milk until the end.</p>
<p>If your child is older, he or she may tell you "milk all gone" when they go to nurse.&nbsp; <strong>The taste may also change, in a similar way to do how it does during natural weaning</strong>.&nbsp; As the pregnancy progresses, the milk will change more and more over to colostrum.&nbsp; Unfortunately, <strong>this colostrum isn't the same as the "liquid gold" that your baby received in his/her early days</strong>.&nbsp; This colostrum is clear and is more of a pre-milk than anything else.&nbsp; It only means your body is getting ready to produce "real" colostrum and "real" milk again.&nbsp; When your new baby is born and your hormones go through the rapid change following the birth, your colostrum will turn yellow-gold colored.</p>
<p>When your milk does diminish or even disappear, <strong>you may feel strange sensations when your child tries to nurse</strong>.&nbsp; Some moms have described it like a crazy itchiness that won't go away.&nbsp; Some moms also <strong>get very sensitive again, and nursing becomes painful</strong>.&nbsp; Limiting your child's nursing sessions (if old enough) can help with this.&nbsp; Some women feel an overwhelming desire to wean; and this is okay.&nbsp; Others don't care either way and are fine with continuing (this was me).</p>
<p>If you choose to nurse during pregnancy, you may also be <strong>nursing <em>two</em> once your new baby is born</strong>.&nbsp; <strong>This is called <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/19/extended-and-tandem-breastfeeding.html">tandem nursing</a>.&nbsp;</strong> I've posted on this before, although at the time I'd been tandem nursing for only a few months (while now I've been doing it over 13 months).&nbsp; Tandem nursing isn't common (at least in the U.S.) but can be a wonderful way to maintain the bond with the older child when the new baby comes.</p>
<p><strong>What questions do you have about nursing while pregnant?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
This post in the "Healthy Pregnancy Series" isn't going to be applicable to everyone -- at least not entirely.&nbsp; But I've talked to many people lately who are affected by this topic so I wanted to address it.&nbsp; And honestly, some of the suggestions I'll give <em>will</em> be universal, so even if you're not breastfeeding, keep reading!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.27.160.75
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 07:18:09 PM
<p>Thank you so much for addressing this!  Currently nursing my 15 month old daughter and hoping to get a PPT this month.  I desperately want to continue nursing during pregnancy so this helps a lot.  It definitely gives me the confidence to at least try my best!  Thank you, thank you again.  I&#39;m loving this pregnancy series of yours.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy Y.
EMAIL: sphyg101@yahoo.com
IP: 64.184.37.96
URL: http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com
DATE: 09/02/2010 09:40:13 PM
<p>What a great article!  I was nursing my almost 3 year old for the first 4 months of this pregnancy.  I am now over 6 months along, and my milk seems to have gone bye-bye.  She still asks MANY times a day to nurse and I more than likely will be tandem nursing...I was actually looking forward to that helping with her probable jealousy issues with her new brother.  Your article was well-written, and I am sure to refer to it often in the future.....thank you!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Chocolate Milk Mix
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/02/2010 12:00:59 PM
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<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!&nbsp; And don't forget about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/30/real-food-for-rookies-ecourse-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.wdexpo.com"><img src="/storage/chocolate milk.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283031608927" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 175px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>When I started eating real food, chocolate milk was one food I sometimes really missed.&nbsp; I didn't have it often, but when I wanted it, I <em>wanted </em>it!&nbsp; Recently I tried mixing up my own and it was great!&nbsp; Problem solved. :)</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>2 tbsp. sucanat</p>
<p>1 tbsp. raw cacao</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix ingredients together in a glass jar.&nbsp; Store until needed.&nbsp; To prepare, add to 8 - 12 oz. of raw milk (depending on how chocolatey you like it!).</p>
<p>Of course this recipe can be doubled, tripled, etc. so you can store quite a bit of it.&nbsp; You could also try palm sugar or coconut sugar or maple sugar if you wanted.&nbsp; I happened to have sucanat and I like the flavor it gives.</p>
<p><strong>Do you like chocolate milk?&nbsp; How do you make yours?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
When I started eating real food, chocolate milk was one food I sometimes really missed.&nbsp; I didn't have it often, but when I wanted it, I <em>wanted </em>it!&nbsp; Recently I tried mixing up my own and it was great!&nbsp; Problem solved. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 09/02/2010 12:25:09 PM
<p>I do enjoy chocolate milk. This post is timely--my husband was just telling me last night that one of his work-out/health sources recently reviewed the best post-work-out drinks (in terms of refueling/fat/protein/little bit of sugar) and found chocolate milk to be the best! lol</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mindy
EMAIL: mindyspaid@verizon.net
IP: 71.61.226.142
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 01:00:55 PM
<p>I just came across your website and LOVE it! My girls love chocolate milk, so I also developed a recipe for a great morning chocolate smoothie. Although it&#39;s not exact, it can easily be modified to taste. </p><p>For 2 kids:. </p><p>1 1/2 cups raw milk<br/>3 farmfresh egg yolks (no whites/never use grocery store eggs)<br/>1 or 2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder<br/>1 or 2 tablespoons raw honey<br/>squirt of Barlean&#39;s flax oil (optional)<br/>6 or more ice cubes</p><p>Put all ingredients in a blender (vitamix preferred) and blend on high for 30 seconds. Great, quick breakfast, especially if you have a hard time getting kids to eat before school.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Arual
EMAIL: splotch13@gmail.com
IP: 76.27.90.127
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 02:08:44 AM
<p>How do you get the cocoa to mix in?  It keeps clumping at the top of my milk each time I try to make it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/03/2011 03:13:44 AM
<p>Arual,</p><p>I have that problem too.  I just keep stirring and stirring and keep my spoon in the cup so I can do a quick stir before sipping if it&#39;s been a few minutes.  A bit annoying, I know.  You could try running it through the blender too though, that might help.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mindy
EMAIL: mindyspaid@verizon.net
IP: 74.96.236.225
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 01:46:47 PM
<p>I should haver mentioned in the recipe that I put all of the ingredients in a blender on high for about 15 seconds. This is much easier and works better than stirring. I love the cacao powder from Wilderness Family Naturals (www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com). I have a Vitamix, but I think any blender will do the job.</p><p>I also use the caco in hot cocoa for the girls, but I warm the milk on the stove first, then whisk in the cacao powder and raw honey.</p><p>I hope this helps!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Real Food Rookies Final Reminder!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 09/03/2010 12:00:04 PM
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<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!&nbsp; And don't forget about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/30/real-food-for-rookies-ecourse-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>!</strong></p>
<p>This Sunday will be the LAST day to register for Kelly's ecourse!&nbsp; So if you haven't signed up yet, you need to hop over and DO IT!&nbsp; No more dawdling. :)</p>
<p>Although you might want to see if you've won the FREE ecourse first!&nbsp; The winner is:</p>
<p><strong>Alexis (duniganalexis@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; You will receive an email from me and from Kelly shortly letting you know how to get registered and set up.</p>
<p>For those who didn't win, you can still take advantage of a coupon for 15% off the class.&nbsp; If you participated in this giveaway, please <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/contact-me/">send me an email</a> and I will reply with the code!</p>
<p>Still not sure?&nbsp; Well, here are some of your most burning questions about the course, answered by Kelly herself:</p>
<p>1) What inspired you to create this course?</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Kelly: When I had what I call my "<a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/01/dieting-my-food-conversion-what-started.html" target="_blank">food conversion</a>" over 6 years ago, it was an overwhelming experience.&nbsp; It wasn't easy finding information on the various topics and then figuring out who to believe.&nbsp; I started the blog to help others in the same situation, but now that I've been at it almost 3 years, there's a LOT of information there.&nbsp; Real Food for Rookies is the condensed version of what I learned over 6 years - 12 weeks of classes to help someone move more solidly into the Real Foodie camp.</div>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid #cccccc; padding-left: 1ex;"><br />2) How is this course different from others that have been promoted recently?<br /><br /></blockquote>
<div>Kelly: This isn't so much a cooking class like the others have been.&nbsp; While I will show you some of my favorite recipes and how I do things, that's not the main focus.&nbsp; I want to help you learn the why and how and where of the Real Foodie world.&nbsp; We'll go on field trips to my favorite farms and they'll help you know what to look for when searching out Real Food where you live.&nbsp; You'll hear from others (not <em>just </em>me) about how they save time and money when cooking Real Food.&nbsp; There is a lot more to it than just how to cook.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="im">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid #cccccc; padding-left: 1ex;">3) What is the BIGGEST benefit people will get from taking this course?<br /><br /></blockquote>
</div>
<div>Kelly: The biggest benefit is saving time and money from all the botched recipes you WON'T have to go through like I did in the beginning years, and you'll be able to jump right into cooking meals for your family that can nourish and even <em>heal </em>them.&nbsp; They taste great, too!</div>
<div class="im">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid #cccccc; padding-left: 1ex;">4) What is your favorite lesson in the course?<br /><br /></blockquote>
</div>
<p>Kelly: Hands down:&nbsp; healthy fats.&nbsp; Nothing gets my blood pumping like when I can tell someone that they can eat butter and drink whole milk again, and that this is what they <em>should </em>be buying for their family.&nbsp; First there is shock, and then a light goes on and they smile and say, "Yeah, that does make sense.&nbsp; It's what people have eaten for centuries!&nbsp; I love butter!"&nbsp; I can't wait for that class when I will convince the ones who still aren't sure.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Planning to register?&nbsp; This is going to be a <em>great</em> course!</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
This Sunday will be the LAST day to register for Kelly's ecourse!&nbsp; So if you haven't signed up yet, you need to hop over and DO IT!&nbsp; No more dawdling. :)</p>
<p>Although you might want to see if you've won the FREE ecourse first!&nbsp; The winner is:
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 184.36.123.90
URL: 
DATE: 09/05/2010 01:23:00 AM
<p>Yay! I&#39;m excited! Thank you so much!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Labor Day
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/06/2010 12:00:16 PM
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<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!&nbsp; And don't forget about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/30/real-food-for-rookies-ecourse-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.mudtrap.com"><img src="/storage/labor day.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283034678603" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 212px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>Happy Labor Day!</p>
<p>I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families today.&nbsp; We are busy having fun with ours, so real posts will return tomorrow!&nbsp; See you there!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The Easiest Way to Peel Tomatoes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/07/2010 12:00:43 PM
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<p>Are you canning lots of tomatoes this year?&nbsp; I am!!&nbsp; For certain things, like making sauce, you can just chop them, puree them and go (I also like to seed them, though).&nbsp; But for other things, you really need to peel them too.&nbsp; And peeling tomatoes can be very annoying.</p>
<p>There are two methods: cut the peels off the tomatoes with a very sharp knife (which takes FOREVER).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Or, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water, cool them in ice water, and the peels slide off.&nbsp; I've done it this way...but, I don't like it.&nbsp; For a few reasons:</p>
<p>1) The tomatoes are still quite warm when you get to working with them, so you can get burned!</p>
<p>2) It's annoying to constantly be monitoring a new batch of tomatoes (into the pot, set the timer, out of the pot, into the ice; next batch!).</p>
<p>3) It's really messy</p>
<p>4) There's a lot of "stuff" involved (the pot, a bowl of ice water, a slotted spoon, etc. etc.)</p>
<p>Okay, so, there has to be a better way.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here is the better way (and yes, it takes longer but there is very little hands-on time!).</p>
<p>Put the tomatoes on a cookie sheet, like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010681.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283799794981" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Stick this cookie sheet in the freezer overnight, or at least 3 hours.&nbsp;<strong> They need to be pretty well frozen.</strong></p>
<p>Pull the tray out when you are *almost* ready to use them.&nbsp; They'll need to sit for just a few minutes.&nbsp; At least if you don't want your hands to freeze. :)</p>
<p><strong>Fill your (clean) sink with cool or slightly warm water.&nbsp; The tomatoes are going to take a bath!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010682.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283799985848" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Yes, there are some random carrot and garlic peels in the sink...I was working on other projects while my tomatoes bathed.</p>
<p><strong>Walk away for a few minutes and let them sit and thaw.&nbsp; The warmer the water, the less time this will take.</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Pull your tomatoes out of their bath (as needed, they can keep floating while you work with them one by one) and set them on the counter.&nbsp; Many of them will have skin that splits on its own, like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010688.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283800164290" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>At this point <strong>it's easy to just slip the skin off </strong>and continue with your recipe!&nbsp; Here, I'm making salsa.&nbsp; If it turns out well I'll post on that later in the week. :)</p>
<p>If the skin doesn't split on its own, simply cut a small slit in the tomato.&nbsp; You'll be able to feel how loose the skin is, so once you cause a split it will slip off for sure.</p>
<p><strong>How do you peel tomatoes?</strong>&nbsp; <strong>What do you use peeled tomatoes for?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Are you canning lots of tomatoes this year?&nbsp; I am!!&nbsp; For certain things, like making sauce, you can just chop them, puree them and go (I also like to seed them, though).&nbsp; But for other things, you really need to peel them too.&nbsp; And peeling tomatoes can be very annoying.</p>
<p>There are two methods: cut the peels off the tomatoes with a very sharp knife (which takes FOREVER).&nbsp;
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Internal Exams
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/08/2010 12:00:56 PM
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<p><a href="www.themedicmedia.com"><strong>Still haven't registered for the </strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; It's not too late!&nbsp; Registration ends Sept. 15, so hurry!</strong></p>
<p><a href="www.themedicmedia.com"><strong></strong></a><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.themedicmedia.com"><img src="/storage/pregnant woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283903880457" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 193px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>Welcome to the next post in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/7/healthy-pregnancy-series-introduction.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>!&nbsp; If you haven't read the<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/9/7/healthy-pregnancy-series.html"> older posts</a>, you may want to go back and do that now! <strong><br /></strong></p>
<p>Next week, on the off chance that you're still in the pre-conception phase, we'll be taking a journey back to talk about healthy conception, so don't miss that!&nbsp; (There will be some healthy ideas to use throughout pregnancy for those of you who are already pregnant, too.)</p>
<p>But now <strong>we're going to talk about everyone's <em>favorite</em> topic, internal exams</strong>.&nbsp; That is, vaginal or cervical exams.&nbsp; Do you need them?&nbsp; When?&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; How many?</p>
<p>In a typical obstetrician (or nurse-midwife who is overseen by an OB)'s office, you would likely receive vaginal exams at your initial appointment (around 8 weeks), at 37 weeks (to test for Group B strep and likely dialation), possibly weekly after 37 weeks and almost certainly after 40 weeks; and any time you experience anything unusual, such as spotting or bleeding. You would also be checked several times during labor, beginning when you enter triage and about hourly thereafter.</p>
<p>In a certified midwife's practice, you would often not receive any at all until you are in labor, and then only upon request or once it is clear you are in or near transition.&nbsp; Some midwives will perform one early on, and/or if you experience any spotting or other concerns, but this is much less common.</p>
<p>The reason vaginal exams are typically performed are to check on the pregnancy.&nbsp; Does the uterus feel like it is expanding appropriately?&nbsp; Is the cervix closed (or, is it opening, if at the end of pregnancy)?&nbsp; Are there any polyps or anything unusual on the cervix (polyps are harmless, by the way)?&nbsp; Many practitioners feel better knowing that they've used one more diagnostic tool in their arsenal to check that the pregnancy is progressing normally.&nbsp; Many women do too.</p>
<p>However, <strong>vaginal exams before labor are generally useless unless there is bleeding or another serious concern</strong>.&nbsp; Here is why:</p>
<p>1) <strong>They don't tell you much more than could be ascertained by external palpations</strong>.&nbsp; Practitioners can feel the size of the uterus externally in most cases; they don't need to do so internally (especially after 12 weeks).</p>
<p>2) <strong>The information they provide is often unnecessary</strong>.&nbsp; Do you need to know how far you are dialated?&nbsp; Do you need to check the size of the uterus at only 8 weeks along?&nbsp; If all other pregnancy signs and symptoms are normal, this is just extra, unnecessary information.</p>
<p>3) <strong>There is a risk of infection every time an exam is performed, even with sterile gloves.</strong></p>
<p>4) <strong>Exams can cause the cervix to bleed, as it is extra sensitive in pregnancy.&nbsp;</strong> While this is minor and temporary, it can certainly worry you AND your doctor, possibly leading to another internal exam and/or ultrasound, which would be unnecessary in this case.</p>
<p>5) <strong>They can give you false security or hope.&nbsp;</strong> Unfortunately, your uterus feeling "good" during an early internal doesn't mean that you won't lose the baby days later.&nbsp; It also doesn't mean that if you are 3 cm dialated at 37 weeks that you will go early!&nbsp; (Nor does it mean if you are tightly closed and not effaced that you won't have the baby that night.)</p>
<p>There is <strong>very little benefit to receiving vaginal exams during your pregnancy</strong>.&nbsp; There are other ways to get the necessary information to ensure your pregnancy is progressing normally.&nbsp; With that said, I would at least <strong>consider an exam under the following circumstances:</strong></p>
<p>1) <strong>Bleeding or spotting that lasts more than a few hours, even with resting</strong></p>
<p>2)<strong> Uterus can't be measured accurately from outside palpations past 16 weeks</strong> (this would likely lead to further testing, like an ultrasound, as the uterus should be only a couple inches below the belly button at this point, easily felt, so if it's not, it could mean something is wrong)</p>
<p>3) <strong>Fluid is leaking from the vagina and you are not full term</strong> (this could be amniotic fluid and could mean that your water has broken, or is leaking, and could be a sign of pre-term labor)</p>
<p>Do you need vaginal exams leading up to labor, or during labor?</p>
<p>Not really.&nbsp; <strong>Leading up to labor, there is <em>no possible way to tell</em> when you will go into labor based on a cervical exam.</strong>&nbsp; It is possible to be 6 cm dialated and fully effaced (usually with a fourth or fifth baby, not your first!) and not go into labor for a month.&nbsp; It is also possible to be completely closed and go into labor within hours.&nbsp; Your cervix's stats are not predictive of labor.&nbsp; It is possible (though still not likely) that you will know "your" pattern once you are having your second or third baby, and will be able to tell if you are likely to go into labor soon, but every baby is different so this is highly unreliable.&nbsp; Plus, if you need to, <strong>you can learn to check yourself, which would minimize the risk of infection</strong>.</p>
<p>(Small side note: I had an hour or so of mild contractions 9 days before Daniel's birth, during which I went from about 1 to 3 cm, which is where I was when starting labor.&nbsp; And it was still <em>nine days</em> until I went into real labor.&nbsp; No, it is not predictive and checking myself was not particularly helpful, although it made me feel a little better...sometimes, lol.)</p>
<p>During labor, vaginal exams aren't really necessary either.&nbsp; Early in labor they don't tell you anything.&nbsp; You may or may not be dialated, but as long as you are contracting, you are probably in labor (I say "probably" because you may have strong Braxton-Hicks that will go away after a few hours).&nbsp; As long as you are full term, it doesn't matter either way.&nbsp; Relax, go to bed, do whatever you feel like.&nbsp; You don't even need exams if your water breaks.&nbsp; There is paper you can use when you go to the bathroom.&nbsp; It will change color if what dribbles on it is really amniotic fluid.</p>
<p><strong>Once you're well along in labor, you may want to be checked to see if you are making progress.</strong>&nbsp; Your practitioner will likely want to check too to make sure things are going well.&nbsp; There's a big difference between a 6 and a 10!&nbsp; Of course, <strong>you don't really <em>have</em> to have an exam even then</strong>.&nbsp; You can continue to check yourself (which should be easy because your baby will drop very low in preparation for birth) and when it's time to push, assuming you haven't had an epidural, you will know!&nbsp; <strong>If you have had an epidural, you will need someone else to check you during labor to let you know when you are fully dialated</strong> and it's time to push, because you won't be able to feel that.</p>
<p>(Another note: during transition I was constantly reaching for Daniel's head.&nbsp; It was <em>right there!</em>&nbsp; I could tell about how dialated I was and easily feel what was going on.&nbsp; I didn't let them check me again until they said I was bleeding and I had to be checked, at which point I was an 8, and very quickly got to 10.)</p>
<p>The upshot?&nbsp; <strong>Minimize vaginal exams</strong>.&nbsp; Have a couple if it gives you peace of mind, especially once you <em>are</em> in labor.&nbsp; Sometimes it helps you to cope to know that something's happening down there, and you're not laboring for nothing (ask me how I know...I was in real labor for about 11 hours with no progress, then went from 4 - 10 in an hour!).&nbsp; Be aware that there are risks, that everyone's body and every pregnancy is different.&nbsp; If you don't feel comfortable, don't do it unless truly necessary.</p>
<p><strong>How do you feel about internal exams?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Welcome to the next post in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/7/healthy-pregnancy-series-introduction.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>!&nbsp; If you haven't read the<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/9/7/healthy-pregnancy-series.html"> older posts</a>, you may want to go back and do that now! <strong><br /></strong>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Homemade Pop-Tart Attempt....
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/23/2010 12:00:32 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.lainiesips.com"><img src="/storage/poptarts.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285196944350" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 262px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p><strong>Why, you ask, would anyone <em>want</em> to make homemade pop-tarts?&nbsp;</strong> Those are fake, factory foods filled with junk.&nbsp; Yes, they are.&nbsp; But the inspiration from pop-tarts was originally miniature pies or tarts made from pie ingredients.<strong>&nbsp; It's just pie crust and pie filling.</strong>&nbsp; Pie was originally a breakfast food (probably why people still think Pop-tarts are, despite their ridiculous un-healthiness) because it contained very little sugar and a lot of fruit.&nbsp; Think about pumpkin pie, apple pie, fresh berry pies...they weren't quite like they are today!</p>
<p>Anyway, with that inspiration in mind it's pretty easy to see why you'd want to make Pop-tarts at home.&nbsp; <strong>Go back to the very simple, very low-sugar, high-nutrient convenience breakfast food that once was.&nbsp; </strong>And that was my goal.</p>
<p><strong>It didn't really work out as I'd planned, though.&nbsp;</strong> I'm sharing this with you actually in hopes that someone has some ideas on how to make this more workable.&nbsp; I plan to try again, but...man, this was hard to work with!&nbsp; I'll explain after I tell you how to make this.</p>
<p>The original version of this recipe was posted for <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;ved=0CBUQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bonappetit.com%2Frecipes%2F2010%2F04%2Fstrawberry_pop_tarts&amp;ei=F098TM7KNMGclgf20_XsCw&amp;usg=AFQjCNGjQZmy5S0tq1FfYcGliBgeUtLHOw&amp;sig2=9B7IEcvlMmMMalRVKnJjmA">Bon Appetit magazine</a>, but I've made it over with real food ingredients.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 c. + 2 tbsp. sprouted flour (you could try using 1/2 unbleached white flour)</li>
<li>1 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>1 tsp. sucanat</li>
<li>2 sticks (1/2 c.) unsalted butter, cold</li>
<li>3 - 4 tbsp. ice water</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix flour, salt, and sugar together.&nbsp; Cut butter into chunks and add it, using a pie crust blender or a fork, until large crumbs are formed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Then, add water 1 tbsp. at a time until the dough comes together.&nbsp; At this point, <strong>refrigerate for at least 1 hour</strong>, but until you need it.&nbsp; I left mine overnight.</p>
<p>When you're ready to work with it again, pull it out to soften slightly.&nbsp; It will take 20 - 30 min. at room temperature.&nbsp; You don't want to leave it <em>too</em> long or it will become too soft to work with.&nbsp; There's a sweet spot.&nbsp; This is also a very soft, delicate dough anyway so when you're ready you will want to work on a well-floured surface and very quickly.</p>
<p><strong>Roll out your dough into a large rectangle. </strong>Place the dough pieces either on a greased cookie sheet or on a sheet lined with parchment paper or baking mats.&nbsp; Top with 1 tbsp. of your desired filling (more on that in a minute).</p>
<p><strong>Roll out more dough sheets and place them on top of the existing tarts.</strong>&nbsp; If it doesn't quite fit, you can make it overlap or whatever you need to do.&nbsp; Mine didn't look so pretty, either.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>This dough is just <em>really</em> hard to work with.</strong>&nbsp; Harder than even all-purpose flour dough would be in the same style because the sprouted flour is just rather delicate.&nbsp; Pie crust is delicate, and sprouted flour is delicate.&nbsp; This led, at least for me, to a generally unworkable mess, even with a well-floured surface.&nbsp; I managed to get a few tarts complete, but then I just gave up.&nbsp; I also noted that the dough really wasn't sweet enough, since the sprouted flour has a different, distinctive flavor that white flour doesn't have.</p>
<p><strong>Freeze (or at least refrigerate) the tarts for 2 hours before baking</strong>.&nbsp; You could choose to freeze several and bake them as needed.</p>
<p><strong>Bake the tarts at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes, until the dough is done</strong>.&nbsp; Mine was still squishy in the center at first, so make sure you check!</p>
<p>Now, for fillings.&nbsp; <strong>You can make it easy on yourself and just use some type of jam, jelly, or preserves.&nbsp;</strong> Homemade would be great, but store-bought organic are good too.&nbsp; Then it's no big deal at all.</p>
<p>OR</p>
<p>(haha) You could try one of my homemade fillings!&nbsp; These <em>are</em> yummy and after I gave up on the dough, were made into crisps that were delicious.</p>
<p><strong>Cherry Filling</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>2 c. cherries, pitted, frozen and thawed</li>
<li>3 tbsp. sucanat, divided</li>
<li>1 tbsp. arrowroot powder</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>The reason the cherries need to be frozen and thawed is because some of the juice will naturally separate from them during this process.&nbsp; If you already have some in the freezer, just set them in fridge overnight.&nbsp; Or you could buy frozen, organic cherries from the store.&nbsp; When you're ready to make the filling, pour all the juice into a small saucepan (about 1/2 c.), and pour the cherries into a blender.&nbsp; To the cherries, add 1 tbsp. sucanat.&nbsp; To the juice, add 1 tbsp. arrowroot and 2 tbsp. sucanat.&nbsp; Blend the cherries until they are pureed (or slightly chunky, whatever you like best).&nbsp; Stir the cherry juice mix over medium heat just until it starts to bubble.&nbsp; Remove from heat and keep stirring.&nbsp; It will thicken and turn a dark, beautifully clear color.&nbsp; Add to this the pureed cherries and stir to combine.&nbsp; Cherry filling is done!</p>
<p>This filling came together in about two minutes for me.&nbsp; It is really very fast and easy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Apple Filling</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>6 medium apples</li>
<li>2 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li>1 tbsp. sucanat</li>
<li>2 tbsp. arrowroot powder</li>
<li>1/2 c. water</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Take two apples and juice them.&nbsp; I use my Vitamix; I puree them then put the puree in a dishcloth (clean!) and squeeze the juice out (you may need the water to get the apples to puree).&nbsp; You need about 1 c.&nbsp; You could substitute store-bought apple juice and use only 4 apples if you want.&nbsp; Add 1/4 c. of the juice to a small sauce pan.&nbsp; Peel, core and chop the remaining apples into bite-sized pieces (fairly small, they're going in your tarts this way).&nbsp; Add them to the pan with the juice, then add cinnamon and sucanat.&nbsp; Cover and cook on med-low for 10 - 15 min., until apples are soft.&nbsp; Then, mix arrowroot powder with remaining apple juice and add this mixture to the cooked apples.&nbsp; Stir and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.&nbsp; Apple filling is ready!</p>
<p>I am planning to experiment with even more fillings as time goes on.&nbsp; If I ever get the hang of working with this soft dough. :)</p>
<p><strong>What is your favorite type of Pop-tart?&nbsp; Do these sound better than store-bought?&nbsp; Have any suggestion for me on how to make the sprouted dough more workable?!<br /></strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Why, you ask, would anyone <em>want</em> to make homemade pop-tarts?&nbsp;</strong> Those are fake, factory foods filled with junk.&nbsp; Yes, they are.&nbsp; But the inspiration from pop-tarts was originally miniature pies or tarts made from pie ingredients.<strong>&nbsp; It's just pie crust and pie filling.</strong>&nbsp; Pie was originally a breakfast food (probably why people still think Pop-tarts are, despite their ridiculous un-healthiness) because it contained very little sugar and a lot of fruit.&nbsp; Think about pumpkin pie, apple pie, fresh berry pies...they weren't quite like they are today!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa
EMAIL: lisam1991@gmail.com
IP: 41.215.250.49
URL: http://www.walknt.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/24/2010 07:43:32 AM
<p>Hi,  what about the yogurt dough from Nourishing Traditions?  I&#39;ve rolled it very thin before &amp; used it as pie crust for my chicken pot pie.  If you use that dough I would suggest you partially pre-bake the bottom crust.  I have not worked with sprouted flour before, so if you&#39;re set on using that then I can&#39;t help.  Keep at it though- you&#39;ll feel so great when you finally get it~!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.142.61.12
URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2011 01:55:36 AM
<p>Have you seen this recipe?</p><p>http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/homemade-healthy-poptarts</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Eco-Lunch Gear Product Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/18/2010 12:00:06 PM
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<p>Above you can see the jumbo snack-sized bag, by EcoLunchGear.&nbsp; A few weeks ago I was sent one of these to try out.&nbsp; It <em>is</em> back-to-school season for many of you, and part of that means you need to start packing lunches again.&nbsp; It's why I'm reviewing a couple of easy-to-go snack options, as well as the EcoLunchGear solution to carrying homemade snacks with you, too.&nbsp; E<strong>ven if you're <em>not</em> going back-to-school (for example, if you homeschool or have very young children, like me), you will still need snacks and a way to carry them on the go.</strong>&nbsp; Right?&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, this product.&nbsp; It's very interesting!&nbsp; I'll be honest, <strong>I haven't used any other reusable bag options before -- at least not those intended for snacks</strong> (I do use reusable shopping bags, but that's not the same).&nbsp; I had no idea what to expect going into this.</p>
<p><strong>EcoLunchGear's product is made of organic cotton on the outside, and is lined on the inside with nylon covered in a stay-dry coating.&nbsp;</strong> The company's owner, Tina (who is joining us as a sponsor!), says this is because without it, bread gets stale.&nbsp; Katie at Kitchen Stewardship recently <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/09/13/back-to-school-bonanza-a-greener-option-for-your-sandwiches-review/">reviewed several reusable lunch bags</a> and agrees that this is true.&nbsp; T<strong>his originally made me hesitate, but then I realized that using a nylon liner is no different than using PUL in diapers (or in making your own reusable snack bags</strong>, which some of my friends have done).&nbsp; The nylon's coating faces in towards the fabric, though, and doesn't touch the food.</p>
<p>The design of the bag is such that it opens completely flat, which makes it easy to clean and also a nice little "placemat" so you don't have to set the snack on a potentially dirty table.</p>
<p>Here's a summary of the positive points:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pretty fabric</li>
<li>Closure is quite "sticky," so the Velcro won't come undone and lose your snack</li>
<li>Bag folds up nicely to keep things in (I was originally worried there would be little cracks to "lose" some snacks, but this hasn't happened)</li>
<li>Bag completely unfolds for easy cleaning</li>
<li>Holds a fair amount (there are different sizes too)</li>
<li>Made of organic cotton</li>
</ul>
<p>Here is what concerns me:</p>
<ul>
<li>The "plastic" liner.&nbsp; I know it's necessary to keep the food fresh since organic cotton is breathable, but I wish it wasn't.</li>
</ul>
<p>Obviously the positives outweigh the negatives!</p>
<p>If you'd like to try one for yourself, you now have the opportunity!&nbsp; Here are the ways to enter:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>(REQUIRED) </strong>Visit <a href="http://www.ecolunchgear.com">EcoLunchGear</a> and tell me which product you like the best (you'll get the same one I reviewed, but it's nice to dream, right?&nbsp; Plus maybe you'd like to visit my sponsor and make a purchase... :)).</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a>, or tell me you already do</li>
<li>Fill out my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c6MQ">reader survey</a>, or tell me you already did</li>
<li>Join my <a href="forum.modernalternativemama.com">forum</a> and introduce yourself, OR write or respond to another post (if you do BOTH I'll give you two entries!)</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a> and tweet this giveaway</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://www.twitter,com/ecolunchgear">EcoLunchGear</a> on Twitter</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Facebook</a> and post something to my wall (I want to hear from my readers!)</li>
</ol>
<p>There are 7 possible entries!&nbsp; Please leave each one in a SEPARATE comment.&nbsp; This giveaway will close on Wednesday, September 22nd at 8 AM.&nbsp; I will post the winner by 8 PM that night!&nbsp; Good luck!</p>
<p><strong>By the way, how are you enjoying these new reviews and giveaways?!</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Above you can see the jumbo snack-sized bag, by EcoLunchGear.&nbsp; A few weeks ago I was sent one of these to try out.&nbsp; It <em>is</em> back-to-school season for many of you, and part of that means you need to start packing lunches again.&nbsp; It's why I'm reviewing a couple of easy-to-go snack options, as well as the EcoLunchGear solution to carrying homemade snacks with you, too.&nbsp; E<strong>ven if you're <em>not</em> going back-to-school (for example, if you homeschool or have very young children, like me), you will still need snacks and a way to carry them on the go.</strong>&nbsp; Right?&nbsp;
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.114.32
URL: 
DATE: 09/18/2010 02:59:28 PM
<p>I think I like the jumbo snack bags best! Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/18/2010 06:28:25 PM
<p>I like the tissue pouch, i think it would be great to use for my homemade reusable tissues</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/18/2010 06:33:37 PM
<p>took the reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/19/2010 01:28:59 AM
<p>I love the jumbo snack bags best.  But I love how they developed the tissue holder out of the scrap material!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/19/2010 01:29:23 AM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/19/2010 01:29:54 AM
<p>I&#39;ve taken the reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/19/2010 01:30:36 AM
<p>I wrote on your post about freezing veggies.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/19/2010 06:35:12 PM
<p>Jumbo snack bags look awesome for multiple toddler snacks!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/19/2010 06:36:42 PM
<p>Took the survey!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/19/2010 06:37:21 PM
<p>follow your blog in my google reader</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/20/2010 01:55:48 AM
<p>Definitely the sandwich bags - we pack a lot of lunches!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/20/2010 01:56:53 AM
<p>I get your updates via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robyn
EMAIL: bornagnhippy@comcast.net
IP: 75.67.105.46
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 11:41:33 AM
<p>These are so cool. Visited the website and love the sandwich and snack bags. Also, interestingly, I was thinking about a tissue holder I had that someone got me from a craft fair years ago. I&#39;ve lost it and was hoping to find another one! Was pleased to see they had them there!</p><p>Robyn</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robyn
EMAIL: bornagnhippy@comcast.net
IP: 75.67.105.46
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 11:42:41 AM
<p>Subscribed via email! </p><p>Robyn</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robyn
EMAIL: bornagnhippy@comcast.net
IP: 75.67.105.46
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 11:43:04 AM
<p>Filled out the reader survey.</p><p>Robyn</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 04:46:21 PM
<p>The snack bags would come in handy at our home.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 04:47:48 PM
<p>I subscribe by e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 04:48:40 PM
<p>I&#39;ve taken the reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 05:04:18 AM
<p>I like the Starburst Strawberry Snack Bag.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 05:05:05 AM
<p>already subscribe to you via RSS and email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 05:05:39 AM
<p>already filled out your reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 05:06:52 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter and tweet </p><p>http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/25185781804</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 05:07:20 AM
<p>Follow EcoLunchGear on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 05:15:54 AM
<p>Follow you on Facebook and posted something to your wall </p><p>http://www.facebook.com/matt4melis#!/posted.php?id=310966612912&amp;share_id=158650017494548&amp;comments=1#s158650017494548</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.75.20.223
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 11:46:15 AM
<p>Would love snack bags!!  I hate using all the pastic bags to take X places.  I am with you on the liner however know through research that at least you know in many cases that it is truly bpa and lead free which you don&#39;t with most comercial plastic bags.  So definately better :).  I subscribe via e-mail and have liked your blog on facebook :)</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story: Settling Into the Groove
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/10/2010 12:00:38 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Still haven't registered for the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; It's not too late!&nbsp; Registration ends Sept. 15, so hurry!</strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/Amanda.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283998656857" alt="" /></span></span><br /></strong></p>
<p>It's time for Amanda's latest update!&nbsp; If you haven't been following her story, you can read her <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">introduction</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/13/amandas-story-update.html">first update</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/27/amandas-story-exciting-news.html">exciting news</a> by clicking these links!</p>
<p>Here she is:</p>
<p>I think I've been gaining a little weight because I have not been as strict with my diet. Jimmy, new man in my life, treats me dearly and does a whole bunch for me - including cooking! However, his downfall is that he loves JoJo's Sports Grill in town, where we go regularly to hang with friends. And since I hold the same policy that you and Ben do, that fellowship is more important than being a stickler about what you eat....well, let's just say we have been fellowshipping a LOT. Which is great! I'm meeting new people, making new friends and settling into my groove. But I also think that I could be a lot more aware of what I eat....whole fats are good...now it&rsquo;s just cutting out the bad stuff.</p>
<p>This weekend I'll be in Connecticut for Jimmy's cousin's wedding. He's in the party and wanted me to tag along. It will be a really really nice break from routine just before teaching starts and then the madness begins. I am looking forward to having a more busy schedule because it will force me to meal plan. Meal planning means less waste and knowing exactly what to portion out.</p>
<p>And also, it means making things ahead of time if possible so I can just grab it and go!</p>
<p>I hate the taste of processed cheese now. I only want to drink whole milk and eat organic grass fed cheese from now on...yum yum yum.</p>
<p>I'm loving smoothies in the morning because they are quick and easy, and a great way to incorporate my coconut oil, yogurt, raw honey and fruit!</p>
<p>I adore my local farmer's market, though I'm finding sometimes I don't eat as much as they give me....wasting is bad.</p>
<p>But! I just got two whole heads of cabbage from a friend and I have no idea what to do with them when I come back....anyone have an tips on how to make sauerkraut??? It's my new obsession. I put it with everything...meat, steak, eggs...yum yum yum!</p>
<p><em>Thanks Amanda!</em></p>
<p><strong>Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas for Amanda?</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
It's time for Amanda's latest update!&nbsp; If you haven't been following her story, you can read her <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">introduction</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/13/amandas-story-update.html">first update</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/27/amandas-story-exciting-news.html">exciting news</a> by clicking these links!</p>
<p>Here she is:
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.1.140
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 01:59:09 AM
<p>MMmmmm I love cabbage! I don&#39;t usually do saurkraut (although my mom used to and I love it!). What I do is just slice it reasonably thin and saute it in butter. If I have thick/ core portions I sometimes add a little water and cover it for a few minutes to sort of steam it. But butter butter and a little salt. Sometimes caraway seeds for something different. I like to burn it a bit. So good!!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bev
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.74.84.162
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 07:22:26 PM
<p>Sauerkraut is awesome stuff, I absolutely hated it until I found out how to make it. Still not sure why I did given my feelings about the stuff at the time, but I do it regularly now. All you need to do is to shred those cabbages up as fine as you like, pack them into a crock or jar a little at a time with sea salt pounded into each layer. I usually just use my fist to crush it but people who do it in larger quantities use a wooden tool to beat the cabbage to release the juice. If the salt does not draw the water out of the vegetable within about 8 hr you can add some filtered or spring water to cover. Just be sure it is weighed down with a plate or something to keep everything under water. Sandor Katz actually describes the process much better on his website, and his book has been quite useful to me. http://www.wildfermentation.com/resources.php?page=sauerkraut</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Excalibur Dehydrator Review and...Surprise!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/11/2010 12:00:48 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Still haven't registered for the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; It's not too late!&nbsp; Registration ends Sept. 15, so hurry! <br /></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.everythingkitchens.com"><img src="/storage/dehydrator.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283999727187" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 283px;">Image Credit</span></span></strong>I promised when I did my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/6/review-of-vitamix.html">Vitamix review</a> that I would do an Excalibur dehydrator review later, too -- a few of you asked for it, because I had said how often I used it when I was talking about kitchen appliances I used most.&nbsp; So here it is!</p>
<p>About a year ago I started to think about doing more from-scratch cooking in my kitchen.&nbsp; I already did a lot, but I was specifically thinking about drying food -- <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/9/making-jerky.html">making jerky</a>, drying fruits and vegetables, and possibly even creating fruit leathers.&nbsp; I started asking around and <strong>Excalibur kept coming up as the top name in dehydrators</strong>.&nbsp; I read it online and I heard it from everyone I talked to who used dehydrators regularly.&nbsp; I looked into it, but saw the price tag: around $200 for the 9-tray (and I wanted the 9-tray, the biggest model they have, because I don't do anything halfway. ha.).</p>
<p>I got the idea in my head that I was going to get it for Christmas, one way or another.&nbsp; Ben begged me to wait, saying I would probably never use it.&nbsp; But I was determined to have it.&nbsp; It ended up that we needed to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/9/living-without-a-microwave.html">get rid of the microwave</a> around this time, too, so I even had a permanent place to put it.&nbsp; In the end, I won, and we got it!&nbsp; (Later he said I used it <em>so</em> much that he suggested getting a second 9-tray so I could do even more and even sell sprouted grain to others -- we have yet to do this, but way to admit he was wrong! lol.)</p>
<p>Early experiments were with dried fruit -- making banana chips (which are dipped in a honey/coconut oil solution; these were a ton of work and never got really hard like the store's, so they weren't worth it then.&nbsp; I have new ideas now on how to make it work better, maybe, but...didn't go well then), drying apple slices with a little cinnamon on them (those were a hit!) and of course, making some jerky!&nbsp; The jerky never lasted long around here, but it was expensive to make so I didn't do it very often.</p>
<p>Then we entered our grain-free phase, and realized when we went back to grains they would have to be sprouted.&nbsp; Have you checked the price of sprouted flour lately?&nbsp; It's around $3/lb.&nbsp; No way I can afford that!&nbsp; Plus I like doing things myself (and I really need to control the sprouting process -- more on that later).&nbsp; The dehydrator suddenly got a work out once I was <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/6/tutorial-sprouting-grains.html">sprouting and drying grain</a> all the time!</p>
<p>I also used it as an incubator to make yogurt, and to dry herbs during the preservation season.&nbsp; Herbs and grains are the two biggest uses for my dehydrator.&nbsp; I like knowing that I can dry the food at a low temperature so that I don't kill all the enzymes in it.&nbsp; My oven only goes down to 170, which is too hot to preserve the enzymes.</p>
<p><strong>So why is the Excalibur so special?</strong>&nbsp; Well, most dehydrators are round and have trays which stack on top of each other.&nbsp; If you want to remove one tray, you must remove all the ones on top of it.&nbsp; They also have a hole in the center of the trays (reducing drying space), rather large openings, and the drying unit is at the bottom.&nbsp; None of this is ideal.</p>
<p>The Excalibur, on the other hand, is square.&nbsp;<strong> It has no hole in the center, meaning a ton of extra drying space</strong> (and you better believe I <em>fill</em> that thing pretty often -- all nine trays!).&nbsp; <strong>All the trays slide out the front individually once the door is lifted off</strong> (which is so easy to remove, even one-handed, that my two-year-old can do it) so you can get only what you need.&nbsp; I can have some racks of basil, some of grain, some of fruit leather...and I can pull them out or switch them whenever I need to without disturbing the rest of them.&nbsp; And I have done this, so it's a really nice feature.</p>
<p><strong>Their screens have smaller holes in them</strong> so that although I probably <em>should</em> get fine mesh screens for drying grain (they sometimes fall through), I don't <em>have</em> to.&nbsp; I really don't lose much through the screens because their holes are so small.&nbsp; The grain has to turn at the exact right angle to get through.&nbsp; I love that!&nbsp; I don't want to mess with extra equipment.</p>
<p><strong>The drying unit is at the back of the machine, meaning that it flows through all the trays evenly, rather than coming up from the bottom.&nbsp;</strong> This means that drying time is more unified through the whole dehydrator and I don't have to worry about switching and rearranging trays while drying.&nbsp; Love that too, because I often dry overnight!</p>
<p><strong>On top, the Excalibur also has a temperature control dial that goes from 95 to 165.&nbsp; It also lists suggested temperatures for different projects</strong> (low temps for drying herbs, higher temps for making jerky).&nbsp; I've found I can adjust it as I need to though.&nbsp; For example, 95 was just too low for drying my basil -- 2 days later and it wasn't done.&nbsp; I turned it up to about 115, which is still low enough to preserve enzymes, and it was dry in only 8 hours or so.</p>
<p>There are a <em>ton</em> of projects I haven't even gotten to yet.&nbsp; You can make purees of fruit or veggies and dry it into "crackers" or fruit leathers.&nbsp; It can be used, with trays removed, as an incubator for yogurt (I did that) or bread, to help the rise (haven't tried that).&nbsp; Do you know how easy it is to keep the yogurt at a steady temperature in this thing?&nbsp; Otherwise you either have to buy a special yogurt maker (yet another piece of equipment...) or you have to get out coolers and towels and hot water and...yeah, I don't want to mess with that.&nbsp; I just stick my glass jar of warm milk with the culture mixed in into the dehydrator, set it to the appropriate temp, and walk away for 4 - 8 hours.&nbsp; So simple.</p>
<p>I just love its versatility, I love that I can do more than one project at once, I love that it's easy to clean (all the trays can be removed, or just some, or...whatever!).&nbsp; If you are sprouting and drying grain on a regular basis, you need this.&nbsp; Seriously.</p>
<p><em>And by the way....</em></p>
<p><strong>Excalibur has graciously offered me the opportunity to give away one of their 5-tray models, the 3500!!</strong></p>
<p>Yes, that's right -- one of my very, very lucky readers will get his or her very own Excalibur dehydrator!</p>
<p>Since this is a "big" giveaway, it's not going to be easy. :)&nbsp; In fact, the final giveaway isn't going to be until the first week of October, during my "blogiversary."&nbsp; (I'll have an entire <em>week</em> of giveaways for you then, so be sure to stick around for that!&nbsp; This one is the grand finale.)</p>
<p>Since it's so big, I'm going to give out random extra entries over the next several weeks.&nbsp; These extra entries will be only for my most loyal readers -- all of you lovely people who are here now.&nbsp; I want to favor your chances of winning over some random person who happens on my blog during the blogiversary week just to enter the giveaways. :)</p>
<p>So right now, you can earn FOUR extra entries into the giveaway.&nbsp; Here's what you have to do:</p>
<p>1) Tell me that you are already a subscriber and a loyal reader :)</p>
<p>2) Fill out my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?authkey=CNiw5oEB&amp;hl=en&amp;formkey=dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c6MQ#gid=0">reader survey</a> (or tell me you already have)</p>
<p>3) "Like" me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama?v=wall#">Facebook</a></p>
<p>4) Join my <a href="http://forum.modernalternativemama.com/">forum</a> and introduce yourself</p>
<p>There will be more opportunities, so keep looking for these!&nbsp; I will keep track of them all from now through the beginning of October, when the winner will be drawn.&nbsp; Good luck to you all!</p>
<p><strong>Do you use a dehydrator?&nbsp; Which do you have, what do you use it for, and do you like it?&nbsp; Are you excited about potentially winning a dehydrator here?!</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
I promised when I did my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/6/review-of-vitamix.html">Vitamix review</a> that I would do an Excalibur dehydrator review later, too -- a few of you asked for it, because I had said how often I used it when I was talking about kitchen appliances I used most.&nbsp; So here it is!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: seaysaves@yahoo.com
IP: 66.26.54.6
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 12:26:57 PM
<p>I subscribe through Google reader...heading over to do your survey now.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa
EMAIL: mrsstrickland@gmail.com
IP: 75.216.239.43
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 01:05:07 PM
<p>I suscribe. I filled out your survey. I follow you on FB and I am headed to your fourm now to join.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 01:26:17 PM
<p>I am already a subscriber via RSS. Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 01:36:58 PM
<p>I took your reader survey. Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Darcy
EMAIL: aslansavz@yahoo.com
IP: 70.250.179.118
URL: http://aslansavz.wordpress.com
DATE: 09/11/2010 02:57:43 PM
<p>I&#39;m already susbscribed!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 04:03:45 PM
<p>already a subscriber and reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 04:04:33 PM
<p>just filled out a reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 04:08:38 PM
<p>joined your forum and introduced myself.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 04:10:02 PM
<p>liked you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 74.78.1.34
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 05:10:26 PM
<p>I&#39;m a subscriber!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 74.78.1.34
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 05:10:43 PM
<p>I just liked you on Facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 74.78.1.34
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 05:11:02 PM
<p>I just took your survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.27.160.75
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 05:12:42 PM
<p>I like you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cindy (FarmgirlCyn)
EMAIL: cindy50@altelco.net
IP: 216.176.10.83
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 05:38:53 PM
<p>I&#39;m not signing up for the giveaway, as I already own a 9 tray Excalibur and I LOVE it! I have done yogurt several times...perfect results every time! And I just did some peach leather a couple of weeks ago. Soaked almonds are another winner, and zucchini slices that have been dipped in a soy sauce/water mixture. YUMMO!<br/>I highly recommend the book they sell, as it has some wonderful ideas and ideal drying temps for your locality.<br/>Yay! for Excalibur!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 09/11/2010 06:44:24 PM
<p>1. Subscriber!<br/>2. Took the survey<br/>3. Liked on Facebook!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/11/2010 08:13:50 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog and would love to have a dehydrator!  I&#39;ve wondered if I would ever use it enough and this would be a great way to find out!</p><p>I also don&#39;t know if I should bring this up, but I never did receive the walmart card that you posted I had won.  I e-mailed a few times and got the one response from you, but it never came.  Did it just get lost in the mail?  Wish I would have had it in time for the pyrex to be used for freezer meals, but now Peanut is almost 3 months old and we&#39;ve made it through!</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/11/2010 08:18:17 PM
<p>I took the reader survey!</p><p>Thanks,<br/>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Doodlebug's Mommy
EMAIL: Doodlebugsplanet@gmail.com
IP: 76.0.99.54
URL: http://dandelion-farm.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/11/2010 08:30:29 PM
<p>I am a subscriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.1.140
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:03:02 AM
<p>I&quot;m a subscriber!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.245
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:03:13 AM
<p>Subscriber and loyal reader :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.50.130.84
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:03:32 AM
<p>I subscribe!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.50.130.84
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:04:03 AM
<p>I took the survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.245
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:06:28 AM
<p>Took the reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.245
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:07:11 AM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.1.140
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:14:49 AM
<p>I already &#39;like&#39; you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.1.140
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:15:16 AM
<p>I took the reader survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.245
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 02:20:27 AM
<p>Joined the forum and introduced myself :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.224.243.216
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 05:28:12 AM
<p>Okay...subscriber and loyal reader<br/>I like you on Facebook<br/>I have done the survey<br/>I have joined the forum and did an overly talkative introduction.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Verna Stephenson
EMAIL: vernamichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.125.93.113
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 11:31:05 AM
<p>I subscribe to your blog, and read every day!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Verna Stephenson
EMAIL: vernamichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.125.93.113
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 11:31:47 AM
<p>I filled out the reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Verna Stephenson
EMAIL: vernamichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.125.93.113
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 11:32:13 AM
<p>I like you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amber
EMAIL: ambermae@gmail.com
IP: 65.87.183.59
URL: http://www.twitter.com/ambermae
DATE: 09/12/2010 12:47:48 PM
<p>I am a subscriber and I just took your survey. Looking forward to your blogiversary!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.176.189.146
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 06:43:00 PM
<p>HI!  I&#39;ve been following you via email for about four months or so...</p><p>I *thought* I was following you on Facebook, but just joined you there.  </p><p>Filled out your reader survey.</p><p>And just joined your forum.</p><p>You&#39;re doing a great job!!  Thank you for the work you do!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ali
EMAIL: eatingreal@gmail.com
IP: 75.185.79.119
URL: http://letseatreal.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/12/2010 07:23:16 PM
<p>Wow. This looks amazing! I&#39;ve been wanting a dehydrator for ages but I haven&#39;t got the place to put it and the cost was prohibitive. For free? I&#39;d FIND a place in my kitchen. :)</p><p>I filled out your reader survey, and I subscribe via email. (I also follow you on Twitter!)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 08:01:50 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog through email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 08:07:46 PM
<p>Just took your survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 76.185.73.51
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 08:18:18 PM
<p>I am a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 76.185.73.51
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 08:27:09 PM
<p>I like you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 76.185.73.51
URL: 
DATE: 09/12/2010 08:27:29 PM
<p>I took your survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 12:36:04 AM
<p>I subscribe to your blog.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 12:43:54 AM
<p>I took your survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: 
IP: 64.229.38.224
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 12:56:18 AM
<p>This would be awesome to win. I currently have one of those round dehydrators with the hole in the middle and stacking trays... and although I love having a dehydrator at all, I hate it for all the reasons you mentioned :-) An Excalibur is definitely on my dream list... someday, maybe this October ;-)<br/>By the way, been subscribing for about a month now and am headed over to the reader survey right now :-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: jaysgirl_hiccups@yahoo.com
IP: 136.165.28.35
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 11:49:04 AM
<p>I&#39;m a subscriber and avid reader. :-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: jaysgirl_hiccups@yahoo.com
IP: 136.165.28.35
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 11:50:06 AM
<p>I just liked you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: jaysgirl_hiccups@yahoo.com
IP: 136.165.28.35
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 11:56:03 AM
<p>I took your survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 05:32:59 PM
<p>Kate, sounds like a great giveaway, i am in:) and i am a subscriber and reader....</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 05:36:29 PM
<p>i just took the survery, somehow i missed that before</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 05:37:21 PM
<p>i like you on facebook already!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn Norman
EMAIL: dawnteacher@comcast.net
IP: 98.250.17.191
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 07:19:05 PM
<p>I subscribe in an RSS reader.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn Norman
EMAIL: dawnteacher@comcast.net
IP: 98.250.17.191
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 07:20:01 PM
<p>I liked you on Facebook. Thanks for that info too!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn Norman
EMAIL: dawnteacher@comcast.net
IP: 98.250.17.191
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 07:20:25 PM
<p>I just filled out your reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kelley
EMAIL: keyerk@liberty.edu
IP: 72.189.84.190
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 01:23:01 AM
<p>I am a subscriber!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kelley
EMAIL: keyerk@liberty.edu
IP: 72.189.84.190
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 01:24:07 AM
<p>I just complete the reader survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Doodlebug's Mommy
EMAIL: doodlebugsplanet@gmail.com
IP: 76.0.99.54
URL: http://dandelion-farm.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/14/2010 05:52:24 AM
<p>I took your reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dale
EMAIL: drop_the_chalupa@hotmail.com
IP: 184.76.85.118
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 04:40:44 PM
<p>I am a subcriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dale
EMAIL: drop_the_chalupa@hotmail.com
IP: 184.76.85.118
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 04:42:14 PM
<p>I filled out your reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dale
EMAIL: drop_the_chalupa@hotmail.com
IP: 184.76.85.118
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 04:43:03 PM
<p>I liked you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dale
EMAIL: drop_the_chalupa@hotmail.com
IP: 184.76.85.118
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 04:43:48 PM
<p>I joined your forum.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 10:13:41 PM
<p>already a subscriber via Google Reader and a loyal reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 10:14:49 PM
<p>already filled out your reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 10:15:55 PM
<p>&quot;Like&quot; you on Facebook</p><p>http://www.facebook.com/matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/15/2010 04:14:35 AM
<p>I already subscribe and am a loyal reader ;o)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/15/2010 04:19:03 AM
<p>I took the survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/15/2010 04:19:51 AM
<p>I like you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/15/2010 04:20:33 AM
<p>I follow you on Twitter (christyisrc)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/15/2010 04:21:57 AM
<p>oops - twitter follow isn&#39;t an entry - delete that one and this one! :o)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:26:21 AM
<p>I&#39;m a subscriber &amp; reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:30:01 AM
<p>Took the survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:31:05 AM
<p>Like you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.21.184.135
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 07:49:51 PM
<p>I subscribe, filled out the survey, like you on FB, and just introduced myself on your forum!.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: lala.a.gogo@gmail.com
IP: 173.165.184.209
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 08:08:57 PM
<p>Silent reader here ; ). Excited about the giveaways. Thanks for the opportunities!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sally
EMAIL: scottsally@hotmail.com
IP: 209.221.205.130
URL: 
DATE: 09/16/2010 07:20:07 PM
<p>I am a subscriber and loyal follower!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Denise
EMAIL: duhknees@aol.com
IP: 71.193.248.233
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 07:27:27 PM
<p>I&#39;m a good ol&#39; faithful subscriber. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Denise
EMAIL: duhknees@aol.com
IP: 71.193.248.233
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 07:34:26 PM
<p>Liked you on Facebook<br/>&amp;<br/>Answered reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wendy
EMAIL: russell17@att.net
IP: 74.190.15.181
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 08:17:17 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on facebook, but really do like your blog - just found it and am excited to start reading. Do you know how I found you? I googled Your Dekalb Farmers Market and Almond Flour. I couldn&#39;t find any there last time and I tried calling them but could never get an answer so I googled  it and found you! I still need to find out if they sell Almond Flour before I order it online!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.75.20.223
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 11:49:26 AM
<p>I am a subscriber, loyal reader, and liked you on facebook!  What an awesome giveaway!  Thanks Kate for reviewing such a wonderful product!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melody
EMAIL: melodycaf@hotmail.com
IP: 174.7.105.247
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 05:41:16 AM
<p>I am a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deanna
EMAIL: deeandjeremy@gmail.com
IP: 76.97.3.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 07:31:40 PM
<p>I subscribed!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deanna
EMAIL: deeandjeremy@gmail.com
IP: 76.97.3.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 07:33:23 PM
<p>I liked on FB!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deanna
EMAIL: deeandjeremy@gmail.com
IP: 76.97.3.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 07:34:40 PM
<p>I filled out a reader survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deanna
EMAIL: deeandjeremy@gmail.com
IP: 76.97.3.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 07:46:23 PM
<p>I joined the forum! Thank you for this opportunity!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/04/2010 10:26:49 PM
<p>I subscribe to you.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/04/2010 10:29:07 PM
<p>I took your reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/04/2010 10:29:44 PM
<p>I am Pogonia in the forums.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.192.137.72
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 07:02:17 PM
<p>What an awesome giveaway!  Would love to have the Excaliber version as could make a couple batches of yogurt at a time as well as make dried fruit, grains, nuts, oh the list goes on and on.  Am a subscriber and liked you on facebook :)</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Freezing Pumpkin Puree
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/13/2010 12:00:00 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong>Still haven't registered for the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; It's not too late!&nbsp; Registration ends Sept. 15, so hurry!</strong></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/09/monday-mania-9132010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/09/spiced-pumpkin-bread-other-pumpkin-recipes-ultimate-recipe-swap.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p>I decided that this year, I wanted to make my <em>own</em> pumpkin puree.&nbsp; I usually buy a can or two each winter to make pumpkin bread, but of course there are issues with <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/05/organic-canned-foods-loaded-with-bpa.html">BPA in the can liners</a>.&nbsp; Making my own seemed to be the best solution!</p>
<p>I  bought some nice pie pumpkins at a local farm last week when I went  apple picking.&nbsp; Making puree (while I was also working on my  applesauce!) was very simple.</p>
<p>First, I cut the tops out of the pumpkins and sliced them in half.&nbsp; Then I removed the seeds and pulp:</p>
<p><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-block"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="../../storage/P1010695.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284246133735" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I saved the seeds from this, too.&nbsp; I'll talk about those in another post.</p>
<p>The pumpkins were baked, cut side down on baking sheets for about an hour at 350.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-block"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="../../storage/P1010697.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284246584686" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Below  is them after they were baked.&nbsp; I probably left them a bit too long  because there were some burned parts around the edges when I was  finished.&nbsp; Oh well.</p>
<p><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-block"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="../../storage/P1010700.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284254279974" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Then  I scooped out the pumpkin puree into a bowl, mashing it just slightly  (it was already very soft and the water had been released during  baking).&nbsp; I put 1-cup portions into freezer bags to use later for  bread.&nbsp; Very simple!</p>
<p><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-block"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="../../storage/P1010703.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284255133508" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I  also happened to have 6 sweet potatoes, which we don't really like to  eat.&nbsp; I went ahead and washed them, poked holes in them, and baked them  at 350 for about an hour and treated them the same as the pumpkins --  scooping the puree and freezing in 1-cup portions.&nbsp; I can now make bread  out of either sweet potatoes or pumpkins, which will be wonderful this  fall!</p>
<p><strong>How do you use pumpkins and sweet potatoes?</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
I decided that this year, I wanted to make my <em>own</em> pumpkin puree.&nbsp; I usually buy a can or two each winter to make pumpkin bread, but of course there are issues with <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/05/organic-canned-foods-loaded-with-bpa.html">BPA in the can liners</a>.&nbsp; Making my own seemed to be the best solution!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ali
EMAIL: eatingreal@gmail.com
IP: 205.133.191.253
URL: http://letseatreal.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/13/2010 11:41:34 PM
<p>Mmm. Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are some of my favorite foods - I like to make soups, mostly. A blend of butternut squash, sweet potato, and pumpkin is heavenly with a bit of fresh cracked black pepper, cream, and a dash of ginger. Add some crumbled bacon and chives on top - HEAVEN.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 184.36.126.110
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 01:56:33 AM
<p>I love making lots of different recipes with pumpkin so thank you so much for posting this about how to freeze pumpkin puree - this will be my project next weekend!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: CSN Product Review
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/28/2010 12:00:57 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.cookware.com"><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/santoku knife.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285519678694" alt="" /></a></span></span><a href="www.cookware.com"></a><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 250px;">Image Credit</span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.cookware.com"><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/apple%20peeler.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285519898952" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 250px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>Recently, <a href="http://www.cookware.com">CSN stores</a> gave me the opportunity to choose a product to review.&nbsp; They provided me with a $50 gift card to use on whatever I wanted!&nbsp; Ooh...the possibilities. :)</p>
<p>Knowing that canning was coming up, <strong>I selected a 7" Santoku knife and an apple peeler/corer/slicer.&nbsp; </strong>These were products I didn't have, had always wanted, and knew that I would use in my kitchen.</p>
<p>There was a small mix-up with the apple peeler; I was sent a similar product instead (some labels had gotten switched on the boxes), but as soon as I contacted them, they sent out the correct product.&nbsp; <strong>I was pleased with the customer service.</strong>&nbsp; You don't often get a chance to test that out, do you?&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>But how did I like the products in general?</p>
<p>I didn't use the Santoku knife right away.&nbsp; I was "saving" it for something special!&nbsp; (lol)&nbsp; I got it out with the apples.&nbsp; It feels heavy and good quality.&nbsp; It wasn't quite as sharp as I would have liked, for a new knife.&nbsp; I'm also not used to the style.&nbsp; But I have a feeling as I get used to it more, I will be able to chop more quickly with it than I would with a smaller knife.&nbsp; I do like that part of the design a lot!</p>
<p><strong>The knife's pros:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Solid construction</li>
<li>Easy, fast chopping</li>
<li>Easy washing</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The knife's cons:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Not quite as sharp as it should be</li>
</ul>
<p>All in all, I like it, and I'd probably buy it again.&nbsp; <strong>For the price (around $20), you can't beat it</strong>.&nbsp; Most really nice knives are in the $75 - $100 range!&nbsp; It is definitely more like a $50ish knife than a $20 knife.&nbsp; So I'm solidly in the "I like it" category.</p>
<p>Now, the apple peeler.&nbsp; We didn't have it in time for our first batch of apples so we used a regular peeler and knife.&nbsp; That took awhile.&nbsp; We <em>did</em> have it in time for our second batch of apples though!</p>
<p>I was impressed to find that the apple peeler also cores and slices.&nbsp; That was <em>very</em> handy when we were talking about 50 lbs. of apples to be made into sauce!</p>
<p><strong>Here are the peeler's pros:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Adjustable (for different size apples, more/less peeling, etc.)</li>
<li>Performs three functions (peeling, coring, slicing)</li>
<li>Does the job quickly</li>
<li>Apple goes on and off easily</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The peeler's cons:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A little flimsy (it was cheap, about $20)</li>
<li>Hard to adjust at first (left too much peel or took too much extra apple)</li>
<li>Can't be set to peel and core but <em>not</em> slice (which I'd like so I could slice them for pies)</li>
</ul>
<p>Ben was the one using the apple peeler mostly, and he didn't like it much.&nbsp; I felt that it did make the job faster.&nbsp;<strong> I feel like its uses are more limited than I'd hoped, because I still have to peel, core, and slice apples by hand for pies and other uses (it "spiral slices" the apples and I don't want pieces that small/thin for pies)</strong>, but for making applesauce it was a big help.&nbsp; I'm not sure I'd buy it again; I might look into one that was sturdier and more adjustable.&nbsp; But it <em>did</em> save time on the applesauce, and that was the point.</p>
<p><strong>I guess I'd have to say I was neutral on the apple peeler.</strong></p>
<p>However, these are just two of the <em>many</em> products that CSN stores has!&nbsp; You can check them out and see what you think, and consider purchasing other products from them!&nbsp; Believe me, they had many (most out of my price range for this review) that I was drooling over!</p>
<p><strong>Have you shopped CSN stores?&nbsp; Do you use a Santoku knife or apple peeler?&nbsp; What are your thoughts?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Recently, CSN stores gave me the opportunity to choose a product to review.  They provided me with a $50 gift card to use on whatever I wanted!  Ooh...the possibilities. :)

Knowing that canning was coming up, I selected a 7" Santoku knife and an apple peeler/corer/slicer.  These were products I didn't have, had always wanted, and knew that I would use in my kitchen.
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Pre-Conception and Conceiving
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/15/2010 12:00:38 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnancy.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284331567132" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-september-17th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>This is the next post in the <a href="../../getting-started/2010/9/7/healthy-pregnancy-series.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>.&nbsp;  If you haven't been following, you can catch up on past articles by  clicking the link.&nbsp; So far we've been trucking along through  first-trimester issues (mostly), but today we're going to go back and  catch up on a <em>very</em> important part: pre-conception and conception.&nbsp; After all, without conception there is no pregnancy. :)</p>
<p>In our society, infertility is running rampant.&nbsp; <em>Many</em> people  are struggling to conceive.&nbsp; In the next few posts we'll discuss certain  issues relating to infertility and how people can overcome it.&nbsp; <strong>But  in this post we're going to talk about the ideal situation: what things  should be like pre-conception and during conception to improve your  chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby</strong>.</p>
<p>First, and this is absolutely crucial: <strong>if you are <em>not</em> healthy, you should not try to conceive (yet)</strong>.&nbsp; If you have <a href="../../blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html">adrenal fatigue</a>,  thyroid conditions, chronic fatigue, unmanaged diabetes, severe  obesity, etc. you are not in a position to support a baby right now.&nbsp; It  is extremely important to make yourself as healthy as you can before  achieving pregnancy, for your health and your baby's.&nbsp; I know some of  you will take offense to this because you <em>really want a baby</em>, and <em>there is no perfect time</em>,  and I understand that.&nbsp; I even agree there is no perfect time.&nbsp; But you  do not want your health to crash and be unable to care for your baby!&nbsp;  You don't want your baby to have health issues too!&nbsp; It is best to get  yourself healthy before you try to conceive.&nbsp; If you want to know what  happens if you don't, you can read <a href="../../blog/2009/10/12/rebekahs-story.html">what happened to me after Bekah was born</a> (briefly...I was <em>so</em> depleted that I ended up with mono, and even after that went away I had  severe joint pain, to the point where I was afraid to even carry her).&nbsp;  Besides, I am right there with you.&nbsp; We had "planned" to get pregnant  in March!&nbsp; But here we are in September and are waiting until we feel my  health is where it needs to be.</p>
<p>So, how exactly does one prepare for conception?</p>
<p>If you know when you would ideally like to conceive more than six  months before you intend to try, you can choose to do a detox or  cleanse.&nbsp; It is not a good idea to do detox less than six months before  attempting conception, because you need to be eating nourishing food to  build your body up.&nbsp; Cleanses often involve periods of fasting (or  modified fasting, such as "juice fasting") to break down the toxins in  your body.&nbsp; There are several products out there, as well as resources  for doing this at home.&nbsp; In general, lemon juice (taken in water), bone  broth, and a number of herbs are cleansing and healing.</p>
<p>Less than 6 months before conception, it is your job to eat the most  nourishing diet that you can.&nbsp; Don't count calories, fat, or nutrients;  it will only drive you crazy.&nbsp; Instead, focus on the following foods:</p>
<p>*Meat from pastured animals, including organ meats</p>
<p>*Raw milk and butter made from raw cream</p>
<p>*A variety of fish and shellfish (including soups made from fish stock)</p>
<p>*Leafy greens (with olive oil or another fat, please!)</p>
<p>*Sprouted grains</p>
<p>*Cod liver oil (if you take it, buy the good stuff, not whatever you find at your local warehouse store)</p>
<p>Pay attention to any cravings you have and follow those (unless they  are for alcohol or sugar; these are signs of deficiencies!).&nbsp; Include  plenty of herbs, spices, and real sea salt in your diet.&nbsp; I<strong>t's not a bad idea to follow the <a href="../../blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">Pregnant and Nursing Moms' Diet</a> even in pre-conception</strong>.</p>
<p>Your husband, too, should be eating well.&nbsp; His diet will affect the  quality of his sperm, which can alter your chances of conceiving and  having a healthy baby.&nbsp; Luckily, his production cycles are comparatively  short, so even if he switches to a better diet only a couple months  before conception it will make a big difference.</p>
<p>I hope it goes without saying (but as I'm often reminded, you should never assume!), but <strong><em>do not</em> take any form of oral contraceptive during your pre-conception phase</strong>!&nbsp; You can rely on <a href="../../blog/2009/10/26/natural-birth-control-and-fertility.html">natural family planning</a> to avoid conception during this time.&nbsp; Oral contraceptives are harmful  to you and can be harmful to your baby (which we'll cover in another  post).</p>
<p>When it comes time to conceive, things get fun!&nbsp; Hopefully  your cycle is generally regular, and if you've been practicing NFP to  avoid conception for awhile, you'll know your body well enough to simply  switch things around to try to conceive instead.&nbsp; Here are a few tips  for conception:</p>
<p>*Consuming alfalfa, red raspberry leaf, and oat straw or drinking a tea made from them may help</p>
<p>*Drinking real cranberry juice can increase cervical mucus, making conception easier</p>
<p>*Pastured egg whites can be used as a lubricant if needed (please don't use store-bought eggs)</p>
<p>*Continue your excellent diet</p>
<p>*Begin  having sex at least 5 days before ovulation and continue until at least  1 day past.&nbsp; If you are taking your temperature you can be sure when it  has occurred.&nbsp; Some say everyday, some say every other.&nbsp; If you are  healthy it doesn't really matter.</p>
<p>*Avoid drinking alcohol during pre-conception and conception</p>
<p>*Don't start any "new" things during conception (i.e. don't start kombucha, any detox regimens, etc.)</p>
<p>*I  haven't mentioned prenatal vitamins.&nbsp; If you are consuming an extremely  nourishing diet, have been for awhile, and continue to do so, I don't  think you need them.</p>
<p>These are some of the main things to  remember.&nbsp; I would also urge to 1) not test too soon, as early negatives  can cause stress that you don't need, and 2) connect with someone who  understands what you are going through, whether that is your husband, a  group of women, your mother, or whoever you feel comfortable with.&nbsp; <strong>Trying to conceive, especially if it doesn't happen right away, can be stressful!</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you do not get pregnant your first month, don't despair.&nbsp; </strong>Many  women don't.&nbsp; Especially if you are not familiar with your body, it is  easy to miss ovulation at first.&nbsp; There are many reasons why you may not  get pregnant.&nbsp; But keep trying.&nbsp; Unless you've been at it more than six  months with <em>no</em> signs of conception, there is no reason for  concern (unless you are having other symptoms that something is wrong --  in which case, put trying on hold in order to re-assess your own health  and work towards getting better).&nbsp; Keep going with your excellent diet  and other conception protocol the entire time.</p>
<p><strong>I also  believe that we get pregnant in God's timing, not ours.&nbsp; There may be  "no reason" you haven't conceived, but it is really because God is  telling you it is not time yet.<br /></strong></p>
<p>Next week we'll talk about some major causes of infertility and what you can do about them.</p>
<p><strong>What advice do you have for pre-conception or conception?&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
This is the next post in the <a href="../../getting-started/2010/9/7/healthy-pregnancy-series.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>.&nbsp;  If you haven't been following, you can catch up on past articles by  clicking the link.&nbsp; So far we've been trucking along through  first-trimester issues (mostly), but today we're going to go back and  catch up on a <em>very</em> important part: pre-conception and conception.&nbsp; After all, without conception there is no pregnancy. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: CatholicChick
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 12:43:27 PM
<p>I think that you should be careful in saying that if you have certain issues that you should not conceive. I&#39;m Catholic ( not the cafeteria kind that picks and chooses what they want to believe) and I don&#39;t think you should ever take the pill. I&#39;m not as healthy as I would like to be and we are not trying to get pregnant but I am leaving it up to God&#39;s planning not mine.</p><p>I may never be healthy according to your terms but I am certainly going to be open to a child no matter what</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 09/15/2010 01:38:26 PM
<p>I just had one thing to add to this list. Keep in mind that I&#39;m not a mother, nor am I trying to be (for now...in 8 years I&#39;ll probably be desperate to have my own baby!). However, Kate mentioned several times about using egg whites as personal lubrication. If you&#39;re having problems with lubrication and aren&#39;t on birth control (I had a terrible time with that causing me to be very dry right after getting married), try just drinking more water. Seriously - if your body doesn&#39;t have enough water, it won&#39;t have any way to make that natural lubrication. If your urine isn&#39;t clear, you aren&#39;t drinking enough water. I drink almost a gallon a day on days where I don&#39;t work out, and more if I am exercising. You&#39;d be surprised how hydrating makes you feel - it keeps my lips from cracking, my hands and skin from being dry, will get rid of 99% of the headaches I get, will improve my vision (seriously...I once took an eye exam where it was recommended that I get glasses...two months later, I went in fully hydrated and took the same test and came out with 20/20 vision - your eyes are mostly water, and if your body loses too much water, your eyes will subtly change shape, causing the lens to not be able to focus), and keeps things going down there. When you&#39;re pregnant, you need to supply water for yourself and baby so you should be drinking even more than a gallon a day!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/15/2010 01:53:31 PM
<p>CatholicChick,</p><p>It is up to everyone to decide for themselves when they will have children, and of course up to God as well.  We also don&#39;t use birth control in any form.  However, my caution is for people who have serious health problems and are actively TRYING to get pregnant.  This isn&#39;t a good idea.  Allowing yourself to see what happens and trust God is a bit different.</p><p>Emma,</p><p>Thanks!  You are right, we need water!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sonja
EMAIL: lapasteleraculpable@gmail.com
IP: 81.159.223.104
URL: http://lapasteleraculpable.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/18/2010 10:30:41 AM
<p>I so love reading your posts re. pregnancy and conception! I&#39;m no war near at that stage in my life yet, but still adore reading about it (and reckon I&#39;m going to be the most savvy there is by there time it comes, ha!). </p><p>I use the birth control pill; I have done so for several years (about 6). I don&#39;t feel safe using condoms, yet I&#39;m reading more and more about the side effects of taking the pill (ie Natasha Campbell-McBride)... So I&#39;m very much looking forward to the post that you mention above, where you&#39;ll be talking in more detail about that!</p><p>Sonja (www.lapasteleraculpable.blogpot.com)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Guest Post: Ginger Beer
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/16/2010 12:00:07 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/09/pennywise-platter-thursday-916.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Today we have a guest post from one of our readers, Anna Drozdova!&nbsp; She mentioned in a recent comment that she makes ginger beer and I just had to know how.&nbsp; I thought all of you would want to know too.&nbsp; So here she is!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/bottled%20ginger%20beer.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284306142977" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>This Caribbean-style soft drink uses a &lsquo;ginger bug&rsquo; to start fermentation. I took my receipt from &lsquo;Wild Fermentation&rsquo; by Sandor Katz, who in turn took it from Sally Fallon&rsquo;s &lsquo;Nourishing Traditions.&rsquo; I have got to say that I have both these books and love them.</p>
<p>This ginger beer is a soft drink, fermented just enough to create carbonation but not enough to contain any alcohol. I love ginger beer. In fact, I love anything gingery. I make fantastic ginger biscuits with sprouted flour, ginger-apple drink, ginger buns and if that is not enough, I always use ginger, among other ingredients, to season my meat. I would probably eat if it was not so spicy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ingredients for approximately 1 gallon (4 litres) of beer:</p>
<p>3 inches (8 cm) of fresh ginger root</p>
<p>1 &frac12; cups (400 ml) rapadura or any other type of sweetener you normally use</p>
<p>50 ml (around 7 times 2 teaspoons or less) white sugar (don&rsquo;t get scared this is just to start the bug)</p>
<p>2 lemons</p>
<p>Filtered water</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>First you start the bug by adding 2 teaspoons (10 ml) grated ginger (unpeeled) and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of white sugar to 1 cup (250 ml) of filtered water. </strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/grated ginger.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284306008011" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Stir the mixture well and cover it with cheesecloth to allow air circulation while keeping the flies out. Put it somewhere warm. I usually keep it on my kitchen counter not far from the stove. <strong>Add 2 tsp each of ginger and white sugar every day and stir until you can see bubbles on the surface. </strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/bubbles - bug ready.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284305778215" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>The bubbles start to appear anywhere from 2 days up to a week.</strong> In summer, mine started on the second day. Now that it is getting chillier it might take around 3-5 days. Sally recommends in her book to throw away the whole thing after 7 days if it did not start to bubble. Actually, this is what I had to do with my first batch as in the attempt to avoid the much dreaded white sugar I used brown sugar, and also peeled the ginger. I guess we all learn from our mistakes.</p>
<p>Whenever you have the bubbles you can make your ginger beer. However, if you are not yet ready, e.g. do not have ginger or lemons or rapadura, that you ordered online a week ago and which have still not arrived (as it was in my case), then&nbsp; just keep feeding the bug by adding the same amounts of sugar and ginger every day or every other day.</p>
<p><strong>When you are ready to make the ginger beer, boil 2 quarts (2 litres) of filtered water with all rapadura and 2 &ndash; 6 inches (5 - 15 cm) grated ginger root for 15 minutes. </strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/sugar%20water%20ginger%20beer.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284306311824" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>The amount of ginger root depends on how strong you want it to be.</strong> I would recommend starting with the smallest amount if you are not sure. &nbsp;<strong>When it has cooled, strain the ginger, add juice from 2 lemons and the strained ginger bug.&nbsp; If you want to make the next butch straight away reserve a few tablespoons of the active bug as a starter and replenish it with additional water, ginger root and sugar.</strong> Adding the starter speeds up the process. Add enough water to make 1 gallon (4 litres). Mix everything well and bottle up. I use Ikea bottles with stoppers as you can see in the picture. They are just over 1 litre, pretty cheap and fit perfectly into my fridge door.&nbsp; Leave bottles to ferment for about 2 weeks in a warm place.</p>
<p><strong>Before drinking the ginger beer put it into the fridge to cool down.</strong> In spite of Sandor Katz saying in his book: &lsquo;When you open ginger beer, be prepared with a glass, since carbonation can be strong&hellip;&rsquo; I never noticed that with my ginger beer. There is carbonation, but certainly not enough to rush the liquid out of the bottle. But then again this might depend on the length you leave it to ferment and probably the quality of the water.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My 1.9 year old son loves this drink. It is sweet and sour and is very refreshing and thirst quenching.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/my son drinking the beer.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284306419081" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Thanks Anna!</p>
<p>Anna is originally  Russian from Latvian. She is a single mum to 1.9 year old boy named Max. She has been following the WAPF diet for a year and passionately loves cooking.</p>
<p><strong>The ginger beer looks great!&nbsp; Who else is going to try it?!</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Today we have a guest post from one of our readers, Anna Drozdova!&nbsp; She mentioned in a recent comment that she makes ginger beer and I just had to know how.&nbsp; I thought all of you would want to know too.&nbsp; So here she is!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 12:52:56 PM
<p>Yum. We have our own root beer for a treat and have it about 1-2x per week, no more as it does have quite a bit of sugar. But, I&#39;ve read the fermentation process helps develop healthy probiotics as we use brewer&#39;s yeast.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kayla
EMAIL: kayla.scherrer@gmail.com
IP: 98.127.13.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/05/2010 01:22:14 AM
<p>I am definitely going to try this recipe!  My husband and I just discovered ginger beer this summer at a gas station on our trip home from church camp and fell in love and have been dreaming about it ever since!  I am super excited to have found a recipe for it!  Thank you!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Real Changes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/17/2010 12:00:03 PM
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<p>This is latest update in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/14/journey-to-real-food-introduction.html">Journey to Real Food</a> series, by Lisa of <a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com">Life of a SAHM</a>.</p>
<p>1) How are solids with Gabe different than it was with Lincoln, if at all? <br /> <br />Gabe and Lincoln both had about the same start to solid food. <strong>I make  Gabes and I made Lincolns. They both started at around 6 months of age,  and both skipped the traditional baby cereals and started with  avocados, then sweet potatoes.</strong> Lincoln loved avocados, but Gabe could  care less about them. Gabe loves mangos and bananas. Lincoln nursed to  14 months, and I am hoping Gabe will nurse longer.</p>
<div class="im"><br />2) What does Lincoln like to eat now?  What changes have you noticed  in his preferences or eating habits since starting real food? <br /> <br /></div>
<p><strong>Lincoln eats anything and everything now!! He used to be a  picky eater.</strong> He would not eat anything green, only wanted mac and  cheese, peanut butter and jelly or cheeseburgers. Every time we passed  McDonalds (or Wendys.. or Burger King&hellip; ) he would say &ldquo;I want to eat a  cheeseburger&rdquo;. He stopped asking for cheeseburgers when we stopped going  to fast food. He actually ASKED for broccoli a few weeks ago when we  had my mom over for dinner and she was eating broccoli. He ate several  pieces of it and has eaten it several times since. <strong>This is HUGE for a  kid who has not willingly eating anything green in almost a year. Now  when we grocery shop, he asks to buy broccoli, snow peas and green  beans</strong>. He is having issues with milk now (store bought, not raw) so we  may have to bite the bullet and find it in our budget to buy raw milk  only from now on.</p>
<div class="im"><br />3) What positive health effects have you and Stephen had, if any?</div>
<p><strong>Stephen says he has more energy since I switched our diet.</strong> I  haven&rsquo;t noticed much on my end, but I am still up all night nursing  Gabe. I have been short on energy for a long time, I think that&rsquo;s why I  was addicted to sugar, because I thought sugar would help boost me up. I  still don&rsquo;t have much energy though. Must be short on something, but I  have no clue as to what!  I would kill for more energy, but I think  until Gabe sleeps longer than 3-4 hours, I will be short on energy.</p>
<div class="im"><br />4) How is re-stocking the pantry going?  How are you finding things, what are you buying now, and how is the cost? <br /> <br /></div>
<p>I don&rsquo;t use the pantry much. I am not one to &ldquo;stock up&rdquo;. <strong>We  grocery shop every 2 weeks and I buy only what we need for those two  weeks.</strong> I did buy some extra Larabars this week for snacks or if I don&rsquo;t  have time to make myself breakfast, so those are in there. Gabe also has  some freeze dried apples and yogurt melts in our pantry. I have a few  baking supplies that I don&rsquo;t think we will ever run out of, because I  don&rsquo;t use them that often (flour, sugar, brown sugar, etc..). I have  lots of glass jars in the pantry too for next summer and jelly making!</p>
<div class="im"><br />5) Are you doing any preserving this year?  If so, what?</div>
<p>I made jelly in the summer (don&rsquo;t know if that is considered  preserving), and we are still using it. I have not looked into  preserving anything else but I may next year. I would love to make apple  butter and apple sauce since my kiddos love anything apples, so maybe I  will tackle them this fall since its apple season.</p>
<div class="im"><br />6) What do you do for snacks on the go now?  How you handle last-minute lunches and that sort of thing without fast food?  <br /> <strong><br /></strong></div>
<p><strong> Snacks on the go are usually a fruit or Larabar.</strong> Bananas  travel well in the diaper bag and appease both kids. Lunches if not  planned are peanut butter and jelly or an assortment of fruits and  cheese. I find myself skipping lunch often, so I am working on  remembering to eat myself! <br /> <br />Stephen is on board with me on this diet change, so it makes it  easier. I don&rsquo;t have to sneak foods onto his plate. He loves grass fed  beef and has even talked to his co-worker about going in with him for a  whole cow. We are getting a freezer from his parents so when we get  that, we will talk to his co-worker and see if he is really on board  with this.  <br /> <br />We still buy the occasional Doritos (went to the store last night  for some, we were both dying for them) but I think everyone needs their  cheat food!  <br /> <br />I have noticed we are drinking a lot more water as a family too. We  were not real big soda drinkers at home, but when we ate out, we always  had soda. Now since we don&rsquo;t eat out nearly as often we only drink water  or milk at home.</p>
<p>Thanks Lisa!</p>
<p><strong>Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions for Lisa?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
This is latest update in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/14/journey-to-real-food-introduction.html">Journey to Real Food</a> series, by Lisa of <a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com">Life of a SAHM</a>.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kerri
EMAIL: kjpechin@yahoo.com
IP: 75.189.236.80
URL: http://www.lifewithfullhands.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:49:32 PM
<p>I just found your website the other day and have been devouring it!  We are on a whole food journey as well so I really enjoy this series.  We&#39;ve taken a lot longer to get to where we are than Lisa has, that&#39;s for sure, so I commend you Lisa with all the changes you have made in such a short time!  My only thought was that on the milk issue.  Perhaps you could use your raw milk for drinking, and then the store bought milk for making kefir and yogurt.  That way the &#39;bad&#39; milk will at least be infiltrated with lots of good bacteria!  That is what we are trying to do now ourselves.  We have our own goats that we milked for the first time this year, but now it is time for them to dry up.  Getting your own goats would probably be cheaper, but that would depend on if you could have goats where you live.  We spend about 24$ a month on their feed (it would be less if we had more land for them to eat off of).  And we were able to milk them for almost six months.  So that works out to 50$ a month for the milk (counting the off season feed costs).  With our large family (there are 8 of us) that is a HUGE savings for raw milk (I just figured it out that our raw goat milk costs $3.57 per gallon).  We were getting a little over a half gallon a day!  Supposedly we should get more next year, since they give less milk their first year milking.  Ok, sorry for all the goat info!  We find ourselves up against a wall, budget wise as well.  Wanting the best foods, but only so much money to work with.  We got our own chickens, but we only save a little bit of money on the eggs.  However, I know how our childens are treated and what they eat, and like the fact that when I need some eggs we run outside to get some :-)  I encourage you to keep pressing on, and to try new things (like making bread, which is not hard to do, really!).  <br/>Good luck,<br/>Kerri</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Little Ducks Organics Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/13/2010 12:00:01 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/LittleDuck.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284076191015" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Little Duck Organics</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/09/real-food-wednesday-91510.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Recently, I was given the opportunity to try out some new snacks from the Little Ducks organic company.&nbsp; This company makes organic freeze-dried fruit snacks for babies and small children.&nbsp; As most of you know, finding decent snacks that are actually good on the go is hard for us real foodies, so I was excited to find this company!</p>
<p>They sent me one sample pack of each of their flavors: strawberry mango, apple banana, and apple blueberry.&nbsp; <strong>My kids LOVED them!</strong>&nbsp; Bekah scaled the pantry more than once to try to get them (we had to put them up on top of the fridge, where she can't climb and get them, to save them).&nbsp; Both kids begged for more.&nbsp; They were so convenient to take with us, too, in their little resealable bags!&nbsp; The puffs melt in kids' mouths, so they are suitable for even younger children (neither of mine had an issue, of course, but neither is really a baby anymore...sniff, sniff...).</p>
<p><strong>I loved knowing that these snacks were good for the kids, too.&nbsp;</strong> There were no ingredients other than freeze-dried fruit.&nbsp; No preservatives, colors, or anything.&nbsp; And clearly the kids enjoyed them.&nbsp; I think they would have gone through all three packages the day we got them if I hadn't rationed them.&nbsp; My parents were here when we opened the box, and saw how much the kids liked them (my mom tried them too and said they were good), so they asked next time we talked (a couple days later) if the snacks were gone yet!</p>
<p>If you'd like a chance to these out for yourself, you just might get to!&nbsp;<strong> Little Ducks is graciously offering a prize pack of the three flavors to one of my lucky readers.</strong>&nbsp; To enter the giveaway, you can do the following:</p>
<p>1) Visit the <a href="http://www.littleduckorganics.com">Little Ducks Organics</a> site and tell me which flavor looks best to you</p>
<p>2) Subscribe to me, or tell me you already do</p>
<p>3) Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a></p>
<p>4) "Like" me on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama?v=wall#"> Facebook</a></p>
<p>5) Join the <a href="http://forum.modernalternativemama.com/">forum</a> and introduce yourself</p>
<p>6) Fill out my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c6MQ">reader survey</a> (or tell me you already have)</p>
<p>There are 6 possible entries!&nbsp; Please leave each in a SEPARATE comment.&nbsp; If you put them all in the same comment they will only count as one entry.&nbsp; This giveaway closes on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 8 AM.&nbsp; The winner will be announced Thursday night!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p><strong>Who is excited about natural, organic, baby-safe, travel-friendly snacks!?</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Recently, I was given the opportunity to try out some new snacks from the Little Ducks organic company.&nbsp; This company makes organic freeze-dried fruit snacks for babies and small children.&nbsp; As most of you know, finding decent snacks that are actually good on the go is hard for us real foodies, so I was excited to find this company!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 72.95.120.87
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 01:08:59 PM
<p>Mmmmm.....strawberry mango please! Do I have to share them with my kids???</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 72.95.120.87
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 01:09:57 PM
<p>I already subscribe!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 72.95.120.87
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 01:10:35 PM
<p>I already like you on Facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 72.95.120.87
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 01:11:12 PM
<p>I already took your survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.188.60.95
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 02:46:27 PM
<p>I think my kids would love strawberry mango.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.188.60.95
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 02:48:35 PM
<p>I am a subscriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.188.60.95
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 02:49:31 PM
<p>I have filled out your survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.188.60.95
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 02:50:30 PM
<p>I have liked you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 03:37:36 PM
<p>visited their site...Strawberry mango sounds yummy!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 03:38:08 PM
<p>I&#39;m a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 03:38:36 PM
<p>I already like you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 03:38:58 PM
<p>I already joined the forum and introduced myself.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.25.195.222
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 03:39:23 PM
<p>I already filled out your reader survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Niki
EMAIL: Minimalistmommy@gmail.com
IP: 156.34.34.173
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 04:17:16 PM
<p>These look neat, I doubt we can get them in Canada.  Would love to try them though. I am a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 04:55:19 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 04:56:03 PM
<p>I already took the survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 04:56:34 PM
<p>Blueberry apple looks good!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.114.32
URL: 
DATE: 09/13/2010 05:00:02 PM
<p>I like blueberry apple! thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 03:38:06 AM
<p>blueberry Mango - yummy!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 03:38:54 AM
<p>I subscribe to your blog on email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 03:39:30 AM
<p>I already took your reader survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.9.185
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 11:54:48 AM
<p>The apple banana look great!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.9.185
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 11:55:33 AM
<p>I like you on FB!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.9.185
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 11:55:54 AM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.9.185
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 11:56:15 AM
<p>I&#39;ve already filled out teh reader survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 01:30:56 PM
<p>I think we would go with the strawberry mango.  I kinda wish it was just mango though...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 01:31:43 PM
<p>I am a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.60.212.82
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 11:53:23 PM
<p>I would love to be able to give my soon healthy snacks like this - they look so easy to travel with which has definately been difficult seeing our dietary concerns and want to eat healthy.  These look great!  Would love to try either of the apple flavors though the apple blueberry sounds esp. delicious :).  I have already subscribed to your blog and liked you on facebook.  Thanks for putting this on here Kate!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli @ I Believe in Butter
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 130.132.80.129
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 09/15/2010 04:58:05 PM
<p>Mango fanatic here wants strawberry mango... and once I&#39;ve tried them all I suspect I might ship a care package to my nieces in Florida.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli @ I Believe in Butter
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 130.132.80.129
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 09/15/2010 04:59:57 PM
<p>Your blog is now in my reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli @ I Believe in Butter
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 130.132.80.129
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 09/15/2010 05:00:46 PM
<p>Following you on Twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli @ I Believe in Butter
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 130.132.80.129
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 09/15/2010 05:01:53 PM
<p>Like you on the facebooks :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley R
EMAIL: reynoldsmommy1@hotmail.com
IP: 64.113.102.84
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:16:03 PM
<p>I would like to try the Blueberry/Apple Flavor!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley R
EMAIL: reynoldsmommy1@hotmail.com
IP: 64.113.102.84
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:18:33 PM
<p>Subscribe to your RSS feed via google reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley R
EMAIL: reynoldsmommy1@hotmail.com
IP: 64.113.102.84
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:19:09 PM
<p>Follow you on twitter! (@reynoldsmom)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley R
EMAIL: reynoldsmommy1@hotmail.com
IP: 64.113.102.84
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:20:02 PM
<p>&quot;Like&quot; you on FB! (Ashley Reynolds)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley R
EMAIL: reynoldsmommy1@hotmail.com
IP: 64.113.102.84
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 06:20:21 PM
<p>I filled out your reader survey!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: kchristman@ccs.us
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 07:55:29 PM
<p>I visited the Little Ducks website.  So cute!  I think my babe would like Apple Banana the best, as those are his favorite fruits.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 07:57:08 PM
<p>I just subscribed to your blog.  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 08:07:22 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on Facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 09/15/2010 08:11:38 PM
<p>I completed your survey.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.117.232
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 01:51:23 AM
<p>Blueberry Apple looks good to me - love blueberries!!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.117.232
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 01:52:27 AM
<p>Already subscribe to your posts</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.117.232
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 01:52:57 AM
<p>Follow on Twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.117.232
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 01:54:13 AM
<p>Already &quot;Like&quot; on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.117.232
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 01:54:42 AM
<p>Already joined the Forum and introduced myself :)</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Diet for Adrenal Health
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/21/2010 12:00:20 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/adrenal%20fatigue.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284937650504" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/09/22/wheatless-wednesday-is-wheat-bad-for-you/">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a> and <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-september-24th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>Since I wrote my first post on adrenal fatigue a couple weeks ago, it seems like everyone's talking about it!&nbsp; Sarah, the Healthy Home Economist, wrote a post last week called<a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/09/6-little-known-signs-of-adrenal-fatigue.html?showComment=1284475696784_AIe9_BFbmCGEMvlhyecYg8TaeLi9M0zcpE3yEj5mZqD6aeFZsK7agGDx7NXnJEfa1gkx53A2Er18oaxVrrYr09KQ2Jj_TzjztLTc33kPTJeF-bRbbHQdf8uSpg6zRffJIX5F8-Oa74hAC2qKZel5CNnHFFPoZP0beZb0viw07jgGR7mA1rZF67lugdHcBH2AGK1pFw791NMB_gWjLuRbG6_QItzmL0FEk6PoPKgJJv-g-2cl2nnLbeOoEDnzGNOEQsNuSBm6ltI6lwJD4FwYGXcIQVnuVVjrTHOzkRr4ZB4la44E6ZMWR2c-cNGkkzpCuE4I3SM1jHX1ldfpocWktWn4lg6njvK7udRE4uBUBFzJuUjm9cxOrMW5BNtdS3nQHrfiOwic_QnjOk15Iej6RGo7oiOQxtvRTUXtuXXkTqjFp3h0rlnSs-PfAoQZG03DySjdlri-ggp1-4rnGavfWV50NANhPGLB5N916WDEYvHmK80urJNnSzYB-YMHnlW13SMgGJfQbs0bal6EGi3Uxmoa1cwg-nOKSXHGqxr81o4RN0I_P_4Z4KJ45GmwK1i0Lvp1Wm9UaiOAYoD2gP0xRvMV7cMHUCOtr22lTvEEmCZ-lLJA2SsoKWOy-AS9ABa9W0eFwsY_vqyRyRTfiAHjJ35PeeWage00sQ#c765753456070287108"> Six Little Known Signs of Adrenal Fatigue</a>.&nbsp; Other bloggers have posted recipes for foods that can help adrenal fatigue, like Soli @ I Believe in Butter's <a href="http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/recipe-zucchini-with-tomatoes/">Zucchini with Tomatoes</a>.&nbsp; It's a hot topic right now!&nbsp;</p>
<p>And for good reason.<strong>&nbsp; I <em>still</em> believe that <a href="http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/default.aspx">adrenal fatigue is one of the biggest "unknown" health crises</a></strong> facing us right now.&nbsp; Our <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/019339.html">adrenal system affects our <em>entire</em> health picture</a> because our adrenals control all our hormones.&nbsp; If our adrenals are not healthy, we face chronic stress, infertility, diabetes (insulin is affected), and who knows what else!</p>
<p><strong>Getting our adrenal health under control should be a priority for everyone.&nbsp;</strong> Knowing <em>what</em> to do is not always easy, so I'm going to discuss a few things here (some of which I've done personally and have found have really helped).</p>
<ul>
<li>Consume more high-quality sea salt</li>
<li>Consume more healthy, saturated fats</li>
<li>Abstain from all refined grains and sugar</li>
<li>Abstain from caffeine</li>
<li>Consume plenty of protein</li>
<li>Consume plenty of fresh vegetables</li>
<li>Consume limited amounts of fruits, avoiding high-sugar fruits (bananas, raisins, dates, figs, oranges, grapefruits, apples)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Don't drink <em>too much</em> water!</li>
<li>Eat regular meals and include (healthy) snacks when hungry</li>
</ul>
<p>This diet isn't very different from a typical healthy diet.&nbsp; The only difference is limiting fruits, really.&nbsp; It's also important to be more vigilant than usual about avoiding junk and consuming only nourishing foods.</p>
<p>Those with adrenal fatigue will crave fat and salt.&nbsp; There is a reason for this!&nbsp; Your body <em>needs</em> the high-quality fats and salts to improve.&nbsp; <strong>Sodium levels are often lower in people with adrenal fatigue, so&nbsp; your body needs more in order to recover.</strong>&nbsp; A homemade electrolyte drink is the best way to get this, as commercial drinks are full of sugar, artificial flavors and colors, and other junk.&nbsp;<strong> It is important not to drink too much water because plain water can further throw off your electrolyte balance by providing too much fluid and not enough sodium!</strong>&nbsp; If you are drinking as much as the "experts" say, so that your urine is clear and you are needing to go every hour or so, you are drinking too much!&nbsp; You may even feel thirstier and also like water isn't hydrating you.&nbsp; <strong>Here is the recipe for a homemade drink:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 quart filtered water</li>
<li>1 - 2 tbsp. raw honey</li>
<li>Juice of 1 lemon</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. high-quality sea salt</li>
</ul>
<p>Mix all ingredients together and sip on this throughout the day.&nbsp; You can drink as much as you like.&nbsp; I've been drinking this almost everyday for a few weeks now and have noticed it really helps.&nbsp; You can also add a pinch of salt to anything else you're drinking, too (smoothies, plain water, fresh-pressed juice -- cranberry juice is very good for you!).</p>
<p>There are additional steps you can take towards recovery, as well.&nbsp; <strong>Your lifestyle can be as important as your diet, because excess stress is one of the ways your adrenals become damaged in the first place.</strong>&nbsp; Managing and hopefully eliminating (some) stress is a good way to help them function more normally again.&nbsp; Try these things:</p>
<ul>
<li>Get to bed at a reasonable hour.&nbsp; This means between 10 and 11 each night.</li>
<li>Take time to relax before bed, perhaps with a book or a cup of tea (I like ginger).&nbsp; Start winding down by 9 so that you are ready for bed by 10 or so.</li>
<li>Remove unnecessary stress from your life.</li>
<li>Avoid negative people and situations whenever possible.</li>
<li>Take time each day to breathe, pray, and relax.</li>
<li>Include joyful activities in your life (hobbies, nights out with friends, family activities, etc.)</li>
<li>Make your health a <em>priority</em>.</li>
</ul>
<p>You <em>can</em> recover from adrenal fatigue, and enjoy excellent health!</p>
<p>For myself, I followed my food cravings.&nbsp; <strong>This meant a lot of sea salt, butter, bacon, and cheese.&nbsp; I craved fat, primarily from dairy.</strong>&nbsp; I cut the last bit of junk I was still indulging in, and whenever we were out, I'd bring food with me or select a restaurant with appropriate options (more on that coming hopefully soon...I know it's a struggle to find where and what to eat while out!).&nbsp; I focused on myself and my healing.&nbsp; Every night I sat down by 9 or 9:30 to read (Nourishing Traditions!) and have a cup of ginger tea, and sometimes a small snack (sprouted bread with butter, slices of raw cheese, etc.).&nbsp; I went to bed by 10:30 or so.&nbsp; I concentrated on clearing my mind of unimportant things, telling myself I would get to them the next day (at night).&nbsp; At bedtime, I would tell myself "Tomorrow is time enough," referring to all the "should haves" that were still in my head.</p>
<p><strong>The result was that in only a few weeks I began to feel better.&nbsp;</strong> I fell asleep quickly at night, and went back to sleep easily after my son woke me (we're "sleep training" him now, gently, with no crying...more on <em>that</em> later too).&nbsp; I woke feeling generally rested.&nbsp; This was true <em>even</em> if my son had me up several times: I'd still feel tired, but it was a recognizable, I-got-woken-by-the-baby tired, not an I-didn't-get-refreshing-sleep tired.</p>
<p>For more information, please click on all the links I've included in this post!&nbsp; There's a lot more research out there backing up what I've said, both here and in my original post.&nbsp; It's very important that you understand this and the health implications!</p>
<p><strong>Does your diet and lifestyle support adrenal health?&nbsp; What tips do you have?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Since I wrote my first post on adrenal fatigue a couple weeks ago, it seems like everyone's talking about it!&nbsp; Sarah, the Healthy Home Economist, wrote a post last week called<a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/09/6-little-known-signs-of-adrenal-fatigue.html?showComment=1284475696784_AIe9_BFbmCGEMvlhyecYg8TaeLi9M0zcpE3yEj5mZqD6aeFZsK7agGDx7NXnJEfa1gkx53A2Er18oaxVrrYr09KQ2Jj_TzjztLTc33kPTJeF-bRbbHQdf8uSpg6zRffJIX5F8-Oa74hAC2qKZel5CNnHFFPoZP0beZb0viw07jgGR7mA1rZF67lugdHcBH2AGK1pFw791NMB_gWjLuRbG6_QItzmL0FEk6PoPKgJJv-g-2cl2nnLbeOoEDnzGNOEQsNuSBm6ltI6lwJD4FwYGXcIQVnuVVjrTHOzkRr4ZB4la44E6ZMWR2c-cNGkkzpCuE4I3SM1jHX1ldfpocWktWn4lg6njvK7udRE4uBUBFzJuUjm9cxOrMW5BNtdS3nQHrfiOwic_QnjOk15Iej6RGo7oiOQxtvRTUXtuXXkTqjFp3h0rlnSs-PfAoQZG03DySjdlri-ggp1-4rnGavfWV50NANhPGLB5N916WDEYvHmK80urJNnSzYB-YMHnlW13SMgGJfQbs0bal6EGi3Uxmoa1cwg-nOKSXHGqxr81o4RN0I_P_4Z4KJ45GmwK1i0Lvp1Wm9UaiOAYoD2gP0xRvMV7cMHUCOtr22lTvEEmCZ-lLJA2SsoKWOy-AS9ABa9W0eFwsY_vqyRyRTfiAHjJ35PeeWage00sQ#c765753456070287108"> Six Little Known Signs of Adrenal Fatigue</a>.&nbsp; Other bloggers have posted recipes for foods that can help adrenal fatigue, like Soli @ I Believe in Butter's <a href="http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/recipe-zucchini-with-tomatoes/">Zucchini with Tomatoes</a>.&nbsp; It's a hot topic right now!&nbsp;
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli @ I Believe in Butter
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 130.132.80.129
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 09/22/2010 03:26:29 PM
<p>Thank you for the link love! I am sad I didn&#39;t discover this information about zucchini until the end of summer squash season, but hopefully I will luck out at the market this Saturday and find some of the last ones.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.42.27.193
URL: 
DATE: 09/23/2010 07:56:17 PM
<p>Thanks for the electrolyte drink recipe.  Plain water does make me feel thirstier and kind of yucky...although traditionally my coping strategy has just been to not drink much water.  Which probably isn&#39;t a good idea either.    Hopefully this will help!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Meagan
EMAIL: mnuffins@gmail.com
IP: 199.19.146.41
URL: http://mutritiousnuffins.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/25/2010 02:58:08 AM
<p>I just read this - I have been recovering from adrenal fatigue. This information is very interesting, along the lines of what I&#39;ve been reading. Thanks for the water and salt idea...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 04:40:14 PM
<p>My adrenal fatigue story is a long one.  Condensed, I basically went to the Dr two years ago to get help sleeping.  I&#39;ve always struggled to get a good night&#39;s sleep but thought it was because my husband worked nights.  Now that I&#39;m married to a &quot;normal&quot; man the problem persisted and even got worse.  Dr just wanted to put me on meds.  I was desperate enough to give them a reluctant try, but they made the problem worse.  I even went for a sleep study, which was interesting, but did nothing to improve the quality of my sleep.  Two months later I went to a new chiropractor for an unrelated (I thought) issue.  He gave me a lengthy questionnaire to fill out and then told me I had adrenal fatigue.  I&#39;d never heard of it, but when I researched online I found ALL of my seemingly insignificant health issues were a result of AF.  It turned our lives around!</p><p>I feel sad that it&#39;s been nearly two years since discovering this and I&#39;m not doing much better.  Giving up sugar is a real struggle for me, though I&#39;ve cut back considerably and replaced a portion with less refined sweeteners.  After reading your posts here I may commit to a week w/o and see if I notice an improvement.</p><p>We have dairy goats, so I have raw full fat dairy, but this time of year they drop production.  We also have chickens, so I have fresh eggs as often as I like.  I take coconut oil in the morning though my goal is 3 times per day-I just can&#39;t remember once the day gets going.</p><p>One question for you-is butter from pastured cows still good even though the milk/cream has been pasteurized?</p><p>I&#39;m going to try your electrolyte drink too.  My husband used to drink kombucha all the time, but before I learned all these natural food cures I wasn&#39;t convinced.  He started a new batch a few weeks ago and I haven&#39;t been able to bring myself to try it.  Does the caffeine from the tea bags affect you?  I can&#39;t tolerate it, though the amount in chocolate doesn&#39;t seem to bother me.  ;-)</p><p>I&#39;m overwhelmed just replying!  I found the info at www.womentowomen.com to be helpful, though they&#39;re unable to confirm if their vitamin supplements are synthetic or naturally derived.  I&#39;m trying their Adaptisol, but again can&#39;t remember to take it 3 times per day!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Infertility
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/22/2010 12:00:57 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285025613854" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>Infertility is, unfortunately, rampant in our society today.&nbsp;</strong> The birth rate is currently the lowest it's been in the last century.&nbsp; There are a number of reasons for both, which are similar: older first-time mothers, fewer children per family, increasing rates of female dysfunction (PCOS, thyroid conditions, etc.), lowered sperm counts, financial concerns, and more.</p>
<p>The average age of a first-time mother was only 21.4 in 1970, while it is around 25 today and still rising.&nbsp; The rate of mothers having their first child over age 35 has risen, too.&nbsp; E<strong>xperts say that fertility peaks somewhere between age 22 and 27 and begins to decline after that, so older mothers are already at a disadvantage</strong>.&nbsp; Older mothers also experience a greater rate of miscarriage (up to 50% over 42) and genetic disorders, due to chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs.</p>
<p>In younger women, <strong>increasing rates of reproductive or endocrine disorders, like hypo- or hyper-thyroidism, PCOS, endometriosis, adrenal fatigue, diabetes, obesity, and others are causing infertility</strong> as well, because they are caused by or have as symptoms hormonal disruptions.&nbsp; These diseases are largely either caused or worsened by diet and lifestyle choices; many can be improved or even reversed by changing diet or lifestyle or both.</p>
<p>Our modern diet wrecks havoc on our health, as we've discussed in many previous posts.&nbsp; But it doesn't have to be this way.&nbsp; If you've been following <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/27/amandas-story-exciting-news.html">Amanda's Story</a>, then you already know that <strong>her PCOS has significantly improved by changing her diet</strong>.&nbsp; A combination of careful diet and fertility-supporting supplements can make it possible to conceive naturally.</p>
<p>Before we discuss what some of those supplements are, though, let's talk about some of the risks involved in traditional infertility treatments, as well as risks associated with hormonal birth control (which can play a role in infertility too).</p>
<p><strong>Risks of birth control</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Heart attack</li>
<li>Blood clots/stroke</li>
<li>Weight gain</li>
<li>Mood swings and depression</li>
<li>Nausea and vomitting</li>
<li>Irregular periods</li>
<li>Acne</li>
<li>Bone density loss</li>
<li>Breast tenderness</li>
<li>Lowered libido</li>
<li>Headaches, dizziness, fatigue</li>
</ul>
<p>Indeed the side effects are such that some women find they cannot function on hormonal birth control.&nbsp; <strong>Even those that "seem" okay are doing damage to their bodies by trying to control their hormones in a way that is not natural</strong>.&nbsp; Doing so can cause difficulty in getting pregnant once off the birth control.&nbsp; Some women find they need 6 - 12 months to return to "normal" before they can attempt to conceive, so birth control can be a cause of infertility.&nbsp; <strong>It is best to avoid hormonal birth control entirely and instead rely on barrier methods, or better yet, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/26/natural-birth-control-and-fertility.html">natural family planning</a></strong>.</p>
<p>Unfortunately many choose to compound their problems by turning to hormonal fertility methods.&nbsp; <strong>If your hormones are out of balance, the solution is to heal yourself and get back into balance, not to try to "trick" your body into getting pregnant</strong>.&nbsp; Hormonal fertility methods (Clomid being the most popular) have their own set of risks, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hot flashes</li>
<li>Uterine cancer</li>
<li>Breast cancer</li>
<li>Reduced cervical mucus (making conception more difficult)</li>
<li>Thinner uterine lining (making implantation more difficult)</li>
<li>Abdominal discomfort</li>
</ul>
<p>I also found this from www.drugs.com (emphasis mine):</p>
<blockquote>
<div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">Unless  directed to do so by your doctor, <strong>do not use Clomid if you have an  uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal gland disorder</strong>, an abnormality of the  brain such as a pituitary gland tumor, a liver disease or a history of  liver problems, abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin,  ovarian cysts, or enlargement of the ovaries not caused by</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">polycystic  ovarian syndrome (a hormonal disorder causing lack of <a class="iAs" style="font-weight: normal ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important; border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen ! important; padding-bottom: 1px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important; background-image: none; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt;" href="http://www.drugs.com/pdr/clomid.html#" target="_blank">ovulation</a>)</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><strong>It is <em>highly</em> likely that women who are suffering from "unexplained" infertility do have thyroid of adrenal issues, and Clomid is actually contraindicated in these cases!</strong></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">Instead of trying fertility drugs, there are natural ways to help pregnancy along.&nbsp; First, begin a truly healthy diet:</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">
<ul>
<li>No refined sugars or white flour</li>
<li>No vegetable oils, especially if heated</li>
<li>No breakfast cereals or other extruded grains</li>
<li>Plenty of healthy pastured saturated fats</li>
<li>Plenty of eggs, especially the yolks (pastured)</li>
<li>Plenty of fresh, whole milk (preferably raw)</li>
<li>Moderate sprouted, soaked, or sourdough grains (<em>no</em> 'regular' whole grains!)</li>
<li>Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables</li>
<li>Plenty of fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, etc.)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><strong>Remember that <em>healthy fats</em> are absolutely necessary for a healthy body, <em>especially</em> in pregnancy</strong>!&nbsp; For more, you can look back at my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">Pregnancy Diet</a> post, which is really a good idea for anyone hoping to conceive too.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">It also important to note that <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2009/11/25/boost-your-fertility-with-vitamin-d/">vitamin D deficiency and infertility are linked</a>, too, so be sure to include cod liver oil or get out in the sun if possible!</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">In addition to this excellent diet (which, of course, is a pretty good idea even for those who are <em>not</em> hoping to conceive!), there are specific herbs which can increase fertility.&nbsp; They include:</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">
<ul>
<li><strong>Vitex</strong> (helps hormones to normalize)</li>
<li><strong>Red raspberry leaf</strong>* (tones the uterus)</li>
<li><strong>Alfalfa</strong>* (increases cervical mucus, increases alkalinity to promote conception)</li>
<li><strong>Nettle</strong>* (balances hormones, heals adrenals)</li>
<li><strong>Licorice</strong> (increases cervical fluid, balances hormones)</li>
<li><strong>Cranberry</strong>* (helps production of cervical mucus)</li>
<li><strong>Red clover</strong> (balances hormones, increases alkalinity to promote conception)</li>
<li><strong>Oatstraw</strong>* (mild aphrodisiac, balances endocrine system)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">*Can be used during pregnancy as well</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">It's important to get plenty of vitamins E, B (complex), D, and really every other vitamin.&nbsp;<strong> Vitamins E and B have the most to do with fertility</strong>.&nbsp; Eating foods high in these vitamins, and considering a supplement if necessary is a good idea.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">A combination of a very healthy diet (including adequate nutrients like B and E), plenty of rest, and herbs to support reproduction will improve your overall health and help you to conceive naturally!&nbsp; You can find even more information at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com">Naturally Knocked Up</a>, too!<strong>&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><strong>Have you ever suffered from infertility?&nbsp; What treatments did you try?&nbsp; Tell us your story!</strong></div>
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EXCERPT:
Infertility is, unfortunately, rampant in our society today.  The birth rate is currently the lowest it's been in the last century.  There are a number of reasons for both, which are similar: older first-time mothers, fewer children per family, increasing rates of female dysfunction (PCOS, thyroid conditions, etc.), lowered sperm counts, financial concerns, and more.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 08:25:42 PM
<p>Oh dear, I eat pretty much all the stuff you say not to (white flour, sugar, coffee, breakfast cereals, vegetable oils used in cooking) and never eat fermented foods, coconut oil or sprouted/soaked grains. I do eat some of the stuff on your &quot;good&quot; list (organic meats, organic raw milk, lots of organic fruits and veggies, not very much processed foods) Any advice (books/websites/links) on where to start on a diet overhaul? What is the most important thing? This is kind of overwhelming. :-(</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/22/2010 10:52:58 PM
<p>Robin,</p><p>I have a &quot;Baby Steps&quot; series I did back in March I think.  You can find them all under the &quot;Getting Started&quot; tab.  Since you already do a lot of good stuff (yay!), pick the &quot;bad&quot; thing you do most and change that.  So, if you eat a lot of cereal, decide you are going to change your breakfast options first.  I have a &quot;Meal Plans&quot; section that has some ideas.  It&#39;s easy to swap out the fats you cook with, too.  Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, for example.  I&#39;d start with the fats and the breakfast cereals, then try out some soaked/sprouted grains (I have several recipes for sprouted grains here).  Once you&#39;re baking with sprouted grains using different sugars will come easily.  Coffee can be the last thing, but you can switch to organic in the meantime.  Once you&#39;ve made ALL your swaps, THEN worry about fermented foods and such. :)</p><p>I hope that helps, at least a little!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelley Suggs
EMAIL: healthybychoices@gmail.com
IP: 167.177.39.6
URL: 
DATE: 09/23/2010 02:42:33 PM
<p>Hi MAM!<br/>Great series.  Over at Healthy by Choices, there is also a series on pre natal exercise (exercising while you are pregnant) that will help prepare both the mamma and the baby for labor and delivery (and a quick recovery)!  http://healthybychoices.blogspot.com/p/healthy-pregnancy.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: hopeful mamma
EMAIL: taylorskerns@gmail.com
IP: 68.207.240.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/28/2011 03:14:00 PM
<p>Hello, I have been reading your post for sometime....really thankful to have found it. I have been gradually adding many of the above principles/Nourishing Traditions/weston a price,etc into my diet/lifestlye for the last few years.....I pretty much eat the way you suggested above...the only thing I am working on is getting rid of my one cup of organic coffee a day...I am getting closer to getting that out of my diet.</p><p>My question comes from the role of the male partner in trying to concieve and how to improve their abilities? My husband had a vasectomy at 25 and had it reversed ten years later....We have now been trying to concieve for almost a year. I appear to be ovulating most months and have a very regular cycle. I am almost 37. My husband is not as gungho in terms of diet/lifestyle...eats more of a SAD although I have helped him make some good changes they are small. He also enjoys his alcohol...He is trying to watch how much, but still drinks a glass of wine or two a day. I have certainly told him of my desire to improve/limit some of his choices, but I think he feels overwhelmed at how to...and not confident in the role of his dietary choices effecting his abilitiy to concieve....do you have any insights on small things to improve our chances as it has become very stressful not knowing how to help him as I believe that may have something to do with where we are at....<br/>We both feel very strongly that God has it and in his timing it will happen.....thanks again for your wonderful blog and any insights.<br/>Blessings</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura Hennings
EMAIL: 
IP: 93.103.134.83
URL: http://www.dp-db.com/natural-ovarian-cyst-relief-secrets
DATE: 03/03/2011 12:27:45 PM
<p>I&#39;ve heard that grapefruit juice is great for increasing the amount of fertile cervical mucus. Also, after ovulation some women drink pineapple juice as it is supposed to help with implantation.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Favorite Smoothie
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/09/2010 12:00:56 PM
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<p><strong>Still haven't registered for the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; It's not too late!&nbsp; Registration ends Sept. 15, so hurry!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.actionebook.com"><img src="/storage/smoothie.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283998141696" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 183px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/09/08/wheatless-wednesday-kefir-ice-cream/">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a> and <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/09/pennywise-platter-thursday-99.html">Pennywise Platters at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>I had honestly intended to write about homemade pop-tarts today.&nbsp; But over the weekend I discovered that pie crust is very delicate.&nbsp; So is sprouted flour.&nbsp; Try making pie crust with sprouted flour and you've got something so delicate that it's unworkable.&nbsp; Seriously.&nbsp; It's back to the drawing board with that one....</p>
<p>But I <em>will</em> continue my experiments, because I would so love to make some apple pies to freeze.&nbsp; And I'm going apple picking tomorrow, so I had better get on that!&nbsp; I'm thinking I will need to do something unconventional to make this work...hmm....</p>
<p>Anyway, on to today's actual recipe.&nbsp; I'll give you our current favorite smoothie recipe.&nbsp; I am loving it not only because it tastes great and has excellent nutrition, but it seems to be having the small (and wonderful) side effect of helping Daniel sleep.&nbsp; It's so weird -- if we have a smoothie in the morning, he only wakes 2 - 4 times at night and is easy to resettle.&nbsp; If not, he's up 10 - 12 times and is hard to resettle, assuming I manage at all.&nbsp; There is something that boy is deficient in and it is in this smoothie.&nbsp; I suspect spirulina, but we'll see. :)<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1/2 c. orange juice (fresh squeezed is ideal; I don't bother typically)</p>
<p>1/2 c. plain, whole, organic yogurt (homemade and raw even better)</p>
<p>1/2 c. or so frozen berry mix (I have blueberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries in mine)</p>
<p>1/2 c. or less other fruit (I use peaches)</p>
<p>1 tsp. spirulina</p>
<p>2 - 3 raw egg yolks (from pastured chickens only, please!)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Add all ingredients to a blender and mix it up.&nbsp; Serve immediately.&nbsp; Makes about 2 cups.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>We love it!&nbsp; What's your favorite smoothie?<br /></strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
I had honestly intended to write about homemade pop-tarts today.&nbsp; But over the weekend I discovered that pie crust is very delicate.&nbsp; So is sprouted flour.&nbsp; Try making pie crust with sprouted flour and you've got something so delicate that it's unworkable.&nbsp; Seriously.&nbsp; It's back to the drawing board with that one....
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy Y.
EMAIL: sphyg101@yahoo.com
IP: 64.184.37.96
URL: http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com
DATE: 09/09/2010 12:22:41 PM
<p>I did a post yesterday on how to make sprouted flour, and at the end of it I wrote a recipe for my favorite pregnancy smoothie....at least the one of the moment!  Also, for anyone who may be interested, I started a pregnancy workout log, that you can comment or link up to, so all us preggy mamas can motivate each other in this way!</p><p>~http://vimandvigor.typepad.com/vim-and-vigor/2010/09/down-to-the-nitty-gritty-how-to-make-sprouted-flour.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ali
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.16.18.156
URL: http://eatingreal.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/09/2010 02:01:23 PM
<p>I love &quot;Green Monsters&quot; - hiding about a cup of spinach in with a fruit smoothie. It gives a great, vibrant green color, but you only taste the fruit. My favorite blend is yogurt, peaches, banana, and spinach. YUM.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up
EMAIL: donielle@naturallyknockedup.com
IP: 69.214.6.249
URL: http://www.naturallyknockedup.com
DATE: 09/09/2010 05:39:12 PM
<p>Thanks for linking up!! I&#39;ve been trying to get in more smoothies each week - such a great way to get in a ton of nutrients. </p><p>{stumbled}</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Theresa D
EMAIL: theresagarrett@hotmail.com
IP: 173.80.95.20
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 01:24:27 AM
<p>I usually put spinach in my yogurt smoothies- but I am hearing now that the dairy prevents iron absorption...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sally
EMAIL: scottsally@hotmail.com
IP: 209.221.205.130
URL: 
DATE: 09/17/2010 11:48:37 PM
<p>6 oz of coconut milk tonic (1/2 coconut milk, 1/2 water, and a little maple syrup)<br/>1/3 C plain yogurt<br/>1 egg yolk<br/>1/2 banana<br/>1/2 peach<br/>a few raspberries<br/>3-4 ice cubes</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Learning to Cook: Introducing Emma
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/24/2010 12:01:01 PM
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<p><em><em>Welcome!&nbsp; If you're new here, you may want to subscribe so you don't miss any posts!&nbsp; You can do this via <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS feeds</a>.&nbsp; <em><em>You can also <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">connect with me on Facebook</a>!</em></em></em></em></p>
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<p><strong>Since the "Journey to Real Food" series has been so popular, I thought I'd introduce you to another woman who is just learning all the real food ways.&nbsp; She's an old friend of mine who's eager to share her journey with you as she "learns to cook" in a whole new way.&nbsp; Here's Emma!</strong></p>
<p>Hi, my name's Emma, and I blog about my quilting and a little about life over at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thequiltinghermit.net/" target="_blank">http://www.thequiltinghermit.net/</a>. Kate and I have known each other since high school - she sat behind me in Mr. Van Fleet's honors biology class sophomore year, and next to me in Mrs. Itibrout's honors English class that year. We were always talking, and she's one of the few friends from high school that I really keep in touch with. I've been reading her blog and watching her transformation to a real-food family. I remember how she loved cooking even back in high school, so I guess nothing's changed much!</p>
<div><strong>Anyways, I'm posting here as I go through a LOT of changes in my life. </strong>In the last 3 months, my husband and I graduated from flight school as pilots (it's the awesomest job in the world!), moved from the USA to Germany, and he left to catch the tail end of his unit's deployment, leaving the day after all of our furniture arrived from the movers. It's been a really big adjustment for me, full of lots of tears and romantic movies, as we hadn't really been apart for more than a week since we got married in May of 2009. Luckily, he'll only be gone until sometime in November, so it's not that long! But while he's gone, I've decided to challenge myself: how little can I spend on food, while eating food made from scratch?<br /><br />I<strong> have 3 main sources to get my food here. There's an American store, which is where I get most of my groceries, especially meat.</strong> The Germans eat sausage, and that's about it, so the meat selection in their stores is rather slim. <strong>I buy all of my produce (if I can make it) at the Saturday morning farmers' market in the downtown area of of a neighboring town.</strong> It's not all organic, but I do know for sure that no fertilizer is used here - they use manure, which doesn't smell the greatest, but that's one less chemical on/in my food! <strong>I get my eggs and yogurt at the German store, and I get produce there if I can't make it to market any given week.</strong> It's more local (the American store gets its produce from ALL over Europe so you don't really know what all went into growing it, plus it goes bad much more quickly), and better quality in general.<br /><br />With my husband home,<strong> our amount budgeted for food every month (for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus eating out) was $450</strong>. I'm hoping to spend much less than half of that while he's gone. I've been trying to decide how to write this post for a while, so I'm actually about two weeks into my food change. Some things have turned out great, some...well, not so great.<br /><br /><strong>I started off by cooking a whole chicken.</strong> That was a HUGE step for me. I had to kill and prepare a (rather anorexic) chicken outdoors once, and it was a terrible experience. Pulling out feathers, the smell, the fire ants biting me the whole time, breaking its joints to pull it apart...yeah. I didn't even want to mess with any non-boneless/skinless chicken. But hey - if I was going to make real food, <strong>I might as well do it 100%. I bought a 5 pound (4.98 pounds, but who cares?) little chicken and roasted her</strong>. She tasted great, as did the veggies that went with her, and I spent the rest of that evening burning myself while I pulled the meat off of her bones so I could turn her into stock. <strong>She made a lot of meat, but lesson learned - if you cook a chicken in the oven in butter, don't pour the drippings into the stock-pot for when you're making it.</strong> The chicken carcass will provide plenty of fat, and if you do put the drippings in, your stock will be greasy and taste like you're drinking melted butter. If you do accidentally pour in too much of the butter, let the stock cook completely (mine went for about 24 hours) and cool it in the refrigerator. Once it's cool, the butter should be hard on the top and you can take it off. Your stock will still be more buttery than you probably want it, but spices can cover that. <strong>I turned the stock into chicken noodle soup, which I ate for a week and a half. Not too bad for a $4.50 chicken.</strong><br /><br /><strong>My first non-success was when I tried to make macaroni and cheese.</strong> The only milk I have around here is ultra-pasteurized (I think there's something wrong with milk that doesn't need refrigeration until it's opened), soy (which my husband and I have done in the past with fine results, but even if I wanted to do it, they only have really big containers and I usually only need a cup or so at a time), or rice milk. There are no vendors at the Saturday market with fresh milk. <strong>I tried using coconut milk to make my macaroni, but in the end you could taste the coconut</strong>. I choked it down a few times, usually adding garlic salt to help cover the flavor, and then found a recipe online for a Pastitsio, which is a dish that hails from Cyprus. Basically, it's l<strong>eftover macaroni, with ground beef, tomato sauce, cinnamon, alfredo sauce, nutmeg, and cheddar cheese on top</strong>. It sounds really weird but it was just what my poor macaroni needed - the cinnamon and nutmeg hide the coconut flavor, while the cheddar cheese and ground beef do a good job of melding flavor-wise with the tomato and alfredo. For now, while the husband's gone (he's the one who consumes milk usually...he wants cereal for breakfast sometimes, and wants it with any desserts) <strong>I'm just using cream to substitute for milk</strong>. I can buy non-ultrapasteurized (still pasteurized, but it's not ultra and actually needs to be refrigerated) cream at the American store. <strong>The light cream is about the thickness that I'd imagine real milk would be</strong> (it's definitely thicker than skim or 2%, but not nearly as thick as the heavy cream), and I usually just substitute it 1:1. Nothing insanely bad has happened with me doing it so far so I'm going to keep it up for now, at least until I can find something better..<br /><br /><strong>My second non-success, although it was a partial success, was in making my mother-in-law's cobbler. </strong>I've made it before, and had it be successful, but the recipe calls for a cup of sugar. I have organic sugar (the stores here have Sweet n Low, but not sucanat or any other natural sweetener), but that's still a lot of sugar. <strong>I cut the sugar in half, and figured that substituting in honey for the rest of the sugar (at a 1:1 ratio) would make up for the lack of sugar. </strong>Big mistake! The honey thickened the batter too much, so the strawberries didn't sink through it, and the juice even stayed on top. This whole mess resulted in the batter finally rising as it cooked, pushing the strawberry juice out of the pan (which immediately started smoking...while I had a friend over! Gah!) onto the oven bottom, the strawberries getting burned since they were all exposed, and me feeling a bit frazzled. <strong>On the bright side, after I picked the burnt strawberries off of the cobbler, it did taste okay</strong>. It didn't taste the same as I remember the cobbler tasting before...a little less sweet, although that could just be due to the juice bubbling over, but still good..<br /><br /><strong>To be honest, I'm having fun despite my failures so far.</strong> They've taught me a lot, and best of all, they've taught me lessons when I can learn them without having to subject my husband to eating the results! As for the monetary side of the house, my husband left with only one week of the month of August left, but we were still under our food budget. We only spent about $350 in the month of August. Not all of that was saved as a result of him being gone (I estimate that with him here we'd have probably spent about $400 on food), but hey - it's extra savings. <strong>So far this month, I've spent less than $100 on food.</strong> If I continue spending at the rate I have been so far, I will end up spending $200, so hey - it's quite a bit less than last month! <strong>I haven't even resorted to rice and beans yet. :) </strong>I've been making a meal plan-ish to help me out. It's much different than you all would probably use, since it's only me eating food and it lasts a LONG time! I make 2 dinner entrees, a salad, and a fruit salad every week.<br /><br />That's enough to feed me lunch and dinner for the whole week. I eat yogurt, bacon (the American store actually carries no-nitrate/nitrite bacon!), and eggs (<strong>yay for eggs with yolks so full of nutrients that they're orange!</strong>) for breakfast.&nbsp;Lunch is microwaved at work, since it's cheaper and healthier than eating out. Dinner is sometimes at home, sometimes (Wednesday and Thursday) microwaved at a friend's house on the way to praise band practice or microwaved at the chapel before Bible study. The meals do sometimes get a little boring, but I'm trying to think of it as a game. The more money I save, the more nice things we can buy for our new house. Or the more fabric I can buy to quilt with. :)<br /><br />I'll wrap it up here...this turned out way longer than I expected! <strong>The bottom line is, don't be afraid to try. </strong>If it doesn't work out, see if you can somehow salvage it (bland foods just need more spices, butter can be skimmed off of the top, or you can pick out the burned parts) or <strong>find a recipe that will use it and cover up the flavor.</strong> Because hey - I work full-time, and my motivation to be productive has been really low since my husband left (you can't blame me...imagine if you'd only been married a little over a year and your husband had to leave for just under 3 months...I just really don't want to do much with him gone) - and if I can do it, so can you. <strong>I promise that I'm not spending all day in the kitchen</strong>! I cook my two meals either on the weekend or Monday/Tuesday evenings while I'm home. Ditto for the salad and fruit salad. I make my bacon and eggs fresh every morning. The bacon usually takes about 15 minutes from pan to plate (my stove is touchy so I use a lower setting...I've burned a decent number of pieces in the last two weeks), and the eggs are cooked in the same pan immediately after the bacon. They take less than 2 minutes. 17 minutes to make breakfast in the morning isn't bad. <strong>So seriously - learn from my mistakes, and try cooking real food from scratch.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Oh, and I have a question for all of you.</strong> I'm really not sure what to do in this situation. Because I love saving money, I shopped at Sam's Club before I started some of Kate's baby steps series (getting rid of HFCS and MSG especially). <strong>I have an unopened bottle of ketchup that has HFCS in it</strong>. It's one of those huge Sam's club ones, and I know it would last me a long time if I were to use it. And you don't get that much HFCS out of one serving of ketchup, although I haven't been using ketchup much lately (and I have a non-HFCS ketchup open in the fridge). <strong>The frugal side of me is screaming at me not to throw that ketchup away, but the foodie side of me is telling me that the HFCS is terrible and I should get rid of it immediately.</strong> The stupid bottle is causing me all kinds of guilt, so what should I do?<br /><br /><strong>Thanks Emma! Does anyone have any advice for her?&nbsp; </strong></div>
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EXCERPT:
Since the "Journey to Real Food" series has been so popular, I thought I'd introduce you to another woman who is just learning all the real food ways.  She's an old friend of mine who's eager to share her journey with you as she "learns to cook" in a whole new way.  Here's Emma!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kendra
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.37.135
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 04:03:10 PM
<p>I would eat the ketchup. My Dad is obsessed w/Heinz ketchup, and he brings his own when he comes to our house because we buy the stuff that is HFCS-free. He often ends up leaving his ketchup here, and we use it up since he isn&#39;t here often (he doesn&#39;t live around here). Most of the time, our food is HFCS-free, but when you think about how small the amount is when you&#39;re eating ketchup (you&#39;re probably eating 1-2 T of ketchup, right?), then it&#39;s not much that you&#39;re getting. As long as you aren&#39;t habitually eating it, which you obviously aren&#39;t (and neither are we), then I wouldn&#39;t waste it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 11:27:55 AM
<p>Kendra,</p><p>Just an FYI, Heinz has a new Organic Ketchup out that tastes the same. It&#39;s made with sugar instead of HFCS, My husband loves it. Pick some up for your Dad next time he comes and see if he can tell a difference!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.240.154.195
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 09/28/2010 07:39:06 PM
<p>Nora - I actually have the ketchup you mentioned. My conundrum is in what to do with the large unopened HFCS ketchup. Because by the time you&#39;ve finished off all of that giant thing of ketchup, you&#39;ve ingested a LOT of HFCS. Granted, that was spread out over time, but it&#39;s still a lot of a nasty chemical put through your system.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dem
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.36.57.169
URL: http://pleasuresofprairielife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/10/2011 01:48:29 AM
<p>Donate it to charity.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why I Don't Support "Cure Cancer" Foundations
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/25/2010 04:00:40 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.elements4health.com"><img src="/storage/breast cancer ribbon.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285376863493" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 184px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/09/wfmw-how-to-get-your-laundry-done/">Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a>!**</p>
<p>I fully expect that this post (even its title!) will be met with incredible disbelief and very strong opinions.&nbsp; Some of you, even now, may be reading this and thinking "<em>How</em> on earth can you not support a cure for cancer or the foundations that promote it?!"&nbsp; Hopefully you'll understand my position a little better once I'm finished explaining.&nbsp; Some of you may even agree me (and some of you...perhaps begrudgingly!).&nbsp; I feel like this is a really, really important topic, though, so I'm going to write about it.</p>
<p>These days, "Cure Cancer" foundations are everywhere.&nbsp; There are all kinds of walks and other sponsorship events to raise money for a cancer cure.&nbsp; Many companies partner with these foundations, offering to donate a portion of their sales to the foundation.&nbsp; I shudder and walk away when I see this.&nbsp; The campaign has been referred to as "pink washing" by those who agree with me (because most of the major ones are breast cancer related), and that, sadly, is what it is.</p>
<p><strong>I should note that I do believe many foundations started with good intentions.&nbsp;</strong> But I don't believe many are still operating under good principles, and I also believe the money is generally misspent.</p>
<p>The first thing I want to look at is how these foundations actually work.&nbsp; <strong>When you are donating money to these causes, do you know how, where, and by whom it will be spent?</strong>&nbsp; That's the first thing <em>I</em> want to know before donating to any charity.</p>
<p>Let's look at the Susan G. Komen Foundation first, as it is probably the most well-known cancer foundation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At this foundation, <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/uploadedFiles/Content/AboutUs/Financial/Komen%20Parent_990_3-31-09_PIC_Delivered_CD_01Dec09.pdf">the president/CEO makes about $532,000 per year</a>.&nbsp; The COO makes $332,000.&nbsp; Several of the other top-level employees make between $150,000 and $250,000 per year.&nbsp;<strong> In all, their "employee benefits and compensation" is over $22M a year.&nbsp; The total amount they brought in was about $159M in 2009, so this means employees received about 14% of the annual contributions.</strong>&nbsp; That seems awfully high to me.&nbsp; (This information is all from 2009 and was pulled directly from the tax forms available on their website.)</p>
<p>While this is probably typical of all such foundations, <strong>I don't support the ideas that top-level employees in a charitable foundation "need" to make $500,000 per year.&nbsp;</strong> <em>No one </em>really needs to earn that much!&nbsp; As Ben pointed out while we were doing the research for this post, that's more than our president makes!&nbsp; If you believe in the foundation's mission, that is money that could be better spent going directly to research and programs.&nbsp; Top-level employees could reduce their salaries to around $100,000 and an extra $3 - $4M could go towards actual research.&nbsp; I'm assuming that would make a significant dent....</p>
<p>There's also the problem of who organizations choose as partners.&nbsp; Last spring, the Komen Foundation partnered with KFC.&nbsp; While some might argue that a partnership is only to reach people who already patronize that organization (KFC, in this case), partnering with an organization also lends tacit support to that organization.&nbsp; Does eating at KFC really reduce the risk of breast cancer?&nbsp; Is buying a bucket of chicken in order to donate money to a cancer foundation <em>really</em> a good use of your money -- or your nutrition?&nbsp;</p>
<p>The answer is no.&nbsp; KFC's food is absolutely awful for you.&nbsp; MSG is among the top ingredients in all of their products.&nbsp; That's why they're so addicting!&nbsp; (No, I have not had KFC in many months.)&nbsp; <strong>A "cure cancer" foundation lending their support and even tacit recommendation to a restaurant like KFC is a terrible idea because eating that food will actually <em>promote</em> cancer.</strong>&nbsp; The organization needs to be much more selective in who it chooses to partner with.&nbsp; It should be an important part of any cancer organization's mission to promote a healthy lifestyle that will hopefully <em>not</em> lead one down the path of cancer in the first place.</p>
<p>This leads to another question:<strong> where is the <em>rest</em> of the money spent, and what constitutes "prevention?"</strong>&nbsp; These ideas are related because the money is frequently spent on prevention (as well as research).&nbsp; Cancer foundation research has led to the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Discovery of a genetic "link" that pre-disposes one towards breast cancer</li>
<li>More chemo drugs and related treatments</li>
<li>Increased rates of mammograms and other screening tests</li>
</ul>
<p>These are <em>all</em> mainstream medicine, of course!</p>
<p>Does any of these things really cure cancer?&nbsp; I would argue no.</p>
<p><strong>The discovery of a genetic link has led to two things: one, that women who find they have it are worrying quite a bit and subjecting themselves to earlier and more frequent mammograms (and probably increased stress), and two, that many women believe that if they have the gene, there is nothing they can do: they are "destined" to get cancer.&nbsp;</strong> This becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy, of course.&nbsp; Mammograms are radiation, and more exposure to radiation (earlier in life and more frequent) will lead to increased rates of cancer.&nbsp; Believing that one has no control over her destiny leads to making poor choices because "it doesn't matter anyway," which can also increase rates of cancer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are those rare people who decide that they are not going to let a genetic link slow them down; they make the best possible choices so that this gene will never be expressed.&nbsp; That is the <em>best</em> idea!&nbsp; However I know people who say "I have a family member who had breast cancer...so I'm sure I'm at increased risk!"&nbsp; What they don't mention is the family member who had it had a poor diet and lifestyle!&nbsp; Those things are <em>related!</em></p>
<p><strong>Chemo drugs and other treatments are all poison.</strong>&nbsp; Many studies show that survival rates are not really increased, because a side effect of cancer treatments is...more cancer.&nbsp; People may not die of the original cancer, but they may die of the chemo treatments or an additional cancer.&nbsp; The younger a person is at the time of diagnosis and treatment, the more likely an additional cancer is.</p>
<p>Increased mammography is bad, as I mentioned above.&nbsp; There was a study done where two groups of women were randomly assigned to either get a mammogram every year, or every six years.&nbsp; It was theorized that, at the end of six years, the cancer rates should be the same in both groups (although the "every six years" group could potentially show more advanced cancers).&nbsp; However, <strong>the group receiving mammograms yearly showed a stastically significant increase in cancer rates.</strong>&nbsp; The theory is two-fold: one, that the increased mammograms were actually causing cancer; and two, that yearly mammograms diagnosed extremely early-stage breast cancer that may have regressed on its own (which <em>does</em> happen).</p>
<p><strong>The real problem is, cancer can <em>never</em> be cured through finding genetic links, increasing screening, and finding new poisons with which to treat it.&nbsp; That is not a </strong><em><strong>cure!&nbsp;</strong> </em>There is <em>no </em>mention of ways to prevent cancer, such as eating healthier diets (even though new studies saying "broccoli prevents cancer!" "blueberries prevent cancer!" and so on are coming out constantly).&nbsp; The real research is just not there.&nbsp; It's all about detection and drugs.&nbsp; Even detection is not helping.&nbsp; That is only finding cancers that already exist.</p>
<p>The true cancer cure lies in preventing it in the first place.&nbsp; There is no real research being done in this area.&nbsp; Yes, they say "eating X food prevents cancer!" but they do not really understand why.&nbsp; Nor will they ever recommend a diet solely of whole foods for cancer prevention.&nbsp; <strong>The vast majority of cancers <em>could</em> be prevented by changing our diet and lifestyle.</strong></p>
<p>To sum it up, I refuse to support "cure cancer" foundations for these reasons:</p>
<ul>
<li>Overpayment of top-level salaries; less money to research</li>
<li>Misguided research (money to screenings and poison; not prevention)</li>
<li>Ill-chosen partnerships</li>
</ul>
<p>So no, I will not "Race for the Cure."&nbsp; I will not participate, I will not donate, I will not be involved.&nbsp; I will cringe internally whenever I hear people talking about this.</p>
<p>In the mean time,<strong> I will be seeking my whole foods lifestyle in hopes of preventing cancer.</strong>&nbsp; Should I be unlucky enough to get it anyway (yes, I do think some people "just get it," but it's a <em>lot</em> more rare than you think!), I will be doing research on natural cancer cures: they <em>are</em> out there.&nbsp; No, I don't think I'm tempting the fates by writing this.&nbsp; <strong>No, I don't look down on families who choose conventional treatment</strong>: I think most are scared and honestly don't know another way.&nbsp; Y<strong>es, I believe our bodies can heal themselves, even of something as big as cancer!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Do you support "cure cancer" foundations?&nbsp; Why or why not?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
I fully expect that this post (even its title!) will be met with incredible disbelief and very strong opinions.&nbsp; Some of you, even now, may be reading this and thinking "<em>How</em> on earth can you not support a cure for cancer or the foundations that promote it?!"&nbsp; Hopefully you'll understand my position a little better once I'm finished explaining.&nbsp; Some of you may even agree me (and some of you...perhaps begrudgingly!).&nbsp; I feel like this is a really, really important topic, though, so I'm going to write about it.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Catie T.
EMAIL: aerocats@hotmail.com
IP: 71.202.159.90
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 06:06:12 PM
<p>Agreed! My other pet peeve about cancer (cures) is having children be poster children for the cause - way to use children to collect money for a bogus project!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Raine
EMAIL: raine@agriculturesociety.com
IP: 71.33.12.217
URL: http://www.agriculturesociety.com
DATE: 09/25/2010 06:56:17 PM
<p>Kate - I completely agree with this post, and I&#39;m so glad you wrote it. I wrote one similar to this back in May of this year, and I did get great feedback about it. I think what you&#39;ll find is that the more you talk about this topic, the more you find that people do agree (but are too afraid to voice their opinion), and when you start pointing out the issues with fundraising and how misdirected the money is, they really do start to understand how the system of fundraising for more medication and surgeries is simply not the answer. Our entire health system is geared toward and functions as a reactive way of dealing with health problems. There is a lot of talk about prevention and doing things to keep ourselves healthy, but that is really all just talk and no action. Prevention to the modern health communities involves cutting out healthy fats, eating lots of grains and vegetables (which cause massive amounts of mal-absorption, indigestion, and inflammation in the body), and using preventative screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies. And those things don&#39;t work! If they did, we&#39;d see disease rates going down. But they aren&#39;t. People somehow like to do the same thing and expect different results, I guess. But that&#39;s why it&#39;s up to us to help and educate, and inform, and get the word out.  Keep up the great work Kate! I appreciate you!   :)</p><p>Here is my article:</p><p>http://www.agriculturesociety.com/?p=4442</p><p>http://www.agriculturesociety.com/?p=4442</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.240.133.120
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 09/25/2010 07:06:26 PM
<p>To be perfectly honest, I try to avoid anything big Cure Foundation related, mostly for the same reasons you do. To some extent, it&#39;s just frustration on my part. I got frustrated a few years ago when I was trying to purchase some light pink fleece, with either flowers or butterflies on it for a friend&#39;s new baby blanket. In going through the entire store&#39;s fleece, I could not find a single bolt with flowers or butterflies that didn&#39;t also have the Susan G. Komen ribbon on it. I didn&#39;t think that would be appropriate - congratulations on your new baby girl...here&#39;s a visual reminder that you or she could end up with cancer? Really? I had to go with a pink fleece that had a light silver sparkle in the background, which worked, but the entire room was flowers and butterflies. NOT breast cancer.</p><p>I hate that these foundations have become like the mafia. You WILL support them. I can&#39;t buy yeast at my store without buying a pack that has the ribbon on it. The only reason I can get yogurt without supporting them is because I don&#39;t buy yogurt at my American store. I don&#39;t mind supporting them...IF I choose to. I don&#39;t want everything out there to force me to support whatever the cause of the day is. </p><p>I also agree that no research for a true cure is being done. Chemo and radiation treatments are NOT cures. They are medicines to treat symptoms, nothing more. They really aren&#39;t different than cough medicine or pain relievers. They don&#39;t treat the CAUSE , they treat the EFFECT.</p><p>That being said, I would support foundations that do research a cure. There has been a bit of talk lately about how some brain cancers are being treated by a combination of a patient&#39;s own tumor cells to get the patient&#39;s immune system to target the cancer. They call it a vaccine, but I don&#39;t think that&#39;s the right word for it - vaccines are supposed to prevent, not treat. So don&#39;t stop reading just because of the word vaccine...mentally replace it with medicine, or treatment, and be happy that at least someone is trying to cure cancers, not just break down the body&#39;s defenses while killing both healthy and cancerous cells. http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/04/vaccine.brain.cancer/index.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: candbgom@yahoo.com
IP: 24.32.19.242
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 08:06:18 PM
<p>I agree with you, but would go a step further and point out that unfortunately cancer is big business. Cancer treatments and diagnostic tools equal big money for companies and sadly they are not looking out for your best interest, but rather are seeking to make the most profit.</p><p>Kevin Trudeau&#39;s books and website, naturalcures.com, go into detail about this.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Doodlebug's Mommy
EMAIL: Doodlebugsplanet@gmail.com
IP: 76.0.99.54
URL: http://dandelion-farm.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/25/2010 09:02:28 PM
<p>I don&#39;t support foundations like that because of the salaries and waste (same reason I don&#39;t support march of dimes), but there is a cancer hospital that my family supports and hopefully I can support too soon. It is called MD Anderson, and all their treatment is free. They charge your insurance if you have it, but the patient doesn&#39;t have to pay anything if they can&#39;t afford it. It is absolutely an amazing place; good for the patients and incredibly peaceful and supportive for the families.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 09:27:21 PM
<p>There&#39;s an interesting article on page 144 of Oprah (yes, I actually subscribe, enjoy, and read the magazine) that discusses the flaws in doing actual breast cancer research (most are done on mice) and how we need to study and follow actual human women to shift the focus of research from treatment to prevention. Dr. Susan Love organized a online forum to find women willing to participate in studies as the roadblock to using humans for studies is that they are hard to find and organize. Duh... welcome to the internet age people. Thank goodness someone is willing to find a different way. They&#39;re working on a project called Health of Women to track one million women over 20 years to gather information about diet, exercise, alcohol intake, etc to see what links they can establish with breast cancer. So, there IS some good news out there even when the big research foundations are just playing around.</p><p>Liesel</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: candbgom@yahoo.com
IP: 24.32.19.242
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 11:22:29 PM
<p>MD Anderson will go so far to offer their &quot;free treatment&quot; that they will take your children from you and force them on the children, separating families. Beware of anything that is &quot;free&quot;. Google Katie Wernecke and see just how peaceful and supportive they were to this family. Cancer is big business.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: AMYFROMTHENATI@YAHOO.COM
IP: 71.72.221.89
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 11:24:40 PM
<p>THANK YOU for writing this. Its pinkwashing season and I am so disheartened by having to explain and re-explain the reasons why I do not support Komen and anything pink ribbon. Glad to know others feel the same.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 02:12:04 AM
<p>Amen! I just told my husband yesterday that I am dreading pink month in October. No, I&#39;ve never had breast cancer. But it seems companies that give a certain portion of their profit are just exploiting people who have had cancer. It&#39;s all a great marketing scheme. If they feel so intensely about it,  how about not limiting how much the company will donate? </p><p>Further, I just generally dislike foundations in general. To me, it is much less personal and a great way to make people feel like they&#39;re doing something or donating, when the money would be better spent going directly to a loved one, neighbour, friend, with cancer.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mari
EMAIL: runningmatey@hotmail.com
IP: 166.137.141.80
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 05:39:58 AM
<p>What a great article. When you write pieces like this, it really sets you apart from most blogs.<br/>Almost every other womens blog I have come across champions the misguided, albeit well intentioned fight against cancer.<br/>Anyway, I agree with you 100 percent. I was disgusted when I found out how much of the donations go to pharmaceutical companies so they can concoct more drug potions to hawk to the public.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Debra Schramm
EMAIL: chefschramm@bellsouth.net
IP: 74.171.66.245
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 10:54:04 AM
<p>I applaude you for writing this.  I completely agree with you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: autumn
EMAIL: aandjfarrell@yahoo.com
IP: 71.55.46.181
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 01:03:07 PM
<p>I&#39;m a 30 yr old breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer when I was 25 and pregnant with our 4th child. While I totally understand your stance on the pink ribbon I must disagree slightly. I believe that anything that might raise awareness of breast cancer is a great thing. I always thought that breast cancer was an older woman disease. The age group that has the highest death rate is 18-35 because we don&#39;t think it can happen to us!! <br/>I also have to say if it weren&#39;t for chemo i&#39;d be dead. I wish I would&#39;ve known more about nutrition at my time of diagnosis but I didn&#39;t --there also wasn&#39;t much time for research as my tumor was larger than a softball. Now i know t hat the cure can be worse than the disease because I now have congestive heart failure from one of the chemo drugs. If my cancer were to ever come back I would have to go an alternative route. However many women cannot afford the whole alternative route due to insurance not covering that.( i was blessed to have all of my treatments and surgeries completely paid for.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.210.213.177
URL: http://www.artfortheking.com
DATE: 09/26/2010 01:47:42 PM
<p>Thanks so much for writing this.  I have never bought products with that &quot;pink ribbon&quot; because most of them CAUSE cancer.  It has always made me cringe too.  Great post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angela
EMAIL: 
IP: 70.174.46.44
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 04:26:10 PM
<p>I do agree with you, although my reasons for never supporting the pink ribbon products was for different, more personal reasons (lung cancer caused my grandmother&#39;s, uncle&#39;s and father&#39;s death, my mother has been blessed to be a 9 year survivor of lung cancer - so the overwhelming breast cancer support is frustrating, when lung cancer is more deadly than breast cancer, more women die from lung cancer than breast cancer) but this article has informed me even more, and I appreciate that! Knowledge is power :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.129.187.49
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 04:26:06 PM
<p>While I agree that you make several valid points about business choices and such, I do have to point out that nothing can be &quot;cured&quot; overnight.  It takes MANY MANY years of expensive research to cure something and the things that have developed out of the research were most likely &quot;accidents&quot; in the quest to find a cure.  While they may all be &quot;mainstream medicine&quot;, the majority of the people in this country place their trust in modern medicine and THAT also is not going to be changed overnight.  Medicinal advancement has to take place because the majority of those people are going to go that route.  Alternative &quot;treatments&quot; have also been developed over time for &quot;nauralists&quot; to use.  It is good to offer treatments that all sorts of people are going to choose to turn to.  BUT, my main point is that all of these &quot;non-cures&quot; take place on the journey to find a cure, so while it may not be an actual cure, it shows that they are working and they are making some findings related to an eventual &quot;cure&quot;.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: AMYFROMTHENATI@YAHOO.COM
IP: 71.72.221.89
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 05:13:44 PM
<p>Beth, some might argue that there already is a &quot;cure&quot; for cancer. Kris Carr is keeping her rare for of cancer stable and living a healthy life (please google her if you&#39;re not familiar with who she is). </p><p>I wish there were much MORE emphasis on prevention. I get tired of hearing about &quot;awareness.&quot; You would have to be living in a cave to not be aware of breast cancer. </p><p>Angela, so sorry about your family&#39;s losses. Lung cancer (and heart disease) should take more precedence over breast cancer (in my opinion), but breast cancer is the &quot;popular&quot; disease. And it has those daarrling pink ribbons associated with it   ;)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.153.209
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 09:09:45 PM
<p>Such a concise post!  Thank you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pamela P
EMAIL: chrispam@rochester.rr.com
IP: 67.242.219.165
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 12:05:56 AM
<p>Thanks for this post- I COMPLETELY agree with it! The lack of focus on real prevention of cancer is a travesty, as is the refusal to look at nutritional cures for cancer. If anyone reading these comments is looking for an alternative cure for cancer I recommend looking into the Gerson Therapy and RBTI- Reams Biological Theory of Ionization.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 12:22:56 AM
<p>I agree with you. In so many years of research, there was hardly any progress in finding a cure for anything.  I wonder if there is any valid reason why we support the big foundation like, &quot;March of dimes&quot; I wonder if the head ceo get a nice chunk of all the donations? Its sad but this is the world we live in.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.103.244
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 09/27/2010 04:10:30 AM
<p>I don&#39;t support them either but I have never given it much thought before reading this. I guess I have always felt that the key to cancer is prevention and eating well. I have a friend who worked with a woman in NY who has been treating cancer with foods for years, successfully too. Yet the medical establishment won&#39;t touch this because you can&#39;t patent food! So for as much as I feel for the people who get cancer, I don&#39;t support the way society promotes finding the cure. Great post. I love something that gets me thinking!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Harriet
EMAIL: harriet@penhey.net
IP: 203.206.50.248
URL: http://www.cancerremedies.org/
DATE: 09/27/2010 04:58:25 AM
<p>Nice to see someone else who agrees with me and so many comments as well. You may be interested in some research done and published about people who unexpectedly survived what should have been terminal illness. There is info about this and other cancer issues on my http://www.cancerremedies.org/ site. Until this research was published no one had come up with a list of the psycho-social - cultural attributes of survivors and how they fit together.</p><p>Denz-Penhey, H, Murdoch JC. Personal resiliency: serious diagnosis and prognosis with unexpected quality outcomes. Qualitative Health Research 2008;18:391-404.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: AnnaD
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 04:07:42 PM
<p>Absolutely agreed!!!! Thank you for yet another great post!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.139.253
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 01:54:43 AM
<p>I agree with this post 100%! I found out the truth of cancer foundations from reading the Natural Cures book by Kevin Trudeau about 3 years ago. In the book he says something along the lines of even if someone found a real cure for all types of cancer they (they being pharmaceutical companies &amp; cancer foundations) wouldnt want the cure to be revealed to the public because hundreds of thousands of jobs would be lost! It all comes down to being about the money, sadly enough! I wish people werent so greedy for money and actually want to help people to get rid of cancer all together by being proactive in making better food choices, etc.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Greenearth
EMAIL: 
IP: 202.124.74.234
URL: http://agreenearth.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/29/2010 04:23:53 AM
<p>Greatly enjoyed your article.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 93.107.196.142
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 09:59:36 AM
<p>What an interesting article!!  I also do not support &quot;find a cure for cancer&quot; organizations.  I honestly do not believe that these companies can find a cure anyway.  Cancer cells are present in everyones body naturally anyway &amp; our immune system fights them successfully normally but when you get cancer, it is because the cells multiply so quickly they overwhelm your immune system.  I believe it has a lot to do with our eating habits &amp; what we are putting on/in our bodies.  I also believe that the only way we can find a cure for cancer, is if God supplies us with that cure &amp; no amount of money will make that happen.</p><p>I lost my mom very suddenly in April.  My perfectly healthy mom went into hospital for a routine operation, only to be told she had terminal gall bladder cancer &amp; there was nothing they could do.  She died very quickly at the age of 51.  I found your blog as I am trying to improve the way my family eats.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sayedeh
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.187.49.100
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 10:29:28 PM
<p>All good points!  I just want to mention a note regarding the issue of compensation (and this is not an opinion but a reality that faces non-profits): It would be hard to attract top talent to run your business, however, if the foundation was not competitively compensating the employees.  That&#39;s a fact of life for most Non-Profits, and why many of them fail - due to lack of funding for their activities (compensation included).  I agree that the money should be conservatively spent, however why should a high-skilled executive work for a non-profit if a for-profit company is offering them $200,000 more?  Actually, non-profit companies are trying hard to find ways to offer better incentives to attract top talent, and their salaries will likely be increasing in the future to match for-profit companies.  But this is supposed to mean that non-profits start performing better as they have more skilled leaders as well... so we&#39;ll see about that!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.129.187.49
URL: 
DATE: 09/30/2010 12:57:27 AM
<p>Amy, unless she has been deemed fully cancer-free, she hasn&#39;t been &quot;cured&quot;.  She may be asymptomatic, but not &quot;cured&quot;.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Claire
EMAIL: 
IP: 140.103.46.243
URL: 
DATE: 09/30/2010 12:08:20 PM
<p>I fully support these foundations and I Race for the Cure every year. My mom had breast cancer in her early 30s and the research of these foundations helped her survive. She had a healthy diet and exercised regularly, but she still got cancer. If she hadn&#39;t gotten early mammograms, the cancer wouldn&#39;t have been found and she&#39;d be dead. </p><p>It&#39;s really easy to slam organizations that you have no personal connections with. It&#39;s easy to belittle the policies of a presidential candidate, complain about the public school system, etc. But until you&#39;ve actually been in these situations (had a loved one or yourself have cancer, run for president, be in charge of public schools) I wouldn&#39;t assume you know all the answers. Chances are somebody has thought of your ideas before, but they don&#39;t work.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/30/2010 02:14:46 PM
<p>Claire,</p><p>I&#39;m sorry to hear that your mom had breast cancer, but happy that she is a survivor!</p><p>I am opposed to this foundation because it is NOT really searching for a cure.  And yes, I had a family member (aunt) with breast cancer too.  There are plenty of other people in the comments who&#39;ve had family members with cancer and/or themselves had cancer who do NOT support these foundations also.</p><p>The truth is, drugs and poisons CANNOT cure cancer.  They can make it go away, at the expense of your overall health (making your body weak and sick, destroying your immune system).  Prevention is the ONLY answer.  Healthy diet WILL prevent cancer in almost all cases, but what most people think is healthy is not.  If you are new here (I suspect you are), please look around for awhile.  There is a lot to read about what people think is healthy, and what is really healthy.  I&#39;m betting your mom was eating the way doctors tell her is healthy -- right?  Maybe if you both can get more information now on a truly healthy diet, you can prevent any further cancer!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amber
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.43.194
URL: 
DATE: 10/02/2010 01:47:52 AM
<p>You have valid points about the business/crookedness, completely accurate. But where I am different in all of this is-I see it as a &quot;Hope&quot; and not just a &quot;research cause&quot; but a &quot;cause for Hope.&quot; For those suffering or who have lost someone to a disease, this is their support, their &quot;family&quot; of sorts, yes-it&#39;s become a very crooked business, but I&#39;m glad it&#39;s there, as one of these comments said-Anything that raises awareness is awesome because if you, as a woman, should see pink and immediately connect it with Breast Cancer Awareness then Komen for the Cure has made a difference, because that reminder may lead you to the doctor&#39;s appointment that finds cancer early and is able to be treated, or not. Does that make sense? I do not disagree with your arguments-but I disagree with the lack of empathy for those who are/have/may never but don&#39;t want to-suffer, I don&#39;t care if 2 cents of my money is actually going to the research, I know my donations are making this group of amazing, supportive people-showing great empathy and compassion for complete strangers, grow, and grow, and I don&#39;t see how that can be a bad thing. The world needs more supporters and less over-analyzers. I don&#39;t mean that to be offensive-I just think compassion is a really powerful thing and can do a world of good for someone who needs it. In my eyes if the money I donate doesn&#39;t even go to research(yes it&#39;s crooked, but)and it is going to growing this group of people who pray their hearts out for others and pray for a cure, I am very happy to see that money go to that cause. Guess I&#39;ll just consider it supporting a great congregation of prayer warriors, and I&#39;ll wear my pink proudly.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/02/2010 12:45:35 PM
<p>Amber,</p><p>I understand what you&#39;re saying.  And I absolutely think that people who are, will, or have faced cancer need a support group.  I think the whole country needs to be supportive and open about ways to truly prevent and cure cancer!  I still don&#39;t support these groups officially because although they function as a support group to many, that is NOT their real purpose.  Their real purpose is, honestly, to provide FALSE hope.  They promise &quot;we can help get rid of cancer&quot; yet they are doing nothing of the sort.  I&#39;d rather see small groups spring up that can provide REAL hope, REAL help, and REAL support.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.45.26
URL: 
DATE: 10/03/2010 04:31:41 AM
<p>No, I do not support them. I have felt the same as you for years.  Every time I see these campaigns I feel sick. My mother passed away in June from a rare form of cancer after succumbing to mainstream medicine. She had no money left to pay for her natural treatments; what a tragedy. What the chemo did to her was beyond belief, and the hardest thing I have ever had to witness. I don&#39;t want anyone to have to watch their loved one be poisoned to death by these sick greedy &quot;doctors&quot;. A few days before she passed she said she learned her lesson. I wish she would have taken my advice, but the &quot;doctors&quot; convinced her. The truth (actual research) is 90% of people live longer who do not take the chemo.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa Sargese
EMAIL: belovedideas@yahoo.com
IP: 69.116.238.202
URL: http://www.theskinnyonline.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/12/2010 04:55:27 AM
<p>My chiropractor told me that we all &quot;catch&quot; cancer at least once a month.<br/>What keeps it from developing?<br/>A healthy immune system.</p><p>It&#39;s the prevention that will eradicate cancer, not the yet-to-be-discovered cure.</p><p>Keep up the whole foods lifestyle!<br/>It will save us all :-p</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Clayvessel
EMAIL: clayvessel2@yahoo.com
IP: 216.110.201.67
URL: http://potsnpies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/12/2010 04:07:03 PM
<p>Oh my heavenly word. <br/>This was fantastic. You said everything I have felt for the last thirty years and I thought I was the only one so I kept it to myself! I have never had anyone understand this position. I have felt this way since back in the 1970&#39;s when The American Cancer Society was the big dog. These groups make money off cancer not off of curing cancer. Curing cancer would put them out of business. Countless millions of dollars have been given to them and they are no where closer to curing anything. I would like to see some statistics since it sure seems like the rate of people getting cancer and dying from &quot;cancer&quot; (or really the &quot;cure&quot;) is higher than ever.</p><p>Thanks for writing this!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alanna
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.164.181.31
URL: 
DATE: 10/12/2010 04:46:36 PM
<p>I&#39;m surprised that no one has mentioned the studies that show oral contraceptives in the water supply. <br/>http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=42520</p><p>There are also studies that link oral contraceptive use and cancer<br/>http://www.newsinferno.com/health-concerns/birth-control-pill-cancer-link-debated/<br/>http://www.bcpinstitute.org/publishedpapers.htm</p><p>There have also been many studies that have found that long-term breastfeeding dramatically decreases a woman&#39;s chances of getting breast cancer.  <br/>http://www.naturalnews.com/028469_brstfeeding_brst_cancer.html</p><p>&quot;An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.&quot;  Ben Franklin</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley
EMAIL: ashleychinphd@gmail.com
IP: 98.164.81.105
URL: 
DATE: 10/12/2010 06:13:08 PM
<p>Wow.  I never knew that exposure to conventional cancer treatment increased your risk for subsequent cancer.  That makes me so sad.  My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her late 30s (pre-menopausal) and had a radical mastectomy (butchering in those days!!), radiation AND chemo.  She was &quot;cured&quot; (no relapse in 5 years), but was later diagnosed with, and died from, kidney cancer when she was only 47.  That was 19 years ago, and I really miss her.<br/>I&#39;ve never been comfortable with the whole &quot;cure cancer&quot; foundations, but couldn&#39;t really put my finger on exactly why.  Your post nails it.  Thank you.<br/>Ashley</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sally
EMAIL: gab2long@aol.com
IP: 64.12.117.19
URL: 
DATE: 10/13/2010 03:32:49 AM
<p>I completely agree with you, Kate. I stopped giving money to any conventional medical foundations like American Cancer or American Heart etc. When they start focusing on prevention, including cleaning up the environment, maybe I&#39;ll reconsider giving. It&#39;s food, it&#39;s lifestyle, and it&#39;s the environment. Period. It&#39;s not how often you&#39;re screened or taking prophylactic drugs. Glad that the people here get that. We are not popular with our views, but speaking the truth as we see it is critical. Thank you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather H
EMAIL: hifromheather@gmail.com
IP: 64.149.84.50
URL: 
DATE: 10/13/2010 02:01:32 PM
<p>My mother is a naturopathic doctor. She got breast cancer 2 years ago and it had already spread to alot of the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. She went to Italy and was treated by Dr. Simoncini. He hooked up a port to her armpit area and injected baking soda and water solution twice a day. The weekly ultra sound pictures were amazing. It shrunk every single week, and in 5 weeks and 2 days was completely gone. He sent her home on a strict anti-candida diet, as his theory is that all cancer is caused by Candida Albincans (which i agree with). She is in perfect health today, eating a whole foods sugar/gluten free diet..  <br/>Dr. Simoncinis website is WWW.CANCERISAFUNGUS.COM  He is an amazing man, and all this money being wasted on american cancer research, should be given to him!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Clayvessel
EMAIL: clayvessel2@yahoo.com
IP: 216.110.201.67
URL: http://potsnpies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/13/2010 03:29:06 PM
<p>What a great testimonial, Heather H. So great that your mother is healthy!</p><p>My aunt was cured of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma with naturopathic treatments at a clinic in Idaho. Her cancer was not found early and she was very very sick. It took a couple years of treatments and she is now the healthiest she has ever been. She continues to be completely cancer free and this is confirmed with regular testing with an M.D.</p><p>What&#39;s funny is the underwhelming response by her M.D. and others in her life who know this history and don&#39;t rush their cancer patients to this clinic. You would think people who want to know more or research it more when there are people recovering without the conventional treatments.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ginny
EMAIL: vioburn@gmail.com
IP: 24.8.178.9
URL: http://www.ginnyv.com
DATE: 10/13/2010 05:14:17 PM
<p>Thank you for posting this.  I read another article that was similar (I think it was the one on Ag. Society) and it opened my eyes.  Your article is point-on.  My grandmother died from cancer.  It started as breast cancer, and then spread to every major organ in her body.  I saw what the conventional treatments did to her and was heart-broken, having to see her go through it.  She dreaded every time she had to go.  Unfortunately, she passed away 3 years ago.  I do not support these foundations and won&#39;t, until they make some major changes.  I personally know someone who found out he had cancer and changed his lifestyle (radically), including his diet, and has been cancer free for over 15 years without &quot;treatment&quot;.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: ksabc87@comcast.net
IP: 24.18.36.70
URL: 
DATE: 10/14/2010 03:48:31 PM
<p>As a breast cancer survivor (I was 35 when diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer - no family history, extremely healthy diet and lifestyle, nursed all my kids over a year, etc.), I agree with you on some points, but have to say I completely disagree on others.  I don&#39;t support organizations claiming to raise money for research because of the mishandling of the funds, so I definitely agree with your stance on this.  However, if you don&#39;t personally know people who have tried to &quot;treat&quot; their cancer with alternative medicine (diet and supplements), then you really can&#39;t be telling people that it works.  IT DOESN&#39;T WORK!!  I have a very close friend who is dying right now because she believed the lie that diet and supplements (completely raw/vegan diet) would &quot;cure&quot; her.  She felt great for years, but at the same time, the cancer was growing and spreading throughout her body.  This is just one example of many.  It is irresponsible to tell people that chemo is poison and is, therefore, bad for you.  OF COURSE IT&#39;S POISON!  BUT IT DOESN&#39;T KILL YOU - CANCER DOES!  If I had not had chemo (along with massive numbers of others I personally know), I would be dead.  Secondary cancers are not caused by chemo, although they can be caused by radiation.  I wish you would have distinguished between PREVENTING and CURING.  Preventing cancer with diet and a healthy lifestyle is possible, although not a guarantee.  However, curing cancer is only possible with early intervention, traditional treatment, AND diet and a healthy lifestyle, which keeps you strong while enduring the effects of treatment.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Makenna
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.91.103.18
URL: 
DATE: 10/14/2010 04:09:55 PM
<p>Funny how lots of people seem to know someone who changed their diet/used natural treatments, and they worked!  Why does our society need a &quot;scientific cure&quot; or a pill to fix it?  Just because its simple dosent mean it wont work.  &quot;by small and simple things, shall great things come to pass&quot;</p><p><br/>I get sick of all the pink during the month...such a scam.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/14/2010 04:20:13 PM
<p>Stephanie,</p><p>I&#39;m sorry to hear you had cancer, but great that you survived!</p><p>Natural/alternative methods CAN cure cancer.  There are many books, articles and testimonials documenting this!  Read some of the other comments on this post and you&#39;ll see people who shared that they or a family member WERE cured using natural methods.  It&#39;s not as simple as &quot;just eat better&quot; at that point, obviously; you need much more aggressive means.  But to say that &quot;only traditional medicine can cure cancer&quot; is just wrong.  I believe there are some cases where the cancer is so aggressive that you may need to go for traditional medicine initially to slow it enough to explore other alternatives, but in many cases, alternative medicine is as successful, if not more successful, and without the horrendous side effects.  </p><p>I understand that your experience has been that conventional medicine was necessary, but that is NOT everyone&#39;s experience.  And it is NOT the only way.  Natural means show much promise too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leah
EMAIL: strakale@muohio.edu
IP: 76.188.205.130
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 01:28:27 PM
<p>I&#39;m surprised no one noted how underhanded the solicitation of these donations is.  You are often asked in a public realm, and are forced to tell another individual &quot;no&quot;, as if you are &quot;anti-cure&quot;. I mean, seriously, forcing cashiers to ask people to donate towards breast cancer research? That&#39;s just backhanded, IMO. People often say &quot;yes&quot; simply because they are embarassed or feel awkward saying &quot;no&quot;. I was once asked to donate at a CVS (I don&#39;t remember the foundation). I asked if the cashier had any information on the foundation (a pamphlet, website, whatever) so that I could look into how the funding was spent, what the aims of the foundation were, etc and donate on my next visit if I wished. The employee had no idea. She didn&#39;t even know the name of the actual foundation! Not to mention that companies often give incentives for their employees to get a certain amount of donations. I know that at a previous restaurant where I worked, we were actually PUNISHED if we didn&#39;t get a certain amount of donations. Ridiculous. And the companies that are partnered with these foundations often do it for PR (it makes them look philanthropic). Really, the whole exercise loses its true meaning.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Suzi
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.122.72.241
URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2010 04:29:45 AM
<p>I am so glad you wrote this. Everything you say resonates with me, and much of it was new information but made absolute sense.  My mother is a leukemia survivor.  Over the years I have had so many phone calls asking me to support cancer cures of all kinds - I told them all - no, sorry - I will not - and then I tell them why - I tell them that if we put more money and effort into educating the masses on the direct effect organic farming, local and sustainable farming, WHAT YOU EAT and WHAT YOU INHALE, and WHAT OVER-PRESCRIBED PHARMACEUTICALS all have on our mental, physical and emotional health and well-being, we would see a decrease in cancer illnesses - no doubt about it..  You just have to walk into a SAFEWAY or similar store and with your eyes you see brightly packaged foods and with your nose you smell something either masquerading as a tempting food or a medley of artificial ingredients and packaging.  My mother always ate homecooked food and I am pretty sure much of it when she was a child, was the original organic - however, through the 70&#39;s and on, I know that in amongst her pots and pans were plenty of non-sticks and alluminums and when she got her microwave when they first came out - it was enormous - in her tiny kitchen, I have no doubt that every time she used it she was radiating herself.  Go figure.  So I don&#39;t donate to these causes and I don&#39;t run in their fun runs or whatever - I support local sustainability, local environmentally-friendly practices and non-profits and I try to walk my talk as much as possible.  Thank you for raising awareness - people think everything can be &#39;fixed&#39; with drugs - there is a place for research and there is a place for drugs and allopathic medicine, but preventative medicine and nutrition should be a fundamental part of every medical practitioner&#39;s education.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rosalinda
EMAIL: pamperedroze@yahoo.com
IP: 76.25.208.60
URL: 
DATE: 12/03/2010 04:27:55 AM
<p>AMEN!  I thought I was the pink scrooge!!  I refuse to support anything where people have become a herd of animals senselessly following the leader without questioning the motives or end.  I support grassroots activism until it becomes a big business and then move on to where I&#39;m needed...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tara
EMAIL: 
IP: 209.105.148.241
URL: 
DATE: 12/28/2010 06:20:48 PM
<p>As an herbalist, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you&#39;ve said.  I was a bit disappointed that you didn&#39;t include the Planned Parenthood link to Susan B. Komen.  Very disturbing link, I believe.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LeaG
EMAIL: Lea.goin@gmail.com
IP: 205.201.96.250
URL: 
DATE: 12/28/2010 07:29:11 PM
<p>My mom goes to church with a lady who actually got a mastectomy because she was in a high at risk category when they discovered she had the gene!  I told her that was the worst idea I&#39;ve ever heard. Glad you wrote this. I do not support all the pink, I think its a mainstream bandwagon people jump on and feel guilted into. Thank you for speling out for me so clearly what I already felt inky heart. Love your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 10:38:11 PM
<p>I totally agree with your post!  However, how do you compassionatley decline when it&#39;s a friend or acquaintance asking and that person is a cancer survivor?  That&#39;s been happening to me and I don&#39;t know how to say why I won&#39;t contribute without sounding harsh.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.156.87.152
URL: 
DATE: 01/27/2011 08:17:40 AM
<p>I just wanted to say that our close family friend was recently diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, about 6 months ago, that hat metasticised into her bones. She had 4 and 5 inch long tumors removed from both femurs, and several removed from her breasts. She decided she did not want to do chemo or radiation, and visited a naturo-path, who had her radically change her diet. As of this past week, she is cancer free, her only &quot;medicine&quot; having been changing her diet, and it only took 6 months. If that doesn&#39;t speak for its self, nothing will.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: sarawilsh@gmail.com
IP: 76.212.142.123
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 02:43:55 PM
<p>I totally agree with the financial aspects of foundations and good grief, I mean why do people need to make over $100, 000/yr.  My 4 person family in SAN DIEGO (Ca is expensive) somehow lives on less than $50,000.<br/>I have always had an issue with the survival of the fittest.  Man&#39;s research and drugs and whatnot had led to disease being allowed to continue on through the generations instead of being weeded out.  I know that this is controversial.  We have some good friends who have MS, CF, cancer and other ailments.  I would not wish for them to not be here because of their sickness, but Man has been trying to play God for some time now.<br/>I just don&#39;t know where I stand on medical intervention.  But I know if my child had something, as long as their quality of life would be good I would do everything I could to keep them alive.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cookbook SNEAK PEEK!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/27/2010 12:00:51 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>If you'd like to take a look at the cookbook today, head on over to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Facebook page</a> to see it!  "Like" me while you're over there, if you haven't already. :)</p>
<p>It's coming soon...!</p>
<p><strong>Are you ready?</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Learning to say No to "Good" and Yes to "Best"
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/14/2010 12:00:29 PM
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<p>Today we have a guest post from Ashley Pichea!&nbsp; She has a lot to share on choosing the best activities in life.&nbsp; Check out her bio (at the bottom) for links to her blogs to read more!</p>
<p>Here she is:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.morethings.com"><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/Jesus.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284307473446" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p><strong>I cannot seem to <em>stay focused</em> on one task at a time lately.</strong> My brain is stressed to the max lately as I try to balance being a mom,  being a blogger, being a wife, being a daughter of the King, being a  graduate student, and being a friend. No matter what I try to do, my  life seems to out of balance. My focus is being pulled in so many  different directions, that my life is quickly becoming un-focused. <strong>My life needs to be <em>focused</em>, and learning to <em>say "no"</em> is a big part of that.</strong></p>
<p>How  many activities are you involved with on a weekly or even monthly basis  inside of and outside of your home? <em><strong>If a causal observer were to  observe your every movement over the course of a month, what would  he/she say are the top three priorities in your life?</strong></em> Is it being a mom?  Is it being a daughter of the King? Maybe it's blogging or spending  time online? I know, personally, that my <em>stated priorities</em> are quite a  bit off-balance with my <em>actual life</em>.</p>
<p><strong>How do we fix  this?</strong> How do we keep the "<em>best</em>" things at the top of our priority list,  allowing the "<em>good</em>" things to fill in the gaps rather than monopolize  our attention?</p>
<p>Start with the <em>most</em> important thing - <strong><em>being a daughter of the King</em></strong>. When we have so much going on it becomes so easy to <em>lose our focus on Christ</em>, forgetting to spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer. When we take our <em>eyes off the goal</em> (<a href="http://bible.cc/philippians/3-14.htm" target="_blank">Philippians 3.14</a>), we start looking around and we end up in <em>spiritual chaos</em>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Forgetting what </em><em>lies behind and reaching forward to what </em><em>lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let   us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in   anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to   you; however, let us keep living by that same </em><em> standard to which we have attained.</em> - Philippians 3.13-16</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A <strong>practical application</strong> of this is <strong>choosing the <em>best </em>over the <em>good</em></strong>. I've been learning that sometimes <strong>I need to say "no" </strong>to some really <em>good </em>things in order to <strong>keep my focus</strong> on the <em>best</em> things. <strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>It's not easy.</strong></p>
<p>Recently, <strong>I've been asked</strong> to come on-board of some AWESOME new projects that I would LOVE to be a part of. However, adding these <em>good </em>things to my plate would take away from the <em>focus </em>I need to have on some of the <em>best </em>things that God has given me right now. <strong>Saying "no"</strong> has not been easy, as I whole-heartedly believe in the projects and   would love to get involved with them. It has definitely been <strong>a test of my faith</strong> to trust that God has called me to a <em>specific focus</em> and that I need to <strong>run hard</strong> after that goal.</p>
<p><span style="font-style: italic;">Priorities need to be evaluated regularly</span> (with the help of the Holy Spirit) and given the proper amount of time   and energy, drawing on God's resources of strength and endurance,   depending on the priority. No two "tasks" require the same amount of   time and energy, and (as I said before) no two days are alike. Each day   has its own calling, a series of specific tasks carried out in the   framework of a larger calling.<br /> <br /> <strong>Balance is not equal  portions of each, but rather giving proper  emphasis to each priority,  evaluating what the priorities for that day  are each day. </strong></p>
<p><em>What have you had to <strong>say "no"</strong> to recently? What <strong>good </strong>things are vying for your attention? What <strong>best </strong>things do you need to <strong>focus on</strong> this week?</em></p>
<p><a href="http://blog.ashleypichea.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Ashley Pichea</a> is a wife and mom (almost 2 year old boy and 3.5 year old girl), as   well as being a blogger, an online student (pursuing an MA in Ministry),   and actively involved in her local church's teaching ministry. She  home  schools her daughter and chronicles the journey at <a href="http://pkidshs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teaching Jenny</a>. Her blog, <a href="http://blog.ashleypichea.com/" target="_blank">AP Freewriting</a>,   has become a place of ministry to women with a purpose of encouraging   women with the Word of God. Ashley strives daily to find her identity  in  Christ, and she encourages you to connect with her on <a href="http://facebook.com/APFreewriting" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/apichea" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>
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EXCERPT:
Today we have a guest post from Ashley Pichea!&nbsp; She has a lot to share on choosing the best activities in life.&nbsp; Check out her bio (at the bottom) for links to her blogs to read more!</p>
<p>Here she is:
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Signs You Need a New Doctor
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/29/2010 12:00:42 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong>You can find me today over at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home</a>, writing on <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/09/attitude-towards-sugar.html">Attitude Towards Sugar</a>.&nbsp; I am a regular contributing writer over there now!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnancy.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285523260068" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>This post is particularly important to me, because in my first pregnancy, I chose a doctor the same way I chose <em>every</em> doctor at that point: I looked through providers on my insurance website and picked one that seemed nice.&nbsp; (i.e. had a name I could pronounce, was close to home, was a DO instead of MD....)&nbsp; Up until this point I'd always ended up with pretty nice doctors, so I felt comfortable choosing an OB this way too.&nbsp; Too bad that it didn't go well.</p>
<p>But what I learned from this experience is that you <em>can</em> and <em>should</em> change your provider if you feel that the first person you've met with does not mesh with what you want.&nbsp; <em>You</em> have hired this person!&nbsp; You are not stuck!&nbsp; You have the right to work with someone with whom you are comfortable.&nbsp; I alluded to this in my post on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">Options in Maternity Care</a>, but now it's time to discuss it a little more.</p>
<p>So!&nbsp; Major signs that you need a new provider:</p>
<p><strong>1) Your questions are not really answered</strong></p>
<p>Especially if it's your first baby, you should be able to get <em>all</em> the information you need from your doctor (or other provider).&nbsp; <strong>The doctor should be willing to answer your questions thoroughly and allow you to ask follow-up questions as necessary.&nbsp;</strong> S/he should not be halfway out the door while answering, either.&nbsp; S/he should sit down, be patient, and honestly and truly discuss all your concerns.&nbsp; If the doctor "answers" your questions but doesn't really get what you are asking, and you feel like getting the information you really want is like pulling teeth (whether it's on purpose or just because the doctor doesn't "get" you), it's time to find someone else.</p>
<p><strong>2) You don't feel very comfortable asking questions at all</strong></p>
<p>If your doctor really is halfway out the door when she calls over her shoulder "Oh yeah, do you have any questions?" you may not feel like you can even ask!&nbsp; This is <em>not</em> good.&nbsp; <strong>You should feel comfortable bringing in all your concerns and asking until you are satisfied.</strong>&nbsp; Pregnancy can be a confusing time, especially if you've never experienced it, but also any time!&nbsp; If you can't even ask, it's time to find someone else.</p>
<p><strong>3) You can't or don't feel comfortable calling between appointments with questions</strong></p>
<p>There may be situations that crop up between appointments which require a call to the doctor.&nbsp; If you are experiencing spotting, cramping, extreme nausea, or anything else unusual, you should call to ask what you should do and if they want to see you.&nbsp;<strong> If your doctor doesn't allow this (!!) or is really rude and unhappy about being "bothered," find another doctor.</strong>&nbsp; A good doctor understands that in obstetrics, they can be called day or night with questions, concerns, or a delivery.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I once needed to call my first doctor because I was 34 weeks pregnant with Bekah and bleeding significantly.&nbsp; We were out of town (about 2 hours away).&nbsp; She said "Umm, go to the hospital.&nbsp; You're far away, what do you want me to do about it?"&nbsp; That was really rude and not the least bit reassuring!!</p>
<p><strong>4) The doctor is rude or impatient with his/her staff</strong></p>
<p>The way the doctor treats her staff is huge.&nbsp; <strong>She should be at least respectful to them.&nbsp; If she is cold, rude, or ignores them -- there's a problem.</strong>&nbsp; If they don't seem to like her much, there's a problem.&nbsp; The way she treats her staff is indicative of how she will treat you, <em>and</em> the staff at the hospital where you deliver (or birthing center, etc.).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Once, when I was around 37 weeks, there was a brand-new medical assistant in the office.&nbsp; The doctor tried to explain to her what to do so she could "help" when the doctor checked me.&nbsp; When the medical assistant didn't immediately get it (on her first day!), the doctor rolled her eyes, grabbed the stuff out of the assistant's hands, and said "Oh, just let <em>me</em> do it!!"&nbsp; This is a bad sign!!</p>
<p><strong>5) There are a lot of staff turnovers</strong></p>
<p>If you notice a lot of staff turnover during your pregnancy (keeping in mind you're only seeing this person for seven or eight months), something is wrong.&nbsp; Perhaps the doctor is rude to the staff, or they disagree with how she practices, or she overworks them....&nbsp; But if the support staff is constantly changing because, likely, they don't like or respect the doctor, then she's probably not going to be any nicer to you.&nbsp; Find someone else.</p>
<p><strong>6) The doctor doesn't ask if you have or want to create a birth plan, or doesn't want to look at one you've already written</strong></p>
<p>The doctor should be concerned with how you want your birth experience to go.&nbsp; Most will caution you "If things go wrong, this may not be how it goes," which is fine and realistic (and you should be prepared for that).&nbsp; But if she says "Well, I do a routine IV on everyone, that's just how it is" or "I have a standard birth plan I follow with all my patients; you don't need to write one out" this is a problem!&nbsp; Your birth experience, given normal circumstances, should be as much what <em>you</em> want as possible.&nbsp; If you'd like to skip the IV, be able to walk around, receive (or not) pain medications, etc. the doctor should support you.</p>
<p><strong>It's different entirely if the doctor goes over the plan with you and mentions specific concerns she has or what the hospital's policies are.&nbsp; But if she flat-out doesn't consider a birth plan at all, find someone else</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>7) The doctor tells you how things <em>will</em> go, instead of asking what you would like</strong></p>
<p>If your doctor simply assumes that "this is how we do birth" and that you will do it the same as everyone else, there is a problem.&nbsp; <strong>Where there are choices, the doctor should be asking you what you would prefer.</strong>&nbsp; For example, would you like to be checked early in labor or not until the end?&nbsp; Would you like pain medication or not?&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are friends I've known whose doctors said "Wow, you had to push for three hours this time.&nbsp; Next time I'm not going to <em>let</em> you go past 37 weeks; we're inducing early."&nbsp; Another heard "If your next baby is any bigger, you have to schedule a c-section."&nbsp; If the doctor explains to you exactly how things will go and doesn't ask what your preference is, find someone else.&nbsp; <strong>It is not about the doctor <em>letting</em> you do anything, it is your body!!</strong></p>
<p><strong>8) The doctor seems to be missing some medical knowledge</strong></p>
<p>If your doctor is trying to explain to you why you "have" to do something (get cervical checks, be induced, etc.) and cannot explain to you <em>why</em> that is necessary, something's wrong.&nbsp; <strong>"Because that's how it's done" is not a good reason.</strong>&nbsp; Your doctor should have and be willing to discuss with you the reasons why you need to undergo any procedure or test.&nbsp; She should also be willing to get your<em> informed</em> consent for these procedures and tests!</p>
<p><strong>The bottom line is, if your doctor doesn't know why X procedure is the "best practice," find someone else.</strong>&nbsp; Find a doctor who can explain to you why she feels so strongly that a procedure is in your best interests, in a way you can understand.</p>
<p><strong>9) The doctor makes comments, even off-handed ones, that make you go "Huh?"</strong></p>
<p>Even if your doctor <em>seems</em> okay in most ways, if she makes comments that make you go "huh?" something is probably wrong.&nbsp; For example, my doctor made two comments that really made me go "huh?"&nbsp; The first was when we were talking about what would go on at the hospital, and she said "When someone comes in and asks why they have to have an IV," <em>sigh</em> "I know it's going to be a <em>long</em> day!"&nbsp; <strong>Umm...so you're saying that patients don't have the right to question non-emergency procedures?!&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p>Another time I mentioned some concern about my weight.&nbsp; She said "You were probably overweight when you got pregnant anyway."&nbsp; Um, thanks?</p>
<p>If you find your doctor making these types of comments, find someone else!</p>
<p><strong>10) There's just something 'not quite right,' but you can't put your finger on it</strong></p>
<p>Even if you're reading this list and you're saying "Hmm...my doctor <em>might</em> have done some of these things, but I'm just not sure...maybe she was having a bad day..." if you feel like something is wrong, listen to that instinct!&nbsp; You do <em>not</em> have to stay with someone whom you are not comfortable!</p>
<p>Do not make excuses for your doctor.&nbsp; <strong>Your birth experience in a hugely important part of your life and your baby's life.&nbsp; If you don't switch and things go wrong because of the doctor's attitude, you will never forget it.</strong>&nbsp; You will wish you had just made the switch.&nbsp; You have the right to a care provider with whom you are comfortable, one who listens to you and works <em>with</em> you!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever had a doctor with whom you were not comfortable?&nbsp; Did you switch?&nbsp; What happened?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
This post is particularly important to me, because in my first pregnancy, I chose a doctor the same way I chose every  doctor at that point: I looked through providers on my insurance website and picked one that seemed nice.  (i.e. had a name I could pronounce, was close to home, was a DO instead of MD....)  Up until this point I'd always ended up with pretty nice doctors, so I felt comfortable choosing an OB this way too.  Too bad that it didn't go well.

But what I learned from this experience is that you can and should change your provider if you feel that the first person you've met with does not mesh with what you want.  You have hired this person!  You are not stuck!  You have the right to work with someone with whom you are comfortable.  I alluded to this in my post on Choosing a Provider, but now it's time to discuss it a little more.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 05:36:47 PM
<p>I went to an Endocrinologist for my PCOS/Hypo thyroid. I was overweight and had a difficult time losing weight. In fact, when I was originally diagnosed I gained 100lbs in a year and I was not eating pizza or ice cream every day either. In fact I was a vegetarian eating a low fat diet which I thought was best at the time. Anyway, she told me that i couldn&#39;t eat an junk food (fine with me) and to stop eating sweet potatoes and carrots (uh???) and that all I could eat was chicken and salad (uh.....that sounds balanced???). When I said that I was worried that there was something wrong with my metabolism she turned to me and said &quot; Just eat chicken and salad and you will be fine. PCOS is not a metabolic disorder&quot;. Then she prescribed Metformin and said that I should take it  even tho my blood work came back negative for insulin resistance - in fact my glucose was normal!</p><p>Needless to say, I never went back. Luckily, I was able to find and OBGYN who knew how to handle my PCOS without prescribing medication. I knew she was right for me when she took 45 minutes to talk to me about my issues, explain my options and supported my decision to not use medications unless medically necessary. She actually, helped me figure out what was really wrong with me and to find solutions that increase my quality of life.</p><p>Good doctor&#39;s are far and few between. Don&#39;t waste your time on the crappy ones!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 08:32:30 PM
<p>Thanks for this post - it has given me some good things to think over! I find it is hard to navigate what I want versus what the insurance company wants.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shasta
EMAIL: shasta@bloggingwithmittens.com
IP: 173.200.74.170
URL: http://bloggingwithmittens.com
DATE: 09/29/2010 11:34:17 PM
<p>Great post. My previous OB and I just never clicked, though she did provide great care through most of my pregnancy. I had to switch doctors at 40 weeks (!) for hospital choice reasons, and I ended up with an awesome OB. I felt comfortable with him within 2 minutes of meeting him. And he was fabulous during labor and delivery.</p><p>The only problem was that in switching doctors mid-pregnancy, I had to pay for two maternity care programs (and I was a cash patient so that was about $2000, for each). If possible, have a meeting with potential OBs prior to signing on as a maternity patient.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Shrimp Au Gratin
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/30/2010 12:00:54 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.foodnetwork.com"><img src="/storage/shrimp au gratin.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284077843605" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 259px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/09/29/wheatless-wednesday-breakfast/">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a>!**</p>
<p>About six weeks ago, we went to a restaurant to celebrate my father's birthday.&nbsp; They had "shrimp and crab au gratin" on the menu, and I had to try it.&nbsp; It was so good!&nbsp; I decided that I would need to make it at home.&nbsp; I looked up various recipes and none looked quite right, so I set out on my own.&nbsp; I omitted the crab, even though I <em>love</em> it, because it is very expensive! This is what I came up with.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>1/4 c. onion, minced</p>
<p>4 tbsp. butter</p>
<p>2 tbsp. arrowroot powder</p>
<p>1 c. milk</p>
<p>1/2 tsp. sea salt</p>
<p>1/4 tsp. black pepper</p>
<p>1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded</p>
<p>1 c. Gruyere or Emmentaler cheese, shredded</p>
<p>1 lb. small or medium shrimp, cooked</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>In a medium saucepan, sautee onion in butter until softened.&nbsp; Add arrowroot and stir until a smooth paste forms.&nbsp; Add milk and cook on medium, stirring frequently, until a thick white sauce is formed (it will seem TOO thick; this is okay).&nbsp; Pour sauce into an 8 x 8 baking dish.&nbsp; Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and cheeses and stir to combine.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes.&nbsp; Serve immediately.</p>
<p>Please don't make the mistake I made the first time.&nbsp; The sauce seemed too thick so I added an extra 1/2 c. milk to thin it out to what I considered the "right" texture.&nbsp; But after it baked and the cheese melted, the sauce was too runny.&nbsp; Still delicious, but the texture wasn't right.&nbsp; So leave the sauce too thick, it will thin out nicely once the cheeses melt!</p>
<p>Serve it with a nice slice of sourdough bread with real butter and a green salad with <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/20/caesar-dressing.html">homemade dressing</a>.&nbsp; Delicious meal!</p>
<p><strong>What's your favorite way to cook shrimp?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
About six weeks ago, we went to a restaurant to celebrate my father's birthday.&nbsp; They had "shrimp and crab au gratin" on the menu, and I had to try it.&nbsp; It was so good!&nbsp; I decided that I would need to make it at home.&nbsp; I looked up various recipes and none looked quite right, so I set out on my own.&nbsp; I omitted the crab, even though I <em>love</em> it, because it is very expensive! This is what I came up with.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up
EMAIL: donielle@naturallyknockedup.com
IP: 76.235.161.14
URL: http://www.naturallyknockedup.com
DATE: 09/30/2010 07:00:03 PM
<p>Yum! Thanks for linking up! {stumbled}</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Announcing...
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/01/2010 02:22:16 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>Modern Alternative Mama's NEW Forum!!</p>
<p><a href="http://forum.modernalternativemama.com/index">Join here</a></p>
<p>This forum is a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals.&nbsp; Have questions about natural health, parenting, religion, debt-free living, real food recipes or more?&nbsp; Join the forum and ask!&nbsp; Have a great tip for the rest of us?&nbsp; Join the forum to share!</p>
<p>The forum is LIVE right now with a few starter topics, so please sign up and introduce yourself.&nbsp; See you over there!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Adrenal Fatigue
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/04/2010 12:00:39 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong>Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies ecourse</a>!&nbsp; Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="life123.com"><img src="/storage/adrenal fatigue.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283476957586" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 183px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/09/monday-mania-962010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a> and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/09/real-food-wednesday-9810.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>I'm writing this post because this issue has been in my head for awhile.&nbsp; I truly believe that God puts things in front of us that we need to focus on, and this has been put in front of me many times.&nbsp; I've read articles on <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/029165_adrenals_sea_salt.html">adrenal fatigue and how to help i</a>t, how <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/08/birth-order-and-intelligence.html">having children too close together can cause it</a> (and how you should space your children AT LEAST three years apart; given our plans that was a big OUCH!), and also various signs and symptoms in myself.&nbsp; I've thought for quite awhile that in another life I would have been an endocrinologist (it really fascinates me!) and this definitely falls in that category!</p>
<p>So, anyway.&nbsp; Adrenal fatigue.&nbsp; It is my belief that it actually affects <em>everyone</em> in this country, to varying degrees.&nbsp; It is commonly caused by excessive stress, poor diet, pregnancies close together, and really any other behavior that creates or causes stress or inflammation.&nbsp; So, everyone has at least one of those factors in their lives at one time or another.&nbsp; Adrenal glands also require a large amount of B vitamins as well as vitamin C and D, and of course most of the country is deficient, usually severely, in two of the three.&nbsp; It leaves us with a pretty big problem.</p>
<p><a href="http://selfadjustingtechnique.com/30-symptoms-of-adrenal-fatigue/">Symptoms of adrenal fatigue</a> include (emphasis mine):</p>
<p>1. <strong>Excessive fatigue and exhaustion, chronic fatigue</strong><br /> 2. Non-refreshing sleep<br /> 3. Sleep disturbance, insomnia<br /> 4. Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope<br /> 5. <strong>Craving salty and/or sweet foods</strong><br /> 6. Sensitivity to light<br /> 7. Low stamina and slow to recover from exercise<br /> 8. Slow to recover from injury or illness<br /> 9. <strong>Difficulty concentrating,  brain fog</strong><br /> 10. Poor digestion<br /> 11.<strong> Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS</strong><br /> 12. Low immune function<br /> 13. <strong>Premenstrual syndrome</strong><br /> 14. Menopause symptoms<br /> 15. Low blood pressure<br /> 16. Sensitivity to cold<br /> 17. Fearfulness<br /> 18. <strong>Allergies</strong><br /> 19. Frequent influenza<br /> 20. Arthritis<br /> 21. <strong>Anxiety</strong><br /> 22. Irritability<br /> 23. Depression<br /> 24. <strong>Reduced memory</strong><br /> 25. Low libido, sexual drive or interest<br /> 26. Lack of lust for life and/or food<br /> 27. <strong>Excess hunger</strong><br /> 28. Low appetite<br /> 29. <strong>Panic/anxiety attacks</strong><br /> 30. Irritability, impatience, quick to anger.<br /> If quick to anger, the person will often tend to back down quickly if confronted.</p>
<p><strong>I also believe that, related to the items on this list, that other "female" conditions, like PCOS, infertility, endometriosis, etc. are caused by adrenal fatigue.</strong></p>
<p>Hmm, sound familiar?</p>
<p>The problem is that the adrenal glands help control the cortisol and other hormones in our body.&nbsp; If we are constantly put under stress by our food choices, worrying, or other nutritional issues (like the close pregnancies), we can find our adrenals getting fatigued.&nbsp; It may be minor (as in my case -- I have only a few symptoms on that list), or it may be severe (chronic fatigue syndrome or even Cushing's disease, where the adrenals barely work at all).&nbsp; <strong>Doctors don't recognize that this is even an issue until it gets to the point of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Cushing's disease</strong>.&nbsp; Prior to that most tests would show up as normal.</p>
<p>However,<strong> there are many things you can do at home to help</strong>, if you suspect that you may have this problem.&nbsp; None of them will harm you if it turns out this is <em>not</em> your problem and may help regardless!&nbsp; It's worth a shot. :)</p>
<p><strong>*Consume an <em>excellent</em> diet.</strong></p>
<p>This means, <strong>if you suspect illness, <em>no</em> cheating!</strong>&nbsp; <strong>No white flour, no white sugar, no vegetable oils, no factory-farmed meats, no MSG or other food additives</strong>.&nbsp; No junk food at all.&nbsp; Any time you cheat, you're putting new stress on your adrenals and you are not allowing them to heal.&nbsp; Once you are feeling better, things will be different again, but for now -- no cheating!</p>
<p><strong>*Consume plenty of fat.</strong></p>
<p>You need the fat in order to regenerate your body overall.&nbsp; The fat will also help to regenerate your adrenals.&nbsp;<strong> Good quality saturated fats are called for, such as butter from pastured cows, lard from pastured pigs, extra virgin coconut and olive oils, beef tallow from pastured cows, etc.</strong>&nbsp; Foods containing fat, such as egg yolks and raw, whole milk are also good.</p>
<p><strong>*Consume as much natural sea salt as you want.</strong></p>
<p>Your desire for salt naturally increases when you have adrenal fatigue, and this is a <em>good</em> thing.&nbsp; Your body needs both the sodium and the trace minerals in the salt.&nbsp; However, don't consume refined table salt, because this will actually put more stress on your adrenal glands.&nbsp; <strong>Good quality sea salt should be eaten, and as much as you feel.</strong>&nbsp; You can make a "sports drink" at home (exact recipe to come next week) with juice, sea salt, and water.&nbsp; You can add a pinch to plain water or to smoothies.&nbsp; Add to your food to taste as well.</p>
<p><strong>*Consume as many B-vitamin foods as possible.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sprouted grains and grass-fed meats</strong> top this list, not necessarily in that order.&nbsp; <strong>Brewer's yeast</strong> is also high in B vitamins.&nbsp; So are <strong>leafy greens, nuts, grass-fed dairy, and shellfish</strong>.&nbsp; Kombucha happens to be a great source as well, which I will address in my next point.&nbsp; Some sources say <strong>spirulina</strong> may help as well. Strive to include several of these options in your diet daily.&nbsp; I truly believe that B vitamins are the next "vitamin D" (where suddenly everyone realizes that the whole country is seriously deficient and this is causing many health issues).</p>
<p><strong>*Drink kombucha.</strong></p>
<p>Not only does it contain B vitamins; it also contains vitamin C, several acids that help our health (most notably, oxalic acid), immune-boosting elements, and liver-detoxing elements.&nbsp; For some it can also replace pop, which in itself can tax the adrenals.&nbsp; If you are not used to it, go slowly, because it can cause serious detox.</p>
<p><strong>*Epsom salt baths.</strong></p>
<p>Epsom salts are a great magnesium supplement if taken during bathing (i.e. put it in the bathwater, don't drink it).&nbsp; They also help to detox your body.&nbsp; Pouring 1 - 2 cups in a warm bath, dissolving, and soaking for 20 - 30 min. every couple of days may help.</p>
<p><strong>*Get extra rest.</strong></p>
<p>You NEED sleep, especially since people with adrenal fatigue tend to suffer from insomnia or non-restful sleep.&nbsp; Try to rest your mind and do things that encourage sleep -- drinking warm milk or chamomile tea.&nbsp; Resort to taking Valerian root if you need to (consult a doctor if you are having trouble sleeping for specific recommendations).</p>
<p><strong>*Don't try to conceive until you've fixed your deficiency.</strong></p>
<p>This is a HARD one for me, so believe me, I know!&nbsp; (We had hoped for pregnancy nearly 6 months ago.)&nbsp; But I've seen many women who are suffering from PCOS, chronic fatigue, etc. saying they are trying and struggling (and they wonder why!).&nbsp; They are simply put women on Clomid, tell them they're just stressed, and don't even address the underlying deficiency.&nbsp; In my opinion, this is practically criminal.&nbsp;<strong> Pregnancy will heavily tax the adrenals and leave you even more deficient in general, and your baby will be shortchanged too if you go into the pregnancy deficient</strong>.&nbsp; That leaves your baby at higher risk for problems, like spina bifida, learning disabilities, and more.</p>
<p><strong>*Don't rely on stimulants to cover your deficiency.</strong></p>
<p>Although you will likely crave caffeine and sugar, <em>don't</em> consume them!&nbsp; Especially in large quantities.&nbsp; These will appear to "help" temporarily, but <strong>they actually also tax your adrenals and will seriously exacerbate the problem in the long run</strong>.&nbsp; Avoid foods which contain these (and limit natural sugars) and work to overcome your "need" for these with a truly healthy diet.</p>
<p><strong>*Seek advice from a qualified health professional.</strong></p>
<p>I would personally recommend seeking a chiropractor, accupuncturist, or other alternative practitioner, because I think they would be more helpful than a traditional doctor, but that's up to you.&nbsp; These practitioners may be able to help in a variety of ways (accupuncture can work on pressure points that can alleviate some stress on the adrenals and aid healing, for example).</p>
<p>Over time, <strong>if you follow these principles, you will begin to heal and your health and vitality will be restored</strong>.&nbsp; You will feel better able to coop with ordinary stresses, your menstrual cycle will regulate, your sleep habits will regulate, digestive disturbances will disappear, and you will overall feel more balanced and in tune.&nbsp; This is a wonderful way to feel!</p>
<p>My personal experience has been that first, I noticed that I was heavily craving salt and fat.&nbsp; I wanted to simply eat butter.&nbsp; My husband noted that much of the food I cooked was saltier than it had been previously, too much so for his taste.&nbsp; I had trouble falling asleep at night (would lie in bed over an hour, thinking about all the things I needed to do the next day) and always felt tired in the morning.&nbsp; I found myself with little energy during the day (although that's also related to the heat) and easily impatient and irritable with my children.&nbsp; I also often felt that drinking filtered water only made me thirstier!&nbsp; When I discovered these were signs of mild adrenal fatigue, I began to consciously eat as much butter as possible (some days up to a whole stick by myself), more raw milk, more meat and cheese, and to make my homemade "sports drink," which helped me actually feel hydrated.&nbsp; I consciously tried to rest more and sleep more.&nbsp; My chiropractor recommended I take vitamins B, C and D in addition to what I was doing.&nbsp; It will take a few weeks, I believe, if not a bit longer, but since my fatigue is only mild I'm hoping I will be truly better soon!</p>
<p><strong>Do you suspect you have adrenal fatigue?&nbsp; What steps will you take to recover?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
I'm writing this post because this issue has been in my head for awhile.  I truly believe that God puts things in front of us that we need to focus on, and this has been put in front of me many times.  I've read articles on adrenal fatigue and how to help it, how having children too close together can cause it  (and how you should space your children AT LEAST three years apart; given our plans that was a big OUCH!), and also various signs and symptoms in myself.  I've thought for quite awhile that in another life I would have been an endocrinologist (it really fascinates me!) and this definitely falls in that category!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stacy
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.185.77.195
URL: 
DATE: 09/04/2010 01:45:54 PM
<p>I recently subscribed to your blog after reading your guest post on Kelly the Kitchen Kop&#39;s blog.  I was excited to find someone else in central Ohio, especially as I&#39;m just starting to explore the idea of whole foods.  Unfortunately, I&#39;m sorry to say, I will be unsubscribing due to this post.  It just seemed full of large leaps of logic and pure conjecture, which don&#39;t lend themselves well to medical advice, in my opinion.  I don&#39;t mean to be rude, but it&#39;s just not my cup of tea, sorry.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lydia
EMAIL: divinehealthfromtheinsideout@gmail.com
IP: 96.245.166.145
URL: http://divinehealthfromtheinsideout.com/
DATE: 09/04/2010 02:07:31 PM
<p>I have adrenal fatigue, discovered it last fall. I had just come off of about 10 + years of lots of intense stress and some trauma, having 4 kids, one miscarriage, moving 4 times (twice while being pregnant) and going through a divorce. All that to say, I don&#39;t know how extreme my adrenal fatigue was as I didn&#39;t have it tested, but at one point it was severe. Since all of this I am now more stable, still have a lot of stress in my life but not the kind of stress that is unbearable, but have shifted completely to a real food diet, gluten/grain free and reasonably low carb. Eating lots of fats was the initial help for me and then drinking kombucha daily was hugely helpful. In fact this past month I have barely had any kombucha at all and I ended up getting bronchitis - ugh. <br/>I am realizing I have to really work hard to focus on my health or else I can easily crash. I just ordered FCLO and am hoping that really helps too. I am TRYING to eat as much liver as possible, but that&#39;s hard since I don&#39;t even really like it. Epsom salts baths are great when I remember to take them ;)<br/>I have noticed too that I like food saltier than most people - I salt EVERYTHING!!</p><p>Anyway, this is a great post - I may link to it in the future as I am planning to discuss this very topic on my site also!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb @ My Daily Round
EMAIL: bhoyerg@gmail.com
IP: 173.49.33.241
URL: http://mydailyround.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/04/2010 04:57:18 PM
<p>Thank you for the links and the post. I have slowly been researching this subject because I suspect it may be why I feel the way I feel right now. I had my oldest when I was 28, and then when I was about 35, four in a row with an average spacing of 18 months between them. I also had two miscarriages. After each of my last two children, I had a mild episode of post-partum depression.</p><p>At this point, my diet and exercise habits appear to have kept my adrenal fatigue in the moderate to minor range, but I don&#39;t enjoy living like this. The worst part is the irritability and feeling overwhelmed.</p><p>I&#39;m looking forward to reading more posts on your blog about the topic!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/04/2010 05:00:50 PM
<p>Stacy,</p><p>I&#39;m very sorry to hear that.  I hope you will do more research into natural health and healing and realize how true this really is.  I know it is overwhelming since you are new to real food, but all of this is related and it needs to be discussed.</p><p>Lydia,</p><p>Thanks!  This is a HUGE issue and I&#39;m glad you and others are discussing it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MamaBee
EMAIL: Ginnyhale@gmail.com
IP: 65.102.165.180
URL: http://Www.cultivatingthegoodlife.com
DATE: 09/04/2010 11:09:19 PM
<p>A few months ago, I saw a naturopath because I suspected adrenal fatigue.  I had the testing done.  Turns out my adrenals were pretty darn good (to paraphrase the ND).  I did test severely gluten-intolerant as well as deficient in B-vitamins and magnesium.  The testing was really worthwhile.  I never would have suspected gluten  was the cause of my brain fog, ADD, and IBS.  Gluten intolerance symptoms closely parallel the list of symptoms for adrenal fatigue.  I was a serious sourdough baker two months ago, but after feeling amazingly better since going GF, I don&#39;t really miss it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: sjohnsonsteffey@hotmail.com
IP: 66.41.247.26
URL: http://junecleaverinyogapants.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/05/2010 03:15:54 AM
<p>huh. so i just stumbled across your blog as i was researching others like my own...<br/>seeing this post i wonder.<br/>i seriously feel like i am allergic to sugar lately. and yet i crave it. it makes me shaky, makes my heart pound, and my mood swings a few hours later are terrible. that sounds like this...i have thought i was crazy for thinking so. its like my body just cant handle it. i really have been feeling the need to cut all sugar out. even for my morning coffee...even my morning coffee for that matter and switch to tea.<br/>i also have thyroid issues that developed after my last pregnancy. do you know if the two are related?<br/>i need to up my kombucha intake too. i brew it but dont drink it enough. my elixir of choice is fresh lemon juice, kombucha, hot water and a touch of honey. need to do that more.<br/>anyway, thanks for the post. nice to find you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maggie
EMAIL: 
IP: 184.76.92.29
URL: 
DATE: 09/06/2010 05:45:37 PM
<p>This is my personal experience related to this post &amp; I&#39;ll be frank, what you&#39;ve written scares the beegeebers out of me.</p><p>I was having many of the symptoms you list. I&#39;ve always been very aware when something is wrong with my body. I went to my gynecologist mostly due to the &quot;female&quot; related symptoms, knowing I was in need of a check-up &amp; wondering if I had fibroids. He sent me for an ultrasound and initially, they thought I had a tumor on my left kidney. After a scan, it was pinpointed that I had a tumor on my left adrenal gland. For those who don&#39;t know this, you have two adrenal glands that sit on top of your kidneys. Like kidneys, you only need healthy one to function without any sort of meds.</p><p>The type of doctor to treat adrenal glands is not an endocrinologist, it is a urologist (I thought the same as you). They removed the tumor &amp; it was benign. They determined it developed on its own, not related to any other health issues, cancer, or anything else. This is not common, but it happens. Who knows how long I had it ~ but it was about the size of a quarter when it was removed. I am living a perfectly happy/healthy life with my one lil&#39; adrenal gland &amp; am on no meds.</p><p>Although I prescribe to going the &quot;natural&quot; route whenever possible, if someone is feeling symptoms to the extreme you have listed, it wouldn&#39;t be smart to try to self-diagnose or self-treat. Additionally, in regard to your comment on the safety of what you suggest, &quot;None of them will harm you if it turns out this is not your problem and may help regardless!  It&#39;s worth a shot. :)&quot; and then suggesting people eat plenty of fat &amp; salt (in whatever form) made me about all off my chair because in writing this blog, you take on the image of being extremely well-versed in what you are writing about - this amount of fat can put an extreme load on the kidneys, not to mention a slew of other problems (from what I understand). I&#39;d encourage people to use their computer &amp; research the consequences of excessive fat (of any kind) &amp; protein intake.<br/> <br/>I also suggest that you check out the following web site from a medical doctor that is in total support of using nutrition to alleviate and/or reduce/eliminate many medical concerns. He is not a supporter of the traditional doctors that readily prescribe meds for every person walking through the door. The web site is: http://www.drmcdougall.com  You can also find Dr. John McDougall on Facebook. In my very sincerest opinion, if one would only consider following the advice of this doctor, you will feel the best you ever have - I didn&#39;t realize how bad I felt until I started following this doctor&#39;s nutritional advice. There are video-taped testimonials you can watch, as well. Another resource to check out is http://www.jeffnovick.com Jeff Novick is also on Facebook. He is a nutritionalist.</p><p>I appreciate being able to voice this opinion. I&#39;ve enjoyed your blog but really felt I had to write this because there could be a huge number of people that are influenced by your opinion - I don&#39;t begrudge opinions but folks should get all the info. they can before moving forward.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/06/2010 07:19:25 PM
<p>Maggie,</p><p>I have written several posts on consuming fat, which you (and others) can read.  Although there is research out there that suggests consuming a large amount of fat is bad, it isn&#39;t done particularly well.  Eating &quot;certain&quot; fats is bad -- trans fats, primarily.  But eating healthy, real fats from good sources (grass-fed beef tallow, pastured lard, butter from grass-fed cows, etc.) are healthy for you, and in large amounts.  Have you heard of the GAPS diet?  It is written by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride and focuses heavily on fat intake in order to heal gut issues.  Fats in general are nourishing, healing foods.  Every person&#39;s body requires a different amount and fats should ALWAYS be high quality, but a diet high in good fats will not cause harm.  Nor will a diet high in unrefined sea salt.  I would NEVER suggest a person consume any type of refined salt!  There is a big difference.  I hope that clears things up.</p><p>I also encourage people to do their own research, and to seek the advice of a trusted medical professional if they are having health issues.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.42.158.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/06/2010 09:20:56 PM
<p>Interesting post! I just found out a couple of months ago that I have pretty severe adrenal fatigue. In April I started getting really nauseated all the time, had no energy to even walk my dog, was missing lots of work, could barely function... So I finally went to a naturopath and she told me it was adrenal fatigue (later confirmed by tests), and she put me on an adrenal support supplement and a cortisol manager. Almost immediately the nausea faded, but I&#39;m still dealing with lots of fatigue, sleep issues (which I&#39;ve had all my life) and some brain fog and various other things...other tests she ran revealed I have exteremely low vit D levels, an ABSURD number of severe food sensitivities (including all gluten, dairy and yeast), and low estrogen. So I&#39;m on a large dose of vit D, am taking a B complex vitamin, a supplement to help my estrogen levels, and she suggested taking vit C with each meal. So it was interesting to read that those three vitamins are needed for adrenal support! I started the GAPS diet, but was having too severe die-off reactions so I&#39;m backing off (out of the one week I did the intro diet, I was bedridden for 3 days, which I can&#39;t afford, and it was causing lots of stress because of how labor intensive the diet it, which I figured wasn&#39;t good even if it is a great diet to follow). Anyway, so I&#39;m just going to be gluten-free, be as grain free as possible, consume lots of probiotic foods and lots of fermented foods, and try to consume as much good fats as possible (but I need to go slow with that, as that is one of the things that was causing so much nausea on the GAPS diet - too much fat too fast I think). Anyway, thanks for the article! Hope it encourages other people to seek help for the symptoms.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 09/07/2010 03:22:43 PM
<p>Excellent article. I shared it on my facebook, I hope you don&#39;s mind. I have a question though regarding kombucha. I researched a couple of sources and they say to avoid it during pregnancy and lactation. I am breastfeeding my 1.9 year old and drinking home brewed ginger beer since I love ginger. I wonder if this is true about kombucha and if ginger beer is more or less adequate substitute. </p><p>Thanks!<br/>Anna D<br/>PS: by the way after reading your post about unschooling bought a book by John Holt and decided to go down that route as well. Thank you for your fantastic blog!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/07/2010 05:57:19 PM
<p>Anna,</p><p>Thanks for your encouraging comments!  I&#39;m glad that my blog has helped you. :)</p><p>With kombucha, if you are breastfeeding an older child, it&#39;s fine to start it -- slowly.  I was breastfeeding both my children when I started drinking it.  I think my youngest was then maybe 8 or 9 months old.  They handled it fine.  I wouldn&#39;t start it during pregnancy or EXCLUSIVE breastfeeding, but once your child is on solids I wouldn&#39;t worry about it.  Just go slow (a couple ounces a day) and see.  If you&#39;re already consuming a lot of probiotics and similar fermented beverages, though, you should be fine.</p><p>I&#39;m curious how you make ginger beer -- we like ginger ale but haven&#39;t tried making ginger kombucha yet, and would love to know how to make some type of carbonated ginger beverage!  Would you tell us how?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 09/09/2010 02:39:56 PM
<p>Kate, </p><p>I would be honored to do that. I just started a new batch so there will also be some pics.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/11/2010 02:23:41 AM
<p>Hi Kate, thanks for sharing this important info at Monday Mania.   I think adrenal fatigue is pretty much epidemic in our culture which is why there is a Starbucks practically on every corner!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly A.
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.112.38.105
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 11:54:15 PM
<p>Great post!  Keep posting similar topics, and continue to post recipes with lots of natural fats and pastured meats. :)  I too have adrenal fatigue and have been working to heal myself.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: healy
EMAIL: daphne@pageeater.com
IP: 203.177.202.141
URL: http://healthyflat.com
DATE: 09/14/2010 03:21:02 AM
<p>Do get lots of rest. One of the things that causes adrenal fatigue syndrome is working too hard, and keeping very late hours. These things have put stress on your body, and it&#39;s time to reverse that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 09/16/2010 02:44:17 AM
<p>interesting post Kate, i do hope you are feeling better and i thought you may be interested in something i just came across while rereading one of my favorite herb books....according to Rosemary Gladstar&#39;s Family Herbal she highly recommends licorice as an excellent herb for adrenal exhaustion. i immediately thought of you and this post i had read here recently so i thought i would pass it on....you could research it more yourself or in her book. (btw i do believe she is one of the main herbalists Jill studied with...and one of my very favorite herbalists in general...can you have a favorite herbalist??:)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.66
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/22/2010 06:44:32 PM
<p>This is the best comprehensive post on the subject that I have yet found (and I&#39;ve done a lot of internet research on this!)  Thank you - I hope that many people find your site and get the help they need!  </p><p>I&#39;ve been following this kind of diet for a bit over two months now.  It can be hard, but the results are spectacular.  Two months ago I could barely drag myself through the day.  Now I&#39;m feeling almost normal!  Getting up in the morning is still hard, but once up I&#39;m fine until bedtime.  My periods, which used to require lots of expensive painkillers ($12 per pill!) to control, are still uncomfortable, but I&#39;m only taking 2-3 pills instead of 8-10.  I have more energy for exercise (and thus am enjoying it more) and I&#39;m less irritable with my kids.</p><p>It is hard to believe the massive changes that came about in only 8 weeks, just by cutting white flour, white sugar, and caffeine out of my diet.  I&#39;d encourage anyone who is feeling this kind of general malaise to try it.  It can&#39;t hurt, and it might make all the difference.  It sure does for me.</p><p>Thank you again for such an informative post.  It is great to see all this information in ONE place! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karla
EMAIL: kheaman@cablespeed.com
IP: 208.53.114.74
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 05:05:29 PM
<p>Great post and yes for all those sceptics out there...:) you are absolutely right!  There is a great book on the topic called Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome by Dr. James Wilson - a naturopath.  I found out during my 3rd pregnancy that the reason I had been feeling so poorly for years was due to my adrenal fatigue.  (Great time to find out...)  Through careful diet change, great supplements, glandulars and as much rest as a mother of three can get I can happily say I&#39;m feeling better all the time and hope to completely restore my adrenals naturally.  Keep up the great posts!</p><p>Karla</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: thegps@yahoo.com
IP: 64.160.200.113
URL: http://crunchychristianmom.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/30/2010 09:40:58 PM
<p>Wow!  Thank you so much for this post!  I am struggling with Adrenal Fatigue (though very thankful to have a holistic doctor who knew what it was!), and need every little bit of advice I can get!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer Busch
EMAIL: Jennifer@jenbusch.com
IP: 71.127.105.28
URL: http://www.jenbusch.com
DATE: 11/15/2010 04:38:28 PM
<p>Enjoyed your blog very much, and I am in agreement with much.  I suffered from adrenal fatigue syndrome for over four years before finally being diagnosed.  I certainly saw plenty of doctors and many said or inferred that my problem may be all in my mind.  I recently released a best selling  book, &quot;All In My Mind: Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia&quot;. You can read more at  http://www.jenbusch.com/readMore.htm. Perhaps, you noticed that the topic of adrenal fatigue recently made it to the Dr. Oz show -  which says much about public awareness.  Maybe, just maybe, traditional medicine will soon become interested.  Keep sharing your information!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 05:24:13 AM
<p>I think I&#39;ve had some level of adrenal fatigue all of my adult life.  Once I learned of it and starting reading about all the problems it can cause, it reminded me of little issues that have plagued me for as long as I can remember.  I believe a healthy, real food, whole food diet will help, but I didn&#39;t care for the author&#39;s perspective on the site that the list of symptoms came from.  Once I read that evolution caused such and such, I tend to tune out the rest and not give as much credibility to the author.  I think as long as we eat foods in the form which God made them-or as close as possible, we will attain health.  In this culture though, that is very hard to do!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Wellness Mama
EMAIL: endlesswellness@gmail.com
IP: 68.217.151.202
URL: http://wellnessmama.com
DATE: 02/03/2011 02:51:13 AM
<p>Great post! I work with women on increasing fertility, and you are absolutely right, the symptoms of adrenal fatigue and PCOS/Endometriosis are very similar, and often go together. The therapies that help both are similar too. I&#39;ve had a lot of success with adding good fats to their diets and removal of gluten. In my opinion, many women with fertility struggles and adrenal fatigue have an underlying gluten sensitivity, and the removal of grains often goes a long way for fixing both. Grains also deplete the vitamins you mentioned, so the deficiency makes sense. Great post! How is your own recovery going?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/03/2011 03:12:37 AM
<p>Katie,</p><p>Much better, thanks. :)  Lots of rest, probiotics, and now no grains has and helped.  Making time to relax changing my bedtime routine helped me to sleep too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jacqueline
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.113.162.12
URL: 
DATE: 02/16/2011 04:07:16 AM
<p>There&#39;s a new book that I am excited about coming out next month... http://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Tired-Wired-Overcoming/dp/1401928196 Your Proven 30-Day Program for Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue and Feeling Fantastic Again. If anyone has read it already, would love a review!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Real Food Rookies Registration Extended!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/08/2010 12:00:56 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>If you haven't yet registered for <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Kelly the Kitchen Kop's Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>, please do so!&nbsp; She has extended registration through Sept. 15 (the course begins on the 16th).</p>
<p>Kelly has released a new video explaining more about her real food conversion and the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">course</a>.&nbsp; Watch it now:</p>
<p><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fr-JJ8liAt8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fr-JJ8liAt8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></p>
<p>It really is going to be an AMAZING <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">course</a>, and if you are even considering just ONE<a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717"> course</a>, please take hers.</p>
<p>Also, please remember that if you entered the giveaway last week and didn't win, you can still get a coupon code for 15% off the course!&nbsp; Please email me for this code!&nbsp;</p>
<p>It will be WELL WORTH your time to take this <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">course</a>.&nbsp; If you are confused about what is good and what isn't, what changes to make first, and generally how to make this whole "real food" thing manageable, this course will help you do it.</p>
<p>*And yes, all the links above are affiliate links and I will get a small commission if you buy through me.&nbsp; Thank you!</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
If you haven't yet registered for <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Kelly the Kitchen Kop's Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>, please do so!&nbsp; She has extended registration through Sept. 15 (the course begins on the 16th).</p>
<p>Kelly has released a new video explaining more about her real food conversion and the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">course</a>.&nbsp; Watch it now:
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Formula Cost Comparisons
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 09/10/2010 12:00:38 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><strong>Still haven't registered for the <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/classes?AFFID=41717">Real Food for Rookies Ecourse</a>?&nbsp; It's not too late!&nbsp; Registration ends Sept. 15, so hurry!</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.1stnews.com"><img src="/storage/formula.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1283997574353" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 256px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-september-10th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p>A recent post by Sarah of The Healthy Home Economist sparked a debate about the cost of formula.&nbsp; Her post was a video on how to create the Weston A. Price foundation's <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/09/video-homemade-milk-based-baby-formula.html">homemade formula</a>.&nbsp; Her stance that commercial formula is <em>always</em> bad, as well as her assertion that pasteurized breastmilk from a milk bank is inferior led to fierce debate: if one can't breastfeed, what is the best option?</p>
<p>I can't answer that from a nutritional standpoint, having not done enough research on milk banks, the quality of the milk, the nutrient content if mom's diet is deficient, how babies generally handle the raw milk formula, etc.&nbsp; I know what I'd do if placed in that situation (try to secure breastmilk directly from a friend whose diet and background I was certain of; and failing that, make the raw milk formula, if you're curious).&nbsp; But, I can help you decide based on cost!</p>
<p>Some are worried that the cost of the homemade formula would be prohibitive.&nbsp; I decided to look at a variety of different formula options, just to see what the cost breakdown really was.</p>
<p>These formula prices are from Amazon.&nbsp; Prices may vary based on where you buy them:</p>
<p><strong>"Regular" Formula, Powder</strong></p>
<p>Enfamil premium = $4.37/qt. (per 6 oz. bottle: $0.55)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Organic Formula, Powder</strong></p>
<p>Earth&rsquo;s Best Organic Powdered Formula = $4.48/qt. (per 4 oz. bottle: $0.56)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Allergy/Special Formula, Ready-to-Feed</strong></p>
<p>Similac Alimentum ready-to-feed = $9/qt. (per 4 oz. bottle: $1.12)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(Price from Order Neocate) <strong>Hypoallergic Elemental Formula</strong></p>
<p>Neocate Powder = $8.69/qt. (per 4 oz. bottle: $1.08)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>One can see the cost of the first two are similar; the hypoallergenic is a huge jump in price!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I also checked formula from Walmart:</p>
<p><strong>Generic Formula, Powder</strong></p>
<p>Parent&rsquo;s Choice = $2.38/qt. (per 4 oz. bottle: $0.30)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here is the cost of <a href="http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_milk_banks.html">milkbank breastmilk</a>:</p>
<p><strong>Donated breastmilk</strong> = $64/qt. (per 4 oz. bottle: $8)</p>
<p>*Please note that insurance may cover some or all of the cost of this milk if need is demonstrated.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is quite a wide range of prices in the commercially available formulas.&nbsp; What about homemade?&nbsp; Is its price more similar to "regular" formula or special formulas?&nbsp; Or even (gulp) donated milk?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here is the recipe with the cost breakdown:</p>
<p><strong>Homemade Formula</strong></p>
<p>Makes 36 oz.</p>
<p>2 cups whole, raw milk from organic, grassfed cows&nbsp; ($5/gal) (per serving: $0.62)</p>
<p>OR<br /> Low-temp (vat) pasteurized, non-homogenized whole milk cultured with a <a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com/Piima-Yogurt-Starter.html">piima</a> culture. ($8/gal + $16 initial culture)&nbsp;&nbsp;(per serving, first time: $3, second and subsequent: $1)</p>
<p>1/4 cup <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/05/video-liquid-whey-and-cream-cheese.html">liquid whey</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; ($0.10)<br /> 4 TBL <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lactose-Milk-Sugar-1-Pounds/dp/B0014UEEOS?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Lactose</a> ($10 for 1 lb.) (per serving: $1)<br /> 1/4 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BabyLife-Bifidobacterium-Billion-Potency-Powder/dp/B00020I16S?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Bifidobacterium Infantis Powder</a> ($10.50 for 2.5 oz.) (per serving: $0.18)<br /> 2 TBL good quality raw or pasteurized cream (use 4 TBL if the milk is from holstein cows).&nbsp; ($0.25)<br /> 1/2 tsp unflavored, <a href="https://www.greenpasture.org/retail/checkout.php?s=products">fermented cod liver oil</a> ($44 for 47 oz.) (per serving: $0.08)<br /> 1/4 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/X-Factor-Gold-High-Vitamin-Butter/dp/B0018Q5J92?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">high vitamin butter oil</a> (optional, but highly recommended) <br /> 1 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Naturals-Organic-Sunflower-Oil/dp/B003VD9O1O?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">expeller pressed, organic sunflower oil</a> ($7.50 for 16 oz.) (per serving: $0.08)<br /> 1 tsp organic, extra virgin olive oil (in a dark bottle) $6/qt (per serving: $0.03)<br /> 2 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Living-Extra-Coconut/dp/B00016UUQ2?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">virgin coconut oil</a> ($17.25/16 oz.) (per serving: $0.36)<br /> 2 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nutritional-Mini-Flakes-Yeast-Frontier/dp/B00016XJM4?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Frontier nutritional yeast flakes</a> ($15.50/lb.) (per serving: $0.25)<br /> 2 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Jensen-Products-Gelatin-Powder/dp/B00014TR3Q?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">gelatin</a> ($7.50/7 oz) (per serving: $0.36)<br /> 1 7/8 cup filtered water<br /> 1/4 tsp <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Acerola-Powder-Ounces/dp/B0001APVZ8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theheahomeco-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">acerola powder</a>($6/6 oz.) (per serving: $0.04)</p>
<p>Total per batch (max): $5.73 (per 4 oz. bottle: $0.67)</p>
<p>Min. cost: $3 (per 4 oz. bottle: $0.33)</p>
<p>Where I am, I can get the raw milk for $5/gal, so my cost would be the lower one.&nbsp; Not everyone has that option, of course, which I why I broke it down with both milk choices.&nbsp; The raw milk formula costs a lot up front, but the ingredients last a long time (some of these would last over 100 batches!).</p>
<p>So, if we're looking at straight cost, here are the <strong>top 3 formulas (cheapest first)</strong>:</p>
<p>Generic Powdered Formula</p>
<p>Homemade Formula</p>
<p>National brand Powdered Formula</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are worried about using homemade formula from a cost perspective, don't.&nbsp; It is one of your cheapest options, and even with the "extras" still not even close to your most expensive.&nbsp; Cost is definitely not prohibitive.</p>
<p>The nutritional aspects...we'll have to discuss those another day. :)</p>
<p><strong>If you do/did/ever would use formula, what option would/did you choose?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
A recent post by Sarah of The Healthy Home Economist sparked a debate about the cost of formula.&nbsp; Her post was a video on how to create the Weston A. Price foundation's <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/09/video-homemade-milk-based-baby-formula.html">homemade formula</a>.&nbsp; Her stance that commercial formula is <em>always</em> bad, as well as her assertion that pasteurized breastmilk from a milk bank is inferior led to fierce debate: if one can't breastfeed, what is the best option?
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 09/10/2010 01:42:51 PM
<p>Nice! I am impressed with the homemade formula&#39;s cost. And I suppose once you were able to find all of those weird ingredients, you could stock up and avoid having to shop multiple times a week. Is some of the more unusual/uncommon stuff available online? Just thinking about folks who live in areas without access to specialty shops.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/10/2010 02:16:29 PM
<p>Yes, all of the ingredients are available online.  Many of the ingredients are links to places you can buy them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 208.52.133.66
URL: 
DATE: 09/10/2010 08:19:30 PM
<p>When my daughter self-weaned from breastfeeding just after a year we gave her the homemade formula. We started supplementing her with the formula at around 10 months so she would drink it when she did wean from breastfeeding. She still gets homemade formula and she just turned 18 months old last week. </p><p>I learned about how to start eating Real foods when I was researching homemade formula on the internet. The thought of giving her formula out of can was disturbing to me and through my research of homemade formula I was introduced to the Real Food blog world!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ali
EMAIL: eatingreal@gmail.com
IP: 205.133.191.253
URL: http://eatingreal.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/10/2010 10:56:49 PM
<p>Purely hypothetical for me at this point - I don&#39;t have children, and I hope to breastfeed if I do. However, if that&#39;s not an option for me, I would definitely try to make my own formula over any of the store-bought options. There&#39;s all sorts of horrifying ingredients in baby food and formula, so there&#39;s really no choice but to make your own.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: d.a.vogel@gmail.com
IP: 99.58.187.215
URL: 
DATE: 09/11/2010 04:43:10 AM
<p>Kate, You do not by any means need to post this comment but I wanted to make sure you had correct information on your blog.  On the can of Neocate we have it says it makes 85 fluid ounces and four cans in one case.  One case costs $139.  It breaks down to $0.41/ounce or $1.65 per four ounces and $9.88 per quart.  I know it is just proving the cost point more but I wanted to make sure you were giving as much accurate information as possible.<br/>Alison</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LeaG
EMAIL: Lea.goin@gmail.com
IP: 205.201.96.250
URL: http://Www.andysp90x.com
DATE: 01/29/2011 03:05:52 AM
<p>Ok this is so awesome! I was just wondering about this the other day. I saw Sarah&#39;s original post and I was thinking i didn&#39;t feel fair suggesting this to people because of the potential cost. But i know formulas in a can are super bad. So I will now direct anyone i know who chooses to formula feed or is forced into it for any reason to this post!  Thanks, love your site!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Preservation: My Freezer Inventory
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/14/2010 12:00:31 PM
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BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>**This post has been entered in<a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/09/13/tuesday-twister-11/"> Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a>!**</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/Freezer inventory.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284413569636" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I am aware that the grocery stores will <em>still have food</em> come winter.</p>
<p>I just had to say that first, because once you hear exactly what I have in my freezer you might think I'm crazy.&nbsp; Until you hear how much it cost anyway. :)</p>
<p><strong>Preserving food is a huge way to save money on your grocery budget.&nbsp;</strong> It allows you to buy food at the peak of the season (so it's as fresh as possible, as well as cheap) and store it yourself.&nbsp; You can save 50% or <em>more</em> by doing it this way.&nbsp; And yes, it means weeks of extra kitchen work...but not as much as you think.</p>
<p>Here's what I have in my freezer right now:</p>
<p>*100 green peppers, halved and seeded</p>
<p>*6 gallon-sized bags of peach slices (almost 50 lbs.)</p>
<p>*2 gallon-sized bags of green, yellow, and purple beans</p>
<p>*3 gallon-sized bags of kale</p>
<p>*8 cups of pumpkin and squash puree</p>
<p>*3 cups of shredded zucchini</p>
<p>*2 gallon-sized bags of chopped broccoli</p>
<p>There might be more; I honestly can't remember what I saved from the CSA and what of that I've already used.&nbsp; This represents enough peppers, peaches, beans, and kale to last us a year (I think); I don't have nearly enough pumpkin, zucchini, or broccoli.&nbsp; I also didn't get the blueberries or strawberries I wanted because I didn't find a good source at a good price when I needed it.&nbsp; I'm still searching for those (in case anyone in Central OH wants to tip me off to a good source!).</p>
<p>Let me explain why I did it, though:</p>
<p><strong>Green peppers</strong></p>
<p>Price in the winter: $0.50 - $0.80 per pepper</p>
<p>Price in the summer: $0.17 per pepper (6/$1)</p>
<p>Savings on 100: $48</p>
<p>Time to cut and seed: About 2 hours</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Peaches</strong></p>
<p>Price in the winter: $3 per 10-oz. bag (or $5 or so per lb.!)</p>
<p>Price in the summer: $1 per lb.</p>
<p>Savings on 50 lbs.: $200</p>
<p>Time to cut and freeze: 1 hour (hands-on time; I had to wait a lot!)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Kale</strong></p>
<p>Price in the winter: $3 per lb.</p>
<p>Price in the summer: Included in CSA</p>
<p>Savings on 10 lbs. (I'm estimating amount): $30</p>
<p>Time to cut and freeze: 1 hour</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Pumpkin Puree</strong></p>
<p>Price in winter: $2 per 15-oz. can</p>
<p>Price in summer: $1 per small pumpkin (a bit over 1 c. puree); squash included in CSA</p>
<p>Savings on 8 c.: $5</p>
<p>Time to cut, bake, scoop: 20 minutes</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Zucchini</strong></p>
<p>Price in winter: $2/lb.</p>
<p>Price in summer: 5/$1 (some included in CSA too)</p>
<p>Savings on 2 lbs.: $3 (more if from CSA)</p>
<p>Time to shred: 20 minutes</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Broccoli</strong></p>
<p>Price in winter: $3/lb.</p>
<p>Price in summer: $1.50/lb.</p>
<p>Savings on 15 lbs.: $22.50</p>
<p>Time to chop: 30 minutes</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you can see, I didn't really spend a ton of time working on these, yet I saved a TON of money!&nbsp; Look at the peaches -- $200 on those alone!&nbsp; In the other areas I didn't save as much, but I didn't buy very much, either.&nbsp; Had I bought more, I'd have saved a lot more too.</p>
<p>I'll post about my pantry inventory in a couple weeks, too, after I've finished making all of that.&nbsp; We're getting half a pig in a couple weeks and I'll post about how that works, too.&nbsp; I'll also post what having all of this food on hand will do to my grocery budget.</p>
<p><strong>How do you save money?&nbsp; Do you preserve foods in the summer?&nbsp; Don't forget to head over to the <a href="http://www.forum.modernalternativemama.com">forum</a> to discuss this post or ask any questions you may have!<br /></strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
I am aware that the grocery stores will <em>still have food</em> come winter.</p>
<p>I just had to say that first, because once you hear exactly what I have in my freezer you might think I'm crazy.&nbsp; Until you hear how much it cost anyway. :)
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/14/2010 07:45:15 PM
<p>For the veggies, are they just washed and frozen raw or did you cook them first?  I&#39;ve frozen fruit before but never veggies.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/14/2010 11:45:00 PM
<p>Michelle,</p><p>I did all mine raw.  You&#39;re &quot;supposed&quot; to blanch some of them first, like the green beans, but I just didn&#39;t.  Haven&#39;t noticed any problems yet!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Top 10 Reasons to Eat Real Food
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 09/21/2010 12:00:20 PM
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BODY:
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/real%20food.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285017634341" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/09/real-food-wednesday-92830.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Today, if you are a loyal reader and subscriber (that is, you were a subscriber BEFORE you read this post), leave me a comment with your favorite reason to eat real food (doesn't have to be one of mine) for an <strong>extra entry in the Excalibur Dehydrator Giveaway</strong>!!</p>
<p>Why do we eat real food?&nbsp; Why should anyone else eat real food?&nbsp; It can be hard to convince people who are skeptical that real food is <em>really</em> worth it.&nbsp; But believe me, it is!&nbsp; Here are my top 10 reasons (with some help from my friends) why you should eat real food!</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>It's really fresh</strong>: real food isn't processed or packaged, it comes to you fresh and full of excellent nutrients!</li>
<li><strong>It's chemical-free!</strong>: real food isn't grown with commercial pesticides or fertilizers (generally), and it definitely isn't full of food additivies like MSG and HFCS, so it's much safer to eat!</li>
<li><strong>It's not hard to make</strong>: real food doesn't take much longer than heating up processed foods in many cases; and even when it does it is still easy!&nbsp; Just think simple, not gourmet (unless you really want to).&nbsp; <em>For more on this, check <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Facebook</a> for a cool announcement!</em></li>
<li><strong>It makes you feel better</strong>: Hands-down, real food just makes you feel great.&nbsp; It's that lack of food additives and other junk, and all those extra nutrients.&nbsp; You'll feel healthy and energetic like you never knew you could!</li>
<li><strong>Lose weight naturally</strong>: Yes, eating real food can have the side benefit of helping you to lose weight, all while eating plenty of butter, bacon, cheese, ice cream and other rich foods.&nbsp; <em>Again, see my announcement on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Facebook</a> for more!</em></li>
<li><strong>It can heal illnesses and conditions</strong> (according to people who have experienced it!): I've talked to so many people who've told me that by switching to real food, their cholesterol has gone down, their ADHD has gone away, their allergies have improved or disappeared, their PCOS has improved, hypothyroidism has nearly healed itself, and much more!&nbsp; Real food provides real nutrition, which enables your body to heal itself!</li>
<li><strong>People with allergies can eat it</strong>: A lot of people are "lactose intolerant" or "gluten intolerant" these days, but when they eat real food (raw milk and sprouted grains) they are able to eat food again without all kinds of modifications or avoidances.&nbsp; Real food is recognized by the body and doesn't cause the same issues that processed versions do.</li>
<li><strong>No (or little) need for medication</strong>: If your body is healing itself, then you won't be needing your medication anymore!&nbsp; Many have gotten off diabetes, PCOS, blood pressure and other medications by eating real food.&nbsp; Since the average number of medications adults over 40 are on is around 13 (yes...really!), this is huge!</li>
<li><strong>Less expensive (especially considering you'll need less health care!)</strong>: If you are buying the least expensive cuts of meat, seasonal produce, and bulk grains, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/18/sad-vs-real-food.html">you may actually spend <em>less</em></a> on food than buying packaged foods!&nbsp; And when you factor in all that health care and medication you're not needing, your costs are <em>much</em> lower.</li>
<li><strong>It tastes better</strong>: Hands down the best reason to eat real food is that it <em>just tastes better</em>!&nbsp; It really does.&nbsp; You'll taste flavors you never knew you could, and enjoy food in a way you didn't know was possible!&nbsp; Many people of all ages find that their pickiness disappears when they begin eating real food (this works on toddlers too!) because it just tastes so good!</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>What are <em>your</em> reasons for eating real food?</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
Today, if you are a loyal reader and subscriber (that is, you were a subscriber BEFORE you read this post), leave me a comment with your favorite reason to eat real food (doesn't have to be one of mine) for an <strong>extra entry in the Excalibur Dehydrator Giveaway</strong>!!</p>
<p>Why do we eat real food?&nbsp; Why should anyone else eat real food?&nbsp; It can be hard to convince people who are skeptical that real food is <em>really</em> worth it.&nbsp; But believe me, it is!&nbsp; Here are my top 10 reasons (with some help from my friends) why you should eat real food!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 09/21/2010 01:30:24 PM
<p>I think one of the most compelling reasons to invest in and eat real food is the prevalence of diseases in our modern culture that weren&#39;t so much of a problem back in the &quot;olden days.&quot;  All the obesity, diabetes, heart disease and others that are less obviously food related.  Obviously something about our modern lives have brought this on, and it just makes sense that it has to do with all the chemicals and processing that is in our food.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.50.130.84
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/21/2010 02:09:53 PM
<p>Best reason to eat real food?  Well for me there are two 1- tastes better!  2- I feel good about what I&#39;m giving my kids - hopefully I can stave off a host of food and health issues down the road by feeding them healthy real foods!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 04:01:24 PM
<p>#1 reason for me to eat real food is because I&#39;m pregnant! Yay. Isn&#39;t it ironic that supplements that are commonly recommended are found in real food? Probiotics in yogurt or fermented food. Fish oil in fish. Vitamin B6 in fermented food. Science may not be as quick as our grandparents!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 04:02:06 PM
<p>My motivation for eating real food is mood and mental health related ..less fights in the family, do better in school and everyone has more energy.  Also, seeing my parents age on the Standard American Diet is really sad.  I&#39;ve tried to help them take baby steps like changing out their fats/oils and taking cod liver oil, but they are stuck in their ways.  It&#39;s hard for them to change.  I eat real food so I won&#39;t FEEL old when I&#39;m old, like my parents do :).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/21/2010 06:02:43 PM
<p>I have been a subscriber for along while now and am excited about an extra entry!  </p><p>We eat real food at our house (although not sprouted anything yet!) because it keeps antibiotics out of our kids (and our) bodies when they aren&#39;t needed so they can work when they are.  Also it does taste better and I&#39;m more comfortable with how it lives its life before it enters ours.  Obviously speaking of meat that is raised the way it was meant to be, not the way industry does it now.</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 07:22:40 PM
<p>We&#39;re just starting on our journey to a real food diet....trying to get my husband on board is a little harder than I thought!  But I&#39;m most excited about getting all the chemicals out of our food.  Less chemicals = healthier family!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Denise
EMAIL: duhknees@aol.com
IP: 71.193.248.233
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 07:23:37 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been a subscriber for a while.</p><p>We eat real food because we want to live &quot;life to the fullest&quot;.  And real food is what our bodies need.  We have had an added push in this direction due to various food sensitivities.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebekah Randolph
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.59.221.13
URL: http://laffytaffydaphne.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/21/2010 07:53:53 PM
<p>It tastes better-- it&#39;s simpler-- it doesn&#39;t make us feel sick-- it helps instead of hindering our bodies&#39; natural mechanisms-- and it&#39;s better for the environment. Yay real food!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: nursesarah75@gmail.com
IP: 71.173.76.38
URL: 
DATE: 09/21/2010 11:42:41 PM
<p>THis probably sounds redundant......but I like real food because It&#39;s.....REAL. it just feels correct to eat it. I am really just starting my real food journey....but it just seems to make sense. It&#39;s what we are supposed to eat...a tasty part of a beautiful grand plan!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.2
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 01:13:36 AM
<p>I am currently a subscriber :) </p><p>My favorite reason to eat real food is because it definitely tastes better and is REAL! Nothing is better than eating real food that I know is nourishing to our bodies!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: Carrie.Severino@gmail.com
IP: 76.21.184.135
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 01:38:33 AM
<p>I like real food because I figure everything runs more smoothly if we live as God designed us to, and that translates to all the health benefits and, most importantly those same health and developmental benefits for our kids!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bmitchell@phodat.net
IP: 24.140.115.171
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 11:20:57 AM
<p>They&#39;re all great reasons!  I eat real food because it tastes better, is chemical free and healthier for my family!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: h.l.lionelle@gmail.com
IP: 72.174.166.83
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 02:47:03 PM
<p>My reason for getting into the real food &quot;craze&quot; is trying to kick soda, it&#39;s always been an addiction for me and now I have healthy alternatives that are sooo much better for me. I&#39;ve noticed my energy levels have sky rocketed over the last couple of weeks as I do better and better about eliminating the junk. And you really do lose weight (for me almost exclusively fat) eating real food. I love my butter and snacks and while I haven&#39;t actually lost much weight I&#39;ve lost enough inches that I need to do some clothes shopping. =) Real food rocks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Terri
EMAIL: termikgal01@gmail.com
IP: 71.59.141.114
URL: http://tergal.wordpress.com
DATE: 09/22/2010 02:53:48 PM
<p>I have been a subscriber to your site for a while and find it very informative.</p><p>I have been following a real food way of life for the past year and never want to go back to our &#39;old&#39; way of eating. We feel so much better, the food tastes better, and I believe it is the best way to stave off diseases that can happen by following the SAD. It is not always easy but it can be done.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/22/2010 03:12:06 PM
<p>Yay for an extra entry!</p><p>I like eating real food because I like knowing where my food comes from and that the animals are treated in a humane way.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Doodlebug's Mommy
EMAIL: Doodlebugsplanet@gmail.com
IP: 76.0.99.54
URL: http://dandelion-farm.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/23/2010 08:59:30 PM
<p>We strive to eat real foods for the health and safety of our daughter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.176.189.146
URL: 
DATE: 10/04/2010 04:32:39 AM
<p>For me, I think it&#39;s the only way to stay healthy!  Our bodies are healthier with real food and our Mother Earth is healthier with real food.  It&#39;s the only way we will survive as a species (and save the rest of the species out there!).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/04/2010 10:39:54 PM
<p>I like eating real food because the ingredients are well-known to me. Am going through chemo (reluctantly) and love knowing that healing foods are right in there with the ugly--helping repair my body.</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Moon Cup Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/24/2010 12:01:01 PM
-----
BODY:
<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 150px;" src="/storage/mooncup_actual.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284590158726" alt="" /></span></span>I noticed in my reader survey recently that a couple of you asked for more information on reusable menstrual options.&nbsp; It just so happens I was already planning this review and giveaway.&nbsp; Isn't that awesome!?&nbsp; ha.</p>
<p>Since <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/13/daniels-birth-story.html">Daniel's birth</a>, I have been using my homemade <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/12/mama-cloth.html">mama cloth</a>.&nbsp; Which I like better than disposable pads, definitely!&nbsp; But they tend to shift around a bit, which, especially the first couple days, is...messy.&nbsp; So I was looking for a new solution for those days and thought it would be nice to try one of these cups.&nbsp; I contacted the company which makes <a href="http://www.keeper.com">The Keeper and The Moon cups</a>, and they graciously sent me the Moon cup to try.</p>
<p><strong>Why the Moon cup?</strong>&nbsp; The Keeper is made of latex, and the Moon is made of silicone.&nbsp; I don't personally have a latex allergy, but my mother and grandmother both do, and they both developed this allergy later in life.&nbsp; I didn't want to risk finding out I was allergic, or becoming allergic because of long exposures, so I chose the Moon.&nbsp; Both are completely safe though, depending on your preference!</p>
<p>Some positive features of this product:</p>
<ul>
<li>Two options, so it covers people with and without latex allergies</li>
<li>Three different sizes for women with different needs (mainly before/after childbirth)</li>
<li>Reusable, nearly indefinitely! (very green)</li>
<li>Affordable ($35 each, compared to hundreds you'd spend on disposable products)</li>
</ul>
<p>I tried it out, and I really <em>wanted</em> to love it....</p>
<p>And I do like it.&nbsp; I have some concerns and cautions but overall I do like it.&nbsp; I think there's a learning curve (I only used it one month so far) and that may be part of it.&nbsp; I'll summarize my experience for you, though.</p>
<p>At first I liked it, because suddenly there was no more mess!&nbsp; It was a little weird to insert, but since I practice <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/26/natural-birth-control-and-fertility.html">natural family planning</a> I'm not exactly a stranger to figuring things out down there (ha).&nbsp; I didn't like that the stem stuck so far out (by the end of the few days, it felt like it was rubbing/irritating me -- and yes, it's supposed to stick out like that).&nbsp; <strong>It was great for overnight</strong> because I didn't have to worry about my pad being adjust properly and which way I was lying and still probably waking up to a mess.&nbsp; I knew everything would be fine!</p>
<p>The second day I used it, though, I didn't quite insert it properly.&nbsp; The cup has to be folded up to insert and it unfolded itself in the wrong place, and ended up pressing on my cervix instead of sitting below it.&nbsp; This caused a <em>lot</em> of pain and cramping, especially when I had to remove it.&nbsp; I went several hours using my cloth after this to recover.&nbsp; I did find that when it was inserted properly that I didn't have any pain.&nbsp; But as there <em>is</em> a learning curve to inserting this, I'm just warning you.</p>
<p><strong>I had no trouble with the removing/emptying part.&nbsp; I never spilled it, it was never messy.&nbsp;</strong> It was easy to rinse or wipe off and re-insert.&nbsp; Actually I think this was <em>less</em> messy than having to change pads and clean up, because the "mess" was all confined to one area.</p>
<p>The positives I experienced:</p>
<ul>
<li>Generally comfortable to wear (I didn't feel the cup once it was in)</li>
<li>Non-messy</li>
<li>Easy to empty&nbsp;</li>
<li>Easy to just "forget about it" in between rinsings</li>
<li>Nothing extra to carry or remember</li>
<li>Large fluid capacity (it holds a full ounce, which is as much as most women bleed over their entire period.&nbsp; You ARE supposed to remove and rinse every 8 - 12 hours, but if you forget...no mess)</li>
</ul>
<p>The negatives:</p>
<ul>
<li>Can be tricky to insert -- have to find the right angle</li>
<li>The stem can be a little irritating (I hear you can trim it, but I haven't tried)</li>
</ul>
<p>In general I liked it.&nbsp; I preferred it to my pads for the heavier days.&nbsp; I think I prefer pads for the light days, though, where mess isn't such a big deal.&nbsp;<strong> It was really nice not to have to think "Do I have my extra pads, wet bag, etc. with me?" when I went out.</strong>&nbsp; I was completely set because I wear the same one the whole time!&nbsp; Because of its fluid capacity I never had to rinse it in public.&nbsp; It went like this: "Can I wait another hour till I get home?&nbsp; ...Yeah."&nbsp; lol.</p>
<p>Now, how would you like the opportunity to try one for yourself?&nbsp; You can!</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>(REQUIRED) </strong>Visit <a href="http://www.keeper.com">The Keeper</a><a href="http://www.keeper.com"></a> and tell me which cup you'd like to try and why.</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a>, or tell me you already do</li>
<li>Fill out my <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlISWF4VDFxREJkQ0JCZVh6Sk5kU3c6MQ">reader survey</a>, or tell me you already did</li>
<li>Join my <a href="forum.modernalternativemama.com">forum</a> and introduce yourself, OR write or respond to another post (if you do BOTH I'll give you two entries!)</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a> and tweet this giveaway</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Facebook</a> and post something to my wall (I want to hear from my readers!)</li>
</ol>
<p>There are 6 possible entries!&nbsp; This giveaway will go until September 28th at 8 AM.&nbsp; I will announce the winner by 8 PM that night.</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever used a reusable menstrual cup?&nbsp; If not, would you like to?&nbsp; If so, what was your experience?</strong></p>
-----
EXCERPT:
I noticed in my reader survey recently that a couple of you asked for more information on reusable menstrual options.&nbsp; It just so happens I was already planning this review and giveaway.&nbsp; Isn't that awesome!?&nbsp; ha.</p>
<p>Since <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/13/daniels-birth-story.html">Daniel's birth</a>, I have been using my homemade <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/12/mama-cloth.html">mama cloth</a>.&nbsp; Which I like better than disposable pads, definitely!&nbsp; But they tend to shift around a bit, which, especially the first couple days, is...messy.&nbsp; So I was looking for a new solution for those days and thought it would be nice to try one of these cups.&nbsp; I contacted the company which makes <a href="http://www.keeper.com">The Keeper and The Moon cups</a>, and they graciously sent me the Moon cup to try.</p>
<p><strong>Why the Moon cup?</strong>&nbsp; The Keeper is made of latex, and the Moon is made of silicone.&nbsp; I don't personally have a latex allergy, but my mother and grandmother both do, and they both developed this allergy later in life.&nbsp; I didn't want to risk finding out I was allergic, or becoming allergic because of long exposures, so I chose the Moon.&nbsp; Both are completely safe though, depending on your preference!
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: seaysaves@yahoo.com
IP: 97.67.68.154
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 01:49:15 PM
<p>Thanks for the review...I&#39;ve been interested in trying this out.  I subscribe via google reader.  I&#39;d want the mooncup B.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.67
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 03:17:44 PM
<p>Visited the website - I would like to try the Moon Cup only b/c it looks better than the Keeper ha! I dont have any latex allergies or a history of it in my family so I could use either one of them. The reason I want to try this out is b/c I have been researching and exploring the use of cloth pads and I think this would be a better option for me. I read the stories on the website and it sounds like something I could do!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.67
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 03:21:24 PM
<p>Already subscribed to your RSS feeds</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.67
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 03:22:32 PM
<p>Already filled out your reader survey</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.67
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 03:23:40 PM
<p>Already joined and introduced myself on the forum</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.67
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 03:37:41 PM
<p>Follow on Twitter and tweeted this giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.119.67
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 03:42:19 PM
<p>Follow/Like on Facebook and commented on your wall!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Niki
EMAIL: minimalistmommy@gmail.com
IP: 142.167.125.123
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 04:06:51 PM
<p>I always wanted to try these but they are pricey and didn&#39;t want to hate it after I bought it.  Glad to hear your thoughts on it.  I use tampons ...I know bit no no but I hate the mess of pads.  This would be a nice alternative.  I am a subscriber:) thanks</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/24/2010 06:43:38 PM
<p>I&#39;d like the Moon in size A.  I&#39;ve always wanted to try this out!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/24/2010 06:44:02 PM
<p>I took the reader survey!<br/>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/24/2010 06:44:29 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.89.17
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 07:07:33 PM
<p>I&#39;d like to try mooncup b. thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 10:01:09 PM
<p>I would want to try the moon cup</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 10:03:21 PM
<p>i&#39;m a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 09/24/2010 10:04:20 PM
<p>Filled out your reader survey</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 184.36.107.15
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 02:23:30 AM
<p>I responded to one of your posts on the Forum concerning vaccinations in the Health and Wellness section of the Forum.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 03:51:38 AM
<p>Mooncup please:)  because II&#39;m a sceptic but am very interestd in trying!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 03:52:38 AM
<p>I follow!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 03:54:15 AM
<p>I &quot;liked&quot; you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: h.l.lionelle@gmail.com
IP: 72.174.166.83
URL: 
DATE: 09/25/2010 02:52:39 PM
<p>Filled out the Survey<br/>Already Subscribe via e-mail</p><p>I would like to try the moon cup size B. I heard about these years ago, but I didn&#39;t know anyone who had tried one and was leery of them. The company is still around and I still think these would be good for my health and the environment.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wendy
EMAIL: russell17@att.net
IP: 72.152.26.53
URL: 
DATE: 09/26/2010 07:30:52 PM
<p>I tried a similar product - a disposable one. I just could never get the fit right and it felt uncomfortable. I don&#39;t think these cups are a good fit for me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.21.184.135
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 10:14:13 PM
<p>I visited the site, and would probably get the Moon Cup, not because of any history of allergies, but just to be safe from triggering one and so it would be more easily sterilized.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.21.184.135
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 11:12:08 PM
<p>Not sure if you wanted individual comments or combined, but it&#39;s stopping me in between comments so here are the rest all at once:</p><p>I already subscribe via Google Reader, <br/>I already did your survey  <br/>I already have introduced myself on the forum.  <br/>I added a comment to a forum post on funny kids&#39; moments as well, though. :) <br/>I also follow you and tweeted the giveaway!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.176.189.146
URL: 
DATE: 09/28/2010 05:02:07 AM
<p>Hi!  I just visited their web site and I think I would like to try the Keeper.  Size A, please!  :)  It looks interesting.</p><p>I already subscribe via email.</p><p>I am already a member on your forum.</p><p>I already follow you on Facebook.</p><p>And I already did the reader survey.</p><p>I don&#39;t do Twitter!  </p><p>Thanks for all that you do!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: 
IP: 90.190.250.144
URL: 
DATE: 11/21/2010 10:23:23 PM
<p>I used a menstrual cup for the first time this month. I absolutely LOVE it! I had no trouble at all inserting it or removing it. I did cut the stem too, couldn&#39;t use it with the whole thing there. You can even cut all of it off if you can remove it without it. Oh and I love so much that I don&#39;t have to wake up in the middle of the night to change my tampon anymore. I really hate pads, they&#39;re too messy for me. I&#39;m not grossed out by the blood, at first I thought I would be but not at all.<br/>So it&#39;s the best thing ever! I&#39;m SO happy I got it, even if I had to pay $65 for it here.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Little Ducks WINNER! 
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 09/17/2010 02:12:38 PM
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<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script>
<p>The winner of the Little Ducks Organics package is:</p>
<p><strong>Ashley R (reynoldsmommy1@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; I will send you an email about collecting your prize.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley R
EMAIL: reynoldsmommy@gmail.com
IP: 64.113.102.84
URL: 
DATE: 09/18/2010 01:16:39 AM
<p>Wow, I really messed up my email.......it&#39;s like a hybrid between the 2 accounts I actually have!!!!!! It populated when I started this comment.......way off! It actually reynoldsmommy at gmail dot com </p><p>I just sent you a message regarding this through your blog. Thank you!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Make Vanilla Extract
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/20/2010 12:00:43 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010054.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284930532790" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com/2010/09/monday-mania-9202010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>, <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/09/real-food-wednesday-92210.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/09/pennywise-platter-thursday-923.html#more-3305">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Do you use vanilla extract in baking?&nbsp; I know I use mine a <em>lot</em> for baking, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/29/dairy-free-ice-cream.html">homemade ice cream</a>, and other things.&nbsp; There are a lot of reasons why I choose to make my own extract for these purposes, which I will share with you.&nbsp; And then I'll get to the good part: how to do it!</p>
<p>So why do I make my own?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Store-bought vanilla has corn syrup</strong> -- Yes, really!&nbsp; Even "pure" extracts can sometimes have corn syrup and other additives.&nbsp; The good, organic vanilla doesn't, but....</li>
<li><strong>Good vanilla is expensive</strong> -- That organic vanilla is expensive!&nbsp; To avoid corn syrup you have to spend a lot more money.&nbsp; Who wants to do that, especially if you don't have to?</li>
<li><strong>Unique vanilla "flavors"</strong> -- Most store-bought vanilla is made with vodka and Tahitian vanilla beans.&nbsp; But there are lots of different varieties out there.&nbsp; Bourbon vanilla is another popular one among bakers.&nbsp; You can mix and match different types of beans and different types of alcohol to create your own, signature vanilla!</li>
</ul>
<p>Luckily, making vanilla is very simple.&nbsp; I was able to buy an 8-oz. package of good vanilla beans (I chose <a style="border: none;" href="&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CPZSC8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=playstringins-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000CPZSC8&quot;&gt;Premium Bourbon-Madagascar Vanilla Beans - 1/2 lb. - Approx. 54 beans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img src=">bourbon vanilla</a>, though next time I'll probably try Tahitian) for only about $25.&nbsp; This ended up being around 50 beans, so it was a great price!&nbsp; If you buy at a health food store, expect to pay $2 - $4 <em>per bean</em>.&nbsp; Since they're not grown locally anyway it doesn't matter that much where you buy from.&nbsp; I got mine from Amazon (yes, that's an affiliate link above).</p>
<p>You also need some type of alcohol.&nbsp; <strong>It needs to be 80 - 84 proof.&nbsp; Vodka is the "usual" choice, bourbon is also common</strong>, and you could choose rum or other types as well.&nbsp; A reader on Facebook told me that he used rum because it's sweeter (if you don't <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">connect with me on Facebook</a> yet, head over there now!).&nbsp; I decided to give it a try in my latest batch.</p>
<p>You will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>4 oz. alcohol</li>
<li>4 - 5 vanilla beans</li>
<li>4-oz. dark brown glass bottle with cap</li>
<li>Knife</li>
<li>Cutting board</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Legally, an "extract" must be made with .8 oz. of vanilla beans per cup.</strong>&nbsp; This works out to about 8 beans, or one bean per ounce of alcohol.&nbsp; I choose to use slightly more; I usually use 5 vanilla beans for 4 oz. of alcohol.&nbsp; If you use less, it will still taste nice, but it will officially be a "vanilla liquer" instead of a true extract.&nbsp; Many chefs use a "double extract," which is twice as many beans!</p>
<p><strong>Brown glass is also important to protect your extract from light.</strong>&nbsp; I honestly don't remember exactly why, but you do not want to expose it to light.</p>
<p>First, gather your supplies:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010039.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284929430809" alt="" /></span></span>Yes, you can see both my kombucha bottles (it's time to bottle my next batch) and my daughter's hand in this picture. :)</p>
<p><strong>Cut your vanilla beans into pieces.&nbsp; </strong>Mine fit best when cut in thirds, like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010040.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284929610543" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Now, cut your vanilla beans open.&nbsp; <strong>Make a slit down the center of them</strong>.&nbsp; Here is one of mine, mostly cut apart (it doesn't have to be cut quite this much):</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010048.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284929789748" alt="" /></span></span>If you look very closely, you can see the edges of the vanilla bean and the black insides.&nbsp; <strong>The inside is full of tiny little black specks, called the <em>caviar</em>.&nbsp;</strong> This is the good stuff that gives the vanilla most of its flavor, as well as what gives vanilla bean treats their speckled color!</p>
<p>You can choose to use your knife to scrape out the caviar and add it to the bottle separately.&nbsp; I have done this before.&nbsp; But plenty will be released while the extract is brewing, too (if you follow the directions).&nbsp; I skipped this step this time.</p>
<p>Now, <strong>add your beans to your bottles</strong>:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010045.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284930101287" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Once all your beans have been added, <strong>pour in your alcohol until the bottle is <em>almost</em> full</strong>:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010050.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1284930222373" alt="" /></span></span>(This one was tricky to take by myself, but I managed, just for you!)</p>
<p>By the way, we don't drink alcohol, so I'd never actually purchased it before myself (the first time I made vanilla my dad brought me some).&nbsp; I also look <em>really</em> young, like some people think I'm 16.&nbsp; So Friday afternoon I walked into a liquor store and bought this bottle of rum and a bottle of brandy.&nbsp; Two big bottles of serious alcohol and nothing else.&nbsp; I can only imagine what the guy who rang it up was thinking!&nbsp; Curiously, he didn't ask to see my ID.&nbsp; Then again I had my wallet open with my ID visible so maybe that was good enough?</p>
<p>Anyway, once your bottles are filled with alcohol, screw on the caps.&nbsp; You are done!</p>
<p><strong>The vanilla needs to sit for at least one month, and preferably six, to be "done."&nbsp;</strong> Set the bottles into a dark place (your pantry?) and remove them and <strong>shake them at least once a week</strong>, or whenever you think about it.&nbsp; Your beans will be softening and all that nice caviar will be coming out into your extract as you shake it.&nbsp; This is why the bottles shouldn't be <em>completely</em> full, because if they were you wouldn't be able to shake them well.</p>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; In a month (or so) you'll have yummy, homemade vanilla extract, which you can use yourself or give as gifts!</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever made vanilla extract before?&nbsp; Do you want to?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Do you use vanilla extract in baking?&nbsp; I know I use mine a <em>lot</em> for baking, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/29/dairy-free-ice-cream.html">homemade ice cream</a>, and other things.&nbsp; There are a lot of reasons why I choose to make my own extract for these purposes, which I will share with you.&nbsp; And then I'll get to the good part: how to do it!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com
DATE: 09/20/2010 03:49:21 PM
<p>Thank you for posting this at Monday Mania!   Organic vanilla extract is so expensive and we use a ton of it in our home!   Will be trying this one out asap.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.96.154
URL: 
DATE: 09/20/2010 04:42:30 PM
<p>Where did you get the dark brown glass bottles? This is a great recipe for vanilla extract and would love to make it as soon as I get my order of vanilla beans. Now if I could figure out where you get bottles like that I&#39;ll be all set :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/20/2010 04:56:13 PM
<p>Alexis -- we got them online.  I&#39;m not entirely sure where, but I&#39;m pretty sure it was here: http://www.specialtybottle.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&amp;ProdID=19  Those are pretty cheap!  We ordered a dozen, I think, although I usually only do 4 - 6 bottles at a time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/23/2010 02:42:53 PM
<p>I have some brewing in my china cupboard - I don&#39;t have brown bottles but mine rarely see light. I am also making cinnamon extract with the other half of my bottle of liquor - I didn&#39;t have enough beans to make more.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: ...but WE Turned Out Fine!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 09/27/2010 12:00:52 PM
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As you know, if you've read this blog for any length of time, I live a "weird" lifestyle.&nbsp; You know, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/7/pseudo-healthy-diets.html">eating real food</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/26/argument-against-vaccinations.html">not vaccinating</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/19/extended-and-tandem-breastfeeding.html">extended breastfeeding</a> (yes, my 32-month-old is STILL breastfeeding), <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/20/home-birth.html">homebirthing</a>, etc.&nbsp; Making these kinds of choices invites <em>all</em> kinds of criticism and curiosity, of course.&nbsp; But by far, the excuse/reason I hear the <em>most</em> often from people who are dismissing these "weird" things is:</p>
<p><strong>But <em>we</em> turned out fine!!</strong></p>
<p>If you say "Well, we don't vaccinate, people are getting all kinds of crazy illnesses from it," etc. then they will say "But <em>we</em> were vaccinated and we are fine!"&nbsp; The same thing with eating junk food vs. real food, homebirth vs. hospital and so on.</p>
<p>This argument is actually pretty ridiculous for two reasons.&nbsp; The first is because our population is <em>not</em> fine.&nbsp; More and more people have degenerative diseases.&nbsp; We have epidemic numbers of allergies, asthma, autism, learning disabilities, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions and on and on.&nbsp; I don't know how anyone else defines "fine," but chronic illness is not it!&nbsp; And when many people are on too many pharmaceuticals to count, are depressed, overweight, pre-diabetic and so on...that is not <em>fine!</em>&nbsp; We'll discuss that more indepth in another post, though.</p>
<p>The second reason is because things are just not the same today as they were 20 years ago.&nbsp; They are <em>not</em>.&nbsp; Let's look at several differences:</p>
<p><strong>Vaccines</strong></p>
<p>In 1983, the vaccination schedule contained only 10 separate shots.&nbsp; Two at 2 months, two at 4 months, one at 6 months, one at 15 months, two at 18 months, and two at age 4.&nbsp; This consisted of only <em>three different shots</em>, including polio, DTP, and MMR.&nbsp; Children were vaccinated for polio, diptheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, and rubella -- only 6 diseases.</p>
<p>In 2007, the schedule contained <em>36</em> separate shots.&nbsp; One at birth, six at 2 months, six at 4 months, seven at 6 months, five at 12 months, one at 15 months, two at 18 months, and three at age 4 (plus yearly flu shots).&nbsp; Babies are vaccinated for Hep B, Hep A, HIB, MMR, DTaP, polio, Rotavirus, varicella (chicken pox), PCV, and influenza.&nbsp; That is a LARGE number of diseases -- 13!&nbsp; Many of these are <em>not</em> life-threatening by any stretch of the imagination.</p>
<p>So when you try to compare someone who was vaccinated in the mid-1980s (many of today's parents) with the children who are getting vaccinated today, it is <em>not the same!!</em>&nbsp; The vaccination load is a lot heavier, and also more are administered at much younger ages.&nbsp; There is no possible way that this argument holds up.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Dairy and Beef Cows</strong></p>
<p>If you tell someone you're switching to only grass-fed cows which are not given any antibiotics or hormones, you might also hear this argument.&nbsp; But it doesn't measure up here, either.</p>
<p>In the 1980s, rBST, the growth hormone that's so controversial now had not yet been approved for use in cattle.&nbsp; It was not approved until 1993, and likely not in wide-spread use until past 1995.&nbsp; Without the use of this hormone, cows would not have needed as many antibiotics.&nbsp; Cows were also not fed any GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) feed because that, too, had not been approved or put into use.</p>
<p>So yes, cows were still given some antibiotics and unnatural feed (corn and soy), but it was not GMO, there were no growth hormones, and antibiotic use would have been lower.&nbsp; It's <em>not the same!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Corn, Soy, and GMOs</strong></p>
<p>Eating too much corn, soy, and other grains was never a very good idea, despite what the USDA says.&nbsp; However, it wasn't <em>quite</em> as bad as it is today.&nbsp; This is because Genetically Modified Organisms were not in use until the late 1990s.</p>
<p>GMO soybeans were first approved for use and planted in 1996.&nbsp; Since soy is widely used in processed foods (just look for "soy lecithin" on the label), GMOs are in nearly <em>all</em> processed food products.&nbsp; Corn, canola (rape seed) and cottonseed are heavily GMO as well.&nbsp; Potatoes and other crops are beginning to be GMO.</p>
<p>If you are eating processed food it is impossible to avoid GMOs.&nbsp; Early studies show that they are extremely detrimental to health.&nbsp; Although eating processed food has always been unhealthy, it is even worse now!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Processed Foods</strong></p>
<p>Although processed foods were certainly available in the 1980s, they weren't <em>quite</em> as sinister as they are today.</p>
<p>In the 1980s, McDonald's was still cooking their fries in beef tallow, a healthy fat.&nbsp; In 1990 they switched to partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, full of trans fats!</p>
<p>Earlier, companies used to use healthy coconut oil in their baked goods.&nbsp; By the 80s and 90s, they had switched to shortening and vegetable oils.</p>
<p>Companies also started coming out with more and more "low fat" and "fat free" items in the 90s and beyond, which are full of sugar.&nbsp; They began to use more and more fake sugars.&nbsp; Splenda was first approved for use in 1998.</p>
<p>Processed foods were <em>never</em> good, but there are <em>far</em> more additives and chemicals in them today than there were in the 1980s.&nbsp; There are also many more options today.&nbsp; It is possible (though <em>not</em> desirable!) to eat a diet of entirely processed foods now.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you can see from these examples, things in the 1980s were not the same as they are today.&nbsp; Children are being exposed to many, many more toxic chemicals from their food (processed ingredients as well as GMOs), and vaccines.&nbsp; There are many more examples out there too (pollution, antibiotic use, hand sanitizers, increased pop consumption, etc.) but these are a few bigger ones.</p>
<p>So the next time you're trying to explain your "weird" choices to someone and they say "Oh, c'mon, we did the same thing and <em>we turned out fine</em>" you can say "But it's <em>not</em> the same and I can prove it!"&nbsp; Maybe it will open up a few more minds.</p>
<p>What do you think?&nbsp; What arguments have you heard against "weird" choices?&nbsp; Do you think it's the same now as it was when we grew up?</p>
-----
EXCERPT:
As you know, if you've read this blog for any length of time, I live a "weird" lifestyle.  You know, eating real food, not vaccinating, extended breastfeeding (yes, my 32-month-old is STILL breastfeeding), homebirthing, etc.  Making these kinds of choices invites all kinds of criticism and curiosity, of course.  But by far, the excuse/reason I hear the most often from people who are dismissing these "weird" things is:

But we turned out fine!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 12:28:09 PM
<p>I definitely get the most slack over vaccines. My mom will tell me she tends to side with my grandma, who is forever harassing me (in a grandmotherly way) about getting the polio and pertussis vaccines for my boys--after all, she stood in line for hours to get those for her kids. But it&#39;s different to me--waiting in line to have your 6 year old vaccinated, as opposed to subjecting your six MONTH old to those shots. My biggest issue with vaccines is too much, too soon. I just can&#39;t see the sense in giving a 10 lb 2 month old 6 vaccines in one day...so taxing on their little bodies, that is a LOT of work for such a tiny being that hasn&#39;t even fully developed its immune response yet.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 12:33:06 PM
<p>Oh, forgot to say, lol...but yes, I get the &quot;but you guys were fine&quot; when my mom and I discuss vaccines. I was her oldest, born in 1983, and my brother was born in 1993. A lot changed in 10 years and 4 kids, but even in 1993 babies weren&#39;t getting as many shots, so she really just doesn&#39;t understand the pressure parents are under today. I may have to have a list ready to show her the next time it comes up.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: AnnaD
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 03:55:40 PM
<p>Regarding vaccines, there is also a factor of accumulation of the negative effects (mutation among others) from generation to generation, so when I was getting the vaccines in my childhood it was probably just 3rd generation but my child would be forth and so on. <br/>There was a study of cats, they were given vaccines (do not remember which ones) and each succeeding generation was showing worse and worse symptoms like having unhealthy offspring, starting sexual life earlier, showing more aggressive behaviors, dying earlier and at the end the fourth generation could not have offspring at all and just died out.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nikkiandlinzi@cox.net
IP: 68.103.238.212
URL: 
DATE: 09/27/2010 10:01:34 PM
<p>Seriously great article, my husband is a doctor and he will love this.  He frequently writes about vaccines and this is information that everyone can use to empower themselves.  Bravo!</p><p>He is very good at treating vaccine induced illness also, you can reach him at advancedalternativesforhealth.com ~</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 04:49:34 AM
<p>I agree with you, it is much worse now than when our parents were children. You forgot to mention all the color they add to foods these days. All the reds and all the blues. Even to childrens medications. Good thing we switched to using the naturapathic medicine for our children, but its really sad to see parents bringing in their little ones full of all kinds of sickness and diseases. Its seems the more they get vaccinated, the more the little ones get sick from something else....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christie
EMAIL: RowansMommy@gmail.com
IP: 24.113.66.96
URL: http://dailymomtra.com
DATE: 09/29/2010 09:15:46 PM
<p>Car seats. Car seats is one of the big ones where I hear this argument and want to beat someone over the head with the deadly t-shield car seat they claimed was &quot;just fine&quot; that has since been proven deadly in it&#39;s own right and worthless in an accident.</p><p>My defense is always, &quot;Sure, YOU&#39;RE fine. But there&#39;s thousands of children who are DEAD who would have been alive if car seat practices then had been what they are now.&quot;</p><p>Within my group of friends &quot;just fine&quot; is a JOKE. It&#39;s the phrase you DON&#39;T say as an argument.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/29/2010 09:50:27 PM
<p>Christie,</p><p>You&#39;re right, car seats too.  What passes for &quot;car seat safety&quot; even today makes me shudder.  BOTH my kids are still rear-facing (and my friends can&#39;t believe my daughter, 32 months, &quot;lets&quot; me put her that way...um, she doesn&#39;t have a choice!).  Most can&#39;t wait to flip their kids around and many do it before they legally can!  I wrote about it awhile back.  Not to mention they don&#39;t install them tightly, strap them correctly...etc. etc.  Cars are the same but kids CAN be so much safer today!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 09/29/2010 11:21:22 PM
<p>This is great! I&#39;ll have to try to remember these for those times when this info would be so helpful! The carseat comment reminds me of a conversation a friend relayed to me - it was a front-facing vs rear-facing debate and the other mom said that she didn&#39;t want her child rear-facing because her child&#39;s legs were too long and had to be tucked up and she was worried about an accident causing broken legs. My friend said she would rather have her child have a broken leg than something more serious.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 09/29/2010 11:27:39 PM
<p>Robin (and everyone),</p><p>No child on record has EVER broken their leg from being rear-facing &quot;too long!!&quot;  But MANY MANY children have broken their necks and been KILLED by forward facing too soon!  Thanks, I&#39;ll take the miniscule chance my child might break a leg over a much higher chance of death!!  That argument always makes me angry because it makes NO sense.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jordan
EMAIL: jordanpreddy@gmail.com
IP: 76.254.119.241
URL: 
DATE: 10/01/2010 06:05:57 PM
<p>One more thing you could add to the list is cloth diapers vs. disposables. In the 1970s, they were mostly paper or cellulose and only used wood pulp to absorb wetness.  Not until the mid-80s did they start using SAP. And now not only is the SAP gel more powerful than before, they are made of plastic and use chlorine, chemical dyes/frgrances, and who knows what else to keep them trim and dry all the time. (And this doesn&#39;t even scratch the surface of the environmental waste of dispoables.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leah
EMAIL: neverfeltbetter80@gmail.com
IP: 67.214.12.182
URL: http://danceandbeglad.com
DATE: 10/02/2010 02:17:50 AM
<p>Hi Kate, great post!  I share many (if not all) of your convictions regarding vaccines, the importance of real food, car safety and the like! I would LOVE to know what kind of carseat allows a 32 month old to continue to sit rear facing!  I just wrote a post about the importance of a 5 point harness with a link to a very important you tube video that I believe all parents of young children should see. http://bit.ly/bQrYw8 </p><p>I too can&#39;t stand it when people say the infamous, &quot;But we turned out just fine&quot;.  AGH!!  I could go on and on with my counter banter, but sadly many people don&#39;t really seem to care one way or the other.  Could this be due to toxic brain overload!?!  I think, maybe so.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/02/2010 12:42:07 PM
<p>Leah,</p><p>I have a Britax Marathon, which RF until 35 lbs.  My daughter is only about 28.  There are new ones out that can RF until 40 or even 45 lbs. but I don&#39;t remember which they are.  We love the Britax though!</p><p>I&#39;ve seen that video -- so sad.  I don&#39;t know how anyone can watch that and not be convicted to RF as long as possible!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: EcoLunchGear WINNER! and more...
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 09/23/2010 05:54:04 PM
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BODY:
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<p>The winner of the EcoLunchGear Giveaway is:</p>
<p><strong>Robyn (bornagnhippy@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; You will receive an email soon!</p>
<p>Those who didn't win, please check the sidebar!&nbsp; <strong>EcoLunchGear is now a sponsor of Modern Alternative Mama</strong> -- our first one!&nbsp; Please click through to see Tina's wonderful products and consider purchasing some of them.&nbsp; Tina is wonderful to work with, and you know that you're getting high quality, green products when you buy from EcoLunchGear.&nbsp; Thanks for your support!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Is Chocolate Good or Bad?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/01/2010 12:00:49 PM
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<a href="www.naturalzing.com"><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/cacao.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285534334532" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 250px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>This post has been entered in <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/10/04/tuesday-twister-14/">Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS</a> and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/10/real-food-wednesday-10610.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/10/06/homemade-spicy-dressing">Wheatless Wednesdays at Naturally Knocked Up</a>!**
<p>Chocolate.</p>
<p>Is it good or bad?&nbsp; There's quite a debate out there about this right now.&nbsp; <strong>Some are saying chocolate is good, because is contains so many antioxidants and flavonols and other "beneficial" chemicals.&nbsp; Others say it's bad, because of its caffeine content and some of the chemicals it contains....</strong>&nbsp; So, clearly, there's disagreement here!&nbsp;</p>
<p>We can all agree on one thing: chocolate <em>candy</em> is bad for you, because of the loads of sugar and additives.&nbsp; No one's going to argue that eating a Hershey bar is good for you (actually, come to think of it, some dieticians have recently made the news for arguing more ridiculous things, like that a marshmallow is better for you than a cup of yogurt...isn't that sad?).&nbsp; But what about good, dark chocolate?</p>
<p><strong>There are really two types of dark chocolate: that which is made as "eating chocolate" and is formed into candy</strong>.&nbsp; We're talking Hershey's Special Dark and other similar chocolates, which really have a rather low percentage of cacao in them (they don't list how much on the label).&nbsp; Non-organic and non-fair-trade varieties fit here, too, which are often processed with <a href="http://www.facts-about-chocolate.com/how-is-chocolate-made.html">solvents and at high temperatures</a>.&nbsp; <strong>The second type is organic, fair-trade, high cacao percentage (60% or higher).</strong></p>
<p>For the first type, there are a <em>lot </em>of steps to the processing, involving quite a lot of crushing, mashing, heating, and more.&nbsp;<strong> This processing decreases nutrients, and unfortunately <a href="http://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-eating-article/processed-chocolate-contains-dangerous-lead-concentrations-study-says/533819">increases lead to dangerous levels</a>.</strong>&nbsp; Often, soy lecithin is added (likely genetically modified) and the cocoa powder is treated with alkaline.&nbsp; For these reasons, this type is probably best avoided.</p>
<p><strong>It's important to note that the "cocoa powder" you buy in the store is <em>not</em> the same as the "raw cacao powder,"</strong> which we'll talk about next.&nbsp; This cocoa powder is created by removing most of the cocoa butter, adding alkaline, and pulverizing the resulting solid block.&nbsp; It's heavily processed and contains chemicals.</p>
<p>What about raw cacao?</p>
<p><strong>Raw cacao is directly from the cacao tree and isn't put through these processing steps.</strong>&nbsp; This is the type that many health conscious writers and researchers have recommended, including Dr. Mercola, Mike Adams (the Health Ranger), and others.&nbsp; However, Sally Fallon doesn't recommend consuming even this type of chocolate, so the controversy isn't over!</p>
<p>Why might Fallon, and others, be against chocolate?&nbsp; Here is a quote from <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/022610.html">Natural News</a> explaining why:</p>
<blockquote><em>In addition, cacao also contains the chemicals phenylethylamine (PEA)  and anandamide. PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that we create  naturally when we're excited. It also plays a role in feeling focused  and alert because it causes your pulse rate to quicken, resulting in a  similar feeling to when we are excited or fall in love!<br /><br />Another  'bliss' chemical found in chocolate is the lipid anandamide. It's there  in our brain when we feel great. Anandamide is also called "chocolate  amphetamine" as it causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar  levels, leading to feelings of excitement and alertness.</em></blockquote>
<p>Chocolate contains <em>many</em> chemicals in and of itself.&nbsp; <strong>I'm not sure that 'causing your pulse rate to quicken' or 'changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels' are necessarily <em>good</em> things.</strong></p>
<p>Additionally, <strong>cacao also contains theobromine, which has caffeine-like effects</strong>.&nbsp; It also effects the n<strong>ervous system (causing hyperactivity and then lethargy; and sometimes headaches) and functions as a diueretic.&nbsp; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobromine#Effects">Theobromine</a> can be addictive, and can stimulate the heart, cause nausea, vomitting, and sleeplessness</strong>.&nbsp; It can also reduce coughing by relaxing smooth muscles, and can be used in the treatment of asthma.</p>
<p>Additionally, <strong>chocolate contains <a href="http://oxalicacidinfo.com/">oxalic acid</a>, which is known to block the absorption of calcium and magnesium</strong>, by binding with them and being excreted in the urine as oxalates.&nbsp; Sugar combined with chocolate makes the issue worse (and even 90% cacao bars contain 10% sugar!).&nbsp; Although it is a naturally occurring compound (also found in spinach and other vegetables), it is not a needed nutrient and too much can be dangerous.&nbsp; In fact, <strong>long-term consumption forms calcium-oxalate, which turn into kidney stones</strong>!&nbsp; While chocolate probably does not contain enough to be detrimental as an occasional treat, it's something to think about.</p>
<p>On the other hand, cacao also has more antioxidants per ounce than almost any other food on the market.&nbsp; <strong>100 grams of raw cacao powder has an ORAC score of 95,500 (antioxidant rating)</strong> vs. only 25,300 in the same amount of Goji berries.</p>
<p><strong>My research tells me that, in a perfect world, we probably wouldn't eat chocolate.&nbsp;</strong> Its potential negative effects outweigh the positives, especially in sensitive individuals (if you get a headache from eating a small amount of dark chocolate -- don't do it anymore!).</p>
<p>If you do consume chocolate, choose only high quality raw cacao and consume it on rare occasions and in small amounts.</p>
<p>Chocolate may be used more successfully as a type of medicine, rather than a food.&nbsp; T<strong>hose who already have calcium deficiencies, kidney stones, hyper-sensitivity to caffeine or theobromine, etc. should simply avoid chocolate.</strong></p>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Do you eat chocolate or not?</strong></p>
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EXCERPT:
Chocolate.</p>
<p>Is it good or bad?&nbsp; There's quite a debate out there about this right now.&nbsp; <strong>Some are saying chocolate is good, because is contains so many antioxidants and flavonols and other "beneficial" chemicals.&nbsp; Others say it's bad, because of its caffeine content and some of the chemicals it contains....</strong>&nbsp; So, clearly, there's disagreement here!&nbsp;
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 10/01/2010 01:32:32 PM
<p>I most definitely eat chocolate. I keep a bag of Hershey Kisses so I can sneak one or two after dinner when I&#39;m craving something sweet. My husband eats the 90% dark chocolate and when I tried it I literally could not swallow it, lol. Blech. I am under no illusion that milk chocolate Hershey bars are at all good for me, but I don&#39;t think a little bit will hurt, either. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.66
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/01/2010 02:31:36 PM
<p>This post makes me wonder what you DO eat. ;)  If raw, unprocessed cacao is so bad for you (because of the *naturally* occurring chemicals?) then my goodness, what is safe?  I&#39;m all for healthy eating, especially staying away from highly processed foods, but this post really seems to take the principle too far.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amber
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.43.194
URL: 
DATE: 10/02/2010 01:17:06 AM
<p>Have you heard of/researched Cold-pressed chocolate? http://cocoeffects.com/ My brother-in-law sells this-his daughter(our niece) was diagnosed last year with PKD(Polycystic Kidney Disease) and cannot have caffeine, this chocolate is never cooked so it does not contain any caffeine and retains 100% of it&#39;s anti-oxidand and nutritional value. It helps with inflammation-and has helped considerably with her pain. Also, when I googled for some information myself I came across another great use-http://www.revolutionhealth.com/stories/stories/show/837f53fa5c6e466a814ce3d8871c05af  Haven&#39;t really researched heavily on the issue myself, but thought it could be something of interest to you if you&#39;d like to look into it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nikkiandlinzi@cox.net
IP: 68.103.238.212
URL: 
DATE: 10/02/2010 04:24:51 AM
<p>I appreciate your article.  Finally somone had the nerve to say something:)  I am very sensitive to any food that is basically toxic and chocolate is most assuredly one of them.  My husband is a kinesiologist and chocolate always shows up toxic on people.  </p><p>I used to want to be a nutritionist but after 10 years of working in a health clinic I became too discouraged because most people don&#39;t want to know the truth.  They want to do what they want, when they want.</p><p>Thanks for what you do, your articles are refreshing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.224.241.56
URL: 
DATE: 10/02/2010 05:15:54 AM
<p>I don&#39;t think I could ever do away with chocolate in my life.  Good or bad I guess it&#39;s best not to be extreme with it like a lot of other things.  I do like the very pure chocolate, and usually will only need one square.  We also use carob in our cooking and we do like it but in a very different way.  It just doesn&#39;t replace a chocolate fix.  We avoid processed foods in our home,  but don&#39;t feel like a few here and there are going to drastically affect us.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/02/2010 12:49:18 PM
<p>Amber,</p><p>No, I&#39;ve never heard of that type of chocolate.  But I do think chocolate has some definite medicinal uses.  I just don&#39;t think we should literally eat &quot;like candy&quot; as we do!</p><p>Emily,</p><p>Not ALL things natural are beneficial to us.  Chocolate is one of those foods that have always kind of been on the fence, like alcohol, tea (to some, although I drink it!), etc.  Anything that contains caffeine or any other type of &quot;drug.&quot;  Certainly I still eat plenty -- meat, eggs, dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains!  I just think that foods that DO contain potent natural chemicals would be best minimized.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 68.238.132.213
URL: 
DATE: 10/03/2010 04:08:26 AM
<p>I love chocolate but my body does not. I started eating more raw foods and came across cacao, and made some yummy treats out of it. My body went out of wack within a week and I ended up with severe adrenal fatigue, which took a few months to recover from. I still notice a difference in my mood when I eat processed chocolate, but I do have it once in awhile, because I crave it. Some people call cacao &quot;crackao&quot;, and I agree, it is like a drug. The bad outweighs the good in it, for me. A good alternative is carob powder, not as bitter as cacao and is good and good for you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: deliciousobsessions@gmail.com
IP: 98.245.78.211
URL: http://www.deliciousobsessions.com
DATE: 10/06/2010 03:04:45 AM
<p>Great post! I am a chocolate lover and it is one thing that I can not give up completely. However, I do eat it in moderation and only eat the highest quality, darkest chocolate I can find. I love that my local health food store sells dark cocoa powder in bulk for a very reasonable price. It&#39;s great to make my own chocolate candies. Only in moderation though! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matilda
EMAIL: matilda78@tiscali.it
IP: 76.127.177.149
URL: http://sickofood.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/06/2010 02:56:17 PM
<p>Chocolate is good!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Raine
EMAIL: raine@agriculturesociety.com
IP: 71.33.12.217
URL: http://www.agriculturesociety.com
DATE: 10/06/2010 03:48:28 PM
<p>Hi Kate - I do love chocolate very much, but I have found that since I started eating real foods, I crave it less, or if I do eat it, I can get away with eating much, much less than I used to. I do keep chocolate around most all the time, but it&#39;s always the organic, fair-trade variety with about 5 ingredients in it. No GMO, no awful chemicals or sweeteners in it. We end up going through a normal-sized bar maybe every two weeks or so. </p><p>Last year I was actually selling a product called Xocai chocolate - something that is a raw, cold-pressed chocolate. The health claims made about this product are fairly large - that its ORAC value is higher than just about any food you could eat, and of course, it is compounded in the chocolate to contain a higher amount that it would in nature - and it also contains the acai berry. I had a hard time selling this chocolate because it was so expensive and many people simply couldn&#39;t afford it (yeah, $130 a month), and neither could I. And while it does taste good and I&#39;m sure it has *some* health benefit to it...I&#39;m not convinced that it&#39;s a health food that actually cures various diseases like Diabetes, tooth problems, etc. I mean, good grief, it does contain sugar (albeit evaporated cane juice), but I just don&#39;t see how that could make those health issues *better*. I think real food goes a long way toward that, and more than something like chocolate. This product is actually billed as not being a candy, but like a vegetable! I also believe what Rami Nagel says about chocolate - that it contains nutrient inhibitors like phytic acid and can actually prevent our bodies from absorbing nutrients. So I continue to love chocolate, but eat the best I can find, and sparingly.   :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: elaine
EMAIL: bbenson_5328@yahoo.com
IP: 72.148.220.114
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 05:55:45 PM
<p>Oy - I am a chocoholic  :(   I eat organic semi-sweet morsels out of the bag.  We&#39;ve joked (but I guess it&#39;s really no joking matter) about me getting an IV drip!  I really would love to decrease the amount I eat (which is waaaay too much - daily)  but kicking the habit has proved very difficult.  I&#39;ve always been thankful I never started smoking or got too far over into drinking because I have some idea of what addiction is about with this.  I&#39;ve made so many other positive changes that I hope I&#39;m mitigating at least some of the negative effects and I keep hoping I reach that magical point (like some others have suggested) that it just won&#39;t have as strong a hold on me.  Any suggestions for specific foods that help??  Or am I just gonna have to do it the old fashioned way and go cold turkey??</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.224.241.56
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 05:59:13 AM
<p>I don&#39;t think you have to go cold turkey.  I agree with a previous poster, as you move more whole good foods into your diet/life you will start seeing a craving for less chocolate.  You might relate to this though.  Today, enroute to another city an hour away, I stopped at the usual place to pick up our raw milk.  They were out.  We did buy two raw milk cream though.  In disappointment over the milk, I walked into another store a bought two Dr. Pepper Dublins, and some homemade honeycomb candy.  I ended up getting about 1 ounce of the soda, and I&#39;m fine with it.<br/>After an hour drive realized that I left the honeycomb candy behind.  I really thought I&#39;d freak since I don&#39;t get anything like this often, but you know, I didn&#39;t.  A year ago I would have.  So, I&#39;ve progressed and today proves it.<br/>I may have to eat a whole wheat carob chip muffin which is stashed in the freezer for emergencies.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Kombucha: Brewing Tips and Hints
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/02/2010 12:00:57 PM
-----
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="commons.wikimedia.org"><img src="/storage/kombucha.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286024808538" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 167px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/10/saving-my-milk-money-frugal-friday.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeasmom%2FoGdA+%28Life+as+Mom%29">Frugal Fridays at Life as MOM</a>!**</p>
<p>When I first wrote about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">Kombucha</a>, I had only just started brewing it.&nbsp; I had been drinking it for a few months and was so intrigued with it that I just couldn't wait to share!&nbsp; Of course, telling all of you how to brew it when I'd only made a couple of batches is basically the blind leading the blind...not the best idea, right?</p>
<p>Anyway, now I've brewed countless batches.&nbsp; In fact, <strong>I brew 5 gallons about every two weeks, and have done so for almost 6 months</strong>!&nbsp; I have a better idea of what I'm doing now, that's for sure. :)&nbsp; I thought it was time for an update, time to share with you what I have learned.</p>
<p>Kombucha is a bit finicky.&nbsp; One batch can be excellent, and the next batch only so-so.&nbsp; I always love it and drink it, regardless.&nbsp; But I've figured out a few things that help to keep the kombucha pretty tasty, week after week.</p>
<p>First, let's go over the basic procedure again:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 gallon filtered water</li>
<li>8 tea bags (individual)</li>
<li>1 cup sugar (white is fine)</li>
<li>1/2 - 1 cup plain kombucha</li>
<li>1 SCOBY</li>
<li>1 gallon-sized glass jar</li>
<li>1 tea towel</li>
<li>1 rubberband</li>
</ul>
<p>First, boil some of the water.&nbsp;<strong> Add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.&nbsp; Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.</strong>&nbsp; <strong>Pour the tea into the glass jar </strong>and add the remaining water (this is to cool it quickly; you <em>can</em> boil all the water and just wait for it cool down on its own; it just takes longer).&nbsp; <strong>Once it is cool, add the brewed kombucha to the jar</strong>, too (this is so the pH is lowered and mold doesn't grow).&nbsp; With <em>clean</em> hands, <strong>place the SCOBY on top of the tea</strong>.&nbsp; It may sink down in; this is fine.&nbsp; <strong>Put a towel over the top of the jar and secure it with a rubberband</strong>.&nbsp; Kombucha requires oxygen to brew but you want to keep the bugs out (if you put an air-tight cover on it, it will turn to alcohol!).</p>
<p>Leave the kombucha for 5 - 14 days, depending on the strength you like, the ambient temperature, etc.&nbsp; We like 9 - 12 days the best, and I usually bottle at either 11 or 12 days.</p>
<p>So now I have a few tips for you!&nbsp; And then I'll get to the bottling part. :)</p>
<p><strong>1) Use a "fresh" SCOBY</strong></p>
<p>For my first couple of batches, I had the SCOBY sitting in the fridge for a week or two before use.&nbsp; This seemed to produce a bitter, yeasty kombucha.&nbsp; I have not had this problem since I began doing my brews consistently, always starting either immediately or within a couple days.</p>
<p><strong>2) Brew for the shorter lengths of time at first; then extend it as you adjust</strong></p>
<p>You may find that, if you choose to leave your brew for 12 days the first time out, that it is too strong in both flavor and potency (effects) for you.&nbsp; Try leaving it only 5 - 7 days at first, and slowly increasing the time as you get used to both drinking and brewing.&nbsp; Kombucha can cause powerful detox in new drinkers.&nbsp; Even though I'd been drinking it several weeks when I began brewing, I still sometimes had headaches and stomachaches when I tried to brew mine too long initially.</p>
<p><strong>3) Add up to 2 cups of brewed kombucha to each new batch; the more you use, the more consistent your brew</strong></p>
<p>The more kombucha you use from your previous batch, the more consistent your brew will be.&nbsp; This means solid flavor, good carbonation, and more.&nbsp; I found my brews were frequently lacking flavor and carbonation when I used only a small amount (the required 1/2 cup) of brewed kombucha in my new batch.</p>
<p><strong>4) When bottling, leave a bit of space at the top so that carbonation can form</strong></p>
<p>Carbonation was also lacking when I completely filled my bottles.&nbsp; Leaving a tiny bit of head room for the gases to expand in helped this problem.</p>
<p><strong>5) Bottled kombucha should, ideally, "age" about 3 days at room temperature and an additional week in a cool place.</strong></p>
<p>We also noted that the best flavor and carbonation were developed after 3 days sitting at room temperature and an additional week in the fridge.&nbsp; We always found that the "early" bottles we drank were disappointing, but by the time we reached the end of the batch they were pretty good!&nbsp; In an ideal world I'd get ahead of it so I'd always have "old" bottles to drink, but we just drink too much of it for this to happen!</p>
<p><strong>6) Kombucha seems to <em>really</em> like lemon juice.</strong></p>
<p>I've noted lately with some of my new flavor experiments that the kombucha seems to really like lemon juice.&nbsp; In the flavors which used the lemon juice, the baby SCOBYs (the gelatinous side, not the brown stringy side) grew very quickly and very large once bottled.&nbsp; 5 - 10 times as large as in other flavors!</p>
<p><strong>7) Don't strain your kombucha before bottling</strong></p>
<p>Removing all those beneficial floaties can leave you with fewer benefits and less carbonation, so don't do that!!&nbsp; You can remove some of the floaties at the time you're ready to drink it, if they bother you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Bottling the Kombucha</strong></p>
<p>I have made several different flavors of kombucha now: grape, strawberry, cranberry, lemon-lime, and "gingerale."&nbsp; Our favorites are grape and gingerale!&nbsp; The strawberry and cranberry flavors were actually <em>really</em> underwhelming.&nbsp; The flavors were so faint it was hardly even worth it.&nbsp; I definitely didn't notice the overpowering, bitter cranberry flavor when I used that, even though it <em>was</em> 100% cranberry juice.</p>
<p><strong>To bottle, you need to do these things</strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li>Set up a workspace with all your tools, realizing it's going to get messy.&nbsp; I put a towel down before I set my stuff up (picture below).</li>
<li>Set the SCOBY in a small container and cover it with some kombucha.</li>
<li>Pour 1 ounce of juice into each 16-oz. bottle (or, if you bottle in larger containers, a proportionate amount).&nbsp; You can skip this step if you want plain.</li>
<li>Fill the bottles <em>almost</em> all the way with kombucha.</li>
<li>Screw the caps on tightly.</li>
<li>Set the bottles aside to age 2 - 3 days before placing in the fridge.</li>
<li>Restart your new batches.</li>
</ol>
<p>Done!&nbsp; This process should take you approximately 10 minutes per gallon.</p>
<p><strong>For flavors:</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Grape</span>: 1 ounce 100% organic grape juice</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Strawberry:</span> 1 ounce pureed strawberries (can use frozen, but thaw first)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lemon-lime:</span> 1 tbsp. EACH lemon and lime juices, freshly squeezed</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gingerale:</span> 1 tbsp. EACH lemon and lime juices OR 2 tbsp. lemon juice + 2 - 3 slices fresh ginger</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cranberry:</span> 1 ounce 100% organic cranberry juice</p>
<p>You can use 1 ounce of any fruit juice you'd like.&nbsp; These amounts are all for 16-oz. bottles.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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EXCERPT:
When I first wrote about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">Kombucha</a>, I had only just started brewing it.&nbsp; I had been drinking it for a few months and was so intrigued with it that I just couldn't wait to share!&nbsp; Of course, telling all of you how to brew it when I'd only made a couple of batches is basically the blind leading the blind...not the best idea, right?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: candbgom@yahoo.com
IP: 24.32.19.242
URL: 
DATE: 10/02/2010 06:00:06 PM
<p>Thanks for the update. I bought a SCOBY from Cultures for Health and so far have not had good results. The SCOBY has not reproduced yet either in the initial rehydration stage or in the subsequent batch. Following their instructions it can take up to 30 days for this to happen, but the Kombucha was so strong that we couldn&#39;t drink it and still had no baby. Did you start with a dehydrated culture? Maybe it just takes several batches for it to start reproducing? The only thing it did was create some white foam on the top and lots of brown stringy particles on the bottom of the jar.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cindy (FarmgirlCyn)
EMAIL: cindy50@altelco.net
IP: 216.176.10.128
URL: 
DATE: 10/02/2010 08:12:19 PM
<p>I have been brewing kombucha for about the same amt. of time as you, but haven&#39;t really ventured out into too many flavors. I ALWAYS add pieces of fresh ginger to my 2nd ferments, and I have experimented with also adding nectarine slices and most recently concord grapes. I love it, but am the only one in the family who does! So....I have sold some to fellow CSA members, and get to drink as much as I want!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 174.19.246.88
URL: 
DATE: 10/03/2010 04:40:32 AM
<p>So...if I let my kombucha brew for, say, 3 weeks, is it still usable or did I kill my SCOBY?  I haven&#39;t tried bottling it like that yet, what kind of bottles do you use?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Hannah Crum
EMAIL: kombuchakamp@gmail.com
IP: 76.202.70.171
URL: http://www.KombuchaKamp.com
DATE: 10/06/2010 02:46:28 AM
<p>Great post!  Lots of clear tips for the homebrewers out there.  :)</p><p>If anyone is looking for more info on Kombucha, including interviews, flavoring tips and recipes, I run a blog called <a href="http://www.kombuchakamp.com" rel="nofollow">Kombucha Kamp</a>.  It&#39;s free!</p><p>I&#39;ll be back here to check out more tips.  Cool blog!</p><p>Thanks Kate!</p><p>Hannah Crum</p><p>P.S. Hey Karolee,</p><p>3 weeks, a month, 2 months, it doesn&#39;t matter how long you brew, you&#39;ll never kill the SCOBY as long as you keep it wet with Kombucha or even sweet tea.  Be brave and take a sip of the &quot;old&quot; Kombucha - you might like it!  As for bottles, any bottles around the house that will hold carbonation.  You can invest in Flip Top bottles if you decide you like them.  :)<br/>(Sorry Kate, can&#39;t help but help.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Johnlyn
EMAIL: jaebroeder@yahoo.com
IP: 209.159.197.87
URL: http://www.hummingbirdhomemaking.com/
DATE: 10/08/2010 07:20:25 PM
<p>Do you know how the taste of Kombucha compares to water kefir?</p><p>I recently started brewing kefir and it&#39;s awesome! I&#39;m wondering if there is any difference between the two.</p><p>Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/09/2010 12:07:58 AM
<p>Johnlyn,</p><p>It&#39;s definitely different.  We never perfected the water kefir and it&#39;s been awhile since I&#39;ve had any.  It always seemed more &quot;yeasty&quot; to me.  The kombucha tastes more like pop, with a vinegar-ish aftertaste.  Home-brewed kombucha has much less of that than commercial, though, and is sweeter.  I personally prefer kombucha but there are many who feel the opposite!  Depends on your tastebuds and what fits in your lifestyle (i.e. kombucha takes much longer to brew, water kefir is fast, etc.).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/09/2010 12:12:20 AM
<p>Christy,</p><p>I didn&#39;t use a rehydrated culture, no.  I got a &quot;regular&quot; one.  But I&#39;d just keep brewing with it, knowing that your first few batches probably won&#39;t be as good as later batches.  Keep any babies that do start to form and keep brewing with those too!  That&#39;s what that white foam and brown strings are -- the beginning of a new culture!</p><p>Hannah,</p><p>Thanks for helping!</p><p>Karolee,</p><p>As Hannah said, as long as it&#39;s in tea, no, you can&#39;t kill the SCOBY.  It might be pretty sour and vinegary now, but you can always taste it!  The more I brew, the longer I leave it.  I only liked it at 7ish days at first, but now I routinely leave it 12 or so.  It&#39;s cooler now, too, of course, and that factors in.  I have old G.T. Dave&#39;s bottles I often use, and also clear flip-top ones from a home brewing store.  I like both.  The flip-top ones will be easier to come by, what with the recall right now!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: wyne
EMAIL: wyne_pz@yahoo.com
IP: 112.202.36.48
URL: http://makekombucha.org/
DATE: 10/30/2010 07:18:02 AM
<p><a href="http://makekombucha.org/e" rel="nofollow">Make Your Own Kombucha</a></p><p>Some call it a tea, some call it an elixir, some just call it hard to find. For many, it&#39;s a miracle. It&#39;s been used around the world for hundreds of years to help restore balance and vitality.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.228
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 01:47:17 AM
<p>Thanks for the tips! I&#39;ve been straining mine before bottling because I was having some serious floaties. I&#39;ll stop doing that and try straining just before drinking. </p><p>My favorite flavor is the strawberry! I put about  2-3 whole strawberries (fresh or frozen) in a 16 oz bottle before pouring the kombucha on top. The kombucha turns a pretty red-pink color and tastes wonderful to me. When I use the frozen strawberries, I don&#39;t even thaw them. It doesn&#39;t seem to hurt my kombucha.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidinelson621@yahoo.com
IP: 71.222.67.205
URL: http://www.highdesertheartstrings.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/03/2011 02:44:42 AM
<p>I was going to ask you if yours has a big of a vinegarish taste--mine certainly does but since I&#39;m new to kombucha I didn&#39;t know if that was to be expected.  I&#39;ve been making water kefir sodas for about a year and it definitely has a more yeasty taste, less acidic.  Right now I&#39;m experimenting with some Yerba Mate kombucha instead of tea, so far so good!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/03/2011 03:11:19 AM
<p>Heidi,</p><p>Yes, somewhat vinegar-ish is normal.  Depending on how long you brew it, it will be more or less.  Sometimes mine is a bit sweet, sometimes not so much.  I prefer it less so!</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Preventing Breast Cancer
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/04/2010 12:00:57 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/breast%20cancer%20ribbon.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286129994592" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/10/monday-mania-1042010.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a> and <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/10/wfmw-entertaining-even-when-youre-reluctant/">Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family</a>!**</p>
<p>In honor of National Breast Cancer month, I thought I'd take this one on. :)&nbsp; Most of the information we're hearing in the mainstream media and from conventional doctors does <em>not</em> actually focus on prevention.&nbsp; If anything, it focuses on detection.&nbsp; There are a host of problems with this approach, not the least being that it <em>does not save anyone from cancer!</em></p>
<p>There are, however, ways to truly prevent breast (and other forms of) cancer.&nbsp; I think it's extremely important to discuss them, and what better time than Breast Cancer Month?</p>
<p><strong>1) Do NOT Get Mammograms</strong></p>
<p>Sound counter-intuitive?&nbsp; It's not.&nbsp; Yearly mammograms are a huge source of radiation.&nbsp; They also squish the breast tissue and can cause damage.&nbsp; Avoiding <em>any</em> unnecessary sources of radiation (which, under most circumstances, is <em>all</em> of them) will help to prevent breast cancer.&nbsp; Besides, mammograms are <em>not</em> about prevention.&nbsp; They are only about detection.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/029839_mammograms_risk.html">Studies show they are not particularly effective</a>, anyway.&nbsp; Instead, you can <a href="http://www.preventcancer.com/patients/mammography/ijhs_mammography.htm">perform monthly self-exams</a> and get yearly manual exams by a health care provider.&nbsp; This is a <em>safe</em> alternative for those who are worried, and will certainly allow follow-up testing if anything is found.</p>
<p><strong>2) Have adequate vitamin D levels (and get adequate sunlight)</strong></p>
<p>This, too, might sound weird.&nbsp; (Though if you've been reading this blog for any length of time it won't.)&nbsp; Cancer rates are <em>higher</em> in the north because of limited sun exposure, which leads to <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/study-vitamin-d-kills-cancer-cells/story?id=9904415">vitamin D</a> deficiency.&nbsp; Sunlight is the absolute best source of vitamin D; nearly all foods are low in it.&nbsp; We were never meant to get <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/720996">vitamin D</a> from foods or supplements; we were meant to get it from the sun!&nbsp; Get out in direct sunlight for 20 - 30 minutes a day, or until you begin to turn pink.&nbsp; Some evidence suggests you should not shower (with soap) immediately after sun exposure, as this could mess with the mechanism that produces the <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/23/vitamin-d-part-five.aspx">vitamin D</a>.&nbsp; You can get your levels tested to see where you stand.&nbsp; 60 - 80 ng/mL is ideal.&nbsp; If you are very low and can't get out in the sun, fermented cod liver oil will help bring your levels up. <em>(The links here are all different.)</em></p>
<p><strong>3) Limit the time you wear a bra</strong></p>
<p>This one I found interesting!&nbsp; Wearing a tight bra (as many of us do) prevents the flow of fluids in the tissues so that any toxins can be excreted from the body.&nbsp; Women who wore a bra <a href="http://www.007b.com/breast-cancer-prevention.php">24 hours a day had 150 <em>times</em> the risk, compared to women who "rarely" or "never" wore a bra</a>!&nbsp; That is 15,000% increased risk!&nbsp; Limit your bra-wearing time and choose a soft bra that allows fluids to move around when you do wear one, at least most of the time!</p>
<p><strong>4) Maintain a healthy diet, full of excellent fats (especially omega-3s)</strong></p>
<p>Science has conclusively shown that we, as a country, eat far too many omega-6 fats.&nbsp; We need more <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=news&amp;dbid=50">omega-3s, which seem to show protection against many diseases, cancer included</a>.&nbsp; Fish oil is a good source of omega-3s.&nbsp; However, diet should also contain plenty of saturated fats from healthy animal sources (pastured pigs, pastured cows -- both butter and tallow) and also some plant sources (coconut oil, palm kernel oil).&nbsp; Don't consume any vegetable oils (except extra virgin olive oil) or hydrogenated fats.&nbsp; It is also important to eat full-fat dairy (preferably raw), plenty of fruits and vegetables (a good variety of organics), meat, and whole grains (properly prepared by sprouting, soaking, or sourdough).&nbsp; Notice I list grains last -- because they should be a small addition, not the base of your diet.&nbsp; <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/18/soy-can-damage-your-health.aspx">Unfermented soy should also be avoided </a>as it mimics estrogen and can raise your risk of cancer.</p>
<p>Eating a wide variety of food is crucial because studies have shown protection from blueberries, broccoli, garlic, and a large number of different foods.&nbsp; Including them all in your diet over time will help offer the most protection!</p>
<p><strong>5) Maintain or achieve a healthy weight</strong></p>
<p>Women who are <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12915038/">overweight have increased risk of cancer</a>.&nbsp; It is important to achieve a healthy weight, or maintain it.&nbsp; If you are eating a real healthy diet (see above), you will likely not struggle with this.</p>
<p><strong>6) Avoid the birth control pill or other sources of synthetic hormones</strong></p>
<p>Synthetic hormones have been proven to raise the risk of cancer, both through<a href="http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=38517"> birth control pills</a> and through <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/health/pill-and-hrt-drugs-cause-cancer-say-researchers/2005/07/30/1122144056410.html">Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)</a> in menopausal women.&nbsp; Avoiding them entirely is best.&nbsp; Practice Natural Family Planning or use barrier methods for birth control instead.</p>
<p><strong>7) Breastfeed</strong></p>
<p>Breastfeeding a total of 2 years out of a woman's life has been shown to have a protective effect against breast cancer.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA345324">The longer you breastfeed, the lower your risk of cancer!</a>&nbsp; (This is you, the mother, breastfeeding a baby...having been breastfed yourself also seems to lower your risk of cancer, but this time we're talking about you doing the feeding.)&nbsp; Interestingly, having more babies also seems to lower the risk of cancer.</p>
<p><strong>The real truth is...if you are leading a healthy lifestyle (with a healthy diet -- and NOT what the mainstream says is a healthy diet!, breastfeeding, healthy weight, etc.) your risk of cancer is quite low.</strong>&nbsp; It is every time you deviate from this healthy lifestyle that your risk of cancer goes <em>up.</em></p>
<p>Yes.&nbsp; It's really true that choosing a less healthy lifestyle <em>increases</em> your risk of cancer, rather than that each healthy choice decreases it.&nbsp; Cancer is not natural, we are not "supposed" to get it.&nbsp; Unfortunately, articles like<a href="http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-risk-factors"> this one</a> do a huge disservice to the population.&nbsp; They minimize preventable risk factors by saying "Well, but that's subjective and probably doesn't really factor in too heavily" and focus on non-preventable risk factors, like age or gender.&nbsp; In essence, they make it look like you have no control over whether or not you get cancer, and that couldn't be further from the truth!&nbsp; It's likely that organizations such as this and striving to <em>not</em> place blame on individuals (and they mean well), but they have gone way too far.&nbsp; Yes, your lifestyle and choices matter -- a lot!&nbsp; Yes, you do have control over whether or not you get cancer (in almost all cases)!&nbsp; <strong>No, cancer is not something that "just happens" to you for no reason!</strong></p>
<p>With that said, many are unfotrunately unaware of what a true healthy lifestyle looks like!&nbsp; Search around this site to learn more!</p>
<p><strong>What do you do to prevent cancer?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.156.126
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/05/2010 03:39:07 AM
<p>What a wonderful post. I was so thrilled to see how well I do - but still have a ways to go. I drive with my sunroof open and my window down to get all the vit. D I can when I am out doing my abundance of errands. I will miss this in the winter. <br/>Oh, and who knew, not getting dressed until lunch was helping prevent breast cancer. I may never change out of my jammies at home again! LOL</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/05/2010 04:42:25 AM
<p>Amen!  Great post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nikkiandlinzi@cox.net
IP: 68.103.238.212
URL: 
DATE: 10/05/2010 09:33:12 AM
<p>Once again, nice job:)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Raine
EMAIL: raine@agriculturesociety.com
IP: 71.220.150.144
URL: http://www.agriculturesociety.com
DATE: 10/05/2010 09:43:14 PM
<p>Hi Kate - this is a great post, and one that I really hope women will read and contemplate carefully. It&#39;s so important to make good choices for health, and not follow the mammogram directive just because that&#39;s what everyone does. I had two mammograms when I was under 40 for a breast lump, and it was found to be benign, and they still want me to continue to get mammograms anyway - even though I have no previous history in my family of breast cancer, no previous personal history of cancer, and no malignant findings. I have found their methods to be preposterous and silly. Here is my post I wrote about this:</p><p>http://www.agriculturesociety.com/?p=1746</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amber
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.43.194
URL: 
DATE: 10/05/2010 11:13:50 PM
<p>LOVE this post. I agree with you completely-focus should be on prevention rather than detection! What a great way to pay tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness! Thanks for sharing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jenstate17@gmail.com
IP: 24.98.187.56
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 01:06:05 AM
<p>Great info about personal responsibility and health. While there are some genetic cancers and gene mutations that do occur, there is a lot we do have control over! Here</a> is an article about a holistic approach to breast cancer and the benefits of krill oil, an even better form of Omega 3s.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/06/2010 01:06:28 AM
<p>Great post, I agree 100% that there are a lot of healthy things we can do to prevent cancer. I read a post from dr. Mercola, about using a natural safe way of checking your breasts for lumps or other things. Its called thermography, here is a link to it. I found it very interesting....and I never even knew before a few months that mammograms were bad for you... the more we live the more we know...!  http://search.mercola.com/results.aspx?k=mammogram , have a great day!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ali
EMAIL: eatingreal@gmail.com
IP: 205.133.191.253
URL: http://letseatreal.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/07/2010 01:12:02 AM
<p>This is tough for me, because I work for a women&#39;s health center which does diagnostic mammograms. I unfortunately see women every day who haven&#39;t kept up with screenings, or have ignored problems they&#39;ve spotted - and they get diagnosed with cancer. That&#39;s not to say everyone does, certainly not, but it can be heartbreaking to tell a 32 year old young mother that she has advanced cancer.</p><p>The doctor I work for does strongly support alternative/natural/holistic methods and she is much more vigilant than others about exposure to radiation - she is stringent with the technologists about taking the minimum views necessary to limit exposure. I think it&#39;s great that she recommends diet changes and supplements to her patients for a variety of breast issues (like fibrocystic breasts), rather than jumping straight to biopsies and surgeries. Still, I think mammography is a necessary tool - particularly with most of the population, which is exposed to considerable risk factors like hormones, caffeine, poor diet, etc. In a perfect world, we wouldn&#39;t need it (or it would be very rare, in the least), but as it stands right now, I do think that it&#39;s necessary for most Americans. Until we can more effectively combat the *causes* of breast cancer, it&#39;s important to screen for it so it&#39;s not able to reach the stage where you can&#39;t combat it (whether that&#39;s through alternative/natural/holistic methods, traditional medicine, or a combination of the two).</p><p>A note about thermography - the radiologist I work for doesn&#39;t feel confident in it yet. I&#39;ve not had the chance to have her explain her reservations fully, but her view right now seems to be not to rely fully on it. It seems like there&#39;s not yet sufficient proof of effectiveness, and particularly for diagnostic concerns, it could be woefully inadequate. She seems to see potential in it, but she&#39;s concerned people will rely on it and the hype before it&#39;s actually been proven reliable. Something to keep an eye on, definitely - but I&#39;d wait to see hard numbers about its accuracy before switching to it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lynn
EMAIL: lwalker@truevine.net
IP: 71.116.70.166
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 02:16:43 AM
<p>I really appreciated this post, especially the information about mammograms, which is new to me but just sounds right.  Thanks for sharing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/07/2010 10:26:26 PM
<p>Ali,</p><p>I understand your point, but I disagree.  I think that the best solution -- given the current state of things -- is that women should do monthly self-exams and see their doctors for yearly MANUAL exams.  If and ONLY if there is concern, should they get a mammogram.  Studies show this is just as safe, if not safer, than just getting annual mammograms!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alanna
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.164.181.31
URL: 
DATE: 10/12/2010 04:55:03 PM
<p>Awesome post!  Some of the things that we do are:  ensure our water filter takes out the hormones in our water supply (as well as flourine and chlorine), and we avoid gmo&#39;s, soy, msg, processed foods, and pesticides as much as we can afford to.  Educating our children (at the proper time) about the effects of oral contraceptives, abortion (the link between abortion and cancer), and leading a healthy, active lifestyle are all equally important.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Seventh Generation Anti-Bacterial Product Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 10/05/2010 12:00:09 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.seventhgeneration.com"><img src="/storage/Seventh Gen disinfectant.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286133482283" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 260px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>Recently I was given the chance to try out a new Seventh Generation product: t<strong>heir new antibacterial line!</strong>&nbsp; I'll admit I was hesitant to even agree to try it when I heard the word "antibacterial" because I don't believe in these products, generally.&nbsp; They increase bacterial resistance, they absorb into your skin and kill your healthy gut flora (I had a nurse tell me this once), and many aren't particularly effective to boot.&nbsp; <strong>But the Seventh Generation products stand out because they don't use a man-made chemical to kill bacteria; they use oregano essential oil!</strong>&nbsp; I was too intrigued by that idea to pass them up, so, here we are.</p>
<p>Seventh Generation sent me a kit that included their Multi-Surface Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Disinfecting Wipes, Tote Bag, and Papertowels.&nbsp; I was able to review all of these items so I can tell you what I think!&nbsp; (Because you know you love it....)</p>
<p>Here are the ingredients in their Multi-Surface Cleaner:</p>
<blockquote><em>Thymol (component of thyme oil), Sodium lauryl sulfate (palm kernel or coconut-derived cleaning agent), copper sulfate pentahydrate (bluestone) (mineral derived water mineralizer), <cite title="cornstarch-derived water softener">citric acid</cite> and <cite title="provides stability and pH balance; water softener">sodium citrate</cite> (cornstarch derived water softeners), essential oils and botanical extracts* (origanum vulgare (oregano) oil, cedrus atlantica (blue atlas cedar) bark oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) fruit extract, mentha citrata (orange bergamot mint) leaf extract, <cite title="water">aqua</cite> (water)</em></blockquote>
<p>So, hmm.&nbsp; <strong>There are a couple that give me pause.&nbsp; "Sodium lauryl sulfate" would be at the top of that list.</strong>&nbsp; According to their website (and other sources), it may be 'derived from palm kernel or coconut oil' but it's actually created by adding some form of petroleum.&nbsp; So, yes, this chemical still contains petroleum and it is one of the major cleaning agents.&nbsp; I'm also not entirely sure what "copper sulfate pentahydrate" is.&nbsp; Everything else is clearly recognizable and mainly essential oils and that's fine!</p>
<p>Seventh Generation reassures customers that SLS is safe.&nbsp; I'm not so sure.&nbsp; In all honesty, if I were looking to buy a natural cleaner, I'd probably skip this one for that reason.</p>
<p><strong>That's not to say that this wasn't without its benefits, though.</strong>&nbsp; Here's a summary of what I liked about the product:</p>
<ul>
<li>Strong oregano essential oil smell (no chemical smell!)</li>
<li>Works very well</li>
<li>Easy to use (especially with my microfiber cloths!)</li>
<li>Doesn't leave residue or stickiness</li>
</ul>
<p>So the product works very well.&nbsp; It smells of essential oils, not chemicals.&nbsp; Even tough, yucky stuff that wouldn't come off with most cleaners was coming off with this, if I just let it sit for a minute.&nbsp; I got a lot of the dusty, sticky stuff off the hood of my oven with this stuff.&nbsp; And I definitely think it's safer than a lot of the chemicals I used to use for that sort of cleaning....</p>
<p><strong>The bottom line is, I probably wouldn't consider it as safe as other cleaners.</strong>&nbsp; I probably wouldn't want it for everyday, basic cleaning.&nbsp; But I would use it for special jobs when other cleaners weren't working, if something was really dirty, if I felt the need to sanitize something, etc.&nbsp; <strong>I would consider it a safe "specialty" cleaner.</strong></p>
<p>Seventh Generation has also offered the same prize pack to one of my readers!&nbsp; Would you like to try Seventh Generation's new antibacterial cleaners?</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit<a href="http://www.seventhgeneration.com"> Seventh Generation</a> and tell me why you like their products and why you would like to try these new ones. <strong>(REQUIRED)</strong></li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> (or tell me you already do)</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a></li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/seventhgen">Seventh Generation</a> on Twitter</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Facebook</a> and post something to my wall</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SeventhGeneration">Seventh Generation</a> on Facebook</li>
<li>Join my <a href="forum.modernalternativemama.com">forum</a> and introduce yourself, OR, if you already have, create a new post!&nbsp; (telling me you already joined does NOT count, you must interact in a new way!)</li>
<li>Tell me your favorite recent post or new feature!</li>
</ol>
<p>There are 8 possible entries!&nbsp; And if you do them ALL, I will give you one extra entry!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.89.17
URL: 
DATE: 10/05/2010 05:33:36 PM
<p>I really like seventh generation because their products are healthier for my family. my favorite product is their diapers, because they are chlorine and latex free, and fit my baby really well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.5.181
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 05:50:02 AM
<p>I like the seventh generation products because because they offer a healthy alternative to regular cleaning products.  I would like to try the new ones to see how well they work.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.5.181
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 05:50:55 AM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: natasha m
EMAIL: dyalsandhu@hotmail.com
IP: 98.236.56.109
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 11:28:13 AM
<p>I am a facebook fan and like any green natural and safe product thus seventh genreation products are idal ane=d enviromentally safe</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 12:22:24 PM
<p>I like their products because I think of them as a better alternative to traditional household cleaners</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 12:34:00 PM
<p>I&#39;m a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.5.181
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 05:55:18 PM
<p>I like seventh generation products because they are all natural</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.5.181
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 05:55:48 PM
<p>I get your blog by email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 11:39:23 PM
<p>I like Seventh Generation because I know I am doing the best I can to protect my family from the &#39;bad&#39; stuff.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 11:46:08 PM
<p>I subscribe to you by e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 166.137.8.60
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 12:03:08 AM
<p>I like Seventh Generation products because they are an effective, safer way to clean my home.  I&#39;m excited about the new products because I lovethe smell of oil of oregano, which I sometimes use on a sore throat.  Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 166.137.8.60
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 12:10:51 AM
<p>I subscribe to the blog via email.  Thanks!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Choosing Homebirth
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/06/2010 12:00:51 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><img src="/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286323072211" alt="" /></p>
<p>Today's post is very special! I have asked several people who experienced home birth in some way -- whether they were successful, or planned one and ended up transferring to the hospital -- to share their experiences with you today. This post is meant to allow you to see into the minds and hearts of those who planned home births. It's meant to help you decide if home birth is something that you should pursue. It's <em>not</em> meant to say that home birth is for everyone; you'll see clearly from the experiences presented here that not <em>everyone</em> was pleased! But it will definitely help you learn more about home birth!</p>
<p>Our moms are Lindsey, Catie, Becka, Liesel, and Cassie.&nbsp; All of these moms were planning a home birth (i.e. there were no accidents!).&nbsp; They were asked a series of seven questions about their experience, and this is what they had to say:</p>
<p><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How did you originally find out about homebirth?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- I Googled "birth center in Columbus, OH" and <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a>'s website came up. I never would have imagined that home birth was a reality for me, but as soon as I found <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a> I knew I had to do it.</p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- When pregnant with child #1 in 2007, I knew I wanted a midwife, how I'm not sure. I must have known that midwives practiced more 'naturally' than OB's, even though I knew absolutely nothing about pregnancy or childbirth. At the time I d<span class="text_exposed_show">idn't know the difference between a CPM versus CNM. I signed up with a CNM &amp; asked if she did homebirth (I read on her website that she did) but my insurance wouldn't cover it. During that 1st pregnancy I became fascinated with pregnancy &amp; birth! Hospitals seemed an odd place to have a baby (aside from known risk factors). After DD's birth, I befriended women on Facebook that have homebirthed; it was an inspiration to me &amp; a refreshing idea! Not long afterwards I was quite unexpectedly pregnant again with child #2, &amp; was determined to have a homebirth.</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- While TTC in '09 I talked to a lot of moms while looking for a provider in this area. One mom had had a successful homebirth and loved it and another was preparing for one. The more I heard about <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a> and what we could have during la<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">bor, birth, and afterwards, the more we knew it was what we wanted.</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel </em>-- I was born at home and my sister also had her boys with midwives (one at a midwive's house in Germany and one at home in the States.</p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- I don't remember how I knew it was an option. I just knew I wanted to have a natural birth.</p>
<p><strong>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How did you decide it was for you?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- It just made sense--I wanted my birth experi<span class="text_exposed_show">ence to be perfect--I wanted to feel good about it. I *know* the most important part is having a healthy baby, no matter how s/he gets here...but for me, the delivery was a very important part, too. I knew that I would be really, really disappointed and upset if I wound up not having a natural, vaginal delivery. Of course I'd be happy with my healthy baby, but I would have felt sadness and regret if I'd ended up with a c-section or unnecessary interventions. I wanted to be in control, I wanted to let my body do its thing. I trusted my body and my baby (and, eventually, my midwives!), I believe birth is a natural process that doesn't need intervention most of the time (of course there are some women who need the help of doctors and a hospital, but I didn't believe myself to be one of them). I didn't want unnecessary interventions or a c-section. I was afraid of losing control in a hospital environment--having things forced upon me, having my baby taken to the nursery, bathed unnecessarily or given a bottle, crying alone in an isolette while being poked and prodded. I hated the idea of being separated from him for routine checks (I know that some hospitals do the newborn checks in-room, but you often have to fight for it)--I wanted to hold him during his checks, I wanted to be the one to warm him, not blankets and a bed with a bright light...I wanted to comfort him immediately, never let him cry unnecessarily (and neither of my kids cried after birth, both came out calm and observant, and were perfectly happy on my chest, making little coo sounds). I wanted to breastfeed immediately, and I wanted him to be with me all night. Etc etc. The list just goes on. </span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">There was no other option other than homebirth for child #2 unless calamity came crashing in. For the past 7 years I've gradually adopted a lifestyle that embraces whole food, abolishes 'modern' medicine, &amp; seeks holistic answers to ailments. With the aforementioned mindset, &amp; having already birthed a baby fairly easily, I saw no reason to sign up for what could be a disaster.</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">We loved the freedom and options that we felt were "guarenteed" with a homebirth... having our 9 1/2 and 3 1/2 yr olds be welcome in the room if they wanted to be and allowed to welcome their sister into the world with us and see her right away, waiting to cut the cord, a waterbirth which would naturally help with the pain and not cause side effects like drugs, movement and ability to eat during labor, and family bonding during those first few hours and days on our own schedule.</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- I knew it was a valid option and lacking a birth center it was the only option in my mind.</p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- I knew that my body was built for birthing babies and that I could do it without intervention. I wanted to be in the comfort of my own home an<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">d have total control over the situation.</span></p>
<p><strong>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Have you had births that were <em>not</em> at home, and then birthed at home?&nbsp; How were the experiences different?&nbsp; Which did you prefer?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Only home.</span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Child #1 was born at a hospital. She was full term; by LMP she was 40w + 4d. I was REALLY fortunate to have a moderately pleasant hospital birth; most of us know horror stories. I had 2 full days of prodromal labor with DD, &amp; 18 hours of the real deal. Went to the hospital twice; the 1st time was dismissed from triage because I wasn't quite 3cm yet (cntx were 5 mins apart so I thought it was time; I was wrong!), &amp; the second time 7ish hours later I was only almost 4cm. I was totally put out that the triage nurses sent me home that first time because I had been vomiting up a storm at home AND in triage. The nurse walked me downstairs where my mom pulled in her car &amp; I threw up a few times...I thought it was beyond ridiculous that 'numbers' were all that mattered (in terms of dilation) for admittance. Went home, threw up lots more &amp; couldn't hold solids or liquids. My CNM told me to return &amp; get an IV, so we did. I got so pissed off in triage because even at 4cm I was in lots of pain &amp; the nurse was yelling at somebody from across the room while setting up the fetal monitor, drawing my blood, setting in the IV...I don't know how she didn't get smacked in the face. I actually fired her &amp; asked for another nurse who was A GEM, making eye contact with me &amp; helping me breath through contractions; I'll never forget Marion! I was admitted a few hours later &amp; my 2 nurses were amazingly kind - not even asking about drugs. Though not any fault of theirs, I was annoyed to have papers being shoved in my face &amp; being asked to sign them when my fingers were jelly. Shortly before having my cervix checked again at 7cm my CNM broke my water, &amp; after that I broke down &amp; asked for an epidural; my CNM advised me to get IV fentanyl instead, &amp; also had me get pitocin to speed up the cntx. I had 2 doses, 45 minutes of moderate pain relief each, so for most of transition I was 'comfortable.' When it wore off to the point where I thought I would lose my mind from the pain, I had the urge to push. Nobody was in the room but my mom &amp; Chris, who ran out the door to get the 2 nurses, then came Jeri, &amp; 23 minutes later my baby! She was put on my belly for a moment before being taken for a washing, vit K (ugh), &amp; eyedrops...ewww. The delivery room &amp; recovery room staff were all very, very kind - but then again we didn't have any 'objections' to the way they do things - waivers, etc. No hepatitis B shot was ever mentioned - but my daughter never left the room. Breastfeeding &amp; skin to skin contact was strongly encouraged (this is Berkeley!). For my homebirth, it just rocked - cntx started, called the midwife &amp; she came over with doppler (ugh) to hear heartbeat while I was in the bathtub. She left for 3 hours &amp; came back again to check my cervix. She left again for less than an hour because I was moving so fast &amp; then came back for good. My cervix was only checked twice - at 4cm &amp; then at 7cm, compared to the hospital being checked, I dunno, 6 times?! It was so pleasant to be at home where my mom (birth was at her house) could bring me whatever I wanted to eat &amp; drink, I could roll around in bed, look at candles burning in a dark room, etc. The next best thing would have been my husband being there, but that's another story...he did arrive, 4 minutes after Tobias was born. Overall, having the luxury of the warm bath, my own linens &amp; foodstuffs, lighting of choice...much more comfortable...&amp; no IV! I did throw up once at home &amp; it alarmed my midwife; I think had I thrown up again she would have freaked. She wasn't as homebirthy as I would have liked (she's pro-vax wouldn't you know?!), but it did all work out so obviously I'm happy with that! I will never birth in a hospital again, if I can help it - homebirth was THE BEST.</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Sadly, both have been in the hospital. My first due to insurance issues, and had a lot of medical intervention that I tried to question at the time but didn't really know if there was an option... We were so excited to have Hailey at home and not have to deal with any of those issues...</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- No.</p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">My first son was born in a hospital, my second at home. At the hospital I had people in my face trying to talk to me and sign papers telling what I can and can't do. At home it was quiet and I was able to do what I felt needed to be done and didn't have any distractions. I could eat and drink and move about as I chose. In the hospital they took the baby from me, but at home I got to hold and bond immediately. I definitely prefer the home birth.</span></p>
<p><strong>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How did your homebirth go?</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Both my birth stories are on the <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a> website--<a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/?page_id=138">Cameron</a>'s is on the left-hand side with the others, <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/2010SummerCHOICEWords.pdf">Fletcher</a>'s is in the summer 2010 newsletter.</span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I would have been a lot less stressed during labor if my husband was there! I was alone with just the midwife &amp; her assistant while my mum went to the airport to get him (he flew in his client's private plane, he's a pilot so we have that little perk). I was in transition, you know, shaking almost uncontrollably, trembling in my pelvis, cntx strong &amp; long, &amp; calling him asking "how much LONGER?! until you're here?" while my mom was speeding home with him. I kept asking my midwife "can I do it?" She &amp; her assistant kept telling me "you ARE doing it" &amp; that's all I needed to hear! Also, during transition I was laying on my side shaking so much that my midwife asked me to relax. I asked why I needed to, &amp; she said that as I shake, I'm resisting the pressure of baby's head sinking down, making it harder for baby to move &amp; more work for me. All I needed was a reason, &amp; I was able to focus on that part of my body, trying my best to keep still. They alternated keeping their hands on my hips/rump to help this effort. I couldn't have been 10cm when I pushed - I felt the pressure in the birth canal &amp; I moved with it; I couldn't NOT push with the transition contractions, it was virtually uncontrollable. With every contraction came several pushes. Overall, the homebirth was AWESOME &amp; unforgettable.</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">We started getting concerned at 32 weeks but we were told to trust my body at each visit and on each phone call. Unfortunatly at 39 weeks we were sent an email, that I didn't get. At 39w 1d, I got into a nice 5 min rythem of contractions while out, and so we called to ask the midwives to come over as we believed the baby was coming that day/night - we were told that they had emailed us that we needed to discuss options as they were worried about my weeks of complaints and no longer felt that a homebirth would be safe. They offered to get me into a DR 6-7 days later and try to get me induced. I freaked and the contrax stopped... 3 days of not keeping food or water down was already taking it's toll on me so my husband and I headed to the hospital that we had been told they were "affiliated with" to find out that we were walk-ins with no one to pull for us. Not what we expected! We made it clear that we were not leaving until we had answers and they had run every test to make sure the baby was fine. Finally, one DR heard our plea and atmitted me for an IV of fluids and to run a full blood panel. He said he would induce us in the morning and to get some rest... about an hour later he rushed in saying only that he had gotten the results back and that I was having this baby in the next few hours. He was more right than we could have expected, and I can't imagine a faster labor and birth. My husband went to thank him later for listening to us and helping us to have a healthy baby. A small discussion and the DR made it clear that he was glad everything worked out as well as it did because my results had him worried... if we had waited another week to get into the recommended Dr, my baby and I wouldn't have made it. Meanwhile, one of the midwives who was supposed to be at our homebirth, was with us for our birth and when it was over she just kept saying "You were right, something really was wrong... we should have listened to you, we always tell you to trust your "mother's instinct" and we should have listened to yours better"... Talk about the one time you DON'T want to be right, but thankfully we are both healthy now and I'm expecting again, this time the pregnancy and birth is planned with the Dr that helped us with our little girl.</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- My<span class="text_exposed_hide"> </span><span class="text_exposed_show">water broke around 10am the day after my last day of work (no rest for the weary!) I did not have contractions for several hours so we cleaned the house and got things ready. We also went shopping at Target and Kroger for last minute things. We made a Bertolli's frozen pasta dinner that night and I had to stand up between contractions and then sit down and eat again. I labored on the floor/couch all evening after deciding that sitting on a birthing ball and watching a movie was NOT an option. The midwives came around 9. I labored in the shower leaning on the birthing ball for a long time then moved to the bedroom in time to puke and go through transition. I then stood the entire time (swaying and moving) until I was ready to push and used a birthing stool. Once I commited to pushing it went rather quickly and we were all able to sleep in our bed together that night. Liea was born at 1:35am. It was the perfect situation though I'm not naive to say it was the perfect birth or experience. I do have anxiety about going through the process again someday and I think it's a shame that birth is not a common communal experience that women share anymore. You only get to share it if you're a nurse these days. I think it really would've helped me to have been to a birth and known in some way what it would be like.</span></p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Wonderful. Read story here: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=362322175776" target="_blank"><span>http://www.facebook.com/no</span><span>te.php?note_id=36232217577</span>6</a>.</span></p>
<p><strong>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Who attended your homebirth?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Cam's: two midwives and an apprentice, and Mike. Fletcher's two midwives, Mike and my mom. And Cam, I guess, though he was downstairs for most of it.</span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I had a CPM attend my homebirth. I commuted (free, airline employee travel benefits) from CA to AZ (my mum's house) because it was cheaper &amp; I wanted the help with my toddler daughter before &amp; after the birth. I had read negative reviews about the CPM, but gave her the benefit of the doubt; happily she was great!</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">We planned to have my husband, 2 midwives, my parents, and our 2 kids... I had my husband and a midwife, a Dr, a Resident, and quite a few nurses...</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Our two midwives as well as my husband of course.</span></p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">My husband, son, and three wonderful midwives.</span></p>
<p><strong>6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How did you find your attendants (midwives)?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Through <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a>.</span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I googled Tucson/Sahuarita homebirth midwives &amp; found her name on mothering.com. I telephone interviewed others in the Tucson area, &amp; even some here in the SF Bay Area, but ironically didn't like any of them.</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">We went through <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a> after the wonderful recommendations of 2 mom friends that had and were working with them to have wonderful home births of their own.</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Online- found <a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a> website.</span></p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.choicemidwives.org/">CHOICE</a>.</span></p>
<p><strong>7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Were you satisfied with your experience?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Yes. I wouldn't change anything, honestly. It was everything we wanted it to be.</span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I was overjoyed with my experience! It was very special, &amp; memorable, being mostly alone except with 2 other women. Chris would have been there if my mom hadn't run a stupid errand first...</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">NO, 12 hours before the birth we were told that all our plans were no longer possible and there wasn't really a back-up plan for my situation. We should have been told to seek medical attention weeks before and are lucky that things didn't turn out badly.</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Satisfied with them, yes. Satisfied with my whole experience giving birth, no. I intend to change things next time to make it better for me (birthing tub, friends close by...)</span></p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Yes.</span></p>
<p><strong>8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Would you do it again?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I hope to, one day. :)</span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I would do it 100 more times!</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I had to talk my husband into homebirth being an option, the midwives helped me convince him that it was safe... after the birth that we needed to have in the hospital we are not willing to go through those risks again.</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Of course!</span></p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">If I were to ever get pregnant again, yes.</span></p>
<p><strong>9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any other thoughts on homebirth?</strong></p>
<p><em>Lindsey</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I think water played a big role for me. I hope to never have to experience a "land" birth! I loooved the birth tub, it helped with pain relief and I think it helped me avoid tearing both times.</span></p>
<p><em>Catie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">Homebirth is easy, easy because in a hospital even if you want a natural birth as I did, the drugs are THERE, you know they're within reach, so it's easy to get them. It's also easy to get stuck with snotty staff &amp; have their pet interventions cause you &amp; your baby lots of harm. There's no place like home when it comes to birthing a child, it's paradise!</span></p>
<p><em>Becka</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I think that ANY one looking into a homebirth should be urged to have a DR backup, feel free to deny tests that you feel are unneccessary for you, and make educated decisions for yourself. When a homebirth is a safe option for you, be thankful, but prepare for the other option ahead of time and don't let yourself feel like a failure if circumstances lead you into a hospital birth.</span></p>
<p><em>Liesel</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">It's a shame that most people will never consider it because they are so focused on getting "the drugs" and being pain free from what God declared would be a painful experience after the fall of man. There's a huge appreciation you have for your child and someday when they have their own child they will fully understand your love for them knowing what you went through to bring them into this world.</span></p>
<p><em>Cassie</em> -- <span class="text_exposed_show">I wish more women would consider it as an option.</span></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.50.167
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 02:56:07 PM
<p>My first child was born in the hospital, as naturally as possible. My second was born with a midwife at her home clinic (was the easiest birth ever!). My third was born at home with God, daddy, and me. Everything went well so we anticipated having our fourth at home as well, but my little guy had other plans. My sack of water was bulging and my husband could feel the umbilical cord coming out with it (I was mortified). So I had to go to the hospital and have an emergency c-section. It was very traumatizing, but my baby boy is here and healthy (the dr. said he is a miracle). Even after that I am still a homebirth proponent, because I believe birth is intended to be natural, uninterrupted, and peaceful (as can be), and that will not occur in a hospital. If I have any more children I will attempt a homebirth VBAC (with a midwife).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.78.36.196
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 06:39:42 PM
<p>I would love to have a home birth.  Unfortunately, we live about an hour from the nearest hospital so dh won&#39;t agree to a home birth.  That said, dd2 was born after only 2 hours of labour so we might not have a choice with baby 3.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/06/2010 06:50:39 PM
<p>Nicola,</p><p>Assuming everything was going well you could &quot;accidentally&quot; not tell your DH that you&#39;re in labor until it&#39;s too late. :)  No, but seriously, you should try to find a midwife and make him promise to TALK to her.  Just one visit.  He&#39;s not allowed to say no OR yes until he&#39;s talked to her and had all his questions answered.  Mine was hesitant, too...but once we&#39;d talked to the midwives he was for it, and having experienced it, he tells EVERYONE how awesome it is and how much he prefers it.  Obviously not everyone has this experience, but most do.  And if you have a history of uncomplicated births then you would likely do just fine and really love it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.76.53.205
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 11:41:04 AM
<p>Thanks for the suggestion Kate.  I will ask a midwife to talk to us about homebirth.  My first child was born after 14 hours of labour.  I had my waters broke by the midwife, epidural (that didn&#39;t quite work), I tore so they gave me an episiotomy, stitches and it all just felt WRONG.  For my second, I was determined to be more assertive &amp; refuse as much medical intervention as I deemed un-necessary.  Dd2 was born after 2 hours with no pain relief, no tear, no episiotomy &amp; no stitches and I couldn&#39;t believe how much easier (granted it was only 2 hours) &amp; shorter it was.  I couldn&#39;t believe that 10 minutes later I felt normal.  The only thing that would have made that birth better was if I was at home &amp; it is something I will hopefully be experiencing.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Apple Crisp
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/07/2010 12:00:13 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/10/pennywise-platter-thursday-10710.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>It's fall, it's apple season...so why not make lots of yummy apple foods?&nbsp; I know I am over here!&nbsp; Apple crisp has always been a favorite, but growing up it was a can of apple pie filling topped with white flour, brown (processed) sugar, butter, and cinnamon.&nbsp; Hmm...that needed to change!&nbsp; So I came up with a refined-sugar free version that tastes very similar and is quite delicious!</p>
<p><strong>Apple Pie Filling</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>5 medium apples, peeled, cored, sliced</li>
<li>1 cup filtered water or apple juice</li>
<li>1/4 cup honey (omit if using juice)</li>
<li>1 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. nutmeg</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. cardamom</li>
<li>1 tbsp. arrowroot powder</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Topping</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1/2 c. flour</li>
<li>2 tbsp. butter (cold)</li>
<li>1 tbsp. maple syrup</li>
<li>1 tbsp. molasses</li>
<li>1 tsp. cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<p>For pie filling: mix all ingredients <em>except</em> apples in a saucepa.&nbsp; Warm over medium heat until it starts boiling, stirring frequently.&nbsp; The mixture will thicken.&nbsp; Place apples in an 8x8 or 7x11 baking pan and pour the filling mix over them, stirring to combine.</p>
<p>In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients and stir until crumbly.&nbsp; You may need to add more flour.&nbsp; Sprinkle topping over the apple mixture until it is completely covered.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.</p>
<p>This is yummy and very low on sweeteners!&nbsp; You could add a couple drops of stevia extract if you like it sweeter.</p>
<p><strong>Do you like apple crisp?&nbsp; What is your favorite fall dish?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sonya
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.231.24.160
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 07:06:03 PM
<p>Looks yummy, have you ever added oatmeal to this?  So, arrowroot powder, what&#39;s the reasoning for using that instead of cornstarch?  I know it&#39;s in the nourished traditions cookbook too but haven&#39;t quite gotten to figuring out why people use it.   Any insight?  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/07/2010 07:42:21 PM
<p>Sonya,</p><p>I have not used oatmeal, because I could not soak it first to reduce the phytic acid.  That&#39;s my concern with that.</p><p>The arrowroot, I know why people use that!  Cornstarch is often GMO.  Even if it&#39;s not, it&#39;s still a grain, and you don&#39;t need extra grains.  Arrowroot is high in calcium and other beneficial nutrients.  It also re-heats very well, becoming smooth again, while cornstarch tends to be lumpy and not reheat well.  That was my original reason for using it, but learning its health properties confirmed my use!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessie at Blog Schmog
EMAIL: jessjokin@juno.com
IP: 69.28.36.17
URL: http://www.blogschmogme.wordpress.com
DATE: 10/07/2010 09:50:54 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been completely in the mood for apple crisp! Will have to use rice flour but this recipe looks great.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Mountain Organics Review/GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/07/2010 12:00:13 PM
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<p>Recently, I was given a chance to try out some "Bear Fruit Snacks" from <a href="http://www.morfoods.com/">Mountain Organics</a>.&nbsp; These interested me, because they were fruit snack bars that promised to be only fruit -- no junk.&nbsp; Bekah loves this type of thing, but I generally don't buy them because most kinds <em>are</em> full of junk.</p>
<p>These aren't.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.morfoods.com/">Mountain Organics</a> "Bear Fruit Snacks" are really just 100% fruit.&nbsp; They use the peels too, so it's not even just regular fruit puree.&nbsp; This means it is a true <em>whole foods</em> snack!&nbsp; They sent us four bars to try, one of each of their flavors -- apple, apple-raspberry, apple-blueberry, and apple-cherry.</p>
<p>Honestly, I never even got to taste the plain apple.&nbsp; Bekah saw them and said "Nole bar!!"&nbsp; (Granola bar.)&nbsp; She picked it out of the diaper bag when I wasn't looking and ate it.&nbsp; I tasted the other flavors, though.&nbsp; I liked the apple-raspberry the best.&nbsp; The texture was a little weird to me -- softer than a fruit leather, drier than other fruit puree-type snacks.&nbsp; The bars seemed to fall apart easily in your mouth (but not in your hand, hehehe...) which makes them nice for little eaters.&nbsp; Both kids gobbled them up and Ben liked them too.</p>
<p>So while they weren't my personal favorite snack (because, well...I just don't like stuff like this very much), the kids really loved them, and I knew that they were safe.&nbsp; They are non-GMO, vegan, nut-free, grain-free, etc.&nbsp; Even for most people with allergies or other dietary restrictions, these are safe and healthy.</p>
<p><strong>Would you like to try them?</strong></p>
<p>Giveaway ends on Saturday 10/9/10 at 8 PM, and the winner will be announced by Sunday night!<strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><em>Note: If you just want to buy some, you can go to their website, <a href="http://www.morfoods.com/shop/buy-great-tasting-bear-fruit-bars.html">Mountain Organics</a>. :)</em><strong><br /></strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.89.17
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 12:32:19 PM
<p>yes please!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.124
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/07/2010 03:16:27 PM
<p>I&#39;d love a chance to try these.  Also, I&#39;m wondering where to buy them...is it online only, or are they in stores?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Taryn
EMAIL: taryn.o.johnson@gmail.com
IP: 67.177.233.171
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 04:01:48 PM
<p>I would LOVE to try them.  Fruit snacks are so my favorite snack.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 04:16:28 PM
<p>My kids would love these.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessie at Blog Schmog
EMAIL: jessjokin@juno.com
IP: 69.28.36.17
URL: http://www.blogschmogme.wordpress.com
DATE: 10/07/2010 09:45:19 PM
<p>We have lots of food allergies in our family. I&#39;d love to try them. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 01:40:48 AM
<p>I would love to try these - they sound healthy and delicious!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 02:25:10 AM
<p>Yes, as these sound like very diaper bag friendly, great for those unexpected too long away from home and need a snack so we avoid a melt down times that sneak up on me every great once in a while!</p><p>Thanks,<br/>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 10:36:10 AM
<p>I would love to try them.  I am always looking for something easy that is good.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Arielle
EMAIL: WhoseRU@cinci.rr.com
IP: 174.101.209.97
URL: https://f4loved.wordpress.com/
DATE: 10/08/2010 12:38:33 PM
<p>Mmm, always looking for healthy but quick and easy snacks for the boys!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 12:52:56 PM
<p>Sounds great for on the go.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.120.8
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:47:44 PM
<p>Yes I would love to try these out. Where would one go to purchase these? Online? I guess I could try googling them :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: jaysgirl_hiccups@yahoo.com
IP: 136.165.28.35
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 05:17:17 PM
<p>Would love to try them. If my son doesn&#39;t get hold of them first.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.192.137.72
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 07:00:23 PM
<p>Would love to try them as would love to have something like this in the diaperbag for little kids snacks :)  Thanks for the review!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Niki
EMAIL: minimalistmommy@gmail.com
IP: 142.167.101.189
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 12:32:01 AM
<p>My son would go nuts for these.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/08/2010 12:00:19 PM
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<p>Does anyone ever just get so busy that something has to go by the wayside? <br /><br />*steps up on box* Ahem. <br /><br />Yes, hi, I'm Amanda and I'm a workaholic. I work three jobs, try to maintain my own apartment and try to also sustain a relationship with a great guy and eat healthfully at the same time. I average over 50 hours of work a week which leaves me absolutely no time to meal plan, no time to shop except at 11pm at night when I'm exhausted, and no time to anything else but sleep. <br /><br />This whole living organically thing can be pretty tough when there is simply no time to drive the half hour to Mustard Seed, or longer for Raisin Rack or Whole Foods....and its also tough when you're so tired you sleep through your local Saturday morning farmer's market on accident...three weekends in a row. <br /><br />Oops. <br /><br />But I'm trying, I really am. I'm still on my regimin of Vitex and Licorice Root, plus B Vitamins (I have to look into ordering them online, since I can't get to store soon for the good kind!) I'm also doing smoothies in the mornings, but my real problem, people....is sugar. <br /><br />I love sugar, I do! Who doesn't love it? It can go into everything...baking, cooking, a sprinkle here...a sprinkle there....and BOOM. Back to being a sugar addict for me. It's lame. It sucks, I know. I'm trying to find something that will satisfy my afternoon slump when I leave work at 5pm to drive and go to my second (or third) job and need energy! <br /><br />I guess at the beginning of my journey with real foods, I thought I could try to change it all at once...I read over and over on multiple websites "baby steps...baby steps...BABY STEPS!"...and tiny redheaded me thought that I could do it all. Hah....hahah....HAHAHAHAA. <br /><br />I guess I'm not wonderwoman, and I guess I'm a little stuck. What I wouldn't give to get Kate's new Cookbook (trust me, everyone, you should get it!!!! It's going to be worth it!) and also "Real Food on a Real Budget", since for all my jobs I don't get paid for them until after my contracts are up (I work contractually through two school systems as a theatre teacher). <br /><br />Although, I did tell my Mom (who is a nurse and very, very skeptical about healing your body without medication) that I have had a cycle naturally for about three months now. Her face was priceless. I guess there are some advantages to not doing everything your mother tells you.... <br /><br />So...I guess, MAM readers, I'm stuck. I need help. I want to stick to this lifestyle, that I want to embrace and love and incorporate into my life, but I have NO time to food prep, all of the organic foods near me are sooo expensive, and to top it off I work in an office and dont have time to exercise (which is just an exuse...I know, I know...I'm working on it). <br /><br />I've been incorporating coconut oil, raw honey, full fat yogurt and milk into my diet...and I keep gaining weight. I want to be very strict about what I eat, but when I'm tired after a long day Jimmy (my man) will offer to take me out to eat and I'm just so darn tired, not cooking seems like a wonderful option. <br /><br />Help me get started....anyone have any tips? Are you just as busy as I am? How did you do the change??? <br /><br />*steps off box* Thanks for listening.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 12:36:29 PM
<p>Have you tried a crock pot?  Not exactly no prep, but you can do it before.  Aslo our saving grace our energy bars/ meal replacement bars.  Not a perfect food no, but oh so much better that the other optionwhen you are out and are startving!  Good Luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sonya
EMAIL: sonyaandcharlie@cox.net
IP: 68.231.24.160
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 01:25:48 PM
<p>Wow, that seems tough.  I tell you, I don&#39;t know how I&#39;d do it without my husband, we pick up the slack for each other when we need to.  I think that it HAS to be a family deal.  Also, finding snacks that I can transport with me has been a lifesaver.  Vegetables, eggs, sweet potato chips, and granola bars that we make ahead help us out.  And the going out to eat, we used to do that ALL of the time.  Truthfully, that was stopped when we began planning our meals strictly.  We both set down together and plan our meals, or we send back and forth on the phone ideas to plan.  and everyday there is a &quot;to do&quot; list for the meal plan, who ever is home checks the to do list before &quot;kid&quot; bedtime and we check things off before we go to bed.  Honestly, we spend much less time eating at home than going out every night.  When you think about it, it takes a minimum of an hour to sit down somewhere to eat.  In that time I can have something simple fixed, eat it,clean up and it is healthy!  Building up simple recipes that you love was important for us and changing recipes that you already have and love to &quot;real food&quot; helped  us to look forward to eating every night.  Sugar cravings were really helped when I made a concerted effort to eat less grains and dairy.  I still eat both but not nearly the amount I used to, for me it seems like they help me hold onto fat, not lose it.  Good Luck getting back on the horse, you can do it!  Sonya</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.240.128.236
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 02:38:10 PM
<p>I feel your pain on the work thing - I work more than full time hours too, so trust me, I know how tired you can be. My solution is to use my weekend days to cook. Or at least one day. I&#39;ll make double or triple of even a simple recipe and keep it in the fridge to re-warm (I use the microwave for time saving, but you could use the stove/oven potentially) it later on in the week. If it&#39;s just me eating, I&#39;ll make at most 3 entrees and it lasts me a week, and I can still have a bit of variation. Some of the ones that worked the best were my red beans and rice (prep was just soaking the beans, putting them in a pot with spices, cooking for several hours, adding the meat and rice, and continuing to cook...pretty simple, and you can dress it up with salsa or other more flavorful add-ons), pastas (if you can find ones you can eat...ground beef or ground sausage added to the sauce, OR chicken alfredo...all you need to do with that is make the alfredo sauce, which is seriously simple and I can share the recipe, and saute your chicken...add a veggie and you have several meals!), etc. It sucks that day that you&#39;re cooking, but honestly, you&#39;ll be so grateful that you took the time on that day that you won&#39;t care the next few times. Also, I second the crock pot idea. I&#39;ve done tuna casseroles that were pretty simple - make a butter/flour/milk sauce, combine whatever veggies you have with tuna or whatever other meat you want, put it in a pan and sprinkle bread crumbs and cheese on top, and bake. It&#39;ll last a bit too. Tacos also make up well in bulk.</p><p>For replacing sugar (trust me, I know how it can be with sugar...I love it!), if you make your own desserts, try using maple syrup to sweeten them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.47.129
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 03:12:39 PM
<p>I am very busy, the only reason I am on here is because I am taking an online business course (live) and it is so boring right now that I have a minute to do other things lol. Anyone who wants to work from home check out Arise.com ! <br/>Anyway, instead of running to the store all the time, I prefer to purchase many of my organic food staples from a buying co-op. Then you order once a month (or less often). I use Azurestandard.com, but there are others around the country, do an online search. They are much cheaper than health food stores too! <br/>Use the weekend/time off, to make things ahead of time so you don&#39;t have to worry about it at the last minute. I make a big batch of granola, to eat with yogurt etc. You can freeze meals, dehydrate veggies/fruits (or freeze), so you don&#39;t spend all day chopping, they are ready to go. If you want it to be a priority I believe you can make it a priority.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Holly
EMAIL: hawoodcock@yahoo.com
IP: 155.188.247.17
URL: http://www.hollywouldifshecould.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 05:03:44 PM
<p>Planning and preparation are key when you are busy, there is no way around it.  My lifestyle is similar to yours and when you are this busy, firing on all cylinders is a necessity or else everything comes crashing down.  Here is what I try and do to be successful</p><p>*Make time to Meal Plan!  It&#39;s not glamorous, and sometimes it takes the spontaneity out of eating, but it takes about 20 minutes to come up with meals for the week and about 90 mins to grocery shop (make a list that is organized by section of your store: produce/dairy/meat etc.) and then just GIT&#39;R Done.  :)  2 hours once a week will remove hours of aimless time spent hungrily standing in front of the fridge trying to figure out what to make.  Having to make good decisions about eating when you are starving and cranky is a recipe for disaster.  During the week I try and stick to meals I can make in 30 minutes or crock pot things.  </p><p>*Don&#39;t Cook Every Night.  Make big batches of things.  Most of the time it is just as easy to make 6 servings of a 30 minute dinner than it is to make 2 servings.  If you make more servings, when you clean up at night put them in individual tupperwares for grab and go lunches through out the week, or leftovers for dinner.  This works well with soups, stew, chili, grilled chicken and veggies.  Always make extra!  It will get eaten becauase when you are hungry and desperate, something you can heat up quickly always ends up looking tasty. </p><p>*Snack Often.  I know this sounds like lame advice, but seriously keep a stash of almonds or apples or something quick and easy to grab and eat as often as possible.  Half of the time when you are feeling tired/stressed/overwhelmed/irritable it is most likely a complication of being hungry.  Sncking often kind of elimiates that productivity suckage.</p><p>*Regarding the weight loss -- if you are already eating a mostly sugar free veggie and protein filled diet, I would look at dairy and alcohol (don&#39;t know how much you consume of both).  Although I always advocate for full fat dairy over any other kind -- keep in mind dairy has a tendency to make things grow, and that is usually not the desired effect when trying to lose weight.  Whenever I stall with weight loss (my diet is basically Paleo+ Dairy) I always look to how much alcohol I&#39;ve been consuming and how much dairy.  Usually when I am gaining weight it is because I have being relying on either on or both of those things a bit too much.   If you are trying to lose weight, limited consumption of both is really effective.   Also, one last thought -- raw honey, though an awesome natural sweetener, still has a pretty high glycemic response, so if you are having trouble losing weight due to any kind of insulin resistance, honey could be temporarily exacerbating that. </p><p>*Lastly, if you need to, ask for help.  Can your partner do some of the grocery shopping if you give him a list.  Or could you make some of your purchases from Amazon Fresh and have them delivered, or do any of the big chain grocers deliver around where you live?  I used to think that sounded like such a crazy extravagance, but you know what, every once in a while it saves my bacon!  There are usually coupon codes for free delivery on line and tons of stuff available and all you have to do is pick a delivery window and VOILA!  Groceries to your door. A CSA can be helpful for this too if your groceries don&#39;t deliver.  Farm Fresh Produce that just shows.  Couldn&#39;t get any more natural. </p><p>The truth is, only you will be able to find things that work for you, but I definitely think planning and being mindful is a necessity with a busy life and if you can&#39;t make time for that, you reduce your chances of success.  But it also sounds like you have made some great strides in your own health journey, so make sure you are patting yourself on the back for all of that too.   It&#39;s a process of trial and error figuring out what works.  If you celebrate every little victory instead of getting mad at yourself for what you aren&#39;t doing, it&#39;s a lot more motivating.  Congrats!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.124
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 06:11:55 PM
<p>I don&#39;t have much to say about the busy-ness (mine is so completely different, as a stay-at-home mom to three little ones) but the weight gain...</p><p>I had the same problem...weight that just kept coming and wouldn&#39;t leave.  What has FINALLY worked for me is banishing all white flour, white sugar, and caffeine from my life.  When I first started, it seemed so hard, but the results have been dramatic (I feel so much better!  I&#39;ve lost 10 lbs!  I&#39;m not tired all the time!)  And there are lots of yummy alternatives out there.  For sweetners, evaporated cane juice works beautifully, and organic whole wheat flour works just fine in recipes for bread and muffins.</p><p>I hope that you find something that works for you.  And I echo the &quot;baby steps&quot; idea.  I&#39;ve been working towards a healthy diet/lifestyle for the past 18 months, and very seriously for the last 9, and it really does have to be a long, slow process.  You can&#39;t change everything overnight.</p><p>Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.173.216
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 03:32:12 PM
<p>I worked at an herbal clinic for my clinical herbal internship.  We made herbal suggestions, but also worked heavily with diet and lifestyle.  (Mainly Paleo)  I&#39;ve never seen anyone lower high blood pressure, lose weight or improve fatigue symptoms by simply switching everything to organic.  (I know this is not the only recommendation you are trying to follow.)  But we were able to help plenty of mainly very low-income people with ailments by just getting them to buy cheap grocery store meat and vegetables.  Now I&#39;m not saying you should stop there!  But for your sugar cravings, eat protein.  The World Health Organization recommends around 75 grams of protein a day for women.  If you are trying to lose weight and incorporate exercise I would increase that by at least 25%, maybe 35%.  An egg has 6 grams of protein.  Free calorie counters online will usually give you nutritional breakdown also, so you can look up just about any meat, the weight, and what you are actually eating.  Write it down.  You will not break a sugar addiction or be able to recover from exercise without protein.  You can&#39;t eat fast food, because it can be up to 40% soy or other filler.  But any kind of regular meat from the grocery store, and  A LOT of it.  Vegetables, buy the easy peasy frozen bags at the grocery store.  Start with 5 1/2 cups a day and within 3 days move to 8 1/2 cups per day.  Flavor with a health food store salad dressing, or an herb and salt mixture, Frontier makes an awesome one called &quot;Herby&quot;.  We would never start by telling anyone they couldn&#39;t have something.  They only had to get their 75-125 grams of protein a day, then the 5-8 1/2 cup of vegetables a day, then they could eat what ever they wanted.  You are not going to be that hungry after all of that food.   Then just start with walking 10 minutes 3 times a day.  I&#39;ll bet lots of people cram 10 minutes into their day by going to Starbucks, going through a drive-through, eating a bagel, eating out.   You can do ANYTHING you want if you just do those things first.  I&#39;ll guarantee in the first week you will start dropping bad habits if you do all of this first.  You&#39;ll mainly just get too tired.  And believe me, you will start to feel better within 2 weeks.  After a month or when you feel ready, buy some grass-fed meat, the next week, go to the farmers market.  But be ready for a healing crisis, sometimes in the form of a cold, depression, you will come out of it.  And for the better.  I&#39;ve seen it over and over.</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Excalibur Dehydrator GIVEAWAY!!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/09/2010 12:00:02 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/dehydrator.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286407959104" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 283px;">This could be yours...!</span></span></p>
<p>Have you been waiting long enough yet?&nbsp; Are you ready?&nbsp; Today is the day for the Excalibur Dehydrator giveaway!!</p>
<p><strong>Because of the "extra" entries I did earlier, this is going to be some <em>tough</em> competition.</strong>&nbsp; Just for comparison, I typically have 20 - 30 entries in a typical giveaway (why is that, people?&nbsp; <em>Free stuff!</em>), but I already have well over 128 entries in this one.&nbsp; So you better enter <em>hard</em> and pray!</p>
<p>Sadly I can only select one of you.&nbsp; I wish I could pick all of you, but I can't.</p>
<p>So here we go...final entries....</p>
<ol>
<li>Tell me why you want to win this!</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via RSS or email (or tell me you already do)</li>
<li>Follow me on Twitter</li>
<li>Email 5 friends about this giveaway</li>
<li>Post something to my Facebook wall!</li>
<li>Write a <em>new</em> post on my forum (previous posts don't count)</li>
<li>Tell me your favorite post or series on the site, or what you want to see me post on soon</li>
<li>And...if you do them <em>all</em> I will give you one final bonus entry!</li>
</ol>
<p>So there are 8 possible entries, with the 8th being a bonus!&nbsp; <strong>You do <em>not</em> have to do them all.&nbsp; You can pick and choose.</strong>&nbsp; (There seemed to have been some confusion earlier in the week, where people thought if they couldn't do all of these things, they couldn't enter.&nbsp; Not true!&nbsp; These are all <em>different</em> entries, and you can do whichever ones you want, and skip the ones you don't.)</p>
<p><strong>This giveaway will officially end on Sunday night at 8 PM and I will announce the winner Monday morning.&nbsp;</strong> Probably not till 10ish because that's when I have the first chance to get at my computer.&nbsp; So enter quickly because you only have about 36 hours for this!!</p>
<p><strong>Are you excited for this dehydrator giveaway?!&nbsp; I know I am!</strong></p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:02:33 PM
<p>I would love to win this to make crispy nuts, Nourishing Traditions style.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:02:54 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS. Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:03:29 PM
<p>My favorite series on your site has been the Real Food series.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gena
EMAIL: rgcamire@yahoo.com
IP: 75.68.23.144
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:12:07 PM
<p>I would love to win this because I want to eat healthier in all areas, especially snacks, but I just bought a grain mill and can&#39;t swing a dehydrator at this moment!    =)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gena
EMAIL: rgcamire@yahoo.com
IP: 75.68.23.144
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:14:06 PM
<p>I follow via Google Reader, does that count as subscribing?</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gena
EMAIL: rgcamire@yahoo.com
IP: 75.68.23.144
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:15:59 PM
<p>I have enjoyed your posts about home birth, something I would love to do if we have a fourth child.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:37:46 PM
<p>I want to win because I want to make healthy snacks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 01:38:58 PM
<p>I subscribe</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: homekeeper31@gmail.com
IP: 206.244.170.3
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 02:01:30 PM
<p>I would love one of these. I have a small dehydrator but it takes forever because it only does a little at a time.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: Deborahbuckingham@gmail.com
IP: 98.119.121.184
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 04:28:30 PM
<p>I would love to win this to dry fruit as a snack for my kids. We had one growing up and I loved the dried apples.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: Deborahbuckingham@gmail.com
IP: 98.119.121.184
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 04:29:32 PM
<p>I subscribe in google reader.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebekah Randolph
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.60.142.240
URL: http://laffytaffydaphne.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/09/2010 04:33:06 PM
<p>I would love this for making dried apples-- we have an orchard just down the road and I&#39;d like to take advantage of that! Squash chips and banana chips too.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebekah Randolph
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.60.142.240
URL: http://laffytaffydaphne.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/09/2010 04:33:37 PM
<p>I already subscribe via RSS, by the way.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebekah Randolph
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.60.142.240
URL: http://laffytaffydaphne.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/09/2010 04:35:00 PM
<p>And as for favorite post or series-- definitely &quot;Healthy Pregnancy.&quot;</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.89.17
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 05:01:17 PM
<p>Would love to make healthy food for my family! Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:13:44 PM
<p>I want to win this to preserve many things at once - from our own garden.<br/>PLUS I want to try making yogurt in it.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:15:04 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel S.
EMAIL: rachspeights@gmail.com
IP: 98.208.232.57
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:19:12 PM
<p>i would love to win this to make jerky, crispy nuts, dried fruit, etc....and i am also currently training to become a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, and i will need to buy a dehydrator for drying out placentas! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:19:12 PM
<p>Posted something on your facebook wall.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel S.
EMAIL: rachspeights@gmail.com
IP: 98.208.232.57
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:20:22 PM
<p>i already subscribe to your emails...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel S.
EMAIL: rachspeights@gmail.com
IP: 98.208.232.57
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:21:49 PM
<p>already follow you on Twitter...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel S.
EMAIL: rachspeights@gmail.com
IP: 98.208.232.57
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:25:41 PM
<p>just posted on your Facebook wall...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:29:30 PM
<p>I emailed 5 friends this entire blog post.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel S.
EMAIL: rachspeights@gmail.com
IP: 98.208.232.57
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 06:37:57 PM
<p>my favorite series that you have on your site is the Real Food on a Budget series...VERY relevant for me, as i am always looking for any tips for feeding my family good food within a relatively tight budget.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/09/2010 10:02:07 PM
<p>I&#39;m working really hard to feed my family truly healthy food.  I&#39;ve heard such great things about this dehydrator, and it would be amazing to actually have one!  The first thing I&#39;d make is fruit leather for my kids. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/09/2010 10:02:42 PM
<p>I&#39;m already a subscriber via RSS. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/09/2010 10:06:06 PM
<p>Some of my favorite posts are your Healthy Pregnancy series.  I&#39;m a doula, and I found your site because of one of those posts.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 10:35:25 PM
<p>I would love love love to win a dehydrator so that I can make nourishing snacks for myself and the husband. =) We live in an area with abundant fresh produce, so dried fruit and fruit leather would be deeeelicious!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 10:37:02 PM
<p>Favorite series: Real Food on a Budget, because I love real food and because I live within my limited budget.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crunchy Nurse
EMAIL: smdryad@aol.com
IP: 99.130.146.209
URL: http://www.crunchynurse.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/09/2010 10:42:38 PM
<p>I want to win this because I am needing to replace a lot of items in my kitchen.  My 6 year old son is in the process of being diagnosed with celiac disease (we get the official biopsy results in 2 days, but the blood test already came back glaringly positive) and I can use all the help I can get.  We have a small dehydrator but it has already been used several times for non-GF granola so I probably won&#39;t be able to use it again.  And the Excalibur is so much better too.  My favorite posts are the ones you have about going GF and the recipes.  I have subscribed via email and posted to your FB page.  I already follow you on Twitter.  :-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 10/09/2010 10:44:32 PM
<p>Subscribe via email!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Niki
EMAIL: minimalistmommy@gmail.com
IP: 142.167.101.189
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 12:30:22 AM
<p>Wow, I would love one of these.  I use my small counter top oven now but it is slowly dying from overuse.  I subscribe as well. Thanks</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/10/2010 12:48:01 AM
<p>1.  I want to win this to try dehydrating pears and apples and zucchini and any and all veggies and fruits I can!  It would make great diaper bag and baking treats!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/10/2010 12:50:54 AM
<p>2.  Been a follower forever...okay, a long time!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/10/2010 12:55:47 AM
<p>7.  I like reading Amanda&#39;s story...it is great to watch/read someone go through a transition and have success (and be stuck too, but I&#39;m cheering for her success!)</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 02:58:07 AM
<p>Oh boy - there are SO many reasons why I want to win this dehydrator. I have read on multiple real food blogs about all of the uses of a dehydrator. I would love to try and make jerky for my husband while he is on trips. Fruit Roll/Leather (recipe in Kitchen Stewardship eBook Healthy Snacks to Go) would be another reason. I want to *finally* make my own yogurt from raw milk and read a dehydrator can be good for this. Shall I go on with more reasons? :-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 02:58:45 AM
<p>Already subscribe to your RSS feeds!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 02:59:53 AM
<p>I follow you on Twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:08:20 AM
<p>I emailed 5 friends about this giveaway and told them to sign up for the giveaway too! I wrote them saying if they dont want a dehydrator to sign up anyway b/c if they win they can give it to me as a Christmas gift and I&#39;ll love them forever haha!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:10:31 AM
<p>Posted something to your Facebook Wall - looking forward to your eBook coming out soon!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:14:13 AM
<p>I really like your Healthy Pregnancy series because my husband and I are thinking about trying to get pregnant in about a year from now and want this pregnancy to be more healthy in terms of eating more nourishing foods and avoiding shots I dont need (even though the doctor/nurse may say so). </p><p>Another post I really liked was the Vanilla extract one - going to make this recipe as a gift for family members this year (ordered the amber bottles from the Specialty Bottles website).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:32:47 AM
<p>I wrote a new post on the forum! :-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca Pemberton
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.47.129
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 05:40:47 AM
<p>(1)I want to win the Excalibur dehydrator because they are the top brand of dehydrators and it would be used all the time to assist in food prep for my family of six. </p><p>(2)I subscribe through e-mail, I don&#39;t even know what a RSS feed is lol </p><p>(3)I sent the message to five friends through facebook</p><p>(4)Posted something to your facebook wall </p><p>(5)I would like to see you post info on dehydrating, (unless I missed it?)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:05:56 AM
<p>I would love to win this so I won&#39;t have to borrow my mother&#39;s-in-law anymore.  I&#39;d love to have my own.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:06:33 AM
<p>Subscribe to you via RSS and email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:06:58 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:10:34 AM
<p>posted to your facebook wall</p><p>http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama#!/ModernAlternativeMama?v=wall&amp;story_fbid=453168497912</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:18:26 AM
<p>I liked the &quot;Good Enough&quot; Substitutes post.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: lauraof4@ca.rr.com
IP: 76.168.144.49
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:51:09 PM
<p>I would LOVE to win this dehydrator.  We are new to using Real Foods and this would really help with the budget.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:22:15 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:24:29 PM
<p>I emailed 5 of my friends about the giveaway, even though I would have rather kept it secret and upped my chances of winning.  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:28:03 PM
<p>I just posted on your Facebook page!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:35:22 PM
<p>I would love to win this to make chemical-free dried foods for my Little Ones.  Also for dehydrating tomatoes from the garden.  I don&#39;t enjoy canning and we don&#39;t have much spare freezer space, so winning this dehydrator would give us another option for storing our produce!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:39:57 PM
<p>I just started following you on Twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:47:34 PM
<p>So far, my favorite series is on freezer cooking.  Once my infant gets to where she can occupy herself a little bit longer, I&#39;m hoping to transition to this for our dinners.  I think it makes SOOOO much sense!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 06:58:32 PM
<p>I just made a post on your forum.  I am new to your blog, and I didn&#39;t even realize the forum existed until you said we should post there!  Thank you!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 07:00:13 PM
<p>Oh, and I&#39;ve done all 7 things.  May I please have the bonus entry as well?  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WordVixen
EMAIL: wordvixen@gmail.com
IP: 174.54.219.66
URL: http://wordvixen.com
DATE: 10/10/2010 09:27:28 PM
<p>I want to make crispy nuts, beef jerky, and dry sprouted grains to make the &quot;small beer&quot; recipe in NT. :-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tiffany G
EMAIL: coyotetiffany@hotmail.com
IP: 75.90.128.24
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 12:29:55 AM
<p>This would be fabulous!  I have a broken down dehydrator that is on it&#39;s last leg....</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Hillary
EMAIL: hempfield@verizon.net
IP: 141.151.145.212
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 01:28:10 AM
<p>I would so love to win this!  We are starting to follow a real foods diet and this would be so helpful in so many ways!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nikkiandlinzi@cox.net
IP: 68.103.238.212
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 07:42:23 AM
<p>I would love to find some new ways to eat healthy.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nissa
EMAIL: dnpamorgan@yahoo.com
IP: 67.152.245.162
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 03:16:14 PM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nissa
EMAIL: dnpamorgan@yahoo.com
IP: 67.152.245.162
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 03:17:36 PM
<p>I would LOVE to have this! I could use it for apples!! My boys love it!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nissa
EMAIL: dnpamorgan@yahoo.com
IP: 67.152.245.162
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 03:21:13 PM
<p>I posted on your facebook wall :)</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Top 10 Reasons I Love Blogging
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/09/2010 12:00:02 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Blogging.&nbsp; Why do I love it?&nbsp; Because I do, you know.&nbsp; It takes a ton of time, time that I could be spending doing <em>lots</em> of other stuff, yet I choose to blog.&nbsp; So why do I do that?</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Learning new stuff</strong> -- For several of my posts, I do a lot of research.&nbsp; That means that I get to learn stuff all the time!&nbsp; Who doesn't love that?</li>
<li><strong>Meeting new people</strong> -- I get to meet a <em>lot</em> of different people here.&nbsp; My readers, other bloggers, experts in various fields, etc.&nbsp; It's cool to get to know them all!</li>
<li><strong>Helping to further a cause</strong> -- Real food and natural health are very important to me.&nbsp; I know they are important to a lot of other people, too.&nbsp; And still others feel like they need a change and don't know where to start.&nbsp; I get to spread the word and help them figure it out!</li>
<li><strong>Helping others learn more</strong> -- Related to the last one, once people are turned on to real food and natural health, I get to help them learn more about what to do next!</li>
<li><strong>Supporting others on their journey</strong> -- And I also get to help them along in a deeper way, sometimes.&nbsp; Sometimes people reach out to me (or me to them) so that I can (hopefully) be of real assistance as someone perhaps heals from natural medicine or turns their health around with real food!</li>
<li><strong>Getting to use my brain everyday</strong> -- Stay-at-home-moms do a <em>lot</em> of fairly brainless things everyday.&nbsp; It doesn't take much to do the laundry or say "Get off your brother!" for the thirtieth time in twenty minutes.&nbsp; But when I'm blogging I get to really use my brain!&nbsp; And some days I really need that.</li>
<li><strong>"Working" while still being home</strong> -- Being a working mom isn't for me.&nbsp; I could not drop my kids off at daycare and let someone else have them the majority of the day (ironically, as a teen, I really thought I would <em>need</em> to work, that being home with kids all day would be boring and I could never do it.&nbsp; Funny how things change, right?).&nbsp; But, as I said above, I like using my brain.&nbsp; Blogging gives me the best of both worlds!</li>
<li><strong>Interacting with my readers on Facebook and Twitter</strong> -- I <em>love</em> getting to know my readers (see #2), and part of that is being able to interact with all of you on Facebook and Twitter.&nbsp; I love knowing who you are, where you are in your journey, what questions you have, thoughts you have, and so on.&nbsp; Seriously, if you're not connected with me yet in at least one of those places, do it now!</li>
<li><strong>Getting to know other bloggers</strong> -- I'm not the only real food blogger out there.&nbsp; Far from it!&nbsp; I've joined the ranks of many awesome bloggers, many of whom have been here much longer than me (many of my favorites have been around two or three years already!).&nbsp; I've enjoyed getting to know them and working with them!&nbsp; </li>
<li><strong>COMMENTS!!</strong> -- As in #8, I just love interacting with my readers!&nbsp; And comments are one of the main ways I do this!&nbsp; Every morning (well, after breakfast, once the kids are playing) I jump on my laptop and go to read my comments.&nbsp; I can't wait to see what my readers have said!&nbsp; I love knowing if you agree with me - or if you don't, and why not.&nbsp; I love hearing how you're doing, what you're thinking, and any other thoughts you have to share.&nbsp; So come on people, COMMENT!</li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks everyone!&nbsp; My blogiversary is complete. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: BLOGIVERSARY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/09/2010 12:00:02 PM
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<p><strong>Today is my <em>official</em> BLOGIVERSARY!&nbsp; That is, the 1-year anniversary of my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/9/introduction.html">very first blog post</a>!</strong></p>
<p>I've come so far since then!&nbsp; At that point I read a lot of blogs I liked, and I had lots to say and a dream that someday, people would read it.&nbsp; And now, many people do!</p>
<p>Today I have almost 300 subscribers.&nbsp; Shout out to all you awesome subscribers!&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>Over the last year I've posted some very controversial posts.&nbsp; And some very fun posts.&nbsp; Here are a few of my top posts, in case you haven't seen them:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/23/what-do-you-feed-your-real-food-kid-panel.html">What Do You Feed YOUR Real Food Kid Panel</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/18/sad-vs-real-food.html">SAD VS. Real Food</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html">Adrenal Fatigue</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/8/our-story-part-1.html">Our Story: Part 1</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/22/average-grocery-spending-and-ways-to-save-on-real-food.html">Average Grocery Spending and Ways to Save on Real Food</a></p>
<p>Fun, huh?</p>
<p>I have noticed over the past week that many of you didn't pay a bit of attention to the Blogiversary Celebration posts.&nbsp; While that makes me a little sad (can I say "thank you" by giving you free stuff?!) it also makes me happy, <strong>because I know my readers are here for the real content, not just because of the free stuff</strong>!&nbsp; I love you guys for that!</p>
<p>After today it's back to the regularly scheduled program.&nbsp; Coming up I'm tackling lots of awesome and tough issues, like these:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Flu Shots: Why You Shouldn't Get One</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ways to Protect Yourself Naturally from Colds and Flu</strong></li>
<li><strong>Healthy Pregnancy Series: The Rhogam Shot</strong> (this was requested in my reader survey...you got it!)</li>
<li><strong>Why We THINK We Need Vaccines</strong> (but really don't)</li>
<li><strong>Is Organic Really Worth It?</strong> (also requested by a reader!)</li>
<li><strong>Expose: Confinement Farming Practices</strong> (by a farmer who used to run a confinement farm, and now runs a natural-methods farm)</li>
<li><strong>Making Boxed Meals (like Hamburger Helper) Healthier</strong> (for those of you who haven't quite given them up yet, for one reason or another)</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just <em>this month</em>!&nbsp; Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't, because we're kicking off year #2 in high gear and you don't want to miss a single post!</p>
<p><strong>Thanks everyone!&nbsp; See you "next year!"&nbsp;</strong> (Monday, lol, when we'll be talking about the flu shot and natural protection from colds/flu.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 02:54:39 AM
<p>I am really excited about the post titles you have coming up soon. I look forward to reading them and recommending people come to your site and read about why it isnt necessary to get the flu shot!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tips for Baking with Sprouted Grains
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/19/2010 12:00:28 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="/process/admin/romasharma.com"><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/wheat%20berries.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287260904792" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 250px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p><em>*Psst...this week marks the beginning of the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/16/whole-foods-holiday-progressive-dinner.html">Holiday Progressive Dinner</a>!&nbsp; This week <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/10/18/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-soups/">Wardeh at GNOWFGLINS is hosting the soup course</a>, so head over for awesome holiday soup recipes!*</em></p>
<p>If you've been around for awhile, you know that I <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/6/tutorial-sprouting-grains.html">sprout my grains</a>.&nbsp; <strong>Doing so increases their nutritional content while reducing phytic acid (an anti-nutrient).&nbsp; This makes grains much healthier to consume, and much easier on those who have allergies.</strong>&nbsp; In fact, my children have been dubbed "gluten intolerant" and do not handle regular whole grains at all, but are just fine with sprouted grains.&nbsp; It's allowed us to live a relatively "normal" life again!&nbsp; (Click the link for a tutorial on how to sprout.)</p>
<p>But <strong>baking with sprouted grains isn't quite the same as baking with unsprouted</strong>, as I've learned.&nbsp; You can't just swap out regular flour for sprouted in every recipe.&nbsp; It works well in <em>some</em> but not all.&nbsp; Plus there's the issue of how much you sprout your grains and how that affects the recipes.</p>
<p>The thing is, <strong>sprouting the grain "predigests" it and starts to break it down</strong> (because, you know, all the nutrients are being released and all the energy is going to growing that new plant).&nbsp; This means that, depending on how much you sprout it, the entire grain could become mushy, which would make your baked goods overmoist, unrisen, and basically inedible.&nbsp; Luckily this only happens if you oversprout your grains or use a recipe that just isn't suited to grain sprouting.</p>
<p>So how do you bake with sprouted grains well?</p>
<p>First, let's talk about <em>how much</em> you should sprout them, for both maximum health benefits and ideal baking properties.&nbsp; I did a series of experiments on this.</p>
<p><strong>1/8" sprouted </strong>-- Offered no reduction in intolerance issues, but baked just like regular whole grains.&nbsp; (No good.)</p>
<p><strong>1/4" sprouted </strong>-- Offered some reduction in intolerance, baked about like regular whole grains. (Not bad.)</p>
<p><strong>1/2" sprouted</strong> -- Offered complete reduction in intolerances, baked slightly differently than regular whole grains. (This is my favorite).</p>
<p><strong>1" sprouted</strong> -- No issues with intolerances, but was impossible to do yeasted breads and quick breads were a bit too moist/dense. (Workable, but not ideal.)</p>
<p><strong>2" sprouted</strong> -- No issues with intolerances, but produced overly dense, nearly inedible baked goods, even quick breads. (No good.)</p>
<p>Ideally, your sprouts need to be 1/4" - 1/2" long for ideal baking.&nbsp; <strong>1/4" is better for yeasted breads, while 1/2" is better for quick breads.</strong>&nbsp; This is because if the gluten is partially broken down, it can't develop to give the breads their nice shape and texture, so it results in flatter, denser breads.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The yeasted exception that works well regardless is pizza, because it doesn't need a second rise, and it's meant to be dense and chewy when it's done.</p>
<p>Here are some tips on working with sprouted flour:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Grind the flour finely enough</strong>: If the flour is too coarse, your results will vary from crunchy/grainy to absolutely unworkable.&nbsp; Pie crust attempts with coarse flour simply crumbled apart.&nbsp; Start with finely ground flour for best results.</li>
<li><strong>Grind as needed</strong>: This isn't really to make it work better, but because any fresh-ground flour is much healthier for you.&nbsp; Flour that is ground and not stored in the freezer goes rancid and loses most of its nutrients in just 3 days!&nbsp; If you do grind ahead of time, store it in the freezer and use up within a month.</li>
<li><strong>Use enough fat</strong>: When I tried baking with little fat, the results didn't rise well and were grainy/dry.&nbsp; Changing the recipes to include more fat resulted in a softer result.&nbsp; This is true with <em>any</em> baked good, but especially pronounced with sprouted flour.</li>
<li><strong>Use cultured dairy often</strong>: If possible, use buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream in baking.&nbsp; This lends help with the rising and adds fat to soften the baked goods.&nbsp; This is one way I am able to make my sprouted goods indistinguishable from "regular" ones.</li>
<li><strong>Consider cutting with unbleached white flour</strong>: <em>only</em> for especially delicate pastries, like pie crust.&nbsp; Sprouted flour is delicate, too, so when you bake something delicate with it, well...in my experience it's been all put unworkable!&nbsp; I'll keep trying, but especially for newer bakers, just use about 1/2 unbleached white flour.</li>
<li><strong>Use the right sprouted length</strong>: If you're just baking your average quick bread (any muffins, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/14/pumpkin-bread.html">pumpkin bread</a>, etc.), then anything up to about 1" sprouted will work fine.&nbsp; But if it's yeasted, absolutely no longer than 1/2".&nbsp; If it's delicate, no more than 1/4".</li>
</ul>
<p>I have several sprouted grain recipes on this site that are tried and true, including <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/29/sprouted-spelt-biscuits.html">biscuits</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/14/pumpkin-bread.html">pumpkin bread</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/22/sprouted-blueberry-muffins.html">muffins</a>, and more.&nbsp; I have several more in my cookbook, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">In the Kitchen: Real Food Basics</a> if you're interested!</p>
<p><strong>Do you sprout your grains?&nbsp; Do you have any additional ideas on baking with sprouted grains?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kelly@domesticbydesign.com
IP: 76.123.251.52
URL: http://domesticbydesign.com
DATE: 10/21/2010 02:38:24 PM
<p>Kate, it&#39;s probably just a problem with my mill, but have you had any trouble milling your sprouted wheat?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Marcee
EMAIL: Marceemoo@aol.com
IP: 184.78.212.248
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 05:19:55 PM
<p>thanks for this info.  I recently have sprouted my grains.  I&#39;ve had trouble making yeast bread with sprouted grains.  It doesn&#39;t rise.  I MIGHT try sprouting to 1/4- 1/2 in.  But for now, I&#39;ll just soak for my bread and sprout for muffins, cookies and such.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sprouted wheat baker
EMAIL: baker@columbiacountybread.com
IP: 98.111.54.222
URL: http://columbiacountybread.com
DATE: 02/07/2011 01:23:08 PM
<p>I applaud what you&#39;re doing and the detailed analysis you&#39;ve given to understanding this fairly complex use of sprouted grain in baking. I find there is so little consensus out there on sprouting and that may be a good thing but I&#39;d love to get together sprouted bakers from all over to discuss, share and even bake our breads in this rather challenging but well-worth-the-effort sprouted wheat bread.</p><p>Our kitchen is in Pennsylvania. I&#39;m hoping maybe something can come together in the late fall of this year. Nothing too formal, just a gathering of those of us who think this is important and support its growth. And with any luck, maybe it can grow and our message can grow with it. Sprouted wheat - the only bread worth eating... (Or something like that...)</p><p>If interested contact me and tell others,</p><p>Thanks -</p><p>baker@columbiacountybread.com</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: When to Call the Doctor
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/13/2010 12:00:34 PM
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<p>When you're pregnant, everything is different.&nbsp; And if it's your first time, everything is new.&nbsp; This means you may have worrying symptoms from time to time.&nbsp; How do you when it's really time to call the doctor, though, and when it can wait?&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Symptoms that require a call to the doctor <em>immediately</em>:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Heavy bleeding (at any point in the pregnancy)</li>
<li>Strong cramping or back pain (before term)</li>
<li>Extreme dizziness, loss of consciousness</li>
<li>Vomitting that doesn't stop/can't keep any food or liquid down</li>
<li>Severe swelling/fluid retention</li>
<li>Water breaking (especially if before term; may wait if at term)</li>
<li>Any severe, unexplained pain</li>
<li>Any dilation of the cervix if preterm (if you know how to check yourself)</li>
<li>Passing of tissue, fluid, or anything unusual through the vagina</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Symptoms that require a call to the doctor soon (within hours or a day):</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Rapid weight gain (more than 2 lbs. in a week or less)</li>
<li>Spotting (if it doesn't stop after a short time, or if it turns to bleeding)</li>
<li>Moderate cramping/contraction-like pain (before term)</li>
<li>Loose stools (at term)</li>
<li>Extreme itching</li>
<li>Extreme nausea</li>
<li>More than 3 contractions in an hour if pre-term, even if not close or regular</li>
<li>Sudden loss of appetite, new nausea (especially if late in pregnancy)</li>
<li>If you feel especially uneasy about anything</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Symptoms that seem worrying, but are normal!</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Sleeplessness/insomnia</li>
<li>Minor cramping, especially in lower abdomen (can be uterus growing and stretching, or corpus luteum cyst, both are normal)</li>
<li>Minor nausea</li>
<li>Light, short-term (hour or less) spotting (usually just a sign of minor irritation, caused by sex or otherwise disturbing the cervix)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Minor swelling of the feet/ankles</li>
<li>Minor backache</li>
<li>Minor, non-regular contractions (called Braxton-Hicks, to prepare your body for eventual labor; they don't dilate you)</li>
<li>Mild dizziness, light-headedness or headaches 13 - 20 weeks (your blood volume is rapidly expanding at this time; this is common.&nbsp; Eat more protein, drink more water, get more rest.&nbsp; If severe, call.)</li>
<li>Strange fluttering in the abdomen (congratulations!&nbsp; It's either gas bubbles -- lol -- or your baby moving!)</li>
<li>Darkening of areas around your face or dark line on your belly</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What it boils down to is this: if you are bleeding, strongly cramping, feel very sick, or are just very uneasy, get thee to a phone and call.&nbsp;</strong> It's better to call than not to, and your care provider should expect this and be ready to reassure you.&nbsp; If not, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/29/healthy-pregnancy-series-signs-you-need-a-new-doctor.html">find a new doctor</a>!&nbsp;</p>
<p>And if you have any of the funny, normal symptoms above...laugh them off, but make sure they don't turn into anything more!&nbsp; Chances are they won't. :)</p>
<p><strong>When did you call a doctor when pregnant?&nbsp; Was it anything to worry about?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: DFran
EMAIL: davidcycle@gmail.com
IP: 24.173.91.26
URL: 
DATE: 10/13/2010 04:03:42 PM
<p>This comment is unrelated to the post but an observation on the new ebook sample.  You reference Ancel Adams as the scientist behind the lipid hypothesis.  Ancel Keys was the scientist behind the lipid hypothesis, Ansel Adams was an artist :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Pumpkin Bread
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/14/2010 12:00:23 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.breadwinnerbreads.com"><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/pumpkin bread.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286749459004" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 250px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>What says "fall" better than pumpkin bread?&nbsp; Warm, spicy pumpkin bread, fresh from the oven and covered in butter....&nbsp; Yummy!&nbsp; Last year I posted a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/3/gluten-free-pumpkin-bread-and-surprise.html">gluten-free version</a>, as we were gluten-free at that time (it's also dairy-free).&nbsp; This year I'm posting a "regular" version for those of you who are not gluten- or dairy-free.&nbsp; You can use your <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/13/freezing-pumpkin-puree.html">frozen pumpkin puree</a> in it, if you have some!</p>
<p><em>(And...psst...if you're looking for a "regular," sweeter version that's dairy-free but not gluten-free, you can check out Katie at Kitchen Stewardship's <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/10/13/recipe-conection-one-bowl-pumpkin-breadmuffins/">One Bowl Pumpkin Muffins</a>!)</em></p>
<p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>2 c. sprouted flour</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>&frac34; tsp. baking soda</li>
<li>1 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. cardamom</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. nutmeg</li>
<li>&frac14; c. butter</li>
<li>&frac12; c. maple syrup</li>
<li>2 tbsp. raw honey</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1 c. pumpkin puree</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Directions:</strong></p>
<p>In a medium bowl, combine flour, sea salt, baking soda, and spices.&nbsp; Set aside.&nbsp; In a large bowl, cream butter (softened), syrup, and honey.&nbsp; Add egg and pumpkin and stir until completely combined.&nbsp; Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir gently just until moistened.&nbsp; Bake in a loaf pan, as muffins, or as a small cake (8x8 square) for 25 - 50 minutes, depending on size (least for muffins, longest for loaf pan).&nbsp; Serve warm.</p>
<p>And while we're talking recipes...there are a <em>ton</em> of others in my brand-new <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">In the Kitchen: Real Food Basics</a>!&nbsp; If you haven't checked it out, you definitely need to.&nbsp; There's something that will please everyone there!</p>
<p><strong>Do you love pumpkin bread in the fall?&nbsp; What's your favorite pumpkin treat?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebekah Randolph
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.60.142.240
URL: http://laffytaffydaphne.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/14/2010 04:30:29 PM
<p>Wow. That looks really good! I&#39;m planning to make a bunch of pumpkin puree next week and freeze it, so I will definitely try this one out.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie
EMAIL: aparrett@centurytel.net
IP: 207.119.218.97
URL: 
DATE: 10/15/2010 03:07:44 AM
<p>I just finished reading your entire blog! After spending 3 nights reading, I just had to tell you how much I have enjoyed it. I feel you are right on with so many things! I love the encouragement and the information I have gleaned. We are just starting out our real foods journey. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and info! I will be buying your ebook just as soon as hubby gets paid! Thanks again!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebekah Randolph
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.60.142.240
URL: http://laffytaffydaphne.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/02/2010 03:26:53 PM
<p>Yummy! The spices were great. I put in 1 1/2 cups of pumpkin because the batter didn&#39;t taste &quot;pumpkiny&quot; enough to me. So now the flavor is wonderful though it&#39;s too dense for me (I should probably blame myself for that because I added the extra pumpkin, haha). I will definitely try tweaking this.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Preventing Colds and Flu this Winter
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/11/2010 12:00:33 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.soloflex.net"><img src="/storage/cold flu girl.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286658926449" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 206px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/11/home-remedies-carnival-ideas-recipes-and-resources-to-help-you-stay-healthy-naturally.html">Home Remedies Carnival at Keeper of the Home</a>!**</p>
<p>If you've seen my other post today, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/why-you-shouldnt-get-the-flu-shot.html">Why You Shouldn't Get the Flu Shot</a>, then you already (hopefully) know why that isn't a good option in preventing illness this winter. However, I'm not suggesting that you do <em>nothing</em>. <strong>There are many natural ways that you can prevent colds and flu</strong> -- and also <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/13/recovering-from-colds.html">many things you can do just in case you get sick</a> anyway.</p>
<p>There are several things you can do to ward off illness this year.&nbsp; Here's a brief summary of what we are doing, all of which will be beneficial to many!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Take cod liver oil/keep vitamin D levels up</strong> -- The reason the winter is flu season isn't because it's cold.&nbsp; It's because people don't get enough sunlight, which causes them to be vitamin D deficient, which then causes them to get sick.&nbsp; Low vitamin D levels are the cause of <em>many</em> illnesses!&nbsp; Taking cod liver oil will help keep your vitamin D levels up, reducing the likelihood that you'll get sick.</li>
<li><strong>Take elderberry syrup daily</strong> -- Elderberry is awesome stuff.&nbsp; It has properties in it that make colds and flu very unlikely to take hold in your body.&nbsp; In one study of people who had contracted the flu, people who took a placebo had flu symptoms that were moderate and lasted 6 days, while people who took elderberry had symptoms that were mild and lasted only 2 days!&nbsp; I'll take the elderberry, please.&nbsp; It's easy (albeit expensive) to buy, and <a href="http://heartlandrenaissance.com/2010/09/wild-black-elderberry-syrup/">easy to make</a>.&nbsp; I've made some and we all take some daily.&nbsp; Just a teaspoon or two is fine, but you can't overdose.</li>
<li><strong>Eat a healthy diet with plenty of healthy fat (especially pastured butter and coconut oil)</strong> -- You <em>need</em> a healthy diet all the time, but especially when illness is circulating and you don't have access to sunlight.&nbsp; Pastured butter has some vitamin D in it, as well as K2 and other fat soluble vitamins.&nbsp; Coconut oil contains the medium chain fatty acid called lauric acid, which is anti-viral and can help keep you from getting sick.&nbsp; Make sure you watch your sugar consumption, too!&nbsp; Excellent nutrition in general, though, will boost your immunity!</li>
<li><strong>Consume plenty of probiotics</strong> -- In addition to your "regular" healthy diet, make sure you are getting lots of probiotics!&nbsp; It will promote healthy gut flora and can help clear out any illnesses that might be trying to take hold in your system.&nbsp; Ideally you should consume a small amount of probiotic foods with every meal.&nbsp; We like yogurt and kombucha, but there are lots of options.</li>
<li><strong>Vitamin C</strong> -- Take a bit of extra vitamin C to ward off colds, too.&nbsp; It fights cold symptoms and taking a fairly large dose will help you stay healthy.&nbsp; It's also water soluble, so your body will flush out what it doesn't need.&nbsp; Therefore it's not dangerous to take too much (though it will cause loose stools if you do take too much, so if that happens, back off some.&nbsp; Experience tells me it's upwards of 10 <em>grams</em> a day though.&nbsp; The RDA is only 60 mg, so...you'd have to take a <em>lot</em> to experience anything).&nbsp; We are taking 3 - 4 grams a day.</li>
<li><strong>Get out, get moving</strong> -- It's easy to just sit around and be cozy when it's cold outside.&nbsp; But getting up and moving around will get things moving in your body and help it clear out the "junk" that is sitting in your cells.&nbsp; Adults in particular <em>must</em> move around for this to happen!&nbsp; Exercise also strengthens you and just plain makes you feel better!</li>
<li><strong>Get plenty of rest</strong> -- If you're exhausted, you'll be more susceptible to illness.&nbsp; Try to get rest and sleep so that you're not overtired, and you'll be less likely to get sick.</li>
<li><strong>Be prepared, just in case!</strong> -- There's nothing worse than realizing that, despite your best efforts, a cold is coming on (or worse) and you're not prepared.&nbsp; The <em>last</em> thing you want to do at that point is try to remember, shop for, and prepare remedies!&nbsp; Get your remedies ready in advance so that you'll know that they're there in case you need them.</li>
</ul>
<p>Hopefully, if you're on top of things, you won't get sick.&nbsp; But the truth is, especially if you're still in your transition from SAD (Standard American Diet) or have recently switched to real food, you probably will get sick at least once.&nbsp; Your body will still have a lot of "junk" built up, and it takes time to rebuild your immune system.&nbsp; So just be prepared for this possibility.&nbsp; The longer that you are on a real food diet and lifestyle, the less often you will get sick, until you simply "never" do.</p>
<p>What should you have in your medicine cabinet, in case you get a cold?</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/2010/09/sambucu/">Elderberry</a></li>
<li>Ginger</li>
<li>Raw honey</li>
<li>Garlic (fresh)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/2010/07/prunus-persica-peach/">Peach pit brandy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/10/using-kudzu-to-fight-a-cold-a-simple-remedy-for-children.html">Kudzu</a></li>
<li>Neti pot</li>
<li>Vitamin C</li>
<li>Zinc</li>
<li>Echinacea</li>
<li>Saline solution</li>
<li>Bulb syringe (for babies)</li>
<li>Lavender essential oil</li>
<li>Eucalyptus essential oil</li>
<li>Rosemary essential oil</li>
</ul>
<p>If you feel a cold coming on, take 4 - 5 grams of vitamin C, some zinc (read the directions on your supplement), some echinacea (3 - 4 pills); drink some tea made of lemon and ginger with raw honey (warm, not hot, so you don't kill the enzymes in the honey); rinse your nose with the neti pot if you're already congested; take a couple drops of the peach pit brandy; eat some raw garlic (you can add it to a salad, warm bowl of soup, or fresh garlic bread); go to bed!&nbsp; You may wake up no longer sick. :)</p>
<p>If the cold persists, you can continue the tea and supplements, continue the brandy tincture, and take warm baths with lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary oil in them.&nbsp; You can also mix these oils with coconut oil and rub on your skin to promote breathing and break up congestion (I did this to both my kids last year).</p>
<p><strong>Disclaimer</strong>: That is what I would do if I were getting a cold.&nbsp; I am not a doctor of any kind and I am not offering you medical advice.&nbsp; If you have questions, please ask a qualified health professional.</p>
<p>Hopefully, you will be healthy this winter!&nbsp; Here's to health!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.240.133.249
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 10/11/2010 01:16:12 PM
<p>I just had a cold two weeks ago, and I have found a few other things that Kate didn&#39;t mention that helps. First, if you mince garlic and chop onions and cook them in olive oil on the stove and breathe in the steam, it promotes sinus drainage. Don&#39;t ask me how, but my mom ALWAYS did that when we were kids. Just breathe it in and you&#39;ll find your sinuses moving around better. Second, take a walk! If it isn&#39;t raining outside, go outside and take a walk. You&#39;ll feel a bit silly since you&#39;ll most likely be having trouble breathing, but as you walk, your body goes into &quot;fight or flight&quot; mode to some extent and your sinuses will force themselves to drain. Besides, if you&#39;re outside, even if it&#39;s cloudy, there&#39;s some sunlight coming through and you&#39;ll be able to make a little bit of vitamin D. I found a tea that really made me feel better - it is an herbal tea with dried fruit and flowers in it that really helps. Tea with legitimate dried fruit in it is good because you&#39;re getting the vitamins out of those fruits. Look for strawberry, peppermint, even chamomile in a tea and see if it helps!</p><p>I do saline nosewashes, but I don&#39;t use the little neti pot. I always thought that paying money for one was silly. What I do is use a teaspoon of salt in a mug of warm water, and block one side of my nose and breathe in the water from the teaspoon. It doesn&#39;t feel like you&#39;re drowning, I promise, and the amount of gunk that comes out of your nose is amazing. If one side is too stuffed to let you breathe in, clean out the other side. Your sinuses are connected and more than one time I have been doing a nosewash and breathed water into the right side and had it come out of the left side with all sorts of mucus. Trust me!</p><p>Oh, and one other thing - green tea and pomegranate fruit both have antibacterial/fungal/viral properties. I actually had a doctor tell me that you can cure your own strep throat by drinking green tea (hold it in your mouth or even gargle lightly with it at the back of your throat) and either eating pomegranate or drinking 100% pomegranate juice (NO sweetener in it, or any other fruit juices mixed in!). You can mix the two together and have a fruity tea if you want.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy
EMAIL: joykohl@yahoo.com
IP: 24.173.108.170
URL: http://www.schnookiemuffin.com
DATE: 10/12/2010 01:50:11 AM
<p>I have made elderberry extract by soaking dried elderberries in Everclear for three months. We don&#39;t have elderberries in Texas (that I know of) so this is my next best option. </p><p>Here&#39;s an outline that I followed. <br/>http://www.gardenguides.com/93922-make-elderberry-extract.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mirieille Tuttle
EMAIL: miriellejoseph@yahoo.ca
IP: 24.16.111.196
URL: http://www.seattlebellevuechiropractor.com/
DATE: 02/08/2011 10:23:38 PM
<p>Great blog! In our office, Tuttle Chiropractic, we know that getting an adjustment boosts the immune system and our patients have found that if they come in while feeling sick they get better quicker because their immune system has been stimulated. We always encourage our patients to get adjusted as much as possible at the first sign of a cold or flu to make sure that their immune system is functioning at 100% and they are able to avoid sickness.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why You Shouldn't Get the Flu Shot
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/11/2010 12:00:33 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.infiniteunknown.net"><img src="/storage/flu shot.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286658756049" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 182px;">Image Credit</span></span>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/10/monday-mania-10112010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a> and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/10/real-food-wednesday-101310.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Right now, there is a <em>huge</em> push for the flu shot happening.&nbsp; <strong>This year, the CDC is recommending that <em>all</em></strong> people over the age of 6 months receive it.&nbsp; This is up sharply from just a few years ago, when the CDC recommended the flu shot only for children 6 months - 6 years, and adults over 65.&nbsp; Ironically, they've also admitted that their numbers of flu deaths were wrong.&nbsp; <strong>They're now saying that it's <em>not</em></strong> 36,000 flu deaths per year; it's only 23,600.&nbsp; Of course, both numbers have been pulled out of their rears, and both include ridiculous statistics (elderly people who were already very sick; pneumonia cases; other complications of flu, etc.).&nbsp; Less than 1,000 of these deaths are <em>actually</em> from the flu, and the vast majority of those (900 or so) are in elderly people.&nbsp; The rest are typically in immune-compromised people.</p>
<p>Of course, the mainstream wants you to believe that it's dangerous <em>not</em> to get a flu shot.&nbsp; "You'll get sick!" they say.&nbsp; "You'll miss a week of work!&nbsp; You'll be miserable!"&nbsp; <strong>Of course, most people who don't get the flu shot don't get sick.</strong>&nbsp; Most people, in general, do not get the flu.&nbsp; <strong>It's also <em>not</em> a dangerous illness for the vast majority of people; it means only a few not-so-fun days riding the couch.</strong>&nbsp; Why would you feel the need to get a vaccine for such a minor illness?</p>
<p>If that doesn't convince you (and it actually does convince some!), there are many other reasons why you shouldn't get the flu shot.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>It's ineffective</strong> -- <a href="http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/475564.aspx">Studies show</a> that the flu vaccine <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa011604a.htm">isn't particularly effective</a>.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/029641_vaccines_junk_science.html">Researchers</a> have to simply "guess" which strains will circulate each year.&nbsp; There are several, but vaccines contain only three.&nbsp; There's also a not-statistically-significant reduction in flu rates each year, suggesting that the vaccine matters little: about 3% of people who are <em>not</em> vaccinated get the flu, while 2% who were vaccinated do.&nbsp; Really?&nbsp; We're looking at only a 1% difference!&nbsp; This also means that we would have to give 100 people flu shots to potentially make <em>any</em> difference at all for one person.&nbsp; Is it worth it?</li>
<li><strong>It contains thimerosal</strong> -- That nasty poison that some people are blaming for autism (which, by the way, I do not think is whole story, not by a long shot) is still in the flu shot.&nbsp; Yes, if you get a flu shot, you <em>will</em> be injecting <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/thimerosal.htm">mercury</a> (and aluminum, and a host of other poisons) into your body.&nbsp; These can cause neurological damage as well as harm your immune system.</li>
<li><strong>It increases the risk of complications and hospitalizations, especially in children with asthma; it also increases seizure risk</strong> -- Want to keep your children safe?&nbsp; Don't give them a flu shot.&nbsp; A study last year showed that children who got the <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519172045.htm">flu shot and had asthma</a> were <em>more</em> likely to suffer flu complications and to be hospitalized than those who didn't receive it.&nbsp; This year's flu shot has already been shown to increase the <a href="http://beforeitsnews.com/story/180/856/Flu_Shot_Caused_Seizures_in_Australian_Children,_Study_Says.html">risk of seizures</a> (in Australia, where they just finished their winter).</li>
<li><strong><em>Not</em> getting it doesn't increase your risk of illness/complications</strong> -- If you are healthy individual (despite the quote below), you are not likely to get the flu, nor any complications of it.&nbsp; There <em>are</em> other ways to prevent the flu: see below!&nbsp; Not to mention if your immune system is in better working order (no toxins), you'll be less likely to get seriously ill.</li>
<li><strong>Certain versions can shed </strong>-- Want to skip the shot and go for the mist?&nbsp; Bad idea.&nbsp; The mist version <a href="http://www.medimmune.com/pdf/products/flumist_pi.pdf">can shed the live virus for up to 21 days</a> after you receive it, which means that you might not get sick, but you can spread it to anyone else you come in contact with!</li>
<li><strong>The "side effects" of the flu shot are about the same as the flu </strong>-- Most <a href="http://www.flumist.com/?dbsrc=mi-flum-eng-IPick-nnn-brned-insemgoog-nnn&amp;WT.srch=1&amp;WT.mc_id=1107&amp;gclid=CKaogqXXxqQCFcR05QodugT9iw">common side effects</a> are fever over 100, runny nose, and sore throat.&nbsp; Some people may even experience vomitting, diarrhea, etc.&nbsp; Hmm...sounds just like the flu!&nbsp; I don't think so.</li>
<li>T<strong>here are better, safer, more effective ways to prevent illness</strong> -- Contrary to the "scientific community's" beliefs (and I say that in quotes so you know how little respect I have for them), there <em>are</em> other ways to prevent the flu!&nbsp; Research shows that washing your hands, optimizing your vitamin D levels, and other things can prevent the flu, or minimize its effects.&nbsp; For more details, see my other post today, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/preventing-colds-and-flu-this-winter.html">Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p>And by the way, do you think that researchers are there for your benefit?&nbsp; Here's a rather insulting quote from a <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/644083.html">Business Week</a> article on why many are skipping the flu shot this year:</p>
<blockquote><em>Among the 43 percent of Americans who don't plan on being vaccinated misconceptions -- and what the researchers call "magical thinking" -- were cited as reasons for not getting a shot. These include mistaken beliefs that there are other ways to protect yourself from flu (71 percent), or the belief that they are healthy and the flu "doesn't worry them" (69 percent).</em></blockquote>
<p>I found that extremely rude.&nbsp; Do you?&nbsp; It's just "magical thinking" that there might be some way other than a vaccine to prevent illness!&nbsp; Or that being healthy might lead you to <em>not get the flu</em>!&nbsp; This article is moronic anyway, because in their "study," over 90% of health care workers said they planned to get vaccinated.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/10/08/health-care-workers-again-urged-to-get-shots.html?sid=101">Historic rates tell us that under 50% of health care workers typically get vaccinated</a>.&nbsp; So I don't know who they were asking but this was written as an inflammatory article, not the truth!</p>
<p><strong>So, are you planning to get a flu shot this year?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.240.133.249
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 10/11/2010 01:08:56 PM
<p>Unfortunately, I am required to get one. I always end up getting sick from it, and generally have to get the mist version so I stay away from kids as much as possible due to possible shedding. I think there&#39;s only been one time where I got the vaccine (my employer can and does require us to get shots, and yes, it is mandatory, and no, I can&#39;t get out of it...trust me, I would if I could!) and didn&#39;t get sick and that was because they released us as soon as we had taken the mist and I spent the entire day blowing my nose to get the vaccine out.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kerri
EMAIL: kjpechin@yahoo.com
IP: 75.189.236.80
URL: http://www.lifewithfullhands.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/11/2010 03:28:04 PM
<p>That&#39;s a bummer Emma!  Can you change jobs?  I know, easier said than done.  I will not be getting the vaccine, and will instead be taking a homeopathic nosode.  Our homeopathic doctor is totally against vaccines and with last years flu told us we didn&#39;t really need to take anything (homeopathy or otherwise).  But this year, they are thinking that it&#39;s going to be a tough season.  I plan on getting our diet up to par (although I know that will help, we have a long way to go before we are actually healthy, which is why I plan on taking the nosode).  </p><p>Kerri</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/11/2010 03:44:30 PM
<p>Kerri,</p><p>Be careful with that.  Some of our family members took something like that last year.  Some of them are made with some parts of the flu shot!  I&#39;d focus on diet, elderberry, maximizing vitamin D levels, and other more natural methods, which are also much safer.  See my other post for more ideas!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb @ My Daily Round
EMAIL: mydailyround@gmail.com
IP: 173.49.33.241
URL: http://www.mydailyroundblog.com/
DATE: 10/11/2010 05:23:15 PM
<p>Wow, lots to think about and comment on.</p><p>I did think there were thimerosal-free flu vaccines. At least my pediatrician keeps telling me that he has them and uses them.</p><p>I didn&#39;t know about the shedding of the viruses from the flu mist.</p><p>My kids got the flu mist last year, but this year, we haven&#39;t got any vaccines yet, and I wanted to skip doing them. My husband has never got the flu and never had a flu shot, but he&#39;s around a lot of adults, not children like me.</p><p>I can&#39;t wait to check out your other post for ways to prevent the flu. I do believe in vitamin supplementation in combination with our real food diet. I&#39;ve been taking extra vitamin D to help my body fight the flu. I was going to have my kids do the ecchenesia supplements from Trader Joe&#39;s to keep their immunity up. We&#39;ve had a few mild colds this fall, but I think our Shaklee vitamins and our real food diet have kept my kids from getting really sick like they did last fall. I&#39;d really like to do more with our diet; I just need to learn more and figure out how to make it work for my family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/11/2010 07:00:48 PM
<p>Barb,</p><p>There is a &quot;thimerosal free&quot; version of the flu shot, but MOST of them definitely have it.  Also, even the ones that are &quot;free&quot; of it use it in production and remove it before distribution.  It&#39;s like decaffeinating coffee, though: you can&#39;t ever remove all of it.</p><p>And yes, there are LOTS of ways to keep your family healthy without the flu shot!  Lots of awesome, safe ways!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 09:40:51 PM
<p>Lots to think about, thanks for posting this. What are your thoughts on pregnant women getting the H1N1 flu vaccine? Last flu season in my midwestern city several pregnant women died of H1N1 flu and there was a lot of local press about their deaths and a city-wide campaign to get pregnant women vaccinated. Due to medical privacy there may have been pre-existing health issues not released in the newspaper, but the theme seemed to be that pregnant women should be vaccinated since they are at a high risk of serious complications if they do happen to get the H1N1 flu. I&#39;m not pregnant, but I wondered what you thought about this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/11/2010 10:06:25 PM
<p>Robin,</p><p>Since the details weren&#39;t released I don&#39;t know a ton about the cases.  But I think that there probably was some underlying condition in many, if not most of the cases.  Pregnancy weakens your immune system (so your body won&#39;t reject the baby).  So if women were already at risk, pregnancy put them at increased risk.  I know there were many women (this wasn&#39;t typically reported) who had serious consequences, including the death of their babies, from the vaccine.  </p><p>I would definitely recommend that pregnant women maximize their vitamin D levels and take other natural steps to prevent illness.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/11/2010 11:56:13 PM
<p>So right on the flu shot!  Bleck!  We are not vaxing anyone in our household agaist the flu even though we are in strict &quot;lockdown&quot; from germs because of our immune compromised son.  (read one of the instances where you can DIE because of the flu.)  We too are banking on our Shaklee Vitamins, and of course real food!  Even if we vaxed everyone, it would not change what we would have to do to keep our family safe.  We would still not be allowed around groups or in indoor public areas!  (This advice was from numerous doctors, with a wide range from &quot;pretty natural&quot; to &quot;as mainstream as they come&quot;!)  I have not had a single person question our decision to to give the flu shot to our son, at least not one that is involved with his medical care!  (and there are A LOT involved with his medical care!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 10/12/2010 10:27:01 AM
<p>@Kerri - no, I&#39;m under contract until 2018. Unfortunately. I love the job, but hate that they can tell me that I will get whatever the vaccine of the day is. Honestly, I&#39;d much rather have the flu.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kristi
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.80.145.216
URL: 
DATE: 10/14/2010 02:12:55 AM
<p>Yay!  If all you guys don&#39;t get it that means more for the rest of us!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/14/2010 01:52:55 PM
<p>Kristi,</p><p>Glad you are pleased with your decision.  I hope your family doesn&#39;t get sick, nor suffers ill effects from this very dangerous, unnecessary vaccine.</p><p>Just FYI, the vaccine manufacturers have apparently never taken a basic economics class.  Last year they produced 160 million doses of vaccines (split between H1N1 and regular flu) and had to throw away half -- this is typical, they throw away a large percentage every year.  So they thought the best idea this year was to produce 150 - 160 million regular doses (I think 120 million is more typical?) to &quot;increase consumer demand.&quot;  I&#39;m sorry, but it doesn&#39;t work that way!  Increasing supply does NOT increase demand!!  That just made me laugh. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Suthernstrawberry
EMAIL: Ellynreeder@gmail.com
IP: 166.137.15.59
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 10:42:46 PM
<p>I&#39;ve thought about this a good bit. The one year I didn&#39;t get the flu shot (as a working adult) I got horribly sick, then tried to &quot;tough it out&quot; &amp; got others sick. I&#39;ve gotten the shot every year since with no complications. My husband got the shot for the first time in a long time last year because we had an infant &amp; he works in retail (germy public).</p><p>We opted to not get H1N1 vaccine last year. I didn&#39;t feel it had enough time to truly be developed &amp; tested. Plus, my step-son got it, was undiagnosed through 3 doctor visits, &amp; exposed us all to it. I felt that if we were going to get it we would&#39;ve already.</p><p>This year our pediatrician recommends getting 2(!) flu shots if you didn&#39;t get the H1N1 last year. My son got the first one, but I think 2 is overkill!</p><p>*sigh* it&#39;s so hard making these choices. You don&#39;t want to blindly do what you&#39;re told, you want to be informed, but when you&#39;ve never had a bad experience, or known anyone that had a bad experience it&#39;s hard to not do what you&#39;ve done for years.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dani
EMAIL: danielle.kelley@yahoo.com
IP: 174.47.172.2
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 11:35:08 PM
<p>You know, every time I have ever gotten the flu shot, I have gotten the flu. EVERY. TIME. So, it was long before I became aware of the fact that there are ingredients in the composition of the vaccine to be worried about besides eggs (why is that all they ever ask? I&#39;ve had a known reaction to thimerosol since my contact solution nearly blinded me in high school!) that I decided to stop getting the flu shot. Monkey cells. Human embryonic cells, even, in some cases! Anyway, to answer your question, no, I definitely do NOT plan on getting the flu shot this year. Or any other vaccines, for that matter!</p><p>We ARE, however, planning on getting pregnant as soon as we can (currently TTC). Can&#39;t wait to see if that happens this winter and what the docs say, especially when they hear that I ride public transportation to work every day... Fear not, I will stand firm, and gargle with my salt water daily!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/20/2010 12:51:31 AM
<p>Suthernstrawberry,</p><p>It is hard.  Check my other posts for ideas on how to stay healthy this winter.  Even if you opt to get the flu shot, you can still do those things to try to remain healthy.  We&#39;ve done them with good success; even if we get a cold it&#39;s very minor and a lot shorter than it used to be.</p><p>Dani,</p><p>When I was pregnant three years ago and student teaching, I asked about getting a flu shot (I hadn&#39;t done any research yet).  The doctor vaguely said, &quot;Well, of course we recommend all pregnant women get them,&quot; but that was it.  It didn&#39;t feel right so I didn&#39;t do it -- thank God, knowing what I know now!  Of course the push is much stronger now than it was even three years ago.  So stupid.  Just tell them no and follow some of the suggestions in the other post on keeping yourself healthy naturally. :)  Good luck TTC!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erinn
EMAIL: erinnstreeter@gmail.com
IP: 98.230.3.1
URL: 
DATE: 10/29/2010 04:27:01 AM
<p>A note about vitamin D: the &lt;A href=&quot;http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/researchPregnancy.shtml&quot;&gt;Vitamin D Council has organized a bunch of research about the benefits of vitamin D and the risks of being deficient.  Might interest the pregnant moms out there.</p><p>Merck makes a thimerosal-free flu vaccine called <a href="https://www.merckvaccines.com/vaccineInfo_frmst.html" rel="nofollow">Afluria</a>.  Dr. Sears mentions it on his <a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/2009/09/flu-vaccine-update-for-20092010-season.asp" rel="nofollow">website</a> in last year&#39;s info blurb about flu vaccines, as well as a bunch of others - it may be worth asking for any of those brands, in case those companies are still making them.  (I heard a few were pulled off the market, so it&#39;s always good to check.)  When in doubt, ask to read the package insert for the vaccine before they go ahead and poke you with it.</p><p>Anecdotal comment about flu shots: a friend of mine is a childcare provider who keeps 6 children under the age of three, and if their parents decide to give their child a flu shot, my friend requires that the parents keep them out of her daycare for an entire week.  This is her policy because the only time she has EVER had the flu is when exposed to someone who was vaccinated.  And not just one time.  Every time.  It&#39;s probably that she&#39;s more susceptible than the majority, but despite that, I think it&#39;s interesting.  Also, I have never been vaccinated for the flu, and I can count on one hand all of the times I&#39;ve had flu-like symptoms in my entire life.  It&#39;s a personal choice for me not to be vaccinated based on the needs (or in this case, the lack of need) displayed by my body.  I urge others to consider the needs of their bodies and act accordingly.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Journey to Real Food: Problems with Food!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/15/2010 12:00:13 PM
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<p><em>Today we have the latest installment of the Journey to Real Food series, written by Lisa of <a href="http://www.lifeofasahm-lisa.blogspot.com">Life of a SAHM</a>.&nbsp; You can read about her previous adventures too!</em></p>
<p><em>Here she is!</em></p>
<p>All that talk a few months back about not falling off the bandwagon&hellip; and, yeah, we didn&rsquo;t fall, we jumped. <br /><br />It started out slowly. The weather here got BEAUTIFUL so we would spend more and more time outside, and would often be out at dinner time. <strong>Instead of going home for dinner, we would go out to eat.</strong> Then my sons&rsquo; birthday was coming up, so we treated him to Chuck E Cheese, and then went out almost every night that week to &ldquo;treat&rdquo; him. His birthday party meant chips and crackers and soda and cupcakes that have leftovers at my house. And all that stuff tastes SO good. <br /><br />I didn&rsquo;t do my usual grocery shopping and meal planning these last few weeks either, because of the weather being so nice, and well, I got lazy. <strong>When I have no plan for dinner, I find it so much easier to say "Let's go out to eat.</strong>" Doesn&rsquo;t help that my husband LOVES to eat out still. I haven&rsquo;t grocery shopped in almost a month, so there is no real food in this house. (Well, I do still have a few meals in the freezer that will get us by until the next grocery day) I plan on grocery shopping in the next few days, and getting back up on the bandwagon. <br /><br /><strong>After I realized we did fall off the bandwagon, I looked thru my kitchen to decide what was for dinner. We were NOT going to eat out again!</strong> I found some potatoes, green beans, carrots, meat and a can of mushroom soup. I made a shepards pie and oh my goodness, it was wonderful! I had found a recipe online for shepards pie using canned veggies and instant potatoes, but I made my own with almost all whole foods. The mushroom soup was the only processed food in it! <br /><br />Tonight we will have leftovers from the shepards pie. I still have a few pounds of ground beef in my freezer from an awesome sale I got at Whole Foods. That will get us by until the next grocery shopping day. <br /><strong><br />I also slacked on making baby food.</strong> My 10 month old has shown more and more interest in what we were eating, so I would just give him little bites of what we had. I am still nursing him, so I would skip his purees. So I got to making his food again, in the past few days I have made him eggplant, carrots, bananas, apples and sweet potatoes. Must get back to giving him real food too! He is still getting most of his calories from nursing, so I know he is still doing good. <br /><br />Jumping from the bandwagon was fun, but now its time to crawl back onto it.</p>
<p><em>Thanks Lisa!</em></p>
<p><strong>Does anyone have any thoughts or comments to help Lisa?&nbsp; It's hard in the early months of a new lifestyle!</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.58.241
URL: 
DATE: 10/16/2010 05:56:43 AM
<p>Lisa, I think we have all been there, and we still do indulge at times. Try to keep 6 days a week to healthy eating and splurge one day, so then you won&#39;t feel deprived. My indulgence tonight was some homemade pumpkin cookies, not terrible, but not really in the health food category lol. <br/>The longer you stick with it and the more you learn about what is really in conventional foods the more you will want to change. Check out Dr. Russell Blaylock, he talks a lot about how atrificial sweetners and MSG (monosodium glutamate) affect the brain.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Shaklee Product Review  / Malot's Hope
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/15/2010 12:00:13 PM
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<p>A few weeks ago, I'd only just barely heard of <a href="http://malotshope.myshaklee.com">Shaklee</a>.&nbsp; I'd seen the name around other blogs I visit (green blogs), but I didn't really know anything about the company.&nbsp; Then my friend, Amy, told me about Shaklee.&nbsp; She is a new product representative.&nbsp; You may have seen the button on the right side of the screen, for <a href="http://malotshope.myshaklee.com">Malot's Hope: An Independent Shaklee Shop</a>.&nbsp; That's Amy's.</p>
<p>The reason that I'm promoting this is really two-fold: first, <strong><a href="http://malotshope.myshaklee.com">Shaklee</a> products are both green <em>and</em> effective </strong>(I've gotten to try a couple samples myself).&nbsp; Second, because of Amy's story and my desire to support her.</p>
<p>See, Amy and her husband Curtis met out in the missions fields.&nbsp; <strong>They wanted to adopt a child from one of those poor countries (Ethiopia is their plan) someday.&nbsp;</strong> But those plans have become <em>now</em> because of some things they've experienced in the last year.&nbsp; Their son was born with some minor brain damage and has suffered from weakness, serious allergies, slight developmental delays, and seizures.&nbsp; <strong>For health reasons they are unable to have anymore of their own children.</strong>&nbsp; Yet, they desire to add to their family as well as to help others.</p>
<p>So Amy and Curtis have decided that now is the time to adopt and complete their family.&nbsp; <strong>But as many of you may know, adoption isn't cheap.&nbsp;</strong> Amy is doing everything she can to raise the money so that they can begin the process of adopting.&nbsp; <strong>She is stepping out on her faith in God with this one.</strong></p>
<p>We can help.&nbsp; <strong>By purchasing through Amy's Shaklee store, you are supporting her journey to adoption, which she has dubbed <a href="http://malotshope.blogspot.com/">Malot's Hope</a>.</strong>&nbsp; That link is to her blog, where you can read more about her story.&nbsp; If you desire, you can also donate to her directly.&nbsp; (That is for you to prayerfully consider.)</p>
<p>As for <a href="http://malotshope.myshaklee.com">Shaklee</a>, they are a very interesting company.&nbsp; They're fairly small, mainly because they sell only online or through sales reps, not in stores.&nbsp; But they have a long history, having been around since the 1950s.&nbsp; <strong>As they say, they "were green before anyone knew what green was."</strong>&nbsp; They have a lot of different products, from supplements (they were the original supplement company and have a lot of research to support their product line), meal replacement bars and powders, and cleaning supplies.</p>
<p>It was their cleaning supplies that interested me most.&nbsp; Amy was kind enough to let me try a small amount of some of hers.&nbsp; I got to test their Basic H2 and their dishwasher powder.</p>
<p><strong>The H2 impresses me because of its versatility.</strong>&nbsp; It is super concentrated, and depending on the level of dilution can have many, many uses.&nbsp; With only a couple drops (all of these measurements are to a 16-oz. bottle of water), you can make window cleaner.&nbsp; With four drops, regular dishwashing soap (by hand, not dishwasher).&nbsp; With a bit more, all-purpose around the house cleaner.&nbsp; A tiny bit more and we're talking super-strength cleaner that can clean showers, bathtubs, outdoors, and more.&nbsp; <strong>It can even be used as a bug spray (directly on your skin!), and certified organic farmers can use it as a safe, harmless pesticide!&nbsp; I couldn't believe it was powerful enough to be used as a pesticide, yet safe enough to spray on your child's skin.&nbsp;</strong> But it is, and has a 50-year track record to prove it.</p>
<p>The dishwasher powder...now, what can I say?&nbsp; It's perfectly safe and harmless, yet it <em>works</em>.&nbsp; <strong>I've tried homemade powders, commercial-standard powders, and commercial-green powders.&nbsp; This works better than all of them.&nbsp;</strong> I'd about given up on my awful, awful dishwasher, where more dishes come out dirty than clean.&nbsp; Everything that goes in had to be almost completely pre-washed.&nbsp; If there was anything even remotely stuck on, you could bet it wasn't coming off.&nbsp; But with <em>this...</em>it actually gets clean!&nbsp; Glass is clear and spotless.&nbsp; Pans with stuck-on junk are clean.&nbsp; It's amazing that my junky, awful dishwasher works so much better with this!</p>
<p>This stuff isn't cheap.&nbsp; But you get what you pay for, you know?&nbsp; And it's not ridiculous, either.&nbsp; <strong>It comes so concentrated that a single bottle or bag of stuff lasts a long time.</strong></p>
<p>I can't speak to other products on the site personally, but I know that Amy and other friends of ours have purchased some and have been extremely pleased.&nbsp; Amy has told me that she physically can't handle supplements, typically, and has tried many, but she does very well with Shaklee's.&nbsp; Others say their laundry stain remover will get any stain out of anything, without harming the fabric.</p>
<p>I think these products are definitely worth a shot, and since they're to support a good cause, definitely worth it.&nbsp; <strong>Would you consider <a href="http://malotshope.myshaklee.com">trying Shaklee</a> and supporting Amy?</strong>&nbsp; Thank you!</p>
<p><em>And as a small side note, if you are local to Columbus, OH Amy is also a photographer, and she does on-location photo shoots!&nbsp; You can see her <a href="http://amygarrettphotography.blogspot.com/">photography blog</a>, where she posts previews of the photo shoots she does.&nbsp; If you look you can see a <a href="http://amygarrettphotography.blogspot.com/2010/10/t-family.html">recent shoot she did with our family</a>!&nbsp; All of my professional shots (of my family) that I use on here, including my "introduction" shot are done by Amy!</em></p>
<p><em>Also, Amy informs me that she has an <a href="http://malotshope.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> now!&nbsp; She has many wonderful, handmade products there, all to support her adoption journey!<br /></em></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenn V.
EMAIL: mrs.voss@gmail.com
IP: 98.204.9.185
URL: http://dishragdiaries.wordpress.com/
DATE: 10/15/2010 02:40:59 PM
<p>I can&#39;t believe you posted this today. Literally, on my to-do list, was to interview a local Shaklee rep and then write a post on it and test out some products. But to be frank, you&#39;re a better researcher so I&#39;m very glad for your opinion. And I&#39;m thrilled to help your friend Amy. Will be buying today.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa @ Real Food Digest
EMAIL: lisa@realfooddigest.com
IP: 67.127.101.136
URL: http://www.realfooddigest.com
DATE: 10/15/2010 03:35:05 PM
<p>I love the Shaklee dishpowder - I&#39;ve also tried a ton of green options, this one is my favorite so far. I like the H@ as well, haven&#39;t tried anything else. But next time I need to place an order I will use Malot&#39;s Hope. Glad you posted this, it&#39;s always nice to be supporting something in addition to getting a product.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sayedeh
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.187.55.46
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 12:04:21 AM
<p>I LOVE shaklee, been using it for over a year now.  Just tried the Scour Off recently, fantastic!  I even use the eye cream, its pretty nice too.  My favorite is the laundry powder and booster, that stuff works on cloth diapers like no other!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Is Organic Safe?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/16/2010 12:00:58 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.treehugger.com"><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/organic produce.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287182487319" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 250px;">Image Credit</span></span> Recently a reader emailed me with a question: <strong>is organic safe?</strong>&nbsp; She (like some of my other readers, I'm sure), is trained in the medical field and was taught that since organic food doesn't have any pesticides to kill the bugs, it could be contaminated with diseases (like West Nile virus).&nbsp; <strong>She is concerned and wants to feed her family the best food available, but isn't sure what that is.</strong>&nbsp; It's important that we explore this question, because people want to feed their families as best they can with the safest food.</p>
<p><strong>So let's ask a few questions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>What makes food <em>safe</em>?</li>
<li>What are the standards for organic food?</li>
<li>How likely is contamination?&nbsp; Have there been reports?</li>
<li>What about contamination/pesticide residue in conventional produce?</li>
</ul>
<p>If we can find the answers to these questions, we can learn if organic is safe, and what the best option is.</p>
<p><strong>What makes food safe?</strong></p>
<p>Food safety has really been in the news a lot in the last few years.&nbsp; There have been a lot of recalls due to contamination: peanut butter with salmonella, spinach and tomatoes with E. Coli, beef with E. Coli, eggs with salmonella....&nbsp; (Yes, these two are responsible for a lot of -- though not all -- of food-borne illness.&nbsp; Campylobacter, which is sometimes found in milk, is the third most common.)</p>
<p>Because of these recalls, we're seeing irradiation of fresh produce, pasteurization of eggs, and other industrial food procedures to try to make the food supply safer.</p>
<p><strong>We would probably <em>all </em>define 'safe food' as "that which does not contain any diseases."&nbsp;</strong> Right?&nbsp; Food that won't make us sick, food that we can consume without fear or illness or injury.</p>
<p>What we disagree on is <em>how</em> we go about making the food safe.</p>
<p><strong>Conventional agriculture says food is safe when chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used, food is safe because there are no disease-carrying bugs which contaminate it, and there are no "natural," potentially disease-carrying fertilizers (like manure from sick animals) on the produce.&nbsp;</strong> They also say that it is necessary to take the extra step of irradiation if there are contamination issues so that we can be sure that everything on the food is gone.&nbsp; With animals, conventional agriculture says we need to use antibiotics to control the spread of disease, and wash freshly butchered meat in ammonia (yes, they wash chicken in an ammonia solution...) to kill all pathogens.&nbsp; Milk must be pasteurized for the same reason.&nbsp; In general, all food must be chemically treated in some way to kill the pathogens.</p>
<p><strong>Organic agriculture, on the other hand, says food is safe when it's not coated in synthetic, petroleum-derived chemicals.</strong>&nbsp; These chemicals not only get onto the plants, they get into the soils and grow up into the plants.&nbsp; They use manure as fertilizer, but only from healthy animals.&nbsp; They are concerned with the over-processing of food, industrialization of food, and the resultant nutrient loss from the way these animals and crops are raised, as well as the addition of the chemical pesticides.</p>
<p><strong>Conventional proponents scoff at organic supporters, saying there is no proof that organic food contains more nutrients, or that any pesticide residue remains on or in the plants</strong>.&nbsp; They maintain that the food is of equal nutritional quality and contains no detectable residues of pesticides, and that any trace amounts are not harmful to human health.</p>
<p><strong>Organic proponents maintain that produce grown in rich soil, and animals raised on pasture produce food that is more nutritious </strong>(and there are studies to indicate this is true; there are also studies that say it's not).&nbsp; <strong>They also maintain that there <em>are</em> significant levels of pesticides on conventional produce</strong>, and that these add up over time to produce health effects, especially if people are eating the recommended 5 to 9 servings per day.&nbsp; In animal products, they point to lower vitamin contents (conventional beef contains almost <em>no</em> CLA, vs. high levels in grass-fed beef) and dangerous animal conditions.</p>
<p><em>So who is right?</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What are the standards for organic food?</strong></p>
<p>We need to look at what "organic" really means, both legally and in practice.&nbsp; "Organic" wasn't really defined until the mid 1990s, so prior to that there was no standard.&nbsp; But after the updates in the early 2000s, there are <a href="http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&amp;sid=3f34f4c22f9aa8e6d9864cc2683cea02&amp;tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title07/7cfr205_main_02.tpl">definite standards</a> now.&nbsp; <strong><a href="http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3004446&amp;acct=nopgeninfo">Organic foods</a> must be</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Produced without pesticides or chemical fertilizers</li>
<li>Non-GMO</li>
<li>Not subject to ionizing radiation (irradiated)</li>
<li>No use of sewage sludge&nbsp;</li>
<li>Produced without hormones</li>
<li>Not fed animal by-products</li>
<li>Produced without antibiotics</li>
<li>Animals must be out on pasture at least 120 days per year and receive 30% of their feed this way</li>
<li>Take steps to promote a <a href="http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&amp;sid=19265d4eacf362fae3a46b8324cf80d4&amp;rgn=div8&amp;view=text&amp;node=7:3.1.1.9.32.3.354.12&amp;idno=7">naturally healthy environment</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Check the links to learn more about the details of certification.&nbsp; But basically, <strong>organic is <em>not</em> just "don't use pesticides."&nbsp; It is an entire system of raising animals and crops</strong> that provides for specific health and conditions for the animals, and which indicates certain amounts of pasture that need to be available to animals, <a href="http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&amp;sid=19265d4eacf362fae3a46b8324cf80d4&amp;rgn=div8&amp;view=text&amp;node=7:3.1.1.9.32.3.354.7&amp;idno=7">systems of crop rotation</a>, and other "natural management" systems that benefit both the organic farmer and the ecosystem.&nbsp; These practices minimize the spread of illness and pests.</p>
<p><strong>The standards do allow for "non-synthetic" chemical applications (and have a list of which are permitted) in order to control weeds and pests</strong>.&nbsp; There is also a specific list of <a href="http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&amp;sid=19265d4eacf362fae3a46b8324cf80d4&amp;rgn=div8&amp;view=text&amp;node=7:3.1.1.9.32.7.354.2&amp;idno=7">synthetic chemicals that are permitted</a> (it's long!), and <a href="http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&amp;sid=19265d4eacf362fae3a46b8324cf80d4&amp;rgn=div8&amp;view=text&amp;node=7:3.1.1.9.32.7.354.4&amp;idno=7">synthetics permitted in animals</a> (it should be noted that after some of these, animals must be cleared 90 days before they could be butchered or milked and sold as organic). Farmers are also encouraged to use animal grazing, hand weeding, mulching with organic materials, and other physical means to prevent problems.</p>
<p>Although for me, this brings up more questions than it answers (such as <em>how</em> do they get away with allowing such a long list of synthetic chemicals in our <em>organic</em> food?!), <strong>it is clear that organic food is <em>not</em> a "lack of pesticides."&nbsp;</strong> There are many ways -- chemical and manual -- that farmers use to control illness and disease in their animals, and sick animals or contaminated produce cannot be sold.</p>
<p><em>Note: we'll be talking to a farmer who spent 30 years in the confinement system, but has moved to organic methods over the past 5 years, in a couple weeks.&nbsp; For a little perspective!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>How likely is contamination?&nbsp; Have there been reports?</strong></p>
<p>Checking in the mainstream media, <strong>most of the "reports" of <em>potential</em> contamination come from companies which make or are supported by those who make conventional agricultural products, like Monsanto</strong>.&nbsp; One "expert" is quoted as saying that organics may be more likely to be contaminated because they use "disease-laden manure" as a primary fertilizer.</p>
<p>This is not true.&nbsp; The manure used in organic operations comes <em>only</em> from organic livestock, which is <em>not</em> contaminated with diseases, the way manure from conventional farms is.&nbsp; That's an important point to consider when discussing potential contamination.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/Organic/fecal-contamination.cfm">A study done in 2004 </a>concluded that there was "no significant increase" in contamination in organic produce vs. conventional.</strong>&nbsp; One group of researchers attempted to spin the study to say that organic produce was more dangerous.&nbsp; This was because 80% of the tested produce was organic and only 20% conventional (so clearly "more organic produce" is going to have some residue if most of what was tested was organic!), the produce was tested on-site before picking or washing, and they also looked at non-harmful organisms.&nbsp; For example, they noted that <strong>"generic E. Coli" was found on some samples of organic produce.&nbsp; E. Coli, in many strains, is found <em>in our digestive tracts</em>.&nbsp; It is not harmful.&nbsp; Only the strain 0157:H7 is harmful, and that strain was <em>not</em> found on any samples.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/buying-organic-does-not-protect-against-food-borne-illness">Another article</a> provides astonishingly dumb "facts:" <strong>though only 21,000 cases of food-borne illness were reported in 2007, the CDC estimates that really, 76 <em>million</em> people probably get sick in one year.</strong>&nbsp; While 21,000 is likely on the low side, since not every case will be reported, the CDC has <em>no</em> justification to increase this estimate by over 3000%!</p>
<p>There were some reports of contamination linked to organic spinach in 2006, but this occurred on a farm in transition between conventional and organic methods.</p>
<p><strong>In the movie <em>Food Inc.</em>, a pastured chicken farmer says that his chickens tested much lower in bacteria content than did conventional chickens, even after a ammonia wash.</strong>&nbsp; By the way, if you haven't seen this movie, you <em>must</em>!</p>
<p>Reading these studies (both original text and the explanations) and the mainstream "logic" leads me to believe that <strong>there is no significant increase in food-borne illness or contamination in organic foods</strong>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What about contamination/pesticide residue in conventional produce?</strong></p>
<p>We would be remiss not to talk about the potential for pesticide contamination or residue on conventional produce when we're talking about food safety.&nbsp; Is it there?&nbsp; And if so, is it in levels that could harm human health?</p>
<p><strong>It's well known now that conventional produce <em>does</em> have some pesticide residue on it.&nbsp;</strong> The vast majority of <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2010-06-01/health/dirty.dozen.produce.pesticide_1_pesticide-residue-pesticide-tests-fruits-and-vegetables/2?_s=PM:HEALTH">individual samples</a> fall well within the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/human.htm">EPA's "safe limits,"</a> but that leads to more questions: what happens when people eat a large amount of produce, as recommended by the USDA?&nbsp; What happens when the pesticides (up to 67 different types on a single variety of produce, according to the <a href="http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php">Environmental Working Group</a>) are consumed in combination?&nbsp; Are the "safe limits" really safe -- <a href="http://www.ewg.org/featured/234">have there been studies done</a>?&nbsp; What about in children or people of different ages or weights (c<a href="http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/mnchec/articles/pesticides.htm">hildren are more vulnerable</a>, with their smaller size and developing bodies and brains)?</p>
<p>Many pesticide are known neurotoxins or carcinogens (cancer-causing).&nbsp; Although the EPA assures us we are ingesting these in small enough quantities to cause no harm, <strong>tests of people who consume moderate amounts of conventional foods have found these pesticides excreted in urine.</strong>&nbsp; Clearly they are present in the food and in the body!&nbsp; There is no way to determine if these pesticides are having any long-term effect until it is too late.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What's the bottom line?</strong></p>
<p>The bottom line is that organic is safer.&nbsp; It is no more likely to be contaminated than conventional produce, and it does not have the problem of pesticide residues, which could cause cancer or neurological disorders.&nbsp; With such a very tiny risk of food-borne illness (which is generally temporary and relatively minor), and a much higher risk of potential long-term neurological or other health consequences (which are serious and often chronic), it's definitely better to err on the side of safety and go with organic.</p>
<p>However, I must caution everyone that the <em>best</em> solution is to <strong>know your farmer</strong>, know his operation, know exactly how his food is produced, and trust him.&nbsp; That is not always possible, but with more and more small farms popping up, and more and more farmer's markets (some even in the winter) opening, this is becoming easier.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Do you buy organic or not?&nbsp; Do you believe it is safer?&nbsp; Why or why not?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crystal
EMAIL: crystal.4479@gmail.com
IP: 174.96.19.161
URL: 
DATE: 10/17/2010 03:11:19 PM
<p>I have recently started buying organic meat because after watching the movie Food Inc., I realized that I did not want to eat meat that was raised in such cruel conditions and I wanted to start reducing our exposure to GMO&#39;s, pesticides, and antibiotics. I also have started buying organic produce as much as possible. I feel really good about my choices and have never thought for even a minute that I was in greater danger by eating organics. I feel that we are in greater danger by eating things that have been so modified by humans, often without any real data about the long term effects.  </p><p>Some of my complaints are that it is very difficult for me to find organic and LOCAL produce. I can find organic strawberries in any store but they have been shipped here (North Carolina) from California. There is a HUGE strawberry farm right down the road where you can buy huge baskets of them for practically nothing, but they aren&#39;t organic. So, sometimes it is a tough decision. I want to eat locally and organically but I also work full time and don&#39;t have time to hunt down that one farm nearby that sells organic strawberries. This is frustrating to me. I hope that it will get better as more and more people begin to demand organics.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Making Boxed Meals Healthier
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/12/2010 12:00:45 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.militaryfoodex.com"><img src="/storage/tuna helper.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286659032995" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 181px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p><strong>I know that not all of my readers are completely on the "real food bandwagon."</strong> Some of you are just trying it out, or even just reading about it, but have yet to make significant changes. Some of you are overwhelmed. Some of you have family members who are resistant to change. Some of you simply have full pantries of boxed food that you don't want to waste!</p>
<p>This post is for you. <strong>If, for whatever reason, you still eat boxed food sometimes at your house (think Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, etc.), there are ways that you can make it healthier. </strong></p>
<p>Please don't misunderstand. <strong>I'm not advocating buying and consuming boxed food. If you don't have any, don't go buy some!</strong> There are still additives in the food and that can't be changed. But if you already have it sitting around, and it needs to get eaten...there are ways to make it better.</p>
<p>(And if you love the taste of these boxed meals and miss buying them, tomorrow I will have some recipes and ideas on how to make homemade versions of your old favorites!)</p>
<p>Here are some things you can do:</p>
<p><strong>1) Use real butter and whole milk</strong></p>
<p>Many of these meals call for sauteing in butter, or adding some milk to make the sauces.&nbsp; Use real butter and whole milk in order to make it as healthy as possible.&nbsp; This cuts down on the "junk" that would be in the low-fat milk and margarine!</p>
<p><strong>2) Don't follow package directions</strong></p>
<p>When I used to make these, I always added mostly milk and only a little water.&nbsp; To make them cheap and lower the fat, most recommend using mostly water and a little milk.&nbsp; You can completely eliminate the water and use good whole milk instead.&nbsp; It will make the dish richer and fattier so you eat less of it, as well as increasing the nutrients.&nbsp; You can also add other additions and change cooking times...details in other steps!</p>
<p><strong>3) Use high-quality meat</strong></p>
<p>Using pastured meats will ensure that at least <em>that</em> part of your meal is nutrient-dense.&nbsp; Select grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, etc. as the basis.&nbsp; You can also add a bit of extra meat (maybe 1.5 lbs. instead of just 1 lb.) to increase nutrition too.</p>
<p><strong>4) Add fresh vegetables</strong></p>
<p>I always used to love adding chopped tomatoes, broccoli, or other vegetables to these meals.&nbsp; It makes them more satisfying and a lot healthier.&nbsp; Your family may eat veggies better in the meal or on the side; do whatever you need to!&nbsp; I loved adding corn (I know, not technically a veggie; it's a grain!) to the Creamy Broccoli Tuna Helper!&nbsp; You can add chopped onion and garlic, peas, even spinach!&nbsp; Whatever your family likes.&nbsp; You could try pureeing some squash or carrots and adding that to the sauce if you need to "hide" the veggies.&nbsp; But whatever you do -- get them in there!</p>
<p><strong>5) Add real cheese</strong></p>
<p>A <em>lot</em> of these varieties are "cheesy" ones.&nbsp; Skip the "cheese topping" packets and put your own fresh (preferably raw) cheese on top.&nbsp; You can do this even if it doesn't call for cheese, like with the "Italian" varieties.&nbsp; It adds protein and calcium and lots of other great stuff!</p>
<p><strong>6) Reduce the amount of "sauce mix" that you use and replace with fresh ingredients</strong></p>
<p>Instead of using the whole packet of "sauce mix," trying using only 3/4, or even only 1/2.&nbsp; Add extra sea salt, pepper, and parsely (using extra milk and butter will help too).&nbsp; You can add other herbs as necessary (oregano, basil for Italian; celery seed for creamy; etc.).&nbsp; You'll get the flavor you like, but without so much junk.</p>
<p><strong>7) Serve alongside something freshly made</strong></p>
<p>Make a salad to go alongside, or some homemade applesauce, or even raw ice cream!&nbsp; You don't really need any other grains (so bread isn't the best idea) but more fruits and vegetables are good.&nbsp; You could make a creamy broccoli-cheese casserole, or baked apples, pumpkin pie, or aything else your family likes.</p>
<p>If you make a boxed meal with these suggestions, you're going to get a meal that is full of excellent meat, milk, and veggies, and has excellent side dishes.&nbsp; The "damage" from the white pasta and MSG-laden sauce mix will be mitigated.&nbsp; It will also stretch the meal further.&nbsp; It's the best way to use up what you have while still feeding your family excellently!</p>
<p><strong>What tips do you have for making boxed meals healthier?&nbsp; If you have a blog, head over to the carnival post and link up!</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Homemade Tuna Helper and Boxed Meal CARNIVAL!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/12/2010 12:00:45 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/10/12/wheatless-wednesday-can-you-prevent-gluten-intolerance/">Wheatless Wednesday at Naturally Knocked Up</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/10/pennywise-platter-thursday-1014.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Have a recipe for a homemade version of a favorite boxed meal? Boxed meals include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hamburger Helper</li>
<li>Tuna Helper</li>
<li>Chicken Helper</li>
<li>Rice-a-roni</li>
<li>Other rice mixes and meal mixes</li>
</ul>
<p>If you do, add it to the linky below.&nbsp; Don't forget to link back to this carnival on your post so that everyone can enjoy all the different recipes!</p>
<p>(By the way, homemade versions should have <em>no</em> sauce mixes or other packaged ingredients.&nbsp; Boxed pasta is okay.)</p>
<p><strong>Homemade Tuna Helper</strong></p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/4 c. onion, chopped</li>
<li>3 tbsp. butter</li>
<li>4 - 8 oz. mushrooms, chopped</li>
<li>1 tbsp. arrowroot powder</li>
<li>2 c. milk</li>
<li>1 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>2 tsp. parsley</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. black pepper</li>
<li>1 6-oz. can tuna, undrained</li>
<li>1 8-oz. box pasta (I used quinoa gluten-free pasta)</li>
<li>Optional: 8 oz. other veggie</li>
<li>Optional: 1/2 c. grated cheese</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.&nbsp; Add onion and mushrooms and cook until softened.&nbsp; Add arrowroot powder and <em>cold</em> milk, and liquid from tuna and stir to combine.&nbsp; Add sea salt, pepper, and parsley.&nbsp; Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens.&nbsp; Remove from heat.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.&nbsp; If using veggies, steam them lightly if necessary.</p>
<p>Combine all ingredients just before serving: tuna, pasta, sauce and veggies.&nbsp; If desired, top with buttered bread crumbs and/or cheese and bake at 350 for 10 - 15 minutes (I didn't).&nbsp; Serves 3 - 4.</p>
<p><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=49306" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>I'm looking forward to seeing your recipes!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Recipes
EMAIL: selltowards@gmail.com
IP: 180.149.12.41
URL: http://sweetfry.com
DATE: 01/25/2011 10:53:30 AM
<p>Homemade Tuna Helper seems delicious...will try to have a taste.Hope of getting more unique recipe like this.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Herbs to Support Pregnancy
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/20/2010 12:00:53 PM
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<p>There may be times in pregnancy that you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms but can't use any drugs (you shouldn't, by the way, unless a serious situation exists in which drug use outweighs the risks).&nbsp; Or there may be ways that your body needs supported, nutritionally, during pregnancy.&nbsp; <strong>Using herbs can help to support your body and to relieve symptoms.&nbsp;</strong> It's important to know which ones are safe and beneficial, because while some are, others are not (safe <em>or</em> beneficial).&nbsp; So today we'll talk about those herbs!</p>
<p><strong>Which herbs support pregnancy?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Red raspberry leaf</strong> -- Tones the uterus, good source of calcium.&nbsp; Helps throughout pregnancy, as well as labor (and can help relieve PMS in those who are not pregnant!).&nbsp; Can also help increase milk production after baby.</p>
<p><strong>Nettle</strong> -- Tones the uterus and balances the hormonal system, also high in iron.</p>
<p><strong>Oatstraw</strong> -- Balances the nervous system, can enhance sexual desire, good source of calcium.&nbsp; Helps increase milk production.</p>
<p><strong>Ginger</strong> -- Soothing, helps calm morning sickness and nausea (helps nausea in anyone).</p>
<p><strong>Red clover</strong> -- Calms nerves, tones the uterus, and balances hormones.&nbsp; High in calcium, magnesium, protein, and other vitamins.&nbsp; Excellent for fertility.</p>
<p><strong>Dandelion root</strong> -- A mild diuretic, can relieve water retention, constipation.&nbsp; Good source of calcium, iron, and potassium.&nbsp; Can help detox after birth too (hormones no longer needed and/or drugs).</p>
<p><strong>Alfalfa</strong> -- High in vitamin K, trace minerals and chlorophyll.&nbsp; Helps decrease risk of hemorrhage and increase milk supply.</p>
<p><strong>Lavender oil</strong> -- Can help promote relaxation.</p>
<p>There are others, I'm sure, but these are the most common and generally most beneficial herbs.&nbsp; In fact, <strong>I believe many of these should be taken throughout a woman's life, as they support general hormonal health.</strong>&nbsp; They relieve PMS, help you get pregnant, support healthy pregnancy and birth, normalize hormones after birth, and promote milk supply!&nbsp; Pretty much covers it all. :)</p>
<p><strong>The best way to take these herbs is as a tea.&nbsp; </strong>Simply mix the dried herbs together (roughly equal amounts of each, or whatever proportion your midwife calls for) and add about one ounce of herbs to one quart of boiling water; steep overnight and drink throughout the day.&nbsp; You can add honey or fruit juice to make it more palatable if desired.</p>
<p><strong>Herbs which should <em>not</em> be used in pregnancy</strong>:</p>
<p><strong>Black/blue cohosh</strong> -- Can cause contractions/labor.&nbsp; (Safe for use at term, but talk to your doctor.)</p>
<p><strong>Aloe vera</strong> -- If taken internally, stimulates contractions.</p>
<p><strong>Licorice</strong> -- Hormonal implications.</p>
<p><strong>Vitex</strong> -- Hormonal issues, can cause miscarriage (some say it is safe in the first trimester).</p>
<p><strong>Yarrow</strong> -- Can cause vomitting.</p>
<p><strong>Evening primrose oil</strong> -- Can cause contractions (safe at term).</p>
<p>There are many, many more herbs to avoid, but I don't think it's likely that most people would <em>ever</em> use them, so I'm not going to list them here.&nbsp; There are links in the "sources" section below to full lists of herbs not to use, just in case you need it.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Never ever take an herb while pregnant without first researching its uses and safety!</strong>&nbsp; It is better safe than sorry.&nbsp; Herbs are potent natural medicines that are not without side effects, and pregnancy is a special time.&nbsp; Herbs which, at other times, may be harmless or beneficial may be harmful in pregnancy, due to their effects on your hormones.&nbsp; If in doubt, stick to <em>only</em> the safe list and consult a midwife or herbalist with any questions.</p>
<p><strong>Sources</strong>:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.familyherbalremedies.com/fertility_herbs.html">Fertility Herbs</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.motherlove.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&amp;Store_Code=MHC&amp;Category_Code=resources-faq-useful-herbs-during-pregnancy">Useful Herbs</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/medications-and-herbs/herbs-to-avoid-during-pregnancy-2293/">Herbs to avoid </a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bellaonline.org/articles/art24325.asp">Essential Oils to Avoid</a></p>
<p><strong>Do you take any herbs in pregnancy?&nbsp; If so, which ones and why?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: ilovemysoldier27@hotmail.com
IP: 98.117.160.36
URL: 
DATE: 10/20/2010 02:48:39 PM
<p>I just wanted to say that while I enjoyed this post, I don&#39;t appreciate the picture. When I opened my RSS reader all I say was a big set of boobs. What if my husband opened my reader and saw that?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: winni
EMAIL: realfooduprising@gmail.com
IP: 67.190.64.170
URL: 
DATE: 10/23/2010 06:15:32 PM
<p>Hmm...weird, I was just thinking that I really loved the picture.  A pregnant woman&#39;s breasts are swollen and full and that is nothing to be ashamed of.  If my husband saw this picture it certainly wouldn&#39;t be the first time he saw cleavage!  In fact most of us are exposed to more explicit cleavage in real life everyday!  Good post, I&#39;ve been taking vitex to help regulate my hormones with great success and when I get pregnant I&#39;ll continue to take it through the first trimester for sure  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 05:04:20 PM
<p>I will say, I took Vitex to GET pregnant with my second--my cycle was wacky from breastfeeding my oldest, and after 3 months of 10-11 day luteal phases and spotting 5 days before my period, I took the Vitex to help regulate things. I got pregnant THAT month. I also continued taking the Vitex through the first trimester (I took 3 a day until 6 weeks, then 2 a day until 8 weeks, then slowly weaned and was done with it by 12 weeks). I read a lot of personal stories from women who stopped taking it cold turkey once they got their positive pregnancy test, and then miscarried. Could have been coincidence, but I was too worried to stop, and one of my midwives (who is an herbalist) said Vitex is similar to the herbs in my pregnancy tea and was safe in normal doses.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Herbowski
EMAIL: medicinokrt@gmail.com
IP: 93.136.202.124
URL: http://www.plantsmedicinal.com/herbs-and-diseases.php?lang=eng
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:04:46 PM
<p>Interesting article. I&#39;ve been using such herbs myself for a longer period of time, and I can say that they can actually treat and prevent many problems for which most people would use pharmaceutical products. Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives, and I feel that more people should know about them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenniffer
EMAIL: jennifferbsch23@gmail.com
IP: 66.162.102.226
URL: 
DATE: 12/21/2010 10:05:41 PM
<p>Have you researched Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea?  I have read in some places you can take it through-out your entire pregnancy, but have also read it&#39;s not good during the first trimester as it may cause miscarriage due to the red rasberry leaf.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Chocolate Almond Coconut Candy
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/21/2010 12:00:54 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/center_for_jewish_history/3765816851/"><img src="/storage/Candy.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287620979615" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 481px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p>Halloween is coming, which means lots of candy. <em>Lots.</em> But if you're a real foodie, you won't be eating much candy, because there is no healthy candy. Right?</p>
<p>Wrong.</p>
<p>I've come up with a recipe so delicious, you won't be able to stop eating it.&nbsp; And since it's also incredibly healthy, you won't have to.&nbsp; In fact, it's <em>so</em> healthy, I recommend you eat it daily.&nbsp; Really.</p>
<p><strong>It also happens to be dairy-free, gluten-free, and even safe for GAPS, with one small modification.&nbsp;</strong> Yes, GAPS families can have candy this year too!!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/3 c. coconut oil</li>
<li>3 tbsp. raw honey</li>
<li>1 tbsp. raw cacao powder or carob powder</li>
<li>&frac14; c. crispy almonds, chopped</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix all ingredients together.&nbsp; Spoon into a greased mini-muffin tray; refrigerate for at least one hour.&nbsp; Serves 12.&nbsp; (Store in the fridge.)</p>
<p>It tastes kind of like an Almond Joy bar, and melts in your mouth (and your hand, so be careful -- coconut oil melts at just 76 degrees!).&nbsp; It's so deliciously sweet, though there's not much sweetener in it.</p>
<p>It's also a nutritional powerhouse, due to the coconut oil, raw honey, and almonds.&nbsp; Chocolate, too, in <em>small</em> doses like this can have benefits too (or skip it and use carob).&nbsp; <strong>Coconut oil is full of beneficial fat, especially the medium-chain lauric acid, which helps to ward off illness.</strong>&nbsp; Raw honey has similar properties (the warding off illness, not the laurid acid).&nbsp; So this candy <em>might actually keep you healthy</em>!&nbsp;</p>
<p>This year, have your candy and eat it too!</p>
<p><strong>What do you think about healthy candy?&nbsp; What's your favorite kind of candy?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/21/2010 04:35:47 PM
<p>I just made something really similar (using raw almonds) and I concur, it is amazing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/22/2010 02:49:36 PM
<p>This looks so easy, I might just have to give it a try!  I even have most of it on hand. Just a question: I&#39;ve never heard of &quot;crispy almonds.&quot; Can you tell me what these are?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 10/22/2010 05:10:12 PM
<p>This sounds great! I am going to try this, but I have a question. Do almonds need soaking?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/22/2010 08:53:25 PM
<p>&quot;Crispy&quot; almonds are ones that have been soaked overnight in salt water (about 1 tsp. salt to 1 qt. water) and then dehydrated or dried in the oven. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Denise
EMAIL: duhknees@aol.com
IP: 71.193.248.233
URL: 
DATE: 10/22/2010 09:49:03 PM
<p>we make a similar candy with sunflower seeds, lots of (unsweetened) shredded coconut, a little melted coconut oil or ghee, and just enough melted semisweet chocolate chips to hold it together.  We mix it all together (it will seem very crumbly) spread it thin on a plate, put it in the freezer to harden and chill (we like it kinda cold -- refreshing!) and then break into pieces.  Full of nutrients and fiber.  I&#39;m sure it would be great with almonds, but the seeds are cheaper. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why We THINK We Need Vaccines
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/23/2010 12:00:51 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/10/monday-mania-10252010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>Vaccines have become an increasingly hot topic.&nbsp; And with good reason!&nbsp; There's a lot to question these days.&nbsp; <strong>You should </strong><em><strong>never</strong></em><strong> vaccinate without </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/10/do-your-research-vaccines.html"><strong>doing your research</strong></a><strong>, and just because '</strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/27/but-we-turned-out-fine.html"><strong>WE Turned Out Fine</strong></a><strong>' is not a reason either!&nbsp;</strong> Things are very different these days.</p>
<p><strong>Personally, </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/26/argument-against-vaccinations.html"><strong>I'd recommend not vaccinating</strong></a><strong>, ever.&nbsp; </strong>You can read about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/18/vaccinations-why-not.html">how we made this decision</a>.&nbsp; Obviously everyone has to come to their own decision about vaccination, and even within the Real Food and natural living communities there is disagreement.&nbsp; But today I'm going to share with you two major reasons that we <em>think</em> we need vaccines, and why we actually don't.</p>
<p><strong>1) Because kids are not exposed to the same microbes they used to be</strong></p>
<p>100 years ago, it's true that more kids contracted and even died of illnesses that are uncommon today.&nbsp; Vaccines are usually credited with this change.&nbsp; <strong>However, I believe they are not truly responsible, and that vaccines (and many other current practices) have harmed children.</strong>&nbsp; And I'm not even talking about autism and all of those controversial issues.</p>
<p>Back in the "old days," we didn't even know we needed to wash our hands after using the bathroom or handling raw meat.&nbsp; So people didn't.&nbsp; This lead to disease spreading more easily.&nbsp; <strong>This is also why people died: they had too many immune challenges at once, and were too weak to fight them all off.</strong></p>
<p>The early part of the 1900s saw many changes in sanitation, like more hand washing and other safety measures.&nbsp;<strong> If you can find charts of measles deaths from 1900 to 2000, you'll see that they'd fallen by over 99% </strong><em><strong>before</strong></em><strong> the introduction of the vaccine!</strong>&nbsp; For this reason (it makes the vaccine look useless...), you'll never see such a chart on any official WHO or CDC site.&nbsp; You'll only see charts from 1980 - present, which make it look like cases dropped sharply (the vaccine was introduced in 1963, by the way, and cases temporarily jumped up, so you won't see the early data either).</p>
<p>People just <em>love</em> to come back at that argument with "But that's just <em>deaths</em>.&nbsp; The overall cases didn't go down until we introduced the vaccine."&nbsp; Okay.&nbsp; Supposing that's true, why do we need measles <em>cases</em> to disappear, anyway?&nbsp; We've made it so our children just never get sick anymore (more on that in point #2).&nbsp; We've become afraid of these illnesses.</p>
<p><strong>But they're not </strong><em><strong>dangerous</strong></em><strong> to children who are healthy!&nbsp;</strong> The real rates of complications are extremely low and typically occur in children who are immune compromised (who typically can't be vaccinated anyway).&nbsp; And we could say, let's vaccinate 99% of the population to protect the 1% who can't be, but...I'm not throwing my children under a bus so one stranger's child can be saved.&nbsp; Sorry.&nbsp; <strong>Anyway, these illnesses are a minor annoyance which will soon disappear and be nothing but a memory....</strong></p>
<p>But, when they <em>don't</em> get them, their immune systems don't receive the training that they need.&nbsp; <strong>When they encounter greater immune challenges -- like diabetes, cancer, etc. -- they fail.&nbsp;</strong> Kids get sick and have trouble getting well again.&nbsp; They even have more trouble with colds and flus and other basic illnesses!</p>
<p>It's not just vaccines, though. &nbsp;<strong>We've made our children's&nbsp;environments sterile</strong>.&nbsp; We've used antibacterial this and that, we've tried to do everything we can to keep them from getting sick.&nbsp; At the first sign of illness, we pump them full of Tylenol and other symptom-relievers.&nbsp; We don't ever let the body do its work to rid itself of the illness.</p>
<p><strong>We've also sterilized our food system.</strong>&nbsp; It's genetically modified, it's full of pesticides.&nbsp; It's no longer fermented.&nbsp; We're so very careful with our food!&nbsp; We feed babies formula (which lacks the enzymes and probiotics and other components of mothers' milk).&nbsp; We don't consume naturally fermented foods, which populate the gut with beneficial bacteria and help our systems learn about what's good and what's bad (bacteria-wise).&nbsp; <strong>We allow too many babies to be born by C-section</strong>, so their guts don't receive the original colonization they'd get if they passed through the birth canal.&nbsp; <strong>We don't let children go outside and play in the dirt and yes, occasionally eat some of it </strong>(you know babies and putting things in their mouths...).&nbsp; <strong>In short, we've removed </strong><em><strong>every</strong></em><strong> source of microbes from their lives!</strong></p>
<p>What happens then?&nbsp; <strong>Lacking appropriate immune challenges</strong> (when the system would naturally become strengthened, and children would stop getting sick as often as they got older), <strong>the system picks up </strong><em><strong>everything</strong></em><strong> it can</strong> -- every cold, every flu, every ear infection.&nbsp; That's often still not "enough," so the system starts attacking harmless things.&nbsp; Why do you think peanut and other life-threatening allergies are becoming more and more common?&nbsp; <strong>Avoiding allergens strictly and keeping the environment ultra-clean is </strong><em><strong>causing</strong></em><strong> the allergies, not preventing them!</strong>&nbsp; And in some people, <strong>this gets expressed instead as autoimmune disease</strong> -- the body doesn't have appropriate gut flora, no means to develop it, the immune system doesn't know what to do or how to work, so it attacks the body itself.</p>
<p>This is why children who are born vaginally, breastfed long-term (2 years or so), consume a traditional diet with fermented foods, and who are not vaccinated do get sick with minor illnesses in their first few years, but get sick much less often as they get older and also do not get serious illnesses or complications of illnesses.&nbsp; Their immune systems work properly.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>We </strong><em><strong>need</strong></em><strong> those childhood illnesses as a part of training the immune system!</strong>&nbsp; Children in communities where most are unvaccinated won't get them too young or too old.&nbsp; Some of the illnesses <em>can</em> be tough on small babies or teens/adults, but in unvaccinated communities most children simply get the illnesses between 1 and 10 years of age so that they are immune as adults.&nbsp; Babies are protected by breastfeeding.</p>
<p>Right now, for example, the chicken pox vaccine has been out for 15 years.&nbsp; Most children now receive it.&nbsp;<strong> Children are now coming down with shingles as a result.&nbsp; Shingles is also on the rise in the elderly</strong>.&nbsp; It used to be that they were often around children who had chicken pox, which functioned as sort of a natural "vaccine," reminding their immune systems of the virus and preventing shingles.&nbsp; That doesn't happen now as kids don't have chicken pox, so the elderly are getting more cases and more <em>severe</em> cases of shingles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our "sterile" life is no good!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2) Because we don't want to deal with childhood illnesses.</strong></p>
<p>We have such a busy modern life where we have little patience with anything that slows us down.&nbsp; <strong>We definitely don't want to be slowed down by illness</strong> (not to mention we're afraid of it).&nbsp; At the first sign of a headache, people take a pain reliever.&nbsp; For a slight fever, a fever reducer.&nbsp; And so on.</p>
<p>If we can take a vaccine that (basically) promises that we don't have to deal with these annoying childhood illnesses, we take it because we think, hey,<strong> if we can skip an illness (because we believe illnesses are never good...), why wouldn't we</strong>?&nbsp; Of course, I explain above why that's not a good idea.</p>
<p>I recently learned that the original reason the chicken pox vaccine was created was to increase worker productivity (more on that when I review the book "What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Could Hurt Your Child," coming soon!). &nbsp;Yes -- the thought was,<strong> if children didn't get chicken pox, adults wouldn't have to miss work to care for them, so money could be saved</strong>. &nbsp;It had nothing to do with children's health at all!</p>
<p>This idea -- that illnesses are to be feared or are a source of annoyance -- needs to change.&nbsp; We're ultimately doing our bodies a great disservice by trying to avoid them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>So do we <em>really</em>&nbsp;need vaccines? &nbsp;<strong>I believe that if breastfeeding rates were much higher, vitamin D levels were optimized, and nutrition was excellent that we would not.</strong> &nbsp;I hope that this post has removed some of the fear from parents who are considering not vaccinating and are still scared about the "what ifs."</p>
<p><strong>Do you vaccinate? &nbsp;If not, did you hesitate not to because of the "what ifs?"</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/23/2010 09:58:28 PM
<p>Usually I agree with most of your thoughts, but for this one, I&#39;d have to see a lot of documented research (with citations).  Especially in light of the recent deaths from pertussis.</p><p>We let our kids go outside, eat dirt, and we don&#39;t disinfect our house.  Our kids occasionally get sick, and we don&#39;t run to the doctor when that happens.  But we do vaccinate (on a delayed schedule, and we do skip some like chickenpox) because we don&#39;t want them to get something really serious.</p><p>I would love to see the research to back up your assertions in this post.  You can email me if you&#39;d rather: puznee[at]gmail[dot]com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/24/2010 12:10:48 AM
<p>Emily,</p><p>Some of the research is in my other posts on vaccines (linked at the top).  Also, the WHO&#39;s disease papers (www.who.int) is a great place to research a lot of this; it was the most convincing source for me.  If there&#39;s enough interest I&#39;ll post more links here or on my Facebook page.  It&#39;s so hard to make the leap to say you don&#39;t want to vaccinate at all (many real food parents are not comfortable with it!) because there is so much information out there explaining how serious and scary the diseases are.  I don&#39;t believe this and I feel very comfortable in my decision, and that I could handle it if my children did come down with anything.  I believe if you make this choice, you must be prepared with plenty of research on creating health, immunity, natural remedies, etc.  It&#39;s not to be taken lightly.  </p><p>So if you don&#39;t find the research you&#39;re looking for in my other posts, please let me know and I&#39;d be happy to provide more.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.180.73.13
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 01:17:43 AM
<p>I feel comfortable with skipping all the vaccines except the Tetanus... but as I can&#39;t find it as a single vaccine or even with the diphtheria, (ie, no pertussis in it) we haven&#39;t done it. I wish I could find more info that would ease my mind about my boys not getting sick if they were to get cut outside....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/24/2010 01:36:03 AM
<p>Vanessa,</p><p>The biggest thing to know about tetanus is that it is an ANAEROBIC germ.  It can only grow if there is NO oxygen present.  So if they do get injured outside but what they&#39;re cut by is exposed to air, it will NOT have tetanus. :)  Tetanus used to occur on farms where rusty equipment was caked in dirt/manure (and therefore, not exposed to air and tetanus could grow) and caused puncture wounds, which couldn&#39;t be adequately washed.  If a cut is washed properly, kept clean through healing, then tetanus risk is minimal EVEN IF the item were contaminated.  So please don&#39;t worry about it. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Darcy
EMAIL: 
IP: 108.56.71.141
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 02:12:48 AM
<p>I HATE how vaccines are pushed on us. We son&#39;t do any of the voluntary ones, but I can&#39;t for the life of me figure out how to get an exemption of the mandatory ones. They definitely don&#39;t make it easy to do.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessie
EMAIL: phile_1013@hotmail.com
IP: 72.200.223.241
URL: http://samann1121.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/24/2010 02:29:29 AM
<p>We have one child, an 18-month-old girl, and we had been planning to simply delay and be selective with her vaccines.  The more I think about it, the less I&#39;m sure we&#39;ll vaccinate at all.  I plan to do more research soon.</p><p>I&#39;ve seen those charts (here: http://www.vaclib.org/intro/present/index.htm#8 via cheeseslave.com ) -- they are the major reason I&#39;m contemplating no vaccines at all.  Basic sanitation and good nutrition seem to go a very long way in preventing deaths from these diseases.  And like you said, I&#39;m not afraid of my daughter getting sick.  Getting sick is part of life.  We&#39;ll be doing all we can to keep her safe, but not to shield her from every unpleasant thing in life.</p><p>Also, chicken pox parties!  Once my daughter is older, the second I hear about one of our friends (or acquaintances, or friend of a friend of a friend) getting chicken pox, we are going over to that house to drink out of the kid&#39;s cup and share lollipops!  :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elle
EMAIL: 
IP: 216.252.3.20
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 03:08:12 AM
<p>&quot;.....let&#39;s vaccinate 99% of the population to protect the 1% who can&#39;t be, but...I&#39;m not throwing my children under a bus so one stranger&#39;s child can be saved.&quot;</p><p>The plant has 6 billion people. 1% of 6 billion is 1 billion. You would throw 1 billion people under the bus. That&#39;s not one stranger. </p><p>Please, everyone reading this, vaccinate your child. It&#39;s not only the immuno-comprimised people that die. Healthy people can get these diseases and die or become permanently disabled. My husband is a physician and his opinion to vaccinate comes from years and years of medical research on his part, not simply from reading a few articles.</p><p>Please, vaccinate your children.</p><p>Thank you</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/24/2010 03:12:19 AM
<p>Elle,</p><p>Well, we clearly disagree.  And while I&#39;m not a physician I have read articles and studies (the same ones doctors read) for hundreds of hours.  Parents are also capable of understanding this information and making up their own minds.  Also, the VAST majority of people who do contract these illnesses will NOT suffer serious consequences from them.  I looked up stats on the WHO tonight!  I respect your husband&#39;s opinion, but like I said, I disagree.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.3.207.144
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 07:04:58 AM
<p>1% of 6 billion is NOWHERE NEAR 1 billion, it&#39;s 6 million. 1 billiion is about 16.7%. Where on earth did you learn math? And since the number is a lot less than 1% of the world&#39;s population, your numbers are even more off than they appear just by simple math. Saying your husband is a doctor is meaningless, since many doctors are also either seriously questioning vaccines or actively anti-vaccine. And given what I&#39;ve seen of doctors lately, pulling them into the argument makes me even less inclined to do what the person mentioning them thinks I should. Doctors are people, they have biases &amp; they make mistakes. And people who aren&#39;t doctors are just as capable of reading studies as someone with some letters after their names. Some of us are probably better at it, actually.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kate
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.53.147.216
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 07:52:26 AM
<p>Elle 1% of 6 billion is not 1 billion lol its 60 million. Also you can not use world stats bc most 3rd world countries don&#39;t even get vaccines. <br/>Also my neighbor&#39;s fully vaxed teen just came down with rubella this just proves that vaccines do not equal immunity. </p><p>Lovely post I quite enjoyed reading :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/24/2010 01:31:10 PM
<p>In response to Elle, your point of view would make perfect sense if vaccines have no risk.  Why not vaccinate 5 billion to save 1 billion, if they do not do any harm?  But there is always a risk of complications with vaccines, some minor and some very serious.  I don&#39;t know what the numbers would look like, but, say the death rate for vaccines is .2 percent and the death rate for unvaccinated, immunocompromised children is 1%.  That would mean you&#39;re throwing 10 million healthy kids &quot;under the bus&quot; to save 10 million immunocompromised children.  At what point is it necessary to sacrifice your own children for someone else&#39;s?</p><p>Kate, I had to laugh because I just wrote a similar post myself: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/10/germs.html    Not only CAN we not escape all germs, all the time, but I don&#39;t even think we SHOULD.  Excellent post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julieanne
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.118.72.139
URL: http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com
DATE: 10/24/2010 03:00:32 PM
<p>We&#39;ve been selective about which shots are given to our children, but I would have to say that being quarantined to the home for four months with whooping cough is a BIG deal, not just a minor inconvenience.  We know several families who chose not to vaccinate at all, and their children have had whooping cough and have been quarantined. Personally, I think that is a big deal...four months is 1/3 of a year.  </p><p>For some vaccines, no, we won&#39;t even go there.  But for others, I think it is foolish to not get them.  I know people who have had polio and the lifelong struggles they&#39;ve dealt with which are quite significant.  To poo-poo those sufferings and lifelong details and call them minor inconveniences is like brushing dog doo under the rug and saying it doesn&#39;t smell.  (Sorry for the pun; it just seemd to go along with the first part of the sentence.)    :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.201.55.232
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 04:01:18 PM
<p>Elle said, &quot;The plant has 6 billion people. 1% of 6 billion is 1 billion. You would throw 1 billion people under the bus. That&#39;s not one stranger.&quot;</p><p><br/>Actually 1% of 6 billion is 60 million.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 04:52:58 PM
<p>Um, 1% of 6 billion is not 1 billion. It&#39;s 60 million--your point is the same, but check your math next time.</p><p>Our oldest son was not vaccinated until our second child was born. We felt the current schedule is too much, too soon--giving multiple shots to such a small baby was just not an option for us. Lots of babies get them and appear to do just fine, but we worried about bad reactions to the ingredients, and the huge amount of diseases each session. We initially planned to just delay, then thought we wouldn&#39;t get any, but when Fletcher was born we started to re-evaluate (again!). Cameron (oldest) was breastfed past his second birthday, we didn&#39;t go out much with him as an infant, and he didn&#39;t attend daycare...so we felt ok delaying shots for him. Fletcher is breastfed too, of course, but he&#39;s also exposed now to more germs in more public places, and Cam&#39;s germs (including those from preschool) and, for whatever reason, I worried more for him. </p><p>We had wanted to eventually get Cam the polio vaccine anyway (my husband&#39;s uncle suffers from complications he had when he contracted polio as a child, we felt the vaccine was one of the safest, etc). We had a chat with our pediatrician about the DTaP, and decided to get Pentacel for Cam--DTaP, polio and HIB. My husband and I also got pertussis boosters the same day. I&#39;m still not comfortable vaccinating a tiny baby, but I felt better getting the shots for those he spends the most time with.</p><p>So, all that to say, I remain open-minded. Cam will never get the flu shot, or the chicken pox or rotavirus vaccines--he will probably get MMR as a pre-teen (as would any daughter we have, b/c of the complications rubella infection can cause during pregnancy). In college I imagine he&#39;d be encouraged to get the hepatitis and meningitis vaccines, and I suppose at that age it would be up to him as to whether or not he would get them. At least in our case, our opinions changed and we no longer felt great about our choice to delay with Cam--we worried for the baby in the house, and felt Cam was older, stronger, bigger, and with a better developed blood-brain barrier, and he had no issues with the shot he got whatsoever. We still try to prevent sickness with a healthy diet and supplements (vitamin D, probiotics, omega-3s), as well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 05:35:27 PM
<p>Is four months of quarantine typical for whooping cough? A friend of mine (who is fully vaccinated, as are all three of her children) was recently quarantined for one week when her youngest came down with whooping cough. Her daughter was even allowed to continue going to preschool, although my friend kept her home just in case. The entire family was on preventative antibiotics, and all is now well. They certainly are not stuck inside for four months.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelley
EMAIL: shell060305@yahoo.com
IP: 71.205.19.175
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 07:39:03 PM
<p>I&#39;m still learning about the issue of vac&#39;s for my children.  We did vac our first born but since then we&#39;ve changed our eating to more whole foods, become more aware of vac issues etc etc.  We just had our second child and it scares me to death to vac... but on the other hand it scares me not to.  Crazy I know.  The pressure the ped gives is huge.  I just feel that little ones can&#39;t handle them all.  I know your post is pro-no-vacs but would someone have any ideas for perhaps a delayed routine?  Maybe some other good sources to do more homework on my end?  I can&#39;t count on the doc as you all know what they say.  <br/>Thanks for your informative post!  It certain helps.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/24/2010 08:32:33 PM
<p>Shelley,</p><p>Look at my post linked above -- Do Your Research: Vaccines.  It gives several sources to start with.  I would also recommend waiting until AT LEAST 2 years old when the blood-brain barrier is closed and the child more mature.  And besides...right now, all you need to do is say &quot;not now.&quot;  Start reading and by the time your child is two, you will be well-versed on the subject and confident in whatever decision you make.  The pediatrician has no right to bully you into anything.  Although, be aware, some will drop you from their care for refusing.  It&#39;s sad, but it happens.  Stand strong.  You can always start later; you can&#39;t take it back.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 10:37:45 PM
<p>Great article as always, Kate! I believe that this is just a tiny fraction of what can be said about the issue of vaccination though.</p><p>I have 22 month old son, unvaccinated. I decided never vaccinate when I was still pregnant with him. My friend gave me a website that helped me a lot in my decision. Unfortunately, it is in Russian so will be  no point sharing it here. But that website (it has a very good discussion forum as well) gave me a lot of resources to go and check and like in any research one resource leads to the next and the next and so on. </p><p>So I end up reading quite a lot of .. English books on the topic. What surprised me most is that the most research on vaccines is done in Australia and New Zealand and the most books about vaccines are written in Australia and NZ. But never the less, one or two of the books I read revealed that L Pasteur and his theory of the bad germs and bacteria attacking our body from outside and causing the disease is wrong which he admitted at the end of his life himself. Rather, can not remember the name now (somebody is nursing at the moment and I can not actually get up and check), the other scientist had a theory that all the bacteria and germs are already inside us and it all depends on the environment that they are in; if the environment is not right then they start to multiply, attack and so on so we get disease. Basically, it is not easy to &#39;catch&#39; anything in the conventional meaning of this word if you are healthy. There is lots more to be said on this.</p><p>The books I am referring to are: Healing Our Children by Ramiel Nigel, Food is Your Best Medicine by Henry Bieler, How to Raise a Healthy Child and Confession of a Medical Heretic both by Robert Mendelsohn, Raising a Vaccine Free Child by Wendy Lyndall, The Truth About Children&#39;s Health by Robert Bernardini, and finally Just a Little Prick and From 1 Prick to Another by Hilary Batler who actually distributes her books for free here http://www.beyondconformity.co.nz/</p><p>Regarding the online sources this one is the best I could find. It has huge number of articles as well as other resources  http://www.whale.to/vaccines.html. It even has books on it that you can read.</p><p>Personally after reading this lot I am sure that vaccines are just useless, do not work and only harm people. But still believe that if a person is not ready for some information no amount of evidence can change his or her point of view.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 11:50:20 PM
<p>I appreciate your viewpoint and your willingness to do so much research!  Unfortunately, our soon to be adopted son came to us as a 2 year old foster child.  As a foster parent, we are REQUIRED to follow state protocol for vaccinations.  I just pray that since his bio mom was not good at getting medical attention for any of her children, his not getting the &quot;proper&quot; protocol early will be in his favor.</p><p>My husband and I have recently been questioning why so many people have so many intolerances.  This is certainly an interesting perspective!</p><p>I&#39;m also convinced though that it&#39;s highly personal and each family needs to do what&#39;s best in their circumstances.  Me personally, I&#39;d probably avoid vaccines altogether if I had to choose RIGHT NOW.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/25/2010 02:21:09 AM
<p>I really enjoyed this post and agree with you 100%.  We have decided not to vaccinate our son after doing all of our research.  Instead we are going to help him be as healthy as possible so that his body can learn to function effectively.  We also won&#39;t be giving him medications unless it is an emergency situation.  It is sad that we have lost faith in our bodies to function properly and rely on the medical community too much instead of using it in emergency situations.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.76.64.123
URL: 
DATE: 10/25/2010 05:13:15 PM
<p>Another very interesting article.  I read this the other day but didn&#39;t have time to post a comment &amp; I came back today to read it again.  We have only recently begun questioning the need to vaccinate &amp; have done some research in the area but not loads.  My first daughter is vaccinated &amp; was vaccinated on schedule but I was never really comfortable with the number of vaccines she was getting in one go &amp; really struggled with the MMR because of the fears associated with it (&amp; I had all 3 when I was a young child &amp; while I was very sick, I do wonder if vaccination is necessary before the age of 11/12)  Where I live, they do not vaccinate against chicken pox at all so I do wonder why it is considered necessary in the U.S.</p><p>With my second daughter, we were off to a bad start as there is a TB outbreak here that they have not got under control at the moment.  It is toddlers that are the affected ones as all the TB cases have been children in daycare.  As a result, all babies are being vaccinated against TB before they leave the hospital.  I said I would like to look into it a bit &amp; I would take her to be vaccinated at the doctor&#39;s office only to be told that she wasn&#39;t allowed leave the hospital without being vaccinated.  I was so angry.  A little baby only a couple of hours old being injected with a disease seems so wrong to me.  I have some time to think about how to handle this before we have another child though.  Wonder what they do with home births.</p><p>At the moment, my second child i being vaccinated but they are much more spread out than reccommended.  I am constantly fielding calls from the peds office asking me to come in because A is due more shots.  They can wait.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.co
DATE: 10/26/2010 02:56:12 AM
<p>Great post! We vaccinated our 1st daughter, not knowing any better. My 2nd daughter only got a few injections here and there. The 3rd daughter had no vaccines at all. I learned by doing research, by reading a lot, and by having a strong desire to have healthy children. If someone wants to know the truth, they will research, they will learn and they will know better. But its much easier to close your eyes, and ears, to pretend that our drs know better, and not to do any research ourselves, easy to believe the lies. This is the case for everything, easier to believe lies than to seek the truth. Be it natural birth, breastfeeding, no contraceptions, no vaccines and no chemically made food or drugs... but it is a choice we make, for better or worse, as they say.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Samantha
EMAIL: samanthavarghese@yahoo.com
IP: 207.72.168.130
URL: 
DATE: 10/26/2010 08:20:04 PM
<p>We need to vaccinate to protect our society.   Even if personally we are able to fight off the diseases that may result from not getting vaccinated other members of the population cannot.  So why don&#39;t they just get vaccinated then?  They cannot.  Many people are not able to receive vaccines because of their age or health. Unfortunately, these people are often the people whose bodies cannot handle the disease. The more people who don&#39;t get vaccinated the more people who are in danger.  There are rumors about MMR causing Autism, but very elaborate and extensive studies have showed that there is no correlation between the two with or without Thimerosal!  (Ex.  Danish study of 500,000 people over 7 years.  In Denmark, the government has more access to medical records than in the US).  There are some vaccines whose necessity may be questionable (rotavirus, but there are even good reasons to receive this vaccine). </p><p>Don&#39;t be selfish! Get the appropriate vaccinations!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/26/2010 08:53:11 PM
<p>Samantha,</p><p>I disagree.  I think that the people who are at risk may be able to do other things to boost their immune systems -- vitamin d, elderberry, etc.  And I know people in that position who have chosen that route.  I don&#39;t think that we need to vaccinate 99% or even 95% of the population to protect the 1 - 5% who are weaker.  I think that is something that they need to handle with their doctors.</p><p>It&#39;s unfortunate that we have such a socialist perspective.  Some schools have banned peanuts because 1 or 2 children in that school (with 400 - 2000 other children!) are very allergic to them.  We don&#39;t ban milk or wheat yet for these reasons but who knows?  That could be on the horizon yet.</p><p>Where did we get the idea that we have to change the entire lifestyle of the majority to suit the minority?  I&#39;m really not sure.  But it doesn&#39;t make sense to me.</p><p>I also reject the idea that it&#39;s selfish not to vaccinate.  I put my own childrens&#39; welfare FIRST.  I believe that, due to family history, they would be at significantly more risk from getting vaccines than not.  Should I go ahead and do it anyway and suffer potential long-term consequences just so a few people might be protected?</p><p>There will always be those who are weaker.  Their families do what they can to protect them.  It&#39;s not up to the rest of us.  And, it&#39;s important to have the freedom to CHOOSE!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 10/27/2010 02:22:02 AM
<p>Choice is correct!  I don&#39;t think any of us should have the power to dictate what another family should do on this topic, or most others.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: angela
EMAIL: Angd73@msn.com
IP: 24.0.188.200
URL: 
DATE: 02/01/2011 09:28:54 PM
<p>Hi,<br/>Just found your blog today and really like it! I have two sons on the Autism spectrum that are recovering quite nicely through diet changes, reduced toxic lifestyle, and supplementation. I just had to put my two cents in on this issue. While I believe that vaccines were defiantly a factor in my kids Autism, some people will NEVER believe that harm can come from vaccines until the harm comes to one of them.  I was someone that believed that parents that refused to vaccinate should not even be allowed to be parents. Well.. let me tell you what God had in store for me....lol Since my boys were affected with this disease, I have had to change my views (thank you Jesus!) on almost everything that I thought that I knew and this included vaccines. I read day and night and read each of the studies that were used to say that there is no link and well, there&#39;s no science- just poo- in my opinion. Even if I would have questioned at the docs, I would have been shown paid for pharma funded skewed research that taints the name of science. This debate has raged between myself and others at times and I am learning how to agree to disagree.  I wanted to share an Age of Autism article that I wish I could memorize and just recite when needed:<br/> <br/>http://www.ageofautism.com/2010/05/the-difference-between-you-and-me.html</p><p>I wanted to share that I understand both sides of the debate very well, but research-- REAL research-- shows that we need to be thinking for ourselves and not relying on government officials to tell us anything about the health risks for our kids. Healthy or unhealthy. The Swedish study refrenced above was riddled with flaws. Please read all of the studies for yourself at:</p><p>http://fourteenstudies.com/index.html</p><p>Sorry for the lengthy post, but it is an issue near and dear to my hear as I would give anything to have known better and have been more informed. I appreciate and admire your stance :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The "Perfect" Mother
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/25/2010 12:00:32 PM
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<p>I've been having all kinds of thoughts lately about what the "perfect" mother is. &nbsp;And<strong> I believe we all know someone who appears to be a "perfect" mother. </strong>&nbsp;I've gotten this vision of what we seem to believe that "perfect" mother is like, and I thought I'd share it with you. &nbsp;By the way, I hope it makes you laugh...because I am <em>not</em>&nbsp;most of these things, and I don't even <em>want</em>&nbsp;to be many of them! &nbsp;They just seem like things that "perfect" mothers must be. :)</p>
<p>The <em>perfect </em>mother....</p>
<p><strong>Daily Routine</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Rises <em>every morning</em>&nbsp;by 6 am, or at least one full hour before her children</li>
<li>Exercises every morning on a rotating basis (cardio, yoga, weight lifting, etc.) the perfect amount</li>
<li>Showers, dresses very nicely in perfectly-fitting, unstained clothing, does her hair and make up</li>
<li>Has a 15-minute "quiet time" where she prays, does devotions, and/or meditates</li>
<li>Packs her husband's (and children's, if applicable) lunch -- something very healthy (according to the USDA food pyramid)</li>
<li>Cooks a hot, 3-course healthy breakfast for her family, which is ready when they wake up</li>
<li>Serves breakfast lovingly; the whole family sits together and eats, with the father leading prayer first</li>
<li>Kisses her husband good-bye and her children, if they go to school. &nbsp;(She <em>might</em>&nbsp;homeschool if she is one of those "rare" mothers who can do it well.)</li>
<li>Cheerfully starts on that day's chores, making sure that everything gets done just as it should</li>
<li>Either happily homeschools her children (and is completely calm and patient and never overwhelmed by multiple demands) or does volunteer work with needy orphans while her children are away; stops to play with her children frequently and <em>still</em>&nbsp;manages to get it all done</li>
<li>Fixes healthy lunches for every child at home, and herself, right at noon.</li>
<li>Puts children down for a nap, taking plenty of time to talk, sing, play and make sure they are happy before sleeping. &nbsp;Everyday.</li>
<li>Uses nap time (even if she is pregnant or sick) to get more stuff done around the house and put away all the mess the children may have made in the morning</li>
<li>Fixes a nutritious snack for all her children in the late afternoon, which she serves happily (she still looks perfect, by the way)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fixes a healthy 4-course gourmet dinner, which is on the table when her husband gets home</li>
<li>Lovingly cleans up <em>all </em>the dishes and prepares for the next morning</li>
<li>Plays with her children and devotes her entire evening to family time</li>
<li>Puts the children to bed promptly at 8 PM, after prayers and Bible stories</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Marriage</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;Has at least an hour per day alone with her husband, during which they connect and talk, not watch TV</li>
<li>Always puts her husband's needs ahead of her own</li>
<li>Never, ever criticizes him, especially in public</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Parenting Beliefs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Isn't afraid to let them cry</strong> "just a little" if they need to before sleep.</li>
<li><strong>Doesn't allow TV in the home</strong> at all, except for the rare educational video</li>
<li>Does not turn her computer on at all except on the rare occasion she's finished all her chores and her family is sleeping, or a couple designated times during the week. &nbsp;But <strong><em>never</em> has her computer on while her children are awake or during family time</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Tries to breastfeed, but uses formula if she needs to</strong> -- it's about moderation and convenience.</li>
<li><strong>Tries out cloth diapering but uses disposables sometimes</strong> -- <strong>moderation and convenience </strong>again.</li>
<li><strong>Considers vaccines thoughtfully and generally agrees that they are necessary to society</strong> (she needs to do her duty) and may choose a selective/delayed schedule but definitely gets some</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Attitude</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Is <strong>pleasant and happy</strong> all the time</li>
<li><strong>Doesn't ever yell</strong> at her children</li>
<li><strong>Never loses patience</strong> or gets angry</li>
<li>Believes "to each his own" and is <strong>never judgmental or rude </strong>to anyone</li>
<li>Is <strong>friendly </strong>with every other mom she meets all the time</li>
<li><strong>Says to anyone who asks that she is <em>not</em> perfect</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Children Behavior</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The children <strong>sleep&nbsp;<em>all</em>&nbsp;night and never cry after 6 weeks of age</strong> (and if they do, she Ferberizes them, lovingly and patiently)</li>
<li>The children <strong>eat anything that is put in front of them without complaining</strong> because they have been trained to do so and actually <em>like</em>&nbsp;broccoli, brussels sprouts, and salmon.</li>
<li>They <strong>never make big messes, fight, yell, shove, or act out</strong> towards their siblings.</li>
<li>They <strong>never get into things they shouldn't because mom was in the bathroom</strong> or switching the laundry</li>
<li>They are <strong>perfectly polite and cheerful in public all the time</strong>; they stay with mom and never throw tantrums</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;So by these standards, how many of you are "perfect?"&nbsp; I know I'm not!&nbsp; <strong>I think that the notion of a perfect mother really does us all a disservice.</strong>&nbsp; We have some standard that we feel we need to meet that we just can't.&nbsp; We have a vision of other mothers meeting that standard while we continually fall short.</p>
<p><strong>We are imperfect.</strong>&nbsp; God made us that way!&nbsp; <strong>And we should accept that.</strong>&nbsp; All we can do is the best we can.&nbsp; We can strive to make time for everything, love everyone (especially our children) and make the best choices we can.&nbsp; And when we have a bad day, we can go to bed and know that the next day will be a better one.&nbsp; We also acknowledge that our children are not perfect, and that it is our job to teach them and train them, yet accept their imperfections and who they are.&nbsp; <strong>A "perfect" mom is one who does her best.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Are you a "perfect" mother?&nbsp; Do you know anyone who seems to be?&nbsp; What's your (tongue-in-cheek) definition of "perfect?"</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 199.16.223.2
URL: 
DATE: 10/25/2010 02:02:30 PM
<p>What a nice post. Of course I&#39;m not and never will be a perfect mother, I will strive, just like I strive to be like Christ even though I will never be sinless. I have found that to accomplish even half of the things you&#39;ve listed above, a mother needs to cut out the excess from her life. No, I&#39;m not as social as I used to be and could fill my time with &quot;busy&quot; things, but to do even half of what you&#39;ve listed, I have cut out a lot of things that don&#39;t revolve around family. And that has helped me be a better mom, though not perfect!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie @ Confessions of a Trophy Wife
EMAIL: Stefibeth@aol.com
IP: 24.192.64.204
URL: 
DATE: 10/25/2010 02:46:51 PM
<p>You neglected to mention under &quot;marriage&quot; the part about always being perfectly coiffed and wearing beautiful nightgowns to bed ready to initiate sex at least 5 times a week!  :D</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/25/2010 03:21:38 PM
<p>Stephanie -- You&#39;re right!!  Haha!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/25/2010 06:01:32 PM
<p>Oh my goodness, you just described my subconscious requirement for myself.  I wish I could figure out a way to convince said subconscious that it ISN&#39;T POSSIBLE!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.180.73.13
URL: 
DATE: 10/25/2010 07:11:02 PM
<p>I agree with Emily, you have my aspirations pegged almost to a tee, (everything except the parenting beliefs, as I seem to think I can do everything else on the list, while attachment parenting, cloth diapering and skipping the vaccines.)<br/>When I read it like this it seems silly to think anyone could achieve this, so why am I so disapointed in myself for not coming close?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarahreidbrown@gmail.com
IP: 72.160.28.159
URL: 
DATE: 10/26/2010 12:48:38 AM
<p>Thank you for this post, I really appreciate the sentiment because today&#39;s mothers are under TREMENDOUS pressure from every angle to conform to an ever-changing model of perfection. I have to say though, that your statements under &quot;parenting beliefs&quot; only add to this. I feel that you are suggesting that those mothers who have let their child &quot;cry it out&quot; or who have tried their best to breast-feed but haven&#39;t done a perfect job or who use the occasional disposable diaper are somehow doing so because they feel it is right or perfect. It may be the way that many mother&#39;s end up traveling, but we will all only flourish in our parenting skills when we receive unconditional support from our peers, rather than having our choices or shortcomings judged. Again, though, thank you for the reminder that NONE of us are ever perfect!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/26/2010 02:43:57 AM
<p>Sarah,</p><p>The stuff under &quot;parenting beliefs&quot; is what it is because I feel that mothers have pressure to HAVE to be moderate and middle-of-the-road on everything.  Anyone at either extreme is &quot;wrong.&quot;  It&#39;s &quot;wrong&quot; to always let your baby cry-it-out, and it&#39;s wrong to never let them.  Or, it&#39;s wrong to &quot;always&quot; use formula without trying to breastfeed, but it&#39;s also wrong to &quot;only&quot; breastfeed.  I feel like mothers who take an extreme point of view -- even if it works for them -- are looked down upon.  So the whole point was that everyone is expected to be moderate and flexible on every issue.</p><p>(For example due to allergies and other issues I don&#39;t really let my kids eat processed food.  I&#39;ve been known to bring our own foods to playdates or snatch it out of their hands if they &quot;steal&quot; from friends.  I&#39;m also strict about cloth diapering, because of sensitive skin.  And because I&#39;m not moderate I&#39;ve gotten comments and looks from others.  You know?)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: sarahreidbrown@gmail.com
IP: 72.160.28.159
URL: 
DATE: 10/26/2010 03:12:17 AM
<p>Thanks for your response :) I&#39;ve never thought about the pressure to be moderate, but I think you&#39;re right, it definitely is there. If it helps, those of us who are in the moderate boat get those same looks every time we pull  one of those disposable diapers out of the diaper bag or go and fill up a bottle of formula. The funny thing is, I think us women are scrutinizing each other so closely just so we can find out how it is done! We really just want to learn from each other, but it doesn&#39;t always come across that way :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: mackeytr@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.136.50
URL: http://haphazardhomemaking.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/27/2010 06:01:49 PM
<p>I think we all fall into the trap of feeling the need to be the perfect wife and mother. What does it produce in us when we strive for perfection and then fail? Guilt! Guilt and self-condemnation never help us become better mothers.</p><p>Thank you for the lighthearted reminder that we are all in this struggle together. I believe we will all have parenting areas where we are more gifted than others, but then we will have areas where we struggle more than others as well.</p><p>Some days I manage to accomplish most of the items on my &quot;list&quot;, but that is rare. Generally, I am glad if my family has clean clothes, clean dishes, and good food to eat.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Confinement Farming Expose and Returning to Natural Methods
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 10/26/2010 12:00:05 PM
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<p><em>*Psst...head on over to <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/10/25/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-real-food-appetizers/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kitchenstewardship%2FPgbo+%28Kitchen+Stewardship%29">Kitchen Stewardship</a> today for the next installment of the Whole Foods for the Holidays carnival.&nbsp; Appetizers is up today!</em>*</p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/10/real-food-wednesday-102710.html">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p><em>Today's post is super awesome.&nbsp; I've asked my farmer (yes, "my" farmer!), Gary Luginbill, to share a bit with us.&nbsp; His background is in confinement farming.&nbsp; That's how he grew up: on a confinement farm.&nbsp; He went to school for agribusiness, and 30 years of his adult life were confinement farming.&nbsp; But then, about five years ago, he did some soul-searching and decided to switch to natural, organic methods and hasn't looked back.&nbsp; I've invited him to share with you what </em><em>really goes on in confinement farming, why he switched, and what he thinks about both methods.&nbsp; You can find him at <a href="http://www.luginbillfamilyfarm.com">Luginbill Family Farms</a>, where he raises pastured sheep, hogs, chickens, cows, and turkeys.&nbsp; He also offers a cow share program and wonderful eggs!&nbsp; We </em><em>only buy eggs and usually milk and meat from them now.</em></p>
<p><em>Here he is!</em></p>
<p>I am glad for the opportunity to share with you.&nbsp; This is my passion and&nbsp;I have two sons also having the same passion who would love for this to be their profession.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #1: Did you grow up farming?&nbsp; What type of farm was it?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Answer: I did grow up on this farm.&nbsp; When I was small, the farm was much like all farms in the area, being 80 acres and having small groups of various livestock.&nbsp; <strong>As all things change, so did our farm, in that we dropped some livestock and picked a few more acres and started raising specialty crops;</strong>&nbsp;some of these being tomatoes, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets and melons.&nbsp; By the time I was in high school there was little livestock on most farms with certain farms having larger herds.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When graduating from high school, I studied agriculture in college and wanted to farm when I completed my college.&nbsp; During these years we had some sows and finished their pigs as a means of getting a better price for the grain raised on the farm.&nbsp; <strong>This was the time (mid-70's ) when confinement of hogs began entering the picture, chicken confinement had been around for one or two decades and some sections of that business were making large amounts of money.</strong>&nbsp; Wanting to farm and not having access to much acreage my two older brothers and I slowly entered the hog confinement business.&nbsp; <strong>Confinement of livestock allows you to raise many more units with minimal profits per unit, and as with all business, the more units you produce the more you profit, when the costs are controlled.</strong>&nbsp; This is where the big changes began taking place.&nbsp; Feeds became an area where the most savings could be made and all sorts of feed substitutes and additives were being used.&nbsp; <strong>Historically our livestock became the dumping grounds of&nbsp;byproducts, anything with some nutrient value was considered a feed.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question#2: What was that like?&nbsp; How were the animals treated?&nbsp; What did they eat?&nbsp; Where did you get the food?&nbsp; Where do many farmers get the food?</strong></p>
<p>Answer:&nbsp;Being young and right out of college and excited in being in business for myself, I pretty much sucked in the knowledge offered about the confinement industry as being credible.&nbsp; <strong>Animals were put in buildings with cement partitioned floors which allowed the manure to pass through and into a holding pit.&nbsp; Space per animal was limited; the more animals you could cram into a small space, the more efficient you supposedly were.</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Our feeds consisted&nbsp;of corn and soybeans</strong> grown on the farm and a vitamin and mineral pack which was purchased.&nbsp; This remained the feed source for as long as I was in the business on our farm, <strong>although this was not the norm the industry headed</strong> (as was mentioned about the use of many byproducts).&nbsp; <strong>Today there are many brokerage firms offering every imaginable byproducts</strong> that are highly accepted.&nbsp;&nbsp;To name a few, <strong>ethanol byproducts, stale or improperly made/outdated and improperly&nbsp;handled foods(gum, cookies, chips, cakes, flours, candies, animal byproducts, breads etc.)</strong> are all used to cheapen or reduce feed costs.&nbsp; An interesting fact to the feeding situation is that&nbsp;feeding alfalfa hay to hogs greatly improved health and performance (a practice that was widely used before confinement) was totally ignored because of the problems made by the wasted hay that entered the manure holding pit causing problems with manure handling.&nbsp;<strong>Many&nbsp;things that were proven but not convenient were forgotten by confinement systems.</strong><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Feeds previously being made on the farms changed over to being made and delivered to the farm by large feed milling plants who had access to the large quantities of byproducts and grains.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #3: How much antibiotics or hormones did you use per year?&nbsp; How many animals did you raise per year?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: <strong>As the confinement industry grew and aged it was discovered that the livestock health was greatly compromised</strong>. <strong>This was due to poor environment and improper nutrition</strong>.&nbsp; As smart as man is he just cannot provide the proper nutrition&nbsp;as to what God provides through healthy plants grown in healthy soils and the animals being on the healthy soils.&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>The attempted&nbsp;fix for these problems became high drug use</strong>.&nbsp; Confinement livestock are pretty much on low and high level drugs their whole life.&nbsp; Later the use of hormones was added to the production of the livestock.&nbsp; <strong>We as farmers usually take the new advice of college and high technology industries as good advice and go along with their new tech and advice, usually finding out [later] that they just don't have the right answers.&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question#4: What were you taught about raising animals?&nbsp; Did you believe in the confinement system?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: The teaching of raising livestock was usually focused on the production end, being efficient and cost effective, so you would end up with a profit.&nbsp; <strong>Little was ever taught or discussed on the final product&nbsp;quality.</strong>&nbsp; Farmers are never paid on nutritional quality, there is no interest or fair way of&nbsp;paying for that at this time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Having been in the livestock confinement business for thirty years (essentially from the beginning until five years ago) a lot has changed and not much for the good.&nbsp; It has gone from the farmer owning and controlling the business to the farmer being just the labor, asset owner (owning buildings, land and machinery)&nbsp;and chief risk taker making little to no&nbsp;profits.&nbsp; The confinement business is a business which I no longer believe in.&nbsp; <strong>The environment is not good for the animal or the worker, there is too much concentration of manure spread on too little soil, animal health is poor, thus leading to a very poor quality product and these problems are just put up with</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #5: What made you change the way you raised animals?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: The persistent health problems of the livestock and my own health made me do a lot of thinking and soul searching.&nbsp; <strong>Livestock health&nbsp;problems were never solved but covered or treated with drugs</strong>, and there was always a new drug or technology coming to make everything better.&nbsp; New technology is very expensive but the promise of things working easier and better is always a temptation to spend your money on with a system that you have invested in and which hasn't been working.&nbsp; <strong>So livestock confinement producers are always tempted by newer better feeders, ventilation systems, stainless steel gates, manure handling equipment, watering systems etc. which promise to make the job more profitable and improve the health of the animals.</strong>&nbsp; In the end it is only taking the money from the farmer and putting it in the hands of the agribusinesses.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #6: What effect did changing things have on the way you farmed?&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p>Answer: The changes made were many.&nbsp; There was a definite decrease in animal numbers.&nbsp; In confinement you sell many units at a small profit, with reduced numbers we have to sell fewer numbers at hopefully a much higher profit.&nbsp; This is where educated consumers help.&nbsp; They know and understand the higher nutritional value of the totally pasture raised and fed meats and eggs.&nbsp; <strong>I am asked many times why the organic or pasture raised animals receive a premium price.&nbsp; They think it should be cheaper since we do not use the chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and drugs&nbsp;that the confinement industry uses.</strong>&nbsp; I explain the added time needed for caring for the animals on the pasture and the fewer animals which can be cared for by a single person.&nbsp; The marketing system is also changed. There are no public markets for pasture raised animals.&nbsp; <strong>Any pasture-raised animal taken to a public market or sale just becomes another animal.</strong>&nbsp; Farmers raising pasture raised animals also take on part of the marketer.&nbsp; This is time consuming, finding the person&nbsp;who knows,&nbsp;wants, and understands&nbsp;the value of the product, making the sale, scheduling the time of need and place of processing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was also a change in the&nbsp;way we use the land.&nbsp; <strong>A pasture system is a much more holistic approach to land use.</strong>&nbsp; Pasture use takes in consideration the soil life which is terribly over looked in the raising of crops.&nbsp; <strong>Healthy soil life&nbsp;makes an incredible&nbsp;difference in the health, vigor and nutrition of the crop grown on the soil.</strong>&nbsp; A pasture system also provides year long protection of the soil from the sun, wind and water run off.&nbsp; Crop land is usually exposed to sun and wind six to eight&nbsp;months&nbsp;of the year, which is very harsh to soil and soil life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Another change was learning the different plants and rotations that will provide good feed all year long.</strong>&nbsp; In the heat and drought of the summer, when our yards turn brown and we don't mow them for weeks the livestock still need a lush supply of growing pasture.&nbsp; This is an art which has been forgotten and there are few people left that understand this process of plants that grow well in the heat of the summer and in the fall or early winter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #7: Was it hard to change your mindset from conventional farming to natural farming?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: I was ready for a change.&nbsp; <strong>The thought of change excited me and I was glad that I was able to make the change gradually.&nbsp;</strong> I did not just stop the confinement business and start the pasture business all at once, but gradually eased into it.&nbsp; This gave me some time to learn and make mistakes and begin to develop a market base.&nbsp; The marketing&nbsp;is the hardest part of the business.&nbsp; The infrastructure is pretty set up and production could really take off but there is no sense to over-produce and have to&nbsp;take conventional prices for our over-production.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kate and Ben, this is where people like you, who know the value of these products&nbsp;and are willing to organize buyers and pick ups, are a tremendous&nbsp;value to us small farmers.&nbsp; It is hard to thank you enough.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #8: What do you believe now about farming?&nbsp; Which way is better?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: My thoughts on farming are that I am farming now the way that is right for me.&nbsp; <strong>I am proud of the products that I am producing and the way I am producing them.</strong>&nbsp; The holistic approach&nbsp;seems to go with the plan God has designed and when we use God's plan what could be better?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #9: &nbsp;Do you think we can feed the world on natural/organic farming methods?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: <strong>Feeding the world seems to be an idea pushed on us by large agri-business to sell their GMO genetics, fertilizers, and chemicals.</strong>&nbsp; No one country should feel it is their responsibility to feed the world.&nbsp; &nbsp;With this idea we push our corn, wheat, and soybeans on countries that had not normally eaten these foods.&nbsp; It forces them to change their diets to other than what is natural to their homelands.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Isn't it best to leave different ethnic groups eat and produce foods that are local to their area?</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Organic seems to&nbsp;be the natural and better way but modern agribusiness&nbsp;has much to lose if this idea catches on.</strong>&nbsp; Big companies are very protective of their share of the markets and have no problems putting out propaganda protecting their interests.&nbsp; They are great at running tests or paying our universities to run tests and distorting the information in their favor.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #10: What is your biggest challenge as a natural farmer?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: <strong>My biggest challenge as a natural farmer is selling enough of&nbsp;the things I produce to maintain the&nbsp;lifestyle I want.</strong>&nbsp; Selling fewer units and finding a customer base I can rely on is also hard.&nbsp; Along with demanding a higher price for my products is the problem of <strong>grocery stores&nbsp;selling milk, meat and eggs at a loss or break even prices&nbsp;as a draw to get shoppers in to buy high margin items.&nbsp; This leaves shoppers with no idea as to what the real value of milk, meat or eggs is</strong>, and also questioning my higher prices.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Education of the value and better nutritional content of pasture-raised milk, meat and eggs is also a problem.&nbsp; Most people rely on government information such as the food pyramid or doctor information we were taught in schools or colleges.&nbsp; This information is very biased and serves the purpose of the businesses supplying the research.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My best advice for good health and perfect nutrition would be to eat as few processed foods as possible, and eat as much raw and natural raised foods as you can.&nbsp; <strong>Pasture-raised meats should be eaten as rare or&nbsp;unheated as you can stand as heat destroys nutrients.&nbsp;</strong> Do not try this with confinement raised meats as they have a totally different make up and&nbsp;a very high pathogen and contamination load.&nbsp; <strong>Websites for good information on pasture raised meats and nutritional information are <a href="http://eatwild.com/" target="_blank">eatwild.com</a> and <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/">www.westonaprice.org</a>. &nbsp; </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another problem is a support group for producers raising pastured products.&nbsp; There is limited information out there to help us with and we are often looked at as kooks or crazy farmers.&nbsp; <strong>It seems to really bother some people when others do things differently.</strong></p>
<p><em>(Note: I eat Gary&rsquo;s eggs raw everyday and I believe this is helping me be healthier!&nbsp; And no worries about contamination!)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Question #11: &nbsp;What else can you tell us about the "industry" of farming vs. natural methods?</strong></p>
<p>Answer: <strong>Conventional farming has always relied on cheap inputs.&nbsp; For years we have had cheap energy, cheap grains,&nbsp;government farm programs with price supports and payment programs.</strong>&nbsp; These things have greatly changed in the last five years.&nbsp; High priced inputs (seed, fertilizer, chemicals, technology&nbsp;and machinery) have led farmers on the never ending battle to increase acreage every year to spread out costs.&nbsp; This is very bad for the farm community as it puts each farmer against each other competing for limited acres.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>In pasture or grass farming there is so much potential to increase production by&nbsp;management of soil, and&nbsp;grass and clover&nbsp;varieties, and developing animals that again thrive out on the pastures.</strong>&nbsp; We have so much to do with what we have that it is very exciting to think of the future.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>I love the fact that with pasture or grass farming we can farm without a lot of machinery.</strong>&nbsp; I have only one tractor (the very first tractor my father ever purchased).&nbsp; I don't have the depreciation, maintenance, fuel, and oil expense of machinery.&nbsp; The livestock do the harvesting, and the pastures after they are planted do not need the yearly tillage and planting that annual row crops demand because,&nbsp;taken care of and managed correctly they will grow and thrive forever.&nbsp; &nbsp; Fertility is largely taken care of by nutrient recycling of the manure.&nbsp; Growing and harvesting livestock does not remove the nutrients the same way as hauling tons of grain off the farm year after year.&nbsp; <strong>This way of farming is very threatening to agribusiness because of the potential loss of input sales, and they will do all they can to discourage and stomp out this new movement.&nbsp;</strong> It bothers me when they go for government&nbsp;for protection of their profits in interests.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I am very excited about the future possibilities, it seems that this offers great potential for my sons and I, and I think it a great honor that they enjoy working with me.&nbsp; I am also very thankful for people like yourselves who take the extra time and effort to seek out and buy the best foods for you and your families.&nbsp; Let me know the things you want and desire and if possible I can help provide them for you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Thanks Gary!</p>
<p><strong>Is this information about confinement farming new to you?&nbsp; Shocking?&nbsp; I know I learned some new things!</strong>&nbsp; (<em>And by the way, Gary has wonderful eggs, chickens, turkeys, beef, pork, and lamb, as well as raw milk shares, if anyone is in Ohio and interested!)</em></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 10/26/2010 03:11:55 PM
<p>Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the farmer for his honesty. My co-workers and friends think I&#39;m nuts, too. But the people at our All-Local (and all natural) Farmers Market don&#39;t. Yep, I pay a premium, which is practically unaffordable for the good quality foods I purchase but they are worth it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/26/2010 11:13:49 PM
<p>I wish there was such a farm near me!  I have looked everywhere around me, trying to find milk and eggs and meat from a real farmer, and I can&#39;t find anyone. :(</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 10/27/2010 04:01:04 AM
<p>Emily-I&#39;m guessing you&#39;ve tried www.localharvest.com?  Where I live, some people advertise their stuff on Craigslist.  Not sure if that&#39;s done everywhere.</p><p>Thanks for sharing this interview!  It&#39;s just what I&#39;d expect a family farm to be.  I looked at the price sheet out of curiosuty (I&#39;m in AZ, nowhere near OH) and the prices aren&#39;t that high.  Maybe that&#39;s because I&#39;ve already started paying the higher prices, but I sell my pastured chicken eggs for $3.50/dozen.  I&#39;ve seen them as high as $5!</p><p>Gary-best wishes to you and your farm operation!  Thanks for making the switch and sharing your story!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 10/27/2010 10:49:18 AM
<p>When I get back to the states, I&#39;m going to try to find someone like him to get my food from! I can get fairly local eggs, but it&#39;s harder to find meat grown in my area!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: mackeytr@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.136.50
URL: http://haphazardhomemaking.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/27/2010 05:33:23 PM
<p>Thank you for sharing this post. Right now we have grass fed beef in our freezer, raw milk in our fridge, and 3 laying chickens in our backyard. The cost to feed my family this way is definitely higher. Frequently friends and family will question why I am willing to pay the higher price for basically the same product. (We are a single income family on a fairly tight budget.)</p><p>At this point, with all of the reading and research I have done about nutrition, I feel like it would be wrong to go back to &quot;regular&quot; meat and milk. I believe it is a financial sacrifice that is worth taking and that in the long run, we will reap the benefits in the form of better health and fewer doctor&#39;s visits.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.90.194
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/27/2010 07:20:50 PM
<p>Like some of the other comments we are currently spending much more than we used to on groceries to provide more humanely raised, less messed with, more local food to our family.  I just picked up our grass fed 1/4 of beef yesterday and have been dealing with the crazy emotional roller coaster that this very frugal momma has when spending $4.67/lb on meat.  (I&#39;m also type A and figured out what it is based on finished meat in freezer.)  I just keep reminding myself that I do not want to support/encourage the conventional way of meat production.  My family deserves better!  And the animals do to.  The farmer deserves to make a living, the small butcher does as well.  I&#39;m supporting families with my choice and I&#39;m paying the real price of the meat.  They get no subsidies, no tax help that so many of the big corporations do.  Very timely article for me!</p><p>And I&#39;m learning to use our family travels to my advantage.  We recently visited my parents in another state and I found a local farmer who sold free range eggs for $2.25/dozen vs. $3-4 here.  I brought home 5 dozen with me! </p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jeanmarie
EMAIL: jaytee3@mac.com
IP: 67.169.170.32
URL: http://jeanmarietodd.wordpress.com
DATE: 11/03/2010 07:46:38 AM
<p>Wonderful interview! Thanks so much for this.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: The Rhogam Shot
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/27/2010 12:00:12 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287949895317" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><em>Psst...head over to <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/10/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook-interview-and-giveaway.html">Keeper of the Home</a> to read an interview I did about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>, and enter to win a copy!</em></p>
<p>This is a topic I was asked to discuss when I did my reader survey recently.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And it's an important one.&nbsp; Some women will be told that they need to have a Rhogam shot during their pregnancies.&nbsp; Women need to understand what it's for, the risks and benefits, and other issues associated with this shot.</p>
<p>First of all, the Rhogam shot is for women who have RH negative blood.&nbsp; That is, for example, you have "O negative" blood type.&nbsp; Being RH negative simply means that you don't have this factor in your blood, while those who are RH positive do.&nbsp; <strong>Getting RH positive blood mixed in a person who is RH negative can cause serious repercussions in pregnancy.</strong>&nbsp; Blood mixing can potentially occur during pregnancy if a woman is carrying an RH positive baby and some type of trauma occurs.&nbsp; <strong>The Rhogam shot was created to protect against this mixing and the subsequent illness that would occur.</strong></p>
<p>But is it necessary?&nbsp; Is it safe?</p>
<p>First of all, there is one situation in which a provider may recommend a Rhogam shot to you, but in which you should <em>always</em> say no.&nbsp;<strong> If you are Rh negative, <em>and</em> your partner is also Rh negative -- you do not need a Rhogam shot!!&nbsp;</strong> There is absolutely zero chance of your baby being positive if both parents are negative, because it's a recessive trait.&nbsp; Your doctor may still tell you to take the shot (just in case, you know, you're lying about who the father is; or maybe they don't understand how this works), but <em>just say no</em>.&nbsp; There is absolutely no risk to you in this situation.</p>
<p>But what about in other situations, such as when the mother is Rh negative, and the father is Rh positive?</p>
<p>Doctors would have you believe that you <em>must</em> get a Rhogam shot in this case, because otherwise you are in danger.&nbsp; This isn't quite true.&nbsp; <strong>Up until a few years ago, Rhogam wasn't always given to women pregnant with their first babies (unless trauma occurred) because if blood mixing occurred, it typically happened at birth.</strong>&nbsp; The woman then produced antibodies against Rh postive blood, but since the baby was already born, it was safe.&nbsp; A Rhogam shot was then recommended in subsequent pregnancies, so that the woman's body wouldn't reject the baby if it had Rh positive blood.</p>
<p><strong>In a normal pregnancy, though, <em>mother's and baby's blood does not mix</em>.</strong>&nbsp; The only danger is <em>if</em> this happens, and under normal circumstances, it will not.&nbsp; Pregnancy is designed so that blood just doesn't mix.&nbsp; However, if the mother sustains abdominal trauma or birth trauma then it can happen.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Situations that may cause mom's and baby's blood to mix</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Previous abortions/late miscarriages (after 8 weeks)</li>
<li>Amniocentesis</li>
<li>Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)</li>
<li>Trauma to abdomen (car accidents, falls, etc.)</li>
<li>Forceps</li>
<li>Vacuum extraction</li>
<li>C-sections</li>
<li>Pulling on the cord/placenta after birth, or manual removal of placenta</li>
<li>Cutting the cord before delivery of the placenta (dangerous to the baby anyway)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The vast majority of these are caused by <em>generally unnecessary birth interventions</em>.</strong>&nbsp; To avoid problems, you need to avoid unnecessary tests during pregnancy, and unnecessary interventions during birth.&nbsp; You may find that a birth center or homebirth are better options for you.&nbsp; This is especially interesting because<strong> issues with blood type incompatibility were extremely rare before the 1900s, when we didn't intervene with birth very often</strong>.&nbsp; Suddenly, when we "medicalized" the birth procedure, this became a problem.</p>
<p>In one study, only about <strong>14% of women who were not given a Rhogam shot ended up "needing it"</strong> later (there are no details given on why they needed it).&nbsp; 86% did not require it at all.&nbsp; It is possible to <strong>do a titer check to see a woman has become sensitized</strong> to assess if she needs Rhogam.</p>
<p>The truth and bottom line?&nbsp; <strong><em>Most</em> women do not need Rhogam.</strong>&nbsp; First time mothers do not need it.&nbsp; A dose at 28 weeks is unnecessary unless a test shows sensitization has already occurred.&nbsp; And if birth is trauma-free and/or if baby is type Rh negative (even the manufacturers of Rhogam agree none is needed if baby is typed Rh negative!), none is needed.&nbsp; <strong><em>If,</em> however, trauma <em>does</em> occur, sensitization is known to have occurred, and/or baby is typed Rh positive, it would be wise to <em>consider</em></strong> this.&nbsp; Please ask your doctor to share all known side effects and risks (which, by the way, are greater if given during pregnancy than immediately after) before making a choice.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Sources:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.unhinderedliving.com/rhogam.html">Prenatal Rhogam Shot (Unhindered Living)</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0235.asp">Midwifery Today</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/natural/resources/prebirth/prebirth20.htm">Natural Childbirth</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.rhogam.com/Patient/Pages/default.aspx">Rhogam Website</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What do you think about Rhogam?&nbsp; Are you at risk?&nbsp; Did you/would you receive it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 10/27/2010 01:52:26 PM
<p>I have really appreciated this series.  We are hoping to begin our family soon, and it has been nice to read about all the different options associated with pregnancy and child birth, especially the more natural, less mainstream ideas.</p><p>A few years ago I learned about the RH incompatibility thing and started reading up on it (we have this problem, so I was pretty freaked out by it).  From everything I&#39;ve read, the purpose of the Rhogam shot is to prevent your blood from becoming sensitized.  <strong>It is ineffective if your blood is already sensitized. </strong> <br/>(http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51717)</p><p>Even your link to the Rhogam website explains that it needs to be given <i>before</i> sensitization occurs.  If you know it&#39;s your last pregnancy, that&#39;s when you wouldn&#39;t need to worry about it.  But if you&#39;re planning to have more than one child, it should definitely be considered.</p><p>I recently had an early miscarriage, and perhaps I didn&#39;t really need the shot, but the doctor recommended it, so I went for it.  I want to make sure my body doesn&#39;t attack my next baby.  After your post I will definitely do more research about the pros and cons of having it at 28 weeks.  The doctor said they would test the baby&#39;s blood once it is born, and if it has RH positive blood, I would have the shot then for sure.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel S.
EMAIL: rachspeights@gmail.com
IP: 98.208.232.57
URL: 
DATE: 10/27/2010 02:41:39 PM
<p>i&#39;m liking this healthy pregnancy series! and interesting timing on this post, because i was just reading about how consuming the placenta after delivery may help prevent the mother from forming the antibodies to her baby&#39;s antigens, since the placenta contains an abundance of estrogen &amp; progesterone which can &quot;suppress the immunological processes involved in tissue rejection&quot;. this was mentioned in a study on placentophagia, but i&#39;m not sure how much more it has been researched. i&#39;m currently studying to become a placenta encapsulation specialist and i&#39;m learning all kinds of interesting stuff!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb
EMAIL: barb_schuetz@hotmail.com
IP: 74.45.83.197
URL: 
DATE: 10/28/2010 04:07:21 AM
<p>So what ARE the risks of getting the shot? I was given it more than once during my pregnancy....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison @ Hospitality Haven
EMAIL: alublink@gmail.com
IP: 24.69.170.101
URL: http://lublink.org/alison
DATE: 10/28/2010 05:01:24 AM
<p>Very interesting!  This is the situation I would be in if we have children.  This is also the situation my mom was in!  So it&#39;s neat to read this perspective because I just assumed I would have to have that shot...but now I see that there&#39;s more to it than that!  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheryl
EMAIL: sherylnelken@yahoo.com
IP: 98.18.114.63
URL: 
DATE: 10/28/2010 04:28:41 PM
<p>I am O- and my husband is a positive blood type. Before both of my girls were born, I researched legitimate sites about the risks and dangers of taking the Rhogam shot vs not taking it and concluded that it was worth taking.  There is only a very very very slight potential risk from taking the shot and a much greater potential danger to my baby and future babies if I didn&#39;t take it.  There is a MUCH greater chance that I will be in an accident while pregnant or have unforeseen complications than that any harm will be done by the shot.</p><p>I also want to caution women that if you choose not to get the shot and something does happen that causes the mother to build up antibodies to rh+ babies, the shot will not help after the mother has been sensitized. If the mother does not miscarry future babies, they will almost always require a blood transfusion after birth.</p><p>Your comment that these sensitivities did not not happen before &#39;modern&#39; medicine is also inaccurate. Traumatic births were common (hence the reason for high mother and infant mortality rates during that time)  and many women suffered from rh incompatibility. They just did not have a name for it then.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Care
EMAIL: miriamtorason@gmail.com
IP: 76.69.25.245
URL: 
DATE: 10/28/2010 10:11:17 PM
<p>As another rH- mother, I did decline the RhoGham shot.  The point to note is that this was my first pregnancy, and I would have had no way to be previously sensitized.  As the shot is made from blood products, I was not willing to risk my baby&#39;s health on the possibility that he *might* have been rH positive.  Second point to note is that the shot is considered to be &quot;effective&quot; for 12 weeks, which is why it is typically given at 28 weeks.  As I carried to 42 weeks, it would have been useless all the same, and made me complacent when my son was born via section.  When my son was born, we had his blood tested.  As he came back rH+, I accepted the RhoGham shot in the hours following his birth.  Had I had the shot prior, I would not have thought to have it again, nor would the hospital have thought to give it to me.  This would have further compromised any future rH+ children.</p><p>The shot was absolutely not for me.  However, I wouldn&#39;t hold an informed decision against anyone.  That&#39;s the point, isn&#39;t it?  To have all the information available to us, and then make the best decision we each can based on the facts and our comfort levels?</p><p>Much appreciated article, thank you.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Scalloped Potatoes
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/28/2010 12:00:05 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/animakitty/"><img src="/storage/4294278594_ceeece4250.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287946097424" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Anima Kitty</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in Pennywise Platters Thursday at <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/10/pennywise-platter-thursday-1028.html">the Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>I <em>love</em> scalloped potatoes.&nbsp; I grew up eating them from a box and they were "okay."&nbsp; Once I started making them at home, though, they were just excellent.&nbsp; These days they find their way onto my meal plan at least once every other week.&nbsp; They are great with ham, chicken, or just about any meat dish.&nbsp; They're also a wonderful winter comfort food, and so simple to prepare!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 lbs. of potatoes, sliced</li>
<li>4 tbsp. butter</li>
<li>1/4 c. onion, minced</li>
<li>2 tbsp. arrowroot powder</li>
<li>2 c. raw milk</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. salt</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. pepper</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. thyme</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Preheat oven to 350.&nbsp; Put sliced potatoes in a 9x13 baking dish.&nbsp; Over medium heat, melt butter in a small saucepan.&nbsp; Add onion and sautee until soft and translucent.&nbsp; Add arrowroot powder, salt, pepper, and thyme.&nbsp; Stir to combine.&nbsp; Then, add milk and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble lightly and thickens; stir frequently.&nbsp; As soon as it's thickened, remove from heat and pour over potatoes.&nbsp; Stir to combine.&nbsp; Bake for 45 - 60 minutes, until potatoes are soft.</p>
<p><strong>You can bake chicken or ham right on top of the potatoes, which makes a super easy one-dish dinner.&nbsp; </strong>You could add a little cheese to it (scalloped potatoes don't traditionally have cheesy, but it's yummy!), and/or some bacon.&nbsp; Cheddar and bacon would be yummy.&nbsp; Or, try a little parmesan or Romano for an "upscale" cheesy potatoes dish.&nbsp; You can also toss in some carrot slices or some broccoli for extra veggies.&nbsp; This dish is very versatile!&nbsp; But also extremely yummy plain. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://momblogshowcase.com
DATE: 10/28/2010 02:24:15 PM
<p>This looks yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Will add to our menu plan for next week!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.190
URL: 
DATE: 10/28/2010 04:16:23 PM
<p>Sounds very similar to what I make, though I often add cheese and end up with au gratin potatoes instead!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 05:20:11 PM
<p>Oh these look delicious! Adding this to my recipe file!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Meal Planning
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/29/2010 12:00:42 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22193699@N04/"><img src="/storage/Meal Plan.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287967601973" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Thai Jasmine</span></span></p>
<p>Awhile back, I wrote a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/8/25/real-food-on-a-budget-series.html">whole series on meal planning</a>.&nbsp; I also post bi-weekly <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/">meal plans</a> so that people can see what we're eating.&nbsp; But it occurred to me recently that I never really explained that section of the website: why I do it, how I do it, etc.&nbsp; And that there might be questions about it.</p>
<p>So today I'm going to explain it!</p>
<p>Every two weeks, I sit down and plan out my meals for the following two weeks.&nbsp; <strong>I write out rough sketches of what we're having: a main dish, and maybe a note for a side dish.</strong>&nbsp; I don't usually plan snacks, and I don't usually write notes on preparation.&nbsp; I also haven't been linking to the recipes on here, although I probably should (if they're posted).&nbsp; Would that be helpful to anyone?</p>
<p>Anyway, <strong>some of my recipes for the upcoming two weeks are new -- usually two or three</strong>.&nbsp; I plan them either because I am craving something I've had in the past (sometimes processed foods I'm intending to re-make with real food) or because I'm doing recipe testing for the blog or another cookbook (yup...got another in the works!).&nbsp; Those are often <em>very</em> vague because often, I don't know quite what I'm going to do with them yet.</p>
<p>Some have been curious about "what" my family really eats.&nbsp; <strong>I preach on here about real foods, but you'll see on my meal plan chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fries</strong>, and other things that most people would dismiss as "not real food!"&nbsp; While, if that food comes from factory sources, you are correct; that is not where we get ours!&nbsp; <strong>It is possible to buy excellent hot dogs.</strong>&nbsp; Our farmer makes some.&nbsp; Trader Joe's has some.&nbsp; Applegate Farms makes some grass-fed organic all-beef hotdogs (if given a choice, my daughter would eat <em>only</em> those).&nbsp; These are a fast, easy, and still relatively cheap lunch.&nbsp; Which, by the way, we boil, we <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/9/living-without-a-microwave.html">do <em>not</em> microwave</a>.&nbsp; <strong>We also make our own chicken nuggets</strong> (you can find that recipe in <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>) which are excellent; and <strong>we make our own fries, too</strong>.&nbsp; <strong>There is nothing wrong with these foods when they're made at home or bought from local farms!</strong></p>
<p><em>(That's something to keep in mind if you're just starting your real food journey and have picky children who are used to Standard American Diet.)</em></p>
<p><strong>It's also true that I don't <em>always</em> follow my meal plan exactly as it is (although most of the time I do).&nbsp;</strong> For example, last Sunday (which is actually when I wrote this) we had burgers and fries on our meal plan (which, of course, are grass-fed, organic, homemade), but I decided to make pastured ribs instead.&nbsp; Just because.&nbsp; Sometimes I have some bread for weekend breakfast, but Friday gets too busy and I don't make it.&nbsp; This is just how it goes sometimes in the real world!</p>
<p>I also don't take the time to note certain details.&nbsp; <strong>I don't write "organic," "pastured," "raw" or other healthy terms on my menu.&nbsp; Takes too much time and space!&nbsp;</strong> I know I've sourced organic, pastured, or raw food.&nbsp; I don't have to write "raw milk ice cream" every time, or "organic grass-fed burgers."&nbsp; It's much simpler to write just "ice cream" or "burgers" and know what I mean.&nbsp; And I added a disclaimer about this to the top of the meal plans recently, just in case anyone forgets. :)</p>
<p>The real reason I do meal planning? &nbsp;<strong>I just like to read what other people are eating</strong>. &nbsp;I like to see inside their kitchens, get ideas for new dishes or ingredients (or remember old favorites I've forgotten). &nbsp;It's just...fun. &nbsp;And <strong>I thought that others probably have the same curiosity</strong>. &nbsp;Would anyone be interested in a blog "carnival" or link-up where we can all share our meal plans together? &nbsp;I think it could be fun!</p>
<p><strong>Do you meal plan? &nbsp;Do you like to read others' meal plans?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 11:57:44 AM
<p>I LOVE to read other people&#39;s meal plans. And I&#39;d love links to the recipes you post here. Thanks so much! Wish we had a Trader Joe&#39;s around here. I&#39;m working on sourcing our real food. Just had our first free range chicken from a local farm!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Reasons Why We Don't Celebrate Halloween
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/30/2010 12:00:10 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Why We Don&rsquo;t Celebrate Halloween<br /><br />Halloween is coming up quickly, which means costumes, candy, and door-to-door escapades for many.&nbsp; Lots of families (especially children) look forward to this holiday every year because they so enjoy the costume parades, parties, and of course &ndash; all that candy!&nbsp; But, like some other families, we won&rsquo;t be participating in any of this.<br /><br />Why not?&nbsp; Halloween, in its current form, is pretty innocent.&nbsp; What&rsquo;s wrong with cute bunnies bobbing for apples and eating lollipops?<br /><br />Well, Halloween is one of those issues that some feel more strongly about than others.&nbsp; I&rsquo;ve had plenty of friends and neighbors over the years who chose to participate despite Christian beliefs.&nbsp; I&rsquo;ve had several who chose not to trick-or-treat, yet chose to dress up and participate in parties or other holiday happenings.&nbsp; I believe we are all called and convicted on this issue on an individual basis.&nbsp; We all have our own comfort levels with this.&nbsp; I think this is the way it should be.&nbsp; So this article is really meant to share my personal convictions with you, not to speak to your convictions.<br /><br />Our reasons for not celebrating Halloween are really two-fold: first, it is a pagan/satanic holiday.&nbsp; Second, it is based around junk food.&nbsp; We are opposed to both.<br /><br />Halloween began as a celebration of wickedness and Satan worship.&nbsp; It is rooted in pagan tradition.&nbsp; Although the original ways it was celebrated bear little resemblance to the way it is celebrated today, I still find myself uncomfortable with it.&nbsp; Children may dress in cute costumes and get candy from neighbors, but this isn&rsquo;t the way everyone celebrates.&nbsp; There are icons of witches, skeletons, ghosts, and other &ldquo;evil&rdquo; things.&nbsp; People, especially teenagers, play tricks on others (egging homes, toilet papering homes, etc.).&nbsp; Sinister stories are passed around.&nbsp; Some, who participate in pagan religions, celebrate with special rituals (some of which are Satanic).&nbsp; Although some of you are thinking &ldquo;And what does that have to do with dressing your child up , going to a party and bobbing for apples?&rdquo; It&rsquo;s the entire spirit of the holiday that makes me uncomfortable.<br /><br />I personally don&rsquo;t even like the idea of getting candy from strangers!&nbsp; I don&rsquo;t like trying to dress the kids up to be something they&rsquo;re not (not because I have anything specifically against it, I just don&rsquo;t really want to mess with it).&nbsp; The spirit of the holiday just makes me uncomfortable, so I don&rsquo;t really want to participate or have my kids participate. &nbsp;<br /><br />I might have considered participating because of my own fond memories of going trick-or-treating as a child.&nbsp; Yes, I did go.&nbsp; I wasn&rsquo;t raised in a strong Christian home (and my parents still wonder why I don&rsquo;t let my kids trick-or-treat).&nbsp; But then there&rsquo;s the issue of the candy.<br /><br />Candy.<br /><br />People go out and buy bags and bags of &ldquo;fun size&rdquo; candy bars and boxes.&nbsp; Tons of sugar in so many different forms, plus artificial colors and flavors.&nbsp; No redeeming nutritional value at all.&nbsp; It used to be, 20 or 30 years ago, that sometimes neighbors would give out toys, apples, raisins, or homemade treats.&nbsp; These days we&rsquo;re advised not to eat any homemade treats, so most people don&rsquo;t bother to make them or give them out.&nbsp; This means that everything is store-bought and laden with junk.<br /><br />So once you look at the way that Halloween is celebrated today, it&rsquo;s primarily about junk food!&nbsp; To me, that is just as harmful as the spiritual roots of Halloween, albeit in a different way.&nbsp; I just don&rsquo;t want my kids eating that much candy!<br /><br />And lest you think I am too strict, and that &ldquo;once a year isn&rsquo;t going to hurt them,&rdquo; let me tell you something I discovered recently.&nbsp; I gave Daniel a vitamin C tablet, which I later discovered had corn syrup in it (grr).&nbsp; From this tiny, tiny amount of corn syrup, Daniel&rsquo;s bottom turned red, then broke out in open, bleeding red sores.&nbsp; Yes &ndash; a tiny amount of corn syrup cause bleeding red sores on my son&rsquo;s bottom!&nbsp; So not worth it.&nbsp; I can&rsquo;t allow him any candy at all.<br /><br />That&rsquo;s where we stand on Halloween.&nbsp; Again, I&rsquo;m not trying to convince anyone of what they should do about Halloween; these are just my personal convictions.<br /><br />Do you celebrate Halloween?&nbsp; Why or why not?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy Todd
EMAIL: dellamy1@comcast.net
IP: 71.205.56.22
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 01:32:10 PM
<p>This year is our fist year not &quot;celebrating&quot; Halloween.  Since my daughter is on the GAPS/SCD diet, we just can&#39;t.  But let me tell you, for the last number of years, I hated everything about it and wished we could get out of this Halloween tradition!</p><p>Well we did it! It feels great! No crazy Halloween stress over costumes, knowing that it will be cold with no chance of wearing warm enough clothes so the kids don&#39;t get sick, but now we know it&#39;s the candy that truly made us all sick.  November 1 until Christmas we are always stuffy, cranky, tired, sinus infections, and just general yuckiness all over.  But we still ate the candy until about Thanksgiving, when I would finally throw it out.  </p><p>What a relief.  My husband always said the candy is the devil! I truly believe that.  It always made my children&#39;s behavior less than great too.  This year, we talked about what kind of alternative we will do, we are going to go rock climbing and then to my in-laws for a wonderful dinner at their house, where they don&#39;t get trick or treaters.  I am really proud of my kids, they are 10 and 12, and they are being really great about it.  I am so thankful!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 02:33:56 PM
<p>First, I wish to applaud you (not that you were looking for applause) for the way you handled this sometimes-delicate topic.  It is so tricky these days to be able to take your stand without utterly offending someone else&#39;s sensitivities.  I think you did very well.</p><p>And secondly, in answer to your question, we are not celebrating the &quot;holiday.&quot;  For me it&#39;s more about where the &quot;holiday&quot; came from than the junk food.  Like you, I realize it&#39;s not celebrated the same way now that it was way back, but there are plenty of terrifying features out there still.  My 2.5 year old buries her head in my leg and clings to me when we walk into a store that has a Halloween display up.  She knows by sight which stores have the &quot;scary man&quot; and pleads with me not to go in them.  It almost makes me want to avoid those stores during the rest of the year, too, for scaring my daughter so terribly, you know?  </p><p>And from my own personal reflections, if I may be so bold as to share them here:  The &quot;holiday&quot; has so many components comprised of death and decay and the spirit world, all the decorations prove it, even if someone doesn&#39;t celebrate those parts.  How is it appropriate for us to be participating in any part of a &quot;holiday&quot; based on such things, when our LORD and Savior gave his life to conquer them?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 199.16.223.2
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 02:57:32 PM
<p>No, we don&#39;t celebrate either, primarily because of your first reason. However, I only have a baby, LOL, so it&#39;s fairly easy this year. And, we live in the country so no trick or treaters. However, a few people when they&#39;ve asked if I was taking the baby trick or treating acting like we would be neglecting him if we don&#39;t. I know we aren&#39;t, of course. But I was wondering if you do something different for Halloween or treat it as a regular day? Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: 
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 03:00:26 PM
<p>The idea of &quot;It&#39;s just once a year&quot; is the most irritating comment we get about our parenting and food choices.  For instance, my aunt makes &quot;special&quot; cookies with food coloring icing and box mix cookies.  She was bringing them for... wait for it... Halloween, Thankgiving, Christmas, Valentines&#39; Day, Easter, and often Fourth of July.  Then, my daughter, who reacts behaviorly to food coloring, was given unlimited access to these cookies, and I was pooh-poohed b/c...it&#39;s just &quot;once a year&#39;&#39;!  </p><p>The same thing for children&#39;s birthday parties, of which we attend about 20-30 per year, between siblings and such.  </p><p>Even if you avoid trick-or-treating, many parents bring TONS of candy to each celebration party that&#39;s at this time of year.    It&#39;s just a landmine until after Christmas, I fear.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Care
EMAIL: miriamtorason@gmail.com
IP: 69.158.178.48
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 04:04:26 PM
<p>We do, but we&#39;re a Pagan/Agnostic home, so there you go.</p><p>I did want to offer a point, though - for those who do Trick-or-Treat, but don&#39;t want the candy (for whatever reason).  My son is allergic to dairy, so all those lovely milk chocolate bars?  Yeah, even if it was only once a year, he still can&#39;t have them.  So, instead, we&#39;re having the Sugar Sprites come visit us.  Harmless sprites (akin to Tooth Fairy, if you please) come after Hallowe&#39;en and they take away the candy, and leave presents in its place!  So, no matter how much Trick-or-Treating we might do, I know that my son will come out of this with a new coloring book and a felt board dinosaur set.  No cavities, no sugar overload... Still the colloquial tradition.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 68.238.138.23
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 04:48:59 PM
<p>We do not participate in Halloween, just as we don&#39;t any other pagan holidays. Should Christians be celebrating Muslim, Hindu, etc. holidays? I see celebrating Halloween as no different.  <br/>We have many examples in God&#39;s word about what He thinks of His people partaking in pagan worship, which is exactly what Halloween is, as sweet and innocent (not), as it may seem. <br/>There is also no distinction in God&#39;s word that it is ok for one Christian to disobey and not another. In our home our children must all obey the same rules, God is no different. There are divisions due to sin, not because the Holy Spirit led us each to our own set of convictions.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/30/2010 04:58:52 PM
<p>Shannon,</p><p>At this point we don&#39;t do anything.  They don&#39;t know what&#39;s going on yet (oldest is not quite 3).  And thankfully she is the type of person who doesn&#39;t care what others are doing anyway.  But when they are older and notice that others are celebrating, we will celebrate &quot;Reformation Day.&quot;  Martin Luther just happened to start the Protestant church on Oct. 31 and I think that deserves celebrating!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.160.28.159
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 05:07:50 PM
<p>Hello, It might help you and/or your readers to now that the citric acid in the Vitamin C tablet is likely what caused your son&#39;s bleeding soars. My daughter gets them horribly from the tiniest bite of pineapple/peaches/plums any acidic fruit.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelsi
EMAIL: rustykelsi@yahoo.com
IP: 70.227.174.170
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 06:03:12 PM
<p>I was so shocked to see your post heading...not because I disagree, but because I feel the SAME way and there don&#39;t seem to be many people that share my family&#39;s convictions.  I was raised in a Christian home, my dad is a Pastor, and both of my parents are deeply involved in counseling.  From the time I was 10 or 11, I remember seeing people come in and out of our home who were involved in Satanism, the occult, Wicca, etc.  These were a reality to me.  In our little town in Northern Indiana, these people had been involved in animal and human sacrifices (yes, both) and now they were coming to my parents for deliverance, wanting Jesus, and begging to find  freedom from their torment.  Then, when I was 12, I spent a year living in Port-au-Price Haiti.  I had first hand experience with the little demons that people are currently hanging in their yard.  I saw the possessed walking down the roads, maiming themselves.  I know these are not pleasant things to think about, and seem to have no bearing on our sheltered world of candy and costumes, but there is another side that very few WANT to think about. These are the very memories I have and the reality that I came to understand that keep me from celebrating this holiday.  As you mentioned, this is not to judge anyone elses conviction on the matter.  Personally,  I&#39;ve seen too much and been involved in too many things to believe that it is simply &quot;harmless&quot;...SO all that to say, THANK YOU for being so willing to share your convictions.  it is much appreciated to find a fellow Believer that shares your convictions....Blessings!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: deliciousobsessions@gmail.com
IP: 98.245.78.211
URL: http://www.deliciousobsessions.com
DATE: 10/30/2010 06:39:10 PM
<p>Thank you for this post. I grew up not celebrating Halloween (along with most other mainstream holidays) for religious beliefs. Most holidays on our calendars are based on pagan holidays, yet most people don&#39;t realize (and even if they do, they might not really care). I appreciate knowing that there are other people out there who feel the same way as me for the same reasons. Thanks for the post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: a mom
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.10.61.244
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 06:55:45 PM
<p>Wow.  I&#39;m a new reader to this blog and I was very excited about it until I read this post.  Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, but the fact that you use satanic and pagan as interchangeable words is very troubling since they are not interchangeable.  That combined with the fact that you only mention the pagan roots of the holiday and skip right over the (albeit more modern) Christian roots of the holiday is also upsetting.  Also the implication that a person actually practicing their Christian faith would never celebrate this holiday is downright judgmental.  I&#39;m taking this blog off my reader and if I could get a refund for the ebook I bought the other day I would.  I had no idea that I was supporting this kind of mentality.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/30/2010 07:04:34 PM
<p>A mom -- No, it was never my intention to say that &quot;pagan&quot; and &quot;Satanic&quot; are the same.  Only that they both celebrate the holiday.  I also never said at all that other Christians should, in any way, share my convictions.  Only that they are MY convictions and others should do what they feel is right.  I was very clear on that point.  I, personally, don&#39;t feel comfortable celebrating the holiday, and that&#39;s the bottom line.  The rest is all stuff you&#39;ve read between the lines and not what I intended at all.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Virginia
EMAIL: livinglocalnh@gmail.com
IP: 65.175.209.158
URL: http://livinglocalnh.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/30/2010 07:13:51 PM
<p>I feel the same way.  We&#39;re going to TOT our immediate neighbors only and then go to an indoor play gym (which will be Halloween decked out, but it&#39;s moving in the right direction at least).  Both my kids have spend 2 years in preschool so they&#39;re quite indoctrinated to the Halloween culture.  If we have both kids homeschooling next year, there won&#39;t be a Halloween!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.232.113.208
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 08:13:35 PM
<p>I can&#39;t wait to read the book your kids are going to write someday.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nikkiandlinzi@cox.net
IP: 98.164.24.42
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 11:25:24 PM
<p>I never celebrated Halloween with my daugther, who is now 22, for the same reasons, although a couple of times friends did drag her out against my will.  I know there are satanic rituals and even sacrifices made on this night and as harmless as it may seems, in principal it is not.</p><p>I also did not give my daughter candy as a child and found the custom of trick or treating sickening and teaching them that the only &quot;treats&quot; in life are in food/sugar.  </p><p>You must have known some people would attack you for standing up for this.  Be strong.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sammy
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.203.58.233
URL: 
DATE: 10/30/2010 11:50:20 PM
<p>&quot;Halloween began as a celebration of wickedness and Satan worship.  It is rooted in pagan tradition.&quot;</p><p>halloween did not originate as a pagan holiday. it originated as a catholic holiday which celebrated all the saints and thoes who passed in the year. it was a religious holiday up untill the 1920-1930s</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/31/2010 01:13:41 AM
<p>Sammy,</p><p>You&#39;re describing &quot;All Soul&#39;s Day,&quot; which occurs on Nov. 1.  It is separate from Halloween.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: lizhull@hotmail.com
IP: 75.213.181.71
URL: http://lizabethhullinthewall.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/31/2010 02:22:42 AM
<p>I am completely baffled by this post, modern alternative  mama.  Last week you allowed a guest poster write about how similar her child-rearing philosophy  is to Christian mothers and AP mothering, effectively giving credence to paganism.  Today you write about not allowing Halloween because it is a pagan holiday. Huh? Perhaps you should consider this. It seems a bit hypocritical to post both of these in the same blog.  Don&#39;t you think?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/31/2010 02:48:31 AM
<p>Elizabeth,</p><p>I am a Christian.  I don&#39;t celebrate Pagan holidays or participate in any pagan rituals.  Christie guest posted on HER personal beliefs, on both religion and parenting.  The entire point of THAT article was to celebrate that despite our religious differences, we agree on the way we are raising our children in many ways.  It was posted to help with unity, so that we can find commonalities instead of trying to fight with people about the ways we&#39;re different.  I was not in any way promotion a pagan agenda.</p><p>In the Bible, the Pharisees tried to tell Jesus that he was a sinner because of the company he kept.  And he rose above it, telling them that he met the people where they were.  He, himself, was perfect!  And yet he spent much of his time with people most &quot;decent&quot; people wouldn&#39;t give the time of day.  Mark 2:15 - 17: &quot;While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” </p><p>Jesus didn&#39;t participate in the sinning; but he spent a lot of time with the sinners!  He also didn&#39;t spend that time pointing out all their mistakes and criticizing their lifestyle....  He reached out to them and spoke positively to them, loved them and taught them to love others.  That&#39;s the goal, right?  So it&#39;s not hypocritical at all.  I share and work with people who are different from me, which can bridge the gap between us; and I share about my personal beliefs and convictions.  That is the goal of my blog, to share myself and to share with others.</p><p>Hopefully you understand why I do this.  I hope all commentors carefully consider their words before hitting the &quot;send&quot; button.  It is fine to have differences of opinion but we need to be respectful of other points of view.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 93.107.216.73
URL: 
DATE: 10/31/2010 03:59:34 PM
<p>We do not celebrate halloween in this house either.  Actually, we don&#39;t celebrate most mainstream holidays.  I grew up not celebrating them &amp; my husband grew up not celebrating them which is great because we get support from both sides of the family.  We do not celebrate these holidays mainly for the first reason you mentioned.</p><p>Junk food would now be an issue for us if we did celebrate but we don&#39;t so it&#39;s fine.</p><p>I must say I am very troubled by some of the comments left on this post.  The implication that your children are somehow going to be badly affected by not celebrating halloween is absurd.  And also, the accusation that you are intolerate to others is also unfounded, the poster would see the opposite if she had read the rest of your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christie Haskell
EMAIL: RowansMommy@gmail.com
IP: 24.113.66.96
URL: http://www.dailymomtra.com
DATE: 10/31/2010 05:07:34 PM
<p>I find it interesting, Kate, that you&#39;d say pagan/satanic. :)  Pagans don&#39;t believe in the devil... at all... in fact, we find that Christianity would have to be closer to Satanism than our beliefs, because Christians already believe in the devil, so are a step ahead of us even!  I mean that partially in jest, but the point is, they&#39;re not the same... not even close. Satanism has no place in Pagan beliefs whatsoever and isn&#39;t even related... in fact it&#39;s almost like saying &quot;Christianity/Darwin Worshipper&quot;... it&#39;s actually contradictory because the second half actually contradicts the beliefs of the first. The Catholic Church did a really good job of convincing people that &quot;witches&quot; and Pagans were intrinsically intertwined with the Devil, when actually, that was a new concept for them, and was done just to discredit and slander.  I do realize though, that they also included that anyone who doesn&#39;t believe in God is automatically OF the Devil, and not believing in him just means he&#39;s blinded us, so in general, even if I point out I don&#39;t believe in Satan at ALL, never have and never will, they&#39;ve set up a system just like the Salem Witch Trials where no matter what I say, their description of me is more important.</p><p>But alas, I&#39;m rambling. We don&#39;t celebrate Christian holidays much for similar reasons (though I&#39;m actually pretty educated in Christian history), and mostly because a lot of them would be repetitive partially in nature, as well, like you pointed out, the celebrations I do came first. ;)  </p><p>I&#39;m actually pleased to see someone who is a little more concerned with actual religious practice in regards to holidays.</p><p>Elizabeth... so she can&#39;t personally not celebrate or agree with someone and still be friends with and share someone&#39;s view? You know I posted a post from her on my blog, right? Despite the fact none of DailyMomtra&#39;s writers are Christian?  It would probably behoove you not to just &quot;tolerate&quot; other beliefs (which you obviously can&#39;t even do) but maybe take time to LEARN a little, and become a better, nicer person. As of right now, you&#39;re displaying the attitude that pushes many people away from Christianity and God... Jesus would NOT be pleased with you, and I know that even as someone who doesn&#39;t care what he thinks, but still understands his message. Christians are not called to scream condemnation at the top of their lungs as if it&#39;s approved by God -- because it&#39;s NOT.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: L. Hobbie
EMAIL: greenmama26755@yahoo.com
IP: 74.47.240.238
URL: 
DATE: 10/31/2010 07:51:38 PM
<p>We do celebrate Halloween and have tried a lot of different ways of celebrating from trick-or-treating to harvest parties, and various other approaches as opportunities presented themselves year to year. Although I am a follower of Christ, I have not been particularly bothered by this holiday as a cultural celebration any more than I am bothered by celebrating the 4th of July. My children are older and I suspect that this was probably the last year that even my youngest will ask to go trick or treating. One thing I have noticed is that the Christian families in my area who have chosen not to celebrate this holiday, for a variety of reasons similar to the ones you stated, seem to have unwittingly drawn a lot of attention to the very things they are trying to shun. As their children have become teens and young adults the fascination with vampires, witchcraft, &quot;gothic&quot; paraphenalia, and so on has grown. Our family has always enjoyed &quot;dress up&quot; games, theater and drama and none of them have been confused about the difference between fantasy and reality. As young kids they liked Halloween and simply grew out of it. It was no big deal. As young adults my two oldest are involved in interenational mission work, are responsible, hard-working, contributing citizens while some of their peers who grew up in MUCH stricter Christian homes than ours are spending their days shopping for &quot;costumes,&quot; dyeing their hair and coming up with ever more outlandish make-up...something they were done with a decade ago. Every family has to decide for themselves what works for them. As I look back over the past two+ decades of parenting, most of my regrets revolve around being overly serious and stressed about details that years later turned out to insignificant. BTW, one of my kids does have a &quot;sweet tooth&quot;...I even craved fruit non-stop the entire pregnancy. But the other three could care less about candy. They used to eat one or two pieces after trick or treating and take the rest to church on Sunday and place it in a bowl to share in the fellowship hall after service. But even my child who loves sugar freely shares her bounty and is not a hoarder. I have hopes and prayers that she will grow out of her obsession with sugar because the world is not going to conveniently eliminate it for her. I really liked reading your perspective and reasons and just wanted to share another one.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@google.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 01:00:57 AM
<p>Thank you for an interesting post. It takes a lot of guts to stand up to your beliefs. We as a family dont celebrate Halloween too, we dont like all the spirit/dead people/grave yard/blood/gorry/scary things that are attached to this holiday. A lot of people still celebrate this holiday comparing it to the 4th of July for instance, which I cant really compare. No resemlence at all. But if they dont see anything bad with this holiday, I guess its ok for them to celebrate it. I mean as long as we follow the bible and live according to Jesus, I am sure we will be just fine. For it says &quot;be holy like I am holy..&quot; 1 Peter 1:16, As long as you live for God, there is nothing for you to worry or get upset about..</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 02:09:40 AM
<p>Good post, thanks for sharing your views!  I watched a video presentation on the occult and the things that happen on halloween.  I know the vast majority of people that celebrate this holiday are either clueless to the origins or just don&#39;t believe it&#39;s evil.  Without having a well thought out response, it&#39;s a challenge to even respond to those who wish &quot;happy halloween&quot; or ask my son what he&#39;s going to be, etc.  I don&#39;t want to offend those that do celebrate, but I also don&#39;t want my son to think it&#39;s OK.</p><p>On the flip side, I see families doing something together (minus the scary aspect) and think we need MORE reasons for fathers to be outside playing with their children and families making memories for their kids.</p><p>As a Christian, I have no desire to partake in the evil, but will also not hide in the dark on this day that the Lord has made.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.22
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/01/2010 02:15:07 AM
<p>Love, love, LOVE!!!  I&#39;m with you 100%!  Happy reformation day!  Happy all souls day!  And tomorrow, happy all saints day! :) And the junk food drives me CRAZY!!!!  To throw it out is so wasteful, so I&#39;d rather never have it in my house.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: lizhull@hotmail.com
IP: 75.213.64.70
URL: http://lizabethhullinthewall.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/01/2010 04:00:52 AM
<p>Christie and MAM-<br/>I gotta say that posting on these types of things is like dealing with the media.  One item is taken out of an entire post and twisted around and not understood.  Maybe it is the general &quot;whatever floats your boat is great&quot; mentality that permeates our culture that causes everyone to get up at arms just because you give your honest opiion instead of sugar coating it all the time. But please read on. I&#39;ll explain my position further and perhaps you will see that I am not a &quot;bad&quot; person, just one voicing an opinion just like everyone else. <br/>As you can tell, I am a Christian. I love Jesus. I love what he stood for. I love what He did for me and every other person on the face of the earth. We are all equals in the eyes of God and I believe this.  I am not any better or any less of a sinner than anyone else just because I believe. The only difference between myself and a non-believer is that I have accepted the grace that Jesus extended to us.  That&#39;s it. I am just as imperfect as the next guy.  <br/>At least half of my friends are non-believers.  Or questionable ones at best.  We have great conversations about what they believe or don&#39;t believe and vice/versa. We love each other through our differences.  I love them as much as my &quot;church&quot; friends. I go out to bars with my friends because my husband plays in a band and I like to go listen and sing with them.  I listen to both Christian and non-Christian music. I have friends who are homosexual.  I have dressed up and gone trick or treating with my kids, if for no other reason than  to have a fun activity to do with them and visit the neighbors in my mother&#39;s neighborhood.  <br/>Sure, there are things I won&#39;t do because I am a Christian (like use the Lord&#39;s name in vain), and things I try not to do (like use foul language), but in my everyday life I don&#39;t walk around with a sign that says &quot;I am a Christian, Hear me Roar!&quot;  <br/>However, I believe that if you have a public forum, such as this blog, you have an opportunity to stand up for what you believe in.  MAM -you have many posts about your faith, including the details of the courtship with your husband.  You make it clear that you are a follower of Christ and I am happy to hear of another sister.  And if your blog was simply about attachment parenting and the many ways this is carried out, I probably would not have made any reply at all.  But when you say you are a Christian, you are an example to others and if others view your blog and see a post about &quot;witches&quot; being AP parents too, they might get the impression that you are supporting &quot;witches.&quot;  Whether that is true or not.  <br/>Christie- I am well aware that pagans are not satanists or even &quot;witches.&quot;  I most certainly have looked into paganism, druidism, and wicca during a time when I was seeking the truth in life.  At one point I was studying to be a bard, as I am sure you might be amazed to hear.  There are some really nice elements to the ideas of paganism, such as respecting the land we live on although I believe there are different reasons for doing so.  I would love world peace and  for people to stop harming each other because then my brother could come home from Afghanistan and we wouldn&#39;t have to worry about him being killed anymore.  But, having studied Islam also, and having some insight into the culture (of radical fundamentalists, not necessarily typical muslims) through my muslim friends (yep I have those too) I know that is not likely to happen in our lifetime. Unless of course the antichrist comes to power and brings his 3 1/2 year reign of peace.  But, that&#39;s an aside. <br/>I am not screaming condemnation from the tops of my lungs.  I am asking some discernment from someone who says she is a Christian.  If anything I thought that the tone of this article on Halloween held a tone of condemnation against Christians who allow their children to participate, whether it was outright stated or not. Just asking, &quot;what do you think&quot; does not take away from that tone.   I personally think that each family needs to prayerfully make that decision for themselves.  What is right for one Christian family isn&#39;t always what is right for another. <br/>After this entire experience on this blog, I can assure you that I will be praying fervently for God to examine my heart and to show me just how I can love others more and better.  I don&#39;t want to push anyone away from Christ because they are offended by what I say.  I can&#39;t not speak the truth when I know it, but perhaps I need to learn to convey this with more of an attitude of love and understanding.  I will also pray for both of you.  For healthy happy families and prosperity (in a spiritual sense-I don&#39;t believe in praying to be rich!) <br/>I hope this explanation helps you understand me better.  Personally, I love to debate if someone is willing.  Obviously no one was up for that and instead some were offended.  I apologize for that.   But I also had many supporters contact me.  So I can&#39;t be all wrong, can I?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gracie
EMAIL: graciebell@gmail.com
IP: 68.179.148.8
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 01:15:12 PM
<p>Not much to add - but I wanted to say that I LOVE the Sugar Sprite concept!  I am doing that next year!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mzzterry
EMAIL: mzzterry@Suddenlink.net
IP: 74.193.56.46
URL: http://mzzterryz.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/01/2010 06:37:44 PM
<p>this is my first visit here. i appreciate your stand. any time you take a stand, you will be persecuted. it is to be expected, you don&#39;t have to defend yourself when you stand on the Truth. interesting reading this afternoon!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.222.59.111
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 07:59:35 PM
<p>We do celebrate Halloween at our house, although it never includes trick-or-treating because of my extreme dislike for candy!  :)  Our Halloween &quot;celebration&quot; usually includes making costumes and taking the kiddos to both sets of grandparents to show them off.  But all of their grandparents are extremely respectful of our &quot;no-candy&quot; rules and will either give the boys healthy snacks (this year they each got a banana and a box of raisins) or small non-food things like a balloon or pencil.  We usually carve jack-o-lanterns too.  This year we went to a community event several days before Halloween and they got to jump in inflatables, sit on a police motorcycle, tour an ambulance, etc.  They dressed up and we had a great time.  They did get candy at that event, but they traded it all in for some mama-made pumpkin scones.</p><p>We are followers of Jesus Christ, and I know that many brothers and sisters feel differently that we do about Halloween, which I respect.  But my take on it is this:  As a family, we have other holiday traditions we partake in that are rooted in paganism.  We decorate a Christmas tree, hunt for eggs at Easter (Resurrection eggs, NOT candy!), and get excited about the longest and shortest days of the year.  With all of these, we aren&#39;t focusing on the &quot;pagan&quot; aspects, but are in a sense redeeming them.  They are special family times where we can bond with our children and point them to Jesus.  Yes, Halloween also has pagan roots, but we aren&#39;t focusing on those.  (We even had a great conversation about death and the Gospel on the way home from our parents&#39; last night, praise the Lord!)  We&#39;re simply looking to build relationships and create fun memories with our family.</p><p>So there&#39;s my two cents (or three or four!) on why we don&#39;t feel guilty participating in Halloween, &quot;despite Christian beliefs.&quot;  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: hlkeiser@gmail.com
IP: 68.52.43.123
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 02:41:04 AM
<p>Just throwing in my two cents as a Catholic (one who, incidentally, was raised Protestant). We trick-or-treated when I was little, then went the route of &quot;harvest parties&quot; with other Christian families, and then stopped acknowledging Halloween at all. I think my parents made good decisions along the way.</p><p>Understanding the Catholic background, though, really shifted my perspective a bit. November 1, today, is All Saints&#39; Day on the Catholic calendar. Tomorrow, Nov. 2, is All Souls&#39; Day. All Saints&#39; Day is the day that the Catholic Church acknowledges all of the holy men and women, known and unknown, who have died over the centuries and are right now glorifying God in heaven. </p><p>The name &quot;Halloween&quot; is an abbreviation for &quot;All Hallows&#39; Eve&quot; - &quot;All Holies&#39; Eve&quot; - the Eve of All Saints&#39; Day. The Catholic Church has a tradition of celebrating the night before a big feast as basically part of the feast - it&#39;s called the &quot;vigil.&quot; Think of the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve (and the fact that even many Protestant churches have Christmas Eve services that night). That&#39;s the idea of the vigil. Easter was the first feast with a vigil - the lighting of the Easter candle that night represents the restoration of the Light of the World to us in His Resurrection. Historically, some of the vigils were more about beginning the celebration; some of them were more about fasting and preparing for the feast - but either way, the night (or whole day) before the feast was in some way anticipating the feast to come. </p><p>There&#39;s no question that I find the ghoulishness of the way Halloween is celebrated these days disturbing. But the fear and loathing I attached to the day - and particularly Halloween night - evaporated as I realized that the feast celebrating the lives of countless holy men and women -  prophets, apostles, martyrs; mothers and fathers of holy families - was, in fact, already underway. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot comprehend it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 05:17:26 PM
<p>I agree with you that every family has to do what works for them, but I think saying that Halloween is a satanic celebration is inaccurate. I was just reading an article about the history of Halloween that said  &quot;the modern holiday of Halloween is a combination of The Celtic holiday of Samhain, the Catholic Hallowmas period of All Saints&#39; Day and All Souls&#39; Day and the Roman festival of Feralia.&quot; Even trick-or-treating/beggars night evolved from the All Souls&#39; Day practice of poor people going door to door offering prayers for souls in purgatory in exchange for small cakes or bread. Like many holidays, even Halloween has roots in the church. <br/>Personally, I don&#39;t celebrate Halloween, but I do hand out small boxes of crayons to the trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood.  I agree with you about there being far too much junky candy out there! :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nikkiandlinzi@cox.net
IP: 98.164.24.42
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 08:19:25 PM
<p>After all these posts of people saying &quot;Haloween has it roots in Christianity&quot;, I had to go research it for myself.  No where does it say it is rooted in Christianity, it merely says that the church picked up on it and used it for it&#39;s purposes (catholic).  I think people are missing the fact that what Satanists do with this special day of theirs is not common knowledge.  You either have to know someone who was involved in it or have some sort of education of its practices.</p><p>Each person has to decide for themselves based on their knowledge and convictions but as the following says, &quot;We will not believe more than we know, And we will not live higher than our beliefs.”<br/>-R. Albert Mohler Jr.</p><p>Taking a firm but loving stand on this will only raise children who are conscious of the present world of evil and discourage them from participating in also other seemingly harmless practices of the occult.  We don&#39;t have to be radical to be strong in our beliefs.  </p><p>I did not believe in celebrating Halloween, did not allow her to read Harry Potter as a child or participate in anything that could lead away from the truth of the bible, but I had a knowledge of the occult from my experience with it before I became a Christian.  I know that evil masquerades as light and it&#39;s intent is to deceive.  If we don&#39;t teach our children to recognize the difference between the spirit of God and the spirit of evil then we may lose our chance to impact them for life.</p><p>My daughter is now 22 and she is a highly successful 4.0 college student with three jobs.  She doesn&#39;t drink or do drugs and is still a virgin even though she is highly popular, talented and beautiful.  And she is armed with the knowledge of the truth so she can test things in her world on her own now, as an adult, and see for herself with at least the knowledge of the truth as her guide.  Because I didn&#39;t shove these things down her throat, but instead made a loving stand for what I believe she doesn&#39;t resent me for my choices at all.  She sees it as a shelter of my love for her.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: M Led
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.87.100.192
URL: 
DATE: 11/26/2010 07:55:38 PM
<p>To trick-or-treat or not, that is a personal choice and I have no issue with however a person wants to celebrate or not celebrate. I myself do not celebrate my own birthday, for reasons that are not important to this forum. What I do take issue with, however, is the spreading of error and false information. Halloween is a pagan holiday, but not a Satanic holiday. I do not agree with the point of view that anything not Jehovah-centric is automatically Satanic. That is an ignorant view of the world. </p><p>Also, ALL Christian holidays are based on ancient religious celebrations. This has been proven without exception. Christmas has its roots in the Roman Winter Solstice celebration called Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the God of Agriculture, which represented the triumph of life over death. This whole season was called Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.  It is also the origin of groups of costumed singers  traveling from house to house entertaining the neighbors. This is the Christmas tradition of caroling.</p><p>In 350, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. He was trying to make it easy for pagan Romans  to convert to Christianity. The new religion was accepted knowing that their feasts would not be taken away from them.  </p><p>Easter is also of pagan origin. The name &quot;Easter&quot; originated with the names of an ancient Goddess and God. The Venerable Bede, (672-735 CE.) a Christian scholar, first asserted in his book De Ratione Temporum that Easter was named after Eostre (a.k.a. Eastre). She was the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxon people in Northern Europe. Similarly, the &quot;Teutonic dawn goddess of fertility [was] known variously as Ostare, Ostara, Ostern, Eostra, Eostre, Eostur, Eastra, Eastur, Austron and Ausos.&quot; 1 Her name was derived from the ancient word for spring: &quot;eastre.&quot;</p><p>Wiccans and other Neopagans continue to celebrate the Spring Equinox as one of their 8 yearly Sabbats (holy days of celebration). Near the Mediterranean, this is a time of sprouting of the summer&#39;s crop; farther north, it is the time for seeding. Their rituals at the Spring Equinox are related primarily to the fertility of the crops and to the balance of the day and night times. In those places where Wiccans can safely celebrate the Sabbat out of doors without threat of religious persecution, they often incorporate a bonfire into their rituals, jumping over the dying embers is believed to assure fertility of people and crops. </p><p>Celebrate whatever you like. Just know that by slapping Jesus&#39; face on a holiday doesnt make it Christian, and contrarywise, putting Satans face on it doesnt make it Satanic!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Moon Cup WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 09/28/2010 11:58:48 PM
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BODY:
<p>The winner of the moon cup is:</p>
<p><strong>Amy!</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please email me with which you'd like (Keeper or Moon) and what size (A, after birth, B, before birth).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Snacks to Go!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 09/30/2010 12:00:54 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742"><img style="width: 150px;" src="/storage/HSTG%20ebook%20KS.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285781620998" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 150px;">Click here to buy!</span></span></p>
<p>One thing that I think of wistfully when I remember my pre-real-food days was all the easy snacks that I had!&nbsp; A pantry full of chips, pretzels, dry cereals, crackers, fruit snacks...and so on.&nbsp; We don't really eat any of these things anymore!&nbsp; And if we do, well...I have to make them myself.</p>
<p>Yes, I could be boring and make dried apple slices exclusively for a snack (seeing as it's apple season, I <em>am</em> doing that).&nbsp; I could go the expensive route and buy dried fruit, Larabars (which I do love), and so on.&nbsp; I could deal with just having messy snacks everywhere we go (cheese cubes and hummus, anyone?).</p>
<p>Or, I could look for a better solution.</p>
<p>Thankfully, a solution isn't far.&nbsp;<strong> Katie at Kitchen Stewardship has one for me!&nbsp; (And you, too!)&nbsp; She's written a book called <a href="http://bit.ly/dh68Qr">Healthy Snacks to Go</a>.</strong>&nbsp; Every snack in there is filled with real food, not messy, and easy to travel with.&nbsp; Did I mention the book only costs $6.95 and you have 30 different recipes, including 14 variations of<a href=" http://bit.ly/dh68Qr"> Larabars </a>(which counts as only <em>one</em> recipe)?</p>
<p>There are a <em>ton</em> of options, though.&nbsp; <strong>Katie has <a href="http://bit.ly/dh68Qr">power bars, popeye bars, dips, salads (for school lunches!), popcorn, fruit leather, and more</a>.</strong></p>
<p>I personally can't wait to make the Larabar varieties.&nbsp; I have actually had a copy of this <a href=" http://bit.ly/dh68Qr">ebook</a> for months but we haven't been able to do nuts.&nbsp; Until now!&nbsp; Doing the crispy nuts as suggested in Nourishing Traditions, and on Kitchen Stewardship, is going to allow us to eat them again.&nbsp; So Larabars, here I come!</p>
<p><strong>If you're struggling right now with what to take to playdates, or what to pack for healthy school lunches, this ebook will be your answer.&nbsp;</strong> Seriously.&nbsp; It is a collection of all the most awesome ideas in one place.&nbsp; And for $6.95 what do you have to lose?</p>
<p>**I am an affiliate of KS and will receive a small commission if you click the links in this post to buy the ebook.&nbsp; Thank you for your support.&nbsp; You should know, however, that I love Katie and am promoting it for that reason.&nbsp; I get lots of affiliate opportunities and I don't take most of them, just the ones I think would benefit my readers.&nbsp; Just so you know.**</p>
<p><strong>Check out the ebook!&nbsp; What recipe are you most eager to try?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 208.52.133.66
URL: 
DATE: 10/01/2010 04:11:06 PM
<p>I bought this eBook about four or five months ago and love all of the recipes in the book. The Creamy Garlic Veggie Dip is one of my favorites!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Family Herbal Book Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 10/18/2010 12:00:09 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/frugalgranola.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287195911117" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>In the past week or so, we've been talking about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/preventing-colds-and-flu-this-winter.html">Ways to Avoid Colds and Flu</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/why-you-shouldnt-get-the-flu-shot.html">Why You Shouldn't Get the Flu Shot</a>.&nbsp; Keeping your family healthy naturally is very important!&nbsp; Natural methods reduce the risk of side effects and support the body's own healing mechanisms, instead of merely masking symptoms.</p>
<p><strong>What's not so easy, though, is always knowing what remedies are available or effective for particular conditions, knowing where to source the ingredients for these remedies, and knowing how to prepare them.</strong>&nbsp; It's easy to be overwhelmed by the options (or seeming lack thereof) out there.&nbsp; Also, natural remedies typically don't come with fancy labels and dosing instructions like pharmaceuticals do!&nbsp; There are a few out there, but those are very expensive.&nbsp; It's so much cheaper to just prepare your own at home.</p>
<p>That's where Michele of <a href="http://www.frugalgranola.com">Frugal Granola</a> comes in.&nbsp; <strong>Michele has just written an ebook, Herbal Nurturing: A Family Healing and Learning Guide.</strong>&nbsp; This book lays out common remedies, what they're used for, where to buy the necessary ingredients, and how to prepare them.&nbsp; Basically, it does all your research for you!</p>
<p>A year ago I would have been dying to get my hands on this book because I really knew <em>nothing </em>about natural remedies!&nbsp; Now I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but there's still <em>so</em> much more to learn!&nbsp; <strong>I was very excited to get to read this book and learn all the new ways I can help my family this winter.</strong>&nbsp; I'm lucky in that I have a local co-op which stocks bulk organic herbs, but I really had no idea which ones to buy.&nbsp; But with Michele's help, now I do!</p>
<p><strong>Michele packs a crazy amount of information into this book, including:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Tummy teas</li>
<li>Bath salts for moms</li>
<li>Pregnancy tea</li>
<li>Massage oil</li>
<li>Natural sunburn relief</li>
<li>Itch soother</li>
<li>Headache relief (multiple formulas, including migraines!)</li>
<li>Cough remedies</li>
<li>Immune boosters</li>
<li>Lozenges</li>
<li>...and lots more!</li>
</ul>
<p>That's less than half of the table of contents; I picked out a few highlights for you.&nbsp; Michele is <em>very</em> thorough in this book.</p>
<p><strong>And...she's graciously allowing me to giveaway TWO copies of it to my lucky readers</strong>!&nbsp; To enter the giveaway:</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit Michele's <a href="http://frugalgranola.com/books/">ebook page</a> and tell me which remedy intrigues you most, or why you want this book (<strong>REQUIRED</strong>)</li>
<li>Subscribe to <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FrugalGranola">Frugal Granola</a></li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/frugalgranola">Frugal Granola</a> on Twitter</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> (or tell me you already do)</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">me</a> on Twitter</li>
</ol>
<p>5 possible entries today!&nbsp; And, if you don't win, don't worry.&nbsp; <strong>Michele has also offered a coupon code so that you can get 25% off this book.&nbsp;</strong> I'll announce that code when I announce the winners!&nbsp; Get ready to take advantage of this <em>great</em> book on natural health!</p>
<p><strong>Are you excited?&nbsp; What do you like the most about this book or what questions do you have about preparing to be healthy this winter?<br /></strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 12:51:54 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS. Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 12:53:21 PM
<p>I would be interested in the adult headache relief.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.89.17
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 01:43:47 PM
<p>I&#39;m excited about the sinus and sleep rub! thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 02:34:10 PM
<p>So many interest me.  Mostly I&#39;m interested in having the complete tutorial style - I need all the help I can get.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 02:36:09 PM
<p>I subscribe to Frugal Granola.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 02:37:08 PM
<p>I subscribe here via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MrsW
EMAIL: bykes187@hotmail.com
IP: 68.56.6.97
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 04:00:39 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in the immune boosting syrup!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MrsW
EMAIL: bykes187@hotmail.com
IP: 68.56.6.97
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 04:01:29 PM
<p>I&#39;m subscribed to Frugal Granola.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MrsW
EMAIL: bykes187@hotmail.com
IP: 68.56.6.97
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 04:02:12 PM
<p>I follow Frugal Granola on twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MrsW
EMAIL: bykes187@hotmail.com
IP: 68.56.6.97
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 04:04:02 PM
<p>I am subscribed here.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MrsW
EMAIL: bykes187@hotmail.com
IP: 68.56.6.97
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 04:27:56 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: ilovemysoldier27@hotmail.com
IP: 98.117.160.36
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 05:10:43 PM
<p>I am so very interested in this e book. I want to know about the tummy tea the pregnancy tea the sinus rub and all the other things too :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: ilovemysoldier27@hotmail.com
IP: 98.117.160.36
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 05:11:20 PM
<p>I subscribe here</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: ilovemysoldier27@hotmail.com
IP: 98.117.160.36
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 05:12:19 PM
<p>I subscribe to frugal granola too</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/18/2010 06:00:46 PM
<p>I am interested in the immune booster syrup!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/18/2010 06:01:25 PM
<p>I now subscribe to Frugal Granola</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/18/2010 06:02:12 PM
<p>I follow Frugal Granola on twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/18/2010 06:02:54 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter already.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/18/2010 06:03:45 PM
<p>I am already subscribed to you</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 07:38:53 PM
<p>I subscribe</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/19/2010 04:45:06 AM
<p>I&#39;m interested in a lot of them!  But one that caught my eye is the licorice spice cold and flu infusion.  We don&#39;t vaccinate our kids for the flu, and don&#39;t go to the doctor for colds, so some remedies to make those easier to weather would be great.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/19/2010 04:46:29 AM
<p>I just subscribed to Frugal Granola.  Thanks for letting me know about her site!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/19/2010 04:47:02 AM
<p>I&#39;m already a subscriber to your blog (RSS).  Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 05:06:05 AM
<p>I would be very interested in learning more about how to stay healthy during this cold/flu season. I work in elementary schools, so my immune system can use all the help it can get!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 05:06:44 AM
<p>I subscribe to you.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tammy R.
EMAIL: daleandtam@gmail.com
IP: 174.42.241.64
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 01:38:02 PM
<p>I would like to learn about the monthly women&#39;s tea. Sounds like something I could use right now ;) Thanks for the chance to win. I&#39;d love this ebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tammy R.
EMAIL: daleandtam@gmail.com
IP: 174.42.241.64
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 01:40:39 PM
<p>I subscribed to frugal granola.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tammy R.
EMAIL: daleandtam@gmail.com
IP: 174.42.241.64
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 01:41:47 PM
<p>I just recently subscribed to your site via email too. Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin S
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.2.163.188
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 02:28:13 PM
<p>My most needed help would be for headache relief.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin S
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.2.163.188
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 02:30:07 PM
<p>I subscribe to Frugal Granola.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maureen
EMAIL: 
IP: 142.179.29.114
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 04:07:14 PM
<p>The ebook looks great! I&#39;d be interested in the pinkeye remedy and the sleep rub right off the bat.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maureen
EMAIL: 
IP: 142.179.29.114
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 04:08:43 PM
<p>I subscribed to frugalgranola</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maureen
EMAIL: 
IP: 142.179.29.114
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 04:09:20 PM
<p>I already follow you via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: fam_of4@hotmail.com
IP: 184.41.19.205
URL: 
DATE: 10/19/2010 08:34:11 PM
<p>I am a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: courtney.schaefer116@gmail.com
IP: 71.10.92.217
URL: 
DATE: 10/20/2010 02:20:13 AM
<p>I&#39;m interested in the headache relief and monthly tea.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: courtney.schaefer116@gmail.com
IP: 71.10.92.217
URL: 
DATE: 10/20/2010 02:21:08 AM
<p>I follow via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: courtney.schaefer116@gmail.com
IP: 71.10.92.217
URL: 
DATE: 10/20/2010 02:22:44 AM
<p>I subscribe to Frugal Granola.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/21/2010 06:15:34 AM
<p>I&#39;d love to try the Hay Fever/Allergy Glycerite Tincture for my son.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/21/2010 06:16:09 AM
<p>Subscribe to Frugal Granola</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/21/2010 06:17:13 AM
<p>Follow Frugal Granola on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/21/2010 06:19:21 AM
<p>Subscribe to you via RSS and email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/21/2010 06:19:51 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Abby's Lane Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 10/06/2010 12:00:50 PM
-----
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 125px;" src="/storage/abby's lane.GIF?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286301721117" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Recently, in planning for this excellent Blogiversary Week (you know you love it!), I contacted <a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a> parenting store, asking if we could work together on a review and giveaway.&nbsp; I got lucky and they said yes!</p>
<p>The most important part of this review is really the <a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a> shop.&nbsp; I'll get to the product they sent me in a little bit, but it isn't super important.&nbsp; There are a <em>lot</em> of parenting shops like this one.&nbsp; They all carry major brand-name parenting stuff, like Moby, Bum Genius, Thirsty, and so on.&nbsp; So the items aren't exactly unique.</p>
<p>What <em>is</em> unique is their particular selection and, most importantly, customer service.&nbsp; Truthfully I contacted <em>several</em> shops in the process of looking for a review and giveaway for you today.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a> was the very first to respond -- within an hour and very professionally.&nbsp; Most never responded.&nbsp; Which would you prefer to do business with?&nbsp; Yeah, I'll take <a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a>!</p>
<p><strong>Stephanie, the shop owner, responded to all of my communication very quickly and professionally</strong>.&nbsp; She was on top of everything, telling me exactly what I needed in order to run this review.&nbsp; <strong>Once I'd ordered my product, I got shipping confirmation almost immediately, and the product was in my hands in <em>two days</em>.&nbsp;</strong> Yup!&nbsp; <em>And</em> her shop note even said she'd been out of town and wouldn't be able to ship until the day after I ordered -- which was the day before I received it!&nbsp; Very fast shipping!&nbsp; The item arrived in excellent condition as well.&nbsp; When Bekah saw it, she said "Ooh, I like that!"</p>
<p><a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a> has graciously offered a $10 gift card to one of my readers so that you, too, may experience their excellent selection and customer service!&nbsp; They also offer free shipping, so you may take full advantage of this gift card!</p>
<p>To enter this giveaway, you can do the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a> and tell me what you would buy if you won (<strong>REQUIRED</strong>)</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/abbyslane#">Abby's Lane</a> on Twitter</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">me</a> on Twitter (or tell me you already do)</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> (or tell me you already do)</li>
<li>Post something new on the <a href="forum.modernalternativemama.com">forum</a></li>
</ol>
<p>That's it, just 5 entries today!&nbsp; This giveaway will end on Saturday at 8 AM, and the winner will be announced by 8 PM.&nbsp; The first entry is required; the rest are optional.&nbsp; (<strong>If you do not do the required entry, any others won't be counted</strong>.)&nbsp; Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.&nbsp; The winner will be chosen using random.org.</p>
<p>So are you curious what product I got from<a href="http://www.abbyslane.com"> Abby's Lane</a>?&nbsp; It was a Bum Genius 4.0.&nbsp; You know you're jealous!!&nbsp; However my initial experience with it is only so-so.&nbsp; I compare everything to the diapers I've sewn myself (my own design) as the gold standard, and I just don't like this as much as the ones I make.&nbsp; But truthfully I haven't liked ANYTHING as well as my own.&nbsp; This diaper is soft, and definitely stay-dry.&nbsp; But it doesn't fit as well, especially on a skinnier baby (like mine).&nbsp; Daniel fits pretty well into the middle setting, at almost 15 months and 22 lbs, although I have to snap it pretty tight.&nbsp; I also don't like that there are only 2 snaps on each wing instead of 4.&nbsp; That's common on purchased diapers, but I think you can get a better fit with 4 (which is how mine are designed).&nbsp; The insert is also too long, even when snapped down, so that it makes the inner of the diaper stick up in front.&nbsp; All in all it works just fine but isn't my preferred diaper!</p>
<p><strong>Disclosure:</strong> I was provided said Bum Genius 4.0 to faciliate my review of this shop.&nbsp; I was not paid to write this review and the opinions are my own.&nbsp; I like writing positive reviews when I receive excellent service. :)</p>
<p><strong>So what do you think?&nbsp; Don't you love finding professional natural parenting stores?</strong></p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.50.167
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 05:09:49 PM
<p>Bummer, I don&#39;t use twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/06/2010 05:17:58 PM
<p>Rebecca (and others),</p><p>Twitter is NOT required to enter!  All you HAVE to do is visit Abby&#39;s Lane website and tell me what you would buy!  The others are OPTIONAL!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elaina S.
EMAIL: elaina@stanfordfam.com
IP: 99.48.158.117
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 06:08:03 PM
<p>I would buy a Bummis Easyfit in Cosmic!</p><p>I don&#39;t use twitter, but i follow abby&#39;s lane on facebook does that count?</p><p>I subscribe to your email newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: fam_of4@hotmail.com
IP: 184.41.27.67
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 06:21:00 PM
<p>I would buy a baby carrier and/or a brand of cloth diapers</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda O.
EMAIL: abohlms@gmail.com
IP: 71.51.18.237
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 07:15:41 PM
<p>I love Abbys Lane and would buy a BG 4.0, but I would wait until the new prints come out that were just announced yesterday.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda O.
EMAIL: abohlms@gmail.com
IP: 71.51.18.237
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 07:16:27 PM
<p>I follow Abbys Lane on Twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/06/2010 07:36:09 PM
<p>a new pair of shoes for the girl :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JessicaC
EMAIL: jessims18@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.76.141
URL: 
DATE: 10/06/2010 09:35:11 PM
<p>I would get a Leslie&#39;s Boutique Wet/Dry Bag, Size Medium :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Myssie
EMAIL: mcasinghino@gmail.com
IP: 96.240.214.140
URL: http://www.sillyvill.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/07/2010 03:26:17 AM
<p>I do need to get more thirsties covers for my daughter, her&#39;s are getting snug.  But I can never resist baby legs.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Annie
EMAIL: aschlemmer@hotmail.com
IP: 69.243.177.205
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 04:54:32 PM
<p>wanting to try out a happy hempy as an overnight solution.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Annie
EMAIL: aschlemmer@hotmail.com
IP: 69.243.177.205
URL: 
DATE: 10/07/2010 04:56:24 PM
<p>follow abby&#39;s lane on twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: leslie
EMAIL: lesliedoll@hotmail.com
IP: 75.199.222.63
URL: http://cuppapixie.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/07/2010 05:59:14 PM
<p>Once Upon A Potty Books!! I loved those as a little girl!!</p><p>Thanks for the giveaway!</p><p>lesliedoll at hotmail dot com</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KaraD
EMAIL: karazoan@aol.com
IP: 74.130.20.80
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 12:02:59 AM
<p>I would purchase a pair of pedipeds! I love those shoes!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Toni George
EMAIL: tageorge6386@xipline.com
IP: 12.52.229.136
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 01:26:58 PM
<p>If I won I would use the credit towards more diapers for my two girls!! I love the FB and Blueberry diapers!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Toni George
EMAIL: tageorge6386@xipline.com
IP: 12.52.229.136
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 01:27:40 PM
<p>I follow Abby&#39;s Lane on Twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Toni George
EMAIL: tageorge6386@xipline.com
IP: 12.52.229.136
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 01:28:10 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Toni George
EMAIL: tageorge6386@xipline.com
IP: 12.52.229.136
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 01:28:54 PM
<p>I subscribed to your blog via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: lisar79@msn.com
IP: 98.247.151.66
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:24:17 PM
<p>I would buy a pair of Little Beetle Learners.<br/>lisar79@msn.com</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: lisar79@msn.com
IP: 98.247.151.66
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:25:48 PM
<p>I follow Abby&#39;s Lane on Twitter: @lisaro7<br/>lisar79@msn.com</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: lisar79@msn.com
IP: 98.247.151.66
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:26:18 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter: @lisaro7<br/>lisar79@msn.com</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: lisar79@msn.com
IP: 98.247.151.66
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:28:00 PM
<p>I subscribed via email.<br/>lisar79@msn.com</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.120.8
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:41:46 PM
<p>I would buy the Pedipeds Isabella Brown Flex if I won - these shoes look really cute for my 19 month old daughter. Here&#39;s the link: http://www.abbyslane.com/catalog.php?item=4029&amp;catid=600&amp;ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D600</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.120.8
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:42:57 PM
<p>I follow Abby&#39;s Lane on Twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.120.8
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:43:32 PM
<p>Follow you on Twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.190.120.8
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 04:44:10 PM
<p>Subscribed to your RSS feeds</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Modern Alternative Mama: In the Kitchen...Coming SOON!  and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/08/2010 12:00:20 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-october-8th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>!**</p>
<p><strong>Modern Alternative Mama: In the Kitchen, Real Food Basics is <em>still coming...</em>!&nbsp;</strong> I know it's been a long wait...longer than I told you it would be.&nbsp; But I want to make sure that everything is perfect before I release it.&nbsp; You'll understand when you see it. :)&nbsp; It's more important to me to put out an excellent product a little late than a so-so product on time.&nbsp; You know?&nbsp;</p>
<p>But while you're waiting...you can learn more about it!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Real Food Basics is a cookbook for people who really want to eat real food and aren't sure where to begin.</strong>&nbsp; It's for people who don't want to give up their favorite and familiar foods as they are making changes to their diets and their lives.&nbsp; This book walks you through the "what," the "why," and the "how."&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>If you don't know where to start...</em></p>
<p><em>If you need easy, recognizable recipes your family will actually eat...</em></p>
<p><em>If you need help understanding what changes you should make...</em></p>
<p><em>If you need to know </em>why<em> you should make changes at all...</em></p>
<p><em>If you need baby steps and bite-sized information...</em></p>
<p><em>If you just like the idea of eating healthy pizza and ice cream for dinner...</em></p>
<p><strong>This book is for you!!</strong></p>
<p>Best of all, the ebook (a whopping 66 pages) is only $6.95, so even if you aren't fully committed to this Real Food idea yet, you're not out a ton of time or money if you decide to try this out.&nbsp; Compare it to other Real Food books that are up to 300 pages long and cost $20 or more...this is <em>much</em> more user-friendly!</p>
<p>If you're hoping for a paperback copy because you just like having something tangible, a book you can take into the kitchen with you, we are <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEhKSzFJeXdpV2h4TmZ3c3Q0QkRTX3c6MQ">taking pre-orders</a> for these.&nbsp; They will be $9.95.</p>
<p>Curious what's inside?&nbsp; Here's the <strong>Table of Contents</strong>:</p>
<p>Introduction<br />Our story<br />Fat&rsquo;s real story<br />Real dairy<br />Grains and the Food Pyramid<br />A healthy diet, healthy lifestyle<br />Kitchen Tips and Procedures<br />Making stock<br />Sprouting grains<br />Making butter<br />Fermented foods<br />Sweeteners<br />Handy Kitchen Tools<br />Baby Steps<br />Shopping guide<br />Local resources<br />Recipes<br />Introduction<br />Main Dishes<br />Sides<br />Breads<br />Desserts<br />The End</p>
<p>What about the <strong>recipes</strong>?</p>
<ul>
<li>Chicken Marinade</li>
<li>Roasted Chicken</li>
<li>Fried Chicken</li>
<li>Meatballs</li>
<li>Tomato Sauce</li>
<li>Chili</li>
<li>Potato Soup</li>
<li>Chicken Noodle Soup</li>
<li>Roast Beef</li>
<li>Mexican Chicken Soup</li>
<li>Cheese Sauce</li>
<li>Caesar Salad</li>
<li>Cheesy Potatoes</li>
<li>French Fries</li>
<li>Salsa</li>
<li>Sausage Gravy</li>
<li>Buttermilk Pancakes</li>
<li>Whole Grain Bread</li>
<li>Pizza Dough</li>
<li>Muffins</li>
<li>Coffee Cake</li>
<li>Biscuits</li>
<li>Chocolate Chip Cookies</li>
<li>Ice Cream</li>
<li>Super Food Smoothies</li>
</ul>
<p>That's a lot of recipes!&nbsp; Yes, a few are available on this blog.&nbsp; But they have been updated and had variations and new things added for the cookbook version.&nbsp; And many are <em>not</em> available on this blog, so the only way to get them is to buy the book!</p>
<p>In a few days, you will be able to click the link in the sidebar to purchase.&nbsp; But, one lucky reader is going to get a chance to win a copy, free!</p>
<ol>
<li>Tell me why you want to win this book!</li>
<li>Tell a friend about this giveaway, via email, Facebook, or Twitter</li>
<li>Tell me your favorite part of the blogiversary party</li>
</ol>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; Just three entries today. :)&nbsp; Please leave each in a SEPARATE comment.&nbsp; This giveaway ends next Monday, Oct. 11, at 8 AM.&nbsp; The winner will be announced by 8 PM.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And stick around next Monday...because we'll be talking about the flu shot and natural ways to ward off illness this winter.&nbsp; You don't want to miss that!</p>
<p><strong>Okay, so...how excited are you that the book is (almost) finally out?!</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 216.223.173.45
URL: 
DATE: 10/08/2010 12:57:36 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to win this because I&#39;m addicted to Real Food and cooking. I&#39;ve always loved cookbooks but most of mine need serious adaptations to make them healthier. This would probably be easier then all the adapting I do!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 07:06:17 PM
<p>I want to win this book because I&#39;d like to learn these things, but I&#39;m really, really, REALLY frugal and it would be better to get it for free...just being honest!  :)</p><p>I&#39;d love to read the recipes.  Lately, for fun, I&#39;ve been checking cookbooks out of the library.  Lame?  Not to me!</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.92.88.219
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/08/2010 07:07:03 PM
<p>And my favorite part of the blogoversary is the giveaways...again, frugal...or is it cheap?  :)</p><p>Heather</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:36:10 AM
<p>I want to win this eBook cookbook b/c I love having a real food cookbook to cook things from! I bought Kitchen Stewardship Healthy Snacks to Go ebook awhile back and I love the different recipes in there so I am looking forword to this cookbook you are about to come out with on Monday!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:39:37 AM
<p>I sent my sister an email message on Facebook about this cookbook and I think she&#39;ll really be interested in it b/c she is a very new beginner to eating real foods and very proud of her for making the decision to be more aware of what she is feeding her family!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: duniganalexis@yahoo.com
IP: 74.232.114.12
URL: 
DATE: 10/10/2010 03:41:29 AM
<p>My favorite part of the party is learning what is coming up for posts, the giveaways (hello Dehydrator!), and learning about the cookbook coming out soon!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.89.17
URL: 
DATE: 10/11/2010 07:50:03 PM
<p>hope i&#39;m not too late... I&#39;d like to win because I&#39;d like to learn more about cooking with real ingredients. thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: lauraof4@ca.rr.com
IP: 76.168.144.49
URL: 
DATE: 10/18/2010 12:52:23 AM
<p>I&#39;m just starting on this journey of Real Food cooking and a healthier lifestyle, so any help I can get would be great.  Can&#39;t afford the e-book since losing our business this year, so would love to win it.  Thanks for the opportunity.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: ljrboys@gmail.com
IP: 97.120.247.64
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 08:23:01 PM
<p>I Realy need this book!! I grew up in a family where almost ever meal came from a drive threw. I&#39;m a stay at home mother of two young boy that cant have dairy. I want the best for my family and this book would be so helpful. Eating whole healthy foods is a must in our family. I want to learn more..  Thanks</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Seventh Generation Antibacterial WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/08/2010 07:13:21 PM
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BODY:
<p>The winner of the Seventh Generation Giveaway is...</p>
<p><strong>Nora! (thedollarholleringhomemaker@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please send me an email with your mailing address so I can pass it along to the company.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Abby's Lane Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/09/2010 05:36:06 PM
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BODY:
<p>The winner of the $10 Abby's Lane gift card is:</p>
<p><strong>Elaina S. (elaina@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please email me with your contact information so I can forward this to <a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a>.</p>
<p>For those who didn't win, please visit <a href="http://www.abbyslane.com">Abby's Lane</a> and check out their awesome selection!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Modern Alternative Mama: In the Kitchen LAUNCH!  
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/11/2010 01:51:47 PM
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BODY:
<p><strong>It's HERE!!!</strong></p>
<p>Yes.&nbsp; <strong>After weeks of waiting, the ebook is <em>finally</em> out.</strong>&nbsp; And I think you'll find it was worth waiting for. :)</p>
<p>You can read the details of the ebook <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">here</a>.&nbsp; (You can also purchase it there.)</p>
<p>Here's a quote from the product description:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Are you new to real food?&nbsp; Looking for familiar recipes?&nbsp; Or maybe you're not as new, but you still need healthy, familiar recipes to cook for family or friends who are still rather skeptical.&nbsp; Or, are you looking for a way to learn about </em><em>why real food for yourself or others?</em></p>
<em>This book is the answer.&nbsp; It will show you how to cook real, recognizable foods in your own kitchen. Foods that everyone loves, like pizza, ice cream, and French fries, that have been made over with healthy ingredients! People will be amazed that these foods are healthy because they are so delicious, but it's true.&nbsp; You </em><em>don't have to be deprived when you're living the real foods lifestyle!</em></blockquote>
<p>And that's just part of the information in the book!</p>
<p>By the way, if you are a blogger and would like to become an <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/affiliate-information/">affiliate of this book</a>, you can click on that link to sign up.&nbsp; You don't <em>have</em> to be a blogger to be an affiliate, either (you could use email, Twitter, or Facebook to tell your family and friends!).&nbsp; If you are a blogger and would like to do a review/giveaway please <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/contact-me/">contact me</a>!</p>
<p>Don't forget to check out Friday's post for a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/8/modern-alternative-mama-in-the-kitchencoming-soon-and-giveaw.html">chance to WIN a free copy</a> of In the Kitchen: Real Food Basics!</p>
<p><strong>I'm so excited!&nbsp; Are you?</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Mountain Organics WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/11/2010 09:26:22 PM
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BODY:
<p>The winner of the Mountain Organics Trial pack is:</p>
<p><strong>Heather (jaysgirl_hiccups@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please send me an email with your mailing address to claim your prize.<strong><br /></strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Excalibur Dehydrator WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/11/2010 10:00:57 PM
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BODY:
<p>Okay...this was a HUGE giveaway!!&nbsp; Typically we have 20 - 30 entries.&nbsp; In this particular giveaway, we had <strong>193 entries from 67 different people!</strong>&nbsp; That's pretty awesome!</p>
<p>I went through and counted and re-counted to make sure I was selecting the winner in a truly fair, random way.&nbsp; (Using random.org, and counting the entries in the order they were received.)&nbsp; And the winner is....</p>
<p><strong>Melissa (matt4melis@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please email me with your mailing address to claim your prize.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.176.62
URL: 
DATE: 10/12/2010 05:44:09 PM
<p>awesome!!  I&#39;m so excited.  I just sent you my address!  Thank you!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Whole Foods Holiday Progressive Dinner!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/16/2010 12:00:57 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-300x250border.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287177557922" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/10/monday-mania-10182010.html">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>Guess what?</p>
<p><strong>I'm teaming up with several <em>excellent</em> bloggers this fall for an awesome new idea: a Holiday Progressive Dinner, filled with whole foods recipes!&nbsp;</strong> Each week, a different blogger will host a particular course, and we'll all post our favorite recipes for that course.&nbsp; If you're a blogger, too (or even if you're not), come share <em>your</em> favorite recipes with us!&nbsp; Bloggers can use the linky that each host will provide, and non-bloggers can leave their recipes in the comments section.</p>
<p>The idea is that we can all get some truly awesome new real food recipes to use as we are planning our holiday menus!&nbsp; I know I can't wait to see what the other bloggers (and all of you!) come up with!</p>
<p>I hope you'll join us!</p>
<p><strong>Here is the schedule.&nbsp; Please note it is starting <em>next Tuesday!!</em></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>October 19</strong> &ndash; Wardeh from <a href="http://www.gnowfglins.com/" target="_blank">GNOWFGLINS</a> starts us off with <strong>soup</strong></p>
<p><strong>October 26</strong> &ndash; Katie over at <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Stewardship</a> shares her favorite <strong>appetizer</strong></p>
<p><strong>November 2</strong> &ndash; Donielle (our official host!) will be serving <strong>salad</strong> at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/" target="_blank">Naturally Knocked Up</a></p>
<p><strong>November 9</strong> &ndash; Enjoy wonderful <strong>bread dishes</strong> with Lindsay at <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/" target="_blank">Passionate Homemaking</a></p>
<p><strong>November 16</strong> &ndash; <strong>Main dishes</strong> will be served at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.com/" target="_blank">Keeper of the Home</a> with Stephanie</p>
<p><strong>November 23</strong> &ndash; Extra <strong>side dishes</strong> are always a must! Join Kimi at <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/" target="_blank">The Nourishing Gourmet</a>.</p>
<p><strong>November 30</strong> &ndash; Kate at <a href="../../" target="_blank">Modern Alternative Mama</a> hosts our week on <strong>desserts</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>December 7</strong> &ndash; <strong>Drinks</strong> will be served at <a href="http://www.frugalgranola.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Granola</a> with Michele.</p>
<p>Feel free to steal the button at the top and put it in your blog's sidebar if you want to participate (or just promote these awesome bloggers).</p>
<p><strong>Donielle at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com">Naturally Knocked Up</a> is our host</strong>, so if you forget where we are in our series, head over to her blog and get the details.</p>
<p>Notice that I'm doing the dessert.&nbsp; Are you ready for some serious deliciousness?&nbsp; I'm testing several great dessert recipes right now, just for you!&nbsp; (And my family doesn't mind either.)</p>
<p><strong>Which course are you most excited for?</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Guest Post: Witches are AP Moms
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 10/19/2010 12:00:28 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p><p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.mysticgoddess.org"><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/pagan.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287193963128" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 250px;">Image Credit</span></span></p>
<p><em>Today we have a guest post from Christie Haskell of <a href="http://www.dailymomtra.com">The Daily Momtra</a>.&nbsp; She's bringing us another perspective on parenting, showing us how Pagan moms can still have a lot in common with us Christian moms!&nbsp; It's great to respect the differences while celebrating what we have in common, so here she is:</em></p>
<p>Kate's post over at Daily Momtra about being a gentle Christian parent  had me thinking about how gentle parenting falls under my own religious  beliefs as well.</p>
<p><strong>I'm Pagan.</strong> Not Wiccan, not Druidic... just, Pagan. I am drawn to Celtic  histories and traditions, herbs and incenses, and general, basic  enjoyable practices. This of course earns me the non-official title of  "Witch", one I take as a nice term, not an insult. <br /> <br /> I'm raising my kids to be small heathens, er, witches, um, Pagans too.  <strong>Or moreso, I am raising them to know and participate in my beliefs, but I  don't care what practice speaks to them when they're grown, as long as  they remain respectful of others, including me.</strong><br /> <br /> Paganism has very few "rules" other than the belief that what you put  out comes back to you, amplified -- and negative energy begets negative  responses. <strong>We also believe we are very much a part of the earth, and  that all of it -- people, animals, rocks, the environment -- all is  connected, and all deserves respect.</strong> I don't specifically believe in a  God and Goddess, or multiples. I do feel there is an overall energy that  is in everything and anything, and different ASPECTS of it can be  personified for specific uses, but not that it is individual personas,  if you follow me.<br /> <br /> <strong>So, raising my children under my beliefs is simple, and almost requires a  more AP-parenting style.</strong> I am teaching them about respect for the  planet in it's entirety and everything on it, which means I need to show  my own children respect as the very first step. <strong>We believe that nature  is intelligent and unique and perfect, and often are drawn to more  natural living styles</strong> (which are also more kind to the earth in  general), and so it makes plenty of sense that breastfeeding -- the  natural action as mammals, that has no waste or costs to the environment  -- feels very in line with my personal religious and moral beliefs, as a  completely separate entity than the normal reasons to breastfeed.<br /> <br /> <strong>Often, when in doubt, I consider our close relatives -- mammals of any  kind -- and our ancestors, and think about what they would do.</strong> The  answer is frequently to keep the baby with (if not ON) you when they  can't walk and still nearby when they can, and allow them to develop on  their own. They will eat food when they can put it into their own mouths  with their own hands, as nature designed. <strong>They will sleep through the  night when they are emotionally, developmentally ready -- not when I  decide they should.</strong> All of these are typical mammalian behaviors, and as  Pagans generally feel we are not disproportionately superior to the  creatures we're in the same class as, it's not all that surprising that  our parenting could be more closely related to that of "Cave Women" than  the supposed modern mother.<br /> <br /> <strong>Faith in the energy of the universe and in instinct are key -- even in parenting.</strong></p>
<p>So witches are naturally inclined to parent like nature intended, which nowadays is called "Attachment Parenting."<br /> <br /> We're not so scary after all, are we? ;)</p>
<p><em>Thanks Christie!</em></p>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Do your views line up with this -- even if your religion is different?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Christie Haskell </strong>is a Pagan military wife,  very-involved and attached mother of two, and supreme research junkie.  She prides herself on being a Nestle-boycotting, tree-hugging,  latte-sipping liberal, and champions for breastfeeding and car seat  education, as well as LGBT, environmental and animal rights and a myriad  of other issues.&nbsp; She can be found blogging at the <a href="http://www.dailymomtra.com">Daily Momtra</a>.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: lizhull@hotmail.com
IP: 75.194.161.60
URL: http://lizabethhullinthewall.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/19/2010 04:16:03 PM
<p>First, I have to say that trying to find common ground is a noble idea.  As a Christian mom myself, I want to teach my children to love others as Christ loves us in order to lead others to the light that Christ shines through their lives.  I believe in &quot;tolerance&quot; in the traditional sense of the word, meaning that I may simply tolerate someone else&#39;s belief or existence, not that I am obligated to embrace it or accept that it is is just as good as what I believe in. The concept of &quot;tolerance&quot; has been perverted in modern times. So, although I may tolerate and even love others who practice any form of paganism, Islam, or any other non-Christian religion, I do not believe that it is a &quot; just as good&quot; or an acceptable form of religion/worship/practice.   I can love the person and hate the sin as we are told to do as Christians. People can be redeemed but not always belief systems!  <br/>I also disagree with the sentiment that Ms Haskell presents when she states that &quot;I am raising them to know and participate in my beliefs, but I don&#39;t care what practice speaks to them when they&#39;re grown, as long as they remain respectful of others, including me.&quot; If she doesn&#39;t care enough about her &quot;religion&quot; to foster it in her children, then why does she practice it herself? As a Christian mom, I am adamant about teaching my children the Word of God, His precepts, His ways and writing them upon  hearts of my children in hopes that they will embrace Christ as they grow in maturity. I would be brokenhearted if they turned and went to opposite direction. And I would pray continually that they would eventually return. <br/>As far as attachment parenting goes, it has seemed to me that those who embrace this type of parenting tend to be more &quot;new agey&quot; in their thinking and beliefs than I tend to care for but there are many concepts that are morally neutral that I certainly embrace as well. I believe that breastfeeding is the best and I did so for 2.5 years with each of my first two children. I also believe that co-sleeping is a viable option and I also did that with my first two children. In fact, my daughter was still hopping in bed with me until last year when I had twin daughters. She was 12!  <br/>My twin girls however, needed to have formula supplements because I didn&#39;t produce enough milk for them (I REALLY didn&#39;t, believe me I tried EVERYTHING). The twins slept in a co-sleeper until they were bumping into each other and waking each other as well as starting to roll around and not be safe. They now sleep in their own cribs in our bedroom. I let them cry at bedtime if they are not cooperating and believe it or not, they wake up just as happy and sleep better than when I was trying to nurse them to sleep and trying to embrace a &quot;no-cry&quot; policy as many AP parents do.  When you have to juggle two babies at once you learn quickly that all the AP stuff is nearly impossible to maintain while getting ANY sleep of your own and any time with your husband sans babies (which is critically important to your relationship!) I leave my babies with their grandma and have even been brave enough to entrust them with friends while I have gone to work or on dates with my husband. And they have lived through it very well and we are quite &quot;attached&quot; to each other. My favorite time of day is when I sit down to nurse my little ones and I have  a lap full of babies all tangled together. They play with each others hair, hug each other and give each other kisses. They love getting in bed with us in the morning and playing with mama and daddy. <br/> We have a good balance between &quot;attachment&quot; style parenting and reality in our household and it has little to do with our &quot;religion.&quot;  I believe ultimately that every parent wants what is best for their child/children. And given the resources we would all pursue that. Although I don&#39;t &quot;respect&quot; the rocks or trees as &quot;equals,&quot; in fact, I believe as it says in the bible, that we are given dominion over the animals and we are to be fruitful multiply and &quot;conquer&quot; the earth, I do respect that my children are fellow human beings, created by God, and I am entrusted to raise them in love and wisdom.  I am to teach them discipline (which is sorely lacking in many children I encounter today), respect for others, especially their elders and authority figures, love of Christ, service to others and GOOD STEWARDSHIP.  I am also charged with teaching them right vs. wrong. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, there IS a very black and white version of right and wrong and it is based on biblical teaching, not on &quot;relative morality.&quot; <br/>Well, that was WAY more information than I planned on sharing. And all I came on here for was to look at an eBook on learning to cook &quot;real&quot; real foods that will make my hubby&#39;s tummy happy! I guess you just never know! God bless you for reading this!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.103.244
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 10/19/2010 05:54:37 PM
<p>&quot;Conquering&quot; the Earth will eventually kill our planet. If that&#39;s the way you want to go knowing it was God&#39;s plan for your children and/or grandchildren to grow up in a polluted world then that&#39;s not a religion you&#39;re going to talk me into being a part of. We&#39;re here to be stewards of the planet. To take care of it. Whether you are Christian or Pagan and worship Jesus or the Goddess or the tree in your back yard it doesn&#39;t really matter. What matters is that we all look after our world and each other with respect. <br/>I loved this post and am happy to have the author as a new blog to follow.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: lizhull@hotmail.com
IP: 75.194.161.60
URL: http://lizabethhullinthewall.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/19/2010 06:46:01 PM
<p>Melodie,<br/>Apparently you didn&#39;t read my entire comment because I clearly said that I also believe in good stewardship and that as a Christian just as anyone who is in any type of leadership position, the old adage that with great power comes great responsibility. I too believe that stewardship of our earthly home is all of our responsibility.  I don&#39;t want to leave a mess you our children and every generation after that.  &quot;conquering&quot; something doesn&#39;t always have to mean that you destroy it.  You can certainly claim something as yours to do with as you will, such as the land I own or the hair on my head and then tame it into something good, such as my garden and free ranging chickens or perhaps, when I have the energy, to tame my hair into something beautiful.  <br/>I certainly respect others right to their opinion, I just don&#39;t have to always accept that opinion as true and we can still live in peace. It&#39;s those who get up in arms about someone NOT accepting something they don&#39;t believe in that conflict happens. I have many friends who&#39;s belief systems are much different than mine, including friends who are muslim, pagan, etc. They know where I stand and we agree to disagree and share what we do have in common. I would love if we all believed the same thing and could share worship together but for now, we&#39;ll just have to share some wine and a good laugh now and then! Well, maybe my mormon or muslim friends won&#39;t share the wine...  <br/>I will not be following &quot;Daily Momtra&quot; because I don&#39;t want to encourage something I don&#39;t believe in.  So if you&#39;re into respecting each other, you&#39;ll respect that decision of mine and not condemn it.  Thanks for the banter and have a great day!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Doodlebug's Mommy
EMAIL: Doodlebugsplanet@gmail.com
IP: 76.0.97.136
URL: http://dandelion-farm.blogspot.com
DATE: 10/19/2010 10:22:20 PM
<p>Thank you for this. I am a Christian who gets really annoyed at others who cannot respect the beliefs of other people. I am so glad you posted this.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: 
IP: 109.76.81.228
URL: 
DATE: 10/20/2010 10:37:13 AM
<p>Thank you for this post.  It is interesting to see that, while we obviously disagree on many things, we agree on a lot.  I am a christian who breastfeeds, attachment parents, cloth diapers &amp; we are a family who tries to have as little impact on the world as we possibly can.  I wrote that sentence as &quot;I am a christian who&quot; but I do those things BECAUSE I am a christian.  I believe they go hand in hand.  They are not 2 separate things.</p><p>I have never read a book on AP.  It is something that naturally evolved for me the more I learned about God&#39;s creations.  I breastfeed because that is what my breasts were created for.  I cloth diaper because there is no reasonable reason to put harmful to the environment (not to mention baby), plastic diapers on my child.  I co-sleep/carry because it feels natural &amp; we are a more content family for it.</p><p>I disciple my children but I do not believe that has to involve spanking.  The bible tells us to use &quot;the rod of disciple&quot;, it does not have to mean a literal rod. </p><p>We try to have as little impact on the earth as humanly possible for us at this time.(We are currently working on our 5 year plan to become self-sufficient, carbon neutral &amp; off the grid)  We do this because we believe we need to have respect for God&#39;s creation.  We shop local, supporting the local farmer&#39;s &amp; this allows us to choose what we buy &amp; from whom.  We believe God put animals on this planet as a source of food but we need to treat them humanely &amp; therefore we choose to buy our meat from a local farmer who farms naturally &amp; his animals have a wonderful &quot;free range&quot; life.</p><p>Like you, I believe that what you put out there, comes back amplified (it pretty much says as much in the bible).  I also believe that , as God&#39;s creations, we are very much so part of the earth &amp; we are all connected with creation &amp; all creation deserves respect.  I also believe that God&#39;s creations are intelligent, unique &amp; perfect &amp; because of this we are more drawn to natural parenting styles.  I, too, often look at what was done in the past when people lived more natural lives (that included people in bible times).</p><p>I find it very interesting that, even though you have no belief in God, we believe similar things when it comes to nature &amp; natural living.  You have faith in nature &amp; I have faith in God &amp; his creations, nature being one of them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ani
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.68.229.234
URL: 
DATE: 10/20/2010 12:10:46 PM
<p>Thank you, Elizabeth! I agree with every word you said.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.48.20.203
URL: 
DATE: 10/21/2010 05:07:03 AM
<p>I loved the post.  Thank you for sharing.  I love Christie Haskell and have been following her for a while.  I saw this post on Facebook through a friend and noticed Christie&#39;s name so I decided to read the post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michele
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.60.8.129
URL: http://www.mommywithtattoos.com
DATE: 10/21/2010 06:12:29 PM
<p>I embrace all religions -- I believe there truly is beauty and beautiful sentiment that can be found in all. And doing so, can help foster better relationships between the world&#39;s people. Religion is the most divisive topic of all -- even more so than circumcision or breastfeeding. World wars start over religion. We should all be more united under one religion -- LOVE. Great post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christie Haskell
EMAIL: RowansMommy@gmail.com
IP: 24.113.66.96
URL: http://dailymomtra.com
DATE: 10/21/2010 06:14:14 PM
<p>Thank you so much for sharing this post of mine on your blog, Kate. I really appreciate it, and I hope that your follows will read your post over on our blog about your beliefs as a Christian AP parent. :)</p><p>Elizabeth, it&#39;s okay that you don&#39;t agree with me. There&#39;s a lot of misunderstandings about Paganism and other beliefs in general. I spend a lot of my personal time studying other religions. <br/>Why do I feel that my children are free to explore other religions, and yet I teach them about mine? Because I believe religion is incredibly personal and unique and there is no right answer for anyone. I could no more tell them what they have to believe religiously than tell them who they have to be as people. <br/>That is my own personal feelings and I know you won&#39;t agree, but I hope that helps you understand a little better. Not all religions believe there is punishment or downsides to different ideas.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Donna Heltzell
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.165.239.46
URL: 
DATE: 10/22/2010 04:54:21 AM
<p>Thank you, Christie, for clarifying why you will allow your children&#39;s beliefs to differ from yours.  Saves me the problem of how to word my reply.  Any religion that thinks their way is the only way is not for me.  I like to think for myself.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joye Austin
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.178.247.42
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 03:15:32 PM
<p>Next time, feel free to share a little less, Elizabeth.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: lizhull@hotmail.com
IP: 75.194.226.195
URL: http://lizabethhullinthewall.blogspot.com/
DATE: 10/24/2010 09:39:46 PM
<p>I sincerely hope that anyone who reads these blogs thinks for themselves.  I also hope that while they do so, they question what they believe and WHY they believe it.  I couldn&#39;t believe in something that I didn&#39;t know was 1. the truth, 2. worth living for and 3. worth dying for.   I actually don&#39;t believe that any one particular &quot;religion&quot; is the right way.  What I believe is that Christ is the right way.  For some reason, many people are offended by Christ.  Perhaps because it is uncomfortable to think that you may be in the wrong.   And it is easier and maybe feels better to believe that there are &quot;many ways&quot; and each is equally good. It sure makes getting along with the general public easier.  But ultimately, there is one basis for good, one measuring stick for what is right and just, and that one way is Christ.  This it says in the Bible, &quot;I am THE way, THE truth and THE light. No one can get to the Father except through me.&quot;  It&#39;s not &quot;one&quot; of the ways.  It&#39;s THE way. And anyone who says they are a Christian should believe this. If they don&#39;t, then they are not a Christian.  Tough words but true. Ask an atheist.  They&#39;ll tell you the same thing.  Why bother believing in something and following some &quot;rules&quot; if they aren&#39;t worth living and dying for? Just to feel good?  If I wanted to just feel good, I&#39;d stay in bed on Sunday mornings and do what ever I wanted to do the rest of the week that just &quot;felt&quot; right.  I too have researched other religions. I&#39;ve been to a mosque. I&#39;ve read up on Druidism and paganism and wicca.  I&#39;ve learned a bit about Buddhism and Hinduism and I grew up as a Catholic. None of these has said they are the ONE way (except Catholicism) and so I don&#39;t expect that someone who is subscribing to these points of view would understand my passionate viewpoint on this subject.  Yes, its about love. And forgiveness. And mercy. And justice. And about a man who gave His life on a cross.  Who died in the most cruel and vicious way possible so that we might be saved. Now there&#39;s a man worth believing in.</p><p>One last thing, I sincerely hope that anyone who has a blog who says they are Christian, will think before they link to any site that supports a non-Christian viewpoint. It sends the wrong message and will result in a loss of readers like me.  Then again, it&#39;s not likely you&#39;ll care if you&#39;re posting this kind of stuff anyway, right?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 10/24/2010 09:49:18 PM
<p>Elizabeth,</p><p>I do believe what you believe, regarding Jesus.  Absolutely.  But this blog isn&#39;t ONLY about religion.  It&#39;s about food, health, parenting.  And while I don&#39;t compromise my beliefs for others, Jesus called us to LOVE and TOLERATE all others.  He frequently spent time in the company of the &quot;lost&quot; (which even his apostles criticized him for!), but that is the right way, and the way that Jesus calls us to be.  He doesn&#39;t say, &quot;Live for me, excluding all others!&quot;  No.  He calls us to include them, to live in peace with them.  Although I don&#39;t agree with the perspective of this post (anymore than Christie agrees with mine), I&#39;ve put it up because I&#39;m looking to connect with people over issues on which we agree.  That&#39;s the first step to ministry, you know -- developing a relationship with those who are different.</p><p>So, Elizabeth, if you feel you can&#39;t read my blog anymore because I posted something that a non-Christian wrote...I think you need to think long and hard about what Jesus was really teaching.  And pray about how you should interact with others.  I will pray too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mohandas K. Gandhi
EMAIL: 
IP: 74.65.163.217
URL: 
DATE: 10/24/2010 11:39:14 PM
<p>I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sherrie
EMAIL: wahminsc@gmail.com
IP: 24.214.11.73
URL: http://www.examiner.com/vegetarian-in-charleston-sc/sheryl-thompson
DATE: 10/25/2010 02:48:00 AM
<p>I commented on FB and will paste that comment here.</p><p>Tolerance has only been perverted by those who see it as a dirty word. There is no shame or sin in recognizing our similarities and taking comfort in the knowledge that regardless of belief we love our children and want the best for them. Shame belongs to anyone who can&#39;t see the beauty in our differences.</p><p>And I&#39;d like to add that many are not offended by Christ, but by those who use Him as a weapon against non-Christians or those they consider the &#39;wrong kind&#39; of Christian.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Monica
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.20.24.86
URL: 
DATE: 10/25/2010 06:22:37 AM
<p>While I do agree the Bible does teach tolerance and you can use that to minister to people, I think the Bible also teaches to abstain from the appearance of all evil.  By displaying this post on your blog it gives the appearance that you accept her religious views, that Christ is not the only way.  To the non Christians that have read this it may give off the idea that they are okay in the way that they are approaching eternity.  I am happy that you have many readers that are willing to learn from your blog even though they do not see eye to eye on Christ.  What a great opportunity you have, however as Christians we have to be so careful to always be shining our light.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne Marie
EMAIL: 
IP: 204.195.71.46
URL: 
DATE: 10/25/2010 08:22:51 AM
<p>I really enjoyed this post, though I&#39;m sad that the discussion ended up being dominated by one reader who was so adamant that her beliefs are right and other are wrong, instead of discussing all the great things about attachment parenting that bond moms together over their love for their children.  I certainly didn&#39;t read this as a post intended to stir up debate, though I suppose when the issue of personal beliefs comes up, that is bound to happen.  </p><p>Anyway, I thought the author did a great job, and I will be far more likely to read this blog in the future in spite of the fact that I have a strong aversion to Christianity in general right now.  Christians who can respect the beliefs of others without feeling threatened in their own personal convictions are exactly the type of people I enjoy having a intelligent discussion with.  And after all, we are all moms who are doing the best we can for our kids, and shouldn&#39;t that be the bond that unites us in an environment like this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ani
EMAIL: anizmail@yahoo.com
IP: 71.68.229.234
URL: 
DATE: 10/28/2010 01:00:11 PM
<p>I agree with every. single. word that Elizabeth has said. And while I understand that this blog is not only about religion, this blog post WAS about religion. She specifically speaks of her religion and how we are all the same. Please don&#39;t excuse that, ModernAMama, by saying that she&#39;s just a non-christian speaking of things unrelated to religion. There was an agenda here and it had everything to do with religion.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Guest Post: Colon Cleansing: Vital to Health
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/22/2010 12:00:33 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/colonsystem.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1287343461359" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><em>Today we have a guest post from Raine Saunders of Agriculture Society.&nbsp; She's bringing us an important topic: colon cleansing.&nbsp; We've been talking about health and your immune system lately, and with over 70% of your immune system in your gut, and your colon being a part of your gut, this fits right in!&nbsp; Here she is:</em></p>
<p><strong>Colon Cleansing: Vital To Health</strong><br /><br />Colon cleansing is one of the most powerful steps you can take in your health. <strong>Cleansing the colon is an effective way to eliminate embedded toxins and waste that have accumulated over time.</strong> These substances, when left in the colon, form pockets and deposits. They misshape the colon tract and reduce its effectiveness in cleaning out the body.<br /><br />Benefits of colon cleansing include: overall improvement in all body processes and health; <strong>when toxins and waste are removed from the body, it improves all functions and valuable nutrients are more easy to absorbed from the food you eat.</strong> You will also have more energy, greater mental clarity, find that you become sick less often, and have greater digestive performance. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>You will also experience less of the following:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Constipation</li>
<li>Diarrhea</li>
<li>Bloating</li>
<li>Abdominal cramping</li>
<li>Gas</li>
<li>Indigestion</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Although a high percentage of people who conduct colon cleansing lose weight, weight loss should not be the number one goal of cleansing.</strong> Cleansing should be done to improve overall health, and as a natural by-product of this act your body will drop weight. This is due to the release of accumulated waste (fecal matter) as well as the resulting improvement in absorbing nutrients in the body. This also causes a reduction in appetite and subsequently, frequent hunger pains associated with eating and not absorbing nutrients in food.<br /><br />Find a qualified practitioner who can guide you through the process of colon cleansing. <strong>There are different methods of accomplishing colon cleansing - through diet and through actual mechanical and physical evacuation of toxic matter.</strong> In most cases, if you are considering a colon cleanse, you will need to run the gamut of activities - and likely multiple times, to remove enough matter from your colon to positively affect your health. A colonic is an excellent way to get your colon cleansing program off to a good start. A knowledgeable colon hydrotherapist can help. Home enemas are also a good idea, and are a more economical way to maintain colon health continuously.<br /><br /><strong>Fiber in the diet naturally helps fight disease by binding to waste and cholesterol and carrying it out of your body.</strong> Diets rich in fiber help prevent the development of colon cancer and heart disease.&nbsp; Make sure you are getting plenty of fiber in your diet from whole foods. <strong>Good sources include broccoli, sugar snap peas, brussels sprouts, coconuts, carrots, bananas, nuts, plums, pears, apples, and potatoes (with skin), greens, raisins, sprouted &amp; soaked whole grains, and sprouted and soaked legumes (beans). </strong>Supplements are generally not necessary unless you are still not obtaining enough from you diet or are attempting to detox to remove matter from your colon to improve the function of your digestion function. A good quality fiber supplement brand is Colon Plus from <a href="http://www.bioticsresearch.com/node/1640" target="_blank">Biotics Research</a> or Gastro-Fiber from <a href="http://www.standardprocess.com/display/StandardProcessCatalog.spi?ID=80" target="_blank">Standard Process</a>.<br /><br />Fiber in the diet naturally helps fight disease by binding to waste and cholesterol and carrying it out of your body. Diets rich in fiber help prevent the development of health problems including sluggish digestion, obesity, colon cancer, and heart disease.<br /><br />Take care of yourself at all times - before, during, and after colon cleansing activities. <strong>Support your body with good nutrition.</strong> Eat foods that are easy to digest - steamed (cooked) vegetables, healthy, grass-fed meats and safe-source fish, and meat and <a href="http://www.agriculturesociety.com/?p=2432" target="_blank">bone broths</a> from organic, grass-fed sources. Raw foods are actually more difficult to digest, so during colon cleansing, stick to as many cooked items as possible. <br /><br /><strong>Many experts will say the best tool in prevention of colon cancer is regular colon screenings (colonoscopy). This costly procedure which can also have dangerous health risks. </strong>There is a way to avoid colon screenings - change your diet and perform regular colon cleansing activities. The best way to avoid colon cancer is through PREVENTION. Many practitioners and health experts will not tell you this. Eating a superior diet and getting enough exercise are two key factors, as well as your personal colon cleansing protocol which you can design with assistance from a knowledgeable practitioner such as nutritional therapist, naturopath, or colon hydrotherapist.<br /><br />For more information about detoxification and cleansing, read <a href="http://agriculturesociety.wordpress.com/2007/03/03/how-cleansing-positively-affects-your-health/" target="_blank">How Cleansing Positively Affects Your Health</a>.</p>
<p>For more information about maintaining digestive and other types of health through the foods you eat, read <a href="http://www.agriculturesociety.com/?p=5082" target="_blank">Critical Elements For Health Through Nutrition</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks Raine!</p>
<p><strong>Is colon health an important topic to you?&nbsp; Are you concerned about yours?</strong>&nbsp; <strong>Would you consider colon cleansing?</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: In the Kitchen: Real Food Basics WINNER and SALE!!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/18/2010 08:07:59 PM
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<p>The winner of In the Kitchen: Real Food Basics is:</p>
<p><strong>Stephanie (stephaniekrier@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please send me an email to claim your prize!</p>
<p>If you didn't win but are interested in buying the book, for a limited time you can purchase it for 25% off!&nbsp; The code to use is <strong>SALE25</strong>.&nbsp; This <strong>sale will end next Monday, Oct. 25</strong>!&nbsp; So hurry and buy now!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Family Herbal Book WINNERS and COUPON CODE!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/22/2010 12:00:33 PM
-----
BODY:
<p>The winners of the <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=112844&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Family Herbal Book</a> are:</p>
<p><strong>Beth <a href="mailto:bsteen77@hotmail.com">(bsteen77@...)</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Karma <a href="mailto:jkkrause@hotmail.com">(jkkrause@...)</a></strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!!</p>
<p>For those who didn't win, I have a coupon code for 25% off the book.&nbsp; It is <strong>MODERN25</strong>.&nbsp; If you want a copy, please <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=112844&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">buy it soon</a>!&nbsp; This code expires at 11:59 PM on Oct. 25!</p>
<p>**<strong>Disclosure</strong>: yes, those are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission if you buy through here.&nbsp; Thanks for your support!**</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 10/22/2010 09:13:42 PM
<p>Thanks so much!  Can&#39;t wait to dig in!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: LAST Day for Sale on In the Kitchen: Real Food Basics!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 10/25/2010 12:00:32 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em>Psst...Katie at </em><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com"><em>Kitchen Stewardship</em></a><em> is having a HUGE sale on her ebook, </em><a href="http://bit.ly/dhXoXs"><em>Family Camping Handbook</em></a><em> (which contains tips for camping and real food recipes that you can take with you or prepare easily!). &nbsp;TODAY ONLY is it just $2.50 so be sure to </em><a href="http://bit.ly/dhXoXs"><em>get your copy today</em></a><em>! &nbsp;Code: ENDOFSEASON.</em></p>
<p>By now, I'm sure you've heard that my first ebook,<strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html"> In the Kitchen: Real Food Basics</a> is out</strong>! &nbsp;And it's been on sale for the last few days, but <strong>today is the </strong><em><strong>last</strong></em><strong>&nbsp;day</strong>. &nbsp;<strong>This sale ends </strong><em><strong>tonight</strong></em><strong>&nbsp;at midnight</strong>!&nbsp;If you haven't taken advantage of it, don't wait. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Right now, <strong>the coupon code is SALE25</strong>. &nbsp;This gives you 25% off the book. &nbsp;It's only $6.95 anyway, which isn't bad at all; but on sale it's only $5.21! &nbsp;That's basically the cost of one meal at home. &nbsp;</p>
<p>This book contains 25 "official" recipes, plus <strong>a handful of "procedures</strong>,<strong>"</strong> like:</p>
<ul>
<li>How to make butter</li>
<li>How to make stock</li>
<li>How to make kombucha</li>
<li>How to make yogurt</li>
<li>How to sprout grains</li>
</ul>
<p>It also contains plenty of information on <em>why</em>&nbsp;you should change your diet, and <em>what</em>&nbsp;you should. &nbsp;The best part, though, is that the recipes are extremely family-friendly. &nbsp;<strong>Even the most reluctant real-food converts will want to try foods like fried chicken, Mexican chicken soup, sausage gravy, pizza, and fries.</strong> &nbsp;They're recognizable, they're delicious, and they're made with <em>real food</em>!</p>
<p>If you haven't heard, plenty of bloggers have offered praise for this <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">book</a>:</p>
<p><em>&ldquo;New to real food and wondering where on earth to start? Kate Tietje knows&nbsp;what it takes to make the transition to real, whole and traditional foods, because&nbsp;she&rsquo;s done it herself and has seen the positive benefits for her family&rsquo;s&nbsp;health. She walks you step by step through the why&rsquo;s and how&rsquo;s behind it all,&nbsp;helping you stock your kitchen with the right foods and tools, and then shows&nbsp;you how easy it is to make delicious foods that everyone will enjoy! &ldquo;</em><br /><strong>Stephanie Langford,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/">Keeper of the Home</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.savingnaturally.com/">Saving Naturally</a></strong></p>
<p><br /><em>&ldquo;Kate has put together a fantastic resource for anyone looking to take the&nbsp;step into real foods! She takes the subjects I had a hard time getting done for&nbsp;my own family and explains them so that anyone can understand and follow&nbsp;through. I also love the section on kitchen tips - she leaves no stone unturned.&nbsp;A well rounded resource and must read!&rdquo;</em><br /><strong>Donielle,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/">Naturally Knocked Up</a></strong></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Kate equips you in your pursuit of wellness, while feeding your family their&nbsp;favorite comfort foods! Her family&rsquo;s story and the simple recipe methods are&nbsp;inspiring. Kate walks you through the basics, from the store, to the kitchen, to&nbsp;the table. Keep this book alongside you in your journey of discovering whole,<br />&ldquo;real foods.&rdquo;</em><br /><strong>Michele Augur,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.frugalgranola.com/">Frugal Granola</a></strong></p>
<p><em>&ldquo;This book is for those of you who want to eat real food but don&rsquo;t want your&nbsp;dinner guest to ask, &ldquo;What is this?&rdquo; ten times. You CAN make everyday American&nbsp;food that is nourishing rather than fattening, and Kate Tietje will hold your&nbsp;hand while you learn. If you&rsquo;re intimidated by a 600-page tome filled with&nbsp;research and recipes, try the normal person&rsquo;s version with a dozen pages of&nbsp;conversational food science, and then the mouthwatering, call-your-waitress-over&nbsp;recipes for french fries, ice cream, and pizza. You&rsquo;ll love the diner style<br />taste with the real food nutrition.&rdquo;</em><br /><strong>Katie Kimball,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">Kitchen Stewardship</a></strong></p>
<p><em>"When you&rsquo;re beginning cooking with real foods, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. I love Kate&rsquo;s fun, honest, simple approach to real food cooking. She&rsquo;s very good at breaking down any topic or task to the most important points. Real Food Basics can save you time, energy and money. Real Food Basics can help you deliver smiles around the dinner table. I highly recommend it!"</em></p>
<p><strong>Wardeh Harmon, <a href="http://www.gnowfglins.com">GNOWFGLINS</a></strong></p>
<p>So today, join over 70 others who have purchased <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>, and start cooking recognizable, family-favorite real food in your kitchen!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why Vaccines Will Be Obsolete in Three Generations
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 10/29/2010 12:00:41 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/flu%20shot.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1288125954965" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/11/monday-mania-1112010.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+(The+Healthy+Home+Economist)">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>I know I've been harping on vaccines a lot lately.&nbsp; But the media's been at it, too, and I feel the need to combat all the myths that abound.&nbsp; And believe me, there are plenty.</p>
<p><strong>If you're new to the vaccine debate and looking for more basic information, do <em>not</em> miss the first few posts</strong> I did: <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/10/do-your-research-vaccines.html">Do Your Research!: Vaccines</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/18/vaccinations-why-not.html">Why We Don't Vaccinate</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/26/argument-against-vaccinations.html">Argument Against Vaccines</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/23/why-we-think-we-need-vaccines.html">Why We THINK We Need Vaccines</a>.&nbsp; These are great places to start and they link to a lot of other research.</p>
<p>But now there's even more information out there.&nbsp; <strong>We've started to see more disease outbreaks</strong> (which are being blamed on the unvaccinated -- that's not true, see below), <strong>and a huge push for the flu shot</strong>.&nbsp; We're also seeing a greater push for adult boosters, too.&nbsp; All of this made me curious, so I went over to the World Health Organization (WHO) and started re-reading their position papers on some of the diseases.&nbsp; There, I got some answers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, based on both that information and research I've done in the past, I realized something interesting: <strong>I believe, within three generations, vaccines will become obsolete</strong>.&nbsp; This has nothing to do with their side effects (although I do believe that will have to play a role).&nbsp; <strong>It has to do with how vaccines, themselves, work.</strong></p>
<p><strong>See, we don't have any true longitudal studies on the effects of vaccination.</strong>&nbsp; We don't even have "long-term" (a few years!) studies on how vaccines affect individuals, nor any studies of safety or efficacy on the entire CDC schedule.&nbsp; <strong>All of the studies are wrapped up only a couple months after vaccination (if that...) and they're also <em>not</em> placebo-controlled: they are measured against the previously licensed vaccines.</strong>&nbsp; So there's a lot we don't know about vaccine safety and efficacy.</p>
<p>But what happens when we vaccinate over several generations?&nbsp; Early animal studies show some problems, but even those are not being done often.&nbsp; What happens to our immunity, especially in young babies?&nbsp; <strong>Typically, babies get their immunities from their mothers (whether or not they are breastfed), which lasts 6 - 12 months.&nbsp; But how does that work if the mother was vaccinated and did not catch the disease naturally?</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Vaccine immunity is not the same as natural immunity.&nbsp;</strong> In some individuals it simply doesn't work.&nbsp; In others, it can create between 30% and 98% immunity (according to WHO).&nbsp; Boosters doses can "help" but it depends on the individual's body chemistry, age, and many other variables.&nbsp; People are never checked for titre levels under most circumstances (with the exception of pregnant women and rubella).&nbsp; <strong>There's no way to know if the vaccines actually worked</strong> (and some maintain that titres only prove <em>exposure</em>, not immunity anyway).&nbsp; <strong>It's also known that titre levels wane over the years</strong> -- that's why they recommend booster doses.&nbsp; <strong>Most adults don't get boosters.</strong>&nbsp; So suppose that a mother had a vaccine as a small child and nothing since, and no natural illness.&nbsp; <strong>Does she pass on that immunity and protect her baby?&nbsp; Or not?</strong></p>
<p><strong>As the people born in the 70's and 80's were the first generation to be mass-vaccinated, we just don't know yet.</strong>&nbsp; But we're starting to see some effects in the children born in the 90's and 2000s.&nbsp; So let's lay out what I think is going to happen over the next few generations:</p>
<p><strong>Generation 1</strong>:</p>
<p>(Our parents.) Mother has full immunity due to natural infections as a child.&nbsp; She naturally passes this immunity to her baby, who is protected for 6-12 months.&nbsp; Therefore, young babies don't get sick with things like measles, whooping cough, etc.&nbsp; Protection can be extended by breastfeeding (but, exclusive breastfeeding rates are low so we won't count on this).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Generation 2</strong>:</p>
<p>(Us.) <strong>Children are vaccinated and have temporary, lower immunity.&nbsp;</strong> No tests are done to determine actual levels.&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>As adults, they pass whatever lowered immunity they have left to their babies. This protects for only 2 - 3 months</strong>, possibly less in people who had lowered immune responses to the vaccines.&nbsp; <strong>Young babies aren't protected and can (and do) get sick.</strong></p>
<p>**<strong>This is what we are seeing RIGHT NOW.</strong>&nbsp; <strong>This is why young babies are getting whooping cough</strong>, when a generation or two ago they would not have.&nbsp; These illnesses are much more dangerous to young babies (hence why God designed it so that babies would be protected by their mother's natural immunity until they were old enough to handle the illnesses).&nbsp; This is then blamed on all of those nasty unvaccinated children, who are catching the illnesses at a time that is not dangerous to them, and who can pass it to those babies.&nbsp; <strong>The real, underlying issue isn't the unvaccinated children, but that the mothers are not passing immunity to their babies</strong>.**</p>
<p><strong>Generation 3</strong>:</p>
<p>(Our children.) Babies from Generation 2 who don't get sick get vaccinated (and probably those that did get sick do, too, despite that it's useless).&nbsp; When they grow up, they pass their lowered immunity to their babies.&nbsp; Since <em>most</em> babies in Gen. 2 will not get sick, <strong>these children may have even lower immune responses</strong> (especially due to using lower-strength vaccines due to reactions to stronger ones).&nbsp; <strong>There is little to no protection for newborns, and young babies get sick more often.</strong></p>
<p>At this point, I believe that <strong>the WHO will grow very concerned</strong> (along with the CDC, APA, etc.) and they will recommend <strong>lowering vaccination ages</strong> (starting 2 mo. series at birth, MMR at 9 months -- this is the age at which the WHO recommends MMR in developing countries, earlier and it's ineffective) and <strong>increasing booster doses</strong>.&nbsp; They will r<strong>equires boosters on all vaccines for middle school and college admission</strong>.&nbsp; They will also start mass campaign to get <strong>adult boosters on all vaccines every 5 - 10 years</strong>. They will likely <strong>increases strength of vaccines </strong>as well (like the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/os-high-dose-flu-vaccine-20101022,0,5321058.story">new "quadruple strength" flu vaccine</a>...).</p>
<p>Things are going to get a little crazy here (are you keeping track?&nbsp; This is when OUR CHILDREN are adults!), because the earlier doses, increased number of doses, and increased strength of the vaccines is all going to cause <strong>increased vaccine reactions</strong>, too.&nbsp; They will still deny this, however, or at least say "But the benefit outweighs the risk."</p>
<p><strong>Generation 4</strong>:</p>
<p>(Our grandchildren.) <strong>Babies get vaccinated MORE and EARLIER</strong>.&nbsp; There will likely be an <strong>increase in neurological disorders</strong>, as well as <strong>autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other long-term illnesses</strong>.&nbsp; When they grow up, they pass any immunity they have to babies, but it will afford little to no protection.&nbsp; <strong>Young babies will keep getting sick</strong>.&nbsp; Except, of course, that the babies of the adults who suffered and recovered from natural infections in the previous generation won't be getting sick (but no one will notice).</p>
<p><strong>All of these outbreaks are blamed on the families seeing the trend, coming to their senses, and no longer vaccinating</strong> (because, as more and more side effects happen, and the schedule gets more insane, more will opt out). &nbsp;"If we would just have higher vaccination rates, then people wouldn't be getting sick!" &nbsp;<strong>Yet, most outbreaks occur among highly vaccinated communities and mostly affect vaccinated families or those too young to be vaccinated yet.</strong>&nbsp; A stronger push for adult boosters ensues; vaccination may become mandatory with no exemptions at this point.</p>
<p><strong>Generation 5</strong>:</p>
<p><strong>Either the vaccine schedule (and consequent neurological disorders) has become SO insane that it HAS to be reevaluated and potentially stopped, or scientists push more and more vaccines on babies and tighten rules about administration.</strong>&nbsp; The whole thing is kind of haywire at this point, and it depends on how many people are willing to fight in the past two generations.</p>
<p><strong>Eventually this will burn itself out. </strong>&nbsp;I know Big Pharma won't go down without a fight. &nbsp;They'll most likely develop new, better "technology" for preventing infections and continue to intervene. &nbsp;Meanwhile more and more people will opt out. &nbsp;<strong>There will reach a critical point where it's obvious that the vaccine overload is contributing to degenerative disease, probably in the 5th generation.</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>We</em> are the first generation (born in '70s and '80s) to be mass-vaccinated for many things: whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, polio.&nbsp; <em>These</em> are the illnesses we see outbreaks of among our children (born in '90s and 2000s). </strong>&nbsp;<strong>We don't see varicella or other diseases where they are first-gen. vaccinated breaking out nearly as often.</strong> &nbsp;We are also seeing these illnesses occurring in <em>young </em>babies, which was not the case a generation ago (i.e. protection isn't being afforded because of parents' waning immunity due to vaccination and not natural infection). &nbsp;We are already IN the second generation and that is happening!</p>
<p>Our grandchildren are going to be at serious risk.&nbsp; If we don't all start paying more attention now, things are only going to get worse.&nbsp; Only the families who opt out and allow natural illness, while eating an excellent diet and using immune-boosting supplements and practices will escape the worst of it.</p>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Do you see this happening around us?&nbsp; How long do you think before it's said and done?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.177.210.249
URL: 
DATE: 10/29/2010 04:27:48 PM
<p>Hi!  Your links just send me to a page that says: Page not found.  Just thought you should know.  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL: kimkevtaylor@yahoo.com
IP: 67.204.158.40
URL: 
DATE: 11/04/2010 03:46:25 AM
<p>I really enjoyed reading this.  I have 4 children and 1 on the way.  I started researching vaccines after my second was born and have learned so much.  At first it was very confusing, but over the years more and more clairity has come.  This subject can be one of the most overwhelming ones to research and make decisions on.  But I would encourage any of your readers to push forward and do their homework so they can make the best one for their children.    I do have one question for you regarding the chickenpox... For those who do not get the chickenpox vaccine... should you go out of your way to expose your children to it, because the older you get the more the sickness can cause damage?  It is so, so rare to even hear of anyone with chickenpox these days.  Just wondering if you had any thoughts on this.  thanks</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sandy Lunoe
EMAIL: sandylunoe@hotmail.com
IP: 80.202.162.76
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 04:58:12 PM
<p>It&#39;s sad to say, but it is doubtful if WHO or CDC will become concerned about people&#39;s health as they have such tight connections with Big Pharma and big money. <br/>Probably the only way that Big Pharma will stop being interested in making vaccines is if something else becomes more profitable. That &quot;something&quot; may be for example homeopathic medicine and natural remedies, where Big Pharma may aquire patents.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Frugal Living: Long-Term Goals
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/01/2010 12:00:11 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twcollins/"><img src="/storage/751221191_fdb8eae75c.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1288472440325" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by TWCollins</span></span></p>
<p>Frugal living is obviously something we've talked about a lot here, albeit not recently.&nbsp; It's also a common theme on many blogs that I follow.&nbsp; For good reason: <strong>frugal living goes hand-in-hand with green/sustainable living</strong>.&nbsp; We have to be good stewards of the resources we've been given.&nbsp; <strong>Recently I've found myself a little frustrated with the sometimes irritating necessity of frugal living.</strong>&nbsp; But then I was reminded about <em>why</em> we're doing it, and what we're working towards.&nbsp; I thought maybe everyone could use a reminder!</p>
<p><strong>The "typical" American life seems to go something like this</strong>: around age 18, many go off to college and get credit cards.&nbsp; They buy things on credit which they may or may not pay off every month (it seems more common for many single people to pay it off every month than not; of course there are those who go crazy!).&nbsp; <strong>They buy cars with loans on them.&nbsp; They take out loans for school.</strong>&nbsp; Eventually they get married and buy homes, which they take out mortgages on.&nbsp; <strong>For the rest of their lives, they have loans on <em>something</em></strong> -- their homes, their cars, their credit cards.&nbsp; They are able to live slightly beyond their means by juggling their money around and making "payments" on just about everything -- new appliances, home and car repairs, any reasonably large purchase (meaning more than $100 or so).&nbsp; <strong>The typical American doesn't save much; average is around 3%.</strong>&nbsp; They own their cars for a very brief time before they trade them in and buy another new one.&nbsp; They never own a home, or maybe own it once they are in their 50s and have paid a 30-year mortgage.&nbsp; <strong>They are in a precarious position because their entire life is leveraged to different degrees.</strong>&nbsp; A job loss could be absolutely devastating.</p>
<p>I don't know about you, but I don't want to live that way.&nbsp; I <em>know</em> I'd have more freedom now if I were okay with that.&nbsp; We make a comfortable amount of money, and could spend more of it on "fun" stuff if we used credit cards or payment plans.&nbsp; I know.&nbsp; But I don't want to still be in this place 5 or 10 years from now.&nbsp; Which requires sacrifices now.</p>
<p>As it stands now, <strong>we want to own a farm someday</strong>.&nbsp; A small farm, enough to sustain our family and perhaps some of our neighbors.&nbsp; We know such a farm is going to be expensive.&nbsp; <strong>We want to own it debt-free when we are still reasonably young</strong> (i.e. more like our 30s than our 50s or 60s).&nbsp; We know that we're working towards this goal, so we're making a lot of choices now to help us get there.</p>
<p>But along the way we are trying to eliminate any sort of debt.&nbsp; And <strong>anything we buy, we buy with cash</strong>.&nbsp; This means when we bought our van almost two years ago, we saved up and paid the nearly $7000 it cost out of pocket.&nbsp; We're saving up now (as quickly as possible) pay the roughly $7000 to replace our furnace and air conditioning unit (no companies we've gotten estimates from can <em>believe</em> that we, in our mid-20s, are actually planning to pay cash for this).&nbsp; When these projects are done, we have to pay off our last student loan, then start saving our 3-month emergency fund.&nbsp; <strong>Money's not going to get less tight anytime soon.</strong></p>
<p><strong>It's hard sometimes because we do make a comfortable amount of money.</strong>&nbsp; We see people around us who make less than we do (we think; based on their occupations) living at or above our level!&nbsp;<strong> It can really breed bitterness: "Why do <em>they</em> get to buy <em>that</em> while I have to pinch and save?&nbsp; Why can't I ever enjoy a night out or go shopping for fun?"</strong></p>
<p>But looking at our long-term goals really puts things into perspective.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pay cash for furnace by 12/2010</strong>.&nbsp; This protects our family from being without heat this winter; it still works but as it's over 25 years old, who knows what could happen.</li>
<li>Pay off student loan by 12/2011 (hopefully sooner).&nbsp; This is the last of our debt, besides the actual home mortgage!</li>
<li><strong>Save a three-month emergency fund by 12/2012.&nbsp;</strong> This protects our family in the case of job loss or other large, unforeseen circumstances.&nbsp; We know our bills would be taken care of while Ben found a new job.&nbsp; It would probably last longer than three months, though, because of severance and cutting back on expenses.&nbsp; We do already have a smaller emergency fund saved up, which covers unexpected car repairs or other minor emergencies.</li>
<li><strong>Begin saving significantly for retirement and college</strong>.&nbsp; We already have small college funds for the kids, mostly gifts they've gotten from grandparents.&nbsp; But we want to save up enough that their college would be paid for, and enough for our retirement that we would live a comfortable lifestyle without fear.&nbsp; And independent of Social Security, assuming it even exists then!</li>
<li><strong>Buy a farm property and build our dream house.</strong>&nbsp; We know we'll probably need a small loan when we're doing this, but hopefully we can save up a very large down payment before we do this so that it is not hard to afford.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>When I look at this progression of goals, I remember <em>why</em> I'm living the way I am.&nbsp;</strong> I remember that I spend extra time in the kitchen preparing things so that I don't have to buy more expensive prepared foods (assuming they were healthy) so I can someday have my farm.&nbsp; I remember that I just don't buy new clothes (for me, not the kids), or I get them from Goodwill so in retirement I can have nicer things.&nbsp; I remember that we don't go out to eat (even at organic restaurants) so that if Ben ever lost his job, we'd have the money saved so we wouldn't have to worry.</p>
<p>We sat down recently and talked through this.&nbsp; <strong>We agreed on how we want to live and how we want to get there.</strong>&nbsp; We ran the numbers to see how long it would take us.&nbsp; We looked for ways to earn more money in order to shorten the time to our goals (this blog is slowly beginning to help us in that direction; selling things we don't need, Ben doing some work on the side, and other small projects will help too).&nbsp; By the way, check out <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> if you haven't, because that is a huge way that you can support me (and hopefully, feed your family excellent, familiar real food while spending less on groceries).</p>
<p>Think of the future.&nbsp; Think long-term.&nbsp; <strong>Don't worry about what you don't get to do now; dream about all you will get to do someday!</strong>&nbsp; Hard work and frugality now will lead to an amazing life later with no financial worries.</p>
<p>We've followed Dave Ramsey on our journey and his words sum it up best: <strong>"Live like no one else, so that you can live like no one else!"</strong></p>
<p><strong>What are your long-term goals?&nbsp; Does remembering them help you to stay frugal even when you have a case of the "I-wants?"</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: nicola836@yahoo.co.uk
IP: 109.78.73.5
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 02:48:17 PM
<p>I had one of those &quot;why am I bothering doing this&quot; moments recently, well a few of them actually &amp; it is remembering our goals that keep me sane.  We have a similar goal to you guys.  We want to own a small holding of between 2 &amp; 5 acres so that we can be self-suffient.  The dream is a vegtable patch, a cow, some chickens, maybe a pig &amp; the dream green home that is carbon neutral and we want to produce our own electricity.  </p><p>Our dream may be close to coming true.  The property we want to buy is coming to the market alot sooner than we planned for but it is a special property that means alot to us so we need to try to purchase it.  It will mean a bigger mortgage than we hoped since we have had less time saving than we thought we would but it will be less than the average mortgage here.</p><p>I dream of our children playing in the fields, helping with the animals &amp; veggies &amp; then coming into the kitchen for a nutritious real food meal that I prepared using food that we grew.  That dream keeps me going on this path.  It also takes a huge amount of prayer for strenght to keep going towards that goal.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/01/2010 02:56:14 PM
<p>Thank you for the reminder post!  We&#39;re in the middle of a DR class right now, and saving as much as we possibly can!  The thing that I&#39;m finding hardest right now is the cost of organic, healthy food.  I could save a couple of hundred dollars every month if I just ate like &quot;normal&quot; people...not willing to do that, but so frustrating to watch the grocery budget get bigger and bigger. :(  How do you handle those kind of trade-offs?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth
EMAIL: lizhull@hotmail.com
IP: 75.213.207.160
URL: http://lizabethhullinthewall.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/02/2010 03:32:18 AM
<p>My goal for the past few years has been to be able to stay at home with our twin girls.  We have worked hard to pay off debts while I was still working full time.  It is very difficult at times because we were used to going out to eat a lot and taking really nice vacations.  This year we greatly expanded our gardening efforts and canning.  Our property allowed us to produce our own peaches, raspberries, tomatoes, corn. beets, cucumbers, turnips and squash.  We have fresh eggs from our chickens. Our freezers are stocked with meat from a friend&#39;s farm, our pantry is full and we are adding homemade applesauces and butters at present. When I feel deprived I think of the bounty we have in our pantry that others don&#39;t have.  I will not go hungry this winter.  In fact, I have gotten to the point where, when we do go  out to eat ,all I can think is that I could make this twice as good for a quarter of the price!  Except for sushi-I leave that to the experts. <br/>Hang in there. It sounds like you are very lucky to have a husband who is in agreement with your desire for self sufficiency. Mine is getting there but still needs some more convincing.  My next goal is a couple of goats so I don&#39;t have to schlep 40 minutes away to get my raw goat&#39;s milk!  Living below your means now will pay off in the end when you can have what you really want.  I have to remind myself of that every time the new Eddie Bauer catalog comes in the mail...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/02/2010 08:52:16 AM
<p>Emily - I know how you feel about that - the cost vs quality of organic foods. For me, I&#39;m finding that as I make more stuff from scratch, the actual cost of my food overall goes down even when I do buy the more expensive organic foods. And I view buying those foods as an investment in my future health, so I don&#39;t mind the higher cost as much. So if you&#39;re buying a lot of processed organic foods (organic snack foods, etc.) - that&#39;s where your cost will be much higher than if you were to do, say, organic carrot sticks and homemade ranch salad dressing. </p><p>Kate - great post! It is easy to lose sight of your long-term goals, especially once you&#39;ve knocked off the smaller &quot;low-hanging&quot; debts on your debt snowball. I&#39;ve tried making saving money a game, which can help. Or find a way to visualize it - for instance, I&#39;ve heard of people doing paper chains with each link representing $100 or $1000 or whatever is appropriate for your situation. Every time you reduce the balance on your loans by that much, you get to tear off a link. As that happens, your chain gets shorter and you get a little more excited to get the rest of it paid off! That&#39;s also something that you can get your kids involved in. You can also do the chain for saving up money - every time you save up $50 for your furnace, tear off a link. I&#39;m a fan of keeping my goals right in front of my face for stuff like this...because otherwise, you start buying groceries not on your list and suddenly you don&#39;t have any money for the new furnace.</p><p>One other thing - isn&#39;t it great looking at the look on peoples&#39; faces when you pay for something big in cash? I love it! None of the cars my husband and I have owned were financed. We bought a living room set (a cheap one, but it does the job) with cash (well, we put it on our card but it was paid off at the end of the month...gotta love automatic payments...I&#39;ve never paid interest!). My husband and I will be completely debt free by the end of the year. We&#39;ll be dipping a bit into the emergency fund to do it, but we have the money and are so sick of making payments on the loans! When they&#39;re paid off, we will have paid off $60,000 of loans (plus interest) in 2.5 years! Can&#39;t wait!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Suzanne with Laughing WAllet
EMAIL: admin@laughingwallet.com
IP: 72.48.250.81
URL: http://www.laughingwallet.com
DATE: 11/06/2010 01:07:12 PM
<p>I think it&#39;s *wonderful* that you guys have committed together and so young to your goals and living frugally to get there! I did the first part of the typical path - going to college, getting credit cards, getting into debt. I dug myself out with hard work (literally - 2 and 3 jobs at times) and a decision to live within my means, and by my 30s, I was in good shape financially. But you guys are way ahead of me! </p><p>The decisions you&#39;re making now are hard sometimes, but the habits you&#39;re developing will benefit you exponentially! You will accomplish all of your goals, probably much faster than you even anticipate, and you will live with such peace and freedom. It&#39;s fantastic! </p><p>Just keep that list of goals in front of you. Check off each one as you achieve it and maybe even keep a running tab or your progress toward each one, so you can see your success and your forward progress. It will help keep you motivated! And adjust your list periodically. I started out with a 3-month goal of savings. When I achieved it, I upped it to 6 months. I reached that and kept going! Knowing what you&#39;re saving for absolutely helps keep you on course.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Trusting God's Plan
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/02/2010 12:00:55 PM
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<p><em>Psst...today you can find the <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/11/01/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-salads/">Salads course in our Whole Foods for the Holidays Progressive Dinner</a> over at Naturally Knocked Up!</em></p>
<p>Today I'm going to share something with you that's a bit personal.&nbsp; But it's something that's been on my mind and my heart for awhile, and I think that many of you can relate.&nbsp; At least I hope so!&nbsp; Trusting God is sometimes the hardest part in our walk as Christians, but something that we have to do.&nbsp; The world can interfere (and Satan makes sure it does) so that we question God.&nbsp; But trust...is so important.</p>
<p>When we got married, we announced we were planning to have five children.&nbsp; Once Bekah was born, we decided we wanted ten.&nbsp; She was born in January 2008.&nbsp; We planned our second, got pregnant on the first try, and Daniel was born in July 2009.&nbsp; At that point we just assumed that parenting him would be roughly like parenting Bekah, and we announced to everyone who would listen that baby #3 would be arriving in December 2010.</p>
<p>Guess what?&nbsp; It's almost November 2010 and I'm not pregnant.</p>
<p>We made a plan.&nbsp; We didn't consult God.&nbsp; And God showed us that things were going to be otherwise.</p>
<p>In February of this year we started talking about trying again.&nbsp; Truthfully I felt some pressure to stick to "our plan" and go ahead with it.&nbsp; Daniel didn't even come close to sleeping through the night then; he was still up 4 - 10 times <em>every night</em>.&nbsp; I couldn't imagine how I could deal with being pregnant and exhausted while getting up so often with another baby.&nbsp; I was also in the middle of dealing with the worst of Bekah's food allergies and issues.&nbsp; How could I be pregnant then?</p>
<p>I was relieved that I wasn't.&nbsp; But then it got to be summer time, and we started thinking about a February, March, or April baby.&nbsp; I wanted an April baby so badly -- I've <em>always</em> wanted a baby in April or October, because I love the spring and fall.&nbsp; I was convinced that I had to be pregnant that month.&nbsp; I just <em>had</em> to be.&nbsp; I prayed for it and prayed for it, and I felt like...it was going to happen.&nbsp; Until the last several days before my period ultimately came.&nbsp; Suddenly it felt wrong.&nbsp; Still, I was disappointed.</p>
<p>At this point all of my friends started to announce their pregnancies.&nbsp; I'm <em>so</em> thrilled for all of them!&nbsp; But there was always a momentary pang..."God, where's <em>my</em> baby?"&nbsp; I have no fewer than twelve friends who are pregnant, due between now and next May.&nbsp; At least one will have a baby each month, usually two or three.&nbsp; Several more recently had babies.&nbsp; I've seen all of their announcements, snuggled newborns, seen "it's a boy/girl!" announcements, and much more.</p>
<p>All that to say...I'm okay with it.</p>
<p>God has given me peace.&nbsp; I still have occasional moments where I think "But...<em>why not me</em>?"&nbsp; And God quickly tells me, "It is not your time yet.&nbsp; My timing is perfect.&nbsp; Wait for it.&nbsp; Trust me."&nbsp; And then I have peace once again.</p>
<p>Daniel is nearly 16 months old.&nbsp; When Bekah was this age, I was 7 months pregnant.&nbsp; I can't imagine how I would deal if I were really seven or eight months pregnant now!&nbsp; They still need me too much.&nbsp; Daniel, although he is actually night weaned, still wakes up once or twice a night every night.&nbsp; (Usually it's more like once around 12 and again around 5/6 so I do get a much longer stretch than I used to...most of the time.)&nbsp; He's <em>almost</em> ready to move to his own room and sleep all night.&nbsp; But not quite.&nbsp; I know that he will do that early in pregnancy though, whenever God does bless me!&nbsp;</p>
<p>There were so many things like this -- the kids needing me, Daniel still waking up, Ben and I being so busy -- that made it a bad idea to have a baby sooner.&nbsp; I see that God's timing really is better than mine.&nbsp; I trust it.&nbsp; I believe in it.</p>
<p>It's most interesting to me because I have a lot of trouble trusting humans or following human authority (those of you who have been around to see more of my controversial posts probably have no trouble believing that!).&nbsp; I'm not one to ever look up to people or have any heroes.&nbsp; I know people are fallible, and that they will disappoint me despite their best intentions.&nbsp; I know they will make mistakes.&nbsp; (As will I.)</p>
<p>But God?&nbsp; He is perfect.&nbsp; He is omnicient and omnipotent.&nbsp; He has only my best interests at heart.&nbsp; He will never fail me.</p>
<p>And so even though I have moments of doubt, I remember to trust.&nbsp; It's one major thing I've learned through having to wait...even while I watched half my friends (or more) get exactly what I wanted.&nbsp; It's why I'm still thrilled for them, excited for God's work in their lives, happy that they have been blessed even while I wait.&nbsp; Because when God chooses to bless me, whether it's days, weeks, or months from now -- it will be perfect.&nbsp; And I trust that.</p>
<p>Do you trust God?&nbsp; Do you struggle with it, especially during difficult times?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: nicola836@yahoo.co.uk
IP: 93.107.221.141
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 12:54:31 PM
<p>I think we all struggle trusting God at times.  We are imperfect &amp; it is something that I know I have to continually consciously work on.  I try to remember though that God knows us best.  He knows what is right for us &amp; when is the right time for us.  I also remember that the bible tells us to continue praying for it though &amp;, if it is God&#39;s will, He will give us what we pray for at the right time.</p><p>God obviously knew that if you had a baby now, it would be too much for you.  Keep praying &amp; when the time is right you will be blessed again.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MFK
EMAIL: maryannford202@yahoo.com
IP: 24.215.178.217
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 01:28:14 PM
<p>How about adopting? If you want 10 kids, couldn&#39;t you save a child or two out there in a foster home or elsewhere who desperately needs love and a family? I just do not understand people&#39;s obsession with seeing their own DNA replicated, especially 10 times. My opinion is that having one&#39;s own biological child is, in most cases, a selfish act. Once we become parents, we hopefully become selfless in matters concerning them. But the actual act and preoccupation with producing biological children is essentially a selfish act. And I speak as one who has knowingly done it. I wanted to experience pregnancy and see what that was like and I wanted to see what parts of myself would show up in this child and also see if I could see parts of my mom, who died 20 years ago, in her as well. </p><p>Yes, we are programmed as human being to reproduce but with so many unwanted children in the world, it truly pains me to hear people talk about having their &quot;own&quot; children - and 10 of them? I have 2 kids, one is my biological child and one is adopted and I promise you, there is no difference to me. They are both my own. If there is a God, I bet S/he would be just as thrilled to have you adopt. Maybe S/he is trying to get you to consider that option by throwing off your plan.</p><p>I truly don&#39;t mean to be antagonistic here. Just throwing out another option for you to consider. I think most people don&#39;t consider adoption unless they are unable to produce their own biological children and I think that is just a shame for so many reasons.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy Y.
EMAIL: sphyg101@yahoo.com
IP: 64.184.37.96
URL: http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com
DATE: 11/02/2010 01:38:50 PM
<p>I appreciate your honesty so very much.  It&#39;s probably not a coincidence that on my blog today I posted a devotional for mama&#39;s on fear.  Fear has everything to do with trusting or not trusting, if you ask me.  I shared some very personal losses in it, as you did, but I know that we can&#39;t be any sort of help to anyone, if we can&#39;t get real about things!  Appreciate a beautifully written article!</p><p>Warmly,</p><p>Joy<br/>http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 02:12:41 PM
<p>Trusting fully (and blindly sometimes??) is something I struggle with on a regular basis. It&#39;s even harder when it&#39;s something I feel really passionate about. It&#39;s nice to see others finding the same answers I have... that GOD&#39;s timing is ALWAYS right.  We just need the reminders once in a while.  Thank you for this entry!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.238.138.23
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 04:29:47 PM
<p>My husband and I always told people we wanted a dozen children...until we had four. I was told by many mothers, the more you have the easier it gets, who are they kidding lol. <br/>We used to follow the quiverfull mindset, until I was under so much pressure from caring for my dying mother, my husband, and four children, (throw in an emergency c-section, that was to be a homebirth, marriage problems, and financial nightmares) that I ended up having a nervous breakdown. I would very likely, (as easily as I get pregnant) have another child right now if we still kept doing nothing to prevent pregnancy, and I don&#39;t believe it would be God&#39;s will to bring another child into this mess. Maybe I am wrong and my heart is in the wrong place, I am not sure.</p><p>I have always had trust issues with people, but I have always been able to trust God, that is until last year when it feels like my world collapsed, and I am still trying to recover. So as I stand now, I went from trusting God completely with how many children we would have, without trying or preventing, to now trusting that God has left that decision to the couple.  </p><p>I wanted to add that, I do not support the use of artificial birth contol methods though. Artificial hormones wreck havoc on a woman&#39;s body and can cause abortions. <br/>Check out the book, &quot;Taking charge of your fertility&quot;, for natural methods of preventing, (or trying for),pregnancy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.180.24.164
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/02/2010 07:01:10 PM
<p>I think it is important to remember that to trust God we are trusting ALL outcomes, not just the one we are waiting patiently for.  Although with that said, some of my greatest joys in life are things I have prayed for(and thought were God&#39;s will) and did not recieve in the way I wanted.  Not saying that is the case, more just stateing a fact/ encouragement.  I think we as Christians get a little stuck in the &quot;God works for our good&quot; mentality, when in fact God works for HIS GLORY, and that is FAR from our sinful mindset of good most times.</p><p>And as for the comment on adoption, while I do not think it is selfish to have your own biological children, I do believe that God veiws your biological children the same as every other child in the world, and there are many verses containing caring for the orphan in a universal context(not just in that instance).  The whole story of God is an adoption story.  We are adopted into HIS family.  We did nothing to deserve it, and had nothing to offer.  We are not his biological children.  God&#39;s heart is for the orphan...  Sometimes I think we need to check our motives behind having our &quot;own&quot; kids, and I think God uses times of illness/ unability to get pregnant to show that point.</p><p>(disclamer... I say all of this as a parent on the journey to adopt, who has had doors closed for more biological children, so I may be a little biased)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Arielle
EMAIL: WhoseRU@cinci.rr.com
IP: 174.101.209.97
URL: https://f4loved.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/02/2010 10:31:11 PM
<p>Doesn&#39;t it astound you that trusting and accepting are so difficult? Yet our Lord NEVER forsakes us, never lets us down even in the pain. He is faithful, deeply in love with us, and gives far better gifts than mere humans can fathom. Bask in His love and His glory as He shows you what He has in store just for you. :o)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 10:53:24 PM
<p>I feel compelled to respond to MFK&#39;s post.  I can understand where you are coming from, but wanted to offer another side altogether.  Before my husband and I ever even discussed having our own children, we discussed the possibility of adopting a sibling group.  We wanted children, but I wasn&#39;t so keen on the whole &quot;pregnancy&quot; thing, and we firmly believe that our children don&#39;t necessarily come of our own bodies.  However, after speaking with a couple friends who have gone through the adoption process, the cost was completely prohibitive for us.  We don&#39;t have that kind of money, nor could we think of any way to obtain that kind of money while we were young enough to be the kind of parents we wanted to be.  </p><p>So, while that may not be the same situation as our gracious blog-hostess is in, I wanted to make sure to put it out there that not everyone can afford to adopt those precious children who are so desperately in need of homes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/02/2010 11:46:44 PM
<p>The adoption question/thought -- We&#39;ve had a lot of good thoughts on this issue here already.  Which is awesome!</p><p>Our particular view, though, is that we don&#39;t feel called at this time to adopt.  Money would be a concern for us, though.  But truthfully, we feel called to be foster parents and work with teenagers.  There are a lot fewer people who want to do that, than who want to adopt infants.  It has nagged at me a bit that I didn&#39;t feel called to adopt when God calls us to care for orphans.  So I support my friends who are choosing to adopt (note the Malot&#39;s Hope button in the side bar :) ).  But I feel called to minister to teens, to be a second chance for those who have been written off by everyone else.  And that&#39;s my mission.  I will leave adopting infants to others, unless God someday calls me to that. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mindy
EMAIL: mindysgoogle@martincrew.com
IP: 75.82.155.253
URL: 
DATE: 11/03/2010 04:37:50 AM
<p>I just found your blog tonight as I was looking for more information about real food.  My husband and I have been struggling with secondary infertility for 3 years now.  We have one precious son (also named Daniel) :) who is now 4.  We thought we&#39;d be having child number 3 by this time in our lives.  But God&#39;s plan is not always the same as our plan.  I also don&#39;t think that we can always see the reasons why He does this as clearly as you can see it at this time in your life.<br/>I appreciate your honest post about this subject.  It is a hard one to deal with especially when you already have one or two precious children.  God is good ALL the time.  This is what we cling to even when we don&#39;t understand.  We are currently in the process of becoming foster parents in the hopes of adopting a baby/toddler or possibly a sibling group.  All in God&#39;s perfect timing!!  Praying that God would grant the desires of your heart soon!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crystal
EMAIL: trixiekiddo@yahoo.com
IP: 68.13.245.12
URL: 
DATE: 11/03/2010 06:37:53 AM
<p>It chafes sometimes that God&#39;s timing isn&#39;t necessarily on our schedule. ;) I think of it like this, that God already knows everyone who will ever exist, He already knows each child you will ever have, and He already has a date and time for their arrival into this earth. You are receptive to another soul, and it will happen- at the right time! <br/>I thought I was done at 3, but I was watching The Business of Being Born for the first time, and it was an instantaneous realization: I&#39;m going to have another baby. Her dad named her August (and that was the month I knew she would come into &quot;existence,&quot; which is poignant for me. I gave birth to her painlessly and gloriously at home in the water, and she has taught me so much, and added so much to our lives! <br/>God absolutely wants to give us the desires of our heart! He just knows when/how.<br/>Love your blog.<br/>I might keep leaving comments. ;)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Evelyn
EMAIL: 
IP: 140.103.47.198
URL: 
DATE: 11/04/2010 12:56:23 PM
<p>You should focus on just enjoying your family the way it is! It sounds like you have 2 great kids and a supportive husband. Lots of people would love to be in your position. You&#39;re right, God will give you another baby when the time is right :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:07:43 AM
<p>Another great, courageous post. I love your honesty and vernability. I was kind of surprised too when I was unable to get pregnant after my 3rd child. My youngest is 22 months now, and God has not blessed us with a new baby yet. I guess its a good lesson for me in --who trully is in charge of my fertility. God opens the womb, and he is the one who closes it too. I agree with you about not everyone being called to adopt. I feel like I want to adopt, but my husband does not feel the same. Finances would be another issue as well. The best way of life is to seek Gods will for our life, and learn to live for His glory. May His name be glorified through us, through ALL the children we may have, and may someones heart be touched.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristin
EMAIL: seemommysew@gmail.com
IP: 71.113.1.11
URL: http://seemommysew.wordpress.com
DATE: 11/09/2010 08:55:30 PM
<p>This is my biggest struggle right now. In my case, it&#39;s because my DH is done...we have three boys. I would like to say I&#39;ve gotten to the point where I&#39;m trusting God. My littlest is three and a half. I do have moments of trust and surrender, but more moments of struggle. So far, I&#39;ve heard &quot;wait&quot;, but not &quot;no&quot;. It&#39;s hard to wait, though, especially not knowing any more little ones are in our future.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Pregnancy Tea
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/03/2010 12:00:46 PM
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<p><strong>When you're pregnant, you need excellent nutrition.</strong>&nbsp; We've talked about this several times!&nbsp; But it's always good to get an extra boost.&nbsp; Pregnancy tea can help provide some additional nutrients.&nbsp; <strong>Make no mistake, it isn't a substitute for an excellent diet, but it is a great addition.</strong> There are many different versions of pregnancy tea (including some you can buy commercially; Yogi and Traditional Medicinals make it), but <strong>making your own is cheaper, and I think, healthier</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Ideally, you should drink a quart of pregnancy tea everyday</strong>.&nbsp; Sip it throughout the day to help stay hydrated.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here is my general recipe:</p>
<ul>
<li>Red Raspberry Leaf</li>
<li>Red Clover</li>
<li>Nettle Leaf</li>
<li>Oatstraw</li>
</ul>
<p>Mix them all together.&nbsp; You can use equal proportions or weight one or another more heavily.&nbsp; You can read about each herb in my post on herbs that support pregnancy.&nbsp; <strong>Talk to your doctor or midwife for more details on which to use and how.</strong></p>
<p>To make tea, put about 1/4 c. of herbs in a quart-sized glass jar.&nbsp; Pour boiling water over the herbs and put a lid on it.&nbsp; Leave it overnight.&nbsp; In the morning, strain it and mix with a little raw honey, fruit juice, or drink it plain.&nbsp; You could also add lemon, or a little spearmint (herb) to change the flavor.&nbsp; I happen to like it plain.</p>
<p>T<strong>his tea supports general female functions, like easing PMS symptoms and promoting milk production, so this tea is something that <em>all</em> women should drink!</strong>&nbsp; (I've already started.)</p>
<p><strong>Why not alfalfa?&nbsp;</strong> Well, although it's high in vitamin K and can reduce your risk of hemorrhage in delivery, it <strong>can also potentially cause blood clots in high doses and lupus-like symptoms</strong>.&nbsp; Some say it is dangerous for pregnant women; others say it is beneficial.&nbsp; I think it is safer to skip it.&nbsp; If you are at risk for hemorrhage or have low vitamin K levels, it may be wise to add it to your blend in smaller amounts during the third trimester.&nbsp; Ask your doctor or midwife if this is the case for you.&nbsp; I wouldn't recommend it for daily use, though.</p>
<p><strong>Do you drink pregnancy tea?&nbsp; What's in your blend, and how do you like yours?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie
EMAIL: angelajiniel@gmail.com
IP: 72.240.27.106
URL: 
DATE: 11/03/2010 01:51:19 PM
<p>In what stages of pregnancy is this beneficial? I thought raspberry leaf tea could cause miscarriage early on. Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: lauraof4@ca.rr.com
IP: 76.168.144.49
URL: 
DATE: 11/03/2010 08:56:44 PM
<p>I have had three miscarriages due to lupus.  The doctors have told me not to get pregnant anymore.  I can&#39;t find much on the disease.  Can you please tell me if you know of any resources.  Thank you!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/03/2010 11:32:36 PM
<p>Angie,</p><p>My research (including conversations with herbalists and midwives) tells me it is safe at any time.  It relaxes smooth muscles which is probably why some say it could cause m/c but I don&#39;t think this is true.  Ask your doctor if you&#39;re worried, but I think you are safe.</p><p>Laura,</p><p>I&#39;m sorry to hear about your miscarriages. :(  I&#39;m guessing that it was the lupus anticoagulant that caused the trouble?  i.e. blood clots or blood unable to get through the cord to the baby?  In some people, there are dietary things you can do (high dose fish oil being one) to reduce issues and potentially allow you to carry a baby to term.  If you would like help researching, please send me a private message. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 174.27.42.151
URL: 
DATE: 11/04/2010 01:23:44 AM
<p>With my last pregnancy (6 of 6, one of those was a miscarriage), I drank a blend of raspberry leaf, peppermint, nettle, alfalfa, and something else (it slips my mind as of now). This was at the recommendation of the midwife I saw for nutritional counseling. My kids&#39; doc (he&#39;s a natural-minded doc) recommended it as well, but the OB I was seeing for my care didn&#39;t like the idea. </p><p>That said, I tried just raspberry leaf tea and it made me cramp a lot. But I could drink about a cup a day of the blend listed above and not cramp. It took 2 months of scary stuff (I thought I was miscarrying again) before we figured out that it was the tea causing the cramps. (Ironically, when I miscarried I never cramped but just bled.) My kids&#39; doc suggested that I needed a homeopathic amount of raspberry leaf, and it did seem to make a difference. My husband says I bled far less with this birth than I did with all the others. This is significant because I nearly needed a transfusion after my miscarriage one year before.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.228
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 07:06:23 PM
<p>To someone who is fairly new at alternative medicine/healing, where do you buy these things? These aren&#39;t ingredients you just find at your local grocery store. Thanks for clueing me in!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Esther N
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.30.236.136
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 02:51:20 AM
<p>@ Amanda A really good place to buy herbs is Bulk Herb Store.com but the smallest size they carry is a half lb which of course if you&#39;re gonna be drinking them daily for nine mo. i would believe they woudn&#39;t be to much. They are really affordable and the website is filled with awesome info on herbs and stuff.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Fluffy Sprouted Waffles
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/04/2010 12:00:03 PM
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<p>**This post is linked to <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/11/pennywise-platter-thursday-114.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>I have several pancake and waffle recipes.&nbsp; One is in <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>.&nbsp; But recently, given the ingredients I had, I decided to try making waffles a new way.&nbsp; They were surprisingly light and fluffy, even though they were made with sprouted flour.&nbsp; With real, raw butter and real maple syrup, they were delicious.&nbsp; So today I'm sharing them with you!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 cups sprouted flour</li>
<li>1 tbsp. baking powder</li>
<li>1 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>1 cup butter, melted</li>
<li>3 tbsp. maple syrup</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 tsp. vanilla</li>
<li>1 cup milk</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Preheat waffle iron.&nbsp; Mix dry ingredients in a large glass bowl.&nbsp; In a saucepan, melt the butter.&nbsp; Add the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla and beat to combine.&nbsp; Pour into the dry ingredients.&nbsp; Add milk and stir together until well combined.&nbsp; Allow batter to sit for a few minutes.&nbsp; Pour scoops onto waffle iron and make waffles.&nbsp; Makes about 10 4"x5" waffles.</p>
<p><strong>How do you serve your waffles?&nbsp; Butter, syrup, strawberries, whipped cream...?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: John
EMAIL: webmaster@webguru-india.com
IP: 122.160.238.186
URL: http://www.webguru-india.com/
DATE: 11/05/2010 08:48:32 AM
<p>Thanks for the recipe. Will try it soon!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story: Slowing Down
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/05/2010 12:00:44 PM
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<p><em>Today is our latest update from Amanda!&nbsp; If you haven't been following her story, you can read her <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">introduction</a>, and also an <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/27/amandas-story-exciting-news.html">awesome update</a> (there are more posts too).&nbsp; But today is her latest update.&nbsp; Let's see what she's up to!</em></p>
<div>So who was the lunatic that decided to work three jobs, have no life and get only enough sleep every night to make her eyes only <em>casually</em> twitch after 7:30PM?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Oh, yeah, that would be me.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Thankfully, this is my last week of full teaching....my kids are wonderful, but I will sincerely welcome the opportunity to rest and have some relaxation time.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>I've recently come to learn exactly how important relax and de-stress time is. I've also come to the realization that stress causes me to retain water/weight like its my job. And so, my new job of shifting priorities begins this week - I WILL take time out for me, and I WILL take the time to fix foods that will make me feel good.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>I'm still trying to cut out the sugar, and incorporate more proteins into my diet. Eggs and a smoothie EVERY morning make me feel really good! And, not only am I packing myself lunches everyday now, I'm also packing smaller, protein-filled meals to keep my metabolism up. I've discovered that if I eat every two hours I feel better, full of energy, and I'm less likely to skip out at 3pm to grab a quick bite at a restaurant. So, tuna, cheeses and fruit are my friends come snack time!</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>I'm seriously back onto my Vitex/Licorice Root/B-12 complex routine: B-12 in the morning before I brush my teeth, 1 Vitex and 2 LR's at 10AM, 2PM and 4PM during the day. It helps if I do it at work, so it's part of my daily schedule.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Not only am I on the path to better health, I've gotten my man somewhat on the bandwagon. We're determined to lose 35 lbs each, to see how our bodies heal and to feel better about ourselves. He's less about the organic-ness and more about "WOW this is expensive!" But I'm trying to explain that for good quality, we have to spend a little more. I'd still kill to get my hands on a copy of "<a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/my-books/real-food-on-a-real-budget-book">Real Food on a Real Budget</a>" and I'm hoping to purchase it soon. And he also has no complaints that I've taken to making him lunches. He would be a silly man to reject food someone else makes for him!</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>One disappointment I feel is that I thought I would have the time to make a lot of the foods myself, like Kate does for her family. Unfortunately it's simply not the case. I barely seem to live in my apartment, let alone stay there enough to cook huge meals. Also, I still don't have a lot of the cooking utensils I need, like a stock pot or dehydrator. These things cost money,&nbsp;and are&nbsp;often times&nbsp;categorized as a "want" &nbsp;not a "need" when there are bills to pay.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>This is also the time when I sincerely wish to be able to stay home with my kids when I'm married and have a home. I know I'm fully capable of working for myself and in fact, I do enjoy working a lot! But, I also see that if I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle it takes more than just an hour in the morning and two or three at night after a long, exhausting day.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Any advice or suggestions for me? I'm terrible at relaxing - I tried to take a bath the other day and found that if&nbsp; didn't have a book to read I felt LAZY! Hah!</div>
<div></div>
<div><em>Psst...Amanda and others, <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/my-books/real-food-on-a-real-budget-book">Real Food on a Real Budget</a> is on sale right now!&nbsp; The ebook is only $9.97 for a limited time!</em></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: pandora665@yahoo.com
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 11/05/2010 02:49:14 PM
<p>For stock, which is an amazing thing to have in your fridge/freezer, without a stockpot - consider a crockpot.  If you don&#39;t already have one, they&#39;re really frequently found at thrift stores for $10 or less.  Especially if you go to work all day, a crock pot (or slow cooker, as some are called) can be your real food friend.   </p><p>Other than that, I am at home all day with my child, and still have trouble being as organized as most real food bloggers!   We muddle through, best we can. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Whooping Cough: Our Experience
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/06/2010 12:00:54 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong>I should start this off by noting that we did <em>not</em> get formally tested to see if we had whooping cough, so you may decide to dismiss this post outright.</strong>&nbsp; But it <em>is</em> going around locally, our children are not vaccinated, and we had symptoms that matched up with whooping cough.&nbsp; I hesitated to even write this because I can't "prove" that's what it was, but it is my best guess.&nbsp; Our natural doctors concurred that it was likely.&nbsp; So, I wanted to share with you what we experienced, for what it's worth.</p>
<p>Is whooping cough scary?</p>
<p>This is one of the diseases that we hear most about vaccinating for.&nbsp; <strong>It's one of the diseases that even parents who feel okay about skipping most vaccines still think they really need to vaccinate for.</strong>&nbsp; There are tons of videos and audios all around the internet of babies coughing and choking and having a very rough time with it.&nbsp; There are horror stories about babies dying from it.&nbsp; There are stories about people who are sick for months on end, with an awful cough, homebound for weeks or months....&nbsp; People are <em>terrified</em> of it!&nbsp; But is it really that bad?</p>
<p><strong>In our experience, no, it wasn't.</strong></p>
<p>First, you should know, that typically if someone in our house gets sick, we all will.&nbsp; If someone doesn't, it's usually Bekah.&nbsp; We all usually have roughly "equal" cases, in that we display the same symptoms to the same severity.&nbsp; This time, <strong>the kids and I were all taking elderberry daily</strong>.&nbsp; Ben wasn't.&nbsp; Those are very important facts.</p>
<p>It started with Bekah this time, about a month ago.&nbsp; <strong>She had a cold, we thought, but within a couple days the cold symptoms disappeared and were replaced by a cough.</strong>&nbsp; Daniel started this about two days after her and went the same way.&nbsp; Bekah coughed a lot but never seemed very bothered by it.&nbsp; <strong>Daniel had one night, about 5 days in, where he coughed a ton at night, and would choke and cry.</strong>&nbsp; Suctioning him didn't help, it was clear there was mucus in his throat that we couldn't get at.&nbsp; Holding him, attempting to suction, and breastfeeding helped to break it up so he could go back to sleep.&nbsp; Although both continued to cough for a couple of weeks, we only had the one bad night.&nbsp; <strong>They were generally not that bothered by it.</strong>&nbsp; I honestly didn't even suspect whooping cough at that point.&nbsp; It wasn't until <em>we</em> (the adults) got it that I wondered....</p>
<p>I started with it just over a week after the kids.&nbsp; It started like a cold, for the first couple of days (sore throat, tired, etc.) but then the runny nose never really came...it turned to a cough.&nbsp; Most of the day I'd be okay, having a few coughing fits.&nbsp; <strong>But right before bed and right when I woke up (usually for an hour or so each time) I'd cough so hard I could barely get my breath.</strong>&nbsp; I could feel mucus in my throat, coming from my lungs, that made it hard to stop coughing to breathe (that's WHY you cough the way you do in whooping cough).&nbsp; I'd have to sit up in bed because I couldn't breathe.&nbsp; I coughed hard enough to feel nauseous a few times.&nbsp; <strong>That's when I thought...hmm.</strong>&nbsp; I also had headaches every night and morning, that accompanied the cough, for about three or four days (this is noted in adults with whooping cough).&nbsp; But after about a week I felt better.&nbsp; I still coughed (and still occasionally do now), but it wasn't so violent or frequent and I didn't get headaches and I could sleep okay at night.</p>
<p><strong>Now, Ben.&nbsp; He started it last of us.&nbsp;</strong> He's been sick for almost four weeks now.&nbsp; It started the way it did with the rest of us -- cold symptoms, then coughing -- but the coughing got much worse for him.&nbsp; And it stayed bad.&nbsp; After two and half or three weeks, the coughing got slightly better, but he was extremely tired, constant headaches, and nauseous.&nbsp; He's seen our doctors and they say he has both bacterial and viral infections.&nbsp; Knowing that he's tested before for a latent Epstein-Barr virus, we think that he had whooping cough, which, because he continued to push himself (he went to work almost everyday...), led to mono.&nbsp; I can't prove that, but as whooping cough is bacterial and mono is viral, well...it's certainly possible.&nbsp; <strong>He wasn't taking elderberry and had a much worse time with it than the rest of us did.&nbsp;</strong> He's still extremely tired, often napping in the afternoons when he gets home.&nbsp; For him it was much more annoying.&nbsp; But other than the fatigue he feels okay now.</p>
<p>So, how bad was it?&nbsp; <strong>I would consider it a minor annoyance.</strong>&nbsp; I can see how people who eat poorly, though, would experience it much worse.&nbsp; <strong>It is critical to eat a healthy diet and take preventative measures</strong> (like elderberry) and start even more measures (like coconut oil, raw garlic, lots of stock, etc.) once you are sick.&nbsp; These ward off the worst of the illness.&nbsp; Having poor health to begin with is the reason why people experience illness as being so bad.&nbsp; Their immune systems aren't primed to fight it off!&nbsp; Lowering fevers makes it even worse.</p>
<p><strong>If you refuse to change your diet and lifestyle, you may well be better off just getting the vaccine and hoping for the best.</strong>&nbsp; But I don't think that's the ideal situation.&nbsp; Being healthy, we just did not experience whooping cough to be the severe, awful illness that so many say it is.&nbsp; <strong>Illnesses are really only as bad as you allow them to be, in many cases.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Have you ever had a "scary" disease?&nbsp; What was it like?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karla
EMAIL: kheaman@cablespeed.com
IP: 208.53.114.93
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 01:25:57 PM
<p>If I were  you, I would be very careful dispensing advice about whooping cough to others.  :)  I am very holistic and naturopathic and understand your feelings about vaccines, but I&#39;m also a NICU nurse and in the past 2 years have seen at least 2 babies die a horrible death on life support from whooping cough.  These aren&#39;t just horror stories and I assure you these diseases weren&#39;t &quot;as bad&quot; as their mom&#39;s &quot;let them be.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/06/2010 02:30:13 PM
<p>Karla,</p><p>I don&#39;t think any parent would willingly allow their child to get so sick.  I think they did not have the knowledge they needed to help before it got to that point, OR the babies were just so young.  I think in older children whose parents have the knowledge, it does not have to be as scary as people make it sound.  They think it will be as severe as you&#39;ve described in EVERYONE.  That&#39;s simply not true!  Most will be fine.  You&#39;ve seen the absolute worst case scenarios.  They are VERY sad and I feel bad for their families, but that will by no means be most peoples&#39; experience, just like most will not watch their child die from a vaccine.  But both do happen.  We just need to put it into the proper perspective, and that is what I was aiming to do.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 70.161.118.177
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 05:26:09 PM
<p>Thank you for sharing your experience.  We have been transitioning to healthier organic free range eating, using raw garlic, etc. but did not know anything about elderberry.  Will add that the our plans. Did you take liquid or pill form and from whom?  Also, I do think that it was probably the combination of still going to work and the lack of elderberry that made it so bad in your husband.  I do get concerned when people go to work sick, it is horrible to spread things and it doesn&#39;t allow your body to recover. I know in America, companies are often not understanding enough to give proper time off for illness, but I wish we could change that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: nicola836@yahoo.co.uk
IP: 93.107.65.244
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 06:27:48 PM
<p>Wow another vaccination in the U.S that we do not get here in Europe.  My eldest child had whooping cough at 14 months and, while it is not a plesant illness, it was not any worse than dealing with a bad dose of the flu.  I am sure there are a few who get a bad dose of it and have a really rough time or even die but it does seem excessive to vaccinate against it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: cathish@gmail.com
IP: 71.142.48.183
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 08:47:05 PM
<p>Did your children (or you) ever &quot;whoop&quot;?  A few months ago my 2-year old daughter and my husband got a cough (after a day or so of feeling like a cold was coming on).  It lasted for about 3 weeks for my husband (with multiple nights of coughing fits) and 2 for my daughter, but for her it was like your kids where it didn&#39;t keep her awake.  However, she had several &quot;fits&quot; where she definitely &quot;whooped.&quot;  Everyone I&#39;ve talked to says that it couldn&#39;t have been whooping cough because it wasn&#39;t bad enough.  The thing that made me wonder was that my 5-year old, who had all his DTaP doses, never got it.  I didn&#39;t either, but I&#39;ve had so many nasty coughs it wouldn&#39;t surprise me if I&#39;d gotten it at some point in my life before.  </p><p>The one thing that makes me think that it may have just been a bad cough going around is that another family who was vaccinated got a similar thing at the same time.  Incidentally, we&#39;re in California and it this was near the beginning of the recent outbreak.  I would love to know if she really had it so that when she goes to school we wouldn&#39;t have to take her out if it starts going around.  Do they do an antibody test for pertussis?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Munchkie'sMama
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.11.8.207
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 08:49:31 PM
<p>I have to somewhat agree with Karla here.  I am a pediatric nurse and have seen some cases of whooping cough that didn&#39;t necessarily end up in the NICU but were still serious.  I believe that it is incredibly selfish to not have your children vaccinated.  Just because your children survived doesn&#39;t mean that the newborn you just contaminated at the store will be fine.  You didn&#39;t know you had whopping cough and so continued with your lives.  How many people did your family (especially your husband going to work) expose?  Were they immunosuppressed for some reason?  Were they more susceptible to infections?  Are they too young to clear their secretions or cough effectively?  I&#39;m very happy that your family is doing well and were able to prevent symptoms from getting worse, but please think of other people&#39;s families that may not necessarily have the knowledge to take elderberry and have a diet rich in fresh organic produce.  The reason why we have vaccines is to protect those who cannot protect themselves.  I appreciate those who care enough about my daughter, although she&#39;s a stranger, to protect her from diseases by vaccinating themselves.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/06/2010 09:15:37 PM
<p>Cathy,</p><p>I&#39;m not completely sure we ever &quot;whooped&quot; exactly...not that I was paying attention to myself while I was coughing heavily. :)  I read and it said older people with larger lungs were less likely to actually make this sound.  I believe they CAN do a titre check for pertussis, and if you are worried about it going around and the school issue, I&#39;d have it done so she doesn&#39;t have to miss.</p><p>Munckie&#39;s Mama,</p><p>We clearly disagree on the vaccination issue.  You can read some of my other posts if you&#39;re interested.  But, we do not vaccinate and we do not plan to.  We feel it is up to the individual family to choose for themselves.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cate
EMAIL: 
IP: 74.79.51.140
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 09:51:43 PM
<p>Hi, I agree with a lot of your advice about staying healthy, but I don&#39;t think you all had whooping cough. You didn&#39;t mention the whooping sound, for one thing, and that is the telltale sign, especially in kids. You also mentioned headaches which are not listed as a primary symptom of whooping cough. Recently, I was sure my daughter had it. She&#39;s been vaccinated, but it *is* possible to get it after vaccination. She was tested at the doctor and did not have it. And she did have the whooping sound a few times. As it turns out, where I live, there was a horrendous cold going around that lasted weeks, and for kids, would lead to bacterial stuff or worse viral stuff. Some kids we knew had to go on nebulizers briefly. I ended up catching it (I&#39;m pregnant) and had a cough for about 3 weeks. We also head the headaches on and off for a week. I had two different nurses and a doctor tell me that this thing was going around and they weren&#39;t sure what it was. We never got a fever, but I swear it was the flu. I had no fever but achiness. Anyway, I just wanted to say all this because I&#39;m not sure if your remedies would work with whooping cough - I&#39;m not saying they wouldn&#39;t but people should proceed with caution. Thanks for listening and for a great site!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 10:00:04 PM
<p>Kate&#39;s choice to refuse vaccines for her children does not make her any more selfish than a parent who expects Kate to go against her own convictions with regard to vaccines and get shots for her children just to protect theirs. I delayed vaccines for 2.5 years because I felt that some of those given to infants were unsafe and others were unnecessary--that was MY choice as a parent and everyone has that choice. It doesn&#39;t mean I don&#39;t care about other people&#39;s children, but it does mean that I care more about my own. If that makes me a selfish person, I&#39;ll wear that hat with a clear conscience. </p><p>In regard to the original post, I remain a skeptic without a medical diagnosis. ;) On a related note, it also puzzles *me* that it would just go away without antibiotics, but I know where you stand on that front. lol  My son has had coughs last for weeks--he has coughed day in and day out and we&#39;ve been told it&#39;s just a virus. :shrug: I will say that the most disturbing thing about your experience to me was the fact that Ben continued going to work. I realize he couldn&#39;t afford to take weeks and weeks off of work, but it&#39;s still irresponsible to go with such a bad/uncontrollable cough, risking the spread of infection to the rest of the office (and their families, and so on). He could have at least worn a mask maybe?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://Malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/06/2010 11:54:08 PM
<p>I agree with Lindsey.  I think when you personally choose not to vaccinate your children, you need to be extra careful about exposing others.  If you are not willing to test to confirm, I feel the responsible thing as a non vaxing(or vaxing for that matter) community is to go into &quot;quarentine&quot;  until you are no longer contagious.  Not doing so is what gives non vaxing families the reputation of &quot;spreading illness&quot;.  i know personally if I found out someone who worked with Curtis *may* have whooping cough, but continued going to work without being okayed as non contagious, I would be ticked, and Lord help them if my poor boy got it from them.</p><p>We just need to be careful, think you have something serious, go to the doc and get it either confirmed or get the okay that it is fine, or STAY HOME.  The non-vaxing community doesn&#39;t need any more bad press, and for parents who try to avoid serious illness because of the fact that it could be life threatening for thier children, this is kinda a slap in the face.  Yes whooping cough is over hyped, and its all over the press, and I don&#39;t think it is quite as big of a deal that everyone makes it out to be, but I do think it is more dangerous than the common cold, and there are a certain percent of the population that it is life threatening for(and ironically enough this same population is also most susceptible to vax damage.)  So lets do our part.  (and NO this is not the same as Vaxing for herd immunity, it requires no damage to your children to keep them home when they are sick, just a little inconvenience.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mary
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.168.78.79
URL: 
DATE: 11/07/2010 07:57:43 PM
<p>I know that you prefaced this post with &quot;if you want to dismiss because we didn&#39;t get tested you can&quot;....but then you went on to talk very confidently that this was whooping cough....and dismiss the seriousness of whooping cough because your experience wasn&#39;t bad...even though you probably didn&#39;t even have whooping cough.  I say probably didn&#39;t have it ...because what you described is going around my daughter&#39;s daycare....and it&#39;s not whooping cough!  A lot of people have had this illness this fall in central Ohio.  Please be careful to so confidently give out information in a public forum.  Some of your readers may trust your opinions and then make a judgment based on your advice that could lead their child to be one of the serious cases.  I know you may not realize the discretion you need to have or the weight your words carry on a blog....but they do.  Just something to think about in general when making posts on your blog....be responsible.  I have recently learned that it is easy to say that &quot;because the odds are in your favor....we don&#39;t have to worry&quot; until your the one in the small percentile that has that thing happen to them...and then you understand why it is a big deal!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/07/2010 09:20:50 PM
<p>I&#39;m going to try to make some homemade elderberry syrup - you make it sound like a good idea! With everything going around I think I&#39;m going to want that extra protection. Everytime I ride the city bus it seems half the people on it are coughing and sneezing all over the place. </p><p>ps. Thanks for putting this blog out there even though you get a lot of criticism from people who disagree with you. I don&#39;t think I would be able to take all the negative attitudes, and I just want to say thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Caitlin
EMAIL: caitlin.donohue@gmail.com
IP: 66.68.69.31
URL: http://www.caitlindonohue.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:21:44 AM
<p>I had scarlet fever when I was 4. I had a really sore throat and horrible fever, and then my mom noticed the rash. I don&#39;t remember much, but apparently I was goofy from the high fever and dehydration. They gave me antibiotics and lots of fluids, and I was fine. When the doctor told my mom what I had, the first thing he said was for my parents to not tell my grandparents until I was better because they would freak out. But all turned out okay.</p><p>I&#39;m glad your family is on the mend. I&#39;ll admit, I am very undecided on the vaccination issue, but I appreciate hearing  your thoughtful point of view.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/08/2010 08:26:35 AM
<p>While I agree that we shouldn&#39;t try to expose other people to things we may have caught, especially if they have compromised immune systems, if they have compromised immune systems I wonder why they&#39;re in places where they can be exposed. If your immune system is that compromised that you will catch anything coming your way, a mere cold could be dangerous for you so why would you go somewhere to be exposed? And vaccines aren&#39;t 100% - the measles outbreak in California, the mumps outbreak in New York...and the mumps outbreak was in a population where a majority of the people were vaccinated! And even the vaccinated (and current on their vaccines) people caught the disease! So when people freak out about non-vaccinated people that are getting all of these immuno-compromised people sick, it makes me wonder...if I were immune compromised I wouldn&#39;t go anywhere that would possibly expose me!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:33:03 PM
<p>Also, just FYI, I don&#39;t remember if I mentioned this...Ben did stay home for about a week in the middle of the illness, once we suspected it was more than a cold.  I wished he had stayed home longer, but he was home at the worst part.  It would have been irresponsible to miss a month of work, especially if we thought that it WAS just a cold.  Which we initially did.  </p><p>I also don&#39;t understand why people choose to blame unvaccinated people for illness.  It is PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK who spread illness, and that is not dependent on your vaccination status!  At all!  People are also often most contagious BEFORE they come down with symptoms.  It is impossible to say &quot;If only those unvaccinated people wouldn&#39;t go to work sick, we wouldn&#39;t have these problems!&quot;  Sorry, it doesn&#39;t work like that.  Also, the problem of people deliberately going into work sick is huge, but is NOT by any means limited to unvaccinated people (which my husband is not...).  A lot of people do it because they would lose pay, or &quot;waste&quot; sick time they may need for a serious illness.  While yes, I do think Ben should have stayed home a bit longer than he did, I do not think he was any more &quot;irresponsible&quot; than the rest of the population.  It&#39;s very, very common for just about everyone to go out in public sick.  Just go to any indoor playground in the winter....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurT@yahoo.com
IP: 64.241.37.140
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:05:00 PM
<p>To Emma, those who immune compromised often still must go to work and the grocery store. should all elderly or those with diabetes stay at home with meals on wheels and draw disabilitiy instead?!?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 07:15:00 PM
<p>I wish the US had more of a culture of people wearing surgical-style face masks when they are sick, or as a preventative if they are immune-suppressed. When I worked in Asia my co-workers and people in my town always wore face masks when they were sick to help prevent spreading it around. If you were coughing and blowing your nose in public and didn&#39;t have a face mask, you would get dirty looks and comments from strangers. If you wear a surgical mask in the US people think you are kind of crazy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.222.59.111
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 10:01:06 PM
<p>Another skeptic without diagnosis. :)  It sounds more like croup to me (maybe combined with something else for your hubby).  But some good points about prevention.  What brand of Elderberry syrup do you use?  We used Sambucol for a while and I wasn&#39;t too impressed with some of the ingredients.  Do you have another brand you recommend? </p><p>I do think we had H1N1 last year (although no diagnosis!) and found it to be much milder than the media made it out to be.  And I was even pregnant at the time.  In the end I was glad none of us had been vaxed for it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/08/2010 10:50:57 PM
<p>Brittany,</p><p>I make my own.  I didn&#39;t like the ingredients in Sambucol either and the prices on any elderberry syrup are astronomical.  You can find dried elderberries via Mountain Rose Herbs and make it, it&#39;s very simple.  Heartland Renaissance and Naturally Knocked Up have both posted on this, and I&#39;m planning to post in a couple weeks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurT@yahoo.com
IP: 128.82.35.169
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 01:03:07 AM
<p>Totally agree with Robin that I wish the US was more appreciative and demanding of face masks and less skeptical!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/09/2010 01:48:27 AM
<p>Just one more note on the immune compromised people :)</p><p>My son is one, and we are a non vaxing household, so I feel it gives me a perspective not many people have.  We know it is our responsibility to be careful (which we are, my son practically lives in a bubble), but my Hubby still has to go to work, and I still have to go to the grocery.  And it makes me happy to know that Ben stayed home for a week, that wasn&#39;t originally mentioned.</p><p>And I also agree that it isn&#39;t all the &quot;non-vaxing&quot; people&#39;s fault that ilness is spread(heck most of the whooping cough (confirmed) cases I have heard of are Vax&#39;ed families, but there is that perception out there so when it comes to vax related illnesses(Pox, measles, whooping cough...) I feel like we as a community need to be more proactive about it, than just pointing out the injustice of it all.</p><p>The system&#39;s flawed, but really when it comes down to it, the only way perspective is going to change is if we work towards it.  As we all know ONE case of an illness spread by a non vaxing family is all it takes to make a huge media rush.  And that will not help ANYONE.  Not saying it is right, just a fact about the world we live in. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.222.59.111
URL: 
DATE: 11/10/2010 06:56:09 PM
<p>Thanks for the pointers on the syrup!  I&#39;ll be looking forward to your upcoming post on it.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Linda K
EMAIL: lklukosky@gmail.com
IP: 72.144.158.101
URL: 
DATE: 11/12/2010 02:53:42 AM
<p>Both my kids got what was diagnosed finally (after many Dr&#39;s insisting it was not pertussis) as para pertussis. It is a &quot;milder&quot; form of whooping cough.... still have the coughing fits but the child sometimes whoops and they usually turn red in the face instead of blue. My kids both had it (3 &amp; 7).... It was a summer of very little sleep as I had each child sleep with me so I could be there when they had a coughing fit in the middle of the night. We researched every remedy in the book from homeopathic to allopathic and nothing helped. There were 3 other families who were also going through the same as us at the same time so we all supported each other during the ordeal. While I would not want to go through it ever again it was WAAAY more than any flu and there is no cough on earth quite like this. I think when you hear &amp; see it you know in your heart it pertussis &amp; it scare you to death! I did not vaccinate either of my children and have no regrets about it. I know the vaccine is no guarantee and I think is even worse when you contract it and you have been vaccinated against it. I nurse I know said her daughter had it for almost a year and was fully vaccinated (and read many similar stories like hers). It is a very personal decision that each family has to make which is more dangerous.... pertussis or the vaccine. We decided the vaccine was scarier and more dangerous. Even our ped said the good thing is that the kids are now naturally immune for life.  And now my daughter will pass on some of that immunity to her children when she breastfeeds.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: mtoletha@gmail.com
IP: 74.42.204.48
URL: http://www.healthnutmama.com
DATE: 01/27/2011 09:04:14 PM
<p>I stumbled here looking for natural cures for whooping cough.  My baby boy is coughing and I want to get on it before it could develop into something serious.  We don&#39;t vaccinate either because I believe you take a huge risk injecting your kids with dozens upon dozens of vaccines containing things such as mercury and aluminum, among other things.  I agree with Lindsey that we are only protecting out own children from something harmful based on our own research and convictions.  Call me selfish.  I think it&#39;s strange that those who&#39;s kids are vaccinated are worried about the ones who are not.  If they believe so strongly in their vaccines, what do they have to worry about?</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Nubius Organics Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/08/2010 01:00:30 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/Green%20Toys%20Tool%20Set.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1289168533507" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>Recently, I was able to partner with a company called Nubius Organics for another excellent review and giveaway.</strong>&nbsp; They sell green children's toys, reusable packaging (stainless steel, glass, organic cotton), organic bedding, bath products, and lots of other green items!&nbsp; Since Christmas is coming up, I was excited at the chance to test one of their toys!</p>
<p>I chose the Green Toys Recycled Tool Set, pictured above.&nbsp; My kids didn't have a tool set and they had a habit of trying to borrow Daddy's tools, so I thought it was time to get them their own.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p><strong>Shipping was incredibly fast!&nbsp;</strong> The tool set arrived just a day or two after I placed the order.&nbsp; It came packed in cardboard with information about how it was made from recycled material.&nbsp; The entire tool set is plastic, but made from recycled plastic.&nbsp; My kids were thrilled with it.</p>
<p><strong>Would you like the chance to get some excellent, green Christmas gifts?</strong>&nbsp; Nubius Organics has graciously offered to let me giveaway a $25 gift card for their store!&nbsp; That means you get to pick what you want!</p>
<p>In order to win, you can do the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.nubiusorganics.com">Nubius Organics</a> and tell me what you'd buy if you won (<strong>required</strong>).</li>
<li>Email 5 friends about this giveaway</li>
<li>"Like" me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernalternativemama">Facebook</a> (I'd love if you'd post about it too, but technically can't give you an extra entry for that)</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a> <em>and</em> post about this giveaway (be sure to tag @ModernAMama if you do this)</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> (or tell me you already do)</li>
</ol>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; 5 possible entries.&nbsp; Be sure to leave each entry in a <em>separate</em> comment.&nbsp; <strong>The giveaway will close on Friday, November 12th</strong>, and the winner will be announced by Saturday, November 13th.</p>
<p><strong>Good luck!</strong></p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 199.16.223.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 01:40:21 PM
<p>I already subscribe via RSS and would love to win this! I love the toys made in the USA section!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 199.16.223.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 01:42:15 PM
<p>Their site looks awesome! I&#39;m always looking for toys for my son that are well made. I would probably buy the Jasper&#39;s Jungle Pop Up Lion. How cute.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: dana
EMAIL: gardendana@comcast.net
IP: 98.232.45.38
URL: http://www.my3littleducks.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:19:46 PM
<p>love the rock crayons and twig crayons!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: slstewart34@gmail.com
IP: 72.152.254.129
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:23:24 PM
<p>If I won this Nubius Organics giveaway, I would definitely buy the Green Toys Recycled Plastic Tea Set (or the Cookware &amp; Dining Set) and some Imagiplay Buddy Blocks - Farm for my 22-month-old granddaughter.  I am really getting into organic and green everything and wish my daughter would do the same!  Until then...it&#39;s up to me to supply the organic/green stuff!  Thanks for a great giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jayme
EMAIL: jaymetate@hotmail.com
IP: 173.161.72.169
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:26:05 PM
<p>What an amazing site! If I won, I would have to get one of the ImagiPLAY Color Me Kits. They are so beautiful, especially the owl!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jayme
EMAIL: jaymetate@hotmail.com
IP: 173.161.72.169
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:29:42 PM
<p>I subscribed to your RSS feed :-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin S
EMAIL: tightwaderin@cox.net
IP: 68.2.163.188
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:38:19 PM
<p>I&#39;m a Holiday Helper through Mothering Magazine and I&#39;d love to win to be able to provide just a few more things for a family in need.  I think any of the wooden toys from Maple Landmark would be so fun:  shape sorter bench, spinny speller, or the made by be truck.  </p><p>What a fun giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:51:39 PM
<p>I would probably buy any of the lunch things. My son is going to Kindergarten next year.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:52:36 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter and posted on twitter about your great giveaway (thanks, btw)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:53:25 PM
<p>I Liked you on FB.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 02:54:04 PM
<p>Last but not least, I subscribe via RSS feed</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:02:51 PM
<p>Ohhhh... I would probably get tools too :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:03:38 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:04:07 PM
<p>I &quot;follow&quot; you!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:07:35 PM
<p>Just wanted to note that this is the tool set my son has--he LOVES it. I can&#39;t even begin to describe how much. He got it last Christmas and it has been his favorite toy since. He sleeps with a tool each night. ;) Great set!! We lost the wrench recently and I emailed Green Toys asking if I could buy a replacement and they sent one out for free.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: mattnsarah.pfeifer@gmail.com
IP: 184.97.58.45
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:18:09 PM
<p>I like the Green Toys Recycled Plastic Tea Set for my little girl.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: mattnsarah.pfeifer@gmail.com
IP: 184.97.58.45
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:18:48 PM
<p>I am a subscriber to your blog via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.17
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 03:56:21 PM
<p>Hi! I&#39;d get the rectangular lunchbox set.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.17
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:00:20 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.17
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:01:27 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter.  I&#39;m @riddlelove :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.17
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:02:29 PM
<p>I subscribe to your feed.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christie Haskell
EMAIL: RowansMommy@gmail.com
IP: 24.113.66.96
URL: http://dailymomtra.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:10:32 PM
<p>Oh my god, I love the Earth Lust stainless steel bottle in the &quot;Tree&quot; design. And at 32 oz, it&#39;s ACTUALLY worth it, LOL!</p><p> I already follow you everywhere. :D</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.80.217
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:38:50 PM
<p>i&#39;d pick a bento buddy! thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JCF
EMAIL: joceline.foley@gmail.com
IP: 76.87.94.135
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:49:52 PM
<p>I&#39;d probably choose the farm play set--so cute!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: pandora665@yahoo.com
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 04:59:21 PM
<p>I would love to get the buddy blocks or those twig crayons!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 05:26:41 PM
<p>I would love to get that Green Toys Tool Set! It&#39;s been in my Amazon cast for almost a year and I keep thinking about it for Christmas. A giftcard would make it that much better!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 05:27:10 PM
<p>I subscribe through RSS too  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb J.
EMAIL: bjones1128@alifeofcontentment.com
IP: 204.116.151.18
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 07:55:30 PM
<p>I like the Timolino Vacuum iMug Tumbler in the Apple Green color.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb J.
EMAIL: bjones1128@alifeofcontentment.com
IP: 204.116.151.18
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 07:56:28 PM
<p>I subscribe via Google Reader, too.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.170.255.157
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 08:03:08 PM
<p>I loved the kids art supplies - rock crayons and finger paints especially.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.170.255.157
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 08:03:38 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 08:50:59 PM
<p>I would get some of the wooden toys for Christmas gifts</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 08:51:43 PM
<p>I subscribe by email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 09:41:34 PM
<p>I really like the Stegasaurus, crayon rocks, and the Alphabet Dragon</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 09:42:40 PM
<p>I Subscribe in email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kori Kauffman
EMAIL: rdyfrhvn@embarqmail.com
IP: 67.234.207.154
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 10:07:03 PM
<p>I would get 2 of the &quot;I am Not a Paper Cup&quot; cups, 1 for me and 1 for hubby! I have never seen these-ingenious!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: pandora665@yahoo.com
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 10:30:25 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS (my last comment was quite a ways back, about buddy blocks and twig crayons!) Thanks for this great giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:00:47 PM
<p>I&#39;d get the New Native Cotton Organic Baby Carrier, so I could wear my 2-week-old!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:04:58 PM
<p>I like you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:05:34 PM
<p>I subscribe via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:08:29 PM
<p>I e-mailed 5 friends! (via facebook inbox!)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:09:24 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to get a set of cloth napkins.  We don&#39;t have enough to use them all the time, and I&#39;d like to be able to only use cloth.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:09:55 PM
<p>I already subscribe via RSS!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:10:40 PM
<p>I already &quot;like&quot; you on facebook...does that count? :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: jrnyoffaith@earthlink.net
IP: 4.253.62.210
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 11:28:35 PM
<p>I don&#39;t have real little ones anymore, but I am going to be oh-so-selfish here and tell you that I just LOVE the Blue Q Field Study Overnighter bag!  The pattern and colors just make me smile!  I would use it to put our nature study gear in when the kids and I go outdoors....it would be the perfect bag!</p><p>Thanks and bless you for the opportunity sign up!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janelle
EMAIL: isjanellethere@yahoo.com
IP: 67.214.8.157
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:14:31 AM
<p>Well...I&#39;d buy at least one of the Natursutten pacifiers and some newborn booties and hats for my baby due soon!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janelle
EMAIL: isjanellethere@yahoo.com
IP: 67.214.8.157
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:15:19 AM
<p>I subscribe to your RSS feed!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janelle
EMAIL: isjanellethere@yahoo.com
IP: 67.214.8.157
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:16:50 AM
<p>Like you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: soncrazed@aol.com
IP: 186.108.153.192
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 03:00:23 AM
<p>I would like the Noted Ecowooden Giraffe with Cart and Dominoes!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 03:18:30 AM
<p>I would like the <br/>Foogo Leak-Proof Thermal Food Jar, Pink</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 03:19:37 AM
<p>I subscribe to you by e-mail</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 04:55:17 AM
<p>i&#39;d love one of the water bottles with a filter! great idea.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 05:21:47 AM
<p>i already subscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidirosemichael@hotmail.com
IP: 74.179.115.113
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:23:40 PM
<p>I&#39;d like either the &quot;ImagiPLAY Circle Blocks with Pattern Cards<br/>Other products by ImagiPLAY&quot; or the &quot;Maple Landmark Name Train - Basic Train Set<br/>Other products by Maple Landmark&quot;... my girls love to build!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidirosemichael@hotmail.com
IP: 74.179.115.113
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:25:07 PM
<p>I like youon FB!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidirosemichael@hotmail.com
IP: 74.179.115.113
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:25:35 PM
<p>I subscribe via email :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidirosemichael@hotmail.com
IP: 74.179.115.113
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:26:59 PM
<p>I&#39;ve emailed 5 friends about your blog &amp; this giveaway! THANKS :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 11:21:43 PM
<p>So much to choose from.... I think I would buy the Green Toys tugboats and Plan Toys Tie Up Shoe if I won!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 11:33:04 PM
<p>rss feed subscriber via google homepage</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kori Kauffman
EMAIL: rdyfrhvn@embarqmail.com
IP: 67.234.207.154
URL: 
DATE: 11/10/2010 06:22:17 PM
<p>I like you on Facebook!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/12/2010 05:21:17 AM
<p>I&#39;m eyeing the ImagiPLAY Fruit Cutting Set - I think it&#39;d make the perfect Christmas present for my niece.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/12/2010 05:21:47 AM
<p>I subscribe to you via Google Reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.228
URL: 
DATE: 11/13/2010 03:43:33 AM
<p>I&#39;d probably get 2 SnackTaxi&#39;s.  We use so many disposable bags in lunches.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.228
URL: 
DATE: 11/13/2010 03:47:31 AM
<p>&quot;Like&quot; you on Facebook</p><p>http://www.facebook.com/matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.228
URL: 
DATE: 11/13/2010 03:51:19 AM
<p>Follow you on Twitter and post about this giveaway </p><p>http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/3293442591428608</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: dejkman@gmail.com
IP: 166.137.141.103
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2010 06:23:32 PM
<p>I had fun browsing and made a list of different things I would like to get...Such as the African Safari payset or a doll family, or the Plan Toys cars or mini trucks and I also love the tool set.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb
EMAIL: dejkman@gmail.com
IP: 166.137.141.103
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2010 06:26:49 PM
<p>I subscribe via Google Reader</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Choosing a Delivery Site
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/10/2010 01:01:00 PM
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BODY:
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<p>When you're having a baby, there are <em>so</em> many decisions to make.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">Choosing a doctor</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/28/healthy-pregnancy-series-common-maternity-tests.html">what tests to have</a> (or not), <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/11/healthy-pregnancy-series-diet-revisited.html">what to eat</a>....&nbsp; And <strong>now you have to choose <em>where</em> to have your baby</strong>!&nbsp; Assuming you're not choosing <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/6/healthy-pregnancy-series-choosing-homebirth.html">homebirth</a>, you'll still have a variety of options on where to have your baby (probably, depending on your location) -- birthing center, or various hospitals.&nbsp; And since <strong><em>not</em> all hospitals are the same, it really does matter!&nbsp; How do you choose?</strong></p>
<p><strong>First, if you have chosen a doctor or midwife who is in private practice, they likely deliver at only one location</strong>, to ensure that they are available to everyone if multiple patients go into labor at once.&nbsp; If this is the case, you may not have a choice where deliver.&nbsp; However, <strong>if you truly don't like the idea of delivering at whatever facility at which they have privileges, you may need to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/29/healthy-pregnancy-series-signs-you-need-a-new-doctor.html">get a new doctor</a></strong>.&nbsp; If this is the case, switch as early in your pregnancy as you can, but know that it is never too late.</p>
<p>Supposing, though, that you have a choice -- there are multiple options local to you, and you are with a group practice with privileges at multiple locations -- then you will have to choose where to deliver.&nbsp; Here are some questions you should ask:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Does my insurance cover birth at this location?&nbsp;</strong> This is a pretty crucial question for many, especially husbands.&nbsp; Birth can be <em>really</em> expensive; hospital costs can run several thousand, especially if a c-section happens.&nbsp; Making sure that the location is covered on your insurance will help reduce the costs to you.&nbsp; Surprisingly, not all of the hospitals local to you, even within the same hospital system will be covered.&nbsp; Sometimes the closest one to you will not be.&nbsp; Find out how long they'd let you stay, too (and how long they'd make you stay).&nbsp; You want to have some flexibility depending on how your recovery is going.&nbsp; Make sure you check so there are no surprises!</li>
<li><strong>Is this hospital mother and baby friendly?</strong>&nbsp; There are actual standards set by the WHO for mother and baby friendliness.&nbsp; Is this hospital certified as mom and baby friendly?&nbsp; (Most are not, sadly.)&nbsp; Being "mom and baby friendly" means rooming in, encouraging breastfeeding, discouraging or disallowing formula samples/gift bags, etc.</li>
<li><strong>What is this hospital's c-section rate?</strong>&nbsp; The U.S. average rate is around 40% (which is <em>ridiculous</em>), but some hospitals can vary from 10% - 80%.&nbsp; Yes, really.&nbsp; <em>Ask</em>.&nbsp; You don't want to be in a hospital where they have a very high c-section rate because then you will likely end up with one whether you need it or not.&nbsp; You should also know that if you labor for awhile and are in no danger, but they suggest you have a c-section due to "exhaustion" or "failure to progress" (after a relatively short duration without trying to move around, etc. -- I'm not talking 24+ hours with true failure to progress) that they will write it in your chart as <em>elective</em> even if they tell you otherwise, and you could pay more for it.</li>
<li><strong>What are this hospital's policies like?</strong>&nbsp; Do they work well with people or are they rigid?&nbsp; Some hospitals are known for being generally friendly, having a nice staff, being willing to work with birth plans and just generally good for moms.&nbsp; Others are inflexible, rigid in their policies (such as taking baby to the nursery during certain times, or having to break your water), and rather cold to moms.&nbsp; Obviously you'd rather be in a place that will be helpful to you.&nbsp; I think this is especially important with your first baby so that you're not overwhelmed with people telling you "You have to do this" when you are feeling very uncertain!</li>
<li><strong>What do moms who have delivered here before say about it?</strong>&nbsp; <em>Ask around</em>.&nbsp; This is the most important one!&nbsp; Ask every mom you can find where she delivered and what her experience was.&nbsp; You will quickly find out which hospitals are known for being friendly and welcoming to natural birth, or good at c-sections (if you need one), or whatever.&nbsp; You'll also find out the bad ones.&nbsp; Try to figure out which is the best option in your area based on what moms say.&nbsp; And ask a <em>lot</em> of moms because one mom may have had an especially good or bad experience that is not representative of that place.&nbsp; It also does depend on the doctor, the staff who was on that day, etc.&nbsp; (Which...if you don't like your nurse, you <em>can</em> fire her and ask for a new one!)</li>
<li><strong>What options do they have for pain relief?&nbsp; Natural birth?</strong>&nbsp; Some hospitals have water birth tubs available (and some don't like to use them and will tell you they are not available).&nbsp; Some hospitals have birthing balls and other equipment.&nbsp; Some hospitals have plenty of pain medication available (and offer it frequently).&nbsp; Find out what is available and make sure it's what you want.&nbsp; There are definitely hospitals that lean more towards natural birth, and others that lean more towards medicated.&nbsp; Be aware that in many hospitals, if you do go natural, you will have a <em>lot</em> of interested medical personnel in your room, because they almost never see this!</li>
<li><strong>Are there residents at this hospital and do they have to be involved?</strong>&nbsp; Some hospitals are teaching hospitals.&nbsp; They will generally assign residents to work with pregnant women and assist in deliveries.&nbsp; In many cases, you can ask that these residents not work on you.&nbsp; (As my childbirth educator told us, "They have to learn, but not on <em>you</em>!")&nbsp; If you are not comfortable with residents, see if you can opt out.&nbsp; If not, deliver some place else.&nbsp; If you like the idea of residents attending your birth, then choose a teaching hospital on purpose.&nbsp; (I would personally loooooooove to have an apprentice midwife attend my next birth, now that I've done it a couple times and know my body, and also because I birth in a very non-text-book way.&nbsp; It just sounds awesome to me.&nbsp; A lot of people don't feel that way, though.)</li>
<li><strong>Do they have child birth education?&nbsp; What type?</strong>&nbsp; Most hospitals do teach some form of child birth education.&nbsp; I <em>highly</em> recommend you take one.&nbsp; I cannot stress that enough.&nbsp; I did not take one before my first birth and I felt very out of control and uncertain and so did Ben.&nbsp; I did take one before my second birth and it was so much better.&nbsp; There are general classes, Bradley classes, Lamaze classes.&nbsp; Ask to find out what the hospitals offer and read up on each method before choosing one.&nbsp; You can take a class that is not associated with your hospital, but it is nice to have the option.</li>
<li><strong>Do they have a birthing center?</strong>&nbsp; This is important, because a true birthing center is usually attached to or a short drive from a hospital, but their focus is natural birth.&nbsp; They do not have surgical centers there (hence why they are close to hospitals, just in case).&nbsp; They have water birth tubs, birthing balls, and staff who are trained to help you through the pain naturally.&nbsp; This is a great option for those who are not comfortable at home but also do not want the "hospital experience."</li>
</ol>
<p>If possible, tour your local hospitals before deciding.&nbsp; Almost all of them host tours for groups of moms every month or so (sometimes these are related to child birth ed classes).&nbsp; If you can tour the hospital (or birthing center) and talk to the staff a bit, you'll get a better feel for the place.</p>
<p>Choose a good delivery site!&nbsp; Of course, regardless of where you choose to deliver, it's important to have a good doctor, and to write a good birth plan.&nbsp; We'll be talking about the latter soon.</p>
<p><strong>How did/will you choose where to deliver?&nbsp; Were you satisfied with your experience?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.com
DATE: 11/10/2010 03:07:16 PM
<p>I would also add that while you are looking for a hospital(if you are going that route) check out the NICU, they are not all created equal and some are very hectic and others are quite peaceful and serene.  It&#39;s one of those things you don&#39;t need until you NEED it, and you tend to spend a crazy amount of time there is you need it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@smellyskunk.com
IP: 24.130.7.204
URL: 
DATE: 11/11/2010 02:20:51 AM
<p>We chose to have our baby at home and couldn&#39;t have been happier with that choice. Now that we are considering having a second little one, a homebirth is the only way we would have it (barring any medical complications that would dictate a hospital birth.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.201.113.48
URL: 
DATE: 11/11/2010 05:32:47 PM
<p>We had our son in a hospital (induction, epidural, and the whole nine yards. Then, surprise surprise, breastfeeding didn&#39;t work out). Our daughter was born at home, caught by our amazing midwife (breastfeeding worked this time!). Hooray for homebirth!!!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Spicy Chicken Sandwiches
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/11/2010 01:00:03 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Back before we ate real food, we used to love going to Wendy's and getting spicy chicken sandwiches.&nbsp; Now that we don't eat fast food, we hadn't had them in awhile.&nbsp; However, recently I decided to make them myself!&nbsp; They were delicious; the whole family enjoyed them.&nbsp; I hope you will too!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 lb. chicken breast, cut into 4 - 6 thin slices</li>
<li>1 c. sprouted flour</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. parsely</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. salt</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. black pepper</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1/4 c. cream</li>
<li>1/4 c. chili or red pepper sauce</li>
<li>Oil for frying (lard, beef tallow, coconut oil, or palm oil -- <em>not</em> vegetable oil or shortening!)</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix flour and spices together in a medium bowl.&nbsp; In another bowl, mix cream, egg, and pepper sauce.&nbsp; You can add more or less pepper sauce to taste; this is moderately spicy (less than Wendy's chicken sandwich).&nbsp; I'd probably add more next time, although then it might be too spicy for the little ones.&nbsp; It wasn't too spicy this time.</p>
<p>Heat the oil in a large frying pan, about 1/2" deep, over medium-high heat.&nbsp; Dip chicken into flour, then cream mixture, then flour again.&nbsp; Fry over medium heat for 7 - 8 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and chicken is cooked through.&nbsp; Remove chicken to a plate covered with a towel to drain and cool.</p>
<p>Serve on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/19/sprouted-buns.html">sprouted buns</a> with lettuce, tomato, cheese, homemade mayo, barbecue sauce, or other toppings as desired.&nbsp; Make some <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/25/how-to-make-amazing-french-fries.html">fries</a> to go alongside for a perfect meal!</p>
<p><strong>Do you like spicy chicken sandwiches?&nbsp; How do you serve them?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.222.59.111
URL: 
DATE: 11/11/2010 08:00:11 PM
<p>These sound really yummy!  I&#39;ve never had the Wendy&#39;s version, but I&#39;m sure these will be much better anyway!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 11/12/2010 12:19:49 AM
<p>This sounds delicious! One question though. What is chili or red pepper sauce? Is that like tabasco?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/12/2010 09:34:25 AM
<p>I make popcorn chicken in a similar way. For the spices, though, I use a creole seasoning mix (no MSG/other strange ingredients, just the spices) with self-rising flour and for the liquid I just do buttermilk. They taste great on biscuits with honey (seriously! My husband and I call them &quot;Honey Cajun Chicken Biscuits&quot;) or on a salad. Yum!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Schooling Options and Experiences
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/12/2010 01:00:19 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em>Today's post is a guest post by my husband, Ben.&nbsp; He is sharing with us today about the different options in schooling (public, private, home) and his experiences with each.&nbsp; Here he is!</em></p>
<p>I&rsquo;ve had the unique privilege of participating in all three major types of US primary schooling. At various points in my education, I attended private and public schools, as well as being homeschooled. Depending on the region, city, county, school district you live in, and income level of your family, your options and experience are going to be drastically different than mine; hopefully my story can at least open questions in your mind to help you choose the right path for your children.</p>
<p>The most important piece of advice I can give you is to evaluate every child separately. Each child is going to have their own learning process and based on their particular needs, they may require different teaching styles. Some children are analytical and learn by reading the material. Some are creative and are especially drawn to the arts. Some are hands-on and learn best by being in a &ldquo;lab&rdquo; environment. No matter what your child&rsquo;s specific needs are, you can foster an educational experience that will help them reach their full potential.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Public Schools</strong></p>
<p>Depending on your area, you could have excellent public school choices, or terrible ones. Unfortunately since public schools are funded via tax dollars, if you live in a more upscale neighborhood, you are much more likely to have better schools available. The area where Kate and I live has some of the best primary schools in the state (and some of the worst...). Hopefully you have quality options in your area.</p>
<p>No matter what the quality of the school is, you should consider the pros and cons depending on your child&rsquo;s aptitude. For example, I was gifted in math and science; not surprisingly I am now a computer engineer. The public schools in my area were grossly under-equipped to handle any child outside of the &ldquo;normal&rdquo; range; exceptional or under par. The teacher needed to spend all of her time teaching to the 80% of the kids in the middle, while ignoring the child below and above normal. I spent most of my days reading at my desk since I finished before most of my classmates.</p>
<p>Public schools can especially have a lot of benefits for children who are gifted in sports. My best friend worked very hard in high school and got a full ride basketball scholarship to a local university, even though he wasn&rsquo;t the best student. At the end of the day, if your child can get a free quality education because they excel at sports, they will have done well for themselves.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Private Schools</strong></p>
<p>Arguably, private schools are almost always going to provide a better education experience than public schools. It&rsquo;s simple math. If there is more money to pay for better teachers, books, and equipment; odds are the students are going to absorb the material better. That&rsquo;s not to say that any private school will beat any public school bar none; the biggest factor is going to be the child&rsquo;s desire to learn. In my case, I couldn&rsquo;t get enough out of school. My two biggest pursuits outside of school were reading (mostly biographies, business, science, history) and tinkering with my computer (programming and repairing it).</p>
<p>Different private schools will focus on unique key areas of study. For example, there is a science academy near us that focuses on teaching children math and science disciplines. They still teach all the basic required for graduation, but put a focus on those two subjects. Others might focus on creative arts (we have arts schools locally too), or technical schools that focus on engineering and technology. If you live in an area that has these types of opportunities, and you can afford it, this might be a good option for your child.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Homeschooling</strong></p>
<p>The bulk of my primary schooling, I was taught at home by my mother, who had a teaching degree. While a teaching degree is certainly not required, it does help. The biggest benefit of homeschooling is that you can completely tailor the subject matter to your child&rsquo;s interest and skills. If your sixth grader is at a fourth grade level in English, but an eighth grade level in Math, you can accommodate that. While is takes a lot of work to home school, I highly recommend it, because it can allow you to provide the best education for your child. How can I say that without reservation? Out of all the people in the world, who do you think cares most about your child? The government? Friends? Neighbors? The local school teacher? Or you and your spouse? You are going to go far beyond what anyone else can, because not only can you focus on just your child, instead of 30 children at once, you care more about them that anyone else will.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Unschooling</strong></p>
<p>With our kids, Kate and I have decided to <a href="../../blog/2010/5/7/unschooling.html" target="_blank">Unschool</a> them. Unschooling is similar to homeschooling, in that both are parent driven at home, but differs in one key degree; unschooling is completely unstructured. Instead of having defined subject matter in textbooks, in unschooling you simply present real world material for your child to absorb if they are interested. For example, you take your child to the grocery store. You can explain how to count the cost of food, multiply that cost by the number of units you are purchasing, how to subtract coupons, or any number of mathematical principles. In my case, I was effectively unschooled in terms of computers. My parents provided me with my own at a very young age (12), books on programming and electronics, and helped me foster relationships with several older men who were electrical and computer engineers. While my primary education was important (in terms of knowing how to communicate through the written word, calculate and analysis numbers, etc&hellip;), in terms of my current job, nearly all the skills that I have were things I taught myself. Unschooling allows your child to focus on their passion (and any passion can become a career), instead of mind numbing repetition like, add together these 100 pairs of numbers so that you understand how to perform addition.</p>
<p><em>(Note from Kate: That unschooling is always completely 'unstructured' is a myth.&nbsp; You follow the child's interests as the structure.&nbsp; If they want to do workbooks or flashcards, then you do it.&nbsp; But you don't force these things on them if they do not learn well that way.&nbsp; Unschooling is really about following the child's interests and learning styles more than adhering strictly to any philosophy or curriculum.&nbsp; Most homeschooling families probably do it to some extent, because they do tailor the experiences to their children's needs.)</em></p>
<p>Our culture puts such a huge amount of pressure on children to be good at taking tests and doing well in school. Is that really what is important though? For example, I couldn&rsquo;t repair a car to save my life. If your child tinkers with cars his whole life, attends a trade school to learn car repair after high school, and ends up to owning and operating run his own garage, is he a failure? According to <em>The Millionaire Next Door</em>, 90% of millionaires are first generation rich. That means that they didn&rsquo;t inherit any money, but instead earned it all themselves. Furthermore, the vast majority of those millionaires gained wealth by having their own business, NOT by having a high earning degree like an MD or a law degree. Don&rsquo;t pressure your child to get a degree just because it pays well. Studies have shown that men and women in careers that they are truly passionate about will nearly always earn more over their lifetimes, then people who have high paying jobs, but hate them. After all, do you think a lawyer would effectively argue his client&rsquo;s case, and in turn earn his fee, if he hated his job? His lackluster attitude about his work will probably lead to losing a lot of cases, even if he is a smart individual. Whatever schooling choice you make for your child, the most important thing is that it is right for your child.</p>
<p><em>Thanks Ben!</em></p>
<p><strong>How do you school?&nbsp; What do you like and dislike about it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen
EMAIL: jen.sonntag@gmail.com
IP: 75.71.133.222
URL: 
DATE: 11/12/2010 03:37:50 PM
<p>I love that you broke down the options so clearly! There is so much to consider in educating our children and doing it well! As a current public school teacher and former private school teacher, I would love to add to both of those. </p><p>Most private schools have almost no resources for students who are below grade level because they are not created for that purpose. A public school has the funding and resources to provide a good education for that child. Many, many, many private schools &quot;look&quot; better (testing, students going to college, etc.) because they have students who come to school with fewer home problems and parents who clearly pour into their child&#39;s education. It is not all because the teaching is better, but the students arrive more prepared. Many private schools do not have licensed teachers or even teachers with a degree in education - because they are not under state mandates as public schools are, they can hire anyone. I believe this can be both good and bad - but something to consider when you put your child in private school. </p><p>In the public school I teach in currently, my classroom has a variety of abilities - my job is NOT to teach to a group, but to serve each student well. We have special ed resources as well as gifted and talented resources so students all along the spectrum are given what they need. Honestly, I believe I am a better teacher in the public schools rather than private schools because I am guided by standards, and I have to learn to reach each student, rather than a group of similar students. No schooling set up is perfect, and I believe in each season it can change for families and specific children. </p><p>I love your blog!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: Stevenbecky03@msn.com
IP: 70.110.45.201
URL: 
DATE: 11/13/2010 08:06:09 AM
<p>I use a set curriculum (use parts of it), but I also incorporate a lot of topics my children are interested in at the time, so I don&#39;t really label it lol. <br/>I get pressure from outsiders who like to compare their children with my children or insinuate that they need to be at a certain level, like public school condones. <br/>My main concern is that my children learn godly wisdom and not just knowledge from this world. Yes, they need to know the three R&#39;s, and be educated in many areas, but they could have all the book knowledge in the world and yet lack wisdom. <br/>I was also in public schools, private Christian school, and &quot;homeschooled&quot;, (schooled myself), as a child. I have chosen none of those options for my children. For us it is more about a relationship in learning and equipping them for their goal in life.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Natasha
EMAIL: tashales@embarqmail.com
IP: 76.7.210.246
URL: http://tashales.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/14/2010 03:42:26 AM
<p>I attended private school through 7th grade and then attended public school.  I remember loving the greater choice of classes offered in the public school and the hands-lab activities.  However, I honestly was not challenged in public school until my 11th grade year.  This means I spent about 3 years not learning much because I had already learned much of it in private school.</p><p>I have homeschooled my children from K-8th grade.  In highschool my two oldest are now attending an on-line public high school.  I&#39;ve been pleased with the on-line school as it is challenging and they offer a great number of Advanced Placement courses.  Of course, we do deal with curriculum that is presented from a secular viewpoint.  However, we just use it as an opportunity for discussion.  We have coming up a very athletic son.  He needs the sports the public school offers.  Next year he will be in 7th grade and the school is going to allow him to enroll in one class and then be eligible to play sports.  I will homeschool him for the rest of his classes.</p><p>We also have had some experience in public school.  Three of our children were adopted from foster care.  While still in foster care two of the boys were in public school because our worker was not favorable towards homeschooling.  We had a positive experience in public school, but I&#39;m selfish and want to spend the time with my children.  We brought the boys home after their adoption.  Also last year we put our two 5th grade boys in public school for some personal reasons.  They had a good year, but we brought them back home because we felt they would get a better education and one was highly influenced by his peers.</p><p>It was good to read your article that shared the positive aspects of the various forms of education.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2010 02:48:09 AM
<p>My son is just barely 5, and we are homeschooling with the unschooling emphasis.  It&#39;s hard to get people to understand that pushing him to learn something right now that he isn&#39;t ready to learn may just turn him off to learning anything!  I want to give him real world skills and foster his love of God rather than make him sit down and do workbook pages.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/15/2010 12:40:38 PM
<p>Having been partially homeschooled (1-6th grades) and put through public schools, I can say one thing for sure - if I had been given the choice about what I would have learned, I never would have learned math. I HATED my times tables. With a passion. But had I not been forced to learn them (lots of repetition, flashcards, etc.) I never would have realized what I truly loved - I love math! I didn&#39;t major in math, but I loved the logic, the rules of it. Calculus was fun (I hated proofs, but other than that, I loved it) - even my college math course dealing with a logic and computer science focus was awesome. If my parents didn&#39;t make me learn my times tables I never would have discovered that love of mathematic logic in higher math. Now, having graduated with a degree in Computer Science with honors, it would not have happened without having the repetition so that I could do math in my head. It started with times tables, but by the end of college I could do derivatives in my head. And it&#39;s a good thing too - I couldn&#39;t dream of being a helicopter pilot without higher math. And without being forced when I thought it was too hard, I never would have accomplished what I have. So please - sometimes having your kids do stuff they don&#39;t want to do, and having them do that mindless repetition that you shun, is a good thing. Because they may never realize what they truly love without it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 05:13:42 AM
<p>Emma,  I believe (and hopefully other hs parents do too) that there is a difference between &quot;mindless&quot; repetition and working hard to learn something.  It can only be mindless if the topic has been mastered, otherwise the mind will be engaged in learning it.</p><p>I attended public school, never was homeschooled and what they were teaching was so dull and easy that I was often bored.  That mindless repetition was a daily part of my life!  Can&#39;t we move on to something new now??  I graduated high school in 3 years, having rarely taken homework home (it was completed before class was over) or studying for a test.  My GPA was 3.92.  However, I was TOTALLY unprepared for college!  I had no idea how to study and the thought of reading 6 chapters for one class before the next day was absurd in my experience.  I left the university after the first semester.  Public school failed me in that regard.  I choose not to subject my son to that, but that doesn&#39;t mean he just gets to do whatever he wants and not learn anything.</p><p>The flexibility of homeschooling allows the child to be trained up in the way he should go, as the Bible instructs.  Some kids will just never get a certain subject, but will excel at others.  If the one won&#39;t affect the future much, why bring the family to tears over it?  Example:  my younger sister had spina bifida.  Numbers were meaningless to her.  She could do the math, but it still just didn&#39;t mean anything to her.  Should she have been forced to take higher math after conquering the basics?  It wasn&#39;t something she&#39;d need in her life.  It&#39;d be like being able to quote an essay written in a foreign language, but have no clue what you just said.</p><p>I agree though, an education wouldn&#39;t be complete without some struggles!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Probiotic Supplements: Worth the Money?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/15/2010 01:00:19 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/11/monday-mania-11152010.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p><strong>In the last few years, probiotics have become a big deal.</strong>&nbsp; Everyone's talking about how healthy they are for you, and how you should take probiotic supplements.&nbsp; Even many mainstream doctors are starting to recommend them, from newborns through the elderly.&nbsp; Many companies producing different strength supplements (from 1 billion CFU to 100 billion CFU), with different strains of bacteria have cropped up.&nbsp;<strong> But why do we need these?&nbsp; What is the function of probiotics, and are the supplements worth it?</strong></p>
<p><strong>First, it's imperative to understand that probiotics themselves are definitely beneficial</strong>.&nbsp; It's the supplements that are in question here.&nbsp; We require probiotics for health!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>At least 70% of our immune system is in our gut, and it is comprised of these beneficial bacteria</strong>.&nbsp; The bacteria help us to digest our food, ward off illness, prevent allergies (by keeping our gut sealed and unable to "leak" undigested proteins into our bloodstream), and generally protect our health.&nbsp; We could not function without them.&nbsp; <strong>Ideally, our bodies would contain about 80% good and 20% bad bacteria, including E. Coli, streptoccocus, s. boulardii, acidophilus, bifidobacteria, and many more</strong>.&nbsp; (Yes...we do have E. coli in our digestive tracts all the time, and no, it is not harmful.&nbsp; Only the strain 0157:H7 is actually harmful.)</p>
<p>We get these bacteria from a number of sources.&nbsp; Before we are born, our guts are sterile.&nbsp; <strong>As we pass through the birth canal, we are innoculated with our mother's bacteria</strong> (if she has an infection or poor health, we don't do so well...and if we're born via c-section, whatever bacteria is in the OR or hospital is what we get first).&nbsp;<strong> Breastmilk is our second source of these beneficial bacteria</strong>.&nbsp; It also contains many immunoglobins and other substances that actually protect and develop our gut (which is permeable).&nbsp; Breastmilk helps to close the gut as it is populating it with the beneficial bacteria, so that undigested proteins can't get through the gut walls to create allergies.</p>
<p>We continue to get bacteria throughout our lives as we encounter it in our everyday environment: touching surfaces, playing in (and eating!) dirt, consuming food, etc.&nbsp; <strong>One of our primary sources of this good bacteria <em>should</em> be fermented foods</strong>: kefir, yogurt, kombucha, traditionally fermented fruits and vegetables, raw milk, sourdough bread, etc.&nbsp; Unfortunately, the vast majority of people do not consume any of these foods, or very few (yogurt is the only one most consume, but they usually choose commercial varieties that may or may not have live cultures, and which are full of sugar and other additives, generally negating the benefits).</p>
<p>It's also true that too many babies are born via c-section, and too many babies are not breastfed (although I understand there are reasons and circumstances in which people cannot breastfeed, the vast majority of babies <em>should</em> be breastfed.&nbsp; It is more than just a lifestyle choice; it is critical to your baby's health).&nbsp; The result is that we are populated by whatever bacteria gets to us first, usually bad.&nbsp; <strong>Doctors and researchers currently estimate that we contain 80% <em>bad</em> bacteria, and only 20% good, the reverse of what we should have!</strong></p>
<p>The answer has become to take probiotic supplements.&nbsp; They culture the strains of bacteria they have found to be beneficial in labs, they put them (in their sugar growth medium) into pills, and we swallow them.&nbsp; They can also be found in powder form.&nbsp; <strong>I suspect that when they are taken in this way -- dissolved by saliva and stomach acid -- that they are of limited benefit</strong>.&nbsp; I suspect that the stomach acid destroys most of the cultures.&nbsp; There are plenty of researchers out there who will tell you this.&nbsp; I also know that when I've taken powders claiming to have up to 100 billion live cultures that I noticed no effects from it.&nbsp; In comparison, consuming a food claiming to have only 1 billion live cultures produced&nbsp;definite effects.</p>
<p>I believe that in order to be protected from stomach acid, our probiotics must come in food (or drink) form.&nbsp; <strong>When they are consumed naturally, they work synergistically with the enzymes, vitamins and minerals in the food.</strong>&nbsp; This protects them and keeps them alive until they reach the gut, where they can do their work.&nbsp; It's the same with any supplement, really.&nbsp; <strong>Vitamins and minerals also work synergistically</strong>.&nbsp; Vitamin C increases iron absorption, for example.&nbsp; Calcium inhibits it.&nbsp; Yet, interestingly, many foods are quite high in <em>both</em> iron and calcium.&nbsp; Clearly there's some relationship that needs to be in balance.&nbsp; <strong>When we take components out of our food -- whether it's a vitamin, a mineral, a pre-hormone (like vitamin D), a probiotic, an antioxidant, etc. -- it does not work with nearly the efficiency it does within the food, and it is harder on our body to use</strong>.&nbsp; Our nutrients were meant to come in food form so that all of the components can work synergistically.&nbsp; That's why we eat whole foods, and a large variety of them.</p>
<p>It is likely that if you take a high concentration supplement that <em>some</em> of it reaches your gut alive.&nbsp; But <strong>probably not enough to make it worth the money you've paid for it.</strong>&nbsp; It's far cheaper, and far more beneficial to consume probiotics in food form.&nbsp; I would recommend dispensing with the expensive, unnecessary supplements and <strong>simply consuming more probiotic-rich foods</strong>.&nbsp; Ideally you should have some several times a day, at least a small amount with each meal.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Probiotics are necessary for health, but as with most nutrients, you can't fool the body or beat God's design.</strong>&nbsp; Consume them in whole, natural form for maximum benefit!</p>
<p><strong>Do you take probiotic supplements or consume probiotic foods?&nbsp; Why or why not?&nbsp; What are your favorite probiotic foods?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2010 03:33:50 PM
<p>Thank you for yet another valuable post! <br/>We try to consume lots of probiotics every day. We drink whole raw organic milk, home made ginger beer, home made sauerkraut or kimchi, we eat only sourdough bread. I am still buying commercial yogurt, although I get organic plain yogurt but still planning on trying to start making my own. I also eat clabbered milk with some raw honey at least once a day straight from the jar. We always used to eat it when I was small and we had the source of raw milk. I guess I acquired the taste to it then. And I am still contemplating on kambucha..</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: r.sarah@lycos.com
IP: 173.63.118.198
URL: http://innisrecipes.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/15/2010 06:05:03 PM
<p>I have come to the same conclusion.  I try and make sure we have fermented foods with every meal.  We do kefir and sometimes sauerkraut for breakfast;  swedish bitters, fermented cod liver oil, sauerkraut/fermented beets and kombucha for lunch; and  yogurt for supper.  We have raw veggies, raw cheddar cheese, crispy nuts and raw milk for snacks.  I&#39;m trying to get the nerve to try new things so we can add to our repertoire.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elisabeth
EMAIL: e.i.hartline@yahoo.com
IP: 174.30.107.150
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2010 10:25:59 PM
<p>We&#39;ve been consuming naturally probiotic foods for years in our house:  homemade kefir, kombucha, raw milk, raw honey, lacto-fermented vegetables and fruits.  Yet, through all of the wonderful foods and medications, our son&#39;s Crohn&#39;s-related diarrhea has persisted.  We recently decided to try an acidophilus and inulin combination which has almost immediately abated the diarrhea.  The jury is out on whether or not the effect will last, but at least, for now our son has a reprieve.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 70.161.118.177
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 02:55:54 AM
<p>I&#39;ve been taking them and seeing some positive results, but I can&#39;t yet access raw milk so homemade yogurt/kefir would be about as good as the natural yogurt at the store. I hate sauerkraut.  But I&#39;m trying to learn how to do sourdough and do try to eat low sugar yogurt with live cultures (even though it&#39;s pasteurized)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.41.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 04:11:08 AM
<p>I do take them and have noticed a substantial decrease in yeast infections which I commonly had before.  Personally, I don&#39;t care for yogurt and have not yet gotten into eating a lot of other fermented foods, so the capsules are ideal for me.  The brand I use is enteric-coated so hopefully released in the intestines as desired.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.119.206.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 01:02:18 PM
<p>I recently started taking a probiotic supplement (New Chapter Organics All-Flora). It&#39;s delivered in a &#39;whole-food medium&#39; I believe and I have noticed a definite difference in my digestion. I only take half the suggested amount daily and by doing so I am paying about $.50 a day - which is about half of what I&#39;d pay for a daily yogurt. I&#39;m only taking them, however, because I&#39;m breastfeeding and have found that consuming too much dairy  makes my little one extremely gassy!! Once she&#39;s a little older I&#39;ll be switching back to my organic yogurt/kefir and raw milk. I&#39;m also planning on trying kombucha at some point. :o)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 09:55:41 PM
<p>I really enjoy your blog posts and find them full of valuable information. However, I wonder if you have ever considered posting your sources? As a professionally-trained journalist, it is hard for me to see the credibility in information when sources are not listed. It would be great to have your sources to back everything up. Thanks!</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story Special: Podcast!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/15/2010 01:00:19 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Amanda.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1289755500421" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>So, you may have noticed that I didn't post on Saturday.  That's because Amanda, of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">Amanda's Story</a>, came to visit me on Friday!  We spent all weekend together too!  I got a little caught up and didn't finish my post in time, so I decided to go ahead and take the day off.  We had a great weekend, lots of fun.  We shopped, had girl talk, and did lots of other awesome things (like...play with my children!  lol).</p>
<p>While we were at it, we decided to record a very special podcast for you.  <strong>I sat down with Amanda to ask her to tell us more about her story, about the newest changes she's working on, and more details about how it's going since she switched to more natural methods.</strong>  We had a lot of fun doing this!  Hopefully it will be just as fun to listen!  (It's also my first podcast <em>ever</em>, how awesome is that?)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/netcasts/amanda%20and%20me%20podcast.wma">Amanda's Story Netcast</a></p>
<p>Note: I do say this about halfway through the video, but I'll say it here as well.  <strong>We are not doctors, and are not dispensing medical advice.</strong>  We are providing Amanda's experiences and our research and ideas for entertainment and information purposes only.  We hope that the ideas will spark your own research, which you should then discuss with your doctor or health professional before making any decisions about your health.</p>
<p><strong>Are you excited about Amanda's progress?  I am!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/15/2010 01:29:31 PM
<p>Is it possible to get a transcript of this available for those of us who can&#39;t listen to podcasts for various reasons (I don&#39;t have a working computer at the moment and I read this on my break at work, for one)?</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1




DATE: 11/16/2010 01:00:55 PM
-----
BODY:
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Markel%20book.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1289767885021" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Recently, I was given the opportunity to review a new book: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">What Your Doctor Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child</span>, by Dr. Susan Markel.&nbsp; I was interested in this book because <strong>it promoted a non-mainstream approach to child-rearing, and it was written by a board-certified pediatrician: someone who truly <em>knows</em> what pediatricians know and how they practice, and was choosing to speak out about their shortcomings</strong>.&nbsp; I was sent a copy of this book to facilitate my review.</p>
<p>The book is divided into three main sections: discovery (basics), emotion (discipline, communication, develpment), and&nbsp;maintaining health (vitamin D, milk, allergies, ear infections, vaccines)&nbsp;information.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I found the book very interesting.&nbsp; There were several sections I agreed with.&nbsp; <strong>Dr. Markel is extremely pro-breastfeeding and provides a lot of information on why breastfeeding is the best choice</strong>, and why formula is not.&nbsp; She writes about normal breastfed-babies growth rates, jaundice, the vitamin K injection (not necessary for healthy breastfed babies), the reason most doctors say babies are iron-deficient and why they're not (again, if breastfed), brain development, and a long section about individual health benefits.&nbsp; <strong>She's insistent that breastfeeding is more than "just a parenting choice,"</strong> which I strongly agree with.&nbsp; She discusses the economic and public health issues involved in choosing to (or not to) breastfeed, and doesn't waver on her stance, which is excellent.</p>
<p>There were facts sprinkled throughout the book that I hadn't heard before, even on topics that I'm interested in and generally know a decent amount about.&nbsp; <strong>She cited quite a lot of research</strong> (there are somewhat lengthy end notes after each chapter) completed by many major medical bodies to support what she was saying.&nbsp; She explained how the research was sometimes at odds with the conclusions drawn or practices put into play.&nbsp; It was very nice to see this information.</p>
<p>Dr. Markel also discussed all of the <strong>newborn procedures, why many are done and why they are often unnecessary</strong>, and explained what is really normal in a newborn.&nbsp; This is great information.&nbsp; There were a few small points I didn't quite agree with, but nothing that jumped out hugely.</p>
<p><strong>She also&nbsp;talked about co-sleeping and baby-wearing as very positive things</strong>.&nbsp; She cites plenty of evidence that babies are healthier and happier when kept close, day and night.&nbsp; She actually speaks out against the "Back to Sleep" campaign a little bit, citing unintended consequences like "flat head syndrome," which can cause minor brain damage if not checked and fixed, and can require expensive helmets.&nbsp; <strong>She noted that being carried can reduce reflux, as well as help babies develop their muscles better</strong>.&nbsp; She <strong>is very clear that babies will become independent when they are ready, not when we force them</strong> (something about which I also agree very strongly).</p>
<p>Later in the book, <strong>Dr. Markel&nbsp;examined several newer vaccines and explained why they were created and why some are not necessary</strong> (like chicken pox, for example; it was created to increase productivity at work!&nbsp; The theory being that if children didn't get chicken pox, their parents would miss less work to care for them while they were sick).&nbsp; <strong>She approaches vaccines generally from the perspective that they should <em>only </em>be used to decrease the spread of serious, virulent illnesses</strong>.&nbsp; She implies that we should not use vaccines that do not meet that goal, like tetanus, varicella, rubella, and others.&nbsp; She actually does not discuss any that she is specifically in favor of; she only discusses ones she feels are not particularly necessary.&nbsp; I get the impression that she leans more towards anti-vaccine than pro- but she does not come out and say this.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>I truly <em>love</em> her section on ear infections</strong>.&nbsp; This is a huge pet peeve of mine.&nbsp; I see people constantly taking their children to the doctor with ear infections and going home with antibiotics.&nbsp; Surprise -- their children have <em>another</em> ear infection a few weeks later!&nbsp; <strong>Dr. Markel discusses many studies that show that antibiotics are <em>not</em> beneficial in treating ear infections</strong>.&nbsp; When doctors used a wait-and-see approach, up to 90% of ear infections cleared up on their own, within about the same amount of time as if antibiotics were used!&nbsp; Most ear infections are also caused by viruses (like, after a recent cold), so antibiotics (which work only on bacteria) are useless.&nbsp; Also, since antibiotics kill the good bacteria in the gut, it leaves the child vulnerable to future infections.&nbsp; That's why children who are constantly taking antibiotics to ward off illness are also the ones constantly getting sick again and again.&nbsp; <strong>She even discusses why tubes, the common solution to repeat ear infections, are <em>not</em> necessary!</strong>&nbsp; There is so much good information in this section, you need to read this book if only to read this section!</p>
<p>There&nbsp;are also&nbsp;good sections on child development, positive discipline, attention disorders (she is anti-medication), allergies, asthma, and more.&nbsp; I found all of these very good.</p>
<p><strong>The one major point on which I disagree is nutrition.</strong>&nbsp; And this is crucial.&nbsp; She is careful to say that <strong>we need to start eating more whole foods, and that we need to stop eating processed foods, artificial flavors and colors, hydrogenated oils, etc</strong>.&nbsp; And she is right about all of that.&nbsp; But then <strong>she goes on to recommend a low-fat diet with "few animal products, and then lean poultry and fish on occasion."</strong>&nbsp; (Paraphrasing.)&nbsp; She vilifies saturated fat, notes that animal products cause disease, and goes on to write a chapter about how people should never consume cow's milk under any circumstances.&nbsp; <strong>She recommends&nbsp;a vegetarian diet for children once weaned.</strong></p>
<p>I cannot disagree more with this stance.</p>
<p><strong>Vegetarian diets do not provide adequate protein, fat, cholesterol, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin(s) B, and so on.</strong>&nbsp; Beta-carotene, the form of vitamin A found in plants, is not well converted vitamin A, and is even less well converted without enough fat in the diet.&nbsp; It is a fat-soluble vitamin (meaning it dissolves and is used properly only in the presence of fat)!&nbsp; B vitamins are sorely lacking in all plant sources; grass-fed beef and beef liver are among the best sources, especially for B12 (without enough B12, anemia is likely).</p>
<p><strong>Dr. Markel does not draw <em>any</em> distinction between factory-farmed animal products and those which are produced traditionally, out on pasture, without the use of hormones or antibiotics.&nbsp; I generally dismiss any research or opinion on animal products outright if it doesn't make this distinction, and this research was no different</strong>.&nbsp; Dr. Markel even goes as far as to say that cows' <em>natural</em> hormones are dangerous to humans!&nbsp; However, it should be noted that modern Holstein cows (which make up the vast majority of the U.S. commercial flock) are bred to be heavy milk producers, and as such, their natural hormone levels are quite a bit higher than the traditional breeds.&nbsp; In completely ignoring the difference between modern production methods in animal products and traditional animal products, Dr. Markel does <em>everyone</em> a great disservice.&nbsp; <strong>Traditionally-raised animal products are crucial to human health</strong>.&nbsp; Vilifying fat, too, does a disservice; growing children <em>need</em> fat, as she so clearly points out in her chapters on breastfeeding!</p>
<p>There is also the issue of soy.&nbsp; <strong>Dr. Markel actually contradicts herself when discussing soy</strong>.&nbsp; She has a small section on why you should not consume soy, except for traditionally produced (fermented) products.&nbsp; This is correct.&nbsp; However, she goes on to say that <em>tofu</em> is a traditionally fermented product, as is <em>soy milk</em>, and recommends these to parents to increase their children's nutrition and protein intakes!&nbsp; This is incredibly wrong.&nbsp; Tempeh, miso, and natto, as well as certain types of soy sauce are the <em>only</em> true fermented soy products, are healthy to consume, but should be in small quantities.&nbsp; They are intended as condiments, not main dishes.</p>
<p>While you can take away her main "don't" message -- don't eat artificial foods, packaged foods, foods containing colors, flavors, factory fats, etc. -- you cannot pay too much attention to her "do" list.&nbsp; <strong>Her research is clearly flawed and she presents only part of the answer, and dangerously ignores the role of <em>healthy</em> animal products and fats in a growing child's diet</strong>.</p>
<p>In general, I enjoyed reading this book.&nbsp; I appreciated her willingness to take on a lot of non-mainstream topics, like exclusive breastfeeding, baby wearing, co-sleeping, non-drug approaches to ADHD, etc.&nbsp; I appreciated that she was willing to say, "Your pediatrician doesn't know enough about nutrition to prevent illness.&nbsp; Your pediatrician's job is fix your child if something goes wrong." (paraphrasing again)&nbsp; The only truly bad part was the nutrition section, which stands out as more generally mainstream advice.&nbsp; <strong>It seems that she honestly knows a lot in the areas in which she practices -- antibiotics, vaccines, and other "health measures" -- and does not know a lot about nutrition and other "preventative" measures.</strong>&nbsp; In&nbsp;many areas it is a truly useful guide.&nbsp; Taken as a part of a parent's research, and not the final word (as with any source!), it's worth the read.</p>
<p><strong>Would you like to win a copy?</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.attachmentparentingdoctor.com/attachmentparentingbook.html">Dr. Markel's website</a> and tell me which section of the book you are most interested in</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a>, or tell me you already do</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a></li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernalternativemama">Facebook</a> and post something to the wall (and hopefully, share this with your friends, though I can't require that!)</li>
<li>Share this giveaway with 5 friends</li>
</ol>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; <strong>Please leave each entry in a SEPARATE comment.</strong>&nbsp; This giveaway will end on Friday, November 19th, and the winner will be selected on Saturday, November 20th.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa Imerman
EMAIL: Lrimerman@comcast.net
IP: 68.42.103.112
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 02:19:09 PM
<p>I would like the info in the chapter on allergies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa Imerman
EMAIL: Lrimerman@comcast.net
IP: 68.42.103.112
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 02:19:45 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog via email (and I love your blog!!).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: nicola836@yahoo.co.uk
IP: 93.107.18.249
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 02:33:47 PM
<p>Hi Kate.  Can readers outside the U.S enter?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 75.91.62.180
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 02:58:07 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in the section on nutrition and breastfeeding.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 75.91.62.180
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 02:58:44 PM
<p>I subscribe via Google Reader!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 75.91.62.180
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:00:21 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 75.91.62.180
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:01:39 PM
<p>I like you on Facebook!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:05:14 PM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:05:59 PM
<p>I would love to read the section on allergies and asthma as I have 3 kids with both.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christie Haskell
EMAIL: RowansMommy@gmail.com
IP: 24.113.66.96
URL: http://dailymomtra.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:13:20 PM
<p>I already follow you on FB AND Twitter, left a message for you on Facebook and shared it before I read the way to win, LOL. Um.<br/>Anyway.</p><p>Sounds really interesting. I don&#39;t fully agree with either you or her on nutrition (I think vegetarian diets can be entirely sufficient, for example) but the rest of it sounds like something I&#39;d really enjoy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Holly
EMAIL: hj_christensen@yahoo.com
IP: 66.191.76.174
URL: http://www.neatonchaos.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:15:36 PM
<p>I would be most interested in the allergy info. Thanks for the giveaway. Love your blog. God bless - Holly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.20
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:32:19 PM
<p>I would like to see what she has to say about emotional health.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.20
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:33:56 PM
<p>I follow you on FB.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.20
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:35:34 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 69.19.14.20
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:36:41 PM
<p>I subscribe to your feed and very much enjoy and appreciate your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen Johnson
EMAIL: wayneandjen@sbcglobal.net
IP: 75.53.154.126
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:45:41 PM
<p>I liked on FB :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen Johnson
EMAIL: wayneandjen@sbcglobal.net
IP: 75.53.154.126
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:46:13 PM
<p>I posted the giveaway on FB :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen Johnson
EMAIL: wayneandjen@sbcglobal.net
IP: 75.53.154.126
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:49:03 PM
<p>I subscribed via email.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen Johnson
EMAIL: wayneandjen@sbcglobal.net
IP: 75.53.154.126
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:49:57 PM
<p>I subscribed via email.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen Johnson
EMAIL: wayneandjen@sbcglobal.net
IP: 75.53.154.126
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 03:51:15 PM
<p>I am interested in the sections on breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing .  I would also like to read her take on vax.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Taylor
EMAIL: bluemello3@yahoo.com
IP: 67.79.121.234
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 04:05:57 PM
<p>I am interested in the section on attention disorders!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.94.134
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 04:39:47 PM
<p>I&#39;d like to read the emotional health section. Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 05:34:12 PM
<p>I am most interested in the section on vaccinations.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LC
EMAIL: Ledys.e.Chemin@gmail.com
IP: 166.205.11.49
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 05:35:01 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to read on emotional health and discipline. Thanks for such a comprehensive, honest review.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melinda
EMAIL: strawbalegirl@gmail.com
IP: 70.249.248.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 05:35:34 PM
<p>I would like to know what she says about allergies and asthma.  I have four with allergies and one with asthma, and I&#39;m always trying to find more info.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 184.98.218.66
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 06:15:43 PM
<p>Hi Kate, I actually can&#39;t decide on something I&#39;m more interested in...I think the entire content of this book interests and fascinates me.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 184.98.218.66
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 06:17:36 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog via email! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: Nicolerenee515@hotmail.com
IP: 24.210.61.63
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 07:39:38 PM
<p>I would love to read more about emotional health and discipline. Thank you for reviewing the book!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/16/2010 07:40:38 PM
<p>I enjoyed your review of the book, and defenetely found it quite interesting, especially the part about ear infections, but also I dont like the part about low fat diet for children and soy info that she gave. I liked you on Facebook as well. Take care and God bless.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy
EMAIL: joy.cheri@gmail.com
IP: 64.60.97.162
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 08:55:45 PM
<p>I am most interested in reading her opinion on vaccines.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy
EMAIL: joy.cheri@gmail.com
IP: 64.60.97.162
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 08:56:16 PM
<p>I am an email subscriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy
EMAIL: joy.cheri@gmail.com
IP: 64.60.97.162
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 08:58:07 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy
EMAIL: joy.cheri@gmail.com
IP: 64.60.97.162
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 08:58:35 PM
<p>I like you on facebook and posted on your wall.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime
EMAIL: 
IP: 134.114.200.192
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 08:59:09 PM
<p>this will be great information from a Dr. perspective!  I subscribe to your blog!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime
EMAIL: 
IP: 134.114.200.192
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 09:03:13 PM
<p>I checked out her website and am really interested in the allergy and self-esteem info!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime
EMAIL: flaghitmen@hotmail.com
IP: 134.114.200.192
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 09:13:39 PM
<p>I liked you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime
EMAIL: 
IP: 134.114.200.192
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 09:15:49 PM
<p>I sent it to 5 of my momma (or soon-to-be momma) friends!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jaime
EMAIL: flaghitmen@hotmail.com
IP: 134.114.200.192
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 09:18:30 PM
<p>I followed you on twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: mattnsarah.pfeifer@gmail.com
IP: 184.97.58.45
URL: 
DATE: 11/16/2010 10:12:59 PM
<p>I would be interested in the allergies section, my baby is sensitive to dairy in my diet.  I&#39;ve eliminated it but I don&#39;t want her to have allergies to it later on.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.103.244
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 11/17/2010 03:49:00 AM
<p>I would actually like to read the section on vaccinations. Having that info on hand close by would be great!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.103.244
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 11/17/2010 03:49:46 AM
<p>I follow you on twitter. I&#39;m @bfmom</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.103.244
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 11/17/2010 03:50:07 AM
<p>I like you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.103.244
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 11/17/2010 03:51:50 AM
<p>I subscribe to you via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 04:34:19 AM
<p>Is the book geared toward infants and babies, or does it grow with the child. so to speak?  My son is 5, but I&#39;d still like to be better armed when we turn down booster vaccines in the future.  He came to our home thru foster care and was required to be vaccinated-I hated it and so did he!  Actually thought we had killed him when I took him for his first round!</p><p>Vaccines and emotional health would be the chapters I&#39;d read first.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 04:35:04 AM
<p>I get your blog updates by email, thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kayla
EMAIL: kayla.scherrer@gmail.com
IP: 98.127.13.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 02:05:19 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kayla
EMAIL: kayla.scherrer@gmail.com
IP: 98.127.13.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 02:06:41 PM
<p>I like you on Facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kayla
EMAIL: kayla.scherrer@gmail.com
IP: 98.127.13.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 02:09:22 PM
<p>I am most interested to learn about vaccinations and natural healing versus medication.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley
EMAIL: ashley@email.co.ca
IP: 96.49.81.137
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 11:02:52 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in, umm, pretty much all of it! We&#39;re hoping to conceive soon and this book looks like a great resource for the many decisions we&#39;ll be facing.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ashley
EMAIL: ashley@email.co.ca
IP: 96.49.81.137
URL: 
DATE: 11/17/2010 11:04:53 PM
<p>I subscribe through google reader.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Hope
EMAIL: 
IP: 66.168.30.132
URL: 
DATE: 11/18/2010 02:56:40 AM
<p>I like your bolg on FB.  I am very interested in the topic ADHD.  The vaccines topic also interests me.</p><p>Blessing to you and your family,<br/>Hope</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica F
EMAIL: jfuester@mac.com
IP: 173.74.39.134
URL: 
DATE: 11/18/2010 04:05:10 AM
<p>HI there!  I&#39;m most interested in the &#39;Keeping Baby Close&#39; sections.  Thanks for a great giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica F
EMAIL: jfuester@mac.com
IP: 173.74.39.134
URL: 
DATE: 11/18/2010 04:06:25 AM
<p>Also, I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: amom
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.226.79.207
URL: 
DATE: 11/18/2010 05:17:38 AM
<p>I am most interested in the ADD info.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: amom
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.226.79.207
URL: 
DATE: 11/18/2010 05:19:10 AM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.167.234.127
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/19/2010 02:19:13 AM
<p>I subscribe!</p><p>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.167.234.127
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/19/2010 02:53:12 AM
<p>I really want to read what she has to say about vaccinations. Even if it isn&#39;t as full thought out as I&#39;d like I really like hearing different perspectives as we continually seek to be educated about what to give or not give our children.</p><p>Thanks!<br/>Heather</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.231
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 10:42:41 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to read her section on Mindful Parenting.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.231
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 10:43:27 PM
<p>Subscribe to you via RSS and email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.231
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 10:44:39 PM
<p>Follow you on Twitter @matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 12:26:53 AM
<p>I&#39;m interested in the section on nutrition and breastfeeding.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 12:27:26 AM
<p>I subscribe via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 12:28:02 AM
<p>I like you on FB.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 08:33:20 PM
<p>This looks like a great resource to have.  I think I&#39;d first look at common illnesses and drug useage.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 08:34:54 PM
<p>I already subscribe</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 08:39:17 PM
<p>I liked on FB</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Writing a Birth Plan
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/17/2010 01:00:50 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>If you haven't been following the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/9/7/healthy-pregnancy-series.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a> so far, please check out the previous posts!</p>
<p>A birth plan is crucial in the delivery of your baby.&nbsp; A birth plan is your written wishes about how you would like the delivery and post-delivery experience to be, barring any unexpected complications.&nbsp; It covers things like who is in the room, how you would like decisions to be made, the environment (music? candles?), whether or not you want certain procedures (epidural? internal exams?), which newborn procedures you do/don't want, where the baby should sleep, initial bonding, and more.&nbsp; It is critical to understand that if something does go wrong (which is not likely, but always possible) that your wishes may be impossible to follow.&nbsp; How to handle an emergency should be written into your plan, and it's something you and your provider need to discuss.&nbsp; But in the event of a normal birth, the plan is what you would like to occur.</p>
<p>I'm including with this post a downloadable form you can fill out in case you, like many of us, need a template to get you started.&nbsp; Don't feel like you <em>need</em> to use this; you can simply write your wishes down on your own.&nbsp; But this template can get you started and remind you of all the little details you may want to cover.&nbsp; I know when I was writing my first birth plan, I did use templates and there were many areas I hadn't quite thought of!</p>
<p>So what exactly should be on a birth plan?</p>
<ul>
<li>Your name and your husband's name</li>
<li>Your doctor or midwife's name (and doula, if you have one)</li>
<li>The names of anyone else you wish to be present (include adult supervisors for any young children)</li>
<li>Where you are planning to give birth</li>
<li>Your estimated due date</li>
<li>How you feel about induction</li>
<li>When you would like to go to a hospital or birthing center, if applicable</li>
<li>Comfort measures you would like to use in labor </li>
<li>What procedures you do or don't want (IVs, pitocin, the ability to eat/drink, etc.)</li>
<li>Environmental concerns (music, lights, candles, etc.)</li>
<li>How to handle problems that crop up</li>
<li>Pushing positions you'd like to use (if known)</li>
<li>Episiotomy/tearing preference</li>
<li>Vacuum/forceps preference (or neither)</li>
<li>C-section preference</li>
<li>Pain medication preference</li>
<li>Cord clamping/cutting (when and who)</li>
<li>Initial bonding</li>
<li>Cleaning/bathing of baby</li>
<li>Newborn procedures (eye ointment, vit K, Hep B, etc.)</li>
<li>Sleeping arrangements (nursery or room-in)</li>
<li>Baby's first exam (where? who should be there?)</li>
<li>Visitors (allowed?&nbsp; who?)</li>
<li>Breastfeeding/bottle feeding</li>
<li>Pain relief after birth</li>
<li>Length of stay (if in a hospital or birthing center)</li>
<li>What to do if the baby/you has a problem after birth (where to transfer if necessary, who should go, etc.)</li>
<li>Anything else that especially concerns you</li>
</ul>
<p>There's a lot to think about!</p>
<p>Ideally a birth plan should be completed early in your third trimester.&nbsp; Obviously, if are unfortunate and your baby is born rather prematurely (before about 35/36 weeks), many of your options will go out the window.&nbsp; Still, you want to write your birth plan far enough in advance that you can discuss it thoroughly with your doctor or midwife long before birth is imminent (any time after 37 weeks).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Write an outline of your birth plan -- basically, what you would prefer under ideal circumstances.&nbsp; Bring it to your provider and say, "This is what we would like.&nbsp; Is this feasible?"&nbsp; You may find that certain hospitals will not allow or will require certain things (like forbidding eating during labor, or having to have an IV).&nbsp; Some doctors will require or forbid certain things, too.&nbsp; If issues crop up, you must decide if you need to find a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/10/healthy-pregnancy-series-choosing-a-delivery-site.html">new delivery site</a> or a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/29/healthy-pregnancy-series-signs-you-need-a-new-doctor.html">new doctor</a>.&nbsp; It depends on how important the issues are to you.&nbsp; If, for example, the doctor says, "Well, they prefer that you don't light candles in the delivery room," that may not be a big deal.&nbsp; But if the doctor says, "You have to deliver lying on your back and we don't hesitate to use forceps or a vacuum; no, we won't allow you to change positions," that may be a deal breaker.&nbsp; It depends on what is most important to you.&nbsp; In case you <em>do</em> need to make a switch, it's good to talk these things through early!</p>
<p>Once you have talked through your plan and have come up with one that you and your health care provider both (hopefully) feel good about, both of you sign it.&nbsp; If you're in a state or delivery location that has a habit of ignoring birth plans, get it notarized.&nbsp; Then make several copies.&nbsp; Every person who enters your room needs to have one (give your husband or another support person this job).&nbsp; That means your doctor, every nurse, any on-call doctors who check on you, any residents (if any attend your birth), etc.&nbsp; Don't forget to keep it on hand after your baby is born and continue to pass it out to your baby's nurses, too.</p>
<p>Hospitals unfortunately will often try to ignore birth plans if they can get away with it.&nbsp; They do not like deviating from their standard procedures.&nbsp; In their defense, they want to make sure that nothing that needs to get done gets skipped or done twice.&nbsp; However, it is your baby, and your right to choose.&nbsp; There are certain things that are mandated by law, but you can often opt out if you sign specific waivers.&nbsp; Ask to see these papers and agree to sign that you will not sue them because you have chosen to opt out (but read the fine print carefully!).&nbsp; Only a few states will make a huge fuss about certain procedures (in New York, they will not let you leave the hospital without eye ointment, for example, and are rather strict about most things).</p>
<p>It is also common for staff to simply "forget" (usually by accident, but sometimes on purpose) your birth plan.&nbsp; They won't check for one before they go ahead and do the usual procedures, so it's up to you to make sure your plan is being followed.&nbsp; Don't let anyone do anything to you without explaining what and why (except in an emergency situation, of course).&nbsp; Don't let anyone take your baby without knowing where they are going and why, and ideally, send someone with the baby.&nbsp; It is often true that babies are taken for brief procedures but then simply set in beds in the nursery and left for awhile, until a nurse is free to take the baby back.&nbsp; If you are insistent they will do most procedures that are necessary at your bedside.&nbsp; They will probably not like you very much, but your job is parent first, not popularity.</p>
<p>It is unfortunate that I have to say all this.&nbsp; But I'm sure many of you can chime in with horror stories like "We told them not to do X but they did it anyway while the baby was in the nursery!"&nbsp; Ideally, you should have an extra person with you (mother, sister, friend), or better yet, a doula, who will advocate for you.&nbsp; (Yes, a close friend or family member will provide more personal support to you, and I'm not discounting the need for that, but when you're seeking an advocate, you want someone who's done it before and knows how to talk so they will listen.)&nbsp; This advocate can make sure that your plan is followed as much as possible.</p>
<p>While you're at it, you can download the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Birth%20Plan%20Worksheet.pdf">birth plan template</a>.</p>
<p>Did you write a birth plan?&nbsp; Why or why not?&nbsp; Was it followed?</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:55:36 AM
<p>Kate, can you elaborate more on this point?  What are all the procedures or how do I find out?<br/>■Newborn procedures (eye ointment, vit K, Hep B, etc.)</p><p>Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/28/2010 10:26:36 PM
<p>Hi Kathy,</p><p>I&#39;ll be talking up those in upcoming posts.  For now, other blogs have written about them (The Healthy Home Economist and Naturally Knocked Up are probably the two places to go first).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mama to be
EMAIL: Mom@home-birth.net
IP: 75.166.60.118
URL: http://home-birth.net/2010/11/birth-plan-basics/
DATE: 01/01/2011 05:29:49 AM
<p>Wow there are so many things that I didn&#39;t even think of that I will be adding to my birth plan.  Luckily, I am having a doula at my birth and I will make sure she knows the ins and outs of my birth plan.  Thanks for the birth plan template as my pregnancy brain is not so sharp:)</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: "Minestrone" with Chicken
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/18/2010 01:00:19 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/11/pennywise-platter-thursday-1118.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>I say "minestone" in quotations like that because this is not a true minestone.&nbsp; A traditional minestrone would contain pasta, and I don't use it.&nbsp; This makes it a lovely grain-free soup, generally suitable for those on GAPS or otherwise limiting carbs!&nbsp; Plus it is delicious.&nbsp; The spices and selected veggies are much like a minestrone, though, which is why I call it that.&nbsp; I served this with some sourdough garlic bread, but you'll have to wait on that recipe. :)&nbsp; It was an excellent dinner on a busy church night, when <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/15/amandas-story-special-podcast.html">Amanda was here</a>!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/2 c. onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 large cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>2 tbsp. olive oil (can sub butter or coconut oil if you don't want to heat the olive oil)</li>
<li>1/2 lb. frozen organic mixed veggies</li>
<li>1/4 c. black beans (dry)</li>
<li>1/4 c. garbanzo beans (dry)</li>
<li>1/4 c. kidney beans or red beans (dry)</li>
<li>6 c. chicken stock</li>
<li>2 c. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/10/canning-tomato-sauce.html">tomato sauce</a></li>
<li>1 5-6 oz. chicken breast</li>
<li>1 tsp. basil</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. oregano</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Soak the beans overnight, at least 12 hours.&nbsp; Drain and set aside.&nbsp; In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat.&nbsp; Sautee onion and garlic until softened.&nbsp; Add mixed veggies, beans, chicken, stock, tomato sauce, and spices.&nbsp; Cook for 2 - 3 hours on low until chicken and veggies are cooked through.&nbsp; Remove the chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot.&nbsp; Serve immediately.&nbsp; Makes 4 - 6 servings.</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: What's Wrong with Hard Work?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/19/2010 01:00:53 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>This is an issue that's been on my mind a lot lately.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's something I've always felt passionate about, but it's especially on my mind now, given what's going on in this country.&nbsp; I think it needs to be said.</p>
<p>Hard work has become <em>evil</em>.</p>
<p>A few months back I was talking to a group of women.&nbsp; One had been raised in Germany and was hoping to move back there.&nbsp; She was extolling the virtues of the system in Germany: "When you have a baby, you can take up to a <em>year</em> off work and get paid, and they have to give you your job back after.&nbsp; It's amazing.&nbsp; In the U.S. if you want a better life, their answer is just 'work harder.'"&nbsp; Laughter followed this, and awe over how 'awesome' Germany's system was.</p>
<p>That last statement -- what's wrong with?&nbsp; "In the U.S., if you want a better life, their answer is just 'work harder.'"&nbsp; Why is that a problem?&nbsp; Why shouldn't we work harder if we want something better?&nbsp; Are we somehow entitled to a certain standard of living?</p>
<p>The <em>only </em>things I think we're entitled to are the rights to life, to be free from persecution or abuse, and the right to seek work/employment and happiness.&nbsp; Basically, you get to be free from harm and you can pursue whatever you want that doesn't infringe on another's rights (so, if it makes you happy to hurt people, sorry, can't do it).&nbsp;</p>
<p>These days, though, people think they're entitled to a <em>whole lot</em> of things.&nbsp; They think they are entitled to housing: and decent housing, at that (like, all those very low-income people who bought nice homes and defaulted on their mortgages a couple years ago).&nbsp; They think they are entitled to all the free health care they want (never mind the quality of <em>that</em> system, that's another post entirely).&nbsp; They think they are entitled to excellent job benefits (including several weeks of vacation or extended maternity leaves with full pay).&nbsp; Not to mention excellent jobs that are perfect matches for their skills and desires.&nbsp; They think they are entitled to have nice cars, cell phones, computers, the internet, TVs, large cable packages.&nbsp; They think they are entitled to plentiful food of any variety they wish (like&nbsp;going out to eat&nbsp;instead of choosing to make a frugal dinner at home).&nbsp; They think they are entitled to every social service on earth!&nbsp; And our government isn't helping either, by creating tons of unfunded mandates to provide these ridiculous services to everyone.</p>
<p>Let's be clear: I'm not against helping others.&nbsp; I think that it is our privilege and God's command to serve those less fortunate than ourselves.&nbsp; But I think <em>we</em>, as individuals and communities, need to step up and choose to serve those who need help, rather than relying on our government to force us to do so, and providing help to everyone, even those who don't need, want, or deserve it.</p>
<p>These days it's pretty much a crime to say "Well, if so-and-so wants to have&nbsp;X, why don't they work and save for it?"&nbsp; Depending on what "x" is, you'll either get "But he can buy it on credit or with financing," or "but he is<em> entitled</em> to have that, we should all have that."&nbsp; I'm sorry, but you shouldn't buy what you can't afford, and you are not entitled to what you haven't earned.</p>
<p>You don't get to live in a nice 4-bedroom house if you don't make enough money to pay the mortgage on that house.&nbsp; You don't get to buy a brand-new car if you can't make the car payments (or better yet, pay in cash).&nbsp; You don't get to have a new Apple iPhone if you don't have the money to pay for it (nor do you need it).&nbsp; You don't get to go to a restaurant every week and enjoy a "nice" dinner when your family of 4 has to somehow eat on only $200 a month.&nbsp; And you shouldn't spend 1/2 that food budget on beer!</p>
<p>The solution is obvious: you either have to earn more money (and therefore earn the right to a better life), or you have to cut back on your expenses.</p>
<p>I'm well aware that there are families, especially single mothers, who are working long hours to provide for their families and are doing the best they can to be frugal.&nbsp; That is all they can do, and they need our help (that is, local communities, not the national government).</p>
<p>I'm also well aware that there are people who make very little money and yet walk around with the most expensive cell phones and other technology.&nbsp; People who say things like "I have the <em>right</em> to buy myself some new clothes, DVDs, or computer games if I want to!"&nbsp; If your children are hungry, you do not have that right.</p>
<p>What we need right now is <em>more</em> hard work.&nbsp;We've raised an entire generation (or so) of people who are spoiled and feel entitled to having a good life.&nbsp; They're afraid of hard work, and what's more, they just don't think they should have to.&nbsp; We live in America, darn it, one of the richest countries on Earth.&nbsp; We should live like it.</p>
<p>But hard work isn't evil.&nbsp; Hard work is necessary.&nbsp; Hard work is how we earn what we need.&nbsp; And frankly, without it, we don't appreciate what we have.</p>
<p>I don't want to be given anything I haven't earned.&nbsp; If I ever am given something I haven't earned -- that's called a gift, by the way -- I treasure it.&nbsp; I treasure even the smallest tokens.&nbsp; The other week I was given a pound of ground lamb to try from my farmer, for free, as a way of saying "thanks" for helping him (we promote his business a lot) and so we could hopefully drive more business by getting others to want to try it too.&nbsp; It was a small token.&nbsp; But to me it was huge.&nbsp; It was something I hadn't paid for, hadn't earned in any way.&nbsp; I treasured that I was given this gift of food.</p>
<p>We don't treasure things this way anymore.&nbsp; When we are given gifts, we don't see them as gifts.&nbsp; We see them as just something someone gave to us, for no reason.&nbsp; We're barely thankful.</p>
<p>But we should be.&nbsp; When we have to work for almost everything that we have, anything that we have means so much.&nbsp; If you have to work to put yourself through school, you take school very seriously.&nbsp; You choose your classes carefully, you attend them all, you pay careful attention, and you do all the work.&nbsp; It means a lot to you because it's something you've worked for.&nbsp; If you save up to pay cash for a car, you treasure it, because it's yours.&nbsp; It's something you've earned by working hard.</p>
<p>If you don't work for something, you don't take care of it.&nbsp; How many kids go to college on their parents' dime and spend time drinking and partying and barely passing their classes?&nbsp; Too many.&nbsp; They don't appreciate the gift of an education.</p>
<p>It's simply human nature: the more we are given, the less we appreciate it.&nbsp; The less hard we have to work, less hard we want to work.&nbsp; Eventually we feel quite put off by the suggestion that if we want a better life, we ought to work for it.</p>
<p>Our grandparents are horrified.&nbsp; They lived through a time where every penny counted, and hard work was the <em>only</em> way to earn a good life.&nbsp; If they didn't work, they didn't eat, and they didn't have a home.&nbsp; That's sad, but it's a fact of life.</p>
<p>Instead of vilifying hard work and talking about all of the things people are entitled to, we need to talk more about hard work.&nbsp; We need to value hard work, in whatever form it takes.&nbsp; It does not matter if you are a construction worker or a CEO, if you are working a job you enjoy and you are working hard.&nbsp; We need to encourage people to work hard in order to earn their standard of living.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Did we, when we first got married, have any right to the same lifestyle that we had in our parents' homes?&nbsp; No!&nbsp; We made very little money, while our parents, being older, made quite a bit more.&nbsp; It was an adjustment for us, to stop buying clothes and games and movies and restaurant meals that we couldn't afford.&nbsp; But we did.&nbsp; As we've worked harder, we've been able to relax a little bit.&nbsp; We're still not entitled to anything, though.&nbsp; Someday we hope to have all our debt paid off (soon!) and to save up large emergency funds and pay cash for everything.&nbsp; And then we will be entitled to a secure future, because we will have planned and saved for one!</p>
<p>You're entitled to everything you earn.&nbsp; No one should stiff you or belittle your work.</p>
<p>You're not entitled to what you haven't earned.&nbsp; No one should hand you a perfect life on a silver platter.</p>
<p>Let's teach our kids responsibility.&nbsp; Let's teach them not to be afraid of hard work.&nbsp; Let's teach them (mostly through example) what it means to work hard.&nbsp; Let's teach them gratitude for what they have!</p>
<p>And when someone says to you, "But you shouldn't have to work hard to have that.&nbsp; You have a right to it," tell them "No.&nbsp; We don't.&nbsp; Working hard is what gives us rights.&nbsp; We earn what we have."&nbsp;</p>
<p>(Then, we share our excess gratefully with those who have less than us, especially those working as hard as they can but who are struggling.&nbsp; Who will be grateful for our help, and we will be happy to give it.)</p>
<p>We need men who take their jobs of providing for their families seriously.&nbsp; Those are real men.</p>
<p>We need women (and men) who value the role of caring for children and the home.&nbsp; This, too, is hard work and should be respected.</p>
<p><strong>What do you think about hard work?&nbsp; Do you teach your children about hard work?&nbsp; Do you think you should earn what you have?&nbsp; Do you think there is anything people are simply "entitled" to?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelly
EMAIL: shellymw@hotmail.com
IP: 174.101.28.86
URL: http://www.lifeasweknowit5.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/19/2010 01:18:23 PM
<p>Hi there! I&quot;m new here, and I&#39;ll be coming back often! It&#39;s so good to see yet another momma with the same values as my own.<br/>I agree wholeheartedly with your statements on hard work, and it&#39;s something that we strive to teach our three children. Unfortunately, like you stated, because of the culture we live in, it&#39;s going to be a difficult lesson to drive home. One think we do is that while making sure our children have all they need, we purposefully make sure they do NOT have all they WANT.<br/>We also have them work to earn money (in our home) to buy those little frivolities that they want, so they appreciate them more since they were earned with their own money, and hopefully they&#39;ll think hard about what they buy, too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.58.107
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 01:55:53 PM
<p>Hey Kate,</p><p>I agree with your premise that hard work is truly lacking in this country. This really is true, especially in the teenage/early 20s generation currently. (I am in the later 20s age group). It is true that many students don&#39;t try in college because they don&#39;t know the value of their dollar at all.</p><p>However, I think that many European countries are onto something when they give BOTH parents significant time off from work after having their children (even adopted children). This allows the family to bond in a way that is healthy. It doesn&#39;t leave the new mother alone on maternity leave while the husband goes off to work, and it allows bonding with the child. I do, obviously, think a year is pretty excessive, but I do appreciate that both genders are given the opportunity to actually get to know their baby before transitioning back into the working world. Lots of people disagree with me, of course, but I think that this isn&#39;t against the value of working hard. I think it promotes the value of working hard for your family and keeping your family intact, even amidst the world&#39;s craziness.</p><p>I hope that makes some semblance of sense. Because I am totally with you on your main point. People don&#39;t know how to work hard in this country. My struggle (especially within the church) has always been that working hard is sometimes promoted to the detriment of family units. This isn&#39;t every experience, but it has been mine. Hope that makes sense!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 02:40:12 PM
<p>Amen! Well said. Adam was instructed to tend to the garden BEFORE the fall (Genesis 2:15). So, work is not a result of punishment or sin. We&#39;re supposed to work and be productive. It&#39;s not a bad thing.</p><p> I am not against charity either. Far from it. But I&#39;m against the current system we have of charity. I don&#39;t trust any 3rd party (such as the United Way or any other similar organization for that matter) to decide who gets my small donation. No, I would rather decide myself and that&#39;s what we do. Whether that&#39;s through time, money, making something, etc...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Not sure I agree
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.6.133.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 03:23:35 PM
<p>I enjoy most all of your articles, however, I felt a need to respond to this one.</p><p>The idea that we have earned what we have is unrealistic.  It&#39;s not just hard work.  A lot of us, especially if we are Americans, even more so if we are white, has been given to us.  Here&#39;s an example:</p><p>Did you or I choose to be born in the US.  Nope.  I travel to Haiti twice a year.  Most of my friends there work twice as hard as I ever have (and I consider myself a hard worker).  Yet, they still can&#39;t afford education for their kids and face starvation daily.  They did not choose to be born there.  The reality is that we were all born into different situations that DRAMATICALLY affect our ability to &#39;succeed&#39; in life.  It has little to do with hard work.  Sure hard work can get us a little farther.  I just know that my being a white american puts me miles beyond anyone else.</p><p>I have also heard many times that the government shouldn&#39;t provide for people, communities should. But communities ARE NOT.  So should we just let people starve then in the meantime?  The early church was characterized by radically caring for the poor.  There were even emperors who noted Christians cared for the poor better than their govt did.  Just not the case today. And until Christians step up to the plate I&#39;m all for the government doing it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/19/2010 03:47:51 PM
<p>While it&#39;s true that hard work is important, I do wish things were made a little easier for single-income families.  Our economy presupposes two wage-earners, and it&#39;s so hard to get by and have the mom stay home.  Rents here are exorbitant, but it&#39;s almost impossible to save enough to buy a house while paying rent.</p><p>If my husband and I weren&#39;t both college-educated, I don&#39;t know what we&#39;d do.</p><p>I&#39;m not saying I deserve anything different, but I don&#39;t think it&#39;s unfair to wish things weren&#39;t *quite* so hard on families that want to have a lot of kids and a mom to stay home with them.  So many are unable to do so at all -- which never would have been the case 60 or 70 years ago.</p><p>And no, I don&#39;t think more government programs are the answer.  Not sure what is.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 05:37:30 PM
<p>Go Kate! couldnt agree with you more:) dont have time to write much...its almost nap time here....but just wanted to say i like this post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 06:11:29 PM
<p>Thank you for this excellent post.  You have accurately and precisely hit the nail on the head.  </p><p>As a side note, I agree with Alaina that it&#39;s nice to have both parents home after adding a new child to the family.  My husband didn&#39;t have a &quot;paternity leave&quot; with either of our daughters, but saved vacation time up so he could spend time at home with us following their births.  I personally think that&#39;s the best of both worlds.... he worked hard to have a job with vacation time, that he sacrificially saved (instead of using up willy-nilly) so that he could bond with his family during a special time.  </p><p>Hey, Kate, wanna run for President some day??  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.103.206.200
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 06:25:05 PM
<p>Ok, I couldn&#39;t make it past the first couple paragraphs, because the first example you used of a person who isn&#39;t &quot;working hard&quot; is a working mother who expects paid maternity leave, and to be able to return to her job when her baby is no longer being breastfed for a minimal amount of time.  How can an advocate of breastfeeding and attachment parenting possibly say that.  Being a working mother is hard, and when you give all you can to a company they should reward you with time to mother your newborn without fear of losing your job.  If companies won&#39;t do this out of the goodness of their hearts, then the government should mandate it, as they do in Europe.  It&#39;s the least a country can do for their working mothers.  Establishing a bond with a newborn should not be a privilege only afforded to SAHMs.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.103.206.200
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 06:55:25 PM
<p>Kate, I would honestly be very curious to read a post from you about how you think a single mom, or a mom who needs to work outside the home, should manage to exclusively breastfeed.  You often post about how you think breastfeeding is essential, and you say that extended breastfeeding is best.  So if a woman needs to work, and can only take six weeks of time to recover from pregnancy and bond with her baby, what should she do?  Are you suggesting in this post that she should just quit her job and hope for charity from the community?  Qucikly find any man who is willing to support her?  Divorce her low paid husband in favor of one who earns more?  You mention in this post that it is lazy for a woman to expect a year of maternity leave, but you also say that a year is the bear minimum a child should be breastfed.  So what&#39;s a working mother to do?  According to you, she&#39;s either lazy for wanting support from her employer, or she&#39;s a bad mom for not breastfeeding for a year.  </p><p>I&#39;m honestly not trying to attack, I&#39;d just be curious to read a post from you about how you think single and/or working moms can achieve your lifestyle without being lazy leeches feeding off their employers.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leigh
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 09:36:24 PM
<p>I agree with 99.9% of your post, but I have found in today&#39;s world, with the economy the way it is, sometimes you can work very hard and still need government aid, etc. for a time. I thought my family would never go for that, but when my husband lost his ministerial job a year and a half ago and started teaching in a public school, we found ourselves in a very tight situation financially. I work from home, so I can stay at home with our two children. My husband has his masters degree, and I have a bachelors, but with both of us working, we still qualify for WIC. I had to swallow all my pride to apply for it, and it has been a very humbling experience. I have chosen to look at it as God&#39;s way of providing for us right now, until my husband can find another job. </p><p>I think a lot of people do take advantage of the system and live outside of their means, but not EVERYONE does. We are EXTREMELY frugal with our money. </p><p>We must be quick not to judge lest we find ourselves in the same situation one day.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/19/2010 10:03:26 PM
<p>Not sure,</p><p>It&#39;s hard to compare our country with third world countries.  Is it fair that our life is so much better/easier than theirs?  No.  But that&#39;s not really what I was talking about.  I was talking about people in this country, with an equal chance to work.  And I KNOW that people in that situation CAN better themselves.  My father grew up dirt poor with a teen mom.  He has a Ph.D. now, because he joined the army.  That&#39;s still an option for people here.  I can&#39;t really say how to &quot;fix&quot; the third world situation.  Honestly.  But here, where there are opportunities (the army is always there), what I say is true.</p><p>Sheila,</p><p>We&#39;re a single-income family.  For a year I made less than nothing off this blog, and now I make nothing.  lol.  But, we do make it work.  Though, yes, I do wish that things were easier on families.  Just, as you say, NOT with government programs.</p><p>Nicole,</p><p>Single mothers are in a rather unique situation.  But I don&#39;t think the answer is government programs, and I do NOT think that single mothers are in any way bad!  They have to make some really, really hard choices.  What I would say would be ideal is if an employer could work with a single mother to do some work from home, or allow flexible time (like, maybe a 2-hour lunch so she could go home and nurse her baby).  She should have times that she can pump, too, during her work day for her baby (and hopefully breastfeed directly when she is home). Possibly the employer could even have a daycare on the premises so that the baby could be there and the woman could even take breaks every 2 - 3 hours to go nurse!  Yeah, I know, wishful thinking, but that would be ideal!  I absolutely DO support employers working with mothers and providing them more flexibility and options.  I think that women should have a 3 - 6 month maternity leave, depending on the job field they are in.  I think a year is too long.  And I do think men should have 2 - 4 weeks of paternity leave too....  I also NEVER used the word &#39;lazy&#39; to describe mothers on maternity leave (or mothers in general)!  Nor did I call ANYONE a &#39;leech,&#39; especially not mothers....  That&#39;s putting words in my mouth, and I honestly don&#39;t appreciate it.  You say you&#39;re not attacking, but....</p><p>Working mothers are in a different situation than, say, a single guy (or girl) who choose not to work full time and therefore doesn&#39;t have much money....  (or someone who chooses to spend money on beer instead of food for their children!) Working moms are trying to do it ALL, which is rarely possible.  And I used the example at the beginning only because it shocked me that people felt that the government should provide so much.  It&#39;s only ONE example of things I find wrong with Europe.  (And by the way, all that stuff isn&#39;t free...you pay with taxes on over 50% of your income in many places!  Do you want to pay indirectly for services you may or may not use, or do you want to pay directly for services you DO use?)  I think that employers are the ones who need to choose their individual policies, based on what makes sense in their fields.  Is it hard for a teacher to take a 6 - 12 month maternity leave?  Probably not.  Is it hard for someone in a small, family-owned company to take a 6 month leave?  YES!  Making government mandates creates too much burden on employers who may or may not be able to handle that.</p><p>My original point stands, though.  We&#39;ve vilified hard work and we&#39;ve come to feel entitled to certain things.  Yes, we need more family-friendliness in companies, but that&#39;s beside the point.  We shouldn&#39;t be afraid to work for the things that we want and need.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/19/2010 10:08:17 PM
<p>Leigh,</p><p>I think that&#39;s where we -- ideally -- need community to come around us.  Our church has done this and we have tithed to them, so we have been indirectly involved in helping those around us in need.</p><p>Also, there&#39;s a big difference between people who need some temporary help and a leg up; and people who abuse the system.  When unemployment benefits were extended from 12 weeks to 99 weeks, they found that the majority of people would NOT get a job until within 8 weeks before their benefits were up.  That meant for a year and a half they were probably not even looking for a job!  They were just accepting the assistance until it was about to end, and then they went out to look for a job.  That&#39;s NOT the purpose of assistance!  The purpose is to help families who are struggling to make ends meet, who are working as hard as they can and just need a boost.  I&#39;m grateful that there is something out there for those families.  But to see how too many DO take advantage is disheartening.  And yet, people then say &quot;We need it!  They&#39;re entitled to these extended benefits!&quot;  Really?  They&#39;re not even LOOKING FOR A JOB, and it&#39;s okay to give them a living for almost 2 years?  I don&#39;t think so.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/19/2010 10:24:51 PM
<p>Hear hear!  The entitlement mentality in our culture is so frustrating.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.103.206.200
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 11:03:18 PM
<p>I guess I just wish that the entire pro-breastfeeding community would stand together and say that ALL babies deserve time to nurse and bond with their mothers in the first year of life.  If this happened, employers would do better in the end because their employees would have happier, healthier children and would miss less work caring for sick kids.  Healthcare costs would go down.  Families would be able to save more money and that would improve the economy.  The entire country would be a better place just because we&#39;ve decided to give women more maternity leave.</p><p>And, you say that you think employers should give working women some maternity leave and more flexability, but if the government doesn&#39;t mandate this, who will?  I&#39;m not talking about women who are high paying corporate execs who can bargain, I&#39;m talking about factory workers, service workers, etc.  If they said &quot;hey, employer, I&#39;d really like two hour lunch breaks when I have my baby so I can go home and nurse&quot; they would be laughed out of the building and replaced.  Some employers are sympathetic and understanding, but for every one of them, there are twenty who only care about the bottom line.</p><p>My point is, that there is a big difference between working women who just want a chance to practice the parenting style you advocate on this blog, and people who wrack up debt buying things they don&#39;t need and can&#39;t afford because they feel entitled.  What bothers me in this post, is that you lump the two together.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: 
DATE: 11/19/2010 11:37:06 PM
<p>So I don&#39;t agree, but that is no suprise, I tend to be in the minority on issues like these with Christians. (scratches head...)</p><p>I am generally fine to &quot;agree to disagree&quot; but there are a few points I feel like need adressing.</p><p>Re the army, many Christians or people in general are passivists and do not agree nor support the military.  (This is a touchy subject and by no means am I saying people should not support the actual individuals in the military...)  In this instance I do not think the military is a viable option, if it goes against what you believe in you should not do it.  (I would not go work at a strip club because ethically it is against what I believe in...)  I also realize that the military provides us a lot of freedoms and saftey, although quite frankly I don&#39;t think that is something we are &quot;entitled to&quot;either, especially at the cost of others.</p><p>A stay at home dad with a wife who works, becasue econimically it is what makes sense, is just as much a man as a man who &quot;brings home the bacon&quot;.  Just had to be said.</p><p>Tithing 10 or 15%(if you are a &quot;generous giver&quot;) is NOT the same as the radical giving of the early church.  That does not qualify us as believers to say &quot;I&#39;m doing my part so I don&#39;t think the government needs to do anything&quot;. </p><p>As humans, I think we all deserve access to basic healthcare, not just as american humans, but rather HUMANS.  So, do I think we should have some sort of universal access, yes.  But I think it is just as important that governments step up and provide basic healthcare to countries where the governments can&#39;t provide it.  (The amount of people who die b/c of lack of ARV&#39;s in Africa is astounding.) </p><p>And one more... biblically speaking , even after years of hard work, we are still not entitled to ANYTHING.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy
EMAIL: joy.cheri@gmail.com
IP: 75.142.61.12
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 12:33:27 AM
<p>I only read the first few paragraphs before I had to stop because I was so angry. After a few minutes, I finished reading the post. I think now I realize my frustration. You are privileged. You live in a world of privilege, yet you make these universal comments that are NOT universal. You need to clarify to whom you are talking and who you are. Without that information, you come off as narrow-minded and selfish. I completely agree that you must work hard in life. It is essential. I also agree that some people have ridiculous ideas of what they deserve, especially when it comes to possessions and technology. </p><p>However, you are generalizing so broadly, it insults a lot of people. You speak as someone of privilege, someone whose world is made up of privileged people with high expectations. I work in an inner-city high school. I can tell you hard work does always add up to a good life or a higher standard of living. My students face obstacles you cannot imagine. Many of them do not have the support to overcome them. </p><p>I am unsubscribing from your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 02:52:16 AM
<p>We try very hard to instill a strong work ethic in our children, though some children seem to have more of a &quot;temperament&quot; for it, if you will, than others.  My oldest son, in particular, truly seems to understand the need for hard work, and thrives on it.  My 2nd son is quite the opposite, and would happily spend the day sitting around with various electronic entertainment, if I allowed him.  It is a constant job in itself to steer my four kids toward a healthy understanding of hard work and its rewards.  It certainly doesn&#39;t help that I deal with chronic pain and would much rather <i>sit</i> than <i>do</i>.  But again, demonstrating in my own life that hard work is preferable to sitting around and letting others do for me, I think, is helpful in training my kids.</p><p>My oldest son has definitely grasped the concepts of reaping what you sow.  In fact, as we read through the Little House on the Prairie series, he had some <a href="http://isosupersahm.blogspot.com/2010/04/when-money-doesnt-equal-work.html" rel="nofollow">interesting insight</a> into this very idea.  In that same vein, I work as a child passenger safety technician, helping people learn how to properly install their car seats (shockingly, about 98% of ALL seats are improperly installed).  We do many &quot;seat check&quot; events in lower-income neighborhoods, where we give free or discounted seats to families who can show they are receiving welfare or WIC.  Many times I&#39;ve encountered families who come to these events with their children in old, expired, dirty and damanged seats and we gladly give them a free or very low-priced seat to help keep these kids safe.  But it&#39;s frustrating to note that some of these same families are texting on their iPhones, wearing $150 shoes or driving brand new $40,000+ SUVs.  Are they really <i>in need</i>?  Or are they just getting what they think they are <b>entitled</b> to?</p><p>As for charity, I do believe that it is the community&#39;s place to help those who TRULY cannot help themselves.  However, the government version of forced charity takes so much from those of us that can help, it makes it much more difficult to do.  We have chosen to live significantly below our means so that we can contribute monetarily to our church&#39;s outreach programs, but we also donate our time and energy to volunteer in tangible ways - painting the house of a disabled person, cleaning and mowing the yard of a single mom, etc.  Charity doesn&#39;t have to mean money; it can mean time and effort.  For many people, time and effort may be all that can be given, at least as long as the government insists from taking from those of us who DO work to give to others who don&#39;t (whether because they can&#39;t or because they won&#39;t).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: L. Hobbie
EMAIL: greenmama26755@yahoo.com
IP: 74.47.240.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 01:08:36 PM
<p>I have often said that the ability to work hard is the only inheritance we can leave our four children. There have been times when we have been severely criticized for it. I remember when my oldest was about 10 or 11 and he earned $10 per week (from us) for hauling and loading two big wood boxes daily to supply our two woodstoves. It was a big job and not easy money but certainly not &quot;hard labor&quot; by our standards. His dad and I do physical labor every day around our farmstead home. A friend at the time (who works in the pulic welfare system now) thought this was horrible and &#39;abusive&#39;! Thankfully our son didn&#39;t. He said he liked working hard. He learned to be careful with his hard earned money. By the time he was 12 he had started his own business mowing lawns for neighbors and doing various odd jobs and yard work. He earned about $50 per week. In our family, I start when the kids are very young, practically toddlers, with the idea that money comes from work. My little ones knew all about &quot;quarter jobs.&#39; Even my youngest could empty the dryer lint tray or unload the washer into the basket. They would get a coin of their own and learned to put part of all that they earned into three jars labeled: Save, Share and Spend. Only the Spend jar contained total freedom. So far, three out of our four children (the youngest is 10) has made the transition around 12 or 13 to earning money from sources outside the family. Our oldest did physical labor and learned skills as a carpenter, lawn worker, and stonemason over summers between ages 12 and 18. Our oldest daughter had mastered classical violin and old-time fiddle playing to the point of being able to teach and had 5 students by the time she was 14. She charged $15 for half hour lessons. She also performed and played for weddings and various other events. Our younger son (14) has honed his skills as an artist and is earning around $50 per portrait for drawings working from photographs. He also plays piano extremely well and has begun to receive requests for this talent. Even our youngest daughter sells eggs from the hens she tends, crochets various crafts for sale, sells dried apples from a windfall crop this fall and is starting to make lip balms to sell along with the herbal products that I sell from my home business, Third Day Herbs. That was long winded but I want to say that our oldest son took three semesters of college which he paid for in cash himself while working full-time and buying his own car. He decided to go into the Air Force in order to both serve his country and to complete his education. He was top graduate from tech school and is now studying electrical engineering at the university near the base where he is stationed. Our oldest daughter is paying her way through Bible college while working and assistant managing the bookshop/cafe on campus and maintaining top grades. She has saved enough to go on mission trip to eastern Europe next spring during break. I am sharing this by way of encouragement for those of you with young families. Don&#39;t be afraid of teaching your children to work, especially when it is done in a spirit of joyfulness and everyone in the family works hard together as a way of life. My oldest son will be 22 next month and he told us that he LIKES working hard. &quot;It makes me feel like an adult and like, no matter what, I can make my way in the world.&quot; We are enormously proud of our children and I have (finally!) gotten over feeling guilty for not being able to &quot;do more&quot; for our children.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: R
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.55.38.207
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 01:38:20 PM
<p>There is an overall pervading sense of entitlement in all levels of American society. However I do not agree with you on the maternity leave. As a home-birth and a breast-feeding mother I think that longer maternity (and paternity) leaves should be accepted across the board. I do wish there was a way for such leaves to be possible without government interference, however that seems unlikely in any situation. But once again, I don&#39;t think long maternity leaves really fit into entitlement mentality, I think such leaves are just wise for parents and infants across the board.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leigh
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 02:55:45 PM
<p>Jennifer, not everyone who has gov. aid takes advantage of the system. My husband and I are both highly educated and hard working yet still qualify for WIC. We don&#39;t own a car, we rent a modest home, we don&#39;t have cable or gym memberships, etc. We don&#39;t go to the movies and rarely eat out. When we do, it&#39;s cheap fast food. We have very modest, &quot;old school&quot; cell phones. We have the internet so I can work from home.</p><p>I think people who drive nice cars and have i-phones, etc, must be guilty of some sort of fraud.</p><p>Like I said before, you can never understand until you find yourself in the same boat.</p><p>I agree with Joy. People from privilege cannot understand and have no right to judge. I can say that because I come from privilege, but the Lord has used this economy to humble our family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/20/2010 05:16:53 PM
<p>It&#39;s interesting to me that some people say &quot;Well if you&#39;ve led a decent life, you just don&#39;t get it.  You&#39;re privileged.&quot;  Okay -- I may have led a nice life.  I HAVE.  But I&#39;m well aware that others don&#39;t.  My parents grew up with very little, and my grandmother with even less.  Some of my family members still have very little.  I&#39;ve been to their homes, I&#39;ve talked to them, I&#39;ve seen what they&#39;re dealing with.  Family isn&#39;t the same as experiencing it myself, but it&#39;s as close as I can get without doing so.  While I have sympathy for those who are in a difficult position or temporarily down on their luck, I don&#39;t have sympathy for those who simply say &quot;You can&#39;t ever change anything&quot; and just give up.  Hard work MAKES A DIFFERENCE, and the entitlement attitude is a huge, huge problem in this country.</p><p>This problem isn&#39;t relegated only to the poor, either.  There are plenty of people who make moderate or even high salaries and STILL live outside their means.  They are the middle income people who buy $400,000 houses, two high-end cars, send their children to private school, take multiple expensive vacations per year (cruises, skiing, international travel) and somehow feel because they have worked hard that they are entitled to live outside their means.  Sorry, it doesn&#39;t work that way!</p><p>We are NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING, except for life and the pursuit of work/happiness.  And you don&#39;t have to be dirt poor to understand that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 184.98.218.66
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/20/2010 08:54:38 PM
<p>I have to say that I respectfully disagree with a lot of what you&#39;re saying.  A couple things: first of all, I don&#39;t think that taking an extended maternity leave is the opposite of hard work.  I would not consider someone lazy if they take a long maternity leave.  In fact, I know a girl who recently gave birth.  She gets 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.  Whereas with my first child, I had 6 weeks of maternity leave...at that I had to scrape together my vacation time and sick days and I didn&#39;t get paid for a couple of weeks.  Is that because she works harder than I did?  No.  I worked for a small organization, and she works for a large national corporation.  Is it fair?  No.  I think any working mom should be afforded the benefit of a decent amount of paid maternity leave, but in this country, if a company is not required to follow the FMLA, it&#39;s up to the employers discretion.  Even at that, I think it depends on whether an employee is full or part time.  Part timers pretty much get nothing...if I&#39;m not mistaken. </p><p>My take on hard work is a little different than yours.  I don&#39;t consider that anything I have is as a direct result of hard work per se.  My husband and I strive to live frugally.  We don&#39;t live outside of our means.  However, I see God as my source...I can look around my home and see many things that I didn&#39;t work hard for or even work for period.  God has blessed us with so much.  I see His hand everywhere I look.  For me to say &quot;I worked hard for all of this, I&#39;m so proud of myself&quot; would be a huge disservice to Him.  I can say with confidence that I don&#39;t have anything that I didn&#39;t receive somehow or another.  Even my ability to have ideas or put my hand to some kind of labor is a gift from God.  Now, I believe that we are to be good stewards of what we have.  That&#39;s a whole lot different than saying, &quot;if you want something...work for it!&quot;  If you are faithful with little, you will be faithful with much.  It&#39;s a Biblical principle.  Now, I realize that probably many of the people that you are referring to don&#39;t follow those principles, but I&#39;m under the impression that you do.  </p><p>I plan to teach my two children the value in serving and being good stewards of their &quot;time, talent and treasure&quot;...I too believe in earning your living and being a contributing member of your family, your church and society.  I also believe in teaching them the power of obeying God...not just working hard...obedience is more important to my husband and I than &quot;working hard for the life you want&quot;...&quot;after all these things the Gentiles seek&quot;.  That&#39;s not the life we are called to.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cassidy
EMAIL: lilbit2102@aol.com
IP: 68.28.169.229
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 09:26:44 PM
<p>Thank you Thank you Thank you. My husband and I had a very long conversation about this very topic the other day. I do agree with most though that your example was poor. I don&#39;t see America as a great country anymore, just one you can get rich fast in. Many other European countries hold midwives and mothers much higher than they do here which I why I respect their laws allowing women more time to be with their babies. It&#39;s actually much more accurate to the traditional culture in which you strive for. Enough of that though. I don&#39;t think that was your main point. We were watching a news report in our city about a fourteen year old boy who was skipping school. He wasn&#39;t just skipping school, he was skipping the school you go to when you&#39;ve been kicked out of alternative school, which is hard to do. So, basically he was in juvi-school. A (school cop) police officer drove by him beating up another kid badly on the street and pulled over to stop him. After he broke up the fight, the kid ran away and the cop stayed with the other kid to make sure he was alright. He heard a call on his radio saying a women called 911 a few blocks down because she saw someone break into her shed outside and he knew it was probably that kid. The cop responded and found the shed, drew his gun because he didn&#39;t know what kind of weapon the kid could have had or found. When he tried to peek in the open door, the kid kicked the door into the cop to knock him down and the cop shot at him. The young teen died and now students are outraged and protesting that school cops shouldn&#39;t be allowed to carry weapons. (Columbine, anyone?) My husband and I can&#39;t believe the lack of personal responsibility people have for themselves anymore. No one is talking about what kind of parents this kid has or how he was able to skip school or why he would attack a cop.  It is sad that such a young man lost his life, but it is not easy to get shot by a cop.  How can people be angry at the cop for doing his job? For protecting the women who was home alone when someone broke onto her property. For making sure that he made it home to his own wife and kids alive.  I just don&#39;t understand how people don&#39;t take responsibility for the shape their lives are in anymore. I should also mention that some college students in our area are going on a hunger strike until the government gives all the illegals who have already snuck into the country free citizenship. Have people forgotten that you can become a US citizen if you take the time to go about it the right way?  My husband and I are so sick and tired of people expecting the government to take care of them.  I see examples of it everyday. Like the employee who stole from my father&#39;s company and ripped off customers, got fired (after many chances to tell the truth) and then tried to file for unemployment which my dad would have to pay for. He also wouldn&#39;t work overtime because then he wouldn&#39;t qualify for food stamps. He even called in sick many times once for an obvious hangover and another for &quot;scraping his nose&quot;. He also has a wife who doesn&#39;t work, has a very young child, and just got diagnosed with cancer (and a few family members who live with him in a one bedroom apartment).  He passed up the offer of health insurance (he would have had to pay for part of it, small company) when he started working and now can&#39;t get covered for his wife&#39;s cancer.  So, it seems they aren&#39;t really taking care of it because they can&#39;t afford it. ( I should also mention that he made the same amount of money my husband does and we get by just fine, only have house, one car debt and are on the Dave Ramsey plan)  But, we found receipts in the company truck for rent-a-furniture places and other things he shouldn&#39;t have spent so poorly on. Typical. I just don&#39;t see how this is what people want their life to be like. My husband and I often wish we could move to a place where it wasn&#39;t as bad(like England) or The Farm (in Tenessee) and be around like-minded hard working people.  We just want to get away from the mass of greed, laziness and the idea that the bottom line is money. I&#39;m just glad you finally said something because I haven&#39;t blogged in nine months and I miss the space to speak my voice. It is nice to hear others who feel the same way because it reminds me that there are good examples of people everyday too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/21/2010 12:37:00 AM
<p>Leigh, I agree that not everyone who has government aid takes advantage of the system.  I apologize if I didn&#39;t convey that well in my post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/22/2010 09:17:51 AM
<p>Wow, this post has generated a LOT of comments. As a dual income no kids household, some of the things discussed are pretty interesting. For one, I live in Germany right now and it is a very different place to live than the USA. For one, people don&#39;t work the hours that US workers do. It&#39;s a very common sight to see people off of work and home by 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Both parents are often seen walking with their kids multiple times daily - yes, you read that right - despite the weather, kids and parents are outside taking walks or riding bikes. Even in school, kids are outside for at least 2 hours every day. 2 hours of recess - somehow, I think that has something to do with &quot;ADHD&quot; that kids in the states are being diagnosed with. Also, older people, even if they have trouble walking, go outside and walk daily. Seeing old ladies walking with their walkers every day (weather irregardless) even if they can barely move is awesome. They aren&#39;t on motorized wheelchairs for ease of movement, they&#39;re TRYING to keep themselves moving. They also are still making an income at that age - I&#39;ve seen countless older men and women taking care of younger working peoples&#39; pets during the day or even babysitting! I&#39;ve seen more than a few women who look like the stereotypical old German Grandma in storybooks (like witches in fairy tales) pushing little babies in strollers.</p><p>As for those who don&#39;t want to be in the military because they don&#39;t want to kill people, there are plenty of jobs in the military that can do that. In the Army, you can be an air traffic controller - you&#39;ll be in a tower, helping to keep helicopters flying out in an organized manner to deliver food and supplies to other bases. Maintainers - vehicle maintenance takes a lot of personnel and time. In the Navy, you could be on a submarine or a ship and never see any enemy personnel, and with the Air Force, they have more people in non-combatant positions than they have in combatant positions. So don&#39;t assume that the armed forces mean that you&#39;ll be killing people. You will need to learn to shoot a weapon at human-shaped targets but they aren&#39;t real people.</p><p>I have a friend from high school who got married and both she and her husband never did college. They both work fairly low-paying jobs and unexpectedly got pregnant. They use WIC. Her dream was always to be an author and despite working and having a child she&#39;s gotten published. They&#39;ve been renting since they got married but are saving up for a house - not buying a house before they can pay for it, but saving for it. For her case, I think that the WIC program is great. They are both working hard at their jobs. Their little boy is going into kindergarten this year. Oh, and they aren&#39;t from privileged backgrounds - their parents aren&#39;t any better off than they are.</p><p>Just my two cents!</p><p>Oh, and remember, a working mother does all of the mother stuff AND holds a job...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: L. Hobbie
EMAIL: greenmama26755@yahoo.com
IP: 74.47.240.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2010 01:04:26 PM
<p>Before conceiving our first child, we decided together that I was embracing a whole new way of life and that it would entail changes and some sacrifices. I had been very successful in a management position with a large banking industry and my husband managed a large woodworking business just outside of the nation&#39;s capitol. We bought an old farmhouse on 10 acres in a neigbboring state that was going to require LOTS of work. Since the shallow hand-dug well only supplied enough water to have quick showers and wash up dishes and we had to save up in order to have a deep well dug (which took 9 months), I can tell you these were some pretty drastic changes for me. I went from wearing $100+ business suits to overhauls, with my newborn in a baby carrier while I hauled 2 five-gallon buckets filled with water from the spring on our property into the house to heat on the stove and then pour into my electric washer to wash the cloth diapers. It was a culture shock in some ways, but also a blessing. We worked hard on our home while my husband worked full-time and we adjusted to one small income. After 7 years of working with recycled materials mostly we sold our little starter farmhouse for about a $60,000 profit and built the home we had daydreamed about and doodled drawings of for over a dozen years. It is not large or fancy and we still live in the mountains. My husband came from privelege but I did not, although I was not &quot;dirt poor&quot; either. I am so thankful that neither of us shunned hard work and that it never occurred to us that a government agency or an employer was responsible for making our life choices easier. I&#39;ve never really considered mothering a &quot;job&quot; (although in some ways I guess it is). For me, it has been a &#39;calling&#39; and I&#39;ve noticed that callings rarely come with salaries and guarantees. They are something we give ourselves to in full surrender...a leap of faith. We have no regrets. As I think over the gardens, and adjustments to frugality, the new skills learned and the preferences surrendered I wonder if I shouldn&#39;t write a book about this wonderful adventure? To be honest, I am glad that it never crossed our minds to expect someone other than ourselves to be responsible for our choices. I might have been tempted to feel sorry for myself and give up, and homebirthing, homeschooling and enjoying the adventure of life with my husband and our four children is something I wouldn&#39;t have missed for anything.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Advocate4Freedom
EMAIL: 
IP: 134.253.26.12
URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2010 04:33:20 PM
<p>Only complete freedom will save this World.  While I do sympathize with all of those,  that despite working hard, still struggle, Government cannot be the answer.  Sure, Governments will benefit specific groups of people and in the short term.  But considering universal humanity and in the long term, Government can only destroy.  The fact that most people think Governments are the only means of providing certain services just goes to show how destructive the nature of Government is.  All of us, and especially Christians, should carefully ask ourselves what it means to support any type of Government assistance.  For example, saying Government should mandate businesses give 1 year paid maternity leave, really means you are saying people should be coerced by violence to hand their wealth over to new Mothers to pay for their time off.   By supporting the enforcement of man-made laws (instead of God&#39;s natural law) we are giving the Government the monopoly to extort wealth, followed by the monopoly to kidnap and imprison (torture), and ultimately the monopoly to kill if that extortion or kidnapping is met with any type of resistance. I know, I know... sounds extreme.  But please tell me how this is not exactly what the Government has the power to do if it&#39;s arbitrary laws are not met.  It does not matter what people and companies &#39;should&#39; do.  It is never right to use force and aggress against somebody or their property for your own benefit.  If you were made King of your country for a day, who would you send your armed guards to rob?  You probably wouldn&#39;t do this because you would have the weight of being fully accountable for such an act of extortion and your sense of mortality would stop you.  As a collective we vote to extort and murder and because accountability is spread across the collective we overlook the immorality of our actions.  Shame on us!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan
EMAIL: susan.e.a.c@gmail.com
IP: 72.172.99.245
URL: 
DATE: 11/22/2010 11:14:02 PM
<p>Yes, far too many people feel entitled to a good life without having to work for it. But, I must say, that I agree with many of the points given by those who disagree with you.</p><p>You have forgotten that not everyone has the same earning power, therefore, hard work gets them considerably less than the average. This is not the case only for underprivileged countries but for the US and Canada too (I&#39;m Canadian). You say that there&#39;s always the army. My father didn&#39;t have that option - not physically fit for service. And neither would my oldest as he is mentally challenged (autism and developmentally delayed). There are many with mental disabilities who really struggle. Communities do help but not enough, especially for those with disorders that are difficult to sympathize with. When a person sees you in a wheelchair, they are usually more willing to help then when your disability is less obvious. When my son struggles with loud sounds in the environment, the sympathy is a lot harder to find. He looks absolutely normal, it isn&#39;t until he reacts badly to his environment or one tries to communicate with his that his disorder is apparent. </p><p>What would happen if you had a child who was going to need lifelong care? What about if you or your loved ones became permanently disabled due to an accident or a medical condition that appeared later in life? Schizophrenia, for example, often doesn&#39;t present itself until the late teens, early twenties. Your earning potential is greatly diminished by such things as is your ability to find help. And caring for our disabled loved ones does require sacrifice in time available to work for money as well as higher costs due to their conditions. </p><p>Not everyone is blessed with the social skills or logical thinking skills necessary to be successful through hard work alone. They can work their tails off but are unsuccessful in knowing when someone is conning them or cannot balance their checkbook to save their life (thus they have a difficult time managing their money).</p><p>I don&#39;t know how to address the problem sufficiently. A big part of the solution would be to make credit harder to get. Businesses don&#39;t like that solution since it decreases the buying power of potential customers though. After all, the car salesman doesn&#39;t care if the money for that expensive SUV comes from your savings or from the bank. But as long as people are fed the belief that credit is available for them to have what they want NOW, it&#39;s unlikely things will change.</p><p>My kids are calling me so I&#39;ll end things there. I agree with your basic premise, but the wording or your post left little room for mercy or understanding for those who work hard but aren&#39;t as lucky in life.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 212.183.128.72
URL: http://michelletant.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:26:40 AM
<p>This is a great post - you&#39;re only &#39;entitled&#39; to what you earn is a great concept but in a time when thy cost if living is so extortionate, sometimes families simply cannot earn enough to even feed their children even when both parents work full time. Each case on its merits it what I&#39;m saying I guess.</p><p>I do also think that mothers should get paid maternity leave. If governments want  children to grow up to be tax paying, well adjusted, well behaved adults, then they need to help enable families the opportunity to give children the best start possible and I truly believe that is quality time at home with Mummy.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Make Elderberry Syrup
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/20/2010 01:00:32 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em>Psst...there will be a BIG sale on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> on Black Friday!!&nbsp; Details will come next week, so be sure to read so you don't miss it!&nbsp; There's also going to be a great sale on <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Healthy Snacks to Go</a> from Kitchen Stewardship...so definitely be paying attention!</em></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/11/monday-mania-11222010.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p><strong>Elderberry syrup is awesome stuff.</strong>&nbsp; If you haven't seen it yet, it's on my list of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/preventing-colds-and-flu-this-winter.html">Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu</a> this winter.&nbsp; I simply love it.&nbsp; (Along with fermented cod liver oil; more on that next week.)&nbsp; Unfortunately, if you buy the syrup from the store it comes with a very high price tag -- $15 for about 4 oz. of syrup is typical.&nbsp; Many brands also have flavors, colors, and sweeteners added to them.&nbsp; Not exactly what I like in <em>my</em> medicine, how about you?</p>
<p><strong>Luckily, elderberry syrup is easy to prepare and quite cheap, too.</strong>&nbsp; I figured my cost was only about $5 for nearly a quart of syrup.</p>
<p>You will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 cup dried elderberries (about 1/4 lb.)&nbsp; -- You can buy these at <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com">Mountain Rose Herbs</a></li>
<li>4 cups filtered water</li>
<li>1 cup raw honey</li>
<li>2 tbsp. fresh grated ginger (optional)</li>
<li>A 1-qt. mason jar with lid</li>
</ul>
<p>First, gather all your supplies:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010112.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290209311577" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Measure the elderberries (just enough!):</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010113.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290209499920" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Add the elderberries and the water to a medium saucepan (and ginger, if using):</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010114.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290209624304" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, turn the pan on medium-high heat:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010117.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290209945898" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>When it starts to boil,&nbsp;let it cook for 2 - 3 minutes.&nbsp; Then, turn it off.&nbsp; Let it sit, steaming and steeping, for about 10 - 15 min.:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010119.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290209884154" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span>&nbsp;</span></span>&nbsp;Strain the juice into a mason jar, pressing the berries to get all the healthy, yummy goodness out:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010120.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290210184998" alt="" /></span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010124.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290210305672" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable">&nbsp;</span>
<p>Now, let it cool until it is about room temperature, then add the honey.&nbsp; If you don't wait until it's cool, you'll kill all the beneficial enzymes in the raw honey, which are excellent for helping while sick too!</p>
</span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010126.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290210524986" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Stir or shake the jar to combine, then refrigerate.&nbsp; Done!&nbsp; You now have elderberry syrup. :)&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/elderberry%20syrup.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290210752542" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you're wondering, most people recommend using equal amounts of juice and honey to create a syrup.&nbsp; It may last a little longer if you do this.&nbsp; However, if you're going to finish it in 4 - 6 weeks, you only need a little honey to sweeten it.&nbsp; I've found that 1 part honey to 2 - 3 parts juice works just fine, and saves some money on the raw honey.&nbsp; This <em>does</em> need to be refrigerated!</p>
<p>There you go!&nbsp; A simple, 20-minute task (and most if it is wait time).&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Do you make or use elderberry?&nbsp; Do you find that it helps?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie
EMAIL: Angelaalford22@yahoo.com
IP: 98.88.71.227
URL: http://thealfordscorner.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/20/2010 01:56:10 PM
<p>I would love to hear how you suggest using this syrup.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 02:57:55 PM
<p>Thanks for posting! I&#39;ve read that nursing moms can&#39;t take elderberry. Do you have any remedies for nursing moms? (My baby is just 4 weeks old, so I&#39;m nursing very frequently.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 04:19:18 PM
<p>I&#39;m new to the idea of elderberries.  Can you tell me where the most likely place is to find the dried ones?  Thank you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/20/2010 05:23:38 PM
<p>Angie,</p><p>I usually take 1 - 2 tbsp. per day; we take more (up to 1 tbsp. per hour) if we are sick.</p><p>Erin,</p><p>I think that was said because some elderberry syrups contain alcohol, which of course is not a good idea while nursing.  Since this doesn&#39;t contain any alcohol, it should be fine while nursing.</p><p>Dawn,</p><p>Mountain Rose Herbs is a good place to buy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 99.185.72.68
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 11/20/2010 05:54:59 PM
<p>I was really good about using it last year, and we all made it through flu season just fine. This year I haven&#39;t been so diligent and I&#39;ve been fighting a cold, amongst other things, for WEEKS!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: Nicolerenee515@hotmail.com
IP: 24.192.74.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/20/2010 06:29:38 PM
<p>Kate, <br/>Thank you! This is great!  I am sick of paying $28 for 8 ounces and it is used up soo quickly!<br/> Can you just eat the elderberries or are they too bitter? Where did you get your elderberries from?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie @ Confessions of a Trophy Wife
EMAIL: Stefibeth@aol.com
IP: 24.192.64.204
URL: http://www.stefibeth.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/20/2010 06:38:17 PM
<p>I&#39;ve heard a lot of praise for elderberry syrup, thanks for the tutorial!  What is it about the elderberries that cause them to prevent illness?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/20/2010 06:52:03 PM
<p>Monique,<br/>Elderberry is awesome stuff, isn&#39;t it!</p><p>Nicole,<br/>I got them from a local coop, but Mountain Rose Herbs is probably the best-known source (it&#39;s where my coop gets them from).  I&#39;ve heard that they can be poisonous if eaten unripe or uncooked (definitely if unripe), so I wouldn&#39;t -- I&#39;d make syrup, jelly, or something with them to be safe.</p><p>Stephanie,<br/>There&#39;s some component that makes flu and cold viruses unable to establish themselves in the body.  Here&#39;s a link describing it: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/21/2010 01:17:45 AM
<p>I use elderberry for the whole family any time anyone seems to be getting sick, or if we&#39;ve been around sick people.  I was just using the Sambucol brand, because there was a huge sale (on clearance - large $20 bottles for $2.99) on them at our local CVS, and I bought them out at several different stores.  I&#39;m glad to know that I can just make my own though - because I can control the ingredients AND because we&#39;re out.  Thanks for the recipe!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 11/21/2010 01:53:44 AM
<p>Just made my first batch a couple weeks ago. We added a cinnamon stick and whole cloves and it tastes so good too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Clara
EMAIL: claraohannes@yahoo.com
IP: 131.247.65.141
URL: http://theeducatedlife.com
DATE: 11/22/2010 06:27:06 PM
<p>If we can&#39;t find elderberries -- is it possible to make the syrup with elderberry juice from the local health food store?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: gAIL
EMAIL: 
IP: 74.69.208.88
URL: 
DATE: 12/01/2010 02:05:55 PM
<p>Eating Elderberries can give one a terrible tummy ache.  They are not consumable in this manner by humans.  Thanks for the Elderberry Syrup post!  I&#39;d been wanting a recipe and stumbled across this by chance.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kelly @kellynaturally
EMAIL: kelly@kellynaturally.com
IP: 70.91.6.121
URL: http://www.kellynaturally.com
DATE: 12/04/2010 09:20:33 PM
<p>Thank you SO much for this! We use elderberry syrup all year round when, but particularly in the winter, preventatively - and the cost is ridiculous! How long do you think this will keep in the fridge?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Wellness Mama
EMAIL: endlesswellness@gmail.com
IP: 68.217.151.202
URL: http://wellnessmama.com
DATE: 02/03/2011 02:54:49 AM
<p>We make a very similar Elderberry syrup, and it is one easy way to keep the kids from getting sick. I also found that not as much hones is needed as some recipes call for, especially if you go through it as fast as we do. Just found your blog and enjoying looking around!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Make Mozzarella
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/27/2010 01:00:03 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010128.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290373709593" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Mozzarella is a yummy, fun cheese to make and eat!&nbsp; Buying it at the store is not as easy.&nbsp; It can't be purchased raw (in most areas) because it is not an aged cheese, and only cheeses aged 60 days or more can be sold raw in areas where raw milk sales are illegal (this is arbitrary; aging doesn't guarantee any safety, anymore more than pasteurizing does).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Most shredded mozzarellas are filled with corn starch and other fillers and stabilizers so it doesn't stick together in one big lump in the bag<em>.&nbsp; </em>Unfortunately, my daughter reacted worst to mozzarella of any cheese when she was dairy-free, so going back to store-bought was a big no-no for quite awhile (now we will occasionally choose whole milk, unshredded mozzarella if in a pinch).&nbsp; But making it is so easy, really.</p>
<p>I started out <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/how-to-make-mozzarella-cheese">reading my directions at Heavenly Homemakers</a>, but eventually evolved my own process and recipe that I preferred.&nbsp; So today I'm sharing it with you.</p>
<p>You will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 gallon of milk, preferably raw (but not ultra-pasteurized)</li>
<li>8-qt. stock pot</li>
<li>1/4 c. water (divided in 2)</li>
<li>1 tsp. citric acid</li>
<li>15 drops liquid rennet</li>
<li>1/4 c. sea salt</li>
</ul>
<p>First, scoop the cream off your milk.&nbsp; I do this because Laura at Heavenly Homemakers says that it will separate anyway if I don't, wasting the cream.&nbsp; I haven't tried leaving it in.&nbsp; Plus, I like that I can make raw butter from the cream!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010130.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290373872328" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Then, pour the milk into your 8-qt. stock pot:</p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010131.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290373977281" alt="" /></span></span>Mix together 2 tbsp. filtered water and 1 tsp. citric acid</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010132.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290374096015" alt="" /></span></span>Add this to the pot of milk</p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010135.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290374419093" alt="" /></span></span>Stir it gently to combine</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010137.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290374613578" alt="" /></span></span>Now, place a lid on the pot and turn it on low.&nbsp; Leave it for 15 - 20 minutes, until it's warmed.&nbsp; Laura says 91 degrees; I never bother to check.&nbsp; When it feels slightly warm to my finger, it's ready.&nbsp; Remove it from the heat.</p>
<p>Mix your rennet with the remaining 2 tbsp. water.&nbsp; Add this to the pot</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010138.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290374804562" alt="" /></span></span>Now, stir it up and cover it.&nbsp; Leave it for 15 - 20 minutes now, until the milk solidifies into cheese and whey.&nbsp; Look at it:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010141.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290375321390" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, using a long knife, slice the cheese into cubes, like this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010142.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290375053843" alt="" /></span></span>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let this sit another few minutes until it fully separates.&nbsp; The greenish whey will pool onto of the cheese.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010144.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290375510328" alt="" /></span></span>Line a colander with cheesecloth.&nbsp; I use birdseye cotton, because that's what I have around.&nbsp; It works too.&nbsp; Pour the cheese into the colander, with a bowl underneath.&nbsp; <em>Save the whey!!</em></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010154.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290375606359" alt="" /></span></span>Pull the cloth together and use a rubberband to close it.&nbsp; I often use one of my daughter's million hair ties.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010155.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290375718578" alt="" /></span></span>Hang it somehow to dry.&nbsp; If you can't, you can just leave it sit in the colander and it works fine.&nbsp; It needs to sit overnight, or at least 8 hours, so that all the whey will drip out.</p>
<p>Now, you're ready for the last step!&nbsp; Here's what the cheese looks like after draining completely:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010156.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290375806312" alt="" /></span></span>Cut the cheese into cubes.&nbsp; Pour the whey back into your stock pot and heat it over medium-high heat until it's steaming (around 180 degrees, but again, I never check).&nbsp; Add your salt and stir to dissolve.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010160.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290375934421" alt="" /></span></span>Add the cheese cubes to the steaming whey and stir them around until they melt, using a wooden spoon.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010161.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290376065296" alt="" /></span></span>Grab a second wooden spoon and continue to stir and stretch them as they melt.&nbsp; This stretching is what makes it mozzarella!&nbsp; It will turn shiny as you do this, too.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010164.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290376200453" alt="" /></span></span>Doesn't that look fun?!&nbsp; Keep using both spoons to stretch it and wind it, dipping it back into the boiling whey if it starts to cool too much.&nbsp; Make sure that all the cubes are completely melted so you don't end up with lumpy, weird cheese (I've done this in the past, it still tastes fine).</p>
<p>Once it's shiny and stretched, form it into a ball and place it into a glass container with some water surrounding it.&nbsp; Make sure the water covers the top of the ball so that it doesn't dry out.&nbsp; (Yes, I know I put it in a regular bowl here and the water's not completely covering it, but I was about to use it to make pizza so it didn't matter.)</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010166.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290376304359" alt="" /></span></span>Now you have mozzarella!&nbsp; Easy, right?</p>
<p><br /><strong>Have you ever made mozzarella, or do you want to try?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: householdcents@gmail.com
IP: 69.163.6.54
URL: http://householdcents.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/27/2010 03:53:45 PM
<p>I&#39;ve read how to do this in books I borrowed from the library and it always sounded so complicated.  The way you wrote it and your pictures make it actually seem easy!  I can&#39;t wait to try this!  Thank you!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelley
EMAIL: shell060305@yahoo.com
IP: 71.205.19.175
URL: 
DATE: 11/27/2010 04:17:24 PM
<p>I think I&#39;m going to try this.  You made it sound do-able!  Can this be frozen?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/27/2010 04:35:31 PM
<p>I made mozz cheese regularly when I was a teen, but that was a long time ago, and I am having to re-learn. I don&#39;t have liquid rennet on hand, but rather rennet tablets. Do you know if this would work with your method? I am anxious to try, as your directions make it sound so easy and fun.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/27/2010 04:47:58 PM
<p>Shelley,</p><p>Yes, it can be frozen. :)  I actually often make the extra into mozzarella sticks and those have to be frozen.  Still yummy!</p><p>Trina,</p><p>I believe so, though I don&#39;t know the conversion.  I want to say 1/2 - 3/4 tablet?  I&#39;m sure someone has some hints on how to convert between liquid and tablets.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: dmbertholf@comcast.net
IP: 71.236.176.219
URL: 
DATE: 11/27/2010 05:11:53 PM
<p>Where do you buy the citric acid?  And I&#39;d love to know the tablet rennet version, too, if anyone has answers!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.90.38.90
URL: 
DATE: 11/27/2010 10:22:36 PM
<p>I like that it uses skimmed milk so that I can keep the cream for butter!  I haven&#39;t ventured past simple cheesemaking, such as chevre, but am eager to try something else, thanks for the easy directions.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica Moore
EMAIL: salamatsizbah@hotmail.com
IP: 65.0.33.92
URL: 
DATE: 11/27/2010 10:35:47 PM
<p>This is great! I actually have made moz before using a too-simplified set of directions. Your directions look easy to follow, but include all the important steps! Thanks for sharing!<br/>So how much mozzarella do you end up with from 1 gallon of milk? When I made it before, it only made about 6 oz I think. But again, I didn&#39;t do everything correctly or do all the steps. <br/>And what do you do with all that whey? I know I can use some of it to soak grains, lacto-ferment condiments, etc. But I&#39;m thinking you end up with SO much whey and all the things I know to do with it only use a little bit. Does some of yours get wasted?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/27/2010 10:41:31 PM
<p>Michelle,</p><p>Health food stores have citric acid!  Mine was only about $5 for the whole bottle, I think.</p><p>Jessica,</p><p>It&#39;s supposed to be possible to cook the whey more and get ricotta cheese out of it, but this has never worked for me.  Most of it WILL get wasted, unfortunately.  Since it&#39;s been heated, it shouldn&#39;t be used for soaking.  I think I get close to 16 oz. out of each gallon, maybe a little less.  But it &quot;should&quot; be around 1 lb. of cheese in one gallon of milk.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica Moore
EMAIL: salamatsizbah@hotmail.com
IP: 65.0.33.92
URL: 
DATE: 11/27/2010 11:46:27 PM
<p>Oh, wow, 16oz is much better! I wouldn&#39;t feel like I was wasting a gallon of milk if I could get a pound of cheese out of it!<br/>I wonder if you could use just part of the whey to heat to finish the cheese? That way you could still use some of the whey for other things.  <br/>My other moz directions didn&#39;t have that step, so I had all un-heated whey. <br/>What about using previously-heated whey for adding protein to smoothies? Isn&#39;t whey protein? I can&#39;t imagine it tasting very good though! :o)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/28/2010 01:06:34 AM
<p>I have made ricotta successfully after a *failed* batch of mozz  - it was the best ricotta I&#39;ve ever had. That&#39;s why I really want to learn to make mozz!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/28/2010 02:14:19 AM
<p>I have made mozzarella before, but the instructions I had said to use a microwave to heat the cheese, and I didn&#39;t have one.  Besides, I didn&#39;t want to kill the cheese, you know?  So, I&#39;ll be interested in trying this recipe the next time I get the urge to make cheese!</p><p>Can you please tell me where you buy your liquid rennet?  I think that would be so much easier to use than tablets.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 99.185.72.68
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 11/28/2010 02:35:13 AM
<p>I&#39;m interested in making this. I also saw it on Heavenly Homemakers and was intimidated. But seeing it twice (although you&#39;ve done it before) makes it seem a little less so, know what I mean?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/28/2010 06:47:08 AM
<p>Ok, wow.  It never even occurred to me that this was possible!  And you make it look almost easy! ;)  Thank you for posting your recipe.  A couple of questions:</p><p>1) Will it still work if the raw milk is homogenized?  <br/>2) Where do you get rennet?<br/>3) How long does it keep in the refrigerator?</p><p>Thanks!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/28/2010 02:07:50 PM
<p>Emily,</p><p>1) Yes, but you won&#39;t be able to scoop the cream off (of course) which means you can&#39;t make butter.<br/>2) You can find it at any health food store, or some places online (I bought mine locally, so not sure where online)<br/>3) The cheese?  For about a week, though you can freeze it.  The rennet?  A few months, though it&#39;s okay to use even out of date.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather @ Not a DIY Life
EMAIL: pinkcadillac04@yahoo.com
IP: 66.153.176.30
URL: http://notadiylife.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/30/2010 02:26:01 PM
<p>Can&#39;t wait to try this!!  I looked thru the comments to find your answer on where to find rennet - have never bought that before.  Thanks for sharing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara p-c
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.70.156.112
URL: 
DATE: 01/17/2011 02:26:48 PM
<p>love your site - quick comment - some of the pics in this post are of your kiddos at christmas. cutie-patooties, but probably not required in mozzerella making... :)</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cod Liver Oil Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/23/2010 01:00:29 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em>Psst...there will be a BIG sale on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> on Black Friday!!&nbsp; Details will come tomorrow, so be sure to read so you don't miss it!&nbsp; There's also going to be a great sale on <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Healthy Snacks to Go</a> from Kitchen Stewardship...so definitely be paying attention!</em></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/cinnamon tingle.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290276501858" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Okay, so, <strong>cod liver oil</strong><em>.&nbsp; </em>I've talked about it a little bit before, but not a ton.&nbsp; I did mention it in my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/preventing-colds-and-flu-this-winter.html">Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu this Winter</a>.&nbsp; But at that point I'd only read and heard about how awesome it was.&nbsp; I hadn't experienced it for myself.</p>
<p>Now I have.</p>
<p>Dave, the owner of <a href="http://www.greenpasture.org/community/">Green Pastures</a>, was nice enough to send me a few bottles to try.&nbsp; We received combinations of <a href="http://www.greenpasture.org/retail/?t=products&amp;a=line&amp;i=royal">Fermented Cod Liver Oil mixed with High Vitamin Butter Oil</a> in <a href="http://www.greenpasture.org/retail/?t=products&amp;p=products&amp;a=display&amp;i=1100">capsules</a>, <a href="http://www.greenpasture.org/retail/?t=products&amp;p=products&amp;a=display&amp;i=1098">Cinnamon Tingle Gel</a>, and <a href="http://www.greenpasture.org/retail/?t=products&amp;p=products&amp;a=display&amp;i=1099">Chocolate Cream Gel</a>.&nbsp; These were provided for free to facilitate my review of the product.</p>
<p><strong>I'd heard a lot of interesting things about this</strong>.&nbsp; The things I heard fell into two categories:</p>
<ul>
<li>Amazing product!</li>
<li>Biggest health boost!</li>
<li>The only supplement worth taking!</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>but I also heard...</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Nasty!</li>
<li>Awful to take!</li>
<li>I can barely get it down without vomitting!</li>
</ul>
<p>So, I was hesitant to try it!&nbsp; It's not cheap (as with most things that are really excellent for you), and what if I spent $40 or more to buy something we didn't end up using?&nbsp; What if, despite its excellent benefits, it was <em>too</em> nasty to take?</p>
<p>First, though, what are the benefits?&nbsp; Cod liver oil is a supplement that's been taken for centuries for its excellent health benefits.&nbsp; Unfortunately, though, most types that are commercially produced today are heat-extracted and purified, leaving very few actual benefits.&nbsp; Both the heat and the purification process get rid of most of the awesome stuff!&nbsp; Traditional cod liver oil was fermented in order to extract it instead of using heat, and it's not purified, of course.&nbsp; <strong>Dave uses this traditional practice to make his cod liver oil (and he is the only one who does). It's high in EPA, DHA, vitamin A and D, and lots of beneficial acids.</strong></p>
<p><strong>The high-vitamin butter oil is made from the butter from cows eating rapidly growing grass, and is very high in vitamin K2</strong>, the so-called "X factor" described by Weston A. Price.&nbsp; Dr. Price is quoting as having said (regarding the combination of the high-vitamin butter oil and fermented cod liver oil): "One without the other did not do his patients justice, but the two together worked like magic."&nbsp; The combination should boost your immunity and help improve your overall health significantly.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/11/18/more-on-fermented-cod-liver-oil-an-interview-with-the-boss-and-readers-best-swallow-tips/">Katie at Kitchen Stewardship recently interviewed Dave</a> to learn more about the cod liver oil.&nbsp; It's definitely worth a read!</p>
<h3>The Big Test</h3>
<p>Knowing all of this, I was ready to try it, but still worried.&nbsp; I prepared myself a strongly-flavored drink (I think some elderberry syrup) and a piece of toast with butter to have immediately after taking it.&nbsp; I filled a small measuring spoon (1/2 teaspoon is the recommended dose) and got ready.&nbsp; I was nervous!</p>
<p>I tasted it, and....</p>
<p>It wasn't bad!</p>
<p>It tasted like cinnamon with a funny undertone...and it was really smooth.&nbsp; Ultimately I found it like funny-tasting candy.&nbsp; <em>I liked it.</em></p>
<p>Yes.&nbsp;<strong> I <em>like</em> fermented cod liver oil!</strong></p>
<p>I gave it to my children on a spoon, too.&nbsp; I tried to give my son (16 months) both the Chocolate Cream and the Cinnamon Tingle and he spit it out every time.&nbsp; I sometimes manage to get a small amount in him and occasionally if I mix it with elderberry he'll take it, but he doesn't like it.</p>
<p>My 2.5 year old was very good about it.&nbsp; At first I'd feed it to her, but she'd gag.&nbsp; She was good, though -- she'd still finish it, even after gagging on it.&nbsp; <strong>Eventually I figured out if I called it "special chocolate" and gave her the spoon to feed herself, she'd sit and lick it until it was gone with no problems</strong>.&nbsp; Then she asked for a special piece of "real chocolate," which she gets (I keep some very dark chocolate bars in the house and I give her a small square each day after she takes her FCLO).</p>
<p>I simply gave Ben the capsules without ever asking him to try the gels.&nbsp; I figured if he was going to take it, it had to be that way.&nbsp; He still doesn't like it (grumbles and says, "Fine, I took your nasty stuff,"), but he takes it.&nbsp; When he remembers.&nbsp; :)</p>
<p>I guess I can't give any tips on how to get it down, though, because we didn't have any problems with it!&nbsp; I can say, however, that if you've been nervous to try it because of the taste, don't be.&nbsp; Just go for it!</p>
<h3>How Does It Work?</h3>
<p>This is the <em>real</em> test.&nbsp; Because whether or not it tastes good isn't the issue; it matters how it really works!</p>
<p><strong>Ben's been the least consistent with taking it and he's been sick on and off for almost two months</strong> (more on than off, and generally with minor colds).&nbsp; He realizes more and more that he needs to start taking this stuff more!</p>
<p><strong>Bekah hasn't gotten sick at all since she's been taking it</strong>, despite that she spent lots of time with Grandma a couple weeks ago (who had a bad cold) and some friends a week or so ago (also who had bad colds).&nbsp; She's been taking her FCLO and elderberry almost everyday.</p>
<p><strong>Daniel's gotten one little cold</strong>, but it's hard to say because he's also getting molars, so sometimes he'll be sniffly and fussy for a day, then fine -- more than likely teeth.</p>
<p>Now, me.&nbsp; There have been times I felt like I was about to get sick, and I'd take an extra dose of FCLO and elderberry and wake up fine.&nbsp; There are days that it doesn't taste that great to me, and days that I crave it.&nbsp; <strong>When I crave it, I take extra.</strong>&nbsp; There's no "standard dose," because we all have different requirements depending on our weight, health, circumstances, etc.&nbsp; It's perfectly safe to take more if you need or want it.&nbsp; I currently have a very minor cold, but I don't <em>feel</em> sick.&nbsp; That's been my experience over the last few weeks -- <strong>even if I'm exposed to something, and I end up with minor symptoms (a slight runny nose, for example), I never have that head-pounding, sinus-filled, can't-breathe-can't-taste-can't-hear sensation anymore</strong>.&nbsp; My body seems to fight it off a lot faster and more easily.</p>
<p>I <em>definitely</em> think it's worth it, and I will be buying more when these bottles run out!&nbsp; <strong>It is making a big difference in our health, and I can't wait to see how we do after being on this for several months.</strong></p>
<p>To top it all off, shipping was incredibly fast and Dave was great to work with!</p>
<p>Would you like to try Fermented Cod Liver Oil for yourself?</p>
<p>Dave has graciously offered THREE lucky winners to get a bottle of their choice to try!&nbsp; Here's how to enter:</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.greenpasture.org">Green Pastures</a> and tell me which product you would choose if you won (flavor, gel/capsules)</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> (or tell me you already have)</li>
<li>Tell me your favorite way to prevent illness this winter</li>
<li>"Like" me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama">Facebook</a> (I'd love it if you would post the giveaway, too, but I can't require that)</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a> and post: "I'm going to try Green Pastures Cod Liver Oil when I win it @Modernamama" with a link to this post</li>
</ol>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; Please leave each&nbsp;entry in a SEPARATE comment.&nbsp; <strong>This giveaway will end at 8 PM on Friday night (Black Friday!!), Nov. 26, and I will announce the winner on Saturday, Nov. 27</strong> (it might be late, as we have family coming to spend the day).</p>
<p>Are you eager to try fermented cod liver oil?&nbsp; Have you tried it already?&nbsp; What do you think?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:26:19 PM
<p>Great give away. I&#39;ve been wanting to try FCLO, but the price tag is a bit stunning. Anyway, I checked out his site, I&#39;d have to say I&#39;d choose the the butter oil/FCLO capsules.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:26:56 PM
<p>I subscribe!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie P
EMAIL: aparrett@centurytel.net
IP: 174.125.16.145
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:27:09 PM
<p>I think I would like to try Cinnamon Tingle. However I am really nervous about the taste and may have to go with capsuls.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie P
EMAIL: aparrett@centurytel.net
IP: 174.125.16.145
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:27:44 PM
<p>I subscribe via google reader.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:28:00 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been using garlic and some elderberry tablets to prevent colds in our house this winter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie P
EMAIL: aparrett@centurytel.net
IP: 174.125.16.145
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:28:17 PM
<p>I just started the whole family on elderberry this week!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie P
EMAIL: aparrett@centurytel.net
IP: 174.125.16.145
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:28:44 PM
<p>I liked you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:28:59 PM
<p>I Like you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:29:25 PM
<p>I&#39;d like the chocolate cream flavor.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:30:03 PM
<p>I subscribe with my RSS!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:31:01 PM
<p>I use saline nosewashes as soon as I feel the least bit sick - I&#39;ve only had one cold since the summer so far, and it&#39;s been cold, rainy, snowy, and windy for the last few weeks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie P
EMAIL: aparrett@centurytel.net
IP: 174.125.16.145
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:31:37 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter and tweeted about this!  http://twitter.com/#!/mommyp4</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 01:32:00 PM
<p>I tweeted @bsteen77</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cindy
EMAIL: indygal4u@cox.net
IP: 70.160.134.186
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:22:21 PM
<p>I would try the new artic mint.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cindy
EMAIL: indygal4u@cox.net
IP: 70.160.134.186
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:24:44 PM
<p>I retweeted the giveaway</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cindy
EMAIL: indygal4u@cox.net
IP: 70.160.134.186
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:25:33 PM
<p>I  follow you on twitter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cindy
EMAIL: indygal4u@cox.net
IP: 70.160.134.186
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:25:57 PM
<p>I like you on facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cindy
EMAIL: indygal4u@cox.net
IP: 70.160.134.186
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:26:51 PM
<p>I am already a subscriber via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cindy
EMAIL: indygal4u@cox.net
IP: 70.160.134.186
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:27:56 PM
<p>I try to take extra Vit D in the winter to avoid colds</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sherry C.
EMAIL: swasymt@gmail.com
IP: 65.126.113.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:29:51 PM
<p>I&#39;m already a subscriber!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sherry C.
EMAIL: swasymt@gmail.com
IP: 65.126.113.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:31:21 PM
<p>FCLO with the High Vitamin Butter Oil, preferably in the capsules though I&#39;d be brave enough to try the Cinnamon tingle...maybe.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sherry C.
EMAIL: swasymt@gmail.com
IP: 65.126.113.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:32:08 PM
<p>We haven&#39;t been doing enough to ward off colds this season.  I need to bump everyone&#39;s vitamin C intake.  I need some elderberry syrup.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nicoleconzo@yahoo.com
IP: 24.181.229.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:38:41 PM
<p>we would love to try the FCLO with butter capsules!!! a winning combo!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nicoleconzo@yahoo.com
IP: 24.181.229.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:39:14 PM
<p>we would love to try the FCLO with butter capsules!!! a winning combo!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nicoleconzo@yahoo.com
IP: 24.181.229.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:40:10 PM
<p>we &quot;like&quot; you!!!!! on FB too....</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nicoleconzo@yahoo.com
IP: 24.181.229.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:40:59 PM
<p>We subscribe via email!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nikki
EMAIL: nicoleconzo@yahoo.com
IP: 24.181.229.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 02:44:27 PM
<p>for our winter health we take a delicious home-made elderberry syrup daily, spend lots of time (no matter how cold) outside, eat whole, real foods, veggies from our garden, and delicious fermented/ live home made treats like kombucha, pickles, ginger carrots, raw milk, yogurt... hope to add the FCLO in as well!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:03:53 PM
<p>I would be very interested in trying the chocolate cream gel. thank you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:04:15 PM
<p>I have already subscribed toyour emails!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:06:41 PM
<p>we have been taking elderberry syrup daily as well this winter (husband too!) and have not yet gotten sick:) i also make at least one pot of herbal tea i mix up myself every night for husband and i....if we feel at all like we may be coming down with something, i use eucalyptus, ginger, lemon balm, honeysuckle, or other cold fighting herbs.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:07:35 PM
<p>i do like you on faCEBOOK and i will try to post the giveaway so long as i can figure it out:)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: laura
EMAIL: kyrie24@gmail.com
IP: 24.224.99.179
URL: http://ncdoula.wordpress.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:16:05 PM
<p>i would order the FCLO in capsules.  my kids actually like to chew up the capsules!  they call them &quot;jelly pills&quot; and used to ask for them all the time!  i haven&#39;t bought them in quite a while, though, and i would love to try this brand!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: laura
EMAIL: kyrie24@gmail.com
IP: 24.224.99.179
URL: http://ncdoula.wordpress.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:16:38 PM
<p>i follow your RSS!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: laura
EMAIL: kyrie24@gmail.com
IP: 24.224.99.179
URL: http://ncdoula.wordpress.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:19:43 PM
<p>to prevent illness, we do a combination of multi-vitamins, extra vit c, elderberry syrup &amp; CLO.  i also have an astragalus-based herb blend that i add to all of our soups, broths and sauces throughout the winter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: laura
EMAIL: kyrie24@gmail.com
IP: 24.224.99.179
URL: http://ncdoula.wordpress.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:21:11 PM
<p>i follow you on fb! (laura gates speece)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: laura
EMAIL: kyrie24@gmail.com
IP: 24.224.99.179
URL: http://ncdoula.wordpress.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:22:45 PM
<p>tweeted!! (http://twitter.com/kyrie24/status/7091543433281536)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: Katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:23:38 PM
<p>I&#39;d like to try the capsules for my hubby! (i got the cinnamon for the kids and I. Can&#39;t wait to try it!)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:45:59 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS - where I read this article this morning!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:46:41 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on facebook - and I &quot;liked&quot; this post too.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:48:15 PM
<p>As far as preventing cols and flus we are going to try and do the cod liver oil thing. Well, I am an I&#39;m going to try and get the kids to as well. We also drink lots of green smoothies and I&#39;m thinking about adding the elderberry syrup to my arsenal as well. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 03:55:32 PM
<p>Never tried cod liver oil, but it sounds interesting. If I won I would like to try the butter/oil mix in the form of capsules.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: saalmc@gmail.com
IP: 71.66.252.78
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 04:17:16 PM
<p>I am so excited about this giveaway, I have definitely been wanting to try the FCLO.  I was also thinking the cinnamon would be the one to try!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.58.107
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 04:31:22 PM
<p>I visited Green Pastures and I definitely think I would probably like the chocolate cream blended cod liver oil the best. I too have been wanting to try it but also afraid to do so...you&#39;ve given me some hope!! </p><p>My favorite way to prevent illness this winter has been drinking Emergen-C. I&#39;ve been wanting to make elderberry syrup, but haven&#39;t had the extra cash to order any from Mountain Rose Herbs yet. Almost! (I like in Alaska, so shipping can be an issue.)</p><p>I am also going to like you on facebook right now. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: saalmc@gmail.com
IP: 71.66.252.78
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 04:35:55 PM
<p>I tweeted about your giveaway, as well!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: robrahmanins@hotmail.com
IP: 75.143.144.153
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 04:50:18 PM
<p>I am kind of nervous about trying it too because of the taste.  I wouldn&#39;t mind trying the Chocolate Cream (gel)   or Cinnamon Tingle (gel)  but because I am afraid I would not like it and would not want it to go to waste I am tempted to do the Non-Gelatin Capsules.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: robrahmanins@hotmail.com
IP: 75.143.144.153
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 04:51:16 PM
<p>I am a subscriber already.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 66.82.9.56
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:06:06 PM
<p>Im interested in the BLUE ICE™ Fermented Cod Liver Oil.  We haven&#39;t had a good go with flavored cod liver oil in the past.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 66.82.9.56
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:07:59 PM
<p>I subscribe to your feed via Google reader.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 66.82.9.56
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:09:17 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on FB.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Riddlelove
EMAIL: theriddlefam@mac.com
IP: 66.82.9.56
URL: http://www.riddlelove.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:11:18 PM
<p>I like to incorporate as much raw garlic as possible in our food in the winter and add cod liver oil/flax oil into drinks and smoothies to get vitamin D.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cassidy
EMAIL: lilbit2102@aol.com
IP: 68.28.169.232
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:28:58 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been wanting to try the cinnamon gel. A free bottle might help convince my husband to join in also!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cassidy
EMAIL: lilbit2102@aol.com
IP: 68.28.169.232
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:30:05 PM
<p>I suscribe by email!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 70.161.118.177
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:39:12 PM
<p>Awesome giveaway! I think the capsules make the most sense unless I&#39;m missing something. If I picked a flavor, cinnamon would be it</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MamaBee
EMAIL: Ginnyhale@gmail.com
IP: 65.102.165.180
URL: http://Www.cultivatingthegoodlife.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:41:30 PM
<p>I would love to try the cinnamon tingle CLO/butter oil gel!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 70.161.118.177
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:41:39 PM
<p>I&#39;m an email subscriber!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 70.161.118.177
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:42:09 PM
<p>I&#39;m a facebook fan!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cassidy
EMAIL: lilbit2102@aol.com
IP: 68.28.169.232
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:42:33 PM
<p>We&#39;ve been taking garlic soaked honey with lemon a few times a day at any sign of a cold. Especially since I got my 2 yr old in a mother&#39;s day out program we&#39;ve never had so many colds in a three month period. I also try to make healing soups when we&#39;ve been at our worst and they seem to help a lot. The only problem is finding new sneaky ways to get both my boys to take the garlic honey.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MamaBee
EMAIL: Ginnyhale@gmail.com
IP: 65.102.165.180
URL: http://Www.cultivatingthegoodlife.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:44:31 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janelle
EMAIL: isjanellethere@yahoo.com
IP: 67.214.1.172
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:45:39 PM
<p>I&#39;d choose the cinnamon tingle gel!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janelle
EMAIL: isjanellethere@yahoo.com
IP: 67.214.1.172
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:47:41 PM
<p>I&#39;m subscribed to your RSS feed!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janelle
EMAIL: isjanellethere@yahoo.com
IP: 67.214.1.172
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 05:49:33 PM
<p>I like you on Facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne
EMAIL: jhall80@stny.rr.com
IP: 74.74.86.217
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:02:09 PM
<p>I subscribe to you through email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne
EMAIL: jhall80@stny.rr.com
IP: 74.74.86.217
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:03:09 PM
<p>Our family uses Elderberry syrup to prevent illness and we make Kefir/Kombucha Smoothies!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne
EMAIL: jhall80@stny.rr.com
IP: 74.74.86.217
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:04:09 PM
<p>Arctic Mint Fermented Cod Liver OIl sounds good.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne
EMAIL: jhall80@stny.rr.com
IP: 74.74.86.217
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:04:36 PM
<p>I liked you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:07:28 PM
<p>I think I would have to go with capsules, because I&#39;m a coward when it comes to tastes.  But on your recommendation, I might try the cinnamon ... I&#39;d just, like you, hate to waste my money on something I can&#39;t stand taking.</p><p>Sure hope I win this -- baby and I have had TWO severe colds this week!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:08:00 PM
<p>I subscribe in Google Reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:10:00 PM
<p>My favorite way to prevent illness is frequent handwashing.  Last year, when I taught first and second grade, I established a frequent handwashing policy (they had to wash hands several times a day, whenever we left the classroom) and had very few absences for the rest of the year -- which was a huge improvement over 50% absences early in the year when the swine flu passed through.</p><p>It&#39;s important to use a good soap, though -- no triclosan!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.246.42.61
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:12:25 PM
<p>I&#39;d chose the unflavored one.  I need to chug and chase it!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.246.42.61
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:13:04 PM
<p>I subscribe to your feed.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.246.42.61
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:13:35 PM
<p>My tip to stay healthy is take elderberry syrup and extra vitamin D!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.218
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:14:31 PM
<p>I have tried the Chocolate Cream FCLO and find it awful, simply cannot take it.  The Oslo Orange is only slightly less bad.  I also ordered the Cinnamon gel fish, and even our dog won&#39;t eat them.  ;)  The Butter Pecan Butter Oil is tolerable but not good.  I ordered these last year while pregnant and have kicked myself ever since for not just getting capsules.   Had high hopes that the flavors would make it tolerable.</p><p>So, for my entry, if I won I&#39;d love to try the Blue Ice FCLO/butter oil blend capsules, since that&#39;s probably the only way I&#39;m going to actually take this.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.218
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:15:02 PM
<p>For entry #2, I have already like you on facebook quite some time ago.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.218
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:15:33 PM
<p>For entry #3, I also subscribe to you via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.218
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:18:39 PM
<p>For entry #4, my favorite way to prevent illness is to stay well through a good-quality vitamin regime including high doses of vitamin D3, a good prenatal vitamin for me (multi for the kids and hubby), and a high quality probiotic.  If we&#39;re around sick people or at the first sign of illness in ourselves, we use Berry Well (echinacea, apple cider vinegar, elderberry and raw honey and bee propolis from Beeyoutiful) and Grapefruit Seed Extract.  I avoid high doses of vitamin C right now because of the antihistamine effect (can decrease milk supply) due to breastfeeding, but would also normally use Emergen-C.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:26:54 PM
<p>I would like to try the Butter Oil blend in Chocolate Cream - my family has a sweet tooth, so this would be the best way to get them to take it!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:36:42 PM
<p>RSS Feed subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:37:27 PM
<p>My favorite way to prevent illness is to drink lots of water and tea, and put coconut oil and raw honey in my tea at night.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.66.252.78
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:40:43 PM
<p>I also &quot;liked&quot; you on Facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:47:26 PM
<p>I am so glad you&#39;re reviewing CLO! I, too was hesitant to try it because it was so expensive and sounded nasty. I appreciated you review. I wondered if you were aware of any benefits of taking the oil over the capsules? I visited Green Pastures and I would love to try the capsules.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:48:34 PM
<p>I subscribed using google reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/23/2010 06:57:16 PM
<p>liked you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:02:14 PM
<p>I don&#39;t take very many supplements with any regularity, so I have to attribute my little family&#39;s healthy immune systems to our real food diet. I think the raw milk we drink daily and kefir smoothies are real boosters.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Slow Food Gal
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.111.9.203
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:23:57 PM
<p>I subscribe via email. I&#39;d really like to try the chocolate cod liver/butter combo gel. The cinnamon is tasty!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dani
EMAIL: danielle.kelley@yahoo.com
IP: 174.47.172.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:32:36 PM
<p>I&#39;m already a subscriber!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: Sarajoturtle@hotmail.com
IP: 97.95.38.162
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:33:31 PM
<p>I would like to try the cod liver oil/ butter oil mix in cinnamon flavor!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: Sarajoturtle@hotmail.com
IP: 97.95.38.162
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:35:08 PM
<p>I am subscribed via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dani
EMAIL: danielle.kelley@yahoo.com
IP: 174.47.172.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:35:16 PM
<p>I think I&#39;d like to try the cinnamon tingle, and/or the butter oil combo. I tend to switch back and forth with things since I learned that you have to change up your calcium supplements every 30 days or your body stops being able to absorb it as effectively (actually, I don&#39;t take calcium supplements anymore, but it&#39;s probably a good habit to have formed!)</p><p>Blessings!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: Sarajoturtle@hotmail.com
IP: 97.95.38.162
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:35:34 PM
<p>I like on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 75.117.13.104
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:36:37 PM
<p>I subscribe to your rss feed.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 206.222.59.111
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:38:00 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to try the Cinnamon Tingle gel FCLO.  It&#39;s the one I&#39;ve heard the most positive comments about.  Like you, I have a hard time paying so much for something I&#39;m not sure I&#39;ll be able to convince my family to take.  (Ok, or myself!)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amydrysdale47@gmail.com
IP: 208.255.90.221
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:40:48 PM
<p>Awesome giveaway! I would love to try the FCLO in orange-flavored capsules. Yum!! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tammy R.
EMAIL: daleandtam@gmail.com
IP: 174.42.163.200
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:40:58 PM
<p>I think I want to try the cinnamon tingle. I like cinnamon!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tammy R.
EMAIL: daleandtam@gmail.com
IP: 174.42.163.200
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:42:49 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog updates via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tammy R.
EMAIL: daleandtam@gmail.com
IP: 174.42.163.200
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:44:17 PM
<p>So far, the homemade elderberry syrup I make has really done wonders to get us through these nasty winters.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tammy R.
EMAIL: daleandtam@gmail.com
IP: 174.42.163.200
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:45:48 PM
<p>I just &quot;liked&quot; you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:51:28 PM
<p>Hi!  I visited Green Pastures and I would like to try the combo cod liver high vitamin butter oil in the cinnamon tingle flavor.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:52:09 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog.  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 75.117.13.104
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:56:23 PM
<p>I &#39;like&#39; you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.130.163.232
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:26:39 PM
<p>Either Cinnamon or I might wimp out and try the capsules.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.130.163.232
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:27:33 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maureen L
EMAIL: shumway8@telus.net
IP: 216.232.189.74
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:36:33 PM
<p>I would love to try the BLUE ICE Royal Butter Oil/Fermented Cod Liver Oil Blend capsules.<br/> It sounds like a winning combination.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maureen L
EMAIL: shumway8@telus.net
IP: 216.232.189.74
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:38:26 PM
<p>One of the best ways to keep from getting sick in winter is to wash, wash, wash your hands. Yes, they dry out, but you&#39;re getting rid of all the germs that others leave around as you go out and about.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:40:37 PM
<p>I&#39;d try the cinnamon tingle. I never thought CLO would sound yummy.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:41:12 PM
<p>I already subscribe via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:42:30 PM
<p>To avoid colds this winter, I&#39;m working on raising my vitamin D and C levels as well as eating plenty of yogurt.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:47:14 PM
<p>I liked you on FB.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Annie Joy
EMAIL: anniesc@gmail.com
IP: 67.188.175.70
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 08:58:08 PM
<p>I want to try the capsules! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mindy
EMAIL: mindysgoogle@martincrew.com
IP: 75.82.155.253
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 10:43:37 PM
<p>I subscribe to your RSS.  I would like to try the chocolate cream.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mindy
EMAIL: mindysgoogle@martincrew.com
IP: 75.82.155.253
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 10:44:54 PM
<p>I just &quot;liked&quot; you on facebook.  My husband was getting a cold last week and we tried chicken soup.  He was over the cold within a day or two.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mindy
EMAIL: mindysgoogle@martincrew.com
IP: 75.82.155.253
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 10:45:43 PM
<p>I followed you on twitter.  I am going to go tweet right now. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah T.
EMAIL: sa4grace@hotmail.com
IP: 71.166.166.189
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 11:26:59 PM
<p>We&#39;re going with the Cinnamon Tingle!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah T.
EMAIL: sa4grace@hotmail.com
IP: 71.166.166.189
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 11:28:37 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.  And I read katie&#39;s post as well.  Pretty interesting stuff.  The stuff about how it&#39;s fermented especially.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah T.
EMAIL: sa4grace@hotmail.com
IP: 71.166.166.189
URL: 
DATE: 11/23/2010 11:31:57 PM
<p>I am just starting to figure things out about all this.  My kids have already been plagued with colds this winter.  We try to boost the water consumption all around.  I take Emergen-C often and the kids get homeopathic thingies (Occoci.... something) whenever they&#39;re around other kids at church or wherever.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 12:45:03 AM
<p>I&#39;d like to try the capsules. Not brave enough otherwise!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 12:45:31 AM
<p>I subscribe via RSS. Thank you.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: RACHEL ARNOLD
EMAIL: RACHELARNOLD48@YAHOO.COM
IP: 68.61.113.73
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 12:46:10 AM
<p>I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE CINNAMON TINGLE FERMENTED COD LIVER OIL.  I ALSO SUBSCRIBED BY EMAIL AND LIKED ON FACEBOOKI!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 12:46:24 AM
<p>My favorite way to prevent illness this season has been chicken stock. I will make turkey stock with the leftover turkey bones too.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lyn
EMAIL: Mychloeangel@aol.com
IP: 207.200.116.12
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 12:56:18 AM
<p>I think I would try the Cinnamon Tingle since I love the taste of cinnamon. Thanks for the chance to win this!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lyn
EMAIL: Mychloeangel@aol.com
IP: 207.200.116.12
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 12:57:22 AM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:08:25 AM
<p>I would like to try the Chocolate Cream (gel).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:09:42 AM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:10:29 AM
<p>Best way to prevent illness is to wash hands.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.155.175
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:23:23 AM
<p>I think I would try the cinnamon tingle gel or the capsules. I would love to try adding this into our daily health routine.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.167.234.127
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:57:00 AM
<p>Based on what you&#39;ve said I&#39;d have to do the Cinnamon Tingle as well.  I&#39;ve heard not great things about this product (taste wise) but have heard great things about the benefits.  Based on how my husband is about most things I think I&#39;d have to suggest us doing capsules or I wouldn&#39;t have a chance of getting him to do it!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.167.234.127
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:57:39 AM
<p>I subscribe.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.167.234.127
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:58:28 AM
<p>Sounds simple, but we wash our hands a lot during the winter.  I sure hope it helps as we&#39;ve got two kiddos now!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristen S
EMAIL: kristen.sabaliauskas@gmail.com
IP: 67.48.26.140
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 01:58:31 AM
<p>I subscribe to you and get your post via email!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.155.175
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:02:03 AM
<p>I subscribe via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristen S
EMAIL: kristen.sabaliauskas@gmail.com
IP: 67.48.26.140
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:02:29 AM
<p>If I won, I would like to try the Cinnamon Tingle Gel Flavor of Fermented Cod Liver Oil mixed with High Vitamin Butter Oil.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristen S
EMAIL: kristen.sabaliauskas@gmail.com
IP: 67.48.26.140
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:04:02 AM
<p>I like you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.155.175
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:04:37 AM
<p>My favorite way to prevent illness during the cold/flu season is using essential oils, and elderberry syrup.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: creditcardrays
EMAIL: creditcardrayslink@gmail.com
IP: 123.237.77.192
URL: http://www.creditcardrays.com
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:04:53 AM
<p>This is very niche and excellent content love to see more post like this..keep posting. Thanks for information ..bravo...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristen S
EMAIL: kristen.sabaliauskas@gmail.com
IP: 67.48.26.140
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:05:43 AM
<p>This winter I am making (and cooking with) homemade chicken stock to ward off illness.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/24/2010 03:44:09 AM
<p>I am following you on facebook!!! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/24/2010 03:44:58 AM
<p>I subscribe to your wonderful blog!!!! :))</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/24/2010 03:48:16 AM
<p>I checked out the website and would liked to get the Xfactor butter.... so healthy and good for you. I use just regular cod liver oil, and have significantly noticed the benefits. I dont get sick as oftern as I used to, and my teeth are more stronger. Thanks for a great giveaway....:))</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 174.27.42.151
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:21:18 AM
<p>I would choose the chocolate, of course! :)  But I&#39;m also drooling over his coconut oil. Seems to be a decent price!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 174.27.42.151
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:22:05 AM
<p>I subscribe via email! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 174.27.42.151
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:23:45 AM
<p>My favorite way to prevent illness this winter is cutting back the processed foods (we&#39;re getting there..husband is a die-hard S.A.D. fan and it&#39;s been hard to break his sweettooth, and mine...) and supplementing vitamin D and Elderberry. I&#39;m also educating myself on ways to help the body heal if/when we catch something.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 174.27.42.151
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:24:16 AM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on Facebook, too! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:45:14 AM
<p>I would like the Spicy Orange Fermented Skate Oil.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:48:00 AM
<p>I subscribe to you by e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 05:18:38 AM
<p>i would get the mint flavor</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 05:19:35 AM
<p>i subscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 05:24:13 AM
<p>the key to staying healthy in the winter: plenty of sleep, minimal caffeine, lots of herbal tea and vegetables!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.231
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 05:37:02 AM
<p>I would choose the BLUE ICE Royal™ Butter Oil/Fermented Cod Liver Oil Blend in Cinnamon Tingle</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 05:41:46 AM
<p>I would love to try the cinnamon tingle butter oil/fermented cod liver oil. I&#39;ve been meaning to switch to fermented, but as others have mentioned, the price is a bit steep.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 05:43:04 AM
<p>I follow you!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 05:44:23 AM
<p>My favorite ways to prevent illness are: sleep sleep sleep (oh, and homemade chicken stock, whole real foods, elderberry, and green tea =)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 07:52:04 AM
<p>I&#39;d choose Cinnamon Tingle in the FCLO/HVBO combo - I&#39;ve heard from most people that it&#39;s the most take-able, and if you do get a little &quot;urpy&quot;, at least it&#39;s Christmas-flavored.  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:10:14 AM
<p>I subscribe to you via Google Reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:39:00 AM
<p>I think i would try the artic mint.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:39:23 AM
<p>i am an email subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:40:30 AM
<p>I prevent illness by taking my vitamins and washing my hands regularly.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:40:57 AM
<p>I liked you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:41:30 AM
<p>I would pick the cinnamon tingle</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:41:52 AM
<p>I get your daily email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.32.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 08:55:55 AM
<p>I prevent illness by taking Vitamins C &amp; D.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Linda K
EMAIL: lklukosky@gmail.com
IP: 98.245.132.184
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 02:13:04 PM
<p>I already like you on FB. I have been using the Green Pastures CLO for years now. My entire family takes it. We prefer the CLO/butter oil combo in cinnamon. My 7 yr old daughter &amp; 3 yr old son take it just as it comes...right off the spoon followed by a sip of water to help it all go down. They love it &amp; NEVER complain. My husband takes the CLO capsules as he is sensitive to the consistancy of the CLO/butter oil combo. When a familiy member gets sick we increase the CLO dose and everyone usually is better within 24 hours. If there is only ONE small change that families could do I would recomend taking fermented CLO from Green Pastures. This is the easiest and healthiest change you could make for you &amp; your family :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidimeythaler@gmail.com
IP: 75.87.168.191
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:18:35 PM
<p>Have heard about this as a great product to help with tooth decay!  I am planning to try it soon, so this giveaway is great!!  I would try the Fermented Cod Liver Oil mixed with High Vitamin Butter Oil in the Cinnamon Tingle flavor.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidimeythaler@gmail.com
IP: 75.87.168.191
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:20:12 PM
<p>I subscribe by email!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidimeythaler@gmail.com
IP: 75.87.168.191
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:21:23 PM
<p>My favorite way to prevent sickness all year long...1 T raw apple cider vinegar every day.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidimeythaler@gmail.com
IP: 75.87.168.191
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 04:22:47 PM
<p>I also like you on FB!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 07:16:18 PM
<p>&quot;Liked&quot; you on Facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 07:20:39 PM
<p>My favorite &quot;stay healthy through the winter&quot; tip:  I make broth every week.  Chicken, beef, fish.  One pot of broth every week, and I usually have a cup of it every day.  Still working on getting my kids to eat it, but so far I&#39;ve had to use it in other dishes to get it into them.  Some days I live on raw milk and broth!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 07:29:59 PM
<p>Following you on twitter; tweeted the giveaway</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.227
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 11:35:16 PM
<p>Subscribe to you via RSS and email (my first entry was yesterday)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.227
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 12:00:40 AM
<p>favorite way to prevent illness this winter is taking cod liver oil, drinking raw milk and kefir, and eating sauerkraut (vitamin C).</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.227
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 12:02:49 AM
<p>&quot;Like&quot;  you on Facebook<br/>http://www.facebook.com/matt4melis</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa W.
EMAIL: matt4melis@hotmail.com
IP: 68.28.41.227
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 12:05:30 AM
<p>Follow  you on Twitter and posted</p><p>http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/7585534184521730</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb J.
EMAIL: bjones1128@alifeofcontentment.com
IP: 204.116.151.18
URL: http://www.alifeofcontentment.com
DATE: 11/25/2010 01:10:08 AM
<p>I think the non-gelatin capsules. I don&#39;t think I could handle the liquid.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb J.
EMAIL: bjones1128@alifeofcontentment.com
IP: 204.116.151.18
URL: http://www.alifeofcontentment.com
DATE: 11/25/2010 01:14:00 AM
<p>I subscribe to your RSS feed via Google Reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb J.
EMAIL: bjones1128@alifeofcontentment.com
IP: 204.116.151.18
URL: http://www.alifeofcontentment.com
DATE: 11/25/2010 01:15:03 AM
<p>I take bee pollen to help boost my immune system and prevent illness</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb J.
EMAIL: bjones1128@alifeofcontentment.com
IP: 204.116.151.18
URL: http://www.alifeofcontentment.com
DATE: 11/25/2010 01:18:03 AM
<p>I &quot;liked&quot; you on Facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Barb J.
EMAIL: bjones1128@alifeofcontentment.com
IP: 204.116.151.18
URL: http://www.alifeofcontentment.com
DATE: 11/25/2010 01:19:07 AM
<p>I followed you on Twitter and tweeted here:  http://twitter.com/#!/LifeContentment/status/7603754908000256</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathleen
EMAIL: katoftheoc@gmail.com
IP: 75.84.211.22
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 02:27:08 AM
<p>I would like to try the cinnamon tingle.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathleen
EMAIL: katoftheoc@gmail.com
IP: 75.84.211.22
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 02:29:26 AM
<p>I subscribe on RSS feed.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathleen
EMAIL: katoftheoc@gmail.com
IP: 75.84.211.22
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 02:30:58 AM
<p>This year we are preventing colds with vitamin D3 and washing hands diligently.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathleen
EMAIL: katoftheoc@gmail.com
IP: 75.84.211.22
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 02:31:50 AM
<p>I liked you on FB.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 06:53:38 PM
<p>I think I would try the oslo orange, thinking that would be the most likely to get my kids on.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 06:54:21 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 06:56:08 PM
<p>We are currently taking vitamin D.  I have just learned about elderberry and would like to add that soon!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 11/25/2010 06:58:40 PM
<p>I like you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara p-c
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.70.168.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/26/2010 12:34:44 AM
<p>i&#39;d love the FCLO with high vitamin butter chocolate cream!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara p-c
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.70.168.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/26/2010 12:35:48 AM
<p>i liked you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara p-c
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.70.168.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/26/2010 12:37:28 AM
<p>my favorite way to avoid colds and flu is zicam.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara p-c
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.70.168.171
URL: 
DATE: 11/26/2010 12:40:31 AM
<p>i subscribed to your rrs feed!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Leslie
EMAIL: Sarahleslierey@gmail.com
IP: 24.177.173.12
URL: http://www.apeacefulstill.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/27/2010 02:10:41 AM
<p>I actually tried the cinnamon cod liver oil yesterday for the first time, but I would really love a bottle of it..I have been sick a lot this year.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Leslie
EMAIL: Sarahleslierey@gmail.com
IP: 24.177.173.12
URL: http://www.apeacefulstill.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/27/2010 02:11:57 AM
<p>I tweeted this giveaway!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Leslie
EMAIL: Sarahleslierey@gmail.com
IP: 24.177.173.12
URL: http://www.apeacefulstill.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/27/2010 02:12:42 AM
<p>I like you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Leslie
EMAIL: Sarahleslierey@gmail.com
IP: 24.177.173.12
URL: http://www.apeacefulstill.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/27/2010 02:15:07 AM
<p>I would choose the chocolate gel for sure.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara Jo Poff
EMAIL: sjpoff@healthyfamiliesforgod.com
IP: 70.59.74.99
URL: http://www.healthyfamiliesforgod.com
DATE: 02/22/2011 03:39:10 AM
<p>This is a good post--I was looking for info on a CLO supplement that tastes decent.  At the same time as looking at your post, I came across this article from Dr. Mercola discussing why he no longer recommends cod liver oil supplements while taking into account Weston Price&#39;s information.  This supplement might be different, however, but I&#39;ve read elsewhere that kids should have only fish oil and not cod liver oil supplements because of the extremely-high levels of vitamins A and D.  Here&#39;s the link if you&#39;re interested: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/23/important-cod-liver-oil-update.aspx</p><p>Love your sight--I am bookmarking it!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Pregnancy During the Holidays 
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/24/2010 01:00:04 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em>Psst...there will be a BIG sale on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> on Black Friday!!&nbsp; Using code: BLACKFRIDAY, you can get 50% off!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Make sure you come back and buy on Friday!&nbsp; <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Healthy Snacks to Go</a> is also 50% off, using code BLACKFRIDAY.&nbsp; BOTH discounts are only for the first 50 people who buy, so hurry to get yours!</em></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290280716058" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Pregnancy isn't easy during the holidays.&nbsp; You're<em> t</em>ired, you might be sick, you've got a lot on your mind....&nbsp; How can you cope?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Tell them the good news</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Does your family know you're expecting yet?&nbsp; The holidays can be a fun time to tell them, if you haven't already.&nbsp; (My first Christmas when I was pregnant, I was 8 months along -- they obviously knew!&nbsp; The second, I was only 9 weeks along, so we got to announce my pregnancy then.)&nbsp; Our friend and graphic designer, Casey (who designed this site and my book, as well, and who is available for design work!), created a postcard with our family members on it and a ? with the words "Baby #2, arriving on 7/26/09."&nbsp; We handed these out in our Christmas cards.&nbsp; It was fun!</p>
<p>Once your family knows what's up, they'll be sympathetic and not expect so much of you this year.&nbsp; That is really nice, especially when you don't feel well!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bring your survival kit</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Are you coping with morning sickness?&nbsp; Bring along whatever helps you -- lemon slices, peppermint candies, Sea-Bands, etc.&nbsp; If you need a minute while you're at a party, you can slip out for a minute and use what you've brought to help yourself feel better.&nbsp; Also, avoid any foods that don't sound good to you, in hopes of warding off the sickness in the first place.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Immediate family comes first</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Remember that this is a good time to start exercising your "immediate family" rights.&nbsp; That is, your immediate family -- yourself, your husband, and your children -- come first.&nbsp; Maybe this year you won't travel for the holidays, or maybe you'll limit your travel as much as possible.&nbsp; You don't need to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's with every single branch of family!</p>
<p>We usually celebrate Christmas with Ben's father's family, his mother's family, then his parents and siblings, then my family; the same goes at Thanksgiving!&nbsp; When I was 7 months pregnant with Bekah, I said I would host Thanksgiving so I did not have to travel.&nbsp; It worked out better for us!<em></em></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Move slowly</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you do travel or get together with family, you don't have to do everything you usually do.&nbsp; Maybe you can spend an afternoon at home, talking or playing a game instead of going shopping or caroling or to a party.&nbsp; If you do go to a party, duck out early -- 10 PM is plenty late enough when you're exhausted.&nbsp; This way you can spend time with family without feeling the pressure to <em>do stuff</em>.<em> </em>What's more important anyway?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bring food with you</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>You can either bring small snacks (protein bars, fruit, nuts, etc.) if you're going to be out for a relatively short time, or you can bring a main dish if you're going to be out longer or are going to a party that requires one.&nbsp; Bring one that's healthy for you, and one that you can stand to eat.&nbsp; This way even if everything that's available makes you gag, you have something you can eat.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Give yourself a break</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>You may want to do everything anyway.&nbsp; Because pregnancy's not going to slow you down, and neither is motherhood...right?&nbsp; Then, you find yourself taking a nap after Christmas dinner, not getting all your cooking done, and the idea of having to go out Christmas shopping <em>one more time</em> makes you want to scream.&nbsp; Don't expect so much from yourself.&nbsp; Do what you can and don't worry about the rest.&nbsp; People will understand!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Try <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/8/25/basics.html">freezer cooking</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you really are going to be busy, you might want to make a few extra meals (ideally, before you get pregnant, but any time you have a couple days is good too) and freeze them.&nbsp; Then if you have a busy night -- say, your church's Christmas pageant -- then you can just throw dinner in the oven and not have to cook from scratch.&nbsp; This can also save your family during morning sickness.&nbsp; There is healthy food available in the freezer for them to heat if you can't stand to cook.</p>
<p><strong>How do you survive being pregnant during the holidays?</strong></p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Happy Thanksgiving!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 11/25/2010 01:00:07 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em>Psst...there will be a BIG sale on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> on Black Friday!!&nbsp; Using code: BLACKFRIDAY, you can get 50% off!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Make sure you come back and buy on Friday!&nbsp; <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Healthy Snacks to Go</a> is also 50% off, using code BLACKFRIDAY.&nbsp; BOTH discounts are only for the first 50 people who buy, so hurry to get yours! &nbsp;Finally, <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=112844&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Herbal Nurturing: A Family Healing and Learning Guide</a>, is also 50% off using code THANKS50!</em></p>
<p>Happy Thanksgiving!&nbsp; I hope you are enjoying your time with your family.&nbsp; See you tomorrow for the Black Friday Sale!<em><br /></em></p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Black Friday BIG SALE!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/26/2010 01:00:36 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/In%20the%20Kitchen%20-%20125x125.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290220687492" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>It's Black Friday!!!</p>
<p>That means it's BIG&nbsp;SALE day.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html"><strong>Real Food Basics</strong></a><strong> is 50% off using code BLACKFRIDAY</strong>.&nbsp; But it's only for the first 50 people, so like most Black Friday deals, you better hurry. :)&nbsp; If you miss today's deal,&nbsp;there <em>will</em> be other sales this holiday season, but nothing quite like this, so today's the day to snatch it up.&nbsp; Today's deal is only on the ebook version, but....</p>
<p><strong>We're expecting a <em>print</em> copy of </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html"><strong>Real Food&nbsp;Basics</strong></a><strong> to be available in time for Christmas!&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Yes -- we have found an excellent publisher.&nbsp; They are eco-friendly and excellent to work with, so Real Food Basics <em>will</em> be available in print!&nbsp; <strong>We are expecting the books in around the first week of December, so if you want to order a copy now, please</strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/contact-me/"><strong> contact us</strong></a><strong> to do so</strong> (we'll need your name, email address, and mailing address.&nbsp; We'll send a paypal request for payment once the book is in.&nbsp; If you'd like it to be a gift and ship directly to someone else, please note that on your order!).&nbsp; <strong>Print copies will be $9.95 + shipping.</strong>&nbsp; We will charge actual shipping costs only!</p>
<p><strong>Why should you consider&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html"><strong>Real Food&nbsp;Basics</strong></a><strong> for your holiday shopping?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Do you have friends or family members who new to real food, or maybe just intrigued by the idea?</li>
<li>Are they overwhelmed by all the changes there are to make?</li>
<li>Are they worried that their families just won't <em>eat</em> that 'weird stuff?'</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food&nbsp;Basics</a> was written exactly for people like this!&nbsp; <strong>It's a simple, step-by-step, affordable guide to what changes to make and how to make them.</strong>&nbsp; There are short sections on fat, grains, sweeteners, kitchen equipment, and lots more.&nbsp; There's even a full list of Baby Steps to take you from SAD (Standard American Diet) to Real Food!</p>
<p>In addition, there are nearly <strong>25 healthy, wholesome, family-friendly recipes, like Pizza, Ice Cream, Sausage Gravy, Biscuits, Mexican Chicken Soup, Cheese Sauce, Cheesy Potatoes</strong>, and lots more!&nbsp; Your family will <em>love</em> these simple, delicious, and healthy recipes!&nbsp; They use ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and they are recognizable food -- not "weird stuff" at all.&nbsp; Your family won't even know they're eating healthy until you tell them!</p>
<p>At only $6.95 (regular price) for the ebook, and $9.95 + shipping for the hard copy,<strong> <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food&nbsp;Basics</a>&nbsp;is affordable</strong>, too.&nbsp; It's not a 300-page, $25 tome that will get a "Gee thanks," and find itself relegated to a distant shelf.&nbsp; It's a reasonable, affordable, bite-sized introduction to the real food way of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>A print copy will make great stocking gifts, too!</strong></p>
<p>And also, while you're shopping for all the real foodies on your list, looking for excellent cookbooks, don't forget that<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742"><strong>Healthy Snacks to Go</strong></a><strong> by Katie at Kitchen Stewardship, is also 50% off, using code BLACKFRIDAY</strong>.&nbsp; This is also only good for the first 50 people, so hurry over there to buy!&nbsp; Katie's written a wonderful book on snacks, which is an area I (and many real foodies) struggle with.&nbsp; <strong>She has Power Bars, Tater Skin Crispies, Spelt Biscuits, Potato Salad, Cinnamon Applesauce, and <em>lots</em> more excellent snack ideas and recipes!</strong>&nbsp; If you haven't gotten her book yet, you are missing out!</p>
<p>Finally, <strong>don't forget about </strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/holiday-cooking-series-details/?AFFID=36273"><strong>Nourished Kitchen's Healthy &amp; Happy Holidays ecourse</strong></a>!&nbsp; What better way to cook all your holiday favorites with real food?&nbsp; <strong>You could even give it as an early Christmas gift</strong> (hint, hint).&nbsp; If your new-to-real-food friend or family member <em>really</em> loves holiday recipes, and needs the help of videos and other multimedia to learn, consider this course!&nbsp; It's the perfect holiday solution!&nbsp; <strong>Registration closes Nov. 30th, and class starts Dec. 1, so hurry!&nbsp; It's only $89 for the full series, $15 per individual lesson</strong> (if you don't want to or don't have time for the whole series) and <strong>you can receive 20% off</strong> (the full series only) <strong>with coupon code NK20</strong>!</p>
<p><strong>What's on your Christmas shopping list today?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gracie
EMAIL: graciebell@gmail.com
IP: 68.179.148.8
URL: 
DATE: 11/26/2010 02:06:18 PM
<p>Just got mine! So looking forward to reading it!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Holiday Eating Tips
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/22/2010 01:00:09 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em>Psst...there will be a BIG sale on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> on Black Friday!!&nbsp; Details will come later this week, so be sure to read so you don't miss it!&nbsp; There's also going to be a great sale on <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Healthy Snacks to Go</a> from Kitchen Stewardship...so definitely be paying attention!</em>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The holidays are a notorious time for weight gain, because of all the sumptious holiday foods available.&nbsp; Most people associate it with the increased fat and sugar in the foods, and they're half right: desserts and sugar <em>are</em> responsible, but fat isn't (since fat is good for you).&nbsp; <strong>Regardless, most people are tempted by all kinds of delicious, not-so-healthy food at parties and events all season long</strong>.&nbsp; What is a real foodie (or anyone, really) to do?</p>
<p><strong>In a perfect world, we'd just never eat that junk</strong>.&nbsp; But we don't live in a perfect world.&nbsp; Socialization is important, too.&nbsp; That means sometimes you're going to find yourself in a&nbsp;social situation with only junk food available, and you have to make the best of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;So how can you?</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Eat before you go.</strong>&nbsp; If possible, you should try to serve dinner at home before a party, so that you're not tempted to overindulge in junk food.&nbsp; This way at least <em>most</em> of what you've eaten is still good for you.</li>
<li>Ch<strong>oose the freshest, least-damaging foods.</strong>&nbsp; Fresh fruit or veggie plates are generally a good idea; plain meats are probably okay; fresh cheeses; homemade desserts (as opposed to ones clearly storebought) are somewhat better.&nbsp; Fill up on the fruits, veggies, cheeses, and plain meats if possible, and avoid the stuff with sauces, fillings, and tons of sugar.</li>
<li><strong>Select only one or two small treats (unless you can't).</strong>&nbsp; If you are dying to have a sugar cookie...have one.&nbsp; If you love fudge...choose a small square.&nbsp; Make it a rare indulgence.&nbsp; Don't load your plate with the junk "because it's a party," you'll definitely pay for it later.&nbsp; A couple treats lets you enjoy yourself without (hopefully) feeling bad later.&nbsp; However, if you have actual allergies or serious health problems, don't indulge at all.&nbsp; It's not worth it.</li>
<li><strong>Bring food along with you (especially if it's a pot luck).</strong>&nbsp; If it's a pot luck, yay!&nbsp; Simply bring a dish to share that you would feel good about eating.&nbsp; If it's not a pot luck but you won't have a chance to eat besides the party, bring a few small snacks, or even a meal for your kids.&nbsp; You can simply explain to your hostess, "I'm sorry, we have food allergies/dietary restrictions."&nbsp; These days almost everyone seems to, so your hostess shouldn't take offense.&nbsp; </li>
<li><strong>Make healthy versions of holiday favorites.</strong>&nbsp; You don't have to be completely deprived at the holidays.&nbsp; If there's something you just <em>love</em>, learn to make it with healthier ingredients.&nbsp; Jenny at Nourished Kitchen is running a <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/holiday-online-cooking-class/?AFFID=36273">Happy &amp; Healthy Holidays Ecourse</a>, teaching you how to make healthy versions of holiday favorites (fudge, sugar cookies, and lots more).</li>
</ol>
<p>Frankly this ecourse sounds <em>awesome</em> to me.&nbsp; I really, really love cookies and fudge at Christmas time, but I have not yet been able to duplicate the right cookie texture.&nbsp; They seem to rely on a high amount of sugar (primarily white sugar) for their flavor and texture.&nbsp; Cookies turn out cake-like, not crispy and chewy, without tons of sugar.&nbsp; <strong>Jenny, however, will teach you how to make delicious Christmas cookies in this <a href=" http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/holiday-cooking-series-details/?AFFID=36273">ecourse</a>!</strong></p>
<p>Cookies and fudge aren't everything Jenny's teaching, though.&nbsp; She'll also be teaching gingerbread, wassail, the perfect slow-roasted turkey, and tons more.&nbsp; <strong>In all, there are </strong><a href=" http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/holiday-cooking-series-details/?AFFID=36273"><strong>175 different recipes</strong></a> in this course!</p>
<p>I am trying to be more selective in the "stuff" that I promote to you, and I think that this class is worth it.&nbsp; <strong>It's affordable, it works on your schedule, and it covers recipes for healthy versions of foods that even the most hard-core real foodie has trouble avoiding</strong>.&nbsp; I wish <em>I</em> could come up with all this information on my own!&nbsp; But, alas, I haven't, because I don't have the experience that Jenny does, so you'll have to go visit her to <a href=" http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/holiday-cooking-series-details/?AFFID=36273">take this ecourse</a>!</p>
<p>Here's a sneak peek:</p>
<p><object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7FjhnIq29Y&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7FjhnIq29Y&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object></p>
<p>Jenny is also offering a <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/sign-up-for-the-free-bonus-lesson/?AFFID=36273">Free Bonus Lesson</a>, click to check it out!</p>
<p>Best of all, <strong>this course is only $89 for the full series</strong>.&nbsp; And if you're super busy during the holidays (who isn't?), you can <strong>select individual lessons that interest you most for only $15</strong>.&nbsp; There's nothing to lose!&nbsp; AND, I just so happen to have a <strong>coupon code: NK20, for 20% off the class</strong> (if you buy the full series).</p>
<p>This class begins on December 1st, so if you want to register, you need to do it pretty quickly.&nbsp; <strong>Registration deadline is November 30th</strong>, and since class starts the next day, it won't be extended.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: Yes, I'm an affiliate, but I wouldn't promote this course if I didn't think it was an excellent idea!</p>
<p>How do you eat healthy during the holidays?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.54
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/22/2010 09:36:19 PM
<p>That looks amazing...but really pricey.  I would love to have the recipes, but I&#39;d rather buy them in a real paper cookbook that I can flip through easily.  And a paper cookbook would NEVER cost $70!  It&#39;s too bad, because I really am interested in how she amends holiday favorites. :(</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Purchase from a Farm
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 11/29/2010 01:00:33 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25692763@N06/2505413751/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Cow%20farm.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290984766546" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Photo by s.wood79</span></span></p>
<p><em>**Today only, 30% off Real Food Basics using code CYBERMONDAY!!**</em></p>
<p>On a recent trip to "<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/26/confinement-farming-expose-and-returning-to-natural-methods.html">my" farm</a>, I was having an interesting conversation with "my" farmer.&nbsp; He told me: "I had arranged a drop point for turkeys nearby.&nbsp; Sometimes people who've ordered don't show up, and sometimes people bring a friend and say, 'She wants one too.'&nbsp; They don't understand that I'm not Walmart."&nbsp; Then I thought...<strong>most people probably don't know much about buying directly from a farm</strong>.&nbsp; They're used to grocery stores where the store simply has what they want available, and they don't have to plan or order ahead of time.&nbsp; Many people may be intimidated by buying from farms because of they just don't know how it works.&nbsp; So today I'll help you out a little bit.</p>
<p>It's true: <strong>farms are <em>not</em> Walmart or any other grocery store.</strong>&nbsp; They are not stores at all.&nbsp; They are working, living places where what is available is fully dependent on what that farmer chooses to produce, what local demand is, what the season is, what the weather's been like, whether they've had enough help, what the butcher's schedule is, and more.&nbsp; They don't always have everything you want.&nbsp; It's hard for people new to farm-direct buying to understand these things, so let's look at them more indepth.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Seasonal Availability</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>This is especially true for produce, but also for animal products.&nbsp; <strong>Product availability varies by season</strong>.&nbsp; In the winter, in cold climates, farmers don't produce vegetables or fruit (generally).&nbsp; Chickens lay less often; cows produce less milk.&nbsp; This may mean they have less -- or even none -- available.&nbsp; And you should not expect them to.&nbsp; They are at the mercy of the weather around them.&nbsp; You may have a harder time obtaining eggs or milk in the winter, or even be unable.&nbsp; Look forward to when you can have them again the spring (and copiously)!</p>
<p>It's also true that <strong>even during warmer months, certain foods come in at certain times</strong>.&nbsp; Strawberries and lettuce come in in May and June; tomatoes, corn, and potatoes come in in July, August, and into September.&nbsp; Apples are in September and October.&nbsp; You shouldn't expect your farmer to have strawberries in August or apples in May.&nbsp; It doesn't work that way.&nbsp; People who are used to the grocery store, where everything is available year around, may find this frustrating at first.&nbsp; But over time many come to appreciate how foods change by season.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Farm Production</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Most farmers specialize in something.&nbsp; It may be grass-fed beef; maybe chickens and eggs; maybe produce.&nbsp; If you get lucky, you might find a farmer that does multiple things (like mine, who does lamb, pork, chickens, eggs, beef, milk, and turkey).&nbsp; But farmers produce what they know how to produce, what they have the land and resources to produce, and what is in demand around them.&nbsp; They may even produce things because their family simply prefers it!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Don't expect that your farmer will have everything you want; it's not one-stop shopping.</strong>&nbsp; That's why we have farmer's markets now, so that farmers with all different offerings gather in one place.&nbsp; (Many towns now have them in the winter, too.)&nbsp; If there's not one near you, you could contact different local farmers to see if you could start one.&nbsp; And if your farmer <em>does</em> have a wide range of products available, count yourself lucky.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Local Demand</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>For farmers, it's not about producing what they want to produce.&nbsp; It's about meeting demand.&nbsp; If organic farmers (especially those who are not certified) do not sell what they've produced from their own farms or at farmer's markets, they have to take conventional market pricing, which is far below what their food is worth.&nbsp; They don't want to do this, so they don't overproduce.&nbsp; This may mean that they <em>under</em> produce, especially if demand increases suddenly.</p>
<p>Understand that if your farm does not have certain products available, it is likely because no one in your area (or few) wants it.&nbsp; You may need to find a different farm or other source for it.</p>
<p><strong>It is also true (unfortunately) that people do not understand what naturally-raised products are really worth.</strong>&nbsp; People say, "But you didn't use pesticides, which are expensive to buy, so shouldn't your products really be cheaper?"&nbsp; They don't understand all of the advanced farming methods and hands-on time that managing a well-run natural farm really takes.&nbsp; They don't value the enhanced health benefits and taste of well-produced food.&nbsp; (By the way, thank your farmer for this next time you see him.)&nbsp; <strong>We need to keep educating people on why naturally-raised food is so important, which will help to increase demand.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Changes in Demand</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>I mentioned this in the previous section, but it's very important to mention again.&nbsp; If a farmer suddenly has an influx of new customers, they may run out of certain items faster than before, meaning that things are temporarily out of stock.&nbsp; But <strong>farmers can't just call up a supplier and say, "Hey, send that next shipment sooner, and make it larger this time."&nbsp; They have to wait until the next crop ripens, or the next animal matures and get scheduled at the butcher.</strong>&nbsp; People get irritated when farmers run out, but balancing having <em>enough</em> inventory without having <em>too much</em> inventory is not easy.&nbsp; Farmers also don't know if the higher demand will hold out, so they don't automatically adjust their schedule to send an extra animal to the butcher, even if they have that option (and depending on the size of their operation, they may or may not).&nbsp; They also can't plant more crops halfway through the growing season, so they may remain short for several months.</p>
<p>This is also why it's important to honor your order.&nbsp; If you place an order with a farm, show up on time to pick it up and get what you ordered.&nbsp; Also, don't just bring a friend unexpectedly and think the farmer will have enough for him or her, too.&nbsp; That may not be the case!&nbsp; Call ahead of time and ask if your friend would like to order, too.&nbsp; Most farmers are happy to help, if they can.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The Butcher's/Helper's Schedule</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Many smaller farms do not do their own butchering; they rely on local butchers.&nbsp; <strong>That means that if the butcher gets backed up (common through the fall for holiday butchering and deer), they may not get their meat back as early as they expected</strong>.&nbsp; And that means they might run out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's also possible if a farmer has family or interns who help on the farm, but are unavailable for a time (due to illness or other reasons), the farmer may not be able to harvest the crops on time, or prepare orders, or even respond to communication.&nbsp; <strong>Farmers are completely dependent on their support, so delays can happen for a number of reasons.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Weather/Living Conditions</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>It may be that there was an unusual drought, so many crops just didn't produce.&nbsp; Or, it may be that the animals got sick and either died or could not be sold.&nbsp; This is the nature of the business: farmers are at the mercy of nature.&nbsp; If something goes wrong, they have to roll with it.&nbsp; They may lose crops or animals and have an undersupply.</p>
<p>People who buy from farms need to understand that sometimes, things that were supposed to be available, just aren't.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of course, the opposite can be true -- a farmer can have an excellent growing season and have tons of something available and offer it for a low price.&nbsp; One farmer I buy from offered tomatoes for $1/lb. for awhile because he had so many!&nbsp; <strong>Product availability just can't be fully predicted, no matter how carefully a farmer plans.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How to Buy from a Farm</h3>
<p>So, with all of these warnings, is it really worth it to buy from farms?&nbsp; <em>Yes!</em>&nbsp; Most of the time, these things won't happen.&nbsp; Most of the time, the farmer will have most products available as predicted.&nbsp; Plus, <strong>the quality, freshness, and pricing of the food just can't be beat!</strong>&nbsp; It's absolutely worth it.&nbsp; I'm spoiled and if I can't get eggs, milk, and most meat from my farm, I just do without (I usually pick other products from the farm as a temporary sub, like ground pork instead of ground beef).</p>
<p>How to order?</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>If the farm has a website, check product offers and availability.</strong>&nbsp; Many farms these days <em>do</em> have websites.&nbsp; Since certain products are only available seasonally, and popular products may run out, make sure you check what is available before placing an order.</li>
<li><strong>Make sure you communicate with your farmer about your order.</strong>&nbsp; Call or email to let them know what you would like.&nbsp; This gives them the chance to verify that these products <em>are</em> all available (maybe the website wasn't correct or maybe you ordered more than was available) and hopefully give you a total.&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Package sizes are <em>not</em> exact like they are at the store!</span>&nbsp; If you order 1 lb. of meat, you may end up with 1.03 lbs.&nbsp; Plan for this.</li>
<li><strong>Verify a pick up time and location.</strong>&nbsp; Are you picking up at a farmer's market?&nbsp; Directly at the farm?&nbsp; Know where you're going, and get directions if they are rather out of the way.&nbsp; Also, know <em>when</em> to go.&nbsp; Farmers aren't stores; they don't have regular 8 - 5 style hours.&nbsp; They usually do pick ups by appointment only, so if you don't set up a time to go, they may not be available to help you.&nbsp; If they <em>do</em> have a store with regular hours (some bigger farms do), it is okay not to plan ahead on timing.</li>
<li><strong>Show up on time to your pick up.</strong>&nbsp; If your farmer is making a special meeting time with you, that means he has to be available, not out in his fields or doing messy work.&nbsp; Show up on time so that he can help you and get back to work.&nbsp; Farming keeps him busy!</li>
<li><strong>Bring cash; plus a little extra.</strong>&nbsp; Since package sizes are not exact, you may need to bring a little more money than you think.&nbsp; You could get 1.05 or .95 instead of 1 lb.&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Certain meats may be packaged only in 2 lb. or 3 lb. packages (like steaks, roasts, or chops), so even if you want "1/2 lb." you will not get anything that small; it isn't available.&nbsp;</span> Ask <em>in advance </em>if you are unsure&nbsp;or if you don't want so much.&nbsp; Also, your farmer probably does not have a credit card machine on his property, and probably doesn't prefer checks.&nbsp; Ask about this, too, but cash is always safe.</li>
<li><strong>Don't change your order last minute; call ahead if you need to.</strong>&nbsp; Don't show up and say "Oh, I don't really need X." or worse, "Oh, do you happen to have Y?"&nbsp; Especially if the meeting is not on the farm, the answer is likely "No."&nbsp; If you realize in advance that you need to change your order, call your farmer and ask if changing is possible.&nbsp; If he's busy and he's already pulled your order, it may not be.</li>
<li><strong>Don't offer your farmer's products or services without his permission.</strong>&nbsp; If your farmer has a website, feel free to point your friends or family members to it.&nbsp; But don't promise that he <em>will</em> have any product available for them, or that he will do anything (like butcher an extra animal) for them.&nbsp; You can give them his contact information so they can ask, or you can ask him for them and report what he says.&nbsp; But he is <em>not</em> a store and he may or may not have things available for new customers (especially if you are talking about herd shares or CSA shares or something larger).</li>
<li><strong>Don't haggle with your farmer over prices.</strong>&nbsp; Your farmer is <em>not</em> a flea market.&nbsp; He deserves to be paid fairly for the work he does.&nbsp; He has set his prices at a level that is fair.&nbsp; If you don't agree, choose a different farm to buy from.&nbsp; Don't argue or haggle over prices.&nbsp; This devalues the work the farmer has put in.</li>
<li><strong>THANK your farmer for all the hard work he does!</strong>&nbsp; Farming is highly undervalued in our society.&nbsp; Our farmers work long, hard hours in hot sun and bitter cold to bring us our food.&nbsp; Farmers who are committed to natural methods work even harder because they are so hands-on with their animals and crops.&nbsp; We need to thank them for all that work they do, so that we can eat excellent food!</li>
</ol>
<p>That's it!</p>
<p><strong>Do you have any questions or concerns about buying from farms?&nbsp; Or any advice that wasn't mentioned here?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 11/29/2010 02:55:59 PM
<p>Well written. I completely agree that many people just don&#39;t get it (and probably won&#39;t even after this article). You may be preaching to the choir, but hopefully, this will educate a lot of people.</p><p>I&#39;ve had people ask me why I pay more and what benefit does it get. I also have people saying that these farmers are just taking my money and that I&#39;m stupid.</p><p>Go figure...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.58.107
URL: http://shoesoflife.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/29/2010 05:54:10 PM
<p>Kate - Thank you so much for this post. It is so important that people don&#39;t treat farmers like grocery stores! We need to respect our farmers, thank them profusely, and keep providing them with business even when hard years hit. A few years ago we belonged to a CSA. It was a cold, rainy summer and the farm just couldn&#39;t produce some of the things they promised because of weather. Lots of people complained and got their money back - but the farm couldn&#39;t help it. They needed our money that year so they would be able to survive the next year and get back on track. We still had full boxes of produce every week - just a few things we did without, like sweet corn. It is like growing your own garden - you just don&#39;t know what will happen at the beginning of the season, but you know something good is coming!</p><p>Anyway, thank you for praising farmers and helping people understand. It is very appreciated.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsay
EMAIL: Lindsaybhunt@gmail.com
IP: 67.242.43.35
URL: 
DATE: 11/29/2010 10:33:25 PM
<p>Thanks for this article.  It has been helpful, but I do have another question.  How do you FIND a farmer and start that relationship?  We just moved to a new state, and I have seen lots of signs along a country road with messages like &quot;red potatoes for sale&quot;  &quot;maple syrup&quot;  and &quot;farm fresh eggs.&quot;  I would love to support the local farmers, but there&#39;s no contact information.   I&#39;m in a brand new place, don&#39;t really know anyone, and am too hesitant to just walk up to the door and ring the bell.  What&#39;s the protocol for this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.217
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/29/2010 10:38:09 PM
<p>I want to know who &quot;your&quot; farmer is!  For some reason I have it in my head that you live around SoCal, but I don&#39;t know why I think that. ;)  If you do, would you mind sharing?   I&#39;m looking for a place to get milk and meat.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/30/2010 02:41:16 PM
<p>Thank you for this article!  We have established a beef-relationship with a farmer, and they recently started selling milk, too.  I never thought about some of the facts you brought up, and I appreciate any way I can keep from being not-so-kind.  These people work hard, and I never want to take that for granted.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mandy
EMAIL: mandy@paschenfamily.com
IP: 72.87.244.103
URL: http://www.eatmakedo.com
DATE: 11/30/2010 03:19:39 PM
<p>Great article!  Just like the other posters, I&#39;d like to know HOW you found your farmer.  We&#39;re in SoCal and new here and I would love to forge a relationship with a farmer here.  Thanks!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Rebekah's Story, Updated
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/30/2010 01:00:20 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>About a year ago, I shared <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/11/rebekahs-story.html">Rebekah's Story</a> with you.&nbsp; But at that time, we were still in the middle of many of the things that were going on.&nbsp; I did post an update after some tests we had done, but even then it was months before things were done.&nbsp; And once we were past it, I was able to see it for what it was, more clearly.&nbsp; And now...it's amazing.&nbsp; Amazing how it's "ended."&nbsp; Although it will never completely be done, we are past any danger.</p>
<p>At that time (if you go back and read the story), Bekah was 20 months old and language delayed.&nbsp; I know now that when I got pregnant with her, I was extremely depleted, nutritionally.&nbsp; This was true throughout the first few months of her life, too, when she was exclusively breastfeeding.&nbsp; This meant that her health was starting out poor, because mine was poor.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We went through months of chronic, terrible diaper rash, no matter what we did to help; awful, constant diarrhea.&nbsp; She'd wake in the middle of the night and scream for over an hour some nights, and we could not calm her down (from 10 - 13 months).&nbsp; She had tantrums, could not tell us what she wanted, never learned to say "no" or do other normal things.&nbsp; She was so excellent in many areas -- all her motor skills, for example -- but verbally, was behind.&nbsp; She also had a constant red, itchy rash around her mouth and on her hands.</p>
<p>Bekah said only a small handful of words at a year old.&nbsp; She started pointing and gesturing around 13 months.&nbsp; She learned to sign around 17 months and learned more and more signs.&nbsp; Around 20 months, at the time of my last update, she was still not talking.&nbsp; Most everything was "mmm da" as she pointed or signed.&nbsp; No one could understand her.&nbsp; Getting off dairy, nuts, gluten, fruits, and legumes helped.</p>
<p>We started with the glutathione injections and B12 creams to try to correct her deficiencies.&nbsp; She immediately broke out in awful eczema, so we quickly stopped them.&nbsp; The doctor and the nurse disagreed on which was causing it.&nbsp; We were told to restart the injections as is, and to get a new base for the glutathione cream (a hypoallergenic base) and try again.</p>
<p>We decided not to.</p>
<p>We felt that using these products was only masking the symptoms.&nbsp; We knew that she was eating, at that point, a lot of grass-fed beef (she was still slowly trying new foods again), which is rich in B12.&nbsp; She should not have been deficient, yet she was.&nbsp; That meant she was not able to get it from the food the way she should have.&nbsp; The GAPS diet, especially being grain-free, was what we felt we needed to do.</p>
<p>So in January, 2010, we went on the GAPS diet.&nbsp; At this point, Bekah was <em>still</em> not talking.&nbsp; She still only said a small handful of words and "mmm da" to communicate.&nbsp; Her mainstream pediatrician became concerned about her language development at this point and told us she really should be talking more.&nbsp; He advised us to say "I don't understand" whenever she spoke in gibberish or did not use her words.&nbsp; The few times we tried, she only screamed and threw herself on the ground, because she could not make herself understood.&nbsp; She was <em>unable</em> to talk.&nbsp; She was 2 at this point.</p>
<p>It was a tense few months.&nbsp; Bekah's peers soared ahead, speaking in sentences and telling stories while she remained basically mute.&nbsp; (She did sign, grunt, gesture; attempt to communicate; she just did not talk.)&nbsp; We were on GAPS for about 3 months, after having been gluten-free for 3 previous months, and dairy-free for 6 previous months.</p>
<p>In April, 2010, we started to slowly introduce raw dairy.&nbsp; She was able to tolerate this.&nbsp; After this we slowly introduced sprouted grains, too, and she did okay with this.&nbsp; We had her on an entirely WAP diet at this point.&nbsp; We'd had all of those months of healing before it.</p>
<p>And...Bekah started to talk.</p>
<p>I feel like it was nearly overnight.&nbsp; She woke up and started using simple sentences, just one day.&nbsp; She'd say "Mommy eat apple" or "baby Hee" (Baby Hailey, her friend's sister).&nbsp; I really remember when she didn't talk at all...and when she talked constantly.&nbsp; She gained language at an incredibly rapid rate.&nbsp; She started to speak frequently in 3 - 4 word sentences and people understood her more and more.&nbsp; She finally leaned to say "no" to me!&nbsp; (How excited I was -- at first!)&nbsp; She was 27 months when she finally started talking.</p>
<p>By 2.5 years, Bekah had caught up in her speech.&nbsp; She told us stories and talked back and was generally easily understood by most.&nbsp; She's remained on a WAP diet, and her symptoms -- diarrhea, eczema, screaming, night waking, etc. -- are gone.&nbsp; They return to some degree if she eats things she should not (any grains or nuts that haven't been properly prepared, food dyes or preservatives or additives).</p>
<p>Now, Bekah is 34 months (she'll be 3 in January 2011).&nbsp; People have asked if she's FOUR because she talks so well now.&nbsp; She makes up elaborate stories and pretend games.&nbsp; She knows words people can't believe: nervous, appreciate, and others.&nbsp; She can talk her away around anything, too.&nbsp; If I ask her to stop doing something, she'll say, "No, I just need to be careful."&nbsp; She sings and talks and yells at me!&nbsp; The other day she said, "Just leave me alone!" and I told her that's rude and she needed to speak more nicely, she said, "Excuse me, go away."&nbsp; ha, as if that's nicer!&nbsp; When Ben makes fun of me now, Bekah's learned the tone of voice I use when I'm mock-offended and she will laugh and say "Daddy's being mean to you!"</p>
<p>I had to wait so long to hear her talk that I still love (almost) every word that comes out of her mouth.&nbsp; It's amazing to see her happy, talking, <em>healthy</em>.&nbsp; It was at 27 months that she decided she wanted to switch to her big girl bed.&nbsp; She stopped ever waking at night (she used to wake because her bottom hurt).&nbsp; She potty trained easily.&nbsp; She made lots of new friends.&nbsp; She has absolutely no sign of eczema.</p>
<p>It's amazing what the GAPS diet has done for us.&nbsp; As long as we remain on WAP now, we have no problems.&nbsp; Daniel has none of the issues that Bekah has.&nbsp; If he does eat something he shouldn't (and I'm a lot stricter with him), his bottom turns red, he gets a red ring around his anus (very bad sign), and gets fussy.&nbsp; It's why I'm strict -- I don't want him to go through what she did.&nbsp; He's ahead of where Bekah was on her milestones, and he attempts to talk along with his signs already (he is 16 months).</p>
<p>If your child is suffering from any developmental delays, there is always hope.&nbsp; Investigate natural healing and you never know what the outcome would be.&nbsp; People comment now on how well Bekah talks and how happy and energetic she is.&nbsp; I always smile and think, "If only you could have seen her a year ago!"&nbsp; The difference is truly amazing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Morgan
EMAIL: morganfalter@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.235.83
URL: http://www.theanatomyofahome.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/30/2010 05:37:59 PM
<p>What a blessing! I&#39;m so glad to hear that Bekah has made such an astounding recovery. My son (7.5 months) has suffered from chronic diaper rash, has had 3 minor colds, and has suffered from pretty severe reflux &amp; gas issues since birth. I was on IV antibiotics during L &amp; D (which ended in a C-section) and had a short course when he was a couple weeks old due to an infection. I know that our guts are still in the process of repair from all of the antibiotic damage. He is at or early on all his milestones except he can&#39;t eat real food. He gags, chokes, sputters, etc. We&#39;re actually off to the doctor today to address it. I hope that it isn&#39;t related, but I suspect it could be.<br/>Do you (or any fellow readers) have any ideas about this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Natasha Miller
EMAIL: tashales@embarqmail.com
IP: 76.7.213.3
URL: 
DATE: 12/01/2010 01:30:17 AM
<p>This sounds so much like our story.  Our third child, Alex, didn&#39;t hardly talk at age 3.  We wondered if he was autistic.  He had chronic diarrhea five or six times a day from the time he went on table foods.  He sometimes would curl up in a ball and rock back and forth.  He had fits of rage that were uncontrollable and I felt like a terrible mother.  Doctors seemed unable to help me, so I ventured out on my own and did a lot of reading.  We decided it was food allergies causing his problems.  I put him on four foods he could handle, and took him off of everything else.  Finally through trial and error, I discovered his main problems were additives, preservatives, and food colorings.  He did pretty good on whole pure foods.  Another big change for him came when I put him on some digestive enzymes from the health food store.  It made a huge difference.  He was four at the time, but he didn&#39;t bat an eye at swallowing these huge pills.  He stopped his repetitive behaviors, stopped  the rocking (which was caused from his stomach hurting), and began talking.  He was completely caught up and functioning normally by the time he was seven years old.  He is now 12 and can eat about anything.  He is a brilliant child with a huge vocabulary.  God is good!  We just need to remember he knows best when it comes to food.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/03/2010 11:48:21 AM
<p>I&#39;m so glad Bekah is doing so well! It&#39;s amazing how much a good diet can help a young child!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Whole Foods for the Holidays Progressive Dinner: Desserts
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/30/2010 01:00:20 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-300x250border.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290973293734" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://domesticbydesign.com/2010/12/real-food-christmas-cookie-exchange-2/">Domestic by Design's Real Food Cookie Exchange</a>!**</p>
<p>If you've been following along, several bloggers have gathered together to hold an awesome carnival: <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/16/whole-foods-holiday-progressive-dinner.html">Whole Foods for the Holidays</a>.&nbsp; We've already seen main dishes, veggies, soups, salads, breads, and lots more!&nbsp; And now...it's time for <em>dessert!</em>&nbsp; First, if you've missed the earlier weeks, you can see them here:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&amp;q=http://gnowfglins.com/2010/10/18/whole-foods-for-the-holidays">Soups at GNOWFGLINS</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&amp;q=http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/10/25/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-real-food-appetizers/">Appetizers at Kitchen Stewardship</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&amp;q=http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2010/11/01/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-salads/">Salads at Naturally Knocked Up</a></li>
<li><a href="http://spaininiowa.blogspot.com/2010/11/whole-foods-for-holidays-bread-dishes.html">Breads at A Little Spain in Iowa</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&amp;q=http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/11/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-main-dishes.html">Main Dishes at Keeper of the Home</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&amp;q=http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/11/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-side-dish-carnival.html">Side Dishes at The Nourishing Gourmet</a></li>
</ul>
<p>With all that great food, I'm ready for dessert, and I hope you are too!</p>
<p>I have an excellent fudge recipe to share with you today.&nbsp; I hope you love it!</p>
<h3>Chocolate Walnut Fudge</h3>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>3/4 c. grade B maple syrup</li>
<li>2 oz. unsweetened chocolate</li>
<li>1 tsp. vanilla</li>
<li>1/2 c. butter</li>
<li>1/2 c. walnuts, chopped</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix maple syrup and chocolate together in a medium saucepan over medium high heat, stirring until chocolate is completely melted and mixture boils.&nbsp; Continue to stir constantly until mixture thickens slightly.&nbsp; Remove from heat, add vanilla, butter, and walnuts.&nbsp; Stir until combined.&nbsp; Pour into an 8x8 buttered pan and place in the freezer.&nbsp; After 1 hour, remove and cut into squares.&nbsp; Return to the freezer.&nbsp; Makes about 25 pieces.</p>
<p>This fudge melts <em>very</em> easily because of all the butter in it, so keep it frozen unless you're serving it!</p>
<p>Do you have an excellent, healthy dessert recipe to share with us?&nbsp; Enter it in the linky below!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Powered by Linky Tools</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=58914&amp;type=thumbnail">Click here</a> to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!&nbsp; I'm looking forward to tons of great holiday dessert recipes!</p>
<p><strong>If you don't have a blog, what's your favorite holiday dessert?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: annett @ Fit Moms Fit Kids Club
EMAIL: annett@fitmomsfitkidsclub.com
IP: 76.170.174.21
URL: http://www.fitmomsfitkidsclub.com
DATE: 11/30/2010 04:51:06 PM
<p>This is such a GREAT idea!!!  My favorite holiday desserts are peach cobbler, pumpkin pie, and pretzel salad!  Now I just need to know how to make healthy versions of all of them. lol...I usually make peanut butter fudge for a cookie/candy swap that I have every year.  I&#39;ll have to try your recipe!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kara @ Home With Purpose
EMAIL: kmamatx@gmail.com
IP: 75.16.114.159
URL: http://www.homewithpurpose.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/01/2010 05:12:35 AM
<p>I LOVE the idea of using maple syrup! I love, love, love fudge and can&#39;t wait to try this version without refined white sugar!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.228.15.80
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 09:21:35 PM
<p>Thanks for this! I was wondering if I&#39;d ever find a fudge recipe w/o unhealthy ingredients!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: FREE Copy of Real Food Basics to 500th Subscriber!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/01/2010 12:00:12 PM
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<p>The title of the post is pretty much self-explanatory.&nbsp; But you probably want more details, huh?</p>
<p>In the last few weeks, as we've been promoting <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>, we've seen a huge number of new subscribers.&nbsp; And I like this!&nbsp; Because I just love my readers, I love meeting new people.&nbsp; It's so fun!&nbsp; Plus, ya know...I do like knowing more people are reading what I write. :)&nbsp; Makes all the time I spend writing worthwhile.</p>
<p>Anyway, as it stands now, at the writing of this post (Saturday) we are at 443 subscribers.&nbsp;<strong> I am going to offer a FREE copy of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> to the 500th subscriber.</strong>&nbsp; All you have to do is post here and tell me you are a new subscriber (Saturday, 10/30 or later).&nbsp; When I reach 500 I'll find out who that is and I will send the book to that person.</p>
<p>So send this to all your friends and get everyone to subscribe!&nbsp; 500th gets it!</p>
<p>While we're here, don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>.&nbsp; <strong>Over 150 people have bought it already and many are loving it.</strong>&nbsp; You can buy it today, download it instantly, and start cooking new, family-friendly recipes tonight!</p>
<p>There are a few blogs offering giveaways right now, too, in case you can't wait:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/10/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook-interview-and-giveaway.html">Keeper of the Home</a> (Today's the LAST day, so hurry!).</p>
<p><a href="http://amoderatelife.com/2010/10/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-giveaway/">A Moderate Life</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://heartlandrenaissance.com/2010/10/review-in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics">Heartland Renaissance</a> (starting tomorrow).</p>
<p>There are more in the coming weeks, too!&nbsp; Be sure to check the blog frequently because there will be at least one per week for at least the next month!&nbsp; It's also fun to read the other bloggers' opinions on the book (well, I like to, lol).&nbsp; Don't miss it!&nbsp; <strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> is <em>the</em> guide to family-friendly real food!</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Fee
EMAIL: homequeen.is@gmail.com
IP: 41.233.187.229
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 01:13:55 PM
<p>I am a new subscriber to your Blog, and I am very interested in your new book, which I found out about at Keeper of the Home.  I look forward to reading your tips here!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.155.175
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/01/2010 01:59:06 PM
<p>I am a new subscriber as of yesterday (10/30).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deborah
EMAIL: robrahmanins@hotmail.com
IP: 75.143.144.153
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 05:55:21 PM
<p>I am a new subscriber</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: beckleston
EMAIL: beckleston@msn.com
IP: 209.181.28.91
URL: 
DATE: 11/01/2010 08:33:05 PM
<p>I am very excited to see your offerings available, as I am homemaker for a family of 5, dealing with weight and health issues, and wanting to cook more healthfully for us all.  I&#39;m a subscriber to Keeper of the Home (which I love!), where I heard about you - and am signing up for your newsletter today, as well.  I do plan to buy your e-book...if I don&#39;t win a copy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: alex@amoderatelife
EMAIL: alex@amoderatelife.com
IP: 24.46.174.75
URL: http://www.amoderatelife.com
DATE: 11/01/2010 11:14:34 PM
<p>Hi Kate! Thank you for linking to my giveaway! I am linking to this page on the hearth and soul hop this week. All the best with your subscriber build! :) Alex@amoderatelife</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: harriet
EMAIL: harrietjcs@gmail.com
IP: 58.96.114.216
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 12:37:19 AM
<p>I am new subscriber - great website by the way!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: niki
EMAIL: nikibisbee@earthlink.net
IP: 70.250.185.89
URL: 
DATE: 11/03/2010 02:49:52 AM
<p>I am a new subscriber as of today November 2nd. I love the sound of your book!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kristena
EMAIL: oneagleswings5@gmail.com
IP: 24.181.218.210
URL: 
DATE: 11/04/2010 02:47:22 PM
<p>I&#39;m a new subscriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 11/12/2010 05:28:53 AM
<p>I&#39;m a new subscriber (sometime in the past week, though I don&#39;t remember the exact day)  Just now catching up to this post. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kimbelry
EMAIL: anderson.kimberlyallen@gmail.com
IP: 71.43.112.147
URL: 
DATE: 11/15/2010 07:10:47 PM
<p>i&#39;m a new subscriber...today! :) I&#39;m loving catching up!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Raw Milk Study!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/02/2010 12:00:55 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/11/real-food-wednesday-11310-2.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+kellythekitchenkop+(Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop)">Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a> and <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/11/monday-mania-1182010.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p><strong>Do you drink raw milk?&nbsp; Are you interested in learning more about raw milk and why people drink it?</strong></p>
<p>As it turns out, a sociologist at OSU (Ohio State University, for those not from Ohio!) is interested in learning about this.&nbsp; <strong>Apparently, the raw milk movement has gotten large enough that it's getting the attention of mainstream researchers, who, apparently, are absolutely <em>baffled</em> as to why people would choose to drink milk straight from a cow.</strong></p>
<p>But, unlike most mainstream journalists and researchers, this sociologist is actually interested in doing some fair, balanced research.&nbsp;</p>
<p>An article appeared recently in the <a href="http://www.ohio.com/news/first/105843858.html"><em>Akron</em> <em>Beacon Journal</em></a> explaining this study.&nbsp; <strong>The article was shockingly balanced and almost <em>in favor</em> of raw milk.</strong>&nbsp; They quoted no experts explaining that is dangerous and shouldn't be consumed.&nbsp; They issued no warnings about raw milk.&nbsp; Instead, they spoke only to proponents of raw milk, who explained the benefits in a clear and rational way and were quoted accurately (and not made to look insane, which happens sometimes).</p>
<p>The study is still looking for participants, and is hoping to have 60 raw-milk drinkers and 60-pasteurized milk drinkers.&nbsp; According to the article,</p>
<blockquote><em>Participants will have to meet with researchers twice, either in Wooster or Columbus, complete a written survey, supply a four-day dietary intake record, provide a sample of milk they normally drink, and take part in a health assessment and a focus group. They will get $50 for their time and trouble.</em></blockquote>
<p>If you're local, please consider participating!&nbsp; Especially if you drink raw milk (these participants will be harder to find).&nbsp; <strong>This could be a serious landmark study on raw milk consumption and could be a major shift for our movement</strong> -- proving that we are not crazy, that we are healthy, and that our milk is safe.</p>
<p><strong>I'm excited that the raw milk movement is being taken seriously instead of being harrassed!&nbsp; How about you?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 12:55:23 PM
<p>ABJ, huh!? May I ask about where you live in OH? I actually live right in NEOH. I always think it&#39;s fun to see local things mentioned in the blogoshphere! Well, now I have to finish reading the post you wrote. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 01:03:09 PM
<p>We don&#39;t drink raw milk. I&#39;m not sure where to find it and be sure that it&#39;s clean and safe. We&#39;ve been drinking vat pasturized milk from Hartzler&#39;s Dairy. I can buy it a local market here. I only buy it every other week, though. It is so expensive. So we drink Giant Eagle milk the off week.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: dana
EMAIL: gardendana@comcast.net
IP: 98.232.45.38
URL: http://www.my3littleducks.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/02/2010 01:42:41 PM
<p>I wish I was local! I love everything about our RAW milk. The weekly trips to the farm with my kiddos and the fact that my 21 month year old is sick for the first time this week. Her milk intake has only been breast milk or RAW milk and I truly feel that it has helped her stay so healthy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 02:17:59 PM
<p>This is really exciting to me!  Where I live it is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption.  For a while I was able to get some from friends who had dairy cattle, and the difference in flavor alone was amazing!  Yogurt made with  that milk tasted like no other.  I hope this study leads to a better understanding of the value of raw milk.  It sure would be nice to legally obtain it!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/02/2010 04:33:21 PM
<p>I will have to check out that study! I haven&#39;t tried raw milk yet, since I&#39;m still a little scared of it! I switched from a highly-processed national organic brand to a minimally-processed local Ohio milk (Snowville Creamery.) It is pasteurized to 170 degrees (the lowest legal temp) instead of 280 degrees like conventional milk. It is non-homogenized (the cream separates and rises to the top) and is from pastured grass-fed dairy cows that do not get hormones or antibiotics. I used to dislike the taste of milk but this has a different, creamier taste that I like. I highly recommend your readers in Ohio who are a little nervous about raw milk to try this as a baby-step away from conventional milk and toward the ultimate goal of raw milk. www.snowvillecreamery.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Arielle
EMAIL: WhoseRU@cinci.rr.com
IP: 174.101.209.97
URL: https://f4loved.wordpress.com/
DATE: 11/02/2010 10:28:27 PM
<p>Stink, if I was a bit closer and not in nursing school (and homeschooling the teens) I would love to join the RAW group. I would buy raw milk tomorrow if it was not so expensive.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: tamlynn
EMAIL: tamlynn@juno.com
IP: 71.106.235.49
URL: http://tamlynnj.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/03/2010 06:54:22 PM
<p>Sounds like an interesting study. I live in CA and can buy raw cow&#39;s milk from the store as well as the farmer&#39;s market.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Martha
EMAIL: m_seest@hotmail.com
IP: 38.114.70.246
URL: 
DATE: 11/03/2010 11:09:00 PM
<p>I wish I still lived in Columbus so I could participate!  We drink raw milk and love it.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: ...but Christians are SO Judgmental!!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/06/2010 12:00:54 PM
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BODY:
<p>I'm a Christian.&nbsp; I have many friends who are as well, and several who are not.&nbsp; And by far, the biggest complaint I hear about Christians is "but Christians are <em>so</em> judgmental!"</p>
<p>And it's true.</p>
<p>It's an issue we've been discussing at church for quite awhile.&nbsp; It's an issue that never goes away.&nbsp; A year or so ago, a clip from one of those "wife swap" shows was played during church.&nbsp; A Christian woman had swapped with a non-Christian woman (she may have been pagan; I'm not quite remembering).&nbsp; Early in the show, there was a social gathering of all the women from church, with the non-Christian woman.&nbsp; All of the women kind of looked her over with sideways glances.&nbsp; They barely said hello.&nbsp; They were downright rude to her!&nbsp; Some even said things about her not being a Christian.&nbsp; It was awful to even watch!&nbsp; And the Christian mom, upon entering the other home, was "horrified" at the non-Christian items in their home, and literally ran screaming to her husband that they were awful, evil people.</p>
<p>Wow!</p>
<p>Where was the Christian spirit?&nbsp; Where was the attitude of love, welcoming, understanding of differences?&nbsp; After the social gathering they interviewed the non-Christian woman: she said she couldn't believe how she was treated, that she understood she was different but that she would <em>never</em> treat anyone that way.</p>
<p>Unfortunately this is how many Christians are in today's world.&nbsp; The church acknowledges that this is a pervasive problem.&nbsp; Our church, and some of our friends, refer to this behavior as "playing church."&nbsp; That is, you show up on Sundays, you participate in the activities and social groups, yet you do not actually live your life as someone transformed by Jesus.&nbsp; These are people who are more interested in appearing better than others because they are church members; in dressing up and showing off at church; in gossiping about other church members; in spouting off Bible verses without really understanding what they mean; in being absolutely shallow and hypocritical in their religious lives.</p>
<p>Is this how most people are?&nbsp; Hopefully not.&nbsp; Is it how <em>all</em> people are?&nbsp; Absolutely not.&nbsp; But is it how outsiders view us?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; And is there some truth to it?&nbsp; Sadly, yes.</p>
<p>Many Christians have gotten so caught up in the wonderful news of Jesus that they've forgotten what it means to be a Christ follower.&nbsp; They've forgotten that they, too, were once lost.&nbsp; They've forgotten how to reach out to others, to truly love them!</p>
<p>It's easy to quote Bible verses, to even understand what they mean.&nbsp; It's easy to say "we need to be an example to the world.&nbsp; We cannot compromise our views even if the world hates us."&nbsp; And these things are true!&nbsp; But there's a difference between compromising who we are, and excluding those who don't think like us.</p>
<p>Jesus commands us to go and tell His truth.&nbsp; He also commands us to love others and to be in relationship with them.&nbsp; Jesus spent much of his time with the lost, the fallen, the sinners.&nbsp; He frequently dined with "sinners and tax collectors" and made absolutely no secret of it.&nbsp; His own disciples questioned him and suggested that people might talk and think less of him if he continued to keep such company.&nbsp; They, too, thought they were better because of their faith in Jesus!&nbsp; This is clearly not a <em>new</em> problem, but one that has been going on as long as there has been religion.</p>
<p>Obviously, more and more people see this happening, are disgusted, and walk away from the church entirely.&nbsp; They don't want to be a part of a group of people who are rude, judgmental, and harsh on outsiders.&nbsp; Why would they?&nbsp; To them, it looks like a really poor social group and a bunch of irrelevant teachings!&nbsp; And it's us Christians making it look that way!</p>
<p>Jesus' message is not irrelevant in our lives.&nbsp; Not his <em>true</em> message, which is to love others and care for them.&nbsp; We are to meet them where they are, and meet their needs.&nbsp; We are to accept them for who they are, even if that is different from us.&nbsp; We are to humble ourselves and reach out to them, regardless of the circumstances.&nbsp; We are to make ourselves less, for the last are first and the first are last.</p>
<p>(Which, side note, is why I love the movie <em>Cars</em> so much.&nbsp; I'll assume you've seen it as it's not a new film.&nbsp; SPOILER ALERT! At the end, Lightening McQueen stops just short of winning the race and goes back to help the old car that crashed because of the third car's selfishness.&nbsp; He pushes this car to the finish line and comes in last, while the selfish car comes in first.&nbsp; He could have won -- but helping the other was more important.&nbsp; He made himself last.&nbsp; And yet, everyone celebrated him!&nbsp; They ignored the car who "really" won, because he was so selfish.&nbsp; McQueen was last, but truly he was first, because what he did was so much more important than winning.&nbsp; The end makes me cry.&nbsp; Is that sad?)</p>
<p>In our walk with Christ, we need constant reminders that we are to be loving towards others.&nbsp; It's so easy to feel like we know the truth, we have a secure future in Christ.&nbsp; It's easy to become wrapped in our life with Him and our knowledge of the Bible.&nbsp; It's easy to look at people who don't know and say "They're just heathens."&nbsp; It's easy to say "Well, if they would just wise up and convert already!"&nbsp; And yet...this is wrong.</p>
<p>It is <em>always</em> our job to love others first.&nbsp; We shouldn't worry what the world thinks about us.&nbsp; We shouldn't worry what one person thinks about us.&nbsp; Our job is bring glory to God.&nbsp; And nothing brings glory to Him more than worshipping Him.&nbsp; One way we worship Him is by loving others and bringing them to Him.&nbsp; And we can't do that unless we <em>really</em> love them and are in relationship with him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We won't convert anyone by saying "Did you know you're going to Hell?" I cringe when <em>I</em> hear that and I know Jesus!&nbsp; We will convert others <em>only</em> by truly loving them and being an example of Jesus.&nbsp; We will convert only if others look at us as shining examples and say "You are so happy.&nbsp; You are so loving, so giving, so <em>non-judgmental</em>.&nbsp; I want to be like you.&nbsp; I want to have what you have."</p>
<p>There will be those who will never get there.&nbsp; And that's okay.&nbsp; We are to pray for everyone, all the time.&nbsp; There are those who will get there only just before death.&nbsp; That's okay too!</p>
<p>But the bottom line is <em>no one</em> will get there if you judge them and find them lacking.&nbsp; Judgment is for God and God alone.&nbsp; (Which is another issue entirely; God's judgment isn't like our judgment because He is perfect.&nbsp; It isn't a negative judgment where God is trying to be harsh and mean and looking at us like "Hmm...you just don't measure up!"&nbsp; It's more in the sense of a court of law, where one is handed appropriate justice.&nbsp; Much more complicated than that, but as I said, it's a separate issue.)</p>
<p><strong>So how can we be a light to others?&nbsp; How can we walk side-by-side with our non-Christian friends?&nbsp; How can we reach out to others who are different from us?&nbsp; How can we love others as Jesus loves us?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: kelly@kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 24.180.126.105
URL: http://www.christianity101blog.com
DATE: 11/06/2010 01:58:45 PM
<p>Kate, you said it well.  It makes me so sad when I see Christians acting like that and thereby totally and understandably turning off anyone who might have ever considered Christianity.  But then...I wonder when I may have unknowingly done the same thing in the past.  When I thought I was helping someone, there&#39;s a chance I came off judgmental without meaning to...I pray that I haven&#39;t or that it wasn&#39;t anything too bad, but Lord knows I mess up a lot.  </p><p>Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kris
EMAIL: kstone@stonecafecreations.com
IP: 99.51.170.119
URL: http://www.onecookandtwochefs.blogspot.com
DATE: 11/06/2010 03:01:10 PM
<p>Hi!<br/>   So,  I was actually talking to a lost friend of mine about this the other day.  Here is where I stand.   I am going to use a burning building as an example.  I have a friend in a burning building.  Am I just going to love on them and be an example on how to exit the burning building?  No,  I am going to warn them and plead with them to get out of the burring building.</p><p>  Same in real life. Two people die every second. Which means I may not have time to &quot;live a life of love in hope they ask about it&quot;.  With most of my friends,  I have verbally shared the gospel with them.  I am not a hell-fire and brim stone kind of gal,  but I do use the law (Gal 3:24) i.e. have you ever told a lie, etc…  I then tell them about what Christ did on the crossfire because we broke God&#39;s laws.  And then I end it talking about repentance and faith.   I only do this once with my friends.  When they know where I stand… then I live a life of love and caring (and prayer!) for the lost souls around me.  Preaching the gospel is not being judgmental, it&#39;s a loving.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly the Kitchen Kop
EMAIL: Kelly@Kellythekitchenkop.com
IP: 24.180.126.105
URL: http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com
DATE: 11/06/2010 03:36:37 PM
<p>It&#39;s all in HOW this is done, though, and also timing.  We need to pray and ask for guidance, because for some people, this would turn them off for life.  There have been some instances where I thought God wanted me to share with someone soon after knowing them, and I have another friend who we have been friends for YEARS and God has still only opened one door in our conversation one time and I know she thought about what we talked about, but it hasn&#39;t come up since.  I found out in that one conversation that she had a bad experience in church once, so I&#39;m treading lightly, and praying God gives me another chance and that I don&#39;t blow it.</p><p>Kelly</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 70.161.118.177
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 05:22:48 PM
<p>I am so grateful you brought this up and in the manner you did.  I, myself, am agnostic (which is not the same as atheist for those who may be confused).  I find it true that many Christians are so full of hate and judgment.  I know not all are, but I do feel that if you are open-hearted and show love instead of hate, that&#39;s how any god wants their followers to be.  I have studied and experienced many world cultures and their religions and I respect them all.  I think they overlap greatly and I feel if I live my life as a kind and honest human being, treating others with dignity and respect, whichever greater power is judging at the end of my life should be pleased.  It is one thing to share your religious views, but do not feel the need to &quot;save&quot; them or tell them they&#39;re going to hell.  Just share what you believe and allow others to ask you more if they want to know more.  Just as anyone as a Christian likely doesn&#39;t want to be swayed into another religion, those of other religions feel the same.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 199.16.223.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/06/2010 05:46:43 PM
<p>Kris, well said and perfect analogy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheryl
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.118.67.109
URL: 
DATE: 11/07/2010 03:02:27 PM
<p>I agree that Christians being critical and judgment is certainly a problem in the church, and I confess that I have displayed my share of unjust criticism. But if we&#39;re not careful, we can go too far in the opposite direction. Not telling people about their sin before a perfect and holy God does not give them the gospel truth. While we may not want to say, &quot;Did you know you&#39;re going to hell?&quot; we certainly need to share that a judgment by God awaits them unless they recoognize their sin against a holy and loving God and repent. We need to be careful not to water down the truth by saying only, &quot;Jesus loves you and has a great plan for your life.&quot; </p><p>And, we need to remember that Jesus commanded us to go and tell, to preach the gospel, but we don&#39;t do the converting God does.  Also, there will most definitely be times, no matter how loving we are when we share the gospel, that someone will be offended. That&#39;s the nature of the Truth. Jesus even told us that the Truth would cause division in families. So, we should be loving in telling the truth, but as Kris pointed out, people are headed toward a burning building and if we don&#39;t warn them, totally and completely, they have no chance of being saved. God does the saving, but He commands us to preach the Word.</p><p>So, while we shouldn&#39;t be judgmental, leaving perfect judgment to God, we as Christians have the responsibility to tell the truth, the whole truth, in love.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 11/07/2010 09:44:25 PM
<p>I am not a Christian and everything you said rings true for me. I have a few Christian friends but only non-judgemental ones. I feel that many Christians come across as cheerleaders for Jesus, full of fire and brimstone. This can be a bit much to handle if we&#39;ve just met, or are work colleagues, or are merely trying to enjoy a casual lunch with new acquaintances. I like your term, &quot;playing church.&quot; It reminds me of a scene from the movie &quot;SAVED&quot; where Mandy Moore&#39;s character throws a bible at her ex-friend, hitting her on the head while screaming &quot;I am filled with Christ&#39;s love!&quot; She was the most outwardly Christian character in the movie, but inwardly was not an example of true Christian spirit.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/08/2010 07:54:08 AM
<p>We need to make sure that our churches are open to non-believers, but we also need to be non-judgmental to believers! I can&#39;t tell you how many times I&#39;ve gone into a new church only to be ignored during &quot;fellowship time&quot; when everyone goes and says hi to their friends and ignores the new people. I generally don&#39;t go back to those churches - instead, I try to find one where I feel like the people actually want me there. It isn&#39;t enough to turn me off of my faith, but it does keep churches from growing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie
EMAIL: carruthhome@gmail.com
IP: 71.154.13.196
URL: 
DATE: 11/08/2010 07:16:50 PM
<p>Kris and Sheryl said it better than I could.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ed
EMAIL: 
IP: 74.38.6.163
URL: 
DATE: 01/29/2011 04:26:31 PM
<p>It&#39;s a tv show folks. They call them reality shows, but there is not a lot of reality in them. I know some Christians are like those depicted in the show, but most Christians I know are not like that at all. As the devil&#39;s advocate on this one, a person could say that atheists and agnostics don&#39;t want to face the fact that they better judge themselves before God does. God will forgive, but the person must seek his forgiveness. We should not judge one&#39;s absolute worthiness before God, but we all must make judgments about anyone we may spend time around. This is true for Christians and non believers. Keep in mind, this debate was spawned by a producer&#39;s quest to boost ratings in a sheep-like so called reality show starved culture. Have a good day all!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Planning for Christmas
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 11/09/2010 01:00:43 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/Baby Pictures 006.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1289172786958" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><em>(Yes, that's Bekah above!&nbsp; Christmas '08.)</em></p>
<p>It's almost Christmas again!&nbsp; Just a few weeks left.</p>
<p>Does it seem to sneak up on you?&nbsp; It sneaks up on a lot of people.&nbsp; In a couple weeks, there will be major sales (Black Friday), including one here on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> (don't miss that!).&nbsp; People will be combing the stores in search of the best Christmas gifts, the gotta-have-it items and more for everyone on their list.&nbsp; <strong>How can you avoid the craziness this year and get your Christmas planning done in advance so you can actually <em>enjoy</em> the holiday</strong> (neat concept, right?)?</p>
<p><strong>Well, first, start now.</strong> :)&nbsp; Seriously!&nbsp; Some people don't like to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but sometimes you have to, for practicality's sake.&nbsp; You don't have to decorate or listen to Christmas music yet (unless you want to), but it's a good time to start thinking about your holiday plans, cards, and buying Christmas presents.&nbsp; This is important!</p>
<p>So let's look at a few basic steps:</p>
<ul>
<li>Start now and set a goal</li>
<li>Make your lists and check them twice</li>
<li>Consider a small Christmas</li>
<li>Consider homemade Christmas</li>
<li>Appreciate family time and Jesus' birth above all</li>
</ul>
<p>Start now and set a goal for finishing.&nbsp; <strong>I recommend finishing by Dec. 1, or, if that's too soon, Dec. 11 (two weeks before Christmas).&nbsp;</strong> That will give you plenty of time.&nbsp; <strong>You have to have <em>everything</em> done by this goal: presents bought <em>and</em> wrapped; holiday plans set; Christmas cards written and mailed; house decorated;</strong> etc.!&nbsp; This will give you a good couple weeks to enjoy the holiday without worrying about last-minute craziness at the malls.&nbsp; If someone asks you to go shopping on Dec. 12, you can say "Sure!" without grabbing your list or worrying about what you still need to buy.&nbsp; You can just absorb the scents and the sounds and the fun bustle around you with no stress!</p>
<p>Make your lists and check them twice.&nbsp; <strong>Create a list of all the people you need to buy for.&nbsp; Write down what you'd like to buy for them</strong> (you may want a separate list for your immediate family vs. the rest, since you will probably buy several things for immediate family, especially children, while only small/single things for the rest).&nbsp; <strong>Create a Christmas card list, if you don't already have one.&nbsp; Ideally, do this in an Excel spreadsheet</strong> with current addresses in it so that next year it's already done (and naturally, update it throughout the year if people move, if you want to add new people, etc.).&nbsp; C<strong>reate a calendar of all your holiday plans</strong> -- any Christmas plays, church events, family get-togethers, etc.&nbsp; This way you won't overschedule yourself!&nbsp; <strong>Create a meal plan for any meals you'll be serving at home, and choose dishes you'll take to parties to pass.&nbsp; Keep your recipes with this plan.</strong>&nbsp; Make any other lists that you think you will need to get through this season!&nbsp; Add them to your homemaking binder, if you have one (I do, although I don't think I've ever posted on it).</p>
<p>Consider a small Christmas.&nbsp; Do you <em>have</em> to write cards to your third grade teacher, your kid's swim teacher from the Y (from four summers ago) and the guy who sells you coffee?&nbsp; Probably not.&nbsp; <strong>Pare down your Christmas card list to family members and close friends</strong>, or at least make them simpler.&nbsp; <strong>Write a "family letter" that talks all about your family over the previous year</strong> and include this in your cards, instead of writing individual messages (except, maybe, to your very closest family/friends).&nbsp; Buy fewer presents for people, and buy for fewer people if possible.&nbsp; <strong>Give a favorite recipe, a nice picture, or something small to the people you are not as close to</strong>.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> also makes a good, inexpensive gift!&nbsp; D<strong>ecorate a tree, put up a wreath, but skip the lights on the house and all the knick knacks</strong> (you'll spend all your time yelling at your kids to leave them alone, anyway).&nbsp; Just think simpler.&nbsp; Christmas isn't really about the "stuff" anyway.</p>
<p>Consider a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/15/homemade-christmas.html">homemade Christmas</a>.&nbsp; We <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/27/homemade-christmas-update.html">did this last year</a> and enjoyed it.&nbsp; <strong>It does take some time and planning, but we felt that every gift we gave was meaningful, and people appreciated them.</strong>&nbsp; You can bake some nice cookies or make other holiday food for most people, and take the time to sew or craft other things for people closer to you.&nbsp; We made <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/23/wooden-blocks-how-to.html">wooden blocks</a> for our nephew, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/16/homemade-diaper-rash-cream.html">skin cream</a> for most of the women, and rice-filled heating pads for other family members.&nbsp; Small, simple, practical gifts.</p>
<p>Appreciate family time and Jesus' birth above all.&nbsp; Christmas is really about homecoming, enjoying time together, and celebrating Jesus birth.&nbsp; If you forget the decorations, the presents, the special food...it won't matter.&nbsp; <strong>Concentrate on spending time with your family and just enjoying the season and all it brings.</strong>&nbsp; The rest is fun, but it brings stress, so if you don't make it -- skip it.&nbsp; "Stuff" isn't really important.</p>
<p><strong>How do you plan for Christmas?&nbsp; What tips do you have to make it easier?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:14:51 PM
<p>I got a late start this year, admittedly. Last year I&#39;m sure I was done by now! Fletcher (5 months) is just getting a few things, and I made most of them--soft blocks, wood blocks, taggie, booties, etc. Cameron (nearly 3) is pretty much bought for already, except a garbage truck toy and maybe another puzzle or two. I also have to finish one thing I&#39;m making for him. Plus stocking stuffers for both kids (binkies, cute silverware, little cars, etc). I have not bought one single thing for my husband. I know of two things he&#39;s getting me (birthstone necklace from the baby, book of sheet music for my dulcimer), but I am having a really hard time coming up with things for him this year. </p><p>This may sound Scrooge-y, but my family (parents/siblings) decided not to exchange gifts this year. I am THRILLED with this, for many reasons...we even encouraged my ILs to do the same thing. 1. It&#39;s really expensive to buy for that many people, and we are a one (small) income family. 2. I have a hard time coming up with what to buy/make for that many people...especially since my parents and ILs have the money to buy what they want throughout the year. I know they aren&#39;t wanting for much and I always feel like it&#39;s impossible to get a &quot;nice enough&quot; gift on my $30 per person budget. :-/ 3. My brother-in-law makes a lot of money and has &quot;no one to spend it on,&quot; so he tends to go ALL OUT at Christmas and spends lots and lots of money on us. And, the fact is, we just can&#39;t do the same for him. And I know he doesn&#39;t care--he enjoys choosing thoughtful gifts for us (last year we got an AeroGarden!), but it&#39;s still embarrassing and awkward to open his gifts when we know that what we got for him is not anywhere near as cool or worth as much. And that is not a good feeling to have on Christmas. Both families agreed to buy/make for the children, but that&#39;s it...because that&#39;s fun! lol</p><p>Lastly, cards. The last few years we have sent cards to like, everyone in our address book. Family (immediate and removed), friends, our realtor, our dentist, my old boss (I stopped working almost 3 years ago!)...everyone! I definitely want to knock a few people off the list this year. It&#39;s really expensive to print cards and buy stamps for 50+ people, and to be honest, we don&#39;t receive cards from 90% of them! Which really irritates me, lol...I LOVE getting Christmas cards, and maybe they all enjoy getting mine, but oh well. I&#39;ll send to the aunts and uncles in my family, because I talk to them somewhat often (even if only on FB), but my husband&#39;s family...well, I haven&#39;t even met some of them, and haven&#39;t seen most since our wedding (in 2007), so...they might be out of luck this year. :-P</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://momblogshowcase.com
DATE: 11/09/2010 02:31:35 PM
<p>FYI - the skin cream link above takes me to an invalid page for homemade diaper rash cream. Thanks<br/>Was looking forward to the skin cream gift idea.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/09/2010 10:01:15 PM
<p>Monique,</p><p>Sorry!  The link is fixed now.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 11/10/2010 03:06:08 AM
<p>I still get the diaper rash page on the skin cream link, and the homemade Christmas link doesn&#39;t work.  Would love to read the stories!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 11/10/2010 03:34:22 AM
<p>Kelly,</p><p>We use the diaper rash cream on EVERYTHING.  I should have noted that -- it&#39;s become a general skin cream. :)  I&#39;ll fix the other link in the morning!  Thanks. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melanie
EMAIL: mmonroe_a@hotmail.com
IP: 24.205.66.69
URL: http://naturallivingsimplelife.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/10/2010 09:16:41 AM
<p>Great ideas! The last couple of years, in my extended family, we&#39;ve gotten a wish list from a needy family and bought items off of their list to give to them, instead of items for each other.  Another great idea is to purchase lovely gifts from Made By Survivors (http://www.madebysurvivors.com/), as there are very beautiful items in which the purchase helps survivors of human trafficking.  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 11/10/2010 11:26:22 AM
<p>I&#39;ve been working on the handmade Christmas items I&#39;m doing this year (3 of them) since September. Yes, September. And because I work full time, I am still feeling the crunch (also partially worsened by the fact that all of these have to be sent through the mail with a minimum of 2 weeks to get there). I&#39;m not a fan of doing just general handmade items for people (like what you did for your family...no offense, but it&#39;s not for me) because I&#39;m the type to do personalized gifts. Everything I give to someone is specifically thought out to be something that person would like. My handmade gifts are 3 quilts, one (really close to being finished) for my grandfather, one (not quite halfway done) for my mother, and one (just started! eek!) for my MIL. </p><p>I still need to figure out gifts for siblings and dads. Ugg...</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Winner of Nubius Organics Giveaway!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 11/15/2010 06:31:24 PM
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BODY:
<p>The winner of the Nubius Organics $25 gift card is:</p>
<p><strong>Heidi (heidirosemichael@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please email me with your contact information to claim your prize.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Contentment and Happiness
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 11/24/2010 01:00:05 PM
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BODY:
<p><em>Psst...there will be a BIG sale on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> on Black Friday!!&nbsp; Using code: BLACKFRIDAY, you can get 50% off!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Make sure you come back and buy on Friday!&nbsp; <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=114298&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Healthy Snacks to Go</a> is also 50% off, using code BLACKFRIDAY.&nbsp; BOTH discounts are only for the first 50 people who buy, so hurry to get yours!</em></p>
<p>Last week I wrote about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/19/whats-wrong-with-hard-work.html">hard work</a>.&nbsp; And while I didn't quite explain my position well (yes, I <em>am</em> in favor of longer maternity leaves and other mom-and-baby friendly policies), I'm hoping this post will clear things up.</p>
<p>See, the problem in our society isn't just that we're afraid of hard work, though we are.&nbsp; <strong>The problem is really that we're not content with anything.&nbsp; We're not happy.</strong>&nbsp; If anyone says happiness is found in hard work, we get angry.&nbsp; We feel threatened, we criticize (go read some of the comments on that post).&nbsp; I read some comments (not on this blog) from people who tried to argue that the reason we're not happy is because we work <em>too much</em>, but I don't believe that.</p>
<p>I think we're just...not happy.&nbsp; I think we want what we don't have.&nbsp; <strong>I think that we spend more time playing "Catch Up with Joneses" than we do worrying about our <em>own</em> families.</strong>&nbsp; Competition has been taken to an extreme.&nbsp; We think our neighbors (or someone in our lives) has a better house, better cars, better behaved children, takes better vacations, has nicer (and more) electronics, a better marriage....&nbsp; It goes on forever.&nbsp; We feel the need to have those things, too.&nbsp; Even if we eschew materialism, we still want those better-behaved children and better marriage.</p>
<p><strong>We're on a quest for a <em>better</em> life all the time.</strong>&nbsp; No matter what we have, it's not enough.&nbsp; We're not satisfied with it.&nbsp; We have a constant case of the <em>If Onlys...</em></p>
<p><strong>If Only...</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>We could afford to take better, or more, vacations</li>
<li>We enjoyed our time on vacation more, and didn't fight so much</li>
<li>We had a private, real date night at least once a week, with a babysitter</li>
<li>Our children weren't so sassy and didn't get into trouble so much</li>
<li>We had that 'new' gadget to make our lives easier</li>
<li>Our house were more organized</li>
<li>People treated us more nicely</li>
<li>The boss wasn't so unreasonable</li>
<li>I didn't have to work with that person or do that project</li>
<li>Our children slept through the night/went to bed on time/gave us a break</li>
<li>There wasn't so much laundry, dishes, and other mundane chores</li>
<li>I didn't have to cook meals everyday</li>
<li>My husband/wife loved me more and treated me better (I'm not talking about abuse, I'm talking about everyday gripes, like 'doing chores without being asked' or 'not yelling at me after having a bad day')</li>
<li>If we had more time off, to be together as a family</li>
<li>If we actually <em>did</em> stuff as a family, instead of sitting and watching TV, ignoring each other</li>
</ul>
<p>...and on, and on.</p>
<p>Sound familiar?&nbsp; I'm sure I've said pretty much everything on this list and one time or another.&nbsp; <strong>We've come to view our lives as being <em>outside</em> of work, and anything&nbsp;that constitutes work as an intrusion, a burden on our lives.</strong>&nbsp; If we didn't have to have a job (or work so many hours), if we didn't have to take care of our homes, if our children didn't need so much from us...everything would be wonderful.&nbsp; Right?</p>
<p>The problem is, this attitude breeds resentment and contempt.&nbsp; We come to <em>hate</em> the laundry, <em>hate</em> the dishes, <em>hate</em> having to get up to go to work in the morning.&nbsp; <strong>We live for the days when the laundry and the dishes are done and the weekend has come.</strong>&nbsp; Then we find our weekend whiled away on something else that needs done, or doing nothing at all.&nbsp; We feel dissatisfied.&nbsp; Where was the <em>fun</em>?&nbsp; Maybe you even planned something fun -- a trip to choose a Christmas tree with the kids, for example -- but the kids squabbled all the way there, you couldn't agree on a tree, and the whole trip wasn't much fun for anyone.&nbsp; <em>Where was the fun?!</em></p>
<p><strong>Eventually this leads to wishes, and attempts to cover.</strong>&nbsp; "If we got a Wii, then we'd spend more time together as a family."&nbsp; Maybe so.&nbsp; Probably not, at least not long-term.&nbsp; "If we had a nicer car, we'd take more trips together."&nbsp; Probably not, because a car isn't really what's stopping you.&nbsp; "If I could get my husband to just <em>understand</em> how he needs to be a better man, we'd have a better marriage."&nbsp; (Again, NOT talking about abuse.)&nbsp; Not at all, because he probably has plenty of complaints about you, too, which will just lead to a big fight.&nbsp; Neither of you is right.</p>
<p><strong>We come to resent nearly everything in our lives, to some degree.</strong>&nbsp; We're always thinking about "If Onlys" and we're always looking for something better.&nbsp; We believe we are the only ones who feel this way, and that leads to that spirit of competition we feel.&nbsp; Eventually, because it seems like we are <em>always</em> losing (no matter what the reality is), we come to feel entitled.</p>
<ul>
<li>All my neighbors have nice cars!...I should too.</li>
<li>My neighbors are so happy and act like newlyweds after 10 years and 2 kids!...We should too.</li>
<li>All of my friends have nicer, more upscale homes!...We should too!</li>
<li>All of my friends' children are more obedient!...Mine should be too!</li>
</ul>
<p>This, too, could go on forever.&nbsp;<strong> We're not thinking about what happens behind closed doors, of course, which is probably the same as what happens at your house.</strong>&nbsp; It's just about how it appears.&nbsp; How do you know that your friends and neighbors with those nice cars and homes aren't in deep debt and depressed about it?&nbsp; How do you know that the 'newly wed' neighbors aren't just putting on a show because they're desperately unhappy?&nbsp; (And even if they're not, they <em>still</em> have their bad days.)&nbsp; How do you know your friend's children aren't just good for you, because you're not their parent (highly likely)?</p>
<p>But then...you want to buy a car you can't afford.&nbsp; And a house you can't afford.&nbsp; And force your spouse to act loving and go on extravagant dates and act like you're dating again (in the bad way, where it takes over your lives, not where you love on each other and help each other).&nbsp; You discipline your children more harshly and more frequently to try to make them "perfect" too.</p>
<p>Where does it leave you?</p>
<p>More unhappiness.&nbsp; More resentment.&nbsp; More sense of entitlement.&nbsp; <strong>"It shouldn't be this hard to have these things."</strong></p>
<p>I suggest to you that it's not our lifestyle that needs to change, or anything around us at all.&nbsp; We can't make the laundry or the dishes or the dirty floors go away.&nbsp; We can't wish our way into bigger homes or nicer cars (there's a price, called debt, to pay).&nbsp; We can't wish or nag our husbands into being nicer to us.&nbsp; <strong>We can't make any of these things happen <em>through unhappiness and entitlement</em>.</strong>&nbsp; No, we have to work hard for them.</p>
<p>If we want a nicer house or car, we have to earn more money.&nbsp; <strong>If we want better behaved children, we have to invest in them emotionally</strong>,&nbsp;coming into relationship with them&nbsp;(<em>not</em> discipline them as the primary course of action).&nbsp; If we want a better marriage, we have to work with the situation we have (you can't make your needy baby grow up faster) and attempt to be more loving -- holding our tongue, doing small favors, saying loving things, connecting at home once the kids are in bed.</p>
<p>But, most importantly...</p>
<p><strong><em>We have to change our attitudes</em>.</strong></p>
<p>We have to learn to appreciate what we already have.&nbsp; We have to learn to appreciate the acts of caring for our families and loving them by doing their laundry or washing their dishes.&nbsp; We have to learn to love our husbands even if we feel unloved.&nbsp; We have to learn to appreciate the work we do to provide for our families.&nbsp; <strong>We have to learn to appreciate and <em>take pride in </em>what we do, and everything that we've earned and been blessed with because of the choices we've made.</strong></p>
<p>We have to make ourselves happy.&nbsp; <strong>We have to see everyday living as a celebration rather than drudgery</strong>.&nbsp; We have to enjoy the little things that we have (a cup of tea before bed, a moment to read, an uninterrupted conversation) and not wish so valiantly for the things we do.</p>
<p><strong>I'm going to make a "happiness" list now, and I invite <em>all</em> of you to do the same.</strong></p>
<p>These things make me happy:</p>
<ul>
<li>I'm happy that I can see and hold my children everyday</li>
<li>I'm happy that my husband provides enough for us</li>
<li>I'm happy that I can do the laundry and dishes so I can enjoy my clean home, which I worked hard for</li>
<li>I'm happy that I can take my children fun places and see the world through their eyes</li>
<li>I'm happy that I can eat delicious food, that I cooked myself, and that my family enjoys it too</li>
<li>I'm happy that I have the opportunity to blog, along with my other responsibilities</li>
<li>I'm happy that I get a chance to read for a few minutes alone at the end of the day</li>
</ul>
<p>There are more things that make me happy, but these are important right now.&nbsp; <strong>I (and everyone) need to focus on the pride I have in the life I've chosen, and not the downsides to life.</strong>&nbsp; I need to focus on the happy moments and not the difficult ones.&nbsp; I need to keep my eyes on our goals and enjoy the ride, even if there are rough moments.</p>
<p><strong>Wouldn't the world be a better place if we <em>all</em> felt that way?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karla
EMAIL: kheaman@cablespeed.com
IP: 208.53.114.93
URL: 
DATE: 11/24/2010 03:00:33 PM
<p>I know I&#39;ve been a critic of some of your past posts :), but I couldn&#39;t agree with this one more.  I find that I&#39;m a better mother, wife, friend, etc when I am fully focused on my life and what is in front of me.  So much time is wasted trying to be someone else, have someone else&#39;s kids, car, job and life.  Finding a quiet place where you can contemplate what is best for you, what is best for your kids, what your mission in life is can be hard but that is where I find contentment.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 174.30.67.34
URL: 
DATE: 11/26/2010 07:22:16 PM
<p>Thank you for this post.  I have a lot I&#39;d like to say, and not much computer time, but wanted you to know the article is so appropriate and so encouraging to me.  Thank you.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Handling Aches and Pains
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/01/2010 01:00:22 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/pregnancy.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291158824343" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>When you're pregnant, aches and pains are par for the course</strong>.&nbsp; There's the cramping early on (which can freak you out and make you think something's wrong, which usually isn't the case), the round ligament pain as your muscles stretch to accommodate your growing uterus, back aches as your posture shifts, pain while sleeping, your baby sitting on nerves, sciatica, and lots more!&nbsp; Most are relatively minor, but...it's still no fun!&nbsp; How do you handle these myriad aches and pains?</p>
<p>First, it's <strong>not advisable to take OTC pain medications during pregnancy</strong>.&nbsp; Many doctors will say that a small amount of Tylenol here or there is fine (ibuprofen is <em>not</em> fine, ever, unless your doctor specifically recommends it, and neither is aspirin).&nbsp; I worry, however, about Tylenol's affect on the developing baby, especially glutathione levels (which Tylenol is known to deplete).&nbsp; I don't have any medical evidence that it's harmful in that way, but it <em>is</em> the leading cause of liver failure in adults, and exposing your tiny, developing baby to any chemical substance is probably not the best idea.</p>
<p>So <strong>barring OTC medications, what can you do</strong>?&nbsp; Luckily, there's a lot!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>See a chiropractor</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>We'll be having a chiropractor guest post on exactly how chiropractic can help pregnant women soon, so I won't go into too much detail.&nbsp; But generally, a chiropractor can make sure that your body is properly aligned so the baby has room to grow without hurting you.&nbsp; I didn't see one during my first pregnancy, and I had a very hard time getting comfortable and sleeping, especially at the end.&nbsp; I did see one in my second pregnancy and I only had trouble when it had been a few days since my last adjustment!&nbsp; (I saw him three days a week in the last month or so.)&nbsp; It made a <em>world </em>of difference for me.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>See a massage therapist or physical therapist</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>I know, this is expensive.&nbsp; But some insurance plans will cover it, if it's associated with a chiropractor and/or physical therapist (ours does).&nbsp; It's worth it to go about as often as you go to your prenatal visits -- monthly at first, and weekly as you get close to your due date and more uncomfortable.&nbsp; Especially if you do have sciatica or some other "worse" problem, a massage therapist can help.&nbsp; If you can't afford it, a physical therapist can help in a similar way, by suggesting stretches you can do at home to relieve your pain.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use heat</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Get yourself a heating pad, or those rice-filled socks and apply it to the affected area.&nbsp; This will help to relax your muscles so that you can rest a little easier.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Try arnica</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Arnica is a safe, homeopathic pain reliever.&nbsp; You can take it orally; but better yet, get a cream or a gel and rub it directly into the painful area.&nbsp; I did this once when I dropped something heavy on my foot, and within a couple minutes, I could barely feel the pain anymore.&nbsp; If you're really struggling, arnica will help.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Take a bath</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Make sure it's not too hot, because raising your body temperature during pregnancy isn't a good idea.&nbsp; But a bath around 100 degrees is no problem (average hot tubs are 104 - 105, which is too hot).&nbsp; If you have a jacuzzi at home, just set the water to be a bit cooler than usual and use the jets to help yourself relax, and target the painful areas.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Get some exercise</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you sit too long, you <em>will</em> get stiff.&nbsp; Get up and take a walk, do some mild stretches.&nbsp; Keeping active will help to fight off a lot of types of pain, like low-back pain or leg pain.&nbsp; It keeps fluids flowing in and out of your tissues, too.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Get some rest</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Don't <em>overdo</em> it.&nbsp; If you're tired, sit down.&nbsp; Put your feet up.&nbsp; Lay on your sides and rest for awhile.&nbsp; Drink plenty of water (dehydration can cause cramping and contractions).&nbsp; Balance rest and exercise to feel your best!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use extra pillows</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Pillows will become your <em>best friend</em> when you're pregnant.&nbsp; Around 12 weeks, I get out my first body pillow to sleep with.&nbsp; Ben grumbles -- "Oh, here comes the pillow..." (because it puts space between us in bed).&nbsp; But sleeping with a pillow between your knees helps keep your body aligned better, putting less strain on your back.&nbsp; Later, a second body pillow behind your back, or one of those giant, wrap-around pillows may be a good idea.&nbsp; You need support from all angles.&nbsp; When you're sitting, put a pillow behind your back if you need it.&nbsp; Do whatever you need to do to support your body properly; it will cause you less pain!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Have a baby</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;Okay, maybe this is ridiculous, but you'll eventually get to a point where you're pretty tired and sore no matter what you do.&nbsp; There will be a day where, even if you were getting along just fine up until then, you just can't stand it.&nbsp; Everything kind of hurts, your head is swimming, your body feels strange...and the only cure is having a baby.&nbsp; Luckily, when you reach this point, you're usually just days away from labor.&nbsp; (I remember waking up on a Monday feeling this way...and had a baby on Thursday.)&nbsp; Just know that this will <em>not</em> last forever!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What other tips or tricks do you have for relieving aches and pains during pregnancy?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: hlkeiser@gmail.com
IP: 68.52.43.123
URL: 
DATE: 12/01/2010 04:11:28 PM
<p>If anyone has recommendations for preventing pelvic pain due to too-loose/flexible pelvic ligaments (SPD), I&#39;d really appreciate it. I don&#39;t know if it can be prevented, but I dealt with it during my first (only) pregnancy, and it made life difficult at the end. Keeping my knees parallel as much as possible minimized the pain, but it didn&#39;t solve the problem. It also makes delivery difficult given that spreading your legs is the main thing that exacerbates the problem. I get the impression that many women deal with this, but few pregnancy books seem to.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Denise
EMAIL: duhknees@aol.com
IP: 24.22.70.103
URL: 
DATE: 12/01/2010 06:49:38 PM
<p>I&#39;m not pregnant, but don&#39;t ever take Tylenol or Advil.  There is a great product I&#39;ve gotten from a local lady here in Salem, OR, called Emu Oil Plus (by OGEPI, Oregon Grown Emu Products).  It&#39;s a topical pain-reliever that works for a whole myriad of pains from muscle soreness to headaches and even throat aches (always used externally, not internally).  Anyway, it&#39;s a great product and I&#39;m guessing there are others like it out there.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/01/2010 10:08:28 PM
<p>I think I had SPD, or something like it.  The OB/GYN just called it sciatica.  Whatever it was, it was SO PAINFUL, from about four months on!  And it took three months after the baby was born to stop hurting.</p><p>The one thing that helped me the most was watching my position while I was resting.  Sitting up straight -- rather than leaning back -- or sitting/kneeling on the floor tended to help me.  Being on my feet all the time did NOT, but I was teaching little kids, so I couldn&#39;t really help that.</p><p>I also found it helped to gently stretch my legs each night ... pulling my feet up to stretch my hamstrings, touching my toes (or trying), that sort of thing.  My husband would give me a backrub, focusing on my hips, which hurt the worst.  And, of course, it was very important NEVER to lie on my back.  If I accidentally ended up there, I couldn&#39;t get up on my own, and it would hurt for days.</p><p>I totally second the warm bath.  That and a hot water bottle were the only things that got me through.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/03/2010 11:46:36 AM
<p>Even when you AREN&#39;T pregnant, having a pillow between your knees when sleeping is a good idea. My husband and I both have leg pillows to alleviate back discomfort. We weren&#39;t having back pain, per se, but we both feel better in the morning if our knees separated by a pillow - it is a more natural position for your legs based off of human anatomy, pregnant or not!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kay
EMAIL: 
IP: 50.46.162.218
URL: 
DATE: 03/05/2011 04:30:35 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been using a Chiropractor and Acupuncture to help deal with Sciatica pain.  The results are not immediate, it usually takes a few days to kick in but when it does it completely gets rid of the pain!  It&#39;s also important to balance exercise and rest.  I find when I got for long walks it agitates the pain but also when rest in spot for a long time it also is not helpful but finding a balance has kept me pain free for several weeks into my third trimester.  Stretching also helps like bending over to touch your toes (or bending over a bed if you can&#39;t touch your toes anymore) or doing some yoga poses like child&#39;s pose.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Green Bean Casserole
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/02/2010 01:00:28 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45384295@N08/4163785945/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Green%20bean%20casserole.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291237700376" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by kaitlyndane</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/12/pennywise-platter-thursday-1118-2.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>About 5 years ago, I was introduced to green bean casserole.&nbsp; My family didn't eat it growing up, but Ben's family does, the first Thanksgiving I spent with them, I tried it.&nbsp; And loved it!&nbsp; Unfortunately, as most of you know, it's entirely processed food.&nbsp; So for a couple years I just didn't eat it, or I sneaked a little at someone else's house on the holidays.&nbsp; But I do love it....&nbsp; <strong>Surely there's a way to make it with real food!</strong></p>
<p>There is. :)</p>
<p>I made some this Thanksgiving that was delicious!&nbsp; And so today I will share it with you.</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>4 cups green beans, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces</li>
<li>4 tbsp. butter</li>
<li>1/4 c. mushrooms, chopped</li>
<li>1/4 c. onion, chopped</li>
<li>3&nbsp;tbsp. arrowroot powder</li>
<li>1 c. chicken or turkey stock</li>
<li>1 c. milk</li>
<li>Salt and pepper</li>
<li>1/2 c. sprouted flour</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. pepper</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. paprika</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1/4 c. milk</li>
<li>1 small onion, very thinly sliced</li>
<li>Lard</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Directions:</strong></p>
<p>First, in a small bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.&nbsp; In another small bowl, mix together egg and milk.&nbsp; In a frying pan, heat lard over medium heat, about 1/2" deep.&nbsp; Dip the separated, sliced onions into the milk/egg mixture, then into the flour mixture.&nbsp; <strong>Fry over medium heat until golden brown.</strong>&nbsp; Put them on a plate lined with a towel and set aside.</p>
<p>Put the green beans in a steamer basket in a 4-qt. pot with some water on the bottom.&nbsp; Cover it and turn it on low.&nbsp; <strong>Steam the green beans 10 - 15 minutes, or until tender</strong> (don't let them lose color).</p>
<p>In a saucepan, melt the butter.&nbsp; Add the chopped onions and mushrooms and saute until onions are soft and mushrooms are done.&nbsp; Add the arrowroot powder and a bit of salt and pepper.&nbsp; Stir until smooth.&nbsp; <strong>Add the stock and milk and cook and stir until thickened.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Put the steamed green beans into a 11x7 or 8x8 casserole dish.</strong>&nbsp; Add the mushroom sauce and some of the fried onions.&nbsp; Stir to combine, and add salt and pepper to taste.&nbsp; Top with more fried onions.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 20&nbsp;- 25 minutes, until bubbling.&nbsp; Serve immediately.</p>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; <strong>Frying the onions is the most annoying part, so if you plan to make this a lot, I'd just make a huge batch of them at once and keep them around</strong> (in the freezer, probably, since there are no preservatives).&nbsp; It's yummy and almost as simple as using the canned soups!</p>
<p><strong>Do you like green bean casserole?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cahanbury
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.77.67.26
URL: http://flour-children.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/02/2010 06:04:55 PM
<p>I have been afraid of the green bean casserole.  The slimy cream of mushroom soup scares me.  This actually sounds quite good!  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 12/02/2010 06:19:58 PM
<p>I love love love (is it wrong to say that about a food???) green bean casserole.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to try making it with REAL ingredients!  Maybe I will offer to take it to the inlaws&#39; for Christmas dinner this year.... what they don&#39;t know can only help them, huh?  :)  Thank you for posting this recipe!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/02/2010 07:51:35 PM
<p>My mom always made a different, cheesy/creamy version of green bean casserole that I love. It doesn&#39;t contain the yucky, processed creamed soups, but it does contain bread crumbs on top, but you can make your own, healthy version.</p><p>Here is it:</p><p>4 cups washed, cooked and cut green beans (drain water from beans after cooking)<br/>1/2 c.  butter (I use a little less)<br/>1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated<br/>16 oz sour cream (or you can use plain yogurt...yum!)<br/>1 cup bread crumbs </p><p>Melt the butter, stir in cheese and heat until melted<br/>Add sour cream (or yogurt) and half bread crumbs to cheese add margarine mixture<br/>Blend well and mix with green beans<br/>Place in 1 1/2 qt casserole that is lightly greased<br/>Sprinkle with remaining bread crumbs</p><p>Bake at 350 for 30 minutes</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christy
EMAIL: cekayser@aol.com
IP: 71.97.137.30
URL: http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/02/2010 10:47:20 PM
<p>I made something very similar and you are right the onions are the most time consuming and annoying - but so VERY worth it - yum!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: dining table
EMAIL: kericyrus@gmail.com
IP: 121.54.42.154
URL: http://www.organictables.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 03:55:53 AM
<p>Look at that casserole! It looks so amazing. I love it! The whole presentation is so appetizing.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 11/23/2010 12:04:53 AM
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BODY:
<p>The winner of What Your Doctor Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child is:</p>
<p><strong>Christie Haskell (RowansMommy@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please contact me with your mailing address to claim your prize.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 11/23/2010 07:07:05 PM
<p>Tweeted about your giveaway!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cod Liver Oil Giveaway WINNER!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 11/28/2010 02:52:06 AM
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BODY:
<p>The winners of the Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oil Giveaway are:</p>
<p><strong>Lena (lena3kis@...)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Trina (trintjerenae@...)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Kathleen (katoftheoc@...)</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story: Emotional Aspects of Infertility
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/03/2010 01:00:32 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><em><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Amanda.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291229711124" alt="" /></span></span></em></p>
<p><strong>WAIT!&nbsp; Before reading today's post, we just started an Weekly Newsletter!&nbsp; To subscribe, send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to <a href="Kate@modernalternativemama.com">Kate@Modernalternativemama.com</a>!&nbsp; You'll receive updates on book releases, ecourses, coupon codes, the latest and most popular posts, a weekly recipe, and more!&nbsp; If you're not ready to subscribe and receive daily updates, this is a great way to stay in touch!</strong></p>
<p><em>Today we have Amanda back, sharing with us some more!&nbsp; In addition to a brief update on her health, she's sharing with us her perspective on the emotional aspects of infertility.</em></p>
<p>You may think it strange that I&rsquo;d be writing a post on infertility at 24 years of age as an unmarried-and-not-really-looking-to-get pregnant-anytime-soon woman...but I do know a thing or two about the emotional aspect of infertility, especially as someone who was once told that she would never have a child biologically.</p>
<p><strong>First let me make something clear: I. Love. Babies.</strong> Love them &ndash; their cute &ldquo;chunkamonka&rdquo; cheeks, their smiles that are only caused by tummy bubbles, and mostly their adorable outfits that bring out my inner Project Runway Designer. I love their cute little cries and the interdependent relationship that forms between mother and child. Who doesn&rsquo;t love to feel wanted or needed? I love books about names (since I love to know meanings, origins and histories of our names -it&rsquo;s fascinating!) and I have lists- LISTS- of names that speak to me and that I want to gift to my children someday. While I&rsquo;m not the sappy Hallmark/Lifetime movie type, I do crane my neck to get a look at a kid in a stroller every time I see a newborn and a small cry of &ldquo;aww&rdquo; somehow always crosses my lips. I know that it&rsquo;s not my time for a baby, as I feel I need to be married first and establish my home first, but I can&rsquo;t help joining the &ldquo;Biological Clock Tickers&rdquo; club &ndash; and I&rsquo;m all for it. Bring on the baby fever, party of one, and can you throw in a cup of herbal tea with that? Thanks.</p>
<p><br />I didn&rsquo;t always feel this way.</p>
<p><br /><strong>When I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15, I wasn&rsquo;t thinking about babies</strong>. I really hadn&rsquo;t ever experienced the maternal instinct and aside from babysitting neighborhood kids my experience was limited to my Barbie&rsquo;s having kids faster than a soap opera kills off characters. I was also heavily involved in theatre and music at my high school and was totally in love with performing (still am!)...so when my mom&rsquo;s OBGYN told me that I has this permanent illness to which there was &ldquo;no cure&rdquo; (Ha, Ha! Take that, modern medicine!) except by birth control and that the possibility of me having natural children was very, very slim, I wasn&rsquo;t fazed. I shifted my focus towards theatre, getting into college, and figured that if God didn&rsquo;t want a child for me in my life, then there were other things I was meant to do.</p>
<p><br />Knowing what I know now and how I feel now, the news would have probably crushed me. I want to state that I firmly believe in a season for everything, planned and executed perfectly by God. If I had gotten this news any later, I would never have put as much as I did into my career and I wouldn&rsquo;t have been ready to hear it. God meant for me to plan my life in a certain way, leading me in my perfect life plan to this day, this moment, this hour &ndash; and has given me the people I need in my life to help me with my infertility, even now as I prepare for a baby <em>someday</em>. But I&rsquo;m certainly not the only one, and this post is for those of you <strong>struggling to understand what it&rsquo;s like to have infertility, and how to act appropriately towards those who struggle</strong>.</p>
<p><br /><strong>Rule #1:</strong> I have many friends who are pregnant now, some who are about to have a child and some that are experiencing troubles like me. Every situation is unique even though infertility affects thousands of people. Some people are pretty public about it, like me, and others have not said anything to anyone &ndash; including their partner. My point is <strong>you never know who is experiencing these trials &ndash; so just assume everyone is</strong>.</p>
<p><br /><strong>Rule #2</strong>: One aspect of infertility that is very hard to cope with is friends&rsquo; children, or anyone else having a healthy pregnancy, or seems to have no trouble at all conceiving. <strong>If you are pregnant, or about to announce the pregnancy to someone you know is having difficulty...you may try to tell them a little differently than you would other people</strong>. I&rsquo;m not saying to downplay the excitement and joy of your new miracle by any means; I am absolutely thrilled for my college friends just now having their first child, and wouldn&rsquo;t have it any other way.</p>
<p><br />I recently had a friend tell me she was pregnant, and made it a point to tell me privately &ndash; I was so absolutely grateful that message came to me by myself, and here&rsquo;s why: although I was not in the least fazed by my own infertility at that time, it showed me she understood my illness and its potential to affect my reactions to the announcement. It also made me feel very special to know she took the time to tell me first before anyone else!</p>
<p><br />Another prime example: Friend A is pregnant. Friend B has been trying to conceive for years with her husband and has had no success. She holds up pretty well, but there have been moments where I see how hard Friend B hurts to see Friend A pregnant...she hasn&rsquo;t even had the courage to congratulate Friend A on her pregnancy yet. It&rsquo;s heartbreaking to feel joy for friends and share in the pain of other friend&rsquo;s struggles as well. <strong>If you&rsquo;re pregnant, and announcing, try to consider that not everyone can share fully in your joy &ndash; and be gracious about it.</strong></p>
<p><br /><strong>Rule #3</strong>: Same rule applies to those who are in the midst of pregnancy...while it is a joy to hear how healthy the baby is, and unique to share ultrasound photos and I know you want to discuss nothing BUT the upcoming baby...spare a few thoughts for your friends who can&rsquo;t do what you&rsquo;re able to do for whatever reason. <strong>Make it a point to start conversations by asking about how they are doing</strong>; eventually the conversation will come back to the baby...but make an extra special effort to ask how work is going, or what kind of Christmas decorations they have chosen this year, something &ndash; anything!- else than your pregnancy. It will keep you grounded to the outside world, and show that you are still the kind, caring, awesome friend you were before you received the gift of pregnancy. <strong>Just because you&rsquo;re having a kid doesn&rsquo;t mean you get to monopolize the conversation, or change all friend outings from Starbucks to Babies R Us</strong>. Try to find non-baby places to hang with your friends!</p>
<p><br /><strong>Rule #4: If you have a struggling friend that wants to contribute to your nursery with a gift or help and be involved: let them</strong>. Think about it &ndash; we don&rsquo;t get to experience nesting, you do. We want to help you get ready for your baby and (whether blatantly or subconsciously) want to try our hand at preparing something for a baby...Example: my best friend S is TTC and has enlisted my help as an artist and designer. Together, we are going to help paint her nursery the base color &ndash; all the detail work and pretty painting she&rsquo;s leaving up to me. I&rsquo;m also currently crocheting a receiving blanket for my friend M when she is due in March. I feel very involved in both pregnancies by helping friends and giving the gift of my time and artistry, and I&rsquo;m going to feel very proud when M brings her baby home with the blanket I made. I&rsquo;m going to point to S&rsquo;s nursery and say &ldquo;Hey, see that? I did that!&rdquo; I&rsquo;m not saying give up the things you want to accomplish for your baby to a friend, but perhaps find something specific you know your friend is really, really good at and could incorporate that into your nesting process. If they ever express an interest in gifting you with something, you can immediate reply with &ldquo;I was hoping you could help me, you&rsquo;re the only one I&rsquo;d choose to [insert activity/thing here]&rdquo;.&nbsp; A word of caution: <strong>if you approach your friend and ask them to help, allow them to say no</strong>. They are entitled to their feelings, and it may be too tough to help out in the way you&rsquo;re thinking. But if they offer, or say yes...then you get a special present from a gracious friend!</p>
<p><br />There are lots of other little rules, and each person is different, so it&rsquo;s up to you to decide whether these are relevant to your situation. As I grow and learn more about myself, and my infertility, I&rsquo;m finding that it is so important to lift each other up and support your friends &ndash; pregnant or not.</p>
<p><br />(<strong>As a quick little update from me</strong>: I am continuing to feel better, but I&rsquo;m going to start watching my portions since I&rsquo;m feeling a little thick. I&rsquo;m also learning to say no to foods that aren&rsquo;t good for me, and I&rsquo;m doing a better job of saying no to the sugar! Woohoo!)</p>
<p>Thanks Amanda!!&nbsp; :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2010 03:35:47 PM
<p>This was a really great article with good tips. However, it would probably be beneficial to infertile readers to have someone who has actually experienced infertility write a post. Even though the author has PCOS, she has never actually tried to get pregnant. Why not have someone write about their journey through infertility while actually trying to get pregnant?  I am not discounting the pain the author has felt in seeing friends pregnant, but it is completely different when you are single and can&#39;t be pregnant anyway. Someone whose life is constantly with other couples in the same life stage (trying to conceive) would give a more appropriate perspective. </p><p>I have been blessed to get pregnant very quickly with both my children, but check out this blog for someone who had a harder time: http://prayerofhannah.blogspot.com/search/label/Fertility%20Issues</p><p>Thanks for addressing these issues!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bethany
EMAIL: bethanyraymond@yahoo.com
IP: 99.191.42.88
URL: 
DATE: 02/13/2011 09:19:31 PM
<p>I enjoyed reading Amanda&#39;s post and advice to women who haven&#39;t experience fertility struggles as the relate with friends who face infertility.  I also have Poly-Cystic Ovaries and have fought for three successful pregnancies and most recently lost two more pregnancies.  I&#39;ve always thought  one day I would write an article entitled, &quot;Fighting the Fight of Faith While Struggling With Infertility.&quot;  God truly continues to draw me into deeper relationship with Him even through something like fertility.  Amanda gives good insight into practical ways to show sensitivity to someone facing fertility/infertility struggles.  As a pastor&#39;s wife, I encourage my husband to be sensitive to those women on Mother&#39;s Day, and at baby showers we work to show kindness to women who are there to support and celebrate while at the same time grieving inside.   For someone who doesn&#39;t struggle with fertility, its helpful to realize that women who do suffer infertility and/or miscarriage really do celebrate the success of other women&#39;s pregnancies while at the same time continue to sorrow for themselves.  And sometimes the fact that the sorrow comes when we truly want to be celebrating with someone we love is very discouraging and frustrating.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Make Yogurt
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 12/04/2010 01:00:39 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Eating yogurt has never been my favorite thing, to be honest, but <strong>I've been trying to get more <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/17/fermented-foods-make-me-feel-fabulous.html">fermented foods</a> in our diet</strong>.&nbsp; And I discovered it was actually quite enjoyable when I mixed it into my smoothies in the morning, <em>and</em> I felt so good!&nbsp; But I was paying $3 a quart for organic yogurt (which, granted, is relatively cheap compared to the $5/quart many pay, or even more for small cups).&nbsp; I only pay $5 for a gallon raw milk; <strong>surely yogurt couldn't be too hard to make, for a fraction of the cost</strong>?&nbsp; My early attempts, however, were...bad.&nbsp; Runny, lumpy, separated, strange.&nbsp; Strong, nearly inedible in certain cases.&nbsp; Some did okay with mixed with smoothies anyway, but very few batches could just be eaten plain, if one were so inclined (my son loves it).&nbsp; What to do?</p>
<p>My early experiments involved following various directions I got online.&nbsp; I had some YoGourmet starter culture I'd bought.&nbsp; I tried to heat the milk to exactly 180 degrees, let it cool, culture it at 110 - 115 for 8 hours....&nbsp; FAIL.&nbsp; <strong>I gave up for awhile.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Then recently I decided to try again.</strong>&nbsp; The first batch was ruined; it got too hot and curdled.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seriously inedible.&nbsp; The second batch, though, was perfect.&nbsp; And I've been able to replicate that second batch several times now, so I think I've figured it out!</p>
<p><strong>I make yogurt the same way I do everything</strong> (baking, cooking, and lots of other things): <strong>by feel</strong>.&nbsp; I don't measure (much) or check temperature.&nbsp; That might make it harder for some of you, but hopefully it will make it easier for many of you.</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>4 cups milk</li>
<li>2 tbsp. previously cultured yogurt (buy from the store for your first time)</li>
<li>Quart-sized mason jar</li>
</ul>
<p>First, on the stove, <strong>heat your milk over LOW heat until it is lightly steaming</strong> and starts to form a skin (you may need to stir it when the skin forms to make sure it's steaming underneath):</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010116.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291691946000" alt="" /></span></span>Turn it off, set it aside, and let it cool until you can easily touch it.&nbsp; <strong>Add your yogurt to your mason jar FIRST.</strong>&nbsp; You could use&nbsp;a store-bought culture, but in my experience I always ended up with lumpy yogurt that way.&nbsp; This way is much easier.&nbsp; I bought Trader Joe's Organic European-Style yogurt to start mine, and now just use mine as a starter.</p>
<p>Pour your (cooled) milk on top of your yogurt starter.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010118.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291692136093" alt="" /></span></span><strong>When the jar is full, put a lid on it and shake it up thoroughly.</strong>&nbsp; Flip it over and make sure you don't see streaks of yogurt on the bottom, or you'll end up with lumps on the bottom and runny yogurt on top.&nbsp; I think this mixes it better than stirring.&nbsp; I use an old honey jar, actually, because the lid is a tighter fit when simply placed on the jar (i.e. not sealed in a water bath).</p>
<p>Now you have a jar full of milk mixed with culture!&nbsp; Put it into your dehydrator with trays removed:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010119.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291692291281" alt="" /></span></span>(Yes, mine is a little dirty!)</p>
<p>What if you don't have a dehydrator?&nbsp; You need somewhere that your yogurt will stay a constant 105 - 108 degrees.&nbsp; <strong>You can fill a cooler with hot water (about 115 degrees), 4 - 6" deep.&nbsp; Place your yogurt container in there and wrap towels around the outside of the cooler</strong>.&nbsp; I haven't done this, but<a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/make-your-own-yogurt-and-cream-cheese"> Laura at Heavenly Homemakers</a> does&nbsp;(note she doesn't heat hers as much -- but this will result in runnier yogurt, as I explain later).</p>
<p>Turn your dehydrator (if using) to 105 degrees.&nbsp; Yet another reason why I love my dehydrator!&nbsp; Leave the yogurt alone for 4 hours.&nbsp; Don't check it, don't disturb it, don't do anything to it.</p>
<p>When the time is up, pull it out of the dehydrator (or cooler) and put the cap on it.&nbsp; Now, place the jar into your fridge.&nbsp; <strong>Do NOT shake, stir, or otherwise disturb the yogurt</strong>!!&nbsp; Doing so will result in the whey separating from the yogurt solids!&nbsp; Allow the yogurt to sit in the fridge, undisturbed, for at least 8 hours, until completely cool.&nbsp; Even if the jar feels cold, the yogurt in the center might still be warm.&nbsp; Don't stir it yet.&nbsp; Wait.&nbsp; (It wouldn't be ruined if you did, it just wouldn't be as good.)</p>
<p>Once the yogurt is completely chilled, stir it up and eat it!&nbsp; See how nice and thick it is?&nbsp; Creamy, with no weird lumps. :)</p>
<p>[Insert pic of finished yogurt, about to serve]</p>
<p><strong>If you want your yogurt even thicker, you can place some cheesecloth in a colander and set it over a bowl and allow the yogurt to drain for a few hours</strong>.&nbsp; Completely drained will be cream cheese.&nbsp; Partially drained will be like Greek yogurt (yes, this is how they do it in store-bought versions too).&nbsp; Keep the whey so you can use it for soaking baked goods later!</p>
<p>This recipe is REALLY forgiving, since there are few exact temperatures.&nbsp; But, there are a few things you MUST do:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Make SURE your milk is steaming, but NOT boiling</strong>.&nbsp; Boiling will cause it to curdle; not heating it to steaming will mean it will be runny.&nbsp; (Which is because, if using raw milk, the natural bacteria in the raw milk is competing with the bacteria in the yogurt culture.)</li>
<li><strong>Make sure your milk is cooled before adding it to the culture</strong>.&nbsp; If it's too hot, it will kill the culture and you won't get yogurt at all.</li>
<li><strong>Make sure your temperature is as close to a constant 105 degrees as possible</strong>.&nbsp; Too hot and the yogurt will curdle; too cool and it won't culture (will be runny).&nbsp; A yogurt maker helps if you want to invest in one.</li>
<li><strong>Make sure you do NOT stir your yogurt until COMPLETELY chilled</strong>.&nbsp; This is probably one of the biggest causes of runny, weird textured yogurt (ask me how I know!!).</li>
</ul>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; You don't have to take many temperatures, you don't have to watch it too carefully.&nbsp; There's not a lot of hands-on time.&nbsp; In fact, probably the less you do to it, the better.</p>
<p><strong>Do you make yogurt, or do you plan to try?&nbsp; Any other tips or ideas?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2010 02:44:05 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been making yogurt in my crockpot for a few months and it works beautifully. Absolutely love it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/04/2010 04:04:02 PM
<p>I have heard that you should sterilize your jars to make sure unfriendly bacteria doesn&#39;t grow in your yogurt, which can make it weird. </p><p>For keeping the milk warm after culturing it, I put my jars in a large pot of hot water in the sink. Works great and I don&#39;t have to deal with towels and coolers. </p><p>I have made yogurt for years and have done it all different ways! There seems to be a lot of variables &#39;cause my yogurt does not turn out consistently. The next thing I&#39;m going to try is new starter - I just learned that you should replace your starter with new, store bought yogurt occasionally to help the yogurt get nice and creamy. I had not bought yogurt in over a year, so my batches were turning out real runny. I bought new yogurt yesterday and am looking forward to getting better results with my next batch!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2010 05:03:06 PM
<p>I love making yogurt. It makes me feel healthy and it&#39;s so easy. I&#39;ve found this great starter at a great price. I got it early this summer and still use it. Also, it has 4 strains of bacteria so I think it could be healthier? Not sure... Anyway, thought I&#39;d share because it&#39;s cheap and I don&#39;t have to worry about buying fresh yogurt as a starter.<br/> Link<br/>http://www.leeners.com/dairy-yogurt-supplies.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: h.l.lionelle@gmail.com
IP: 72.174.166.83
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2010 05:54:19 PM
<p>I&#39;ve had great experiences with Pima and Villi cultures from Cultures for Health. The thing I really like about these is that they can be cultured at room temperature. In the case of these if you are intentionally trying to keep them &quot;warm&quot; to make sure they &quot;gel&quot; it&#39;s not difficult to kill them. I definitely found that mixing them and then leaving them completely alone makes for a better end product. =)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: annie
EMAIL: renann4@yahoo.com
IP: 173.189.2.116
URL: 
DATE: 12/04/2010 06:46:51 PM
<p>I use a whole Gallon of milk, 1 c. organic yogurt,  3 Tbl. unflavored gelatin disolved in 1 c. water, and 1 cup sugar which is optional. It makes 5 quarts. I place them in a pan of water 1in high that has been heated in a 170 oven. Turn oven off and let go for 4 hours and then put in fridge! so yummy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: d2white96@yahoo.com
IP: 24.1.253.67
URL: 
DATE: 12/05/2010 02:50:23 AM
<p>My little ones like unsweetened/unflavored homemade yogurt!  I have been making it for about 3 years, and only started having consistent results over the last 6 months or so.  Somewhere I read to heat the milk to 185* and keep it there for 30 minutes. After cooling it and mixing in the storebought yogurt, I pour it into jars and keep them in a water bath in my crockpot for 7 hours.  Then straight into the fridge overnight.  And you are TOTALLY right -- NO touching!!  LOL  It&#39;s like peeking in on a souffle too early.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:46:38 PM
<p>This makes me want a yogurt &amp; fruit smoothie! I have been looking into purchasing an electric yogurt maker - do you have one you would recommend? I have been searching online but am having a hard time finding one that makes yogurt in glass instead of plastic and makes one quart rather than the multiple small cups they all seem to use. Any advice? </p><p>ps. Are the pictures not loaded on this post or is it just my computer?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: CateK
EMAIL: CateK@kaballero.com
IP: 199.195.63.246
URL: 
DATE: 12/10/2010 10:43:53 AM
<p>I don&#39;t have a dehydrator with a large opening. I take a cooler, and line the bottom with cardboard. Then I fill 2 to 4 quart mason jars with boiling water and put them inside in the corners. The yogurt in either mason jars or a glass bowl, goes into the middle. Close the lid and don&#39;t open or touch anything for 8 hours. Where I have always made my mistake was to stir at this point. You have it exactly right. Do no stir. Just move the yogurt carefully to the frig or icebox and leave it for another 8 hours. Voila! Perfect.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 08:37:05 PM
<p>If I have no dehydrator and no cooler can I use the oven?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/14/2010 12:04:15 AM
<p>Anna,</p><p>Yes, that should work too, if you can just turn the light on or otherwise keep the temp down.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 12/28/2010 04:01:57 PM
<p>I just got an excalibur for Christmas (yay!) and I&#39;m trying yogurt in it for the first time. I used a cooler before. Do you leave the lid off the jar when you put it in the dehydrator? I think that&#39;s what it shows in the pic but thought I would ask! Thanks for all you do!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Choice Organic Tea Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 12/06/2010 01:00:38 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/rooibos%20tea.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291513657649" alt="" /><span class="full-image-inline ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/decaf%20english%20breakfast.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291513758311" alt="" /><span class="full-image-inline ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/wild%20forest%20black.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291513806130" alt="" /><span class="full-image-inline ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/oothu%20garden%20green.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291513827695" alt="" /><span class="full-image-inline ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/yerba%20mate%20mint.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291513846351" alt="" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p>Recently, I was given the opportunity to try some nice organic teas from Choice Organic Tea.&nbsp; <strong>They sent me five different flavors: Rooibos Superfruit, Decaffeinated English Breakfast, Yerba Mate Mint, Oothu Garden Green, and Wild Forest Black</strong>.&nbsp; These are their five newest flavors.</p>
<p><strong>These teas are fair-trade certified and organic</strong>, so they are excellent teas.&nbsp; I was eager to try them.&nbsp;<strong> I went for the Rooibos Superfruit first</strong>, because that is one of my favorite types of tea.&nbsp; It smelled like orange (and contains some orange).&nbsp; <strong>It was delicious</strong>.&nbsp; I tried the English Breakfast tea -- a good, full-bodied, regular black tea.&nbsp; The Oothu Garden Green was good too.&nbsp; I didn't particularly like the mint, but that's just not my favorite flavor anyway (peppermint). My husband and daughter liked it, though.&nbsp; I'm not sure I've tried the final flavor, the Wild Forest Black!&nbsp; I was having too much fun with the Rooibos Superfruit, which I think actually may be gone.&nbsp; That one was really <em>wonderful</em>, because it was delicious and completely caffeine-free, so I was able to drink it whenever I wanted, and my daughter drank it too.</p>
<p><strong>If you're looking for a good, simple holiday gift this season, consider these teas</strong>.&nbsp; They're an affordable, "green" gift (and if these don't suit you, come back tomorrow for a full Green Gift Guide with tons of Etsy shops and other small companies with a wide range of services!).</p>
<p>Want to try these teas for yourself?</p>
<p><strong>Choice Organic Teas has graciously offered TWO prize packs</strong>, each of which contain all 5 of their newest flavors.&nbsp; To enter:</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.choiceorganicteas.com">Choice Organic Tea</a> and tell me which one you'd like to try most and why</li>
<li>"Like" me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernamama">Facebook</a> (and I'd appreciate it if you'd post this giveaway, though I can't require it)</li>
<li>Subscribe to my <a href="Kate@modernalternativemama.com">newsletter</a> (send an email with the word "subscribe" in the subject line)</li>
<li>Subscribe to the blog via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a></li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and tweet "I'm going to try Choice Organic Tea's 5 new flavors when I win it @modernamama" and link to this post</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Please leave each entry in a SEPARATE comment, and make sure to leave a comment for all the ones you do!</strong>&nbsp; For example, if you tweet it but don't leave me a comment here saying you did, it won't count (it's too hard to round up all the entries from several locations).&nbsp; <strong>This giveaway will end on Friday morning at 8 am, and I will announce the winner Friday night (12/10)</strong>.&nbsp; Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/06/2010 01:37:15 PM
<p>That Rooibos Superfruit tea sounds fantastic! I&#39;d love to try it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/06/2010 01:37:54 PM
<p>I follow you in my google reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:37:34 PM
<p>I just checked out the website, and I would most like to try the Oothu Garden Green tea.  I&#39;d love to taste tea that&#39;s made near a tiger reserve.  I&#39;m sure it tastes Grrrrrrreat!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:38:03 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:38:26 PM
<p>I subscribe to the newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim C.
EMAIL: spacewomaniscool@yahoo.com
IP: 204.108.158.138
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:39:27 PM
<p>I already like you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Maureen L
EMAIL: shumway8@telus.net
IP: 142.179.4.126
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:39:45 PM
<p>Decaffeinated English Breakfast would be my first choice.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:43:30 PM
<p>I think the wild black forest sounds good--it says energizing in the description. I&#39;m all about that :) But the superfruit sounds good too, especially if it has an orange/citrus flavor.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:43:50 PM
<p>I like you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:44:16 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 02:44:38 PM
<p>I tweeted @bsteen77</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Chelsea B
EMAIL: jberkom@gmail.com
IP: 71.236.180.26
URL: http://www.jcberkompas.com
DATE: 12/06/2010 03:04:21 PM
<p>Wow! First comment! I wold love to try their chai... Chai tea is perfect on a cold wintery morning!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Chelsea B
EMAIL: jberkom@gmail.com
IP: 71.236.180.26
URL: http://www.jcberkompas.com
DATE: 12/06/2010 03:04:58 PM
<p>Oh and I follow your blog with my RSS feed. :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Neveen
EMAIL: neveenbfe@gmail.com
IP: 204.80.196.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 03:38:52 PM
<p>I&#39;d go straight for the decaf English Breakfast. I love love love the bold flavor of English Breakfast and I can just picture myself having a steaming cup of it at the end of the day after I put my little guy to bed and before I hit the sack, enjoying the few minutes I get for myself.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.130.163.232
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/06/2010 04:50:17 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to try the Green Tea!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Steph
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.91.125
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 04:53:10 PM
<p>I would love to try the Rooibos Superfruit! Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam Howard
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.130.163.232
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/06/2010 04:56:17 PM
<p>I subscribe to the newsletter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 05:04:46 PM
<p>I&#39;d like the decaf chai b/c chai is my favorite, and I need decaf since I&#39;m breastfeeding.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 05:06:55 PM
<p>I like you on fb</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 05:07:58 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 05:08:39 PM
<p>I subscribe to your newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: pheaneynbrittany@gmail.com
IP: 65.207.46.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 07:30:53 PM
<p>I would love to try the Decaf Chai.  My hubby and I love to have Chai with a touch of milk and honey (way better than Starbucks!) as a snack after we put our kids to bed.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Annie Joy
EMAIL: anniesc@gmail.com
IP: 67.188.175.70
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 07:33:41 PM
<p>I love Rooibos so would love to try the Rooibos superfruit tea!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Niki
EMAIL: minimalistmommy@gmail.com
IP: 142.167.122.176
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 07:56:11 PM
<p>the wildberry looks appealing.  I am a follower as well.  LOVE your site:)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina M.
EMAIL: ginaboston1@gmail.com
IP: 65.96.163.104
URL: http://daisiesareagirlsbestfriend.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/06/2010 08:09:58 PM
<p>Yerba Mate&#39; Mint sound delicious!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina M.
EMAIL: ginaboston1@gmail.com
IP: 65.96.163.104
URL: http://daisiesareagirlsbestfriend.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/06/2010 08:11:51 PM
<p>I like you on FB.!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina M.
EMAIL: ginaboston1@gmail.com
IP: 65.96.163.104
URL: http://daisiesareagirlsbestfriend.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/06/2010 08:12:48 PM
<p>I&#39;m subscribed in a feed also. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 08:23:55 PM
<p>I would like to try the Wild Forest Black tea. Add a drop or two of milk and it&#39;s part of a perfect morning!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 08:24:28 PM
<p>I also subscribe via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 08:25:17 PM
<p>I also &#39;like&#39; you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 10:49:39 PM
<p>I think the White Teas all sound yummy - especially the White Peony. But I like Yerba Mate too so it&#39;s a tough call!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 10:50:04 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 10:50:25 PM
<p>I also subscribe to your newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 10:50:51 PM
<p>And I follow you via RSS as well!  :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 10:53:35 PM
<p>The Rooibos Superfruit sounds delicious! I drink Rooibos all the time because it is caffeine free and I would be totally jittery if it wasn&#39;t. Thanks for the giveaway.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 12/06/2010 10:59:04 PM
<p>I subscribe via rss</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.217
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/06/2010 11:42:38 PM
<p>Ooh, I want to try the decaf english breakfast that is organic and fair trade.  I love english breakfast tea but don&#39;t want the caffeine, and I&#39;ve recently been a lot more convicted about buying fair trade.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.217
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/06/2010 11:43:08 PM
<p>I like you on facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.217
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/06/2010 11:43:28 PM
<p>And I&#39;m an RSS subscriber. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 01:05:04 AM
<p>I&#39;d like to try this tea for the reasons listed: Oothu Garden Green (Green Tea) – A sophisticated and inspiring single estate tea from one of the first organic and Fair Trade Certified™ tea gardens in India. The surrounding rainforest is home to a tiger reserve and many other endangered animals including the lion-tailed macaque, a primate endemic to this specific region.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan R
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.102.62
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 01:06:21 AM
<p>I subscribe via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.167.234.127
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/07/2010 01:43:21 AM
<p>Rooibos is one of my favorites too..I&#39;ve never tried one with orange.  Sounds good!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heather@pagesbyheather.com
IP: 24.167.234.127
URL: http://www.pagesbyheather.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/07/2010 01:44:23 AM
<p>I follow/subscribe to your blog :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 01:51:46 AM
<p>I would like to try the Genmaicha - I&#39;ve never heard of brown rice as an ingredient in tea before and would love to taste the difference.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 01:52:29 AM
<p>rss feed subscriber via google homepage</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sharin W
EMAIL: the_whitehouse@att.net
IP: 75.203.130.103
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 02:39:24 AM
<p>Rooibos Superfruit  sounds very tasty I tend to lean towards fruity teas, especially since I&#39;m prego, I am a fan on facebook and am subscribed to your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: geektea@hotmail.com
IP: 74.97.202.5
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 03:25:16 AM
<p>I follow you on FB. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 12/07/2010 04:38:36 AM
<p>Celtic Breakfast <br/>sounds like a yummy way to start my day as I try to break my coffee habit!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 12/08/2010 09:08:12 PM
<p>I would try the Decaf English Breakfast.  I love that flavor of tea!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 12/08/2010 09:08:49 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: michellepitsko@yahoo.com
IP: 74.195.128.145
URL: 
DATE: 12/08/2010 09:09:23 PM
<p>I subscribe to your newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/09/2010 04:55:05 PM
<p>I would like to try the Whole Leaf Organics Sampler for variety</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/09/2010 04:56:11 PM
<p>I subscribe to your newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/09/2010 04:56:59 PM
<p>I subscribe to the blog via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/10/2010 04:01:15 AM
<p>Tea is my favorite drink!!! Especially during winter, nothing warms the body as a nice hot cup of tea... and rooibos is my favorite too. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/10/2010 04:02:40 AM
<p>I follow you on Facebook!! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/10/2010 04:03:42 AM
<p>I subscribe to your blog...:)</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Green Gift Guide
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/07/2010 01:00:08 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="www.colorbutton.etsy.com"><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/color button holiday.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291576198927" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Color Button</span></span></p>
<p><strong>Looking for a Green Gift this holiday season?</strong>&nbsp; Many of us "real foodies" probably are, as we tend to lean green in other areas of our lives, too.&nbsp; But of course, green gifts aren't as easy to find.&nbsp; They're usually made by small, independently owned companies or single artisans who don't have money for big advertising.&nbsp; They're unique, they're awesome, and they're worth it.&nbsp; I'm hoping that through today's post, I'll help you find some excellent places to start looking for your green holiday gifts.</p>
<p>Recently, <strong>I've written <em>two</em> Green Gift Guides, so today I'll point you first to those</strong>:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/11/homemade-and-frugal-christmas-ideas.html">Keeper of the Home (Frugal Gift Ideas)</a></p>
<p><a href="http://simpleorganic.net/organic-christmas-gift-ideas/">Simple Organic (Organic Gift Ideas)</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition, though,<strong> I'm also featuring some Etsy shops and local businesses</strong>, mostly owned by friends or readers.&nbsp; I hope you find the perfect Green Gift for your family members somewhere in here!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.elfnerorganic.com">Elfner Organic</a> (Organic lawn care service)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/infantaisle?ref=ls_profile">Infantaisle for Baby</a> (unique baby bibs and accessories, artistically designed)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/malotshope">Malot's Hope</a> (Children's and adult's clothing, cloth wipes, wooden toys)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/SweetPeanutPie">Sweet Peanut Pie</a> (unique bath fizzies, shaped like cupcakes; some edible treats)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/scentsinsoy?ref=ls_profile">Scent in Soy</a> (natural candles)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tripletrouble">Triple Trouble</a> (paper crafting, ornaments, vintage, most items $3)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleIdeas?ref=pr_profile">My Little Ideas</a> (crocheted gifts)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/colorbutton">Color Button</a> (handmade cards)</p>
<p>...and don't forget about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>, available in both ebook and print formats!&nbsp; Print copies that are prepaid will ship this Friday.&nbsp; A limited number of copies available, so order today to make sure you get yours!</p>
<p><strong>What green gifts or green shops are on your list this year?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.95.174.184
URL: http://whatsformeat.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/08/2010 05:21:04 AM
<p>I do a lot of shopping on etsy, use paper bags for wrapping, and am giving a lot or reusable gifts (reusable snack bags, wet bags, grocery totes, silicon muffin liners etc.)</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Miscarriage and Loss
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/08/2010 01:00:17 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36975549@N06/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Pregnancy%20test.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291655876390" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by MamaLioness</span><br /><strong>Today we have a guest post by Jessica.&nbsp; Please welcome her.</strong></span></p>
<p><em>The pause was pregnant. And I&hellip;I was not. Not anymore. <br />&nbsp;<br />Even with my lack of medical training, I could clearly see that what had been my baby, a little peanut-shaped being with a flashing pinprick heartbeat, was no longer there. Instead, what looked like oblong breakfast sausages hovered around the perimeter of my uterus. <br />&nbsp;<br />The doctor&rsquo;s face was troubled as she adjusted the ultrasound equipment. She gently moved the probe from side to side, searching. Finally, her words broke against the forming numbness in my mind and heart. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;but you&rsquo;ve had a miscarriage. It looks as though the baby died about one and a half to two weeks ago.&rdquo;<br /></em>&nbsp;<br />Miscarriage. Spontaneous abortion. Whatever you choose to call it, it&rsquo;s an unexpected end to a promising beginning. The very possibility of it causes some couples to wait fearfully until the second trimester to share their joyful news. The scarring &lsquo;what-ifs&rsquo; it leaves can cause paralysis for every subsequent pregnancy. And for those who&rsquo;ve never walked through miscarriage, it can be a mystery as to why their friends are so shaken. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Symptoms<br /></strong><em>After a successful first visit to the OB and another visit where we got to see our grainy little black and white Peanut on the ultrasound machine, we were riding high. We were walking in faith, reading 'Supernatural Childbirth,' and generally just giving God glory for blessing us with a child. And then...</em></p>
<p><em>I had a spotting episode. Knowing from "What to Expect When You're Expecting" that these can be normal, I still decided to call the doc. (Due to my unusual anatomy, I'm automatically in the high risk category.) She told me to come in immediately. I did.<br /></em>&nbsp;<br />Symptoms of miscarriage include spotting, cramping and sometimes nothing at all &ndash; which is where I fell. The only &lsquo;symptom&rsquo; I noticed was a lightening of the nausea that had been my first clue I was pregnant. Writing it off as evidence of reaching the second trimester (with thanks, no less!) and the &lsquo;safe zone,&rsquo; I was totally unprepared for this to happen.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Aftermath<br /></strong><em>I made it back to the church I both attended and worked at, one short block from the doctor&rsquo;s office. My pastor saw on my face that something was wrong. After a brief, teary explanation, he called my husband, N. His boss, also a good friend, drove him over. We held each other, shocked and sobbing, in the office until N was able to drive us home. <br />&nbsp;<br />The doc had prescribed a medicine to help my body break down and pass &ldquo;the tissue&rdquo; a little faster so that I wouldn&rsquo;t require a D&amp;C. As this process could be a bit painful, she also prescribed some pain meds.<br />&nbsp;<br />I don&rsquo;t remember how soon the cramping started after I took the first pill. I just remember being thankful for the percoset.<br /></em>&nbsp;<br />There&rsquo;s blood and then there are blood &lsquo;clots&rsquo;. We&rsquo;re all familiar with the blood we pass during our monthly menses. Blood clots are a horse of a different color &ndash; rusty red clumps that can range in size from golf balls to small grapefruit. If you&rsquo;ve had a baby before, these will not be a surprise to you. But if your first experience with the close of a pregnancy is miscarriage, they may take you by surprise. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Relational<br /></strong><em>We sat on the couch, trying to make sense of the unexpectedness of our tragedy. We prayed, cried, sang songs, read through parts of the Old Testament book of Job. A song that we frequently sang in our church became more real to us as we struggled to make sense of &lsquo;He gives and takes away. He gives and takes away. Still my heart will choose to say, &ldquo;Lord, blessed be Your Name.&rdquo;&rsquo; <br />&nbsp;<br />The first day was one of relative quiet as we mourned our loss. Our pastor sent out an e-mail to our church, asking folks to keep us in prayer and give us some space while we healed. This was great in that it saved us from having to answer repeated hard questions over and over again. Several families banded together and provided us with meals for the next few days so that we didn&rsquo;t have to think about food. Flowers and cards were delivered to the house and were so very appreciated.<br />&nbsp;<br />And then, on the second day, the phone started to ring. <br />&nbsp;<br />The first call was great. The gentleman spoke to my husband and prayed with us. The second call&hellip;well, that was a different story. A sweet lady, mother of three healthy children, was attempting to give comfort and failing miserably. She meant well. She really did. And we knew that. But after I finished the call worse off than when I&rsquo;d started it, N unplugged the phone. <br /></em>&nbsp;<br /><strong>Things to not say to a woman (or her husband) who has just lost a child</strong>:<br /><em>&ldquo;Are you going to try again?&rdquo;</em> I heard this one from my mother.</p>
<p><em>&ldquo;You can always try again.&rdquo;</em> I heard this one from multiple well-meaning, but clueless individuals. This is a true statement, but it glosses over the pain that is being felt now.</p>
<p><em>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re young and healthy.&rdquo;</em> Yup&hellip;and look what good it did me.</p>
<p><em>&ldquo;God has His reasons.&rdquo;</em> Or, &ldquo;<em>God needed your little one in heaven.&rdquo;</em> Excuse me? I think we all need to go read the book of Job again. At least his &lsquo;comforters&rsquo; knew to be quiet for the first week or so! Let&rsquo;s not malign the character of God by putting words in His mouth.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magdawolna/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/miscarriage.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291655746046" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Kaparoff</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;<br /><strong>Recovery<br /></strong><em>&ldquo;Tomorrow is the day that I have chosen to step back in to real life.&rdquo; These were the first words I wrote when journaling as I was looking at going back to work a couple of days after our loss. My boss was a bit surprised and offered me more time, but I didn&rsquo;t think that sitting still and mulling over the unchangeable would be beneficial. There was work to be done and I needed something to keep my brain and hands occupied so that I didn&rsquo;t sink down into despair. <br /></em>&nbsp;<br />Journaling can be extremely helpful as you heal. There&rsquo;s something intimate in the act of touching pen to paper and pouring out your inmost thoughts, coaxing emotions, worries and doubts out of hiding. Journaling can also help you put a face to any fears that may linger afterwards, as you can see the recurring topics when you re-read your previous writings.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br /><em>The next week, after a particularly rough morning, I called S, a friend who was also pregnant. She had two lovely little girls and was due to have her third about a week after my first was supposed to be born. I asked if I could come over for awhile. It wasn&rsquo;t so much that I needed to talk as I needed to be around normalcy, to feel normal family interactions and to love and be loved on by some children. To remember that life goes on despite our tragedies. <br /></em>&nbsp;<br />It can be easy at this point to fall down the slippery slope of despair. Grieving is good and proper and there is nothing wrong with being sad as you process your loss. The wonderful news is that we don&rsquo;t have to do this alone. If you are a part of a community of faith, share your loss with some trusted friends that will love on you and cover you in prayer. Understand that you are not going to heal overnight and that being sad is not a sin. Another benefit of walking in community is being able to talk to other women who have been where you now are.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>The Secret Sisterhood<br /></strong><em>While S had never walked through miscarriage, she was able to point me to D, a lady who had. I called D a few days later and asked if we could meet. A few days later, she came to my house. She told me her story, listened to my story and reassured me that what I was feeling was normal. Even ten years later, she still thought about her baby, wondering how tall s/he would be or what s/he would have looked like, remembering the due and loss dates. <br /></em>&nbsp;<br />It amazed me afterwards how many other women stepped forward and said that they had also walked through that valley. It&rsquo;s a secretive sisterhood of sorrow in some respects, as debates rage back and forth over what constitutes life and when it is that a zygote, the fertilized egg, earns the rights, privileges and protection of citizenship. This ongoing argument limits a woman (and her husband) from feeling the full freedom to grieve. We&rsquo;re told on multiple sides that &ldquo;This was for the best-your body knew something was wrong with &lsquo;it&rsquo;&rdquo; or &ldquo;It was just tissue&rdquo; or any of another of a number of asinine, unthinking remarks that denigrate and diminish the feelings of loss we are experiencing.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>And Then...</strong></p>
<p><em>In February of 2006, I started waking up with nausea. After about five days of this happening, I took a home test. It came back negative. After several more days of nausea, I took another home test. It, too, came back negative. My general practitioner prescribed a blood pregnancy test about two weeks after the nausea began. My numbers came back a little high but not enough for them to officially confirm anything, so they asked me to return for another draw the next day. Sure enough, the numbers had doubled and we were officially expecting once more! </em></p>
<p><em>Hoo-ray? Oh dear Lord, what if? Please, please, please&hellip;<br /></em>&nbsp;<br />The first one and a half trimesters were a mental and spiritual struggle for me. Every ache, every pain was enough to send my brain into spasms of worry and doubt &ndash; the exact opposite of where I had been my first pregnancy. I had to continually choose where to focus my faith and it was not easy. I sang the Veggie Tales song &ldquo;God is bigger than the Boogie Man&rdquo; more times than I can remember. Childish? Maybe. But, it helped me to keep my perspective in order and remember where to place my faith. <br />After what we had gone through with losing the first baby, we had decided to only tell our closest friends that we were pregnant again. That is, until our pastor and his wife confronted us about it. &ldquo;Who will pray with and for you?&rdquo; they asked. &ldquo;If it does happen again, who will know to surround you with love and cover you with prayer while you grieve?&rdquo; N and I realized that, at least for our situation, they were right. By not telling our church family, we were cutting ourselves off from the benefits of their love and prayers. We were walking in fear of being hurt again instead of trusting in the graciousness of God to provide for us.</p>
<div><br />I am pleased to report that Cassandra Joy was born on October 23. While I still occasionally look at my friend&rsquo;s daughter and wonder how tall my first baby would have been or what s/he would have looked like in comparison, Cassie provided a balm to my heart and soul.</div>
<div><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36975549@N06/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/miscarriage%20necklace.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291656656406" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by JoyBelleJewelry</span></span>&nbsp;</div>
<div><br /><strong>The Takeaway<br /></strong><em>In the midst of our grief, we had to consciously choose to give God glory. It wasn&rsquo;t easy, but it was necessary. <br /></em>&nbsp;<br /><strong><em>What you can do to bless a family walking through miscarriage:<br /></em></strong>*<strong>Hold off on phone calls for awhile.</strong> Send a card, tell them that you love and are praying for them and include your phone number. Invite them to call you if they need to talk or cry.</div>
<div></div>
<div>*<strong>Ask if you can bring a meal over.</strong> Our church took care of organizing this and it was a huge blessing.</div>
<div></div>
<div>*<strong>Respect boundaries and only stay to share the meal if invited to do so.</strong> Otherwise, it&rsquo;s a quick hug, a murmured &ldquo;We love you&rdquo; and a return to your car.</div>
<div>*<strong>Pray!</strong> God is the only one who can bring true comfort and healing to grieving hearts.</div>
<div>*<strong>If you are called upon to provide a listening ear, do just that &ndash; listen.</strong> Don&rsquo;t offer advice or try to fill in the blanks as to what God&rsquo;s intentions were. Refer to the earlier list about things to not say. Let your friend lead the conversation and close when she&rsquo;s ready. Hold her hand or embrace her. Let her know that you are present with her and not thinking about what you&rsquo;re going to make for dinner the next day.</div>
<div>*<strong>Offer unconditional love.</strong> The grieving process can be long and drawn out. For me, every &lsquo;monthly reminder&rsquo; that I was not pregnant was a reminder of my &ldquo;failure&rdquo; and set me off to crying and renewed despair. Remember to offer love whether your friend is up or down and if she&rsquo;s down, don&rsquo;t condemn her. Remember &ndash; being sad is not a sin!</div>
<div>*<strong>Encourage your friend to have an informal funeral or memorial.</strong> It doesn&rsquo;t have to be anything fancy &ndash; we planted a butterfly bush in our front yard. It&rsquo;s now big, bushy and a beautiful reminder that I have a child waiting for me on the other side of eternity.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Photo 3 - <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31321348@N05/5013669768/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/31321348@N05/5013669768/</a><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Bio:<br />Jessica is mother to Cassie Joy (4), Sarah (2) and Rafe (11 mos). She got the two-for-one special on wombs when she was born with a uterine anomaly known as &lsquo;uterine didelphys&rsquo;. Because of this quirk, she requested to be nicknamed the Uterus Queen at her awesome OB&rsquo;s office. Her request was denied. ;)</div>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.217
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/08/2010 03:55:07 PM
<p>Having lost four babies to miscarriage, I can attest that these recommendations are exactly right.  Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story and helping people know how to help those who have lost babies.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelly
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.28.86
URL: http://www.lifeasweknowit5.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/08/2010 04:16:37 PM
<p>Thank you for posting this. It is as if the words had come out of my own mouth. I had a miscarriage at the end of the summer and went through exactly what you described. My husband and I are trying again to get pregnant (we have three children here on earth already) and I know that when I do get pregnant again I will feel everything you talked about. It&#39;s wonderful to know that there is someone else out there that knows how this feels!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 71.240.120.136
URL: 
DATE: 12/08/2010 05:46:37 PM
<p>I appreciate this post so much! I read it when I got to the office this morning and was in tears by the end (fortunately, no one gets to the office as early as I do). </p><p>I&#39;ve had two miscarriages this year and they were difficult to bear. Some of my closest friends were quick to offer &quot;advice&quot; and that part may have been more scarring than the miscarriage itself. We eventually found a couple in our church who had been in our shoes 20 years before and their wisdom and prayers were so helpful. </p><p>And then, last week, we heard the heartbeat of a new little one that will, Lord willing, join us in June!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mary Kathryn
EMAIL: amjasperson@msn.com
IP: 209.33.192.155
URL: 
DATE: 12/08/2010 08:25:55 PM
<p>Thank you so much for this... I had a miscarriage about three weeks ago.  I am blessed to have four beautiful children and although this pregnancy was a surprise I was still welcoming to it.  Having had a miscarriage before I thought I would be prepared but I wasn&#39;t.  Each time it is different and brings on different kind of emotions.  I found myself searching through some of my favorite blogs looking for support stories.  This post is wonderful and will help those that are going through the loss or those who know someone who is.  It is such a tender moment no matter the circumstances and should be handled with care.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/09/2010 04:29:33 PM
<p>Thank you. I have 10 month old at home and a just had a miscarriage 6-8 weeks ago. I was sad at the things people did to comfort me. I know they were well intentioned, but most people just said &quot;sorry&quot; and then left it at that. Even the ladies that I&#39;m friends with at church. I guess I was just wanting them to offer to talk if I needed it. One lady even acted relieved since I have such a young one already. My first pregnancy and delivery went so well. Now I&#39;m already worried about future pregnancies and I know I should just trust in the Lord.  I think what worries me the most is that I&#39;m still breastfeeding. Old literature suggests it can contribute to a miscarriage and that gives me such mixed emotions. I tell myself that it&#39;s not related, and that&#39;s what my midwife says too, but still....The thought is there.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sara
EMAIL: sarawilsh@gmail.com
IP: 76.212.142.123
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 03:27:57 PM
<p>I just a few day ago went through this.  About 2 weeks before my first prenatal appointment/ultrasound I wasn&#39;t feeling particularly pregnant anymore, but just figured it was because I had been busy with life work and taking care of 2 other precious joys in my life.  But we had started telling people, which really did turn out to be a blessing.<br/>I went to the ultrasound that day, no husband, no kids - which we were going to bring them, I am so grateful my almost 5-year-old daughter was not present for this news.<br/>Anyway, the baby had no heart-beat and hadn&#39;t for 1-2 weeks.  I decided to just do expectant management (as I had had my other 2 pregnancies and births naturally).  It was another 2 weeks of just waiting for something to happen.  I finally started spotting and nothing much for the rest of the day.  The next day we were supposed to be going a little more than an hour north to see my sister-in-law and nephew who were visiting her mom.  She was concerned about me traveling (in my condition) but I had already been waiting for a few weeks I wasn&#39;t about to just sit home another day.<br/>Well cramps started on the drive up with my mom, almost 5-year-old daughter and 20-month-old son.  About an hour after arriving they were to the level of a bad period.  I felt some stuff happening so I got up to go to the toilet.  The short of it everything happened SO fast that I passed out twice, so to the ER we went.  Because of blood and energy levels I did end up having a D&amp;C.  We arrived home at 1:30am that morning, friends and family were able to get the kids home, bring us food and have continued helping with the kids.  I am still pretty weak and can&#39;t walk much without my heartbeat throbbing in my head.</p><p>I am grateful for not being bitter towards God about everything.  And being able to communicate God&#39;s sovereignty and wisdom to our daughter through explain what all has happened.  She went through a short time of being very mad at Adam and Eve, but the blame is back where it belongs; on sin and Satan.</p><p>I don&#39;t think I have been able to really grieve yet.  A lot has been going on through the lat 2 weeks; husband gone on mission trip, parents temporarily moving in with us, work, kids and I am a doula, so I have to face head on babies and birthing very soon.  Which I think and pray will be a major healing component of all this.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Creamed Chicken and Rice
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/09/2010 01:00:27 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Creamed chicken is a wonderful comfort food.&nbsp; With the temperatures getting colder, comfort food is in order!&nbsp; I especially loved this one as a kid (from the frozen food section, then), so now I have created my own version.&nbsp; Delicious, creamy, oh-so-satisfying.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/4 c. onion, diced</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>4 tbsp. butter</li>
<li>2 tbsp. arrowroot</li>
<li>1 c. chicken stock</li>
<li>1 c. cooked chicken, shredded</li>
<li>1 c. milk or cream</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>1 c. brown rice</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>First, cook rice according to package directions.&nbsp; Saute onion and garlic in butter until softened.&nbsp; Mix in arrowroot powder.&nbsp; Add stock and milk and stir and cook over medium heat until it starts to simmer and thickens.&nbsp; Add salt and pepper to taste.&nbsp; Serve over rice.&nbsp; Makes 4 - 5 servings.</p>
<p>Simple, delicious!&nbsp; Try cooking the chicken in stock (bone-in, if you wish), then set it aside to cool and shred.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Real Food and Extended Family Members
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/10/2010 01:00:56 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>This holiday season, you'll probably be spending a lot of time with family, much of it extended family -- I know I will!&nbsp; And a lot of your family may not be into "real food" like you are.&nbsp; In fact, they might find it downright weird.&nbsp; How do you handle that?&nbsp; What do you say?&nbsp; What do you <em>not</em> say?&nbsp; How can you handle the whole situation with grace?</p>
<p>First, <strong>it's important to remember that you were once where they are</strong>: unaware of real food and probably would have found the whole thing weird.&nbsp; Keep that in mind when you are around your family.&nbsp; People are uncomfortable when others challenge their beliefs, and that includes their eating habits.&nbsp; But that doesn't mean you have to say <em>nothing</em>.&nbsp; Your beliefs deserve respect, too; if your family ridicules you, you don't have to deal with that!&nbsp; Hopefully it won't happen.&nbsp; Here are some tips for handling this situation:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Try to avoid the situation.</strong>&nbsp; Does food really need to be an issue?&nbsp; Maybe your family eats one way, and others eat another way.&nbsp; But maybe it's just something you don't need to discuss, especially if you know another family member is passionate about a different food lifestyle (Weight Watchers or veganism, for example).</li>
<li><strong>Explain things in personal terms.</strong>&nbsp; i.e. "This really works for us."&nbsp; If the situation does come up, you can extoll the virtues of your lifestyle in terms of what it's done for <em>you</em>, not what it might do for the other person.&nbsp; It's a lot easier to hear, "We really like this, we feel so much better."&nbsp; They can ask why or what you do if they want; but they don't feel judged.&nbsp; It's okay to share your personal reasons if asked.</li>
<li><strong>Share a little bit of information at once, if asked.</strong>&nbsp; Don't overwhelm people with all the information out there.&nbsp; Chances are, you learned it and became convicted about it over time (several months or even years), and it will take your family time to process it, too.&nbsp; Allow the other person to ask the questions, and you provide the answers.&nbsp; Don't lecture and don't get too involved.&nbsp; If they want to know more, they'll ask.</li>
<li><strong>Ask for respect and understanding.</strong>&nbsp; If your family does not understand and, unfortunately, says negative things about your choices, simply say, "This is what we've chosen and what works for us.&nbsp; We're not asking anyone else to believe it or follow it.&nbsp; Please respect our beliefs, as we respect yours."&nbsp; Then change the subject.&nbsp; Hopefully that's the end of the conversation.</li>
<li><strong>Bring a "real food" dish to share.</strong>&nbsp; If your family can taste some real food for themselves, they may be less skeptical.&nbsp; After all, most people still think of "healthy" food as being not-so-tasty.&nbsp; They may ask, "Wow, this is good, what's in it?"&nbsp; That can open up a conversation about it, too.</li>
<li><strong>Bring a recipe to share.</strong>&nbsp; Maybe your family has a potluck every year, and you all bring recipes.&nbsp; Or maybe you just love a particular recipe so much that you want to share it.&nbsp; Say "I really enjoyed this recipe I hope you all will too!"&nbsp; You don't have to talk about why it's real food, or why they should make it.&nbsp; If they ask, you can share (another good conversation starter!), but you don't have to say anything.</li>
<li><strong>Bring a whole cookbook.</strong>&nbsp; If you've got family who are definitely curious, if still skeptical, you may choose to bring a cookbook to the family get-together and say, "This really helped me in understanding real food and learning to cook it, check it out if you want."&nbsp; <em>Nourishing Traditions </em>is the standard, of course, but <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> is a bite-sized bit of information that is NT-style (now available in hard copy!).</li>
<li><strong>Share a documentary.</strong>&nbsp; These days, Food Inc., Supersize Me, and others have gotten the word to the masses: industrial food is not so healthy.&nbsp; Suggest that you all watch together, if they are interested.&nbsp; It's a good, short introduction, and could, again, lead to some interesting conversation!</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Food, while important, does not have to separate you and your family</strong>.&nbsp; I think it's important that your family is aware that you eat differently (especially if there are food allergies), but they don't have to believe the same way you do.&nbsp; It would be nice if they did, because you are probably well aware they'd feel better and be healthier if they did.&nbsp; But what people choose to eat is very personal, and they can easily feel attacked if you make an issue of it.</p>
<p><strong>It's important to be <em>open to sharing</em></strong>, so that if your family asks why you eat differently, why you've lost weight, etc. you can tell them.&nbsp; But don't shove it down their throats.</p>
<p>It's <em>hard</em>.&nbsp; Every time I'm with gatherings of people, and I see the junk they're passing around, I know that if I eat it I won't feel well.&nbsp; I know they won't either and they don't even really realize it, because they don't know another way.&nbsp; <strong>It burns inside me that if I could only explain it to them, I could help them feel better, lose weight, etc. and I so want that for them because I love them!&nbsp; But I still have to watch what I say, because they may not be ready to hear it yet.</strong>&nbsp; And preserving our relationship is the only way that maybe, someday, I could share with them.&nbsp; And even if I can't, I can still love them.</p>
<p><strong>How do you handle being around friends and family who do not share the real food lifestyle?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/10/2010 03:14:56 PM
<p>Although this is about food, I think the same advice can apply to talking about breastfeeding, vaccines, homeopathic remedies, birthing, etc. For example, I have to be really careful about how I talk about breastfeeding (and even what I post on fb!) around my husband&#39;s family because they are very pro-formula and even a little anti-breastfeeding. My choice to breastfeed offended them because they thought it was a jab at their decision to formula-feed. I even used to have to be a little careful with my own family because my sis made fun of me for nursing my daughter beyond a year. But her son is now 16 months, and she had no plans to wean anytime soon!</p><p>I think the most important thing is to remember we are Christians, and our relationship with the Lord trumps anything else in life we are passionate about. You didn&#39;t mention anything about whether or not to eat unhealthy food offered to you at a party/family gathering. I like to err on the side of not offending and still eating some/most of what is offered, so I won&#39;t ruin my witness. This would be like eating something &quot;strange&quot; on a mission field!  I figure eating bad food once in a while isn&#39;t worth ruining my witness, if that makes sense.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: amajo319@hotmail.com
IP: 138.210.231.33
URL: 
DATE: 12/10/2010 03:22:58 PM
<p>Thanks so much for posting this! Birthdays, holidays and other family gatherings are always so stressful to me for those reasons. My three year old has eczema that flares up when she has too much sugar. My in laws are very nice and always ask me if they can give her treats, but they still load her up on refined carbs and juices (unknowingly) contributing to her problem. We are starting GAPS next month and I sometimes lay awake at night worrying if I can really do it or not. My husband is not the most supportive of the idea and his family(whom we see weekly) thinks the diet is way to low on carbs for a child/ nursing mother. I don&#39;t want to be a recluse, but sometimes I feel like that would be the only way to protect my children&#39;s health! I totally understand about biting your tongue when you see the health problems of others and know that traditional food would help! I just try not to be too much of a know it all and I keep praying that my family will come to understand that true health comes from eating the foods God gave us in their traditional forms.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelly
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.28.86
URL: http://www.lifeasweknowit5.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/10/2010 08:28:55 PM
<p>Great post! My family on my husband&#39;s side totally doesn&#39;t get our lifestyle. We homeschool, don&#39;t vaccinate, drink raw milk, etc. and they think we&#39;re just loopy!! Our tactic is avoidance, in a big way. One particular family member is very confrontational, and is generally only interested in getting her point across, not listening to or being open minded about ours. So we avoid those topics at all costs. But, like you, it does bother me tremendously when I see one sister in law suffering from fatigue and anxiety issues, and another one suffering from severe endometriosis and other issues. It&#39;s awful to know the solution but know that it won&#39;t matter if you share it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: fairybekk@gmail.com
IP: 98.148.117.102
URL: http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com
DATE: 12/10/2010 11:17:52 PM
<p>Great post. I try my best to not even mention it if at all possible-- if there are choices of vegetables and meats and such then I&#39;ll just eat those and feign fullness. It&#39;s not that I&#39;m ashamed of the way I eat, because I&#39;m not... I just try and avoid conflict as much as possible. That said, all of my family are actually pretty healthy, and my close family-- parents, siblings and in-laws will often ask me if I will eat what they&#39;re making. Which makes me feel like a royal A-hole most of the time, but I kind of appreciate the gesture :).</p><p>I also find it really hard to explain things in bite-size pieces. My 12-year old sister asked me about microwaves and I started explaining the science to her... her eyes glazed over. My husband stepped in and said &quot;It turns the food into mutant food that turns into cancer in your body.&quot; and she went &quot;ohhh! That&#39;s GROSS!&quot; and now she won&#39;t use a microwave!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beka
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.111.177.188
URL: 
DATE: 12/10/2010 11:25:54 PM
<p>I think you&#39;re doing the right thing ... if you&#39;re family has health issues/allergies associated with certain foods, it&#39;s a perfectly reasonable request that family members don&#39;t force those foods on you. I cook almost all our meals from scratch or mostly scratch and we avoid processed foods, esp. those that contain HFCS, artificial preservatives and other GMO products. I am all about the real butter, fresh veggies, whole grains and responsibly raised meats! However, when we&#39;re eating outside the home, I&#39;ve come to realize that I can&#39;t always control every bit of food that we eat. Plus, I really think that preserving relationships with friends and family is more important than making sure that your diet is completely clean (unless, like I said, you have a related health issue that requires total avoidance of a particular item), particularly if you&#39;re only talking about one or two holiday meals. Reasonable limits are appropriate - if grandma asks if your toddler can have a third (fourth, fifth) cookie, I think it&#39;s okay to say enough is enough! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 12/12/2010 11:08:18 PM
<p>Great post! This is always such an issue when we stay with my in-laws. I have to balance eating certain things to avoid &quot;causing a scene&quot; or offending someone, while at the same time trying to stick to my diet. I tried to involve them last time we visited by planning a family trip to a big Saturday farmer&#39;s market to buy local organic meats/dairy but they just complained about how expensive everything was and it was kind of a bust. The best thing for me was to get my husband on &quot;my side&quot; since they are his family and it is better if he can kind of stick up for us. That way it is less me versus them.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Green Personal Care: No 'Poo and Oil Cleansing
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/11/2010 01:00:54 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/organicbeautycare/"><img src="/storage/organic shampoo.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292070748610" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 444px;">Image by OrganicBeautyCare</span></span></p>
<p>Quite awhile ago, I did write about <strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/2/natural-personal-care-products.html">Natural Personal Care Products</a>.&nbsp; But they can get expensive and many of them are not safe.</strong>&nbsp; Even "organic" beauty products in health food stores are filled with sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, polysorbate 80, and lots of other unsafe chemicals (did you know that?).&nbsp; It can be really hard to figure out exactly what is safe, and what is just a more expensive "organic" version of the same old stuff.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's much simpler to just skip the fancy organic brands and use homemade, frugal options instead!&nbsp; Today we'll be talking about two different methods: no 'poo and oil cleansing.</p>
<h4>No 'Poo</h4>
<p>This method refers to not using shampoo.&nbsp; Yes, really.&nbsp; <strong>You <em>can</em> clean your hair without using any form of shampoo.</strong>&nbsp; It's actually better, because regular shampoo is a strong detergent and strips your hair of oils.&nbsp; That's why you need conditioner so your hair gets some moisture back and isn't totally unmanageable.&nbsp; Funny how they designed it, right?</p>
<p>Instead, the no 'poo method uses baking soda, which gently cleans your hair of oils without actually stripping it.&nbsp; Here's how:</p>
<ul>
<li>Get an old shampoo bottle</li>
<li>Add 1 tbsp. baking soda</li>
<li>Add 1 c. water</li>
<li>Shake, and apply to your hair</li>
<li>Work through, then rinse well</li>
</ul>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; Of course, <strong>different people will need slightly different ratios of baking soda to water.</strong>&nbsp; I've heard anywhere from 1/8 bottle baking soda to 1/3 bottle of baking soda (the rest filled with water)!&nbsp; It varies based on hair type (normal, dry, oil), hair length, season of life (winter/summer and if you're pregnant or not), etc.&nbsp; You'll figure out what works best for you in time.&nbsp; It may also be better if you add the baking soda directly to your wet hair, working through, and rinsing well (this works well for me).</p>
<p><strong>Be aware: there is an adjustment period</strong>.&nbsp; Your hair will overproduce oil and be greasy at first, because it's used to shampoo.&nbsp; But after a week or two, it <em>will</em> adjust and you will notice a difference.&nbsp; Push through!&nbsp; It's worth it.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>If you are going from daily use of regular shampoo to baking soda, it may be a difficult and longer transition.&nbsp;</strong> Switching to every-other-day showers first, and maybe to a much gentler organic shampoo can help.&nbsp; Then, in a month, try the baking soda.&nbsp; When I switched, I was already using a gentler shampoo 2 - 3 times per week and I still had a noticeable adjustment.&nbsp;<strong> However, by the third time I used the baking soda I noticed it really was working.</strong>&nbsp; I, personally, have to really work it into my scalp and use a fair amount of it, and rinse very well, or it doesn't work as well.&nbsp; <strong>Everyone is different, so try it different ways before you give up!</strong></p>
<p>Here are what a few other bloggers had to say about it:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/07/no-poo-update.html">Keeper of the Home</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/11/11/how-to-wash-your-hair-without-shampoo/">Kitchen Stewardship</a></li>
<li><a href="http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/">Simple Mom</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Oil Cleansing</h4>
<p>What is oil cleansing?&nbsp;<strong> It's a method for washing your face, using oil</strong>.&nbsp; Yes...really.</p>
<p>It may sound kind of stupid, if you're used to listening to commercials or even dermatologists.&nbsp; They have you believe that you have to use detergents to strip the oils off your face, then use synthetic moisturizers to add the "right" moisture back in.&nbsp; There's a whole system of it: cleansers, toners, masks, moisturizers, acne pads, creams, gels, and so much more.&nbsp; You have to own a huge, expensive, time-consuming arsenal to keep your face clean!</p>
<p>Or so they say.</p>
<p>(The truth is, if you don't eat sugar or industrial chemicals, you're a lot less likely to ever have problem skin.&nbsp; But, hormones still can cause breakouts from time to time, so you do need to wash your face, too.&nbsp; But harsh detergents and synthetic chemicals aren't the answer.)</p>
<p><strong>Oil is actually the best method!</strong>&nbsp; Certain oils break down the "bad" oils in your skin so that you can simply wipe them away, but without stripping your skin of the moisture it needs.&nbsp; Your skin, like your hair, will over-produce oil if you strip its oil.&nbsp; Also, synthetic oils (most lotions are petroleum-based) will clog your pores and cause <em>more</em> problems, not less.</p>
<p>This method is simple, frugal, and kind of fun!&nbsp; <strong>You will need</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 small bottle</li>
<li>1/2 castor oil</li>
<li>1/2 olive oil (or another "nourishing" oil, like sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed, or avocado)</li>
<li>Essential oil (lavender, lemon, or geranium -- optional)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In the bottle, mix 1/2 castor oil and 1/2 nourishing oil,</strong> adding 2 - 3 drops of essential oil, if desired (the ones I mention are good for your skin).&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>You may need to adjust the ratios of oil, depending on your skin type</strong>.&nbsp; A person with dry skin may need more like 2/3 nourishing oil, while a person with oily skin may need more like 2/3 castor oil.&nbsp; Try 1/2 and 1/2 first and adjust as necessary.</p>
<p><strong>To cleanse:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Place a quarter-sized bit of oil in your hand.&nbsp; </li>
<li>Rub this over your<em> dry </em>face.&nbsp; </li>
<li>Get a washcloth and get it wet with water as hot as you can stand.</li>
<li>Wring it out and put it over your face, so the steam will open your pores.</li>
<li>Repeat.</li>
<li>Rinse the cloth, get it wet again with hot water, and gently scrub your face to remove excess oil and "junk" that has come out of your pores.</li>
<li>Wet the washcloth with <em>cold</em> water and place over your skin to close your pores again.</li>
</ol>
<p>Done!&nbsp; Easy.&nbsp; Your skin will feel stripped and refreshed, yet moist.&nbsp; It's an interesting feeling -- clean, yet not dry.&nbsp; It really works!</p>
<p>The castor oil is necessary, by the way.&nbsp; It's the oil that breaks down the "yuck" on your skin and gets your face clean.&nbsp; The other oil helps to moisturize your skin.</p>
<p>Here's what a few other bloggers have to say about it:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://simplemom.net/oil-cleansing-method/">Simple Mom</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/05/video-blog-how-to-wash-your-face-using-the-oil-cleansing-method.html">Keeper of the Home</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Is this something you could or have incorporated into your beauty routine?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 98.239.166.186
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/11/2010 04:31:23 PM
<p>I, too, am a fan of both the &quot;Poo-Free&quot; method and Oil Cleansing Method. It&#39;s so nice feeling genuinely clean without chemical residues left on my scalp and skin. I blogged about my experiences here</p><p>&quot;Why I Don&#39;t Shampoo My Hair&quot; http://aprilemery.blogspot.com/2010/06/why-i-dont-shampoo-my-hair.html</p><p>&quot;The Oil Cleansng Method&quot; http://aprilemery.blogspot.com/2010/05/oil-cleansing-method.html</p><p>I have also found that with the Oil Cleansing Method you still need to exfoliate the dead skin cells off of your face to allow the oil mixture to work most effectively. I blogged about my discoveries with exfoliating here</p><p>&quot;How To Exfoliate You Skin Without Chemicals&quot; http://aprilemery.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-exfoliate-your-skin-without.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.132.12
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/12/2010 12:21:50 AM
<p>A couple questions about the oil cleansing: Do you use this method if you wear cosmetics? And, I would guess you don&#39;t need a moisturizer...but I usually use one before I apply make up.  Would you just apply your make up on top of the oil???</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/12/2010 12:38:03 AM
<p>Becky,</p><p>Yes, you can use this if you wear make up.  It will remove it nicely!  And no, I don&#39;t think you would need a moisturizer.  You&#39;ll wipe most of the oil off during the &quot;rubbing/exfoliating&quot; phase, but your skin will remain nice and soft without a moisturizer.  If you try it, tell us how it works for you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beka
EMAIL: bekarene@yahoo.com
IP: 71.111.177.188
URL: 
DATE: 12/12/2010 03:42:35 AM
<p>Have you or another reader found any natural solution for a &quot;taming&quot; product to use in your hair after cleansing?? I ask because I have literally enough hair for three people (not exaggerating) and it is also wavy, very coarse and it tends to frizz at the drop of a hat (even if I let it air dry and don&#39;t brush it out). The only way I&#39;ve ever figured out to combat the problem is to use hair serums, most of which contain a lot of chemicals and yucky stuff. I&#39;d really like a natural solution that doesn&#39;t cost a million bucks or leave me looking frizzy and poofy! :D Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinseesgreen@gmail.com
IP: 99.100.50.123
URL: 
DATE: 12/12/2010 06:03:47 AM
<p>Thank you for this! I have been &quot;no-poo&quot; for over a year now and my previously dry, frizzy hair is now soft and manageable. However, I have never heard of the oil cleansing. I have dry skin and washing my face is a nightmare! I can&#39;t wait to try it!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 02:14:02 AM
<p>Beka, I&#39;ve found that vegetable glycerin works well for taming the hair. I use only about a dime-sized amount and tried it after I realized it is similar in consistency to the silicon frizz tamer I use now.</p><p>I do like to use baking soda water at least every other wash and I add orange essential oil to make it smell good. I&#39;m not a big fan of the apple cider vinegar for a conditioner though so would be curious what your experience/recommendation is.</p><p>Also, I&#39;m not liking the oil cleansing method. I&#39;ve made it a few times now and just don&#39;t think it&#39;s right for oily skin. I really think it clogs the pores and notice that my sink needs washed more often. If it&#39;s leaving that buildup in my sink from all the oil, I have to wonder what it&#39;s doing to my pores. It&#39;s just not been as good as I would hope.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beka
EMAIL: bekarene@yahoo.com
IP: 71.111.177.188
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 07:40:33 AM
<p>UPDATE: tried out the baking soda method you outlined and I&#39;m shocked at how well my hair responded! I used a 50/50 solution and applied it to my scalp only. I was a little nervous, because at first my hair looked like it was drying into a frizzy mess. But when I woke up this morning, it felt clean and shiny and didn&#39;t have any of the sticky feeling from product residue! YAY! All I needed to do was whip out my flat iron and smooth a few of the places where it had dried into funky shapes and I was done. NO major frizz issues - just bouncy, gentle waves! </p><p>I didn&#39;t notice any &quot;adjustment period&quot; symptoms that others described like greasiness. But I naturally have very dry, coarse hair, I don&#39;t wash it every day and I&#39;ve been using a milder shampoo for quite a while, so that&#39;s probably why my hair didn&#39;t go into shock. This is the first time I&#39;ve seen my hair&#39;s natural texture in literally years and I&#39;m really, really pleased with the results ... plus, think of all the money and toxic chemical exposure that I&#39;ll be saving by not smearing my hair in product every day! :D</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Evelyn
EMAIL: 
IP: 140.103.47.150
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 11:51:15 PM
<p>I&#39;m with Shannon. I have really oily skin and the &quot;harshness&quot; of store-bought products seems to be exactly what my skin needs. My hair is oily too, and I used to wash it daily, but I tried the every-other-day thing and it (usually) works just fine! Part of this is probably because of all the damage I inflict on it; the more damaged my hair is, the less I have to wash it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: lauren.albritton@gmail.com
IP: 184.35.48.10
URL: 
DATE: 01/30/2011 05:14:17 AM
<p>For those of you with oily (and potentially acne-prone skin, like me) that didn&#39;t find success with the oil-cleansing method presented here, have any of you ever tried tea-tree oil as a cleanser/astringent/toner? It&#39;s very harsh (the good kind of harsh, you know what I mean!) and helps kill the bacteria that causes acne (since it&#39;s an antiseptic). I&#39;ve never tried it in this kind of method, but only as an astringent after washing my face... but it works great as a natural cleanser that really has some oomph! (You should apply it to your face with a damp cotton ball or pad, never put 100% tea-tree oil on your face, it hurts!!!).  </p><p>And Kate, any thoughts or experience with using tea-tree oil (instead of the castor oil as the main active oil) to help those of us with acne-prone and oily skin?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Making Exercise a Part of your Daily Life
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/13/2010 01:00:46 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/"><img src="/storage/girls exercising.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292205171818" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by MikeBaird</span></span></p>
<p>Exercise. &nbsp;We gotta do it, right? &nbsp;Well, yes and no. &nbsp;I don't really believe in the traditional exercise paradigm -- that you have to sweat it out on cardio at the gym 5 times a week. &nbsp;In fact, <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/029405_working_out_benefits.html">recent research</a> shows that's <em>not</em>&nbsp;the best way to get the benefits of exercise! &nbsp;"Interval training" -- mostly moving slowly, but sometimes moving very fast -- is the best way to train, because this mimics more what we'd do in our daily lives anyway.</p>
<p>With that information, incorporating exercise into your daily life must be a good idea, right? &nbsp;It's the easiest way to do it <em>and</em>&nbsp;the most natural! &nbsp;Yes, exercise as part of a daily routine is perfect, especially for busy moms. &nbsp;But how do you do it?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Chase your children</strong>. &nbsp;Hey, if you have kids, you probably already do this. &nbsp;Just do it more often. :) &nbsp;Make a point of chasing them around the house (or outside, if the weather's nice) as a game. &nbsp;Most kids <em>love</em>&nbsp;this game so they're happy to play!</li>
<li><strong>Go for a walk (indoors if necessary)</strong>. &nbsp;Push your children in the stroller or have them walk alongside. &nbsp;You'll mostly move pretty slow. &nbsp;In the winter, head to the mall or another indoor location and walk. &nbsp;We used to do "stroller strolls" when our kids were smaller (not sure I could get away with it anymore!). &nbsp;If your kids won't cooperate, go with a friend in the evening.</li>
<li><strong>Go up and down stairs a lot</strong>. &nbsp;Keep certain things just upstairs (like diapers) and certain things just downstairs, and use them as excuses to go up and down stairs more often. &nbsp;If you <em>have</em>&nbsp;to go up to change diapers, you'll get more exercise. &nbsp;(I did this until my son and daughter were both older and I couldn't stand to drag them both up every time someone needed changed.) &nbsp;But, you can make a point of making extra trips up with laundry baskets, down to feed animals, up to clean the bathroom, down to do some cooking...and so on.</li>
<li><strong>Ride bikes.</strong> &nbsp;Do your kids love playing outside? &nbsp;Join them! &nbsp;Get your bike out and ride while they are, or strap them into a seat or trailer and go for a ride together.</li>
<li><strong>Play sports. </strong>&nbsp;Why not? &nbsp;If your kids are into baseball, play with them. &nbsp;Get the neighbor kids involved too. &nbsp;If that's not a good option, join a local rec league or, if you work, your company's team. &nbsp;If all else fails, play one-on-one basketball with your kid or your husband, or toss a frisbee around!</li>
<li><strong>Work in the yard</strong>. &nbsp;Yard work is hard. &nbsp;Weed the garden, mow the lawn, whatever needs done. &nbsp;You'll do bending, reaching, heavy lifting, and be getting lots of exercise.</li>
<li><strong>Park further away and walk.</strong> &nbsp;You know this one...when you go somewhere, don't try to park right next to the door. &nbsp;Park further back and walk a little further to the entrance.</li>
<li><strong>Take the stairs instead of the elevator. &nbsp;</strong>Assuming you don't have a stroller! &nbsp;But stairs are good for you...even if you stop 20 times because your 2-year-old found something fascinating.</li>
<li><strong>Haul groceries around.</strong> &nbsp;Like you have to be told, right? &nbsp;It's something you have to do. &nbsp;But it counts as exercise because that stuff can be really heavy to carry! &nbsp;Challenge yourself to see how much you can (realistically!) carry, increasing over time.</li>
<li><strong>Carry your laundry up and down stairs.</strong> &nbsp;Even if you have a laundry chute or a helpful husband, do it yourself. &nbsp;Carry full baskets down to wash and clean baskets up to put away. &nbsp;That's exercise too!</li>
<li><strong>Wear ankle or wrist weights. </strong>&nbsp;Want to tone your muscles? &nbsp;Get light weights -- 2 or 3 lbs. each -- and strap them around your ankles or wrists. &nbsp;They make weights just for this purpose. &nbsp;It adds just a little "extra" to help you tone your body!</li>
<li><strong>Carry your kids more often.</strong> &nbsp;I know, they're heavy and they don't want to be put down as it is. &nbsp;At least if they're anything like mine sometimes. :) &nbsp;But if you carry them more -- either just regular carrying, or baby wearing -- you will get extra exercise from the extra weight! &nbsp;(You might not want to try this if your child is over 25 or 30 lbs. and you are pregnant, though.)</li>
<li><strong>Do more "on your feet" chores</strong>. &nbsp;Promise yourself you won't sit down too much. &nbsp;It's easy to say, "Well, the kids are playing nicely, I'll sneak onto the computer/sit to fold the laundry/read a book" and then you end up sitting much of the time, whether you're resting, playing with the kids, or doing a small chore. &nbsp;Choose to do chores on your feet instead. &nbsp;You don't have to sit to fold the laundry. &nbsp;You can stand while you cook. &nbsp;You can mop the floor or clean the bathroom, chores where you pretty much have to stand. &nbsp;I know that I (and a lot of moms) are really, really distracted by the TV, computer, and books during the day, and it's easy to let a few chores that are only on the "I probably should do that" (instead of the must-do) list slide. &nbsp;But try not to. &nbsp;The more you stand and move around, the more exercise you get!</li>
<li><strong>Give your husband a workout. </strong>&nbsp;Now, you can choose to do this any way you want. &nbsp;Maybe you want to take a walk together. &nbsp;Maybe you want to clean the basement together (we just did that!). &nbsp;Maybe you'd prefer to take it to the bedroom. &nbsp;I'm just saying...he could be helpful. :)</li>
</ol>
<p>Hopefully those are several ideas to get you started!</p>
<p><strong>How do you make exercise a part of your daily life?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 138.50.50.65
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/13/2010 02:24:48 PM
<p>If you don&#39;t have knee problems, you can try doing squats during commercials (don&#39;t let your knees extend beyond your toes) if you&#39;re watching TV or lunges down the hallway instead of walking. Walk up as many hills as you can - they work your legs and your backside very well. When you do go for walks (regardless of hills and such), wear a watch and try speeding up your pace for a short interval (30 seconds to a minute) and then back down to your usual speed. It helps your cardiovascular system - getting your heart pumping a little bit and then back down. Intervals are great at getting you in shape (and they don&#39;t have to be sprints to do it!).</p><p>Try switching your computer desk where you sit down for a &quot;standing desk&quot; (you can make your own - just find something you can put a laptop on that lets you stand at it, elbows bent at a 90 degree angle, and your head looking straight forward, not up or down) or put it on a treadmill if you have one. They make &quot;bikes&quot; where you sit at your computer and your computer only runs if you&#39;re pedaling. Those cost money, but they&#39;re effective at keeping you off of the computer as long and at getting you into better shape. </p><p>The wrist/ankle weights Kate mentioned are very good at toning, but you need to wear them pretty much daily. I love them - I stole my husband&#39;s!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 02:43:50 PM
<p>Since being a SAHM I&#39;m on my feet a lot more than when I was working outside the home, but I still don&#39;t get enough exercise. I need to lose weight so I&#39;ve started doing exercise videos about 5 days a week. I know it&#39;s not the best way to get exercise as it just doesn&#39;t seem natural, but especially in the winter this is the best for me to get that extra boost.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelly
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.28.86
URL: http://www.lifeasweknowit5.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/14/2010 12:21:44 AM
<p>Those are some great tips! My way of making exercise a part of my day is keeping it mixed up with fun exercise DVDs that I put in and the kids join in. My current favorite is the one from EA Sports Active. I just tell myself a little is better than none, and since my youngest just turned 4, I&#39;m not chasing a toddler under my feet, so they just watch me or participate. It&#39;s great fun!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Christmas SALE!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/14/2010 01:00:14 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/img/Real_Food_Basics_Cover.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292285363067" alt="" /></span></span><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> is ON SALE!&nbsp; </strong>That is, as of tomorrow.&nbsp; Using code CHRISTMAS25, you can get 25% off the ebook version.&nbsp; Using code HOLIDAY10, you can get 10% off the hard copy!</p>
<p>There was a slight delay in book production, but the hard copy will be available TONIGHT!&nbsp; We've gotten the UPS tracking number so we know they'll be in.&nbsp; Order yours today and we'll send it as soon as they arrive tonight!</p>
<p><strong>Also, this is the <em>last</em> time that <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> will be on sale this year, so take advantage now!</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Second Trimester Issues
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/15/2010 01:00:26 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292287707105" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Once you're past the first trimester, you may think that all your issues are done.&nbsp; After all, morning sickness usually disappears, energy returns, you're past most of the risk of miscarriage.&nbsp; The second trimester does have the reputation of being the easiest trimester of pregnancy.&nbsp; However, that doesn't mean there is nothing going on!&nbsp; You still may experience some unique symptoms during the second trimester, and it's important to expect them.</p>
<p>Here's a list of symptoms you may experience:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Continued nausea.&nbsp;</strong> Unfortunately, not all women are so lucky.&nbsp; Nausea *usually* disappears between 10 and 14 weeks, but some women experience nausea all the way through their pregnancies.&nbsp; And for a rare few, morning sickness only just appears in the second trimester.</li>
<li><strong>Increased urination.</strong> As your baby grows, your uterus becomes heavier and sits on your bladder, leading to a need to pee more often.&nbsp; You'll notice this at night as well as during the day.&nbsp; Some women notice this more in the first trimester, with it letting up in the second, and increasing again in the third.&nbsp; I, personally, notice that it increases steadily as my baby grows, so this may happen to you as well.</li>
<li><strong>Headaches.</strong>&nbsp; Your blood volume is increasing rapidly at this time.&nbsp; Ultimately, it will be about 50% greater than usual.&nbsp; You may get headaches, even migraines, while this is occurring.&nbsp; Eating more protein and drinking more water can help, because protein helps your body to build more blood.</li>
<li><strong>Dizziness.</strong>&nbsp; This is also caused by increasing blood volume.&nbsp; Make sure you eat frequently, and that your meals and snacks contain protein.&nbsp; (I usually end up eating every 2 - 3 hours, with a lot of meat, cheese, and peanut butter from 14 - 17 weeks or so, for this reason.)&nbsp; Move slowly, too, because standing up suddenly can make you dizzy and cause you to fall.</li>
<li><strong>Increased hunger/thirst.</strong>&nbsp; You may find yourself just <em>starving</em> at this time, especially if you were nauseous and didn't eat much during the first trimester.&nbsp; Eat whenever you are hungry, just make sure you are eating a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/11/healthy-pregnancy-series-diet-revisited.html">healthy pregnancy diet</a>!&nbsp; Pay close attention to what your body seems to need.&nbsp; You really do need an extra 300 - 500 calories right now, because your baby is growing and developing rapidly!</li>
<li><strong>Weight gain.&nbsp;</strong> You may have gained 1 - 3 lbs. in your first trimester, you may have gained nothing, or, if you were sick, you may have actually lost weight.&nbsp; But in this trimester, you will start to gain weight slowly, about a lb. every 2 - 3 weeks.&nbsp; Total, your pregnancy weight gain will be about 25 - 35 lbs., although it is perfectly normal to gain anywhere from 20 - 60 lbs., depending on what your weight was before you got pregnant, and how much you're pre-disposed to gain.&nbsp; As long as you're <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">eating well</a> and don't have any <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/13/healthy-pregnancy-series-when-to-call-the-doctor.html">signs of trouble</a>, you shouldn't worry about your weight gain.</li>
</ol>
<p>For the most part, your second trimester should be smooth sailing.&nbsp; You'll be past the early fatigue and nausea (probably!) and you're not yet big enough to be sore and sick of pregnancy.&nbsp; Plus, <strong>if you haven't felt your baby move yet (with second or later babies, you may feel it as early as 10 weeks), you will very soon</strong>!&nbsp; You'll have lots of moments where you can just lie down and feel your baby kick and squirm, and watch your belly move.&nbsp; Your baby may get hiccups, which is pretty cool!&nbsp; (I could always tell my babies were head down because of where I could feel their hiccups!)&nbsp; If you do choose to get <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/25/healthy-pregnancy-series-ultrasounds.html">ultrasounds </a>(something you should research carefully), you'll also find out during this trimester whether you're having a boy or a girl!</p>
<p>The second trimester is pretty cool!</p>
<p><strong>What do you experience during your second trimester?&nbsp; Any unusual symptoms or fun stuff?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/20/2010 06:41:57 PM
<p>When I was in my second trimester, I had a huge problem with gas.  As the baby grew really fast, he compressed all my innards so the gas just wasn&#39;t moving through.  I actually had to leave work one day, in terrible agony, after throwing up, because of a gas bubble.  That will teach me to eat lentil soup when I&#39;m pregnant!  I actually thought it was appendicitis for awhile.  Later, I found out my grandma had the same thing happen to her when she was pregnant: she ate beans, and the next day was in the emergency room thinking something was terribly wrong -- but it was just a gas bubble that wouldn&#39;t pass.</p><p>My cure for these is to lie down for awhile, changing position every 15 minutes or so, to help it on its way.  Being on my left side was the most helpful.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Real Whipped Cream
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/16/2010 01:00:52 PM
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<p>Since it's the holidays, you'll likely be confronted with lots of desserts at parties and get-togethers.&nbsp; <strong>One of the most popular toppings for pies, ice cream, and lots more is whipped cream!</strong>&nbsp; But of course, buying "Cool whip" or whipped cream in a can isn't healthy!&nbsp; That doesn't mean you have to completely avoid whipped cream.&nbsp; You just have to make your own excellent, more delicious whipped cream at home!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 c. heavy cream, preferably raw</li>
<li>1/4 c. maple syrup (less or more to taste)</li>
<li>1 tsp. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/20/how-to-make-vanilla-extract.html">vanilla extract</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Add all the ingredients to a blender (<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/6/review-of-vitamix.html">Vitamix</a> is awesome!), or in a glass bowl.&nbsp; Either blend on low, or use a mixer to beat the cream until fluffy.&nbsp; Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to a week.&nbsp; Use to top ice cream, pie, or just eat. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 12/16/2010 02:07:07 PM
<p>Thanks for this! I have a whipped cream maker to review and needed a good recipe. Quick question - I no longer have a source for raw cream - only raw milk. What do you use to skip the cream off the milk (besides a spoon)? Any ideas?</p><p>Thanks so much!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/16/2010 05:13:41 PM
<p>Monique -- Honestly, I just use a big spoon.  A small gravy ladle would work too.  There&#39;s not really a better way that I know, unfortunately.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 05:14:42 PM
<p>I will have to try this - my current whipped cream recipe uses white sugar -  I never thought about switching out with maple syrup but I bet that adds a nice flavor!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Amanda's Story: Quick Holiday Update
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/17/2010 01:00:29 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/Amanda.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292519907305" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>If you haven't been following along, you can read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/30/amandas-story-introduction.html">Amanda's Introduction</a> to learn more.&nbsp; Here is her latest update!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Continuing to take the vitex and licorice root</strong>, and feeling pretty good about it</li>
<li>Went  to the chiropractor last Thursday, who told me<strong> I have a minor case of  spina bifida</strong> - my very bottom vertebrae aren't fused together all the  way, so she thinks it most likely filled with cartilage. So, when my  muscles do their thing and pull against the spine it gives more than its  supposed to. So, I'm seeing her intensely for the next three weeks and  once a month thereafter.</li>
<li><strong>Christmas is fast approaching</strong> and that means lots of presents to wrap,  lots of cleaning to do, and lots of phone calls to make!!! How people  manage the holidays is beyond me!</li>
<li><strong>I'm working on a follow-up article to my infertility guest post</strong>, so be on the lookout for that...</li>
<li><strong>Have a very Merry and Christ-filled Christmas</strong>, everyone, and be mindful of why we celebrate this season!!!</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks Amanda!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Family/Christmas Update
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/18/2010 01:00:14 PM
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<p>Today we're planning to celebrate Christmas with some family members, so I'm writing this post well in advance!&nbsp; But hey...that's how stuff gets done. :)</p>
<p>Celebrating Christmas today allows us to spend time with more family members.&nbsp; This week we're with Ben's entire family, and next week we'll be with my family.&nbsp; We get to see everyone at Christmas without too much craziness.&nbsp; I'll be writing about this a little more on Tuesday (Dec. 21) at Keeper of the Home (where I'm a contributing writer, if you didn't know), so don't miss that!</p>
<p>At Christmas time, family is big (and of course so is Jesus).&nbsp; We spend time with those we love and enjoy being together.&nbsp; We appreciate the chance, today, to get together with all our family members, who are getting spread further and further apart and are getting busier and busier as they add to their young families!</p>
<p>So how are we doing?</p>
<p>Very well!</p>
<p>Okay, that's probably too brief.&nbsp; But, see, there's something on my mind right now.&nbsp; I've been hinting at it for a couple weeks now.&nbsp; Some of you might already know, or suspect.&nbsp; Over the last 6 Christmases (this being the sixth, actually), I've had "something new" happen to me, family-wise, every single year.</p>
<p><strong>Christmas 2005</strong>: Ben and my first together, and he proposed to me!</p>
<p><strong>Christmas 2006</strong>: Our first as a married couple!</p>
<p><strong>Christmas 2007</strong>: I was 8 months pregnant with Bekah</p>
<p><strong>Christmas 2008</strong>: Bekah's first Christmas, and I was 2 months pregnant with Daniel</p>
<p><strong>Christmas 2009</strong>: Daniel's first Christmas</p>
<p><strong>Christmas 2010</strong>: Hmm...what could it be? :)</p>
<p><strong>As it happens, we found out a few weeks ago that we are expecting baby #3</strong>!&nbsp; That makes me almost 2 months pregnant at Christmas again this year!</p>
<p>And that means that I will have a new baby to take to Christmas 2011, so at least 7 years in a row of some "new" family thing!</p>
<p>We are very excited.&nbsp; We found out right after Thanksgiving, actually.&nbsp; I woke up Thanksgiving morning feeling kind of nauseous but wrote it off as the holiday excitement and traveling.&nbsp; It wasn't, as we learned Sunday night.</p>
<p><strong>Over the next several months, I plan to detail my experiences on here</strong>.&nbsp; This is my third baby (obviously), so I feel very in control and at peace with the situation.&nbsp; I've "been there, done that," lol.&nbsp; <strong>We're planning to go through some local midwives, and are planning a home birth</strong>.&nbsp; We won't be getting much, if any, testing done; we'll be trusting our instincts and past experiences.&nbsp; So I'll be sharing that situation with you.&nbsp; Our first midwives' appointment is this coming Wednesday, Dec. 22!&nbsp; I'm so excited to be going back!&nbsp; When I called to schedule the appointment, the secretary knows me, so she was genuinely happy and excited for me!&nbsp; Having a community is so wonderful, rather than being "just another patient."</p>
<p><strong>What is your family up to this Christmas?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lynette
EMAIL: tlroes@hay.net
IP: 67.21.97.32
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 02:36:00 PM
<p>Congratulations! That&#39;s wonderful news to be sharing with your families over Christmas. All the best throughout your pregnancy. Your pregnancy plans sound very similar to how my five pregnancies and births went. Lovely!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 03:04:37 PM
<p>Congrats!  I hope you remain happy and healthy during this joyful time!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: ebodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 03:52:10 PM
<p>Congrats on baby #3! That&#39;s great news! We are celebrating our second baby girl&#39;s first Christmas this year! She is 8 weeks old today!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.5.131
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/18/2010 04:14:46 PM
<p>Wow! Congratulations- that&#39;s exciting news!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sharin W
EMAIL: the_whitehouse@att.net
IP: 75.203.156.87
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 06:28:27 PM
<p>Congratulations on #3 This is such an exciting time for you guys, and thanks for sharing it with us! We will also be meeting #3 this coming year and can&#39;t wait to meet him or her late in Feb or early March.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: rjgintrepid@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.70.237
URL: http://www.jerbecca.wordpress.com
DATE: 12/19/2010 05:57:23 PM
<p>Congratulations on the new baby! Yet another thing to celebrate in this wonderful season.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/19/2010 07:50:43 PM
<p>Wow! I am so happy for you! Congratulations!!! A blessing indeed. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: danielle@parentingforless.com
IP: 70.106.219.13
URL: http://www.parentingforless.com
DATE: 12/19/2010 09:43:03 PM
<p>Congratulations!!  All three of my kids have been homebirths.  My last was born at home when I was the old, old age of 36.  Only testing we did was an ultrasound to confirm he wasn&#39;t a twin!!  Look forward to reading about your pregnancy and hope you have a wonderful 9 months!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crystal - Prenatal Coach
EMAIL: crystal@cultivateyourhealth.com
IP: 174.6.194.136
URL: http://prenatalcoach.com
DATE: 12/20/2010 12:44:46 AM
<p>Congratulations!! That is SO exciting! I&#39;m looking forward to reading about your journey through pregnancy in preparation for my own. I&#39;m currently blogging about how I&#39;m preparing my body for pregnancy :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/20/2010 08:06:20 AM
<p>Congratulations! I&#39;m looking forward to hearing about the new baby coming! How exciting!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: bumblesmile@hotmail.com
IP: 68.231.251.209
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 06:16:35 PM
<p>Congratulations!!! How exciting! We also just found out we are expecting our 3rd as well. I am probably about a month behind you though. I look forward to hearing all about your pregnancy.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The Changing Table: Necessary or No?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/20/2010 01:00:45 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimtimnashville/4320743014/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="/storage/changing table.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292456144848" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 333px;">Image by Unertlkm</span></span></p>
<p>When I was expecting my first baby, I read lots of lists about what babies <em>really</em> need, and what they don't.&nbsp; On many of those lists,<strong> the changing table was listed as "just not necessary."&nbsp;</strong> So many people said that they never used it; instead they'd change diapers on the floor or a bed or wherever they found themselves.&nbsp; <strong>Others said they really liked it</strong>, and how it helped them organize things.&nbsp; My mother had always used one, so I felt like I wanted it.&nbsp; I bought one and set it up.</p>
<p>I also had <strong>a theory that if I changed all or most diapers on the changing table from birth, that I could teach my baby not to fight being changed, as long as she was on the table.&nbsp;</strong> Experienced moms laughed at me.&nbsp; But, I still believed it.</p>
<p>How did it all turn out?&nbsp; Now that I'm expecting baby #3, do I really still use one or have I found them useless?</p>
<p><strong>I <em>love</em> my changing table.</strong></p>
<p>I think, with disposable diapers, it's not that important.&nbsp; <strong>A lot of disposable-diapering moms just have a basket that contains several new diapers, wipes, and cream, and maybe a blanket or mat to toss on the floor to change the baby on.&nbsp;</strong> I think that probably does work fine with disposable diapers, because you don't really have to keep track of them.&nbsp; You use a new one, and you throw the old one away.&nbsp; If you lose some new ones, it doesn't matter; you can use them if they turn up (but since they're cheap per diaper, who cares?).</p>
<p><strong>But I, like many green moms, use cloth diapers.&nbsp;</strong> That's a different story, organizationally, than disposables.&nbsp; You have to know where your ENTIRE STASH is at all times, lest you run out of diapers.&nbsp; And since they're not cheap -- on average, about $18 each -- you don't want to lose one (or more!) of them.&nbsp; Since you have to wash them, you need a place -- ideally near the changing space -- to store the dirty ones.&nbsp; See where I'm going with this?&nbsp; <strong>You need a designated area for diaper changing that has a place to store the clean diapers, and the dirty ones, plus all the changing paraphernalia.</strong>&nbsp; A changing table is ideal.</p>
<p>I used one constantly until my first was around 2, and running upstairs with both children (my second was 6 months then) every time I needed to change someone became a burden.&nbsp;<strong> I started just doing "whatever" -- changing on beds, floors, etc.&nbsp; I didn't have any designated organizational system.&nbsp; </strong>Somehow, during the time I wasn't organizing my diapers, I lost a few of them (actually I was constantly losing and finding dirty ones -- yuck!), I often had dirty ones sitting in the bathroom or near the basement door or in other locations waiting to be taken to a wet bag somewhere, I could never find all the pieces sto stuff the diapers properly, I never knew where my wipes were, and I even managed to completely lose two of my wet bags.</p>
<p><strong>I was losing my mind.</strong></p>
<p>Eventually I moved my daughter's no-longer-in-use changing table (she's been potty trained for almost 6 months) to the playroom and set it up.&nbsp; I put a trash can, lined with a wet bag right next to it.&nbsp; Ah!&nbsp; Organization once again.&nbsp; <strong>I also now have a changing station on each floor so my diapers remain organized and there's no need to go up or down stairs to change a diaper.&nbsp;</strong> It is really <em>necessary</em> to my organizational scheme.</p>
<p>And yes...<strong>it <em>did</em> keep my daughter from screwing around and trying to roll away, because she knew that the changing table was for diaper changes, not play time</strong>.&nbsp; That's not to say she didn't fuss and fight some around 8 or 9 months, but she definitely never tried to get away.&nbsp; A small toy as a distraction, or singing a song worked well too.&nbsp; My son hasn't *quite* caught on, but he's still new to the changing table.&nbsp; A toy works well for him, though.</p>
<p><strong>My changing table, with using cloth diapers, really is crucial to my organizational system.&nbsp;</strong> I need it or I go nuts.&nbsp; Now I always know where my diapers are, I always have the dirty ones put away as soon as they're changed (except, occasionally, upstairs...but no one goes up there!), and I always have the "stuff" I need to change a diaper, too.&nbsp; So much better!</p>
<p><strong>Do you use a changing table?&nbsp; Why or why not?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: pandora665@yahoo.com
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 01:41:09 PM
<p>I so agree!  I&#39;ve got a trilevel, and everyone thinks I&#39;m crazy to want a 2nd changing table on the main floor as well as the bedroom floor, but going up and down stairs postpartum for each diaper change sounds way crazier to me.  I also use cloth (mostly velcro pocket diapers), and it&#39;s so nice to know where everything goes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie
EMAIL: angelajiniel@gmail.com
IP: 72.240.27.106
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 02:17:43 PM
<p>Thanks for the insight. We&#39;re expecting and I&#39;ve been trying to decide whether or not we need one. I was thinking the same thing, that it would make cloth diapering much easier to stay organized. Thanks for the insight!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carlyn
EMAIL: tlroes@hay.net
IP: 67.21.97.32
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 02:22:31 PM
<p>I&#39;m in the no-change-table camp. I prefer to use my bed. I keep things in one place, a big basket near the bed (and I do use cloth diapers). I have used change tables a bit, but I don&#39;t like how wiggly my babies are up there, and my other kids like being close by. On the bed we can all sit together and enjoy our baby. Are my kids the only ones who like to &quot;check&quot; the contents of the baby&#39;s diaper??</p><p>When the baby is tiny, I have a change station on both floors of our house. When I broke my arm earlier this year, I again set up stations in very convenient places. I do think having things all set up in one spot makes diapering run much more smoothly. It&#39;s not fun to find dirty diapers roaming around the house!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.206
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/20/2010 03:10:47 PM
<p>Yes, and for many of the same reasons as we started out with cloth diapers.  Now that most of my kids are done with diapers, we use most of the space for clothing for the youngest two.  I like having clothing accessible for the younger kids, and it takes up less space than a full size dresser.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: householdcents@gmail.com
IP: 69.163.6.54
URL: http://householdcents.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/20/2010 04:15:23 PM
<p>Great post!  I have never used a changing table.....I was one of those who didn&#39;t think it was necessary.  We used cloth diapers and disposable diapers on our four children and never felt it necessary to have a changing table.  I&#39;ve used the changing table at church and it always felt awkward because I had to stand funny.  Guess there is a learning curve?  ;)</p><p>And of my four children, two of them fought me while changing their diaper and two of them didn&#39;t.  It had more to do with their personalities than with where I was changing them.  But I could see where using a changing table could keep some babies from fighting.</p><p>I&#39;m glad you found a system that works for you......that&#39;s what matters!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: nicola836@yahoo.co.uk
IP: 93.107.144.198
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 04:22:07 PM
<p>A change table is an absolute must have for me.  I don&#39;t have room to have one on the ground floor so I have to go upstairs for every change but that doesn&#39;t bother me.  On the top shelf I have my diapers stuffed &amp; ready to go.  A small basket with my cloth wipes &amp; a large baby wipes container.  We get the baby wipes container free in the maternity hospitals here.  They come with a travel pack of wipes insides but holds 2 full packets of wipes (just to give you an idea of size).  It is perfect for holding my home made wipes solution.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.152.103.107
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 04:34:11 PM
<p>I love my changing table!  It helps me stay organized with all of my baby&#39;s stuff.  One shelf holds canvas bins of onesies, socks, shoes, and hats (basically serves as our dresser since all clothes get hung in his closet).  The other shelf holds cloth diaper gear, baby towels and baby blankets.  I usually--though not always--change diapers there because it&#39;s easiest on my back and our house is small enough that I&#39;m never far from the nursery.  </p><p>Luckily we were very blessed that the family we purchased our house from left a changing table in the back of the garage when they moved.  It took a lot of cleaning, but it&#39;s been so nice to have!  I don&#39;t know if I would have been willing to buy one new (they&#39;re kind of expensive), but I would definitely have hunted a thrifted one down if we hadn&#39;t already had one!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.5.131
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/20/2010 06:05:50 PM
<p>Okay, I had to weigh in with my opinion on this! I agree with the organizational aspect of a changing table.  I use disposables, but I still see major advantages to being organized.  Just buy a changing table that doubles as a dresser.  Then it&#39;s not a useless item once your baby is out of diapers.  One point I would make against &quot;just changing the baby anywhere&quot; is the fact that daycares and such are required by the health dept. to have designated changing areas.  Why? It&#39;s more sanitary that way.  If you change your baby on the floor or on a bed, you run the risk of &quot;contaminating&quot; your floor or furniture with fecal matter (eww!) and then your baby and other children are playing right there too.  I&#39;m not by any means a &quot;germophobic&quot; person...but looking at it that way just seems to make more sense to me. Plus if your baby has a blow-out diaper, then it&#39;s easier to contain and clean if you do it in a designated area. Just sayin&#39;. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alex
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.60.209.38
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 07:08:39 PM
<p>I use disposable diapers and LOVE my changing table....can&#39;t imagine not having one!  It&#39;s so much easier to have them up at the right height for changing the diaper.  Ours is tall enough that neither my husband or myself have to bend over to change a diaper....which is so much better for our backs!  <br/>Not sure that changing them every time on the changing table has anything to do with helping with the squirming/rolling away.  I have never changed my daughter anywhere besides the changing table when at home and she still goes through phases of trying to escape the diaper changing by wiggling/rolling, etc.   Just a normal thing that babies and toddlers do.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bekah
EMAIL: mrsbekahglass@gmail.com
IP: 64.55.161.194
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 10:26:31 PM
<p>OK, I love this post.  I&#39;ve been reading about cloth diapers for a while now.  I didn&#39;t use them with my son until he was 2 and then just a few to practice with to see if I could do it with #2.  Now that #2 is indeed on the way, I want to do cloth...but there are a few things I don&#39;t quite understand.  Maybe you can do another post that addresses this.  I hate changing my son and then having to get him all settled and dressed and not knowing what to do with the poopy diaper until he&#39;s all set and down from the table.  I know it needs to be rinsed in the toilet before it goes in my wet bag, so what good does it do to have the lined garbage can if you can&#39;t put it in there until after you&#39;ve take in into the bathroom and rinsed it.  Also, how to you transport it back into the room with the changing table to put it into the wetbag?  I seem to always be missing that step when I read about how &quot;easy&quot; cloth diapering is.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/20/2010 10:47:21 PM
<p>Hi Bekah,</p><p>Very briefly (perhaps I will post on this more indepth!), I basically set the diaper aside, wrapped up, so my son can&#39;t kick it, and get him dressed.  Then set him down, take the diaper to the bathroom and dump it.  I don&#39;t bother with rinsing and swishing and all that stuff.  I tried it once and found it WAY too messy.  Once it&#39;s dumped, I just carry it back (wrapped up in itself; but since I haven&#39;t dunked it it&#39;s not soaked or anything) and put it in the wetbag.  If I DID dip/soak/rinse diapers, I&#39;d just keep my wetbag/pail in the bathroom and put the diapers straight in there.  That&#39;s what a lot of people do.  And also, with a newborn who is exclusively breastfed, you don&#39;t need to dump or rinse at all!  Breastmilk poop is totally water soluble and needs no extra care. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 12:52:07 AM
<p>I flip flop. I never did have a real changing table...I just had a changing pad on top of the dresser. I haven&#39;t used it in months, it seems. I&#39;ve grown accustomed to floor-changes. And it can be aggravating because it seems 8/10 times, I do forget to grab a diaper, not to mention getting myself off the floor! :) You provided some great insight, though, about how 8-9 months the squirming, but knowing the changing table is not play time. My son is 9 months (next week) and he definitely tries to crawl away on me during diaper changes! But, I bet you&#39;re right...maybe he just hasn&#39;t differentiated completely between &quot;it&#39;s time to sit still on the floor&quot; and &quot;it&#39;s time to play on the floor&quot;. And to the point about cloth diapers being everywhere. That is true. I find that when I was changing in one consistent place, I knew where all my diapers were at all times. Now, there are some upstairs, some on the laundry machine, I even found one in a bag in the car today!! :o) Maybe it&#39;s time for me to re-explore the changing pad...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.218
URL: 
DATE: 12/21/2010 12:52:18 AM
<p>We use both cloth and disposable diapers, and I can&#39;t imagine not having a changing table!  Perhaps if I were much younger and we went back to carpeted (yuck) floors.  As it is, being almost 37 with back problems and wood floors, getting up and down multiple times per day does not appeal.  And bending over a lower surface is uncomfortable as well.  That said, with babies #4 and #5, we have a much higher bed than with the others, and it also makes a suitable changing surface.  But as you mentioned, it isn&#39;t a great place for changing cloth diapers, since the bucket for those and the wipe warmer we use for cloth wipes is in the boys&#39; room.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sharin W
EMAIL: the_whitehouse@att.net
IP: 75.204.72.210
URL: 
DATE: 12/21/2010 05:04:53 AM
<p>We were given a changing table to use with my DS #2 and it is almost falling apart, we also use cloth and have everything right there on the changing table, or in baskets underneath. Problem with this one is there is no space for all those extras like the tub of better &quot;butt&quot;er, the wipes warmer with my cloth wipes in it, just a place for the pad. Which is totally frustrating!!! So for # 3 who will be here in Feb/March I will be building a new one!! That&#39;s right Building... found an awesome blog that has plans for much less than it would cost to buy a new one. http://ana-white.com/2010/06/furniture-plans-simple-changing-table.html   Plus the top comes off when you are done with the bubbas and it becomes a bookshelf. Hope ya&#39;ll enjoy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather Prenger
EMAIL: heather_arndts@yahoo.com
IP: 75.185.99.197
URL: http://www.momgoinggreen.wordpress.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 05:13:10 AM
<p>I used our changing table a lot with my son.  It is better for your spine to be able to stand up at a changing station then bend over on the floor or bed.  I also go crazy with out some organization.  I like having our whip solution, basket of wipes, creams and salves, and cloth diaper needs all in one place where I know where to find them.  When Jack was younger we had a changing station on 2 of 3 floors which was also helpful.</p><p>www.momgoinggreen.wordpress.com<br/>www.ohio-chiropractic.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 12/22/2010 12:49:01 PM
<p>We do not have a change table, but I kind of wish we did! I&#39;d love the extra organizational space. We have a changing pad set up on the dresser, and one of those wooden shelves with bins on it that holds the (diapers) along the other wall. Over the last three years, my childhood dresser has been ruined, when wet wipes or diapers are accidentally left to wear off the finish on the wood (late night sleepiness/carelessness to blame). :( The bins barely hold all of our diapers (esp now that there are two kids). I&#39;m going to have to rearrange my son&#39;s room soon, because it&#39;s not safe for me to leave the baby on the pad and walk away to get a diaper (only 4 or so feet, but still). </p><p>We really didn&#39;t have the money to buy one at the time my first son was born, and we don&#39;t have the wall space in his room now (since there&#39;s a twin bed, a crib, a dresser, bookshelf and chair, etc in there now), but it&#39;d be nice if we could make it work. I do normally try to keep a diaper or two downstairs or in my bedroom, for when the baby needs changed when the toddler is napping in their room, but like Heather said, it kills my back to change him on the bed/floor.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Respecting Family Members' Traditions
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/21/2010 01:00:18 PM
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I'm posting over at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/12/starting-traditions-as-a-young-family.html">Keeper of the Home today on Starting Traditions as a Young Family</a>. &nbsp;If you read it, then you know my ideas about how to start some traditions.&nbsp; But there&rsquo;s another side to all of this: <strong>what if you disagree on traditions, or what if your extended family doesn&rsquo;t like or tries to undermine the traditions you&rsquo;re trying to start?</strong></p>
<p>On the first point, I&rsquo;d say, <strong>you and your husband need to talk carefully about what you want to teach your children about the season</strong> (point #1 on my other post) and choose your traditions together, without input from your extended families.&nbsp; This is <em>your</em> family and you need to be comfortable with the choices you&rsquo;re making.&nbsp; Hopefully, any serious differences (like coming from different religious backgrounds) is something you discussed before you got married.&nbsp; I know it was a <em>huge</em> discussion for us before we ever agreed that we would get married.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But, what about the second?&nbsp; Perhaps you&rsquo;ve decided that you don&rsquo;t want your kids to get more than one or two toys for Christmas this year; other presents can be books or special events or clothes.&nbsp; But Grandma wants to buy all of the popular toys this year for your children.</p>
<p>Or <strong>maybe you only want sustainable, wooden toys and your in-laws love plastic, beeping, flashing toys</strong>.</p>
<p>Or maybe you have fond memories of baking Christmas cookies with your grandmother, but your mom is not interested in doing this with your children.&nbsp; At all.</p>
<p><strong>Our families are not perfect, and we cannot change the way they are.&nbsp; If there is an issue you feel <em>really</em> strongly about, for whatever reason, then gently express this to your family member, and <em>offer a solution</em>.</strong>&nbsp; &ldquo;Mom, I know you love your grandchildren, but please don&rsquo;t buy them a ton of Christmas candy.&nbsp; They don&rsquo;t do well when they eat so much sugar, and I don&rsquo;t want to fight with them about it.&nbsp; Maybe you could bring them some healthy treats instead, and just a couple pieces of candy.&rdquo;&nbsp; This way your mom can still select a couple of small treats, your children get to have something nice, and everyone&rsquo;s happy.&nbsp; Hopefully!</p>
<p><strong>A lot of battles, though, you will just need to let go</strong>.&nbsp; If your mother-in-law asks what the kids need for Christmas, you could gently point her towards things that you would prefer they have.&nbsp; But if she doesn&rsquo;t ask, or shows up with things you wish she hadn&rsquo;t, smile and let them play with the presents anyway.&nbsp; You can choose to put them away a few weeks later when your children lose interest and pull them out only on rare occasions.</p>
<p><strong>It&rsquo;s not worth ruining relationships to insist that everyone follow your traditions and your ways.&nbsp; Your family deserves respect, too, for the way they like to do things.</strong></p>
<p>What if you desperately want your mom to bake with your children and she doesn&rsquo;t want to?&nbsp; If your grandmother is still with you and lives nearby, send your children over to bake with her!&nbsp; It would give your children a chance to get to know their great-grandmother, which is awesome.&nbsp; If that is not an option, why not bake with them yourself?&nbsp; Then,<strong> find a different tradition for Grandma.</strong>&nbsp; Maybe she&rsquo;d like to read them their Christmas story, take them shopping for a Christmas outfit, or take them to visit Santa.&nbsp; There will be another way that Grandma can create a special Christmas tradition with your children, which will be just as special to them as baking with your grandmother was to you.</p>
<p>This is really an issue we&rsquo;ve gone back and forth on a lot.&nbsp; <strong>Ben wishes we could be stricter about the toys that come into our home, how many we have, and what we eat.</strong>&nbsp; But it&rsquo;s not worth the battle.&nbsp; Our families aren&rsquo;t really on board with real food (though they eat it if they come visit us!), and my parents love to give gifts.&nbsp; They always have.&nbsp; So, yes, they choose many more toys than we would, and toys we probably wouldn&rsquo;t choose.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re picky; we select long-lasting, imagination-driven toys and only a few of them (it&rsquo;s what our kids usually prefer, anyway).&nbsp; But <strong>they select presents lovingly and it does not hurt our children to have these things.&nbsp;</strong> For example, I know my mom has selected Buzz Lightyear and Woody dolls for my kids this year.&nbsp; Do they <em>need</em> those?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; But they do love Toy Story and they will think it&rsquo;s cool, and my mom selected them because she knows that.</p>
<p>Ben doesn&rsquo;t like to travel too much, either.&nbsp; He just doesn&rsquo;t like to be in the car that long.&nbsp; But when, over Thanksgiving, his mom said she was hosting, and his sister said she was having a birthday dinner for my niece the night before, I told him we needed to go.&nbsp; <strong>We need to support family even if all the driving is a little annoying at times.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s worth it to be together for the holiday.&nbsp;</strong> (Not that Ben doesn&rsquo;t agree&hellip;but we have a <em>lot</em> of extended-family get-togethers on his side of the family during the holiday season and it&rsquo;s not possible to go to all of them, and sometimes we can get caught up in all the demands and it&rsquo;s hard to sort out which we should really attend.)</p>
<p><strong>We need to overlook minor differences and focus on unity.</strong>&nbsp; We need to respect and understand our extended family&rsquo;s traditions.&nbsp; All of these small things are not a big issue in the long run.&nbsp; We need to love our families for who they are, and enjoy and appreciate all of our different contributions to our holiday celebrations.</p>
<p><strong>How do you handle differing ideas about traditions and holiday celebrations?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Blessing
EMAIL: info@workingmomjournal.com
IP: 52.129.8.48
URL: http://www.workingmomjournal.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 01:50:19 PM
<p>This is something that has constantly bugged me. My husband is not interested in tradition, and I am. So I get crazy all over christmas and how it has to be perfect, but he is just interested in living. Its hard for me to start a tradition based on my views alone. He does participate though, so I guess I can give him credit for that.</p><p>Blessing<br/>info@workingmomjournal.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 79.240.132.7
URL: http://thedailyhermit.tumblr.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 05:32:43 PM
<p>My husband and I are from two different states (Texas and Ohio...not exactly any way to see both families on the same day!) and this was something that was very important to us once we got married. We were living in Alabama when we got married, and we made a very big decision that first year - Christmas on our own. We didn&#39;t go to either side of the family, although we did do dinner with some friends. It was the best decision we ever made - no one had hurt feelings about not seeing us on the actual day of Christmas, they could have come see us (one side did come visit between then and New Years), and now there are absolutely no expectations on us. No one is going to pull a &quot;but you did X last year - what&#39;s different now?&quot; guilt trip. Plus, when you&#39;re separated like we are, Skype lets you still open presents together, just not physically together.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.152.103.107
URL: 
DATE: 12/21/2010 08:26:24 PM
<p>Great points!  My husband and I are blessed to have very understanding families.  Occasionally we still get toys that are not what I would have chosen, but we graciously thank the giver knowing that it was out of love that they picked it for our children.  Loving people should always trump personal preference.  Moral issues, risking my kiddos safety, allergies, or life-death situations are about my only &quot;lines in the sand.&quot;</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Working During Pregnancy
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/22/2010 01:00:14 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292990082457" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Welcome to the next part of the Healthy Pregnancy Series!&nbsp; If you haven't been following along, you can catch up on the older posts <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/9/7/healthy-pregnancy-series.html">here</a>.&nbsp; Today's is about working during pregnancy, which is something that a lot of women have to face.&nbsp; How do you handle it?&nbsp; What about morning sickness in the office?&nbsp; Is your job safe?&nbsp; When should you tell?&nbsp; What happens when it comes time for maternity leave?&nbsp; Do you go back to work or not?&nbsp; There's a lot to think about!</p>
<h3>Morning Sickness in the Office</h3>
<p>Unfortunately, morning sickness is a reality for many women, and this includes on the job.&nbsp; If you can possibly eat something when you first wake up in the morning, before you even get out of bed, it may help stave off the worst of the nausea.&nbsp; Bring plenty of snacks with you too.&nbsp; Eat on the way into work.&nbsp; <strong>Bring your "arsenal" with you -- peppermint candies, lemon drops, sea-bands, ginger candies or gingerale, and anything else that makes you feel better.</strong>&nbsp; If you can banish the nausea enough to function, you're doing okay.</p>
<p>What if you get sick at the office, though?&nbsp; It happens to many women at least once, and if you're one of the unlucky ones who needs throw up several times a day, it may happen on a regular basis.&nbsp; Know the most direct path to the bathroom and how to get there quickly.&nbsp; Keep your trash can nearby just in case.&nbsp; Bring some mouth wash and maybe a toothbrush to clean up after.&nbsp;<strong> If you're having real trouble, you may have to tell your boss very early in your pregnancy, so she knows what's going on.&nbsp;</strong> If possible, you may have to take a couple weeks off during the worst of the morning sickness, or work from home if that is a possibility for you.&nbsp; Most women manage to handle morning sickness at the office without having to actually take time off, but it varies from woman to woman.&nbsp; Just make sure you're moving slowly if you need to.&nbsp; A quick nap at lunch is not a bad idea!</p>
<h3>Safety on the Job</h3>
<p>What job do you have?&nbsp; Is it safe for a pregnant woman?&nbsp; <strong>If you are expected to do heavy lifting (over 30 lbs.) or if you are working with chemicals or around fumes of some sort, your job is probably not safe at this point.&nbsp;</strong> If you are in a company with over 50 employees and have been there for at least a year, you are protected by FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act).&nbsp; Under this act, you would be reassigned to a safer job during your pregnancy.&nbsp; In the case of a safety issue, you would have to inform the boss of your pregnancy sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>In other jobs, where perhaps only some tasks are difficult or pose some safety threat, you may be able to keep quiet and try to avoid those jobs.&nbsp; Just pay close attention to your job responsibilities, and discuss them with your boss if you have any concerns about your safety.</p>
<h3>Sharing the Big News</h3>
<p>When do you tell?&nbsp; <strong>Many women choose to wait until around 12 weeks, or the end of the first trimester, before they share their pregnancy.</strong>&nbsp; If you are worried about the possibility of miscarriage, or your boss's reaction (or co-workers' reactions), wait to tell.&nbsp; Some women are worried that they will be treated differently -- and unfairly -- because they are pregnant.&nbsp; And this may unfortunately be true, depending on your job and your boss.</p>
<p><strong>It's probably a good idea to tell your boss privately before you announce it to your co-workers.</strong>&nbsp; That way you can talk directly to your boss <em>first</em> about how your plans are -- are you going to quit?&nbsp; Come back after the baby?&nbsp; How long do you want to go on maternity leave?&nbsp; Will you start before the baby comes (like around 38 weeks) or wait until you go into labor?&nbsp; Think about what your answers will be before you bring this all to your boss.&nbsp; Once your boss knows and you've discussed what you'll be doing, it's okay to tell co-workers freely.</p>
<p><strong>Be careful about Facebook and other social media.</strong>&nbsp; If you are friends with your boss and/or co-workers on these social media forums, don't announce your pregnancy there until after you've told at work.&nbsp; Otherwise, it could get back to your boss second or third hand, which may not go so well.&nbsp; Just be careful what you say and to whom when you are on the job, until everyone knows.</p>
<h3>Handling Maternity Leave</h3>
<p>Most companies guarantee about six weeks of maternity leave.&nbsp; You can take more than that if you have vacation or sick leave time saved up.&nbsp; Some women take about 12 weeks.&nbsp; Others can even take up to 6 months, or work from home for awhile, or even work part time for awhile after the baby comes.&nbsp; But, these are decisions you need to make.</p>
<p>Will you take maternity leave before the baby is born or only just when it's time?&nbsp; That is, <strong>will you plan to just stop working at 38 weeks (or 39, 40, etc.) whether or not you've had the baby, or will you wait until you go into labor and call in and say that you are not coming in!</strong>&nbsp; This will depend on the type of job you have.&nbsp; If you are in sales or waitressing or another job where it is easier to get someone to cover for you, you may choose to wait until the baby comes (assuming you're not too exhausted).&nbsp; If you're a teacher, or another job where planning needs to happen more in advance, you may choose a particular day or week to simply stop working.&nbsp; This is something to discuss with your boss.</p>
<p>Remember that <strong>you will want as much time as possible at home with your baby, to bond and also to heal after the birth.&nbsp;</strong> You'll be more exhausted in these early weeks than at any other time in your life, because your hormones are going crazy, you're trying to heal from pregnancy and birth, and your baby probably isn't letting you sleep that much.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>FMLA can help here, too.</strong>&nbsp; You can take up to 12 weeks off, although they may be unpaid.&nbsp; Research your rights before going to your boss to lay out your plan.&nbsp; Remember that, depending on your job, you may need to train your temporary replacement.&nbsp; All of these things need to be discussed and decided!</p>
<h3>Returning to Work</h3>
<p>Are you planning to return to work, or are you planning to quit?&nbsp; Decide this as early in your pregnancy as you can.&nbsp; You may not know right away what you would prefer to do.&nbsp; And there are a lot of factors.&nbsp; <strong>If you do return to work, you'll have to get someone to watch your baby.</strong>&nbsp; Will you choose a neighbor, friend, parent?&nbsp; Or will you choose a daycare center or in-home daycare situation?&nbsp; How much will these options cost?&nbsp; Will it be worth it to go back to work, financially?&nbsp; In certain cases, daycare can cost up to $2500 a month!&nbsp; It just depends on your area, how young your baby is when the baby goes to daycare, etc.</p>
<p>There's also simply your feelings -- do you <em>want</em> to be a stay-at-home mom?&nbsp; Do you prefer to work?&nbsp; And remember, too, that once you see your baby you may feel differently, too.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Talk to your husband.&nbsp; Pray about it.&nbsp; Look at your finances.&nbsp; This is a difficult decision to make, but one you have to make.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Remember that even if you are quitting, you may be able to take all your vacation/sick time as maternity leave so you can get a little extra pay before you move to only one income.</p>
<p>Working during pregnancy isn't easy, but many do it.&nbsp; It just requires a little extra planning and preparation!</p>
<p>By the way, I never *officially* worked during pregnancy.&nbsp; But I did go to school and I did student teach while I was pregnant.&nbsp; I never had to worry about the quitting aspect -- because I finished before my daughter was born.&nbsp; I chose to tell my professors (well, one of them) almost immediately about my pregnancy, because we were just about to go on our summer break and when I returned, I'd be past 16 weeks and probably showing.&nbsp; I didn't want them to find out that way.&nbsp; I also told my cooperating teacher when I emailed to introduce myself, because I was about 14 weeks along at that time.&nbsp; I made sure I carried plenty of snacks with me (as I tended to get hungry and dizzy).&nbsp; I usually had something on the way to teaching, plus I had a snack when I had a planning break, then lunch, a mid-afternoon snack during planning, plus dinner and bedtime snack.&nbsp; I brought a <em>lot</em> of food with me!&nbsp; I didn't find it too hard, though.</p>
<p><strong>How do you handle working during pregnancy?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kevin H - Family Health Benefits
EMAIL: kevin.haney@ask4benefits.com
IP: 75.193.114.222
URL: http://www.growingfamilybenefits.com/
DATE: 12/22/2010 04:36:45 PM
<p>Women should also check into whether they have short term disability coverage.  Five states mandate such coverage, and many employers offer this as a voluntary benefit.  Mom&#39;s maternity leave will be a covered benefit, plus if she needs to miss work prior to delivery because of complications, the income replacement will make a big difference.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Easy, Quick Last-Minute Meal Ideas
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/23/2010 01:00:21 PM
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<p>In honor of it being *almost* Christmas, I don't have a real recipe for you today. &nbsp;Instead, I'm going to give you a list of easy, last-minute meal ideas. &nbsp;That way if you're dashing out the door to Christmas service or grandma's house, you have something you can serve to your family without much fuss or trouble!</p>
<p><strong>Less Than 10 Minutes</strong></p>
<p>These recipes are seriously eat-and-run ideas. &nbsp;When you don't have <em>any</em>&nbsp;time, you can get these on the table in no time at all.</p>
<ul>
<li>Cold sandwiches</li>
<li>Veggie sticks (carrots, celery, etc.)</li>
<li>Cheese cubes</li>
<li>Take-out (Panera, Chipotle, and Whole Foods are safe places)</li>
<li>Scrambled eggs</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/9/favorite-smoothie.html">Smoothies</a></li>
<li>Chicken or tuna salad</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>20 - 30 Minutes</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Biscuits and Sausage Gravy</li>
<li>Grilled chicken and steamed broccoli</li>
<li>Spaghetti and meat sauce</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/5/recipe-chicken-marinade.html">Grilled chicken sandwiches</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/25/how-to-make-amazing-french-fries.html">Baked fries</a></li>
<li>Chicken and rice</li>
<li>Chicken veggie soup</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/24/christmas-eve-and-one-quick-recipe.html">Chicken and potatoes</a></li>
<li>Grilled chicken salad (w/lots of beans)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>These meals will come on the table very quickly when you are busy! &nbsp;Many of the recipes are found in <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>, and others are available on this site.</p>
<p><strong>What are your favorite quick meal ideas?</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Merry Christmas
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/24/2010 01:00:04 PM
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<p>Merry Christmas!</p>
<p>Over the next few days, we'll be spending lots of time with our family, so we won't be around here too much. &nbsp;Enjoy your Christmas and your time with your families over this holiday. &nbsp;I'll see you back here on Monday!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Christmas Pictures
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/27/2010 01:00:15 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010131.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293423387614" alt="" /></span></span>Bekah at Christmas!</p>
<p>How was your Christmas? &nbsp;Did you give or receive any neat presents? &nbsp;What was your favorite present (given or received)? &nbsp;What else did you do for your Christmas celebration -- see family, play a special game, eat a special meal? &nbsp;What Christmas traditions did you start or continue this year?</p>
<p>Unfortunately I happened to get my kids' cold the day before Christmas! &nbsp;No fun. &nbsp;I was pretty tired on Christmas day (being 8 weeks pregnant doesn't help either). &nbsp;We were hosting 4 additional people, though (my family), for a total of 8 of us, so I got up and made food anyway. &nbsp;We had ham, cheesy potatoes, rolls, corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, and some shrimp. &nbsp;And fudge and cheesecake for dessert. &nbsp;The fudge was, umm...<em>not</em>&nbsp;real food. &nbsp;But it's the same recipe I've had since I was a kid, I haven't had any in two years, so...it was delicious! &nbsp;We enjoyed every bite. :)</p>
<p>The kids <em>loved</em>&nbsp;Christmas, especially Bekah, who is almost 3. &nbsp;She was obsessed with presents. &nbsp;She even had to wait until Grandma arrived to open them, and did pretty well. &nbsp;She carried them around the house and kept saying, "My presents!" &nbsp;They got some nice wooden chairs for their kids' table (good space for homeschooling!), a toy shopping cart and wooden play food, a jack-in-the-box (instant favorite), a few books, some socks and underwear (they actually really liked those!), and a few other clothes they needed.</p>
<p>I got a nice mandolin slicer that I've been wanting (my "big" present) and some kitchen towels. &nbsp;I also got a bit of money that I'm planning to save up and hopefully buy a new, high-quality stand mixer! &nbsp;I had my mom's 30-year-old one, which worked okay, but the bowl broke and I don't know that we could find another one. &nbsp;Plus it didn't have any attachments for kneading dough or anything, which I'd love! &nbsp;I plan to use it to make bread. &nbsp;I want something that will really last. &nbsp;I'm looking at Bosch right now, because most people seem to think they are top-quality. &nbsp;Anyone else have thoughts on that?</p>
<p>Ben got some clothes and a Lego train set -- he was unsure at first ("What would I do with this Lego?!"), but is now very excited. &nbsp;He's always loved trains and has wanted a nice train set to run around the top of a room on track built a foot or so below the ceiling. &nbsp;Someday if we're rich (haha), he wants a whole room of trains. &nbsp;But now, with this set plus parts he already has from when he was a kid, plus some of his Christmas money, he may be able to build a very small set in the kids' playroom! &nbsp;We're not used to having anything frivolous, so this is especially exciting!</p>
<p>It's cool because we've also been working hard on cleaning the house -- completely reorganizing, getting rid of a lot of extra stuff. &nbsp;Our basement is done and our room is almost done. &nbsp;Our library/junk room is next! &nbsp;Once that's done we plan to move our "office" things up from the playroom, and we're re-designing the playroom. &nbsp;Hoping to add an old TV, more space for their table and chairs, some new homeschool activities, etc. &nbsp;We're also going to add gates to the entrances so we can literally close them in there if we need to! &nbsp;The kitchen is right next to there, so it will be really handy to have a happy, fun, safe place for them to stay while I am cooking.</p>
<p>Here are some fun pictures from our Christmas celebration:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010138.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293423497870" alt="" /></span></span>Daniel posing (one of the few where he's really looking!)</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010154.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293423625901" alt="" /></span></span>The jack-in-the-box was an instant favorite!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010162.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293423734365" alt="" /></span></span>After she'd had a piece of chocolate (can you tell?) and holding sprinkles...she loves them.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010169.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293423846996" alt="" /></span></span>Excited about her Melissa &amp; Dough Wooden Play Food (that's my mom and dad in the background)</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/P1010171.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293423981701" alt="" /></span></span>Daniel on my lap opening his Buzz Lightyear doll. &nbsp;The funniest part was, Bekah had just opened Woody, and Daniel pushed Buzz aside and went and stole Woody from Bekah immediately. :)</p>
<p><strong>How was your Christmas?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/27/2010 03:32:04 PM
<p>I got a large, stand mixer for Christmas last year - it has changed my life!!! But I wanted to share with you what I was using before to make bread - a bread machine! I did not bake it in there, just used the kneading cycle and was getting lovely results - starting the bread (like Yeasted Buttermilk Bread) and finishing it the next day. I would recommend a bread machine for anyone who doesn&#39;t have a mixer that can handle kneading bread yet. They were a &#39;kitchen fad&#39; for a while, so they can often be found at the thrift stores for $5 or $10!</p><p>My kids got Melissa and Doug wooden cutting food, too! I chose it because it was all &#39;real food&#39; like we eat every day! They are playing with it as I type. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.206
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/27/2010 09:33:48 PM
<p>I second the idea of a bread machine.  It is great for kneading...and if you&#39;re tired and/or busy and/or pregnant they make darn good bread all by themselves, too!  I bought mine for $5 at a thrift store, and a few months ago found one for my friend for $10, so they&#39;re definitely out there.  </p><p>My favorite gift I received: a nice (high quality) paring knife.  My whole knife set was about $50 over seven years ago, so you can imagine that they haven&#39;t held up all that well.  I was so tired of dull knives, and my sweetie is going to start giving me good knives (well, at least better ones!) for upcoming gifts.  Yay!</p><p>Favorite gift I gave: a matted art print of watercolored sailboats for my dad.  He used to build and race the exact kind in the picture, and he LOVED it.  Makes me so happy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Renae McElroy
EMAIL: leoandrenae@hotmail.com
IP: 75.194.121.189
URL: 
DATE: 12/28/2010 01:47:15 AM
<p>I love your blog but this is my first time to post a comment.<br/>I also got a mandolin slicer (oxo brand) that I&#39;m really looking forward to using.<br/>I&#39;m interested to hear what you end up deciding to get as far as a mixer.  I&#39;ve had a KitchenAid as long as I&#39;ve been married (13 yrs) and it does fine, but I&#39;m really interested in a Bosch to mix up large batches of dough for our growing family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 66.227.229.174
URL: 
DATE: 12/28/2010 10:11:09 PM
<p>My family got the strangest and best gift ever for Christmas this year.  My parents bought my husband and I a portion of a grass-fed cow.  I will feed my family for quite a while.  I love it!  </p><p>As for the stand mixer, I love my kitchen aid but it is a little older model.  I don&#39;t know how the newer ones are holding up.  I would like to upgrade to the larger model at some point but my smaller model handles bread easily.  I make bread for my family often so I know it works.  Merry Christmas and enjoy the time with your family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/29/2010 08:14:33 AM
<p>Kate, it&#39;s uncanny how much Bekah looks like you. So cute! I remember when I got to feed her and play with her when I visited you two years ago. :) </p><p>My two favorite Christmas presents this year are an Oster Bread Maker and a Nintendo Wii. I&#39;ve been making my bread for my family since August and my Mother-in-Law bought me a bread maker so I don&#39;t have to knead by hand and such. Mine is a really nice model - it has settings for different types of breads (French/standard/sweet breads, crust darkness settings, etc.). I&#39;ll let you know how it works if you want - I still had one hand-made loaf left so I&#39;ll probably use it next week. </p><p>Two years ago, I got a small Kitchenaid stand mixer for Christmas. I use it for bread making - all but the last 1/4 cup of flour gets kneaded in just fine, and it takes maybe 5 minutes tops to do the last of the kneading by hand. It&#39;s great for making mashed potatoes, and all sorts of other stuff. Mine gets the heck used out of it but I haven&#39;t had a single problem with it. I don&#39;t know what I&#39;d do without that thing.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: A Look Back at 2010: Top Posts and More!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/28/2010 01:00:43 PM
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<p>2010 is almost over! &nbsp;I can't believe it. &nbsp;It's been a big year, and a busy one. &nbsp;The blog has grown, my family is growing (!), and there's more to come! &nbsp;In case you haven't been around too long, I thought I'd highlight the year's top 10 most popular posts. &nbsp;If you haven't read them, you can go back and do so!</p>
<p>10. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/22/average-grocery-spending-and-ways-to-save-on-real-food.html">Average Grocery Spending and Ways to Save Money on Real Food</a></p>
<p>9. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/30/whole-foods-for-the-holidays-progressive-dinner-desserts.html">Whole Foods for the Holidays: Desserts</a></p>
<p>8. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/8/25/real-food-on-a-budget-series.html">Real Food on a Budget Series</a></p>
<p>7. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/8/24/baby-steps-in-the-kitchen.html">Baby Steps Series</a></p>
<p>6. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html">Adrenal Fatigue</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>5. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/28/changing-diet-our-story.html">Changing Diet: Our Story</a></p>
<p>4. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/8/our-story-part-1.html">Our Story: Part 1</a></p>
<p>3. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/25/why-i-dont-support-cure-cancer-foundations.html">Why I Don't Support "Cure Cancer" Foundations</a></p>
<p>2. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/18/sad-vs-real-food.html">SAD Vs. Real Food</a></p>
<p>1. <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/23/what-do-you-feed-your-real-food-kid-panel.html">"What Do You Feed Your Real-Food Kid" Panel</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This year we also released <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>, our first ebook! &nbsp;It's a book for all those who are new to real food, and want to know what changes to make, why to make them, practical shopping and kitchen guides, and a recipe section filled with foods your family will actually <em>eat</em>, all made with real food! &nbsp;Recipes include cheese sauce, sausage gravy, Mexican chicken soup, ice cream, biscuits, muffins, salsa, tomato sauce, fried chicken, fries, and lots more! &nbsp;</p>
<p>We were so excited to release this book and have already sold over 300 copies! &nbsp;If you haven't gotten yours yet, join the others and order today! &nbsp;Print copies are in and immediately available for those who are interested.</p>
<p>Some of my most controversial posts this year:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/25/why-i-dont-support-cure-cancer-foundations.html">Why I Don't Support "Cure Cancer" Foundations</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/11/why-i-dont-like-organic-valley.html">Why I Don't Like "Organic Valley"</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/19/whats-wrong-with-hard-work.html">What's Wrong with Hard Work?</a> (and the follow up that not many read, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/24/contentment-and-happiness.html">Contentment and Happiness</a>)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/30/reasons-why-we-dont-celebrate-halloween.html">Reasons Why We Don't Celebrate Halloween</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/23/why-we-think-we-need-vaccines.html">Why We THINK We Need Vaccines</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/19/guest-post-witches-are-ap-moms.html">Guest Post: Witches are AP Moms</a> (yes, a guest post, but quite controversial)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/why-you-shouldnt-get-the-flu-shot.html">Why You Shouldn't Get the Flu Shot</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html">Adrenal Fatigue</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/25/sunscreen-to-use-or-not-to-use.html">Sunscreen: To Use or Not to Use?</a></p>
<p>If you haven't read the comment threads on these posts, you should. &nbsp;They're quite interesting! &nbsp;You may want to add your own comments, too, especially if these posts are new to you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>There's lots more to come in 2011! &nbsp;Come back at the end of the week to read about next year's goals and plans!</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Chiropractic During Pregnancy
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 12/29/2010 01:00:14 PM
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<p><em>Readers: So sorry that last week's Healthy Pregnancy Series was delayed! &nbsp;Dr. Miller and I had a bit of a miscommunication, and with the holidays, we just weren't able to publish on time. &nbsp;But here it is! &nbsp;Better late than never. :)</em></p>
<p>Guest Post by Elizabeth Miller, D.C.</p>
<p>Weight gain and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy bring postural changes as well, beginning early in the pregnancy and continuing for up to six weeks after the baby is born and the mother's body begins to return to its pre-pregnancy state.</p>
<p>The increase in the size of the abdomen and breasts shifts the body's center of gravity and is compounded by gravitational pull.&nbsp; The most common postural changes include a more forward position of the head and pelvis while the rib cage tends to shift back. These c<strong>hanges are often associated with low back pain, tension headache, neck and upper back fatigue, sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, sciatica, and herniated lumbar disc.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;Hormones play a crucial role in pregnancy by allowing the ligaments in the pelvis to become lax so that the baby can fit through the birth canal.&nbsp;</strong> The SI joint, which is usually relatively stable,&nbsp; loses this advantage because of hormonal influence during pregnancy.&nbsp; The stage is set for backache by increasing the joint range of motion beyond what it is used to. That being said, there is a clear association between back pain during labor (back labor) if the mother experiences back pain during her pregnancy.</p>
<p>However, a woman is not necessarily going to have pain just because she is pregnant.&nbsp; Studies show a distinct relationship between back pain during pregnancy and the effects of chiropractic treatment, with 84% of women who received chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy reporting a relief of their back pain. <strong>The documented benefits of chiropractic treatment during pregnancy also has the potential to reduce back labor</strong>, one of the most severe aspects of pain during labor.</p>
<p>Other studies report that women who received chiropractic treatment from at least the tenth week of pregnancy through labor and delivery experienced greatly reduced labor times -&nbsp; by 25% to 40% - when compared to women who did not receive chiropractic care.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Chiropractors are the only specialty who examine and correct spinal subluxations, which are a result of the pregnancy postural changes and abnormalities.</strong>&nbsp; A great feature of many chiropractic adjusting tables is the flexibility of the table so that the pregnant patient may lie on her stomach for her adjustment, allowing her to receive regular chiropractic adjustments that ensure her posture is kept as close as possible to normal.&nbsp; With no instances of adverse effects reported, studies indicate the relative safety of adjustments.</p>
<p><strong>In our office, pregnant patients also report improved sleep and fewer headaches as a result of their chiropractic care.</strong>&nbsp; The frequency of treatment varies from patient to patient - anywhere from weekly to monthly adjustments. Adjustments may become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and helps balance the pelvic structures, ligaments and muscles.&nbsp;</strong> The idea behind this technique is to loosen the soft tissue around the uterus, which will allow the baby to get into the best position possible.&nbsp; <strong>This is used with great success - in some offices as high as 90% - in helping babies get into position.</strong>&nbsp; It is most commonly used on breech babies; however, it should not be confused with an obstetric &ldquo;breech turning&rdquo; technique.&nbsp; The Webster Technique can help ensure that all babies are in the best position.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>By keeping the spine in alignment and making sure the soft tissue is not restricted, chiropractors can help women feel better during pregnancy - not to mention healthier!</strong> Since the nerve system will be free from interference, communication will continue to operate as normal within the body,&nbsp; allowing both mom and baby to be as healthy as possible.&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dani
EMAIL: danielle.kelley@yahoo.com
IP: 174.47.172.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/29/2010 02:57:16 PM
<p>I am subscribed to get email updates, so clicked on the link. However, there is no article? Hmm... I&#39;ve never had this happen before. Maybe I need to reboot my computer!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Chiropractor Therapy
EMAIL: chiropractort@yahoo.com
IP: 112.205.54.151
URL: http://buffalogrovebackpainrelief.com/
DATE: 02/04/2011 07:53:58 PM
<p>During pregnancy, most women experience a number of neuro muscular and biochemical problems that responds favorably to gentle, safe, noninvasive chiropractic care.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Stewing Hen Soup
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 12/30/2010 01:00:36 PM
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<p>Have you ever heard of a stewing hen? &nbsp;I hadn't, until a few weeks ago. &nbsp;My farmer started offering them, so I asked him what they were. &nbsp;Turns out they are the old laying hens that became too old to lay. &nbsp;They're different because most chickens are raised only for about 3 months before slaughter, while these might be a couple years old. &nbsp;They're also quite a bit smaller, generally.</p>
<p>What does this mean for eating? &nbsp;The meat tends to be more tender. &nbsp;They tend to have more dark meat (some of the darkest I've ever seen, actually), and seem to have more fat. &nbsp;Mine had lots of little bits of yellow fat all over it.</p>
<p>It's really easy and yummy to make soup from these. &nbsp;And my kids, who have been a bit picky about eating meat lately, <em>loved</em>&nbsp;the meat from this and kept begging for more while I was cutting it off the bones. &nbsp;Well, pulling it, because it was so tender by that time!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>
<ul>
<li>1 stewing hen (2 - 3 lbs.)</li>
<li>2 onions</li>
<li>3 - 4 stalks celery</li>
<li>2 - 3 medium carrots</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>1/2 c. barley, rice, or pasta (if desired)</li>
<li>Other veggies (if desired)</li>
<li>Sea salt and pepper to taste; parsely and celery salt if desired</li>
</ul>
</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Add the stewing hen to an 8-qt. stock pot and cover with water. &nbsp;Slice one onion in half and add it to the pot. &nbsp;Turn the pot onto medium and allow this to simmer for 4 - 6 hours, until the water has turned to rich, golden stock.</p>
<p>Remove the chicken from the pan (allow it to drain for a minute when you lift it) and set it aside. &nbsp;Add the other onion, chopped; celery and carrots, chopped. &nbsp;If using barley or rice (any grain that takes awhile to cook), add it now. &nbsp;If you're using pasta (which will cook in 5 - 10 minutes) wait at least 30 minutes before adding, to allow the veggies to soften. &nbsp;Add any other veggies that you want, too.</p>
<p>When the chicken is cooled, pull the meat off the bones and cut into bite-sized chunks. &nbsp;Return to the pot. &nbsp;You will probably have one or two cups of extra meat, which you can use to make sandwiches later, or just let the kids have a snack! &nbsp;(Mine did this and <em>still</em>&nbsp;ate full bowls of soup!)</p>
<p>Serve. &nbsp;Makes 6 - 8 servings. &nbsp;Easy and yummy! &nbsp;If you chop the veggies ahead of time, you could even do this in the crock pot and just add the veggies quickly an hour before serving. &nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 12/30/2010 03:17:20 PM
<p>Just wanted to let you know this is a blank post.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: New Year's Resolutions
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 12/31/2010 01:00:12 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2011/01/nourishing-resolutions-2011-carnival.html">Real Food Resolutions at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>It's already time for the new year! &nbsp;I can't believe 2010 is over already. &nbsp;It's been a big year. &nbsp;Earlier this week we looked back at some of the highlights of this year. &nbsp;But now it's time to look forward! &nbsp;</p>
<p>Every year since I was around 13, I've made some personal resolutions, or goals, for the upcoming year. &nbsp;I write them down and refer back to them throughout the year so I can see if I'm really working on them or if I need to think about making some changes. &nbsp;Occasionally, situations change and I have to abandon a goal entirely, but in recent years I've been trying not to make goals that I think or know I won't realistically be able to meet.</p>
<p>You can read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/2/new-years-resolutions.html">last year's goals</a>. &nbsp;So how did I do?</p>
<p>1) First and foremost, I want to really listen for God's direction in my life and follow whatever it is He wish me to do, even if it is difficult. &nbsp;<strong>I think I did fairly well in this one, although I always need to strive to do better!</strong></p>
<p>2) I want to do fewer projects and spend more time with my children. &nbsp;<strong>I did <em>way</em>&nbsp;too many projects this year, but especially in the last few months I've been trying to spend more time with my children. &nbsp;I plan to do even more in the coming months!</strong></p>
<p>3) I want to select the projects I do choose carefully and according to God's direction and do them well. &nbsp;<strong>I did get rid of some projects that were no longer suited, and focused more carefully on the ones I really wanted. &nbsp;It helped me to "hit my stride" in blogging this fall!</strong></p>
<p>4) I want to work on being a better wife and be more open and loving. &nbsp;<strong>Can I ever stop trying harder at this? &nbsp;I don't think so.</strong></p>
<p>5) I want to live for joy, not frustration, and working towards bringing this joy and love to others. &nbsp;<strong>I handled this one by trying to avoid situations that made me unhappy and surrounding myself with positive people.</strong></p>
<p>6) I want to continue on the path of natural living and make strides every month. &nbsp;<strong>I'm always making changes in this area! &nbsp;I do think we are further ahead of where we were a year ago. &nbsp;We've certainly incorporated a lot more homemade stuff (sprouting grains, making yogurt, making mozzarella, etc.) into our rotation.</strong></p>
<p>What about this year's goals?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Begin homeschooling Bekah and work at her pace, with her interests as much as possible</li>
<li>Find appropriate health care in our area (naturopath, holistic dentist, etc.)</li>
<li>Simplify and organize my home, getting rid of extra stuff we don't need and find new systems for keeping things together and neat</li>
<li>Start doing more freezer cooking, especially with snacks and breakfasts, especially close to when the baby comes</li>
<li>Make more time for date nights with Ben, and find a babysitter(s) we can trust!</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I think those are good goals. &nbsp;Those are my truly personal goals -- they have nothing to do with the blog or my business, just my personal life. &nbsp;They're specific enough that I can do them, too! &nbsp;That will be a big help to me this year.</p>
<p>But I'm not just writing down my personal goals this year. &nbsp;I'm also writing down my blog goals too. &nbsp;There are lots of exciting things coming up on here in 2011! &nbsp;I'll give you a heads up on all the stuff that's currently planned now, so you can get excited with me! &nbsp;Also, if you don't currently subscribe, you might want to consider doing it so you don't miss anything!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>I'll be releasing <em>three</em>&nbsp;new books in 2011: <strong>Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</strong> in January; <strong>Healthy Desserts</strong> in April; and <strong>Organizing Your Real Food Kitchen</strong> in July.</li>
<li>I'm hoping to t<strong>each an ecourse in October, based on Organizing Your Real Food Kitchen</strong>. &nbsp;It'll teach how to run your kitchen with entirely real foods (shopping, preparation, etc.) so that you can still have a life outside the kitchen and your projects don't completely take over your space!</li>
<li>I'll be <strong>hosting more and more guest posts</strong>, especially around the time my new baby is born!</li>
<li>I may be l<strong>ooking for contributing writers in late spring or early summer</strong></li>
<li>I'm covering even more new topics like <strong>herbal medicine</strong>, <strong>homeschooling preschoolers</strong>, cleaning and organizing your homes, new recipes, <strong>child-rearing</strong>, the continuation of my pregnancy journal, the Healthy Pregnancy Series, and lots more!</li>
<li>I'll be talking about <strong>baby items, baby wearing, offering new and exciting giveaways, mom panels</strong>, and more! &nbsp;If you are interested in participating in a mom panel (to test a product or give your opinion on a product you've previously used), let me know!</li>
<li>I'm expanding my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernamama">Facebook</a> offerings!</li>
<li>I'm also planning to expand my <a href="forum.modernalternativemama.com">forum</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;It should be an exciting year!</p>
<p><strong>What are your New Year's Resolutions?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nora
EMAIL: thedollarholleringhomemaker@gmail.com
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: http://thedollarholleringhomemaker.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/31/2010 03:48:53 PM
<p>Those are great goals! I posted my financial goals and my resolutions for this year on my blog:  http://thedollarholleringhomemaker.blogspot.com/</p><p>Do you have any tips of finding a naturopath? Where does one start? How do you know if they have a good rep? I need some help in this area!</p><p>Nora</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: greenbacksgal@gmail.com
IP: 75.70.233.198
URL: http://thegreenbacksgal.com
DATE: 12/31/2010 05:22:42 PM
<p>I just set my green goals! I&#39;d love to see a revolution in the way we eat!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 01/03/2011 07:42:18 AM
<p>One thing I&#39;ve learned with resolutions is that they work better if they&#39;re quantifiable - i.e. you KNOW when you&#39;ve finished them because you know what finished looks like. Your goals this year are more quantifiable than last year&#39;s, so hopefully you find that you&#39;ve completed them all this year! Your blog goals sound good - I&#39;m looking forward to them, even if I&#39;m not a mom (yet) and won&#39;t be for a while - it&#39;s good to do my research beforehand so I can do the right thing from the start!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Blog Round Up
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/14/2010 01:00:14 PM
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<p>What is a "Blog Round Up," you may ask? &nbsp;Well, today, it will constitute a number of things. &nbsp;Rather than trying to explain it all right now, let's just get on with it, and you'll soon see what I mean! &nbsp;<strong>It's going to be "all things blogging," if that helps!</strong></p>
<p>First of all, bloggers don't exist in isolation. &nbsp;No, <strong>blogging is a community</strong>. &nbsp;A little over a year ago, when I first started blogging, several bigger bloggers reached out to me and helped me gain some blogging ground. &nbsp;Now...I did intentionally put myself in their line of sight (by commenting, offering to guest post, etc. as often as possible!), which, by the way, is the <em>best</em>&nbsp;way to gain traffic. &nbsp;But they afforded me opportunities that really helped me grow as a blogger. &nbsp;And now, with my own blog finally big enough to have some merit (though still a lot smaller than many of my friend and colleagues' blogs; Ben referred to me as a "toddler blogger" lol!),<strong> I thought I'd reach out to new bloggers</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>So are you a blogger? &nbsp;What do you blog about? &nbsp;Where do you blog? &nbsp;How long have you been doing it? &nbsp;Let us know today in the comments section! &nbsp;</strong>Those of you who don't blog, be watching the comments section in order to find out about some great new blogs! &nbsp;I'll try to come back throughout the day and add a blog list to the bottom of this post, too.</p>
<p>(And, newer bloggers, if you want some additional help...see an older post I wrote, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/21/how-to-get-started-blogging.html">How to Get Started Blogging.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Although, if you read it, I<strong> no longer recommend doing carnivals</strong>. &nbsp;It's because they're either well-established and <em>huge</em>&nbsp;so that no individual links get much attention -- seriously, if 200 people enter, what are the chances that you'll stand out? -- or they are tiny and get no attention. &nbsp;People used to write posts specifically to enter carnivals, too, but now there are <em>so many</em>&nbsp;that they will write whatever they feel like and link it to as many as possible, often 4 - 6 per post! &nbsp;It's just not the best way to promote yourself anymore. <strong>&nbsp;Facebook is far, far more important.</strong>)</p>
<p>Now, remember I just said that guest posting is a good way to get more traffic? &nbsp;Well....</p>
<p><strong>Guest posting is actually a real win-win situation.</strong> &nbsp;Bigger bloggers are busy, because there's a lot more that goes into blogging than just writing the posts. &nbsp;That part takes maybe a few hours a week. &nbsp;But then there's Twitter, Facebook, research, giveaways, affiliate programs, sales, answering emails and questions, working on bigger projects (upcoming themes, ebooks, etc.), networking with other bloggers, advertising...and on and on. &nbsp;It can become a full-time job! &nbsp;So when a blogger is so busy, and especially when a blogger is a bit outside his or her expertise on a particular topic (meaning lots and lots of research), guest bloggers start to look like a great idea.</p>
<p>For the guest poster, they get the exposure of posting to a bigger blog and linking back to their own blog or website. &nbsp;It's perfect!</p>
<p>And...I'm kind of getting to that point. &nbsp;With the launch of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> back in October, and Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods coming in January (and more books in the works), I'm pretty busy. &nbsp;<strong>I could use a little posting help!</strong></p>
<p>So for right now, I<strong>'m calling out to guest posters</strong>. &nbsp;Have a real food recipe or tip you want to share? &nbsp;Parenting thoughts? &nbsp;Unique perspective on a Biblical issue? &nbsp;Natural health news? &nbsp;<strong>Are you an expert on some topic,</strong> like a naturopath, personal trainer, etc.? &nbsp;Write to me! &nbsp;(I'm especially interested in experts!!) I have written up a set of guest post guidelines that I'll send you, and if they work for you, we'll move forward. <strong>&nbsp;I'd like to start hosting guest posts most Fridays</strong>, if possible.</p>
<p>Please note: <strong>I do <em>not</em>&nbsp;accept sales posts</strong>, like "I'm a salesperson for product XYZ and it is so amazing, you just have to try it!" &nbsp;If there's a product you're selling, you can talk to me about it. &nbsp;I may choose to review it and do a sponsored post on it, but <em>I</em>&nbsp;write those so they remain fair and balanced. &nbsp;I'm after <em>informative</em>&nbsp;posts. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also, if you're new here, read through the blog a little to see what I'm all about</strong>. &nbsp;If you pitch me a guest post idea on the wonders of vaccines, I'm not going to accept that. &nbsp;Or how great frozen meals are, or recipes involving canned soups and junk. &nbsp;Right? &nbsp;Those are kind of the opposite of what I'm writing about here.</p>
<p>Now, <strong>it's possible that in the next few months I'm going to be asking for some regular contributors to join me here.</strong> &nbsp;I'm not ready for this yet. &nbsp;But...things are looking pretty busy for 2011. &nbsp;<strong>In the next few weeks, I'll reveal several pieces of news</strong> that will explain exactly <em>how</em>&nbsp;busy and <em>why</em>. &nbsp;Anyway, if this something you would potentially be interested in, guest posting for me now would be a good way to get on my radar. :)</p>
<p>And that's the blog round up! &nbsp;As I said, all things blogging. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: danielle@parentingforless.com
IP: 70.106.219.13
URL: http://www.parentingforless.com
DATE: 12/14/2010 03:18:00 PM
<p>I am a new blogger and am excited to share here.  My blog is called Parenting for Less and I am sharing ways we spend less money so that we can afford to eat a nutrient dense diet and homeschool.  I also sometimes share my opinions about things that I feel very passionately about.  I would love to guest post.  I don&#39;t know that I would call myself an expert, but as a mom I&#39;ve learned lots about high needs infants, extended nursing, homeschooling a gifted child, my own health issues which I&#39;ve improved drastically with diet changes, and many more. Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: lisa
EMAIL: lisam1991@gmail.com
IP: 41.215.250.49
URL: http://www.walknt.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/14/2010 04:38:20 PM
<p>Hi,<br/>Call me crazy, but I write for three blogs.  The first, and oldest, is the blog for the ministry we do in Rwanda www.TenTalentsInt.org.  I&#39;ve been blogging there for over three years.  The second, is our family blog, which is important for us because we are a missionary family.  www.mccolms.blogspot.com  I&#39;ve been blogging there for less than two years.  The third blog is the one I started this year in order to share my journey and experiences with cooking &quot;real food&quot;.  www.walknt.blogspot.com  The focus is recipes that follow Nourishing Traditions methods (thus the &quot;nt&quot; in the web address).  We are living in Rwanda now &amp; the slower internet (as well as busier days) keeps me from blogging as much as I used to, but it is something I still enjoy &amp; the benefit for me is that I get to keep connections (and make new ones) with people all over the world.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.5.131
URL: http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/14/2010 05:00:03 PM
<p>Hi Kate...I&#39;m a newer blogger (blogging since this past summer) and my blog is Happy Christian Home.  I blog about marriage, motherhood and other family/household issues from a Christian perspective.  I am definitely interested in guest posting.  I&#39;ve been working on a post about how to have a positive birth experience in a hospital.  I think this is important for those that for whatever reason can&#39;t give birth at home yet still want to have a natural, empowering experience. I actually did a series about pregnancy (I actually found your blog right around that time, and saw you were doing one too!), so you can kinda see what my views are on my blog. </p><p>Anyway, other than that (so far anyway) I like to blog about spiritual growth type stuff, and helping women in their roles as godly wives and moms. So if you ever need a guest post about something along those lines, I&#39;m definitely interested.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/15/2010 02:08:49 AM
<p>I&#39;m Gina and I&#39;m a newer blogger, I&#39;ve been blogging for a few months.  My blog is My Adventures as a Mom and I blog about my journey in real food nutrition, natural parenting and toxic free living.  I would also love to guest post and I may shoot you an email about that!</p><p>You can find my blog at www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/15/2010 03:53:24 AM
<p>Hi Kate, I recently &quot;found&quot; you and last week purchased {and read!} your &quot;Real Food Basics&quot; e-book. I had previously read all your &quot;baby steps&quot; posts and found that I was farther &quot;ahead&quot; than I thought I might be and encouraged that most of the changes I had already made for my family over the past year and a half.</p><p>I blog over at &quot;Carolina in my Mind&quot;....formerly &quot;More Than Rubies&quot;. I started blogging when we were first married just over 3 years ago as a way to keep myself accountable at striving to be a Proverbs 31 wife. Much of the things I blogged about were the great &quot;deals&quot; I would get grocery shopping. Somewhere along the way, my views on what I was buying and feeding my family drastically changed! I started reading more about &quot;real food&quot; {before I knew it had a name}, buying organic and shopping local when possible. I can see the gradual steps made to get to where we are today..a raw milk drinking, bread making, local, organic eating family...etc. etc. And, we have NOT changed our food budget. Which I think baffles people...because you know it&#39;s too time consuming to cook from scratch and too expensive to eat organic. :)</p><p>When we moved to NC, I changed the name of the blog and it&#39;s more of a random hodge-podge of posts. There is {much} about the firstborn, some about life here, some randomness, and some about my &quot;greener&quot; living, adventures in cloth diapering, and my co-ops and CSA&#39;s {aka: &quot;happy places&quot;} that just give me the warm fuzzies. :) </p><p>I also started a cooking blog several months ago as a way to organize my recipes and give good food options to others. I tend to modify recipes quite a bit when cooking, so it was a way to keep track of that. However, I have discovered that I do miss using a real cookbook and I&#39;ve really been trying to simplify even more in some facets of my day-to-day. So, in the interest of these reasons and time, I will be most likely be canceling that blog. I can post my good recipes on my regular blog just as well.</p><p>Even though I&#39;ve been blogging for quite a while, I often still feel like a newbie. Maybe it&#39;s because I don&#39;t have a solid &quot;niche&quot;, or that I don&#39;t write every day {sometimes I think that&#39;s because I have nothing to write about}, but I sure do enjoy having a blog. It&#39;s very therapeutic and it enables me to state my opinions, experiences, and thoughts because it&#39;s just that. MY blog. </p><p>I would certainly love {honored even!} to guest post for you sometime if you thought I had something worthwhile to contribute. I do enjoy writing and that might give me the &quot;reason&quot; I often think I need.</p><p>I am enjoying working my way around your blog and hearing about your experiences &amp; opinions. Thanks for doing such a great job!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leonie
EMAIL: leonieandstuart@bigpond.com
IP: 58.165.93.151
URL: http://www.kiwiatheart.com
DATE: 12/15/2010 04:38:35 AM
<p>Hi, I have a blog where I write about living as an expat Kiwi in Australia, my love of crafting, my kids etc.<br/>I have been blogging for just over a year.<br/>Ive just found your blog and LOVE it .. yesterday I read every single one of your posts . I need to get my health back as I live with two autoimmune diseases and have spent this year with every tummy bug and cold /chest infection that passed by, including 5 courses of antibiotics which is just crazy!.. its getting harder to get well again so Im loving your posts about &#39;real food&#39;.<br/>I am going to work towards changing my eating and my families so we are well and healthy. I always thought because we dont eat takeaways and my children are lean that we were healthy ... but they have a lot of processed food from the supermarket and lots of fruit and vege which is likely to be contaminated with pesticides.  So Im also going to blog about our move back to &#39;real food&#39; and keep visiting here for my inspiration.<br/>Thank you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.155.175
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 12/16/2010 01:50:01 AM
<p>Hi! I just recently started blogging a few months ago. My blog is http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/ I blog about preschool learning activities I do with my daughter, new recipes I try, book reviews, etc. I started blogging to share ideas, and connect with others.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy Y.
EMAIL: Joy.VimandVigor@gmail.com
IP: 64.184.37.96
URL: http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com
DATE: 12/16/2010 09:02:53 PM
<p>Hey there.....well, where to start?  I am a newish? blogger....blogging since last April.  It started out to be a way I can chronicle our family life....and a great excuse to take even more photos of the kiddos, crafting, food, etc...=)  However; now I see it also as a way of encouraging those new to eating a whole foods diet...such as incorporating organic foods, fermented/cultured foods, raw foods, and the list goes on and on....showing how we do it in our home...and hopefully encouraging others as well.  Also, I see it as a way to inspire and encourage Christian wives and mamas, in their daily lives, and reminding them of the importance in what we are doing!  I blog about food, crafting, encouraging our husbands, raising our 5 kiddos (one just a week old babe now!), healthy pregnancy, coming up will be healthy postnatal ideas,homeschooling adventures, raising teens (I have two of them!), and the list goes on and on.  I would LOVE to guest post on your blog, as I have enjoyed reading it on a mainly daily basis, and would love to come alongside and join you in helping to make families healthier, in more ways than one!  Thanks for taking the time to read this!  </p><p>Many blessings,  <br/>Joy</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/17/2010 02:18:39 PM
<p>Kate, if you&#39;re a &#39;toddler blogger&#39;, I must be a newborn! Although I&#39;ve been blogging for 4 years, only in the last year have I made the effort for my blog to be more of a resource for anyone other than family who wants to see the latest pictures of my cute kids! I blog about my passions - real food, mothering (three kids 5 and under), sewing, and making time for beauty in our busy lives. Latest posts include,<br/>Sweet Temptations and Nourishing Compromises<br/>Christmas Shopping From Home<br/>Series on &#39;Getting it Done with Little Ones&#39; on how I keep up with laundry, teach my kids to cook real food with me, and make time for hospitality.</p><p>www.trintje.blogspot.com</p><p>I am working on some guest post to submit to my favorite blogs in the New Year -you will be hearing from me again. Thanks for offering a &#39;leg up&#39; to us newbies!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather Prenger
EMAIL: heather_arndts@yahoo.com
IP: 75.185.99.197
URL: http://www.momgoinggreen.wordpress.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 05:44:13 AM
<p>Great tips!  Some I&#39;ve tried, some I haven&#39;t, some I need to try again!  Humm, thinking about the guest post/co-blogging ideas...</p><p>www.momgoinggreen.wordpress.com<br/>www.ohio-chiropractic.com</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 12/17/2010 01:00:28 PM
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<p>Recently, I was given the opportunity to test out some Seventh Generation laundry detergent and fabric softener.&nbsp; I'll be honest: the test was supposed to be between this and commercial detergent.&nbsp; But I don't use commercial detergent, so I wasn't able to do that aspect of the test.&nbsp; I'll tell you more about why they wanted me to do that in a minute, though.&nbsp; Instead, <strong>I tested this against my soap nuts, my current favorite (natural) laundry soap.</strong></p>
<p>So, why did they want me to test this against the commercial detergent?&nbsp;<strong> Commercial detergents contain whiteners and brighteners (as well as being full of petroleum-based fragrances, colors, and very harsh detergents).</strong>&nbsp; These brighteners stay in your clothes.&nbsp; If you look at a shirt washed in commercial detergent under black light, it will actually glow in the dark.&nbsp; Is that normal?&nbsp; I don't think so.&nbsp; It seems dangerous, to me.&nbsp; If the whiteners and brighteners are staying on your clothes in order for them to glow, then you can absorb those chemicals through your skin, into your body.&nbsp;<strong> Do you want those in your body?</strong>&nbsp; I know I don't!</p>
<p>But, since I haven't used any commercial detergents in almost 3 years, I wasn't able to do that aspect of the test.&nbsp; And I'm not going to go out and buy poison just for this.&nbsp; So....</p>
<p><strong>There are an awful lot of natural options out there</strong>, too.&nbsp; I've chosen soap nuts since the summer of '08 because they're very frugal and completely green.&nbsp; But they're not as "easy" to use as normal laundry detergent, nor as easy to find (and they're a <em>lot</em> more expensive if you can find them locally).</p>
<p><strong>A product like Seventh Generation is a good middle ground</strong>.&nbsp; It's easy and familiar to use, and you can find it locally.&nbsp; But how does it <em>work</em>?&nbsp; That's the most important part.&nbsp; I was provided a kit containing two t-shirts, a black light (none of which I used), and Seventh Generation laundry detergent and liquid fabric softener, and dryer sheets, by Seventh Generation and MyBlogSpark to facilitate my review.</p>
<p>So how does it work?</p>
<p>In my first load of laundry, I went ahead and used both the detergent and the liquid fabric softener. <strong>&nbsp;The clothes came out smelling clean and fresh</strong> (and looked clean, too, but it wasn't really a heavily soiled load -- just my whites). &nbsp;I have the "free and clear" versions, which on one hand I like (no extra chemicals for dye or fragrance), but on the other hand I don't (they kind of smell like paint to me). &nbsp;The clothes, though, smell good after washing. &nbsp;<strong>I am concerned that it contains sodium lauryl sulfate</strong>, though, which is derived partially from petroleum (and plants).</p>
<p>The stuff is also easy to use: the same as any other detergent. &nbsp;Measure in the cap, toss in the wash. &nbsp;Simple!</p>
<p>My soap nuts are a little harder...keeping track of the bags (which are quite difficult to open, especially when wet), changing the soap nuts, etc. &nbsp;But they smell nice and they don't have any chemicals in them or any kind.</p>
<h4>Seventh Generation Pros</h4>
<ul>
<li>Easy to use</li>
<li>"Free and clear" of dyes and fragrances</li>
<li>Clothes come out clean and fresh</li>
<li>Much safer than traditional detergents</li>
<li>Non-toxic (don't have to worry as much about kids getting into it, though still don't let them)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Seventh Generation Cons</h4>
<ul>
<li>Contains sodium lauryl sulfate</li>
<li>Smells kind of like paint (I wish it had essential oils to cover this)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>I think Seventh Generation is a good option for people who are looking for a very easy "next step" from conventional detergents.</strong> &nbsp;I don't know that I'd buy it all the time -- I think it works as well as, but not necessarily better than, my soap nuts -- but it's definitely a good product.</p>
<p>Would you like a chance to try it out for yourself? &nbsp;<strong>One lucky winner will get a kit that includes 2 t-shirts, a black light, a bottle of Seventh Generation laundry detergent (33 load size, free&amp;clear), a bottle of Seventh Generation liquid fabric softener, and a box of dryer sheets.</strong></p>
<p>To enter:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.seventhgeneration.com">Seventh Generation</a> and tell me what your favorite feature about their laundry system is.</li>
<li>"Like" me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernamama">Facebook</a>&nbsp;(and I'd appreciate it if you'd post this giveaway, though I can't require it)</li>
<li>Subscribe to my&nbsp;<a href="Kate@modernalternativemama.com">newsletter</a>&nbsp;(send an email with the word "subscribe" in the subject line)</li>
<li>Subscribe to the blog via&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a></li>
<li><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US"></a>Follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and tweet "I'm going to take the Seventh Generation Laundry Challenge when I win @modernamama" and link to this post</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;Please leave each entry in a SEPARATE comment. &nbsp;<strong>This giveaway will close on Tuesday, December 21st, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 22nd.</strong> &nbsp;Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Steph
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.91.125
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 01:20:28 PM
<p>I like that they have a wide variety of healthier products. Thanks for the giveaway!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Steph
EMAIL: stephaniekrier@gmail.com
IP: 97.113.91.125
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 01:21:15 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.187.74.3
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 01:35:50 PM
<p>I like that it is biodegradable and free of phosphates. But, I too worry about the SLS!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.187.74.3
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 01:36:44 PM
<p>I already like you on Facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.187.74.3
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 01:37:06 PM
<p>I subscribe to your site via Google Reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.187.74.3
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 01:39:38 PM
<p>I tweeted at http://twitter.com/amos1976! It wouldn&#39;t the entire link, so I just included the link to your blog.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 02:08:21 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 02:10:23 PM
<p>I like their 2x concentrate formula upon looking at the website. I make my own laundry soap but would try this for cloth diapers.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laura
EMAIL: laura.martell@yahoo.com
IP: 70.59.152.144
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 03:06:46 PM
<p>I like how easy it is to use Seventh Generation products and how accessible it is to buy them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 4.21.68.53
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 03:07:28 PM
<p>I&#39;m an email subscriber! (Thank you for the honest review, I would like to have the scent free because most scents bother me, but the paint smell may bother me too...)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda Y.
EMAIL: ayyogurt@yahoo.com
IP: 4.21.68.53
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 03:08:26 PM
<p>non entry--Can you tell us more about soap nuts (brand?) and where to find</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 98.239.166.186
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 03:57:12 PM
<p>I love that Seventh Generation&#39;s laundry detergent is non-toxic and biodegradable</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 98.239.166.186
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 03:59:00 PM
<p>i liked you on facebook AND i posted about the giveaway on facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 03:59:49 PM
<p>I already &quot;like&quot; you on FB! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 98.239.166.186
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 04:00:41 PM
<p>i requested the newsletter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 98.239.166.186
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 04:01:05 PM
<p>i am a subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 04:01:14 PM
<p>I like the Seventh Gen &quot;baby&quot; laundry detergent. I use it regularly on my 8 month olds clothes. Since I have not began making my own detergents/cleaners {yet} I find that Seventh Gen {as you said} is good middle ground.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 98.239.166.186
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 04:01:54 PM
<p>i follow you on twitter and i tweeted this giveaway</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 04:02:29 PM
<p>I have subscribed via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 12/17/2010 05:12:06 PM
<p>I used Seventh Generation laundry products for about five years and I like that they are chlorine-free and phosphate-free. However, I recently switched to the Martha Stewart laundry products because in addition to being chlorine-free, phosphate-free and fragrance-free they are also SLS-free. The other reason I switched was my local store only carries the small bottles of Seventh Generation detergent, so I was going through so many bottles. The Martha Stewart detergent is sold at my local store in a HUGE tub that last me two months. Also, I love that it has a handy pump with pre-measured lines on the top, which now that I&#39;m using is SO much easier than measuring into little cap. I still use Seventh Generation cleaning products though, and love them!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan A.
EMAIL: alba.megan@gmail.com
IP: 70.182.77.30
URL: http://lifewiththealbas.com
DATE: 12/17/2010 08:23:16 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS. Love your posts!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 12:33:59 AM
<p>I appreciate that the laundry detergent is phosphate free!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: laurenzarovy@gmail.com
IP: 76.169.65.235
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 12:35:24 AM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lynette
EMAIL: tlroes@hay.net
IP: 67.21.97.32
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 03:29:18 AM
<p>I prefer fragrance-free laundry detergent, but the White Flower &amp; Bergamot Citrus sounds like it might be a mild and pleasant scent. The paint smell you noticed doesn&#39;t sound appealing! I like clothes to just smell like clean nothing (or like they were just dried outside on the line). I appreciate that Seventh Generation laundry detergent is non-toxic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lynette
EMAIL: tlroes@hay.net
IP: 67.21.97.32
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 03:30:32 AM
<p>I subscribe via Google Reader. Thanks for the giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Toni Sanger
EMAIL: the_sangers@hotmail.com
IP: 173.69.210.225
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 04:54:16 AM
<p>I subscribe..</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
EMAIL: blog@theluckyladybug.net
IP: 173.50.200.130
URL: http://www.theluckyladybug.net/
DATE: 12/18/2010 06:14:39 AM
<p>&quot;Every time you use a Seventh Generation product you are making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.&quot;  *Thanks* for the giveaway!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
EMAIL: blog@theluckyladybug.net
IP: 173.50.200.130
URL: http://www.theluckyladybug.net/
DATE: 12/18/2010 06:15:27 AM
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheLuckyLadybug?sk=friends" rel="nofollow">I Like</a> Modern Alternative Mama on Facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
EMAIL: blog@theluckyladybug.net
IP: 173.50.200.130
URL: http://www.theluckyladybug.net/
DATE: 12/18/2010 06:15:49 AM
<p>Subscribed to Modern Alternative Mama by email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
EMAIL: blog@theluckyladybug.net
IP: 173.50.200.130
URL: http://www.theluckyladybug.net/
DATE: 12/18/2010 06:16:11 AM
<p>Following @ModernAMama on Twitter and <a href="http://mobile.twitter.com/theluckyladybug/status/16013304086405120" rel="nofollow">Tweeted</a> the giveaway</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 01:25:14 PM
<p>I like that they have a free and clear version of the laundry soap.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 01:25:52 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bsteen77@hotmail.com
IP: 184.56.124.72
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 01:26:41 PM
<p>I like you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 02:14:01 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 02:15:06 PM
<p>I like their Chlorine Free Bleach.  I guess I am not ready to give up bleach entirely yet.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 02:15:39 PM
<p>I subscribe to your newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: jkkrause@hotmail.com
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 04:03:14 PM
<p>I like all the things that are left out!  But the fact of it containing SLS made me have to go look at my soap.  I&#39;ve been using Amway&#39;s SA8 (not a rep.- I don&#39;t sell it) for at least 10 years.  I don&#39;t see SLS listed.  It has been extremely cost effective for me as well.  I like things easy - not having to make a change is easy!  But I would be happy to try Seventh Generation to compare- maybe I&#39;m missing out. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 04:05:43 PM
<p>I am a facebook fan.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karma
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.42.233.120
URL: 
DATE: 12/18/2010 04:07:44 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 02:05:43 AM
<p>rss feed subscriber via Google homepage</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: philsonfarm@verizon.net
IP: 70.17.190.9
URL: 
DATE: 12/21/2010 01:28:53 AM
<p>I would like to try their fabric softener.  Vinegar doesn&#39;t take care of static cling.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 01:40:47 PM
<p>I like the idea of their bleachfree bleach.  I&#39;m not using anything now, but socks are well - they need something!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 01:44:18 PM
<p>I like you on fb</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 01:46:17 PM
<p>I suscribe via RSS</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why Do Bloggers Teach Ecourses?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/28/2010 01:00:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/womanatcomputer.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293418180658" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>Throughout this year, you may have seen me promoting several different bloggers' ecourses. </strong>&nbsp;There was Jenny at <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Nourished Kitchen</a>'s ecourse, Ann Marie at <a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com">Cheeseslave</a>'s Surf and Turf ecourse, <a href="http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com">Kelly the Kitchen Kop'</a>s Real Food for Rookies, and <a href="http://www.nourishedkitchen.com">Jenny</a>'s Holiday ecourse. &nbsp;There were other very good ecourses that I didn't promote because there were too many happening at once -- Wardeh at <a href="http://www.gnowfglins.com">GNOWFGLINS</a> Basics course and Sourdough course, and Donielle at <a href="http://www.naturallyknockedup.com">Naturally Knocked Up</a>'s Natural Fertility Workshop. &nbsp;All of these bloggers also have their main blogs, of course, with all of their free content, including tips, recipes, news, and more. &nbsp;Why, then, do they teach ecourses?</p>
<p>This question came to me when a blogger shared that she received feedback from people asking why she would charge for her ecourse (most run about 12 or 13 weeks and cost about $120). &nbsp;<strong>The implication was, as a blogger, she provides other content for free, and she should also provide <em>this</em>&nbsp;content for free -- that she had no "right" to charge for it! </strong>&nbsp;This appalled me. &nbsp;I wonder, though, if others out there, especially those newer to reading blogs, have wondered the same thing too. &nbsp;And since <strong>I'm *hoping* to teach an ecourse myself next year</strong>, I'd love to answer some of those questions and concerns right now!</p>
<p>First of all, <strong>please understand how much work goes into just running a blog</strong>. &nbsp;There are a few hours spent each week researching and writing posts -- sometimes much more, depending on the post. &nbsp;There are more hours spent promoting the blog -- through Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts. &nbsp;There's time spent moderating and responding to comments. &nbsp;There's time spent dealing with advertisers -- finding them, answering questions, setting up ads, etc. &nbsp;(This is most bloggers' only source of revenue, and a blog usually has to be at least a year old and a certain size before getting ads is even possible.) &nbsp;Bloggers also spend time in recipe development, taking pictures, etc. &nbsp;They have to pay for hosting, design, etc. &nbsp;Most bloggers, especially newer bloggers, <em>lose</em>&nbsp;money on their blogs! &nbsp;They do it because they love to blog, they're passionate about their subject, and they love their readers.</p>
<p><strong>As blogs grow larger and more demanding</strong> (I'd say a lot of the bigger bloggers, myself included, spend 20 - 40 hours per week doing blog-related tasks), <strong>a lot of bloggers have to make a hard choice: they either have to earn some income from their blogs, or they have to scale back. </strong>&nbsp;That's a reality for many families, who don't have the luxury of spending the equivalent of a full-time job on something like this and continuing to lose money. &nbsp;They can get advertisers (and usually do), but that's often hit-or-miss: what if they don't fill all the spots, or companies don't want to pay fair rates, etc.? &nbsp;Besides, advertising isn't nearly as much a way to make money as using your knowledge!</p>
<p>And so bloggers write ebooks, and design ecourses. &nbsp;<strong>They write these books and ecourses to be about the stuff they usually blog about, but include more specialized information, their best recipes, and extra "help." &nbsp;</strong>Ecourses include lifetime access to the course material as well as constant access to a forum with other participants and the blogger herself. &nbsp;Most bloggers don't have time to respond to <em>every</em>&nbsp;comment that come in anymore, but they make time to respond to ecourse participants. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Ecourses usually take several months and hundreds of hours to put together.</strong> &nbsp;They include several videos (2 or 3 per lesson), worksheets/fillable guides, typed lessons, an interactive forum (which they have to design and prepare in advance), and other multimedia. &nbsp;Bloggers often work with experts or other bloggers to create special features or videos, too. &nbsp;Then they have to spend many hours promoting the ecourse, working with several other bloggers to run giveaways, ads, etc. &nbsp;Once the ecourse starts, it's likely there are up to 200 participants (maybe more, for certain courses). &nbsp;The blogger has to troubleshoot with anyone who's having trouble accessing course material, respond to many posts on the private forum, post each lesson every week, make sure all the multimedia is working properly, etc. &nbsp;Many bloggers end up working late, long hours everyday for months before the ecourse launches until it's completely finished!</p>
<p>Bloggers do this, though, because they want to help their readers. &nbsp;<strong>They want to take one particular subject and impart all their knowledge of it in an easy-to-understand format, complete with video demonstrations. &nbsp;It's all completely targeted to their readers/participants.</strong> &nbsp;And they guarantee access to themselves, to answer all your burning questions!</p>
<p>When a blogger puts so much work into an ecourse, yes, they absolutely deserve to be paid for their work! &nbsp;It shouldn't even be a question. &nbsp;They've put all that free content out there, <em>and</em>&nbsp;done all the extra work to produce an ecourse on a particular topic.</p>
<p>What are the benefits of ecourses to you, the reader?</p>
<p><strong>First, an ecourse is targeted to a specific subject or area.</strong> &nbsp;Bloggers usually jump around a lot between different topics, so they can reach all their readers at different levels and in different places, and based on what's happening in the news, what's happening in their own lives, etc. &nbsp;It means that new people who come to the blog have to search through archives or even read several different blogs in order to learn all the information they need. &nbsp;But in an ecourse format, all that information is laid out in baby steps, in an easy-to-understand format. &nbsp;It's a specific, laid-out plan to help you learn.</p>
<p><strong>Second, you have multimedia to help you learn. </strong>&nbsp;Maybe written articles don't always make sense to you, but if you can watch someone do it on video, you get it. &nbsp;A lot of bloggers don't do many video blogs because they take extra time and equipment to shoot and upload. &nbsp;But ecourses will usually have at least a couple videos a week, demonstrating particular techniques and recipes. &nbsp;It can be a big boost to people who only "kind of" get it when they first read it on a blog. &nbsp;Some also need actual worksheets to help them put certain skills to work in their own lives, and ecourses can provide those.</p>
<p><strong>Third, you have a members-only forum.</strong> &nbsp;This is really a two-fold advantage. &nbsp;First, you have direct and constant access to the blogger. &nbsp;You can ask questions freely about each week's lesson or anything that is generally related to the ecourse subject at any time, knowing you will get an answer. &nbsp;You don't have to feel guilty about taking up the blogger's time, because that's what you paid for. &nbsp;Second, you get the interaction with all the people who are in the same place you are -- learning all this new stuff. &nbsp;You can help each other, too!</p>
<p><strong>Fourth, you have lifetime access to course materials.</strong> &nbsp;Did you get too busy in the middle of the course and couldn't keep up? &nbsp;Was it too much information all at once? &nbsp;You can move at your own pace, and go back to the lessons again and again. &nbsp;If there's an area you're not quite ready for, you can come back when you are. &nbsp;It's still laid out in an easy-to-understand format with all the multimedia <em>and</em>&nbsp;the forum when you do return. &nbsp;The benefits are really unlimited!</p>
<p>If you're serious about real food and seeking to understand more about how it can change your life, taking an ecourse that's targeted at the area you want to know most about can be really helpful.</p>
<p>In case anyone's wondering, I am hoping to release an <strong>ebook next summer on "Managing Your Real Food Kitchen," </strong>which will basically be about how to meal plan, shop, organize, budget in your kitchen; as well as how to get on a schedule with all of your various soaking, fermenting, preserving, etc. and how to find places to put it. &nbsp;<strong>The goal of the book is being able to keep yourself so organized that with one or two few-hour-long spurts of preparation each month, you can spend only 20 or 30 minutes in the kitchen per day preparing meals</strong> -- no more than someone who's <em>not</em>&nbsp;into real food. &nbsp;It's a way to fit real food into any lifestyle, no matter how busy. &nbsp;I'm then <strong>hoping to teach an ecourse based on the book (complete with videos and extra resources) in the fall.</strong> &nbsp;More details on this (and other ebooks coming next year) coming at the end of the week!</p>
<p><strong>Do you like ecourses? &nbsp;Have you ever taken one before?</strong></p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michele
EMAIL: thisdecoratedlife@hotmail.com
IP: 67.233.60.53
URL: 
DATE: 12/28/2010 07:27:53 PM
<p>I have taken some and appreciate them greatly. But there are two things I do however find a bit disappointing: </p><p>1. Some of the prices. While I am sure to the blogger some of these prices are well earned, what I have learned in business is your item is only worth what someone will pay for it. And lets be honest, the economy is not in a good spot. I have taught classes and charge less simply because I knew the client base I was reaching could not comfortably afford what I felt I had earned. My other reason for what I charged (or at times did not charge at all) is simply that I felt this information was important, and if price (any price) would hinder it from getting out then I was not going to be that stumbling block. There are e~courses that are very affordable and there are many that are just unattainable to the people who need it the most in my mind.</p><p>2. E~courses which make up the rules as they go. I signed up for one, paid and though I would be getting the content for what I had signed up for. Now mid course, the rules are different. The money amount is different. How and ways to pay were different. What I have paid for in the past is no longer available to me unless I follow the new rules. And I can not help but feel a bit put off by that. To me, its poor business choices. I feel like some of these bloggers are not thinking things through or lack business sense, and that reflects on their creditability. I have short changed myself before. That is part of business. You learn as you go. But when I realized I had, I didn&#39;t make my customers pay for my mistakes by changing the rules. I bit the bullet and learned what to do different next time. </p><p>To be honest, both times I took them , it has burned me. So I stick to e~books. If I buy one and its not what I had hoped, I am only out a few dollars.....not over $100. Because when a customer of these e~courses are dissatisfied, what is their recourse? Nothing really. I sent an email about the e~course in which the rules were changed and never heard one word in response. To me, it is just not good business.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/29/2010 12:56:53 AM
<p>I have never signed up for an e-course, but I did strongly consider it within the last 6 months...until the price was announced! It was around $500 for one week! To say I was shocked would be an understatement. </p><p>I think that some people can get &quot;offended&quot; when bloggers decide to host, and charge!, for an e-course because when you read someone daily, you begin to feel like you &quot;know&quot; them. And then when they are going to be charged to participate in an event, such as an e-course, they probably feel like they&#39;&#39;re being taken advantage of by their best friend. Which most of us know, is not the case. </p><p>I think that, depending on the content, I would be willing to pay $100-ish for an e-course. I honestly hadn&#39;t had much exposure, or interest, in them until the experience I just mentioned and it kind of turned me off. To see you say that most courses are 13 - 14 weeks and average in the $120 range sets me a little more at ease. The only other down-side I see to e-courses is when people are on a budget. I know we have a monthly budget set up and I&#39;m not really sure where an e-course would fit into that. I guess if we knew enough ahead of time it could be accounted for, but some people may not have the luxury of accommodating that sort of extra expense.</p><p>If you were to offer an e-course, I would consider attending because the content would most likely interest me. I&#39;m a fan of e-books {loved Real Food!} and I think your thoughts for a &quot;sequel&quot; on Managing your Real Food Kitchen sounds excellent and something I would definitely purchase. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/29/2010 03:05:50 AM
<p>PS: For the record, I totally see why Bloggers would charge for an e-course and for the right price, I think it&#39;s a completely reasonable thing to do. I personally feel that the blogs I read or participate in give me a wealth of information <b>for free!</b> that I might not get otherwise. People pay for college courses, cooking classes, and anything under the sun. Why should it be any different for a knowledgeable Blogger with a special niche?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dani
EMAIL: danielle.kelley@yahoo.com
IP: 174.47.172.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/29/2010 03:30:41 PM
<p>I, like you, am appalled that a reader would feel it not in a blogger&#39;s right to charge for an e-course! Granted, I have been reading blogs for awhile, and even had my own blog for a time, so maybe I&#39;m more aware of the time and effort involved. Anyone who has ever taken a course must see at least a fraction of the work that goes into putting it all together? Preposterous to think that they should do all that work for nothing more than a warm fuzzy! Thank you for outlining the work that goes into blogging and putting together an e-course for those that might not be able to see what goes on behind the scenes. It might also bear mentioning that many bloggers keep up with more than one blog--all this WHILE also running the e-course. I certainly couldn&#39;t do it! When the product is information, it&#39;s marketing 101 to give some useful content, and then market/sell the best possible information in the best possible format. I have very much appreciated the e-courses I have taken, and look forward to future courses that are being dangled like a carrot before me!</p><p>BTW, I LOVE the &quot;you can work at your own pace&quot; part of doing e-courses; I signed up for one, and then haven&#39;t been able to do any of the lessons because of working extra hours--it&#39;s all I have been able to do to try to stay on real food, never mind make a half-hearted attempt to read any of the course materials on a coffee break at work or anything. Maybe soon I&#39;ll get to catch up on the lessons!</p><p>However, I also must agree with Michelle: sometimes, the cost is simply out of reach for the people that need the help the most, particularly if the only payment option is to pay all at once and up front. There was one that started last fall that I really wanted to take; however, my husband has been unemployed for over a year and paying for the course all at once was simply out of the question. I also think giveaways are a great thing and a fantastic way to promote a course (and who doesn&#39;t love to win something?), but I also think that bloggers might consider doing some scholarships based on essays written, or recommendations from other readers, for those who really need the material?  I also can sympathize with Michelle about the changing payments and formats--it has happened twice to me where the payments and/or access have changed before the course was finished, and it&#39;s kinda frustrating. </p><p>I very much look forward to your ebook next summer--do we really have to wait that long? LOL just kidding--I know a ton of work goes into those as well. May God bless your work as He has blessed those that benefit from your knowledge!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 08:41:33 PM
<p>For me it&#39;s not just about the cost, but about being a good steward of what I have.  That includes time and money.  While I may have the money to pay for the course, I rarely have time to sit for a class.  Casually reading a blog post or email is one thing, but *paying attention* to course material so I can really learn something new is more of a challenge with my 5 year old home all the time.  So, to pay for a series of classes that I likely won&#39;t take in a timely manner is not a good use of those resources.  If I&#39;ve paid and can&#39;t get to the material because of my own time management problems, then I feel guilty for spending money that didn&#39;t bring a benefit.  Who needs extra guilt?!</p><p>I&#39;m aware that it takes time and that people&#39;s time is valuable, and I agree with charging, I just can&#39;t justify paying up front when I don&#39;t have a way to ensure I can take the classes on a regular basis.  I liked the pay as you go system one blogger offered, but that got changed and now I can&#39;t even read and contribute to the forums I once participated in without paying a monthly fee.  As already stated, until a plan is in place that ensures me of a set time each week that I can spend focused on a class, I won&#39;t spend the money to do so.</p><p>On the topic of ebooks, I generally won&#39;t buy any book without being able to peruse it first, either from the library or glancing thru it at the bookstore.  With an ebook there&#39;s no way to allow that without the author risking being taken advantage of.  I like those that have made a few pages available to read prior to purchase, that&#39;s very helpful!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Real Food Basics Print Copy Available 12/10, and NEW!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/04/2010 01:00:39 PM
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/img/RealFoodBasics_468.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291429343824" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Over the last couple of months, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> has been available in ebook format.&nbsp; It's sold very well!&nbsp; Many have enjoyed the recipes and practical information the book holds.&nbsp; However, several have asked for a hard copy -- easier for gift giving, and handy to have in the kitchen!</p>
<p><strong>We listened to you.&nbsp; A print copy is being created as we speak</strong>!</p>
<p>Next Friday, December 10th, the finished copies will be available.&nbsp; If you <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">preorder</a>, your book will ship as soon as they arrive.&nbsp; This means they will definitely be in your hands in time for Christmas!&nbsp; <strong>There are a limited number of copies available, so if you want to get one, order soon!</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a> makes a great stocking stuffers for people who are new to real food.&nbsp; <strong>It is a handy, bite-sized introduction</strong> to healthy fats, grains, better sweeteners, raw dairy, basic kitchen equipment, basic kitchen procedures (including making butter, stock, kombucha, and yogurt), and tons of <strong>family-friendly recipes: fried chicken, pizza, sausage gravy, biscuits, ice cream, Mexican chicken soup</strong>, and lots more!&nbsp; There are no weird recipes, weird ingredients, or other "strange" foods.&nbsp; Everthing is recognizable and will please even the most reluctant-to-change family members!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Order your copy</a> today, and don't forget to order extra copies for your family and friends!&nbsp; Finish your Christmas shopping the easy way!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also, we have just begun our brand-new newsletter!&nbsp; To subscribe, send an email to Kate@modernalternativemama.com with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.&nbsp; If you're new here and want to keep up with the major events -- sales, new book releases, popular posts, a weekly recipe, and more -- but don't want to commit to reading the blog <em>everyday, </em>this is for you.&nbsp; It'll keep you in the loop, but with only one email per week.</strong></p>
<p>Finally, our <em>new</em> book will be released in January, 2011!&nbsp; It is called <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</span>.&nbsp; <strong>Are you confused about pregnancy nutrition?</strong>&nbsp; Do those "usual" pregnancy diets that require you to count foods, eat from several different food groups (green foods, yellow foods, dairy foods, protein foods, etc.) which can overlap confuse you?&nbsp; Do you find that most "healthy" pregnancy foods just aren't appealing to you?</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</span> simplifies pregnancy nutrition (and breastfeeding nutrition).&nbsp; There are only two rules: don't eat junk food, and eat super foods.&nbsp;</strong> The book details what the super foods are, what pregnant women really need, sneaky ways to get down less-than-favorite super foods, and more!&nbsp; The book then shifts to 25+ recipes which are built around the super foods -- yet are delicious.&nbsp; Each recipe includes a super food count, so you know how excellent they are!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Recipes include</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Baked Pork Chops and Rice</li>
<li>Garlic-Herb Butter Salmon</li>
<li>Salmon Noodle Casserole</li>
<li>White Bean Chicken Soup</li>
<li>Beef and Liver Stew</li>
<li>Frozen Yogurt</li>
<li>Chicken Marsala</li>
<li>Chicken and Wild Rice Soup</li>
<li>Maple Cinnamon Granola Bars</li>
<li>Sourdough Garlic Bread</li>
<li>Zucchini Bread</li>
<li>Pumpkin Bread</li>
<li>...and much more!</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Not pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon?</strong>&nbsp; It doesn't matter!&nbsp; <strong>The general super food information is good for anyone wanting to follow a simple, real food diets, and the recipes are family-friendly</strong> (and around here, family favorites).&nbsp; While there will be a couple of pages that won't apply to you, the rest of the book is still excellent!</p>
<p>"Expecting to expect?"&nbsp; This book is definitely for you!&nbsp; <strong>Eating a pregnancy diet for six months before conception is a great idea to prepare your body and nourish yourself in order to have an extremely healthy pregnancy.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Look for this book, arriving in January 2011!</strong>&nbsp; It will be available in ebook format for sure, and if there is enough demand, in print form as well!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: TSA Full Body Scans: Dangerous or Necessary?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/07/2010 01:00:09 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Recently, there's been a lot of talk about the new TSA security policies, especially the new full-body scanners.&nbsp; Are they safe?&nbsp; Do they protect your privacy?&nbsp; Are they necessary for safety?</p>
<p>The full-body scanners use X-rays to see through passengers' clothing to make sure they are not carrying weapons or other dangerous paraphenalia.&nbsp; Passengers who would like to opt out are subject to a full-body pat down instead,including the genitals, using the front of the agent's hands.&nbsp; This is controversial in and of itself, because some people are claiming this is akin to sexual harrassment and goes way beyond what is necessary to keep the airlines safe.</p>
<p>Part of the objection to the scanners from the level of X-ray that people are exposed to.&nbsp; Let's look at that first.&nbsp; Is the level of x-ray significant to cause harm?&nbsp; Some doctors are saying that the amount of x-ray emitted by the scanners is no more than a few minutes in an airplane (yes, there's radiation there, too), little more than one would encounter in normal daily life, and that one would have to get 1000 chest x-rays to equal the radiation in one full-body scan.</p>
<p>However, other scientists&nbsp;say that the machines haven't been adequately tested, and that the radiation is concentrated in certain parts of the body, which may cause harm.&nbsp; Most estimates that say the scanners are safe note that the levels used <em>would </em>be safe if they were spread over the whole body; however, in these scanners, the x-rays are concentrated in the skin.&nbsp; There have been no safety tests on the machines as they actually work, just estimates based on prior data.&nbsp; They are worried about machines which use x-ray being used so casually in a non-medical setting.&nbsp; There will no way to tell if scanners are truly dangerous or causing lasting damage unless independent studies are complete, or, more likely (and unfortunately), if damage pops up in 5 or 10 years.&nbsp; Some pilot associations are urging their members to opt out.</p>
<p>So, are they safe?&nbsp; If you are going through one once a year, they are probably not going to cause you enough damage to worry.&nbsp; But if you travel frequently, are extremely young or old, or have health problems, it is probably wiser to opt out, from a safety standpoint.</p>
<p>There's also the issue of privacy.&nbsp; These full body scanners capture anatomically correct images of the people who walk throug them.&nbsp; They are not supposed to be stored, and they are supposed to be deleted immediately after use.&nbsp; However, there have been cases where images have been stored and released.&nbsp; A New York senator has introduced legislation to prevent these images from being misused, which means there is growing concern.&nbsp; The TSA agents are, of course, human.&nbsp; Which means that they may save or share images even if it is against policy.</p>
<p>Truthfully, if this all made us significantly safer, it <em>might </em>be worth it.&nbsp; That is, assuming that the level of radiation from the scanners was found to be as neglible as some estimate.&nbsp; But this is not the case.</p>
<p>Over the last few years,&nbsp;more and more safety procedures have been&nbsp;put in place at the airport, each in reaction to a single incident.&nbsp; After one passenger set off a shoe bomb, we all started having to remove our shoes each and every time.&nbsp; What are the chances someone else would try a shoe&nbsp;bomb?&nbsp; After another passenger used some type of liquid bomb, the amount of liquid we could have in carry-ons became restricted (which does <em>absolutely nothing,&nbsp;</em>because&nbsp;airlines don't really restrict the type of liquid or packaging anymore, and also don't&nbsp;place restrictions on liquids in checked luggage, which could also be dangerous.&nbsp; Now, a bomber brought stuff on a plane that was under&nbsp;his clothes but undetectable by a metal detector, and we have full-body scans.</p>
<p>One incident.&nbsp; Yet, the regulations for <em>everyone</em> have changed.</p>
<p>Note that they've only changed for airlines, too.&nbsp; What about buses,&nbsp;trains, subways?&nbsp;&nbsp;Even cabs?&nbsp; What about all the other forms&nbsp;of public transportation?&nbsp; We&nbsp;haven't changed the safety regulations there,&nbsp;yet there are no additional incidents.&nbsp; Sure, we could say airlines are more at risk because of international travelers, but&nbsp;if that's the case, why&nbsp;don't we just put extra safety on international flights, not all of them?</p>
<p>It's also true that on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the busiest travel day of the year,&nbsp;which was supposed to be National Opt-Out Day, the scanners were all <em>turned off</em> so that when the media arrived to report the story, there would be nothing happening.&nbsp; If they are not necessary to keep us safe on the busiest travel day of the year, they are <em>never</em> necessary.</p>
<p>I believe that ordinary medal detectors (which do not emit radiation) are fine to protect us.&nbsp; No matter what protocols are put in place, people who are determined to bring a bomb or other weapon on a plane will find a unique way to do it.&nbsp; <em>Unique,&nbsp;</em>never<em> </em>before thought of.&nbsp; All these new regulations do nothing but slow down and humiliate passengers.&nbsp; Although this is probably going to be opposed, I think that some racial profiling and certainly a list of passengers who are convicted fellons or known terrorists needs to be distributed so that these people can be stopped individually.&nbsp; It is true that certain people are in a higher risk category than others.&nbsp; It's unfortunate, but a Middle Eastern, 30-something man traveling alone is a <em>far</em> higher risk than a 60-year-old woman traveling with her entire family.&nbsp; While we shouldn't single people out just because they are different, we need some type of system to identify those who are true risks.</p>
<p>But the truth is, those who are real risks will probably still slip by from time to time.&nbsp; But one incident every year or two, which will probably happen <em>no matter what safety protocols are in place</em> is probably worth it to protect our privacy.&nbsp; We'll be saying no to full body scanners, for ethical as well as health concerns.</p>
<p>What do you think of the full-body scanners?&nbsp; Would you subject yourself or your family members to one?&nbsp; Why or why not?</p>
<p>Resources:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jayne-lyn-stahl/scientist-challenge-airport-bodyscanners-_b_788230.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jayne-lyn-stahl/scientist-challenge-airport-bodyscanners-_b_788230.html</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/07/2010 02:19:03 PM
<p>The best part of those scanners is they don&#39;t find everything. Adam Savage, one of the hosts of Mythbusters, made it through one with two 12&quot; razor blades. See http://consumerist.com/2010/11/adam-savage-tsa-scanners-missed-my-12-long-weapon.html for the video with the story. If they miss those, perhaps we shouldn&#39;t assume they&#39;re infallible?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.202.1.117
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 03:48:35 PM
<p>The scanners were operating on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at the Atlanta airport. I hardly fly, so they do not bother me, but if I flew daily, I would be bothered by them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janice
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.183.79.125
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 03:50:47 PM
<p>There are also 2 types of full body scanners in use.  One uses X-ray, the other uses a Millimeter Wave.  In theory, the Millimeter Wave (which is what is at our local airport) would be a better choice since it outputs no radiation, but they would need to put testing in place to ensure the wave is the correct length.  My OB/GYN actually advised me to opt out when we travelled over Thanksgiving since he isn&#39;t convinced the scanners are safe for pregnant women or fetuses.</p><p>My husband and I had long discussions about what we would do if we were selected for the scans.  We have a 2 year old and we do not want her being scanned or patted down so we were fully prepared not to make it to our destination.  We might have felt differently if TSA had policies to prevent pedaphiles from being hired, but they don&#39;t right now.  We also decided to drive instead of fly at Christmas to save the aggravation.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jill
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.39.218.109
URL: http://theprairiehomestead.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/07/2010 03:55:59 PM
<p>The whole thing just makes me mad. I believe it is an invasion of privacy that does little to nothing to actually preserve our safety. Just another way the government is desensitizing us to having our freedoms taken away.</p><p>I am debating on what I will do next time I fly... (which isn&#39;t very often, thankfully)... </p><p>And I hadn&#39;t heard about the concern regarding the radiation issue.... But it&#39;s a very good point.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.217
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/07/2010 05:14:18 PM
<p>We don&#39;t fly often (too expensive for our family of five) but if we were to, say, want to visit my sister on the east coast next summer...I&#39;m not sure what we&#39;d do.  I object to the scanners on a medical basis (we don&#39;t KNOW what they&#39;re really doing to our bodies) and also on a constitutional basis (right to security of my person, no unreasonable searches).  But subjecting myself and my children to a full contact pat down?  No, I really don&#39;t want my kids to think that is ever ok.  We&#39;re always said that ONLY doctors and parents get to touch them, and I think it could get very confusing very quickly to have TSA agents playing touching &quot;games&quot; (yes, this is actually happening).  It makes me angry that we&#39;ve lost our sense of liberty to this extent.  Naked body scans just to get on an airplane?  REALLY???</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelly
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.101.28.86
URL: http://www.lifeasweknowit5.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/07/2010 05:34:16 PM
<p>I agree with your very well written post. It is an invasion of privacy, a successful experiment in sociology (will we do stuff just because we&#39;re told, not because we know what&#39;s going on and believe it to be the best course of action), and a big step in the wrong direction for our &quot;free&quot; country.</p><p>I also agree that some type of racial profiling should be in place, but I also agree with you that it&#39;s a sad state of affairs that we have to do it. As Christians, we are called to love everyone regardless of their skin color, etc. but the fact is that there are far more people of a certain nationality causing problems than others.</p><p>This past summer my husband and I flew (before the body scanners were being so widely used) and AFTER we passed security, in the line to board the plane, two security personnel pulled me randomly out of line  and patted me down!</p><p>Obviously you don&#39;t know me, but I am 35, Caucasian, blue eyes, brown hair, 5&#39;8&quot;, was carrying two coats over my arm and my purse/carry on and was with my Caucasian husband who is also in his mid 30&#39;s. Really? Are there many Caucasian couples out there sneaking through security checkpoints to bomb planes? Seriously, folks!  Stop wasting your time trying not to offend anyone and start checking the folks that really look to be dangerous.</p><p>We fly almost never, but recently my husband has had to fly for work, and will be flying again in the next couple weeks. We&#39;ve been looking in to the health issues with the scans and have found some great info over on Dr. Mercola&#39;s website. He says that the radiation you get when you are on an airplane is so great compared to the scan radiation, that opting out for health reasons is virtually invalid, since you&#39;re getting on an airplane anyways.</p><p>My husband will opt out anyways, and doesn&#39;t care about the pat down. What does concern me, though, is the hygienic issue.  As far as I know, the security folks are not required to change gloves for each person. What about transferring scabies, bedbugs, etc. from person to person with contaminated gloves!? Yikes!</p><p>I think, ultimately, instead of saying &quot;which would we choose&quot;, we need to be saying &quot;how will WE, THe PEOPLE&quot; stop this?!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/07/2010 07:32:15 PM
<p>Great post!  I just got back from a trip in which I would have preferred to fly (really don&#39;t like driving) but we drove anyway-decision made before these new practices were put into place.  Your point about it not really helping is very valid, in my opinion.  I also FULLY agree with you on profiling.  ALL ATTACKS have been perpetrated by middle eastern males.  If I were a middle eastern male I&#39;d be upset with the terrorists making a bad name.  However, I do wonder if that would just cause the terrorists to recruit the non typical profile to do their dirty work.  I wonder if this will hurt airline&#39;s profits enough for them to say NO MORE SCANNING!</p><p>Emily-I agree with your position.  It would be very confusing for kids who have learned that touching of that type is wrong, but then have their own parents put them thru it.  Not that the parents would choose that, but would seem to have no choice if they have to fly.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: 
DATE: 12/08/2010 01:31:53 AM
<p>Great sans the racial profiling.  Yes there are a larger percentage, but I have a feeling that is going to change.  Any way you cut it some is going on (how many &quot;scary people&quot; do you think are being chosen for scans/ additional screening... I&#39;ll take bets on about 100% are), but that does not make it okay for us to say for our benefit that others should have to be put through more rigorous testing/ inconvenience.  It is still a small segment of that population making poor choices, if the shoe was on the other foot (say an extremist religious sect sprung from Christian Beliefs taking down planes, how would we all feel if suddenly we were all singled out.</p><p>Besides they already recruit/ train westerners, and have been for a while.  ( http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26564997 )  </p><p>I agree that most of the &quot;security&quot; is really anything but, and not really necessary either.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bob @ JuicyMaters.com
EMAIL: bob.hayles@juicymaters.com
IP: 98.18.24.201
URL: http://www.juicymaters.com
DATE: 12/08/2010 09:14:54 AM
<p>You addressed privacy and safety, but missed the biggest reason the scanners AND sexual assault groping should...and, I think will...be banned is a little thing called the US Constitution, specifically the 8th amendment that bans unreasonable search and seizure.</p><p>The republic is sliding downhill folks.  We woke up to vote November 2.  Will we stay awake, or will we go back asleep, laying on the couch watching American Idol?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: sugarloaf10@gmail.com
IP: 74.138.193.140
URL: http://www.nopreservativesadded.com
DATE: 12/09/2010 02:17:37 PM
<p>I am rather upset about all having to decide between the lesser of two evils whenever my family needs to fly. My husband&#39;s parents buy us tickets every year for Christmas, and I really wish that had not already bought them this year so that we could drive instead. The airport we are flying to (San Antonio) does have the scanners in place, so we may face the decision.</p><p>After all that I have been reading about the scanners, I want to opt out, but I am so very against pat downs. I also have a 6 month old baby, and it angers me to think that she could be subjected to a patdown- a BABY! I don&#39;t want anyone I don&#39;t know touching my child like that.</p><p>This really is a violation of the 8th amendment, since its based on a &quot;guilt until proven innocent&quot; premise. We will fly this holiday season, but only because we don&#39;t have much of a choice since our tickets are already bought and cannot be returned. But I will be driving or taking a train from now on, taking a stand for what is right.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Headache Help
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/13/2010 01:00:46 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/adrenal%20fatigue.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1292190417430" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>Headaches are an unfortunate part of life.</strong>&nbsp; Many of us have them from time to time, for many different reasons.&nbsp; Most people reach for the Tylenol when they have one.&nbsp; However, that can be dangerous.&nbsp; Tylenol (acetomenophen) is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S.&nbsp; Ibuprofen isn't any better, being the second leading cause of liver failure and causing ulcers and other stomach conditions.&nbsp; No, drugs are not the answer, especially for a minor headache.</p>
<p>That doesn't mean you have to suffer, though.&nbsp; <strong>There are ways to help!</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Drink water.</strong>&nbsp; Dehydration is often a cause of headaches, so the first thing you should do is try drinking some water!&nbsp; A lot of minor headaches will fade.</li>
<li><strong>Eat something.</strong>&nbsp; Low blood sugar/hunger can also cause headaches.&nbsp; Try eating something, especially something containing protein.</li>
<li><strong>Hot/cold compresses.&nbsp;</strong> Choose whichever feels better to you.&nbsp; You can use a wash cloth with hot or cold water, or you can use an ice pack, or a rice-filled heating pad warmed for a few minutes.&nbsp; Different headache causes will require heat or ice, so really, just do what feels right to you.</li>
<li><strong>Warm/hot bath.</strong>&nbsp; Take a bath and relax.&nbsp; If you're pregnant or sensitive to heat, don't make it too hot.</li>
<li><strong>Wintergreen, clove, or lavender essential oil.&nbsp;</strong> Wintegreen and clove are the most effective, but also can be dangerous.&nbsp; Wintergreen is best used under supervision of a trained herbalist.&nbsp; Neither wintergreen nor clove are safe during pregnancy.&nbsp; Lavender is safe all the time, so if in doubt, choose that.&nbsp; A few drops in a warm bath, in a diffuser, or on a hot/cold wash cloth (applied to the forehead) can help.&nbsp; Mixed with a carrier oil, this can also be used for a massage.</li>
<li><strong>Massage.&nbsp;</strong> Rub the temples, neck, shoulders -- anywhere tension may be.&nbsp; This will help to relax and melt the headache away.</li>
<li><strong>Rest.</strong>&nbsp; Lay down for awhile, sleep if you can.&nbsp; Sometimes headaches are just a sign that you need more rest.</li>
<li><strong>Exercise.&nbsp;</strong> Have you been lying around too much?&nbsp; Do you need to get up and move, get the blood flowing again?&nbsp; Sometimes being too still (especially sitting in an uncomfortable computer chair, for example) can make your head hurt.&nbsp; Move around, stretch out, loosen tense muscles.</li>
<li><strong>Examine your diet.</strong>&nbsp; Have you eaten anything you shouldn't have?&nbsp; MSG and other food additives can cause headaches.&nbsp; If this is the case, you may just have to ride it out, but you can prevent it in the future.</li>
<li><strong>Arnica.&nbsp;</strong> An arnica salve applied to any sore spots may ease pain and help your headache disappear.</li>
</ol>
<p>Feel free to use a combination of these methods!&nbsp; I frequently try a warm bath and/or compress, some lavender oil, water, and rest, and this combination usually gets rid of my headache.</p>
<p><strong>What home headache remedies do you use?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 12/13/2010 02:18:08 PM
<p>I&#39;ve had good luck clearing sinus headaches (cold-related) with saline nosewashes whenever it got too painful. It helps. So can smelling cooking garlic/onion. My mom did that for us when we were kids - if she was making spaghetti sauce and we had colds, we&#39;d stand over the pan of cooking garlic/onion (there was usually meat in it too) with a large dishtowel over our heads to help funnel the steam towards our faces. Hot showers can also help too (like the hot/cold tip above).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/13/2010 02:45:16 PM
<p>Get pregnant. ;). I swear I only had about 2 headaches the whole 9 months I was pregnant. I had been an avid coffee drinker prior to getting pregnant and quit within 2 weeks of getting pregnant so I was sure I would have withdrawal headaches. But, I had none!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Natalia
EMAIL: legomum@shaw.ca
IP: 24.67.77.197
URL: http://big-ol-families.blogspot.com/
DATE: 12/13/2010 09:01:09 PM
<p>I second #1 + #2 in particular for us as the things we first do....</p><p>My midwife once  told me that lavender stimulates contractions.  So some pregnant women may not want to partake after all (or may want to look more into it.)</p><p>Thanks for a great article</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kelly@domesticbydesign.com
IP: 98.240.32.73
URL: http://domesticbydesign.com
DATE: 12/14/2010 01:38:10 AM
<p>I did some research between my first and second pregnancies and learned that capsulized ginger is a wonderful aide in relieving headaches.  I get migraines during the first trimester, which are debilitating.  I  took capsulized ginger every 3-4 hours and it helped immensely.  If first read about it in Shonda Parker&#39;s book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1929125127?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=domebydesi-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1929125127" rel="nofollow">Naturally Healthy Pregnancy</a><i></i></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.228
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 09:23:36 PM
<p>I found out I was getting headaches due to a magnesium deficiency! I had upped my calcium and the body need magnesium to balance with calcium. Calcium will tighten muscles and magnesium will loosen them. So if you are getting more calcium (I switched to raw milk, which has more calcium than pasteurized) your head tightens giving you a headache. I started taking a magnesium citrate supplement and epsom salt baths. The Epsom salt bath gave me immediate relief and the magnesium supplement helped over the course of a few days. Now my diet is more balanced and I don&#39;t have to take the supplement. But I still take an epsom salt bath here and there because they make you feel relaxed all over! <br/>(I am not pregnant so I have no idea how this might affect pregnancy)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Real Food Activism Ideas
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/11/2010 01:03:55 PM
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<p>Are you passionate about real food?&nbsp; Do you want to do more than just change the way your family is eating?&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Real food activism is important right now.</strong>&nbsp; If you haven't heard, there have been several raids on coops and farms selling raw milk and raw milk products -- even in states where such sales are legal.&nbsp; The raids were <em>illegal</em>, but they destroyed, in some cases, thousands of dollars of products, for no reason at all.&nbsp; The news S. 510 bill (which may be dead; we'll have to wait and see) would severely restrict certain types of food sales and would increase the government's authority to seize products if there "reason to believe it may be contaminated."&nbsp; Which opens the door for more raw milk raids, since 'all raw milk is contaminated, because it is raw.'</p>
<p>Clearly something needs to be done.</p>
<p>What can you do?</p>
<p>Donate to farm funds. &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://uncheeseparty.wordpress.com/">Morningland Dairy</a>. &nbsp;<a href="http://freetheanimal.com/2010/06/heroism-a-uniquely-human-trait-the-story-of-vernon-hershberger.html">Vernon Hershberger</a>. &nbsp; <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/030136_Rawesome_foods_raid.html">Rawesome</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml">Write to your congressmen</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/get-involved.html">Join Weston A. Price Foundation</a> (and attend local meetings).</p>
<p>Write blog posts.</p>
<p>Visit or help start a farmer's market.</p>
<p>Avoid "regular" grocery stores as much as possible (vote with your dollars!)</p>
<p>Visit health food stores regularly.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.eatwild.com">Find and buy from a local farm</a> (directly). &nbsp;Small plug, if you are in the Central Ohio area and want to join my farm buying group, send me an email!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is important, everyone. &nbsp;We can't let ourselves be bullied into thinking there is one right way to eat, and it's how the U.S. government says. &nbsp;We can't back down because people who don't understand say we're crazy.</p>
<p><strong>How else do you participate in real food activism?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 12/11/2010 04:48:21 PM
<p>Just heard on the radio something about them trying to &quot;crack down&quot; on raw milk sales - so frustrating....you would think in a free country we would be free to eat as we choose!  I&#39;m pretty new on all this, so don&#39;t feel like I have made an impact, but I do belong to our local Weston Price &amp; I am going to link this to my blog - Thanks for your insight!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: lauren.albritton@gmail.com
IP: 207.235.48.122
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2011 07:51:40 PM
<p>Here in North Carolina you can only buy raw milk as pet food, and only two people sell it as such (and they tried to make a rule that dyed it gray with charcoal dye--yuck, but the rule got disapproved). Most people just go over the border to SC or get a cow share in VA. </p><p>But cow shares (and other livestock shares) are illegal. However, there is a bill to reverse that, and the state senate passed it, but the House referred it to the evil clutches of the Commission on Agriculture (VERY anti-raw milk), and it&#39;s been sitting there idle since May of 2007! Any ideas on getting bills moving again other than writing to my congressman? Unfortunately the bill&#39;s sponsor (Kay Hagan) graduated from the state senate to the US Senate...so it seems to have no one to champion the cause (most of which is to help our local farmers and our state economy!) Sigh...Any thoughts? Any fellow North Carolinians know where to find some good, clean raw pet milk somewhere?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: High-Quality Meat: How to Tell, How to Find It
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1



DATE: 12/20/2010 01:00:43 PM
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<p>If you're into healthy foods, chances are you're looking for (or have found) a source of high-quality meat.&nbsp; If not, you should!&nbsp; What is high quality meat?&nbsp; Where do you find it?&nbsp; And why does it really matter?</p>
<p><strong>First, if you haven't seen the movie <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/30/review-of-food-inc.html">Food, Inc.</a>, you simply must.</strong>&nbsp; There's so much information in it that I can't and won't repeat here that you <em>need </em>to know. &nbsp;The meat that is produced in large farming operations and sold in regular grocery stores is <em>not</em>&nbsp;the same as meat from small farms or found in health food stores. &nbsp;However, even in some health food stores you have to be careful, because you may not fully know your source.</p>
<h4>What is healthy meat?</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Fed its natural diet, <em>not </em>supplemented with GMO grains or bakery waste</li>
<li>Not fed animal by products</li>
<li>Allowed free access to the outdoors, spending most of its time outside</li>
<li>Not supplemented with hormones or antibiotics</li>
<li>Slaughtered humanely at the appropriate time</li>
<li>Not processed by dipping in chlorine or other chemicals</li>
<li>Does not contain nitrites or nitrates or any "mechanically separated" meat</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meat found in regular grocery stores breaks <em>all</em>&nbsp;of these rules. &nbsp;Those animals are packed into massive barns with very little room to move. &nbsp;<strong>They're called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/05/03/spring-cleaning-carnival-get-the-cafos-out/">CAFOs</a>.</strong> &nbsp;They are fed primarily grain (corn and soy), most of it GMO. &nbsp;They're also fed animal by-products (chickens are fed dead chicken parts...), bakery waste (old cookies, cakes, even corn chips and gum), loaded up on hormones to grow faster and antibiotics because this environment makes them sick. &nbsp;Once slaughtered they're washed in chlorine or ammonia to kill bacteria. &nbsp;Some processed meat products contain "mechanically separated" meat and nitrites and other chemicals to "cure" it.</p>
<p>Do you want to eat that?</p>
<p>I don't. &nbsp;Because whatever that animal consumed is what it is made of. &nbsp;Those chemicals, including the antibiotics and hormones, will make it into the meat you are consuming, and thus make it into your body. &nbsp; (It's also in the cow's milk from the stores.) &nbsp;It's one of the reasons scientists think that children are entering puberty so young -- the onslaught of extra hormones.</p>
<h4>How do you find high-quality meat?</h4>
<p><strong>Most meat at health food stores is <em>pretty</em>&nbsp;good.</strong> &nbsp;I say that because if it's not certified organic, it could still contain some antibiotics or hormones, though it's a lot less likely. &nbsp;Even if it is certified organic, they are only required to have the animals out on pasture about 30% off the time, and they can supplement the animals' diets with corn and soy (non-GMO). &nbsp;Grass-fed beef may have been "mostly grass-fed" but finished on grain to get fat quickly for slaughter. &nbsp;It's not ideal, but it's several steps better. &nbsp;You can read more about organic standards in my post: <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/16/is-organic-safe.html">Is Organic Safe?</a></p>
<p><strong>The best source is a farmer's market or directly from a farm</strong>, where you can talk to the person who raises your meat. &nbsp;It doesn't need to be certified organic if you get satisfactory answers to your questions. &nbsp;Find a farm near you by searching <a href="http://www.eatwild.com">Eat Wild</a>.</p>
<p>Here is what to ask:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Do you use antibiotics with your animals?</strong> &nbsp;(Best answer -- never. &nbsp;Good answer -- yes, if needed, but they don't make it to slaughter until at least 6 weeks after the last dose. &nbsp;Bad answer -- yes.)</li>
<li><strong>Do you use hormones in your animals?</strong> (Best answer -- never. &nbsp;Bad answer -- yes.)</li>
<li><strong>What do you feed your cows?</strong> (Best answer -- grass only, with hay or alfalfa in the winter. &nbsp;Good answer -- mostly grass, with the occasional non-GMO grain. &nbsp;Bad answer -- mostly grain, lots of it non-organic and GMO, bakery waste.)</li>
<li><strong>What do you feed your chickens?</strong> (Best answer -- worms and bugs, non-GMO grain. &nbsp;Good answer -- Mostly non-GMO grain. &nbsp;Bad answer -- Only grain, mostly GMO, and chicken by-products.)</li>
<li><strong>Do your animals have access to the outdoors?</strong> (Best answer -- All the time, except in inclement weather. &nbsp;Good answer -- yes, most days, at least for a few hours. &nbsp;Bad answer -- No, they mostly stay inside/are in cages.)</li>
<li><strong>Do your finished meats go through ammonia processing or other chemicals baths? </strong>&nbsp;(Best answer -- no, never, they don't need it. &nbsp;Bad answer -- yes, it's necessary for safety.)</li>
<li><strong>Do your meats contain nitrates or nitrites?</strong> (Best answer -- no, none of them. &nbsp;Good answer -- only bacon/smoked meats, but you can request them without. &nbsp;Bad answer -- yes, they are necessary.)</li>
<li><strong>Can I have a tour of your farm?</strong> (Best answer -- yes, of course. &nbsp;Good answer -- yes, but you'll need to make an appointment. &nbsp;Bad answer -- no.)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>When asking questions, really listen to the farmer's answers. &nbsp;<strong>Most farmers who follow organic methods are very proud, and will be willing to answer any and all questions you may have, show you their operations, and discuss in details exactly what they do and why. </strong>&nbsp;They should be more than willing to take you on a tour. &nbsp;Many even like to receive feedback from you, like for new products you want them to carry (like chicken feet or lard), farm pick up options, etc.</p>
<p><strong>If the farmer does <em>not</em>&nbsp;want to answer questions, or gets defensive about conventional practices, do <em>not</em>&nbsp;do business with them.</strong> &nbsp;I once emailed a farm to ask if they sprayed their crops -- and got back an answer that not only did they, but that spraying was "absolutely necessary" and all these organic farms out there are ruining everything. &nbsp;I refused to give them my business even if they were local. &nbsp;Any farmer who gets so defensive about a simple question should be avoided, because they probably have something to hide, and are definitely using conventional practices.</p>
<h4>Taste and Cooking</h4>
<p>Be aware, t<strong>he taste of good meat <em>is</em>&nbsp;different than store-bought meat, and it does cook differently</strong>, too. &nbsp;It's not going to be exactly the same every time, either. &nbsp;With commercial meats, especially ground meats, bits from many different animals from all over the country are mixed all together to create a homogenous, graded meat that is the same every time (fat content, taste, etc.) &nbsp;That's really dangerous if one of the animals happens to be contaminated because a ton of the meat all over the country can be affected. &nbsp;But <strong>with small farm buying, typically you are getting meat from just one animal at once, and the meat can vary based on the animal's breed, size, age, etc.</strong></p>
<p>Grass-fed meat also tastes more "gamey" (some say) than corn-fed meat does. &nbsp;It is definitely different. &nbsp;But most find it preferable. &nbsp;It is usually naturally lower in fat, so it needs gentler cooking methods. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.tendergrassfedmeat.com/">Stanley Fishman has written an excellent book</a> all about how to cook grass-fed meat, which is a very good starting place. &nbsp;He also has a blog (linked above). &nbsp;Read it before you cook with any nicer cuts, like steaks, because they are easy to ruin! &nbsp;(I haven't tried yet, honestly, I've only prepared ground beef or roasts, but I've talked to several bloggers who have ruined meat.) <strong>&nbsp;In general, the less you cook the meat, the better. &nbsp;Rare meat is completely safe when you know your source!</strong> &nbsp;Even raw meat is safe (though, I'm told, an acquired taste).</p>
<p><strong>Where do you source your meat? &nbsp;How do you know it is high quality?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/20/2010 02:22:36 PM
<p>I am so excited. In a couple weeks, we&#39;ll be getting our first 1/2 of a 1/2 of a grassfed cow. It&#39;s hanging right now. Thanks for the link and book; I&#39;ll check into it because I have noticed it cooks up differently.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: alan
EMAIL: roberts.ecofarm@gmail.com
IP: 72.69.101.232
URL: http://www.robertsroostfarm.com/
DATE: 12/21/2010 12:24:08 AM
<p>To get really good, locally produced meat from a farmer you can get to know you need to be prepared to buy in larger quantities than most of us are used to.  For a farmer to sell specific cuts of meat he/she has to have the animal processed at a USDA certified processing facility and meet a host of retail regulations.  This is cost prohibitave for most small animal opperations.  They don&#39;t raise enough animals to meet the cost of facilities, licences, etc.  They also can&#39;t aforde the &quot;waste&quot; of meat that results from everyone wanting steak and no one wanting stew meat.  For beef a 1/4 is usually the smallest quantity a small farmer will sell.  For a standard beef that that could be 200 lbs of meat.  Learning to cook quality meat is important.  Learning to cook cuts you may not have ever tried is also important.  Having freezer space and/or friends to share with is absolutly key.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/21/2010 01:19:56 AM
<p>I get my beef from my CSA farm, who carries it for a local grass-fed beef farmer.  It is fantastic. My friend, who is a photographer, was recently visiting us and every time she took pictures of us, or my son, she said &quot;say grass-fed beef!!&quot; :) I think she was &quot;making fun of me&quot;...until she actually had it. She said it definitely tasted better. That, and my non-high-fructose-bearing-ketchup. :o)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/21/2010 02:58:05 AM
<p>Alan,</p><p>Thanks for the feedback.  I did not know that was true in some areas.</p><p>In our area we are lucky; we have several farmers that do sell by the cut.  And actually, most people seem to want ground beef or stew meat, and NOT the steaks!  I guess our area is weird. :)  But you will get FAR better prices if you do buy part of a cow.  Good steaks can cost up to $20/lb if you find them individually packaged!  We&#39;re actually planning to buy a whole cow (yes, WHOLE cow) in about three weeks, and we&#39;ll be paying only about $3/lb. including processing for all of that meat, including steaks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 12/22/2010 12:53:28 PM
<p>We have been loving &quot;your&quot; farmer&#39;s meat, Kate, and one of these days hope to go in on 1/4 or 1/2 a cow. Any idea on when that typically happens? Do we just contact the farmer and ask him?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/22/2010 03:14:37 PM
<p>I wanted to comment to the portion about the farmer&#39;s typically being proud to answer your questions. After reading this the other day, I actually emailed the owner of the farm where the grass-fed beef comes from. I knew they were grass-fed, but I wanted more particulars. Were they grass fed all the time? or ever given hay/grain? etc. Anyway, he emailed me back the very next day, with way more info than I asked for, offered for me to come out to see the farm, and even attached some sheets on cooking grass-fed beef &amp; steak. He already had my business, but that email and his obvious passion for what he did and the way he responded to me, completely sealed my loyalty. And, by the way, his responses were better than I expected. The cows are 100% grass-fed and are only in a pasture for 2-3 days before being rotated to another. They won&#39;t revisit that pasture again for 2-3 weeks. :) </p><p>Just wanted to share and agree with you that most are more-than-willing to share their methods &amp; techniques.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/22/2010 09:10:47 PM
<p>Lindsey,</p><p>I know he is sending cows in January.  He sends in at least one every month.  If you email him (I can send you his email if you need it), you can get on a list and probably get one in the next couple of months.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Food Dyes and Additives to Watch Out For
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/03/2011 01:01:27 PM
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<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewbland/3111904731/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/food%20coloring.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294282603656" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Matthew Bland</span></span></p>
<p>Welcome to 2011! &nbsp;This month we're going to be talking about a lot starting-over type of things (and a lot of other stuff too). &nbsp;Part of this means I'll be talking about some rather basic issues, which hopefully will be nice for those of you newer to real food. &nbsp;So today I'll be sharing a list of food additives that you especially want to avoid and why.</p>
<p>Let's be honest: it can be overwhelming to read all the labels and just avoid things. &nbsp;As you make changes towards real food, though, you'll be selecting products that just naturally don't contain most of these. &nbsp;At that point, the very few times you'd consume these additives might be "worth it" given your situation. &nbsp;But that's up to you to decide.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.truthinlabeling.org/">MSG</a> (Monosodium Glutamate) -- Migraines, neurological issues, seizures, depression, heart irregularities.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.truthinlabeling.org/">Autolyzed Yeast</a>&nbsp;-- A form of MSG (see above).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.truthinlabeling.org/">Hydrolyzed Soy Protein</a>&nbsp;-- A form of MSG (see above).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.imorganic.com/organiblog.php/?p=199">Mono- and diglycerides</a> -- A type of trans fat used to keep products with oil from separating, and increase shelf life.</p>
<p><a href="http://preventdisease.com/news/09/073009_soy_lecithin.shtml">Soy lecithin</a> -- Often genetically modified, linked to infertility, allergies, and gut issues.</p>
<p><a href="http://organizedwisdom.com/Sodium_Nitrite_Effects">Sodium Nitrite</a> -- Linked to migraines and colon cancer.</p>
<p><a href="http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question233.htm">Sodium Nitrate</a> -- Linked to cancer in large amounts.</p>
<p>Citric Acid -- Only a problem if sourced from GMO foods.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/malic-acid-side-effects.html">Malic Acid </a>-- In larger doses, linked to chest pain, allergies, and other adverse effects.</p>
<p>Cellulose -- Modified and possibly GMO, heavy on fiber.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cspinet.org/new/bromate.html">Potassium Bromate</a> -- Causes cancer.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/polysorbate-80-causes-infertility-a60320">Polysorbate 80</a> -- Allergies, infertility, other problems. &nbsp;Found in vaccines as well as foods.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/023138_propylene_glycol_food_health.html">Propylene glycol</a> -- Eczema, allergies, kidney damage, liver damage.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2213354/">Polydextrose</a> -- A type of modified, low-calorie fiber; too new to know if it is harmful or not.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cspinet.org/fooddyes/">Red 40</a>&nbsp;-- Hyperactivity, cancer (petroleum-based)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cspinet.org/fooddyes/">Yellow 5</a>&nbsp;-- Hyperactivity, cancer (petroleum-based)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2213354/">Food Coloring</a> -- ADHD, allergies, etc. &nbsp;Contains propylene glycol, as well as petroleum-based dye.</p>
<p>Aspartame, Sucralose -- Artificial sweeteners linked to cancer, allergies, lots of other health issues. &nbsp;Do NOT consume!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>These food additives are everywhere! &nbsp;Be careful of them. &nbsp;You will even find them in organic processed foods, which is why it's best to avoid even those. &nbsp;There are very few safe food additives. &nbsp;If you recognize and can pronounce the ingredients on a product label (and there should not be too many), it is probably safe. &nbsp;The longer the ingredient list, especially if there are unfamiliar/unprounceable ingredients, the less safe it is. &nbsp;Skip it! &nbsp;Go for whole, real foods every time. :)</p>
<p>Are you ready? &nbsp;One week from today, Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods i coming. &nbsp;A great book for everyone looking to incorporate more super foods into their diet!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 01/03/2011 02:48:34 PM
<p>My in-laws throw up if they consume MSG. It makes me exhausted and gives me headaches.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/03/2011 02:53:49 PM
<p>I am curious as to what people do for kid drinks.  My kids drink kool-aid mostly, and every time  I try to stop it, my husband will just buy more because the kids will hardly drink anything else.  Any ideas? No milk in our house as we have 2 kids with dairy allergy and a third with lactose intolerance.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/03/2011 03:13:08 PM
<p>Becky,</p><p>My best suggestion in this case is herbal teas (fruit flavored with real fruit bits and herbs, but no actual &quot;tea&quot; and no caffeine.  I get some from Teavana, but there are lots of types out there.  Just make it and mix with some honey.  It tastes a lot like Kool aid, but without the artificial aftertaste.  And no white sugar!  Otherwise you could use diluted 1OO% juice or even just water.  They&#39;ll get used to it eventually!  But really, it sounds like you and your husband need to have a serious talk about kids&#39; drinks, because especially if Kool aid is nearly the ONLY thing they drink, they are getting a LOT of extra white sugar and food dyes, and those are prime causes of obesity and other issues among kids.  They just don&#39;t need all that extra sugar in drink form.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: 
DATE: 01/03/2011 08:45:35 PM
<p>@ Becky-  I feel your pain on the milk intolerace, we can&#39;t do it over here either!  We drink Cocunut milk(So delicious brand) the way most drink real milk (the kiddos get 2-3 servings a day, about a sippy and a half :)), and besides that they get watered down juice, water, or thier current favorite(or constant favorite) is tea with honey.  We just use Passion tea from Tazo(the brand starbucks sells, but you can find it in practically any grocery store for a few bucks).  Just choose a bright colored tea and you should be fine.  And I would agree with Kate on the no white sugar thing, however, kool-aid to no sugar may be a rather large jump.  Maybe start out with pretty sweet, and each batch decrease the sugar/ swich to more honey, until hopefully in a few weeks they are drinking just lightly sweetened honey tea.  Hang in there, they will drink when they are thirsty :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Marcia
EMAIL: kd1141@aql.com
IP: 207.200.116.9
URL: 
DATE: 01/03/2011 10:09:36 PM
<p>In Europe, foods containing artificial dyes carry a warning label! That&#39;s how bad things like Kool aid are.   In March, the FDA is holding hearings on food dyes. What is wrong with water? Get a container that looks cool, place it where the kids can get it themselves. That&#39;s what worked for us. Also watch the short videos at www.feingold.org</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 01/04/2011 09:45:10 AM
<p>I like the herbal tea idea - you&#39;d probably have to brew it pretty strong to get it to a flavor level equivalent to the fruityness of Kool-Aid. I&#39;ve found that for my own juices the V8 ones with nothing artificial are good because you get the fruity flavors with veggie juice hidden in it. And no added sugar, dyes, etc. It&#39;s not quite as good as making your own juice but it&#39;s good for those of us without the time to spend making our own juice.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rae Schwarz
EMAIL: Relache@Mac.com
IP: 67.100.45.109
URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/orthia_turan/265141005/
DATE: 01/04/2011 04:09:40 PM
<p>This notice serves as the bill of sale for the web rights to the usage of original photography by Rae Schwarz/ReLaCHE on your blog.  For the usage of the image &quot;Natural Food Colors&quot; on the blog Modern Alternative Mama (http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/3/food-dyes-and-additives-to-watch-out-for.html), you owe the amount of $50, payment of which is due immediately.</p><p>This payment only covers rights to reproduce this single image, and does not confer any rights of ownership, further reproduction or distribution to the licensee, ModernAlternativeMama.com.</p><p>Please submit payment via PayPal to the email address associated with this invoice.</p><p>Sincerely,<br/>Rae Schwarz/ReLaCHE</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/04/2011 06:07:29 PM
<p>Thanks for the ideas.  I know this is one are I really need to focus on, but I have had no ideas until now.  It seems to be an area not really talked about in the real food area which I have really just started in.  Which are your favor teas at the Teavana site? (there are ALOT of teas there!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.209.73
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 01/04/2011 08:07:33 PM
<p>This is a great post!  We generally avoid processed food all together which helps keep us away from harmful dyes and additives.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 05:26:07 AM
<p>In the email of this story the picture is of what appears to be natural food colors.  Are you familiar with them?  Taking my son (and myself) off the chemcials and while coloring isn&#39;t needed, there are times it would add a fun dimension to things.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/07/2011 04:16:08 PM
<p>Kelly,</p><p>There are cool ways to color food without any type of food coloring.  Blueberries, purple carrots, spinach, anything strongly colored.  Turmeric is frequently used and is a healthy spice!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Organic Clothing: Worth it or Not?  
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/04/2011 01:00:33 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplyorganictees/2720811601/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="/storage/Organic shirt.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293939159923" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 480px;">Image by Simply Organic</span></span></p>
<p>Organic clothing.</p>
<p>Everything these days is organic. &nbsp;And yes, clothing too. &nbsp;Most of us have probably heard of organic baby clothes and diapers, but other types of organic clothes we don't typically see. &nbsp;What makes them organic? &nbsp;Why would we want to buy them? &nbsp;And are they really worth it?</p>
<p>First of all, organic clothing is usually made from one of two materials: organic cotton, or organic hemp. <strong>&nbsp;The cotton is grown in the U.S. (sometimes), and it's important that it's organic because cotton is ordinarily one of the most heavily sprayed crops.</strong> &nbsp;Hemp clothing (or at least hemp fabric) is imported, because it's not really legal to grow here.</p>
<p><strong>Side note:</strong> <strong>Industrial hemp, the plant used to make fabric, paper, and other textiles is <em>not</em>&nbsp;the same plant as the type of hemp that is smoked as marijuana.</strong> &nbsp;It is a long, ropey plant, not a short, leafy one. &nbsp;It <em>can't</em>&nbsp;be smoked. &nbsp;It can also be grown very easily with no pesticides. &nbsp;But since it's such a highly renewable, green resource, it would threaten both the cotton and timber industries, and so is illegal to grow. &nbsp;In the 1940s and 50s there was a huge smear campaign against hemp (the smokable kind, which also is not as dangerous or addictive as the authorities would have us believe), and industrial hemp got lumped in. &nbsp;It was an entirely political move, and does nothing but harm the environment and us. &nbsp;Hemp paper and fabric would be extremely cheap and eco-friendly if it could be produced here. &nbsp;Just so you know.</p>
<p><strong>By choosing organic clothing, you're avoiding farming practices that contribute to polluting the environment.</strong> &nbsp;There's also the fact that the chemicals are still in the cotton when you buy it, and can be absorbed into your skin. &nbsp;Plus, certain products -- like kids' pajamas -- have flame-retardant chemicals intentionally added (which are proven carcinogens), while organic clothes don't. &nbsp;Clearly, organic clothing is safer.</p>
<p>However, <strong>you'll also pay a serious premium price tag.</strong> &nbsp;A single cloth diaper is $25 or more (compared to $15 - $18 for non-organic versions), and a onesie might be $15 (non-organic are about $1/each in a 5-pack). &nbsp;Especially if you're buying a whole wardrobe (or several, as babies grow fast), it just isn't feasible for most to buy organic clothes at these prices.</p>
<p>There's also the issue, though, that pesticides (and flame retardant) can wash out of clothing. <strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/faq/Diapers">This source</a> says fabric is so processed that there's no pesticide residue left in the first place.</strong> &nbsp; However,<a href="http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/why-choose-organic-cotton-clothing-textiles/"> the clothing is processed</a> with even more chemicals and petroleum-based dyes. &nbsp;Not to mention the effects on the workers who grow and process the cotton and make the actual clothes. &nbsp;A lot of the chemicals likely <em>do</em>&nbsp;wash out in time; 1 - 2 washings is probably sufficient for most chemicals.</p>
<p>What about flame retardant chemicals, though? &nbsp;<strong>The general thought seems to be that flame retardant properties come from the fact that the pajamas are polyester, which is a naturally flame retardant fabric</strong> (it's really just plastic). &nbsp;Some think that the extra chemicals can't really be washed out. &nbsp;It seems safer to avoid pajamas that contain these chemicals, and instead buy soft clothing that is not intended for sleepwear.</p>
<p>For clothing the rest of the time, <strong>organic clothing is probably the <em>best</em>&nbsp;solution</strong>, but not a very feasible one for most people. &nbsp;If you can find reasonably priced organic clothing, especially if you can find some used; or if people will buy it for you as gifts, by all means, buy organic! &nbsp;Ideally we'd like to make hemp legal so we could all afford organic clothing, though....</p>
<p>What if you just can't swing it? &nbsp;That would be most of us. &nbsp;In that case, <strong>I'd recommend simply buying second-hand clothing. </strong>&nbsp;It will have been washed many times, largely removing any remaining pesticide residue, and any chemicals used in processing. &nbsp;It also saves the environment by reusing clothing instead of having to have new. &nbsp;It's also highly affordable. &nbsp;Used clothing is probably the best situation for most people.</p>
<p><strong>Do you buy organic clothing? &nbsp;Why or why not?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/04/2011 02:13:39 PM
<p>Good info! I did not know about the flame retardent in children&#39;s pj&#39;s (first time parents with a 4 month old).  We did buy our son a few organic onesies however with the price tags you were spot on  - it&#39;s just not in the cards for his entire wardrobe to be organic.  </p><p>Thanks for the tip on wearing non-sleep intended clothing as pj&#39;s.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 69.177.115.1
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/04/2011 02:32:48 PM
<p>I don&#39;t have kids yet but want them, and when I do have them, I do intend to buy as much second hand clothing as I possibly can. Between how fast kids grow up and the cost of baby clothes, it seems like the only really viable option.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 96.235.46.99
URL: 
DATE: 01/04/2011 03:46:46 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been thinking about this for a while now.  I did find a source for eco-friendly fabrics and I&#39;ve started making my own (and soon my toddler&#39;s) t-shirts.  You can make a nice shirt for around a yard of fabric and they are really easy.  I also highly recommend used clothing, especially for children.  Most things are barely used and I&#39;ve found a lot of satisfaction in re-learning the stain removal techniques of my grandmother&#39;s generation.  I love my homemade organic t-shirts.  They are way more comfortable and they actually cost less than buying them from a store but you do have to factor in the labor.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 01/04/2011 05:11:10 PM
<p>I was told that adding 2 cups of white vinegar to the (HOT) wash load of non-organically produced cotton clothing/bedding eliminates most of the residual chemicals and makes it pretty close to organic cotton in terms of things being left to get on your skin. This is what I do since I currently can&#39;t afford to buy organic clothing/bedding. Have you heard this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/04/2011 05:36:31 PM
<p>I buy organic whenever possible. One way I&#39;ve gotten a lot of organic clothing is by subscribing to the discount sale emails {zulilly, ecobabybuys, the mini social, LilLuxe, etc.} and if there&#39;s a good deal on organics, I&#39;ll stock up then. Usually when I purchase I&#39;m paying under $10 for things. Just in normal day-to-day shopping, however, it is hard to spend or justify a full-retail price purchase on organics. Good info about the chemicals found in regular cotton. A little scary...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alexis
EMAIL: alexisdunigan@gmail.com
IP: 208.52.133.66
URL: 
DATE: 01/04/2011 05:40:29 PM
<p>For reasons you stated, we cannot afford the price tag of organic clothes. However we did buy some organic cloth diapers for daughter because we felt with her being a newborn that her skin is much more sensitive and its worth putting organic cloth against her baby soft skin!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://thehealthyhomeeconomist.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/05/2011 01:49:27 AM
<p>I generally don&#39;t buy organic clothing, but I would like to.   I just don&#39;t have many options where I live and I really don&#39;t like mail order for clothes.    I do have some cotton tights that are organic cotton and one pair that is not (still 100% cotton)   I must say that the organic tights are so much softer and more comfortable than the nonorganic cotton ones .. they are both 100% cotton.  I can&#39;t really explain why they feel so different from each other except the fact that one is organic?   Its very puzzling to me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vicky
EMAIL: mrs.lyashenko@yahoo.com
IP: 67.189.102.54
URL: http://loving-motherhood.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/17/2011 06:24:10 PM
<p>Thank you for this post! Very informative! I will deffinitely buy sleepwear that is not intended for sleep! </p><p>I buy most of my clothes used :) I saved sooo much money!</p><p>I enjoy reading your blog!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Christmas Cookie Exchange at Domestic by Design!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1


DATE: 12/08/2010 04:41:57 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/real%20food%20christmas%20cookie%20exchange.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291826915428" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Christmas cookies are...heavenly.&nbsp; They make the season for many of us.&nbsp; I used to always bake spritz cookies with my mom, and make fudge, which we then passed out to everyone (the mailman, our neighbors, our teachers, etc.).&nbsp; That was Christmas.&nbsp; Ah...delicious.</p>
<p>But cookies are my downfall, baking-wise.&nbsp; I can't seem to figure out how to make them with real food!&nbsp; I like to bake, as you've probably figured out, with small amounts of honey and maple syrup (and now, I even have a special reason for needing to stick to that...which you'll find out about in a couple weeks).&nbsp; But real cookies just don't work that way.</p>
<p>So, today I have a solution for you!&nbsp; <strong>Domestic by Design is hosting a </strong><a href="http://domesticbydesign.com/2010/12/real-food-christmas-cookie-exchange-2/"><strong>Real Food Cookie Exchange</strong></a><strong> today!</strong>&nbsp; Hop over there and share a recipe if you have one, or read all the delicious ones already there if you need one.&nbsp; I was lucky enough to be able to share my fudge recipe (I asked in advance if it was okay) because that, I <em>can</em> do!</p>
<p>I hope you find lots of delicious cookies to bake!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Teaching Our Kids about Sexuality
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/08/2011 01:00:17 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>This is a topic that's been on my mind lately. <strong>&nbsp;Since I'm expecting, and Bekah is almost 3 now, I know there will be some questions and discussions surrounding babies and birth</strong>. &nbsp;She'll be curious. &nbsp;So I started thinking, how do we teach our children about sexuality? &nbsp;When, and why?</p>
<p>A lot of people seem to be afraid of this topic. &nbsp;They're afraid to tell their kids too much, too soon. &nbsp;Or they're just plain embarrassed by the subject. &nbsp;But I'll say this: <strong>if you don't tell your kids, someone else will.</strong> &nbsp;And they might not tell them what you'd like them to know. &nbsp;In fact, they almost certainly won't. &nbsp;Do you want your kids to grow up hearing about sex on the playground, from largely uninformed children, and be afraid to come and ask you questions to clarify?</p>
<p><strong>They <em>will</em>&nbsp;still hear stuff on the playground, but if you have open lines of communication and your child already has some background knowledge, they'll be able to sort out fact from fiction more easily</strong>, and they'll be likely to come to you and say, "My friend told me this. &nbsp;Is it true?" &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>My own background in this topic comes from the fact that at age 19, I started a sex ed website.</strong> &nbsp;I knew that teens were not able to find good sources of accurate information, especially about the true emotional aspects. &nbsp;But they were also confused about many physical aspects. &nbsp;"I can't get pregnant the first time. &nbsp;I can't get pregnant standing up. &nbsp;I can't get pregnant in a hot tub." &nbsp;They just had no idea about their bodies, or their sexuality from an emotional standpoint. &nbsp;And it was leaving them in situations they could not handle and they did not feel they could ask their parents. &nbsp;So they read my site and asked me anonymously. &nbsp;I spent a few years working on that project, although I no longer do it. &nbsp;I'm still passionate about it, though, and I felt before my kids were even born, that we needed to be open about sexuality.</p>
<p>So today I'm going to give you a few tips and thoughts that have been forefront on my mind with this, that have helped me to shape how and when I discuss things with my children.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Answer questions when they're asked, at age appropriate levels.</strong>&nbsp; If your kid is old enough to ask, then answer.&nbsp; It doesn't have to be an elaborate answer, just something.&nbsp; "Where do babies come from?"&nbsp; "Mommies and daddies make them."&nbsp; That's enough for a 3 year old.&nbsp; It's true enough, and no full disclosure lecture is required.&nbsp; My daughter knows this much, knows there is a baby in my tummy now.&nbsp; She hasn't asked more.</li>
<li><strong>Share openly and honestly.</strong>&nbsp; There's no need to be embarrassed if your child asks you something weird.&nbsp; Like, if he comes into the bathroom and points at your private parts and says, "What's THAT?"&nbsp; Just answer him.&nbsp; He needs to know the difference between boys and girls.&nbsp; And if you answer with minimum fuss, he won't think there is anything dirty or wrong about it.</li>
<li><strong>Keep communication open always, even if uncomfortable.</strong>&nbsp; If you follow the point above, there shouldn't be any embarrassment from the child, who will then feel encouraged to keep talking to you.&nbsp; At least for awhile, and maybe forever!&nbsp; When your child is a bit older, you can admit that things are difficult for you to talk about, but say that you're glad they asked and it's important to talk it through.</li>
<li><strong>Don't be afraid to start conversations and share information.</strong>&nbsp; When I got pregnant, I told Bekah that I had a baby in my tummy (well, she told us!, and then showed her videos online of what the baby looks like at different ages.&nbsp; She's even asked to watch birth videos now.&nbsp; I've taken advantage of the situation and her general interest in it to start conversations with her.&nbsp; I show her my weekly emails. "This is what the baby looks like now!"</li>
<li><strong>Teach Biblical principles and thoughts.</strong>&nbsp; Sex is a gift from God, meant to be enjoyed in marriage.&nbsp; We should teach our children that.&nbsp; We should not teach them that sex is dirty, or wrong, or weird.&nbsp; We should share openly about how God gave it to us as a gift, and why it is reserved for marriage.&nbsp; I want my children to <em>celebrate</em> sex, under the right conditions, not fear it!</li>
<li><strong>Check your own hang ups.</strong>&nbsp; A lot of us have hang ups from childhood, maybe about the "talks" our parents had with us, or about nudity, or other things.&nbsp; Realize that those are <em>your</em> hang ups and your child may not, and does not have to, share them.&nbsp; Some people are adamant that children older than 2, or 4, or [fill in the blank] should not shower with opposite gender siblings or parents or ever be seen naked.&nbsp; But why?&nbsp; Is it harming anything?&nbsp; When the child is no longer comfortable, they will naturally be more modest.&nbsp; And obviously you'll do what you are comfortable with in your own home, but think about why you have the rules and ideas that you do.&nbsp; You don't need to share your weirdness with your kids.&nbsp; It's definitely another area to think and choose to teach deliberately!</li>
</ol>
<p>Those are my general thoughts on the subject.&nbsp; <strong>I have thought long and hard about what I want my children to know.</strong>&nbsp; And I let them lead, as to when they'll learn certain things.&nbsp; When they ask, when they're curious.&nbsp; We don't make things like asking questions, noticing the opposite sex, or being naked into issues.&nbsp; We're planning to let Bekah choose if she wants to attend her new sibling's birth next summer.&nbsp; We want our children to understand and celebrate sexuality within a family, first ours, and later within their own marriages.&nbsp; We don't want our children to think that sex is something dirty and taboo that we don't talk about, and then end up feeling guilty and asking friends, getting the wrong information, and experimenting early and feeling ashamed.&nbsp; So openness and information is crucial!&nbsp; The emotional aspects are <em>just as crucial</em> as the physical aspects, if not more so!</p>
<p><strong>Do you talk to your children about sex and sexuality?&nbsp; What do you say or do?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/08/2011 03:16:11 PM
<p>I&#39;m not quite to this stage yet, but I appreciate your ideas. I especially like the portion about explaining to that sex was created by God for enjoyment in <b>marriage</b>. I do think it&#39;s important that we&#39;re not inadvertently conveying to them that sex is wrong or dirty or weird, which can definitely lead to a &quot;fear&quot; of it. Great points!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa
EMAIL: lisagonzales73@yahoo.com
IP: 24.4.182.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/08/2011 03:57:09 PM
<p>I really appreciate this post! I have some of that baggage from when I was a kid - we didn&#39;t discuss anything, the obligatory talk with my mom was awkward at best (more so on her part), nudity was a no-no - but I really try to not bring that into my family and give my kids those same problems. I have always been open with my kids as much as possible. My oldest is 11 and he will still talk to me about things of this nature. Sometimes it  makes me nervous to bring things up (like the talk I felt needed to happen before the big 5th grade maturation video at school) or talking with my step daughter about menstruation, but I really feel like it brought us closer together and let them know that they could come to me with questions. As it turns out, some of the things we talked about were already questions they hadn&#39;t asked, and one of the topics I brought up to try to head off mis-information from school was already brought up-at school (with friends). Sorry for such a long winded comment, but I REALLY appreciated this post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Youthful One
EMAIL: neoterikos1@gmail.com
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 01/08/2011 05:57:36 PM
<p>My eldest is 11, but we homeschool and don&#39;t socialize much with public school kids.  He hasn&#39;t had an opportunity to have even &#39;playground&#39; chats.  It&#39;s good for me to see that kids his age are being introduced to this in public school.  That helps me to know how to prepare him.<br/>I have 6 kids, so we&#39;ve definitely had chats about where babies come from, but we emphasize that God creates the baby in Mama&#39;s tummy.<br/>We try to face things with a flat, matter-of-fact attitude as well.  We also address questions as they come up.<br/>We discuss modesty, but don&#39;t make a giant deal of it within the family.  For example, when they get out of the tub, we ask them to get dressed in their room, but sometimes they may run through the house in a towel while they look for clothes to wear.  However, they are firmly instructed to be clothed at all times in front of non-household members.<br/>We also have been teaching them to be very protective of their &#39;private areas&#39;.  While I want them to be comfortable with their own body, I don&#39;t want them to be free with anybody else touching their body.  Having been molested at a young age by two different people- within the family and a family friend - and never taught to tell or resist, I find this very important.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: nicolerenee515@hotmail.com
IP: 65.185.47.86
URL: 
DATE: 01/08/2011 07:12:47 PM
<p>Great post! My daughter was 2 1/2 when my baby was born.  I planned on letting her make the decision of being in on the birth (with my sister watching over her).  I went into serious labor as soon as she laid down for nap, and she woke up 5 minutes before the birth. My sister held her and she watched the whole time.  We read a children&#39;s book at the Choice office that told a great story. (It even helped me prepare myself for the birth!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/08/2011 08:41:10 PM
<p>Youthful One,</p><p>You&#39;re right, I forgot to mention that part.  We have also discussed that we don&#39;t touch other peoples&#39; private parts, and other people should not touch ours, except Mommy, Daddy, and maybe the doctor.  Mostly we say &quot;Mommy and Daddy&quot; as in, if helping with the bathroom.  When they&#39;re older we&#39;ll teach them that we don&#39;t touch without permission and discuss how that might occur within marriage, but, not until they are older and able to grasp sexuality.  We have been lucky and have not had any experiences with molestation, but don&#39;t want to open our kids up to it.  I have heard though, that just knowing what their private parts are called and being able to say &quot;Don&#39;t touch my vagina,&quot; for example, goes a long way towards deterring potential molesters, because they know the child has been taught and will likely tell on them.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: alan
EMAIL: roberts.ecofarm@gmail.com
IP: 72.69.97.202
URL: 
DATE: 01/08/2011 11:54:51 PM
<p>Our homeschool kids are FARM kids.  Sex is part of life here.  We have rabbits, chickens, goats, and cats in both genders (all the cats are finally fixed, that was part of the conversation...)  They know the result of sexual contact.  Goats allow us to discuss hormonally driven behavior in both genders.  The plethora of spring babies and the work involved in caring for them reinforces the long term reality.  </p><p>It&#39;s still a difficult topic.  Kids only want/need so much detail.  But, If we as parents are hesitant or embarrased to even touch the topic, it sets up blocks that will cause problems later. </p><p>I like your idea of keeping open lines of comunication.  Not easy, but VERY important.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.69.21.41
URL: 
DATE: 01/09/2011 01:34:03 AM
<p>Great post! We&#39;re trying to make sure our kids grow up without the &quot;eek&quot; some people attach to sexuality. When my son (now 3) discovered his penis, he asked what this was and I told him &quot;it&#39;s your penis&quot;, he asked &quot;that&#39;s where pee comes out?&quot; and my answer was &quot;yes&quot;. That&#39;s all he wanted to know. It&#39;s so true that if you just answer the question they ask, in a simple, age-approriate manner without leaving out vital parts or nicknaming things, they&#39;re usually just happy with the answer and that&#39;s all they wanted to know. No need to get embarrassed and think they might want to know too much too soon. They usually don&#39;t, especially at that age.<br/>My pregnancy last year and the baby&#39;s birth were great opportunities for him to learn more, especially now that the baby is a girl, he&#39;s learning about girl parts, too :-) And he knew exactly how the baby was going to come out, and I think even took his grandma by surprise when he told her. He ended up deciding that he&#39;d rather go play at Grandma&#39;s than stay to watch the baby be born, but boy was he ever excited when we called to say she was here. He told everyone where the baby had come from LOL</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home
EMAIL: laryssa@heaveninthehome.com
IP: 69.139.119.4
URL: http://www.heaveninthehome.com
DATE: 01/09/2011 03:47:01 AM
<p>I just answer questions as they come up or offer information as they seem ready.  We&#39;ve always handled everything as very normal and kept things low key.  I always ask if they have any more questions after I explain things. Even if you are feeling awkward...just hide it. ;-) As you said they don&#39;t need to pick up our hang ups. :-)</p><p>It&#39;s a wonderful thing to be able to tell them about what a beautiful thing God did in making sex a part of marriage and building a family.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/09/2011 05:53:52 PM
<p>You are addressing a topic I am passionate about. I was raised with absolutely no sex education - not even &#39;the talk&#39; - just a book handed to me weeks before my wedding. I do not resent my parents for this - I believe they experienced similar lack of communication from their own parents - but I do want things to be different for my children. </p><p>One great motivator in working to keep lines of communication open and the other things that you recommend, even if it&#39;s embarrassing, is that I believe to do otherwise is to set our children up for pain and confusion in the future. It is only by God&#39;s grace that I have the fulfilling sexual relationship that I do enjoy with my husband, because I believe my upbringing almost guaranteed the opposite - a prudish, frigid bride, unable to rejoice in the gift of sexuality. I would not wish that on any of my children.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/09/2011 10:15:19 PM
<p>Great points. It is a touchy subject for sure, especially when my parents made it into something we never talked about. Its hard not to bring the same feelings into our family. But you are right, who else can explain it better then parents. I guess we are all afraid that if we are open about it, the kids will think its ok to be sexual, but as long as we mention it in the contex of marriage, it should be fine. Thanks for a great post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica Moore
EMAIL: salamatsizbah@hotmail.com
IP: 65.0.36.177
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 10:57:03 PM
<p>I totally agree! I just wanted to comment and encourage you about letting Bekah in on the birth. My DH thought it might be weird for our 4-year-old boy and 2.5-year-old girl to witness our homebirth or that it might be &quot;too much for them to handle.&quot; They ended up being there, right on the bed with me and it was absolutely the best part of the birth! <br/>I will forever cherish the memories of my 4yo turning my face toward his and kissing me every time he though I might be in pain and my 2yo reminding me that it would hurt a some and be hard work, but then the baby would come out! (something I had told her in preparation for the birth)<br/>They still, 5 months later, talk about the birth with such excitement! <br/>For us, it worked best for them to be up near my head and shoulders. That way they were out of the midwife&#39;s way, but they could still be very much a part. <br/>I hope your birth experience is everything you want it to be whatever you decide.<br/>Blessings,<br/>Jessica</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Misconceptions about Extended and Tandem Nursing
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/14/2011 01:00:55 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28332173@N03/3315953152/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/breastfeeding.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294707844941" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 333px;">Image by Mel 'GW' Stampa</span></span></p>
<p>I know a lot about nursing.</p>
<p>Okay, so, my nearly 3 year old is still nursing [a little].&nbsp; We nursed through my second pregnancy, and have continued with tandem nursing for about 18 months now.&nbsp; I've definitely "extended" nursed given their ages.&nbsp; I'm pregnant again and we're <em>still </em>nursing through that!&nbsp; <strong>Obviously I'm a big supporter of extended and tandem nursing.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>I've noticed over the last couple of years that there are a <em>lot</em> of weird attitudes and misconceptions about extended and tandem nursing.</strong>&nbsp; I think that's sad, because a lot of women who might otherwise try it are deterred by a lack of information or the attitudes of those around them.&nbsp; I can't tell you how many times I've heard "I really wanted to keep going...but people thought it was weird, so I stopped."&nbsp; I've also heard a lot of people say, "That's <em>wrong</em>.&nbsp; It's <em>disgusting</em>.&nbsp; It's sexual, the mom is making the kid," and so on.&nbsp; Clearly we have some serious misconceptions here!</p>
<p>Today I'd like to address some of the most common misconceptions and explain them.&nbsp; I'd also like to note that extended and tandem nursing is <em>not</em> for everyone, by any means!&nbsp; <strong>But for those who choose it, they should receive understanding and support.</strong></p>
<p>[And yes, I really have heard <em>all</em> of these before!]</p>
<p>1. <strong>"Extended" nursing is beyond 6 months of age.</strong>&nbsp; Sorry, no.&nbsp; Some define "extended" nursing as past 1 year of age, which is the minimum that the AAP recommends.&nbsp; Others define it as past 2 years, which is what the WHO recommends.&nbsp; A child who relies primarily on milk for nourishment is definitely not in that category, which should be the case at 6 months of age.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Nursing past a certain age [1, 2, 3, etc.] is, by definition, just wrong.&nbsp; The "normal" weaning age is no more than 1 year old.</strong>&nbsp; Actually, the world wide weaning age is about 4.&nbsp; <em>Years</em>, not months.&nbsp; Nursing past a certain age may not feel right or be the right choice for <em>you</em>, but there is no way to set an objective standard.&nbsp; A nursing relationship should end when a mother and child feel that it is time.&nbsp; Remember that the WHO recommends at least 2 years, and as long after as the mother and child wish to continue.&nbsp; Our perspective is skewed because very, very few mothers do nurse much beyond three months in the U.S.</p>
<p>3. <strong>Nursing becomes sexual and therefore inappropriate at an older age.</strong>&nbsp; Nursing is never sexual.&nbsp; Yes, it involves the breasts, but children don't think about breasts as being sexual.&nbsp; They are a source of nourishment and comfort.&nbsp; Children don't develop sexually, normally, until they are in their pre teen or teen years, by which time all known children have ceased nursing.&nbsp; 7 or 8 is the upper limit, in general, and that's rare; most children have not started to develop by then.&nbsp; The only people who see nursing as "sexual" are those on the outside who do not understand the relationship and are interpreting it through an adult's eyes.&nbsp; But between a mother and child, it simply is not like that.</p>
<p>4. <strong>The mom is "making" the child continue to nurse when he doesn't really want to, because she can't let her baby grow up.&nbsp; She has weird hang ups and dependency on her child.</strong>&nbsp; Anyone who thinks this has probably never nursed a child, and certainly not an older one!&nbsp; And may not even <em>have</em> a child.&nbsp; Have you ever tried to make a 1, 2, or 3 year old do anything they don't want to do?&nbsp; They are extremely contrary.&nbsp; They are very stubborn.&nbsp; You cannot <em>make</em> a child nurse, no matter how much you try [many moms try around 8 or 9 months when their babies still really need milk but are easily distracted, and it doesn't work very well].&nbsp; Many moms eventually develop a love/hate relationship with nursing.&nbsp; They love having quiet moments and snuggling their children, but they hate demands for milk at odd times, acrobat behavior, and tantrums when they don't get to nurse immediately.&nbsp; Nursing is about both the mom and the child, but the mom is definitely doing it <em>for the child</em>, not for herself!</p>
<p>5. <strong>Breastmilk provides no health benefits beyond 1 year of age.</strong>&nbsp; This is just ludicrous.&nbsp; Breastmilk is known to be probably the healthiest, most natural substance we can possibly ever consume.&nbsp; Its benefits are so lengthy we don't even know them all yet.&nbsp; This doesn't magically cease to be true when a child turns 1!&nbsp; Breastmilk continues to provide immunologic benefits to children as long as they are nursing, and it actually helps to develop their immune systems, not complete until around age 6.&nbsp; Benefits are in no way negated or even lessened by a child growing older.&nbsp; The only way they're at all "lessened" is because the child slowly gets fewer and fewer calories at the breast, and more and more from table food.</p>
<p>6. <strong>If a mom wants to give her kid the benefits of breastmilk, she should just pump and give it in a cup.</strong>&nbsp; Nursing is about far more than just the health benefits, which <em>are</em> important.&nbsp; But it's also about the snuggling, the closeness, the bond between mom and child.&nbsp; As the child ages they will often replace nursing sessions with cuddling sessions.&nbsp; On occasions Bekah doesn't nurse now, she will say, "Okay, I want to snuggle with you instead."&nbsp; No adults have a problem with a child cuddling with their parents, nor would they suggest the child cuddle a stuffed animal instead.&nbsp; Nursing is the same: it's about the bond and closeness, and pumping milk into a cup just isn't the same.&nbsp; Also, it's often impossible.&nbsp; Many moms can never pump much, and even if they can early on, their supply regulates to the child's demand and suction levels [which are very, very efficient, especially at an older age] and a pump just can't match that and can't get any milk.</p>
<p>7. <strong>The child's friends will laugh at him or make fun of him if they find out he is still nursing.</strong>&nbsp; This assumes that first of all, his friends will find out.&nbsp; And they probably won't, because it's just not something a child talks about.&nbsp; Even if they do, most children will be merely curious.&nbsp; Think I'm wrong?&nbsp; Over Christmas, Bekah demanded to nurse in the mornings in front of our extended family.&nbsp; Her 5 year old cousin was merely curious.&nbsp; She did not think it was weird, and no one made a big deal of it.&nbsp; No one laughed.&nbsp; Younger children are truly just curious and accept things.&nbsp; The "laughing at each other" stuff doesn't happen until around age 8 or 9, by which time the child has likely long since weaned.</p>
<p>8. <strong>An older child nurses many times a day, and the mom will need to come to school to nurse during recess.</strong>&nbsp; An older child probably only nurses once or twice a day, and may even skip some days.&nbsp; Nursing is a comfort reserved for certain times of day.&nbsp; Bekah typically nurses twice a day, and the second nursing is very short [sometimes only seconds long].&nbsp; Usually, first thing in the morning and right before bed are those times.&nbsp; Parents certainly would <em>not</em> ever go to school to nurse a child during recess!&nbsp; The only time a child would probably nurse more frequently is during illness, in which case they wouldn't be in school anyway.&nbsp; Nursing decreases in frequency more and more until it just stops one day.</p>
<p>9. <strong>You can't nurse during pregnancy.&nbsp; It's dangerous and will cause a miscarriage.</strong>&nbsp; Nope.&nbsp; As long as you are healthy enough for sexual activity, you don't have to worry.&nbsp; The oxytocin produced is not enough to cause serious contractions or problems.&nbsp; It may, however, make your baby wake up and bounce around like "What is going <em>on</em> here?!"&nbsp; But it won't hurt the baby.</p>
<p>1O. <strong>An older child can't nurse at the same time as a baby, the baby will not get enough milk.</strong>&nbsp; While you do have to pay attention to this, especially in the early weeks while establishing your supply, you're more likely to have <em>too much</em> milk than too little.&nbsp; It's important to let the baby nurse first if possible, then let your older child nurse.&nbsp; Your body will produce enough for both.&nbsp; As long as you're nursing the baby on demand, your baby will not starve.</p>
<p>11. <strong>You'll have increased sibling rivalry if you let the older child nurse.</strong>&nbsp; Nope.&nbsp; Usually works the other way.&nbsp; The older child doesn't feel forced to wean or like you're taking "his milk" away and giving it to the baby.&nbsp; He knows he can still have it when he wants it [which might be often for weeks or months after the baby comes].&nbsp; He knows he will have "special time" with mom, too, so his sibling rivalry is less.&nbsp; Sometimes, especially once the baby is a few months old, siblings will actually nurse at the same time, and will snuggle into each other or hold hands.&nbsp; [Or fight...lol.]</p>
<p>12. <strong>The milk can only be made for one child at a time so it's going to screw someone up.</strong>&nbsp; No.&nbsp; The milk will be made for the baby's needs, since the baby is entirely dependent on you for nourishment and your older child is mostly eating table food.&nbsp; Your older child may gain some weight from the fatty new milk, and may have loose, breastmilk poop for awhile, if he nurses often enough.&nbsp; This is normal and in no way harmful to either child.</p>
<p><strong>That's all I can think of right now!&nbsp; What myths and misconceptions have you heard about extended or tandem nursing?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Elizabeth @ Nourishing Creations
EMAIL: nourishingcakes@gmail.com
IP: 173.59.239.142
URL: http://www.nourishingcreations.com
DATE: 01/14/2011 02:51:08 PM
<p>I really admire tandem nursing moms! I think that there is no substitute for nourishing breastmilk for a growing child. I have a confession to make-  even though I nursed my daughter for 2 years and 4 months, sometimes I really miss it, and also I think her body really thrived having the breastmilk, especially as my diet became more nourishing.  Since she&#39;s weaned, I can tell she&#39;s not getting the same nutritional benefits as she once was! Plus, the sippy cup is now her comfort- even at 3 years old.  All the raw grass-fed cows milk she can drink, will still never compare to nutrients from the few ounces of breastmilk from extended nursing that she was getting.    I say, go for it,  with my next child, we&#39;ll probably nurse longer than 2 yrs, knowing what i&#39;m going through with my 3 yr old now!    My 3 yr olds jaw structure was more round and normal, and her teeth were stronger while breastfeeding, than they are now, from being weaned 8 months later. If I can protect my childs teeth and bone structure, i&#39;d breastfeed as long as it takes!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.163.17.248
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 02:57:42 PM
<p>Great post. I think those who are able to tandem nurse should feel very fortunate. I REALLY wanted to do it, but around 15wks when my older daughter was 15 months I dried up and she quit trying. :( I was devastated. That was my single concern with nursing through a pregnancy. I knew I could deal with any of the points you mentioned, but there wasn&#39;t anything I could do to make my body continue producing milk. I hoped that once baby came the toddler would resume nursing, but she hasn&#39;t shown any interest at all.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 03:01:05 PM
<p>I nursed DD#1 for 21 months, until I was 3 months pregnant with DD#2. It was a mutual weaning, and it was emotional when the time came. She was just comfort nursing every other day or so at the end. I hope to nurse DD#2  at least as long...maybe even try to go a full two years or longer.</p><p>What do you think of &quot;demand&quot; nursing past a year? I was forced to get DD#1 on a schedule early on because I went back to work full-time, and I had to have certain times for her sitter to give her my pumped milk and for me to pump at work. I still kept to somewhat of a schedule when I quit work when she was 6 months. Her weaning was very gradual, cutting out a feeding every few months, etc.</p><p>My sister laughed at me for nursing &quot;so long,&quot; but now she&#39;s still nursing her 16-month-old--on demand! She literally nurses him the same amount as I nurse my 12-week-old. The only milk he has ever had is hers. He is so attached that she literally cannot go to the bathroom for 5 minutes without him screaming for her. She has never gotten a babysitter for him or put him in the church nursery. She and her husband even took him--and had him sleep between them--on their anniversary trip.</p><p>Is it possible to be too attached, or should I just say &quot;To each his own&quot;?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 03:17:05 PM
<p>In response to #4 - I sometimes can&#39;t &quot;make&quot; my 4 month old nurse when he&#39;s distracted by something (which incidently can be anything from the dog to the sunlight shining in the window!)  LOL  </p><p>Thank you for this post.  It encourages me to keep pressing on with breastfeeding.  I have supply issues and at times I&#39;ve felt like giving up but after much crying and prayer I know I am to continue until the Lord releases me from nursing and if that&#39;s past 12 months so be it!  </p><p>Blessings!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica Moore
EMAIL: salamatsizbah@hotmail.com
IP: 65.0.16.194
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 03:23:20 PM
<p>Thanks for this; it&#39;s such an encouragement! <br/>Here are the comments I hear (not necessarily directed at me and my nursing toddler, just in general from people who probably don&#39;t know my 2.5yo still nurses along with her 5mo brother)</p><p>&quot;When they&#39;re old enough to ask for it, that&#39;s too old&quot;<br/>Seriously? What baby doesn&#39;t &quot;ask&quot; for it? Just b/c my older child can put it into words is not much different. And btw, she asks very nicely in full sentences... Can I please nurse, Mommy? :)</p><p>&quot;When they get teeth, it&#39;s time for real food.&quot; <br/>People that say this don&#39;t know when babies get teeth or when doctors recommend that even formula-fed infants get weaned from their bottles. My two preveious babies have gotten teeth later than average, around 9 months, and still, they were not ready for exclusively solid-food diets. It seems that bottle-fed babies get teeth a little sooner on average, and even formula-fed babies are not dr.-recommended to be exclusively on solids before a year.</p><p>That&#39;s all I can think of for now. I&#39;m sure there&#39;s more though :)</p><p>Jessica</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carlyn
EMAIL: tlroes@hay.net
IP: 67.220.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 04:01:07 PM
<p>I&#39;ve changed my vocabulary (at least how I THINK of it) to full-term breastfeeding, instead of extended breastfeeding. This changes the perspective from doing something weird and unusual to doing something natural and healthy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 08:16:32 PM
<p>Misconception I&#39;ve heard recently you mentioned above. My sister-in-law asked if I would be breastfeeding past a years as she thinks it&#39;s &quot;gross&quot;. I told her of course I would be, why would I suddenly switch to cow&#39;s milk. She looked at me like I had two heads. I told her there is nothing magical about turning &quot;1&quot;.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/14/2011 10:25:20 PM
<p>Erin,</p><p>As to your sister&#39;s son, I think mine could have been like that.  He is SUPER attached to me.  I was, unfortunately, sick last night, and although he wasn&#39;t (and isn&#39;t), he would not sleep because he sensed that something was wrong.  He screams &quot;MAMAMAMA!&quot; if he hasn&#39;t seen me in awhile.  He shoves his hands down my shirt and begs to nurse.  Now, this isn&#39;t constant behavior, just if he has been away from me awhile.</p><p>But he&#39;s also very social, so some of this is driven by his need to just have attention.  So I encouraged him to develop relationships with others too.  I did put him in the nursery, though not till 8 months.</p><p>I think that it&#39;s good to allow and foster independence without trying to &quot;force&quot; it.  I also think demand nursing is generally a good thing, but the older the child gets, the more nursing is a partnership.  So I&#39;d say up until 18 months or so, maybe 2 years, I&#39;ll nurse &quot;mostly&quot; on demand.  Not every time, but when I know the child is tired, or upset, or needs to connect with me.  After that I&#39;ll restrict it more and more depending on the situation.  My 3 year old WOULD nurse more often, but I tell her no and she doesn&#39;t fight me about it.  I think that once a baby is able to demand &quot;wants&quot; and not &quot;needs&quot; that balance needs to be struck.</p><p>Would I leave my kids overnight?  No...I have never done it.  That&#39;s what I&#39;m comfortable with, though.  But I certainly leave them with grandparents for an afternoon or in the church nursery.  Every parent has to decide what they are really comfortable with.  Maybe your sister LIKES how her son is, and he won&#39;t be that way forever (I hope!).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: deliciousobsessions@gmail.com
IP: 98.245.78.211
URL: http://www.deliciousobsessions.com
DATE: 01/14/2011 10:47:19 PM
<p>I think this is a fantastic article. I don&#39;t have children yet, but we are planning to start a family in the next few years and I am starting to educate myself on all things baby. Nursing is a subject that is a little intimidating to me. But, it&#39;s because it&#39;s foreign, I&#39;ve not had to do it yet, and it&#39;s something I&#39;ve never really talked about or researched, other than saying yes, i&#39;ll nurse because I know it&#39;s the best possible thing I can do for my baby!</p><p>I love reading your articles. I&#39;m learning so much from you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica T.
EMAIL: sojournerstogether@gmail.com
IP: 64.118.103.79
URL: http://jessicatelian.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/14/2011 11:15:34 PM
<p>Thank you so much for this post!  My little man is just over a year old and I&#39;m about 25 weeks pregnant with our second little one, due at the end of April.  I&#39;m planning on and want to tandem nurse when the new baby comes, but my one-year-old kind of lost interest in nursing when my supply went WAY down in the second trimester.  He now only nurses before naptimes and bedtime and when he wakes up in the morning and often it&#39;s only for a minute or two.  I&#39;ve heard of that happening to a lot of women and then when the supply comes back when the new baby is born, the toddler is often very interested again, but I&#39;ve also heard of things going the other way too.  So it will be interesting to see what happens...  Did you have problems with your supply dropping when you nursed through your second pregnancy (or with this pregnancy)?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.21.135.152
URL: http://unexpectedlytraditional.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/15/2011 12:32:14 AM
<p>I am currently nursing my 19 month old and 22 weeks pregnant.  I&#39;m pretty surprised my milk has dried up.  I still seem to have enough for my daughter!  The biggest comments/questions I hear are:</p><p>How could I possibly have gotten pregnant while breastfeeding?  ummm...yeah, my cycle returned when my daughter was about 4 months old, so it wasn&#39;t so hard.  I&#39;m always surprised by this question since people constantly talk about how breastfeeding is not an effective form of birth control.  </p><p>and</p><p>How do you still have milk during pregnancy?  Like I said, I&#39;m kinda surprised myself, but always knew it was a possibility that my milk would never dry up.  I&#39;m sure my supply has decreased, but it doesn&#39;t even seem like it&#39;s done that much.  My daughter&#39;s a snacker though, so it&#39;s kinda hard to tell.  </p><p>Thanks for the article!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin S
EMAIL: erinsikma@gmail.com
IP: 72.192.248.140
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 01:13:45 AM
<p>I have a question- I was wondering about colostrum. For the new baby,would there be any colostrum? I&#39;ve always heard that is one of the most beneficial things a baby can have. </p><p>My son is about to turn 1, and I always thought that this is when I would stop. Now..I&#39;m not so sure. I&#39;m definitely open to keep going, and I don&#39;t even know how to make him wean! I know that my parents and many of my friends will find it weird or gross, but I don&#39;t want that to be the reason I stop.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brianna Graber
EMAIL: heartforliberia@gmail.com
IP: 174.100.211.132
URL: http://www.fountainlove.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:10:50 AM
<p>This is my first visit to your blog, and I just wanted to drop a comment and let you know I&#39;ve been really enjoying it.  I haven&#39;t tried tandem, but would definitely love to, depending on timing of kiddos- our (only) daughter is 7 months old.  I&#39;m really appreciating all your info; I&#39;m a health nut and all things natural wife/mom...  :-)  I&#39;ve just recently dug into some topics you have a lot of info on, which I&#39;m grateful for- like keeping milk supply up through pregnancy (I&#39;m not pregnant,  but would love more as the Lord gives), best nutrition for me while nourishing one or two, baby&#39;s first foods, etc.  So much info; I could spend hours and hours here!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 69.177.115.1
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:30:26 AM
<p>It&#39;s definitely good to read stories like this. I was listening to BBC news this morning and they had a spot on this morning from doctors saying one should not nurse past six month. Was just shaking my head through the whole spot and thinking that whenever I have kid(s), I am going to let them decide.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: brittney
EMAIL: brit_breeding@yahoo.com
IP: 75.200.43.177
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 03:55:36 AM
<p>Wow this message came at the best time! My son just turned 2 on the 4th and everyone and their mother is questioning me about his nursing habits. Oh is he still nursing? You are planning on stopping soon right?  I am in no way ready to stop and he is defiantly no where near it.  My dad asked me today if i was going to nurse him until he was 16:/ I said &quot;really dad? He just now started talking.. and not even in sentences! and for your opinion children loose their sucking ability around 6 to 8:) This was all light hearted with a air of disappointment.  Britton still nurses as much as he did when he was prob 10mo old! No joke! Its kinda wearing on me and I am wondering what I should do about it because if it wasn&#39;t for him nursing 3 or 4 plus times a night it would be perfect! I cant tell if I am doing that part for me or him... partially because when he wakes its so much easier to just turn over and nurse him back to sleep.. 2nd I really will fall apart hearing him cry so heartbroken for hours until he gives up I will ever come to his rescue. 3rd Britton has always been a light sleeper .. so I thought! Every time he spends the night with my mom (which he asks to do! he loves her as much as me) he sleeps all through the night!!!! what is that? he has never done that with me or my husband. Thats why I feel we need to do something a little different.. Just not sure what yet. Thanks for the great post! I feel part of a big ,caring, healthy, and loving family:) Oh and any suggestions are welcome!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:24:04 AM
<p>Thanks for a fantastic post!  I am hoping to TTC soon and plan to nurse throughout pregnancy, tandem nurse and do extended nursing until they feel they want to wean.  Who knows, maybe I&#39;ll be asking you for advice in the months to come!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.21.184.135
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 05:05:01 AM
<p>Great post - I&#39;m 8.5 months pregnant and still nursing my almost-two-year old, at least before naps and occasionally at bedtime.  One comment to add to your misconceptions is one I had that goes the other way - I have always been open to tandem nursing, but never realized how difficult nursing during pregnancy would be.  </p><p>My daughter was three when baby #2 arrived and she weaned several months earlier when my milk basically had dried up and it was getting really painful.  I was totally open to her starting up again, but when she asked after baby arrived, she couldn&#39;t remember how!  This time I think my son, who&#39;s younger, still really needs to nurse so I didn&#39;t want to wean him altogether but it&#39;s definitely been a challenge, again, given the pain.  Tender breasts plus less milk plus bigger kid... yikes.  In comparison, I can hardly wait until baby #3 gets here so I have some milk again!  So my misconception was that the hard part would be the tandem nursing itself ... but nursing while you&#39;re waiting for the next baby seems harder so far. ;)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Vanessa
EMAIL: jewelsntreasures@yahoo.com
IP: 97.112.27.91
URL: http://jewelsandtreasures.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/15/2011 05:50:11 AM
<p>Thank you for writing this post! I too was an extended nurser and nursed through my pregnancy with my second daughter! I posted a similar post on my blog about it: http://jewelsandtreasures.blogspot.com/2010/02/you-what.html But thank you for spreading the word about something so important!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/15/2011 05:07:57 PM
<p>Brittney</p><p>[Keyboard missing keys thanks to kids!  Sorry for weird message.]  You coud try snugging him when he wakes up instead of automaticay nursing him.  I did that with my son around 15 months.  I had been just automaticay nursing him but sometimes he didnt even seem to want it!  So then I started offering a cup of water or a snugge instead and he sept better.  Then we moved him out of our room a coupe weeks ater because he was no onger nursing at night but was sti waking up!  Now he usuay wakes once or twice a night if he cant find his cup and occasionay wi want to nurse but not a the time.  I sti comforted him and sti do never et him cry.  But I just stopped offering nursing as the first option.  If he asks/insists I wi but try not to.  I bet you can make it work!  I am going to post on seeping babies again soon and how we got my son from waking every hour or more to seeping at east a good 5 to 7 hour stretch most nights.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen
EMAIL: jen.e.mckinney@gmail.com
IP: 71.127.85.20
URL: 
DATE: 01/16/2011 05:23:28 AM
<p>I have IGT and nurse using a supplementer until our babies get enough other food for me to stop supplementing at the breast.  I had less information and misinterpreted a nursing strike in our eldest daughter, who nursed for seven months.  Our second nursed well into her third year, even though I know I didn&#39;t make very much milk toward the end, if any at all.  She called it &#39;silver milk&#39; and now, at age five, claims to remember those cuddly times spent together.  She&#39;s glad our new baby nurses, and I&#39;m glad we can decide together how long we intend to do so.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.7.228
URL: 
DATE: 01/19/2011 07:54:00 PM
<p>I was very interested in tandem nursing, but I was unable to get pregnant without quitting nursing and actually had two early miscarriages because I didn&#39;t have enough progesterone since the prolactin was over-riding it.  Unfortunately.  My son was nursed for 27 months and he had shown some signs he was ready to wean. It wasn&#39;t a horrible thing for him, he began sleeping through the night, and he always knows the &quot;nursies&quot; are there for him.  Over the summer he would ask from time to time and I nursed if he asked. He was hospitalized and put under  for three days for croup (completely swollen airways, had to be intubated) in November (after he had been weaned for five months) and when he came to out of his heavy sedation, the first thing he asked was &quot;Carry you (me) and nursies?&quot;  Guess what, I didn&#39;t hesitate to nurse him at all.  The nurse was from South Africa and we had great conversations about extended nursing, the horrors of circumcision, REAL nutrition and a bunch of random other stuff.  He nursed off and on that day and has only asked one or two other times.  The best thing is I got pregnant in October, and Jameson is getting a sibling which is very important to me.  Perhaps he will ask to nurse when the new baby comes along, and that&#39;s great, but he may also feel more grown up &quot;passing on&quot; the nursies to his new baby brother or sister.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/19/2011 10:07:14 PM
<p>Aimee,</p><p>Sometimes my son (18 months) demands to nurse, but then just snuggles against my breast.  He seeks it as an all-around-comfort almost more than for milk, really!  And hey, that&#39;s something we can all do. :)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Natural Living Priorities
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/10/2011 01:00:05 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/u-suke/256355791/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="/storage/vegetables.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294598609106" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by kawanet</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2011/01/monday-mania-1102011/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>I first thought about this after reading other bloggers' take on the matter: natural living V. God. &nbsp;And at the time, I thought, these women are taking it too far. &nbsp;They're saying that it almost doesn't even matter what you choose, that junk food is perfectly okay. &nbsp;And as a "real food blogger" that didn't sit right with me. &nbsp;I've had a lot more time to think about it, though, and want to take a bit of a different approach to this post than I had planned. <strong>&nbsp;God does work on your mind and heart when you let Him.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Eating well and living simply and naturally is important. </strong>&nbsp;Especially for us, but, I suspect, for a lot of my readers as well. &nbsp;<strong>But <em>why</em>?</strong> &nbsp;What is your motivation? &nbsp;Is it because it is currently popular, trendy? &nbsp;Is it because your friends or family members are doing it? &nbsp;Is it because you desire to live your life for the Lord, and you believe this is His way? &nbsp;Is it because you're concerned for your health or your family's health? &nbsp;What is your real reason?</p>
<p>And how do you feel about that decision? &nbsp;Do you feel that you can never meet the standard, never be good enough? &nbsp;Do you feel uneasy about the next "uh oh" topic to come, but generally happy? &nbsp;<strong>Or are you at peace with your life like never before?</strong></p>
<p>These are important questions to ask. <strong>&nbsp;If your primary motivation for living naturally is because it's currently popular, or you feel terrified and uneasy about every bite your children do (or don't) eat, something's not right.</strong> &nbsp;It's not supposed to be that way.</p>
<p>It took me a long time to see it this way because I <em>don't</em>&nbsp;worry about things much. &nbsp;I've been known, many times, when we are away from home to say, "Eh, well...that's probably not the <em>best</em>&nbsp;thing, but just this once won't hurt." &nbsp;<strong>I feel freedom in occasional treats. &nbsp;I don't worry if it's not perfect or organic.</strong> &nbsp;Clearly I try not to make a habit of it because that's <em>not</em>&nbsp;good. &nbsp;But we don't need to be perfect all the time.</p>
<p><strong>Most of the time I feel such freedom in what I've chosen. </strong>&nbsp;Since I sprout my grains and buy raw milk, my children can enjoy these foods instead of being severely restricted by a grain-free/dairy-free diet! &nbsp;But I've also found freedom in buying a certain type of "bunny crackers" at times, too. &nbsp;I feel like I've struck balance well, because it's not in me to be completely anal and totally committed to anything on earth.</p>
<p><strong>I say it that way because my commitment to God never wavers.</strong> &nbsp;He is always first. &nbsp;He has entrusted me my family, and it is my job to care for them and protect them. &nbsp;I am to keep them safe and healthy here on earth. &nbsp;He watches over us and guides us. &nbsp;He knows our lives and our hearts.</p>
<p>I've seen some bloggers say, "We cannot add a single day to our lives, nor preserve our health, by making healthy choices." &nbsp;But is that <em>really true</em>?</p>
<p>I don't think it is. &nbsp;Not the way it's stated. &nbsp;God does know the length of our lives, as He set it out. &nbsp;<strong>We cannot make that longer, whether he's given us one day or a hundred years. &nbsp;But we can make that <em>shorter</em>, because God has also given us free will. &nbsp;</strong>We can choose to eat junk food, never exercise, smoke, drink, or engage in risky behaviors. &nbsp;And we could die by Satan's hand because of our poor choices, long before God would have taken us. &nbsp;<em>We don't know the length of our days</em>. &nbsp;So we must live by turning our eyes to God and making the best possible choices in all areas of our lives.</p>
<p>As I'm writing this, song lyrics are playing in my head:</p>
<p><em>Christ, be the center of our eyes/Be the place we fix our eyes/Be the center of our lives....</em></p>
<p>This should always be true. &nbsp;<strong>But it doesn't mean that we should not make the best choices we can, prayerfully. </strong>&nbsp;It does not mean that we will not live healthfully and free of disease if we make good choices. &nbsp;I <em>know</em>&nbsp;this is true.</p>
<p><strong>Recently we went through a difficult season, with my morning sickness and the holidays occurring all at once. </strong>&nbsp;We didn't cook as much, we ate out or away from home more often. &nbsp;We ate more convenience foods. &nbsp;Ben cooked some. &nbsp;We didn't eat enough, in general. &nbsp;We forgot our supplements. &nbsp;We didn't get massages. &nbsp;We stopped drinking kombucha and other fermented foods. &nbsp;<strong>The result? &nbsp;Ben has been sicker for weeks than he's been in two years.</strong> &nbsp;Over the last several days I've been working to get us back on track and his symptoms are lessening. &nbsp;If we don't want to live in misery, in a place where we always feel poorly, have no energy to spend time together, much less serve anyone else, we have to choose to eat well and naturally. &nbsp;And as I said, I find it soothing and peaceful to do so.</p>
<p><strong>It's also important to note that Ben and I are on the same page with this</strong>, and as much as possible, our children are too. &nbsp;We don't fight about this. &nbsp;We don't disagree about what food should come into our home. &nbsp;And Ben will even say, "I wish I could have X...but I know it's not good for me and I'd rather be healthy than eat that." &nbsp;<strong>He understands, and he fully supports me, so it is easier to have harmony on this issue. </strong>&nbsp;It would be different if he did not agree.</p>
<p>But where are you? &nbsp;Are your priorities in the right place? &nbsp;Or are you placing extra importance on natural living? <strong>&nbsp;Here's a practical set of questions (whether or not you are personally religious)</strong>:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Do I refuse invitations to go to other peoples' homes for meals because their food is "not good enough?"</li>
<li>Do I refuse to take meals to others because I don't have room in the budget to bring them <em>good</em>&nbsp;stuff?</li>
<li>Do I refuse to share snacks with friends or refuse to let my child ever share another's snack? (Barring allergies, obviously.)</li>
<li>Do I obsess about my meal plan and grocery list, to make sure it is healthy enough? &nbsp;Do I ever tell my children to leave me alone so I can do this?</li>
<li>Do I worry constantly about how much and what my child eats? &nbsp;Do I try to force him/her to eat certain foods?</li>
<li>Do I refuse to buy preferred foods because they are "not healthy enough" even as special treats? &nbsp;Do I do this even if my husband is the one who requests them?</li>
<li>Are meal times battles, with me begging my children to eat?</li>
<li>Do I think about food and health constantly?</li>
<li>Do I spend time everyday reading the latest health news and updating my thoughts or lists on what's best for my family?</li>
<li>Do I spend so much time in the kitchen or dealing with food that I don't have time to spend with my family?</li>
<li>Do I break my budget just to buy the "perfect" food?</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>All of these are signs that something's not right. &nbsp;You shouldn't be worried, terrified, battling over food. &nbsp;You should provide the best you can, and be satisfied with it. &nbsp;And if you're just starting your transition to real food, this is even more important. &nbsp;<strong>Feel good about what you are doing, and do not despair because you have not done it all yet.</strong> &nbsp;It does not matter. &nbsp;You will get there someday. &nbsp;It's about baby steps, and every step you take is one better, and your family will be healthier for it. &nbsp;You don't need to worry about how much more there is yet to do.</p>
<p><strong>How are you doing with your natural living and priorities?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2011 02:32:14 PM
<p>This is a really good post Kate! I became peaceful with my choices after we spent a lot of time denying ourselves foods to try and &quot;get healthy again&quot;. I realized that the stress in being perfect was affecting my health just as much, if not more so, than the foods we were trying to avoid! We&#39;ve now settled into a comfort zone where we ARE doing the best we can and yes, sometimes we have to rein ourselves in and do a diet &quot;once over&quot;. It&#39;s easy to fall back into old habits. I look forward to the future as I know I will be able to make more and more choices to do things in a better way or to have the ability to purchase differently, but the present day just IS and that&#39;s OK.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/10/2011 02:32:30 PM
<p>I&#39;m in a similar place - really a lot of peace lately. We have been more sick than usual this winter, but I know I am doing my best, and the Lord is really working on my heart in it. He has revealed to me that there was definitely some pride in my attitude about our diet choices and our resulting good health. How disgusting, now that I see it! I&#39;m asking for humility even as I pray for opportunities to help others toward a more healthy lifestyle. </p><p>We should definitely make balance a priority in this area!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.117
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/10/2011 04:32:47 PM
<p>I think we&#39;re in a really good place in terms of our efforts at healthy eating.  My husband and I have sat down and thought about what is most important to us, and made the necessary adjustments in our budget.  Yeah, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen (whole foods do just take longer to prepare!) but my kids are often in there with me.  That said...when &quot;stuff happens&quot;...sometimes we order a pizza. :)  And that&#39;s ok!</p><p>Something odd this winter, though, that I&#39;ve been wondering about: we just keep getting sick!  Even though we&#39;re eating carefully and doing everything we normally do.  I have no idea what needs to be fixed!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jennifersaglimbei@me.com
IP: 24.95.254.62
URL: http://www.sonuptosondown.com
DATE: 01/10/2011 06:17:05 PM
<p>We don&#39;t have complete control over how long our lives will be but, we can have some control over our quality of life.  If we are eating healthy and taking care of our selves, we will have more energy and less sickness and be able to do more for the Kingdom.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2011 09:07:09 PM
<p>Great post giving me lots to think about. Balance seems to be the key. I remember reading the post over at &quot;Passionate Homemaking&quot; and it didn&#39;t sit right with me either.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 67.234.242.125
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2011 10:21:26 PM
<p>Well said! I cannot agree more that we need balance.  God does not want us to be out of balance. I&#39;m reminded of the Vertous Woman in Proverbs 31.  If she did not lead a balanced life I doubt she would have accomplished all the tasks before her.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Molly
EMAIL: mnmsherwood@gmail.com
IP: 66.62.194.227
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 07:53:44 PM
<p>This is a good reminder for me.  I can be &quot;terrified&quot; of food.  Every time I turn around I&#39;m reading something about GMO&#39;s, toxins, pesticides, herbicides, phytic acid, anti-nutrients, enzymes, flouride, chlorine, not to mention BPA in our food containers.  I don&#39;t want to put any of those things into my children&#39;s little bodies.  But I have to remind myself that I am a child of God, and so are my children.  I do the best I can to avoid the bad things in our food &amp; water and to nourish my family properly.   I also have to remind myself that when I start to allow things to scare me, I&#39;ve tried again to put myself in control of the universe, which doesn&#39;t work very well.  When I finally realize that God is in control of the universe, which includes me &amp; my family, then I can be at peace knowing that I am doing the best I can &amp; making the best choices based on my knowledge &amp; abilities.  thanks again for the reminder.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 10:19:22 PM
<p>Good point, Jennifer!</p><p>Kate, this is a well thought out and written post.  When we started on this real food journey almost two years ago, I had no idea it was &quot;fashionable&quot; or that there was any movement in that direction.  I&#39;d been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and my research led to authors that wrote about what&#39;s REALLY happening with our food supply.  It didn&#39;t take me long to come to the conclusion that if there&#39;s conflict about what&#39;s best, then looking at how God designed it to be is the right answer.  Wardeh&#39;s GNOWFGLIN&#39;s same sums it up well, I think.</p><p>Will it kill me or my family to stop at Sonic because we were so busy getting ready to leave that we forgot to eat and we just headed out on a road trip?  No.  I might not feel so great afterwords, but it&#39;s probably better to eat less than stellar food than to go hungry.</p><p>I do find that one thing leads to another though.  If I&#39;m not putting chemicals IN my body, why would I put the ON my body?  Stuff like that.  I do feel odd taking canned goods to the food bank when I won&#39;t eat what I&#39;m donating, but then I remind myself that not everyone feels this way.  We do accept invitations to eat with friends, but we don&#39;t buy a donut after church service on Sunday.  We do try to be good stewards with our resources and buy organic when the item is on the Dirty Dozen list, but otherwise it&#39;s conventional.</p><p>I like the choices we&#39;ve made, even though it is more work.  I think if we&#39;re eating food the way God created it (or as close as possible these days, we do live in a fallen world, after all) as often as we can, then we&#39;re aligning our hearts with His design for us.</p><p>We do still ask a blessing on our food before eating, as well as thanking God for its provision!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: L. Hobbie
EMAIL: greenmama26755@yahoo.com
IP: 74.47.240.1
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 02:29:02 PM
<p>Wow! Love this post. So true. I have gotten to where I simply do not expect people who congregate in a church building to care about the wondrous gift of life and health God has given them. I have wearied beyond words of watching the faithful belly up to the feast at church suppers for seconds and thirds of extremely unhealthy, processed foods, with jokes like: &quot;TASTE and see that the Lord is good...just following scripture!&quot; (har-har-har!), and then &quot;call on the elders&quot; to pray over them for their heart conditions, diabetes complications, etc. asking God to heal them instantly.  Philippians 3:18-19 comes to mind: ...whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame...)<br/>In reading my Bible, here is what I see: God placed mankind in a garden with the task of tending it (even prior to the fall) and where all of our needs would be met, including time to commune with Him...skipping to the end of the story, our ultimate resolution is once again to reside in a garden of Life with Him. His plan has never changed. No mention of Velveta casseroles and Duncan Hines desserts that I can find. &quot;My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.&quot; (Hosea 4:6)...sadly. We do live in a fallen world and illness and death are simply a part of that. This doesn&#39;t mean we should throw out the baby with the bath water and give up all responsibility to make the best of this precious life we&#39;ve been given. <br/>My heart is heavy with what I see in &quot;the Church&quot; in terms of total indifference to caring for the gifts God has provided. We foul our inner and outer environments and then say we&#39;re waiting for God to come and fix everything. I am reminded that when Christ came to the Earth He was not recognized by most because He was not the kind of &quot;king&quot; they had expected. When He &quot;returns&quot; and brings a new heaven and a new earth is it possible we will miss it because it isn&#39;t in the form that popular Christianity has depicted for us? God has called me to His Kingdom which is &quot;at hand&#39;, to enter His promised land and His Sabbath (rest) which I do through my daily choices for myself and my family. <br/>Blessings on your day and your family!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Handling Stomach Flu Naturally
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/17/2011 01:00:09 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cliche_photography/3345322823/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/sick%20by%20Mishio.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295119437625" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Mishio</span></span></p>
<p>This is a post I hadn't intended to write.&nbsp; <strong>But, we had the unfortunate experience to have stomach flu late last week, so I thought at least I can help others who might get sick!</strong>&nbsp; We were able to treat this flu <em>entirely</em> with natural remedies, even though I know that some would have been attempted to try some drugs or head to urgent care at certain points.&nbsp; So I'd really like to share what worked for us.</p>
<p>Be prepared: I'm going to be rather detailed about our symptoms and experiences, so if you'd rather not read that, skip ahead or don't read this post!</p>
<p>Wednesday night we went to bed, all of us feeling fine and expecting a completely normal Thursday.&nbsp; Unfortunately, that's not what happened.&nbsp; <strong>Ben woke up at 4 am, sick</strong>.&nbsp; He spent the next three hours in the bathroom, both throwing up and having diarrhea every 5 or 10 minutes.&nbsp; He came out to talk to me around 7 am, saying that I needed to help him because he was so nauseous he could not settle down at all.&nbsp; He was also shaking with fever and chills at that point and was tired and weak.&nbsp; I know many would have called a doctor, visited urgent care, or have tried some type of anti-nausea drug at this point just to settle the stomach.&nbsp; We didn't, although Ben wanted to briefly (take the one anti-nausea drug we actually still have).</p>
<p>I got up and did a little research and here is what I ended up doing:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 cups of warm, strong black tea (3 tea bags in 6 or 8 oz. of water) with 1 tbsp. raw honey</li>
<li>2 activated charcoal pills</li>
<li>Cups of hot stock with sea salt</li>
<li>Ice water</li>
<li>Probiotic pills (triple coated)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Strong tea was&nbsp;the <em>first</em> strategy to quell the nausea.&nbsp; It immediately stopped the vomiting and diarrhea</strong>, although Ben felt more nauseous and strange at first.&nbsp; Then he felt better.&nbsp; When he stopped drinking the tea (he had one cup while I was out buying the activated charcoal and other things), he started to feel more nauseous again.&nbsp; When I got back, <strong>I offered him a second cup along with the activated charcoal</strong>.&nbsp; This helped a lot.&nbsp; He was only sick once more, after he tried a lemon rehydration drink (homemade) and it irritated him.&nbsp; But, this definitely worked to stop the extreme nausea.</p>
<p>The only side effect was that since Ben does not ever consume caffeine, the amount present in these cups prevented him from sleeping most of the day.&nbsp; I'd still do it again because it enabled him to feel better and rest, though.</p>
<p><strong>Later in the day I offered Ben a couple cups of hot, homemade chicken stock with sea salt.</strong>&nbsp; This made him feel worse, but not actually sick.&nbsp; This is because it causes a detox effect and was pulling the junk out of his system.&nbsp; After a couple hours it made him feel better and he was not sick anymore.</p>
<p>At that point <strong>I offered ice water and probiotic supplements to begin building up his system again</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>The biggest takeaway for us, though, was that he got so sick because his body is not where it needs to be.</strong>&nbsp; He needs to get on the GAPS diet again in order to overhaul his system.&nbsp; It is not only the brief stomach illness; he also has known, ongoing yeast issues, allergies to dairy and grains, weakness, etc.&nbsp; We've been essentially putting "band aids" on it by eating WAP and using natural products.&nbsp; It helps but it hasn't fixed anything.&nbsp; This was kind of the "final straw" for us.&nbsp; I'll be writing more about this in the upcoming weeks.</p>
<p>In the meantime, <strong>I tried to prevent the rest of us from getting sick.&nbsp; Here is what I did</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Probiotic pills every hour or so (I don't usually like supplements but I didn't have any real source of probiotic foods I could get quickly so pills it was)</li>
<li>Drinking kombucha throughout the day, for additional probiotics (Bekah does not like it, though)</li>
<li>Extremely nourishing foods, no junk food, and no sugar</li>
<li>Soup made from fresh stock, vegetables, and chicken; no grains</li>
</ul>
<p>Did it work?&nbsp; Well...yes and no.&nbsp;<strong> Bekah and I both got sick anyway</strong>, just 18 hours after Ben.&nbsp; Daniel did not.&nbsp; I suspect it's largely because Daniel was born the healthiest of all of us and has never struggled with allergies and gut issues the way the rest of us have.&nbsp; So, he was primed to fight it off, and with extra nutrition and probiotics, he did just that.&nbsp; <strong>Bekah and I, however, were not as sick as Ben had been.</strong></p>
<p>For us it started around 10 PM.&nbsp; Bekah woke up crying, having thrown up in her bed.&nbsp; We cleaned her up (and I got sick as I was trying to deal with her because I'd already started feeling nauseous) and put her back to bed.&nbsp; But she quickly threw up again, so Ben took her downstairs and gave her a bucket.&nbsp; She kept throwing up every 5 or 10 minutes for awhile, then a few more times through the night.&nbsp; She slept in bed next to Ben, while I slept downstairs.&nbsp; Unfortunately Daniel knew something was up and wouldn't sleep either, so Ben got only three hours of sleep between them.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>I gave Bekah strong tea with honey and activated charcoal when she started throwing up stomach acid.</strong>&nbsp; It slowed, but did not stop the vomiting.&nbsp; However, by early the next morning, <strong>barely 12 hours later, she was fine</strong>.&nbsp; She spent the rest of the day playing and running and eating with no problems.&nbsp; For her it was just allowing it to run its course, mostly.</p>
<p>I was sick the least of any of us.&nbsp; I mostly felt very sleepy and did not want to move; I felt much more nauseous if I had to get up (was sick three times, several hours apart).&nbsp; I slept fitfully at night, sipping water on occasion.&nbsp; I slept awhile longer in the morning once everyone was up, and finally got a couple good hours of sleep mid-afternoon.&nbsp; That was when I felt better.&nbsp; <strong>I was never nauseous enough to need the stuff Ben did; I just needed to sleep.</strong></p>
<p>So, there are several ways to handle stomach flu naturally!&nbsp; <strong>Here is a summary of what your goals should be (what mine were):</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Stop frequent vomiting/diarrhea (if constant or every 5 - 10 min.) to allow rest (see solutions below)</li>
<li>If possible, get rest/sleep</li>
<li>Try a warm bath with lavender oil and epsom salts to help relax and detox </li>
<li>Give sips of homemade stock with sea salt after stomach has been settled and hopefully sleep</li>
<li>Give probiotic supplements or foods (non-dairy like water kefir, kombucha, fermented veggies) in small amounts</li>
<li>Continue to allow rest/sleep as much as possible</li>
<li>Give soup made without grains (stock, veggies, meat) slowly</li>
<li>As long as there is no more vomiting/diarrhea, begin to give applesauce, bananas, or other bits of food.&nbsp; Stay away from grains, though, because these are hard on the stomach.</li>
<li>Continue to give plenty of probiotic foods and stock in the days following the illness, slowly easing back into a normal diet</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Ways to stop extreme nausea</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Activated charcoal pills</li>
<li>Very strong black tea with raw honey, slightly warm</li>
<li>Small sips of ginger or fennel tea; follow up with ginger pills</li>
<li>Small sips of aloe vera juice</li>
<li>A few drops of peach bit brandy</li>
<li>Peppermint essential oil on a cold compress</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How do you handle stomach flu in your home?&nbsp; What works to stop extreme nausea, naturally, for you?</strong></p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori Gearheart
EMAIL: glhearts@aol.com
IP: 98.108.90.206
URL: 
DATE: 01/17/2011 03:07:44 PM
<p>We went through a bit of illness like this and found that enzyme tablets with chlorophyll really did the trick for stopping the nausea &amp; settling our stomachs down almost instantly.  Black tea was nice too.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/18/2011 02:34:53 PM
<p>It&#39;s the rest part I can&#39;t manage.  We all had a stomach bug a few weeks ago, and I desperately wanted to sleep, but the baby had just recovered and was feeling great, so he spent my &quot;nap&quot; crawling all over my face!  Even nursing him was very unpleasant because I didn&#39;t want anything touching my tummy.  When my husband got home, I just handed him the baby and passed out for the rest of the evening!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: sugarloaf10@gmail.com
IP: 74.138.193.140
URL: http://nopreservativesadded.com
DATE: 01/19/2011 01:31:06 AM
<p>This post could not be more timely! I was reading over it last night, taking note of the things I might want to have on hand should one of us come down with the flu. Then my husband called me today saying he was on his way home - he had caught the flu, was running a fever, aches/chills ect... I sent him to bed and ran to the store to get the rest of the things we might need - I feel much more prepared to fight this illness without resorting to over-the-counter drugs now, so thank you!</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: The Benefits of Natural Pregnancy
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/15/2010 01:00:26 PM
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<p><em>Today we have a guest post from Suzy at <a href="http://www.surebaby.com">Sure Baby</a>.&nbsp; Since we always do pregnancy related stuff on Wednesdays, I thought this would fit in nicely!</em></p>
<p><strong>What is a natural pregnancy?</strong></p>
<p>In modern Western medicine, pregnant women are typically given supplements, medications and pharmaceutical drugs to help their bodies physically cope with the demands of pregnancy and to ease their <a href="http://www.surebaby.com">pregnancy symptoms</a>. <strong>A natural pregnancy rejects the use of these chemicals and supplements, instead advocating non-toxic and healthier choices, including nutrition, exercise and holistic prenatal care</strong>. At its most extreme, natural pregnancy also disallows the use of ultrasounds and other invasive medical tests that are believed to cause trauma or potential harm to the unborn child. It also includes a birth plan that allows for natural child delivery.</p>
<p>There are many potential benefits of going through pregnancy naturally, without the use of drugs, medications, invasive medical tests and mass-produced supplements. <strong>The primary advantage is that the baby will be exposed only to natural and safe substances, which is believed to greatly reduce the risk of congenital birth defects or gestational conditions that could be passed on to the child. P</strong>sychologically, it is believed that a natural pregnancy and <a href="http://www.surebaby.com/pregnancy-and-birth/birth/child-birth.php">child birth</a> is less traumatic to both the infant and the mother. Natural pregnancy is also believed to lead to increased overall health of the child, and its strongest supporters suggest that children born of natural pregnancies are far less likely to suffer from conditions like autism and Down syndrome.</p>
<p>Supporters also point out that natural childbirth has many advantages. It allows the mother to move about more freely and avoid Cesarean sections, which are major and risky surgical procedures. <strong>Pain medications given to mothers during labor also come with a long list of side effects</strong>, some of which may have a lasting impact, and natural childbirth allows you to avoid these.</p>
<p>If you want your pregnancy to be a natural one, <strong>you will need a mentor to help you through the process and direct you to resources that can help ease the normal and natural symptoms that result from pregnancy</strong>. Through holistic health communities, you can connect with natural pregnancy and childbirth advocates who can further educate you on the many advantages that both you and your baby will enjoy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Bio</em></p>
<p>Suzy has been writing about pregnancy and parenting for years. Her website focuses on educating parents on how to cope with pregnancy symptoms and provides parenting tips for that help everyone become better parents.</p>
<p></p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 12/15/2010 05:02:51 PM
<p>Interesting guest post, but I think a lot of big ideas were given in four short paragraphs; I would have liked if this information was more developed. It would be helpful if the writer perhaps explained more of the whys behind her beliefs: why she believes ultrasounds to be potentially harmful, why she believes natural pregnancy leads to increased overall health of the child, and also how to connect with a mentor/holistic health community. The writer makes a few bold statements without really backing them up, including suggesting that &quot;children born of natural pregnancies are far less likely to suffer from conditions like autism and Down syndrome.&quot; To put that out there without really explaining why or including a link to some research or an article supporting her argument seems like a scare tactic. I&#39;m a fan of your blog, but this post just missed the mark for me.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dani
EMAIL: danielle.kelley@yahoo.com
IP: 174.47.172.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/15/2010 10:49:19 PM
<p>I&#39;m quite interested in how to go about finding a mentor. Are we talking about a doula, or even a &quot;holistic doula?&quot; This post is sparking some thought, but I&#39;m not sure where to go next...</p><p>Thanks!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Dr. Axe Real Food Cookbook Review and GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/15/2011 01:00:14 PM
-----
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<p>Several weeks ago, I was sent a book to review.&nbsp; Dr. Axe's new cookbook, <em>The Real Food Diet</em>.&nbsp; <strong>The premise of the book is that you can lose weight while eating real food, without counting calories or fat or carbs.</strong>&nbsp; The beginning section of the book has a lot of information on what real food is, how to find it, what to eat; and what <em>not </em>to eat.&nbsp; The second section is all recipes.</p>
<p>I read through this book several times, actually, trying to get a full understanding of Dr. Axe's advice and information.&nbsp; <strong>I found that what he says in the beginning doesn't quite match up the the recipes he presents later.</strong>&nbsp; There were definitely good and bad points to his approach.</p>
<p>First of all, I definitely liked that he outlined what real food is.&nbsp; <strong>He's not afraid of real butter, coconut oil, and other healthy fats.</strong>&nbsp; He talks about eating fewer grains and especially gluten-free grains.&nbsp; He addresses the idea of eating whole foods and sprouted grains.&nbsp; <strong>He talks about how bad artificial sugars and other packaged, processed foods are.</strong>&nbsp; All of this is great, because so many diet books are afraid of fats and recommend artificial sugars.&nbsp; His busts the myths that this is a healthy approach.</p>
<p>Dr. Axe also shows the glycemic index and glycemic load of several foods, and offers substitutions for popular meals.&nbsp; This was good, except that I noted in his meal substitutions that not only did Dr. Axe recommend what was clearly healthy (more fresh vegetables, less sugar, lower carbs), but he also recommended many fewer calories.&nbsp; <strong>His examples of "bad" meals over the course of a day added up to 2300 to 2500 calories, while his examples of "good" meals added up to only 1500 calories.</strong>&nbsp; This is more typical of mainstream diet books, the idea that we should severely restrict calories in order to lose weight.&nbsp; I have to wonder if it's because he really believes this is a good idea, or because it's technically&nbsp;a "diet" book, and people might not listen if he didn't say some calorie restriction was necessary.</p>
<p>Then, the recipes section.&nbsp; <strong>The photographs were beautiful and the meal ideas were certainly interesting.</strong>&nbsp; I did not like that he recommended a few packaged ingredients, though, like gluten-free crackers or gluten-free baking mix.&nbsp; A couple of recipes called for this baking mix; and that doesn't seem much like a recipe to me!&nbsp; I also noted that he used very small amounts of fat in most recipes, only about a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil.&nbsp; So although he's not afraid of fat, his recipes seemed a bit lower in fat than I felt was healthy.</p>
<p>Also, Dr. Axe focuses heavily on raw foods.&nbsp; He includes recipes for raw cheesecake and other raw desserts, which do not use traditional ingredients at all.&nbsp; He even includes a recipe for mac'n'cheese ("Mac and Not Cheese") that uses different vegetable ingredients to mimic cheese.&nbsp; In my opinion, the best part about mac'n'cheese is all that real cream, butter, and <em>cheese</em>!</p>
<p>Dr. Axe kind of straddles right in between a true "real food" perspective (Weston A. Price-style) and a raw, vegan, low-fat type diet.</p>
<p><strong>To sum up, the positive points of Dr. Axe's book:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Busts myths about artificial sugars being healthy</li>
<li>Not afraid of fat; recommends organic butter and coconut oil (discusses why saturated fats are healthy)</li>
<li>Simplifies real food</li>
<li>Recommends several super foods</li>
<li>Recommends lowering carb/grain intake; discusses sprouted grains</li>
<li>Discusses why store milk is unhealthy; raw milk superior</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Negative points of Dr. Axe's book:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Examples of healthy food include severe calorie restriction (around 1500 calories/day)</li>
<li>Recipes have generally low fat content</li>
<li>Use of some processed, gluten-free ingredients in recipes (baking mix, crackers)</li>
<li>Heavy use of raw food</li>
<li>Lots of "substitution" ingredients, like non-dairy milks (never calls for raw milk in a recipe)</li>
</ul>
<p>I feel like Dr. Axe&nbsp;just doesn't <em>quite</em> get it.&nbsp;<strong>He talks a great talk, and he does have several delicious recipes, but he still falls back on the mainstream advice of lower calorie, lower fat, raw, plant-based diets.&nbsp; </strong>He avoids using too many animal products.&nbsp; He also heavily prefers gluten-free grains and non-dairy milks <em>even if processed</em> to natural, whole options.&nbsp; He mentions sprouted grains in the beginning but never uses them in a recipe or mentions them again.</p>
<p><strong>Would I recommend this book?&nbsp; Yes, with reservations.</strong>&nbsp; If you go into the book knowing that there are a few things you should overlook, it's good.&nbsp; It's definitely a lot better than most diet cookbooks, which recommend mostly fake food substitutes for weight loss.</p>
<p><strong>Would you like to win a copy of this book?</strong>&nbsp; I have a second copy here for one lucky winner!</p>
<p>To win, you can do any of the entries below.&nbsp; Please note <strong>the first is required</strong> (all others are optional!):</p>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.draxe.com/the-real-food-diet-cookbook/">Dr. Axe's blog</a> to read his description of the book, and tell me what part you're most eager to read.</li>
<li>Like" me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernamama">Facebook</a>&nbsp;(and I'd appreciate it if you'd post this giveaway, though I can't require it) </li>
<li>Subscribe to my&nbsp;<a href="Kate@modernalternativemama.com">newsletter</a>&nbsp;(send an email with the word "subscribe" in the subject line)</li>
<li>Subscribe to the blog via&nbsp;<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a></li>
<li><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US"></a>Follow me on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and tweet "I'm going to try Dr. Axe's Real Food Diet when I win it @modernamama" and link to this post (you can use bit.ly to shorten the link)</li>
</ol>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; <strong>Please leave each entry in a SEPARATE comment</strong>.&nbsp; This giveaway will close on Wednesday, January 19th, and I'll announce the winner by Thursday night, January 20th.&nbsp; Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 24.23.103.15
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:54:27 PM
<p>I am most excited about trying out all of the recipes. I really am wanting to stay away from processed foods. This book appeals to me because it&#39;s all about using real food ... finding out what some of the &quot;super foods&quot; are intrigues me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 24.23.103.15
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:55:30 PM
<p>i have liked you on facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 24.23.103.15
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:56:02 PM
<p>i am a subscriber via rss</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 24.23.103.15
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:56:34 PM
<p>i follow you on twitter and i tweeted</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April Emery
EMAIL: prilemery@gmail.com
IP: 24.23.103.15
URL: http://aprilemery.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 02:57:41 PM
<p>i signed up for the newsletter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen
EMAIL: kmilone@comcast.net
IP: 71.233.36.60
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:01:33 PM
<p>I would like to read the sections on which foods to eat when you&#39;re not feeling well or have very little energy.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen
EMAIL: kmilone@comcast.net
IP: 71.233.36.60
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:05:33 PM
<p>I subscribe to your newsletter.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen
EMAIL: kmilone@comcast.net
IP: 71.233.36.60
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:06:14 PM
<p>I&#39;m an email subscriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:32:08 PM
<p>I like you on fb</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:36:17 PM
<p>the blueberry pumpkin pancakes would probably be the first thing I tried</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 04:37:35 PM
<p>I suscribe to your blog</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.19.192
URL: http://www.happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 06:25:30 PM
<p>I am excited to see the recipes.  It looks like a great book, and I appreciate that he gives options for milk alternatives since some of our family deals with allergies- we are also looking to go gluten free so I&#39;m excited to see his gluten free recipes.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.19.192
URL: http://www.happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 06:26:47 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.228
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 06:51:26 PM
<p>Thanks for the review. I was interested in what this book had to say. I&#39;d still be interested in reading it, listening for the things you said. I read a book called &quot;The LIberation Diet&quot; by Kevin Brown. It uses the Real Food approach to loose weight too. Mostly by restricting carbs and sugar. I haven&#39;t even attempted to count anything and I am loosing weight! I eat lots of real butter, coconut oil, bacon, cheese and sure, lots of meats and vegetables too!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julieanne
EMAIL: ejm@truevine.net
IP: 68.118.72.139
URL: http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com
DATE: 01/15/2011 06:55:20 PM
<p>I found this cookbook review to be very interesting!  Thank you for sharing this with us.  How interesting it is that his philosophy is one thing, and his recipes don&#39;t quite match up - or rarely match up.  I&#39;m not commenting to win this cookbook, although I&#39;d probably use it if I won it.  I just thought your review was excellent, and I appreciate you letting us know what you thought about it.</p><p>Julieanne<br/>http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JCF
EMAIL: joceline.foley@gmail.com
IP: 76.87.94.135
URL: 
DATE: 01/15/2011 10:05:39 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in the &quot;Food Matching&quot; section, as well as the recipes in general.  I&#39;ve love a cookbook that focuses on real foods and this looks like a great resource!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LC
EMAIL: Ledys.e.Chemin@gmail.com
IP: 68.11.147.8
URL: http://www.theramdomblog.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/16/2011 02:03:58 AM
<p>I&#39;d like to read more about his definition of real food and how he incorporates it in the recipes.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/16/2011 03:05:40 AM
<p>I&#39;d love to win and appreciate your honest review. Sounds like I&#39;d do some modifying to his recipes, as I do to most recipes. Honestly, just glancing at his post on the cookbook, I like that it&#39;s a binder, unlike Nourishing Traditions and a few other cookbooks I have. I would like to lose a few pounds!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/16/2011 03:06:14 AM
<p>I subscribe via RSS. Thanks</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.225.192
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 01/16/2011 04:31:13 PM
<p>I would love this cookbook...I&#39;m just getting started with eating more Real Food and could use some recipes--the pictures look beautiful too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.225.192
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 01/16/2011 05:01:40 PM
<p>I subscribe via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam H.
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.130.166.77
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/17/2011 06:21:00 PM
<p>The recipes for sure - always looking for new, nutritious ones.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pam H.
EMAIL: phoward336@yahoo.com
IP: 99.130.166.77
URL: http://www.savemoneybehappy.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/17/2011 06:21:32 PM
<p>I subscribe to your newsletter via email.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susanne
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 67.240.239.198
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/18/2011 04:50:44 AM
<p>LOVE the food-matching guide! that would be so helpful and a great jumping off point to know what food to eat during different circumstances.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susanne
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 67.240.239.198
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/18/2011 04:51:54 AM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susanne
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 67.240.239.198
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/18/2011 04:52:15 AM
<p>I also like you on Facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susanne
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 67.240.239.198
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/18/2011 04:52:53 AM
<p>I subscribed to your newsletter</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.186.18.182
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 07:19:16 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in reading about his views on the healthy fats!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.186.18.182
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 07:20:41 PM
<p>I like you on Facebook!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.186.18.182
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 07:21:05 PM
<p>I subscribe via Google Reader!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy A.
EMAIL: amyallen76@gmail.com
IP: 173.186.18.182
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 07:22:20 PM
<p>I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/amos1976.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sissy
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.22.131.232
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 08:38:04 PM
<p>I was confused as to what base you were criticizing Dr. Axe&#39;s book. Taking it as a health-diet cookbook- which it is meant to be as much as a weight-loss cookbook, I could not support many of your negative comments. Rather, I support his default to the healthiest option over the traditional or weight-loss choices.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Introduction
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 12/23/2010 01:00:21 PM
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<p>As most of you have heard by now (unless you're new here, in which case you might want to use the links above to subscribe!), we are expecting!&nbsp; We're <em>very</em> excited.&nbsp; As this is our third baby, we feel a bit like we have "been there, done that" and have a good idea about what to expect.&nbsp; We're also planning a completely natural pregnancy, with limited testing.&nbsp; We'll be seeing a team of midwives and we're planning a home birth (our second).&nbsp; Since our chosen path is not a very common one, and since we do feel confident with this being our third time around, we're inviting you to share in our journey.&nbsp; I'll be updating a pregnancy journal weekly with thoughts on symptoms, midwives' appointments, being pregnant with small children, and everything else that goes on.&nbsp; Please feel free to leave your questions and thoughts about pregnancy and I'll try to address them in future posts!</p>
<p>So, for our first update!</p>
<p>We found out we were expecting the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but it was honestly a rather long journey getting there.&nbsp; We'd initially hoped to be expecting a baby to be <em>born</em> in December 2010, but didn't even get pregnant until mid-November!&nbsp; And the truth was, I was a bit unhappy every month when I found out I wasn't expecting.&nbsp; I trust God's perfect timing, and I was never angry, but I was a bit more depressed than even I realized, until after.&nbsp; Especially since nearly all my friends were expecting or had recently had babies.</p>
<p>The reason I didn't conceive, though, was because Daniel was still nursing at night, often 2 or 3 times.&nbsp; While I was breastfeeding every 4 - 6 hours around the clock, I could not conceive.&nbsp; This is normal; breastfeeding <em>does</em> act as natural birth control!&nbsp; Knowing that made it only a little easier, because at least I didn't have to wonder if something was wrong with me!&nbsp; Daniel night weaned around 15 months, was moved to his own room, and I conceived just two weeks later, on November 12.&nbsp; Yes, I know the conception dates for all my children!&nbsp; I had been completely sure that <em>finally</em> all my fertility signs were lining up and that we would finally be able to conceive, and I was right!</p>
<p>I didn't even buy any tests until that Sunday night.&nbsp; It was the day my period was officially due.&nbsp; I'd been feeling a little tired and nauseous since Thanksgiving (13 DPO), but wanted to hold off so that I didn't waste money on tests or get disappointed.&nbsp; I wanted a truly accurate result!&nbsp; So at 9 PM on Sunday when my period hadn't shown, I ran out to buy tests, to use "in the morning."&nbsp; But Ben read the box and said "Hey wait, these are accurate up to 4 days early?&nbsp; Aren't you late?&nbsp; Get in here and take it now!"&nbsp; So I did.&nbsp; And...<em>two</em> lines quickly appeared!&nbsp; I was so excited!&nbsp; It was hard to sleep after that.&nbsp; That was the only test I've taken this time.&nbsp; With my others I took 3 - 4 tests just to make sure I believed it!&nbsp; This time, I was sure. &nbsp;</p>
<h3>Morning Sickness</h3>
<p>So how has it been?&nbsp; The morning sickness hasn't been very fun.&nbsp; It really did hit just around 4 weeks, and was worst from 5 - 7 weeks.&nbsp; It's been easing up since then (I'll be 8 weeks on Friday).&nbsp; I'm still exhausted and get headaches from time to time.</p>
<p>I found this time that I can't eat any refined sugar, and refined flour doesn't go so well either.&nbsp; It spikes my blood sugar and makes me feel just awful, especially in the mornings.&nbsp; The <em>one</em> time I was horribly sick this time was after eating some store-bought pie.&nbsp; Never again...even if it <em>was</em> elderberry and delicious!&nbsp;</p>
<p>I keep some sourdough pretzels and water next to my bed to nibble on in the morning, before I even get up (well, ideally...I actually run to my kids' rooms and grab them, then quickly get back in bed).&nbsp; During the day I eat often, every couple of hours.&nbsp; If I'm having a <em>really</em> bad morning, I beg my almost 3-year-old to go get me some cheese and orange juice for an extra snack (she's been really helpful this time).&nbsp;</p>
<p>I've had trouble with hot foods and "fancy" foods.&nbsp; Basic pasta and sauce (but not white; I tried it once and it made me really not feel well), sandwiches on sprouted bread, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, smoothies, salads, and things like that are really good.&nbsp; They taste good to me and they're simple and generally frugal.&nbsp; I'm actually finding that I can cook okay, even if I can't eat, so my family's eating pretty well.&nbsp; When I have an energetic moment, I make a big pot of soup or a pan of pork chops or something for them.&nbsp; Leftovers are our friend!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meal planning has gone out the window for the next few weeks, until all my food aversions disappear.&nbsp; But I try to just keep lots of raw cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, raw milk, eggs, and healthy meat on hand.&nbsp; I'm eating more grains than I'd like (my Fluffy Sprouted Waffles have been <em>so</em> good), but that's okay for now.&nbsp; I'm also trying to drink my pregnancy tea everyday, which definitely seems to help, but I don't always remember (it has to steep overnight).</p>
<h3>More Than One...?</h3>
<p>I've noted that this pregnancy is a bit different than my other two.&nbsp; With my first I was not eating well and I felt quite sick for several weeks, though I had good and bad days.&nbsp; I know that eating junk (canned soup, white crackers) exacerbated the sickness, as it does this time (no, I have not had canned soup!!&nbsp; Just white bread/pasta a couple times).&nbsp; But at its height, the sickness was worse this time than the first time, and I had many more aversions.&nbsp; It also hit much earlier, around 4 weeks.&nbsp; This definitely feels like a "girl" pregnancy, since I was much less sick with my second (boy).</p>
<p>I also feel like I'm carrying "big."&nbsp; I know that's normal with subsequent pregnancies, but I definitely didn't feel that way the second time around.&nbsp; My regular jeans and other fitted pants weren't comfortable by 6.5 weeks!&nbsp; I had to break out my smallest maternity pants.&nbsp; All my sweat pants still fit fine, of course, but I didn't want to wear them to church, so....&nbsp; I couldn't believe it though -- I had wanted to hold off as long as I could this time!&nbsp; In the past I've had to do shirts before pants, even, and I didn't *really* need maternity until 10 - 12 weeks, probably more like 16 - 18 with my first.&nbsp; Now, 7 weeks?</p>
<p>I've also felt more exhausted, even when I've gotten good sleep, I've felt like the symptoms have moved "faster" in addition to being greater, and I've felt a lot more cramping and stretching than I remember at this stage.&nbsp; I am well aware that these things <em>do</em> get worse and earlier with subsequent pregnancies.</p>
<p>However, it's been suggested that maybe, we are having more than one!&nbsp; We'll find out eventually, although we probably won't have any ultrasounds.&nbsp; Whether we're having twins or not won't change anything.&nbsp; Either we are or aren't, and we can't change it now.&nbsp; Also, since we're having a home birth, we don't even need to bring extra clothes or an extra car seat to go home.&nbsp; I'd have plenty of clothes here and could send someone out for another car seat if we needed one after the birth.&nbsp; And yes, I would still try for a home birth even with twins.&nbsp; Since it's not my first time, I feel I would be prepared well enough to try.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 350px;" src="/storage/P1010182.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293066748406" alt="" /></span></span>Yup, that's me yesterday!&nbsp; Almost 8 weeks and no real belly yet. :)&nbsp; I'll post belly pics as soon as I have one!</p>
<h3>Midwives' Appointment</h3>
<p>Our first appointment was yesterday!&nbsp; I was so excited to go back.&nbsp; Calling to schedule it was even exciting, because I actually <em>know</em> the secretary.&nbsp; She was thrilled to hear my news, for real!&nbsp; It's so personal, such a sense of community.&nbsp; I'm not just "another patient" to them.&nbsp; She even remembered which midwives I had. :)&nbsp; I'll be having the same ones for this baby as I had for Daniel.</p>
<p>I'm also really hoping to have an apprentice midwife or doula involved.&nbsp; We were told in our birthing class that "new doctors don't have to learn on <em>you," </em>but they were talking to first-time moms.&nbsp; I think that would be pretty nerve-wracking for a first timer, who has enough to think about!&nbsp; But this time, I really, really want to help out a new midwife or doula.&nbsp; I know how my body "does" pregnancy, I know the ways in which I differ from the "textbook" pregnancies, so I would love to help someone new learn about this.&nbsp; It sounds so fun to me!</p>
<p>We had a lot of fun talking to our midwives.&nbsp; They asked some basic questions and checked on things.&nbsp; Everything's looking good, and I'm not measuring big.&nbsp; Apparently I just <em>feel</em> a little big!&nbsp; But it's great news to start out with.</p>
<p>I loved that at one point, I was asked, "How long did you breastfeed Bekah?&nbsp; Or is she still breastfeeding?"&nbsp; My response was, "She still is.&nbsp; They both are."&nbsp; And no one batted an eyelash!&nbsp; In a regular doctor's visit, I wouldn't even have been asked that, and if the subject had come up, the doctor probably would have found it weird or warned me not to.&nbsp; But I didn't get any of that.&nbsp; In fact, my senior midwife said, "I know how that is.&nbsp; I breastfed the last three of mine all together."&nbsp; No, they were not triplets.&nbsp; She has actually experienced what I have, she knows it is perfectly normal and safe!&nbsp; It is amazing to be in an environment where people <em>get</em> it.</p>
<p>Bekah loved "helping" too.&nbsp; She took the stethoscope and said, "I have to check your belly."&nbsp; She kept telling the midwives, "There's a baby in my mommy's tummy."&nbsp; Just in case they didn't know. :)</p>
<p>We'll be going back for our next check up mid-January, and will hopefully hear the heartbeat then!</p>
<p>That's it for now!&nbsp; I'll be back next week, likely with a shorter update!</p>
<p><strong>What questions do you have about pregnancy, or experiences you'd like to share?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home
EMAIL: laryssa@heaveninthehome.com
IP: 69.139.119.4
URL: http://www.heaveninthehome.com
DATE: 12/23/2010 02:57:38 PM
<p>I&#39;m so happy for you! I was looked after by my nurse-midwife during my two pregnancies, but had planned C-sections with each of them. Both of my babies ( a boy and a girl) were almost 11 pounds, despite my best efforts <br/>(food wise) to keep them a normal size. We ended up with healthy baby and healthy mama and that&#39;s all that matters in the long run. :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.174.172.42
URL: 
DATE: 12/23/2010 03:15:58 PM
<p>I just wanted to say congratulations on your 3rd pregnancy!  I&#39;ve really enjoyed reading your blog since I found it about a month ago, about 5 months after beginning my family&#39;s real food journey.  Also, I unexpectedly had twins after my first baby, and I will say that I did show and measure big very early on - about 6-8 weeks ahead of where I did with my daughter.  I also couldn&#39;t eat enough!  I was constantly hungry.  Either way for you, one or two - what a blessing! :)  Congratulations again to you and your family!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: luckylass319@yahoo.com
IP: 138.210.231.235
URL: 
DATE: 12/23/2010 04:04:51 PM
<p>Congratulations! I am now in the &quot;baby fever&quot; mode myself, but, like you, I don&#39;t get pregnant while nursing. My 15 month old still nurses round the clock, so it will probably be awhile. In regards to morning sickness, have you ever done a liver cleanse? My friend used to have awful morning sickness. She is on her fourth pregnancy now (after a liver cleanse) and has barely any nausea! Sometimes, if your liver is overloaded with toxins, it has a harder time dealing with the crazy hormonal changes. I know there are some pregnancy safe ones too. Nature&#39;s Sunshine has an awesome one!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 12/23/2010 08:05:14 PM
<p>How did you find your midwife? Is there a website you recommend to find one? I don&#39;t need one yet, but I am curious about finding a midwife or a natural birthing center that is linked with my health insurance. Do you also see a OB/GYN?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.206
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/23/2010 11:22:26 PM
<p>I had the same experience with maternity clothes during my third pregnancy.  I actually started wondering if I was pregnant because I wasn&#39;t feeling well and my clothes weren&#39;t fitting. :)  (I NEVER get a positive pregnancy test until about 10 weeks.  Drives me nuts.)  </p><p>Your midwives sound awesome!  And I love the idea of including a newbie midwife and/or doula.  That could be such a blessing to them!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sharin W
EMAIL: the_whitehouse@att.net
IP: 75.202.41.89
URL: 
DATE: 12/24/2010 09:10:44 AM
<p>That is funny that you mention that you are measuring big for your 3rd, I&#39;ve had the same experience. I also had more morning sickness with this one than the other 2.  At 12 weeks I was measuring at 15 and am constantly getting the are you ready to pop look and still have 10 more weeks to go.  As far as we know, there is only one.  And we are planning on an unassisted birth at home. But have a backup midwife just in case.  Many blessings for your pregnancy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Evelyn
EMAIL: 
IP: 140.103.166.194
URL: 
DATE: 12/25/2010 12:03:52 PM
<p>If you conceived on Nov 12, aren&#39;t you only 6 weeks along? I&#39;ve never been pregnant and I&#39;m not sure how you calculate the weeks. Can you please explain?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 12/25/2010 03:10:18 PM
<p>Hi Evelyn,</p><p>Number of weeks pregnant is calculated from the day of the last period.  So in this case, from Oct. 31.  I&#39;m not sure why they calculate it this way, but they do.  Technically you are not actually pregnant until around your third week, but that is how it is done.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Essential Baby Items (and Not-So-Essentials)
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/03/2011 01:01:27 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48901172@N00/3271634947/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img style="width: 500px;" src="/storage/Mlcassid_nursery.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1293825066592" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by mlcassid</span></span></p>
<p><strong>When you're having your first baby, it's overwhelming to think about all the <em>stuff</em>&nbsp;that babies need</strong>. &nbsp;Fun, too -- but there is just so much of it! &nbsp;These days, families have tons of clothes, bottles, breast pumps, special feeding dishes and spoons, cups, cribs, play yards, bassinets, car seats, bouncer seats, exersaucers, Jumperoos, swings, play gyms, and so much more. &nbsp;<strong>Do we <em>really</em>&nbsp;need all of it? </strong>&nbsp;Or are there things we can truly do without?</p>
<p>I believe that our baby obsession comes from our "stuff culture." &nbsp;<strong>We want as much as possible for our special little baby</strong>, including the perfect nursery set, super cute outfits (complete with matching shoes for newborns), tons of "baby holders" (I'll be writing more on what I think of those in a couple weeks), and more. &nbsp;<strong>We think babies are <em>so expensive</em>&nbsp;</strong>-- and if you really buy all this stuff, and buy much of it new, they sure are. &nbsp;<strong>But it really doesn't have to be this way.</strong> &nbsp;There are a few essential items that you <em>do</em>&nbsp;need, some that are merely nice to have, and others that are absolutely frivolous and unnecessary.</p>
<p><strong>Necessary</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A car seat (infant, if you like; or convertible so it will last your baby a lot longer)</li>
<li>A crib or other place for baby to sleep (just <em>one</em>&nbsp;is fine, you don't really need a crib, bassinet, play yard, co-sleeper, etc.)</li>
<li>Diapers (I prefer cloth, but you'll need something)</li>
<li>Clothes (basic onesies, sleepers, shirts and pants; you don't need the fancy, expensive outfits)</li>
<li>Small first aid kit (Gripe Water, saline solution, tweezers, nail clippers, hair brush, arnica salve, bandages, gauze, thermometer)</li>
<li>Blankets (just a few small, soft ones; you really don't need a dozen)</li>
<li>Crib sheets (3 - 4 plain ones)</li>
<li>Wrap or sling (a way to carry baby hands-free)</li>
<li>Diaper bag (something to carry baby's things on the go)</li>
<li>Booster/high-chair combo</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Nice to Have</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Bassinet/co-sleeper (to make the early weeks easier)</li>
<li>"Outfit" clothes, nice clothes</li>
<li>Bouncer</li>
<li>Play gym</li>
<li>Extra baby slings (one for car/one for house; different styles for different ages/parents)</li>
<li>Stroller</li>
<li>Changing Table</li>
<li>High chair</li>
<li>Safe baby feeding equipment (cups, spoons, bowls, etc.)</li>
<li>Breast pump (may be a need in certain cases)</li>
<li>Bottles (may be a need in certain cases)</li>
<li>Rocking chair/glider</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>&nbsp;Frivolous/Unnecessary</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Matching nursery bedding</li>
<li>Brand new nursery furniture</li>
<li>Nursery decorations</li>
<li>Most toys</li>
<li>Mobiles</li>
<li>Stuffed animals</li>
<li>Fancy quilts</li>
<li>Jumperoo/exersaucer</li>
<li>Expensive special occasion outfits</li>
<li>Shoes (until they are walking outside)</li>
<li>Baby "intelligence" DVDs</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>As for the "frivolous" list, it's not that you should never have those things. &nbsp;</strong>But if you are looking to have a baby on a budget, buy first from the "necessary" list, then from the "nice" list. &nbsp;<strong>Things on the "frivolous" list are best bought last, or even given as gifts.</strong> &nbsp;We <em>do</em>&nbsp;have nice quilts (handmade by family) and a few other things that we truly found unnecessary which were just given to us. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>It's just important that you don't think you somehow can't welcome your baby home without a perfectly decorated, coordinating nursery!</strong> &nbsp;Or special "baby holders" or toys, etc. &nbsp;You simply don't <em>need</em>&nbsp;those things. &nbsp;As for the DVDs, babies should <em>not</em>&nbsp;watch TV. &nbsp;Babies who do watch (even the "smart baby" type DVDs) actually talk <em>less</em>&nbsp;than their non-TV-watching counterparts. &nbsp;Babies need live, real human interaction, not movies. &nbsp;Don't bother! &nbsp;The same goes for a lot of unnecessary classes intended to make your baby smart.</p>
<p>For me, personally, <strong>I loved having onesies, cloth diapers, a Moby wrap, a Mei Tai (when they were older), a crib, a bassinet, crib sheets (I sewed several), bumpers (they helped Daniel feel cozy and sleep better when he was older), a changing table, a play gym (with Bekah only), a bouncer (the only baby-holder my kids actually ever sat in), my high-chair-booster combo, strollers, their Britax Marathon car seats....</strong> &nbsp;There really wasn't much more.</p>
<p>I did decorate the nurseries a tiny bit (some wall hangings, their names). &nbsp;I didn't specially paint them. &nbsp;I did not buy matching bedding sets (or any bedding sets). &nbsp;They have quilts from their grandmothers, handmade. &nbsp;Bekah's dresser is the one I used as a kid, which my parents got for $10 at a garage sale over 25 years ago. &nbsp;Daniel's is one we just had in the guest room (now his room). &nbsp;I didn't buy special lamps. &nbsp;I didn't buy an exersaucer or Jumperoo (was given both free, but wouldn't have bought -- am giving them away now as my kids did not like them). &nbsp;More and more, I find I really need less and less!</p>
<p><strong>What are your favorite baby items? &nbsp;What did you find completely unnecessary?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsay
EMAIL: Lindsaybhunt@gmail.com
IP: 67.242.43.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/03/2011 02:50:00 PM
<p>A swing let me get some much needed sleep when my newborn wanted to be held 24-7 the first two weeks.  Iwas especially grateful for it from about 2:30-4:00 am!! I found a travel swing was just as nice and actually cuddled him better than a full sized swing.  It cost less and took up less space.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.99.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/03/2011 02:51:17 PM
<p>The only thing that I would add to your necessary list (for me at least) is a baby monitor.  In my house, there is no way I could not have one as I would never hear the baby until (s)he is screaming.  I also never have had a high chair, so I would probably move it to the nice category, but to each her own ;)  And you never need as many clothes as most people have.  For alot of my friends&#39; kids, they would either never wear or only wear once most of the clothes they had as infants.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah T.
EMAIL: sa4grace@hotmail.com
IP: 71.254.120.220
URL: 
DATE: 01/03/2011 03:22:44 PM
<p>Agreed on most of those.  Unlike you, I absolutely hated my Moby Wrap.  I like a fitted sling (sewed my own) for when they&#39;re newborns, a mei tai for when they&#39;re a couple months old to about a year, and then the sling again after that with them upright on my hip.  This is the one I sewed: http://www.mykarmababy.com/pages/BabySlingPattern.php  I did it without a pocket and it was super easy.  Not something worth buying when it&#39;s so easy for any novice sewer to do.</p><p>Things I had been given/borrowed and got rid of:<br/>jumparoo- huge waste of space<br/>walker- used for such a short period of time- waste of space<br/>push-behind toy- again, used for very brief periods- perhaps days.  My kids learned faster without.<br/>Baby Bjorn-type carrier- #1 hated it, plus they&#39;re not good for their hips<br/>Plastic baby tub- can either use a foldable mesh thing in the tub or just put a towel down in the tub with very little water.  Again- took lots of space. (can you tell I don&#39;t have much to spare?)<br/>Too many clothes- you can only use so many- esp during that first year when the sizes change all the time.  I like basic pieces as well, but only keep what I *really* like.  Baby clothes are a dime a dozen (or at least 4 or 5/$1) at yard sales and if you are selective, you can make out like a bandit and other people spend way too much on clothing anyway.  Just don&#39;t go overboard.  You find yourself going to the same ones all the time anyway.</p><p>What I&#39;d add to the necessary list:<br/>waterproof mattress pad- I don&#39;t mean one that wraps around- just flat.  I got a 2-pack for a gift from Target.  One I use in the crib and double-layer the sheets (mattress, sheet, pad, sheet), so that when blowouts happen in the middle of the night, you can just rip off a layer and have another ready.  They also work well as portable diaper changers.  You can cut them to a convenient size and keep one in the house and one in the diaper bag.</p><p>Nursing cover- especially for first time moms.  They give you more confidence and privacy.  Don&#39;t buy them!  Make one or have someone do it for you.  They&#39;re so easy for anybody who can sew.  I have done this one without the strips: http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2008/12/nursing-cover.html<br/>Regarding diaper bags- I like to use my old college backpack.  When they&#39;re little, you&#39;re gonna carry around a lot of gear.  I like the multiple pockets to use as diaper bag/purse combo and be done with it.  When they get older and have fewer changings, etc. you can cut back.</p><p>Sorry for such a long comment.  Hope this stuff helps someone else.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.206
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/03/2011 04:21:02 PM
<p>I&#39;d add a swing to t he &quot;nice to have&quot; list.  My first son was Mr. Cranky and a swing was a real help.  We also used an adjustable ring sling, but my body just couldn&#39;t handle wearing a baby ALL DAY! :)  </p><p>I&#39;d also put the high chair in the &quot;not necessary&quot; category.  We found that it took up too much space, and we really preferred having the baby at the table with us.  He sat in a lap until old enough to sit up by himself, and then we switched to a table seat (the kind that attaches to the table).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.152.103.107
URL: 
DATE: 01/03/2011 08:42:16 PM
<p>It&#39;s funny to me how different (and often passionate) everyone&#39;s &quot;baby essentials&quot; are.  :)  I think every new mom has to experiment with what works for her and what doesn&#39;t.</p><p>Personally, I would totally put the high chair in the necessary!  Nor right away, I guess.  And maybe not a regular, free-standing high chair because of space.  But we have a SpaceSaver high chair that sits on a regular dining room chair that I don&#39;t think I could do without.  (The ones that hang off the edge of the table look like good space-savers too.)  I know from experience that my 9 month old would devour all my food before I ate anything if I had to hold him during dinner.  Any time I&#39;ve tried to eat with him on my lap, it&#39;s pure disaster.  Also, we do baby-led weaning, so our babies kind of need their own space to eat/play/nibble at their food.  And it&#39;s important to me that we eat together as a family (including baby) and not at separate times.  All that to say that for me, a high chair is essential!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lianne
EMAIL: lianne.avishay@gmail.com
IP: 121.54.92.249
URL: 
DATE: 01/04/2011 10:43:01 PM
<p>Great post! Nursery decorating ideas isn&#39;t hard, you just have to choose what really fits for your baby. Every details are important to consider, from wall decorations to cot sheet set in setting up a perfect nursery room. Nursery decorations are good <a href="http://hiccupsbabies.com.au/" rel="nofollow">baby gift ideas</a>.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Suzanne
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.126.183.43
URL: 
DATE: 01/05/2011 01:27:33 PM
<p>I would say high chairs are a &quot;nice to have&quot; but not necessary  item as well. During the day it&#39;s just me and my daughter so for feedings I would just sit on the floor with her. Before she was really sitting up on her own i just held her. In the evenings, for family togetherness at dinner time, her dad and I took turns holding her and eating.</p><p> I would say changing tables are completely unnecessary unless you need the extra storage. My daughter is wiggly during diaper changes, its just dangerous. And even now, she&#39;s so busy getting into things, the only stuff I can safely store on it are her toys. </p><p>A &#39;nice to have&#39; ( or &#39;necessary&#39;, if I had antique wood floors like my inlaws w nails and splinters sticking out), a foam play mat. It&#39;s made out of &quot;flip flop&quot; material and it fits together like puzzle pieces. When my 1 year old was first learning to sit by herself and crawl, she hit her head on the floor sooooo many times. Of course, a rug would do the same job but we preferred to spend $20 on the 9x9 mat than $300+ on a rug that we were only buying for her.</p><p>I second the baby monitor as an essential. Whether you are co sleeping or not, there are times when your baby is sleeping when you want to go do other things like cooking, or laundry, or office work. You can&#39;t be in the room 100% of the time.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Cloth Diaper Wash Routine
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/07/2011 01:00:20 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/moohaha/4854888794/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="/storage/Cloth diapers.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294282122475" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Moohaha</span></span></p>
<p><strong>If you're a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/28/getting-started-with-cloth-diapers.html">cloth diapering</a> mom, or are considering it, one thing that might be a huge question on your mind is, how do I wash these things</strong>? &nbsp;Or, how do other people wash them? &nbsp;There are as many different wash routines as there are cloth diapering families, so today I'll share mine.</p>
<p><strong>Wash routines are affected by many variables</strong>: the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/29/creating-your-cloth-diaper-stash.html">type of diapers</a> you have, what your baby is eating, what type of water you have (hard/soft), what type of detergent you use, your washing machine's options, whether you use a wet or dry pail, and more.</p>
<p>At my house, <strong>I use <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/24/do-your-research-cloth-diapers.html">pocket diapers</a> stuffed with cotton prefolds. </strong>(I <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/29/cloth-diaper-tutorial.html">designed and sewed the diapers</a> myself.)&nbsp;My children are both older and eating normal "adult" diets (although I don't use a different routine when I have exclusively breastfed newborns). &nbsp;I have water that tends to be on the hard side. <strong>&nbsp;I generally use soap nuts</strong>, although I have played with my Seventh Generation unscented lately. &nbsp;My machine doesn't have an option for an extra rinse, at least not unless I go and manually set it.</p>
<p><strong>So here is what I do:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Remove wet/dirty diaper from baby. &nbsp;Dump any solids into the toilet. &nbsp;I do <em>not</em>&nbsp;dip or rinse in any way; whatever doesn't get off the diaper stays until it gets washed.</li>
<li>Place diaper into wet bag until wash day.</li>
<li>When ready to wash, add 1 bag of soap nuts (3 - 4 in bag) to a hot wash on medium or high water level. &nbsp;(I also try using the usual, small amount of Seventh Generation if I try that.)</li>
<li>Add diapers to wash. &nbsp;Hot wash/cold rinse.</li>
<li>Turn machine on a second time with no soap; hot wash/cold rinse.</li>
<li>Dry diapers on line or in dryer, depending on weather.</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's it! &nbsp;I have not had stink issues or leaking issues or anything. &nbsp;<strong>On rare occasions if the kids have been sick or had weird things going on, I've used plain blue Dawn to strip them</strong> (one good squirt in the washer, and an extra 2 - 3 washes to get all the soap out). &nbsp;I've occasionally added white vinegar to the wash but really haven't found that I needed it. &nbsp;I don't bother with soaking or wet pails or any of that stuff. &nbsp;I haven't needed it in the 2.5 years I've been using cloth diapers.</p>
<p><strong>How do you wash your diapers? &nbsp;What are your variables (water, type of diapers, etc.)?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa @ Dyno-mom
EMAIL: naaskofamily@gmail.com
IP: 74.82.68.17
URL: http://www.dyno-mom.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/07/2011 02:36:54 PM
<p>I have ten kids and started out with cloth diapers with the oldest. I use a similar wash routine. No fancy stuff here! I started my own little blog and I talk about what I&#39;ve learned diapering ten kids here.</p><p>http://dyno-mom.blogspot.com/2010/12/cloth-diapers-are-green-and-affordable.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.209.73
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 01/07/2011 03:38:02 PM
<p>This is great!  I knew that I didn&#39;t want to go the disposable route with our first, but I was still so uncertain about how this whole cloth diapering stuff works.  I appreciate the simplicity of this (and your referred first article) on cloth diapering.  Thank you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jill
EMAIL: cjwinger@hotmail.com
IP: 174.39.225.52
URL: http://theprairiehomestead.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/07/2011 04:22:43 PM
<p>Do you have any suggestions for stain removal when you can&#39;t line dry?</p><p>My diapers look great in the summer when I can hang them outside, but are getting a buildup of annoying stains right now since it&#39;s winter in Wyoming and line drying is out of the question!</p><p>Would love to hear your ideas!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/07/2011 04:45:51 PM
<p>I use pocket diapers as well and had pretty much used the 7th Gen. free &amp; clear up until 2 weeks ago. I wasn&#39;t really pleased with the way they were smelling and/or cleaning. I {finally!} ordered some soapnuts to try on our regular wash and figured what the heck I&#39;ll try them on the diapers...and I will probably never use anything else ever again. The soapnuts are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. on the diapers! There is definitely a distinguishable difference. The diapers smell &quot;clean&quot; {as in, there isn&#39;t an odor} and they look whiter &amp; brighter.  Love, love, love the soapnuts. </p><p>We recently got an HE machine, but up until then I would, like you, just dump the solid and everything else leftover just waited until wash time. I&#39;m a little more paranoid with the HE, because I&#39;m not sure about throwing &quot;extra&quot; stuff in there. So, now I usually dump the solid scrape a little if necessary, and run it thru a quick rinse cycle. Then it just sits until I was a load of diapers. My cycle is a prewash, hot wash, &amp; extra rinse. Using soapnuts. :) Oh, and I&#39;ll strip them every so often. I think I&#39;ve done it twice in 9 months.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.163.17.248
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 04:55:53 PM
<p>When I was cloth diapering, we used AI2s. For the EBF poo, it was SO easy. From the baby to the wet bag to the washer. I use Tide(I know, I know, but it&#39;s all that works with our water) and do a cold rinse followed by a hot wash/cold rinse with 1/2 the detergent you&#39;d normally use. Once that baby started having toddler poo things got much more tricky. I invested in a sprayer and LOVE it. However, for some reason we developed stink issues when she weaned. I did EVERYTHING to fix it and nothing worked except washing them somewhere else. :(  Apparently we have unfriendly hard mineral laden well water and it didn&#39;t go well with her new diet.  I&#39;m getting ready to start using cloth on the new baby. I&#39;m hopeful, but scared that we&#39;re going to have stink again.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kali
EMAIL: kali_ehrhart@hotmail.com
IP: 74.132.97.234
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 06:05:17 PM
<p>Thanks so much for the blue dawn tip. We&#39;ve had a little stink (really strong urine smell) issue over here  and a 3rd rince and vinegar hasn&#39;t seemed to do the job. I&#39;m going to try that next time I wash.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.69.21.41
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 06:52:31 PM
<p>I did disposables with my son, wanted to do cloth but where we lived there weren&#39;t options like here. nowwith our daughter I&#39;m using pocket diapers and nature&#39;s clean detergent. The routine I wasrecommended is to store diapers dry (in a wet bag), then on wash day run a cold rinse first, then hot wash/cold rinse with extra rinse and dry in the dryer. For some reason, they come out better (cleaner and drier) if I wash some towels with them.<br/>I have problems with stains, though, as I can&#39;t sun them right now. Any tips for that?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 07:35:38 PM
<p>Thanks for this post. I wash a full cycle of cold, then full cycle of hot, then a cold rinse. But, I&#39;ve always wondered if I could skip that last rinse so I may try. We use Charlie&#39;s Soap which works well though I don&#39;t know what&#39;s in it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Molly
EMAIL: mnmsherwood@gmail.com
IP: 69.144.69.82
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 09:13:27 PM
<p>I use Envibum diapers with my son.  A 2nd rinse with about 1/2 cup vinegar usually does the trick to remove smells!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dana
EMAIL: gardendana@comcast.net
IP: 24.18.19.188
URL: http://www.my3littleducks.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/07/2011 09:23:52 PM
<p>I&#39;ve had great luck with Dropps http://www.dropps.com/dropps_baby.asp We travel a lot and these make it easy to also bring the cloth diaper routine. I think I am also going to order some soap nuts. I had great luck with them with my first kiddo. I wonder why I stopped? hmhmh<br/>Thanks for the post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bek
EMAIL: roxygirl1171@yahoo.com
IP: 71.218.54.249
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 11:57:51 PM
<p>I am having trouble removing yeast from cloth diapers. We kicked the infection in the kiddo but everytime we try to put him back in cloth, it comes back. So far I have tried chlorine-free bleach and grapefruit seed extract in the washes but it hasn&#39;t work. Can anyone offer any advice or suggestions? Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.10.230.229
URL: 
DATE: 01/09/2011 02:40:12 AM
<p>A few drops of Tea Tree oil added to the wash cycle with the cloth diapers/liners (no covers) does a good job of removing the stinkies.  I do a second wash cycle to make sure it is all rinsed out since it is such a strong oil.  I have also found that the water has a lot to do with success of a particular detergent.  I have tried several types of &quot;cloth diaper&quot; detergent and my diaps have gotten smelly with some and been great with others.  I recently read a post somewhere that stinkies can build up if too much detergent is used.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicola
EMAIL: nicola836@yahoo.co.uk
IP: 109.76.57.58
URL: 
DATE: 01/10/2011 07:37:31 PM
<p>I use a similar routine, although I do a cold wash first, then a hot wash with an extra rinse.  Just wanted to address Sue&#39;s concerns with the HE machine.  I do what Kate does and have never had any problems.  The HE machines are well able to handle little bits of dried on poop.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/10/2011 07:43:16 PM
<p>To those having stain/yeast issues:</p><p>Try RLR or Bac out.  They are perfectly natural and should &quot;strip&quot; the diapers pretty well.  You can add some tea tree oil in with this, too.  Try it all if you have to, and get them in the sun if possible.  If I really am having problems I will use RLR and extra rinses and that has taken care of it.  I haven&#39;t had to in so long that I had forgotten about it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jessie
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.208.65.18
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 05:06:14 PM
<p>can someone tell me what a wet bag is?I know about the wet pail, but have never heard of this.  thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: bek
EMAIL: roxygirl1171@yahoo.com
IP: 71.218.54.249
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 01:40:53 AM
<p>Wet bag is a waterproof (sometimes odor-proof) bag for storing soiled cloth diapers. They are espeically helpful when you are out of the house and need a change. The concept is similar to dry bags for camping only they keep the wet in instead of keeping the wet out. In fact, dry bags, which you can find in the camping section of some stores, work just as well (some better) and are less expensive. I got a 3 pack, multiple sizes for $9.99 at Walmart but my one zippered wet bag cost $25! Some people also get larger bags to use in place of a diaper pail because they can be closed (helps with odor).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crystal
EMAIL: trixiekiddo@yahoo.com
IP: 68.13.245.12
URL: http://piscessunleomoon.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/13/2011 05:18:47 PM
<p>I follow pretty much the same routine (no swishing in the toilet, thank you very much!) except I wash only once on hot/cold with Charlie&#39;s Soap. (I haven&#39;t used soap nuts before, but only because I&#39;m so pleased with Charlie&#39;s, I&#39;ve just never tried anything else!)<br/>I will line dry my diapers this summer, but in the meantime, stains don&#39;t bother me in the least, who&#39;s going to be checking- I know they&#39;re clean, and they come out fresh!<br/>Of course, even with so simple a routine, NO cloth diapers at all is even better, so check out my blog for my experience with elimination communication. My 9 mo. old is doing her business on a baby Bjorn potty, and I go days without washing diapers (used only for going out)!! I know this is off topic,  but I have been extremely successful with this twice- so I want to share it with you.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Sleeping During Pregnancy
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/05/2011 01:00:05 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/pregnancy.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294179311145" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Welcome to the next part of the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/9/7/healthy-pregnancy-series.html">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>! &nbsp;If you haven't been following along, click the link to read the previous posts. :)</p>
<p><strong>Sleeping during pregnancy is no easy task.</strong> &nbsp;In the early months, you might wake because you're hungry or feel sick. &nbsp;Later, you constantly have to go to the bathroom, your back hurts, you can't get comfortable. &nbsp;You might even suffer from sciatica. &nbsp;And what about sleeping positions? &nbsp;Some recommend not sleeping on your back. &nbsp;With all of these issues and worries, it's no wonder you can't sleep!</p>
<p>Take a deep breath. &nbsp;It's not as bad as it sounds. :)</p>
<p>First of all, prepare in advance for some discomforts. &nbsp;<strong>Do these things before you sleep</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Have a small, protein-filled snack, like an apple with peanut butter or a few slices of cheese</li>
<li>Keep a small snack next to your bed (some crackers or nuts)</li>
<li>Keep plenty of cold water next to your bed</li>
<li>Make sure the path to the bathroom is clear (I fell once when I was pregnant and sprained my wrist...dizziness sure makes it hard to pick your way around obstacles!)</li>
<li>Use a dim night light or two to light your path to the bathroom and inside it</li>
<li>Try a white-noise machine to help you relax</li>
<li>Get a body pillow or two, or a special pregnancy pillow</li>
<li>Keep a low light and a book next to your bed (in case you have trouble sleeping)</li>
</ul>
<p>Okay! &nbsp;Now you're ready to sleep. &nbsp;The snack is so your blood sugar doesn't drop and you don't wake at night feeling sick and dizzy (it's happened to me once or twice already, when I ate refined carbs before bed...oops!). &nbsp;The other snack is in case you <em>do</em>&nbsp;wake feeling sick or hungry anyway, or for first thing in the morning. &nbsp;</p>
<p>I am serious about a clear path to the bathroom. &nbsp;You may not think and rise too quickly, and if you trip on something you could seriously hurt yourself. &nbsp;Just make sure you can walk easily! &nbsp;A night light or two will help also.</p>
<p><strong>A white-noise machine is very helpful to relax you.</strong> &nbsp;If you prefer, soft classical music is nice, or even a TV on low. &nbsp;I don't know what it is, but in the last few months of <em>both</em>&nbsp;my pregnancies so far, I had to have the TV on to fall asleep, and sometimes all night. &nbsp;When I'm not pregnant I can't stand that, I just can't sleep with the TV on. &nbsp;I watched <em>Scrubs</em>&nbsp;so often that I could tell from any given 5-second clip what season and episode was on, even if I was half-asleep. &nbsp;It was good because I love that show, and because it's generally even-volume and no laugh track. &nbsp;It's not a cartoon so no bright colors either. &nbsp;I know, I'm weird.</p>
<p><strong>Body pillows -- what can I say? &nbsp;They're a pregnant woman's best friend. </strong>&nbsp;Look at this <a href="http://www.maternityandbabyshoppingmart.com/pregnancypillows.aspx">Snoogle</a>. &nbsp;I don't have one (and I'm not affiliated with the company in any way), but I love this design. &nbsp;It goes between your arms, under your belly, between your legs, and also tucks around your head and back. &nbsp;You'll like the extra back support when you are very far along, trust me. &nbsp;I simply have two 4' long body pillows, the type you can buy at any local store. &nbsp;The first one joins me in bed sometime around the end of the first trimester to tuck between my knees and under my (tiny) belly, and the second one joins me midway through the second trimester, behind my back. &nbsp;With these pillows, I sleep comfortably. &nbsp;My husband hates them. :) &nbsp;He actually volunteered to wear a straitjacket to bed if it meant I'd use him as a pillow instead of getting these out!</p>
<p><strong>With this "arsenal" of tricks, you can get much more comfortable in bed. </strong>&nbsp;That will help you sleep!</p>
<p>What about bathroom trips? &nbsp;You don't want to limit liquids too much because you don't want to get dehydrated. &nbsp;It could give you headaches and make it harder to sleep. &nbsp;Just make sure you go right before you go to sleep and make any trips as quick as possible!</p>
<p>Can you sleep on your back? &nbsp;<strong>The truth is, if you are comfortable on your back, especially if you are tipped slightly to one side or another, you are safe. </strong>&nbsp;The problem is when your nerves get compressed and you lose blood flow to the baby. &nbsp;But if this were happening, you would be uncomfortable and feel pain and strangeness that would cause you to change position before there was any damage. &nbsp;Let your comfort decide what position you sleep in. &nbsp;I often sleep on my back but tipped slightly to one side, even very late in pregnancy, and it's never been a problem. &nbsp;If you are very heavy, it <em>might</em>&nbsp;be an issue, but again, it would be uncomfortable for you and you probably wouldn't want to lie in that position anyway.</p>
<p>What about sciatica or other problems? &nbsp;<strong>Truthfully, you want to see a chiropractor so that you can hopefully deal with these issues. &nbsp;You can also use extra pillows (yes, even more pillows!) to prop yourself to a more comfortable position.</strong> &nbsp;The same goes for heartburn sufferers -- use extra pillows to prop up. &nbsp;In that case, also try sipping lemon water or raw apple cider vinegar diluted in water (the problem is really too <em>little</em>&nbsp;acid, not too much).</p>
<p><strong>How do you sleep during pregnancy? &nbsp;What are your best tips and tricks?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: April
EMAIL: eastermorning82@gmail.com
IP: 24.236.158.182
URL: http://www.jasonruggles.com
DATE: 01/05/2011 01:59:47 PM
<p>I&#39;m around 13 weeks, and one of my oddest sleeping problems is my hands and/or feet falling asleep!  It&#39;s like if my hand is lower or higher than it&#39;s shoulder, it falls asleep!  Or if my arm is under anything.  I&#39;m just starting to try being creative with hugging pillows or something to keep it from happening.  It doesn&#39;t wake me up if I&#39;m in a deep sleep, but it&#39;s very bothersome as I&#39;m trying to fall asleep.<br/>Anyone else have this problem?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bdfan214@hotmail.com
IP: 140.254.234.126
URL: 
DATE: 01/05/2011 02:37:23 PM
<p>I am just ending my 1st trimester with my first baby and have had NO problems sleeping, whether it is at night or in the evening in front of the TV.  But I have been rather symptom free so I guess I should not be surprised (does this mean that I am going to get it later?).  I am a stomach sleeper with one leg pulled up to my side (and into my husband&#39;s back) though, and sleeping on my back or sides has never been comfortable for me.  I have noticed that it is getting a little tighter when I do that, so I am going to dig out my old pillows and put them to good use.  Thanks for the tips!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/05/2011 03:29:48 PM
<p>I use 3 pillows when I&#39;m pregnant! Some day I&#39;m gonna splurge on a pregnancy pillow so I can spend less time arranging all my pillows. </p><p>The snack before bed is essential, but I also really recommend digestive enzymes with dinner. I didn&#39;t have nearly the heartburn issues with my last two pregnancies since I was on a really good enzyme (Enzymedica). Both those things helped from me having to think about food as I fell asleep - either what I was going to eat next, or what I had already eaten. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.209.73
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 01/05/2011 03:29:55 PM
<p>I am 29 weeks pregnant with my first, and I do not enjoy losing sleep.  I have found that doing some basic exercises right before going to bed helps my back relax and keeps leg cramps away.  Something simple like a cat/dog yoga series or pelvic circles.  It has especially helped with sciatica.  </p><p>Love your blog, by the way!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bdfan214@hotmail.com
IP: 140.254.234.126
URL: 
DATE: 01/05/2011 04:07:52 PM
<p>April, come to think of it, yes my arms especially have been falling asleep more.  I am rather well endowed to begin with so have always slept with my arms folded under me, and with the pregnancy they are getting larger and sore, so I have been noticing it it worse too!  I am 11 week BTW</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: VA mom
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.163.250.66
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 10:48:42 AM
<p>Interesting, I ran across this blog while &quot;not sleeping&quot; due to being 38 weeks pregnant!  (had to get up to pee, lay back down and just couldn&#39;t go back to sleep, for no obvious reason)  After lying awake for an hour, I decided to admit defeat and just get up.  The sad thing, of course, is I&#39;ll be ready to go back to sleep in an hour or two, but of course my kids will be up by then.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Chicken Marsala
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/06/2011 01:00:09 PM
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<p><strong>Today's recipe is a <em>sneak peek</em>&nbsp;from <em>Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</em>, which is being released next Monday, January 1Oth!</strong> &nbsp;This book is primarily aimed at pregnant women who are looking to simplify good nutrition. &nbsp;Especially if you're used to books that teach you about many different food groups and nutrients and make you count things, or which have "healthy" foods that sound like the <em>last</em>&nbsp;foods you actually want to eat, this book is for you!</p>
<p><strong>Not expecting?</strong> &nbsp;As you'll see from this recipe, the super food recipes are really universal, and so is the general super food information. &nbsp;We can <em>all</em>&nbsp;stand to have more super foods in our diets!</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p>
<p>Marinade</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>&frac12; c. onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, chopped</li>
<li>&frac12; c. dry marsala wine</li>
<li>1 tsp. basil</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. thyme</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. oregano</li>
<li>1 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. pepper</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;Flour</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>1/3 c. sprouted flour</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. oregano</li>
<li>1 tsp. basil</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. parsley</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. black pepper</li>
<li>&frac14; tsp. thyme</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;1 lb. chicken, sliced very thinly</li>
<li>4 &ndash; 6 white mushrooms, sliced</li>
<li>&frac12; small onion, sliced</li>
<li>3 tbsp. olive oil</li>
<li>4 tbsp. butter, divided</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, chopped</li>
<li>&frac12; c. marsala wine</li>
<li>1 c. chicken stock</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Directions:</strong></p>
<p>In a large glass bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients.&nbsp; Add the sliced chicken and enough water to cover.&nbsp; Place in the fridge overnight, or at least 8 hours.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When ready to cook, mix flour ingredients together in a medium bowl.&nbsp; Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp. butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.&nbsp; Dip chicken into the flour mix, and then place into pan to fry (probably in 2 batches).&nbsp; Add the garlic along with the chicken.&nbsp; Set chicken aside when cooked through.&nbsp; In the pan, add remaining butter, onion, and mushrooms.&nbsp; Cook until mushrooms are done.&nbsp; Add marsala wine and deglaze the pan (stir around to get all the browned bits off the bottom).&nbsp; Add chicken stock, and a bit of salt and pepper.&nbsp; Boil for 15 &ndash; 20 minutes, until reduced by half.&nbsp; At this point, either add the chicken back to the pan and coat with sauce, or pour the sauce over the chicken on plates to serve.&nbsp; Makes 4 servings.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Christina
EMAIL: christinaanderson14@gmail.com
IP: 174.70.45.23
URL: http://www.johnandchristinaanderson.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/06/2011 04:04:28 PM
<p>This looks so yummy!!!  Thank you so much for sharing!  We are just gearing our home for healthier eating (step by step or I get horribly overwhelmed and want to throw in the towel). This looks like it could make the menu list and stay there!!!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 05:19:23 AM
<p>Funny-my husband had this for dinner tonight before playing in a band at a dinner theater!  I&#39;ve never made it and don&#39;t order it at restaurants because I don&#39;t like mushrooms, but I saved this so I can make it at home w/o them!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Why We Chose Home Birth
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 12/30/2010 01:00:35 PM
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<p>Ah, pregnancy.... &nbsp;<strong>At almost 9 weeks now, my morning sickness is rapidly fading away to a memory.</strong> &nbsp;I'm still feeling a bit averse to different foods, but it's not nearly what it was a couple weeks ago. &nbsp;I'm able to eat most things now, and I'm starting to really crave getting back to my usual routine! &nbsp;I didn't follow my meal plan much at all from 6 - 8 weeks, and didn't even make one these two weeks (8 - 10 weeks) and it's been hard. &nbsp;Every meal I'm wondering, "What do we have? &nbsp;What can I eat? &nbsp;What should I make?" &nbsp;I really hate it. &nbsp;It's why I have meal planned almost continuously for two years now! &nbsp;Ah well...in January, after the holidays are done and I'm truly feeling normal again (as much as I can, anyway!), I'll get back to it.</p>
<p>I don't have much else to say this week, given that we haven't had another appointment or anything. &nbsp;I'm pretty busy with my older kids so I often don't really "feel" pregnant. &nbsp;I remember with my first that I woke up <em>every</em>&nbsp;day, the whole pregnancy, feeling extra special, like I had a delicious secret: I was carrying a baby! &nbsp;It was magical. &nbsp;<strong>This time the day-to-day realities and my kids' needs come first, so I don't have as much time to just sit and think about the baby.</strong> &nbsp;I still do, when I can. &nbsp;It was like that with Daniel, too. &nbsp;It'll be so much more fun in a couple months when I can really feel the baby move. <strong>&nbsp;I like to sit in the bath tub for awhile and just watch the baby and feel him or her move, and bond/connect. </strong>&nbsp;That's my special time and I have and will do it for each of my babies.</p>
<p><strong>Today, though, I thought I'd talk a little more about how and why we've made the decision to have a home birth, and hopefully provide some resources for those of you who are curious about possibly having one yourself.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Bekah was born in a hospital.</strong> &nbsp;In fact, when I found out I was pregnant with her, we were still very much a typical, SAD-eating, once-a-year-check up type people. &nbsp;We were overweight and sick, too, but...that's not important. &nbsp;I literally looked up OBs on my insurance plan and picked one that was close to my house and had a nice-sounding name. &nbsp;Oh, and she was a DO, which I liked, and my primary care doc recommended her. &nbsp;So I wasn't totally crazy.</p>
<p>I didn't like her. &nbsp;<strong>She made me feel like I was incompetent, and like I had no choices. </strong>&nbsp;She was the expert and she made all the decisions, and I was to just place my trust in her and do things her way. &nbsp;Having babies was clearly a business to her. &nbsp;She even had a sign on her receptionist's window that said "Home deliveries are for pizza." &nbsp;I was so confused by that sign I almost walked out. &nbsp;I should have. &nbsp;She had three staff turnovers during the 7 months I saw her, told me I was overweight (not in a nice way), was rude to her staff, and clearly didn't like it when anyone questioned her decisions. <strong>&nbsp;In labor, she forced me to have an IV, have my water broken, take Pitocin, etc. &nbsp;I was not asked if I wanted those things; I was not explained the risks and benefits.</strong> &nbsp;I was not allowed to have a support person to discuss those options with and have them advocate for me. &nbsp;<strong>She simply told me (literally), "This is a hospital. &nbsp;We move things along here. &nbsp;If you don't like it, you can can go home."</strong> &nbsp;I was scared and in pain and felt that I had no choices.</p>
<p><strong>This, by the way, is highly unethical, if not illegal.</strong> &nbsp;Patients are supposed to be given informed consent, and when a treatment is offered on a non-emergency basis, it <em>can</em>&nbsp;be refused. &nbsp;Patients should never be separated from their support people, and the support people should be the ones talking to the doctors and staff and advocating for the laboring woman. &nbsp;A laboring woman is usually in no position to be advocating for herself -- which this doctor knew, and took advantage of. &nbsp;You do <em>not</em>&nbsp;have to take it. <strong>&nbsp;If you find yourself in this position, get a new doctor <em>immediately</em>.</strong> &nbsp;Even if you are in labor, fire your doctor and ask the on call doctor to deliver you! &nbsp;I wish I had. &nbsp;The on call doctor was so much nicer to me, willing to discuss options, wait and see what happened (again, it was totally a non-emergency, my doc just wanted me to deliver faster). &nbsp;He was honestly shocked at what my doc said to me. &nbsp;<em>Fire that doctor!</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;It really doesn't matter what the situation is, just don't deal with being bullied that way.</p>
<p><strong>When Bekah was born she was handed to me for only a few seconds, then whisked away for quite awhile -- close to an hour. </strong>&nbsp;When she was finally returned to me, she'd been cleaned and wrapped. <strong>&nbsp;I just held her but felt totally disconnected from her. </strong>&nbsp;We struggled with breastfeeding for weeks. &nbsp;She was this person I didn't know. &nbsp;I cried a lot and begged Ben to just take her away and care for her. &nbsp;I felt overwhelmed. &nbsp;So I knew this was not something I ever wanted to repeat.</p>
<p>When I became pregnant again, we briefly considered home birth, but didn't know anyone personally who had done it, so dropped it. &nbsp;<strong>We found a different practice that had both doctors and midwives (certified nurse-midwives) who were known for being more hands-off. </strong>&nbsp;They were supportive of natural birth. &nbsp;They were willing to answer our questions. &nbsp;But they were still quite mainstream. &nbsp;They still wanted to do all the usual tests. &nbsp;<strong>I found out they would drop me as a patient if I refused to do the glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks</strong> (despite that ACOG had recently come out and said that if you were under 25, normal weight, had no history, and were otherwise low-risk, the test wasn't necessary -- and I completely fit that profile). &nbsp;We'd met some people who'd had home births so we started to look into it again.</p>
<p><strong>And, I switched providers at 28 weeks!</strong> &nbsp;We definitely had to play "catch up" with this. &nbsp;Midwives take a full hour to talk to you at all your appointments from 8 weeks to 36 weeks, then a half hour every week until your baby is born. &nbsp;I'd missed 5 of those hours already. &nbsp;It was interesting, but we were so glad we made the switch. &nbsp;<strong>We took a childbirth ed class (hadn't the first time, which was stupid) and got to know more people that had home births. &nbsp;We finally felt we had supportive people around us</strong>.</p>
<p>And...the birth was wonderful. &nbsp;You can read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/13/daniels-birth-story.html">Daniel's Birth Story</a> there, if you're interested. &nbsp;I'd been so worried that I'd feel the same way after his birth that I did after Bekah's, but this time I would not have a few uninterrupted months to get to know him. &nbsp;But I didn't. &nbsp;<strong>He was placed on my chest immediately and not moved for over an hour. &nbsp;Not to mention that I'd been fully in control during the entire labor and birth. &nbsp;He was <em>mine</em>&nbsp;immediately.</strong> &nbsp;I did not want anyone to ever take him from me. &nbsp;I could hardly stand to put him down. &nbsp;I cried <em>so</em>&nbsp;much in the weeks after his birth, too -- for Bekah. &nbsp;For what I now knew I had lost in the early weeks, for what I knew I was still missing. &nbsp;I <em>love</em>&nbsp;my daughter but I don't have the same bond with her that I do with my son. &nbsp;And I blame my birth experience for it.</p>
<p><strong>We were informed at our appointment last week that there is "bonding before birth" counseling available.</strong> &nbsp;I wasn't too interested in that, for this baby. &nbsp;I feel like I know this baby is special, and I will bond with it by reading books about empowering birth, planning for it, praying for it, and being in control and deliberate during labor and birth. &nbsp;I feel I will experience the same powerful bonding I felt with Daniel. &nbsp;<strong>What I thought was interesting was where they said they'll work with children up to age 2, and provide referrals for older children, if you have suffered a traumatic birth. </strong>&nbsp;What I was really interested in was going with Bekah, to see if we can't make up for what we have lost.</p>
<p>So, home birth for us became a way that we could be fully in control of labor and birth, and provide our baby -- and our family -- the best start we possibly could. &nbsp;<strong>All statistics are in favor of home birth for positive outcomes for moms and babies. &nbsp;</strong>Which helped us initially, to know we weren't making a reckless decision. &nbsp;But we just felt that it really was better across the board. &nbsp;<strong>I'll never forget the intensity of the last moments before Daniel was born, with Ben standing over me and breathing with me, and how just seconds after Daniel's arrival he ran down and brought Bekah up to meet her little brother.</strong> &nbsp;She crawled onto the bed next to me, not seeming the least bit surprised to see a new baby in my arms, breathing "Bra" (her word at the time for brother). &nbsp;She was not yet 18 months, and it was like she knew he was coming. &nbsp;None of this would have been possible had we not been at home.</p>
<p>I can't wait for this time. &nbsp;If Bekah's up to it (and she's totally fascinated by babies and birth now), we will allow her to be present in the room at the time of birth.</p>
<p><strong>Our senior midwife also has delivered nearly 1000 babies over a span of more than 30 years</strong>. &nbsp;She's seen just about everything. &nbsp;She's also had 5 of her own babies. <strong>&nbsp;But she is <em>not</em>&nbsp;of the opinion that she knows everything and that you should follow her way. </strong>&nbsp;She has far more experience than most OBs we'd encounter! &nbsp;We have a second, well experienced (delivered over 300 babies over 7 or so years) midwife who attends our birth too. &nbsp;Their thinking is that when birth occurs, there are <em>two</em>&nbsp;patients, so two midwives are needed. &nbsp;We feel secure knowing this. &nbsp;<strong>We also know that they are trained to recognize circumstances outside of their experience and they would not hesitate to refer or transfer me if it became truly necessary.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Home birth is really the <em>only</em>&nbsp;way for our family!</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you are interested in home birth, <a href="http://www.narm.org">NARM</a>&nbsp;(North American Registry of Midwives) is probably the best place to look. </strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://midwiferytoday.com/">Midwifery Today</a> is another place to check. <a href="http://nacpm.org/">&nbsp;NACPM</a>&nbsp;(National Association of &nbsp;Certified Professional Midwives) is a good place to look. &nbsp;Those are some great starting places. &nbsp;You can also simply google "home birth midwives" or "certified professional midwives" and your area to find some. &nbsp;If you aren't finding midwives this way, you can search <a href="http://www.dona.org">DONA</a> for a doula and see if they know any midwives -- they just might. &nbsp;You might even find doulas or midwives advertising on Craig's List (if it's legal in your state), but make sure to check their credentials and ask for references.</p>
<p><strong>What's your ideal birthing situation?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dani
EMAIL: danielle.kelley@yahoo.com
IP: 174.47.172.2
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 02:52:34 PM
<p>Ah, thank you so much for this post! Hubby and I are trying for my first (he has three lovely girls from his first marriage, and I keep telling him that she and I will likely NOT have the same pregnancy and/or delivery experiences!), and I am trying to find a doctor--or even advisor/midwife/doula--that is not entirely mainstream. On my first visit to my new OB, she says, &quot;Oh, you&#39;re 40. Here&#39;s a script for your first mammogram.&quot; I&#39;m thinking to myself, yeah, but I don&#39;t want just what the medical establishment recommends--can we at least discuss this? When I explained that I want to do things naturally, she just blinked at me. As if she was waiting for a punchline or something.  It&#39;s awful, the experience you had with your first, so needless to say, I am considering finding a new OB, because I don&#39;t want to go through what you did (although her bedside manner is significantly better than your doc&#39;s was; she&#39;s just a little too main-stream. I&#39;m sure she&#39;ll want to do tons of ultrasounds!)--I know you don&#39;t want ANYONE to go through anything even remotely like that, which is why you wrote this post! </p><p>Anyway, thank you also for the resources. I have been googling for doulas, midwives, and naturopaths in my area, and have come up empty-handed in my search so far. I look forward to renewing my search with these new sources!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karla
EMAIL: kheaman@cablespeed.com
IP: 208.53.114.93
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 03:37:39 PM
<p>Very interesting ideas and may you have a wonderful pregnancy and home birth!  I wondered though is is possible that the feelings you had at the birth of your first were related to being a new mom and the new feeling and experiences that can overwhelm you at that period of time in your life?  </p><p>I have three children now and have unfortunately had to have all three by Cesarean section.  My first two were frank breech and the third also breech, just not butt first.  I definitely felt a lot of the same feelings of disconnect, difficulty breastfeeding, and difficulty bonding with my first.  I wasn&#39;t sure if it was due to the very &quot;clinical&quot; aspect of my delivery and was definitely afraid of feeling that way with my second.  I felt very different with my second...very connected and bonded and with my third even more so despite the same birth experience.  My experiences as a NICU nurse have taught me that while some of us may have that natural earth mother instinct right from the start, many do not and from watching new mom&#39;s and interviewing other friends and co-workers, first time breastfeeding is hard for a large majority of women.  You take what you learn from those first experiences into your subsequent births and bonding and breastfeeding usually become much easier as time goes on.  </p><p>When I look at my firstborn, I wish that it hadn&#39;t been so hard that first time to bond with her, but I realize that my experiences with her and what she taught me about being a mother are why it was so much easier the next two times around.  Becoming someone&#39;s mother is such a crazy magical transformation and sometimes you think it will break you and other times you can&#39;t imagine anything more satisfying in life and it&#39;s much bigger than just our individual birth experiences.  </p><p>Show yourself (and those overbearing - but usually well-intentioned health care workers) some grace and know that children are not &quot;ruined or wrecked&quot; by a less than satisfactory birth experience.  Years of love and attention can definitely overcome that.  </p><p>I only share this because I would hate for any of your readers to think that if they don&#39;t have the &quot;perfect&quot; home or hospital birth that they won&#39;t be able to bond or they will impact their child emotionally forever.  Hopefully everyone has the birth they hope for, but if they don&#39;t, it is still possible to bond and grow with your child.  Additionally no matter what your birth story, that first trip down motherhood lane is bound to be a bit rocky and difficult to navigate and it&#39;s okay to feel that way!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah T.
EMAIL: sa4grace@hotmail.com
IP: 72.70.158.159
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 05:51:51 PM
<p>I understand where Karla is coming from and I can agree with the &quot;well-intentioned&quot; aspect- I just don&#39;t think they&#39;re well-informed.  I think they&#39;ve been numbed by the system of Western Medicine.  They&#39;re quite specialized- even in the OB field- that the</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah T.
EMAIL: sa4grace@hotmail.com
IP: 72.70.158.159
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 06:04:45 PM
<p>ha ha... my 1 yr. old just whacked the keyboard and posted that for me...</p><p>My situation is very similar to yours.  I went to an OB who came highly recommended.  While she was nice enough, after one visit, I was already having questions and concerns.  Fortunately, I had a neighbor who had delivered at a birth center and went with me for an informational meeting.  That changed my perspective for sure!  I had a great 7 months with them.  Unfortunately, due to my water breaking before contractions, infrequent contractions, and time sensitive issues regarding how long they could legally keep me there, I ended up being transferred to the hospital.  It was a TERRIBLE experience.  Even though the OB on call was the birth center&#39;s back-up for emergencies, he was also the high-risk OB dr. for the area.  He had his way and that was that.  Episiotomies and epidurals are SOP for him.  It ended up being a 34 hr. labor anyway.  By the time I got out, I felt like I had been dragged through the mill and back.<br/>#2- Great experience at the birth center.  It&#39;s just like a home.  Except you go home when you&#39;re done.  I had her around 6 PM and went home by midnight.  The midwife trusted me to know when it was time to push.  She let me get up and move as I felt.  I was in charge of the situation and felt empowered by her support and trust in my instincts.<br/>#3- We moved and had to find a new midwife.  Found one who not only does home births, but comes to your house for all the visits.  She&#39;s amazing.  Again, laid-back enough to let me be in control of my own labor and delivery, but present enough to give me the support and guidance I needed.<br/>#4- Due in April.  Working with the same midwife.  Considering water birth.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 09:07:13 PM
<p>Homebirths are the way to go. I&#39;m afraid to use this word as it&#39;s so often misused, but it&#39;s entirely appropriate. Homebirthing was empowering. My midwife was awesome and exactly as you described. She&#39;s informative but not demanding</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@smellyskunk.com
IP: 24.130.7.204
URL: 
DATE: 12/30/2010 11:43:56 PM
<p>Dani - you might also check to see if you have a Holistic Moms group in your area ( http://www.holisticmoms.org/ ). If there is one, they would probably know of any local midwives/doulas/etc.  I hope you are able to find someone that you are comfortable with!</p><p>I had a homebirth for my first (and currently only) little one.  It was a wonderful experience and if we decide to have baby number two, I&#39;ll definitely be planning on a homebirth.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmai.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 12/31/2010 07:47:39 PM
<p>Great post. When I had my first baby, I was totally clueless. I had no idea women can deliver anywhere except the hospital, and that a woman has a right to refuse any tests or procedures the doctor recommends. The doctor told me I had to be induced for my first child, due to the fact that I was leaking water? Or at least they said there was less fluid in my sack. So they induced, installed a metal ball into my cervix, to help dialate it, pitocin, epidural, and the works. Fortuanally for me, the epidural wasnt as strong, so I could still feel it when I had to push. But I was so weak by then- I had no strength to push. The little one was born, had to be cleaned right away because with all the intervantions, there was mecconium staining. Afterwards I put her to my breast right away,and the breastfeeding became our safe ground, or bonding time. I wonder if having induced labor, and having epidurals, have a side effect of having postpartum depression?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim Eskola
EMAIL: candomom@gmail.com
IP: 63.246.250.67
URL: http://www.candomom.com
DATE: 01/02/2011 12:05:21 AM
<p>I definitely agree with you wholeheartedly! I have had a lot of homebirths since my first one in the hospital (9 births altogether and it really is the way to go for most women. That is a fav topic of mine. :-)</p><p>The one thing I would say if a woman feels they must use a doctor is to become well informed of your rights and choices. Don&#39;t assume ( as doctors and nurses can imply sometimes) that you have to have or do everything exactly as they say. Sometimes it is definitely for your best, but not always. Often it is out of protocol or convenience that they suggest something.<br/>Being informed and letting all parties know beforehand (bring expectations in writing) help make the birth experience go a lot better.<br/>It also helps them realize you aren&#39;t just anti-doc and ignorant- which is often what women that want a more natural birth are labeled.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: szyq708@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.gonetonc.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/02/2011 03:04:45 AM
<p>I just had our first in March and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. We lived in CT, but worked in Mass and I was fortunate to find a fantastic OBGYN office and hospital near work. Granted, it was about 45 minutes from where we actually lived, but completely worth it. From day one, they presented us with all the options, but not once were we ever pressured to do things a certain way. Every single nurse, doctor, person we dealt with was adamant that this was OUR birth experience and it was important to do what worked for us. Incredible, really.</p><p> My water broke around 4 am and we went to the hospital at 9am and I didn&#39;t actually give birth until almost 8 pm. I did not get an epidural and no one tried to make me. They let me labor the way I wanted to labor and gave me a room with a birthing tub. Although I didn&#39;t actually have a water birth, they allowed me to labor in the tub. I would get out and want to get back in a while later and they would refill it for me. I think about 4 times. Once kiddo was born, the doctor kissed my forehead and she told me I did a fantastic job. I thought that was the best. Not once did they take him from us and the room we actually stayed in had a double bed so my husband and I could both sleep in it. It was amazing. </p><p>...and then we moved!!!! We&#39;re trying for #2 and I&#39;m really trying to leave it in the Lord&#39;s hands to provide me with a great OB and hospital. My experience, I don&#39;t believe, is very typical of most hospitals. We were blessed. I am more inclined to have a midwife and consider a home-birth if I can&#39;t find a hospital and provider that would provide a similar experience. Unfortunately {for them}, the bar is set pretty high.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Wellness Mama
EMAIL: endlesswellness@gmail.com
IP: 68.217.151.202
URL: http://wellnessmama.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 05:32:40 PM
<p>I think homebirth is a great option, and I do hope to have one someday. We actually were planning one with our last child, our third. An undetected placenta previa (very, very, rare) caused hemorrhage and emergency c-section at 35 weeks and our poor little one had to be in NICU for 8 days. It was so difficult, especially since I was looking forward to a peaceful water birth at home. Fortunately, he and I are both doing great now, and he caught on to nursing no problem once he could.<br/>With this baby, we are opting to give birth with midwives in a hospital. We did this with our second, and it was a great experience (no IV, to intervention, baby never taken the whole time I was in the hospital). This particular group of midwives has one of the highest v-bac rates in the country too. I was unable to find any midwife who would do a v-bac at home until I had at least one in the hospital, but I really hope that after this we can have homebirths. <br/>Look forward to hearing the rest of your story for this pregnancy!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Unnecessary Testing
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/06/2011 01:00:09 PM
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<p><strong>Well, here I am at almost 10 weeks now!</strong> &nbsp;It's really been moving fast this time. &nbsp;Crazy, almost. &nbsp;The holidays have certainly kept me busy.&nbsp; I had to pull out my maternity clothes yesterday, because I put on a fitted shirt and it fell just below my belly button!&nbsp; Oops!&nbsp; Definitely time for something slightly bigger....&nbsp; No one else can see that I'm pregnant (as you can tell from the picture above), but I know I'm starting to change.&nbsp; I'm too big to comfortably wear my fitted clothes, but not big enough to really "need" maternity clothes yet. &nbsp;You know, that super fun in-between stage!</p>
<p><strong>The morning sickness is basically gone (yay!) and I'm starting to be able to really eat again. &nbsp;I didn't do a meal plan for the last two weeks (and didn't stick to the one I did the two weeks before that), and now I'm really missing it. </strong>&nbsp;But since I'm <em>finally</em>&nbsp;able to eat almost normally again, it's time to get back to it. &nbsp;I really, really hate not having a plan, because that just leads to us waiting until it's meal time and saying, "So, uh...what do you want to eat?" &nbsp;Then we realize that we should have thawed something, or started something soaking, or even just turned on the oven already, and it takes another hour or so to get anything on the table. &nbsp;Unless I break down and make a box of mac'n'cheese from Trader Joe's (which I've done a handful of times) and just serve it with some grass-fed beef and steamed broccoli. &nbsp;Or something. &nbsp;It could be worse, right?</p>
<p><strong>It's time to get back to my life in <em>many</em>&nbsp;ways. </strong>&nbsp;Ben's been off for the holidays so our routine's been thrown off. &nbsp;I'm super behind on laundry (at the time of writing, Sunday, I have 4 clean baskets to fold, and at least 4 more loads to wash, and probably more like 6. &nbsp;Really). &nbsp;So I need to get up and out of my stupor and start taking care of my home again! &nbsp;I'm ready though.</p>
<p>This is a particularly nerve-wracking part of pregnancy for me, and a bit more so this time than the previous times. &nbsp;<strong>With both of the first two, we were still seeing a OB at this time, and we had an ultrasound around 8 - 9 weeks.</strong> &nbsp;So, just as my morning sickness and early symptoms were fading, but before I could feel the baby move. &nbsp;This time, we're not.</p>
<p>As it happens, our midwives <em>officially</em>&nbsp;recommend having back-up care. &nbsp;But the truth is, <strong>most doctors around here don't really support home birth, and they will drop you if you mention you are having one.</strong> &nbsp;They might be perfectly soliticious about it, as our doctors with Daniel were -- "Please look into it, and if you decide it's for you, go for it! &nbsp;But we can't care for you any longer" -- but the truth remains the same: they will <em>not</em>&nbsp;agree to be back up care. &nbsp;Either they do the whole thing, or they don't see you. &nbsp;Plus one of the reasons we're <em>not</em>&nbsp;going that route this time is because we don't want all the interventions that come along with standard OB care. &nbsp;I don't want them to do all the initial blood tests and internal exams and other junk. &nbsp;I don't feel I need it.</p>
<p>But, that does, of course, make me very slightly nervous at this time. <strong>&nbsp;I'm starting to feel better, but I'm not yet really "bigger" and I can't feel the baby move.</strong> &nbsp;And I never feel my babies until late, around 20 weeks. &nbsp;But I'm not even far enough yet to hear the heartbeat! &nbsp;We'll try in a couple weeks at our next appointment, but it may or may not be possible. &nbsp;So for now I just have to trust that everything is okay and my little baby is living and growing, with very little evidence.</p>
<p>I am well aware that if something <em>were</em>&nbsp;wrong, chances are I'd have cramping, bleeding, and other bad signs. &nbsp;And I don't. &nbsp;I know that I wouldn't have gone through all that morning sickness and I wouldn't still be tired. &nbsp;<strong>I know intellectually everything's fine.</strong> &nbsp;But I'll feel better once I've heard the heartbeat, and even better once I can feel my baby move.</p>
<p>So why don't I want any of that testing, if it could potentially reassure me that everything is, in fact, fine?</p>
<p><strong>I don't feel it would be in my baby's best interests</strong>. &nbsp;I don't want internal exams because every time you have one, foreign bacteria can be introduced, increasing the risk of infection. &nbsp;I don't want a bunch of blood tests because they won't really tell me anything valuable anyway (I will only allow an anemia test, finger prick-style, at 28 weeks). &nbsp;And I don't want ultrasounds because I do not believe that they are the harmless, fun tool that everyone thinks they are.</p>
<p>Ultrasounds send high-frequency sound waves at the baby, which bounce off and form an image. &nbsp;People say since it's just sound, it can't possibly be damaging. &nbsp;But did you know <strong>they also use ultrasounds to find and then <em>break</em>&nbsp;kidney stones? </strong>&nbsp;If the ultrasounds can actually break apart kidney stones (and there are better and safer ways, which is not important right now), <strong>what might it do to your tiny, developing baby?</strong> &nbsp;There's evidence it can cause minor brain damage (increased left-handedness, learning disabilities). <strong>&nbsp;It's also highly inaccurate</strong>. &nbsp;They can't really measure a baby or fluid levels because they can't get a fully accurate picture. &nbsp;Not to mention if the baby's moving, or your anatomy is a bit different....</p>
<p>So there's the potential for harm, and inaccurate diagnosis. &nbsp;Why would I want that? &nbsp;My goal is to leave my baby alone as much as possible (from intrusive testing) and nourish him or her with food, relaxation, love. &nbsp;And besides, <strong>even ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology), one of the <em>most</em>&nbsp;conservative and mainstream sources, does <em>not</em>&nbsp;recommend using routine ultrasounds.</strong></p>
<p>Do I think that for some women, who are high-risk, that the benefits may outweigh any drawbacks? &nbsp;Sure. &nbsp;<strong>I'm not against it being used as a selective diagnostic tool in cases where it is warranted.</strong> &nbsp;I have friends who have lupus anticoagulant (which can cause blood clots, and therefore mental retardation or even death) or diabetes or other conditions and <em>they</em>&nbsp;probably really need it, at least a couple times, to make sure that their conditions are not causing problems for their babies.</p>
<p>But I don't fall into that category. &nbsp;And<strong> I don't want to do all these tests just to cover some doctor's butt, or just because they're "fun."</strong> &nbsp;I'll see my baby when he or she is born. &nbsp;And no, I won't know for sure until birth whether the baby is "he" or "she." &nbsp;Nor will I likely have picked a name. &nbsp;Which I typically do by asking God, "Who are you sending me?"</p>
<p>So even though it's just a little bit hard right now, I have to trust. &nbsp;<strong>I have to remember that I feel fine, things are progressing normally (it's a little easier to remember since I have done this before!), and I do not <em>need </em>these things to make sure my baby is okay. </strong>&nbsp;My baby is fine, and is growing inside me.</p>
<p>I know a few of you are saying, "<strong>But what <em>if</em>&nbsp;your baby has some really rare genetic disorder or something really strange is going on?" &nbsp;Is that really a reason to take every test, on the 1 in 10,000 chance that something <em>could</em>&nbsp;be wrong? </strong>&nbsp;And what's it going to change, am I going to abort this baby because of a problem? &nbsp;No. &nbsp;Would I be better off in a hospital if there were a problem? &nbsp;Maybe, but maybe it wouldn't even help. &nbsp;I even have a family member whose baby died at birth because of cord prolapse (home birth). &nbsp;She went on to have another baby at home, and is having yet another at home this month. &nbsp;She trusts. &nbsp;And I trust too.</p>
<p>Next week I'll tell you a little more about the tests I <em>do</em>&nbsp;plan to have and why.</p>
<p><strong>What do you think of all the testing? &nbsp;Do you get ultrasounds?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 02:14:45 PM
<p>So glad your morning sickness has subsided. Our son is 17 weeks but I can still remember those MONTHS of all day nausea...ugh!  <br/>I&#39;m confused by your comment of increased left-handedness with the use of ultrasounds.  Is there some hidden corrlation to brain damange if your left-handed? </p><p>Blessings</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/06/2011 02:29:25 PM
<p>Danielle,</p><p>According to several studies I&#39;ve seen, the rate of left handedness in any given population is around 1O%.  In babies that repeatedly exposed to ultrasound, they&#39;re seeing up to 35%.  Since no other population is that high, they&#39;re theorizing that mild damage is the reason for the increase.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Angie
EMAIL: angelajiniel@gmail.com
IP: 72.240.27.106
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 03:05:15 PM
<p>Thank you for posting this. I am just at 17 weeks and we have decided not to do a bunch of testing either. My midwives offer it, but it&#39;s my choice. I&#39;ve had a few friends and family members disagree with our decision, and it&#39;s nice to know I&#39;m not crazy for doing it! We have done some blood testing on me (my mother has a clotting disorder that started right about the time she was my age, so we&#39;re monitoring that closely with me) and will have an ultrasound at 20 weeks, but that&#39;s about it. I have been getting very anxious though! I got to hear the heartbeat on the doppler at my last appointment, and that was quite reassuring, but I completely understand how you feel. I didn&#39;t have my first appointment until 11 weeks, and they couldn&#39;t find the heartbeat then. I was hard to not worry about it a lot, but I have had not reasons to think anything was wrong, just anxiety, especially since this is my first.</p><p>Anyway, sorry for the ramble, I just wanted to say thank you :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.163.17.248
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 04:45:03 PM
<p>I recently found your blog and am really enjoying it! So glad you&#39;re feeling better. Those early weeks can be very trying.<br/>I agree - for the most part, the tests and routine procedures are completely out of control! I&#39;m all for natural as can be pregnancies, but I am also very grateful for ultrasounds and blood tests in moderation. Without them, I wouldn&#39;t know that I had developed an antibody that could potentially attack the baby I was supposed to be protecting. I also wouldn&#39;t have known that I had a complete placenta previa until it was perhaps too late and I had bled out. Being made aware of those things allowed us to spread the word and allow our friends and family to bathe us in prayer and watch God perform a miracle.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liz
EMAIL: lizzieblizz@gmail.com
IP: 198.60.231.147
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 05:19:06 PM
<p>You make it sound like being left handed is a bad thing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/06/2011 05:35:49 PM
<p>Liz,</p><p>It&#39;s not that being left handed is a bad thing, it&#39;s just that if it happens to be caused by brain damage instead of genetics, it&#39;s a problem.  Wouldn&#39;t you say?  1O% of people are naturally left handed!  But anything that causes or suggests brain damage is better left alone, in my opinion!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.19.192
URL: http://www.happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/06/2011 05:51:25 PM
<p>I have used ultrasounds with both of my pregnancies.  I try to avoid doing more than one though and I don&#39;t believe in doing the 3-D ultrasound- I think that&#39;s gotten way out of hand.  I will point out though, that the Doppler ultrasound (used for hearing the heartbeat) uses a higher frequency of ultrasound waves.  So if one wished to avoid using ultrasound, they should probably look into the effects of using a Doppler.  Unless there&#39;s some factor that I&#39;m missing, it would stand to reason that one should find an alternate method of hearing their baby&#39;s heartbeat if they&#39;re concerned about the exposure to ultrasound.  Perhaps it&#39;s considered &quot;safe enough&quot; because of the short amount of time it&#39;s used to detect the heartbeat? What&#39;s your opinion on this?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/06/2011 06:14:36 PM
<p>Becky,</p><p>Yes, the Doppler should also be avoided under most circumstances, as it is a form of ultrasound.  Most people don&#39;t know that, thanks for posting this!  My midwives, through most of my pregnancy, will use an old fashioned fetoscope to hear the baby&#39;s heartbeat.  They use the Doppler during labor, very briefly, to check on the baby.  That&#39;s probably the only time that it&#39;s &quot;necessary.&quot;  The fetoscope works just fine otherwise.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 66.230.113.174
URL: http://shoesoflife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/06/2011 06:59:02 PM
<p>I really appreciate that you are taking the time to not only talk about the tests you are not getting and why, but also the tests you will be getting and why. I appreciate that you are talking about what things really do matter and are helpful and also the things that really are just not okay or necessary for most individuals.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Teeni
EMAIL: elevendyseven@gmail.com
IP: 69.57.198.251
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 07:55:04 PM
<p>Fairly new reader--really enjoying your blog. Thank you!</p><p>I opted out of all testing including ultrasounds for my third pregnancy.  I felt strongly that was how it was supposed to be and my midwife was fine with it.  I gave birth (at home! on purpose!) to two beautiful girls. Had I had an ultrasound, a twin homebirth would have been out of the question and I would have been subjected (most likely) to another c-section.  I think it pays to listen to your intuition!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 08:06:16 PM
<p>Thanks for the clarification.  At first It did sort of seem like you were saying that the reason for being left-handed was brain damage.  I&#39;m a lefty, my grand father was a lefty and I&#39;m actually hoping that my little guy is a lefty but that&#39;s up to the Lord! :-)</p><p>Blessings!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.152.103.107
URL: 
DATE: 01/06/2011 08:34:52 PM
<p>Glad to hear you&#39;re feeling better.  :)</p><p>Now I&#39;m all for avoiding unnecessary tests during pregnancy...just to clear the record.  I&#39;m with you on that one, but the left-handed thing always bugs me.  (And I&#39;ve heard it elsewhere, not just here.)  Could you link to some of the studies you mention?  Because my guess would be that in places where they don&#39;t routinely do ultrasounds, there is also major social stigma around left-handedness.  So you&#39;re forced to be a right-handed whether you really are or not (much like happened here in the US up until the last 30 years or so).  I just don&#39;t buy into left-handedness being a sign of brain damage.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.19.192
URL: http://www.happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/06/2011 09:30:39 PM
<p>Oh, and one more thing: I had read some interesting information about the effect of ultrasounds on a developing baby&#39;s (fetus, if you will) hearing and the relation to future learning capability.  Basically, the better a child&#39;s hearing is, the better they can learn (through hearing verbal communication) there&#39;s actually a link between early speech and early literacy.  I wish I had a link to where I read that...but I don&#39;t.  You should be able to find it relatively easily in your research (or you may have already read that).  The same goes for breastfeeding a baby, and how breastfed babies have fewer ear infections- I think that&#39;s one of the factors in breastfed children having higher IQ&#39;s.</p><p>I think as with any testing, it should be used conservatively (if something is even remotely invasive) and make sure the benefits outweigh the risks.   </p><p>One test that makes me scratch my head a little is the glucose screening.  How is it a good thing to make a pregnant woman fast and then make her drink a beverage that is basically the equivalent to kool-aid (complete with artificial colors and flavors). I&#39;m just sayin&#39;. ;-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amymariegarrett@gmail.com
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/06/2011 11:26:29 PM
<p>@Courtney, I just want to encourage you with your testing choice.  I am the said friend with clotting disorder in the post, and with my son, even though it caused issues with him, we had all of the routine testing (except the ones for downs), and NOTHING showed up in our numerous US.  The damage that could happen because of it isn&#39;t very nice, but testing won&#39;t change that, or really make it show up! I would caution you though to have a &quot;back up plan&quot; in case you have a home birth, IF there were issues, action needs to happen quick, and while medicine has improved in this area, many of the interventions need to be STARTED (meaning in the hospital with the technical capability&#39;s(specialized children&#39;s...not one you give birth in) and the prep-work done) within 3 hours, or your window has passed.  Feel free to message me with any questions!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/07/2011 07:42:36 PM
<p>I only have one child so far and though I didn&#39;t have any internal exams, I had one ultrasound at 20 weeks to determine the sex. I will not do one again though when I get pregnant as I humbly admit it was for selfish reasons and know it has risks. Thanks for your post!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods LAUNCH!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/10/2011 01:00:05 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="/storage/Healty%20Pregnancy%20Cover.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294598913428" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>It's <em>here!</em></p>
<p>The long-awaited (haha) <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</a> is now available for purchase! &nbsp;This book simplifies pregnancy nutrition by giving you only two rules: 1) Don't eat junk food, and 2) Eat super foods. &nbsp;The book goes into detail about what those super foods are, what pregnant women need to eat, and then overs over 30 recipes that use many super foods! &nbsp;This book is 72 pages long and sells for $8.95. &nbsp;You can buy it by clicking <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">here</a>.</p>
<p>Here's the full Table of Contents:</p>
<ul>
<li>Disclaimer</li>
<li><strong>Introduction</strong></li>
<li>Healthy Pregnancy Series</li>
<li>Pregnancy Diet</li>
<li>Pregnant Women&rsquo;s Major Needs</li>
<li><strong>List of Super Foods</strong></li>
<li><strong>Sneaky Ways to Eat Super Foods</strong></li>
<li><strong>Meal and Snack Ideas</strong></li>
<li><strong>Super Food Supplements</strong></li>
<li>Morning Sickness Remedies</li>
<li>Naturally Knocked Up Information</li>
<li>Foods to Increase Supply</li>
<li>Pregnancy and Breastfeeding</li>
<li><strong>Resources</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recipes</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Beverages</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Pregnancy Tea</li>
<li>Honey-Ginger Lemonade</li>
<li>Smoothies</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Soups and Salads</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Beef and Liver Stew</li>
<li>Chicken Soup</li>
<li>White Bean Chicken Soup</li>
<li>Chicken and Wild Rice Soup</li>
<li>Fish Chowder</li>
<li>Healing Salad</li>
<li>Salad Ideas</li>
<li>Garlic and Herb Dressing</li>
<li>Italian Wedding Soup</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Main Dishes</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Pork Chops and Rice</li>
<li>Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches</li>
<li>Taco Salad</li>
<li>Salmon with Garlic-Herb Butter</li>
<li>Salmon Noodle Casserole</li>
<li>Chicken Marsala</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sides</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Refried Beans</li>
<li>Black Beans</li>
<li>Olive Oil &ldquo;Dip&rdquo;</li>
<li>Broccoli-Cheese Potatoes</li>
<li>Mozzarella Sticks</li>
<li>Garlic Mashed Potatoes</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breads and Desserts</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Frozen Yogurt</li>
<li>Pumpkin Bread</li>
<li>Maple Cinnamon Granola Bars</li>
<li>Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies</li>
<li>Chocolate-Coconut-Nut Candy</li>
<li>Zucchini Bread</li>
<li>Sourdough Garlic Bread</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Not pregnant? </strong>&nbsp;The bolded pages above, plus all of the recipes are completely universal! &nbsp;Eating a diet filled with more super foods is always a good idea, whether or not you're expecting or hoping to expect.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This book also makes a great any-time gift for the pregnant and hoping-to-expect mom in your life!</p>
<p>Check it out today!! &nbsp;:) &nbsp;And look for a giveaway soon!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stacey
EMAIL: stacey.taggart@gmail.com
IP: 173.240.34.34
URL: http://www.agoodandsimplelife.com
DATE: 01/10/2011 11:06:52 PM
<p>i have Real Food Basics and i might have to buy this one too even though i&#39;m not pregnant!  i&#39;ve been doing real/traditional food for about a year and a half now but there&#39;s so much to learn!!</p><p>i awarded you the Stylish Blogger Award!!  head over to http://www.agoodandsimplelife.com/2011/01/stylish-blogger-award.html and check it out!</p><p>congrats on your new ebook!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie Paskvan
EMAIL: Katie.paskvan@gmail.com
IP: 166.205.11.30
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 04:06:01 AM
<p>I hope this is the right place to enter for the free book.  I&#39;d love to win!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/11/2011 04:18:39 AM
<p>I&#39;m not really sure if this is where I&#39;m supposed to leave a comment to win a copy, but here goes just in case! :)</p><p>I&#39;m interested in the pregnancy diet section. when pregnant, we&#39;re told that we need more of this or that, but sometimes don&#39;t know exactly where to get it. Also interested in the &quot;naturally knocked up&quot; portion.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.21.135.152
URL: http://unexpectedlytraditional.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/11/2011 12:11:34 PM
<p>So excited for this book.  With breastfeeding AND pregnancy, it&#39;s been hard for me to keep up.  I definitely need more nutrient dense food to keep me going.  Thanks for taking the time to put this together.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: What I Wish I'd Known
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1

DATE: 01/12/2011 01:00:05 PM
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<p>If you're expecting your first baby, or hoping to soon, there's probably a lot you don't know yet.&nbsp; We've <em>all</em> felt that way our first time!&nbsp; So today I'm featuring several experienced moms [those who have had at least one baby] who will be telling you what they wish they'd known!</p>
<p><strong>1. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Before you got pregnant for the first time, what did you expect pregnancy would be like?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Susanne</strong>: I honestly can't think of any specific expectations that I had, but I do know that being pregnant was actually easier than I anticipated. I guess I expected the basics: morning sickness, back pain, tiredness, etc. I never had any morning sickness and had minimal back pain. I guess you could say I had an "easy" pregnancy. I did have some sciatica for about a week. THAT was unexpected. I sympathize for the women who have to deal with sciatica for months at a time. I also expected to "look" pregnant a lot earlier than I did. Almost like once you find out you are pregnant you instantly have a cute prego belly. :) Nobody tells you about the in-between stage when you just look fat!</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: My belly would get big. I'd have to cut my pantyhose down to the crotch on the seam if I actually wanted to wear any. I'd love it.</p>
<p><strong>Melinda</strong>: I had no idea. At all. I went in with no expectations.</p>
<p><strong>Aileen</strong>: I had no clue...I'd seen my sisters go through a total of 5 pregnancies between them and I still had no clue what to expect.</p>
<p><strong>Kate</strong>: That it would be fun, and awesome to feel a baby moving inside me.&nbsp; That I'd have minor morning sickness, eat lots of soup and cry a lot.&nbsp; That I'd have a super cute baby bump.&nbsp; I also thought I'd love my new body and feel very sexy and proud all the time.<br /><br /></p>
<p><strong>2. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Before experiencing labor/birth, what did you expect it to be like?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Susanne</strong>: I knew during the pregnancy that I was going to do everything it took to have him naturally, with no epidural. I expected labor to hurt, but I don't think you can describe or understand the type of pain until you go through it. It's a completely different pain from stubbing your toe or falling down the stairs.&nbsp; However, I was mentally prepared that I this was what I was going to do, and that was that. Almost as though there wasn't another option. I never spent a lot of time dwelling on or worrying about what labor would be like, but when I did think about it, I thought it might be like having really bad cramps.</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: Short (family history of short labors). Painful but would get over it quickly afterward. Had fear of th...e "unknowns" of labor. I totally thought I would be one of those women who "oooed and awwwed" over my slimy baby laying on my tummy right after birth. After all, it's a miracle right?</p>
<p><strong>Melinda</strong>: I thought it would be intense and hard work, but I didn't really know how to define those any more than that. Still don't!</p>
<p><strong>Aileen</strong>: I thought it would be worse in some ways than it was and better in some ways than it was. Basically, it was n<span class="text_exposed_show">othing like I expected, at all.</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><strong>Kate</strong>: I thought that I would instinctively know how to do it, that I could trust my body and I'd just be able to handle it and go natural.&nbsp; That I didn't need any support but Ben or training, because I was "made" to do this.&nbsp; And that it would be fast.&nbsp; My mom showed up at the hospital less than an hour before I was born, dilated to 9.&nbsp; I thought this would happen to me, too, or at least something close to it!<br /></span>
<p><strong>3. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What was your biggest surprise as far as pregnancy, especially symptoms you experienced?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Susanne</strong>: I thought I might have all sorts of bizarre cravings, but the reality was that I only craved fruit. Lots of it. I guess there are worse cravings to have! Also surprising was losing {almost} complete control of some of your body functions! It's...unnerving.</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: My feet hurt SO bad through much of my pregnancy. I was working a very physical job and on my feet all day in the heat of summer. The extra weight KILLED my feet. Total surprise. I also experienced a lot of sharp pain near my belly button, stretching of round ligaments maybe, that bothered me at work and at home while both on my feet and off. Ouchy.</p>
<p><strong>Melinda</strong>: The constipation. I figured I would get leg cramps and<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> itchy skin and acne. The constipation threw me for a loop and was really, really bad. </span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><strong>Aileen</strong>: How tired I was. How mushy my brain was. How sick I was--throwing up 1+ times a day until 7 months.</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><strong>Kate</strong>: I really didn't feel well for the first several weeks...more so and in a different way than I thought.&nbsp; And I got <em>wider</em> early on.&nbsp; I did not have a cute little "all baby" bump at all, I was just kind of big everywhere.&nbsp; No one guessed I was pregnant until well into my third trimester.&nbsp; Oh, and how starving I was in my second trimester and how dizzy I got if I didn't eat constantly.<br /></span>
<p><strong>4. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What was your biggest surprise as far as labor/birth?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Susanne</strong>: The one thing that I was totally unprepared for, {but was totally neat} was after laboring for almost 16 hours, feeling him finally get through the birth canal to the point where you feel the need to push. That feeling was totally unexpected but I knew that, okay...this baby is going to be born soon now! The other "surprising" thing was that I only pushed for just under 30 minutes. The doctor told me that many women, especially first-timers, can push upwards of a couple hours. I can't help but wonder if that's because of an epidural, though... Labor is not easy and it hurts, but something I did realize that I think helped me to "get through" labor is that your body knows what to do. Try to relax as much as possible and just let it do it's thing.</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: It hurt WAY more than I could have imagined and I DID not get over it at all quickly. I hated pushing and didn't feel instantly bonded to my baby. I DID NOT oooo and awww. I didn't really care about much of anything at that moment.</p>
<p><strong>Melinda</strong>: That I tore, despite all my preparation. But that, other than that, everything went exactly as planned and I didn't have any pain! I surprised myself by actually succeeding at hypnobirthing.<br /><br /><strong>Aileen</strong>: That all my good intentions flew out the window when I was uncomfortable and all my knowledge of what was in my power to ask for (like turning DOWN the damn pitocin, stripping membranes instead of going straight to meds for inductions, etc) flew out the window, too, when it came right to it. That I'm a wimp in new situations (I knew that, but didn't expect it to apply).</p>
<p><strong>Kate</strong>: That I <em>didn't</em> know what to do.&nbsp; I was scared, I was in pain, and I had no idea how to help it.&nbsp; I didn't have anyone around me that could help, either, because we hadn't taken any childbirth ed. classes and Ben didn't know what to do, and my doctor didn't care at all.&nbsp; I didn't know I'd end up begging for drugs.&nbsp; And I didn't know, until months later, that it didn't have to be that way!&nbsp; My second experience was nothing like this because I was prepared.<br /><br /><br /><strong>5. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What do you wish someone had told you about pregnancy?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Susanne</strong>: Maybe it's only because I had such a good pregnancy, but I do wish that up-front someone would have told me that it's "not that bad." Many times when people find out you're pregnant they say "oh, wait until <em>this</em> happens..." I think it's a shame when you hear pregnant women just complaining about how miserable they are! Granted, there are the unpleasant side-effects: morning sickness, gas, cravings, back pain, trouble sleeping, but pregnancy is supposed to be a happy event. In my opinion, there is nothing like being pregnant and everything that comes along with it is just part of that exciting process. Enjoy the entire 9 month experience...you'll miss it when it's gone.</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: To get good insoles early on if you're on your feet a lot.</p>
<p><strong>Melinda</strong>: That the recovery is harder than you think it will be - my milk coming in hurt WAY more than labor and delivery, and I wasn't prepared for that at all.</p>
<p><strong>Aileen</strong>:That there are cures for the extreme nausea/illness! B vitamins, conventional meds, high protein diet...especially the regular meds, 'cause I was a perfect candidate even though I avoid meds usually.</p>
<p><strong>Kate</strong>: That there's just no way to predict how yours will be.&nbsp; You might be extremely sick or never have a minute of nausea.&nbsp; You might get huge, or you might have the perfect baby bump.&nbsp; And just because something bad happened to someone else does <em>not</em> mean it will happen to you.&nbsp; And of course that you will be <em>crazy</em> and your emotions will be all over the place and you really can't help it.&nbsp; Also that you might not really like sex very much because you are so tired and sick.<br /><br /><br /><strong>6. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What advice would you offer to a first time mom?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Susanne</strong>: To do what works and what feels right for you, your baby, and your family. There is a lot of pressure out there, from every imaginable source, that tells you how or what you "should be" doing. There can be a lot of 2nd guessing as a new mom, but you've never done this before, so cut yourself some slack. Take others' "advice" graciously, but do what works for you. For example: when my son was about 4-5 months old, I felt as though he wasn't getting enough milk from breastfeeding and thought I might need to supplement with formula. I personally felt guilty or like a horrible mom because I was even considering giving him formula. We are so inundated with the "breast is best" mantra {and, let's face it, it is the best option}, but sometimes to the extent that you're a "bad parent" if you can't breastfeed 100% of the time until he's at least 1 year old. Because of that, I balked at supplementing for a little while and, truth be told, he probably did need it. Don't allow people or ideas to influence or dictate what you know is best for your baby. There is no singular right way to raise a child and what's best for you and your baby is probably going to look different than what's best for someone else and their baby.</p>
<p><strong>Liesel</strong>: Surround yourself with positive people and do whatever it takes to lessen stress in your life. Follow your instincts and prepare in whatever way you feel you should. Consider a doula if you are hospital birthing and be sure to remain open and honest with your midwives if home birthing. Trust them and know that they will not take offense to anything you say or do while in labor. Consider water birth or at least give yourself the option (I thought it was gross and did not have a tub, but this time I plan to use one!)</p>
<p><strong>Melinda</strong>: Do hypnobirthing!! And have a VERY clear birth plan, and don't let anyone push you around. Your body, your baby, your birth. You decide how it goes.&nbsp; And a doula!</p>
<p><strong>Aileen</strong>: Don't expect anything to be a certain way. Co-Sleeping is awesome, especially while baby nurses 3/4 of the night. Invest in a good glider 'cause you'll spend plenty of time in it. Make sure it's comfy enough to sleep in. Don't buy things like swings, slings, bouncy seats, etc until baby is there 'cause babies don't always like those things--better to test them out with baby and then buy what baby likes. Video monitors are fun. It's okay to poke your sleeping newborn in order to make it move so you are sure he/she is still alive.</p>
<p><strong>Kate</strong>: Get some support.&nbsp; Take some classes.&nbsp; You <em>don't</em> just instinctively "know how to do this."&nbsp; Find a doula.&nbsp; Take your husband to classes and appointments with you.&nbsp; Read everything you can get your hands on.&nbsp; Watch birth videos.&nbsp; Learn as much as you can.&nbsp; Find a care provider you really trust.&nbsp; You need to know they'll respect your wishes, but that they are also prepared to handle things if they go wrong.&nbsp; Know that with support and knowledge, you <em>can</em> do this.</p>
<p><strong>Okay, moms of many!&nbsp; I know there are several of you out there.&nbsp; What do you wish <em>you'd</em> known?&nbsp; New moms, what questions do you have?</strong></p>
</p>
</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/12/2011 02:39:56 PM
<p>I&#39;m glad Suzanne had a great experience with pregnancy, but I come from the opposite side - I never knew pregnancy would be so hard and uncomfortable. It never seemed to phase my mother, who had 7 kids (I was the second oldest so I was able to observe most of her pregnancies). I, on the other hand, had to face an identity crisis because pregnancy is such a different season for me than my un-pregnant state. I have to lower all my expectations, narrow down my priorities, and just get through the 9 months with as little stress as possible. I wish someone had prepared me for the possible challenges, because the first time around I was caught completely off guard.</p><p>Of the women I talk to, older mothers (my mother&#39;s contemporaries, 40&#39;s and 50&#39;s) most of them seem to have really enjoyed pregnancy and miss that season. Of the younger women I know (20-30&#39;s) most of them have painful, difficult pregnancies with constant back and joint pain, nausea, blood sugar issues, low energy, and more. I have two theories to explain this. Either 1) the older woman are forgetting the difficulties of pregnancy right along with pain of labor. Or, 2) Our bodies have degenerated more because we don&#39;t have as nutritious a diet as the past generation, and thus our bodies struggle during all aspects of the reproduction process. </p><p>I tend toward the latter theory myself, and wonder if I will have better pregnancies in my later years as I will have been on a real food diet longer...What&#39;s your take on this, Kate?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa @ Dyno-mom
EMAIL: naaskofamily@gmail.com
IP: 74.82.68.16
URL: http://www.dyno-mom.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/12/2011 02:45:07 PM
<p>I am the mother of ten and I wanted to offer my own experience with pain at the naval. It can be an umbilical hernia which may not be the end of the world. Depending on whether you plan to have more babies and it&#39;s size, surgeons won&#39;t always recommend repair. I developed on while pregnant with me tenth. It slowly grew bigger and required repair after she was born. Another friend developed one during her pregnancy with her third child and surgeon did not recommend repair. She has since had another baby with no ill effects and is hoping for another. But one more friend had a small hernia (like a cm) which tore suddenly during her pregnancy with her sixth baby and it required immediate emergency surgery. Even if you don&#39;t want a repair, or don&#39;t need one, it&#39;s important to know it&#39;s there. Your doctor will ask you to lay on your back and lift your head. This will make the hernia &quot;pop out&quot;. In most cases you don&#39;t even need addition tests. Just FYI.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 03:44:10 PM
<p>My biggest advice to an expecting mom is to PREPARE. Research and really study up for labor as if you were studying for a test! I was advised to just &quot;go with it&quot; with my firstborn, and I had a long, intervention laced delivery. I spent my entire pregnancy preparing for my second labor, and I had a completely natural labor and delivery with my second. It was amazing! I was also in a hospital, so if you are determined, know your rights, and prepared, it is 100% possible to have a natural labor in a hospital. Some women prefer the comforts of home, but I personally liked that I could be waited on for 2 days in the hospital and not have to be mom/wife/home manager in my first two recovery days. </p><p>Trina, I disagree with #2. I eat the most &quot;real&quot; of anyone in my family, exercised throughout my pregnancy, and I still had gestational diabetes (and I have a slim build, but there is a family history) as well as varicose veins. I don&#39;t think you can say that anyone who has a hard pregnancy doesn&#39;t take care of themselves. I think #1 is more on target.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/12/2011 03:45:11 PM
<p>Trina,</p><p>I&#39;d venture to guess that both are true, to some extent.  I know a lot of older people [grandparents] romanticize children&#39;s antics, for example, but of course when they were the parents they found it exhausting and difficult too.  I think they do forget a lot.  Some of the pregnancy discomforts would go along with it.</p><p>But, I think those discomforts probably WERE a lot more minor than what people these days are facing.  People didn&#39;t have PCOS, they weren&#39;t very overweight, they didn&#39;t have diabetes and other conditions at the rate they do today.  Frankly it makes me sad when I see a woman who is struggling desperately with her health, and still trying to get pregnant.  I even suggested to a group once that they might want to take some time to get their health under control before conceiving, and got the answer &quot;There&#39;s no perfect time.&quot;  I don&#39;t think they realize just what the repercussions will be!</p><p>Although honestly I think the answer stretches further back.  Our parents didn&#39;t eat that well; in the 5Os it was all about formula, TV dinners, jello, etc.  All the new, convenience foods.  It was still BETTER because they&#39;d eat real meat [with no hormones and junk added!] along with it, and they still got fresh milk.  But it was a start.  And many definitely ate poorly as young adults.  But they didn&#39;t have a generation or two of damage behind them then, they were basically first generation &quot;crap eaters.&quot;  So they were able to throw it off all right and do okay in pregnancy.  But then they left US somewhat damaged because of their choices, much less about to throw it off.  That leads us to today, where we are just weaker and we struggle more.</p><p>I do believe it doesn&#39;t have to be that way.  I felt sick and weird and struggled a lot with diarrhea and constipation.  I ate SAD and took a lot of OTC drugs to manage my symptoms.  I&#39;ve moved more and more to real food since then.  I *suspect* that I&#39;m carrying a girl again [morning sickness was much less last time with a boy], but other than the minor nausea that was exacerbated by eating any junk, I&#39;ve felt quite normal.  I haven&#39;t struggled at all with constipation or anything.  And now, at not quite 11 weeks I have quite a bit of energy.  I feel &quot;pregnant but normal&quot; if that makes any sense.  Not to mention I&#39;m about the ONLY one of my friends to never suffer a miscarriage, true difficulty getting pregnant [only difficult because of breastfeeding, but that&#39;s normal], bleeding, complications, or anything else.  I suspect this baby will be the healthiest so far because of diet and lifestyle.  So yes, I&#39;m sure it can change!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 04:23:59 PM
<p>I am enjoying this series as I hope to get pregnant again this year. Anyway, RE: this post, I had expected to tear, and I did. Well, the whole thought of tearing freaked me out but I knew I didn&#39;t want cut either and my midwife didn&#39;t do cutting so that was fine. Anyway, that was probably the worst part, thinking I would tear because I wasn&#39;t pushing as hard as I should. I haven&#39;t looked into it, but if you know of any ways to prevent tearing, I hope you will share. Maybe I won&#39;t as much with the second? Thanks! <br/>Shannon</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/12/2011 04:35:35 PM
<p>Shannon,</p><p>Sitting in a water bath, using warm compresses against your perineum, using oil for massage [and even having your husband do some oil massage in the weeks leading up to birth] can all help prevent tears.  Using a different position for pushing can too.  I pushed both my babies out fast [first in less than 1O minutes, second in about 2] and tore the first time but not the second.  The first time I was flat on my back with my bottom in the air.  The second I did the massage, was in the water until right before the birth, and was lying on the edge of a bed kind of &quot;aiming&quot; down. lol.  It&#39;s also much, much easier to recover if you don&#39;t get minor tears repaired.  Really.  I suspect that I DID tear very slightly with my son but we didn&#39;t do anything about it.  It hurt like any other small cut and was fine in a couple days.  The tear and subsequent stitching with my daughter was terrible for WEEKS.  So if you do tear a little, avoid stitches if possible!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 05:18:47 PM
<p>I think Kate is definitely onto something about what our parents and grandparents ate affecting us. (Although I know they didn&#39;t know any better!) My mom was formula fed with a concoction of sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and water! Thankfully, she at least partially breastfed me and my siblings, but I grew up on a lot of &quot;convenience&quot; foods. I think previous generations had no idea how their eating habits, etc. would affect future generations. </p><p>Shannon, I had a 4th degree tear with my first labor. It was TERRIBLE! BUT, I honestly think a lot of it had to do with my epidural and not knowing when to push and pushing too hard. You can really push more effectively when you&#39;re not medicated!! I second everything Kate says. I did a lot of that and my midwife massaged the whole time I was pushing (an hour and a half!). I only had a 1st degree tear this time, and I felt fully recovered in a week (it took months the first time!).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 11:42:07 PM
<p>Thank you both. That is helpful. I know the biggest problem for me was telling myself I was going to tear. I pushed for over an hour and a half. But, I was closing my legs while doing it, hoping to &quot;ease&quot; the baby out a little at a time. LOL. I was in transition of course so not entirely &quot;with it&quot; but enough to know I didn&#39;t want to tear. I didn&#39;t get any stitches so it sounds like that was a good thing. I did labor in water but will plan to try oil massage next time around. Honestly, the after pain wasn&#39;t that bad, and neither was the actual tearing. The worst part was not knowing how it would feel and expecting it to be awful so resisting it by shutting my legs while pushing. Not very productive, huh? :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susanne
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/13/2011 12:59:56 AM
<p>I tore as well, although it wasn&#39;t very bad. I think I had a total of 4-5 stitches. It was pretty painful afterward for a couple of weeks, but being that it was my first pregnancy, I guess I&#39;m not sure if the soreness/pain was from the tearing or the delivery. Probably a combination of both.</p><p>If you do tear, does that mean you are more likely to tear during subsequent deliveries?</p><p>Interesting thoughts about the generational differences...I don&#39;t think I&#39;ve ever really thought about it before.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/13/2011 03:00:19 AM
<p>Susanne, I thought it was very positive that I only tore first degree the second time while it was 4th degree the first. Shannon, I didn&#39;t think about tearing at all. I think this second time I was like,&quot;It can&#39;t be any worse than my first tear!&quot; haha</p><p>Some docs actually tell women they have to have C-SECTIONS after tears!!! That is SO NOT TRUE! (Of course a midwife wouldn&#39;t tell you that.) I had a doc. tell me that, and I switched to a midwife. My best friend had a 4th and her doc. told her that as well. I told her she needs to switch docs for her next baby!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Cheddar Crackers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/13/2011 01:00:52 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>So, lately, I haven't posted a ton of awesome recipes up here (except, of course, last week's sneak peek to Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods!.&nbsp; That's because if I come up with a truly awesome recipe, it's probably because I'm recipe testing for one of my ebooks.&nbsp; But this recipe doesn't fit in any of them and it's just a fun recipe anyway.&nbsp; My first thought upon tasting these was <em>Mmm!</em> so I thought I'd share them with you.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>3/4 c. sprouted flour</li>
<li>1/4 c. unbleached white flour (you could probably use all sprouted</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. sea salt, plus more for the tops</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. parsley</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper</li>
<li>1/4 c. melted butter</li>
<li>1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>3 tbsp. milk</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Mix together all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.&nbsp; Pour in the melted butter and cheese and stir until the mixture is like coarse crumbs.&nbsp; Then, add the milk 1 tbsp. at a time, stirring until the mixture forms a ball (you may need slightly less or more.&nbsp; Put the dough on a floured board and roll it out, OR use a silicone baking mat and pat it very thinly, about 1/8" thick.&nbsp; I could <em>not</em> get mine to roll out, it just fell apart in sheets.&nbsp; But patting it out worked fine.&nbsp; Then, sprinkle the tops with sea salt, and use a pizza cutter to cut the crackers into squares.&nbsp; You must do this <em>before</em> baking, because they get too crispy after.&nbsp; Bake at 35O for about 2O min, until golden brown around the edges.&nbsp; Allow to cool for about a half hour, then break apart and store in an airtight container.&nbsp; This makes about one large pan, or maybe 6O 1" crackers.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 01/13/2011 03:12:38 PM
<p>I just wanted to thank you for that sneak peek of the ebook because my husband and I tried the pork chop recipe you included and LOVED it. It was seriously amazing. The pork was tender (rare for cooking chops in my experience) and the overall flavor was just delicious. The house smelled fantastic too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: rachel@frugalandsimple.com
IP: 71.87.207.134
URL: http://frugalandsimple.com
DATE: 01/30/2011 01:26:38 AM
<p>Thank you for this recipe! I&#39;m looking forward to trying it out!!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Necessary Testing!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/13/2011 01:00:54 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 350px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Kate%2010.5%20weeks.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294889495546" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 350px;">Me at almost 11 weeks! Tiny belly now.</span></span></p>
<p>Welcome back to the pregnancy journal!&nbsp; I'm&nbsp;keeping track of&nbsp;my third pregnancy here.&nbsp; You can read previous journals <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2011/1/9/pregnancy-journal.html">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Today finds me at almost 11 weeks.&nbsp; The morning sickness is gone, and I'm not so tired</strong>.&nbsp; I'm beginning to feel more like myself for real.&nbsp; I've jumped back into the fray of "usual daily life" now that Ben is back to work normally after the holidays.&nbsp; I'm doing okay, except when Daniel decides not to sleep well at night.&nbsp; Unfortunately he's getting in his canine teeth, which, for many kids, seem to be the.<em>worst</em>.teeth.EVER!!&nbsp; A few nights we've had to sleep on his floor because if we tried to leave his room [after changing, rocking, nursing...] he'd wake up immediately, hysterical.&nbsp; A few nights he was up for an hour or more straight.&nbsp; Then I remembered belladonna, and saw an immediate change in his sleep.&nbsp; Hoping for a <em>much</em> better week now!&nbsp; Luckily Daniel and Bekah will sit on my bed and watch School House Rock and eat a snack and let me sleep awhile longer most mornings, if I need it!</p>
<p>Next week is our next midwives' appointment, and we're hoping to hear the heartbeat then!&nbsp; We'll see.&nbsp; It'll still be early yet.</p>
<p>It's interesting.&nbsp; <strong>During those months we were hoping to get pregnant, I was so depressed and I didn't even know it.</strong>&nbsp; I'm really not the most outgoing person as it is; in fact, I tend to be rather secretive and passive aggressive.&nbsp; Ben hates it because he says I never tell him anything important.&nbsp; I hide stuff, usually my real and most important feelings, from everyone.&nbsp; I especially pulled back from my friends, because I felt like they were all so busy with their lives [their own babies, health issues, adoption, and lots more] that they wouldn't have time to talk to me, not that I asked.&nbsp; I avoided them a lot.</p>
<p><strong>But now that I feel better, I feel the need to bless and serve others</strong>.&nbsp; I'm specifically keeping after friends now, asking how they are, talking to them.&nbsp; I've invited people over and out places with me.&nbsp; I'm trying to help them and be present for them.&nbsp; I seriously can't wait until all their babies are born so I can help them by bringing meals, watching older children, or doing whatever else they need.&nbsp; I've felt very open to this sort of thing the last several weeks.&nbsp; And even when something "weird" happens, or I wonder what they must have thought of me all those months, I perservere.&nbsp; It's not about <em>me</em>, it's about serving <em>them.</em></p>
<p>Last week I talked about unnecessary testing.&nbsp; <strong>I do feel that a <em>lot</em> of the testing done in routine pregnancies is not necessary.</strong>&nbsp; We don't have to check on every little thing "just in case."&nbsp; But that's not to say that we should have <em>no</em> testing.&nbsp;<strong> I think that there are a few tests that are non invasive and really should be done, because these tests will rule out bigger problems</strong>.&nbsp; Then, <em>if and only if</em> something comes back "weird" on these tests, should we follow up.</p>
<p>Briefly,<strong> I know there are women who are so into natural pregnancy that they refuse all prenatal care and deliver unassisted</strong>.&nbsp; I suppose if you've had several pregnancies and you really know your body well that it could be okay.&nbsp; Hopefully you would notice if something felt wrong, and go get it checked out.&nbsp; But if you're <em>not</em> in that position, like this is your first couple of pregnancies, <strong>I definitely think you are better off seeking care</strong>.&nbsp; I don't think I'd ever put myself in that position.&nbsp; I would, however, consider an "unassisted" birth with midwives at my home in the next room, should something go wrong.&nbsp; But even that's something far down the road, if ever, not now.</p>
<p>So which tests do I feel are necessary, and why?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Weight check</strong>: This test is necessary because it allows you to know if you haven't been gaining, or have lost weight [potentially dangerous because you could be malnourished due to morning sickness] or if you gain very rapidly [sign of preeclampsia or other serious issues]</li>
<li><strong>Urine for protein/sugar</strong>: This test will tell you if you're spilling protein [a sign of preeclampsia] or sugar [a sign of gestational diabetes] in your urine.&nbsp; I believe a diabetes test would be a good follow up <em>if</em> you are spilling sugar, but generally you will not have it if there is no sugar in your urine.</li>
<li><strong>Blood pressure</strong>: High blood pressure can be a sign that you are stressed, or that you are heading for preeclampsia.</li>
<li><strong>Edema:</strong> Also known as swelling, a small amount is normal, especially in hot weather and later pregnancy.&nbsp; But if you swell suddenly or significantly, this, too, is a sign of serious problems.</li>
<li><strong>Baby's heartrate</strong>: Knowing that your baby's heartrate is normal is reassuring, especially before you can feel the baby move.&nbsp; It's <em>less</em> important once you're feeling regular movement, but still good.&nbsp; Unfortunately, on rare occasions you can think you feel the baby moving even though it has died [typically you would no longer feel movement and would likely sense something was wrong], but a heartrate is always accurate: your baby's definitely alive and well!</li>
<li><strong>Baby's position</strong>: It's possible to tell if your baby is breech, which you would want to know.&nbsp; It's sometimes possible to feel the placenta, too, which could let you know if you need a follow up.&nbsp; If it seems low, something may be wrong.</li>
</ul>
<p>It's important to check all of these things as early in pregnancy as possible, usually around the 8th week, sooner if you feel like something's wrong.&nbsp; <strong>If your levels on anything turn out higher than they were previously, even if they are not in the "danger zone," it can indicate that something is not right</strong>.&nbsp; This gives your care providers a guideline to tell if follow up testing is necessary.</p>
<p>And as always, don't discount mother's instincts.&nbsp; <strong>If you feel like something is wrong, even if all the tests are coming back normal, don't hesitate to ask to be checked out!</strong>&nbsp; It's definitely better to be safe than sorry.</p>
<p>The above tests are the ones I'll have at all my midwives' appointments.&nbsp; They'll also measure my belly to see how big my uterus is, although this isn't accurate until around 2O weeks.&nbsp; After that time, the number of cm corresponds roughly to weeks of gestation.</p>
<p>By the way, although I'll cover this indepth in a Healthy Pregnancy Series post, <strong>beware the gestational diabetes test</strong>.&nbsp; Both the 1 hour and 3 hour versions require you to drink a large quantity of sugar water, complete with artificial color and flavor.&nbsp; The 3 hour one requires fasting for 12 hours first.&nbsp;<strong> It's a test that isn't particularly accurate because it doesn't simulate real life conditions very well.</strong>&nbsp; Ask to see if you can substitute 1OO% grape juice of even a carb heavy meal for the artificial drink if you must get this test.&nbsp; I, myself, refused last time and won't even be offered this time.</p>
<p><strong>What tests do you consider truly necessary in pregnancy?&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; Have you been offered or even forced to take tests you didn't want to?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.21.135.152
URL: http://unexpectedlytraditional.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/13/2011 07:32:29 PM
<p>Thanks so much for doing this series.  Currently about 22 weeks along and have been struggling to find a provider.  I was going to a midwife, but due to insurance and traveling in winter to see her, we just felt it wasn&#39;t going to work out.  So now I&#39;m trying to find a local doctor (since I didn&#39;t like my last one) and it&#39;s been quite the chore.  I have an appointment with one (finally!) next week, but he&#39;s still debating about allowing me to have a doula or not.  So frustrating.  I&#39;m glad you brought up the gestational diabetes test, b/c I would&#39;ve just gone along with it otherwise.  I look forward to the rest of the series!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/13/2011 08:06:05 PM
<p>Megan,</p><p>If you want a doula [and I definitely recommend it!], do NOT allow any doctor to tell you if he will &quot;let&quot; you or not!!  You are hiring him, and paying him for his services.  You have rights.  Tell him if he will not &quot;let&quot; you have a doula, you will choose someone else.  I think it is HIGHLY unethical to tell a woman she cannot have whoever she wants present at her birth.  It&#39;s also a sign that he is NOT very alternative friendly, and likely will try to push standard protocol on you during the birth.  I&#39;d find someone else!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 01:54:30 AM
<p>Still enjoying this series! Glad you&#39;re pregnant before I am again so I can learn, learn, learn. Megan, I just said a little prayer for you. This doctor is considering whether to &quot;let&quot; you have a doula? That is awful! I can not believe the God-complex doctors in this country have! We are not made of money by any means, actually struggle all the time, but I would pay privately for a good midwife even if a doctor was covered by my insurance plan. But, that&#39;s just me. I&#39;m scared of doctors! LOL</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sherri
EMAIL: 
IP: 209.86.226.54
URL: 
DATE: 01/14/2011 02:17:38 AM
<p>congrats on your pregnancy.  my midwife for my 3rd pregnancy ordered me a blood glucose testing kit for me to use at home like a diabetic would.  i tested my blood sugar 3 times a day for 3 days.  she normally doesn&#39;t order the 1 and 3 hour tests b/c she doesn&#39;t feel it is accurate.  the reason why she had me do this is b/c i was borderline with my 2nd pregnancy.  my sugars were fine with my 3rd pregnancy and she feels that it was also probably fine with my 2nd as well.  once again - the test not being accurate...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne @ Quick and Easy Cheap and Healthy
EMAIL: quickeasycheaphealthy@gmail.com
IP: 68.34.238.88
URL: http://quickeasycheaphealthy.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/14/2011 02:39:04 AM
<p>I totally agree with you! I wish I could have refused the GD test but my midwife (I see a group of MWs who are part of an OB group) basically said if I didn&#39;t get the test they would treat me as if I had tested positive. At least they didn&#39;t make me drink that nasty stuff, although what they offered was not much better (king size snickers bar or 20 jelly beans). And state law requires certain blood tests, so those are unavoidable (and I don&#39;t mind those anyway). But other than that, my MWs let me forego all other testing and didn&#39;t push any of it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dina
EMAIL: andrea.medinasmith@gmail.com
IP: 129.6.203.57
URL: 
DATE: 03/04/2011 04:28:37 PM
<p>I&#39;ve avoided most additional testing b/c I am lucky to be going to a really supportive midwifery group. Unfortunately, due to some bleeding at 21 weeks I did end up having a couple of sonograms. (We&#39;d decided to forgo them unless there was a medical reason to take a look, and lo and behold there ended up being one, d&#39;oh.) About the GD test, my team had me eat a combo of juice and a banana and then took the blood 1 hr after. If anyone is interested in the plan and would want to discuss it with their provider I&#39;d be happy to give more details.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series High Risk Pregnancies
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/19/2011 01:00:57 PM
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<p>For most mothers, pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation. &nbsp;However, <strong>for a small percentage (most experts estimate 5 - 10%), pregnancy is a time wrought with worry and fear. &nbsp;These women are, for varying reasons, in the "high risk" category</strong>, meaning that there is something that could potentially go wrong with them or their baby. &nbsp;Women may fall into this category because they have a chronic health condition, because they are very overweight, because of family history of pregnancy complications, because of carrying multiple babies, or because some problem with the baby presents itself early on.</p>
<p>When a woman is high risk, it means that she will be scrutinized heavily throughout her pregnancy in order to keep herself and her baby safe. &nbsp;She will have many doctor's visits and extra tests to ensure safety. &nbsp;The nature of the problem will determine the course, but today we'll talk about some of the things that may happen.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You will have a lot of extra tests.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Exactly <em>what</em>&nbsp;tests will be determined by the reason for being high risk. &nbsp;If, for example, you have a family history of genetic illness, you will probably be subject to a quad screen (blood test) to check for your risk, undergo genetic counseling (if you haven't already), and have an amniocentesis. &nbsp;If it is determined that something <em>is</em>&nbsp;wrong with the baby, then further testing to determine how severe it is may be warranted.</p>
<p>Or, if you are diabetic, your doctor will be monitoring your blood sugar very closely and will probably do several ultrasounds to check on the size of the baby, as babies born to diabetics tend to be on the large side.</p>
<p>Make sure to ask your doctor upfront what tests he feels are necessary to keep you and your baby safe, so that you can plan and prepare as necessary.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You will have a lot of ultrasounds.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>It seems that no matter what the problem is, ultrasounds are used more frequently in high-risk pregnancies because they can tell some things about how the baby is doing. &nbsp;Most often they are used to check on the baby's growth, to make sure that it is within a particular window. &nbsp;A baby that is much smaller or larger than normal is cause for concern, and may lead to early induction or even c-sections. &nbsp;Some doctors will perform ultrasounds as often as every week in the last trimester.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You will see your doctor a lot more often.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>While most women see their doctors monthly, then bi-weekly in the third trimester, and weekly only in the final month of pregnancy, high risk women will see their doctors much more frequently than this. &nbsp;Some will their doctors bi-weekly from the beginning. &nbsp;Some will start weekly visits in the second or early third trimester. &nbsp;Some women may even see their doctors multiple times a week in the last couple months of pregnancy. &nbsp;Frequency varies greatly from woman to woman, depending on the situation. &nbsp;However, visits will be more frequent than is typical.</p>
<p>Ask your doctor what a typical visit schedule might look like for someone with your situation; however, don't be surprised if he can't answer completely. &nbsp;How often you visit your doctor later in pregnancy may depend on whether or not additional complications develop later in pregnancy.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You may see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>In addition to seeing your regular doctor, you may also see a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, who only sees high-risk women. &nbsp;You may see this specialist only a few times if you have "risk factors" but no problems develop; you may see the specialist as often as your regular doctor or even <em>only</em>&nbsp;see the specialist if your case requires it. &nbsp;Ask your doctor early on if you will need to see a specialist and what you might be able to expect, but again, it will depend on if complications develop later.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Your doctor may be more free with the medications.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Even doctors that are usually pretty medication-happy understand that there are certain, potentially serious risks involved with taking anything during pregnancy.&nbsp; But when you are high risk, your doctor is more likely to believe that the risks of <em>not</em> taking the medication outweigh the risks of taking it.&nbsp; If, for example, you are diabetic and need something to control your blood sugar (or risk diabetic coma and serious damage or death to you or baby), you'll need to keep taking it -- even if there are risks of birth defects.&nbsp; The same goes if you suffer from epilepsy.&nbsp; And it may even be true if you're suffering severe morning sickness, develop high blood pressure, etc.&nbsp; Your doctor is being extremely cautious and wants to make sure that any issues are controlled before they can cause damage to the baby, and in certain cases medication may be the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is crucial, however, to make <em>sure</em> you trust your doctor, so that there is no issue with the doctor simply being overly cautious and recommending medication just because you are high risk, and not because there is an immediate theat.&nbsp; Make sure your doctor discusses all the options with you thoroughly and that you understand the risk-benefit situation and are fully informed before accepting any medication.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You will likely have non-stress tests frequently at the end.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>A non-stress test tells if your baby is doing well or is under stress that could, over time, cause him/her harm. &nbsp;A non-stress test basically means that you will sit in bed for 20 to 30 minutes with a heart rate monitor and a contraction monitor strapped to your belly. &nbsp;Your baby's heart rate will be monitored for change. &nbsp;This may be done routinely if there is concern; or it may be used if your baby is not moving often enough. &nbsp;Occasionally babies may be sleeping and moms will be asked to move around or drink sweet juice to try to wake the baby.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You may be put on bed rest, and/or have your activity restricted</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Depending on your circumstances, you may have your activity restricted or even be placed on bed rest. &nbsp;We'll talk more about this in an upcoming post (because bed rest is really a topic in and of itself), but if there is a risk of preterm labor or other complications that are related to activity, it may be safer for all involved to restrict your activity. &nbsp;This may mean stopping work early, needing to rest a lot, or even having to stay completely in bed. &nbsp;Talk to your doctor about your particular situation.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Things may change at any moment.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Unfortunately, high-risk pregnancies are just unpredictable. &nbsp;While over 90% of high risk pregnancies end just fine, with healthy moms and babies, there are all kinds of things that can go wrong. &nbsp;In rare cases, pregnancy will <em>not</em>&nbsp;end with a healthy mom or baby. &nbsp;But more often, it may mean a premature delivery, an emergency c-section, long-term bed rest, or other unexpected situations. &nbsp;Sometimes these changes are <em>why</em>&nbsp;healthy mom and baby results from the pregnancy! &nbsp;It is important, if there is a problem, to take your doctor's recommendation very seriously.</p>
<p><strong>Have you faced a high-risk pregnancy before? &nbsp;What was your experience like?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brenda
EMAIL: brenda@wellfedhomestead.com
IP: 216.134.174.217
URL: http://www.wellfedhomestead.com
DATE: 01/20/2011 01:06:21 AM
<p>I wrote about my high risk pregnancy story here today: http://www.wellfedhomestead.com/2011/01/19/high-risk-pregnancies-my-story/. I had a 26 weeker and a 35 weeker after 4 months on bed-rest and a cerclage. Looking forward to this series!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Almond Flour Muffins
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/20/2011 01:00:31 PM
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<p>Recently we decided to go grain-free again. &nbsp;I'll be talking more about why and how in the coming weeks, but today I have a yummy recipe to share with you. &nbsp;I made these for an afternoon snack earlier this week and the 8 muffins this recipe made were gone in minutes. &nbsp;They're a little crumbly but sweet and moist. &nbsp;Also, they are completely dairy-free too!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<p>
<ul>
<li>1.5 cups almond flour</li>
<li>Juice of 1 lemon</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. baking soda</li>
<li>1/4 c. raw honey</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>2 tbsp. olive oil</li>
<li>1 tsp. vanilla</li>
<li>1/2 c. blueberries (optional)</li>
</ul>
</p>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>In a medium bowl, mix almond flour and lemon juice. &nbsp;Allow to soak for 6 to 8 hours (I do this to reduce phytic acid; my children cannot handle nuts otherwise). &nbsp;Then, add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. &nbsp;Bake at 350 for about 20 min. until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. &nbsp;Serve warm with homemade fruit preserves (made with honey) or butter, if you can do dairy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jann'e
EMAIL: cmlegacy@cox.net
IP: 70.190.82.111
URL: 
DATE: 01/27/2011 02:43:06 AM
<p>I am wondering if you can add flax meal to this recipe, maybe cutting back the almond flour a little and replacing it with the flax? Has anyone tried this or other variations of the muffins?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jann'e
EMAIL: cmlegacy@cox.net
IP: 70.190.82.111
URL: 
DATE: 01/27/2011 03:10:42 AM
<p>I&#39;m sorry to be a pest. I am a very poor baker (a great cook, just can&#39;t bake and don&#39;t enjoy baking), but am trying to bake some more items for my husband who can&#39;t have gluten. We are also trying to keep our carbs/sugars low for weight management. I made these muffins tonight and found the raw honey to be pretty difficult to work with because it is firm and therefore doesn&#39;t blend well. Is there any reason, health or baking related, why I couldn&#39;t use pure maple syrup instead?</p><p>Thank you for your help! </p><p>My muffins are still baking, eagerly awaiting them!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: miika49@hotmail.com
IP: 76.69.21.136
URL: 
DATE: 01/31/2011 07:38:19 PM
<p>do you know of a source of almond meal/flour that is guaranteed to be peanut-free? my son is allergic to peanuts, and due to the possibility of cross-contamination, can&#39;t have any nuts at all. he has been tested for almonds and is not allergic to those, but all the almonds in stores (grocery or health food store) are labelled with &quot;may contain traces of peanuts&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/31/2011 08:02:48 PM
<p>Miika,</p><p>The safest thing, I&#39;d think, is to buy almonds online from a California grower that are certified raw and have never been in any facility.  These would not be able to be cross-contaminated.  Then, grind them in a food processor on low to make almond meal.  You could also take the time to soak/dry them first, too, if you do this.  Eventually I will do that!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: 4 Little Men & Girly Twins
EMAIL: brittany@brittanyclaire.com
IP: 66.163.147.208
URL: http://www.4littlemenandgirlytwins.com
DATE: 02/01/2011 03:33:09 PM
<p>Hello, a good friend of mine just referred me to your blog. This recipe sounds right up my alley. :) </p><p>as for soaking the almond meal, do you grind your own almonds? If you soaked your almonds and then ground them you wouldn&#39;t have to soak the meal.</p><p>oh and Jann&#39;e... I hate to answer on someone else&#39;s blog. But I wouldn&#39;t bake flax. Heating flax will break down it&#39;s nutrients and actually cause the oil to turn &quot;rancid&quot; causing a carcinogen. Flax is incredibly sensitive. The best way to eat flax is freshly ground and topped on cereal, smoothies, waffles, ect.</p><p>glad I found your blog, looking forward to reading more!</p><p>Brittany</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/01/2011 03:52:00 PM
<p>Brittany,</p><p>I haven&#39;t ground my own almonds yet; I wanted to test out the almond flour and see how it baked and how my family liked/tolerated it before deciding to make the effort!  But I do soak/dry my own almonds for snacks so I might as well grind them too. :)  And no, you wouldn&#39;t need to soak if you did that!  Today I am trying soaking in lemon juice + salt to see if that helps, I&#39;m assuming it will work better.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Holders
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/11/2011 01:00:46 PM
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<p><br /><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennycu/2201419792/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/baby%20swing.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294612724503" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 333px;">Image by jencu</span></span></p>
<p>Baby holders.</p>
<p>Our culture has a <em>lot</em> of them.&nbsp; We have carriers, car seats [necessary in the car, obviously!], swings, slings, bouncers, jumpers, walkers, strollers, and so many more.&nbsp; <strong>We've become obsessed with having places to <em>put</em> our babies instead of holding them</strong>.&nbsp; And yes, we're busy, and sometimes that's practical.&nbsp; But the bigger issue is that we put our babies down so we don't "spoil them."&nbsp; Because they don't need to be held all the time.&nbsp; <strong>We have baby holders so we can "foster independence."</strong></p>
<p>That's just a silly notion.</p>
<p><strong>I'll say, when I was expecting Bekah, I wanted all the baby holders</strong>.&nbsp; I believed all the stuff people said.&nbsp; I believed I'd need places to set her down, and that she didn't need to be held too much.&nbsp; I believed that, at least to some extent, I needed to "train" her right away.&nbsp; I carried her everywhere in her car seat until she was about 6 months old.&nbsp; Shopping trips were seriously hit or miss, as once she got tired, she <em>might</em> go to sleep, but she was equally as likely to freak out until I picked her up.&nbsp; I remember taking her into church in her seat when she was around 3 months old and wanting to pick her up, and Ben saying, "No, just leave her, she's fine.&nbsp; She doesn't need to be held right now."&nbsp; And that's the way most of this country thinks about babies.</p>
<p>While I was pregnant with Daniel though, someone explained it to me this way: "<strong>When you're inside your mother, you're warm and held 24 hours a day.</strong>&nbsp; You're snuggled in tightly, you feel your mother's motion.&nbsp; You're always with her.&nbsp; <strong>Then suddenly you're born and you're on the outside.&nbsp; Even if your mother held you 18 hours a day, often sleeping with you, this would be a huge reduction in the amount of time you were held</strong>.&nbsp; It's no wonder babies cry to be held: they <em>miss</em> that close, warm contact with mom.&nbsp; And why shouldn't they?&nbsp; Mom is who they rely on, literally, for survival."</p>
<p>Ah...there it is.</p>
<p><strong>Babies can't be spoiled.&nbsp; They aren't crying to manipulate.&nbsp; They're crying for a real, biological need to be held, kept warm, fed, and safe</strong>.&nbsp; And they don't become clingy if you hold them as much as possible.&nbsp; Quite the opposite.&nbsp; Studies have shown over and over that babies who are frequently held cry less, and are more securely attached to their parents as toddlers and older children.&nbsp; They know their needs will be met.&nbsp; They know mom is there.&nbsp; And so they feel confident to go and bond with others.</p>
<p><strong>We rely too much on baby holders.</strong>&nbsp; When I see babies being carried in their car seats everywhere, then set down and ignored, <em>especially when they are awake</em>, my heart breaks for them.&nbsp; I can literally count on two hands the number of times I ever took Daniel anywhere in his car seat [I think it was 6].&nbsp; He was never down.&nbsp; But he's the type of baby who would have demanded, loudly and incessantly, to be held if I'd tried [as he did the few times that I did set him down places].&nbsp; <strong>Moms, please don't ignore your babies!&nbsp; If they are awake, hold them.&nbsp; Talk to them.&nbsp; Play with them.&nbsp; <em>Enjoy</em> them</strong>, rather than seeing them a small accessories [not that I think most moms really feel that way, but we do tend to treat babies that way sometimes.&nbsp; Better seen and not heard, right?]</p>
<p><strong>Babies need mom.</strong>&nbsp; They don't need fancy swings and cradles and bouncy seats.&nbsp; They really don't.&nbsp; These things are nice, and they can be helpful at times.&nbsp; If you have to tend to an older child, or you're cooking dinner [and holding a baby over a hot stove is not really very safe], you might need to set the baby somewhere safe.&nbsp;<strong> It's not a <em>bad</em> thing to put babies in swings or seats sometimes.&nbsp; It's not <em>bad</em> to carry a sleeping baby in somewhere in a carseat so they'll keep sleeping.</strong>&nbsp; But those are things we should do for safety or temporary convenience, not as a matter of course.&nbsp; If we <em>can</em> hold our babies, we should.</p>
<p><strong>Baby wearing makes this very easy</strong> [I think a lot of you knew this was coming!].&nbsp; We're lucky in that we do have a lot of options now as far as slings and wraps and all different types of carriers we can use with our babies.&nbsp; <strong>These carriers keep mom's hands free, yet baby close.</strong>&nbsp; Babies very rarely cry in their carriers, and then only if mom hasn't noticed earlier signs of hunger, or baby has a wet diaper.</p>
<p><strong>I used a Moby wrap everytime I went anywhere with Daniel until around 6 months, then switched to a Mei Tai, which I continued to use [less and less often] until he was around 15 months</strong>.&nbsp; By 8 or 9 months he'd push back against me and strain to get out, because he could sit and crawl and he wanted to be with the "big kids."&nbsp; Being worn or carried a lot sure didn't affect his motor skills: he walked at 11 months and was quite steady before his first birthday.&nbsp; He crawled backwards at 5 months and forward, well, at 8.&nbsp; He sat at 4 months, very steadily at 5.&nbsp; <strong>The only thing I wish I'd done is had a second Moby for the house, so that I always had when while out [I kept it in the car] and I always had one at home, so I could get things done with a fussy baby.</strong>&nbsp; I have actually bought a second one already!</p>
<p><strong>In a few weeks we'll be talking more about baby wearing</strong>: the different options out there, what ages they work well for, and what different moms preferred.&nbsp; If you're interested in being on a panel of moms talking about your experience with baby wearing, feel free to send me an email!</p>
<p><strong>Moms: <em>hold</em> your babies.&nbsp; They're only little once, and all they want is you.</strong>&nbsp; You are the center of their universe, their favorite thing in the world!&nbsp; Use swings and bouncers and seats when you <em>need</em> to, but make it your goal to hold your baby often.&nbsp; You'll soon be rewarded with a baby who pushes himself off your lap and runs after his older sister, even if you wish he'd stay and snuggle a little longer!&nbsp; Plus you'll have a wonderful, deep bond that will last a lifetime.&nbsp; Daniel <em>still</em> gets super excited when he sees me and launches himself in my arms and gives me kisses!&nbsp; It's adorable.</p>
<p><strong>How do you feel about baby holders?&nbsp; Do you use them very often?&nbsp; Why or why not?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 99.185.72.68
URL: http://naturalmomnaturalkids.com
DATE: 01/11/2011 02:10:46 PM
<p>I LOVED baby wearing. LOVED it. But I do have to say that I used the car seat a lot - both of my girls were born in January and we lived in Cleveland. I figured it was safer to carry them in the car seat than out when I was navigating the snow going from here to there. Once the weather was warmer the car seat stayed in the car, the sling went on, and we were off!</p><p>Plus, as a single mom working 2 jobs with 2 kids, I did have to set both of them down often, but that was just life for me. It was a little easier when I had just the one child though.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa @ Dyno-mom
EMAIL: naaskofamily@gmail.com
IP: 74.82.68.17
URL: http://www.dyno-mom.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/11/2011 02:25:07 PM
<p>I have to agree with you on this one! I am a very experienced mom (ten kids, five boys and five girls) and I don&#39;t think we need all the junk. It takes up space and resources and nobody needs most of it. I also advise women to have a sling (or other carrier) at home AND in the car. Then you are never without it. Once they are wiggly though, I do have a swing or bouncer in the kitchen for cooking. When I need my hands, I have them. Mothering Magazine has a great downloadable pamphlet on safe babywearing using different types of slings, wraps, and soft carriers. It&#39;s brilliant and available on their website.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liesel Kautz
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.186.222.100
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 02:29:11 PM
<p>I LOVE my Moby (which is sadly MIA) and plan to have 2 of them for this next baby. I thought it interesting that you wanted 2 to keep one in the car and one in the house as I want 2 so I can simply wash one and still have the option of using the other in the meantime! I read somewhere online regarding Moby&#39;s and their length (that it can be messy to put on outside the house) and someone posted that they just put it on before leaving the house and wear it under a coat or whatever. I thought that was great as I practically then lived in it all day every day anyway. I think sometimes it&#39;s overwhelming for someone to think about putting a &quot;carrier&quot; or wrap on and then getting the baby into it, but for something like the Moby that you can leave on and just take baby in and out easily it&#39;s really no big deal!</p><p>I was at a local store the other day and witnessed a Nigerian man come in to purchase SOMETHING to help them hold the baby on themselves as the baby was very new and wanted to be held. It was common in his culture to carry them and he Mobyed like a pro when the sales clerk showed him how to use it. What a father! He came out in a complete snowstorm and left with an item most guys would be WAY TOO overwhelmed to even think about. Kudos to him- I thought it was very sweet!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kali
EMAIL: kali_ehrhart@hotmail.com
IP: 74.132.97.234
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 02:37:11 PM
<p>I used a moby everywhere I went for the first 6 months with my son, someone actually asked me once if I had a carseat to carry him in. I told them, it was in the car that we were both happier with him on me. I switched to an Ergo once he was sitting up well and at 15 months still use it from time to time. I&#39;ve tried a hip hamock and kelty backpack now that he&#39;s bigger and don&#39;t love either but I don&#39;t need it as often anyway! We had a swing and a bouncy seat which I already got rid of one b/c we never used it and he hated it. I LOVE babywearing!!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: L. Hobbie
EMAIL: greenmama26755@yahoo.com
IP: 74.47.240.1
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 02:54:05 PM
<p>A car seat was the only one we ever used. Otherwise I &quot;wore&#39; my baby. We even shared a family bed. My oldest is 22 and my youngest is 10. Believe me, there is NO problem with independence!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.209.73
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 01/11/2011 03:41:23 PM
<p>With our first child due in about two months I&#39;ve had a lot of people tell me that I NEED a bounder, a swing, and all these other devices to put my child in.  It just never felt good.  (And I hate having useless items cluttering my house anyway).  I&#39;m excited to wear my baby!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtney
EMAIL: 
IP: 69.163.17.248
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 03:57:15 PM
<p>I remember with my oldest daughter using a bedsheet to wrap her on me. At that time, the only carriers I had seen were the crotch hanger types they have in big box stores. I had tried one of those and it was dreadfully uncomfortable but I knew I wanted to wear my child. In preparing for baby #3 I discovered TheBabyWearer.com and fell in love with all the ways you could carry a baby(much more fashionably than a bedsheet too). Now that #4 is here, I can often be seen with BOTH of them &quot;riding&quot; as my very well-adjusted independent 23mo old calls it. As much as I didn&#39;t want to, we are using an infant carrier carseat for the newborn. It&#39;s been a brutally cold snowy winter in Minnesota so we do carry it in places but baby comes out right away and goes into the ring sling or Sleepy Wrap. As soon as the weather warms it will stay in the car all the time. At home I have a bouncer to use while I shower, but that&#39;s about the only time it gets used.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 04:49:43 PM
<p>Yup. I loved my Moby and now we&#39;ve moved onto an Action Baby Carrier. I got it on sale and it&#39;s just great! LO loves it and he&#39;s nice and snuggly in the winter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.19.192
URL: http://www.happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/11/2011 05:15:49 PM
<p>Well, for me I would wear my babies when we were out...my daughter is now 15 months old and too big for the sling I have for her (time to get a new one!)  At home, my son never liked the swing and he didn&#39;t want to be placed in anything else for the most part until he was at least 6 months old.  My daughter took to them a little better, and I thought it was good to have them for baby&#39;s safety if I had to leave the room...I didn&#39;t really wear them much around the house unless I was going to be working on the same task for an extended amount of time.  Swings and such were also good to have when I needed to take a shower.  You know, so big brother didn&#39;t climb all over the baby! Lol. But for the most part, the baby holders went largely unused in our house while baby was awake.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ginger
EMAIL: 
IP: 209.191.217.223
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 05:24:18 PM
<p>Yes, yes! We call them &quot;Baby Containers&quot; and I agree that they are used far too much. We are in Minnesota, and it is VERY cold, so sometimes lugging the infant carseat around is the most humane thing to do, as opposed to letting it freeze in the car and then putting baby back into it, or trying to unbundle baby every time you need to get out of the car. I don&#39;t like doing it, but I do when I must. I much prefer holding baby close. </p><p>I also find that another perk to holding your baby is that strangers are much less likely to touch your baby! In a carrier, they are always rubbing their hair or holding their hands, but it takes a much more intimate person to actually touch your baby when baby is laying on your chest.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ally
EMAIL: ally.gillotte@gmail.com
IP: 75.81.97.74
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 05:25:03 PM
<p>My second baby is two weeks old and I am once again marveling at how people manage WITHOUT babywearing!  I used a stretchy wrap with my first till he hit about 15 pounds (not long, he was a big baby), mostly outside the house.  We didn&#39;t have an infant carseat, we used a convertible seat and were quite happy to wear our snuggly baby under our coats in a Michigan January.  I was fortunate to have fallen in with a wonderful babywearing group so when the stretchy wrap began to be uncomfortable (and I needed to do a back carry) I knew I had options.   I made a mei tai, which my husband still uses now that DS1 is two and nearing 40 lbs. I tried several woven wraps and loved it but didn&#39;t have the budget for them, so I used a doubled length of cotton gauze to wrap him till I received a Girasol wrap around his first birthday.  Now that I have a newborn again, I can take advantage of his long sleeps to play with big brother by using my woven wrap in a high-back rucksack carry, which lets his head rest on my neck, secure and close.  We&#39;re all happy--baby is snug on mama, toddler gets mama&#39;s full attention for a bit, and mama has two free hands and two happy boys.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 07:30:42 PM
<p>I use a Baby Bjorn.  We have a sling carrier but he does not like it.  I think he gets too hot and now that he&#39;s more aware of his surroundings (4 mos) he likes to be able to see what&#39;s going on.  We do have an exersaucer that comes in handy when I&#39;m cooking.  I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and I choose not to hold him, even in the carrier, while I&#39;m working over the stove, blender, food processor, etc.  That said, he is in the kitchen with me and I talk to him, explaining what I&#39;m doing, how things work.  He talks to me and we have our &quot;conversations&quot; while we cook.  <br/>We use the car seat to carry him to and from the cars (we don&#39;t have a garage) but if he&#39;s awake or wakes up when we get to our destination we take him out of the car seat.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: thesavingmom
EMAIL: thesavingmom@gmail.com
IP: 67.166.4.9
URL: http://thesavingmomparents.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/11/2011 07:33:07 PM
<p>I bought a Lillebaby (http://ow.ly/3C27e )with number two because it has a hip option.  LOVE IT!<br/>Cannot imagine not baby wearing.  Thanks ~Jessica</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.152.103.107
URL: 
DATE: 01/11/2011 08:54:54 PM
<p>I&#39;ve loved wearing my babies with a homemade MobyWrap.  It is so much more convenient and fun than a bulky stroller or carseat.  Plus it meant extra snuggles with my little one.  :)  However, I&#39;m definitely not opposed to &quot;baby holders.&quot;  When I&#39;m in the midst of cooking dinner (hot surfaces and knives usually involved) and my 3 and 4 year old are running around a &#39;baby holder&#39; is the safest place for my baby.  I hardly used them with my first two because I didn&#39;t have to worry about siblings running around.  But with number three, it kind of became necessary.  Actually he was a bit of an adjustment and led me to do a lot of things I swore I&#39;d &quot;never do.&quot;  Never say never because the Lord has a way of using it to humble you later!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.117
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/11/2011 09:39:45 PM
<p>We love babywearing around here!  My first baby was very intense and colicky, and babywearing saved me (and him, probably!)  I actually ended up making slings for friends, and then as a small home business.  I got so annoyed with &quot;slings off the shelf&quot; that didn&#39;t fit mom or baby well - figured I could make them better!  Can I share that link here, Kate?  If not, feel free to delete it.  If it is ok, though, my slings are at www.lullabyslings.etsy.com.  Might help someone!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.212.170.211
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 12:31:16 AM
<p>We don&#39;t understand people trying to maneuver a carseat around, seems impossible.  Just the baby is so much lighter, and baby stays so happy.  I&#39;m the grandma, totally pro baby wearing.  Our favorite at the beginning was the moby, and wrap of choice now for a two yr old and a one yr. old is the mei tai.  Front or back, it keeps baby/tot secure.  We did use a swing with the 2 yr. old, but it was right next to us while we sang to him, with occasional dancing and theatrics.  I think babies should always be close, whether in a seat on the counter while you do the heavy stuff in the kitchen, or wearing them.  Secure children are independent children.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: P.J.
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.54.85.134
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 05:18:28 AM
<p>I didn&#39;t do as much baby wearing with my first since I was clueless about all of that at the time.  While pregnant with my 2nd, I bought a Moby and called it a day.  LOVE my Moby!!  I use it often for sure; however, sometimes that infant carrier comes in handy.  Recently we were in a situation where I was VERY grateful that I decided to entertain my daughter while she was in her carseat.  While in a waiting room, another mother had what can only be described as a horrible emergency.  Her son was attacking her (I am sparing some intense details), and I had to help pry him off her and later restrain him.  When I shared this story with family/friends, the first thing they asked me was where my daughter was.  Thankfully, she was in her carseat.  I took her out afterward, and yes, this was (hopefully) a rare experience, but I gotta say... they certainly have their place.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joy Y.
EMAIL: Joy.VimandVigor@gmail.com
IP: 64.184.37.96
URL: http://www.vimandvigor.typepad.com
DATE: 01/12/2011 06:56:05 AM
<p>Now on our sixth babe, I have found that a moby is wonderful for those first few months especially, and an ergo thereafter.  The moby is nice for it snuggles those wee little ones right where they want to be...and we have two hands free take care of other things as well.  Also, the ergo has never given me a sore back, even as they grew, whereas so many others I&#39;ve tried have.  It was worth every penny I spent on it!  </p><p>Want to make a homemade moby wrap--this will actually give you 2 moby wraps....for the cost of less than half of buying one new one?  Then, check this out mamas!<br/>Here&#39;s the link: http://vimandvigor.typepad.com/vim-and-vigor/2010/12/having-a-baby-without-breaking-the-bank-homemade-moby-wrap.html</p><p>Enjoy those babies!</p><p>Joy at Vim and Vigor</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Milly
EMAIL: 
IP: 41.242.247.151
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 07:53:08 AM
<p>Agree completely. My son is 10 months old and still happy in his sling, though my back is not. He&#39;s a hefty 12kgs, but what makes him happy makes me happy. It&#39;s the only place he will fall asleep when we are out and I feel completely lost if the sling is not in his bag! The pram was *such* a waste of money, and I&#39;m going to sell it and get a tiny little stroller if I go shopping or something, my back can&#39;t take his weight anymore for long periods. Nice post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelcy
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.144.219.125
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 07:23:23 PM
<p>I got so much junk from my baby showers and in the end, my daughter lived in the Baby K&#39;tan being worn on me for hours. I tell every new mom i meet to get a baby carrier and forget all the other stuff for the first few months. i also notice so many new moms scared of wrapping, which is why i recommend the Baby K&#39;tan since it&#39;s basically already wrapped for you. so i think more new moms are likely to try it and the end result is what counts! I wish more parents would embrace babywearing it seems to strange that we actually have to teach it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jane
EMAIL: jane@quirkybaby.com
IP: 96.235.177.88
URL: http://www.quirkybaby.com
DATE: 01/12/2011 08:52:08 PM
<p>I really enjoyed your post! I came to babywearing after duly researching and registering for all the baby holders....that my baby refused to go in. Period. It didn&#39;t matter that it was the *perfect* snap-n-go stroller for his *perfect* carseat, or that the even fancier jogging stroller had a cushy and pricey bassinet...no dice. After a couple times of trying to push the dang stroller with one hand while carrying him in the other arm, I got a clue and got serious about babywearing! Strollers, bouncy seats, car seats, etc. all have their place, but you&#39;re so right that what babies really want and need is mama (or other loving adult) as much as possible.</p><p>My best hint with the Moby is to pre-tie it with the knot on your side before getting in the car. That way you can pop baby in when you arrive at your destination and not have to fool around with putting it on in a parking lot. Pop baby in and out as needed if you&#39;re running multiple errands -- really, there&#39;s no need to take it off and put it back on multiple times a day!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Debi
EMAIL: 
IP: 70.72.154.177
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 08:25:36 PM
<p>If you find that your sling is putting too much weight on the one shoulder I would recommend a mei tai or a buckle carrier such as an Ergo or a Beco so you can do a really easy back carry.  That way you have most of the weight transferred to your hips and it does leave your hands totally free.  <br/>I&#39;m looking forward to wearing my little one come May, b/c I don&#39;t get to wear my kids much anymore at 3 and 5:)</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Grain-Free and Pregnant
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/20/2011 01:00:32 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Kate%2010.5%20weeks.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295489835541" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Yes, this is last week's picture! I got too tired to take a new one!</span></span></p>
<p>This post finds me at almost 12 weeks.&nbsp; I'm rapidly nearing the end of the first trimester!&nbsp; It's hard to believe.&nbsp; Sometimes I can so clearly see that I'm having another baby in a few months, and picture myself strolling along after my older two (who will be running around a playground like crazy children) with my newborn tucked cozily into my Moby wrap.&nbsp; Other times I think, I just can't imagine having three, this must be a dream, I don't get it!</p>
<p>I think it's largely because I grew up in family of 2 kids: a boy and a girl.&nbsp; I'm the oldest.&nbsp; That's exactly what I have now, a boy and a girl, with the girl being older.&nbsp; Having a third child is unprecedented and unexperienced.&nbsp; I get the sibling relationship between two opposite gender siblings.&nbsp; I don't have any idea what throwing a third into the mix will do.&nbsp; It's just <em>strange</em> to contemplate, honestly.&nbsp; But still an exciting challenge!</p>
<p>This week we had another midwives' visit, last night.&nbsp; I'm still doing really well, by all their measures!&nbsp; And, although I don't generally like Dopplers (they're a form of ultrasound), I allowed them to use one briefly.&nbsp; I figured it was less than a minute and it would finally give me an answer: did I have a <em>live</em>, healthy baby in there?&nbsp; As it turns out, yes!&nbsp; They found the baby's heartbeat immediately, and it was a strong 160 beats per minute!&nbsp; Old wives' tale says <em>girl</em>, which is what I've been thinking all along!</p>
<p>Now.&nbsp; I've mentioned earlier this week that last week, we were all sick, and as a result, decided to go on the GAPS diet.&nbsp; That might seem a little extreme, just from reading that.&nbsp; Why would we need to go on a full-out healing diet after a 24-hour stomach virus?&nbsp; I may have mentioned Ben's ongoing yeast issues, and that's a huge part of it.&nbsp; Bekah's mild eczema flares factored in too.&nbsp; And I'll talk about this more tomorrow, but after just <em>one</em> day off grains, Daniel slept through the night for the.first.time.EVER!&nbsp; Needless to say, we're feeling encouraged.</p>
<p>[Which brings me to a small side note.&nbsp; This baby will NOT be starting on solids as early as Daniel did, which was around 8 months.&nbsp; And s/he will also NOT be having grains until at least 2 years old.&nbsp; I don't care how much it inconveniences me or how much other people don't get it and think I ought to give my baby Cheerios.&nbsp; I have learned that even if it <em>seems</em> okay it probably is not.&nbsp; At some point I'll write more on this.]</p>
<p>But no grains during pregnancy?&nbsp; Surely a baby can't be healthy without them!&nbsp; And surely it is too much work, too difficult to manage right now.&nbsp; How and why am I doing this?</p>
<p>I'll just say, I feel great!&nbsp; Previously, whenever I had grains, especially white flour products, I just felt sick.&nbsp; I felt tired and nauseous and like I had a lump sitting in my stomach.&nbsp; This was also true of many whole grain products, too.&nbsp; I wouldn't eat because I felt sick and bloated until I was <em>really</em> hungry, at which point I'd think, "Oh, what does it matter if I just eat a slice of pizza?&nbsp; I have to eat.&nbsp; It'll taste good.&nbsp; It'll be fine."&nbsp; It's like I was brain-damaged and didn't remember how it had gone down a few hours earlier.&nbsp; So I'd eat it and boom, sick again.&nbsp; That went on for days....</p>
<p>Monday we got serious<em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;No</em> more grains.<em>&nbsp;</em>It actually seems easy to me this time, though.&nbsp; A year ago we did this and I was entirely dairy free and nut free too.&nbsp; This time I can do nuts if they're soaked and dehydrated, and we can do cultured dairy.&nbsp; Just knowing I have the option of those nuts and a little yogurt and cheese makes it seem like I have so many choices!&nbsp; For example, Tuesday I was able to serve spaghetti squash with meat sauce and a little parmesan.&nbsp; It made it taste <em>so</em> much better!</p>
<p>We're also adding in a lot of fermented foods.&nbsp; Monday I hunted around the city for everything I could find.&nbsp; I bought some kombucha (I brew it, but kind of got out of the habit from Thanksgiving until January with morning sickness and holiday busy-ness), Bubbies traditional dill pickles, Good Belly probiotic juice drink....&nbsp; At every meal we've been having something raw and something fermented.&nbsp; Breakfast is smoothies (raw fruit and yogurt).&nbsp; Lunch is salad and kombucha.&nbsp; Afternoon snack, we have some pickles and something else (like those almond flour muffins I posted today).&nbsp; Dinner is...well, sometimes lax on the probiotics, at least for me.&nbsp; But I've had enough by that time.</p>
<p>The hardest part, so far, has been that we weren't prepared for this.&nbsp; It occurred in the middle of a standing meal plan (since I write them two weeks at a time) and I had a lot of grain-based meals on the list.&nbsp; I feel like we just can't risk it since we feel so much better off grains, so I've been doing the best I can.&nbsp; I had the spaghetti squash in my fridge from weeks ago, and finally just made it.&nbsp; I have made a couple pots of soup.&nbsp; Lunches have been leftovers.&nbsp; I'm raiding my freezer for any meat and veggies I can find.&nbsp; And I <em>have</em> gone shopping and totally broken the budget to buy some fresh fruit and all those fermented foods (with Ben's blessing) because we need some "filler" items to make it through.&nbsp; It'll be easier in the next two weeks when I have a plan in advance.</p>
<p>It really is amazing how good I feel, though.&nbsp; Even when I feel a little bloated from the probiotics, and tired in general, I still have this underlying feeling of <em>good</em>.&nbsp; This is how our family was meant to eat.&nbsp; We need to seriously, seriously limit grains.&nbsp; I think forever.&nbsp; Eventually we'll reintroduce, although it would be better if we didn't.&nbsp; If we didn't eat them, it sure would be easy to keep the new baby away, wouldn't it?</p>
<p>I'm not worried about meeting my baby's nutritional needs, either.&nbsp; There are no magic vitamins or minerals in grains that aren't in other foods.&nbsp; And with other foods, I don't experience the same blood sugar spikes that I do with grains.&nbsp; Blood sugar spikes and crashes are <em>not</em> good!&nbsp; Grains are mostly a source of calories and quick sugar.&nbsp; They don't have too much more in them.&nbsp; Certainly other foods are better sources for the bulk of my diet.&nbsp; I'm already getting so excited about all the new veggies I get to experiment with now!&nbsp; And all the new ways I'll cook meals with marinated meats, and beans, and soups, and lots of stuff!&nbsp; I haven't made zucchini in months but I really <em>love</em> it, so I can't wait to start trying out recipes with it again.</p>
<p>It's worth it to feel good.&nbsp; It's also beneficial because the probiotics will prime my system, making me less likely to have any yeast issues, less likely to be GBS positive (although I have never been before), and more likely to give my baby an excellent dose of probiotics at birth!&nbsp; I would highly encourage any mother who feels like she does better off grains to give it a shot in pregnancy.&nbsp; It'll reduce your chances of gestational diabetes, too!</p>
<p>So that's where we stand today!&nbsp; I'll be back next week with any new happenings!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brenda
EMAIL: brenda@wellfedhomestead.com
IP: 216.134.168.251
URL: http://www.wellfedhomestead.com
DATE: 01/20/2011 02:22:49 PM
<p>I&#39;m so excited to read your journey! We&#39;ve been on GAPS for a year now (our whole family of 6) and we feel SO much better! I wonder, after 2 majorly high risk pregnancies (my tubes are tied now ;( ) what my experience would have been like if I had been on GAPS while prego. I TOTALLY agree with you about no introducing solids to your baby until later. Especially grains!! I can look at photos of my first son and see exactly when he got grains &amp; when his face started thinning out. (his doc said to give him &quot;mixed&quot; cereal not just rice because of the extra calories...) I pointed these pictures out to his doctor once, and she said &quot;well, that&#39;s when babies start moving more.&quot; But he didn&#39;t--he didn&#39;t crawl until he was 1 or walk until he was 2. So I know the grains thinned him out (he was 13 lbs at 1 year old :( ). Anyways, if I could do it over, I&#39;d give no solids early on! And when solids are introduced, I&#39;d just give avocados and lots of bone broth mixed in, and squash, and fruits and other veggies...not grains!<br/>Great job, doing what you know is best for your body, your baby and your family!!! :) :) (p.s. have you heard of Donna Gates &amp; The Body Ecology Diet? If I had another baby, right when it was born, I&#39;d swab some probiotic liquid (sauerkraut juice, e.g.) in the baby&#39;s mouth. Give it a try! ;).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crystal
EMAIL: trixiekiddo@yahoo.com
IP: 68.13.245.12
URL: http://piscessunleomoon.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/20/2011 03:02:07 PM
<p>I look forward to following your grain-free lifestyle. I&#39;m not at the point to say adios to bread though. (Even though I&#39;m still reading Cure Tooth Decay, and he pretty much says the grain we have available to us, even sprouted, is not that great for us- I really wish I could hear your input on his book. What was startling was his take for whole grains is even worse than just white flour!!) I&#39;m still a newbie to real food though, so I&#39;m learning still.<br/>Your baby is going to be so healthy! And your pregnancy too!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 01/20/2011 03:56:40 PM
<p>You mention you are nearing the end of your first trimester. I wonder if you ever considered waiting until after the first trimester to share your pregnancy in your blog? Don&#39;t get me wrong, I love the posts, it&#39;s just so common today for people to keep pregnancies private for the first trimester.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 130.132.21.101
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/20/2011 04:10:01 PM
<p>I don&#39;t recall what area of the country you live in, but if you&#39;re around the northeast, be on the lookout for a brand called Real Pickles. They do a variety of lacto-fermented foods (and one or two condiments I believe). Carrots, cabbages, pickles, and I am hooked on their beets. I think they also ship.</p><p>(No I am not paid at all by RP, I am simply a big fan of their products.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/20/2011 04:11:42 PM
<p>Robin,</p><p>I just can&#39;t keep my mouth shut.  I never could.  Most people don&#39;t share until the end of their first trimester because &quot;what if I miscarry&quot; but...the truth is, if that happened, wouldn&#39;t you want support and understanding?  Would you want to tell everyone the whole story AFTER it happened?  I know I wouldn&#39;t.  I am just transparent like that, I don&#39;t keep secrets, and I think babies are to be celebrated!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.7.228
URL: 
DATE: 01/20/2011 10:59:45 PM
<p>I will be very interested to see how the GAPS diet treats you (and your husband!) I had heard about it recently, and then my friend visited who is on a serious GAPS diet (2 years at least).  She loved it.  I finally convinced my husband to go gluten-free a year and a half ago, and it literally changed his life.  He still gets sick from random stuff, so I am trying to convince him that this is the next step he (we) need to take in order to full cleanse his system and see what it is that may be bothering him.   Do you have any good book/info recommendation where I can learn more about it? </p><p>P.S. We do lots of &quot;nursie&quot; time minus the actual act of nursing.  Jameson loves to cuddle on my chest.  I joke its his very favorite spot, but know there is a lot of truth to that with my heartbeat right there.  He is enjoying my chest getting bigger again (as it got fairly small after we weaned!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachelle
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.185.92.193
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 05:21:41 AM
<p>It is amazing, isn&#39;t it, how our culture eats?  Our family has been doing a similar lifestyle change since our first was born 18 months ago.  It&#39;s a big change at first, but a necessary one to have a healthy life and a healthy family.  Although we aren&#39;t as strict as we should be, we are working hard at eatting &quot;clean&quot; more and more each week.  A few of our favorites treats are zucchini muffins made with oatmeal and almond flours and honey, banana, and stevea as sweetners, zucchini with browned butter and a dash of mizithera (sp?) cheese, crepes with oat flour, yogart with fresh berries, stevea, and granola home made -no wheat- sweetened with honey and apple juice and home made frozen yogart pops (greek yogart, stevea, honey, blueberries, banana, coconut milk, and flaxseed blended and froze in the waterbottle size icecube trays)...those are the treats and quick fix items when we are in a hurry and a special treat.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Monday Health & Wellness: Is It Adrenal Fatigue?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/07/2011 01:00:10 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Adrenal fatigue is something that is becoming extremely pervasive in this country.&nbsp; A<strong> lot of people are suffering from it because the adrenals are very sensitive, and are easily taxed by stress, poor nutrition, and lots of other circumstances that are pervasive in our country.</strong></p>
<p>Unfortunately, a lot of health problems are pervasive in our country.&nbsp; It's not easy to tell if what you're suffering is really adrenal fatigue, or if it's something else.&nbsp; How can you be sure?&nbsp; What should you do if you're <em>not</em> sure?</p>
<p><strong>First, read the </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html"><strong>adrenal fatigue</strong></a><strong> symptoms</strong>.&nbsp; To briefly summarize, you're looking for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Constant fatigue/tiredness</li>
<li>Insomnia</li>
<li>Cravings for salty/sweet foods (especially salt)</li>
<li>Irritability, mood swings</li>
<li>Feeling overwhelmed</li>
<li>Non-refreshing sleep</li>
</ul>
<p>There are a lot more, which you can read at the link above.&nbsp; But the thing is, <strong>many of these things can be symptoms of other&nbsp;conditions as well</strong>.&nbsp; It's not as simple as reading these symptoms and saying, "I have adrenal fatigue!"&nbsp; It may be something else.&nbsp; If you do not have all the symptoms on this list, then you may really be looking at something else.&nbsp; Cravings for salt and insomnia are really key symptoms of adrenal fatigue.</p>
<p>So then, how do you know if it <em>is</em> likely adrenal fatigue?</p>
<p>For women who have only mild adrenal fatigue, who are feeling that they are overwhelmed, craving salt, suffering from insomnia and fatigue, and this has only gone on for a few weeks or months, it's very likely that you can determine on your own that adrenal fatigue is what you are suffering from.&nbsp; This, fortunately, can be easy to reverse with at-home treatment (see below).</p>
<p><strong>If, however, your symptoms are more complicated and longer lasting, it may be difficult to tell.</strong>&nbsp; In this case, adrenal fatigue may be a <em>part</em> of what you are suffering from.&nbsp; It's likely because the adrenals are often the first to go and the last to be fixed when something is wrong with your body.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, there may be more to it than that.&nbsp; A visit to your doctor (preferably a naturopathic doctor who can treat you using diet and other natural supports; most doctors won't recognize or acknowledge adrenal fatigue anyway until your adrenals are basically not functioning) can determine what is happening.&nbsp; <strong>A quick check of your hormone levels can show where they are out of balance and give you a good starting place.</strong></p>
<h3>Hormone Levels?</h3>
<p><strong>A lot of women, in conjunction with adrenal fatigue, have other imbalanced hormone levels.</strong>&nbsp; This is because the adrenals control the balance of all the hormones in your body, directly or indirectly.&nbsp; Since the most common symptoms of adrenal fatigue are just <em>so</em> common in our country, many women don't even recognize that something is wrong.&nbsp; Doctors do not recognize mild adrenal fatigue, either.&nbsp; This means that adrenal fatigue can go on unchecked for months or even years, thus throwing off many other body symptoms.</p>
<p><strong>Over time,&nbsp;some women even start to suffer from infertility, PCOS, painful periods, and other signs of hormonal imbalance.</strong>&nbsp; These may or may not be related to the adrenals -- but likely that is a<em> part</em>&nbsp;of the story.&nbsp; Our hormonal systems are delicately balanced and it's all interrelated.&nbsp; We can't, as many doctors think, lift one area out and try to fix it without addressing the whole body.&nbsp; That's why it's important to work to balance your hormones by getting your health and diet on track.</p>
<p>Cortisol is one of the most important hormones to balance because it wreaks the most havoc on adrenal glands, and is responsible for our stress.&nbsp; In fact, it's known as the "stress hormone."&nbsp; It's a good thing when we're in danger, but it's not a good thing all the time.&nbsp; When our adrenal glands are constantly producing cortisol, they become worn out.&nbsp; That's how we get in trouble.&nbsp; It's how our hormones get out of balance.&nbsp; <strong>Long-term drain on the adrenals leads to all of the above hormonal issues and more</strong>.&nbsp; Getting things straightened out is what we need to do.</p>
<p><strong>Some women may even suffer from thyroid issues or other serious conditions after having imbalanced hormones for quite awhile.</strong>&nbsp; It may be difficult to tell if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue or thyroid problems, especially if your symptoms have been going on for months or years.&nbsp; We'll talk more about thyroid issues in the future, but you can read now an interview I did on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/28/interview-on-hypothyroid-disease.html">hypothyroidism</a> and the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/20/interview-thyroid-disease-update.html">follow up</a> to it.</p>
<p><strong>Consulting with a trained naturopath who is familiar with hormonal issues may help you know where to start</strong>: what is the most immediate problem, where to begin healing.&nbsp; This is the best idea if you are severely ill so that you have a personalized plan&nbsp;that will help <em>you</em> heal.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How to Start Healing</h3>
<p>The <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/21/diet-for-adrenal-health.html">diet for adrenal fatigue</a> is&nbsp;honestly a good idea for<em> anyone</em>.&nbsp; <strong>We should all be eating a healthy diet full of excellent saturated fats, healthy meats, fruits and vegetables, and properly prepared grains (but not too many).</strong>&nbsp; We'll be talking more about a healthy diet in the upcoming weeks.</p>
<p>In addition to an excellent diet, you can take the following steps:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Get extra rest</strong> -- Sleep is crucial to recovering from just about anything.&nbsp; When you are constantly fatigued, pay attention to your body and get the rest that you need!&nbsp; You don't need to move at 100 mph all the time!&nbsp; The chores and extra commitments will wait until another day; your health is more important.</li>
<li><strong>Go to bed early</strong> -- If you are not in bed by 10:30, you risk getting a second wind and not being able to fall asleep once you do go to bed.&nbsp; You also won't get enough rest!&nbsp; The body begins its detox around 11 PM, also, so to take full advantage, you need to be asleep by then.&nbsp; Aim to start winding down by 9:30 or 10 and be in bed by 10:30.</li>
<li><strong>Work on relaxation</strong> -- To help yourself sleep at night, try to relax throughout the day.&nbsp; When your kids take naps, sit down and rest.&nbsp; Don't expect too much from yourself.&nbsp; Don't schedule too many events.&nbsp; Purposefully build in time where you don't have to do anything, even if it's only 15 minutes here and there.&nbsp; Have a cup of tea, read a book, just relax your mind and body.</li>
<li><strong>Add extra salt</strong> -- Adrenals need high-quality sea salt to function, which is why you're craving salt.&nbsp; Get rid of the processed salt (if you still use it), and consume only high-quality, real sea salt.&nbsp; Consume as much as you need, salting your food to taste.</li>
<li><strong>Drink rehydration drinks instead of water</strong> -- Part of the reason you're thirsty is because your electrolyte balance is off, so you really need more sodium or potassium, <em>not</em> more fluid.&nbsp; Try a special rehydration drink instead of plain water and you'll find that your thirst is better quenched and you feel stronger.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce your stress</strong> -- This is huge, since one of the main reasons for adrenal fatigue is too much stress (and therefore too much cortisol).&nbsp; By focusing on reducing your stress -- perhaps by reducing your commitments, taking some time for yourself, giving yourself permission not to clean all the time, etc. -- you will aid yourself in healing.&nbsp; You do <em>not</em> have to be super mom.&nbsp; No one can do it all, and no one should try.</li>
</ul>
<p>There are more hints and ideas at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/02/adrenal-fatigue-help-and-resources-for-healing.html">Keeper of the Home</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Have you struggled with adrenal fatigue?&nbsp; Did you have other conditions as well?&nbsp; How did (are) you heal?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jmmatlock@gmail.com
IP: 98.220.172.190
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 06:02:57 AM
<p>This issue frustrates me quite a bit, because I have a lot of symptoms of adrenal fatigue.  But I read over a year ago the thing about being in bed no later than 10:30pm, and I tried it for SIX MONTHS STRAIGHT - including making myself get up every morning no later than 7am so I&#39;d be ready for sleep - and every night I&#39;d lie in bed for HOURS, unable to fall asleep until 2:30-3am.  Needless to say, I spent an exhausted 1/2-year of my life on this project and my whole family was miserable because I was so tired.  I actually have LESS &quot;insomnia&quot; and get more restful sleep when I follow my <i>natural</i> (what my internal body clock seems to want) sleep pattern - into bed by 2am, and up around 10am (yes, my four homeschooled kids live in a house where we don&#39;t start school until an hour before lunch, but it works for us).  But still other adrenal fatigue symptoms persist.  I just can&#39;t seem to reset my body clock to be asleep in time for the nightly recharge.  Any ideas?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Feeling the Baby Move
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/26/2011 01:00:14 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296007566567" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>When you're pregnant, one of the most wonderful things is feeling the baby move inside you.&nbsp; <strong>Knowing your baby is alive and real is just an amazing sensation, even before he/she is born.</strong>&nbsp; But when can you expect to feel the baby move?&nbsp; Will it hurt?&nbsp; What does it feel like?</p>
<p>A lot of women wonder about this, especially with their first pregnancies.&nbsp; And while the answers vary widely, there are some "averages" that we can discuss!</p>
<h3>When Will My Baby Move?</h3>
<p>Truthfully, your baby is moving from only around 6 or 8 weeks into your pregnancy, but is too small for you to feel yet.&nbsp; The baby reaches 1" long around 10 weeks, which is still pretty tiny!&nbsp; Some women, especially those who&nbsp;are pregnant for the second time or more, may feel their babies around&nbsp;8 - 10 weeks, but this is rare.&nbsp; <strong>Most women start to feel their babies move sometime between 12 and 16 weeks the first time, and a bit earlier in subsequent pregnancies</strong>.</p>
<p>It is not unheard of for women not to feel their babies until past 20 weeks, though, especially in first pregnancies.&nbsp; Having a tilted uterus, being overweight, or simply for "no reason" at all, you may not feel your baby until later.&nbsp; I didn't feel my first until 23 weeks, and my second until 20, for "no reason," but nothing was wrong.&nbsp; I felt my third baby at around 10 weeks, though!</p>
<h3>What Does it Feel Like?</h3>
<p>At first, it's hard to tell if you're really feeling your baby.&nbsp; If you're feeling the baby fairly early (before 16 weeks), it will be very low and central (your uterus doesn't reach your belly button until around 20 weeks).&nbsp; If you are early on and think you feel your baby higher, it's probably not the baby yet.</p>
<p><strong>Early movements feel like little swishes or even bubbles.</strong>&nbsp; Some women, especially first-time moms, can mistake gas bubbles or other internal movements for the baby.&nbsp; Once you feel insistent little thumps, you can be sure it's the baby!&nbsp; Later you'll feel stronger and stronger movements as your baby grows, and there will be no mistaking what it is!</p>
<h3>Does it Hurt When the Baby Moves?</h3>
<p>At first, no.&nbsp; The baby is too small to hurt you in any way.&nbsp; But as the baby grows, some movements may be uncomfortable.&nbsp; <strong>When your baby is quite large (past about 28 weeks) and is starting to run out of room, some movements can hurt.</strong>&nbsp; The baby can kick you in the ribs, or elbow your side sharply (and keep the elbow there!), stretch and push down on your bladder, etc.&nbsp; It is possible to move your baby by pushing from the outside to tuck elbows and knees back in again.&nbsp; Of course, some babies are pretty stubborn and shove their limbs right back out again!</p>
<h3>When Can We Feel it from the Outside?</h3>
<p>For a lot of men, the first time they can really participate in the pregnancy is when they can feel the baby move from the outside.&nbsp; <strong>This usually is possible between 20 and 24 weeks.</strong>&nbsp; If you lie still and possibly eat something sweet (fruit is sweet enough), the baby will get active and your husband can sit and put his hand on your belly.&nbsp; He may get to feel the baby kick him!</p>
<p><strong>After awhile the baby's movements will be <em>so</em> strong that you'll be able to clearly <em>see</em> him or her moving if you lie still.</strong>&nbsp; While reclined in bed or in a bath is a good time to watch your baby move.&nbsp; Your belly will take on all kinds of funny shapes, and will jump as the baby moves!&nbsp; If you place something on your belly (like a light book), your baby may even kick it off.&nbsp; And later in pregnancy, you may even feel your baby hiccup!</p>
<h3>Should I Ever Be Concerned about Movement?</h3>
<p><strong>In your third trimester, your doctor may ask you to do a "kick count" everyday</strong>.&nbsp; This is where you lie down and count the number of kicks/movements you feel within a certain period of time, usually about an hour.&nbsp; You should feel at least 10 movements in this time.&nbsp; It is important, however, to note that babies <em>do</em> sleep, so if your baby isn't moving, it may just be because he is tired!</p>
<p>Your baby may also have "quiet days" or "quiet times," in which s/he doesn't move very much.&nbsp; But most of the time, s/he will be so active throughout the day that you won't even need to do a count.</p>
<p>However, <strong>there <em>can</em> be concerns if you don't feel any movement for several hours</strong>.&nbsp; If you're worried, lie down and drink some juice or something else sweet.&nbsp; Poke your belly and try to wake your baby.&nbsp; If you don't feel any movement within 20 minutes or so, call your doctor or midwife and ask for a non-stress test (checking the heart rate and for any contractions).&nbsp; Especially if your baby is usually quite active and suddenly does not move for awhile, this can help reassure you that everything is okay.&nbsp; Most of the time the baby is just having an "off day," but on rare occasions, lack of movement does mean that something is wrong, possibly requiring emergency delivery, or, on even rarer occasions, that the baby has already died.&nbsp; But please know this is <em>extremely</em> rare and that <strong>almost all episodes of non-movement are just because you have been too busy to notice, and/or the baby is having a quiet day</strong>.</p>
<p>And that's what you need to know about feeling your baby move!</p>
<p><strong>When did you feel your baby move for the first time?&nbsp; What did it feel like to you?&nbsp; Were you ever "tricked" into thinking you felt your baby when you really didn't?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 165.199.1.10
URL: 
DATE: 01/26/2011 06:51:26 PM
<p>15 and 1/2 weeks pregnant with my first, and still waiting patiently to feel those first few flutters. Hopefully someday soon, now! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel at Jewish Mommie
EMAIL: rachel.wizenfeld@gmail.com
IP: 76.91.28.22
URL: http://www.jewishmommie.com
DATE: 01/26/2011 09:47:51 PM
<p>My first hardly moved at all and now that I&#39;m pregnant with my second I&#39;m getting kicked every second!  Thank God it&#39;s not the other way around or I&#39;d probably be so nervous.  Thanks for this great info.  I love how you talk about the husband piece - for some reason my husband is so freaked out by the baby kicking - he says it feels like a little alien to him!  Have you ever heard of anyone else feeling like that before?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Apple-Carrot Juice
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/27/2011 01:00:17 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37873897@N06/5105184060/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Juice%20in%20a%20glass.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296074069241" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 338px;">Image by Flavio@Flickr </span></span></p>
<p>This recipe really could not be simpler, but it is so healthy.&nbsp; Carrot juice is great for detox, and apple makes it taste good.&nbsp; We use it as the base for smoothies in the morning, since fresh-squeezed juice is <em>so</em> much healthier than pasteurized, store-bought stuff.&nbsp; The kids will also drink it straight from time to time.&nbsp; Try it!&nbsp; It's also great for people on the GAPS diet.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 medium apples, quartered</li>
<li>3 - 4 medium carrots, chopped in 1 - 2" pieces</li>
<li>1/2 - 3/4 c. filtered water</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Place all ingredients in a blender.&nbsp; Turn on low and allow the blender to start to chop the fruit/veggies.&nbsp; Once somewhat chopped up, slowly turn the blender up until the mixture is completely pureed, adding a small amount of extra water if necessary.&nbsp; Put the puree into a tea towel or cloth and squeeze it gently until the juice has come out (into a cup, obviously!).&nbsp; Discard the squeezed pulp.&nbsp; Serve immediately.&nbsp; Makes about 8 - 12 oz. of juice.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.5
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/28/2011 05:00:09 PM
<p>And here I was, thinking that I couldn&#39;t juice veggies because I don&#39;t have a juicer.  Thank you for the tip!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Fostering Sibling Relationships
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/27/2011 01:00:17 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Kate%2010.5%20weeks.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296073762432" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">I was too tired to take a new picture again! I promise next week I will!</span></span></p>
<p>If you haven't been following along, you can read my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/23/pregnancy-journal-introduction.html">introduction</a> here!</p>
<p>This week finds me at almost 13 weeks...nearly done with the first trimester, yay!&nbsp; I'm <em>starving</em> all the time now.&nbsp; I have energy and feel completely normal now, well past the morning sickness.&nbsp; <strong>It's been nice because now I can cook and eat and take care of my house again as needed.</strong>&nbsp; I'm also working on shaking off the pregnancy jitters (or fatigue if my son has kept me up at night!) and being a more patient mom.&nbsp; I have a long way to go but we're doing better.</p>
<p><strong>It's <em>so</em> hard to focus on this baby.</strong>&nbsp; With my first, I woke up everyday thinking that I had this amazing, delicious secret: I was pregnant!&nbsp; I really thought that <em>every</em> day until the day Bekah was born.&nbsp; The second time, I was definitely distracted, but there were moments that I felt that the baby I was carrying was special.&nbsp; I thought about him a lot when Bekah was asleep (because in those days, I was guaranteed a break at nap time!).</p>
<p>But <em>this</em> time...<strong>there's just so much going on around me.&nbsp;</strong> Often times at least one child is up and <em>something</em> is going on.&nbsp; If not, then I am busy doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, or even blogging.&nbsp; My life is so busy that I don't have very many quiet, private moments to just think about this baby.&nbsp; And since this time I haven't had any <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/25/healthy-pregnancy-series-ultrasounds.html">ultrasounds</a>, I don't even have a picture of the baby or anything to go on.&nbsp; I only have the memory of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/20/pregnancy-journal-grain-free-and-pregnant.html">hearing the baby's heartbeat</a>.&nbsp; I keep focusing on the fact that in a few weeks, I'll be feeling the baby move frequently, and then I will deliberately steal moments in the evening, when the kids are in bed, to bond with the baby.&nbsp; I am really looking forward to that.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's harder to bond with subsequent children because your life <em>is</em> so full.&nbsp; And in some ways, especially before birth, you're getting to know the new baby in context of the entire family unit, not as an individual.&nbsp; Later babies have to slide into the family's routine much more so than earlier babies.&nbsp; <strong>But I know this baby, whoever s/he is, will be a unique individual whom I will appreciate and love.</strong></p>
<h3>Sibling Bonding</h3>
<p><strong>Before Daniel was born, we talked to Bekah about babies.</strong>&nbsp; We pointed out moms who were pregnant.&nbsp; We talked about the baby in my belly.&nbsp; We looked at pictures of babies, including Bekah's own baby pictures.&nbsp; She wasn't even 18 months yet when <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/13/daniels-birth-story.html">Daniel was born</a>, so she wasn't very interested.&nbsp; She would smile and point at babies, but that was about the extent of it.&nbsp; <strong>She was really too young to understand, although we believe that she "sensed" what was happening.</strong>&nbsp; The first moment she saw Daniel she was thrilled and fascinated but not surprised.&nbsp; It was like she understood that he belonged, that he was ours.</p>
<p>I thought, even though she was young, that I could try to bring out her "maternal instincts."&nbsp; We gave her baby dolls and read her books.&nbsp; Much of it was lost on her.&nbsp; But, I felt confident because she is a girl and I was a little mommy when I was young, and I was sure she would be too.&nbsp; (She is now.)</p>
<p>With Daniel I was not sure.&nbsp; I didn't figure he'd necessarily have any interest in babies.&nbsp; I wasn't sure <em>what</em> to expect.&nbsp; Would he be jealous or just uninterested?&nbsp; <strong>I wasn't sure how to approach teaching a <em>boy</em> about babies.</strong></p>
<p>Luckily, in the last couple of weeks, <strong>Daniel has become fascinated with babies</strong>!&nbsp; He likes to look at books with pictures of babies.&nbsp; He points at them and says "Baby!"&nbsp; When we met a woman with a newborn at a store earlier this week, he kept trying to climb out of the cart to get to the baby.&nbsp; He pointed and smiled and laughed, repeatedly said "Baby!" and tried to rock the baby's carseat.&nbsp; When I've held babies, he likes to smile at them and touch them.&nbsp; There's no jealousy there.&nbsp; (Bekah likes to give babies hugs and talk about how she needs to be gentle with them.)</p>
<p><strong>I hope to keep fostering this fascination with babies and this bond between siblings.</strong>&nbsp; Bekah and Daniel are <em>so</em> bonded.&nbsp; They fight, of course, like any siblings.&nbsp; But they get bored and unhappy when the other is gone.&nbsp; They play together very often.&nbsp; They chase each other around the house.&nbsp; Daniel has even knocked on Bekah's door to wake her from a nap because he missed her!&nbsp; They seem to genuinely enjoy one another (most of the time!) and prefer to be together than apart.&nbsp; And since they're both so interested in babies, I hope they'll feel that way about their new sibling, too.&nbsp; <strong>I want them to celebrate each <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/22/large-families.html">addition to the family</a> as a wonderful new playmate.&nbsp; I want them to know there is <em>more</em> love and attention and fun to go around, not less!</strong>&nbsp; So far they seem on board with that!</p>
<p><strong>Fostering sibling relationships is <em>so</em> important.</strong>&nbsp; And that can start in pregnancy, as it has here.&nbsp; Every week, I make it a point to show Bekah (and sometimes Daniel) a picture of what the baby looks like now.&nbsp; I'll show them more baby pictures of themselves later (Bekah's now fascinated by this and frequently asks for "pictures of baby Bekah").&nbsp; I'll even <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/8/teaching-our-kids-about-sexuality.html">show them birth videos</a>.&nbsp; I'll take them to visit friends who have babies before I do, so they can meet live babies and learn to be gentle with them.&nbsp; I want them to be excited for our baby's arrival!</p>
<p>(Funny story: Bekah has a book where the main character has a pillow fight and the pillows burst open and feathers go everywhere.&nbsp; Some of the feathers drawn are quite large and curved.&nbsp; She points to the feathers, which are roughly the size and shape of an 8 or 10 week fetus and says "Look, it's your baby!"&nbsp; LOL.)</p>
<p><strong>How do you foster sibling relationships at your house?&nbsp; Were your children jealous or welcoming to their new siblings (in general)?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: pregnancypillowreviews
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.97.210.29
URL: http://pregnancypillowreviews.net
DATE: 02/03/2011 05:05:33 PM
<p>Bonding is a great thing when it works out with the kids. I have found that there is a lot of jealousy that is sometimes very difficult to overcome until the kids start to get older.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Meal Planning and Preparation During Stress
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/25/2011 01:00:21 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/superfantastic/4327419269/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Dinner.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295924117189" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by SuperFantastic</span></span></p>
<p>Although we all strive to do our best in feeding our families, there are certain times in our lives when this is not as easy as it could be.&nbsp; This includes times of stress, like illness in the family, morning sickness, unusual traveling, holidays, moving, etc.&nbsp; During these times, it's hard enough just to survive the stress without having to worry about cooking and serving the most nutritious meals!&nbsp; Yet, we <em>need</em> this healthy food more than ever.&nbsp; What can you do?</p>
<p>Luckily there are ways to make things easier, so that you can minimize meal preparation and yet still eat well.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use the freezer</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you can possibly anticipate a time of stress coming (for example, as soon as you find out you're pregnant, before morning sickness kicks in), try to double meals you cook and fill your freezer.&nbsp; It's not a bad idea to do this on&nbsp;a regular basis anyway, so that you'll have a few extra meals around just in case (for the occasional busy night, or because you never know!).&nbsp; If you're in a time of stress, then anytime you do have energy or time to cook, double or triple the meal and freeze that.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use the crockpot</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Don't have time to spend in the kitchen?&nbsp; Toss some meat and vegetables in a crockpot and let it cook while you're busy or out.&nbsp; You can get great, easy meals in a crockpot without much work.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Choose simple foods</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>When you're shopping, choose very simple foods.&nbsp; Pick healthy lunchmeat and bread; chicken breast that can be grilled; fresh fruit; eggs; anything that is easy and quick to prepare.&nbsp; It's okay if you eat a lot of sandwiches and fruit for awhile.&nbsp; Whatever works at this time is fine!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Throw the meal plan out the window...unless it helps you</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>When I was newly pregnant, I never knew what I would be able to eat.&nbsp; Instead, I stocked my pantry and fridge with simple foods I knew that I could stand and didn't bother to make a plan.&nbsp; I didn't stick to it anyway.&nbsp; On the other hand, if you're able to eat anything, you may want to write a strict plan so that you always know what's for dinner instead of scrambling at the last minute to figure it out.&nbsp; Then you'll make sure that you have all the food that you need in the house to prepare the meals you've planned.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Accept help</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you have any friends or family who are willing to bring you meals, accept their help.&nbsp; If possible, guide them towards simple foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, grilled chicken, etc. instead of processed foods).&nbsp; But when you need it, it's great to allow others to help you.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Buy "helper" ingredients</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Even if you normally wouldn't, buy pre-cut fruits and vegetables, pre-cooked meats, sprouted flour or bread&nbsp;(instead of making your own), whatever you need to be able to cook healthy foods.&nbsp; Yes, it'll boost your grocery budget some, but if you can afford it, do it.&nbsp; It'll keep you in excellent nutrition without making extra work for you.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Allow some "cheats"</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Okay, so you normally don't buy fruit snacks and cheddar crackers.&nbsp; Is it going to hurt if you do it once in awhile when you need fast snacks and you're very busy?&nbsp; Just make sure you choose good brands with minimal "extra" ingredients.&nbsp; We like Annie's brand (no, I'm not affiliated with them).</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Occasional take out is your friend</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>There are places like Chipotle, Panera, Whole Foods, or local organic restaurants that have good quality, organic foods.&nbsp; Heading there to get some take out once or twice isn't going to hurt anything, and it's certainly better than fast food!</p>
<p><br /><strong>How do you manage meals during times of stress?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julia @ Natural Parents Network
EMAIL: julia@naturalparentsnetwork.com
IP: 75.136.125.235
URL: http://naturalparentsnetwork.com
DATE: 01/28/2011 06:18:26 PM
<p>I have to admit, when I get pregnant the morning sickness takes over to the point I can&#39;t even go into a grocery store or restaurant or open my own refrigerator because of the smells making me sick. :( So, the only way my husband and I could figure out how to deal with it is my husband would literally have to go right away to get me whatever food sounded palatable at that moment. Sometimes by the time he came back, I couldn&#39;t stand the sight of it anymore so we learned early on he had to be quick. :) Even then, sometimes in the middle of my eating it, I couldn&#39;t stand it and needed it immediately removed from me. Fun times. Oh well, it&#39;s worth it!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Normal Baby Sleep
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/21/2011 01:00:06 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Bekah%20sleeping.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295490256438" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 319px;">Newborn Bekah sleeping!</span></span></p>
<p>Baby sleep.</p>
<p><strong>Parents, especially new parents, are <em>obsessed</em> with it.</strong>&nbsp; It's kind of hard not to be.&nbsp; In the last few weeks of your pregnancy (or longer!) you're exhausted from frequent bathroom trips, the inability to get comfortable, and crazy dreams about what being a parent is going to be like.&nbsp; And if you're anything like me, you end up needing the TV on low all night just to have something to listen to besides your own thoughts, but then you can't sleep that well because it's on.&nbsp; You start out tired, and then your newborn comes and doesn't sleep.&nbsp; At least not when you want him or her to.&nbsp; <strong>Being so sleep deprived, sleep is the <em>only</em> thing on your mind!</strong></p>
<p>But fastforward 2 months, 6 months, 12 months.&nbsp; <strong>We all anticipate that our newborns <em>will</em> interrupt our sleep.&nbsp; But we also anticipate, as the doctors and media tell us, that by 6 to 8 weeks, our babies will start sleeping through the night, at least mostly.</strong>&nbsp; And definitely by 3 - 4 months...or 6 months...!&nbsp; But when it doesn't happen (as in, I'm convinced, the majority of households), we believe that <em>we</em> are the only ones experiencing these problems.&nbsp; <em>Our</em> baby is the only one who wakes up 4 or 5 times a night (or more!) and demands to nurse.&nbsp; And those few friends you talk to who say, "Gee, I don't know what to tell you, my baby just started sleeping 8 hours straight by 6 weeks old!" do not help the situation.</p>
<p>The whole thing leaves us feeling exhausted and resentful.&nbsp; But what we <em>really</em> need to do is to understand how babies sleep, and why, and what is truly realistic, so that we can get through this period as peacefully as possible.</p>
<p><strong>It is a <em>myth</em> that babies simply sleep through the night by 6 weeks of age and don't need anything at night.</strong>&nbsp; Or even that they do this by 6 months.&nbsp; <strong>It is common for children up to 3 or 4 <em>years</em> old to need some night time attention.</strong>&nbsp; No, they sure don't need to <em>eat</em> at night that long, but they do have other needs.&nbsp; Children continue to need their parents at night for eating, diaper changes, illness, teething, potty training, nightmares, and much more for quite some time.&nbsp; And this is <em>normal</em>.&nbsp; Expecting babies to sleep independently for 10 - 12 hours a night while they are still young (and I mean under 3 years old) is just not <em>normal</em>.&nbsp; They have needs which must be met!</p>
<p>Do they and will they sleep all night eventually?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; Do <em>some</em> babies happen to do it quite early?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; Should we expect or force this?&nbsp; <em>No!</em>&nbsp; My daughter didn't sleep consistently through the night, every night, until 2.5 years old.&nbsp; Even now there is a rare night she will wake up because she is sick or has wet her diaper, but those are only every month or two.&nbsp; My son, at 18 months, slept through the night the first time just this past Monday.&nbsp; I suspect eating grains was bothering him and keeping him up.</p>
<p><strong>So what is normal for infant sleep?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Weeks 1 - 4</strong>: Babies sleep in 2 - 4 hour stretches evenly broken up over a 24-hour period.&nbsp; They have 1 or 2 "wakeful" periods during the day (that is, the 24 hour day) where they are actually awake and want to interact for a couple hours.&nbsp; They may choose mid-afternoon, or they may choose the middle of the night!&nbsp; They do not have "normal" regulation at this point.&nbsp; So if your baby wakes at 3 am and wants to be awake until 6 am, snuggle and rock him and enjoy these dark, quiet moments alone.</p>
<p><strong>Weeks 4 - 8:</strong> Babies are settling into a more "typical" pattern of sleeping more at night than during the day, and probably don't have long wakeful periods at night anymore.&nbsp; By bringing them out in the light and playing with them during the day, and snuggling them quietly in the dark at night, they have learned to separate night and day.&nbsp; They now may sleep in 2 - 4 hour stretches at night, and go back to sleep after feedings.&nbsp; This can change briefly around 6 weeks as they go through a growth spurt, and they may wake more frequently.&nbsp; Babies usually take 3 - 4 "naps" during the day.</p>
<p><strong>Months 3 - 12 (or so):</strong> Most babies now sleep primarily at night, in increasingly longer stretches.&nbsp; Maybe.&nbsp; Some will adopt 8 - 12 hour nights by 4 to 6 months; some may still be waking every hour at 12 months.&nbsp; It depends on the baby.&nbsp; They will take 2 - 3 naps, although by a year old most are taking 2.&nbsp; A few have already dropped to just one nap, usually 3 - 4 hours in the afternoon.&nbsp; Many things can disrupt their pattern, such as teething, starting solids, illness, routine disruptions (vacations, etc.), and so on.&nbsp; Some babies prefer to co-sleep and are only comforted when a parent is near.&nbsp; These babies may be visibly nervous if they are sleeping separately from a parent.&nbsp; Some babies like to nurse frequently through the night, saving most of their calories for this time (they may be too busy playing during the day to eat much).</p>
<p><strong>By 9 months you can gently ease the baby towards a "better" routine by offering more food during the day, more cuddles, creating a bedtime routine and sticking to it, soothing baby in ways other than nursing at night (snuggling/rocking, or even having daddy go in), making sure baby is completely comfortable at bedtime (changed, clean, not too hot/cold, no teething pain, etc.), and so on.</strong>&nbsp; By removing obstacles to sleep you may be rewarded with better sleep.&nbsp; Or not.&nbsp; For some babies it simply takes time.</p>
<p><strong>For a select few, food intolerances may be an issue.</strong>&nbsp; If the baby also has eczema, red cheeks, red itchy palms, frequent diaper rash, a red ring around the anus, chunks of food in the diaper, or other signs, then suspect food.&nbsp; Try removing dairy or grains from the diet as a trial; see if it helps!&nbsp; I can say it has with <em>both</em> my children.&nbsp; Bab<strong>ies should not really eat grains before they have their two-year molars</strong> anyway; they do not yet have the mature enzymes to digest them.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Daniel%20sleeping.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295490583169" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Newborn Daniel sleeping!</span></span></p>
<p>A few months ago I posted what we did to help Daniel in <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/24/sleeping-babies.html">Sleeping Babies</a>.&nbsp; <strong>It is <em>very important </em>to realize that Daniel was a year old when we started this, not a newborn!</strong>&nbsp; Here is what our plan was:</p>
<p><strong>Step 1</strong>: Allow him to fall asleep on our bed, near daddy, but not being held (this&nbsp;was going well at that time, it was as far as we'd gotten)</p>
<p><strong>Step 2</strong>: Daniel falls asleep in his crib or on a mattress on the floor with daddy on the bed near him, but not on the same surface.</p>
<p><strong>Step 3</strong>: Daniel falls asleep with daddy "nearby" in the room but not next to him (sitting in a chair a distance away or something)</p>
<p><strong>Step 4</strong>: Daniel falls asleep in his own space alone in the room</p>
<p><strong>Step 5</strong>: Daniel falls asleep in his own room (we may have to have someone "nearby" again for the first few nights we do this)</p>
<p>How did we do?</p>
<p><strong>Around 15 months, I started to offer Daniel a hug or a drink of water instead of automatically picking him up to nurse when he woke at night</strong> (he started to wake a bit less often and resettled more quickly as a result).&nbsp; A couple weeks after that, we put him in his own room for nap.&nbsp; We'd successfully completed these steps by that time, with <em>no</em> crying.&nbsp; That day he fell right to sleep in his own bed, in his own room.&nbsp; We decided to try it out at night.&nbsp; The previous attempts had been disastrous; he'd ended up in my bed halfway through the night because he was clearly very nervous.&nbsp; This time he seemed very settled and calm and slept decently well.</p>
<p>Within a few days Daniel started to sleep better.&nbsp; <strong>He would still wake 1 - 4 times per night, but he'd usually cluster the wakings around my bedtime, so that he was sleeping a solid stretch from 1 - 6 or 7 most nights.</strong>&nbsp; There were the occasional nights he still woke every two hours, but they were much fewer.&nbsp; We always went to him when he woke, we never let him cry.&nbsp; That's not to say there weren't hard nights -- there <em>were</em>.&nbsp; There were some nights that the second we left his room (after exhaustedly rocking him to sleep for the fourth time) he'd wake right up and scream hysterically.&nbsp; A couple of nights Ben slept on his floor.&nbsp; We figured out he only did that when he was teething or sick, though, and once we picked out which, we could offer him something to help and he'd sleep a bit (or a lot) better.</p>
<p><strong>For weeks we had it where we could take Daniel in his room, give him a hug, lay him down, and just leave.&nbsp; He'd fall asleep on his own.</strong>&nbsp; But once I got pregnant he seemed to sense the change and got upset, so we're rocking him to sleep again.&nbsp; But once he's mostly asleep, I'll lay him down a let him finish settling himself, often times.&nbsp; Occasionally Ben will sit or lay on his floor, but that's generally rare.</p>
<p><strong>Monday of this week, Daniel slept through the night!</strong>&nbsp; We put him down at 9:30 and he didn't wake again until almost 7.&nbsp; I started to wonder if he was dead by 4 or 5 am because he'd <em>never</em>&nbsp;done this!&nbsp; We suspect it is because we removed grains from his diet.&nbsp; We also noted dramatic improvements in Bekah's sleep when we removed grains and dairy.&nbsp; This is even though Daniel had <em>no</em> other signs of reaction to grains.&nbsp; None.&nbsp; I was absolutely positive he did not have any issues whatsoever with food.&nbsp; This is why I'm telling you that babies do <em>not</em> need to eat grains.</p>
<p>What now?&nbsp; We hope Daniel keeps sleeping through the night.&nbsp; We gently ease him back into settling himself, as he adjusts to the pregnancy and my hormones balance again.&nbsp; We talk to him about what's happening, since he's now 18 months and can understand us very well.&nbsp;<strong> By the time the new baby comes, he'll be sleeping easily through the night!</strong>&nbsp; And then I get to do it all over again!</p>
<p><strong>When did your babies sleep through the night, and how did you help them (if you did)?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/22/2011 05:08:48 PM
<p>My son slept 5 hours at a stretch at 6 weeks, and 8 hours at a stretch at 8 weeks.  Then by 12 weeks, he never did it again.  &gt;sigh&lt;  I&#39;m beginning to realize sleep is not a progression so much as a variety of stages, some with better sleep than others.</p><p>Right now my game plan (at nine months old) is to help him go to sleep in a position and situation he can stay in all night.  If he falls asleep nursing, and then finds he&#39;s not nursing, it&#39;s SO AWFUL and wakes him up.  Ditto for falling asleep in my arms and then being put down.  So I lie down with him (we have the crib up against the bed) and nurse him pretty much to sleep, then unlatch while he&#39;s still a little bit aware.  He sometimes opens his eyes while I roll him into a comfy position and put a blanket over him, but then he closes them again and he&#39;s out.  So if he happens to wake up partway, everything&#39;s just how it was when he fell asleep and he can resettle pretty well.  In fact, he&#39;s taken to unlatching himself during his night nurses and rolling right into his crib to go to sleep!  That only happens maybe one in four times, but I&#39;m very proud.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bekah
EMAIL: mrsbekahglass@gmail.com
IP: 64.55.161.194
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 07:20:02 PM
<p>I love reading your blog.  I appreciate your thoughts on so many subjects.  As I&#39;m reading this particular one, I found myself thinking &quot;hm!  She says she doesn&#39;t know very many people whose babies slept through the night early on, but I know a ton!&quot; and that got me thinking that maybe it&#39;s the &quot;type&quot; of people we surround ourselves with.  I am a very structured person.  I like to plan every minute of my day and try to stick to it, just so I and my family know what to expect and what is coming.  I see my son at 2 1/2 and even much earlier than that, settling into the same type of &quot;personality&quot; if you will.  I imagine that your group of friends and even the people who read your blog are very similar to you.  My group of people is very similar to me.  Most of the people I &quot;click&quot; with or am close to have chosen to &quot;schedule&quot; or at least set up a routine for their babies from as early on as possible.  The one most of use chose happens to start out with feeding when babies wake up, rather than feeding them to sleep.  I think that b/c we do this, we get two benefits:  1) babies dont&#39; rely on being nursed to be able to fall asleep; and 2) babies are happy during their awake time because they have full bellies.  They play or have a small awake time (depending on the age) and then they fall asleep because they are tired.  <br/>So, all that to say, I weaned my son easy b/c eating was about being hungry, not about being comforted.  He slept long period b/c I fed him when he was awake, not when he was sleepy, which resulted in longer sleeping periods b/c his belly was full and didn&#39;t wake him up.  At night feedings, I kept him awake and nursing as long as I could possibly get him to so that his little belly woudl be nice a full and he&#39;d get as much of the hind milk as he could, keeping him full.  He was sleeping super great by four weeks of age, although I woke him to feed, just to be sure, every 5 hours until he was a couple months old.  Thanks for letting my share my perspective.  Blessings to you all.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Raw Milk: Finding It, Using It, and More
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/25/2011 01:00:46 PM
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<p><br /><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Cow%20farm.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298409259722" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2011/03/real-food-wednesday-3211.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p><strong>So, raw milk!</strong>&nbsp; By now you've probably heard about it.&nbsp; Maybe you even drink it.&nbsp; It's becoming more and more popular.&nbsp; Unfortunately, in many states it is still illegal and can be difficult or impossible to find.&nbsp; Why would you want to drink it?&nbsp; How would you find it?&nbsp; Is it different than store milk when using it?&nbsp; Why is the government cracking down so hard?</p>
<h3>The Government Saga</h3>
<p>Let's just start with the politics, because this could answer several questions.&nbsp; <strong>In the last several months, the government has been seriously cracking down -- <em>illegally</em>-- on farmers who produce raw milk or raw milk products (like cheese, butter, yogurt).</strong>&nbsp; They claim that this is for "food safety," even though there is no data showing that raw milk is inherently dangerous, despite the government and media's claims.&nbsp; Raw milk <em>does</em> contain natural bacteria and enzymes, but these are generally healthy.&nbsp; It's possible that raw milk <em>could</em> contain pathogenic bacteria, but it would have to become contaminated somehow.&nbsp; It does not naturally contain bad bacteria!</p>
<p>In fact, pasteurized milk is really <em>more</em> at risk of contamination, because when it is is heated, all of the good bacteria are killed.&nbsp; This leaves the milk "dead," and inert.&nbsp; Whatever gets into it can simply grow, unchecked.&nbsp; <strong>In raw milk, the good bacteria tend to keep any bad bacteria in check, which is why it typically won't make people sick.</strong>&nbsp; It's also true that pasteurization doesn't raise the temperature high enough to kill the pathogenic bacteria, making it even more likely to be contaminated.</p>
<p><strong>The conditions of the farms on which the milk is produced is very important, too.</strong>&nbsp; Most pasteurized milk is produced on farms where cows are kept in confinement, in tiny stalls in large, closed barns.&nbsp; The cows can't move around.&nbsp; They're fed GMO corn and soy and "vitamin supplements," and stand in their own waste.&nbsp; Typically, due to the crowded conditions and unnatural food, the cows become ill.&nbsp; They are given antibiotics to prevent the spread of illness and to keep them alive.&nbsp; Many herds are also treated with rBST or rBGH, growth hormones that increase the cow's milk production.&nbsp; This often gives the cows mastitis (same infection humans get!), which causes pus to be present in the milk.&nbsp; It's another reason why cows are treated with antibiotics.</p>
<p>Milk produced under these conditions would <em>not </em>be safe to drink raw.&nbsp; It <em>has </em>to be pasteurized.&nbsp; <strong>In fact, large-scale cow facilities and these types of conditions, which produced the sick animals and pus-filled milk, are the entire reason pasteurization became mandatory in the first place!</strong>&nbsp; Raw milk <em>was</em> making people sick 50 or 60 years ago, but it was because the cows were fed distillery mash and forced into confinement and were ill.&nbsp; Pasteurization basically masked the problem.</p>
<p><strong>Cows on raw dairy farms are typically out on pasture, not confined.</strong>&nbsp; They eat most or all of their diet as grass, and have free access to clean water and a salt lick (important for cows).&nbsp; Under these conditions, they are not sick.&nbsp; Any cow that <em>was</em> sick would be removed from the herd and given antibiotics, if necessary, but milk from the cow would not be sold until it was 90 days past the last dose of antibiotics (if I'm remembering the law correctly).&nbsp; The milk is collected using stainless-steel machines and stored in stainless steel, copper (naturally anti-bacterial and anti-viral), or glass, and is chilled very quickly after milking.&nbsp; This milk is safe and unlikely to be contaminated.</p>
<p>There <em>is</em> a small chance that individual farms could have contamination issues, and when this occurs, the government likes to point fingers at these farms and hold them up as examples of how dangerous raw milk really is (although people have become ill from contamination, no one has died for over 20 years; we can't say the same for pasteurized milk).&nbsp; However, these farms are the exception rather than the rule.&nbsp; And <strong>because the operations are small and the milk is sold either directly from the farm, or locally and still from only one farm at a time, the illness can be quickly traced back to the location and contained.</strong>&nbsp; When you know exactly where the food came from, controlling any contamination issues is easy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Milk from massive farms can be combined, plus there are literally thousands of cows there.&nbsp; Trying to pick out the exact source of contamination is extremely difficult, if not impossible, meaning that the outbreak cannot be well-contained.&nbsp; This makes any pasteurized milk that is contaminated far more dangerous than raw.</p>
<p><strong>Given all these facts, <em>why</em> would the government crack down?&nbsp; It all has to do with money, and lobbying.</strong>&nbsp; The raw milk movement is growing so quickly that it is beginning to threaten the profits of the dairy industry.&nbsp; So, they're trying to shut down the raw milk by making it look dangerous and removing the choice.&nbsp; The dairy industry cannot compete with raw milk because their entire operation depends on having the cows in confinement.&nbsp; Cows on pasture need a lot more land, and a lot more "managing," and the dairy industry can't do it.&nbsp; <strong>Since they can't provide safe raw milk, they've set out to run a smear campaign against it.</strong></p>
<p>Not only is this smear campaign stupid and wrought with lies, it's also anti-freedom.&nbsp; Even supposing that raw milk <em>were</em> more dangerous, we should have the right to choose our food.&nbsp; <strong>The government should not be mandating what we can and can't eat.</strong>&nbsp; Raw milk is not a drug; it's not a substance that could make us act crazy or kill people (like street drugs) and it doesn't infringe on anyone else's rights.&nbsp; If you don't want raw milk, fine, don't buy it.&nbsp; But don't stop people who want it from having it because of some phony "science" and "food safety" nonsense.</p>
<h3>The Benefits of Raw Milk</h3>
<p>So, I've already gone over why raw milk is <em>not</em> dangerous.&nbsp; <strong>But what are the specific benefits?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Naturally contains enzymes (including lactase, meaning those who are lactose-intolerant can often drink raw milk)</li>
<li>Contains beneficial bacteria</li>
<li>Has been shown to clear eczema and allergies, as well as asthma</li>
<li>Can often be safely used in people with "dairy allergy" (which could really be to corn or soy the cows are fed)</li>
<li>In the past, was used to heal wounds and called "white blood"</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>We, personally, switched to raw milk about a year ago, and our "dairy allergic" children do not react to it.</strong>&nbsp; Other family members have had the same experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If raw milk is left on the counter, it will "clabber" -- the enzymes will eat the lactose and the milk will become sour.&nbsp; But it is not bad, it can still be drunk or used in baking!&nbsp; Many let their milk clabber on purpose!&nbsp; Don't try this with pasteurized milk, though, because that milk <em>will</em> go bad.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickpiggott/513371114/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/milk%20in%20glass.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298410408444" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 375px;">Image by NickPiggot</span></span></p>
<h3>How to Store Raw Milk</h3>
<p><strong>Although raw milk that has gone sour is still <em>safe</em>,&nbsp;it isn't particularly palatable to many</strong>.&nbsp; So, you'll want to make sure that doesn't happen!&nbsp; Raw milk is a little different than pasteurized because of the natural bacteria in it.&nbsp; Anytime it starts to warm up, all those enzymes and bacteria become more active and start to eat the lactose faster, souring the milk.&nbsp; In order to keep the milk fresh longer, you want it to stay nice and cold to inhibit the bacterial action!</p>
<p>Raw milk, unrefrigerated, will sour in 1 - 2 days.&nbsp; <strong>Under "ordinary" conditions, it will last about a week.</strong>&nbsp; You can extend this to 2 weeks or a bit more if you keep the milk <em>very</em> cold, and continuously so.</p>
<p>When you pick up your milk, bring a cooler for it.&nbsp; Ice packs are a good idea too, unless you're also buying frozen meat from the same source (we do this).&nbsp; Pack the ice or frozen meat around your milk so that it stays nice and cold.&nbsp; This is especially important in the summer!&nbsp; <strong>You don't want <em>any</em> break in the "cold chain," because any time the milk warms up, even temporarily, those enzymes will go to work on that lactose and sour the milk a little bit more.</strong></p>
<p>When you get the milk home, place it into the fridge immediately.&nbsp; <strong>Push it towards the back and make sure your fridge is set no higher than 40 degrees (38 is even better).</strong>&nbsp; It should last 7 - 10 days in "drinkable" condition, though you can continue to use it for baking for awhile longer, or deliberately clabber what's left to keep for baking or soaking later, if you want.</p>
<p><strong>We found that when we left our milk in our outside fridge this winter (the fridge itself was set to 40, but the garage temperature was often quite a bit lower), it lasted 2 - 3 weeks without souring at all.</strong>&nbsp; The milk was <em>very</em> cold and occasionally, but not always, got a bit icy or partially frozen.&nbsp; It never froze completely, and we never had any broken jars (milk should be stored in glass if at all possible; ours was).&nbsp; It was really nice to be able to leave a gallon out there if it would be awhile between farm trips and know that the milk would still be good!</p>
<h3>Uses for Raw Milk</h3>
<p><strong>In many cases, raw milk is the same as "other" milk.</strong>&nbsp; You can drink it straight, or <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/2/recipe-collection-chocolate-milk-mix.html">mixed with chocolate</a> (I like that a lot!) or strawberries.</p>
<p>You can cook and bake with raw milk, too.&nbsp; It's exactly the same as "other" milk.&nbsp; Don't boil it, or it will curdle.</p>
<p>Raw milk can also be used to make kefir or <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/4/how-to-make-yogurt.html">yogurt</a>, or clabbered and used in baking (like buttermilk).&nbsp; <strong>Clabbered milk can also be strained, and the whey used for soaking grains (or fermenting veggie/fruit ferments) and the thick part used like cream cheese</strong>.&nbsp; (<em>Don't</em> try that with pasteurized milk!)&nbsp; You can also make buttermilk or sour cream with it!&nbsp; And, of course, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/27/tutorial-making-butter.html">butter</a>!</p>
<p><strong>Raw milk is also delicious as ice cream</strong> -- that recipe is in <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html">Real Food Basics</a>!&nbsp; We <em>love</em> it.&nbsp; We can eat a batch in one sitting, between the four of us!</p>
<p>Don't forget to add raw milk to your <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/9/recipe-collection-favorite-smoothie.html">smoothies</a> (I thin Daniel's with it every morning so it can go in a sippy cup).</p>
<p><strong>One caution on raw milk: if you are not used to it, do not drink large quantities of it at once.&nbsp; All that beneficial bacteria means tons of probiotics, and that can cause a die-off reaction.</strong>&nbsp; This occurs when the good bacteria starts killing all the bad bacteria and toxins get released into your system as they're dying.&nbsp; That usually amounts to minor stomach cramps and diarrhea.&nbsp; Raw milk isn't as "strong" as other types of probiotics (which can cause the same type of reaction, but can also include nausea, headache, loss of appetite, etc.), but it <em>can</em> cause this.&nbsp; This happened to us for a few days when we first started to drink raw milk, then disappeared.&nbsp; This is <em>not</em>&nbsp;the same as raw milk that is contaminated!&nbsp; When this happened to me most recently I never felt "sick," I just had minor cramps.&nbsp; I felt really quite well, actually.&nbsp; If the raw milk were actually contaminated, even a small amount would cause nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms that this reaction does not cause.</p>
<p>Dream up more ways!&nbsp; <strong>How do you use raw milk?</strong></p>
<h3>Finding the Darn Stuff</h3>
<p><strong>Unfortunately, the trickiest part for many is actually <em>finding</em> raw milk</strong>.&nbsp; If you happen to be local (Columbus, OH), please send me an email.&nbsp; I run a group that orders from a farm that has herd shares available and would love to include others.</p>
<p><strong>In some states, particularly out west, raw milk is legal to buy and available in health food stores.</strong>&nbsp; Sometimes, private buying clubs sell raw milk as well (even if it is not legal to sell otherwise).&nbsp; Ask at your local health food store if they sell it, or know of a buying club, or even a local farm.&nbsp; They may know!</p>
<p><strong>In other states, raw milk sales are legal only direct from the farm.</strong>&nbsp; In this case (and it's really a pretty safe deal, probably the best way to buy!), farmer's markets are also a good place to ask.&nbsp; If you know a place sells beef, they may also sell raw milk.&nbsp; <strong>It's a good idea to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/26/confinement-farming-expose-and-returning-to-natural-methods.html">know your farmer</a> anyway</strong>, so you're sure that you're getting milk from a clean, safe operation.&nbsp; We visit our farmer on a regular basis!</p>
<p><strong>A herd share is a way to get around the law, in states where raw milk sales are illegal.&nbsp;</strong> Basically, you sign a legal contract and pay to "buy" into a herd.&nbsp; If you own a cow, or part of a cow, then you are entitled to milk from it.&nbsp; Most contracts will state that you pay a one-time fee to buy into the herd, then a monthly "maintenance fee" for upkeep, feed, etc.&nbsp; From here it varies.&nbsp; With some farms you'll still have to pay extra for the milk.&nbsp; With many you have to pay the monthly "upkeep" fee whether or not you actually pick up your milk.&nbsp; Typically, you will have the opportunity to pick up milk once a week, and each share you purchase entitles you to one gallon.&nbsp; Some farmers are more flexible about this than others.&nbsp; (Ours doesn't make us pay if we don't pick up milk, and we can pick up every two weeks, and get a little more or less than we're "supposed" to if available.)</p>
<p>In some states, herd shares are also illegal (sigh).&nbsp; In this case,<strong> you may be able to buy the milk "for pet use," </strong>or some farmers will set it out and "suggest" a donation -- then you come and get it and leave money.&nbsp; It's not *technically* a sale!&nbsp; Others, especially near s tate line, will go across the state line to get raw milk if the laws are better (although carrying raw milk across state lines is, again, illegal...sigh).</p>
<p><strong>Talk to others at health food stores, farmer's markets, and other like-minded communities.</strong>&nbsp; You'll often find "underground" options in these locations.&nbsp; If raw milk sales are legal, either at the store, direct from the farm, or through herd shares, you can check <a href="http://www.eatwild.com">Eat Wild</a> to look for farms near you.</p>
<p><strong>Do you drink raw milk?&nbsp; Why or why not?&nbsp; How did you find your farm or source?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle Tate
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: http://www.morethanforwalls.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/25/2011 02:26:08 PM
<p>We switched to raw milk about 4 months ago and haven&#39;t looked back.  We found our source word-of-mouth from a family at church.  It comes straight from the milk tank at the farm, byob.  It takes a little manual labor to get it but it is over $2.00 cheaper per half gallon then another local source whose milk comes bottled.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: amy@amylovesit.com
IP: 70.245.30.146
URL: http://www.amylovesit.com
DATE: 02/25/2011 03:08:14 PM
<p>Wow! Thanks for this. Our family is looking into raw milk, and I had no idea it could be illegal to cross state lines with milk. I&#39;m going to have to check my state laws!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 128.237.229.222
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 03:15:10 PM
<p>We can&#39;t afford to go totally raw milk (as we go through more than 2 gallons a week) but I do get some for drinking (for me).  It seems to really help balance my hormonal system so it is totally worth it as far as I&#39;m concerned.  It is hard to get though.  We do have a Co-op and a farmer&#39;s market that sell it here in PA.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Paige
EMAIL: paigepatterson@hotmail.com
IP: 65.243.45.100
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 04:41:50 PM
<p>This is the first that I have about the benifits of raw milk, after seeing a friend repost your blog.  I am definatly interested in learning more.  Can you possibly explain alittle more about milk allergy a little more.  I have never been able to figure out why I have problems drinking regular milk.  However, when I drink organic milk I am fine and I can eat regular cheese and yougurt as well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/25/2011 05:15:34 PM
<p>Paige,</p><p>It sounds like you (like many adults) don&#39;t digest lactose well.  In cheese and yogurt, the lactose has been consumed through the fermentation process.  In raw milk, the enzyme lactase is naturally present in the milk, which helps you to digest it.  We knew someone who was SO lactose-intolerant that she couldn&#39;t eat a small milk chocolate bar without getting very sick.  She could drink raw milk just fine, though.  There are a lot of other great enzymes and probiotics in raw milk that aid in digesting it, too.  If you can find some, try it out!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mary Kathryn
EMAIL: amjasperson@msn.com
IP: 209.33.192.155
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 07:55:42 PM
<p>Yum!  I haven&#39;t been able to go get our raw milk in awhile but have been craving it... which tells me I need it.  I will have to go get some soon!!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: miika49@hotmail.com
IP: 76.69.18.130
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 09:07:58 PM
<p>In our province, the sale of raw milk is illegal, but herd shares are not. I&#39;ve been looking into buying a herd share, unfortunately, our only local source is very expensive, and we wouldn&#39; be able to get enough milk to cover our entire dairy need. In your opinion, what would you use the milk for if you had a limited supply, and where would you supplement with store-bought? Drink raw milk, cook with pasteurized and buy yogourt, butter etc. at the store? I think that&#39;s what I&#39;d have to do, there simply would not be enough milk to also use it to make my own yogurt etc.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/25/2011 09:43:41 PM
<p>Miika,</p><p>I would definitely use the raw milk for drinking, or other times when it will remain raw -- like if you make ice cream or something (we love that!).  Buy yogurt, or make it from regular pasteurized milk (not ultra-pasteurized, though I&#39;m sure you know that).  I honestly buy yogurt a lot because I don&#39;t have time.  Trader Joe&#39;s has cheap organic yogurt ($3/qt).  I buy butter from local Amish farms or other local dairies, but Kerrygold is good too.  Cooking with pasteurized isn&#39;t bad, but do you have any low-temp pasteurized, grass-fed milk available to you?  That&#39;s what I buy if I need extra milk or cream and can&#39;t get raw.  Ultimately do the best you can with what you have!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heatherkanderson@gmail.com
IP: 66.239.236.122
URL: http://motherscalling.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/26/2011 10:41:56 PM
<p>This was a great post!  Our family has been using raw milk since we first got married nearly twenty years ago.  Thankfully we have almost always know of a local source that we could buy directly, probably because we have lived mostly in rural areas.  As you stated, we ought to have the right in every state to purchase raw milk, even if there is &quot;possible risk.&quot;  This will only come through enough education and public outcry.  Our whole agricultural system works better when the consumer knows the source of the food being consumed.  It is the only real accountability for good farming practices.  Government policies have never been truly effective in achieving and maintaining good practices - just a lot more red tape to cut through.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Manda
EMAIL: manduh7486@hotmail.com
IP: 76.119.148.200
URL: 
DATE: 02/27/2011 04:35:12 PM
<p>Another awesome article. I am just *LOVING* the blog lately... I appreciate the time and effort you put in, thank you so much! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Zoe
EMAIL: zoedawn@msn.com
IP: 174.54.162.67
URL: http://zoedawn.wordpress.com/
DATE: 02/28/2011 05:13:55 PM
<p>Hi! I&#39;m  new to your blog and really like what you have to say! I do have one little problem with this post, however. Please don&#39;t generalize and say that all large farms are bad and thus have unsafe raw milk. We are dairy farmers and milk 500 cows. While the cows are milking, they are in a very clean barn (much cleaner than most small operations) and they don&#39;t stand in their own muck. They have clean stalls to go and lay down in. When the cows are &quot;dry,&quot; meaning they are pregnant and not milking, they are often out on pasture. The young heifers also get to go outside. Contrary to popular belief, being out on pasture actually is dirtier than being in a clean barn with clean sand to bed down on. Sand does not harbor as much bad bacteria as mud does. </p><p>We used to be a smaller operation and had some problems with our bad bacteria counts being high. Since expanding and moving to our new barns and milking parlor, those counts have seriously dropped. And we have less mastitis now than we ever did. </p><p>As for the cows&#39; diet, they get more than just corn and &quot;vitamins&quot;, whatever that means. They have hay, silage, straw, etc. to nibble on. And we don&#39;t pump them full of antibiotics. Sure, we treat a cow if necessary and then that milk is dumped (not used) until the antibiotics are out of her system. It&#39;s just like most people would treat themselves if they had strep throat or a urinary tract infection. Maybe you don&#39;t do that (I haven&#39;t been reading long enough to know) but as long as medicine is used in moderation, I believe it&#39;s fine. On organic farms you can not treat a sick cow with any antibiotics and I believe that is cruel to our animals not to be able to take care of them properly. Lots of organic farms have high cull rates (how many animals die). We care about our animals too much to have them die.</p><p>My family only drinks our raw milk. I think I&#39;ve only bought half a gallon of pasteurized milk in the last 5 years. And we are healthier than ever.</p><p>Of course, there are plenty of farms that do fall in the filthy, unsafe category and I do understand why that generalization is often used. I&#39;m just trying to let people know that just because a farmer has more than 30 cows, it doesn&#39;t mean their milk is unsafe or dangerous to drink.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amber
EMAIL: amberswift7@att.net
IP: 98.88.68.203
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2011 07:02:39 PM
<p>Would raw milk work for a child who has an allergy to casein which results in excema?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jen
EMAIL: jennifer@allenpremier.com
IP: 68.110.25.115
URL: 
DATE: 03/03/2011 04:21:40 AM
<p>We drink raw milk and LOTS of it.  It&#39;s fantastic!  Our raw milk actually keeps quite well for 3 weeks or more and I don&#39;t even think our refridgerator is all that cold.  I guess you just need to jump in and give it a try when you find a source.  It&#39;s a living food so it&#39;s going to vary from farm to farm, cow to cow, season to season.</p><p>I do want to respond to some things in Zoe&#39;s comment.  There is a big difference between an organic grain-fed farm and a grass-fed farm (certified organic or with organic practices).  Some organic farms have practices that I consider less than desirable so I don&#39;t buy from them.  When a farm is grass-fed, e-coli is almost nonexistant, the cows are healthier and therefore rarely need antibiotics.  IF they do, It&#39;s not like they just let the infection take over and kill the cow.  There is no cruelty.  They are treated with natural remedies or removed if antibiotics do turn out to be needed.  The cow may be butchered or the milk used for some other purpose.  I&#39;m also not worried about the bacteria in the mud.  There&#39;s lots and lots of beneficial bacteria there if the pasture is properly and naturally cared for the way God intended.   Good bacteria in the mud = more nutritious grass = healthy cow = nutritious milk and lots of fertilizing cow poo back onto the pasture.  And so the cycle begins again.   I am worried about a cow that lives in a overly clean stall away from pasture shaded from the sun and deprived of the things they were designed to need.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Handling Picky Real-Food Toddlers
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/01/2011 01:00:33 PM
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BODY:
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<p><strong>Many toddlers go through a picky phase, where they become very specific about what they like to eat.</strong>&nbsp; This is (usually) normal: toddlers like to assert their independence, and one way to do that is to choose the foods they will eat!&nbsp; Knowing that it's normal doesn't make it easy on parents, however.&nbsp; Many think about how, just a few months or weeks earlier, their child would eat anything!&nbsp; And mainstream advice isn't very helpful: "Ignore it, just let them eat 'kid food' for awhile if that's what they want; don't serve them 'weird' things."&nbsp; So what's a real foodie with a picky kid to do?</p>
<h3>Abnormal Pickiness</h3>
<p>First of all, it's important to note that <strong>there are <em>few</em> circumstances in which pickiness is <em>not </em>normal</strong>.&nbsp; If your child suddenly and severely restricts his food choices to only two or three foods; if there is any hint of illness (nausea, diarrhea, etc.) that is ongoing; if there is developmental regression; if there are any other accompanying symptoms, pickiness may <em>not</em> be normal.&nbsp; If you've read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/11/rebekahs-story.html">Bekah's Story</a>, then you know that as a result of illness, allergy, and poor gut health, Bekah self-limited her diet to only bread, potatoes, apples, and bananas around 1 year of age.&nbsp; This was <em>not</em> normal.&nbsp; Once we removed allergens from her diet and started supplementing with zinc (as per doctor's instructions), she began to eat more foods again and now will eat almost anything.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Especially if your child limits to only carb-heavy foods, only processed foods, or only "white" foods, or some other strange and highly limited grouping, this may be a sign of a problem, and you will want to see a doctor.</strong>&nbsp; Children should never be so heavily and consistently restrictive, even during a picky phase.</p>
<h3>Normal Pickiness</h3>
<p>On the other hand, a normal child may love a particular food one day and hate it the next (and love it again the day after).&nbsp; They may temporarily refuse all "green" foods, or throw fits about trying new foods.&nbsp; They may select whatever is favored on their plates and eat most/all of that food and little of the other foods.&nbsp; They may prefer or reject certain textures (which <em>can</em> be a sign of teething; Daniel preferred soft foods when his molars were coming in).&nbsp; <strong>What they like and what they will agree to eat can change from one day to the next, and they generally are wary of new foods.</strong>&nbsp; This is annoying, but normal!</p>
<p><strong>So what's a mom to do?</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Keep serving nourishing foods!</strong> -- No matter what, do <em>not</em>&nbsp;give in to the mainstream idea that if you just give your kid "kid food," they will eat, and that eating something is better than nothing.&nbsp; This is ridiculous.&nbsp; They will eat what they are used to, when they are hungry.&nbsp; (Regular) Hot dogs, chicken nuggets, fries, boxed mac'n'cheese are <em>not</em> healthy, and there's no point in serving them.&nbsp; Persist in serving nutrient-dense foods like pastured meats and eggs, organic produce, etc.&nbsp; Whatever they <em>do</em> eat will be healthy, and you won't have to worry so much about what they do or don't choose!</li>
<li><strong>Serve simple foods</strong> -- Some toddlers will reject "mixed" foods because they don't know what's in them.&nbsp; It's fine to serve fresh fruits and vegetables, raw cheese cubes, plain pastured meats, etc.&nbsp; Leave off the spices and sauces if you need to.&nbsp; When you're making dinner, simply pull out a portion of meat or veggies before adding additional ingredients.&nbsp; Eventually they'll learn what they like and might want to try the sauce or spices and find they like them.&nbsp; But give it time.&nbsp; </li>
<li><strong>Serve a variety</strong> -- It doesn't matter if you <em>think</em> your child will reject it, just serve it if it's on the menu, and make sure there are 2 or 3 options on the plate (all nourishing, see point #1!).&nbsp; You might be surprised by what your child eats.</li>
<li><strong>Keep offering new foods</strong> -- Allow your child to try new things; she might like them!&nbsp; Just make new things available so that she has the chance to try them if she wants to.</li>
<li><strong>Model good eating behavior</strong> -- This generally isn't a problem for real foodies, because we all try to eat so well anyway!&nbsp; But if your child sees you eating and enjoying all these interesting foods, she might want to try too, especially if you go with point #6.</li>
<li><strong>Don't make a fuss</strong> -- A large reason why toddlers get picky is because they have control over what goes in their mouth.&nbsp; You can't really <em>make</em> them eat; if you manage to get it in, they'll just spit it back out.&nbsp; If everything on their plate is nourishing it really doesn't matter <em>what</em> they eat.&nbsp; Let them choose; it'll balance out in the end.</li>
<li><strong>Offer sauces or spices</strong> -- Some kids <em>like</em> sauces.&nbsp; (I have one who hates them and one who loves them.)&nbsp; Offer mustard, fermented soy sauce, yogurt dip, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/6/10/recipe-collection-fried-potatoes-with-broccoli-and-cheese.html">homemade cheese sauce</a>, etc.&nbsp; Some kids will eat anything that they can dip.&nbsp; My son <em>loves</em> strong, spicy flavors, so this definitely gets him to eat a bit more if he's feeling picky.</li>
<li><strong>Offer nourishing snacks</strong> -- We are talking about toddlers here, not preschoolers.&nbsp; Toddlers don't have any self-control or forethought, so trying to teach "If you don't eat your meal, you can't have a snack" is just going to backfire (we do this with our 3-year-old, though, to some extent).&nbsp; Offer yogurt, cheese, bits of leftover meat, fruit slices, etc. in between meals to see if he'll eat.&nbsp; Toddlers like to graze anyway, rather than eat big meals.&nbsp; Your goal is to make sure your child gets enough healthy food everyday, not make food a battleground.&nbsp; A bedtime snack can be especially helpful, one full of protein and fat in order to encourage sleep (my son sleeps through the night on occasion and the missing variable was a bowl of plain yogurt before bed!)</li>
<li><strong>Sneak it in</strong> -- I <em>really</em> don't like tricking kids, so I wouldn't really advise relying on this as your primary strategy.&nbsp; But.&nbsp; Some things lend themselves well to hiding, anyway.&nbsp; Make smoothies with raw egg yolks, raw milk or yogurt, fruits, and maybe even some veggies.&nbsp; It's something you'd make and serve anyway, right?&nbsp; And it could get extra nutrition into them.&nbsp; You can hide shredded zucchini in meatballs or tomato sauce.&nbsp; If it's something that <em>you</em> would eat and serve anyway, and just happens to increase the nutrition, go for it.</li>
<li><strong>Offer the usual supplements</strong> -- The only one I can recommend is fermented cod liver oil, but if you're giving it to him, it's excellent and can make up for a lot.&nbsp; <strong>Breastfeeding, too, while not exactly a "supplement," can also make up for a lot.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Be patient</strong> -- This is only <em>temporary</em>.&nbsp; Your child will soon embrace all the different foods you're serving and enjoy them.&nbsp; The more you persist in making nourishing foods available, and the less fuss you make, the less it will matter and the sooner it will be over.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Ideas for nourishing snacks for picky toddlers</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bits of leftover meat</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/9/recipe-collection-favorite-smoothie.html">Smoothies</a></li>
<li>Raw cheese cubes</li>
<li>Fruit cubes or slices (apples, bananas, berries, melon, whatever is preferred)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/4/how-to-make-yogurt.html">Plain yogurt</a> (with raw honey and berries added if plain is not preferred)</li>
<li>Frozen organic fruits or vegetables</li>
<li>Dried fruit</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/13/little-ducks-organics-review-and-giveaway.html">Freeze-dried fruit</a> or vegetable cubes</li>
<li>Crispy nuts or <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/20/recipe-collection-almond-flour-muffins.html">baked goods made with nuts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/25/recipe-collection-fruity-kefir-popsicles.html">Yogurt or kefir popsicles</a></li>
<li>Fermented pickles or other condiments</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/29/recipe-collection-dairy-free-ice-cream.html">Homemade ice cream</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/19/introducing-solids-what-when-howand-giveaway.html">Why not grains</a>?&nbsp; Babies who don't yet have their 2-year molars do not make enough of the enzyme amylase to digest grains well, so in general it is best that they don't have them.</p>
<h3>What if we're coming from SAD (Standard American Diet)&nbsp;or my kid will only eat "kid food?"</h3>
<p>This is a common question among parents who are trying to move to a traditional-foods diet who have toddlers and older children.&nbsp; What will they eat?&nbsp; Will they reject the new foods?&nbsp; Do they "need" kid foods?</p>
<p>Actually, <strong>it's quite common for kids on SAD to be extremely picky</strong>.&nbsp; But many parents find that when they switch to a traditional foods diet, their children learn to eat and enjoy new foods.&nbsp; One parent said her son wouldn't eat anything green, but once they moved to real food, he tried and liked many vegetables!&nbsp; <strong>Once kids taste "real food," not canned or boxed fake foods, they often find that there's a lot more that they like than they thought</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>I am a firm believer that kids will eat what they are offered and that they will not restrict themselves to "kid food" unless their parents believe in "kid food."</strong>&nbsp; If you <em>think</em> your kid will only like hot dogs, mac'n'cheese, chicken nuggets, fries, pizza, etc., that will be what you serve him.&nbsp; And if that's most or all of what you serve him, that is what he will learn to eat and like.&nbsp; It is really just a self-fulfilling prophesy.</p>
<p>That is what I thought before I had kids.&nbsp; I still believe it.&nbsp; My 3-year-old celebrates broccoli, begs for bananas, loves prunes, cranberry juice, pastured meats, etc.&nbsp; My 18-month-old won't even eat most sweet things!&nbsp; It is because that is what they have always eaten.&nbsp; On the rare occasions we go to restaurants, I always look up the menu in advance, because I order them grilled chicken and broccoli.&nbsp; They would not even eat "kid food" if I ordered it.&nbsp; <strong>There is <em>absolutely</em> no reason why children should prefer, or be taught to prefer, junk food.&nbsp;</strong> And that is what a steady diet of "kid food" is.&nbsp; (And yes, I'm including dry cereal, "fish" crackers, commercial granola bars, etc. in this category too.)</p>
<p><strong>But, what if you're just switching to a real food diet?</strong>&nbsp; Your child is begging you for familiar food!&nbsp; Serve <em>some</em> "kid food," but make it at home so it's healthy, and serve some new foods.&nbsp; An example would be homemade chicken nuggets, baked potato with cheese, and broccoli.&nbsp; Or, grilled chicken and homemade fries.&nbsp; You can even make mac'n'cheese at home!&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/25/recipe-collection-fruity-kefir-popsicles.html">Popsicles </a>are easily made at home (and the only way I can get my 3-year-old to eat yogurt).&nbsp; This is a good compromise.&nbsp; Your child will learn to have new favorites, and will still get some old-standbys -- albeit, much healthier versions!</p>
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
<p><strong>Pickiness will end.</strong>&nbsp; Always, always persist in serving nourishing foods, and your toddler will eventually get on board, whether he's had real food his whole life or it's brand new to him.&nbsp; It's better not to even start a junk food habit, or nix it early than to allow it and deal with it for your entire life!</p>
<p>Not that the occasional <em>treat</em> isn't okay. :)&nbsp; But we're talking about meal times.&nbsp; Don't allow treats because "he won't eat his meals," unless they, too, are nourishing, otherwise your efforts to get past the pickiness will fail!&nbsp; <strong>Find a few no-fail nourishing snacks and offer them if your toddler is having an especially picky day</strong> (plain yogurt never fails here).&nbsp; Above all, just know this <em>will</em> end, and then you will have a happy, healthy child who will eat most foods!</p>
<p><strong>Did your children go through a picky phase?&nbsp; How did you handle it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/01/2011 01:33:54 PM
<p>Reintroduction was big for us--just recently Cam started liking sweet potato &quot;fries,&quot; after we kept putting them on his plate over and over (we have them once or twice a week!). He does not care for mushy potatoes at.all. but we kept telling him the cut/baked sweet potatoes were &quot;just orange fries.&quot; :shuffles: Now he will eat a couple and actually seems to like the taste, though he still sometimes shudders at the texture. </p><p>Another point I thought would be helpful--serving size. I think a lot of people overload their kids&#39; plates. I know we are frustrated when Cam doesn&#39;t eat what&#39;s on his plate, but putting smaller servings on there helps. His belly IS still quite small, and less food is less overwhelming/daunting for him, as well. Then when he finishes his food he can have seconds of whatever, or something else like fruit, etc. </p><p>Our biggest issue lately is that dinner is a challenging time--he is climbing in and out of his chair, picking at his food, dipping his fingers in the sauce, etc. It is infuriating and really ruins the mood...plus, he&#39;s HUNGRY (hasn&#39;t eaten since lunch most days...giving him an afternoon snack--even applesauce--pretty much guarantees he won&#39;t eat dinner). He winds up in time-out for any number of reasons (usually getting up and down or dropping food or whatever). He knows that he doesn&#39;t *have* to eat...he can be done if he wants. But then he&#39;s at our ankles bugging us while we eat our dinners, and we have to remind him that WE are still eating, he needs to go play elsewhere. </p><p>It seems like dinnertime just rings a bell in his mind to start acting up. Very frustrating! He&#39;s always been pickier about meat (loves sausage, does okay with pork and chicken, dislikes beef--but lately all he will eat without fuss is the sausage and he requests it every night, lol) but it&#39;s getting really ridiculous. We serve the same 10 meals over and over, so he has eaten them all before. We know he doesn&#39;t *love* the meats but he doesn&#39;t hate them, either. And we always serve a vegetable he likes, and sometimes rice, so it&#39;s not like he starves. He just is acting up, I think...it&#39;s the end of the day, Daddy just got home and he wants to play, etc. We just wish he&#39;d sit and eat with us and enjoy the meal so we can all have a pleasant experience. He&#39;d rather just be three, I guess. :-P</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cori
EMAIL: corisven@gmail.com
IP: 71.229.178.16
URL: 
DATE: 02/01/2011 07:53:46 PM
<p>&quot;Especially if your child limits to only carb-heavy foods, only processed foods, or only &quot;white&quot; foods, or some other strange and highly limited grouping, this may be a sign of a problem, and you will want to see a doctor.&quot;</p><p>I am curious what you think most doctors would do about this?  Our doctor is very holistic when it comes to vaccinations, antobiotics, and other medical choices.  When is comes to nutrition he is horrible.  Still stuck on the SAD and is even a vegetarian promoting soy products.  Needless to say he would not be of any assistance to us in the area of nourishing foods for our toddler.  </p><p>Speaking of our toddler.  Naomi is almost two and still weights under 20 lbs.  She is below the charts for weight and height, but is developing ahead of the game as far of speech, gross and fine motors skills go.  For the last year she will ONLY eat the following:<br/>-Sprouted toast with butter<br/>-Yogurt<br/>-Raw cheese<br/>-Crackers<br/>-cereal bars<br/>-bananas<br/>-2 varieties of Earth&#39;s Best Baby Food (Vegetable Beef Pilaf, Zucchinni and Broccoli)</p><p>I have been very concerned with her diet but have tired everything to get her to eat more/try other foods and she will not do it.  I was recently diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity and have gone GF and would love for her to try that as well, but she would starve before eating anything else.  </p><p>Do you have any ideas where to start?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/01/2011 08:17:22 PM
<p>Cori,</p><p>First, I&#39;d have her zinc and vit D levels checked.  My daughter started eating more foods once supplemented with zinc.  It improved her immune function and cleared some junk from her system so she felt okay to eat more.  I mean, within HOURS.  I&#39;d also offer her any form of probiotics you can -- yogurt and raw cheese is great!</p><p>I&#39;d consider going GF with her, or even completely grain-free.  She will not like it (my daughter didn&#39;t either) but she will learn to eat other things.  My daughter started to eat a lot of meat when we took away grains.  Then other stuff.  You&#39;d be in for a miserable few days, but she would start eating other things, then would feel better.  Plus she could still have bananas, yogurt, and cheese, so she&#39;d have SOMETHING she likes.  We&#39;ve found great success with the GAPS diet.  My daughter does eat just about anything now!  (She&#39;s still picky about anything tomatoes and any type of sauce, and does not like anything carbonated, even kombucha.  But...other than that....)  Carb cravings are generally a sign of damaged gut health, unfortunately, especially if it&#39;s ALL the person will eat.  I hope you find something that works!  Just don&#39;t be afraid to change things, thinking she&#39;ll starve.  She won&#39;t.  It will be temporarily difficult but ultimately a lot better. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/01/2011 11:30:54 PM
<p>I like the mention of frozen foods.  My younger brothers, even at their pickiest, would never say no to frozen peas.  They liked the different feel of the cold food.</p><p>And, of course, there&#39;s always the &quot;playing with their food&quot; solution.  Broccoli trees, carrot coins, dips, pictures drawn with spread on a slice of bread, all can be useful in making food a bit more fun.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cathy
EMAIL: greyhoundgirl29@yahoo.com
IP: 24.139.38.218
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2011 12:18:42 AM
<p>I&#39;d love to hear if any readers have suggestions for older kid pickiness.  I have yet to have a toddler who is picky (4 kids are past this stage and my last is heading into it, being almost 1), but my 10 YO seems to have texture issues with stuff like rice or oats.  We fed her all kinds of stuff as a young child but that seems to make no difference long-term.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2011 01:36:11 AM
<p>I think sometimes food texture issues can be a forever thing! I&#39;m 27 and still can&#39;t eat chunky/fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt, for example. :-P Makes me shudder just to think about it. Or like, crunchy bits (celery) in tuna salad gives me goosebumps...weird, but it is what it is!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenna @KidAppeal
EMAIL: jenna@foodwithkidappeal.com
IP: 209.30.242.170
URL: http://foodwithkidappeal.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/02/2011 03:14:05 PM
<p>came here from RFW, nice blog!  I&#39;m very interested amylase/grain digestion with babies.  can you post some links with articles, studies, etc.  if you&#39;re up for it, I love to have you guest post on FwKA on this topic.</p><p>so true that most pickiness is normal.  it will be temporary only if mom and dad believe it will be temporary (barring any medical reason for food aversions as you mention).  </p><p>all of the things you say are spot on, but i would include one more.  it&#39;s taken a couple years of blogging on the subject of &quot;growing good eaters&quot; and working directly with parents of picky eaters for me to be able to articulate this myself.  see what you think.</p><p>kids are capable of doing what we expect them to do (almost all the time).  if we as parents believe they will be good eaters, they will be, regardless of how many picky phases and food jags they have as toddlers, grade schoolers or adolescents.  they may not want to eat what you serve, they may not prefer what you&#39;re serving, but they will eat it, if you expect them to be capable of it.  </p><p>consider literacy. the vast majority of kids learn how to do something complicated that requires a lot of practice like reading.  why? not just because they have guidance and daily practice in kindergarten.  but because the kinder teacher and parents expect the child to be able to read.  </p><p>if you expect your child to become tolerant of vegetables, whole foods, spicy foods, ethnic foods, she will.  </p><p>you will have to follow your expectations (or mindset) with matching actions like offering healthy food, encouraging/expecting them to taste it, giving plenty of opportunities to practice, exposing them to whole foods not only on the table but in books, in the kitchen, in the garden, at the store/farmer&#39;s market etc.  </p><p>growing a good eater is possible when your mindset, thoughts, actions are all in accord.  then the result &quot;growing a good eater&quot; will naturally fall out.  Even if it takes longer than you expect, or there are moments of resistance, or periods of regression.</p><p>cathy - about older kids who have particular aversions.  it is possible for them to overcome them.  i am a recovering picky eater.  not only was i uber picky as a child, i was fussy about how i wanted foods (separate, plain, etc)  i didn&#39;t learn to eat (and now love) things like onions, mushrooms, leafy greens, raw carrots, nuts etc until i was in my 30s.    most of my issues were texture related.  </p><p>two things helped  1) i experimented with different preparations to find ways that didn&#39;t bother my texture aversions.  i like grated carrots but not a carrot stick.  now i&#39;m a big girl and if carrot sticks were the only food available and i needed nourishment i can eat them.  i just hate that mouthfeel of a bunch of dry carrot crumbles.  same thing with raw nuts.  if i grind them into a pesto, or eat them covered in chocolate, i enjoy them.  </p><p>2) i challenged myself to like them.  i believed i could find a way to like them.  i gave myself the &quot;permission&quot; to like them, practiced a bunch, changed my mindset and was successful.  Not sure I would have cared to be capable of that at 10, but who knows, maybe your daughter would love a challenge like &quot;find a way to love rice&quot;  sushi?  cold rice salad?  with a saucy stir fry?  as a grain in soup.  </p><p>one thing i&#39;d say is, as a nation we eat far too many grains anyway, so i&#39;m not sure it&#39;s too necessary to work really hard on falling in love with rice and oats.  she may be avoiding them because they are hard for her to digest and cause GI problems.  if she has other necessary nutrients available (veggies are carbs too) nothing to worry about.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Monday Health & Wellness: Should You Do Well-Child Visits?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/28/2011 01:00:12 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedia/5207856237/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/child%20and%20doctor.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298830318149" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by isafmedia</span></span></p>
<p>This is a topic we've discussed a few times on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernalternativemama">Facebook page</a> (and by the way, if you haven't "liked" us over there, you're really missing out on a lot of great conversations!).&nbsp;<strong> Are well-child visits worth it?&nbsp; Should you do them, or just some of them?</strong>&nbsp; And if so, how do you find a good doctor who can meet your needs?</p>
<p>I'm not going to give you a straight answer to it, though.&nbsp; <strong>There are a lot of things to take into consideration before saying "yes" or "no," and the answer will be different for different families.</strong>&nbsp; What I'm going to do is explore some questions that you need to ask before deciding whether or not it's worth it to you.</p>
<h3>What are Well-Child Visits For?</h3>
<p>First, we need to understand <em>why</em> well-child visits exist.&nbsp;<strong> There are a few main purposes</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Vaccinations</li>
<li>Weight/length/head circumference check</li>
<li>Developmental milestones</li>
<li>Health history/relationship</li>
</ul>
<p>Those are the <em>main</em> reasons why doctors have well-child visits.&nbsp; Of course, through these visits, doctors also get to know the patients a little bit and get a health history on them.&nbsp; This is probably of limited value, since visits are typically only 10 minutes long, but the doctor will at least know what the child is eating, if there are any developmental concerns, if there are allergies, etc.&nbsp; <strong>Many parents feel better knowing that they have a doctor who has met and seen their child several times and has some type of basis for making health decisions in case of emergency.</strong></p>
<p>Doctors also like to check in on patients just to make sure everything is "okay."&nbsp; This means, in rare cases, that there is no abuse or other weird stuff.&nbsp; In most cases it means that children are meeting their milestones appropriately.&nbsp; <strong>They also dole out (sometimes outdated) advice on feeding, sleeping, and other parenting practices.</strong>&nbsp; This can be very helpful for some, and not as much for others.</p>
<h3>Do I Really Need To Go?</h3>
<p>That depends.&nbsp; <strong>Some parents feel that they are capable of weighing and measuring their babies at home, as well as noting developmental milestones, and if they choose not to vaccinate, do not feel the need to go to regular well-child visits.</strong>&nbsp; These parents may also be afraid that the doctors will not support, or even ridicule their parenting choices, and they'd prefer to skip such meetings.</p>
<p><strong>However, if you do choose to vaccinate, you will need to go to some or all the visits</strong> (depending on if you've chosen a delayed/modified schedule or not).&nbsp; That is something you would need to discuss as a family, as well as with your chosen pediatrician.</p>
<p>Some parents, especially those who are not vaccinating or have chosen a delayed/selective schedule prefer not to bring young babies to the doctor.&nbsp; <strong>There is always the (valid!) concern that there will be sick children in the office, and that these children could pose a risk to a young baby.</strong>&nbsp; Some doctors have separate waiting areas for sick and well patients to help combat this, and even separate examining rooms.&nbsp; But, there is still the chance that the doctor could visit a sick patient who coughs on his coat, and then comes into your room to check your new baby.&nbsp; Many parents find this situation unnerving and prefer to skip at least the early well visits.&nbsp; Doctors don't like this, because they usually feel that young babies need the <em>most</em> care.</p>
<p>(I know when I called the pediatrician when Daniel was 4 days old -- remember he was born at home, so no one notified him that the baby had arrived -- they were quite upset at having only <em>just</em> found out, and insisted I bring him in immediately.&nbsp; Like two hours later.&nbsp; I'm not sure I'll even call next time so soon.&nbsp; Although<em>&nbsp;</em>I <em>have</em> been told that the new pediatrician we found does house calls, so we'll see.)</p>
<p>As far as developing a relationship with a pediatrician, I have a number of thoughts on that matter.</p>
<p><strong>Is it <em>nice</em> to have a doctor who knows your child, has his health history handy, and whose advice you can trust in case an emergency were ever to arise?&nbsp; Yes.</strong>&nbsp; And if you can find a doctor who fits these criteria, then you may be best doing the well-child visits.&nbsp; Hopefully you will never need a doctor in this capacity, but it would be good to have the relationship if you ever did.</p>
<p><strong>On the other hand, if you <em>cannot</em> find a doctor who meets these criteria (I'll list them more clearly below), I don't think it's worth it.</strong>&nbsp; If you don't trust your doctor or his/her advice, <em>no matter if s/he is willing to "accept" your parenting choices or not</em>, it's not worth it.&nbsp; It's not a true relationship and s/he will be little help in an emergency.</p>
<h3>How Do I Know I Have a Good Doctor?</h3>
<p>There are several things you want to look for when searching for a doctor.&nbsp; And if you don't find it with the first person (or third, or seventh), don't hesitate to keep looking.&nbsp; <strong>Remember, a doctor you can't trust is no better than no doctor at all!</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You have similar philosophies on health</strong> -- You don't have to agree on <em>everything</em>, but you should generally agree on things.&nbsp; For example, if you're inclined to "wait and see" and look for natural alternatives first, but the doctor is a "nip it in the bud with some antibiotics" type, you won't work well together.</li>
<li><strong>You can truly be honest with the doctor</strong> -- Even in the areas when you <em>don't</em> agree, you should feel that you can tell the doctor what you've chosen, and feel that he's not going to disrespect you.</li>
<li><strong>The doctor respects your role as a parent and treats you well</strong> -- The doctor should understand that as a parent, you have the final say, but hope that you trust his judgment.&nbsp; And if he treats you with respect, you probably will!</li>
<li><strong>The doctor makes his policies clear to you upfront</strong> -- This includes basic office policies (like billing, appointment scheduling, etc.) and any medical preferences (such as you "must" get certain vaccines, or whatever).&nbsp; This way if you think you might clash you can find someone else.</li>
<li><strong>The doctor is open to questions and concerns (at all hours!)</strong> -- You should feel open to ask your doctor any question that you need to about your child's health, especially during office visits.&nbsp; But many parents also need to know they can reach someone outside of office hours in case of emergency.&nbsp; The doctor should have a policy for handling questions that arise outside of appointments, emergency or no.&nbsp; (I once called my daughter's doctor because she was 4 days old, crying non-stop, and had been refusing to eat all day.&nbsp; Turned out she wasn't latching well and was starving and frustrated!&nbsp; Smart, right?&nbsp; But that sort of thing comes up a <em>lot </em>with your first baby.)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Some parents would include "takes our insurance" on this list, and my husband would tend to agree with them.&nbsp; But I don't.</strong>&nbsp; I haven't found a doctor who does take our insurance with whom I mesh well, and I'm not going to take my children to a doctor just to say I did because "it's free."&nbsp; I'd rather pay and see a doctor I can really trust and respect.&nbsp; If those visits <em>do</em> end up partially covered, that's just a bonus (the current word is yes, we will get reimbursed at the out-of-network rate, if you're curious)!</p>
<p><strong>To find a doctor you like, start asking other parents in your area, especially ones who are like-minded.</strong>&nbsp; You'll probably find that the same 3 or 4 names come up repeatedly.&nbsp; These would be the top doctors to check out!&nbsp; Of course, you can also check with your insurance company, the person who delivered (or will deliver) your baby, local parenting guides, etc.</p>
<h3>What If There's No Good Doctor?</h3>
<p>It may happen, especially in smaller areas, that you just can't find a doctor you mesh well with.&nbsp; What do you do then?</p>
<p><strong>Some parents&nbsp;may <em>need</em> to have a doctor, either because they are vaccinating, or because their baby has a health issue, or because they just feel uncomfortable without one.</strong>&nbsp; In this case, I'd encourage you to go with someone who at least respects your opinions and treats you nicely, even if you don't see eye-to-eye and well as you'd like.&nbsp; Perhaps this relationship will not be as helpful as would be ideal, but at least there is someone there.</p>
<p>If you can't even find a doctor you can stand, try looking a bit of a distance away from you, or start checking out some alternatives.&nbsp; <strong>Maybe, depending on your needs, a naturopathic or homeopathic doctor would be a better fit.&nbsp;</strong> Many parents use chiropractors as their "primary" doctors (although we technically don't, our kids do see our chiropractor far more often than any other doctor!&nbsp; Daniel is convinced every doctor he sees must be a chiropractor and he climbs on the table and lies face down, waiting for his adjustment).</p>
<p><strong>If you aren't incredibly attached to the idea of well-child visits</strong> (remember: if you are not vaccinating and your child has no health problems, there is no reason why you <em>have</em> to do them.&nbsp; If you can weigh and measure your child at home and check the milestone charts, you are doing the majority of it.&nbsp; I truly believe your instincts would tell you when something was wrong and then, you could choose to seek medical care), <strong>skip them.</strong></p>
<p>So, the ultimate answer -- <strong>Should you do well child visits?&nbsp; Entirely depends on you.</strong>&nbsp; Do you have a doctor you trust?&nbsp; Do you <em>want</em> to do them?&nbsp; Do you, for any reason, <em>need </em>to do them?&nbsp; It's up to you.&nbsp; But hopefully this post has shed some light on questions you might ask before making that decision.</p>
<p><strong>Do you do well-child visits?&nbsp; Why or why not?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JCF
EMAIL: joceline.foley@gmail.com
IP: 76.87.94.135
URL: 
DATE: 02/28/2011 04:45:42 PM
<p>This is a really timely post for me.  We don&#39;t do well-child visits (we have done one a few days after birth with each kid, and we did a couple with the first baby), and I was just feeling slightly guilty about that.  Luckily, we don&#39;t have any health issues with any of the kids, and aside from a brief stomach bug or cold, none of my kids has ever been really sick (I mean, alarmingly sick, or anything I felt a doctor needed to handle).  I&#39;m not sure why I feel guilty; I think just general mom-guilt for skipping something that most people I know deem very important.  I do weigh and measure the kids--they&#39;re growing well.  I check developmental milestones--they&#39;re meeting them.  I have, on a few occasions, asked an opinion of a friend who is a speech and language pathologist about my son&#39;s speech.  She assured me it is normal for his age.  We use natural remedies when our kids are sick, with great efficacy.  So I don&#39;t think the guilt I&#39;m feeling means I need to act on it by going for well-child visits.  </p><p>Another great way to find a doctor (how we&#39;ve found pediatricians in both places we&#39;ve lived) is to ask your midwife, if you do home births.  We&#39;ve gotten great recommendations both times and have been very happy to have like-minded doctors who suggest natural remedies first and who are vaccine-flexible.  We are moving to a new city this summer, and we will have decent insurance for the first time since we&#39;ve had kids.  I&#39;ll probably take all three kids to the pediatrician for a well-child visit once just to establish a relationship and make sure I like him/her, and then we&#39;ll wait until we need to go the next time!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: CS
EMAIL: curly1invista@hotmail.com
IP: 75.11.174.252
URL: 
DATE: 02/28/2011 05:27:46 PM
<p>I wish I had this info when I had my kids! I would have done things so much differently. The pediatricians I took my kids to were primarily vaccine/drug pushers. My youngest has autism and early screening failed until we pressed the issue at age 5. I am a firm believer that the current allopathic system has its priorities in the wrong place! Thanks for this article ... I hope it helps all the newer mommies to make wise decisions ;)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Andrea
EMAIL: dnacalkins@gmail.com
IP: 72.25.63.79
URL: http://www.heritage-academy.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/28/2011 06:51:36 PM
<p>Yours posts are SOOOO pertinent to us these days! I am so glad that I found your site, as I am often sending your posts to my hubbs to read (it&#39;s hard to get him to read the &#39;health&#39; stuff that I research for our family).<br/>I just had our 5th baby (our 2nd home birth) 3 weeks ago and I have been tossing the idea of a well-visit around in my head. While our family doc is more flexible and naturally minded than our previous pediatricians have been, I just don&#39;t feel the need to take my infant out to expose her to the world (or to his suggestion that I vaccinate - he nevers pushes, only suggests) just to develop a realtionship or see that she is healthy (a fact that I already know). I DO feel that he is open enough for us to be honest with (he is always available for calls too) so I think that we may end up taking her in in a few months, once the viral season is behind us.<br/>Thx for adressing these topics!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.78.220
URL: http://shoesoflife.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/28/2011 07:05:28 PM
<p>I have a completely unrelated question, but one that I would love a further explanation about. As I have been delving into the naturopath, real food world I have seen frequently that people talk about going to chiropractors for adjustments, even with their very young children. I don&#39;t necessarily think anything is wrong with this, but I just wonder about the whys and hows. I guess I&#39;m wondering what is significant about chiropractors. Does that make sense? I&#39;d love a blog post to answer! I did a search on the blog, but didn&#39;t find anything. If you&#39;ve written about this, could you point me in the right direction? I&#39;m truly interested. But, to be fully honest, which I think is important, my husband is a current physical therapist who really has issues with *some* chiropractors. So I am genuinely curious!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/28/2011 07:19:09 PM
<p>Alaina,</p><p>I&#39;ll talk to my chiropractor friends and see if I can&#39;t get one of them to post on it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.78.220
URL: http://shoesoflife.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/28/2011 11:03:54 PM
<p>Thanks! I really appreciate that. I&#39;ve seen it mentioned on so many natural/real food blogs...but then no explanation as to the &#39;whys&#39; of chiropractic care. So I would truly appreciate that!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.114.158
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 01:27:46 AM
<p>This is so funny you should post this today because I brought my 15 month home from the doctor today for her well visit and I thought, why am I taking her?  Every time I go I have to fight, I mean discuss, with the doctor why we don&#39;t do all the immunizations.  He said, she is due for the Hep A vaccine today and I said, why does she need it.  On the paper his nurse gave me said </p><p>&quot;Who should get this vaccine:  .<br/>Men who have sex with other men.<br/>Persons who use street drugs.<br/>Persons with chronic liver disease.<br/>Persons who are treated with clotting factor concentrates.<br/>Persons who work with HAV-infected primates or who work with HAV in research laboratories.&quot;</p><p>I said, &quot;She doesn&#39;t do any of these things, so why does she need the vaccine.&quot;  His answer really was: &quot;It is recommended for her age.&quot;  </p><p>I feel like I wasted the day.  Every visit is like this.  So, I think this post comes at the right time for me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michele R
EMAIL: michele.reneau@gmail.com
IP: 99.93.242.185
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 03:42:02 AM
<p>I&#39;m not particularly keen on well visits because I worry about the vax talk...again. The nurse practitioner I see if okay with &quot;parent&#39;s choice&quot; but I loathe dealing with the nurses.  I waited 2 weeks to take my little one to the ped since we had a homebirth. I read some place that it is a good idea to take them to well visits so that medical neglect could never be used against me in the event the non-vaxing became an issue. I did the 3 mo and 6 mo visit, but skipped the 9 mo since I had no concerns and she wasn&#39;t sick. I plan to do the 1yr. Not sure after that.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Attachment Parenting: Meeting Your Child's Needs
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/24/2011 01:00:33 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicafm/302931008/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/mom%20and%20baby.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295727901037" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Jessicafm</span></span></p>
<p>Many of us would identify ourselves as attachment parents.&nbsp; That is, we strive to meet our children's needs in every way we can.&nbsp; Attachment parenting generally means practicing co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, gentle discipline, and overall empathetic parenting.&nbsp; (Although, note, that you can still be an attachment parent even if you do not follow all of these ways.&nbsp; Being an attachment parent is more about how you respond to your child and his or her needs than specific practices.&nbsp; You <em>can</em> be a working, formula-feeding, non-co-sleeping parent and still be an attachment parent, despite what some might say.)</p>
<p>Since attachment parenting is so loosely defined, I've found that there can be some confusion about what is really meant by 'attachment parenting,' especially with first-time parents.&nbsp; <strong>A lot of parents try so hard to be empathetic and responsive to their child's needs that they forget that it is called attachment <em>parenting</em>.&nbsp; You are still the parent.</strong></p>
<p>Case in point: someone said to me once "We did all attachment parenting, but by the time our child was 2 we couldn't even get clothes on her."&nbsp; That is not <em>parenting</em>!&nbsp; Attachment parenting is not a complete lack of discipline.&nbsp; <strong>Not disciplining your child does not 'meet his needs.'</strong>&nbsp; This is important to understand.</p>
<p><strong>When children are born, they are completely dependent on us</strong>.&nbsp; They need us to hold them close.&nbsp; Their wants are also their needs.&nbsp; When they cry -- for food, a new diaper, or just to be held close -- they have a real <em>need</em> that must be met.&nbsp; We, as parents, must be fully responsive to them, always believing that they are crying for a reason and seeking to soothe and meet that need.</p>
<p>But as babies get older, they begin to separate from us.&nbsp; They learn that they are able to do things on their own.&nbsp; They get mobile, and <strong>they begin to have <em>wants</em> that are not also <em>needs</em></strong>.&nbsp; Unfortunately, some parents do not recognize this shift, and continue to try to meet all of their baby's demands.&nbsp; When your newborn cries, you should pick him up immediately.&nbsp; When your 1-year-old cries, he may need to wait for a bit, depending on why he is crying.</p>
<p><strong>Once babies have <em>wants</em>, it is our job to see the <em>need</em> behind the want.</strong>&nbsp; Let's look at a few scenarios, and how a true attachment parent would handle them.</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 1</strong>: Your 15-month-old is rubbing his eyes and yawning and whining, but does not want to take a nap.&nbsp; He insists that he wants to keep playing.&nbsp; Do you give in to his desire to play, or do you put him down for a nap?</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 2</strong>: Your 18-month-old throws his food on the floor because he doesn't want it.&nbsp; How do you respond?</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 3</strong>: Your 2-year-old walks up to a friend at a playdate and snatches his toy away.&nbsp; How do you respond?</p>
<p>I have heard the following responses:</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 1</strong>: "Let him stay up!&nbsp; He knows his body better than I do.&nbsp; When he is tired, he will sleep."</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 2</strong>: "He's just expressing himself!&nbsp; Babies are messy eaters."</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 3</strong>: "He wanted the toy and got it the only way he knows how.&nbsp; He'll learn to share when he's older."</p>
<p><strong>This is <em>not</em> parenting!</strong>&nbsp; We don't need to be harsh, but we need to be aware of our child's <em>needs</em>.&nbsp; Children, by nature, are impulsive.&nbsp; They have no self-control.&nbsp; They need us to help them recognize this and guide them gently towards proper behavior.&nbsp; This is how a real attachment parent would respond to those scenarios:</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 1</strong>: "I understand that you would like to keep playing, but it's time for a nap.&nbsp; Let's go and read a story and have a cuddle, then it's time for bed.&nbsp; When you wake up, we can play some more."&nbsp; You are acknowledging your child's feelings, and providing him a transition from his activity to his bed; but you are recognizing and meeting his clear need for sleep over his desire to keep playing.</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 2:</strong> "We don't throw food on the floor.&nbsp; Help mommy clean it up."&nbsp; You are showing him that his behavior is not okay and that if he makes a mess, he will have to clean it up -- natural consequences.</p>
<p><strong>Scenario 3</strong>: "We don't take toys from our friends.&nbsp; You may ask him if you can have a turn.&nbsp; Let's give that back and play with this toy instead."&nbsp; Treating others nicely is something we have to <em>learn</em>, and 2-year-olds don't yet have any self-control.&nbsp; We need to intervene -- gently -- to help them understand this.&nbsp; He will not learn to share unless you teach him, through empathy and understanding, that sharing is important.&nbsp; If you allow his impulses to control him, and allow him to think this is okay, he will grow up to <em>not</em> share and be a spoiled brat.</p>
<p>In none of these situations is any form of harsh discipline employed.&nbsp; There is no spanking or even time outs.&nbsp; Natural consequences are employed as necessary.&nbsp; <strong>But you are discipling your child, guiding, teaching, meeting his real needs.&nbsp; <em>This</em> is attachment <em>parenting</em>.</strong>&nbsp; This will produce a child who feels that his parents understand him and truly cares about his feelings, but who also is not afraid to correct and teach him when necessary.</p>
<p><strong>Be a <em>parent</em>.&nbsp; Teach, guide, discipline your child.</strong>&nbsp;<strong> Sometimes that might mean making him angry and letting him cry (from frustration/anger).</strong>&nbsp; If my son hits me, I put him down on the floor instead of holding him.&nbsp; Yes, it makes him mad, but it teaches him I will not hold him if he hits me; he needs to use a gentle touch.&nbsp; I might need to pick my son up and remove him from an unsafe activity, which also makes him angry -- but it keeps him safe.&nbsp; Perhaps I even need to make him wait a few minutes for my attention -- if, for example, he is throwing a fit because he is very tired and hungry and I am trying to get his lunch ready as quickly as I can.&nbsp; It's not safe to hold him while I'm over a hot stove, and he needs his lunch more than he needs me to pick him up immediately (obviously if there were another adult someone would hold him, but supposing it's an ordinary weekday and I'm the only one around).</p>
<p><strong>We can be fully committed to never letting our children cry without their <em>needs</em> being met, without feeling that we need to <em>never</em> let them cry.</strong>&nbsp; Sometimes, children need to cry.&nbsp; If they are sad, they might cry -- we can hold them, but they might cry.&nbsp; If they have gotten hurt, they might cry.&nbsp; If you look them in the eyes and say, "No.&nbsp; We don't do that," they might cry from frustration/anger, but it is okay.&nbsp; We can love them and soothe them but we have to be willing to say no and endure their tears from time to time.</p>
<p><strong>It is our job to make decisions as parents about what our children really <em>need</em>, and look past what they <em>want</em>.</strong>&nbsp; It is our job to gently and empathetically talk, listen, teach, and train.&nbsp; We help them to express their emotions in positive ways.&nbsp; We "force" them to do things they may not want to do: "I'm sorry, but we cannot go to our playdate unless you put your clothes on.&nbsp; We do not leave the house naked, and you would be too cold anyway."&nbsp; This is our <em>job</em>.&nbsp; <strong>We are not our child's friend; we are their parent!&nbsp; We can be perfectly empathetic, gentle and&nbsp;responsive without sacrificing that.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Are you an 'attachment parent?'&nbsp; Why or why not?&nbsp; What do you think about meeting needs vs. wants?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melissa @ Dyno-mom
EMAIL: naaskofamily@gmail.com
IP: 74.82.68.34
URL: http://www.dyno-mom.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 02:23:05 PM
<p>I am really glad you put this out there! There is a beautiful happy medium between family anarchy and slap-and-screech style discipline that is loving AND raises kids with control. The oldest of my ten is 17 now, and I can see in the big kids how consistent and compassionate parenting produces kids who are calm, polite, friendly and self-disciplined. It works! Great post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 128.237.233.253
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 02:55:24 PM
<p>I love what my husband said last week about disciplining our son.  He said, &quot;I am his self control until he learns to do it for himself.&quot;  That really struck me.  Although we do not do all of the attachment parenting behaviors you have mentioned (mostly we don&#39;t co-sleep because my son and I both are wiggly and we sleep better in our own space) but we do practice gentle discipline and it works wonders.  I know so many people who don&#39;t discipline their children because they say their kids are too young.  My son started requiring discipline around 6 months but it was gentle and age appropriate.  I really appreciate this post because I think so many people do not understand attachment parenting and they just think it is squishy discipline.  Thanks again.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 03:45:46 PM
<p>Best description of attchment parenting I&#39;ve read.  (and as a frst time partent, I&#39;ve read plenty!) </p><p>If we model how our Father loves and disciplines us then we have a perfect example of what we should strive for as parents.  Co-sleeping, extended BF....these are all added bonuses that are great if they work with the family structure but love, discipline and creating a home that is secure and stable is the most important thing we can give a child for thier emotional well being.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: nicolerenee515@hotmail.com
IP: 65.185.47.86
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 04:44:41 PM
<p>Great post. I agree on everything! Here is where the trouble comes in with my HIGH NEEDS, HARD HEADED 3 year old daughter...</p><p>Scenario 1: &quot;I understand that you would like to keep playing, but it&#39;s time for a nap.  Let&#39;s go and read a story and have a cuddle, then it&#39;s time for bed.  When you wake up, we can play some more.&quot; SHE HAS A TANTRUM, WHICH EVENTUALLY ENDS WITH ME CARRYING HER TO BED AND NURSE TO SLEEP.</p><p>Scenario 2: &quot;We don&#39;t throw food on the floor.  Help mommy clean it up.&quot;  SHE WOULD REFUSE TO HELP CLEAN UP. IF I &quot;FORCE&quot; HER, IT BECOMES A POWER STRUGGLE, ENDING WITH HER THROWING A FIT. IF I DO IT MYSELF, SHE WILL JUST WALK OUT OF THE ROOM. </p><p>Scenario 3: &quot;We don&#39;t take toys from our friends.  You may ask him if you can have a turn.  Let&#39;s give that back and play with this toy instead.&quot;  AFTER ASKING, TALKING, TELLING HER TO GIVE THE TOY BACK, SHE WOULD REFUSE TO GIVE UP THE TOY, ENDING WITH ME GRABBING IT OUT OF HER HAND, AND GIVING IT BACK TO THE CHILD, AND HER THROWING A FIT.</p><p>Of course, I know there are lots of other options, and I use ALL of them, like giving her a 5 minute warning before nap time,  giving her a broom to help clean up the mess, telling her to clean up,  showing her other toys to play with, telling her not to take toys, talking, talking   etc etc. But she is sooo hard headed, these things usually do not work. And she has to be forced into doing what she doesn&#39;t want to do.  Instead of being a &quot;teaching, guiding&quot; moment, everything just becomes a power struggle.  So, my question is, with gentle discipline should I &quot;FORCE&quot; her to comply? By threat? By timeout? By not giving her my attention?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sselsie1
EMAIL: 
IP: 66.41.121.182
URL: 
DATE: 01/25/2011 09:23:02 PM
<p>I love your sentence that says, teach, guide, and discipline your children.  I think that is the responsibility of the parent.  This has to be started right away, not wait until they are 3 or 4 years old.  By that age, they know what they can do without any problem.  I have seen too many parents who let the child be the parent and the parent act like the child.   Your article is well done.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Vaccines: How Long Does Immunity Last?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/08/2011 01:00:51 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/flu%20shot.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297124700369" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Today, we're going to take a look at vaccines. A lot of parents are very confused about this issue. <strong>There's a lot of information out there and it's hard to sort through.</strong> Some parents give up and just trust their doctors. I would urge you to have a doctor you can trust; but also to do your own research. You are the one who has to live with this decision everyday.</p>
<p>So now we're going to look at a major issue concerning vaccines: <strong>how long does immunity last (accordinging to the medical community)? What boosters do they recommend and why? And how does this play into our decision on when or whether to vaccinate?</strong></p>
<p>Due to the large amount of information out there, we'll look at just a few key vaccines today.&nbsp; <strong>These are ones that parents who choose to vaccinate usually consider "crucial," along with a few that are newer to the market and controversial.</strong></p>
<p>It is important to note that as I was conducting this research (most of which comes from WHO and all from major medical sources), <strong>I noted that the data from the WHO was extremely optimistic in terms of vaccines effectiveness.</strong>&nbsp; In some cases, the WHO would cite "100% and lifelong immunity," but independent studies in medical journals said "75% and 5 years max."&nbsp; <strong>The truth there seems to be that we don't know how long protection <em>really</em> lasts; we are just guessing.</strong>&nbsp; There are no long-term studies proving that vaccines are effective.&nbsp;<strong> Independent studies show far less effectiveness than government position papers.</strong>&nbsp; There were even notes in several papers that "we assume protection continues even if antibodies fall below detectable rates."&nbsp; As antibodies are the primary means of determining protection, there is no way they can logically make such a leap; yet they have.</p>
<p>It is also important to note that non-mainstream sources say that antibodies prove <em>exposure</em> to the disease, but not <em>immunity</em> to it.</p>
<p>One interesting thing I saw was that <em>all</em> vaccines were noted as "highly effective and very safe," without any data citations.&nbsp; Studies I ran across did not always support this conclusion.</p>
<h3>Measles</h3>
<p>According to the <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/">WHO</a>, up to 15% of children fail to develop immunity to the first dose, which is why a booster dose is recommended.&nbsp; Most babies receive their first dose around 1 year; the second is given usually before kindergarten.&nbsp; <strong>"</strong><a href="http://stason.org/TULARC/child-parent/vaccinations/3c-4-How-long-does-the-measles-vaccine-last.html"><strong>Protection</strong></a><strong>" is supposed to last up to 11 years</strong>.&nbsp; This means that assuming a child actually gains immunity (some will not even after 2 doses), it will have worn off completely by 16 years of age.&nbsp; The vast majority of adults in this country are <em>not</em> protected (yet we haven't seen measles outbreaks among these adults, have we?).&nbsp; Also according to the WHO, vitamin A supplements and adequate nutrition are key to preventing measles and complications.</p>
<h3>Polio</h3>
<p>According to the <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs114/en/">WHO</a>, vitamin A also helps to prevent deaths and other complications from polio.&nbsp; 95% of people who get <a href="http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4215.pdf">polio</a>, though, show absolutely no symptoms; only 1 - 2% ever develop paralytic polio (and less than 1% of these are permanently affected).&nbsp; A single dose of the vaccine provides almost no immunity, which is why 4 are recommended; 99% of people should be "protected" after 3 doses.&nbsp; <strong>Length of protection is unknown, but thought to be "many years."</strong>&nbsp; (This is really untestable since there are no wild cases in the U.S.)</p>
<h3>Rubella</h3>
<p>Rubella is extremely mild and not dangerous to children.&nbsp; It is only <a href="http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4215.pdf">potentially dangerous to pregnant women</a>.&nbsp; Up to 85% of babies born to mothers who were infected before 12 weeks will be born with defects.&nbsp; Babies whose mothers are infected after 12, and especially after 20 weeks of gestation are usually not affected.&nbsp; About 95% of people who are vaccinated are then "protected."&nbsp;<strong> </strong><a href="http://stason.org/TULARC/child-parent/vaccinations/3c-14-How-long-does-the-rubella-vaccine-last.html"><strong>Another source</strong></a><strong> says that only 75% of people are "protected" and that this protection wanes after 3 - 5 years.</strong>&nbsp; This means that babies and children who are vaccinated are likely not protected in adulthood.</p>
<h3>Mumps</h3>
<p>This infection isn't dangerous to children, generally.&nbsp; About 97% of people who are vaccinated will be "<a href="http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4211.pdf">protected</a>."&nbsp; <strong>According to the </strong><a href="http://www.who.int/immunization/wer8207mumps_Feb07_position_paper.pdf"><strong>WHO</strong></a><strong>, this can vary from 63 - 96% (protection).</strong>&nbsp; A booster is generally given because one dose seems to confer 60 - 90% protection in the long term (also from WHO).&nbsp; It's assumed to <a href="http://stason.org/TULARC/child-parent/vaccinations/3c-9-How-long-does-the-mumps-vaccine-last.html">last around 12 years</a>, though there are no studies about the actual length.</p>
<h3>Tetanus</h3>
<p>Contracting tetanus is highly unlikely, and is not passed from person to person.&nbsp; It is <a href="http://www.who.int/immunization/wer8120tetanus_May06_position_paper.pdf">anaerobic</a> (meaning it can only grow if there is no oxygen present).&nbsp; Unless you are on a farm contracting it&nbsp;is highly unlikely.&nbsp; Doctors also recommend tetanus shots after an&nbsp;injury has&nbsp;occurred, because it can still work to prevent after the fact.&nbsp; Tetanus shots are said to last around 10 years, which is why&nbsp;doctors recommend a booster every 10 years.&nbsp; <strong>It is interesting and important to note that people who have been </strong><a href="http://www.who.int/immunization/topics/tetanus/en/index.html"><strong>naturally infected</strong></a><strong> do <em>not</em> have permanent immunity (which calls into question how a vaccine can produce lasting immunity).</strong>&nbsp; "Protection" is assumed to be conferred to 80 - 100% of those who receive 2 or more doses (though 5 are recommended).&nbsp; This vaccine also has a higher than average rate of reactions and has <a href="http://www.nvic.org/Vaccines-and-Diseases/Tetanus.aspx">been linked to Guillian-Barre</a>.</p>
<h3>Hep B</h3>
<p>This is one of the newer on the schedule.&nbsp; The idea is that if babies are vaccinated, that they will be protected later when they are actually at risk, as teenagers (Hep B is spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, etc.).&nbsp; <strong>Unfortunately, </strong><a href="http://stason.org/TULARC/child-parent/vaccinations/3e-7-How-long-does-the-hepatitis-B-vaccine-last.html"><strong>one source</strong></a><strong> estimates that "protection" lasts up to 10 years.</strong>&nbsp; This means that babies who are vaccinated are no longer protected when they are at greatest risk.&nbsp; There are no booster doses currently mandated.&nbsp; Approximately 90 to 95% of people get "protection" from the vaccine (according to the WHO).</p>
<h3>HPV</h3>
<p>This one is also newer and quite controversial.&nbsp; Even many parents who do choose to vaccinate choose not to get this one.&nbsp; It's been reported to have a high rate of serious adverse reactions.&nbsp;<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/gardasil_hpv_vaccine/page2.htm"><strong>Sources</strong></a><strong> estimate protection lasts for about 5 years, but this is highly uncertain -- "we don't really know" is more accurate.</strong>&nbsp; Three doses are currently recommended, and there are estimates that these are "needed" to produce immunity (though no studies are cited to prove efficacy after any number of doses).&nbsp; Most women are at greatest risk of HPV in their early 20s, usually from sexual behavior, but are first vaccinated at 11 - 12 years old, or as young as 9.&nbsp; If protection lasts about 5 years, girls are no longer protected during their greatest risk period.&nbsp; There is no data available on what the rate of "protection" is.&nbsp; (Sorry, but it seems to me if they've done no long-term studies that they shouldn't be recommending it....)</p>
<h3>HIB</h3>
<p><strong>The </strong><a href="http://stason.org/TULARC/child-parent/vaccinations/3d-4-How-long-does-the-HiB-vaccine-last.html"><strong>first source</strong></a><strong> I check says "length of protection is unknown."</strong>&nbsp; The disease is dangerous only to small children, so older children whose vaccines have been delayed may not even need it.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs294/en/ ">HIB is a bacteria that lives naturally in most children</a>, and is only dangerous if it gets into the bloodstream.&nbsp; It can cause a variety of different illnesses (there is no one "HIB" infection) and the same infections can be caused by other sources.&nbsp; Unless a culture is specifically taken there is no way to determine if HIB was the culprit.&nbsp; The HIB vaccine is, as usual, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hib_vaccine"><em>assumed</em> to confer</a> 95 - 100% "protection" but there are no studies that determine this is the case.</p>
<h3>What Science?</h3>
<p>So, in conclusion, <strong>I have found a lot of assumptions and shaky or non-existent science surrounding vaccine immunity, protection, length of protection, etc</strong>.&nbsp; It seems that the scientific community is extremely optimistic and enthusiastic, but cannot provide much evidence to support this position.&nbsp; In some cases the available studies contradicted the general "information" that I found on major scientific websites.&nbsp; There are a lot of missing pieces in the vaccination puzzle.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's definitely a point to consider before choosing to vaccinate.</p>
<p><strong>Do you vaccinate your children?&nbsp; Why or why not?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stacey
EMAIL: stacey.taggart@gmail.com
IP: 173.240.34.34
URL: http://www.agoodandsimplelife.com
DATE: 02/08/2011 01:53:23 PM
<p>great topic!  one i&#39;ve been thinking and reading a lot about recently. my oldest just turned three and is current (other than his 3 year old shots, assuming he has some).  my youngest isn&#39;t current and i&#39;m not sure if i&#39;m going to get him current.  i might wait at least until he is older.  don&#39;t schools require vaccines?  the whole issue is confusing to me and i want and need to learn more.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/08/2011 02:19:48 PM
<p>Stacey,</p><p>Thanks for bringing up an important point!  In almost all states, there are different exemptions you can file -- religious (and you don&#39;t have to have a specific church or religion, you can usually just say &quot;my personal beliefs prevent me from vaccinating&quot;), philosophical, and medical.  Two states have only medical (New Jersey and Massachussetts, I think?).  If you sign these exemption forms they do NOT have to be vaccinated to go to school.  There are tons of websites to check out your state&#39;s laws, but I would check www.nvic.org first.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 02:29:55 PM
<p>Because we waited 2.5 years to have our oldest vaccinated, he needs fewer shots than he would as an infant. For example, he received a dose of the polio vax at 2.5, which includes the polio vax. He only needs one more dose, and it can be at age 4 or 5 (I forget), to be fully protected. He only needed one dose of Hib, as well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.21.135.152
URL: http://unexpectedlytraditional.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/08/2011 02:53:04 PM
<p>Thanks for posting this!  We did all the vaccinations for my daughter (except the Hep B) until she was 10 months and then stopped.  I just cannot be comfortable with taxing her immune system like that at such a young age, especially when no one can assure me that they are definitely safe and effective.  We&#39;re expecting our next little one in May and I&#39;m thinking we&#39;ll probably vaccinate a lot less if at all.  Thanks for pointing out that no one really knows how long protection lasts.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: jacob.heather@gmail.com
IP: 206.83.89.210
URL: http://FOODPONDERINGS.BLOGSPOT.COM
DATE: 02/08/2011 03:43:06 PM
<p>FYI, Massachusetts has religious exemptions for not vaccinating, which I use.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ron
EMAIL: 
IP: 165.156.132.153
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 03:52:15 PM
<p>What kind of nut-job are you? You blather on about not vaccinating your kids. Why do you think these were vaccines were created? Simply to make money? You&#39;ve got to be kidding me. If we have millions of people walking around un-vaccinated, you&#39;re going to have lots of people getting sick unnecessarily. </p><p>Look at your own research, 75 to 100% of people vaccinated have a great chance of not getting sick with some of these terrible illnesses. Before many of these vaccines were created, people fell ill and died by the thousands, that is why we require it for schools, that is why doctors recommend it. Do you not know that the sicknesses that were brought over by the Europeans killed off the Incans? Killed off countless American Indians?</p><p>By your logic, people with STDs shouldn&#39;t wear condoms or refrain from sex because they only work a certain percentage of the time.</p><p>You&#39;re a phony that has no job other than sitting at home writting this anti-establishment dribble. You&#39;re probably one of those people that breast feeds thier child until age 5 too. An extremely large number of people in this country are vaccinated, a very tiny sliver of those have complications.</p><p>You&#39;re putting my children at risk spreading this garbage, thank you very much, now go to college and get a real degree in medicine.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Autumn
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.72.68.232
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 06:56:55 PM
<p>I do not vaccinate my children for a few reasons. <br/>1 - The ingredients aer nasty<br/>2 - The potential adverse reactions are scary.  Diabetes, arthritis, seizures...<br/>3 - The decline in death rates to the diseases that the vaccines are for happened before the vaccines were even introduced<br/>4 - I&#39;d rather my child get something like the chicken pox or measles and gain life long immunity, rather than getting these vaccines that wear off.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anna D
EMAIL: annadroz@gmail.com
IP: 82.44.234.128
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 06:57:49 PM
<p>Great post! After reading a lot of information on vaccines I decided that there is absolutely no point in it unless you want health problems and in some cases very serious ones. </p><p>There is a study I read about that was conducted on cats who were vaccinated generation after generation and every next generation had more problems with conceiving the next one (including behavioral problems, infertility and earlier and earlier onset of puberty - sounds familiar?) and the 4th generation just was infertile and died out, this is called mutation.  </p><p>There is yet a study to be conducted to compare vaccinated vs unvaccinated, so there is almost no truly scientific research to look at.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/08/2011 07:18:59 PM
<p>Ron,</p><p>Do you have anything INTELLIGENT to add to the conversation?  Some research you&#39;d like to share with us, that proves both the safety and efficacy of vaccines?  Would you like to share the proof of what you say?  Can you prove that vaccines are not in any way involved in the epidemic of chronic diseases, an issue I didn&#39;t even touch on in this post?</p><p>Until you want to actually share information in a reasonable and mature fashion, rather than just slinging insults (which leads me to believe that you have no facts on your side), I&#39;ll just discount everything you say.  Thanks for trying.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gina
EMAIL: ginafsnyder@gmail.com
IP: 70.68.131.92
URL: http://www.ginasmomadventures.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/08/2011 07:23:05 PM
<p>The vaccination decision was one of the toughest for me.  I think this was because my gut said no but it took a long time for me to be ok with following my intuition.  I was not comfortable with the ingredients in the vaccines and do not feel that the &quot;benefits&quot; outweigh the risks, especially as there really is no solid information on their effectiveness.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: bethannmonroe@yahoo.com
IP: 99.102.101.36
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 07:30:17 PM
<p>Thank you for addressing this very important issue! I have five children ages 6 months-14 years, none of them have been vaccinated &amp; neither was I. My parents chose not to vaccinate my 7 siblings and me for many of the same reasons I do not vaccinate my children; simply stated: the long-term effects are unknown! <br/>My husband was vaccinated as a child and is perfectly health, so he was skeptical about choosing not to vaccinate, but after he researched the issue he saw that there is NO WAY to prove that the benefits of vaccinating outweigh the very serious risks. And that is the exact reason I have put on the exemption forms for school (we live in Michigan &amp; use the philosophical exemption). <br/>I can also tell you that my siblings and I were very healthy growing up &amp; my children have been health as well. But having a good diet, getting adequate exercise &amp; rest are very important (for everyone, but especially young children).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Manda
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.119.148.200
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 08:07:17 PM
<p>lol - I love when people try to say you&#39;re putting their kids at risk by not vaccinating. If you&#39;re so convinced that vaccines prevent these diseases... then shouldn&#39;t your children be all set?</p><p>Thanks for your research ModernAMama. We have chosen not to vaccinate our child at all and are not planning to vaccinate any future children either. We&#39;re incredibly uncomfortable with the ingredients contained in vaccines, with the fact that some of them are created using aborted fetal tissue, with the undocumented/unresearched long-term effects of vaccines, with the possible adverse effects, and with the unnatural way they seek to trigger immunity. Not to mention the fact that the immunity is not lasting, and not even guaranteed in the first place. We&#39;d much rather take our chances with childhood illnesses - most of which tend to be not bad at all and offer lifelong immunity. We&#39;ve also looked at the research showing that a lot of illnesses were on the decline BEFORE vaccines were introduced and found it to be compelling as well.</p><p>We&#39;ve been very fortunate to find a pediatrician who respects our wishes as parents. </p><p>Thanks again for putting yourself out there. I appreciated your response to Ron - it&#39;s definitely a tell-tale sign, when people get nasty, that they usually don&#39;t have any real facts backing them up.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca Miller
EMAIL: scrapandthings.2008@yahoo.com
IP: 174.23.239.14
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 08:29:34 PM
<p>I found a great list of the ingredients they put in the shots but didn&#39;t book mark it and can&#39;t seem to find it again if you come across it I would love to see it again. This is weighing heavily on my mind. Not sure what to do with the one on the way.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/08/2011 09:12:00 PM
<p>Rebecca,</p><p>Here&#39;s the list: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-1.pdf</p><p>I&#39;d urge you to keep researching, and don&#39;t do anything until you&#39;re sure.  You can always start later, but you can&#39;t take back a vaccine once it&#39;s given.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/09/2011 12:57:11 AM
<p>Wow, what a lot of great information!  I am not vaccinating my son, simply because his risk of dying of one of these diseases is so low compared to the potential for a severe reaction.  But I had no idea immunity was so short-lasting.  Especially for things like chicken pox, measles, and mumps, where the disease is usually harmless in children and can be dangerous in adults, keeping them immune during the time they could safely get the disease sounds like a very bad idea to me!  Unfortunately we would probably have a very hard time trying to let our child catch wild measles, since it&#39;s around so little.  Hopefully that also means he&#39;s unlikely to be exposed to it later in life.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sherri
EMAIL: 
IP: 209.86.226.32
URL: 
DATE: 02/09/2011 03:04:32 AM
<p>this contains excellent information.  thank you for providing it.  however i have chosen to vaccinate my children on an alternative scheule mainly because my 2 boys suffer from hemolytic anemia and if they contract certian virus they could get very sick and require blood transfusions.  however i do support parents who choose to not vaccinate or vaccinate on an alternative schedule.  <br/>amazingly so this past summer i met a doctor at my childrens vbs who is a vaccination specialist and i asked him what he thought about vaccinating on an alternative schedule and he told me &quot;off the record&quot; that he supports alternative scheduling and in fact vaccinates his young children on an alternative schedule.  that says a lot to me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.60.245.205
URL: 
DATE: 02/09/2011 03:15:15 AM
<p>We do not vaccinate due to the cocktail of ingredients included in vaccines. <br/>Note that human diploid tissue culture is from aborted humans and is in the MMR, Chicken pox, Hep B and Polio.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica Moore
EMAIL: salamatsizbah@hotmail.com
IP: 72.150.244.150
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 04:06:31 AM
<p>Thanks so much for the post! Just wanted to say I&#39;m here too, not sure where I stand, but I know I&#39;m on the non-vaxing side of the fence. And to quote a previous commenter... yes, I do tend to be pretty &quot;anti-establishment&quot; on several issues. And also, I don&#39;t trust that a lot of the vaccine education in this country isn&#39;t &quot;simply to make money.&quot;<br/>All of the mainstream information about vaccines comes from researchers that are paid by the pharmaceutical companies. Then they report their findings to doctors and our government. So of course, all the easily-available info is pro-vax. Research that says vaccines are ineffective or unsafe doesn&#39;t make any one any money, so there&#39;s no one with any motivation to spend money to do it. <br/>This single issue is why my 6-month-old 3rd child has never been to the pediatrician. I&#39;m just tired of arguing about vaccines. I was talked into more than I wanted with my first two. <br/>Anyway, great post! You&#39;re doing a great job :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: alba.megan@gmail.com
IP: 67.66.94.23
URL: http://lifewiththealbas.com
DATE: 02/10/2011 05:55:01 AM
<p>Thanks for another great post! I have friends on both sides of the issue and they are pretty extreme. Thank you for posting a balanced, informative post with research to back it up. Nicely done.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michele
EMAIL: animlnitr8@aol.com
IP: 174.110.155.39
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 08:46:17 AM
<p>fyi: all 50 states allow for a medical exemption, but that is usually difficult to get and in some states, your doctor&#39;s recommendation for a medical exemption can be overruled. 48 states allow for religious exemption. the terms of this differ from state to state. some states do not require anything more than you submitting a letter stating that you have a religious objection to either all vaccines or to select vaccines. some states make it more difficult and will try to make you &quot;prove&quot; your religious belief. some will also say that if you have a religious objection, it must be to all vaccines, so you cannot selectively vaccinate and claim a religious exemption. west virginia and mississippi are the only 2 states that do not allow for a religious exemption...they only allow for medical exemption. there are several states that allow for medical, religious, and philosophical/personal belief exemptions. you can find more info about vaccine exemptions by state here:<br/>http://www.nvic.org/Vaccine-Laws/state-vaccine-requirements.aspx</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Chic Mummy
EMAIL: chic_mummy@msn.com
IP: 58.170.131.15
URL: http://chicmummy.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/11/2011 12:41:12 PM
<p>I once listened to a great podcast (i wish I could remember who it was) and it stuck with me - whether you choose to vax or not, just make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Make sure you educate yourself, and don&#39;t vax because the doc said to, and don&#39;t NOT vax because someone else said not to. Do your research and then make your decision. </p><p>Apart from being insulting, I think Ron is oversimplistic - of course a big part of vaccines is about money - it is a multi billion dollar industry and the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine only reinforces that for me. I have chosen to vaccinate my children for the majority of diseases, but draw the line at ones such as chickenpox, Gardasil and the flu vax (swine and regular) as I feel they are unnecessary.</p><p>However, I do think that if your child is unvaccinated, then you need to be responsible in the case of a disease outbreak and keep your children home in this event as your child can be a carrier. This is especially true of measles that requires a very high immunisation rate (upwards of 90% of the &quot;herd&quot;) for the vaccine to be effective.  This is where I think most people misunderstand vaccines - it will not necessarily prevent you from getting a disease - it simply increases your body&#39;s defences against it. And that is how herd immunity is accomplished. If 100% of a population is vaccinated, it becomes very difficult for a disease to find a carrier that it can establish a foothold in.</p><p>On the other hand, if you focus on feeding your family a real food diet and maintaining your family&#39;s natural defenses and hygeine, you will also be proactively preventing disease from gaining a foothold. Which is why I will not vaccinate against the flu.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/11/2011 01:40:18 PM
<p>Chic Mummy,</p><p>It&#39;s very important to understand that many of those who choose not to vax do not believe in herd immunity.  One of the strongest arguments against it is that most of the disease outbreaks we have seen in the last several years have been primarily in highly-vaccinated communities.  Clearly there&#39;s some other factor at play.  It&#39;s also important to understand that many of these diseases are NOT dangerous to young children (kids over a year or two up until around age 10), and in fact there may be benefits to allowing children to get them.  Some evidence has shown that children who do get measles, for example, are less likely to get cancer.  There isn&#39;t much research in this area, but it seems to be that children who get acute illnesses naturally have an easier time fighting off the serious, long-lasting stuff.  So, there are many, many reasons why families may choose not to vaccinate.  I just wanted to correct a couple of your assumptions, in case anyone reads this, as what you stated are some of the primary reasons why parents who choose to vaccinate get upset with those who don&#39;t.  In the upcoming weeks I&#39;ll be posting on &quot;Myths About Unvaccinated Kids.&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica Moore
EMAIL: salamatsizbah@hotmail.com
IP: 74.249.134.229
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2011 05:21:00 PM
<p>Thanks, Chic Mommy, for stating the opinions and facts in your post in such a mature and intelligent manner. Although you and I make different choices for our children (I&#39;ve chosen almost no vaccines), I can respect what you have to say and enjoy reading your post. <br/>You proved that no one (not to name any names... that begin with R) has to be harsh and insulting just to disagree. <br/>And you&#39;re so right about the real foods, natural defenses, etc.<br/>Thanks for sharing. <br/>Jessica</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather L
EMAIL: heather@sensebynonsense.com
IP: 72.174.166.217
URL: http://www.sensebynonsense.com
DATE: 02/12/2011 07:25:39 PM
<p>Thank you for doing this research. I&#39;ve been hearing more and more controversy surrounding vaccines and been thinking I needed to do some research. So thank you for showing me there is lots of data out there, if we just look for it. I&#39;m really amazed that sooo many people believe in vaccines when it looks like most of us aren&#39;t immune to much of anything once we aren&#39;t teenagers anymore.</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Baby Sign: Benefits and How-To
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/04/2011 01:00:12 PM
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BODY:
<p>&nbsp;<script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/basykes/3787438427/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/baby%20sign%20bird.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1299109067467" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by basykes</span></span></p>
<p>(That baby above is signing "bird!")</p>
<p>If you're familiar with <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/11/rebekahs-story.html">Rebekah's Story</a>, then you know my daughter was a late talker.&nbsp; In fact, she didn't use any functional words (besides mama, dada, and brother) until she was 27 months old!&nbsp; <strong>Although most babies talk long before this, there is still a time (whether a few months or a couple years) where babies have definite ideas about what they want, but cannot yet talk well enough to express it.</strong>&nbsp; And that's where <a href="http://www.signingbaby.com/main/">Baby Sign</a> comes in.</p>
<p>Baby sign was a lifesaver for us in many ways.&nbsp; Bekah literally could <em>not</em> talk when she was younger.&nbsp; We were told to say, "I don't understand, use your words," but she would just look at us in sheer frustration (I only tried it a couple times).&nbsp; <em>Lots</em> of babies start doing this by 9 months of age!&nbsp; <strong>They do know what they want, but they cannot physically talk yet to express it.&nbsp;</strong> Many learn to point and grunt, but it's hard to know sometimes what baby really means.&nbsp; And sometimes they don't have an expression for what they want at all.</p>
<p>When you use Baby Sign, though, your child <em>can</em> tell you exactly what s/he wants!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Here are some benefits:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Reduced frustration/tantrums</strong> (since baby can make herself understood)</li>
<li><strong>Increased ability to talk</strong> (yes, really...understanding words through sign helps them understand them through speech, too)</li>
<li><strong>Increased fine motor coordination</strong> (because they have to make their hands into the signs)</li>
<li><strong>Ability to communicate wants/needs!</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>These are some pretty awesome benefits!</p>
<h3>How Can My Baby Sign?</h3>
<p>Most babies really <em>want</em> to sign.&nbsp; They are truly like little sponges, soaking up all the information around them and wanting to mimic/imitate anything they can.&nbsp; They also desperately want a way to make themselves understood once they know what they want.&nbsp; <strong>If you are willing to show them a new "trick" that will also help them get what they want, they're totally game!</strong></p>
<p>There are a <em>few</em> signs that some babies struggle with, especially if they start signing very young.&nbsp; In these cases, parents may choose to make up a sign, or to simply give baby an easier version of it.</p>
<p>Babies really seem to enjoy using sign language.&nbsp; And although a few critics have suggested that babies who sign won't be motivated to talk, research and personal experience show the opposite to be true.&nbsp; <strong>Babies enjoy the communication and the "rewards" of being able to explain what they want.&nbsp; They're learning to understand language, albeit in a different way.</strong>&nbsp; But it's <em>still</em> language development, and that's crucial to learning to speak.</p>
<p>As for our experience, Daniel started saying "mama" (meaningfully) at 8 months, but didn't pick up anymore words after that.&nbsp; <strong>At 16 months I started to teach him Baby Sign, and within days he was starting to say all the words he'd learned to sign.</strong>&nbsp; After a month or so, his ability to speak and repeat words overtook his ability and interest in signing.&nbsp; Although now, at 19.5 months, he still <em>does</em> sign, he usually talks.&nbsp; He signs if he thinks we didn't understand what he said!</p>
<h3>When Can My Baby Sign?&nbsp; How Does He Learn?</h3>
<p>This varies a lot, honestly.&nbsp;<strong> I've heard that babies are capable of learning some signs by the time they are 7 months old.</strong>&nbsp; I would say this is on the rare side, though.&nbsp; At this age, babies don't have much fine motor coordination, and some aren't even sitting up yet.&nbsp; It would take a lot of focus to teach a baby this young to sign, and it probably isn't worth it.&nbsp; At this age, the only sign my babies could make was "milk!"</p>
<p><strong>Most babies will start to sign reliably around a year, give or take a couple months.</strong>&nbsp; By this time they've got good control over their bodies.&nbsp; They can stand and walk well, and they're ready to move from gross motor focus to fine motor.&nbsp; (The earlier focus on controlling their gross motor skills is likely why many babies don't sign when they are younger.)</p>
<p><strong>A few babies may not sign until they are a bit older, but this will depend on the baby's personality and development.</strong>&nbsp; (If your baby is making <em>no</em> attempt to communicate by 18 months -- not signing, gesturing, pointing, grunting, using some words -- see your pediatrician to be evaluated for developmental delays.)</p>
<p>To teach a baby to sign, try this:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Choose <em>one</em> sign that is important in baby's daily life.</strong>&nbsp; "Milk" is often a first sign.</li>
<li><strong>Every time you say the word, make the sign.</strong>&nbsp; Draw baby's attention to the sign.</li>
<li><strong>Ask the baby to make the sign</strong>, too.</li>
<li>If baby struggles, <strong>use your hands to guide baby's a few times</strong> (gently).</li>
<li>Once the baby <em>can</em> make the sign, <strong>ask for it every time you are talking about the word</strong>.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>In my experience, when teaching a baby a little over a year, it took 2 - 3 days for the baby to catch on to the first sign and use it somewhat consistently.</strong>&nbsp; But once the first sign was learned and the whole "idea" of signing to communicate was understood, most future signs were taught with only one try.</p>
<p><strong>There are also some neat "Baby Signing Time" DVDs that many parents like to use to teach their baby signs.&nbsp; There are books, too.</strong>&nbsp; It can be fun to watch these short movies or read these little books with your baby to help him learn to sign!&nbsp; We used to have parties when Bekah was little (around a year) and show the Baby Signing Time videos.&nbsp; (She was too distracted, though, preferring instead to run around and play!)</p>
<h3>What Signs Should I Teach?</h3>
<p>The signs you should teach will depend on what is important in your daily life.&nbsp; <strong>However, here is a list of commonly taught signs:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Milk</li>
<li>Help</li>
<li>All done</li>
<li>Up</li>
<li>More</li>
<li>Drink</li>
<li>Eat</li>
<li>Bath</li>
<li>Sleepy/night-night</li>
<li>Hurt</li>
<li>Please</li>
<li>Thank you</li>
</ul>
<p>Basically, <strong>you need to help baby communicate what she needs or how she is feeling</strong>.&nbsp; Manners are nice too!</p>
<p><strong>We found that "more," "eat," "all done," and "help" were very important to us.</strong>&nbsp; It was nice to know that they were hungry (especially when they're toddlers, they're so busy that they don't slow down much, so fussiness due to hunger isn't as obvious!).&nbsp; It was also nice to know whether they wanted more to eat or were all done without having them spit or throw food!&nbsp; <strong>"Hurt" is also nice because it's another reason why they cry (since toddlers tend to climb and tumble a lot).</strong>&nbsp; If they can point to body parts, they can tell you WHERE it hurts, too.&nbsp; Finally, "help" was their all-purpose sign if they did not know what else to ask.&nbsp; They knew they could get our attention and show us what they needed if they could say "help."</p>
<p>You may choose to also teach signs for particular foods, although these don't seem to be as easy to find.&nbsp; "Apple," "banana," "cheese," etc. can be helpful so they can tell you what they want to eat.&nbsp; Although many babies will lead you to the fridge or pantry and point at an item and sign "eat!"</p>
<p><strong>Have you used Baby Sign with your children?&nbsp; How did you like it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.235
URL: http://txtwins.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/04/2011 03:27:45 PM
<p>I had a wonderful time teaching my twins sign language! It was so fun to see their eyes light up when they were able to explain what they wanted before they could actually speak. I&#39;d love to share a positive experience I had here at my blog: http://txtwins.blogspot.com/2009/07/baby-signs.html</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: http://www.morethanfourwalls.wordpress.com
DATE: 03/04/2011 04:16:58 PM
<p>Excellent tips! Our son is 6 months and I&#39;m looking forward to teaching him signs.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Wellness Mama
EMAIL: endlesswellness@gmail.com
IP: 70.157.120.150
URL: http://wellnessmama.com
DATE: 03/04/2011 08:36:52 PM
<p>My parents were ahead of the curve on this one... they both had some hearing loss, so signing was an important way of communicating for all of us. I don&#39;t know if it is strictly because of the signing, but I have earlier childhood memories than a lot of people I know, and my brother and I both talked and read very early. We are using this with our kids now, and you are so right... it does reduce tantrums and frustration a lot! Our one year old is quite emphatic about his signing now, and I like knowing that he can sign things like &quot;hurt&quot; and show me where if something is bothering him! Great post... how do you have time to write all this? <br/>p.s. I&#39;ve enjoyed reading your birth stories !</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Ferment Anything!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/22/2011 01:00:27 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18474854@N00/3114969148/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/sauerkraut.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298323607418" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by JoePhoto</span></span></p>
<p><strong>Now...some of you may know about my serious </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/17/fermented-foods-make-me-feel-fabulous.html"><strong>love of fermented foods</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp; If you've been around for any length of time, you've seen my posts on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/13/water-kefir-update.html">water kefir</a>, and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">kombucha</a> (and the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/2/kombucha-brewing-tips-and-hints.html">brewing hints</a>, and the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/2/15/kombucha-faq.html">FAQ</a>), and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/4/how-to-make-yogurt.html">yogurt</a>....&nbsp; Yes, I love them!</p>
<p>See, they just make me feel so <em>good</em>.&nbsp; They make me happy.&nbsp; It's because of all those natural probiotics in them.&nbsp; We've probably all heard about probiotics now, and many of you are probably even taking supplements (you can read what I think of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/15/probiotic-supplements-worth-the-money.html">probiotic supplements</a>, too).&nbsp; But you know...<strong>the cheapest and best way to get probiotics in your system is to just eat fermented foods.</strong>&nbsp; It's so natural and synergistic, and I feel so awesome when I eat them.&nbsp; Even when they're things I didn't typically eat or like growing up (like yogurt, which I hide in my smoothies).</p>
<p>And the cheapest way really is to make them yourself!</p>
<p>Bet you knew I was going to say that, right?&nbsp; <strong>I was intimidated by fermented foods once, too.</strong>&nbsp; When I first heard about them (actually, not even two years ago), I thought they sounded weird and gross.&nbsp; How was I supposed to know they weren't contaminated?&nbsp; How could I stomach them?&nbsp; Ugh.&nbsp; I actually started out with water kefir because that seemed the least weird (dairy ferments have never been my favorite, as I mentioned above) and did not do it very well.&nbsp; Haha.&nbsp; But I learned from it, and pressed on, and soon started my love affair with kombucha.&nbsp; Since then I haven't looked back, I've been trying to ferment everything in sight.&nbsp; And I've truly loved it all.</p>
<p><strong>But what took me the better part of a year to learn (and even now I can still only do a small handful of things really well), you can learn in a matter of weeks.</strong>&nbsp; <em>And then some!</em>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Jenny at Nourished Kitchen is obsessed with fermenting, too, but she's got years on me in the experience department.</strong>&nbsp; And now she's created a <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273"><strong><em>new</em> ecourse called "How to Ferment Anything."</strong></a>&nbsp; When she says <em>anything</em>, she means it.&nbsp; She'll teach you about kefir, water kefir, kombucha, yogurt, fruit and vegetable ferments, sourdough breads, condiments, and everything in between.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Here's the actual course syllabus:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#1">March 4</a></strong>: Complete Guide to Yogurt: 4 Videos, 7 Tutorials, 9 Recipes!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#2">March 7</a></strong>: Clabbered Milk &amp; Cream, Buttermilk, Butter &amp; Cheese: 4 Videos, 6 Tutorials, 7 Recipes!<a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/ecourse/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/iStock_000015268148Small.jpg');" href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/iStock_000015268148Small.jpg"></a></li>
<li><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/holiday-cooking-series-details/#12-3"><strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></a><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#3">March 11</a>: </strong>Complete Guide to Milk Kefir: 4 Videos, 7 Tutorials, 6 Recipes!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#4">March 14</a>:</strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/holiday-cooking-series-details/#12-6"><strong> </strong></a>Kombucha &amp; Water Kefir: 4 Videos, 7 Tutorials, 3 Recipes!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#5">March 18</a>:</strong> Kvass &amp; Probiotic Tonics: 4 Videos, 7 Tutorials!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#6">April 1:</a></strong> Probiotic Condiments: 4 Videos, 4 Tutorials, 8 Recipes!</li>
<li><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#7"><strong>April 4</strong></a>: Vegetable Relishes: 4 Videos, 4 Tutorials, 8 Recipes!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#8">April 8</a></strong>: Fermented Fruits, Chutneys, Fruit Butter &amp; Vinegars: 4 Videos, 4 Tutorials, 11 Recipes!</li>
<li><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#8"><strong>April 11</strong></a>: Sauerkrauts &amp; Shredded Vegetable Ferments: 4 Videos, 2 Tutorials, 12 Recipes!</li>
<li><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#10"><strong>April 15</strong>:</a> Brine Pickling &amp; Whole Vegetable Ferments: 4 Videos, 2 Tutorials, 7 Recipes!</li>
<li><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#11"><strong>April 18</strong>:</a> Naturally Cured Meats: 4 Videos, 5 Tutorials, 6 Recipes!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#12">April 22</a></strong>: Fermented Legumes &amp; Soy: 4 Videos, 5 Tutorials, 7 Recipes!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/#13">April 25</a></strong>: Sourdoughs: 4 Videos, 4 Tutorials, 8 Recipes!</li>
</ol>
<p>Now, <strong>doing these things at home will make a <em>huge</em> difference to your family's health (I know firsthand) and a huge difference in your budget, too</strong>.&nbsp; You can easily pay $5 a quart or more for these things at the store, <em>if</em> you can buy them at all.&nbsp; Many just aren't available commercially!</p>
<p><strong>Rather than trial-and-error using old cookbooks or random online tutorials, you can learn from a pro how to do it right, the first time.</strong>&nbsp; You don't save much money if you have end up with several failed, inedible batches, do you?&nbsp; But taking <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">Jenny's course</a> will eliminate that problem.</p>
<p><strong>The course costs $150 and runs over a 13-week period.&nbsp; But you'll have lifetime access to the </strong><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273"><strong>course</strong></a><strong> materials</strong>, so if life gets in the way, you can always go back later.&nbsp; Which is really great if it gets to be the middle of the summer and you're swimming in pickling cucumbers and start thinking, "Now, <em>how</em> did she do that again...?"&nbsp; You can just go look it up!</p>
<p>This is actually a better <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">ecourse</a> than most when it comes to lifetime access, because honestly, <strong>you'll want the videos and recipes as you're ready to tackle each project, and not necessarily in sequence</strong>.&nbsp; It's not the type of course that really builds upon itself; almost all the lessons are separate ideas (do make sure to read the first lesson first, though).</p>
<p><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">Registration for this course</a> (which begins Mar. 4) closes on Feb. 28.&nbsp; <strong>If you register before then, you can lock in the $150 price <em>and</em> get a free copy of the ebook that accompanies the course</strong>.&nbsp; Since this course has so much information, and such excellent information, <strong>this course will go up to $200 on Mar. 1</strong> and you'll no longer get a free copy of the ebook.&nbsp; Definitely better to register early!</p>
<p>Now, if you're looking at this and saying, <strong>"Wow, this is great information, but I just don't need all of it and $150 is a little steep," (though believe me, it's worth it) there's another option.</strong>&nbsp; <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">You can buy individual lessons for $20 each</a>.&nbsp; That way you only pay for what you really want.&nbsp; Only need vegetable ferments?&nbsp; Buy just that!</p>
<p>Don't delay.&nbsp; This course is going to be <em>awesome</em>.&nbsp; <strong>I would absolutely <em>love</em> to take it</strong> (let's see if I can talk Ben into letting me do it).&nbsp; It's kind of one of my goals this year to learn to ferment more things in the kitchen.&nbsp; In fact, if you don't follow me on Facebook you may not have heard, but I just got some new water and milk kefir grains that I'm experimenting with!&nbsp; (Not that well, so far!)&nbsp; I know with this course I could fix it up quickly though!</p>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Do you <em>love</em> to ferment and wish you could do it more?</strong>&nbsp; (And by the way, the links in this post <em>are</em> affiliate links, and I will get a small commission if you sign up through here.&nbsp; Thank you!)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Does Breastfeeding Really Matter?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/12/2011 01:00:39 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daquellamanera/2361327454/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/woman%20breastfeeding.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297381853426" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 375px;">Image by Daquella manera</span></span></p>
<p>I'm sure just the title of this post has some of you going, "WHAT?!"&nbsp; As you probably know, I'm a huge breastfeeding advocate.&nbsp; Hey, I'm tandem nursing a 3-year-old and an 18 (almost 19) month-old while pregnant.&nbsp; <strong>Clearly I believe that breastfeeding <em>does</em> matter and it <em>is</em> important to children's health</strong>.&nbsp; And I really do.&nbsp; But, I don't think that's the whole story.&nbsp; <strong>I don't think that breastfeeding is the only, or even biggest influence on a child's health.</strong>&nbsp; And I understand why people who don't know the whole picture could actually say that breastfeeding <em>doesn't</em> really matter.&nbsp; Let me explain.</p>
<p>I know a woman who has three children.&nbsp; The first was not breastfed past 6 weeks (primarily formula-fed).&nbsp; He has one or two minor allergies but no other health issues.&nbsp; The second baby was breastfed for almost a year; he has several allergies.&nbsp; The third baby was also breastfed for a longer time and has many allergies and health issues.&nbsp; <strong>The mother has concluded that "breastfeeding doesn't matter, my formula-fed baby is the healthiest of them all!"</strong></p>
<p>That's just not the whole story, though.</p>
<p>This family eats the Standard American Diet (SAD).&nbsp; The first and second babies were born just 15 months apart (maybe slightly less).&nbsp; Babies 2 and 3 were born just 19 months apart.&nbsp; Baby #3 was actually born a few weeks prematurely (at&nbsp;35 or&nbsp;36 weeks) and weighed under 5 lbs. at birth.&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>There was some other factor at play here, obviously, as their health was clearly different from birth or even before.</strong>&nbsp; Breastfeeding didn't make or break them.</p>
<p><strong>Unfortunately, this is something that happens when babies are spaced&nbsp;close together:&nbsp;the mother has not had time to build up her nutrient stores from the last pregnancy.</strong>&nbsp; The new baby doesn't get the same excellent nutrition that the first baby got, because of the mother's deficiencies.&nbsp; This leads the baby to be in more fragile health.&nbsp; The baby is at risk for developing health problems because of the deficiencies during crucial stages of development.&nbsp; Choosing to breastfeed (while excellent) cannot make up for this choice.</p>
<p>For example, male babies who are exposed to high amounts of soy during infancy (usually through formula) experience temporarily lowered sperm counts (this is true at <em>any</em> point in life and could be a reason for infertility).&nbsp; Luckily, once the heavy consumption of soy stops, sperm counts rebound.&nbsp; However, <strong>if male babies are exposed to high amounts of soy in the womb (through maternal diets), their sperm counts are <em>permanently </em>lower</strong>.&nbsp; Anything they do after birth can move counts up or down, but cannot raise them beyond that lowered threshold.&nbsp; Their entire <em>potential</em> has been reduced.</p>
<p>This is what happens with babies who are born to malnourished mothers, whether it is due to poor diet, close child spacing, medical conditions, or anything else.&nbsp; Their potential for health is permanently reduced.&nbsp; <strong>Babies' development is incredibly important in the womb.&nbsp;</strong> Their mothers' health and pre-conception and pregnancy diets are also crucial too.&nbsp; If baby does not get the necessary nutrients during these stages of development, his/her health is <em>permanently</em> impacted!</p>
<p>Now, none of this is to say that breastfeeding isn't important.&nbsp; <strong>If a baby with unfortunately lowered potential is breastfed, he will meet the highest potential that he is capable of.</strong>&nbsp; Whereas, if he is not breastfed, he will meet even lower than the potential he could have.&nbsp; Comparing siblings, therefore, and saying "my formula fed baby was healthier!" especially if that was your <em>first</em> baby, is not an accurate comparison.</p>
<p><strong>The answer is, first and foremost, to prioritize pre-conception and pregnancy nutrition, so that women are eating nutrient-dense diets, rich in the vitamins and minerals that developing babies need.</strong>&nbsp; Spacing babies a bit further apart is also a good idea (and continuing to eat a nourishing diet all the way through the breastfeeding relationship and right into the next pregnancy is even better).&nbsp; Most traditional cultures spaced babies 2.5 to 3.5 years apart, while our culture tends to space them about 2 years apart.&nbsp; Some studies have shown that it takes 2 years after a pregnancy for nutrient stores to rebound.&nbsp; I do believe this varies from woman to woman, depending on her individual health, how sensitive her body is, her age, etc.&nbsp; And I recognize that there are factors beyond nutrition and health when considering child spacing.&nbsp; But, this is good information to know.</p>
<p><strong>Speaking of pregnancy nutrition, have you seen </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html"><strong>Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</strong></a><strong> yet?</strong>&nbsp; It's an ebook that simplifies pregnancy nutrition by offering only 2 rules, and is full of over 30 simple, nutrient-dense recipes!</p>
<p>The bottom line: <strong><em>does</em> breastfeeding really matter?&nbsp; Yes.</strong>&nbsp; Breastfeeding is the biological norm and helps babies to reach their full potential.&nbsp; But, we can't rely on breastfeeding in and of itself to give babies perfect health.&nbsp; <strong>Considering mom's diet in pre-conception, pregnancy, and during nursing is <em>crucial</em>.&nbsp;</strong> Much more so than people are willing to talk about these days.</p>
<p><strong>And if you've had children who you believe are less healthy than they could be due to diet, take heart.&nbsp; I'm in the same boat.</strong>&nbsp; I had my first while I was still eating low-fat, processed foods, lots of fast food, and taking OTC medication (a lot).&nbsp; That continued during breastfeeding.&nbsp; Does she struggle more than my second?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; Have we done a lot to help her, because we needed to?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; But <em>is</em> there stuff we can do?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; Perhaps she'll never quite live up to what she might have, if I'd known.&nbsp; But she is not terribly unhealthy.&nbsp; She does not have chronic diseases and life threatening allergies and asthma and all types of other serious or ongoing ailments.&nbsp; And we will keep breastfeeding until she is ready to stop, and we will keep offering her the most nourishing foods, so that she can live up to all the potential that she has.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We don't know what we don't know.</p>
<p>And in the future, we do better.&nbsp; I ate better in my second pregnancy, and I'm eating even (much) better in my third!&nbsp; <strong>I won't regret what I didn't know, I will just do better now</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>What do you think?&nbsp; Does breastfeeding matter?&nbsp; What about pregnancy nutrition?&nbsp; Which do you count as more important to a child's future health?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mariposa
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.103.90.19
URL: http://www.astrangerinthisland.com
DATE: 02/12/2011 02:47:34 PM
<p>I think breastfeeding and eating healthy matters.  I agree that it isn&#39;t a guarantee that you or your children won&#39;t have any health issues, but it does allow one to deal with said health conditions better.  Sometimes finding a balance is difficult and it&#39;s not the same for every family... or even person in a family!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/12/2011 03:08:04 PM
<p>You are amazing.  Tandem nursing is so hard.  I commend you for your dedication and ability.  I have never had to worry about that.  Its hard for me to get pregnant so I have long delays in between.  This is really good information!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 02/12/2011 03:56:29 PM
<p>Interesting. It sounds like you&#39;re saying a pregnancy diet, even though only 9 months, is more important than even what they eat for the next few years. I guess that makes sense but I&#39;ve never thought about it before and would be curious the literature that is out there on it.</p><p>I had never heard that it takes the body that long to recover too from a pregnancy. I would be curious about that literature as well. My problem is that we waited too long (hindsight) to start having children and now I&#39;m almost 31 and we only have one, and would like a few more. Perhaps my body wasn&#39;t ready yet which is why I had a miscarriage in October. I had been 10 months postpartum. That actually makes me feel a little better, since there is just guilt that comes along.</p><p>Do you recommend anything specific to get the body back to it&#39;s pre-pregnancy nutrition levels? We do focus a lot on real food with supplements of a multi and cod liver oil.<br/>Thanks</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
EMAIL: dewysej@tds.net
IP: 75.100.65.250
URL: 
DATE: 02/12/2011 06:46:13 PM
<p>I think the two go hand in hand.  I  had twins and twin A has lots more issues with asthma, food sensitivities etc than twin B.  However, my third child (2nd pregnancy) has what seems like very good health.  Gets sick less than the twins, however I found out about their sensitivities before the third was born, and I ate  like the twins did.  My 4th child is even healthier than the previous 3.  He has had one cold in 3.5 years.  In hind sight,I believe that gut health is just important or possibly more important than breastfeeding.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.192.248.140
URL: 
DATE: 02/12/2011 07:41:30 PM
<p>Great post. I&#39;m in the same boat too- didn&#39;t eat well with my first. I read an article in Newsweekly a few months back about how those 9 months in the womb are the most important. I&#39;m trying to break myself of bad habits before conceiving number 2, but I&#39;m eating way better now. Can I say how grateful I am for the Internet? Never would have heard of WAPF without it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.114.37
URL: 
DATE: 02/12/2011 11:33:16 PM
<p>I definitely agree with Natural Child Spacing.  I had a long hard natural labor with a big boy (11 lbs 4.5 oz).  Even though I didn&#39;t have tearing or anything to that extent I definitely felt my body took a full 18 months to recover (which is the literature I have read.)  I didn&#39;t even get my cycle back until I was 17 months post-partum.  However, at that point I started getting antsy to conceive again, but my body knew better.  I had two early miscarriages.  My son nursed for 27 months and we did a gentle wean with him so I could get pregnant.  It still took 4 months for my body to recover from his last normal nursing (there were a few times he asked to nurse and I said ok, they didn&#39;t last long, so I don&#39;t count them) and for me to conceive.  I feel SO much healthier.  This pregnancy is much easier than my last.  I have watched all my food intake (don&#39;t really want another 11 pounder, although my family grows them big).  My siblings and I are all about 3.5 years apart and think its a great space (11 years between youngest and oldest).  </p><p>Katie, this is an interesting post by you, from what I have read you were getting pretty antsy to get pregnant again and your oldest two are only 18 months apart.  Have you changed your mind in regards to how closely spaced children should be?  I guess we are all at fault for that, even though I always said I wanted 2.5-3.5 years between children, it was very upsetting to me when I didn&#39;t get my 2.5 years and it will be 3 years 4 months when the baby is born.  Also, I didn&#39;t realize how long the little guys are &quot;babies.&quot;  It really wasn&#39;t until Jameson was a little over 2 years old that I felt like, ok, I could do another baby now.  Now that he is nearly 3, I feel so much more comfortable with the fact that he is indeed not a baby, still young and loves to cuddle, but completely gets it about the baby coming. </p><p>TO Shannon-I would relax. I completely understand your anxiety, I am 30, but I have learned that things will happen as they are supposed to happen.  Let your little one be a little one, and allow your body to heal and recover.  Also, some of my favorite times with my boy were the ages between 18 months and beyond.  I definitely wouldn&#39;t have gotten to enjoy that if I was pregnant, tired, nauseous then have a newborn that needed constant attention.  A whole foods diet, low in refined sugar, flour, processed junk and high in  veggies, proteins and other healthy things will help your body heal and replace the vitamins and minerals.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/13/2011 02:21:08 AM
<p>Aimee,</p><p>We feel at odds mostly -- what we &quot;want&quot; and what is &quot;best&quot; for health are, to some degree, two different things.  Yes, my first two are actually a bit under 18 months apart.  We did not know about WAP until the very end of my second pregnancy so that was not even a concern then.  This time I was not able to conceive until my son was past 15 months, putting #2 and #3 just over 2 years apart.  Definitely a bigger age gap, not quite what WAP recommends.  As to that (I became aware of the natural child spacing not long before I became pregnant again), we wanted another baby and not TOO far from the first two.  Also, I do believe there are individual variations and my body has always been very sensitive and has healed/rebounded easily.  It is likely that I WAS ready at the time I became pregnant again, even though it&#39;s slightly closer than recommended.  And I&#39;m doing better, diet-wise, than ever.</p><p>The problem (I think for many) is that there are just SO many considerations with child spacing, not just perfect health.  Babies can be healthy at 2 years apart even if they&#39;d be better at 2.5 or 3 years apart.  But there&#39;s family situation, finances, siblings needs, etc. etc. to consider too.  I do LOVE how close my first two are, now.  Was it hard, at first?  Yes, but actually I physically felt much better during/after my second pregnancy because of diet.  But now that my second is almost 19 months they play so well together!  And that is wonderful.</p><p>I like people to know about traditional child spacing because it can help them to make a decision, it can be a part of what they consider.  It can also answer questions for them about maybe why they&#39;re struggling to get pregnant or having miscarriages or other issues like that.  So, I &quot;report&quot; it, knowing full well that while it&#39;s the &quot;best&quot; idea, that we don&#39;t live in a perfect world.  Does that make sense?  I hope.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.114.37
URL: 
DATE: 02/13/2011 02:34:36 AM
<p>Totally makes sense, and I completely agree with your opinions. I am sure your body was ready.  I have always taken longer to recover...wisdom teeth, tonsillectomy, etc, so that makes perfect sense to me.  I am definitely looking forward to the new baby (due end of June) being old enough where the two boys can play together, even though I know it will be awhile.  I have lots of friends that are quite close in age and are the best of friends, and my brothers who are 3.5 years apart are also the best of friends.  I think a lot of it depends on how the family fosters the sibling relationships. My husband and his brother are spaced 17 months and had a really rough time of it on the relationship front, even though as adults they have repaired that.  My husband (the younger) was premature, has lots of allergies and gluten/grain issues, and possibly more food sensitivities that we are just beginning to explore. Interesting topic! I do love reading your posts! Just wondering more on your opinion and how it had possibly changed over the years as your family found the WAP, so thank you for clarifying. :-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/13/2011 02:49:18 AM
<p>The info I&#39;ve read on soy during pregnancy was that it negatively impacts girls&#39; fertility, interesting to learn about boys&#39;.</p><p>My oldest nursed for 2+ years and is sick constantly--from October to March he is coughing, snotting, way sicker than most other kids his age. He has allergies and asthma (both run in the family), which only make things worse--allergies weaken his immune system and make it more likely he will get sick, and the asthma makes the sicknesses worse than normal/last longer. I try to just tell myself that maybe he&#39;d be even sicker if he hadn&#39;t been nursed, or if he&#39;d been in daycare full time, etc...but sometimes I wonder if nursing made much of a difference at all for him. </p><p>Anyway, I can see why someone would feel like nursing didn&#39;t help their kid&#39;s immune system much. I know it&#39;s still the best way *I* could have fed *my* kids (and I know that&#39;s not always the case for others), I loved nursing my son and I&#39;m glad I did, and I wouldn&#39;t change it for the world...but I don&#39;t think it&#39;s always super obvious, the immune protection and how amazingly fabulous it can be. That said, during my first pregnancy I ate better than I did growing up, but not nearly as well as I do now. </p><p>During my pregnancy with my second, I ate even better than the first time. And we&#39;ve decided to hold off on most grains/wheat until he&#39;s at least a year old, in case that was where some of my older son&#39;s problems came from. He&#39;s 8 months old and constantly sick already, anyway. Bad genes, I guess. Or just the sickly older brother. :-/</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jane
EMAIL: 
IP: 92.145.219.16
URL: 
DATE: 02/13/2011 09:06:22 AM
<p>Interesting post! I dare say it all depends on the person as well. I had two children in my late 20s, then at 33, I had a pretty big boy 3,5kg and he was a hearty eater. Exclusively breast fed. But I still got pregnant when he was 5 mths old. So much for natural spacing! I breast fed him until 1 yrs old while pregnant. I do have a very good diet and I took some all natural supplements. Then after my daughter as born (baby number 4), I let nature take it&#39;s course and I got pregnant when she was 10 mths. I continued to breastfeed until she was 1. So, that makes babies number 3, 4 and 5 in under three years and the last born when I was 37. Do they have health concerns? Not at all. Allergies? Nope. So, I think the mom&#39;s natural constitution, health and eating habits is VERY important. More so than spacing. We live in the South of France, eat locally and seasonally, have a non-stressful life style, no pollution, far from the city. That helps, too!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Choice Organic Tea and Seventh Generation Giveaway Winners!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 12/30/2010 04:21:30 PM
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BODY:
<p><strong>The winners of the Choice Organic Tea Samplers are</strong>:</p>
<p><a title="Unregistered Commenter" href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/contributor/11802201">Steph (stephaniekrier@...)</a></p>
<p><a title="Unregistered Commenter" href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/contributor/11801357">Beth (bsteen77@...)</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The winner of the Seventh Generation Gift Pack is</strong>:</p>
<p><a title="Unregistered Commenter" href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/contributor/11924123">Lauren (laurenzarovy@,,,)</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Congratulations!</strong> &nbsp;If you are a winner, please contact me with your mailing address so your prize can be mailed to you.</p>
<p><strong>For everyone else, what types of giveaways would you like to see in 2011?</strong></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How I Clothe My Kids Cheaply
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/12/2011 01:00:05 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tusnelda/3493332861/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Kids%20clothes.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294606724948" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by storebukkebruse</span></span></p>
<p>Seriously, it's just cheap.&nbsp; But it works so well!</p>
<p>I know some people who like to buy nice kids' clothes.&nbsp; They go to upscale stores and they buy the clothes when they are brand new, when they need them.&nbsp; So, they do back to school shopping in August and pay full price.&nbsp; <strong>They walk away with the latest styles, at a price tag of $5OO or more for a full wardrobe!</strong>&nbsp; They rave about how the clothes are such "high quality" and they'll "last forever."</p>
<p><strong>News flash: Kids grow FAST.</strong>&nbsp; Your kid will wear these clothes no longer than a year.&nbsp; They don't need to last forever.&nbsp; <strong>They need to be clean, they need to fit, and they need to look halfway decent</strong> (i.e. you don't want sweatpants and t shirts for church.&nbsp; But that's it!&nbsp; You really don't need more than that.</p>
<p><strong>How much do I spend on kids' clothing per year?&nbsp; About $5O to $75 per child.&nbsp; For the <em>whole</em> year.</strong>&nbsp; Even though we are in a Northern state and I have to buy separate summer and winter wardrobes.&nbsp; And <strong>keep in mind this is only for the <em>first</em> child of that gender, in that season</strong>.&nbsp; If my next baby is boy he's basically going to be clothed for free because he will be born in the same season as Daniel.&nbsp; If it's a girl I'll need a few new things, because this baby's coming in August and Bekah was a January baby.&nbsp; But even then only for about the first year, then sizes will match up.</p>
<p>How do I do it, you may ask?&nbsp; I've found a "formula" over the last couple of years that never fails.&nbsp; <strong>The most important part of it is <em>buy a year ahead of time</em>.&nbsp; You cannot get good deals on the latest styles.</strong>&nbsp; Not really.&nbsp; So I've already started shopping for next winter's clothes for both kids, and it's early January.&nbsp; The reason some don't do this is because they say "I don't know what size my kids will be in next year!"&nbsp; That excuse only works the <em>first</em> year, because your baby could actually be in size 12 months or 18 months depending on how fast he grows, at age 1.&nbsp; Even then you can probably make a decent guess, or buy some of each.&nbsp; With older children, just buy the next size up, and if your child doesn't quite grow as fast, you'll still have his previous year's clothes to wear.&nbsp; <strong>Guess a little bigger than you think if you're really not sure, but by the time your kid is 2 or 3, you should have an idea of what his growth pattern is like.</strong></p>
<p>Here's a good breakdown:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Random Deals</strong></span></p>
<p>If someone says, "Hey, there's a big consignment sale this weekend!" I try to go if at all possible.&nbsp; Then I buy whatever I can that I know my children will wear in the next two years or so.&nbsp; Yes, last year I bought 2T clothes for Daniel (then about 8 months old and some 5/6 for Bekah.&nbsp; <strong>But when you find jeans for $1 you don't pass them up, especially nice ones.</strong>&nbsp; Brand new nice ones.&nbsp; I once found a ton of undershirts (sizes from 3T to 5/6, when Bekah was then 18 months old, and bought them all.&nbsp; I got them for 5 cents each.&nbsp; I also got really lucky on Craig's List when Daniel was a newborn (literally less than a month old and found a whole 18 month wardrobe for only $25.&nbsp; I jumped on it, and he's clothed this whole winter for super cheap!</p>
<p>Now, you can't count on deals like this when you're at crunch time: the kid needs clothes <em>now</em>.&nbsp; <strong>That's why you always keep $2O set aside and hit up any major consignment sale, garage sale, or Craig's List deal that you find.</strong>&nbsp; If clothes are $2 per piece or less and nice, just buy them.&nbsp; You'll thank yourself later.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>J.C. Penney's</strong></span></p>
<p>My next step is to head to J.C. Penney's.&nbsp; <strong>They have Okee Dokee brand sweat pants and shirts (and capris, shorts, athletic pants, and sometimes even jeans and corduroys that are super cheap.&nbsp; Find them on 7O% off clearance, and you'll pay $2.99 for most items.</strong>&nbsp; Occasionally the nicer items will be up to $5.99 and I usually skip those, but really they're not a bad deal either.&nbsp; I just know I can do better.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here, I buy several pairs of pants and shirts.&nbsp; I kind of let the kids choose whatever.&nbsp; Well, Bekah chooses because she cares, but Daniel really doesn't.&nbsp; Most of the time my kids prefer to just wear soft tshirts or sweat pants anyway, and some of them are really cute.&nbsp; These are definitely great play clothes.&nbsp; Sometimes you can even find preppy polo style shirts for boys at this price, too, and those are nice for church or other "nicer" places.&nbsp; This makes up about 7O% of what I buy for them.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Children's Place</strong></span></p>
<p>I like to hit this up much more in the winter than the summer, but I do it in both seasons.&nbsp; <strong>At the end of their seasons [about the first two weeks of February, and beginning of August], they will do a major sale.&nbsp; Whatever's left is $2.99 or less.</strong>&nbsp; I got Bekah tons of tights and leggings for only $1 each.&nbsp; I also got both kids fleece jackets, sweatshirts, and sweaters [really too many] for just $2.99 each!&nbsp; Yes, jackets and sweaters for that price!</p>
<p>This is where I really do some filling in on the "bigger" items.&nbsp; I make sure I get their coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other nicer clothes here.&nbsp; Sometimes they've had excellent deals on PJs, too, and I got some of those.&nbsp; And of course,<strong> check the $1 bins for tights, leggings, hats, gloves, and other miscellaneous items.</strong></p>
<p>By this time I've got them <em>almost</em> everything they need.&nbsp; So then....</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Garage Sales/Once Upon a Child/Craig's List<br /></span></strong></p>
<p>Okay, I'll be honest.&nbsp; I don't always have time to hit up garage sales.&nbsp; I'm busy, they may or may not have what I want....&nbsp; So I'll do them now and then, but they're not my main source of anything.&nbsp; Also, in this area at least, you'll often pay what you would at a consignment store <em>or more</em> for kids' clothes.&nbsp; I'm talking $3 to $5 for a shirt.&nbsp; I'm <em>not</em> wasting all day trying to find clothes, then paying more than I would at many other places!&nbsp; But, if I happen to go and happen to find a good deal, great.</p>
<p><strong>I'll go to Once Upon a Child because I <em>know</em> they'll have the items I want, usually.&nbsp; Here, I look for 5O% off tags or items that are $1 or $2 each.</strong>&nbsp; I've found some really nice things, too.&nbsp; I'll fill in jeans, khakis, or a few extra shirts.&nbsp; <strong>I often buy bathing suits here.</strong>&nbsp; Bath robes are also good deals here.&nbsp; I also buy dress shoes, boots, or other "special" shoes.&nbsp; I refuse to pay more than $3 per item, except shoes.&nbsp; I've also found nice winter coats for $5 here, which I'll buy if I couldn't get what I wanted at Children's Place.&nbsp; I don't usually buy "real" winter coats though because they're not safe in car seats and my kids don't spend a lot of time just playing outside.&nbsp; I prefer to layer them and use the fleece jackets.&nbsp; But hey, it's one less item to buy, right?</p>
<p><strong>Craig's List is the best place for PJs.</strong>&nbsp; For some reason, most stores don't have very good deals on them [and I'm <em>not</em> paying $1O per pair], and OUAC often doesn't even have them.&nbsp; So I find a lot of PJs on CL and buy them up for $1 or $2 per pair.&nbsp; This is for <em>winter</em> PJs only, by the way.&nbsp; <strong>For the summer, I just buy the kids cheap undershirts and let them wear those and sweatpants to bed.</strong>&nbsp; Or, if it's hot, just the undershirt.&nbsp; They do not need special summer PJs.&nbsp; I only buy them in the winter because they would not be warm enough otherwise.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Walmart</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Then I head to Walmart.&nbsp; Here I buy socks and underwear.</strong>&nbsp; They seem to have the best prices on big bags of neutral stuff.&nbsp; I often buy undershirts here too.</p>
<p>And although I don't do this very often, it's worth mentioning that <strong>they have a table of "Garanimals" shirts/pants that are either $1.99 or $2.99,</strong> similar to the J.C. Penney's stuff.&nbsp; If they really are only $1.99 I should probably do this more often....&nbsp; But it's a good deal.</p>
<p>Also, I will often check Walmart at the very end of seasons when they have a lot of clothes on sale for around $3 to buy bathing suits or other "random" items.&nbsp; We've bought shoes here too, if we're in a pinch.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>GoodWill</strong></span></p>
<p>This is really hit or miss.&nbsp; I mostly lump this in with the "random deals" group, because if I come across a shirt Bekah loves for $1, I'll buy it.&nbsp; But <strong>I do buy shoes or boots here if I possibly can</strong>.&nbsp; They are only $2 a pair, instead of the $5 I'd pay at OUAC.&nbsp; But they are hit and miss; it depends on what's there.&nbsp; They might not have my kid's size.&nbsp; So I'll check, but I don't count it as a guarantee by any means.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Stride Rite</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Once my kids are 2 or so, and they actually wear shoes for a full year, they get one nice pair of shoes each year.</strong>&nbsp; I find whatever's on clearance and pay $3o to $4o for a pair of shoes.&nbsp; I don't spend $5o or $7o and we don't buy dress shoes or secondary shoes or anything here.&nbsp; Just one solid pair of tennis shoes.&nbsp; We do this because we discovered that shoes that don't fit properly don't support growing spines and can cause back problems.&nbsp; It's worth saving the chiropractic bills to get one decent pair of shoes per year.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Gifts/Grandparents</strong></span></p>
<p>Okay, this is really a "random deals" type thing too, but worth mentioning.&nbsp; Family members will call and ask before Christmas or birthdays what our kids need.&nbsp; Or sometimes they just feel like shopping, or they're hitting up local garage sales or consignment stores, and they end up getting our kids some clothes.&nbsp; This past Christmas, Ben's sister hit consignment stores and got Daniel almost a full summer wardrobe!&nbsp; About 7 pairs of shorts and 7 shirts, plus 3 really nice pairs of sandals.&nbsp; And I know she spent only around $25 for all of it, so that's pretty awesome for everyone involved.</p>
<p><strong>This is where we often get the "nice" or random stuff, like Christmas or Easter dresses.</strong>&nbsp; My mom loves to buy these for Bekah, and often gets them at consignment stores.&nbsp; She's even bought up through size 5 already because she found some great deals.&nbsp; Sometimes we get PJs or random shirts or just "whatever" this way.&nbsp; And I can and sometimes do make special requests for items that I haven't been able to find at a price I'm willing to pay: "Hey mom, could you check the consignment store near you to see if they have bigger onesies?&nbsp; Thanks."&nbsp; I know she'll get them about 3 for $1 so I don't feel bad asking.&nbsp; This is how I fill in those last "we don't really need them but they would be so nice to have" items!</p>
<p>And that's it!&nbsp; <strong>That's how I clothe my kids for around $5o or so per year, per kid</strong>.&nbsp; It takes a lot of advance planning (like I said, I'm already buying for next fall and it's right after Christmas, and a lot of time (I end up shopping at several stores over several weeks, but it's worth it.&nbsp; It's nice to know I am being a good steward with our resources while providing well for my children!</p>
<p><strong>How do you clothe your children on a budget?&nbsp; How much do you spend per year, per child?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina Holden
EMAIL: trintjerenae@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://trintje.blogspot.com/
DATE: 01/12/2011 04:32:55 PM
<p>Hand me downs! I rarely have the fun of buying clothes for my kids &#39;cause they always have almost everything they need. I think the way to get hand me downs if you don&#39;t already have a source, is to GIVE hand me downs! Be generous. If you&#39;re gonna store Big Brother&#39;s clothes for years, waiting for a sibling who isn&#39;t even born yet to grow into them, consider finding someone who can use them NOW. Putting the word out that you have hand me downs to give away will help make people aware that you&#39;re into that kind of thing, and they will think of you when they have something to pass on. </p><p>When I have an over abundance of clothes in a certain size and can find no one who needs them, I put them on consignment to make a little burn money :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stacey
EMAIL: stacey.taggart@gmail.com
IP: 173.240.34.34
URL: http://www.agoodandsimplelife.com
DATE: 01/12/2011 04:44:49 PM
<p>we&#39;ve had great luck with Once Upon a Child&#39;s Moonlight Madness sale.  We stock up then for the next two years or so and then fill in the gaps with thrift store finds and gifts from grandparents.  i should check out children&#39;s place.com more often because i love their styles but it&#39;s hit and miss finding it at thrift stores and consignment shops.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 67.177.210.249
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 05:21:26 PM
<p>Over cheap, I prefer quality, and when I say quality, I mean natural fibers first and foremost(cottons, silk, wool, linen etc) with natural dyes, and its great if they are made from Organic cotton.  My nieces got nightgowns from &quot;Kohls&quot; for Christmas, put them on and guess what, our white carpet is now PINK from where they were playing, our sheets are pink from where they slept and even our bathtub and bathmat were pink because the dye got into their skin. That&#39;s got to be healthy.  So, needless to say, I prefer my children to have less clothes, made of quality fiber or fabric. I also do hand-me downs, but I only use the 100% cotton or linen items. I love Hanna Andersson and my mom has an outlet near her that one can often find good deals. Their cotton items are often made to european standard (oeko-tek cotton).  Just like what I put into my children food-wise to keep them healthy, I like to put the same quality ON my children.  It also has to do with using sustainable resources, and keeping my children warm and cozy from the outside-in.  Socks, undershirts, woolens in winter, silks in summer, hats, etc. I try to get my kids outside each day and we bundle up and take in fresh air.  Its good for them.  Also, in regards to carseats and winter coats, just because my kids have winter coats doesn&#39;t mean I leave them on when they are strapped in.  I turn the the heat on in the car, take off their jackets and lay them on the seat next to me.  Then when we head out I bundle them up .  Don&#39;t know how other people do it, but in my opinion that&#39;s the wisest way.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason Cox
EMAIL: jasonjcox@comcast.net
IP: 71.193.230.213
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 06:20:53 PM
<p>Hand-me-downs is always the cheapest when there are multiple genders.  </p><p>Like Trina, exchanging clothes between your friends is an awesome way to rotate hand-me-downs.  My wife has a hand full of girlfriends with children of similar ages and they are always passing clothes around between them.  But hey, this is a lot easier to do when you have 6 children...  :)    </p><p>Here in NW Oregon there is this sale:  http://www.passitonsales.com/</p><p>Salvation Army, Good Will, Union Gospel Mission and Value Village are just a few in our area for cheap clothes.</p><p>As for stylish brand name items, we don&#39;t bother with them unless their found in one of the top suggestions.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: rburfield@aol.com
IP: 67.149.199.238
URL: 
DATE: 01/12/2011 07:25:38 PM
<p>Forget the kiddos, this is a great guide for shopping for me too! :-) <br/>I think the zero digit on your prices got converted to a lowercase letter o, but it might just be my computer.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.112
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/12/2011 07:40:24 PM
<p>What do you do about storage?  I find it very difficult to shop in advance for my kids&#39; future sizes, because there isn&#39;t anywhere to put it!  We live in a small two bedroom condo.  Do you have any tips for this problem?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/12/2011 07:44:54 PM
<p>Robin,</p><p>Yeah, they are.  My keyboard is broke [thanks, kids!] so a few keys don&#39;t work and I have to sub others in!</p><p>Emily,</p><p>The amount of clothes I end up with is usually only like one medium shopping bag full per kid.  I just store all the clothes folded up in a bag in their closets.  Sometimes I hang nice things on one side of the closet.  I also use plastic boxes for too small stuff which I put down in the basement.  If you can keep the amount you&#39;re buying to a minimum, hopefully it will just fit on a shelf in their closet!  Though truthfully I eventually want a better way to organize things, especially as I have more kids [tired of having an explosion of kids&#39; clothes in every room of my house!].  Working on that still, though!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 99.185.72.68
URL: http://naturalmomnaturalkids.com
DATE: 01/12/2011 11:30:20 PM
<p>I actually might spend less than you do. I use all of your tricks above, except Craigslist. I do use Freecycle, though. BUT, I was just able to get pj&#39;s at Kohl&#39;s about 1 1/2 weeks ago for $1-$3/pair!!!!!!! I bought &#39;em up for next winter!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Fall Preservation Guide
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/17/2011 01:00:09 PM
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<p><strong>Why in the <em>world</em> would I write and publish a <em>fall</em> preservation guide in January?</strong>&nbsp; We're nowhere near fall.&nbsp; In fact, we're not even near late spring, when gardens are actually starting to grow.&nbsp; We don't need to worry about doing any of this work for <em>months</em> yet.&nbsp; So then why am I writing this now?</p>
<p>The answer is, because <strong>you need to plan, prepare, and save in advance for the preservation you're going to do.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Last year I looked all over the internet for months trying to find this information.</strong>&nbsp; I needed to know exactly when certain items came into season; if they grew in my area (I was surprised by at least one thing last year!; whether they could be canned, frozen, or both; how much I should expect to pay per pound; where I might be able to source the items; how much of each item I would need (based on how many jars I wanted to fill; etc.!&nbsp; And <strong>although I found some of this information, most of it wasn't there</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There was certainly no definitive guide to how all this works.&nbsp;<strong> I found I way under budgeted, I missed certain items because I didn't quite have the season right, and I found some prices to be "too expensive" when in fact they turned out to be a lot better than I'd thought.&nbsp;</strong> So now I'm going to pass along what I've learned to you!</p>
<p>Yes, it really is time to plan <em>now</em>.&nbsp; I started on January 1st.&nbsp; <strong>I want to know I have a good plan in place, and the money saved up so that I can really make use of this summer's bounty.</strong>&nbsp; It's especially important because I'll be having a baby right in the middle of the preservation season, but it's really important for everyone.</p>
<p>Last year I tried to budget about $200 for produce.&nbsp; I figured that would be plenty, because I'd find everything at peak season in large quantities for $0.50 a lb. or so.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; Wrong.&nbsp; Not to mention that the sheer quantity that I needed of certain items just made that number impossible to stick to.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>It's</strong>&nbsp;<strong>not realistic <em>at all</em> to think that you can put up enough food to feed your family for 6 to 10 months for just $200 [unless maybe if you grow it all yourself...]!&nbsp;</strong> But I didn't think of it that way.</p>
<p>Our general budget this year: $1500.&nbsp; Much more accurate.</p>
<h4><strong>What does your family really <em>eat</em>?</strong></h4>
<p>This is important.&nbsp; <strong>There are many things that <em>can</em> be canned, but if your family's not going to eat it, it's useless.&nbsp;</strong> For example, I love the idea of jams and jellies.&nbsp; But my family doesn't like them, so there's no point in canning them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We also found that the CSA we had last year was really heavy on sweet potatoes, kale, swiss chard, squash, and other foods we don't like very much.&nbsp; And they didn't have corn, carrots, onions, or other foods we <em>really </em>like at all.&nbsp; So <strong>our cost was not nearly as low as it appeared to be because we weren't getting the produce we really wanted</strong>.&nbsp; We'll be searching for a CSA this year that has more of what we really want, but we're prepared to just buy individually from farms, in bulk, on items that we like the most.</p>
<p>So for us, our list of foods that we really want to preserve looks like this:</p>
<p><strong>Canning</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tomato sauce&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 30 qts.</li>
<li>Diced tomatoes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20 pts.</li>
<li>Tomato puree&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20 qts.</li>
<li>Salsa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10 pts.</li>
<li>Applesauce&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20 qts.</li>
<li>Sliced apples&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10 qts.</li>
<li>Diced pears&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30 qts.</li>
<li>Sour dill pickles (fermented]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5 qts.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Frozen</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Green beans&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 15 lbs.</li>
<li>Peas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 30 lbs.</li>
<li>Corn&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100 lbs.</li>
<li>Peach slices&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100 lbs.</li>
<li>Strawberries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 50 lbs.</li>
<li>Blueberries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 75 lbs.</li>
<li>Raspberries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10 lbs.</li>
<li>Pumpkin puree&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10 cups</li>
<li>Green peppers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 40 peppers</li>
<li>Broccoli&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100 lbs.</li>
<li>Zucchini, shredded&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20 cups</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Dried</strong> (a large glass jar of each, about 20 oz.):</p>
<ul>
<li>Thyme&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li>
<li>Oregano</li>
<li>Basil</li>
<li>Dill</li>
<li>Mint (will also make extract</li>
</ul>
<p>So, <strong>that's what my family will eat</strong>.&nbsp; Yeah, we <em>really</em> like corn, peaches, and blueberries.&nbsp; I use the fruit for smoothies, which we have almost everyday.&nbsp; The kids also love to eat blueberries plain, and I like to bake with them.&nbsp; Plus I make yogurt popsicles for them with the fruit.</p>
<p>This list is based on what I made last year and what I believe we will eat next year.&nbsp; There are certain things we <em>always</em> eat a lot of, and other things we really only want a little of, like raspberries or pumpkin puree.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Next I have to know one important thing: do I need a pressure canner for any of this?&nbsp; As it happens, no, I don't.&nbsp; Anything that might have required one I've chosen to freeze instead.&nbsp; Plus, in certain cases, we're choosing to freeze even if we <em>could</em> can, like the peaches, because that's how we prefer them.&nbsp; At this point, 50 lbs. of peaches are nearly gone from my freezer, while a dozen quarts are sitting on the shelves, basically untouched.</p>
<p><strong>If this is your first year, you will want to look at old meal plans to see what your family really likes and uses a lot of, and decide based on that what you think you will want.</strong>&nbsp; If you eat peanut butter and jelly everyday for lunch, clearly you'll want to make a lot of jelly.&nbsp; These are only <em>estimates </em>the first few years, so just do the best you can.&nbsp; If you have too much, they'll last awhile; if you don't make enough, write down for next year that you want to double the amount or whatever you need.</p>
<h4><strong>Choosing Quantities and Pricing</strong></h4>
<p>It was easy to say, "I want to make 30 quarts of tomato sauce."&nbsp; But then I had to buy my tomatoes in <em>pounds</em>.&nbsp; <strong>How many pounds of tomatoes do I really need for 30 quarts of sauce?</strong></p>
<p>There are charts out there but they do vary widely.&nbsp; I'm going to give you what I found to be generally true when I canned things last year.</p>
<p><strong>Lbs. of food per quart:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Tomatoes: Romas, 3 lbs. per quart.&nbsp; Other, 4 lbs. per quart (more juice</li>
<li>Apples: 3 lbs. per quart</li>
<li>Peaches: 3 lbs. per quart</li>
<li>Pears: 2 lbs. per quart (it might have been slightly more, but less than 3 lbs.</li>
<li>Apple butter: 6 lbs. per quart</li>
<li>Corn: 1 doz. ears is about 4 lbs. </li>
</ul>
<p>I didn't can much more than that, but most fruit would be pretty similar.&nbsp; Figure around 3 lbs. of fruit per quart.&nbsp; You'll need slightly less for large pieces and more for purees.</p>
<p><strong>It's also worth noting that you will often buy larger quantities in "quarts," "pecks," and "bushels."</strong>&nbsp; These are <em>not</em> fixed weight quantities.&nbsp; They are sold by volume, so the weight will vary from item to item.&nbsp; There are 8 quarts in a peck, 4 pecks in a bushel.&nbsp; A bushel varies from 3o to 5o lbs.&nbsp; Apples are about 42 lbs. per bushel, and peaches are about 48 lbs. per bushel.&nbsp; <strong>Expect a bushel to weigh around 45 lbs. for most of the above fruits and vegetables, as they are similar.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Then how much are you going to spend?</strong>&nbsp; Like I said, I'd had visions of $0.50/lb. dancing in my head.&nbsp; And I figured corn would be $2.50 a dozen.&nbsp; But...not so much.&nbsp; As noted above, they don't always sell them by the pound, they sell by quarts, pecks, and bushels.&nbsp; At least if you want large quantities.&nbsp; You can also often find price breaks as you buy each larger quantity.&nbsp; Here's what I found to be realistic, in Central Ohio:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Apples</strong> were $0.50 to $1/lb.</li>
<li><strong>Peaches</strong> were around $1/lb.</li>
<li><strong>Pears</strong> were $2/lb.</li>
<li><strong>Blueberries</strong> were $2.50 to $3.00 lb. (I'd love to find a way to reduce this, but I checked several places last year and could not find better)</li>
<li><strong>Strawberries</strong> were $1.75/lb.</li>
<li><strong>Broccoli </strong>was $1.25 to $1.75/lb.</li>
<li><strong>Raspberries</strong> were $3.50/lb.</li>
<li><strong>Tomatoes</strong> were $0.75 to $1/lb.</li>
<li><strong>Basil </strong>(and other herbs) was often $2 for a big bag</li>
</ul>
<p>If you're in a different area, I have talked to some people and found that these prices are probably similar in most of the country, although there will be exceptions.</p>
<p>So now I know how many quarts and lbs. I need, and how much I need to spend per item.&nbsp; I can plan ahead and save up the money I'll need.</p>
<p><strong>Don't forget canning <em>supplies</em> if you don't have enough.</strong>&nbsp; I only have about 60 or 80 quart jars, so I'll need to buy more this year.&nbsp; <strong>You can check stores now, because they may have some left on clearance.</strong>&nbsp; Same with lids.&nbsp; Buy <em>in advance</em> if you possibly can.&nbsp; But, estimate how many jars, freezer bags, etc. that you will need now and start stocking up.&nbsp; Craig's List and garage sales can be great places to get jars too.&nbsp; Just check prices because you can find them at Walmart for $8/dozen, so don't pay more than that for used jars!</p>
<h4>Seasons for Produce</h4>
<p>Now, when are these foods in season?&nbsp; <strong>Most are in season only for a couple weeks</strong>, with the exception of apples (two months, although each variety is a week or two each.&nbsp; Since I'm in central Ohio, I'll be telling you what's in season here.&nbsp; But this should be true throughout most of the Northern half of the country, and some will be true throughout.&nbsp; It's universal enough to be useful anyway.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Late May/Early June: Strawberries</strong> (wait till after the second week of June and you might miss them!.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Mid June/early August: Broccoli</strong>.&nbsp; Try to get it on the earlier side.</li>
<li><strong>Early July/late August: Basil</strong> and other herbs.</li>
<li><strong>Mid July/Mid August: Tomatoes.</strong>&nbsp; They might last a bit longer, into September, if it doesn't get too cold.&nbsp; They can also be delayed until late August if the early summer was cool.&nbsp; Definitely in late August.&nbsp; They tend to stop rather suddenly, so get them while you can!</li>
<li><strong>Early August: Corn.</strong>&nbsp; If you see corn at your farmer's markets, but also still out in the fields, don't be fooled into thinking "this is just the beginning."&nbsp; You've only got a couple weeks to buy sweet corn; that corn in the field is for animal feed.</li>
<li><strong>Late July/early August: Peaches</strong>.&nbsp; Yes, they do grow in Northern climates!&nbsp; These will last a few weeks.</li>
<li><strong>July/August: Green peppers</strong>.&nbsp; They produce in a similar time frame to tomatoes.</li>
<li><strong>Late July/early August: Blueberries</strong>.&nbsp; Depending on variety, you might find them a couple weeks earlier or later, but this is a <em>fast</em> crop, gone in just a couple weeks.&nbsp; Where possible, look for Amish farms for the best deals.</li>
<li><strong>Early September/Late October: Apples</strong>.&nbsp; Check carefully depending on what variety you want, as each is only in season for a couple weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jonathon and Golden Delicious were our favorite sauce apples and they're both mid season.</li>
<li><strong>Late September/early October: Pears</strong>.&nbsp; These tend to be hard to find, so if you find them for a good price, snatch them up!</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Most foods that are canned are available in July and August</strong>, with the exception of pears and apples.&nbsp; Plan your preserving ahead of time, and realize you'll be working in batches over a period of weeks.&nbsp; It may take a few days to get through all of something.&nbsp; Or, if you are gardening, you may only get a few pounds at once [depending on how many plants you have, obviously!].&nbsp; I thought that I'd be literally doing all my canning at once in a two or three week period, but that's not how it turned out.&nbsp; <strong>It's really over a 6 or 8 week period, longer if you wait on the later arriving apples.</strong></p>
<p>So now you can put a plan in place!&nbsp; You know what you want, how much, how much it'll cost, and when you'll need to do it.&nbsp; <strong>Start saving up and sourcing your food now</strong>, talking to as many farmers as you can.&nbsp; Take advantage of local farmer's markets as soon as they open to hook up with farmers for later in the season deals.&nbsp; Planning ahead means prepared, and you'll save lots of money!</p>
<p><strong>Do you preserve food in the fall?&nbsp; What do you do and how much do you spend?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amy
EMAIL: 
IP: 65.60.203.148
URL: http://malotshope.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/17/2011 04:27:48 PM
<p>You forgot the cheapest way, beg borrow, and steal!  (kidding on the stealing...)  Try to convince parents/ grandparents/ friends to plant extra of something if you don&#39;t have space.  Often times someone in your circle(or in my case more often my parents circle) have fruit trees that are neglected, and they don&#39;t mind if you pick, or especially in the midwest, large personal corn fields.  But I will admit I have started thinking of this, as we just used our last (or 40 qts) of tomatoes!  I cringe at the thought of how much we need for next year (and how many plants I need my mom to plant so we have enough, no space here!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kiara
EMAIL: andykiara@cox.net
IP: 98.165.161.103
URL: http://www.andykiara.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/17/2011 07:05:51 PM
<p>Thank you SO much for posting this info!  Although we eat healthy, and I am learning even more from our Nourishing Traditions book, I can honestly say I&#39;ve never even though of canning/freezing.  This year, I will definitely be starting.  You made this seem doable!  Especially if I just pick a few items and start there. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katiebrown3@gmail.com
IP: 98.215.85.165
URL: 
DATE: 01/17/2011 07:38:14 PM
<p>What a wonderful post! Thanks! I have a question. We are starting some raised beds this year and I really want to start many of the plants from seed. Do you have any place that you would recommend for heirloom seeds? Thanks for all you do/share!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie @ Confessions of a Trophy Wife
EMAIL: Stefibeth@aol.com
IP: 24.192.64.204
URL: http://www.stefibeth.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/17/2011 09:24:57 PM
<p>Thank you for posting this!  I&#39;m definitely going to have to do some canning this year.  This guide will definitely help me!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.206
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/18/2011 04:54:32 AM
<p>We do a lot of freezing during the summer (fruits, especially) but it never seems to last longer than a couple of months into the fall.  I think a big part of our problem is lack of space.  We have a normal freezer and a small chest freezer, and they just fill up SO FAST!</p><p>Sometimes, I find that it is cheaper (not to mention easier!) to buy frozen fruit from Azure Standard.  They pick it during the season, of course, and I can get 5lbs of frozen blueberries for $13, which is downright amazing.  I&#39;ve never come close to touching that price anywhere local.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: candace
EMAIL: cbkireland@yahoo.com
IP: 75.192.219.135
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 01:03:10 PM
<p>Is this for organic or no spray produce? I cannot find any berries (besides my own strawberries), peaches, pears or apples around here that are not sprayed with pesticides. I opt for organic, frozen from the grocery, esp the berries.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.209.73
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 01/19/2011 04:09:27 PM
<p>Great post!  This is something I know so little about but really want to get into.  I feel much better about preserving my own food instead of trusting some unknown company to do it for me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kate
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.15.136.74
URL: http://gapsdaily.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/19/2011 09:12:59 PM
<p>Thanks for this, exactly what I need!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kristen
EMAIL: kristen.sutton@gmail.com
IP: 209.149.142.123
URL: 
DATE: 01/20/2011 07:05:59 PM
<p>I can&#39;t even begin to say how impressed I am with this plan. *bowing down*</p><p>SO well done. So inspiring. Thank you for sharing this in detail!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods SNEAK PEEK!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/04/2011 10:34:27 PM
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BODY:
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="/storage/Healty Pregnancy Cover.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1294184115532" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>In less than a week -- next Monday, January 10th -- Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods will be released!</strong> &nbsp;The book is perfect for pregnant or nursing women, or women who are hoping to expect. &nbsp;This book simplifies pregnancy nutrition by giving only two rules, a list of super foods, and several excellent recipes that use those super foods.</p>
<p>Not pregnant? &nbsp;Super foods are a great part of a healthy diet for anyone, and the recipes are truly universal!</p>
<p><strong>In order to tell if this book is for you, I'm offering a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Healthy%20Pregnancy%20Super%20Foods_Sample.pdf">FREE Sneak Peek</a> today!</strong> &nbsp;You'll see a couple of pages from the information section, plus a couple of recipes. &nbsp;Feel free to ask any questions you may have!</p>
<p>Be sure to come back to order next Monday!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: rachael
EMAIL: renglebry@gmail.com
IP: 66.181.104.141
URL: 
DATE: 01/05/2011 04:54:31 PM
<p>very interesting i might have to check this book out.. is there a friends from high school discount? haha</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.puregracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/06/2011 07:15:54 PM
<p>I&#39;m really excited about this book. Loved the last one...keep &#39;em coming! :)</p><p>{ps: not that it matters, but this is the same &quot;Sue&quot; that&#39;s been commenting recently...I just recently changed the name of my blog and the email it&#39;s associated with.}</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Anemia in Pregnancy 
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/02/2011 01:00:42 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/pregnancy.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296516910776" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>If you're new here, don't forget to check out my other <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/natural-pregnancy/">pregnancy posts</a>!</p>
<p><strong>When you're pregnant, anemia is common.</strong>&nbsp; It often develops in the second and early third trimesters.&nbsp; For most women, mild anemia is not a concern; however, severe anemia can become a problem.&nbsp; How do you know if you are anemic, and what should you do about it?</p>
<p>Many <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">doctors</a> will do a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/28/healthy-pregnancy-series-common-maternity-tests.html">blood test</a> at your <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/4/healthy-pregnancy-series-prenatal-visits.html">initial appointment</a>, usually around 8 weeks.&nbsp; One of the things they'll check is your hemoglobin (iron levels) to see if you are anemic.&nbsp; <strong>Most doctors are looking for a level around 11 - 12 umol/L (some will say 10 is normal, though it's on the low side).</strong>&nbsp; Women do tend to be lower than men, on average (up to 30 is still normal).&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you get further into your pregnancy, though, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/15/healthy-pregnancy-series-second-trimester-issues.html">your blood volume expands rapidly</a>, ending up 50% greater than normal.&nbsp; This expansion can lead to anemia.&nbsp; <strong>It is common for iron levels to be lower when they are re-tested, typically at the start of the third trimester.</strong>&nbsp; Anemia levels can be checked by a blood draw, or a simple finger prick (and it's one of the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/13/pregnancy-journal-necessary-testing.html">few tests that I recommend</a> for all women).</p>
<h3>Why Does Anemia Matter?</h3>
<p>Mild anemia may not matter too much, although it's better if you can get your levels up.&nbsp; <strong>If you are above 10 umol/L, chances are you are in the "okay" category, though levels of 12 and up are even better.</strong></p>
<p>If your <a href="http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Blood-Disorders/Anemia/5227.aspx">levels are low</a>, then your baby (who depends on you for iron) is at risk for anemia during infancy.&nbsp; <strong>You're also at risk for a low-birthweight baby and&nbsp;pre-term labor.&nbsp; In addition, there is an increased risk of blood loss during labor, and you may be especially vulnerable to infection.</strong>&nbsp; For these reasons, if you are very low, a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/6/healthy-pregnancy-series-choosing-homebirth.html">homebirth</a> might not be safe for you.&nbsp; If you are low, your doctor or midwife will recommend some type of supplementation and/or <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/7/pregnant-and-nursing-moms-diets.html">diet changes</a> in order to bring your levels up.</p>
<p><strong>You are at extra risk for anemia if you've had heavy periods before pregnancy, are </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/18/healthy-pregnancy-series-managing-morning-sickness.html"><strong>vomiting frequently</strong></a><strong>, or have a history of anemia.</strong>&nbsp; In this case, make sure your levels get checked early and often, and that you are taking the steps below to try to prevent anemia.</p>
<h3>Raising Iron Levels</h3>
<p>The first thing some of you are thinking is, "But I <em>hate</em> those iron pills!"&nbsp; You're right to hate them.&nbsp; <strong>Ferrous sulfate, the type of iron pills that doctors usually prescribe, are very hard to on the stomach.</strong>&nbsp; They often cause stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.&nbsp; Some women may experience severe constipation while taking iron supplements.&nbsp; Many women discontinue them because of the difficult side effects.&nbsp; (I tried taking them when I wasn't even pregnant yet and that's what happened to me! This type of iron is not well-absorbed by the body, anyway.</p>
<p>There <em>are</em> other options, though.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Increase iron-rich foods in your diet</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Ideally, you're doing this during your entire pregnancy, whether you're really anemic or not.&nbsp; It may prevent the problem entirely.&nbsp; <strong>Grass-fed beef, liver, egg yolks (pastured and raw if at all possible), leafy greens (not as well absorbed as animal sources), oysters, clams, and beans (again, not as well absorbed as animal sources) are all rich in iron</strong>.&nbsp; Focus on eating plenty of beef, liver, egg yolk, and occasionally fish to keep your iron store up.&nbsp; Don't forget to read <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</a> for healthy recipes including these foods, plus sneaky ways to eat them!</p>
<p>Also, <strong>please know that calcium blocks iron absorption</strong>, so don't consume these with dairy, bone broth, or other calcium-rich foods if possible (though ironically, calcium and iron are often found in high levels in the same foods, like blackstrap molasses).&nbsp; Coffee and tea (black and green) also inhibit the absorption of iron, so be careful of your consumption of these, especially with iron-rich foods.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Increase your vitamin C intake</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron</strong>, so eat fresh citrus fruits or other vitamin C-rich foods with your iron.&nbsp; A smoothie with raw egg yolks and fresh orange juice is a great idea.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Take spirulina</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae and is a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">whole food supplement</a> that can benefit anyone, but especially pregnant women.&nbsp; <strong>It is high in iron, as well as other trace minerals</strong>.&nbsp; Most women can tolerate large amounts of it to up their levels rapidly.&nbsp; Taking too much will result in temporary minor stomach cramps and diarrhea; most midwives will tell you to deliberately find out how much it takes to get to this point, then back off just slightly (especially if you need to raise your levels a lot or quickly).</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Cook in cast-iron pans</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>While this is a good idea anyway, as cast-iron pans are very safe (unlike modern non-stick pans), <strong>food cooked in cast-iron will absorb some iron</strong>.&nbsp; This can help boost your iron levels, too.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Drink your pregnancy tea</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Many of the herbs in </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/3/healthy-pregnancy-series-pregnancy-tea.html"><strong>pregnancy tea</strong></a><strong> are very rich in iron</strong>.&nbsp; Consuming a quart a day, especially in your third trimester, is a great idea.&nbsp; Red raspberry leaf is especially helpful at this time anyway, as it tones and prepares your uterus for birth.</p>
<p>With these steps, hopefully you can prevent or remedy anemia before it becomes a serious problem for you.</p>
<p><strong>Were you anemic in pregnancy?&nbsp; How did you resolve it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: colie2lip@gmail.com
IP: 174.126.239.87
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2011 03:35:04 PM
<p>This is a great post! I am 16 weeks with my 4th little one. My other 3 pregnancies we pretty much on a normal American diet. We have changed a lot of what and how we eat, and I need all the help I can get with what to do this time around!<br/>I have a question. I have a cold. Any preggo friendly home remedies?<br/>Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kevin S
EMAIL: etips2931@gmail.com
IP: 24.93.236.150
URL: http://online-recipe-box.blogspot.com/p/all-recipes.html
DATE: 02/02/2011 05:48:17 PM
<p>Thanks for sharing. I enjoy collecting recipes for all around. I really enjoy your blog very much.</p><p>If you are looking for more great recipes check out the link I provided.</p><p>~Enjoy Everyone</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.114.158
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 03:27:35 PM
<p>I had anemia in each of my pregnancies (6 in all).  The biggest problem I had with anemia is that I had difficulty standing because I would get light headed and dizzy.  Since I am naturally clumsy, these symptoms in pregnancy are really dangerous.  I will say that for the first 3 pregnancies, I took those iron pills and I was sooo sick with them.  When I was pregnant the 4th-6th time, I was very careful with my diet and I didn&#39;t take the pills.  There \were times at the end of my 6th pregnancy that I would not even test as anemic, and I felt really good.  I would highly recommend following a high iron diet for all pregnant women who are anemic.  It is much better than those pills.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Multiple Pregnancies
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/09/2011 01:00:04 PM
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<p>For most women, pregnancy is fairly standard -- and when it's over, they welcome one new blessing.&nbsp; <strong>But for some women, they end up with twins -- or more</strong>!&nbsp; Having a multiple pregnancy can change a lot of things, in both your pregnancy and your parenting.&nbsp; Today we're just talking about pregnancy, though.&nbsp; How do you know if you have a multiple pregnancy?&nbsp; What do you do when you find out?&nbsp; What will change about your prenatal care?&nbsp; What are your delivery options?&nbsp; What should you expect in general?</p>
<h3>Help!&nbsp; I Think There's More Than One!</h3>
<p>At the beginning, most pregnancies are fairly similar.&nbsp; There's no way to definitively say that you are having more than one (or not) in the very early weeks.&nbsp; <strong>There, are however, some signs that may alert you to a multiple pregnancy</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>More severe morning sickness</li>
<li>Measuring bigger than usual</li>
<li>Extreme fatigue</li>
<li>High hcg levels (you won't know this unless your doctor does a blood test, though, and even then high&nbsp;hcg levels can be normal or a sign of another problem)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>If you suspect a multiple pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will probably want to confirm this at some point in your pregnancy.</strong>&nbsp; An ultrasound between 8 and 12 weeks may show a second baby, although they do tend to hide behind each other; so even if you don't see a second baby, the possibility can't be ruled out.&nbsp; A later ultrasound, especially if you are continuing to measure large, could confirm twins (or more).&nbsp; Please also note that measuring large may mean a large baby, more fluid than average, an unusually positioned uterus, or any number of other normal things.</p>
<p>For those who choose not to get ultrasounds, <strong>a fetoscope could confirm a multiple pregnancy by noting two distinctively different heart rates</strong> (making sure one isn't mom's!).&nbsp; Extra movements, or external palpitations may help to confirm as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Of course, in some cases, twins are never discovered until birth</strong>.&nbsp; This happens more commonly with midwives and home or birth center births because they tend to use ultrasounds and other diagnostic tools less often.&nbsp; This usually is not a problem, just a surprise.&nbsp; (I know some of my readers have experienced this!)&nbsp; Doctors and even midwives <em>do</em> prefer to know in advance, though, so they can prepare for the possibility of transfer or c-section and to have extra personnel on hand to help deliver and care for the babies.&nbsp; (I know my midwife said she'd want three fully-qualified midwives on the scene because once the babies arrived, there would be three patients to care for, and <em>just in case</em> something went wrong they'd need all those people to care for each of us.&nbsp; No, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/30/pregnancy-journal-why-we-chose-home-birth.html">I'm not having twins</a>, we just discussed the possibility!)</p>
<h3>What Will the Doctor Say?</h3>
<p>This is going to vary <em>widely</em> depending on how your pregnancy is going and the type of care you're receiving.&nbsp; <strong>If you happen to be carrying two babies but your pregnancy is otherwise completely normal, and you are seeing midwives or other natural-minded care providers, you might be doing the exact same things as all other women</strong> (same <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/4/healthy-pregnancy-series-prenatal-visits.html">visit schedule</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/28/healthy-pregnancy-series-common-maternity-tests.html">tests</a>).</p>
<p><strong>If, however, you are having problems with your pregnancy (preterm labor, struggling to gain weight, etc.) and/or are <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">seeing a doctor</a> who is <em>not</em> so naturally-minded, you may be in for a lot of extra visits and tests.</strong>&nbsp; You might have regular non-stress tests at the end of pregnancy and you will be watched carefully for signs of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/19/healthy-pregnancy-series-high-risk-pregnancies.html">preterm labor</a> after about 32 weeks.&nbsp; Extra ultrasounds are also common, to check on the babies' growth and development.</p>
<p>Most medical doctors assume that making it to 35 or 36 weeks is "very good" for twins, and that weighing over 5 lbs. is excellent.&nbsp; However, <strong>every set of twins I've known who were delivered at home with midwives were delivered after 40 weeks, weighing over 7 lbs. each</strong>.&nbsp; I've heard of twins weighing up to 10 lbs. each, even!&nbsp; It <em>is</em> completely possible to have a normal, healthy pregnancy -- even with multiples.</p>
<p>I would encourage you to eat extra (600 additional calories per day instead of 300), drink more water or pregnancy tea, and get extra rest.&nbsp; You will need to gain more weight, too!&nbsp; Don't push the exercise, especially in your last month.&nbsp; But don't think of yourself as necessarily fragile, unless you are having unusual symptoms.&nbsp; <strong>Twin pregnancies can be completely normal!</strong>&nbsp; Seeing a chiropractor can help with the strain on your hips and back.</p>
<p><strong>If you are having higher order multiples (triplets or more), expect that you <em>will</em> need more doctors' visits and more care, and that you likely will deliver on the earlier side</strong>.&nbsp; But, unless you conceived with fertility drugs (in which case you will be seeing the doctor frequently and receiving extra care anyway), this is highly unlikely.</p>
<h3>What Are My <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/10/healthy-pregnancy-series-choosing-a-delivery-site.html">Delivery Options</a>?</h3>
<p>These days, <strong>most doctors say that twins or more are automatic c-sections.</strong>&nbsp; Then again, the c-section rate is through the roof; estimates put it at 30 - 40% of all births!&nbsp; Even the WHO says that there is no justification for a rate above 10%.</p>
<p>Know that if you choose a standard hospital birth with an OB, you likely will end up with a c-section (and a lot of late ultrasounds to determine the position of the babies).&nbsp; If you opt for a birthing center, they may refer you to the hospital just because you are having twins.&nbsp; Doctors are afraid of what <em>could</em> happen in a twin delivery (since one is very likely to be breech, and doctors don't deliver breech babies vaginally) so they opt for a c-section because it is "safer."</p>
<p>It doesn't have to be this way.&nbsp; <strong>Twins can be born safely vaginally and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/6/healthy-pregnancy-series-choosing-homebirth.html">at home</a></strong>.&nbsp; You'll have to be checked carefully and it's best if you are located near a hospital (within 10 minutes) in case you have to transfer.&nbsp; But it's definitely possible.&nbsp; Breech babies who are butt-first (not feet first) can be delivered safely, too, so that's not necessarily a reason.&nbsp; It's also possible for a second twin to turn head-down after the first is born.&nbsp; Just make sure you have a team of people supporting you, who know their limitations and know when you would need to transfer, just in case.&nbsp; But, don't discount the possibility of a normal, vaginal birth just because you are carrying twins!</p>
<p>If any readers have experience with twin birth, please feel free to chime in!</p>
<h3>My Babies Are Here!&nbsp; ...Now What?</h3>
<p>Twins definitely do mean some big changes to your life.&nbsp; <em>Any</em> baby is going to mean big changes, but twins are even more work than single babies.&nbsp; It's twice the feedings, twice the diaper changes -- and maybe, twice the exhaustion!&nbsp; <strong>Don't be afraid to ask for help, especially in the early weeks</strong>.&nbsp; You will need it!&nbsp; Especially if you have had a c-section.</p>
<p>If any readers with twin experience would like to chime in on <em>any</em> of this, please feel free!&nbsp; We'd love your insight.</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever had twins or other multiples?&nbsp; What was your experience?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/09/2011 03:58:22 PM
<p>I love the idea of twins, but would be double the worry wart I normally am during pregnancy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: gavvin_quinn@yahoo.com
IP: 71.244.55.162
URL: 
DATE: 02/09/2011 05:31:52 PM
<p>I had my identical twin boys in the Spring of 1996.  I had to be monitored the whole time due to multiple miscarriages before and (believe it or not) the inability to gain weight (At 5 mos I had only gained 2 lbs). I delivered at 38 weeks they were both well over 6 lbs.  At the start of labor both were head down but after baby A was born, baby B became head up.  Now my doctor, a former perinatologist, was not just supportive of my choice to do vaginal birth of multiples... but encouraged it.  What was done was a procedure called &quot;external cephalic version.&quot;  Basically messaging my abdomen to make the baby turn head down again.  It worked and Baby B was born 9 minutes after his brother.   </p><p>My daughter&#39;s godmother, even after having 3 healthy non-complicated vaginal births, her doctor told her that her twin pregnancy HAD to be cesarean just because it was a twin birth and gave her no option.  It was cesarean or try and find another doctor.  As that was her OB/GYN since her first pregnancy, she trusted and had the procedure.   It made me ever so grateful for my OB/GYN of my twins&#39; birth.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sue
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.60.245.205
URL: 
DATE: 02/09/2011 09:28:03 PM
<p>I had my fraternal twins in 2000.  What a joy!!!  </p><p>They were delivered via C-section as the second twin was breach.</p><p>The babies were born at 35 weeks and stayed 10 days each in the NIC Unit.  They were not nursing well for the first 3 months so a friend lent me a pump and I pumped and bottle fed until they got the hang of nursing.</p><p>I encourage new moms to persevere through nursing issues as the babies do eventually learn to nurse and the health benefits for babies far outweigh the effort of pumping then bottle feeding.  My kids are very healthy. Praise God.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heatherkanderson@gmail.com
IP: 66.239.236.122
URL: http://motherscalling.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/09/2011 10:43:23 PM
<p>My sister-in-law went three or four day past her due date while pregnant with twins.  She had healthy baby girls, both well over 7lbs.  In many states it is illegal for midwives to deliver multiples at home, though some midwives are willing anyway.  My sister-in-law&#39;s midwife was willing to deliver on a few conditions, but the bottom line was that the parents had to be well informed of both the pros and cons and be willing to take responsibility for their decision.  Like so many things, when we are willing to take responsibility, whether for our own health, education, finances, etc.  we are much more likely to have favorable outcomes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
EMAIL: dewysej@tds.net
IP: 75.100.65.250
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 05:47:36 PM
<p>My twins boy/girl were born in 2001.  I went to 39 weeks (just a few days short of 40 weeks).  I found out after the delivery that the doctors were discussing at what point someone carrying twins should be induced.  That really surprised me.  Their explaination was that at some point your muscles are so stretched out they don&#39;t effectively contract.  I had only gained 30 lbs.  I had a very non-eventful pregnancy (ya!).  I delivered in the hospital after pushing 2 hours and no episiotomy.    A hospital delivery was not what I wanted, but it was compromise with my husband.  There was never talk of a c-section unless baby A was breech.  If baby A was head down and baby B was breech it was still a go on the vaginal delivery.  I didh&#39;t particularily think that my Doctors were that &quot;natural&quot; but they weren&#39;t pushy with the drugs.  Unless there was a problem they didn&#39;t push the epidural it was our choice whether or not we got it, but...it was hightly recommended in case there were problems and the 2 needed to be delivered ASAP.<br/>I&#39;m not sure you &quot;need to gain more weight&quot;  with twins.  I wasn&#39;t over weight before I got pregnant and the doctors never said anything about eating more or gaining more weight.  I actually weighed more prior to being pregnant with the other two and still only gained about 30 lbs or so.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Pregnancy Complications
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/16/2011 01:00:34 PM
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<p>If you're new to this series, you might want to check out all the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/natural-pregnancy/">old posts</a>!</p>
<p>Pregnancy is a joyous time for many women, which ends happily with a healthy baby, through only <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/1/healthy-pregnancy-series-handling-aches-and-pains.html">minor aches and pains</a> (except labor!&nbsp; But we'll get to that).&nbsp; <strong>Unfortunately, for some women, there are some complications that arise, warranting a bit of extra attention and difficulty</strong> (but which still usually ends with a healthy baby).&nbsp; What are these complications?&nbsp; What are the signs and symptoms?&nbsp; And what do you <em>do</em> about them?</p>
<p>First, it's important to understand that while many complications warrant some extra attention from your doctor (and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/21/healthy-pregnancy-series-options-in-maternity-care.html">switching to a doctor</a> if you weren't already seeing one), they aren't extremely serious nor immediately threatening to you or your baby.&nbsp; <strong>A complication is simply something unexpected that arises during pregnancy that may or may not eventually cause harm</strong>.&nbsp; And even in cases where harm <em>could</em> occur, most doctors are on top of your symptoms and are ready to intervene before that happens.&nbsp; Having complications does <em>not</em> mean there will be a poor outcome!</p>
<p>Being aware of potential symptoms and always doing <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/13/pregnancy-journal-necessary-testing.html">basic testing</a> is important, because it will help your doctor or midwife to know <em>before</em> problems occur if something might be going wrong.</p>
<h3>What are Common Complications?</h3>
<p><strong>These are some of the most common complications of pregnancy</strong> (in no particular order):</p>
<ul>
<li>High blood pressure</li>
<li>Gestational diabetes</li>
<li>PUPPS (an itchy rash on your belly)</li>
<li>Preeclampsia</li>
<li>Cholestasis</li>
<li>Ectopic pregnancy (very early on)</li>
<li>Pre-term labor (this can happen for a variety of reasons)</li>
<li>Placenta previa</li>
<li>Group B strep (is a "problem" only in labor, but we'll talk about it later)</li>
<li>Cervical insufficiency (one reason for pre-term labor, usually very early; 15 - 18 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>There are other complications, but there are the ones you're most likely to encounter.</strong>&nbsp; High blood pressure and gestational diabetes can occur at any time.&nbsp; PUPPS, preeclampsia, cholestasis, pre-term labor, placenta previa, and group B strep typically occur towards the end.&nbsp; Ectopic pregnancy is early on; and cervical insufficiency is mid-way through.&nbsp; There <em>are</em> steps you can take towards preventing all of these; eating a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/11/healthy-pregnancy-series-diet-revisited.html">healthy pregnancy diet</a> is one way!&nbsp; <strong>If you are malnourished, your chances of experiencing complications are greatly increased.</strong>&nbsp; Minimizing stress can help too.</p>
<h3>What are the Symptoms?</h3>
<p>Symptoms will vary depending on what you have.&nbsp; <strong>In general, you are looking for</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>High blood pressure</li>
<li>Sugar/protein in urine</li>
<li>Edema/swelling</li>
<li>Cramping/contractions that are regular or worrisome (happen often, even if not regular)</li>
<li>Bleeding/spotting</li>
<li>Itching that is extreme</li>
<li>Rapid or unusual weight gain</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>These symptoms will tell your care provider that something may be going on, and that further testing is warranted.</strong>&nbsp; Your provider will determine which complication is most likely.</p>
<h3>So Now What?</h3>
<p><strong>The treatment for many of these includes extra rest, up to and including complete bedrest</strong> (may be at home; may be in-hospital, depending on the particular complication).&nbsp; The first step <em>is</em> usually "get more rest."&nbsp; If you're working, or have other children, you may simply laugh at this request!&nbsp; But it's worth it, for your health and your baby's, if you can spend more time sitting down with your feet up.&nbsp; Have older children help (my 3-year-old can be a <em>big </em>help now if she wants to) or ask friends or family to come and help sometimes.&nbsp; Definitely ask your spouse to do more on the evenings and weekends.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sometimes, rest is all that is needed to hold off further complications; so it's worth it to try!</p>
<p>Bedrest is another matter entirely, and one we'll be talking about next week.</p>
<p>Following a special diet may be recommended as well.&nbsp; Those <strong>with gestational diabetes, kidney stones, or other issues may require certain types of diets.</strong>&nbsp; (FYI, kidney stones are usually caused by years of eating poor-quality food and not enough fat.&nbsp; Consuming adequate amounts of healthy fats and also drinking lemon juice and baking soda in water can help to remedy this, but I would wait until after pregnancy to do anything radical.)&nbsp; There's a debate about whether those with diabetes ought to follow a high-carb or low-carb diet.&nbsp; Knowing what high-carb does to my blood sugar (and I'm not diabetic), I'd go with low-carb.&nbsp; Avoiding sugar is key, but that's really true for anyone.&nbsp; Speak to your health provider about your specific requirements.</p>
<p><strong>For cervical insuffiency, your doctor can do what is called a "cerclage," or actually stitching your cervix shut until around 36 - 37 weeks</strong> (this is unfortunately usually a treatment used in a <em>second</em> pregnancy, because most insufficiencies aren't discovered until after a late miscarriage).</p>
<p><strong>PUPPS is very uncomfortable but not dangerous</strong>, so there's not much you can do.</p>
<p><strong>Preeclampsia can become serious, and very quickly, so it's important to constantly monitor weight gain, swelling, and blood pressure.</strong>&nbsp; If anything increases suddenly, get to your doctor immediately.&nbsp; If your condition worsens, your doctor will put you in the hospital and make a decision about whether or not to induce your labor or schedule an emergency c-section.&nbsp; With minor signs, your condition can be managed from home, but expect to see your doctor at least weekly plus check weight, edema, and blood pressure daily from home.</p>
<p>Group B strep...we'll be talking about this later, but I do <em>not </em>believe it is the "terrible" thing they make it out to be.&nbsp; The truth is, maybe 1 in 10,000 babies are going to suffer permanent complications or death from this (or less...I did the math once and it may have been as few as 1 in 24,000).&nbsp; Far more will be hurt by the preemptive antibiotics in labor.&nbsp; <strong>Antibiotics in general are way, way overused and should <em>never</em>, in my opinion, be used preemptively.</strong>&nbsp; They should be reserved for cases where an infection is clearly present and is a danger to the person's health only.&nbsp; My two cents on that one....</p>
<h3>Do I Need a Special Doctor?</h3>
<p><strong>For common complications, no.</strong>&nbsp; You won't.&nbsp; You'll still see your normal doctor, though you may see him more often.&nbsp; Most of these are relatively minor as long as they're managed (like gestational diabetes) and they'll go away once the baby arrives.&nbsp; As long as you are careful and are aware of any unusual symptoms, there is no reason why you can't have a basically normal, healthy pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>If your condition progresses or cannot be managed, you may need to see a <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/19/healthy-pregnancy-series-high-risk-pregnancies.html">special doctor</a> to find out why.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Have you ever experienced a complication in pregnancy?&nbsp; What happened?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mariposa
EMAIL: astrangerinthisland@gmail.com
IP: 99.109.235.135
URL: http://www.astrangerinthisland.com
DATE: 02/16/2011 01:26:42 PM
<p>So far my pregnancy has been pretty normal.  I am taking the glucose test next month though... Yuck!  lol.  I don&#39;t expect any problems though.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Bed Rest
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/23/2011 01:00:53 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/pregnancy.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298326131005" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>If you're new, don't miss the older posts in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/natural-pregnancy/">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>!</p>
<p>Last week, we talked about <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/2/16/healthy-pregnancy-series-pregnancy-complications.html">pregnancy complications</a>.&nbsp; And we noted that for <em>many</em> women, complications are just concerns that could go wrong, but usually don't.&nbsp; <strong>But for some women, those concerns are severe enough that they need to be on bedrest for part or all of the pregnancy</strong>.&nbsp; What might cause a doctor to recommend bed rest?&nbsp; What does "bed rest" really mean?&nbsp; What do you do if you have a job or other children?</p>
<p>Generally, a doctor will put you on bedrest if you have the following problems:</p>
<ul>
<li>Threatened miscarriage</li>
<li>Pre-term labor</li>
<li>High blood pressure that only resolves with rest</li>
<li>Constant exhaustion/difficult pregnancy</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The first two are the most common.</strong>&nbsp; But, if you're not feeling well and constantly need to call or see the doctor because something's just not right, the doctor may recommend bed rest.&nbsp; The first two are also the most serious.&nbsp; Both usually end after the threat has passed (so, the end of the first trimester or a couple weeks after a threatened miscarriage; and once you reach 36 or 37 weeks or "full term" for preterm labor).</p>
<h3>What Does "Bed Rest" Mean?</h3>
<p>Well, this varies widely!&nbsp; If you are, for example, having Braxton-Hicks (practice contractions) often when you are too active, your doctor may simply ask you to be less busy and spend more time with your feet up, and definitely stop if you start to feel an increase in contractions.&nbsp; <strong>This could be very minor "bed rest" -- "just don't do too much activity."</strong></p>
<p><strong>Other women may need to spend so many hours per day resting, or even actually <em>in</em> bed</strong>, but may be permitted to get up briefly to go to the bathroom, get food, or help with children.&nbsp; Some women who are mostly in this boat (without any severe symptoms) and have other children may choose to spend most of their days on the couch, but otherwise get up as do the household chores and childcare as needed.</p>
<p><strong>A few women are in such serious conditions that they require hospitalization and total bedrest -- no getting up for anything</strong> (except <em>maybe</em> to use the bathroom).&nbsp; They cannot care for children, they cannot prepare meals, they cannot do chores.&nbsp; They are required to stay in bed all the time, whether they are at home or the hospital.&nbsp; This is usually used in cases of stopped pre-term labor, early water breaking (like at 32 weeks, way before baby should come), or pre-eclampsia that has gotten bad.&nbsp; Sometimes, in these cases, bedrest only lasts a few days before the baby has to be born, ready or not.&nbsp; Other times it can last for weeks, while the baby grows and develops as much as possible.</p>
<p>So, bedrest can vary depending on what your needs are.&nbsp; <strong>Make sure you discuss your situation with your doctor to find out how serious it is and how much you really need to rest.</strong>&nbsp; A lot of women who work or have other children are very concerned about bedrest because it is not easy to just "drop everything" when you have other responsibilities!</p>
<h3>What Do I Do if I Work or Have Kids?</h3>
<p>Honestly, it's actually an easier situation if you work but do not have kids.&nbsp; <strong>You may have been at your job long enough to have built up some sick or vacation time, and you may just be able to start your maternity leave early.</strong>&nbsp; You may be able to take an unpaid leave of absence if you haven't built up the time.&nbsp; While this isn't ideal, since you don't get paid, it's an option if you truly need it.</p>
<p><strong>Some women may be able to work from home</strong>, if they are able to sit up in bed and use a laptop.&nbsp; This can be a great option for some women.</p>
<p><strong>Other women, who have been at their jobs for at least a year and work in companies with at least 50 employees, can use FMLA</strong> (Family Medical Leave Act) in order to take a leave of absence from their jobs.&nbsp; This may be paid or unpaid, depending on your company's policies, but FMLA does not specify or guarantee pay.</p>
<p>If you have children...things may get tricky.&nbsp; You're on 24/7 and your child can't just "go away" for awhile.&nbsp; Luckily, there are several options:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Ask if you can care for your child from bed.</strong>&nbsp; If you can get up for a few hours a day, this might be enough to do what needs to be done.&nbsp; You can simply have your husband bring you easy snacks, toys, and diapers so that you don't need to get up to entertain or change your child.&nbsp; Older children (3 or so) are also <em>great</em> at fetching diapers, toys, and small snacks for you.&nbsp; Then, spend the time while you can get up to cook a couple easy meals, put the child down for a nap, etc.&nbsp; You can also try to spend a lot of time resting on a couch in your children's playroom.&nbsp; Use the TV, too -- when you are sick, it is your friend!</li>
<li><strong>Ask if friends or family can come to help you.</strong>&nbsp; If you have friends or family nearby, perhaps they can stop in a few times a week to bring you meals, do a load of laundry, or take your children while you nap.&nbsp; If you cannot get up at all, perhaps a family member would even be willing to stay with you for awhile to take care of things while your husband is at work.&nbsp; In some cases, older children could even go stay with Grandma for awhile.</li>
<li><strong>See if your husband can work from home and/or take some sick/vacation time.</strong>&nbsp; Perhaps your husband has a job that can mostly be done over a computer.&nbsp; Maybe he can do that from home for now so that he can help take care of you and your children.&nbsp; Or, maybe he could take a day or two off every week, or only work mornings for awhile so he can be home as much as possible to help.</li>
<li><strong>Hire a mother's helper.&nbsp;</strong> If you can find a teen nearby who is homeschooled (ideally), maybe he or she can come over for a few hours a day to help take care of your children.&nbsp; Some might even be willing to do chores, but in most cases this would be left to your husband.&nbsp; (The reason it's better if the mother's helper is homeschooled is so they can come in the middle of the day, when you'll need help with getting lunch, putting kids down for naps, etc.&nbsp; Others could come in the late afternoon afterschool but by then your husband is probably coming home soon anyway.)</li>
<li><strong>Hire a doula.</strong>&nbsp; Yes, you may only be familiar with birth doulas.&nbsp; But there are postpartum doulas, too, whose job it is to take care of other children, help out around the house, etc.&nbsp; Hire one to come in a few hours a day to take care of the things you can't do.&nbsp; They do work with mothers before the baby comes in situations just like this!&nbsp; Your insurance <em>may</em> even cover it, if it's a medical necessity.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Of course, if you're in the hospital, many of these options are negated.</strong>&nbsp; In that case, you will need to either temporarily place your older children in daycare so your husband can continue working, or he will need to take time off to care for them, or you'll need a family member to stay with them.</p>
<p>Bedrest is not easy.&nbsp; <strong>But when you're talking about your health and that of your baby's, you have to do what you have to do.</strong>&nbsp; With support from family and friends, you will get through this difficult time and it will be well worth it on the other side!</p>
<p>(And a small note: even if you do have to be on bedrest in one pregnancy, it does <em>not</em> mean you will always have to.&nbsp; I know one woman whose water broke at 32 weeks and was hospitalized until her baby was born at 35 weeks.&nbsp; Her second baby, she carried to 40 weeks with no problems.)</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever been on bedrest?&nbsp; How did you handle it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/23/2011 03:12:37 PM
<p>I had difficulties with all three of my pregnancies.  Bedrest was the worst.  I was soooooo bored.  With my last one I had to go several times a week for non stress tests.  Everything was fine, great deliveries.  Sometimes I wondered if my doc was being overly cautious.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Essential Items in a First Aid Kit
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/18/2011 01:00:31 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwichary/2615558474/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/first%20aid%20kit.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295126749671" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Marcin Wichary</span></span></p>
<p>When we all got sick last week, we found out that we weren't as prepared as we thought we were.&nbsp; There were a few items that I really wished I had that I just didn't.&nbsp; This made us realize that <strong>having a well-stocked first-aid kit is crucial.</strong>&nbsp; When you're facing an acute illness or injury, it might happen at 4 am, when the stores aren't open.&nbsp; And maybe you aren't in any condition to run to the store anyway!&nbsp; It's necessary to have what you need, just in case, at all times.</p>
<p>Luckily, I was able to run out and get several items before I got sick, too.&nbsp; But I still was unable to help Ben much for the first few hours because I did not have what I needed.&nbsp; And so, I thought, I would share with you <strong>what I consider essential in a first-aid kit</strong> and why.</p>
<ul>
<li>Collodial silver</li>
<li>Aloe vera juice</li>
<li>Activated charcoal</li>
<li>Lavender essential oil</li>
<li>Eucalyptus essential oil</li>
<li>Rosemary essential oil</li>
<li>Grapefruit seed extract</li>
<li>Oregano essential oil</li>
<li>Coconut oil</li>
<li>Slippery elm losenges</li>
<li>Gauze pads</li>
<li>Bandages of varying sizes</li>
<li>Humidifier</li>
<li>Ginger root (fresh or dried)</li>
<li>Onions</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>Black tea</li>
<li>Raw honey</li>
<li>Hydrogen peroxide</li>
<li>Epsom salts</li>
<li>Arnica salve</li>
</ul>
<p>Why these things?&nbsp; I'll put them into groups below!</p>
<h3>Bumps and Bruises</h3>
<p><strong>Arnica salve, epsom salts, hydrogen peroxide, gauze, bandages, possibly colloidal silver.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>These items will allow you to clean cuts, soak sprains (epsom salts), stop bleeding, bandage wounds, treat for contamination (collodial silver) and soothe pain (arnica salve).</strong>&nbsp; Anything else that you might need, you would probably have to see a doctor for (like stitches).&nbsp; But even if that were the case, you would still have what you needed to keep the cut clean and dry and keep pressure on it to stop bleeding while you got to a doctor.&nbsp; For the usual injuries you would encounter, you would certainly be prepared.&nbsp; Even for strains and sprains, you could soak in epsom salts or put on heat/ice, rub in some arnica salve, and keep still while someone got some ace bandages.&nbsp; These items are definitely handy!</p>
<h3>Colds and Flu</h3>
<p><strong>Lavender essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, humidifier, rosemary essential oil, coconut oil, slippery elm losenges, garlic, onion, raw honey, ginger, oregano essential oil.</strong></p>
<p>All of these essential oils are used to either relax or help clear the sinuses.&nbsp; <strong>They can be placed onto pillows, hot or cold compresses, into a bowl of steaming water</strong> (which you then put your head over with a towel and breathe the steam (which can be pressed to your sinuses directly to help them drain), <strong>or into a humidifier</strong>.&nbsp; Humidifiers can help you breathe, too.&nbsp; Additionally, if you mix eucalytpus and rosemary oils with coconut oil, it makes a salve similar to "Vicks" that does not have any junk in it, and can be used on the chest or feet.</p>
<p>Slippery elm losenges (which are expensive; but there's a great recipe for them in <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=112844&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Herbal Nuturing by Michele Augur</a>!) will soothe sore throats and clear mucus.&nbsp; Garlic and onion can be used to clear sinuses as well, either by vapor or eating.&nbsp; <strong>Raw honey can be mixed into ginger tea to soothe throats and clear sinuses too.</strong>&nbsp; Raw honey also works excellently to stop coughing naturally.</p>
<h3>Digestive Distress</h3>
<p><strong>Aloe vera juice, activated charcoal, black tea, raw honey, lavender essential oil, epsom salts.</strong></p>
<p>Tummy bugs are no fun.&nbsp; Ask me how I know!&nbsp; :)&nbsp; But if you have some measures to help combat them, they're not as awful.</p>
<p><strong>Aloe vera juice, activated charcoal, and black tea + raw honey can all help to stop vomiting and diarrhea.</strong>&nbsp; Lavender essential oil in a bath can help relaxation.&nbsp; Epsom salts in a bath can help detox.&nbsp; Probiotics of some sort are also excellent, as is fresh stock.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Other Uses</h3>
<p><strong>Grapefruit seed extract and oregano oil can help to kill help to kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses.</strong>&nbsp; Therefore, if any illness is hanging on, you may choose to use them interally or externally to help combat the illnesses.&nbsp; They can be helpful for athlete's foot or yeast infections as well.&nbsp; Mixed with coconut oil they'd make a powerful salve for these conditions.&nbsp; Raw honey has been shown, in some cases, to combat yeast when applied directly, as well.</p>
<p>I didn't mention these, but <strong>some like to keep homeopathic remedies on hand</strong> too.&nbsp; I've chosen just a few: <strong>arnica, belladonna, chamomilla, pulsatilla</strong>, and a couple others whose names I can't remember.&nbsp; <strong>They cover teething, bumps and bruises, diarrhea, vomiting, and colds</strong> (in general, although true homeopathy is very patient-specific).&nbsp; Teething is our primary use for them.&nbsp; Chamomilla works for most kids; belladonna works if chamomilla doesn't (Daniel needs belladonna).</p>
<p><strong>You may notice that I do not have, nor do I use, any type of fever reducers.</strong>&nbsp; I don't feel they are really ever necessary.&nbsp; A warm lavender bath will usually relax a person enough to induce sleep, and if you can sleep, that's all you need to get better (chamomile tea, then valerian root, can be used to induce sleep if the bath doesn't work).&nbsp; <strong>Even high fevers, up to 106, are <em>not</em> dangerous.&nbsp; A fever is helping the body to fight off whatever is wrong with it</strong>,<strong> and if you artificially lower it, then you are interferring with the body's ability to heal itself and prolonging the illness.</strong>&nbsp; Fevers are a <em>good</em> thing.&nbsp; I have <em>never</em> treated a fever in my children, and never in myself since starting down this path of natural medicine.&nbsp; We don't own either OTC (Tylenol, ibuprofen) or even homeopathic fever medication, because we do not use them.</p>
<p><strong>What is in your first aid kit?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielel
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 06:23:21 PM
<p>Do you use colloidal silver while pregnant and nursing? I was told my by my mid-wife as well as the nutritionist at the heatlh food store that I should not use it while pregant or nursing.  I really miss it! I am prone to ear infections and a few drops in the ear two or three times clears it right up... now i&#39;m stuck with antibiotics.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Meredith Lovell
EMAIL: lovell.meredith@gmail.com
IP: 98.219.210.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/18/2011 06:23:29 PM
<p>Thank you SO much for posting. We just ordered some essential oils and are trying to &quot;stock&quot; up our first aid for home. I&#39;m glad you posted uses along with the list. I have found lists but so many lack what to use each thing for. :) Xo</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 02:53:45 AM
<p>I second Merideth&#39;s appreciation of the uses for each item, rather than just a list.  I have most of the items, and with details of what each is used for, I can determine what else to add.</p><p>Anyone have suggestions for dumping the standard OTC treatments still lurking in the medicine cabinet?  Is it safe to just toss &#39;em in the trash?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grain-Free Diets (and Why We're Doing It)
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/22/2011 01:00:19 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/oct.%202010%20244-1.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295668555915" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Our family last fall! Photo by Amy Garrett Photography</span></span></p>
<p>As I've mentioned on the blog a couple times, <strong>we're now going grain-free/</strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/14/the-gaps-diet.html"><strong>GAPS</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp; If you've been around awhile, then you know this isn't the first time we've done this.&nbsp; We did this a year ago, too, when <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/11/rebekahs-story.html">Rebekah was really struggling</a>.&nbsp; I felt that the diet was the best chance for her.&nbsp; And, indeed, if you've seen my <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/30/rebekahs-story-updated.html">update</a>, then you know she started talking soon after we did it!</p>
<p>Last year in April, I was finally getting really into Nourishing Traditions and things like raw milk, sprouting grains, etc.&nbsp; I noted that we were able to <em>tolerate</em> the grains when sprouted and frankly, I was tired of being "different."&nbsp; We'd been on special diets for about 9 months by that time (dairy-free, gluten-free, then grain-free, also nut-free and legume-free most of the time) and I needed a break.&nbsp; Plus, when I picked up the carton of coconut milk at the store, and saw "evaporated cane juice, guar gum," and a bunch of other non-food ingredients, I thought, <strong>"What is really better for us?&nbsp; This processed stuff, or fresh raw milk?"</strong>&nbsp; Ultimately I decided raw milk was the answer, and, indeed, the kids did <em>better</em> on it than on no dairy at all!&nbsp; (Which is why the kids and I are sticking with GAPS-legal hard cheeses, butter, and cultured dairy and not giving it up entirely.)</p>
<p>That's where we were.&nbsp; And for the most part, it worked.&nbsp; <strong>Every now and then (usually when we'd eaten out or something), I'd see the kids show minor allergy signs</strong> -- a slight eczema flare, tantrums, night waking, diaper rash, etc.&nbsp; But it was temporary and not enough for me to think, 'we need a change.'&nbsp; Except of course to <em>not</em> eat industrial food, which definitely causes problems!</p>
<p><strong>Ben was struggling, though, more than any of us.</strong>&nbsp; He's had athlete's foot for years now, and nothing (drug or natural) has touched it.&nbsp; He was better when we were off grains and dairy and eating a lot of coconut oil before, but we didn't do enough to heal it.&nbsp; He has other signs of systemic yeast, too.&nbsp; But we were managing even with that until right around Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>At that point, everything happened at once.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/23/pregnancy-journal-introduction.html"> I got pregnant</a>, the holidays hit, we lost our massage coverage at the chiropractor.&nbsp; All of this meant that I wasn't cooking much, I wasn't <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/2/kombucha-brewing-tips-and-hints.html">brewing our kombucha</a>, we were eating out more, we weren't getting the massages anymore....&nbsp; <strong>Once Ben lost all of these health habits we'd had, his situation quickly took a turn for the worse.</strong>&nbsp; He was always exhausted, he was sick all the time again, his yeast flared.&nbsp; Basically everything he ate made him sick.&nbsp; He was sore all the time --&nbsp; back, knees, shoulders.&nbsp; We figured we just needed to get back on track with our usual health measures and he'd be fine.</p>
<p>And in early January, when I felt better and the craziness subsided, we were able to do that.&nbsp; Back to more whole foods, starting to get <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">kombucha</a> again, etc.&nbsp; And he was better.&nbsp; More energy, not sick so often.&nbsp; But his yeast persisted and he was still sore.&nbsp; I felt at a loss, but didn't want to attack anything.&nbsp; <strong>It had been in my head since early fall that GAPS was going to be the answer for all of us but I didn't want to do it.</strong>&nbsp; It's not easy, especially the first time.</p>
<p>Then we got the stomach flu last week.&nbsp; It hit home then.&nbsp; <strong>We are <em>nothing</em> if we don't have health.</strong>&nbsp; And band-aids and temporary fixes are not really what we're looking for.&nbsp; We want to fix this now so that we can <em>enjoy</em> life, not just hope we have a good day!&nbsp; We decided to change our priorities.&nbsp; We increased our grocery budget a bit (this week will be an experiment to see how much I really need to pull this off) and bought the items in our first aid kit that we needed but hadn't had.</p>
<p>So here we are!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, <em>why</em> would anyone want to go grain-free or do GAPS?&nbsp; What is that going to do?</p>
<ul>
<li>The sugars in the grains (all carbs break down to sugar) feed yeast/candida in the body, making it grow out of control.</li>
<li>Grains (because they break down to sugar) can cause your blood sugar to spike and drop, even whole grains.&nbsp; This can eventually cause a pre-diabetic condition.&nbsp; It can also cause weight gain, mood swings, depression, tax your adrenals and pancreas, and a whole lot more.</li>
<li>Grains are hard to digest; contrary to popular belief, lots of fiber is <em>not</em> good for your digestive system!</li>
<li>Eliminating grains allows your system a "rest"</li>
<li>It also eliminates most of the yeast's food (I have read that since candida <em>should</em> occur in the body, just not to the degree it is for many people, you don't want to starve it completely.&nbsp; If it cannot find some food, it will be driven deeper into your body in search of food, and that's the opposite of what you want.&nbsp; This is why fruits and carb-heavy vegetables, like carrots, are allowed).</li>
<li>Fermented foods are added in to help the body regain the proper balance of good/bad bacteria</li>
<li>The gut can actually <em>heal</em>, leading to weight loss, stabilized blood sugar and mood, balanced hormones, and reversal/improvement on autism and other conditions in which gut damage is heavily involved.</li>
</ul>
<p>Sounds awesome, huh?</p>
<p>I thought I'd bring a couple quick issues to light, in case you're just researching this diet, and other anti-candida or healing diets out there, and have some questions about this one.</p>
<p><strong>Why are some carb-heavy foods eliminated, but not others?&nbsp; Why is fruit allowed?</strong></p>
<p>Fruit is a "simple sugar," while grains are complex.&nbsp; That means grains need extra digestion to be broken down into a form the body can use.&nbsp; Fruit doesn't, so it's easier on the system.&nbsp; That's the main reason why it's allowed.&nbsp; Also, fruit comes with lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.&nbsp; Plus, as mentioned above, we don't want to <em>completely</em> starve the yeast, because it should be there, just in its proper proportion.&nbsp; That said, people who react poorly to fruit may choose to cut it out for awhile, or limit themselves to only low-sugar fruits, like lemons, berries, and certain melons.</p>
<p><strong>Why does this diet not eliminate mushrooms, fermented foods, etc. like many candida diets?</strong></p>
<p>These foods do not feed yeast.&nbsp; They are types of fungus or bacteria/yeast (a <em>different</em> type of yeast) and in certain cases, people who react poorly to candida could react poorly to these.&nbsp; But this is estimated at occurring at 1 in 1000 people.&nbsp; For most, having sources of good bacteria are absolutely necessary to bring the candida back into proper balance.&nbsp; Go slow when you start these foods, though, because they can cause lots of unpleasant side effects (gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, mood swings).&nbsp; Just a teaspoon or so a day is enough at first, build up your tolerance slowly!</p>
<p><strong>Why does this diet eliminate most dairy, while SCD and other diets don't?</strong></p>
<p>Casein is a complex protein that can cause problems in a lot of sensitive individuals.&nbsp; It's best eliminated at first to allow the body to rest.</p>
<p><strong>Can I be a vegetarian/vegan and do this diet?</strong></p>
<p>No.&nbsp; There is no way to do that.&nbsp; Animal fats and bone broth are the keys to healing the gut.&nbsp; The gelatin in the bone broth is very soothing and the animal fats also help to soothe the gut, as well as replace lost vitamins and minerals.&nbsp; While it's possible to choose coconut oil frequently, it is not possible to avoid animal products.&nbsp; Vitamins A, B, D, E, K and others are all missing from plant foods, and are not absorbed without fat (except B, which is water-soluble, but still found heavily in animal foods)!</p>
<p><strong>What if I don't really have any specific symptoms?&nbsp; What if I am just struggling to lose weight, have mood swings, etc. but no food allergies or anything?&nbsp; Can this diet help me?</strong></p>
<p>Yes!&nbsp; Almost everyone in this country has some problems with yeast, and often food sensitivities they don't even know about.&nbsp; It will improve your health.&nbsp; In fact, I was <em>sure</em> my son didn't have any issues, but taking him off grains has helped him.</p>
<p><strong>Isn't this diet really hard, and really expensive?</strong></p>
<p>Okay, it's not easy and it's not cheap.&nbsp; I won't lie.&nbsp; But it's easier than living on dozens of prescription medication and feeling terrible all the time.&nbsp; There is still a <em>lot</em> you can eat, especially on full GAPS.&nbsp; You'll also discover new foods that you like!&nbsp; Recently I sauteed mushrooms, onions, and some chicken breast and topped it with some tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.&nbsp; Totally GAPS-legal, yummy, and satisfying.&nbsp; And not too expensive, either (and easy!).</p>
<p>As for cost, it depends.&nbsp; You can do it a lot cheaper than you think.&nbsp; Lots of cheap bone broth and soups and less actual meat, for example.&nbsp; Fermenting foods at home instead of buying them.&nbsp; Skipping probiotic supplements (as we are) in favor of fermented foods.&nbsp; Sticking to chicken/beef instead of fish or other more expensive foods.&nbsp; Choosing cheap produce (apples, carrots, lettuce, etc.).&nbsp; It <em>can</em> be done!</p>
<p><strong>Do you have any other questions about GAPS, either in general or about our experience?&nbsp; Please ask!</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sally
EMAIL: scottsally@hotmail.com
IP: 209.33.43.40
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 03:25:37 PM
<p>Do you use coconut flour to make grain free breads?  Or any other substitutes?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: alisonwisconsin@gmail.com
IP: 76.21.235.223
URL: http://www.frugallynourishing.com
DATE: 01/22/2011 03:31:10 PM
<p>Thanks so much for your posting on GAPS. I&#39;ve been doing Full GAPS for about two weeks now and find that I&#39;m eating a lot of fruit and eggs. Also noticing a weird skin rash on my daughter (she had this before I took wheat out of my diet).....wondering if it is die of symptoms or another food allergy for her. Do you find you guys eat a lot of fruit? Any thoughts on how much one should consume? The GAPS book doesn&#39;t really put limits, but i&#39;m afraid I might be over doing it. Thanks and hope you guys are back to feeling normal soon!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/22/2011 03:37:44 PM
<p>Sally,</p><p>I will occasionally bake with coconut flour or almond flour, but my daughter isn&#39;t tolerating almond flour very well, unfortunately.  I *try* not to do it more than a few times a week for one meal/day.  Mostly I am going to try to do fruit, vegetables, nuts (for those who can), and jerky for snacks!</p><p>Alison,</p><p>It may be just that her system has not cleared the allergens yet, 2 weeks is not long enough for many.  A month or two will help you to see real changes.  As for fruit, if you have yeast issues, it&#39;s not a good idea to eat too much.  We&#39;ve chosen mostly low-sugar fruits, and are trying to vary it with lots of soups, salads, jerky (as soon as my husband gets back with our whole cow I&#39;ll be make a ton of jerky!), pickles and other fermented foods, etc.  It&#39;s easy to focus too much on fruit.  You could make a dip out of white beans (navy beans are legal) and dip celery or carrot sticks into it.  Or, if you can, bacon-cheddar dip for veggies.  Slices of cheese or crispy nuts.  A lot of it requires a little extra prep, but you can do it upfront and have it around for later.  I&#39;ll be exploring more about &quot;what do you EAT?&quot; in the upcoming weeks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidimeythaler@gmail.com
IP: 75.81.137.159
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 03:54:14 PM
<p>So interesting that you are posting on this...seems the GAP diet is showing up a lot recently for me personally.  I have been leaning towards similar ideas for two reasons:  I&#39;m trying to reverse some tooth decay and also trying to heal from &#39;inflammation of the mucosa&#39; and hemrhoids after the birth of my son.  We mostly follow the Weston A. Price/Nourishing Traditions philosophy with some occasional drifting, but I&#39;m feeling the need to get serious about healing the issues in my body.  The first time I&#39;d heard about GAPS was only a couple weeks ago, and so I&#39;m wondering if there are rsources you would recommend.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/22/2011 04:05:35 PM
<p>Heidi,</p><p>There are lots of great resources!  First, I&#39;d get the GAPS book itself.  Also, you can join the Yahoo GAPS group (it is a very active list).  www.gapsdiet.com has a lot of good info too.  There are several blogs out there that have GAPS recipes, I mention a few in my &#39;resources&#39; section.  There&#39;s a GAPS Guide out too, but I don&#39;t have that book.  Definitely get into a support group online though, you will need to ask questions and gain information as you go!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LeaG
EMAIL: Lea.goin@gmail.com
IP: 205.201.96.250
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 04:44:07 PM
<p>Are potatoes allowed?  If so what ways do you cook them?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cori
EMAIL: 
IP: 166.205.14.244
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 05:40:29 PM
<p>Do you find it necessary to have the GAPS diet book on hand? It is so expensive...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.19.192
URL: http://www.happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/22/2011 05:43:35 PM
<p>I feel that GAPS (or a similar grain-free diet) would be beneficial to our family as my two children deal with food allergies (I&#39;ve gone so far as to eliminate milk, eggs, soy, and wheat from my diet for my breastfed daughter&#39;s sake- and actually found that after I eliminated wheat, I felt much better- I&#39;d have a lot of aches/pains, and just felt a lot of inflammation all over).  My son has an allergy to milk and egg whites.  I&#39;m fairly convinced that I probably have leaky gut on some level that caused both my children&#39;s food/environmental allergies.  Anyway, so my challenge with this diet is two-fold: First with the allergies- it&#39;s heavy on eggs and in the full gaps it&#39;s a lot of milk/cheese, and secondly, my son is terribly picky.  (My daughter will eat anything you put in front of her, but I&#39;m not about to give her eggs or milk if she reacts to them when I eat it).  So...what would you recommend for me and others that have issues like this?  How do you present the GAPS diet to a picky preschooler?  (And I do understand that the picky-ness can be caused by an imbalance in the gut).  What do you think?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 07:34:14 PM
<p>have you tried colostrum? either in raw form, or in supplement form. i started taking a colostrum/probiotic supplement for candida and it was pretty incredible. i had a seriously intense die off reaction, so start out very gradually and drink a ton of water, but that combined with a no sugar diet was all that i needed to get rid of the systemic yeast. i had recurrent yeast infections as well as AWFUL ringworm, the same fungus that causes athlete&#39;s foot.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: DM
EMAIL: doodlebugsplanet@gmail.com
IP: 70.246.22.163
URL: http://dandelion-farm.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/22/2011 10:17:10 PM
<p>I am so glad you posted this. We are talking about starting a grain-free diet soon. DH is overweight, dd has been having tantrums and not sleeping well, and I have depression. Is there a website with the basics of this diet or do you have to get the book? I have no idea where to even begin. I am pregnant so a little worried about the affects on pregnancy,</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica F
EMAIL: jfuester@mac.com
IP: 71.170.186.193
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 10:34:08 PM
<p>Hi there!  I&#39;m currently about 11 weeks pregnant and also breast feeding my youngest.  Do you feel that you eat enough on the GAPS diet to support a healthy pregnancy?  And healthy milk production?  I&#39;ve been toying with the idea of doing the diet for some time now and think it would greatly help my family&#39;s over all health but am just wondering if I could eat enough.  I already struggle to gain weight as it is- and we eat a usually very healthy diet.  Also, is the diet a lifelong choice or is it more of a &#39;clean out the gut and get it in super tip top shape- then add back in a few things&#39; diet?  I believe that the Weston A Price/Nourishing Traditions diet is healthy and nourishing, so ideally I&#39;d like to get back to a diet like that.  When I picture my family sitting down for a meal, I see a healthy, nourishing, slow food kind of meal with the aroma of home made bread filling the home.  :)  I definitely want to make some sort of change right now though- this first trimester has been tough (this baby with be my third in three years) and we haven&#39;t been eating the foods we normally do eat, and I&#39;m feeling awful. I know it&#39;s not just the pregnancy hormones- I think the food is wearing on me.  Thanks for a great post!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sharin W
EMAIL: the_whitehouse@att.net
IP: 75.224.47.195
URL: 
DATE: 01/23/2011 01:05:50 AM
<p>While dietary changes are necessary to help control the Candida, for external fungal infections you can always turn to tea tree oil! it works wonders and quickly too! it can be used straight or with a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil. It helps with athletes foot and nail infections, or any external fungal/bacterial infection. * Not to be used internally. I Hope this helps.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan Alba
EMAIL: alba.megan@gmail.com
IP: 68.92.234.136
URL: http://lifewiththealbas.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 06:01:03 AM
<p>Thanks for posting this! I&#39;ve been considering GAPS and this information is very helpful. I have ongoing eczema and my husband has athlete&#39;s foot. We&#39;ve also been battling weight gain and anxiety/ depression / mood swings for the past few months. I&#39;ve noticed a definite correlation between our diet and our symptoms.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kate
EMAIL: kate.swedberg@gmail.com
IP: 98.15.136.74
URL: http://gapsdaily.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 03:12:13 PM
<p>Thanks for the post. GAPS is definitely hard and requires a huge time commitment, but it&#39;s so so worth it!<br/>I&#39;ve been on it since April 2010 and can&#39;t believe the amount of healing that&#39;s still taking place. I recently went on the intro and the die-off is immense even after 10 months on the full diet.<br/>I just started a blog and posted my story if you want to read it.<br/>@Alison- your daughter is probably experiencing die-off, which can come and go a lot in the first weeks and months. It&#39;s a good thing, keep it up! For me, it really took about two months before I started feeling really good and the die-off subsided a lot.</p><p>Kate</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: alisonwisconsin@gmail.com
IP: 76.21.235.223
URL: http://www.frugallynourishing.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 03:33:30 PM
<p>Kate- thanks so much for your comment, I wasn&#39;t sure if she could experience die off too....but i guess so. its either that or i take another high allergen out of our diet (eggs or nuts) which I am clinging to....i woke up with some acne today so i&#39;m pretty convinced its die off....glad to know it comes and goes though.  If I might ask, why did you go back on intro after being on the full diet? i&#39;m on full bc I&#39;m nursing, hoping i won&#39;t have to go to intro after being on full for awhile! I&#39;m enjoying the support group started on this one post! :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kate
EMAIL: kate.swedberg@gmail.com
IP: 98.15.136.74
URL: http://gapsdaily.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 06:52:07 PM
<p>Alison,<br/>How old is your daughter? Acne  can def be die-off, I tend to get a lot of skin things going on with it. <br/>Since I&#39;m breastfeeding I never did intro, just full. I&#39;m still breastfeeding but at 19 months my DD isn&#39;t nursing as much, and I had some stubborn issues I couldn&#39;t address on full. I also figure that I&#39;ve been slowly detoxing over the past year and the toxic load in my milk isn&#39;t nearly what it would have been at the beginning.<br/>My daughter is doing great and actually loves all the soups.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison
EMAIL: alisonwisconsin@gmail.com
IP: 76.21.235.223
URL: http://www.frugallynourishing.com
DATE: 01/24/2011 09:41:23 PM
<p>Kate, my daughter is 11 mo. old and is breastfeeding quite frequently. I&#39;ve been easing into the GAPS diet over the past 4-6 months (not by choice, but forced to because of food allergies in my daughter) and have just finally put us on it since the last allergy was wheat, decided to take out all grains. I can say that the die off symptoms have increased greatly just by doing this (and took out natural sweeteners at the same time). So I&#39;m hoping they won&#39;t last as long for us, I think I was having mild die off symptoms for awhile and they just escalated when I went to full GAPS....our systems are very out of whack, I was on TONS of antibiotics during pregnancy and way too many medications before that. Thanks so much for your help!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/24/2011 10:10:25 PM
<p>DM,</p><p>Try www.gapsdiet.com.  That will give you a basic outline.  The book is worth it if you can get it, because there&#39;s just so much more indepth information.  But you will understand what is allowed/not allowed and have many questions answered from that website.  I believe it is a healthy diet in pregnancy, I&#39;ll be talking about why soon!</p><p>Jessica,</p><p>Yes, I think grain-free is healthy in pregnancy.  What nutrients are in grains that are not in other foods?  Also, GAPS is actually NOT a low-carb diet, contrary to popular belief.  Squash, carrots, fruits, and other vegetables are quite high in carbs.  So, the source of carbs is different, but you&#39;re definitely getting them.  As for all other nutrients, they are definitely present in other foods.  Your only concern would be eating enough, which can be hard on GAPS.  This weekend I&#39;ll be writing about some practical tips on going grain-free that will help, hopefully!  Also, yes, GAPS is temporary.  It is recommended to be on it 6 months - 2 years, depending on the severity of symptoms.  But it is not forever.  Especially after the first time, or in the absence of serious health problems (autoimmune conditions, autism, etc.), a few months may be enough.  And then, yes, back to NT!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods GIVEAWAY!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/21/2011 01:00:07 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 350px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Healty%20Pregnancy%20Cover.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295551382750" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>A week and a half ago, I released a brand-new ebook, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</a>!&nbsp; This book is primarily aimed at pregnant and nursing women who are looking to simplify pregnancy nutrition.</p>
<p>There's no more counting dairy foods, protein foods, yellow foods, orange foods, green foods....&nbsp; No more making sure you're "getting it all in."&nbsp; <strong>Instead, this book presents a simple list of super foods (many that are everyday foods you're eating anyway) with only two rules: 1) Don't eat junk food, 2) Eat lots of super foods.&nbsp;</strong> That's it!&nbsp; If you're focusing on super foods, and they are the majority of what you are consuming, you <em>will</em> get the nutrition that you need!</p>
<p>Also included in the book are sneaky ways to eat super foods (for those few you just don't like), pregnant women's nutritional needs (in case you're curious), prenatal supplements (which are really necessary and why?), and 31 brand-new recipes including many of these super foods!&nbsp; You can't go wrong.</p>
<p><strong>If you're <em>not</em> pregnant or nursing, this super food information and these recipes are universal.</strong>&nbsp; It would benefit all of us to get more super foods into our diets!</p>
<p><strong>And now, two lucky readers have a chance to win a copy of this book!</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html"> Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</a> is 73 pages long, includes 31 recipes (with 6 full color photographs), and sells for $8.95.&nbsp; <em>Two</em> of you will get it for <em>free!</em></p>
<p>To enter:</p>
<ol>
<li>Check out the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">book's description page</a> and tell me what you would <em>most</em> like to read if you won (which information section or which recipe).</li>
<li>Subscribe to me via <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ModernAMama/Blog&amp;loc=en_US">email</a> or <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ModernAMama/Blog">RSS</a> (or tell me you already do)</li>
<li>Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/modernamama">Twitter</a></li>
<li>"Like" me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/modernalternativemama">Facebook</a> (and I'd love if you'd post about this giveaway, though I can't require it!).&nbsp; I do a <em>lot</em> of early announcements and other fun interaction on Facebook, so if you haven't joined us there yet, please do!&nbsp; I also run special Facebook-only giveaways from time to time!</li>
</ol>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; We'll keep it fairly simple. :)&nbsp; Please leave each entry in a <em>separate</em> comment.&nbsp; <strong>This giveaway will close on Tuesday, Jan. 25th, and the winners will be announced on the 26th.</strong></p>
<p>And...if you don't win, or if you just don't want to wait, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html"><strong>Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</strong></a><strong> is ON SALE NOW!&nbsp; It is 25% off through next Thursday, 1/27, using code SUPERFOODS25</strong>.&nbsp; This makes the book only $6.71, which is a great deal!&nbsp; It won't be on sale again for awhile, so take advantage of this now!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 01/21/2011 02:07:33 PM
<p>I really want the recipes - I tried one of the recipes in the sneak peek and LOVED it (and so did my hubby!) even though I&#39;m not pregnant.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 01/21/2011 02:09:22 PM
<p>You&#39;re in my RSS!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.35.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 01/21/2011 02:09:52 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 02:22:14 PM
<p>Hey there - I think the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding section would be helpful,  plus the sneaky ways to eat because I&#39;m not a huge fan of veggies not matter how they&#39;re prepared! Also I&#39;d really like that zucchni bread recipe - I make bread/muffins all the time but my recipe is, I&#39;m sure, not healthy at all!  </p><p>I&#39;m also a facebook fan :-)</p><p>blessings!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carlyn
EMAIL: tlroes@hay.net
IP: 67.220.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 02:28:17 PM
<p>I&#39;m interested in the morning sickness remedies section. With my five pregnancies so far, it has eased somewhat each time, but if (hopefully) there&#39;s a next time, I&#39;d like to learn more about how to ease morning sickness.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carlyn
EMAIL: tlroes@hay.net
IP: 67.220.39.218
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 02:30:11 PM
<p>I subscribe through google rss reader.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth W.
EMAIL: thewilkinsiv@mac.com
IP: 74.104.39.247
URL: http://www.thewilkinsiv.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 03:54:36 PM
<p>I am really interested in reading the section about foods to increase supply. I had big supply issues with my first child, and now that I&#39;m pregnant I&#39;m really hoping to not have to supplement with the next one.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth W.
EMAIL: thewilkinsiv@mac.com
IP: 74.104.39.247
URL: http://www.thewilkinsiv.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 03:55:28 PM
<p>I subscribe via rss!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth W.
EMAIL: thewilkinsiv@mac.com
IP: 74.104.39.247
URL: http://www.thewilkinsiv.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 03:55:51 PM
<p>I like you on facebook!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 76.185.73.51
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:18:50 PM
<p>I would be really interested in reading your take on the major needs of pregnant women. I&#39;m 14+ weeks, and my head spins when I look into this. Eat whole grains, don&#39;t eat whole grains, eat fish, don&#39;t eat fish..... It&#39;s enough to make you just go through drive-throughs for 9 months! (Not really, but you know what I mean!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 76.185.73.51
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:19:14 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 76.185.73.51
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:20:17 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KatieC
EMAIL: molly_kate_00@yahoo.com
IP: 76.185.73.51
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:21:17 PM
<p>I like you on facebook. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.209.73
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:25:44 PM
<p>I&#39;m always looking for new meal and snack ideas!  Looks like a great book!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Robin
EMAIL: robin@thankyourbody.com
IP: 174.27.209.73
URL: http://www.thankyourbody.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:26:19 PM
<p>I already follow you on twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 128.237.246.61
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:37:37 PM
<p>I would love to try this book out.  I was a GD high risk pregnancy the first time and now we are trying again and having some trouble.  Nutrition always helps and the recipes sound delicious</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 128.237.246.61
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:49:10 PM
<p>I subscribe via email</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 128.237.246.61
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:49:32 PM
<p>I like you on facebook.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melinda
EMAIL: strawbalegirl@gmail.com
IP: 69.154.55.176
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 04:59:38 PM
<p>I would like to see the list of superfoods, and I would really like to try the recipes.  The first ones I would try are the Beef and Liver Stew (always trying to figure out how to eat liver) and the Fish Chowder.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melinda
EMAIL: strawbalegirl@gmail.com
IP: 69.154.55.176
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 05:01:33 PM
<p>I subscribe via email.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 06:17:17 PM
<p>the morning sickness section - I have gotten it worse with each 5 pregnancies, to the point I&#39;m scared to get pregnant for fear of how much worse it will be again....I&#39;m talking 4 months of lying on the couch &quot;dying&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 06:18:40 PM
<p>I suscribe via RSS</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sam
EMAIL: samnkids@hughes.net
IP: 72.169.253.253
URL: http://www.upthenaturaltrail.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 06:19:32 PM
<p>I like you on fb</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.1.104
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 07:08:43 PM
<p>The ■Foods to Increase Supply section sounds interesting to me.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.1.104
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 07:09:20 PM
<p>I am an email subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 66.230.113.174
URL: http://shoesoflife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 07:24:37 PM
<p>For me, the salmon recipes would be extremely helpful. I&#39;m not currently pregnant, but I find superfood information fascinating - and I live in Alaska, land of the perpetual freezer-full of salmon. :)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alaina
EMAIL: alainaarcher@gmail.com
IP: 66.230.113.174
URL: http://shoesoflife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 07:25:08 PM
<p>I also already like and follow your posts on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kate Y.
EMAIL: kyashinski@gmail.com
IP: 108.15.110.105
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 08:25:39 PM
<p>I am most interested in reading the Sneaky Ways to Eat Super Foods.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kate Y.
EMAIL: kyashinski@gmail.com
IP: 108.15.110.105
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 08:26:22 PM
<p>I like you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca A
EMAIL: rjgintrepid@gmail.com
IP: 170.135.241.45
URL: http://www.jerbecca.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 08:39:32 PM
<p>I&#39;d like the sneaky ways to eat more section-I am looking to get pregnant this year and I want to switch over to a preconception diet but it seems I can never get enough good fats and nutrients during the day.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca A
EMAIL: rjgintrepid@gmail.com
IP: 170.135.241.45
URL: http://www.jerbecca.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 08:40:22 PM
<p>I subscribe via Reader</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.224.235.161
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 09:23:45 PM
<p>I am an email subscriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susan
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.224.235.161
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 09:28:09 PM
<p>I am very interested in the Healing Salad and Fish Chowder recipes.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 98.21.176.252
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 09:40:01 PM
<p>I am a friend on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 98.21.176.252
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 09:40:56 PM
<p>I want to read the section about sneeking super foods into your diet.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Traci
EMAIL: traci@ksei.us
IP: 98.21.176.252
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 09:41:31 PM
<p>I follow you on rss feed.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Annie
EMAIL: anniesc@gmail.com
IP: 67.188.175.70
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 09:57:14 PM
<p>I subscribe to your RSS feed</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Annie
EMAIL: anniesc@gmail.com
IP: 67.188.175.70
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 09:58:11 PM
<p>I want to read Pregnant Women’s Major Needs</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.1.104
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 10:15:18 PM
<p>The Morning Sickness Remedies sound very useful.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.1.104
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 10:16:20 PM
<p>email subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.1.104
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 10:17:03 PM
<p>I follow you on FB</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica T.
EMAIL: sojournerstogether@gmail.com
IP: 64.118.103.79
URL: http://jessicatelian.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 10:34:07 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to read the list of super foods and your morning sickness remedies...</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica T.
EMAIL: sojournerstogether@gmail.com
IP: 64.118.103.79
URL: http://jessicatelian.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 10:35:10 PM
<p>I already subscribe to your blog via my Google Reader.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica T.
EMAIL: sojournerstogether@gmail.com
IP: 64.118.103.79
URL: http://jessicatelian.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/21/2011 10:35:34 PM
<p>I &quot;liked&quot; your blog on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 11:40:38 PM
<p>Pregnancy and Breastfeeding</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 11:41:26 PM
<p>I subscribe via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/21/2011 11:42:20 PM
<p>I like you on fb.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: erinodom@pobox.com
IP: 24.224.101.35
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 02:50:10 AM
<p>I follow you on twitter!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: katie rayburn
EMAIL: katiebrayburn@gmail.com
IP: 66.175.172.240
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 03:16:02 AM
<p>I have a thirteen month old and just found out I am pregnant again. I want to do everything within my control to have a healthy pregnancy so I can nourish both my children and have as much energy as possible. I am interested in all recipes with cheese or chocolate and also pregnant breastfeeding section.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle Kapusta
EMAIL: Lifepoimtmichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.99.51.141
URL: http://Www.michellekapusta.com
DATE: 01/22/2011 03:18:58 AM
<p>I wish I had this when I was pregnant!  I won&#39;t be having any more kids...but I&#39;d LOVE o win the book.  I have so many friends who are pregnant...choosing one would be difficult. I woul slovenly for the recipes...the garlic sourdough &amp; the maple granola sound yummy!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle Kapusta
EMAIL: Lifepoimtmichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.99.51.141
URL: http://Www.michellekapusta.com
DATE: 01/22/2011 03:20:31 AM
<p>I subscribe to your blog!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LindseyMarie
EMAIL: LindseyMArie2163@gmail.com
IP: 71.13.229.84
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 01:19:08 PM
<p>I follow your Rss</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LindseyMarie
EMAIL: LindseyMArie2163@gmail.com
IP: 71.13.229.84
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 01:20:12 PM
<p>The chicken and Rice Soup sounds wonderful!!!!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen
EMAIL: kmilone@comcast.net
IP: 71.233.36.60
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 04:39:45 PM
<p>I&#39;m an email subscriber.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: pandora665@yahoo.com
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 01/22/2011 05:06:15 PM
<p>I&#39;d be interested in the beverage recipe section, as well as the super foods supplements and increasing supply foods.  So much interesting info!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: pandora665@yahoo.com
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 03:19:12 AM
<p>I subscribe via Google Reader!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.225.192
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 01/24/2011 04:20:01 AM
<p>I subscribe via RSS.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Krissa
EMAIL: krissamorey@yahoo.com
IP: 68.111.225.192
URL: http://morethanmundane.wordpress.com/
DATE: 01/24/2011 04:20:58 AM
<p>I&#39;m interested in the list of super foods and the sneaky ways to eat super foods...along with all the recipes!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jennifer
EMAIL: ashandjenn@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.71.229
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 06:06:39 PM
<p>I am pregnant right now- and looking to change out diet:-) I would LOVE your book- esp the section on superfoods and all those great recipes.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jennifer
EMAIL: ashandjenn@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.71.229
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 06:07:37 PM
<p>ps. I &quot;liked&quot; you on Facebook!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jennifer
EMAIL: ashandjenn@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.71.229
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 06:08:44 PM
<p>pps. I subscribed to your blog via email:-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 96.236.161.138
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 09:49:13 PM
<p>Just having a list of superfoods and new recipes that I can trust is a huge help.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 96.236.161.138
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 09:49:44 PM
<p>I subscribe via e-mail.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 96.236.161.138
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 09:50:11 PM
<p>And, I &#39;like&#39; you on facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Johanna S.
EMAIL: kjcscottfamily@gmail.com
IP: 72.86.3.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 10:13:27 PM
<p>If I won the book, I&#39;d look forward to the recipes the most!  While I do pray that I&#39;ll be pregnant in the next 6 months or so, I&#39;m always on the lookout for real food recipes!  I&#39;m just getting started with eating real food so I need a lot of ideas!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Johanna S.
EMAIL: kjcscottfamily@gmail.com
IP: 72.86.3.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 10:14:09 PM
<p>I subscribe to your blog on Google Reader.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Johanna S.
EMAIL: kjcscottfamily@gmail.com
IP: 72.86.3.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 10:14:45 PM
<p>I follow you on Twitter.  @CaitlynsMommy17</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Johanna S.
EMAIL: kjcscottfamily@gmail.com
IP: 72.86.3.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/24/2011 10:16:39 PM
<p>I &quot;like&quot; you on Facebook.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LC
EMAIL: Ledys.e.Chemin@gmail.com
IP: 68.11.147.8
URL: http://www.theramdomblog.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/25/2011 06:06:08 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to read about sneaky ways to eat super foods. It was so hard for me to eat all they wanted me to eat--sometimes I was just not hungry--and, of Course, felt guilty most of the time. Thanks for all your advice and encouragement! I love your blog:-)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LC
EMAIL: Ledys.e.Chemin@gmail.com
IP: 68.11.147.8
URL: http://www.theramdomblog.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/25/2011 06:07:01 PM
<p>I am an e-mail subscriber</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LC
EMAIL: Ledys.e.Chemin@gmail.com
IP: 68.11.147.8
URL: http://www.theramdomblog.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/25/2011 06:07:30 PM
<p>I like you on facebook</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenna Z.
EMAIL: beastbunny@hotmail.com
IP: 140.177.205.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/27/2011 10:09:00 PM
<p>I would love to try some Broccoli-Cheese Potatoes!  I&#39;m kind of disappointed that there doesn&#39;t seem to be any vegetarian main dishes.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenna Z.
EMAIL: beastbunny@hotmail.com
IP: 140.177.205.222
URL: 
DATE: 01/27/2011 10:09:46 PM
<p>I follow you on twitter (corgipants)</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cara
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.47.161.51
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 06:48:02 PM
<p>I am on Facebook &amp; I get the RSS.  I would like to know how to eat more superfoods &amp; the foods to increase supply as well!!!</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Dr. Axe Cookbook Winner!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/22/2011 02:55:18 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/realfood-cover.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1295708282838" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>The winner of the Dr. Axe cookbook is:</p>
<p><strong>Shannon@...</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations!&nbsp; Please send me an email with your mailing address to claim your prize.</p>
-----

--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Tutorial: How to Render Beef Tallow
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/28/2011 01:00:15 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010224.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296225581285" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Beef tallow is a delicious, <em>healthy</em> fat.&nbsp; It's saturated, and made from beef suet (raw fat from cows).&nbsp; If you happen to be buying a part of a grass-fed cow (we just bought a <em>whole</em> one!), request a bag of suet along with it.&nbsp; Failing that, ask a local farmer if he can get you some next time he has a cow butchered.&nbsp; Once you have the suet, though, you do have to render it in order to end up with tallow.</p>
<p>That leads to a bit of consternation for many, as it did for me initially.&nbsp; Just <em>how</em> do you render this stuff?!&nbsp; It really is not complicated at all, but it does take time, you will get greasy, and your house will smell funny for awhile.&nbsp; But it's worth it.&nbsp; Have you ever had fries cooked in beef tallow?&nbsp; It's what McDonalds used to use, 20 years ago.&nbsp; It's what made their fries so delicious but <em>without</em> trans fats or MSG!&nbsp; Sadly, they switched due to "heart health," ironically making their fries <em>less</em> healthy....</p>
<p>I digress.&nbsp; Suffice it to say, beef tallow is something you'd like to have around.&nbsp; It <em>does </em>have a strong flavor, so it's not a fat you'd want to use in everything (lard is much more neutral), but it is still really excellent.&nbsp; Let's get to how to render it.</p>
<p>Stuff you need:</p>
<ul>
<li>Suet</li>
<li>A large stock pot (mine was 8 quarts)</li>
<li>A cutting board</li>
<li>A sharp knife</li>
<li>Glass bowls</li>
<li>A wooden spoon</li>
</ul>
<p>First, you need a big chunk of suet, which is raw fat.&nbsp; Here's mine:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010208.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296225337653" alt="" /></span></span>Would you believe that's only <em>half</em> of what I got from my cow?&nbsp; Yeah, I have a lot!</p>
<p>Start cutting it into 1" cubes, likes this:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010212.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296225705102" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Now, be careful.&nbsp; You want to remove any muscle meat that's left, or any blood vessels.&nbsp; This is what the meat might look like:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010213.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296225800099" alt="" /></span></span>And this is what the blood vessels look like:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010216.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296225941528" alt="" /></span></span>You'll note these randomly inside the fat.&nbsp; You don't want them in the pot, so cut around them and just set them aside.&nbsp; You can throw these bits to animals, if you have any, or just throw them out.</p>
<p>Once your fat is cut, fill your pot with it.&nbsp; I've used an 8-quart stock pot, and this fat <em>just</em> fits inside it:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010217.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296226075944" alt="" /></span></span>Now, place the pot on the stove, uncovered, and turn it on <em>low</em>.&nbsp; Very low.&nbsp; You want it to melt, not burn.</p>
<p>After awhile, the fat will start to melt.&nbsp; There will be partially melted chunks that are kind of greenish-yellow now.&nbsp; See?&nbsp; There are a few chunks on top of the still-white raw chunks:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010222.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296226289390" alt="" /></span></span>Keep stirring your pot every 20 - 30 minutes so that more and more of the chunks get to the bottom and start melting.&nbsp; After a couple hours, your fat will have cooked down some and you'll have mostly partially-melted chunks along with lots of liquid fat.&nbsp; This is what it looks like:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010223.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296226429536" alt="" /></span></span>Around this time, especially if your pot is as full as mine was, you'll want to start pouring off some of the liquid fat.&nbsp; Get a <em>glass</em> bowl (please no plastic, it could melt the plastic and certainly leach harmful chemicals out.&nbsp; Fat and heat are the two things that cause the most leaching, so putting this in plastic is a big no-no!) and a sieve and pour the fat through it carefully.&nbsp; This is some freshly rendered tallow!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010225.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296226534384" alt="" /></span></span>Now, return your pot to the stove and keep stirring it.&nbsp; Over the next couple of hours, you'll keep stirring and pouring off melted fat.&nbsp; Eventually you'll get down to maybe 15 - 20% of the volume you originally had, and the bits won't seem to melt anymore.&nbsp; That looks like this:</p>
<p>[Insert pic of leftover bits]</p>
<p>This is normal.&nbsp; Your fat will <em>not</em> completely melt.&nbsp; These leftover bits are called "cracklins'" and they are edible!&nbsp; Keep cooking until these bits are nice and crispy.&nbsp; You may not want to pour off the last bit of liquid fat, especially if it has tiny browned bits in it.&nbsp; It will make your tallow gritty and weird.&nbsp; Here are the cracklins:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010226.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296226614920" alt="" /></span></span>These cracklins' are good to eat, so go ahead and toss a little sea salt on them and have a snack!&nbsp; Just remember that they're pure fat, so you won't want to eat too many (hard on the tummy!).</p>
<p>Allow your fat to cool.&nbsp; It'll turn from that greenish-yellow color back to a creamy white color when it solidifies.&nbsp; Put a lid on it and store it in your pantry for about a month, or in your freezer indefinitely.</p>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; That's not so hard, is it?&nbsp; It does take about 5 hours or so from start to finish, but other than cutting the fat it's not much hands-on time.&nbsp; I got about 25 cups out of that whole piece of fat, which will last months.&nbsp; So considering how long it will last that's really not too bad!</p>
<p>Also, note that this same method works to render <em>any</em> type of fat -- lard, lamb fat, duck fat, etc.&nbsp; Any raw fat can be rendered the exact same way.</p>
<h4>Have you ever rendered fat before?&nbsp; Have you ever cooked with beef tallow?&nbsp; What's your favorite use for tallow?</h4>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 01/28/2011 02:17:40 PM
<p>Your pictures are missing from your post. Just an FYI. Thanks for the tutrial, though. Will look into this. Also - about how much did you end of paying per pound for your cow, and how many pounds did you get from it. Are you able to store all of it in 1 freezer, or 2?</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/28/2011 03:01:19 PM
<p>Monique,</p><p>I fixed the pictures!  The kids were a little busy last night and I forgot to finish that!</p><p>We paid $2.50/lb. + processing, so it was around $3.00/lb. at the end.  We got 528 lbs. if I remember correctly, although that&#39;s the hanging weight.  So some of that we wouldn&#39;t have gotten, some was fat, some was bones, most was meat.  So maybe 500 lbs. take-home?  We COULD have gotten it all in one upright freezer (I think) but that would have been the ONLY thing in there.  We also have produce from last summer and stock, so we did buy a second, small freezer to put the rest of the beef in.  But we always buy them used on Craig&#39;s List so we&#39;ve gotten good deals on them!</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth W.
EMAIL: thewilkinsiv@mac.com
IP: 71.174.45.210
URL: http://www.thewilkinsiv.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/28/2011 03:08:17 PM
<p>I&#39;m just curious what part of the country you live in? I&#39;m wondering if your region has anything to do with the cost of your meat? We just bought a cow and paid 4.50 lb, and that was the VERY best price we could find.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/28/2011 03:10:41 PM
<p>Beth,</p><p>I am in Ohio.  We have a lot of Amish around and a lot of farms in general and that probably affects the pricing.  Also, the farmer we bought from is not certified organic, but raises all his animals on pasture, so that drives it down too.</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kathy
EMAIL: wonederwoman@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.1.104
URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2011 08:39:09 PM
<p>I&#39;m wondering if there is still something wrong.  I&#39;m still not able to see the pictures.  :(</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/28/2011 08:49:47 PM
<p>Kathy,</p><p>It could be your browser or permissions -- they show up fine here.  I&#39;m not sure. :(</p>
-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.185.72.220
URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2011 09:33:41 PM
<p>yum!i have rendered suet just as you do up there in your pics and it works great, but for even more frugalness?? and b/c finding suet to buy is not all that easy at times, i have had great success rendering the fat left after making beef broth....after making the broth (i generally let mine go at least a day and a half), i tear all the fatty pieces off of the bone (they basically just fall off after taht much boiling) and just toss it in a frying pan and proceed from there as you describe above, i do take off the big pieces of meat and save the morrow if i have morrow bones for another use, but it actually makes a decent amount of tallow(really not that much, but decent for a very easy amount of work) , and you have more and bigger pieces of &#39;cracklins&#39; (often with some crispy meat stillattached that is very good) when you are done, but it works great and helps save all that good fat! oh and of course, strain it before saving for use</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2011 10:09:01 PM
<p>Did you do this while pregnant? Just looking at the pictures makes me nauseous :)</p><p>Anyway, thanks for the tutorial. I had requested some extra beef fat when I ordered our 1/4 of  a cow because I&#39;ve been wanting to make soap. However, it was grassfed so they said their wasn&#39;t extra fat from this cow since it was needed for the ground beef. So, not fat to render yet. I hope to some day though so thank you.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brenda
EMAIL: bmontanye@hotmail.com
IP: 67.253.245.9
URL: 
DATE: 01/28/2011 11:10:20 PM
<p>My grassfed sheep had a ton of fat, which surprised me.  I put the fat through my KA grinder, even with a few meat bits in it.  I grind because it is faster and makes smaller pieces.  I put the ground fat in water and put it on the woodstove for at least half a day.  When it is at the cracklin&#39; stage I sieve it and put the pot (water and fat) on the front porch (well, in cold weather, which is the only time the woodstove is going too).  After the fat is quite firm I take out the round and flip it and make sure that the gritty bits are scraped off the bottom and store it in a plastic bag until needed for soap.  If I am using it for cooking I dip fat from the top of the pot when it still is on the woodstove, making sure to not go into the water on the bottom, and sieve directly into clean glass jars.<br/>I don&#39;t generally eat the cracklins (actually never though I&#39;m not sure why) but I save them in small containers for my turkeys for winter &quot;bug&quot; substitution, or for my chickens or cats or dog.  But the turkeys get first dibs because they can use the protein.<br/>I think the grinder and the water and the woodstove make my active participation time a bit lessened, and I think not frying (even gently) is probably less smelly (especially if the pot has a lid).<br/>I&#39;m not sure the person who butchered the grassfed cow was completely honest as this sheep had pounds and pounds of fat.  Maybe the cow was quite a bit younger than my sheep, who was 2 years old.  Possibly it was too annoying to put &quot;dirty&quot; fat (ie, too much meat in it) in a container for the customer?  Not sure - did you ask ahead or after?  I told the butcher I wanted it even if it was just a little beforehand.  Maybe it was because you got a non-fatty quarter - the front I would guess (the big fat on the sheep was around the kidneys). Haha, desperate ideas :) Just trying to make sure you can get some next time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/29/2011 12:10:20 AM
<p>Shannon,</p><p>lol, yes, but my morning sickness is usually done by 10 weeks so at this point (13 weeks) there&#39;s very little I can&#39;t stand. :)  I&#39;m surprised that they told you there was &quot;no fat!&quot;  That can&#39;t be right....</p><p>Brenda,</p><p>Lamb *is* much fattier than beef, and grass-fed beef can vary from rather dry to quite fatty, depending on the individual animal.  But still seems weird there would be none!  Interesting that you use yours for soap making, I would eventually like to learn how to do that!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/29/2011 02:57:49 AM
<p>Kate and Brenda-<br/>Yes, I was surprised when the butcher told me that about there not being extra fat. I had requested it before the cow went in for processing. I had also requested he keep some of the bones so I could make stock but he forgot! So, I was pretty disappointed with the whole thing and the meat is actually tough. The fat on the steaks is more like grisel, so much so that I pulled out a NY strip last night and thought it had a bone it. Anyway, it wasn&#39;t a bone but the grisel. It was that tough.</p><p>But, back to the rendering, this is something I hope to do soon and will just get some from a butcher shop instead.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Practical Tips on Doing Grain-Free/GAPS Diets
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/29/2011 01:00:48 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayneandd/4876028771/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/wheat.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296261565983" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by jayneandd</span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>If you're contemplating going grain-free or doing the GAPS diet, it may seem, initially, like an insurmountable task</strong>.&nbsp; It is a big shift in a lot of ways.&nbsp; Most people in this country have meals that are largely grain-based, after all!&nbsp; Think about our typical breakfast choices: pancakes, waffles, biscuits, oatmeal, cereal -- all grains!&nbsp; (And incidentally <em>not</em> a good way to start the day, especially if paired with sugar!)&nbsp; Even our other meals largely rely on grains -- sandwiches and soups with pasta or rice at lunch, and dinners paired with pasta, rice, potatoes, etc.</p>
<p>Therefore, trying to plan meals, know what to shop for, what to snack on, how to get enough food, etc. can be really difficult, especially when you are initially starving from a lack of carbs/sugars (which you will crave like withdrawal at first).&nbsp; <strong>In order to approach a grain-free diet without losing your mind, some practical help is necessary!</strong></p>
<p>In case you aren't sure what all of this is about, you might want to read more about the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/14/the-gaps-diet.html">GAPS diet</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/22/grain-free-diets-and-why-were-doing-it.html">why we're grain-free</a>,&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/2011/1/24/meal-plan-121-to-127.html">grain-free meal plan week 1</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/2011/1/24/meal-plan-128-to-23.html">week 2</a>.</p>
<p>So, if you're now ready to go grain-free, what now?&nbsp; Here are some ideas:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Stock up on </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2010/10/4/in-the-kitchen-real-food-basics-ebook.html"><strong>stock</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>If you're doing GAPS, you'll be going through a <em>lot</em> of stock.&nbsp; Even if you're not, you can always eat soup.&nbsp; You can add different meats and veggies to it (and cheese, if you can do dairy) for an endless variety.&nbsp; Soup can be reasonably high in fat if you sautee the veggies in coconut oil or butter and leave the fat in the stock.&nbsp; It takes awhile to makes (though it's quite easy), so you'll want to make a lot and freeze it so it's always on hand.&nbsp; Remember to freeze some in ice cube trays in case you only need a little for sauces, gravies, reheating food, or even just a quick snack.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fermented foods are your friend</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Forget that they <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/17/fermented-foods-make-me-feel-fabulous.html">make me feel fabulous</a> for a minute.&nbsp; Fermented foods will do two things: 1) help restore your gut health, and 2) kill carb cravings.&nbsp; You need both of these things!&nbsp; You can buy milk kefir (if you can do dairy), yogurt, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html">kombucha</a>, traditional pickles, saurkraut, and other things.&nbsp; You can make many of these things, too, although that's not as easy.&nbsp; Feel free to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/2/kombucha-brewing-tips-and-hints.html">brew some kombucha</a>, <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/4/how-to-make-yogurt.html">make some yogurt</a>, or ferment some veggies if you want, though!&nbsp; Go slow if you're new to fermented foods, though, because they can definitely cause digestive distress, mood swings, and more!&nbsp; Start with a teaspoon or two a day and work your way up to more as you can handle it.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Buy <em>lots</em> of produce</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Fruits and veggies are your friend now.&nbsp; Buy types you don't usually cook with, too.&nbsp; Add some leeks to your cart, maybe some argula or bok choy.&nbsp; Branch out, because you're going to be eating a lot.&nbsp; Be sure to get lots of carrot and apples for soups, snacks, and apple-carrot juice, too!&nbsp; You'll spend most of your grocery budget on produce; except what you spend on eggs and meat, of course!&nbsp; It will help to make salads (if you're having them) ahead of time, as well as hummus and veggie sticks or other "snacky" type things, so that when you're hungry there's something to grab.&nbsp; If you tolerate nuts, buy some almond butter and serve it with apple slices for a quick, protein-filled snack.&nbsp; Peanut butter's okay too but not as good, health-wise.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Focus on protein</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Chances are, if you're strongly craving carbs, you haven't eaten enough, and you especially haven't had enough protein.&nbsp; Aim to start your day with protein and to have some at <em>every </em>meal and snack.&nbsp; It will fill you up, keep you full, and won't spike your blood sugar.&nbsp; Buy <em>tons</em> of eggs, because you can use them for eating plain, for baking (<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/18/coconut-chocolate-muffins.html">coconut flour muffins</a> require a <em>lot</em> of eggs), for adding to smoothies, etc.&nbsp; Buy lots of meat, too, because you <em>will</em> be starving.&nbsp; (We used to just cook a lb. of grass-fed beef and sprinkle with onion powder and sea salt and just eat it plain when we did this the first time -- for a <em>snack</em>, no less.)&nbsp; If you can, buy yogurt and cheese, too, for snacks.&nbsp; Nut butters are also good.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/8/making-jerky.html">Make some jerky</a> if you want, although beware: the last batch I made (two full roasts' worth) was gone in a <em>day</em>, it was that good!&nbsp; Bottom line: try to eat protein <em>constantly</em>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Plan snacks in your day</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Maybe before you didn't really have "snack time."&nbsp; Maybe snacks were just if you got hungry.&nbsp; You <em>will</em> get hungry now, so plan for it.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">Refried beans</a> (homemade, please!) with cheddar and fermented salsa might be a good snack (not GAPS friendly, but grain-free).&nbsp; Coconut milk ice cream is good.&nbsp; Veggie sticks dipped in aforementioned salsa.&nbsp; Apple slices in cashew butter.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/20/almond-flour-muffins.html">Almond flour muffins</a>.&nbsp; There are <em>tons</em> of great snack ideas.&nbsp; Plan ahead, keep them around the house.&nbsp; Otherwise you'll get hungry and be tempted to run out and grab a bagel or a cookie, which will leave you feeling not-so-good.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Make more than you think you need</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Since most of us are used to grain-based meals or at least side dishes, that's how we're used to getting full.&nbsp; We serve bread with our meals, we make rice or potatoes, etc.&nbsp; There are not nearly the same amount of calories in steamed broccoli as roasted potatoes.&nbsp; For that reason, you will need to plan more at meals than you did before.&nbsp; Add two veggies, and cover them in coconut oil or butter and sea salt (surprisingly delicious!).&nbsp; Serve a salad with full-fat dressing.&nbsp; Add some fruit, or a smoothie made with egg yolks and yogurt.&nbsp; Make extra meat, and cook it with lots of fat.&nbsp; Make larger portions!&nbsp; If you don't, you will be hungry!&nbsp; It doesn't matter if the meal is unconventional, either.&nbsp; Just serve enough!&nbsp; Making a big pot of thick soup, a salad, apple slices with almond butter, and a steamed veggie with butter might not be "typical," but you might really need it.&nbsp; Just make <em>sure</em> you are eating whenever you are hungry, lest you get tempted!&nbsp; (And not feel well!)</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Consider a large meat purchase</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you've never bought 1/4 of a cow before (or a whole one like us!), now might be the time to consider it.&nbsp; You could go broke buying all the meat you'll need at retail prices, but buying wholesale this way can save a ton of money.&nbsp; I can serve a sirloin stir-fry for around $3/lb. instead of more like $12 that it would cost retail!&nbsp; That makes it frugal enough to actually have on a regular basis.&nbsp; Plus, we don't have to feel bad that we need 1.5 lbs. of meat per meal instead of just 1.&nbsp; Some nights, if we've had a rough day, we might just pull a pound of meat out, fry it up with some veggies, and call it snack.&nbsp; But if we've bought in bulk at a great price, we don't have to feel bad.&nbsp; Bonus: the freezer's full, so you make fewer trips to the grocery store!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Buy some alternative flours</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Despite that you are on this diet to heal and improve your health, you <em>will</em> still want treats.&nbsp; You will miss baked goods.&nbsp; This is especially true around birthdays and holidays.&nbsp; Instead of entirely denying yourself, learn to make these things healthy.&nbsp; Get some coconut and almond flours, or bean flours, and learn to bake with them.&nbsp; Make the occasional treat.&nbsp; Make sure you have honey around to bake with, too, so you're not ruining your healthy effort with white sugar!&nbsp; Even if you keep these as a very rare treat (by choice or necessity), it'll be nice to know that you <em>can</em> have a treat.&nbsp; And, you can always cut up fresh fruit and dip it in homemade whipped cream (assuming you can do dairy) for an everyday treat!</p>
<p>Those are my best tips when you're starting off with grain-free.&nbsp; They're not <em>all</em> GAPS-oriented, but most of them are.&nbsp; Certainly they could all be adapted!&nbsp;</p>
<p>The last thing: <strong>get a good support group</strong>.&nbsp; You will need it.&nbsp; Even if you are knowledgeable and determined, you will have rough days.&nbsp; Your friends and family will think you are crazy.&nbsp; Someone will beg you at a birthday party to eat "just one slice of cake," because "c'mon, it's a party, loosen up, what is one little slice going to hurt?"&nbsp; To face the hard times, you will need people around you who get what you're going through!&nbsp; Head to the Yahoo GAPS group or to the forum for support!</p>
<p><strong>What are your best grain-free tips?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.201.44.13
URL: 
DATE: 01/29/2011 02:19:49 PM
<p>I found this post very helpful but I have a couple of questions for you.  It seems the grain-free/GAPS thing focuses a lot on soups--What would you do if your husband didn&#39;t like soup?  I can make soup *maybe* once a week but that is way plenty for my husband. (And I&#39;ve tried many different kinds of soup, and tried to make it nice and hearty, thick and chunky and he still would prefer I not make soup)</p><p>My second question (and maybe you&#39;ve answered this before) is what is your food budget?  Is it possible to do this diet with a very small food budget? (And no, I don&#39;t do packaged food. I make our food from scratch and we rarely eat out.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/29/2011 03:17:04 PM
<p>Amanda,</p><p>If you are going grain-free just for health (not needing GAPS in particular), you don&#39;t need to do soups.  Bone broth helps GAPS patients to heal, which is why it&#39;s so big there.  Also, it doesn&#39;t have to be &quot;soup.&quot;  You could cook veggies or meat in broth until it is gone, and serve that.  You could use broth to make gravy or sauce that your husband does like.  Would he eat chili?  You could sneak some broth in there.  But, there are definitely ways to use broth without soup!</p><p>As for cost, we have increased our food budget some, but I suspect it doesn&#39;t need to be as much as it is.  I&#39;ll be trying to see how &quot;cheap&quot; I can get it in a week or so, and I&#39;ll post then on what I did and how much it really cost!  I think it *is* possible if you focus on cheaper produce (onions, carrots, celery, apples, etc.) and lots of eggs.  If you&#39;re grain-free but not GAPS, beans are a good way to keep costs down too.  Making omelets, casseroles, soups (if you can, maybe for lunch for you?), etc. are good ways to keep things cheaper.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/29/2011 07:56:14 PM
<p>My biggest problem with being grain-free (not GAPS) is the lack of dry food.  When my stomach is a little upset, I&#39;m used to going for crackers because they really settle things down.  Having only &quot;wet&quot; foods like eggs and yogurt, especially first thing in the morning, can be hard on my stomach.  Do you adjust to that in time?  All I wanted yesterday was some saltines.</p><p>It&#39;s interesting you find grain-free diets make you hungrier.  I&#39;ve found the opposite to be true -- I end up poking around the kitchen for a snack out of habit, but when I think of it, I&#39;m not really hungry.  But my husband has been eating like a horse, so I guess it&#39;s different for him.</p><p>Probably this is because the body can only convert a certain amount of protein to calories per day.  I think it&#39;s about 1400 calories ... which is close to what I usually need, but way less than my husband does.  Fat helps a lot to make up the difference -- I make it a point to include lots of fat in everything I cook.  Roux (made with potato starch) and refried beans are good sources for us, but I don&#39;t think either of those are GAPS-legal.  There&#39;s always butter and oil on veggies and egg yolks cooked into soup.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 01/29/2011 08:29:01 PM
<p>thank you for the great ideas, Kate!! when we did a short trial run of grain free/gaps last week, my girls also LOVED snakcing on straight meat, fried in good oil and salted:) i used chicken pulled off the bone from making stock, meat a bit &quot;weird&quot; for eating straight usually (like neck meat), but my girls gobbled it up! it made a very filling quick and easy snack! another hit with my 14 month old was gelatin broth-straight, already salted, but still cold and gelatiny:) i didnt even try it myslef, but she loved it:) far more than eating soups....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 01/29/2011 10:03:40 PM
<p>Sheila, I totally agree with you--we are mainly gluten-free, still eat rice and corn, but I was a big-time cereal/toast/etc girl for breakfast. It was REALLY hard for me to have eggs and bacon every day--sure, at first it&#39;s cool and tasty but omg I missed bread sometimes. I&#39;ve found GF baking to be really helpful...I get a muffin to curb my bread craving but I don&#39;t feel too bad about eating it because it&#39;s GF (from an all-purpose mix, or almond flour, etc). It&#39;s been fun to experiment with new recipes, too.</p><p>Also, I recently bought some almond crackers in the GF aisle at the grocery, to use with some dips at my son&#39;s birthday party. They were nice to have a few days later when I had an upset stomach and they served as a good replacement for Townhouse crackers with my tuna! (I will eat it with just a fork, but I really missed having it on toast or crackers.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.5
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/30/2011 05:15:47 AM
<p>Wow, I can&#39;t even imagine being able to afford eating this way.  We do not live in an area where we can get meat at that kind of price - the best I&#39;ve been able to find is an average of $7/lb, and that is buying the whole cow!  Right now we&#39;re eating very little meat (so little that I crave it, really) but we&#39;re committed to eating pastured meats (for ethical reasons as well as health reasons) and we simply can&#39;t afford them very often.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: AP & BCT Discipline (What Works for Us)
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/05/2011 01:00:06 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/-jocelyn-/4775286211/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/mom%20love%20baby.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296679046881" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by .jocelyn</span></span></p>
<p>Recently, I posted on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/2/gentle-discipline.html">gentle discipline</a> and <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/24/attachment-parenting-meeting-your-childs-needs.html">AP</a>.&nbsp; And in the past I've posted on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/3/biblical-child-training-meet-attachment-parenting.html">Biblical Child Training</a> (BCT) and how we combine that with Attachment Parenting (AP).&nbsp; <strong>But some of you asked, what does discipline really look like in my house?</strong>&nbsp; How exactly do we combine it?</p>
<p>Today I thought I'd share what works for us.&nbsp; <strong>Please know this is <em>just</em> what works here, I'm not suggesting that anyone else follow or use this.</strong>&nbsp; I'm sharing because it seems like a lot of parents are really trying to combine BCT and AP and discipline is one area where they can be rather opposite.&nbsp; BCT parenting generally leads more towards first-time obedience and physical punishment, while AP usually uses very gentle discipline (or, unfortunately, for those who misinterpret the philosophy, no discipline), and never any form of physical punishment.</p>
<p><strong>But the <em>core </em>message of both philosophies is the same: discipline out of love for your child, while in relationship with them.</strong>&nbsp; See their real <em>needs</em> and teach them and train them up in the way they should go.</p>
<p>So how does that play out here?</p>
<p><strong>I've learned the kids under 2 don't really understand much yet.</strong>&nbsp; They do get that they're doing something on purpose, but they don't have any self control or much memory.&nbsp; And what memory they have is simply overcome by curiosity.&nbsp; Although they may know they "shouldn't" touch something, and may even remember being punished or removed from it the last time, they really have no forethought, no self control, and their sheer desire/curiosity overwhelms any other thought.&nbsp; It's why they do the same thing over and over (like pull the cat's tail or get at your computer) even though you say "no" and move them <em>every</em> time.&nbsp; <strong>They are just not developmentally able to reason out the situation and choose what you would like on purpose.</strong></p>
<p>(Some of you, especially if you have only one kid, are going to argue with me.&nbsp; Okay, go ahead.&nbsp; But any parenting or developmental book will tell you this is true.&nbsp; I didn't believe it either, the first time.&nbsp; I thought she knew exactly what she was doing.&nbsp; But <strong>now I look at the difference between my 3-year-old and my 18-month-old and I <em>know</em> he really does not get it yet</strong>.)</p>
<p><strong>At this age, from maybe 8 or 9 months (when they get mobile and curious) until around age 2, I primarily rely on removing the child or the object.</strong>&nbsp; There is no point in punishing because the child does not understand and will not learn anything.&nbsp; I can't tell you how many times a day I say "Daniel, no!" and then take something out of his hands, or pick him up and stop him....&nbsp; (He likes to hit people right now.)&nbsp; If he hits me, I put him on the floor, and I say "We do not hit."</p>
<p><strong>The only times he's really "punished" are when he does something dangerous: if he climbs up on a chair and tries to grab the knife while I'm cooking, or if he runs towards the street.</strong>&nbsp; Something besides experience needs to impress upon him that that action is <em>dangerous</em> and that he must never do it!</p>
<p><strong>Around age 2, they suddenly start to understand a little more about what's going on, and have a bit of a memory and desire to please.</strong>&nbsp; They slowly start to acquire self control.&nbsp; They start to be able to choose to be good on purpose, although their self control will still be limited for another year or so.&nbsp; As they get more verbal, they start learning to do many things very deliberately.</p>
<p>I'll say, modeling is very, very important.&nbsp; <strong>I can't tell you how many times a day something I've said comes out of my 3-year-old's mouth.</strong>&nbsp; Sometimes it's adorable: "Mommy, I <em>love</em> you!"&nbsp; Sometimes it's amusing: "Mommy, I can't, I have <em>enough</em> stuff to do right now!" or "Yeah, I'm going to live."&nbsp; Other times it's rather obnoxious: "You stop talking.&nbsp; You shut your mouth."</p>
<p>Ahem.</p>
<p>Yes, she's heard me say all those things, and more.&nbsp; Because <strong>like all of you, I'm human, and sometimes I lose my temper and say things that I probably shouldn't. </strong>:)&nbsp; <em>Most</em> of the stuff she says is amusing, though!&nbsp; She's definitely a fiery, independent little girl.&nbsp; And she talks <em>very</em> well now, and uses this to her advantage quite often.&nbsp; In fact, her current favorite thing (and my least favorite thing) is when she says, rather huffily, "I'm <em>going</em> to!!" or "I'm <em>doing</em> it!!" but just sits there and keeps talking about whatever it is, with no intention of doing it nor motion....</p>
<p>Anyway, so we obviously have some behavior challenges now.&nbsp; And <strong>she <em>is</em> capable of understanding and making choices now, at age 3.&nbsp; Our approach to discipline is very different now</strong>.&nbsp; I don't ever remove her from situations, really.&nbsp; I do remove objects from her.&nbsp; For example, if she hits me with something (or, more likely, hits her brother), I will take it away.&nbsp; If she colors on the table or her hands, the pencil is gone. And so on.</p>
<p><strong>We do focus on natural consequences as much as we can, for many types of behavior.</strong>&nbsp; If she makes a mess, she is required to clean it up (and we stand there until she does).&nbsp; We may make it easier -- scraping the toys into a pile, for example -- but she needs to do it herself.&nbsp; And we explain, "If you don't like cleaning up, you should not make messes."&nbsp; Once she pulled all the top sheets and blankets off her bed.&nbsp; I made her put them all back on, the right way.&nbsp; She cried at first and said it was too hard, but then managed to put them on and spread them out.&nbsp; Wrinkled?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; But did she learn to clean it up herself?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; Has she done it again since then?&nbsp; Not so far!</p>
<p>If there is a natural consequence -- it is applied.&nbsp; <strong>If there is not, we may choose to take away privileges</strong> -- "If you are not quiet and in your bed at quiet time, not messing up your room, then you will not get to go to the store with mommy later."&nbsp; She loves going to the store with me so this is a deterrent for her.&nbsp; <strong>We may offer her a special treat, too</strong> -- "If you can be calm and stay with mommy through the whole store, we'll pick out a treat before we leave" (fruit snacks and fresh fruit are favorites).</p>
<p><strong>For general daily misbehavior, like pushing her brother, being defiant, taking a toy away, etc. we generally follow this</strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Warning</strong> to stop the behavior</li>
<li><strong>Time out</strong>.&nbsp; She gets 3 minutes (we set a timer) in her designated spot.&nbsp; She is not allowed to talk (because she usually whines/talks back) or get up until the timer goes off.&nbsp; If she does, the timer is reset.&nbsp; This can happen twice.&nbsp; If she still talks/gets up (and she does get warnings each time to stop), then she will get spanked.&nbsp; At first, for a couple days, we often got to the spanking stage -- 2 or 3 times a day.&nbsp; Now, it's very rare.&nbsp; She is required to apologize after to whomever she hurt.</li>
<li><strong>Time out again</strong> in her spot, 3 minutes.&nbsp; Apologizing after again.</li>
<li><strong>Time out upstairs in her room</strong>, until she can calm down.&nbsp; </li>
<li><strong>Probably a spanking</strong>, though we really don't ever get to this point....</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>On an average day, she might end up in time out 1 or 2 times</strong>.&nbsp; On a bad day, 5 or 6.&nbsp; There have been a few days I felt all I did was send her to time out -- she'd go, talk/whine, get in trouble, finally get up, and immediately go roughly shove her brother.&nbsp; Back to time out.&nbsp; Most days aren't like that.</p>
<p><strong>If we're having a really rough time, we'll sit and talk for awhile about attitude and pray for Jesus' help.</strong>&nbsp; She will ask to pray.&nbsp; She will say, "Mommy, pray for Jesus in my heart."</p>
<p><strong>We also discuss good/bad choices.</strong>&nbsp; So sometimes I will ask her, "Was that a good choice or a bad choice?"&nbsp; Most often this is after she has disobeyed/done something wrong.&nbsp; But sometimes I ask her after she has shared with another child unprompted or another good action, and reinforce how nice that was and how Mommy is proud of her choice.</p>
<p>Now -- I tend to be impatient.&nbsp; <strong>I have to force myself to stop and try to be understanding, consistent, and fair.&nbsp; I am just not a patient person by nature.</strong>&nbsp; I can sometimes see things for what they are, and I often see them after the fact.&nbsp; But I don't always see them in the moment.&nbsp; If I'm not being careful, I can be a bit harsher than I intend to, especially in the tone of voice I use (Bekah's great at that too, by the way...).&nbsp; I struggle to be very calm and careful and speak gently, but I don't always succeed.&nbsp; Mommies have meltdowns too. :)&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Usually, though, I just yell in anger, I don't punish them in other ways.</strong>&nbsp; I have said, "You better get to your room <em>right now!!</em>" but in the grand scheme of things that's not too bad....&nbsp; Outside stress, repeated disobedience, or dangerous things (like actually or nearly shoving another child down the stairs...) tend to set me off.&nbsp; <strong>I would venture to guess I'm not alone in this!&nbsp; But after these moments, we brush ourselves off</strong> and say, "Mommy didn't mean to yell, but that was <em>very</em> dangerous/rude/bad and you must never do it again."</p>
<p>I don't require first-time obedience, although some days I'd like to!&nbsp; I'm trying to teach and train Bekah to clean up after herself and treat others nicely, and "obedience" isn't really at the top of that list.&nbsp; <strong>In fact, in the grand scheme of things, I don't <em>want</em> my children to blindly and immediately obey the commands they are given!&nbsp; I want them to question, consider carefully, and choose what they believe to be the correct action, even if it is not what they are asked to do.</strong>&nbsp; It's hard now when I'm pointing out the right action -- "Clean up this mess you made" -- and she questions and considers (lol), but it will be a good thing someday.&nbsp; It takes time and patience to train her to do things right.&nbsp; But, she's learning.</p>
<p><strong>In regards to training -- it's worth it to take the time to sit and actually teach how to do things.</strong>&nbsp; It's hard for me because of my impatience, but I'm working on it.&nbsp; The other day, Bekah spilled snaps on the floor.&nbsp; I gave her a bag, swept them into a pile so it was not a huge job, and sat with her.&nbsp; I picked up a few and made her do the rest -- which she did.&nbsp; I frequently make messes smaller or more manageable for her, because if I don't, she just won't pick them up.&nbsp; I'm training her to clean her room, too.&nbsp; I sit on her bed or in her chair and ask her to do one task at a time -- "Okay, put the pillows on the bed.&nbsp; Now put the books away.&nbsp; Now pick up the papers."&nbsp; <strong>If I sit with her and coach her through it now, she'll be able to do it on her own in a year or so</strong>, and all I'll have to say is "Go clean your room."</p>
<p>Bekah also learns through observation.&nbsp; Although she doesn't have any "chores" besides cleaning her own room, she will jump in and help with the dishes or laundry often.&nbsp; She's learned to put dishes away properly (when she can reach, or she'll stack them up and hand them to me) and fold clothes from observing and trying it out.&nbsp; <strong>This is just as important -- observing and working beside mommy</strong>.</p>
<p>I'm getting off topic here now.&nbsp; <strong>But the point is, if you train your child through natural circumstances and discipline through them as well -- most of the time -- you do not <em>need</em> strict methods very often</strong>.&nbsp; But you have them for more serious situations.</p>
<p><strong>How do you discipline?&nbsp; What works at your house?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Verna
EMAIL: vernamichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.124.243.212
URL: http://mvstephenson.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/05/2011 02:13:15 PM
<p>Okay, I only have one child and he just turned 1.  I understand that he probably doesn&#39;t have a lot of memory, but why does he reach his little hand out towards the DVD player, and then turn and look at me before he touches it?  I&#39;m not trying to be or sound rude, I&#39;m really curious.  It seems if he didn&#39;t know what he was doing was wrong, he would just touch it.  But since, we have repeated disciplined for him playing with the DVD player, he knows he probably isn&#39;t supposed to play with it.  It seems like he&#39;s testing us to make sure we were serious by looking at us before he actually touches it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Monica
EMAIL: monicacarson@hotmail.com
IP: 71.20.24.86
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 04:30:01 PM
<p>You really have to read the book Raising Godly Tomatoes by Elizabeth Krueger!  It&#39;s the perfect balance between child parenting strategies.  After we started implementing her techniques a year ago  my son was the happiest and sweetest child you&#39;ve ever seen.  She also has most of her book posted for free at her website.</p><p>http://www.raisinggodlytomatoes.com/</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/05/2011 05:09:05 PM
<p>I am going to use the five steps.  I spend a LOT of time yelling.  It stinks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kayla
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.20.11.120
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 09:56:07 PM
<p>I agree with a lot of what you said---I like using natural consequences whenever possible.  </p><p>I have a 4 year old and 18 month old.  I DO feel like my 18 month old understands when something is wrong.  Just like the previous commenter, he will do things and just watch for my response--- knowing what he&#39;s done is wrong.  You may be right that his self control is out the window at this point and decides it&#39;s &quot;worth&quot; it?  I don&#39;t know....</p><p>You also said that you WANT your child to question and consider what you&#39;ve told them to do rather than to obey the first time.  Our thoughts on this, is we are to obey God the first time.  He doesn&#39;t want us to question him.  I have said many times to my 4 year old, &quot;I love you too much to let you disobey Mommy.  If I don&#39;t make you obey me now, then when you get older-- you may not obey God.&quot;  We also train with scripture.  We do not want to &quot;shove&quot; scripture down our children&#39;s throat in the midst of the punishment/trouble.  But after some time has passed, I will sit with him and say &quot;Do you remember when you whined about getting more treats?&quot; (for example) and he said &quot;yes&quot;  I&#39;ll say &quot;What does the bible say about whining?&quot;  And he&#39;ll say &quot;Do everything without complaining or arguing&quot; (Phil 2:14) and I say &quot;Yes, and whining is complaining.  Let&#39;s talk about what we should have done when Mommy said no.&quot;  </p><p>One of the biblical parenting studies we did at our church talked about going to the store.  It said to discuss the rules/behaviors you expect while in the store each and every time that you are about to go in.  They recommend not say anything about a treat, because THAT becomes their motivation.  Only after the shopping trip is done and they obeyed-- to praise them and say &quot;I think today we should get some fruit snacks-- I&#39;m so proud of you!&quot;  But not to do it every time... </p><p>I love the books Don&#39;t Make Me Count to Three and Shepherding a Child&#39;s Heart.</p><p>I know that when it comes to discipline, everyone is different and has different beliefs.  I like to hear what others are doing and get ideas from them.  So, thanks for the post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Liz
EMAIL: lizzieblizz@gmail.com
IP: 198.60.231.147
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 11:04:56 PM
<p>We do those 5 steps, basically. With my 5 year old, I&#39;m always amazed at how effective a time out is, because in my logic loss of privileges or belongings would be far worse than sitting in a chair for 5 minutes. But for a 5 year old, the time out is much worse!</p><p>We did have a patch when he was between 3 and 4 where he could care less about being in time out. He would (fake) cry the whole way through (at which point we told him we wouldn&#39;t start the timer until he was quiet). And there was also a stage where the warnings and the time outs weren&#39;t an effective deterrent, so we resorted to warnings and spankings. Then we got to the point where the threat of spanking didn&#39;t change his behavior, and we went back to the time outs and they&#39;ve been effective since. </p><p>Fortunately we don&#39;t have any problems with hitting or pushing. (We have an 18 month old daughter also.) We&#39;ve really instilled that he&#39;s the big brother and he needs to look out for his little sister and help protect her, so that might have something to do with it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel at Jewish Mommie
EMAIL: rachel.wizenfeld@gmail.com
IP: 76.91.28.22
URL: http://www.jewishmommie.com
DATE: 02/08/2011 04:19:14 AM
<p>This was really helpful info - especially the tip about how kids under age 2 really don&#39;t have enough comprehension to change behavior!  Just today my 13-month-old was trying to eat sand at the park, and again and again I had to move his hand away.  Glad to hear I shouldn&#39;t be expecting anything different!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: anonymous
EMAIL: 
IP: 140.103.45.40
URL: 
DATE: 02/08/2011 09:34:51 AM
<p>http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/spanking/45304.html</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Apple Upside Down Muffins (Grain-Free!)
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/03/2011 01:00:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2011/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-23.html">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>Last weekend I needed a snack and I wanted to make some muffins.&nbsp; I saw the apple pie filling I'd canned last year sitting in my pantry, and I thought, "Hmm..."&nbsp; So I mixed up these muffins and they were delicious!&nbsp; They're also <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/gaps-and-grain-free/">GAPS-friendly</a>, and a wonderful treat for those who thought they left baking and sweets behind by going grain- and sugar-free!&nbsp;</p>
<p>This recipe is also very versatile, because depending on the &ldquo;toppings&rdquo; you add, these could be plain cinnamon muffins, cinnamon crunch muffins (skip the apples, use the cinnamon topping), or apple upside down muffins!</p>
<p>Small note: When I tested these muffins I had a little trouble with them sinking in the middle.&nbsp; I've adjusted the recipe a bit so that it *shouldn't* do that.&nbsp; I've gone ahead and posted because my family said "We LOVE these!!" and quickly ate them all, so I figured a tiny bit of sinking wasn't a terrible thing. :)&nbsp; If you try it with the small modifications (and yes I tried it more than once), let me know!&nbsp; Oh, and there's no picture of this because they were just eaten too fast!</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 c. almond flour</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>1 tsp. baking soda</li>
<li>1 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4&nbsp;c. butter or coconut oil, melted</li>
<li>&frac12; c. raw honey</li>
<li>1 egg + 2 egg yolks<strong>&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cinnamon topping</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>&frac12; c. almond flour</li>
<li>1/8 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>2 tbsp. raw honey</li>
<li>2 tsp. cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<p>&frac12; c. <strong>Apple pie filling</strong> (home-canned, preferably)</p>
<ul>
<li>3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced</li>
<li>2 tbsp. raw honey</li>
<li>1 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 c. water</li>
<li>1 tbsp. arrowroot powder</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Directions</strong>:</p>
<p>Mix the dry ingredients for the muffins&nbsp;together.&nbsp; Add the wet ingredients and&nbsp;stir together until smooth.&nbsp; Fill muffin cups &frac12; full.&nbsp; Don't overfill, or they will spread and make a big mess!&nbsp; Top with apple pie filling, then cinnamon topping.&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 20 minutes (you may need to turn the oven down to 325 and watch carefully if you're using coconut oil, as it burns more easily than butter).</p>
<p><strong>Apple pie filling</strong>:</p>
<p>In a small saucepan, stir together honey, water, and arrowroot.&nbsp; Bring to a boil and stir until slightly thickened.&nbsp; Add apples and cinnamon and cook over medium heat until apples are softened slightly.&nbsp; Remove from heat.&nbsp; Use as a topping for the muffins!&nbsp; (<a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/canning-and-preserving/">Canning</a> directions are different.)</p>
<p><strong>Cinnamon topping</strong>:</p>
<p>Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well-combined and crumbly.&nbsp; Sprinkle on top of muffins.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 12:29:43 PM
<p>These sound easy! And much fancier than the stuff I usually make, so it will *seem* like I have more kitchen skillz than I really do. My kinda recipe.</p><p>The apples--any old apples? I have regular red ones now (red delicious?). Also, arrowroot powder...can I replace it with anything? I have all the other ingredients and would love to avoid a grocery trip. :) If I really need it, can I find it at Kroger or Giant Eagle?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/04/2011 12:48:45 PM
<p>Lindsey -- The &quot;best&quot; apples are probably Jonathon, or golden delicious (pie apples), but hey, try what you&#39;ve got!  If you have cornstarch or another thickener you can use that in place of arrowroot.  I know they have arrowroot at Raisin Rack and probably Whole Foods but not sure about other grocery stores.  (The topping is YUMMY btw!!  Even if you skipped the apples they would think you are amazing lol.)</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Family Tragedy and More...
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/03/2011 01:00:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010228.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296703810829" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Me at almost 14 weeks!</span></span></p>
<p>It's been a rough day.&nbsp; Well, for the last short time here, since I found out.&nbsp; I will snuggle my babies extra hard when they wake up....</p>
<p>We have a family member.&nbsp; Really my brother-in-law's sister (think about that for a moment) but his whole family is close with ours, we often get together for the holidays.&nbsp; They had 5 children.&nbsp; I say "had" because they do not have that many now.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Their first two babies were born at home and healthy.&nbsp; Then, they were going to have another baby, just a few months after Bekah was born.&nbsp; <strong>But something went wrong with the birth -- cord prolapse (highly, highly rare, and in many cases it is possible to transfer to a hospital for an emergency c-section with no problems) -- and their baby died.</strong>&nbsp; So very sad.</p>
<p>They got pregnant again just a month or so later, and about a year later (June 2009) delivered another little boy.&nbsp; <strong>Unfortunately it was quickly determined that he had DiGeorge syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality.</strong>&nbsp; He went through tons of hospitalizations, tube feedings, even heart surgery.&nbsp; But he pulled through and it looked like everything would be okay.</p>
<p><strong>They had another baby, Monday night, a healthy baby boy.</strong>&nbsp; But that night their 18-month-old got sick.&nbsp; The father rushed him to the hospital, as they had many times before,&nbsp;while the mother stayed home with the brand new baby.&nbsp; But this time...he died.</p>
<p>I can't imagine.</p>
<p><strong>All I can think is <em>my babies!</em></strong>&nbsp; I could not lose them.&nbsp; They are all precious.&nbsp; Whether I have just found out they are coming, or they have been mine for years, they are mine.&nbsp; The minor annoyances that are endless diapers, night wakings, tantrums, and attitude problems are so temporary.&nbsp; And do they <em>really</em> matter?&nbsp; When the alternative is to <em>not</em> have them?&nbsp; I'd rather never sleep again than lose my child!!</p>
<p>Besides this, things are going well.&nbsp; <strong>We did finally get Daniel to sleep through the night more often</strong>.&nbsp; He did Saturday - Monday nights, three in a row!&nbsp; No grains plus yogurt before bed helps him.&nbsp; It means I'm getting more rest, which I really need right now.&nbsp; I'm feeling so much better when I get 7&nbsp;- 9 uninterrupted hours of sleep!</p>
<p>Speaking of sleep, my second body pillow has joined me in bed.&nbsp; I usually can hold off until around 18 weeks, but I just couldn't this time.&nbsp; I slept Sunday night with just one, but could not get comfortable.&nbsp; I woke up with a headache from poor sleep and being uncomfortable and it would <em>not</em> go away.&nbsp; I had a headache all day, literally, and even resting in the evening did not make it go away.&nbsp; <strong>At bedtime I added that second pillow to my bed and tucked myself in between them -- one supporting my back, one between my legs and supporting my belly.&nbsp; I slept <em>so</em> well like that.</strong>&nbsp; I need that when I'm pregnant!&nbsp; Ben does hate it, but he wants me to be comfortable.&nbsp; So I got a nice 8 hours of sleep, which was great.</p>
<p>I'm definitely feeling bigger now.&nbsp; I'm nearly 14 weeks now, so definitely in the second trimester.&nbsp; It's gone so fast, and I have a feeling it will keep going fast.</p>
<p><strong>I'm struggling to eat enough.</strong>&nbsp; I'm so busy and with us being grain-free, and never buying processed foods anyway, there is just not a lot of grab-and-go food available.&nbsp; I've tried to have leftovers around, and I bought some peanut butter the other day.&nbsp; I'm actually eating celery and peanut butter as I write this.&nbsp; Pickles (fermented) and cheese have been a popular snack for me, too.&nbsp; I occasionally bake almond flour muffins, and the other day I made strawberry lemonade to go with them (if you want that recipe, you have to join us on Facebook, because I released it exclusively there!&nbsp; But it's totally sugar-free, not even honey!).&nbsp; I've eaten a lot of plain meat since we got our whole cow.&nbsp; <strong>I need more stuff I can just "eat" without cooking, but that's really so hard!</strong>&nbsp; I'll be experimenting with some other ideas soon, hopefully.</p>
<p>It's definitely important to eat a lot now, though.&nbsp; <strong>I'm starting -- slowly -- to gain weight now, as my baby gets bigger and my blood volume increases.</strong>&nbsp; But that's to be expected!&nbsp; The hardest thing for me (besides eating enough) is remembering to rest.&nbsp; Monday, when I had the all-day headache, I certainly didn't help the matter by insisting on cleaning my entire house!&nbsp; But it was bothering me, so I did it.&nbsp; I'm trying to keep things more organized and get some better systems in place before the baby comes.</p>
<p>That is where we are this week.&nbsp; We'll see where we are next week.&nbsp; Bekah's party is this weekend, so I'm sure that's something!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Janne
EMAIL: cmlegacy@cox.net
IP: 70.190.82.111
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 05:52:55 PM
<p>In regards to having more ready-to-eat foods on hand, have you seen Elana&#39;s Pantry? Elana Amsterdam has recipes for grain free breads and crackers. You might want to change out her agave nectar for raw honey, but I think you&#39;d be able to find some good recipes which you could adapt to your preferences and have some healthy food on hand to eat. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 07:29:33 PM
<p>So sorry to read about that little boy. I don&#39;t even know what to say except I couldn&#39;t imagine...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/03/2011 07:57:44 PM
<p>I followed a link on a comment I wrote on another blog.  I was sad to read this post, but happy to find your blog.  You and I share a lot of the same beliefs.  I love finding kindred bloggers.  I will now go on exploring your site.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lena
EMAIL: lena3kis@gmail.com
IP: 24.10.65.142
URL: http://www.hisflowerkingdom.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 03:39:16 AM
<p>So sorry for your relative&#39;s loss.... poor family.</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Monday Health & Wellness: Homemade "Vapo-Rub" Recipe
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/31/2011 01:00:47 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2011/01/monday-mania-1312011/">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>When your family gets a cold, especially kids, something something like Vapo-Rub can be just what you need to help everyone get much-needed rest at night.&nbsp; Except that store-bought Vapo-Rub is full of <em>junk</em>!&nbsp; It's petroleum-based, first of all, and why do we want to be rubbing <em>that</em> on our skin?&nbsp; Second, the adult version contains menthol, which has been shown to cause lung problems in some babies and children (and, I wouldn't be surprised, adults too).&nbsp; Not really a good option.&nbsp; There has to be a better way!</p>
<p>When my kids came down with minor colds recently, I decided to mix some up and see if it helped.&nbsp; It did.&nbsp; My daughter, who had coughed quite a bit the night before, slept soundly.&nbsp; My son...didn't, but if you've read my posts on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/24/sleeping-babies.html">sleeping babies</a>, then you know he never sleeps through the night anyway.&nbsp; But every time I went in his room he was breathing freely, so there's that!&nbsp; (And the following night he did give me a good 7-hour stretch, so...that's something too!)</p>
<p>Best of all, this is completely natural and safe for people of all ages.&nbsp; Here's what you need:</p>
<ul>
<li>5 tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil (a natural anti-viral)</li>
<li>1 tbsp. evening primrose oil (could use sweet almond, olive, etc. if you want)</li>
<li>2 tbsp. beeswax</li>
<li>8 - 10 drops tea tree essential oil (also a natural anti-viral)</li>
<li>15 - 20 drops rosemary essential oil (aids breathing)</li>
</ul>
<p>In a small pan over low heat, melt the coconut oil and evening primrose oil.&nbsp; Add the beeswax, chopped up or in granules (mine was in a large chunk, so I chopped) and stir until melted.&nbsp; Add the essential oils and stir to combine.&nbsp; Pour into a 4-oz. glass jar and allow to cool.&nbsp; This mix is not completely solid even when cool, so be careful of that when you open the jar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before bed, put this mixture on the <em>feet</em> and then put socks over it.&nbsp; When it's put on the feet, it's absorbed quickly into the body and it goes through the whole system.&nbsp; That's why it works.&nbsp; You could follow this up with a spoonful of raw honey, and the same essential oils in a humidifier (which I did).&nbsp; Worked great, and we all got sleep!</p>
<p>Don't forget all the other tricks for <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/12/recovering-from-colds.html">recovering from colds and flu</a>, and ways to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/11/preventing-colds-and-flu-this-winter.html">prevent future colds</a>!&nbsp; Got a sinus headache?&nbsp; Try <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/13/natural-headache-help.html">natural methods</a> to help!&nbsp; And of course, your <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/18/essential-items-in-a-first-aid-kit.html">first aid kit</a> should be well stocked, just in case!</p>
<p>Still struggling?&nbsp; Check out <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=112844&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742">Michele of Frugal Granola's Herbal Nurturing</a>!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: christy
EMAIL: christy@jinxyisms.com
IP: 99.3.122.74
URL: http://www.jinxyisms.com/
DATE: 01/31/2011 10:34:18 PM
<p>I wish I had read this two weeks ago.  My daughter just got over a cold and I wanted to use vapo-rub but refused to but the stuff from the store.  This is going straight in my recipe folder.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com
DATE: 02/01/2011 02:43:33 AM
<p>Oh, I just love this!   What a great alternative to the petroleum based vapor rubs on the market.   Thank you for sharing this creative idea at Monday Mania!  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle
EMAIL: lifepointmichelle@gmail.com
IP: 98.74.189.79
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2011 06:34:08 PM
<p>Just made this last night and used on my son who has a cold.  He slept great and I had no worries of chemicals.  Thanks for posting....LOVE your blog!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Patty Starmer
EMAIL: wpstarmer@yahoo.com
IP: 70.35.12.40
URL: 
DATE: 02/09/2011 04:57:22 AM
<p>Can this recipe be applied to the chest?</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Why I Don't Like Gluten-Free
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/04/2011 01:00:27 PM
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BODY:
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-february-4th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2011/02/real-food-wednesday-2911.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>These days, it's become practically mainstream to go gluten-free.&nbsp; <strong>More and more people are becoming aware of gluten allergies, and that we could all do with a little less of it (very true).</strong>&nbsp; Even people who don't specifically have a gluten allergy are choosing gluten-free products now.&nbsp; But, you know what?&nbsp; <strong>I don't <em>like</em> gluten-free</strong>.&nbsp; I think, generally, it misses the point.</p>
<p>People are always looking for the easiest way to do something.&nbsp; Sometimes it's because they don't know what else to do; sometimes it's because they are overwhelmed; and sometimes it's because they like the easy way out because, well...it's easy.&nbsp; <strong>Gluten-free, especially as it has become much more recognized (did you know many restaurants now offer gluten-free options or entire menus?), has become an "easy way out."</strong></p>
<p>The problem in our American diets is <em>not</em> really gluten.&nbsp; Yes, too much gluten is bad for us.&nbsp; Yes, a lot of people are sensitive to it.&nbsp; Yes, we do have many people who are diagnosed with celiac, and avoiding gluten is crucial to their health.</p>
<p><strong>But the <em>real</em> problem is that we just eat too many grain-based foods.</strong>&nbsp; Going gluten-free, especially when people do it because it's "popular" rather than out of a real health need, is just a way to eat the same amount of grains -- just different ones.&nbsp; Instead of switching out wheat-based foods for naturally gluten-free foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy, we simply replace our breads, snacks, and treats with gluten-free versions, and think we are much healthier.</p>
<p><strong>But many gluten-free products are highly processed and not particularly healthy.</strong>&nbsp; They contain xanthan gum, guar gum, lots of starch, sugar, polyunsaturated oils (which, when heated, are as bad as trans fats), and so on.&nbsp; A lot of gluten-free flours couldn't be created in your own kitchen.&nbsp; I can buy wheat berries and grind my own wheat.&nbsp; I can't make my own potato starch, and I'm not sure about bean flours....</p>
<p>"If they're gluten-free they're safe!&nbsp; And we <em>like</em> pretzels!"&nbsp; But do you really need to eat that much cornstarch?&nbsp; And if they're not organic, they're probably GMO, too.&nbsp; Most corn is, and a lot of rice is now, too, so unless you <em>always</em> buy organic (even plain corn and rice), you are probably consuming GMOs.</p>
<p><strong>We are destroying our guts and our health anyway by consuming these overly processed food items and heavy amounts of starch and sugar, which <em>still</em> spike our blood sugar.</strong>&nbsp; If you are on a gluten-free diet in order to try to help a particular health condition (like autism), please know it is the overload of starch that is hard on the gut, and that going gluten-free doesn't change that.&nbsp; Those products are still quite high in starch and will not allow the gut to heal.&nbsp; Processed gluten-free products are fooling people into thinking they are taking a step towards becoming healthier, when really they're not.&nbsp; It's kind of like all those artificial sweeteners....&nbsp; (Please tell me you know those are bad!)</p>
<p>Which do you think is healthier for most people -- naturally fermented sourdough, made with whole, non-GMO grains; or processed gluten-free bread with bleached flours, thickeners and gums?</p>
<p><strong>Overall, the solution is just to reduce our overall consumption of grains.</strong>&nbsp; We need to stop thinking "If it's gluten-free, it's okay!" and then indulging in junk food.&nbsp; It's just like the fat-free cookies that people buy (which are loaded with sugar).&nbsp; We're <strong>tricked into thinking these products are healthy but it is <em>just</em> mass marketing!</strong>&nbsp; Read the label on a gluten-free product sometime and tell me how many ingredients you can pronounce, and how many you could create in your own kitchen.&nbsp; I'm betting you'll find several on there that you can't.</p>
<p><strong>We need focus, instead, on naturally gluten-free products, like fruits and vegetables, meats, and raw dairy, rather than just replacing our old favorites with possibly-less-bad substitutes.</strong>&nbsp; It's like buying soda made with real cane sugar from the health food store: yeah, it's <em>better</em>, but it's certainly not healthy!&nbsp; It's not going to improve your wellbeing in any way.</p>
<p>Is that to say that we should <em>never</em> have any treats?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; <strong>A rare gluten-free treat is better than a conventional one, to be sure.</strong>&nbsp; But we shouldn't have a steady diet of gluten-free bread, crackers, pretzels, and cookies, just because "they're gluten free!"</p>
<p>Should we <em>never</em> eat <em>any</em> grains?&nbsp; For many people that's not realistic.&nbsp; They like to eat corn and rice from time to time.&nbsp; Hey, we do too, although we're currently choosing not to.&nbsp; <strong>But instead of serving some form of grains with every meal, or even <em>as</em> the meal, we should be mindful of our food choices and attempt to eat more naturally gluten-free foods.</strong></p>
<p><strong>What do you think of gluten-free?&nbsp; Are you gluten-free?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 01:29:15 PM
<p>We do some gluten-free baking. I definitely prefer the ease of muffins and bars as on-the-go snacks for my toddler, and I feel like a GF muffin *is* better than Goldfish crackers, so that&#39;s what we do. Sometimes we use GF flour mixes, other times we use almond flour. Meals are always meat/veggies/fruit (occasionally dairy)...and if Cam wants something else after he has his eggs and fruit in the morning, he gets a muffin or bar. I&#39;m waiting on a new almond flour cookbook, I imagine a lot of those recipes will replace our favorite GF ones, because I do think almond flour is a healthier ingredient to cook with, over all. Of course, I also bought our GF flour in bulk (cheap!), so I still have to use it up eventually, too. ;)</p><p>I know for our family, our main goal is to eat fewer grains in general. My husband only eats rice and corn, while my son and I have our GF baked treats. BUT none of us eat the insane amount of breakfast cereal, pasta, bread (sandwiches, toast, rolls, etc etc) that we used to eat on a daily basis. For us, GF HAS helped us eat fewer grains, because cutting them out completely is just NOT an option for us at this time. Or maybe we are just being lazy and taking the easy option, but I&#39;m comfortable with that, too.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/04/2011 01:53:04 PM
<p>Lindsey,</p><p>Not everyone thinks like you. :)  A lot of people do simply replace their usual snacks and foods with gluten-free versions with no intention of reducing their grain consumption (or even awareness that they should).  If gluten-free flours help you towards being healthier because you&#39;re using it as a stepping stone towards a lower-grain lifestyle, great!  But they shouldn&#39;t just be a replacement for all the usual stuff.  You already know that, but not everyone does!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nomibell Miller
EMAIL: naomibellandnathaniel@hotmail.com
IP: 71.169.120.119
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 02:19:05 PM
<p>I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!!!!!!  My 5 children are all celiac-so gluten, any gluten, causes sever issues.  I do NOT substitute with corn or rice flour-it is just as bad or worse!  With gling GF we have also gone fruit and veggie oriented and hardly eat grains.  My kids are so much happier and healthier and they appreciate a snack when it is given instead of whining for more.  SO coming from a diagnosed mom of celiacs, I completely agree the gluten free is wayyyyy overboard.  (and it is not a miracle weight loss diet either!)  I love your blog!  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tim
EMAIL: tim@asymptotic.co.uk
IP: 83.244.238.98
URL: http://www.coeliacfreedom.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 02:43:29 PM
<p>If what you&#39;re saying is that people who don&#39;t have a gluten allergy shouldn&#39;t bother with gluten-free, then I agree with you entirely. But for the hundreds of thousands of people who are properly diagnosed gluten-free (that is, by a qualified doctor, and verified by a blood test or biopsy) it isn&#39;t a matter of &quot;liking&quot; or &quot;disliking&quot; gluten-free. If you have coeliac disease, gluten makes you very ill indeed. It&#39;s painful in the short term and can have serious health consequences in the long term.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Wolf Pack Mom of 7
EMAIL: kwolfpack@juno.com
IP: 69.225.251.173
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 02:44:36 PM
<p>I see this differently. With a family full of celiac children and my own gluten-sensitivity (I have never been tested - but I am likely the genetic link here), I am SO thankful that the American people are on a gluten-free kick. We eat most...ly home-cooked meals with very little pre-packaged anything. I even mix my own g-free grains to bake bread or muffins a couple of times a week. HOWEVER.... imagine a life where you can NEVER have a boxed cookie. Whenever we eat with other families or at church potlucks, it sure is nice that other people can pick up some of these convenience foods (junk food) to give our kids a treat. We have options at birthday parties. We can actually eat out at a few restaurants. Food is such a social thing and for many years celiac people (but esp think about children here) have had to just sit and do without. WOW! I am just NOT going to feel guilty one bit for feeding my kids the occasional gluten-free &quot;junk food&quot;. Having to cook gluten-free for a family of 9 (on a budget) is hard enough, thank you. Just my $0.02 worth.....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Suzanne Townsend
EMAIL: gskbtwnsnd@netzero.net
IP: 71.162.40.159
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 02:54:28 PM
<p>Greetings!<br/>I agree with you that we need to see a shift in what we consume.....more fresh fruits and veggies please!!!<br/>However, I am not sure you fully understand gluten intolerance in general.  For those who suffer with this, it is not just a fad.  Nor is it something that comes with a quick fix.  It is a genetic disorder.  Left unaddressed, it can cause on-going low grade systemic inflammation which can result in a myriad of other diagnoses such as autoimmune diseases and cancers.  For a better understanding of this subject, I recommend reading &quot;Dangerous Grains: Why Gluten Cereal Grains May Be Hazardous to Your Health.&quot;</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina
EMAIL: trintjerena@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://www.trintje.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 03:31:55 PM
<p>I&#39;ll be honest with you - you are such a prolific blogger, I can&#39;t keep up with all your content, but this title really grabbed me, and your article was awesome. I&#39;ll be tweeting it and sharing it with specific friends. Thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 04:30:55 PM
<p>Oh Amen!!!  I have gone gluten free twice hoping to correct all my problems.  It did help, BUT  I gained a LOT of weight.  A lightbulb went off one day, and I asked myself if grains in general are the problem.  Did a little research and found grain free diets.  It knocked my socks off.  Now, I am not all the way there yet.  ( I love baking bread!)  It certainly is a goal.  One only has to look at grain fed animals.  They are huge, dull, and quickly led to slaughter.  No thanks.  Not for this kid!  I told a friend once that dough and rolls, leads to dough and rolls.  She just laughed at me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sally
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.113.76.181
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 05:09:14 PM
<p>This post really echos my own thoughts. Going gluten free almost a year ago has really relieved me of some major symptoms, for which I am so thankful. I almost never baked for the first eight months, becuase life was just too crazy with a move to try to start baking gluten free, but around the holidays the kids and I started baking more. I&#39;ve been appalled at the types of ingredients, just as you describe them in your post. Makes me long for the &quot;good old days&quot; of grinding my wheat. It does really make me want to do two things: learn to make really good sourdough and learn to lean less heavily on grains, altogether.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kasey
EMAIL: kaseybrennan@gmail.com
IP: 71.43.208.98
URL: http://www.sassandpepper.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 05:27:12 PM
<p>I was recently tested and found out I have a wheat allergy, which cuts out a lot of foods basically resorting to a gluten-free diet. I have to agree with you that gluten-free is not the healthiest of choices all the time. When I first found out I felt so deprived and therefore would eat anything that said gluten-free. So not healthy. In fact, I probably ate better and more organic foods before I found out. Now I read the labels, make sure to eat more whole, organic foods and have cut back significantly on the processed gluten-free choices. I am happy, however, that it has grown in popularity...it makes it easier for me to eat out.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jenny
EMAIL: 
IP: 208.73.193.43
URL: http://www.losingcreekfarm.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 05:43:32 PM
<p>I am with you 100% on xathum gum and other weirdnesses in commercial gluten free products.  We do rice and white corn masa/tortillas in limited amounts, but that&#39;s it.  I wasn&#39;t aware than rice had been added to the list of GMO grains...probably an ignorance is bliss thing.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: happychristianhome@gmail.com
IP: 174.26.135.153
URL: http://www.happychristianhome.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 05:47:20 PM
<p>I find that to be true as well. You&#39;re not necessarily improving your health by going gluten free. The same mass produced cereals in the grocery store can sport that &quot;gluten-free&quot; label, but that product is not really different than before gluten-free became the buzz word. I think if you are gluten sensitive, on the other hand, that paying attention to those labels is a good thing (obviously) and if you aren&#39;t going to cut back on grains in general, at least that&#39;s a step in the right direction.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Beth
EMAIL: 57bebe@gmail.com
IP: 72.234.8.208
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 05:50:36 PM
<p>Our family has gone mostly gluten-free but more specifically wheat free. First of all, we are all Type Os and wheat is the #1 no-no for Os. Second, my youngest (of 7) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and is ADD big time... his DR suggested we at least try gluten-free and we DO notice a difference when we are diligent. Even his teacher notices it when he gets a little gluten slipped into his diet! My 14yo daughter notices that she gets itchy when she gets some wheat.<br/>I agree that a lot of pre-made gluten-free products are just another source of empty calories (from grains and sugars). I was shocked at how many rely almost solely on corn! Since we are also trying to avoid corn and potatoes that eliminates many of the worst offenders.<br/>We DO grind most of our flours at home and yes, you can grind your own bean flours... we just don&#39;t rparticularly like them! We stick with tapioca and arrowroot for our starches and, brown rice, amaranth, millet and quinoa for our flours. Almond and coconut meal/flour too.<br/>We have cut way back on grains in general but really enjoy a batch of brown rice pasta or waffles a couple times a week. Waffles make a nice replacement for sliced bread or burger buns, especially if you make them savory with a little herb, garlic, onion, sun-dried tomato ,etc... As far as the gums go, we use xanthan over guar simply because of our blood type but really, I wouldn&#39;t be too concerned about either because we use so very little.<br/>We are on vacation right now and yesterday went out for breakfast to a place known for their fabulous guava pancakes. I knew I had to try them! Three hours later my stomach was so bloated it was hard as a rock. Ick... but because it was the exception rather than the rule in my diet, recovery time was quick and the brain fog usually accompanying such foods was minimal. I WILL be recreating those pancakes in a gluten-free version for special occasions at home!<br/>I have to say that I have cooked from scratch and ground our own grain and soaked, soured and sprouted for years and gluten-free is still better for our family. We just FEEL better.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/04/2011 06:24:01 PM
<p>Commenters:</p><p>I feel like a few of you missed the point.  I&#39;m NOT saying being gluten-free is bad; right at the beginning I state we could all do with a little less of it!  I&#39;m also not saying we should not have gluten-free products available, nor that we should never indulge in a gluten-free treat.</p><p>The point is, there are too many people (like some of the commenters) who are diagnosed with celiac or intolerance and simply buy processed GF versions of their usual foods.  This is not going to make you healthier.  Whether you consume a steady diet of regular processed food or GF processed food, it is not &quot;better.&quot;  It is good to have treats now and then.  It is good to have options at restaurants and at birthday parties and other special occasions.  It is not good to rely heavily or entirely on processed GF snacks.  Too many people think &quot;Hey, if I can have GF cereal bars, I can eat as many as I want because they won&#39;t make me sick, they&#39;re GF!&quot;  Doesn&#39;t quite work that way....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: damaged justice
EMAIL: dj@frogfarm.org
IP: 97.83.21.66
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 08:44:21 PM
<p>I think it&#39;s far easier to be grain-free than merely gluten-free -- financially, logistically, and psychologically.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanya
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.60.215.225
URL: 
DATE: 02/04/2011 09:10:08 PM
<p>I agree with the author.  We are also gluten free and occassionally have convenience foods.  I however try to make virtually everything we heat over here from scratch.  I try to limit our grain load as much as possible and hope some day to be able to reduce it further.  If people could see how easy and not really that time consuming it is to make foods from scratch they might be a bit more open to the idea.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Melodie
EMAIL: bfingmomsunite@gmail.com
IP: 96.50.103.244
URL: http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com
DATE: 02/04/2011 10:34:55 PM
<p>I appreciate this because I too avoid GF foods ONLY for the fact that they appear to be more processed and have more &quot;bad ingredients&quot; in them than their counterparts. I am lucky that I do not have a gluten-intolerance, but even if I did these store-bought GF foods would be low on my list and real foods would be high. Thanks for getting people to think about GF foods in a new light.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sally
EMAIL: scottsally@hotmail.com
IP: 209.221.205.130
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 12:08:24 AM
<p>I saw an add today for Chex cereal that stated all Chex cereals are gluten free.  I was surprised by this add.  It made me think that gluten free products are the next fad.  I would hope that this is not the case, but it made me think that. There must be a lot of people out there that are gluten intolerant who are otherwise not concerened about nutritional content, or there are a lot of people who think GF foods are healthy regardless of what they are - a processed food.  That&#39;s unfortunate.  They are uninformed.  Just like the low fat craze.  If I was gluten intolerant, I would not buy Chex cereal.  I don&#39;t believe there is any nutritional value in Chex cereals or any other extruded cereal for that matter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susie Lee
EMAIL: faith.gundran@gmail.com
IP: 76.121.0.249
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 02:34:47 AM
<p>Read The China Study. Meat and dairy cause far more health problems than grains. People should be eating fruits and vegetables and LEGUMES and NUTS and SEEDS.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katy
EMAIL: 
IP: 184.56.253.177
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 03:14:38 AM
<p>I agree with you.  I have two boys and I work with kids and have for 25 years.  It is all the grains that everyone is eating on a daily basis that is causing the autoimmune responses to gluten.  NOt only are all the grains that one consumes a culprit but I have found through experimentation that if you stay off of anything that may be an irritant to the intestinal tract then you will function beautifully.  We refrain from all of the top ten allergens, we eat wild salmon, and no legumes (except lentils) and chocolate.  It&#39;s amazing the way your body will feel.  This also includes eating a diet of low grains but especially wheat free.  Try it and you will see.  Kids allergies will disappear, athma will disappear etc...  The top ten allergens are wheat, corn, dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg whites, and the rest are fishes, I forget what but eat salmon only.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/05/2011 04:36:06 AM
<p>Susie Lee,</p><p>The China Study has been heavily discredited.  It was poorly done, the data was cherry-picked.  I could find you some links, but several people have written critiques of it.  The author went into it intending to prove that a mainly plant-based diet was the best -- and surprise, surprise, he found exactly what he was looking for!  Meat, dairy, etc. are actually very healthy for you, assuming they&#39;re from high-quality sources.  Grains spike blood sugar, cause tooth decay, and just have a number of problems.  Legumes, nuts, and seeds, have similar issues.  All need to be properly prepared (soaked, sprouted, or soured) before consumption.  I know this both from my research and my family&#39;s experience.  Do a little more research, check out www.westonaprice.org.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie @ Wellness Mama
EMAIL: endlesswellness@gmail.com
IP: 68.217.151.202
URL: http://wellnessmama.com
DATE: 02/05/2011 04:42:30 AM
<p>I agree completely. being &quot;gluten free&quot; has become so mainstream, that people assume this is what I mean when I say we are grain free. In the end, it all comes down to eating healthy, whole foods in their unprocessed forms. As for the China study, here is one link explaining all its problems http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/08/03/the-china-study-a-formal-analysis-and-response/</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susie Lee
EMAIL: faith.gundran@gmail.com
IP: 76.121.0.249
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 05:31:12 AM
<p>The author of The China Study has responded to the criticisms: http://www.vegsource.com/articles2/campbell_china_response.htm#storyContinued I&#39;m of the belief that you can &quot;prove&quot; anything and I do what is logical...eating a whole foods plant based diet. The Weston A Price Foundation gives a lot of dangerous nutritional advice based on the research of a dentist from the 30s. No thanks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leonie
EMAIL: kiwiatheartdesigns@gmail.com
IP: 115.189.146.199
URL: http://www.kiwiatheart-leonie.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/05/2011 08:16:21 AM
<p>I totally agree with you. I have celiacs and went gluten free about 18 months ago. I never lost any weight in that time because all I did was subsitute the gluten crap with gluten-free crap.<br/>Since Christmas I have significantly reduced my grain intake, cut out sugar, upped my fruit and veges, discovered I am also egg and dairy intolerant and Im now losing weight and feeling SOOO much better.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/05/2011 01:22:34 PM
<p>Susie Lee,</p><p>To each his own.  We don&#39;t all require the exact same type of diet.  However, there is PLENTY of research to support Weston A. Price Foundation&#39;s teachings, and many, many people who do wonderfully on this type of diet.  In my own family, we&#39;ve been following it for about a year and a half, maybe a bit longer.  My husband lost 60 lbs. and I lost 15 lbs. or so.  We&#39;ve easily maintained that without specific exercise programs.  My husband&#39;s cholesterol is quite low.  My resting pulse is around 60.  After every physical we&#39;re told, &quot;You are in excellent health, keep doing what you&#39;re doing!&quot; -- by mainstream doctors.  Our children are strong and healthy and have never been overweight (and have CRAZY amounts of energy all the time!).  Our story is not unique, either.  If it were truly &quot;dangerous,&quot; this could not be the case.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susie Lee
EMAIL: faith.gundran@gmail.com
IP: 76.121.0.249
URL: 
DATE: 02/05/2011 07:20:30 PM
<p>You&#39;re healthy because you avoid processed foods, not because you avoid grains. I guarantee that if you eat proper amounts of whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, your health will not suffer and your teeth will not rot.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/05/2011 09:56:03 PM
<p>Susie Lee,</p><p>We spent a year doing exactly that.  My children had diarrhea when they ate these things on a regular basis, not to mention eczema and behavior issues.  It is not so simple as you make it -- that a plant-based diet low in meat and dairy is the &quot;best&quot; diet for everyone.  Certainly processed food is bad, we all agree there.  But we WEREN&#39;T eating it and we still did not do as well as we do now off grains.  The same is true of many others.  While SOME may do better on a diet heavier in plants (and largely fruits/vegetables, NOT grains), others need much more dairy and meat.  And certainly no one should be afraid of it, the lipid hypothesis is tenuous at best....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather@Mommypotamus
EMAIL: heather@mommypotamus.com
IP: 70.255.228.164
URL: http://www.mommypotamus.com
DATE: 02/05/2011 10:32:21 PM
<p>I totally agree! I had a baby recently and my mom offered to go shopping for me. Although we usually make our own sourdough I asked her to pick up some bread and she accidentally brought home a GF option full of tapioca pudding, guar gum and LOTS of ingredients I couldn&#39;t pronounce. Yuck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LIB
EMAIL: libertybain@Onemain.com
IP: 75.107.177.247
URL: http://bit.ly/ek9kyi
DATE: 02/09/2011 04:54:52 PM
<p>Totally agree! that dang un balance food pyramid is the tip of the probelm iceberg.  We&#39;ve found so many great grain altrenatives going GF...and I think we are healthier than ever as a result.  (not withstanding the most strep throat ever in 12 years!)Blessings!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tracee
EMAIL: innerterrain@gmail.com
IP: 173.185.50.217
URL: http://mrsedsresearchandrecipes.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/10/2011 09:44:05 PM
<p>I guess I was lucky in a way. When we were trying the SCD for my sons autism and severe gi issues was when I realized I had gluten and bakers yeast issues. Learing the SCD was difficult at first and I was working 50 hours a week, so I didn&#39;t have time to fool with all the gluten-free flours, so I ate SCD goodies and felt great. When I finally had time to purchase and try out gf things, I noticed my energy levels dropped. I do best on a grain-free whole foods diet. I will eat a gf item here and there, usualy when we&#39;re out, but I have to keep my diet mostly grain-free and refined sugar-free. So being on the SCD first allowed me to see how much better it was for me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: amanda
EMAIL: amandafetters@gmail.com
IP: 184.12.68.79
URL: http://littlecumulus.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/11/2011 04:11:23 AM
<p>I did gluten-free for 10 whole days as part of a (truncated) candida cleanse. It was the first time in my life I have ever consciously tried to cut anything so fundamental completely out of my diet, and it was really hard. I think you are right in what you say - but my reasons for avoiding gluten-free products are pettier than that - I just think they taste like junk. There&#39;s no pleasure in eating bread/crackers/whatever like that, and for me, pleasure is an important part of eating.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ravi
EMAIL: ravi@daiasolgaia.com
IP: 99.197.160.56
URL: http://daiasolgaia.com
DATE: 02/16/2011 05:12:03 AM
<p>Regarding the back and forth here about that miserable and embarrassingly bad China Study,  i have a wonderful quote here for dear demented ol Doc Campbell and his ilk: (from a salt study journalism piece done by the excellent Gary Taubes and i offer it here specifically about Doc&#39;s sad methodology)   &quot;University of Glasgow clinician Graham Watt calls it the &quot;Bing Crosby approach to epidemiological reasoning&quot;--in other words, &quot;accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.&quot; Bing Crosby epidemiology allows researchers to find the effect they&#39;re looking for in a swamp of contradictory data but does little to establish whether it is real.&quot;<br/>The China Study debunked beautifully here: http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/08/06/final-china-study-response-html/</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods WINNERS!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/26/2011 09:05:36 PM
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BODY:
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Healty%20Pregnancy%20Cover.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296075950626" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>The winners of <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</a> are:</p>
<p><span style="color: #4c4c4c;"><strong>Jon (jonlomas@...)</strong></span></p>
<p>and&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">jennifer (</span><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">ashandjenn@...)</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">Congratulations!&nbsp; Your books are on their way.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">If you didn't win, don't forget that <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/product-detail/2011/1/10/healthy-pregnancy-super-foods.html">Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods</a> is on sale through tomorrow, Thursday Jan. 27.&nbsp; <strong>Use code SUPERFOODS25 to get 25% off!</strong></span></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jennifer
EMAIL: ashandjenn@gmail.com
IP: 216.67.71.223
URL: 
DATE: 01/26/2011 09:25:10 PM
<p>YEAH!!!! thank you so much! I am really excited- and I think it will help in my current goal of changing our family&#39;s diet:-)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jon
EMAIL: jonlomas@verizon.net
IP: 68.236.1.104
URL: 
DATE: 01/27/2011 09:19:29 AM
<p>What a great surprise.  I&#39;m very happy to have won.  Thanks!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: News and Upcoming Topics!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/29/2011 01:00:48 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sepblog/3941048713/sizes/o/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/woman%20computer.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296263297792" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 351px;">Image by Search Engine People Blog</span></span></p>
<p>It turns out that this is a rather exciting post to write, actually.&nbsp; I'm feeling pumped and like I'm really "on track" for the first time in weeks, maybe months!</p>
<p><strong>See, it turns out that my own obsession with babies and pregnancy ended up showing itself here on the blog -- a little too much.</strong>&nbsp; It <em>is</em> an important topic (and I'll continue with the current series, for those who follow them!), but the balance between this topic and all other topics just hasn't been right for awhile.&nbsp; My growth has slowed and I've lost some subscribers, almost all of whom said "Love the blog, just too much on pregnancy!"&nbsp; Hmm.&nbsp; Right.&nbsp; I need to pay more attention, huh?</p>
<p>This led me to search back through my blog's traffic and especially search engine terms over the last four months.&nbsp; And <em>whoa.</em>&nbsp; Yes, pregnancy topics made the top 5, but only just barely.&nbsp; <strong>What people were much more interested in were adrenal fatigue, natural health, real food, GAPS/grain-free....</strong>&nbsp; Stuff I haven't been focusing on very much lately!&nbsp; <em>Huge</em> wake-up call over here.&nbsp; Those are certainly topics I'm passionate about, I've just let them get a bit lost recently.</p>
<p>So here's the deal: <strong>the blog's focus is going to shift now</strong>.&nbsp; As I said, I'll <em>still</em> post on pregnancy for those who are interested.&nbsp; But besides the Healthy Pregnancy Series and the pregnancy journal, I'll be focusing much more heavily on other topics.&nbsp; Here's what you can expect to see in the upcoming weeks:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Adrenal fatigue</strong> (recognizing, overcoming, under special circumstances, etc.)</li>
<li><strong>GAPS/grain-free</strong></li>
<li><strong>New recipes</strong> (and revamping the recipe section to make it easier to find old ones)</li>
<li><strong>Natural health remedies</strong> (I'm posting a homemade Vapo-Rub alternative Monday, so don't miss that!)</li>
<li><strong>Parenting</strong> (discipline, encouragement, cloth diapers, etc.)</li>
<li><strong>Tutorials</strong></li>
<li><strong>Real food techniques and thoughts</strong> (especially feeding real food to kids and kombucha)</li>
</ul>
<p>That's what's coming up!&nbsp; Sound good to everyone? :)</p>
<p><strong>We're also working on re-vamping the site to make it easier to navigate.</strong>&nbsp; The top 10 categories will soon appear on the right-hand side of the site, with links to all relevant articles on those topics.&nbsp; I hope you'll stick around as all these changes are taking place!</p>
<p>And please, <strong>if there is <em>any</em> topic you'd like me to post, or any question you would like me to answer, <em>please</em> send it to me, here or via email</strong>.&nbsp; I'd like to do some FAQ posts, or "reader's top questions" posts.&nbsp; I <em>want</em> to know what you need and want so I can help!</p>
<p>Now, here's a list of some older posts on popular topics, in case you're new here and missed them:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/12/13/natural-headache-help.html">Natural Headache Help</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html">Adrenal Fatigue</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/21/diet-for-adrenal-health.html">Diet for Adrenal Fatigue</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/27/chocolate-fudge-cake.html">Chocolate Fudge Cake</a> (grain-free!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/2/kombucha-brewing-tips-and-hints.html">Kombucha Tips and Hints</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/23/what-do-you-feed-your-real-food-kid-panel.html">What Do You Feed Your Real Food Kid? Panel</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/23/why-we-think-we-need-vaccines.html">Why We THINK We Need Vaccines</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/10/26/argument-against-vaccinations.html">Argument Against Vaccinations</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/14/the-gaps-diet.html">The GAPS Diet</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/4/preventing-breast-cancer.html">Preventing Breast Cancer Naturally</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/5/29/creating-your-cloth-diaper-stash.html">Building a Cloth Diaper Stash</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/16/homemade-diaper-rash-cream.html">Homemade Diaper Cream</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>As always, don't forget about my </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/getting-started/2010/8/25/real-food-on-a-budget-series.html"><strong>Real Food on a Budget</strong></a><strong> series and my </strong><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/meal-plans/"><strong>Meal Plans</strong></a><strong> sections!</strong></p>
<p>Hopefully you've found something helpful in there!</p>
<p>Thanks for sticking around with me on this blogging journey, wonderful readers!</p>
<p><strong>What are you most excited for or interested in with new blogging topics?&nbsp; What else would you like to see?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Susanne
EMAIL: aswife3107@gmail.com
IP: 174.98.142.71
URL: http://www.purgracelife.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/29/2011 02:39:44 PM
<p>Sounds great!!  I am really looking forward to the tutorials and how to make homemade products. AND I&#39;m a huge foodie, love to cook so I&#39;m always interested in reading and trying recipes. I love the site already, but I&#39;m excited to see the changes. I think it&#39;s a great idea to have the top 10 topics as links. </p><p>And it turns out I&#39;m going to need to get Pregnancy Super Foods and pay more attention to the pregnancy posts. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 01/29/2011 04:40:16 PM
<p>Hi Kate. Sounds great. I&#39;ll probably think of a few more requests but while I&#39;m thinking of it:<br/>1. Going grain free on a budget- any tips? We&#39;ve been grain free for about a month, primarily to drop a few pounds and as a result have increased veggies. We are still very healthy but it&#39;s so expensive. I wish we started this in the summer when I had a garden!<br/>2. Breakfast ideas while grain free. I&#39;m tired of eggs and bacon, eggs and sausage, smoothies and quiche. Any other ideas?<br/>3. Are pregnant women able to meet their folic acid requirement without grain, with or without a prenatal? I&#39;ve always taken a prenatal and think it would be possible to still get enough folic acid but just curious.<br/>Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 01/29/2011 05:25:36 PM
<p>Shannon,</p><p>1. This is going to be a popular topic, so I&#39;ll be doing some &quot;experiments&quot; and posting on this soon!<br/>2. Think outside of breakfast.  You could make coconut flour or almond flour muffins or pancakes.  But you could also serve soup, casseroles, dinner leftovers, etc.  It doesn&#39;t have to be &quot;breakfast food!&quot;<br/>3. Yes, I believe so.  Leafy greens are a major source of folic acid, so if you&#39;re eating a lot of veggies you should be good there!  </p><p>Actually I&#39;ll be posting on all these topics soon. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Verna
EMAIL: vernamichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.124.243.212
URL: http://mvstephenson.wordpress.com
DATE: 01/29/2011 07:38:34 PM
<p>I love the pregnancy series!  Especially now that I&#39;m expecting baby #2!  ; )  I also have a thyroid  problem, so I&#39;m always on the look out for more information to help with that, along with adrenal fatigue which I have had problems with in the past and is VERY CLOSELY related to the thyroid!  Thanks!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Worst Mother of the Year Award
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/02/2011 01:00:42 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7493048@N08/3520276807/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/mother%20of%20the%20year.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296270022053" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 357px;">Image by es1123</span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>We all feel like we're the lucky winner of the Worst Mother of the Year Award sometimes, don't we?</strong></p>
<p>On days when our toddler does something simple out of curiosity and we scream and scare her.&nbsp; Or we tell our preschooler "Just STOP. ASKING. QUESTIONS!"&nbsp; Or our child trips and cries and we are late for an appointment so we impatiently say, "Just get up, you're fine."&nbsp; <strong>Or when we fall back on that age-old parenting excuse that we said we'd <em>never</em> say: "Because I said so!"</strong></p>
<p>Haven't we all been there?</p>
<p>We all have those "worst" days, where all we can think is, "I'm glad no one else&nbsp;is watching this."&nbsp; <strong>And we feel terribly guilty, because we are sure that others mothers don't lose it like this.</strong>&nbsp; Other mothers keep it together and don't yell at their children when they are angry.&nbsp; They don't say, "Just go <em>play</em>," while they read a magazine or surf the internet in a daze.&nbsp; They don't sit on the floor and cry because they are so tired and their children will not let them sleep.</p>
<p><strong>We all have times where we feel like, no matter what our best intentions are, we cannot measure up.</strong>&nbsp; We cannot be the mothers that we want to be.&nbsp; We cannot even be half as good as we should be.&nbsp; Maybe we even think we don't deserve our children, and we certainly don't deserve to ever have more.&nbsp; We think we ought to enjoy them, but we're struggling and annoyed.</p>
<p>These aren't <em>all</em> days.</p>
<p>But there are days when you wake up and you're exhausted, or sick.&nbsp; Days when you've fought bitterly with your husband or best friend.&nbsp; Days where a close family member died.&nbsp; And on these days, <strong>it might be all you can do to make sure that everyone has eaten and been changed or used the bathroom.</strong>&nbsp; You don't get dressed, you don't take a shower, you don't make very healthy meals, you don't play or go out, you don't do the laundry or the dishes....&nbsp; Everything falls by the wayside as you struggle to just get by.</p>
<p>Even in the midst of these days, we think, "This isn't fair.&nbsp; I'm a terrible mother.&nbsp; I should get up, and do more.&nbsp; I should be nicer.&nbsp; I should be more patient."&nbsp; But it's not in you.</p>
<p>On other days, you've had a great night with your husband.&nbsp; You just caught up with an old friend.&nbsp; Your boss praised your work.&nbsp; You're elated, happy, walking on air.&nbsp; On those days, <strong>you feel like Best Mother of the Year.</strong>&nbsp; You're creative, happy, joyful, and patient, no matter what your children throw at you.&nbsp; You can think up endless fun activities and play with them all day, discipline wisely and gently, <em>and</em> manage to do all the laundry and dishes and cook healthy, gourmet meals.&nbsp; <strong>You can do absolutely everything and do it perfectly.</strong></p>
<p>These days are wonderful.</p>
<p><strong>Sometimes we feel that if we can be perfect somedays, we ought to be able to do it more often.</strong>&nbsp; We ought to be the best mothers we can be.&nbsp; We ought not to let stress get to us.&nbsp; We are the adults, we should rise above our circumstances.</p>
<p><strong>But we are human.</strong></p>
<p>Most of the time, we'll fall somewhere between Best and Worst Mother of the Year.&nbsp; <strong>We'll have moments that are great and moments that are not-so-great everyday.</strong>&nbsp; It's not bad to reflect on them and to think about how we might do better next time.&nbsp; But it <em>is</em> bad if we feel guilty all the time that we've had less-than-perfect moments.</p>
<p>We go into motherhood with the best of intentions.&nbsp; And often, with a list of <em>nevers</em>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>I'll <em>never...</em></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Yell at my children</li>
<li>Say "Because I said so!"</li>
<li>Let my under 2-year-old ever watch TV</li>
<li>Let the TV babysit my older kids all day</li>
<li>Be less than sympathetic when they get hurt</li>
<li>Get annoyed by constant questions or talking</li>
<li>Wait longer than 2 minutes before changing my baby's diaper after it's wet or dirty</li>
<li>Let my child leave the house with a dirty face, hands, or shirt</li>
<li>Tell my child to "just shut up and go to sleep!" even if it is 4 am and the 8th time he's woken up</li>
<li>Set my baby down and let him cry for a few minutes </li>
<li>Punish my child while I'm angry</li>
<li>Not get dressed in the morning</li>
<li>Serve my kids snacks instead of proper meals</li>
</ul>
<p>I could go on and on.&nbsp; Don't we all think those things, and lots more?&nbsp; And don't <strong>we all eventually do <em>all</em> of them once we are in the trenches?</strong>&nbsp; It's so easy to say that we won't, before we are parents, or on our good days.&nbsp; But then we have our bad days.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter, though.</p>
<p><strong>We can't be perfect.</strong>&nbsp; It doesn't exist.&nbsp; We will have our Best Mother of the Year days, where we do feel we have it all together and we can do everything.&nbsp; And we will have (hopefully not too many) Worst Mother of the Year days, too.&nbsp; <strong>Most of our days will be in between</strong>.&nbsp; We'll do a lot of things right, and some things wrong, because we will always be human.&nbsp; We will always have moments where stress gets to us, or where we just don't think.</p>
<p>But if, at the end of the day, our children remember more good than bad, and are usually happy, clean, and well-fed (and hopefully always <em>fed!</em>), then we have done our best.&nbsp; If our children love us, are well-adjusted, have friends, and enjoy us and their lives, we are doing well.&nbsp; They'll forgive us for our shortcomings, especially once they become parents themselves.&nbsp; <strong>That is the best we can hope for, that we do well more often than not, and that our children are happy and loving.</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>And those bad moments?&nbsp; We can forget about them and try to do better the next time.</p>
<p><strong>Do you ever feel like a bad mom?&nbsp; How do you deal with the guilt and move past it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily
EMAIL: emily.moothart@gmail.com
IP: 71.165.229.5
URL: http://www.laundryandlullabies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/02/2011 04:37:42 PM
<p>Don&#39;t we all!?!  The last two days I&#39;ve felt like a bad mother.  Two year old defiance and five year old whining ended up tipping Mommy into a bit of a tantrum. ;)  Well, today is a new day, and a chance to keep trying.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.20.178.149
URL: 
DATE: 02/02/2011 04:58:22 PM
<p>A big THANK YOU for writing about this.  I am a single mom of 3 boys (ages 3 yrs, 2 yrs, and 7 months) and you just wrote about my day-to-day struggles.  Most of the time I feel like I am failing miserably while every other mom is raising their children effortlessly.  I know am too hard on myself for not being perfect, but some days (those REALLY bad days) I can&#39;t help but feel like I&#39;m just not good at being a mom. Thank you for reminding me that not only am I not alone in feeling this way.  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Val
EMAIL: vallobas@gmail.com
IP: 98.184.71.242
URL: 
DATE: 02/03/2011 02:49:41 AM
<p>Thanks for writing this and reminding us all that we can&#39;t attain perfection. This is definitely something that I struggle with!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Trina
EMAIL: trintjerena@gmail.com
IP: 66.152.117.140
URL: http://www.trintje.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/03/2011 12:46:33 PM
<p>This post brought me to tears. You&#39;ve addressed the biggest burden and stresser in my life right now, as I realize my children are old enough now that they will remember my mistakes, that I can no long just sweep them under the rug at the end of the day. I don&#39;t want to scar them for life! </p><p>My goal is to, as you wrote, try to have the good outweigh the bad in a given day, but I still feel that is not enough. I am crying out to God to deliver me from the anger which I so often vent onto my children and to teach me to be patient in this most trying season, with 3 children under 4 and, this week, a bad case of hemorrhoids and thrush! </p><p>One thing I do try to do is to repent openly and ask my children for forgiveness. They will have their own failures, and I want to teach them what to do when they fail.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: White Bean Vanilla Cake
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/10/2011 01:00:11 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2011/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-210.html">Pennywise Platter Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2011/02/monday-mania-2142011/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>This is one for the history books.&nbsp; It's a delicious, rich, amazing vanilla cake that is entirely grain- and refined-sugar free and GAPS-friendly!&nbsp; I needed a cake for my daughter's birthday right after we started GAPS and didn't want to compromise (last year I allowed a gluten-free cake).&nbsp; This cake is just moist and amazing.&nbsp; We asked all our guests (most of whom eat SAD) to guess what the cake was made of -- no one could.&nbsp; They <em>loved</em> it.&nbsp; We got many compliments and kids asked for second pieces.&nbsp; We didn't hesitate to give them, either -- this is one of the healthiest cakes out there!&nbsp; Not to mention that it could not be simpler to prepare.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Top it with some fresh or frozen sliced strawberries and it's just delicious.&nbsp; I actually used strawberries with a custard recipe (but if you want that, you'll have to wait for my next cookbook!).&nbsp; I wasn't able to perfect a frosting recipe, but it didn't matter.&nbsp; The cake was still great.&nbsp; (And I'm still working on frosting for next time!&nbsp; My birthday's coming up too!)</p>
<p>Here it is.&nbsp; And this is really epic in its healthiness and simplicity!!</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; color: #181818; font-size: 90%;">Ingredients</span>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">3 c. white beans, cooked and plain</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">9 tbsp. coconut oil</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">1 c. + 2 tbsp. raw honey</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">6 eggs</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">2 tbsp. vanilla</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">3/4 tsp. sea salt</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Directions:</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &amp;amp;quot; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><span style="color: #000000;">Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on medium, then high&nbsp;until smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Pour into two well-greased &nbsp;9" pans and bake at 350 for 35 -&nbsp;40 min.&nbsp; Once cooled, remove from the pans carefully and serve plain, with fresh jam (fruit blended with honey), fresh fruit, or however you like!</span></span></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: rachael
EMAIL: renglebry@gmail.com
IP: 66.181.104.141
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 02:47:56 PM
<p>I am irritated because i am 20 wks and i stil lcant feel kicking -although i always have had weird pains/feelings in my stomach my whole life so i am beginning to wonderif i am just chalking up baby kicks to &#39;gas&#39; or something else lol.. but it is very frustrating! </p><p>I am going to try that cake recipe. .does it actually taste like cake? i actually don&#39;t like cake but it sounds interesting so i wil ltry it.. what is the difference between honey and raw honey.. where do i get coconut oil? sounds expensive...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/10/2011 02:53:56 PM
<p>Rachael,</p><p>LOL...I didn&#39;t feel my first baby until 23 weeks and second until around 20.  And then not until I relaxed and waited for it!  I still don&#39;t feel this one much at almost 15 weeks and I know what it&#39;s like now!</p><p>This tastes like a rather dense cake, not as light or fluffy as a boxed mix would.  Raw honey isn&#39;t heated or pasteurized, any health food store or farmer&#39;s market would have it (It&#39;s about $3.50/lb. not that bad).  Coconut oil IS expensive in a health food store ($15 for a 20 oz. jar) but I buy mine on Amazon...got a 54-oz. jar for about $18 lol.  It&#39;s good for a lot of things, too.  Any type of cooking, as a lotion, etc.  (It does taste a bit like coconut so just be warned!)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: dkgp@earthlink.net
IP: 74.34.166.147
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 04:11:06 PM
<p>Is it 3 c. of cooked beans, or 3 c. of dried beans, cooked?  Just making sure...  Sounds yummy!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/10/2011 04:15:47 PM
<p>Dawn,</p><p>3 cups of cooked beans. :)  I&#39;m not sure how that translates to dried, I usually just dump in more than I think I need and use the extra in soups or something!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emily @ Live Renewed
EMAIL: emilymcclements@yahoo.com
IP: 99.20.199.57
URL: http://www.liverenewed.com/
DATE: 02/10/2011 04:50:45 PM
<p>Wow, sounds really interesting, but yummy! What kind of white beans do you use?  Would great northern beans work?  Can&#39;t wait to try it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Erin
EMAIL: pandora665@yahoo.com
IP: 184.60.5.77
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 09:36:34 PM
<p>Serving this to SAD eaters, you could just call it Vanilla Bean Cake.  :)  I&#39;m going to try this - I have canned beans (thankfully BPA-free) that I didn&#39;t have a plan for...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Smith
EMAIL: skydisco3@gmail.com
IP: 97.123.248.192
URL: http://nourishedandnurtured.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/10/2011 11:39:28 PM
<p>This sounds wonderful!  What a great idea to add some variety instead of using coconut flour for most of my baked goods. I can&#39;t wait to try it out!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.114.37
URL: 
DATE: 02/10/2011 11:55:28 PM
<p>Just wondering if this would work as cupcakes?  I am scheduled to make cupcakes this weekend and it looks like a nice treat.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/11/2011 01:47:35 AM
<p>Emily,</p><p>I used white navy beans because they&#39;re GAPS-friendly.  If you try another kind (it will probably work but I can&#39;t say for sure), let us know!</p><p>Aimee,</p><p>I don&#39;t see why not.  I was going to try it out for a party this week but we all got sick and didn&#39;t get to go!  Let us know if you do it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brittany
EMAIL: 
IP: 207.152.103.43
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2011 07:21:34 PM
<p>Thanks for the recipe!  I can&#39;t wait to try this!  After trying and loving Black Bean Brownies, I toyed around with some white bean recipes.  Most of them were palatable, but I was never able to create something my family loved. If it satisfies,  I&#39;ll definitely be  using this for my little guy&#39;s first birthday that &#39;s coming up soon (Where does time go?).  :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.114.37
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2011 07:26:24 PM
<p>Made the cupcakes this morning to test them out.  Great!  Three thumbs up (one from us all).  Next time I will use baking cups, because even though it was well-greased they were difficult to get out.  I baked the mini ones for about 15 minutes and the full-size ones needed a little more time, maybe closer to 20 minutes? I am at altitude in Denver though.  I made a cream cheese frosting with vanilla and honey, it tasted good, but didn&#39;t didn&#39;t look great (couldn&#39;t get it beaten smooth!)  Next I will try a maple syrup cream cheese frosting with some maple extract.  We shall see.   Great recipe, thanks for sharing!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: MeganLGross@gmail.com
IP: 173.21.135.152
URL: http://unexpectedlytraditional.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/13/2011 09:02:57 PM
<p>Just made this this afternoon and oh my goodness, is it good!  My husband had major doubts about a cake made with beans, but went back for seconds!  I did a blueberry sauce (blueberries, honey, a little lemon juice, and a bit of water) on the stove and spooned it over the pieces and it tasted amazing.  Thanks so much for this recipe!  I&#39;m going to make it again this next weekend for my in-laws!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jessicaklanderud@gmail.com
IP: 128.237.240.124
URL: 
DATE: 02/14/2011 04:15:49 PM
<p>Yep, made this last night topped with some homemade ice cream and cherries.  It was delicious.  Thanks so much for posting this recipe.  The whole family loved it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.0.15.93
URL: 
DATE: 02/14/2011 09:21:24 PM
<p>Thank you so much for this recipe!  I made it today with my toddler and we cut in small heart shaped pieces and then frosted with a naturally sweetened strawberry cream cheese frosting (that ended up a little runny but it was still pretty and pink :)  I prefer all of our grains to be sourdough so this was a nice option!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle@Analytical Mom
EMAIL: danielle.williams@goldenbellrocks.com
IP: 66.129.63.7
URL: http://mindofthemother.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/14/2011 09:39:20 PM
<p>I am so excited to try this - thanks for the recipe!  Your GAPS diet saga is really interesting.  I found you at Monday Mania, by the way.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
EMAIL: thehealthyhomeeconomist@gmail.com
IP: 173.171.87.191
URL: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com
DATE: 02/15/2011 01:16:32 AM
<p>Will have to try this cake!  I love the creativity of it.   Never would have thought to use white beans for a cake recipe, but I have no doubt this is delish.   Thanks so much for sharing at Monday Mania this week - Valentine&#39;s edition! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: KristinaD
EMAIL: kristina_pc@mac.com
IP: 208.45.117.155
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 04:59:52 AM
<p>I don&#39;t suppose this could be made egg free?  I have tried a couple of bean brownie recipes (not yours though) and they never cook in the middle.  I usually use chia seeds but I have a feeling this one won&#39;t work out the same.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: AmyJo
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.168.109.134
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 05:15:26 PM
<p>THANK YOU!  (that was me yelling)</p><p> I cooked dried white northern beans.</p><p>I made these into cupcakes.  Got 2 dozen.  Took about 22 minutes to bake. </p><p>So moist and delicious!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah
EMAIL: r.sarah@lycos.com
IP: 173.63.118.198
URL: http://innisrecipes.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/16/2011 12:47:49 AM
<p>I just made it for the kids and I and we really enjoyed it.  Thanks for the great recipe!  Is cooking with baking soda GAPS legal?  Oh, and for the frosting I just put a cup of frozen raspberries and a tablespoon of honey in my processor and blended them.  Yum!!!!!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/16/2011 02:59:56 AM
<p>Sarah,</p><p>Glad you liked it!</p><p>Baking soda is &quot;discouraged&quot; on GAPS, but many people do use it once they&#39;re well established and are healing.  At least from time to time.  I haven&#39;t tried without, though I suspect it would work anyway.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jamie
EMAIL: mideaya@hotmail.com
IP: 67.240.80.27
URL: http://www.fullersquotidian.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/28/2011 12:24:10 PM
<p>Thank you so much for sharing this - it&#39;s fantastic! Mine came out pretty dense and moist, more like a sponge cake than a regular cake, but we loved it. I spooned some strawberry-balsamic jam on top and served with a dollop of whipped cream. Will definitely be making this again! :0)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/10/2011 01:00:11 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>It's been a hard week.&nbsp; There's nothing worse than being sick when you're pregnant, unless of course it's other family members being sick, including your husband -- for days on end.&nbsp; Oh, the joys of the GAPS diet and poor gut health....&nbsp; It's left them (Ben and Bekah) susceptible to infections that they otherwise might not be.&nbsp; Daniel and I were sick, too, last week...but we had a day of stomach upset and feeling tired (but otherwise okay) and then a minor cold.&nbsp; It didn't slow us down really.&nbsp; No big deal.&nbsp; (Though may I say, sneezing while you're pregnant is <em>not</em> fun because you almost pee your pants most of the time....)</p>
<p>Ben and Bekah, though, have no energy, little appetite, fevers, chills, headaches, colds, and just are not feeling well at all.&nbsp; It's been this way for days.&nbsp; We're hoping that it's getting better soon.&nbsp; It's hard on them, to feel so sick and not want to do anything.&nbsp; And it's hard on me to care for everyone and keep the household running.&nbsp; It's been mainly on autopilot: doing only what I really have to do.</p>
<p>Now I am almost 15 weeks pregnant.&nbsp; It seems strange because I am quickly getting to be "really pregnant," rather than "newly pregnant."&nbsp; Far enough into it that this is really going to happen, I'm starting to show, all of that.&nbsp; Soon I'll feel my baby move.&nbsp; That is my favorite part because it's when I really bond with my baby.&nbsp; I love to lie still and just feel my baby and think about him or her.</p>
<p>I'm still having trouble eating enough.&nbsp; I'm just so busy that I don't take the time to eat.&nbsp; I don't buy premade foods so I don't have things I can grab easily.&nbsp; Recently, I got lucky, though: Monday was our <em>most</em> stressful day with the illnesses and such, and when we got home from the chiropractor and accupuncturist, there was a package waiting for us on the porch.&nbsp; It was from Applegate Farms.&nbsp; They sent me several packages of their newest products to try!&nbsp; It was so nice.&nbsp; All of them were easy to eat, too: a couple of types of lunch meat (pepperoni and chicken breast) and some sausage (pork and turkey).&nbsp; I was able to give my kids lunch meat, cheese, and apples for dinner without having to do any work, and sausage for breakfast in the morning was easy too (it comes precooked).&nbsp; It really was perfect timing, because I was at a loss for what to cook, I had a headache and I just did not want to do anything.&nbsp; Plus I was behind on work here, the kids were whiny, and Ben still could not do much at all.&nbsp; So nice.</p>
<p>I've cheated a <em>tiny</em> bit on the no-grains thing, but found something interesting: I haven't really <em>liked</em> the grains that I've had at all, with the possible exception of corn chips (love those things).&nbsp; It's just strange because even things I used to love just don't taste good to me anymore.&nbsp; And I definitely don't feel quite as well when I eat them.&nbsp; Instead I'm likely to have apples with peanut butter, or celery with peanut butter, or pickles and cheese, or things like this for snack.&nbsp; I do feel better this way.</p>
<p>It'll be a few more weeks until my next midwives' appointment, but I don't expect anything unusual will occur there anyway.&nbsp; We're just marking time right now, until I start to really get bigger and the baby gets active.&nbsp; The kids are interested; Daniel points out every baby he sees and Bekah talks all about what we will do with the baby ("I have to be gentle.&nbsp; I can't hit the baby.&nbsp; I will hold the baby and carry it").&nbsp; Haha...yes on the gentle, we'll see about holding it!&nbsp; I can't wait until they can feel and see it move once it's bigger.&nbsp; That will be so fun!</p>
<p>For now, though...we're doing the best we can, with all this GAPS stuff, and illnesses, and trying to get by.&nbsp; Not so easy ever, and even less so in pregnancy.&nbsp; But at least Daniel's sleeping better, so I do get some rest -- most of the time!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/10/2011 05:50:56 PM
<p>Through both of my latest pregnancies, I coughed for the first three months.  They even tested me for whooping cough at one point!..  It was miserable to have morning sickness and cough like a maniac.  To top it all off, I couldn&#39;t take anything for it.  Sad face.  Hope everyone feels better soon.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sonja
EMAIL: sonjaalberdina@gmail.com
IP: 87.222.119.66
URL: http://lapasteleraculpable.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/12/2011 11:44:29 AM
<p>Get better soon! I love reading your blog... I&#39;m 25 too. I live in Spain and am studying a master in food policy, and I love reading about your lovely little family. I don&#39;t know many people my age with families set up, and it&#39;s really nice to read about what you feed them, and your pregnancies, and to know that there are other people my age who have the food thing worked out a bit better. <br/>Most of my friends have been pretty receptive to the way I eat, and have changed a few things about their diets, buying better quality foods, eating good butter, raw milk cheeses etc. But I would love to know more people here who are as geeky about it as I am - instead I blab to their tired ears as much as I can before they run away....</p><p>I hope you all feel better soon!</p><p>Sonja</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Diets and Weight Loss: Why Low-Calorie is Not the Answer
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/11/2011 01:00:50 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/5334372285/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/woman%20exercising.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297381309255" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by mikebaird</span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/fight-back-friday-february-11th/">Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade</a>**</p>
<p>Now that it's the new year, are you thinking about weight loss?&nbsp; A new, healthy diet?&nbsp; There are many options out there aimed at helping people lose weight: South Beach, Atkins, low-fat, Eat Fat Lose Fat, and so on.&nbsp; Most mainstream diet plans are very similar, though: low fat, moderate protein, moderate to low carb.&nbsp; <strong>The low-fat theme is pretty common, though, as is low-calorie: portion control, consuming less than you use, etc. are the main features of any diet.</strong></p>
<p>But is this really a good idea?&nbsp; <strong>Is going low-calorie the best way to lose weight?</strong>&nbsp; Is it really as simple as, eat fewer calories than you usually do and you'll start dropping pounds?</p>
<p>First, let's look at how the body uses calories:</p>
<p><strong>Up to 75% of the calories that you take in on a daily basis are used to maintain your basic body functions, like maintaining your body temperature, breathing, heart rate, etc.</strong>&nbsp; It is not safe to consume fewer calories than this, ever.&nbsp; Many people require between 1200 and 1600 calories just for these <em>basic</em> body functions.&nbsp; This is a <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/98701-calculate-metabolic-rates/">link to a calculator</a> for figuring out your basic metabolic needs.&nbsp; Check it to see!&nbsp; Mine is just over 1300 calories per day (height = 5'3" and current pregnancy weight 132).&nbsp; Ben's basic need is 1869 per day (height = 6'2" and weight = 180 lbs.).</p>
<p><strong>Now, keep in mind that this is the <em>absolute minimum</em> that you can safely consume in a day.&nbsp;</strong> But this doesn't include the energy required to digest food, to have any energy, etc.&nbsp; So, while it is possible to reduce your calories to this very low level, it is not a good idea.&nbsp; <strong>You need an additional 10% of your calories to digest the food that you eat</strong>, so, for example, I'd need an additional 150 calories per day or so just to digest the food I do eat -- taking me to a bit over 1450 calories per day.&nbsp; Ben would need around 2000, maybe a bit more.</p>
<p><strong>As you can see, just for your very basic functions, including food digestion, you need as much or more than most diets recommend!</strong>&nbsp; And this does not include <em>energy</em> at all!&nbsp; If you're planning to exercise -- or even just have appropriate energy to get you through the day, you will need to consume more calories than this.&nbsp; Otherwise, you will become weak and tired, and begin to show signs of malnutrition (hair loss, brittle nails, joint pain, severe fatigue, anemia, etc.).&nbsp; This is <em>not</em> the proper way to lose weight.&nbsp; Your basic metabolic needs will fall as low as they can to conserve energy and your body will go into semi-starvation mode.</p>
<p><strong>Semi-starvation was induced in </strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Starvation_Experiment"><strong>men in a study</strong></a><strong> right after&nbsp;WWII on around 1560 calories per day -- an amount that is recommended by many diets</strong> (their pre-starvation diets were over 3000 calories but none of the men were overweight).&nbsp;&nbsp;The study participants were much more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and even self-mutilation.&nbsp; <strong>Participants were obsessed with food, socially and emotionally withdrawn, and had lowered sexual interest.</strong>&nbsp; Many of these symptoms plague our society today, especially those on low-fat, low-calorie diets!&nbsp; This is <em>not</em> safe or healthy!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/fewer-calories-stalls-metabolism.aspx"><strong>Semi-starvation is a dangerous mode</strong></a><strong> to live on, and can stall your weight loss.</strong>&nbsp; When your body believes it will not get enough, it conserves all the calories it can and burns them as slowly as possible.&nbsp; This occurs when you go below your basic metabolic needs (plus what is needed to digest the food).&nbsp; So if you are on a regular diet of 1500 calories or below, you will eventually be unable to lose weight at all.</p>
<p><strong>Instead of calorie-restricting diets, consider a moderate, healthy eating plan.</strong>&nbsp; Do not restrict your calories <em>or</em> your fat intake.&nbsp; Rather, eliminate processed foods, sugar, refined grains, and other "junk food."&nbsp; Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you want, even fatty ones like avocados.&nbsp; Feel free to eat healthy meat and cheeses.&nbsp; Eat lots of butter and coconut oil.&nbsp; These foods will keep you healthy, ensure that you get the nutrition you need, yet will allow you to lose weight.&nbsp; <strong>If you need to, lower your grain/carb intake</strong> (people who eat high-fat <em>and</em> high-carb may be unable to lose weight; people who are low in both areas will become dangerously malnourished over time).</p>
<p>Another day we'll talk about why low-fat is not a good idea.&nbsp; But today, hopefully we've dispelled the myth that if you want to lose weight you "just need to eat fewer calories."</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever been on a calorie-restricted diet?&nbsp; Did you lose weight?&nbsp; How did you feel, and did you experience any depression or other symptoms?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2011 01:59:40 PM
<p>Like most things, I think you just have to do it right. I have never heard of a calorie-counting diet recommending that people go on a semi-starvation diet. People who do that aren&#39;t doing it right, period. I&#39;m not arguing with that. Drinking diet &quot;shakes&quot; as meal replacements and eating low-fat/low-cal everything are what give actual calorie-counting diets a bad name. The general approach is for people to record what they eat, find a weekly average, and subtract 500 per day for a pound of weight loss per week (and no one says you HAVE to subtract that many! but for people who eat in excess of 3,000 calories per day, it probably wouldn&#39;t be too detrimental to their health). Most people who need to lose weight eat more than enough calories to spare a few and still leave them well above their required minimum (and carbs/grains are to blame for a lot of those extra calories).</p><p>I charted my intake for two weeks--I ranged from 1400-2800 calories per day. Averaging out at 2,000, we cut back 250 calories per day for a goal weight loss of .5 lbs per week. It&#39;s worked and then some. I&#39;m never hungry, I eat 3 meals a day plus snacks, I eat lots of protein (aim for 120 per day), moderate fat/carbs (around 100 per day each, though I eat a lot of chicken so sometimes I get less fat). Basically, I cut out the excessive snacking and fast food. If I were starving, miserable, depressed or anxious, I wouldn&#39;t have continued this diet. It&#39;s totally doable and totally healthy--I shed some extra pounds and I&#39;m not worse for the wear.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/11/2011 02:20:35 PM
<p>Lindsey,</p><p>There&#39;s a big difference between knowing your specific needs, then choosing to cut out things you don&#39;t need -- like fast food -- in order to lose weight; and going on a severely restricted-calorie diet.  If you (and others) check out this link, you&#39;ll see that MOST major diet plans recommend 1500 calories per day or less: http://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-eating-article/how-many-calories-do-i-need-a-day/15510  This is DANGEROUS.  I don&#39;t care who you are, how long you are doing it, or what you are eating (I can practically guarantee it&#39;ll be full of low-fat, artificial sweeteners, and other fake foods), it is NOT health in the short- or long-term.  Some of these diets recommend only 1200 calories per day, which is really less than the minimum any normal-sized adult needs!  It&#39;s no wonder people can&#39;t stick to these types of diets and find themselves gaining more weight than they&#39;ve lost!  It&#39;s also not safe to try to lose 2 - 5 lbs. per week!  Slow and steady wins the race, not crazy fast!  I urge all people to be cautious and choose a moderate, reasonable plan, rather than one of these severely-restricted diet plans.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2011 02:33:52 PM
<p>Hey, you&#39;re preaching to the choir. I&#39;m just saying, if people do it RIGHT and actually figure out what they need, as an individual, it can and should work. The calculator you linked (which is flawed on its own, as all people have different metabolisms, but I digress...), for a 250lb woman, the minimum requirement is 1870ish. Chances are she wasn&#39;t eating that few calories per day to gain that much weight--imagine she&#39;s eating more like 2500/3000...cutting out 250 per day (or even 500) is not going to make her waste away and suffer ill consequences, assuming she is eating a healthy diet. But eating 3000 calories per day of healthy meats/dairy, fruits and veggies, and few grains isn&#39;t going to make her lose weight.  It&#39;s still the same amount of calories--it just doesn&#39;t work that way. And eating 1500 calories worth of Weight Watchers garbage pre-packaged low-cal foods is going to make her hungry and miserable.  </p><p>Now, chances are if she cuts out the crap (grains/fast food), she won&#39;t be able to still eat 3000 calories per day of good foods, so cutting out the crap naturally lowers her caloric intake, which helps her lose weight. So, she&#39;s still cutting calories...she&#39;s just not counting them? </p><p>She can still eat a filling, healthy diet in order to lose weight--cutting out grains helps to cut out sooo many calories anyway (I knooow eating a burger without a bun sucks, but it doesn&#39;t have to be every time, ya know?). I waste way more calories on my random snacks (like peanut butter or a protein bar) than on meat...it&#39;s amazing how much more meat I can eat and be fuller, longer, on fewer calories. But you can&#39;t eat the same number of calories and lose weight.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Amanda
EMAIL: amanda@dittdott.com
IP: 173.74.183.228
URL: http://thefrickinchicken.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/11/2011 02:37:18 PM
<p>Thanks for posting this blog! I&#39;m going to share the link on my facebook page. I used to be on Weight Watchers and I was miserable. At the time I&#39;d tell people I felt so good losing weight but that was only half true. I did feel good to lose weight because I was more comfortable, but I was also tired, obsessed with food, craving sweets and generally not great emotionally with food.</p><p>Now, I am eating full fat satisfying meals and while I still enjoy planning my next meal but I&#39;m not obsessed with it. Sometimes I only eat twice a day and I&#39;m not hungry (because of all the healthy fats I&#39;m eating.) I&#39;m losing weight at a slow rate (which I know I could go faster, but I&#39;m not too concerned.) I also don&#39;t count anything anymore. I hated counting points on weight watchers and feeling deprived. Now I eat when I&#39;m hungry and I know I&#39;m filling my body with nutrient dense foods. I love drinking kombucha and knowing with every sip I&#39;m doing something good for my body instead of drinking coke and knowing that I&#39;m &quot;rotting&quot; my insides!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie @ Confessions of a Trophy Wife
EMAIL: Stefibeth@aol.com
IP: 24.192.64.204
URL: http://www.stefibeth.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/11/2011 03:05:54 PM
<p>This post is timely as it ties in with a book I&#39;m reading right now - The Hundred Year Diet.  It talks about how our society has become so weight and food obsessed and chronicals all the different dieting fads and touches on how food has changed over time.  It&#39;s a very interesting read and it really makes you think about how they have come up with things like what an ideal weight is and how you should go about losing weight and why people care in the first place.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/11/2011 03:45:48 PM
<p>I did read a study where the rats who consumed far less calories lived longer, looked better, and younger than their traditionally fed counterparts.    <br/>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070502143834.htm<br/>In the end, we eat too much.  We can subsist on much less that we do.  We don&#39;t have to starve.  We just need to be sensible.  The stomach is a small pouch, not a giant cavern.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 02/11/2011 03:50:37 PM
<p>Yay. I hope you&#39;ll spend a few Fridays on this topic (hint, hint). I&#39;ve read that it&#39;s difficult, if not impossible, to be fat while eating real food. I think that may be true for people that have always ate that way. But, I&#39;ve been cooking about 90-95% real food for the past year and my husband still needs to lose a lot of weight. A big chunk of the problem is lack of exercise. He works a lot, but he sits at a computer all day. </p><p>So, at first we just cut out late night snacks but he was still kind of stuck. So, we&#39;ve stopped all grains in the past month and are drastically reducing carbs to help him, and I&#39;ve got a few pounds to lose myself. Fortunately, we are still eating lots of veggies, more of them, lots of pastured eggs and grassfed beef. </p><p>I look forward to all your suggestions in this area!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Drew @ How To Cook LIke Your Grandmother
EMAIL: drew@cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
IP: 66.218.176.94
URL: http://cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
DATE: 02/11/2011 04:46:30 PM
<p>Have you seen anyone else writing about how calorie-restriction diets are below the level required for basic metabolic needs? Because that seems like a pretty big deal to me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Drew @ How To Cook LIke Your Grandmother
EMAIL: drew@cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
IP: 66.218.176.94
URL: http://cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
DATE: 02/11/2011 04:52:01 PM
<p>Sorry for this extra, I forgot to subscribe for the follow-ups by email. Feel free to delete this one.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/11/2011 05:06:43 PM
<p>Drew,</p><p>I don&#39;t think I have.  Most diets seem to just arbitrarily assign a low calorie level.  And for SOME people they might be okay -- a small woman (say 5&#39;2&quot; and starting at 150 lbs.) might do okay at 1500 calories temporarily (though still probably a bit too low), but a 6&#39; 200 lb. man would not!  Diets are not and cannot be one-size-fits-all.  But modern diet plans, as many of us know, aren&#39;t exactly the smartest ideas in the world....</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer S
EMAIL: I-RIBBIT@jnsfirst.com
IP: 207.231.92.208
URL: http://www.hybridrastamama.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/12/2011 04:16:33 AM
<p>I am actually in the process of writing a 4 part series about my journey in eating a traditional diet. I embarked upon this new, better lifestyle about 9 months ago and can honestly say that I have NEVER been healthier. I LOVE eating fats again and not having to worry about this calorie or that calorie because the ones that I am eating are actually doing great things for me! My cravings are in check (no abolished but not out of control) and I really enjoy all the foods that I previously thought you needed to avoid. A lot of people are scared of fats and I do not think that we will see an end to the low-fat diet, calorie counting fads any time soon. I wish people would understand traditional eating more and that it was supported by our government much like all the other diets out there. Great post!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 67.161.73.236
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/12/2011 07:24:01 PM
<p>I just did the formula for figuring out how many calories I need in a day, and it&#39;s highly unlikely I don&#39;t make it most days. No wonder why my weight&#39;s been stagnant and fluctuating again. Guess it&#39;s time to figure out how to get some more good stuff into my diet without resorting to evening snacks of dark bread with butter. (i&#39;m going to need to seriously cut grains soon before I start the body ecology diet.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 67.161.73.236
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/12/2011 08:07:55 PM
<p>er, in my last comment I meant that I don&#39;t make the count, not that I go over as I implied. oops.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mindy
EMAIL: mindysgoogle@martincrew.com
IP: 75.82.155.253
URL: 
DATE: 02/16/2011 04:26:16 AM
<p>I would also like to hear more posts on this subject.  I am a weight watchers convert, as well.  I have only been eating real food for 2 months now, but really trying to make it count.  I have about 50 lbs to lose and it is hard to move past the idea that the weight should come off quickly.  The weight did come off fairly quickly when my husband and I were doing no grains for a month, but I&#39;m worried now that we are eating grains again.  <br/>What DO you suggest for real food and weight loss?  I am exercising 3-4 x&#39;s per week/ and avoiding fast food and processed foods as part of my regular diet.  I did like what you said in one of the comments about losing less per week is much healthier than expecting to lose 2-5 lbs/week.  Maybe I just need to change my thinking?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Monday Health & Wellness: Hypothyroid Symptoms
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/14/2011 01:00:06 PM
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<p>Recently we've been talking about a lot of different health and wellness issues!&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html">Adrenal fatigue</a> has been a big one.&nbsp; But <strong>hypothyroidism often goes hand-in-hand with adrenal issues</strong>, and can cause serious problems, especially in women.&nbsp; How do you know if you have it?&nbsp; And if you do, what next?</p>
<p>First of all, let's look at some <strong>common <a href="http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/long-and-pathetic/">symptoms of hypothyroidism</a></strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fatigue (especially severe)</li>
<li>Weakness</li>
<li>Weight gain, or inability to lose weight (hypothyroid means your metabolism is slow)</li>
<li>Pain or tenderness in the throat area</li>
<li>Dry skin and hair; hair loss</li>
<li>Depression</li>
<li>Irritability</li>
<li>Loss of sex drive</li>
<li>Intolerance to cold</li>
<li>Memory problems/thinking is foggy</li>
<li>Loss of voice/difficulty speaking</li>
</ul>
<p>Different women will experience this in different ways.&nbsp; Fatigue is probably the most common symptom, but it can be a symptom of so many different conditions.&nbsp; <strong>If you are struggling with several of these symptoms, it is worth getting checked out.</strong></p>
<p>A simple blood test can check your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), T3, and T4 levels.&nbsp; These are your main thyroid hormones.&nbsp; You will need to see a doctor to get these tests done.&nbsp; <strong>You will also need a complete physical, because levels that are "normal" for one person may be too low for another, so hormone levels (especially if in the low-normal range) are not the only signal that hypothyroidism is present.</strong>&nbsp; Most doctors, however, will recommend a pill of synthetic thyroid hormones if the tests come back positive.&nbsp; Please know this is <em>not</em> your only option!!</p>
<p>A small note: <strong>This is an issue that is very close to me, because I have a family member who's struggled with this.</strong>&nbsp; I know that she spent 10 years feeling terrible all the time as the doctors tried various synthetic medications and even antidepressants, to no avail.&nbsp; It got to the point a couple years ago where they said there wasn't much more they could do and they wanted to biopsy and likely remove her thyroid entirely.&nbsp; She said <em>no</em> and changed her diet, started seeing natural doctors, and switched to some natural supplements.&nbsp; And <strong>now she's had to <em>reduce</em> her medication because her thyroid is healing on its own, and she feels better than she has in 20 years</strong>!&nbsp; The doctors said this could not happen.&nbsp; And yet it did.&nbsp; It's hard for me to be objective about "standard" care here because I've really only seen it fail.&nbsp; You can read her story <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/28/interview-on-hypothyroid-disease.html">here</a>, and the follow-up <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/7/20/interview-thyroid-disease-update.html">here</a>.</p>
<h3>Why Does Hypothyroidism Happen?</h3>
<p>It's not as simple as it seems.&nbsp; <strong>There's <a href="http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/causes-of-hypo/">not really <em>one</em> cause</a> of hypothyroidism</strong>.&nbsp; Mainstream sources say it is usually caused by "inflammation of the thyroid gland," but don't specify what <em>causes</em> this inflammation.&nbsp; Clearly there's more to it than that.</p>
<p>Poor diet, use of prescription drugs, long-term stress (which disrupts all hormones), candida overgrowth, and other issues can lead to hypothyroidism.&nbsp; Iodine deficiency is also a major reason for hypothyroidism (our modern diets are really low in iodine, except for foritified foods like processed salt).&nbsp; <strong>Radiation exposure, or heavy metal exposure/toxicity can play a role in hypothyroidism as well.</strong></p>
<p>Other toxicity can affect the thyroid too.&nbsp; <strong>Fluoride and chlorine (found in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/9/baby-steps-special-clean-water.html">water supply</a>) are two big culprits</strong>.&nbsp; Other toxic chemical exposures may cause it as well.</p>
<p><strong>Regarding diet, consuming too many goitrogenic foods, especially raw, can have an effect</strong>.&nbsp; This includes cabbage, millet, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and other vegetables in this family.&nbsp; Overconsumption of soy is also a problem, especially unfermented soy (that means all that soy milk, soy "cheese," soy "butter," and other animal-product-replacements are causing damage to the thyroid!&nbsp; Yet another reason to <em>avoid</em> soy as much as possible).</p>
<p>Pregnancy can cause some women to become hypothyroid.&nbsp; Certain pituitary conditions or other problems can also cause it.</p>
<p><strong>In a lot of cases, it's a combination of the above factors</strong>.&nbsp; Our modern life is very hard on the thyroid through exposure to chemicals in the food and water supply (don't forget about hormones in factory-farmed meats), heavy use of prescription drugs, mercury teeth fillings, and a heavy emphasis on raw plant-based diets.&nbsp; All of this is setting you up for thyroid problems!&nbsp; Not to mention nutritional deficiencies....</p>
<h3>Now What Do I Do?</h3>
<p>There is help.&nbsp; <strong>You don't have to live with hypothyroidism</strong>.</p>
<p>First, <strong>it's a good idea to clean up your diet</strong>.&nbsp; Get a good source of iodine, but make sure you're not taking too much (which can also cause thyroid problems).&nbsp; See a naturopath to help you determine how much you, personally, should be taking.&nbsp; The best sources are directly from foods, like blue-green algae and good quality sea salt.</p>
<p>Get rid of processed foods.&nbsp; Don't eat any goitrogenic vegetables raw (and you may need to eliminate them entirely for awhile).&nbsp; Eat lots of soups with fresh stock and well-cooked veggies.&nbsp; Plenty of high-quality pastured meat and eggs.&nbsp; Basically --<strong> the same type of healthy diet I always recommend</strong>!&nbsp; Are you seeing a pattern here?</p>
<p><strong>Kombucha and other fermented foods can make a huge difference for some people, so you may want to try this</strong>.&nbsp; Fermented foods are extremely helpful for healing, especially if you also struggle with candida.&nbsp; And no, they won't cause the candida to grow.&nbsp; While they are bacteria and yeasts, they are not the same strain as candida and will not make the problem worse; they will help the candida get back into proper balance by populating your gut with healthy strains instead.</p>
<p><strong>Second, your doctor may recommend a thyroid supplement</strong>.&nbsp; Naturethroid is supposed to be one of the best.&nbsp; Synthetic versions (like Synthroid, which are T4 only) are not recommended.</p>
<p><strong>Third, take plenty of time to rest and pay attention to your body</strong>.&nbsp; You are healing now, and it will take time and energy to do so.&nbsp; Don't be discouraged if you have flu-like symptoms in the early weeks: this is die-off (usually occurs with related candida) and it is normal.</p>
<p><strong>Don't forget that the adrenals are usually related to the thyroid and continue to support those, too, with the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/21/diet-for-adrenal-health.html">diet for adrenal health</a></strong>.&nbsp; Making sure you're getting enough to drink but also maintaining your electrolyte balance is <em>crucial</em>.&nbsp; Try to drink a homemade rehydration drink more than plain water, which will probably leave you feeling thirstier.</p>
<p><strong>Check in frequently with a doctor you trust</strong>.&nbsp; As you heal, you may need to adjust your dose of medication, or add/subtract/change things about your diet.</p>
<p><strong>Have you or do you have hypothyroidism?&nbsp; What has your experience been?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jess mom of two
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.83.59.64
URL: 
DATE: 02/14/2011 02:39:30 PM
<p>This article just brought tears to my eyes, this is all the stuff that deep down I felt but had never heard of anyone actually getting better. I have hypothyroidism and have it treated with synthetic hormone which has improved my levels but I still suffer from all of the symptoms. I live in a very rural area and have struggled to find a natural doctor. The last one I went to was an hour away and moved as soon as I started going so we didn&#39;t get very far. I have just read about the heavy metal poisoning. I feel so frustrated and have been told by more Dr&#39;s than I can count that it won&#39;t get any better. I am so encouraged to read about someone that really pursued the natural ave. and was able to get much better. I&#39;m starting my search again for someone and I really don&#39;t mind driving if I know there is hope. Thank you for your posts. I&#39;m a new follower :) Thank you for taking the time to research out all these important issues. I love finding someone of &quot;like mind&quot;. Keep up the amazing job! (I&#39;m going to go read about your family members story.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/14/2011 02:44:40 PM
<p>My thyroid has been absolutley crazy since I went through all that I did on a certain birth control.  I go from hyper to hypo.  I am afraid that I the hormones kicked off an underlying autoimmune condition.  Its very scary.  One thing I will say is NEVER let your doctor just do a TSH test and call it a day.  You need a complete thyroid panel to find out where you are.  If your doctor says you are in range and you feel like hades, find another one.  Also, if your doctor puts you on a t4 only thyroid medication...WALK OUT.  You need t3 for energy.  I don&#39;t know why doctors are so stubborn on these issues.  Maybe because most of them are men.  As you can tell, I am bitter.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: lauren.albritton@gmail.com
IP: 207.235.48.122
URL: 
DATE: 02/14/2011 07:18:52 PM
<p>Speaking of kombucha, do you think that people who really dislike the taste of black tea will like kombucha? How similar is it to tea in taste?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/14/2011 07:40:52 PM
<p>Lauren,</p><p>It doesn&#39;t taste like tea to me at all.  The flavor is entirely changed through the fermentation process.  Adding a bit of juice for a second ferment changes the taste even more.  It&#39;s possible to use green tea instead, but I haven&#39;t liked that and I&#39;ve read that black tea produces the most &quot;phenols&quot; or beneficial compounds, though I don&#39;t know that anyone really knows for sure on that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
EMAIL: dewysej@tds.net
IP: 75.100.65.250
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 04:07:54 AM
<p>I healed my hypothyroid with out meds and by switching my diet. And it wasn&#39;t until I ate only fresh fruits and veggies, raw nuts and seeds, that I started to feel my energy return.    I also took whole food supplements and made it a priority to get lots of rest.    One day I forgot to take my supplements and had absolutely no NRG.  When I mention this to my Dr. he said it was because my adrenals need the help and when my adrenals were &quot;healed&quot;  I wouldn&#39;t need the supplements as long as I continued to eat healthy.   I have never felt better in my life.  I do believe my pregnancy was what pushed my levels out of whack.  I am no longer on just a plant based diet, but that is mostly what I eat.  I do believe that eveyone is in a different place as far as health goes, so no single fix will work for everyone.  You kind of have to feel around to find what works for you incorporating information that blogs like this one gives us.  Thank God for this blog and others like it!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Verna
EMAIL: vernamichelle@gmail.com
IP: 174.124.224.78
URL: http://mvstephenson.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/15/2011 11:47:09 AM
<p>Thank you for talking about Naturethroid.  Many people don&#39;t know about it, because doctors don&#39;t talk about it.  When I switched to a natural thyroid medicine I started feeling better within 15 minutes of taking the first pill.  It was amazing!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Kombucha FAQ
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/15/2011 01:00:22 PM
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<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2011/02/real-food-wednesday-21611.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kellythekitchenkop+%28Kelly+the+Kitchen+Kop%29">Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop</a>!**</p>
<p>Today I'm talking all about kombucha!&nbsp; Several people have asked questions about brewing it, and since I've been doing so for nearly a year, I thought I'd answer several of the most popular questions today in a FAQ.&nbsp; Be sure to ask any other questions that you have in the comments section, or leave your own answers if you brew kombucha too!</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Is foam on kombucha normal?</strong> -- Yes.&nbsp; This means that your new SCOBY is growing!&nbsp; A whitish foam is completely normal.</li>
<li><strong>How long can I brew kombucha?</strong> -- Kombucha can be brewed anywhere from 7 days to 30 days, depending on what flavor you like, the temperature of the room, etc.&nbsp; In a cooler room you'll need to brew longer; in a warmer room, less time.&nbsp; I brew for 9 - 10 days in the summer and 14 - 18 days in the winter.&nbsp; You may like it less or more sour; so taste with a small spoon after a week and every couple of days afterward until you find out where you like it.</li>
<li><strong>What if I leave it too long?</strong> -- If your kombucha is a bit too sour (left a few days too long), you can add a little extra sugar and/or juice and bottle it for a brief (1 - 2 days) second ferment.&nbsp; If you have left it way too long, and it is undrinkable, throwing it out is advisable.</li>
<li><strong>What can I do with extra SCOBYs?</strong> -- Composting them is a good idea.&nbsp; If you can, pass them along to friends or neighbors who might like to brew their own kombucha.&nbsp; You can throw them in the trash if you can't find a way to use them and don't compost.</li>
<li><strong>How do I grow my own SCOBY?</strong> -- It's easy!&nbsp; Just mix 1 c. black tea, 1 tbsp. sugar, and 16 oz. of plain kombucha (unpasteurized).&nbsp; G.T. Dave's plain kombucha works great.&nbsp; Leave it sit for a few weeks and it will grow you a new SCOBY!</li>
<li><strong>I started my kombucha and my SCOBY sank!&nbsp; What's wrong?</strong> -- Nothing!&nbsp; This happens sometimes.&nbsp; It will float back to the top eventually.&nbsp; It doesn't mean anything if your SCOBY sinks.&nbsp; It doesn't matter if it sinks when growing your own, either.</li>
<li><strong>How do I know if my SCOBY is bad?</strong> -- If your SCOBY starts growing black, fuzzy mold, it is not good anymore.&nbsp; You may choose to throw it out if it sits unused for several weeks because it will produce "stale" kombucha.</li>
<li><strong>What do I do with my SCOBY in between brewing?&nbsp; How long can I leave it?</strong> -- The best thing is to just start another batch!&nbsp; It tastes several days so you may be ready for more by the time it's ready.&nbsp; But if you need to store it for any reason (like vacation), place it in a glass container with enough brewed kombucha to keep it moist and cover it.&nbsp; Keep it in the fridge until you're ready to brew again.</li>
<li><strong>What is the brown stringy stuff in the kombucha or under my SCOBY?</strong> -- This is just the yeasty stuff, and it is normal!&nbsp; Don't worry about it.</li>
<li><strong>Why hasn't my kombucha grown a baby yet?&nbsp; How long does it take?</strong>&nbsp;-- Usually your batch will grow a new SCOBY every time you brew a batch.&nbsp; But sometimes it doesn't completely grow one and it doesn't separate from the mother.&nbsp; It will look like it hasn't grown one because they haven't separated, but it <em>has</em> grown some.&nbsp; You can check under the mother to see if there is a layer you can peel off.&nbsp; That is your baby!&nbsp; Otherwise, just use your mother in a new batch and let it keep going.&nbsp; Soon you will have a baby.&nbsp; Ordinarily it takes 7&nbsp;- 10 days but it can take longer.</li>
<li><strong>Should I strain my kombucha?&nbsp; At what point?</strong> -- No!&nbsp; If you really don't like the "stuff" floating in your kombucha, you may choose to strain right before drinking.&nbsp; But don't strain it before this!&nbsp; All that "stuff" is really good for you!</li>
<li><strong>Help!&nbsp; My kombucha isn't carbonated.&nbsp; Why not?</strong> -- A variety of reasons.&nbsp; You may not have brewed it long enough, or brewed at too cool a temperature.&nbsp; Use double fermentation and allow your kombucha to sit, bottled, at room temperature for 2 - 3 days to help ensure carbonation.&nbsp;You may also want to leave your kombucha in the fridge (after bottling) for a week or so to help it age.&nbsp; Kombucha improves with age!&nbsp;Although you may not like it as well without carbonation, it retains the same health benefits, so don't worry about it.&nbsp; Batches can vary and sometimes they just aren't carbonated.</li>
<li><strong>Is pasteurized kombucha the same as unpasteurized in health benefits?</strong> -- No!&nbsp; Not at all.&nbsp; Pasteurization kills all the enzymes and probiotics that make kombucha so beneficial.&nbsp; <em>Never</em> buy pasteurized kombucha and never pasteurize your own!</li>
<li><strong>Is kombucha good for stomach viruses?</strong> -- It can be!&nbsp; If you are used to drinking it, the probiotics in it will help the stomach virus go away.&nbsp; However, since kombucha can cause die-off because of the high levels of probiotics, you may not want to <em>start</em> drinking it during or right after a stomach virus in order to avoid unpleasant die-off.</li>
<li><strong>I have a headache and feel weird after drinking it, is this normal?</strong> -- Yes, usually.&nbsp; This is typically die-off.&nbsp; Go slower in introducing kombucha, taking only a few ounces per day until you know how you handle it.&nbsp; You don't want to cause problems.&nbsp; In rare cases, this could be an allergic reaction or a sign you should not drink it, but this is typically not the case.</li>
<li><strong>Is kombucha safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?</strong> -- If you have already been drinking kombucha, yes, it is perfectly safe to continue.&nbsp; It is not a good idea to start during pregnancy or while exclusively breastfeeding in case you have a die-off reaction.&nbsp; During breastfeeding, it will get to the baby, as well, and can cause fussiness.&nbsp; If you are breastfeeding only part time, it is safe to start very slowly.&nbsp; Watch both your baby and yourself for die-off.</li>
<li><strong>Is lemon juice good for kombucha?</strong> -- Yes.&nbsp; It is good for flavoring and seems to help produce carbonation when used in the double fermentation method.&nbsp; Lime juice is also good.&nbsp; No juice needs to or should be used during the initial fermentation.</li>
<li><strong>How do I do a double ferment?</strong> -- After your kombucha has initially brewed (for the 7 - 14 or so days), bottle your kombucha in glass bottles with tight lids.&nbsp; Add about 1 ounce of some type of juice or other flavoring (fresh ginger slices, dried fruit, etc.) and cap the bottles tightly.&nbsp; Allow the bottles to sit for 1 - 3 days (depending on temperature), then place them in the fridge.&nbsp; They are ready!</li>
<li><strong>What flavors can I use?</strong> -- Anything you can dream up!&nbsp; Cherry, strawberry, grape, guava, mango, greens, etc.&nbsp; Whatever you like!&nbsp; Simple puree it or juice it and use about 1 ounce per 16-oz. bottle.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>What are your best kombucha brewing tips?&nbsp; What other questions do you have?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: tatersgirl913@embarqmail.com
IP: 71.2.11.149
URL: http://www.morethanfourwalls.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/15/2011 04:06:07 PM
<p>Thanks for the post - one question - how do I get started?!  I tried store bought once right after I found out I was pregnant and I really liked it.  Now I&#39;d like to try brewing my own but I&#39;m not sure where to start.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 02/15/2011 05:02:14 PM
<p>Kombucha is yummy. My problem is that my mom (who lives with us) &quot;stored&quot; my kombucha on top of the fridge one day, and I had forgotten about it. It&#39;s been there for over a year, and looks no worse for the wear, but I&#39;m a little nervous about using it. Any opinions?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kay
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.117.108.230
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 05:18:11 PM
<p>What is a die-off reaction?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/15/2011 05:34:34 PM
<p>i will admit, i am a little afraid of the kombucha...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: lauren.albritton@gmail.com
IP: 207.235.48.122
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 05:35:02 PM
<p>What is the &quot;die-off&quot; experience that you talk about if you consume too much to soon? What causes it? Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 06:39:31 PM
<p>i think it is interesting that you mentioned lemon juice produces &#39;fizzier&#39; kombucha, i did not know that, but by experience i have found it to be true! my absolute favorite variety of kombucha to make is when i bottle it i add lemonade leftovers (that is lemons, organic of course! sliced thin that i already used to make lemonade (i.e. all juice removed) with peel and pith and all!) i add pieces of this to the kombucha and then refrigerate at least a week! SOO good and extra fizzy! i just bottled some up yesterday and am eagerly awaiting this batch being ready!!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/15/2011 07:00:38 PM
<p>Danielle,</p><p>Here are links to a couple other posts I did on brewing kombucha: http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/18/kombucha.html and http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/10/2/kombucha-brewing-tips-and-hints.html  Those will help you get started!</p><p>Monique,</p><p>I wouldn&#39;t drink the kombucha that&#39;s up there, probably wouldn&#39;t taste good!  But if there is no sign of mold (it would be black and fuzzy) on the mother, then you should be safe to brew with it.</p><p>Kay and Lauren,</p><p><br/>Kombucha contains a LOT of probiotics, so this can cause any bad bacteria in your body to start to die, releasing toxins.  This makes you feel rather yucky for awhile.  Starting slowly will minimize this!  But it&#39;s ultimately a GOOD thing because you don&#39;t want those bad bacteria in there, you want to replace them with the good ones!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Katie
EMAIL: katieofox@gmail.com
IP: 70.253.70.201
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 08:06:40 PM
<p>Have you ever made it with teas other than black?  I used to make it a lot with black tea but now use decaf black because I now try not to drink any caffeine.  (Which makes me wonder - anyone know about the caffeine content in kombucha?  Is it still in there after brewing?)  Have you ever tried rooibos or green, decaf green, etc?  Just wondering how it would work.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/15/2011 08:10:22 PM
<p>Katie,</p><p>No, I haven&#39;t tried them.  I had some kombucha from a local brewer made with green tea and didn&#39;t like it, so I haven&#39;t been eager to try!  I LIKE green and rooibos teas a lot and drink them, just haven&#39;t made kombucha from them.  I get asked that so often, though, that maybe I&#39;ll try an experiment soon!  I think I have both and I do have two extra jars....</p><p>I don&#39;t think much caffeine is left.  I can&#39;t say for sure, but I am VERY sensitive to it, generally, and kombucha -- even lots -- does not bother me.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: lauren.albritton@gmail.com
IP: 207.235.48.122
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 08:42:32 PM
<p>I posted this question on another post but figured I&#39;d re-ask it here: How much does kombucha taste like black tea? Even though I&#39;m a southern girl, I can&#39;t stand iced tea (sweetened or not), so I&#39;m afraid I&#39;ll not like the kombucha... Thoughts?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel
EMAIL: rba718@hotmail.com
IP: 75.72.123.100
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 08:54:30 PM
<p>I have my very first batch of kombucha brewing at the moment!  So excited!  I love it, but it&#39;s an expensive habit to keep paying $4/bottle.</p><p>RE the green tea question: I got my scoby from a friend who has been making kombucha for a long time.  She instructed me to use green tea, so that&#39;s what I&#39;m using.  I thought I had heard (read?) that I was supposed to use black tea, but I trust her so I used green.  Will see how it turns out...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/15/2011 10:00:24 PM
<p>Lauren,</p><p>I don&#39;t think it tastes like tea at all.  My husband agrees -- he says he does not like black tea, but he does like kombucha.  The fermentation totally changes it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Hannah
EMAIL: hannah@kombuchakamp.com
IP: 76.202.70.171
URL: http://www.KombuchaKamp.com
DATE: 02/15/2011 10:07:13 PM
<p>Hey there!</p><p>For those wondering about the &quot;die-off&quot; reaction, it is known in the medical community as a Healing Crisis or a Herxheimer Reaction and occurs naturally with many healing foods, not just Kombucha.</p><p><a href="http://www.kombuchakamp.com/2010/10/kombucha-and-the-healing-crisis.html" title="The Healing Crisis" rel="nofollow">For more info on Herxheimer Reactions, I wrote a post specifically about them.</a> :)</p><p>Thanks again ModAltMama!</p><p>Hannah Crum<br/>The Kombucha Mamma</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home
EMAIL: laryssa@heaveninthehome.com
IP: 69.139.119.4
URL: http://www.heaveninthehome.com
DATE: 02/16/2011 03:00:38 AM
<p>I&#39;ve been making kombucha for almost 2 years. It&#39;s wonderful! Thanks for all the great FAQ.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matt
EMAIL: 
IP: 68.70.17.88
URL: 
DATE: 02/23/2011 08:02:16 PM
<p>I see you store your kombucha in old bottles, can you store it in canning jars?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rebecca
EMAIL: poorbutwise@gmail.com
IP: 75.141.204.145
URL: http://twofoothome.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/23/2011 08:24:56 PM
<p>I didn&#39;t know I could grow my own SCOBY!  I have been wanting to start but haven&#39;t been able to track down a SCOBY locally.  Now I can make my own!  Hooray!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jennifer
EMAIL: jcordova@swaitworld.org
IP: 72.196.102.84
URL: http://www.howtopeelanonion.com
DATE: 02/24/2011 03:18:11 AM
<p>Wow - great information! I&#39;ve been brewing for a few months now, and I love it! You answered a few of the questions I had and gave me some inspiration for flavoring - I never thought of using dried fruit!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/24/2011 02:21:47 PM
<p>Hi Matt,</p><p>Yes, you can.  I don&#39;t personally like to do it because I don&#39;t think it gets as carbonated.  But others do because then you can pour it into individual glasses and it&#39;s just a wider mouth and easier to clean.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: geektea@hotmail.com
IP: 96.235.66.163
URL: 
DATE: 02/28/2011 03:37:25 PM
<p>Hello!</p><p>With regards to the &quot;die off&quot; reaction: <br/>If taking it slow means that you&#39;ll slowly experience die off, does drinking more kombucha/probiotics, etc., mean that you can get it over with more quickly?</p><p>Maybe it&#39;s just my impatient side (heh...okay, it&#39;s totally that!), but if I can, erm, &quot;get &#39;er done!&quot; a little faster and move into good health quickly, I think I&#39;d rather do that. </p><p>Thanks in advance for your time! :)</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Stuffed "Shells"
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/17/2011 01:00:57 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010256.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297820221214" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2011/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-217.html">Pennywise Platter Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>!**</p>
<p>This dish could be made with jumbo pasta shells, green peppers, or even cabbage leaves.&nbsp; It depends on what you want!&nbsp; The filling is incredibly nourishing and nutrient-dense!&nbsp; (Not to mention yummy.)</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/2 lb. grass-fed ground beef</li>
<li>3 large mushrooms, sliced</li>
<li>1 small onion, diced</li>
<li>1/2 c. spinach, chopped</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese</li>
<li>1 c. mozzarella, shredded and divided</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. parsley</li>
<li>1/4 c. asiago cheese, shredded</li>
<li>1/4 c. Romano cheese, shredded</li>
<li>1 egg yolk, beaten</li>
<li>4 green peppers or 8 large cabbage leaves or 12&nbsp;- 14 jumbo shells</li>
<li>2 c. tomato sauce</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Brown the beef and add the mushrooms, onion, spinach, and garlic.&nbsp; Cook until done.&nbsp; In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 c. mozzarella, and parsley.&nbsp; Add the meat mix.&nbsp; Pour a little sauce in a baking dish.&nbsp; Stuff "shells" with mixture, set on sauce.&nbsp; Pour the rest of the sauce over top and add shredded cheese.</p>
<p>This is a<em> very</em> cheesy dish!&nbsp; Serve it with a nice salad and some <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/20/health-benefits-of-herbal-tea.html">rooibos tea</a> or <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/1/13/water-kefir-update.html">water kefir</a> for a complete meal!&nbsp; (I just started brewing water kefir again and I'm so excited, so you'll be hearing about that again in a few weeks.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: amanda
EMAIL: aleighsweber@gmail.com
IP: 66.233.151.123
URL: 
DATE: 02/28/2011 08:29:42 PM
<p>Do you bake these?</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Amazing Pregnancy Nutrition
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/17/2011 01:00:57 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong>Well, the last couple weeks have been a little crazy, and rather difficult.</strong>&nbsp; We were sick a bit last week, and I've just been...feeling overwhelmed.&nbsp; I've finally solved the <em>why</em> behind that one, though, which makes things a bit easier.&nbsp; I'll get to that in a minute.</p>
<p><strong>Now I'm almost 16 weeks pregnant.</strong>&nbsp; It is going fast!&nbsp; Although I have a tiny belly, and in fitted shirts you can tell something's there, I still mostly just look fat.&nbsp; Sigh.&nbsp; I've never been one to "show" very early, and now unless you know I'm pregnant you wouldn't guess.&nbsp; With my third!&nbsp; I feel pregnant, though.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>In the last week or so, I've started to feel a lot of cramping/stretching and even the odd contraction.</strong>&nbsp; It started when I was sick, which worried me at first (I thought, oh no, it's because I'm not eating or drinking enough and I'm hurting my baby!!), but it has continued even though I'm fine now and eating/drinking plenty.&nbsp; I guess the growing and the Braxton Hicks just start early in later pregnancies!&nbsp; In fact, my midwife said she had contractions starting around 12 weeks with her fifth, and she was <em>so</em> worried she'd miscarry or go into pre-term labor...but nope!&nbsp; Carried to her due date and had a healthy baby.</p>
<p>I'm feeling the baby move sometimes, but it's still pretty random.&nbsp; It's usually around the times I feel the cramping/stretching, and it still feels sort of strange.&nbsp; I don't usually feel my babies until 20 weeks or later, when they're bigger and move more deliberately, so the early movements are a bit weird to me.&nbsp; Sometimes I have to wonder if it's baby.&nbsp; But when I feel movement then stretching, I assume that it is!</p>
<p><strong>So <em>what</em> has made these last couple of weeks so hard?&nbsp;</strong> It wasn't entirely -- or even mostly -- because we were sick.&nbsp; And I wasn't <em>that</em> sick, except for one day.&nbsp; It was because I let my routine go out the window.</p>
<p>I got a new laptop, and I put it in my bedroom.&nbsp; That meant <strong>instead of getting up, getting dressed, and going down for breakfast (after which the kids would have play time and I'd spend a little time finishing my breakfast and checking my stuff), I sent Bekah down to get them something to eat and I did laptop time <em>first</em>.</strong>&nbsp; They'd eat and play, but I wouldn't.&nbsp; By the time we got up and got dressed, I didn't feel like making breakfast, so I'd feed them whatever else was easy and not really eat myself.&nbsp; I also stopped buying juice (because it's not as good as fresh-squeezed), but that ultimately meant it was an extra step to make a smoothie in the morning, so generally I just...didn't.</p>
<p>No breakfast meant I was irritable and starving, but nothing sounded good.&nbsp; It was honestly return of morning sickness (which has never happened before!).&nbsp; Everything sounded gross and I had to force myself to eat while feeling nauseous.&nbsp; My go-to snack was apples or celery with peanut butter (which is not bad) but I just...could not eat.&nbsp; <strong>I was ultimately nauseous and starving <em>all the time</em>, and the idea of cooking was gross, I had no energy, anything I did cook I didn't want to eat....</strong>&nbsp; You know, typical pregnancy junk!&nbsp; But well past the morning sickness I'd had earlier.</p>
<p>I could not deal with anything this way.&nbsp;<strong> I was impatient with kids, overwhelmed with the idea of having to cook and do the usual chores.</strong>&nbsp; Anything beyond the basics was absolutely beyond me.&nbsp; I was stressed to the max.</p>
<p>This week two things changed.&nbsp; <strong>One, the weather got nice outside!</strong>&nbsp; It's now in the 50s most days and sunny!&nbsp; That makes me feel like spring.&nbsp; <strong>Two, I decided to move my laptop downstairs and force myself to get up and cook and eat a good breakfast.</strong>&nbsp; I broke down and bought natural orange juice so I wouldn't have an excuse not to make smoothies.&nbsp; Monday was <em>hard</em>.&nbsp; Even though I got up, I was still half-sick from not eating enough for days.&nbsp; I was so nauseous I didn't want to eat the food I cooked.&nbsp; Still, I sat and sipped water until I felt better, then slowly ate my breakfast.&nbsp; And -- amazing!&nbsp; I felt better!&nbsp; Tuesday was easier, I had more energy and I did not feel sick, and I ate my breakfast easily (and everything else in sight).&nbsp; I had no more nausea, I did not hate food, I could do my chores and not feel overwhelmed anymore.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>This experience really stressed to me how important pregnancy nutrition is.</strong>&nbsp; I could not function and I could not eat well when I was not starting my day with a solid, protein-filled meal (for me, eggs + smoothie is perfect and what I really need first thing).&nbsp; I was starving myself and I was unable to care for my family because of this one simple thing.</p>
<p><strong>Pregnancy nutrition does far more than just make the day possible, though.</strong>&nbsp; I've heard stories this week about women who actually have misshapen pelvises (because their mothers ate and fed them poorly growing up), but are able to deliver their babies naturally if they eat a very healthy diet!&nbsp; <strong>Not being induced was key, because their bodies did/do not produce enough of the hormone relaxin to open their pelvises properly to deliver the baby until the baby is ready to come</strong> (a huge reason why women who are induced end up with c-sections, by the way).</p>
<p><strong>Nutrition can prevent <em>so</em> many complications.</strong>&nbsp; It can prevent pre-term birth.&nbsp; Labor starts because the baby will be better <em>outside</em> the body than in it.&nbsp; Normally that's because the baby is fully developed and ready for life on the outside, plus running out of room to grow (it's <em>not</em> because of a deteriorating placenta in the vast, vast majority of cases!!).&nbsp; But if a woman is malnourished and depleted and her baby is no longer able to get the nourishment it needs inside her body, then her body will send her into labor even if it early, because it knows the baby can no longer thrive on the inside.&nbsp; (Hence why women who have babies close together are more likely to have the later babies prematurely...they are depleted and their bodies will eventually go into labor in order to get the baby proper nourishment on the outside.)</p>
<p>Nutrition can prevent neural tube defects -- we've <em>all</em> heard that!&nbsp; "Take lots of folate/folic acid to help prevent spina bifida!"&nbsp; But it can also help prevent allergies, help form strong bones, and prime the baby for a healthy immune system.&nbsp; <strong>If we are healthy and have good gut flora at the time of birth, we can pass that along to the baby!</strong>&nbsp; Consuming healthy fats and plenty of probiotic foods helps this.</p>
<p>There is just no end to the wonders of excellent nutrition, big and small.&nbsp;<strong> It is so crucial I can't even explain it well enough.</strong>&nbsp; And I know people say "The baby gets the best of what you eat," but if that is fake sugar, factory-farmed meat, processed cereal, and very few fruits/vegetables, you hardly getting anything good.&nbsp; Your baby will not either.&nbsp; The mainstream is so quick to ensure us that no matter what we do or how we eat, our babies will be just fine.&nbsp; <em>That is not true</em>.&nbsp; The vast majority of babies will be born "fine" no matter what, but they will not be as healthy as they could be.</p>
<p><strong>There is even evidence that women have faster, easier labors if their nutrition is excellent.</strong>&nbsp; Some traditional societies routinely had babies born after only an hour or two of relatively easy labor -- until they started to eat a Western diet, at which time women began to labor for days and "require" c-sections!&nbsp; <strong>Babies born to excellently nourished mothers are more likely to be born "in the caul"</strong> (with the bag of waters intact) which is said to be good luck.&nbsp; (Of course, this is partially more likely because many of these women birth at home or in birthing centers and their water is <em>not</em> artificially broken.&nbsp; Doctors like to break it just as soon as they can, which actually increases the risk of infection.&nbsp; It is safer for the water to break as late as possible and on its own.&nbsp; Daniel's didn't break until I started pushing.)</p>
<p><strong>The sheer magnitude of what is possible with excellent nutrition in a natural pregnancy is astounding to me.</strong>&nbsp; See what control we have over our health?!&nbsp; And that of our future baby's?!</p>
<p>(<strong>Yes, I'm aware that excellent nutrition does not <em>guarantee</em> anything.</strong>&nbsp; You could still have complications, you could still have a long, difficult labor, you could still have a c-section, and you could still have a baby born with problems.&nbsp; But it is so, so much less likely.)</p>
<p><strong>Nourish your bodies today, and your baby's!&nbsp; (Or future baby's.)&nbsp; It is so worth it!!</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Emma
EMAIL: emmafreester@gmail.com
IP: 139.139.51.70
URL: http://www.thequiltinghermit.net
DATE: 02/17/2011 02:23:21 PM
<p>What a great post! I&#39;m not pregnant, nor am I planning on being so for some time, but it&#39;s still a good thing to remember. I&#39;m slowly trying to cut grains out of my diet (it&#39;s harder than you&#39;d imagine since my husband and I both LOVE grains, but I know that our health will improve, even if it means more cooking in a dual-working couple...) because I realize how much better I feel without them.</p><p>All that aside, have you ever put peanut butter in a smoothie? If not, you should try it...absolutely amazing. Seriously. It makes it WAY smoother, almost velvety, and it tastes really yummy too! Kind of like peanut butter and jelly, minus the jelly and the bread. When my husband and I do smoothies, we use about 1-2 tbsp of peanut butter per smoothie, along with yogurt, honey, milk or juice, and (preferably, so we don&#39;t have to add ice) frozen fruit. Delicious, and they can be just what you need after getting a workout/pushing a stroller with two kids in it/etc. They are a great pick-me-up, and my husband has been surprised with how quickly they can make me feel better when I&#39;m exhausted and just want to lay around all day.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mariposa
EMAIL: astrangerinthisland@gmail.com
IP: 99.109.235.135
URL: http://www.astrangerinthisland.com
DATE: 02/17/2011 02:25:16 PM
<p>Thanks for the reminder to get off the computer and eat breakfast! lol</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 02/17/2011 03:39:39 PM
<p>I&#39;m not pregnant but sitting here in my workout clothes, avoiding working out while on the computer instead...</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nicole
EMAIL: colie2lip@gmail.com
IP: 174.126.239.87
URL: 
DATE: 02/17/2011 11:44:01 PM
<p>This is perfect for me right now! I am 18 weeks along with my 4th, and have had no energy! This is motivating me! <br/>Also, with my first I was induced and ended up with a c-section! So sad :( There are no hospitals that will perform VBAC near me, and it is illegal for a midwife to see you if you have had a c-section in my state. Sadly, I will be aving my 4th c-section with this one. However, there are things I can do and a healthy diet is one of them :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karla
EMAIL: kheaman@cablespeed.com
IP: 208.53.114.93
URL: 
DATE: 02/18/2011 01:20:53 AM
<p>Here&#39;s an idea - stay off the computer and take care of your kids and yourself...there will be time for other things later.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julie
EMAIL: dewysej@tds.net
IP: 75.100.65.250
URL: 
DATE: 02/18/2011 12:53:32 PM
<p>My &quot;having a baby&quot; days are done, but none the less, you post was great.  It is so true that &quot;you are what you eat&quot;!  pssst:  I&#39;m sure you know, but you don&#39;t need juice or yogurt or milk to make smoothies.;)  We can&#39;t have dairy and I don&#39;t buy juice.  We just use enough water.  It still tastes great!  Of course it depends entirely on the recipe you are making.  Try adding some nuts (we use only raw), especially almonds or if you want it really creamy add in some cashews.  When adding nuts it is especially helpful if you have a Vitamix type blender, as there will be no nut pieces left when you are done blending only smoothie goodness:)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Myths About Unvaccinated Kids
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/18/2011 01:00:20 PM
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<p><strong>**Very quickly, before I get to today's main post, I wanted to let you all know that Jenny of Nourished Kitchen has launched a <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">NEW ecourse</a>!&nbsp; This one is called "<a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">How to Ferment Anything</a>," and literally teaches you just that -- how to ferment anything you can dream of!&nbsp; She'll teach you the <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/?AFFID=36273">basics</a> like sour pickles, kefir, kombucha, and yogurt; but she'll also teach you about fruit and vegetable ferments and <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/get-cultured-what-youll-learn/?AFFID=36273">unusual things</a>.&nbsp; This course features over 80 instructional videos.&nbsp; Personally, I'd <em>love</em> to take this course because there's so much I don't know how to ferment yet, and I really love my <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">fermented foods</a>!&nbsp; You can click the links in this paragraph to get to the <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">course</a> and sign up.&nbsp; And if you do it before Monday, you can use the coupon SOURPICKLES to get $20 off the course's <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">registration</a> fee (usually $150).&nbsp; Is it worth it?&nbsp; Many people say <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/ecourse/ferment-anything/?AFFID=36273">fermenting</a> has cured serious health issues, and I know it's helped us, so $150 to ferment foods at home (so much cheaper than buying, if you can buy them at all) and getting truly healthy?&nbsp; Oh yeah!**</strong></p>
<p><strong>As a proud parent of two unvaccinated kids, I hear my share of misconceptions, myths, and outright lies.</strong>&nbsp; Some of these are well-intentioned, from people who are unsure and want the best for everyone; some of them are just confused; and some are saying these things in order to purposely stir up anger and fear towards those who choose not to vaccinate.&nbsp; I'd really like to clear up misconceptions that fall into <em>all</em> these categories.&nbsp; I don't want people to be needlessly afraid of unvaccinated kids, or to feel like they have to vaccinate (or just avoid unvaccinated kids) because of their fear.&nbsp; So read on, and let's dispel some myths!</p>
<p><strong>Myth #1: Unvaccinated kids are responsible for disease epidemics!</strong></p>
<p>Truth: Not even close.&nbsp; Most of the recent disease epidemics have broken out in <em>highly vaccinated</em> communities.&nbsp; They largely occur in cycles (an outbreak one year, then not again for a few years), and usually because a disease has mutated.&nbsp; Most doctors and researchers are pretty sure this is what has happened with whooping cough, and that's why it's making such a comeback.&nbsp; Since the disease has mutated, there is no vaccine to "protect" against it, so it doesn't matter if you were vaccinated or not -- you are at risk.&nbsp; This is, honestly, more than likely due to the vaccine, because the disease wants to stay alive, so it mutated to a new strain in order to continue getting people sick.&nbsp; Regardless, it is definitely not the unvaccinated kids "spreading disease around," there is so much more to it than that.</p>
<p><strong>Myth #2: Unvaccinated kids are disease carriers!</strong></p>
<p>Truth: Nope!&nbsp; <strong>Unless a kid -- vaccinated or not -- actually <em>has</em> a disease, they cannot spread it.</strong>&nbsp; Unvaccinated kids do not just get diseases and go spread them all around.&nbsp; Many of them do not get sick very often!&nbsp; The truth is, disease is spread by anyone who has it, often before they know they're sick.&nbsp; Especially if diseases have mutated (see point #1), anyone could catch a disease and accidentally pass it on before they know they're sick, vaccinated or not.&nbsp; Many parents will keep their kids out of school if they are unvaccinated if an epidemic breaks out to try to prevent both catching and spreading the illness (which I don't think is entirely fair, given that <em>any</em> kid can spread it, but whatever).&nbsp; It's important to understand: <em>anyone</em> who is sick can pass an illness on, and it's not actually more likely to be an unvaccinated person.&nbsp; (Shows like Law &amp; Order, where, in one episode, they actually prosecuted a mother for not vaccinating her child who caught measles and passed it on to a baby who died, do not help this point at all!&nbsp; That was blatant and unforgivable propaganda.)</p>
<p><strong>Myth #3: Unvaccinated kids are going to catch every disease out there and maybe/probably die!</strong></p>
<p>Truth: Almost certainly not.&nbsp; I won't lie, choosing not to vaccinate means that you are taking responsibility for your child's health, and the possibility that your child <em>could</em> catch a disease.&nbsp; It also means that you need to use other ways to bolster and protect your child's immune system, like with excellent diet, cod liver oil, adequate rest and sunlight, etc.&nbsp; But as most parents who make this choice are well-educated and they <em>do</em> these things, their children are not much more likely than any other child to catch a serious disease.&nbsp; It's also important to understand that many of these diseases can be beneficial to children (over the age of 1 and under 12 or so) because they "train" their immune system naturally.&nbsp; Most complications arise from nutritional deficiencies, namely vitamin A.&nbsp; Parents whose children are healthy and not deficient, and who do not have compromised immune systems (another reason why parents may not be able to vaccinate) generally will not suffer any serious consequences as a result of any illness they may catch.&nbsp; They are likely to have an uncomfortable few days, and recover with no issues.&nbsp; It is important to put that into perspective, instead of fearing these diseases.&nbsp; <strong>(Rates of serious complications are 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 and usually occur in third-world countries, where nutritional deficiencies are much more likely.)</strong>&nbsp; There are, unfortunately, no studies on the health of unvaccinated children, nor studies comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated children, so there is no way to say if either group is more likely to suffer complications or be hospitalized due to illness.&nbsp; (Pay attention...<em>there are no studies</em>.)</p>
<p><strong>Myth #4: Unvaccinated kids put everyone at risk because we can't achieve the high numbers needed for herd immunity.</strong></p>
<p>Truth: "Herd immunity" really doesn't exist.&nbsp; If it did, we wouldn't be seeing disease outbreaks in highly vaccinated communities, we'd be seeing them in communities with lower rates.&nbsp; But since diseases are constantly changing and mutating, high vaccination rates can't force diseases to go away.&nbsp; Those that have been "eradicated" did not happen because of vaccines; something else was going on.&nbsp; (There's too much information for me to get into all that right now.)</p>
<p><strong>Myth #5: If we stop vaccinating, then all these diseases will come back and kill us!</strong></p>
<p>Truth: This isn't really just about unvaccinated kids, but it's so commonly perpetuated that I wanted to address this.&nbsp; <strong>If you take a look at last week's post on how long immunity lasts, you'll see that many adults <em>no longer have protection against these diseases</em>, yet we do not see outbreaks and deaths from them!</strong>&nbsp; There is also the fact that our sanitation practices are much better than they were, and nutrition is much better too (at least for those who are health-conscious, which includes most parents who choose not to vaccinate).&nbsp; Our bodies can and do fight off illnesses all the time.&nbsp; We will not see a resurrgence if we stop vaccinating; and if we see some, we won't be seeing high death rates.&nbsp; Many illnesses were over 99% gone by the time we introduced the vaccine.&nbsp; For example, looking at measles on the WHO's site, where the chart is only from 1980 - present, it appears the vaccine had a huge role in getting rid of the disease.&nbsp; But if you look at it from 1940 - present, you'll see the vast majority of cases had dropped off by 1960 (the vaccine was introduced in 1963).&nbsp; This is a huge scare tactic but that is <em>all</em> it is.&nbsp; We will not see a bunch of people in iron lungs from polio (do you know that only a very tiny percent, less than 1%, of people who get polio ever got <em>paralytic</em> polio?&nbsp; Most were asymptomatic!).&nbsp; It just doesn't work that way.</p>
<p><strong>Myth #6: Unvaccinated kids can't go to school.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Truth: <em>Do not vaccinate your kids just for this!</em>&nbsp; I have heard so many parents say "I am worried about vaccines...but if I don't do them, my kids can't go to school, so I did."&nbsp; <strong>This is a <em>lie</em>.&nbsp; In 48 states you can obtain a medical or religious exemption, and in several you can also obtain a philosophical exemption.</strong>&nbsp; This means you basically sign a paper saying that you are against some or all vaccines for medical, religious, or personal reasons.&nbsp; If you sign this paper, your child <em>can</em> attend public school with no vaccines or only some vaccines.&nbsp; (Bad news for all those "I don't want your unvaccinated kid sitting next to mine in kindergarten" parents!)&nbsp; <em>Please</em> learn your state's laws and <em>do not</em> let anyone bully you into getting vaccines because "if you don't, your kid can't go to school."&nbsp; It is a a complete <em>lie!</em>&nbsp; Some people will tell it because they believe it and they are concerned for you; some people are just misinformed about the laws or unaware; and some will deliberately tell you this to try to intimidate you.&nbsp; Do not let them.</p>
<p><strong>What myths about unvaccinated kids do you frequently hear?&nbsp; Or, if you are unsure, what "thoughts" about unvaccinated kids have you heard (ask if you're unsure it's true!)?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Shelly
EMAIL: shellymw@hotmail.com
IP: 174.101.21.51
URL: http://www.lifeasweknowit5.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/18/2011 05:34:41 PM
<p>Hi there! Great post! I just wanted to also mention, particularly in regards to your myth #3, that this is assuming that vaccines actually WORK! There are some schools of thought out there that say,aside from the extremely toxic ingredients in a vaccine, that the vaccine itself doesn&#39;t work at all the way it was intended. Any thoughts on that subject?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Summer
EMAIL: peacefulbeginnings1@gmail.com
IP: 71.1.119.29
URL: http://www.summerdoula.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/18/2011 08:14:08 PM
<p>Just wanted to throw out a fun little story about the going to school part.  I took my daughter to kindergarten screening, and while I was actively filling out the vaccination exemption form I heard the superintendent say into the microphone, &quot;Be sure your child&#39;s vaccinations are up to date and recorded, because he/she cannot attend if they aren&#39;t!&quot;  Really?!?  I snickered and explained to everyone within hearing distance of me that I was filling out a vaccination exemption form and that yes, an unvaccinated child COULD go to public school.  Jerks.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: heatherkanderson@gmail.com
IP: 66.239.236.122
URL: http://motherscalling.tumblr.com
DATE: 02/19/2011 12:03:36 AM
<p>Thank you for addressing this sometimes controversial subject.  Parents need to have the information to make informed decisions in such crucial areas.  I am the mother of seven very healthy unvaccinated children.  We never had to worry about the school issue as we homeschool, but parents need to know that they do have the choice.  I found your site only a couple of weeks ago and am enjoying it greatly.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/19/2011 02:49:39 PM
<p>hmmmm you&#39;ve given me much to think about.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/21/2011 12:52:56 AM
<p>I think it&#39;s a real shame how people assume that unvaccinated kids are Petri dishes full of germs.  I&#39;ve read a book where the mom says, &quot;Oh, there might be unvaccinated kids there with measles and smallpox and scarlet fever!&quot;  Which is ridiculous, not least because we no longer vaccinate for smallpox and, as far as I know, there&#39;s never been a vaccine for scarlet fever!  And yet, we don&#39;t see people losing sight and hearing from scarlet fever anymore.  Occasionally people still get it, but with modern medical care, it&#39;s really not a big deal.</p><p>Medicine, nutrition, and sanitation have developed in leaps and bounds over the past 100 years, and yet some people seem to think ALL of the changes in that time are due to vaccination.  It&#39;s just ignorance ... even the medical establishment wouldn&#39;t claim that.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Honey
EMAIL: Honeynbennkids@aol.com
IP: 71.65.80.2
URL: http://www.Mondorfment.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/27/2011 06:39:28 AM
<p>What has ALWAYS made me giggle is why are vax&#39;d parents so worried?  IF their child is vaxd....how will my unvax&#39;d child bother them?  Seems like even they know it doesn&#39;t work/last...</p><p>Also..my FAVORITE... I got the flu shot...why do I have the flu?!?!...<br/>..it&#39;s often followed by me saying...<br/>I didn&#39;t get the flu....you didn&#39;t? ....nah, I prefer not getting a flu so I refuse a flu shot...</p><p>You just see the confusion and questions on their faces and it&#39;s really kinda sad.</p><p>Momma to 1 with a few..1 with a cocktail &amp; neurological reaction to cocktail vax and 1 natural as the day she was born.</p><p>Honey</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/27/2011 03:48:45 PM
<p>Honey,</p><p>They care because they say it is a public health threat -- that we need &quot;herd immunity&quot; to actually protect all kids.</p><p>But what is a bigger public health threat, really, is junk food.  Artificial colors, dyes, sugar, HFCS, refined carbs, and so on.  Pretty much all processed foods, especially those marketed at kids.  THOSE are causing lowered immunity, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and all manner of other REAL problems, not just imagined ones.  Maybe those parents who are so pro-vaccine (and feed their kids garbage) ought to think about that.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: An Open Letter to Physicians Who Drop Patients for "Non-Compliance"
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/19/2011 01:00:57 PM
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<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/edenpictures/4133664894/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/doctor.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298069780912" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 335px;">Image by edenpictures</span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>This is an open letter to <em>all</em> physicians who feel the need to drop patients for "non-compliance"</strong> -- refusing tests, procedures, or otherwise ignoring medical advice.&nbsp; Feel free to reprint or post anywhere, just give credit to the source. :)</p>
<p>Dear Doctors:</p>
<p><strong>It has come to my attention over the last several months that some of you are choosing to drop your patients for non-compliance.</strong>&nbsp; This may be because they choose to use a doula in birth; or because they are refusing a routine IV or vitamin K shot; it may be because they won't vaccinate; or possibly because they won't allow a certain test or take a certain medication.</p>
<p>Although you have gone to medical school, and have specialized knowledge; and this is America where you can privately choose to practice however you want (refusing service to anyone for any reason), <strong>I think this is a pretty terrible way to practice medicine.</strong></p>
<p><strong>A doctor-patient relationship should be a <em>partnership</em>.</strong>&nbsp; Your patient has hired you as a service provider, because you do have specialized training and experience.&nbsp; Your patient should then feel comfortable with you and be honest with you regarding his or her lifestyle and choices, so that you can make recommendations and best treat the individual patient based on his or her individual circumstances.&nbsp; In this type of situation, you are a wealth of knowledge and an amazing resource.&nbsp; Patients truly appreciate doctors like this more than you may ever know.</p>
<p><strong>But what happens when a doctor is rigid about procedures and policies is that patients are turned off.</strong>&nbsp; That is <em>arrogant</em>.&nbsp; You might as well say, "I went to medical school and you did not, therefore I know all the answers and you know nothing.&nbsp; When you come into my office, you will follow my advice <em>or else</em>.&nbsp; I have all the answers and your individual preferences and choices mean nothing to me.&nbsp; You are a patient who should absorb all my knowledge and wisdom and be grateful for it, do not <em>dare</em> to question me."</p>
<p>I have even heard some doctors actually <em>say</em> parts of this to their patients.</p>
<p>This attitude destroys all trust.&nbsp; It makes it likely that patients will lie to you, or simply stop seeing you.&nbsp; Those who don't have other options may simply stop seeking medical care.&nbsp; <strong>This can lead to a situation where, if they ever got sick, they would have no one who was familiar with their medical history to turn to.</strong>&nbsp; Even if they could still seek care from you (assuming they'd even <em>want</em> to), they would not have been honest with you because of your careless disdain for their choices, and you could easily miss something critical because of an incomplete medical history.</p>
<p><strong>Does that fulfill your Hippocratic oath?</strong></p>
<p>(And let's not forget, though I think all doctors have, that <strong>the <em>second</em> part of the Hippocratic oath is "Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food."</strong>&nbsp; Does that sound familiar?&nbsp; Obviously not, given the way the vast majority of doctors practice now!)</p>
<p><strong>It's also unfortunate that most doctors are most likely to drop patients who seek non-mainstream care, or live by non-mainstream ideals</strong>.&nbsp; They're too cautious of upsetting the doctor-patient relationship to tell most patients that they need to lose some weight (no matter how true that may be), but they're not afraid to callously ridicule and attack parents who choose not to vaccinate.&nbsp; Doctors are careful to respect a patient's right to drink, but they can't stand it if their patients refuse to take a particular drug!&nbsp; Some doctors will roll their eyes and walk out of the room.&nbsp; Others will berate the patients.&nbsp; Still others simply say, "Leave and do not come back."</p>
<p><strong>What happens if your patient is in immediate need of medical care?</strong>&nbsp; For example, a chronic condition (that, perhaps, the patient would like to try to manage without drugs) or about to deliver a baby?&nbsp; You may have left your patient with <em>no</em> medical care.&nbsp; Whose fault will it be if something goes wrong for that patient?&nbsp; You will not take the blame, though, because you will say "If s/he had only listened to <em>me</em>...."</p>
<p><strong>I have news for you: you're human.&nbsp; You are not God.&nbsp; You are not magical.</strong>&nbsp; You have specialized knowledge in&nbsp;a particular field.&nbsp; People seek you out for help because of it.&nbsp; But you do not have <em>all</em> the answers.&nbsp; You have your natural biases and preferences, like all of us.&nbsp; There may be things that you <em>don't</em> know.&nbsp; There may be another way.&nbsp; <strong>Think of yourself as a service provider, one who does the absolute best to help patients while respecting them as human beings who can also make decisions and do research for themselves.</strong>&nbsp; Your patients are not idiots.&nbsp; They are capable of reading medical journals too (and some do!).&nbsp; They should be able to bring you this information and ask you honestly what you think of it, and if it could help them -- and get a straight answer from you, even if that answer is, "I don't know, I haven't come across that research before."&nbsp; Admitting your limitations goes a long way.</p>
<p>Doctors: please change your policies.&nbsp; <strong>If you absolutely <em>must</em> drop patients for "non-compliance" because you cannot handle being questioned (ahem), you should tell your patients this at their initial appointment and write it down clearly in your office policies.</strong>&nbsp; Something like, "If you do not follow recommended procedures or advice, you will be removed from the practice."&nbsp; Make sure your patients know the <em>first</em> time they see you.&nbsp; Hopefully they will be smart enough to walk out of your office immediately without looking back.&nbsp; You owe it to all your patients to make your policies clear so that they can fire <em>you</em> first if they don't want to deal with it (and they shouldn't have to!).</p>
<p><strong>Also -- please don't make your patients sign an insulting "non compliance" letter as an alternative.</strong>&nbsp; There <em>are</em> letters out there that are just fine, but many are terrible.&nbsp; Most letters basically imply that the patients are idiots and are putting their lives (or their children's lives) in jeopardy.&nbsp; These letters seek to make it look like the <em>only</em> answer is the doctor's answer.&nbsp; These are typically used when parents choose not to vaccinate, and say things like, "I understand there are risks to choosing not to vaccinate, vaccines are very safe, and by refusing them, my child may die."&nbsp; These letters can and <em>have</em> been used against parents when Child Protective Services got involved.&nbsp; Parents -- do <em>not</em> sign this!!&nbsp; If you need to use a letter like this, doctors, you can make it say this: "I recognize that there are risks to refusing this procedure, but also risks in <em>having</em> this procedure, and at this time I decline."&nbsp; That's fine.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading this, doctors and patients alike.&nbsp; <strong>Here's to hoping that in the future, we can get back to the trusting, mutual, honest doctor-patient relationship that <em>used</em> to exist, and in some cases still does.&nbsp;</strong> We need more doctors like this.&nbsp; If you are one, congratulations and <em>thank </em>you<em> </em>so much.&nbsp; If you are not...pay attention.&nbsp; Eventually you will lose all your business, as you should.&nbsp; Wise up now and start treating your patients like rational human beings, and you'll see your entire practice change for the better.</p>
<p><strong>Patients: Have <em>you</em> ever been dropped from a doctor's care for "non-compliance?"</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: anon
EMAIL: 
IP: 99.13.119.9
URL: 
DATE: 02/19/2011 01:49:16 PM
<p>I&#39;ve never been dropped but I have certainly left doctor&#39;s with similar attitudes. At one point I gained 150 pounds in 18 months. I was a vegetarian and exercised regularly ( didn&#39;t even own a car). I also had other hormonal issues going on. Obviously something was wrong but the docs would tell me &quot;eat less exercise more&quot; like I was an idiot. Instead of actually listening to my concerns and trying to help me. I&#39;ve found all to often if it isn&#39;t an easy solution they don&#39;t want to help. I&#39;m still not sure whats wrong with me  but I continue to seek out answers for myself.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kiara
EMAIL: andykiara@cox.net
IP: 98.165.161.103
URL: http://www.andykiara.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/19/2011 03:42:56 PM
<p>I find it interesting that a doctor may refuse to treat a family that chooses to not take a certain medication or vaccinate, but they will continue to treat families who persist in eating lots of junk food and the parents smoke.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Carrie
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.21.184.135
URL: 
DATE: 02/19/2011 04:11:23 PM
<p>My first thought was the same as @Kiara&#39;s - how many people are dropped because they continue in health-jeopardizing habits like street drug use or promiscuous sex?  For refusing to be treated for alcohol or other addiction?  For not taking steps to lose extra weight that is aggravating health problems? Many of these things seem too PC to touch, but alternative medical practices that have far less documented adverse health risk can get you kicked off of a doctor&#39;s practice.  That is the doctor&#39;s right as an individual, but I think it&#39;s unwise and irrational given all the other patients who aren&#39;t dropped.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Drew @ How To Cook Like Your Grandmother
EMAIL: drew@cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
IP: 99.95.61.27
URL: http://cooklikeyourgrandmother.com
DATE: 02/19/2011 04:20:38 PM
<p>One of the hardest things in the world is to allow someone else to be wrong when you are <em>absolutely sure</em> you&#39;re right. Check this comic: http://xkcd.com/386/ (And point to the comic with your mouse until the popup appears and read that, too.)</p><p>For some people it&#39;s obvious that doctors look down on non-mainstream treatments. But how many people who don&#39;t vaccinate, who only eat organic, or vegan, or prefer other non-mainstream practices, are horrified to see what the schools -- and <em>other parents</em> of course -- are feeding their kids? We know that the corn syrup and refined sugar are killing them, that&#39;s barely better than child abuse!</p><p>But wait ... that&#39;s just what the doctors are thinking when someone doesn&#39;t follow his guidance for their kids.</p><p>I completely agree that far too many doctors are arrogant and condescending, but there are also plenty of conscientious doctors caught between a rock and a hard place. They might be completely supportive of your choices -- maybe even <em>support</em> them -- but if they recommend anything other than the mainstream opinion they open themselves up to malpractice claims.</p><p>There&#39;s no easy answer to this one, but it absolutely has to include doctors being willing and able to treat <em>all</em> patients, even those who are &quot;non-compliant&quot;.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/19/2011 04:36:02 PM
<p>Drew,</p><p>It&#39;s true that it&#39;s hard for ANYONE to allow someone to be wrong when you&#39;re sure you&#39;re right, and harder yet for doctors because in visiting their office professionally, you initiated the contact and kind of ASKED their advice (whereas when we see what other parents feed their kids or buy in a store, they didn&#39;t ask).  But yes, we do need doctors who are willing to treat anyone even if they disagree, because perhaps by being open and working WITH them, they can win the patient&#39;s trust and actually HELP them in time.</p><p>Kiara/Cara,</p><p>I think there are certain behaviors that are very mainstream that are just deemed &quot;acceptable&quot; and &quot;personal&quot; and doctors (and society) simply overlook them, even if they don&#39;t agree.  That includes things like smoking, being overweight, etc.  We may not like them, we may know they are unhealthy, but we are taught to be tolerant of these things and to respect people&#39;s &quot;life choices.&quot;  As far as illegal drugs, we&#39;re taught more that those people do need help, but cannot get it unless they want it.  It&#39;s more of a &quot;we feel sorry for them&quot; type attitude.  But when people choose non-mainstream treatments, THAT throws a real wrench in things.  It angers people because they don&#39;t understand, it upsets people because they think it will affect them.  We&#39;re told by doctors and especially the media that THOSE choices are NOT acceptable, and so there continues this pervasive, mainstream attitude of anger and arrogance towards them.  Of course, the undercurrent of those who seek alternatives and accept non-mainstream ideas is still growing all the time.  This irrational anger is a part of the tide of change, because the movements have grown big enough to actually threaten mainstream ideals and force change.  I think in 20 years we&#39;ll see a very different medical system, because the doctors entering medical school now are increasingly questioning the status quo, while established doctors usually don&#39;t.  We&#39;ll see.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 02/19/2011 04:36:57 PM
<p>I guess I&#39;ll come at this from a different angle, though am not trying to be oppositional</p><p>If a doctor wants to drop me, then I doubt I&#39;d like that doctor anyway. Also, this is related though not exactly the same. Before being a SAHM, I worked in outpatient mental health, mainly with children. WEEKLY, I would have parents come in and request meds for their child. My profession was kind of the middle man in this game. I do the assessment, then the referral to the psychiatrist. I would almost always recommend some nonmedical interventions first. Very rarely was that followed through. So, I would offer to transfer the client but not continue to see them. If they didn&#39;t follow my reccomendations, especially if they wouldn&#39;t even try other interventions, I wouldn&#39;t waste my time. Because, then it wasn&#39;t a partnership for me either. The client (parent) would be directing all the control. So glad I left that field.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/19/2011 04:40:46 PM
<p>Shannon,</p><p>I think that you&#39;re right, that can happen too, where parents come in and do demand things that are unnecessary -- such as drugs first (by the way, I know of a counselor who worked with children that some friends went to in high school, and those counselors said &quot;I cannot and will not treat you UNLESS you take drugs first&quot; which I thought was terrible).  But I think what this calls for is respect for the patient (and yourself) and simply stating, &quot;I prefer to try non-drug therapies first, and if you don&#39;t agree we probably will not work well together.&quot;  It doesn&#39;t call for belittling or berating (which some doctors do).  It&#39;s fine to have an open, honest conversation with patients about your style of practice so that you can decide mutually if the relationship would be beneficial.  I just have a problem with doctors NOT stating their opinions and biases and then randomly dropping patients who refuse a test or treatment, which is often times not really necessary (like a routine IV in labor).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Em.
EMAIL: jesuisem@gmail.com
IP: 98.115.192.199
URL: http://avgradical.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/19/2011 06:12:56 PM
<p>During my recent pregnancy I was discharged from a midwifery practice because I refused to take the Glucose Tolerance Test.  I even offered to do post-prandial blood glucose monitoring for awhile to confirm I had no problematic blood sugar issues (plus the research indicated post-meal sticks are far more accurate and paste a better picture of the whole scenario than the highly unreliable GTT).  The midwife wouldn&#39;t have it.  She literally told me, &quot;You do this or you&#39;re out&quot;.  </p><p>Well, ok then, I suppose.  Even when you seek care with a non-traditional provider, these problems of bias still creep in.  Drives me crazy.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 02/20/2011 01:09:56 AM
<p>Kate- after I wrote that it seems I&#39;m probably the opposite of most doctors! Many doctors would prefer to medicate/provide extensive interventions and my practice was always start with the least invasive (for example, working on a routine for a child with ADHD). I really like your letter though. Especially the not having the patient sign the noncompliance part. That is just ridiculous! How degrading. And yes, they are not God. Ugh... I just really don&#39;t like doctors most of the time.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Manda
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.119.148.200
URL: 
DATE: 02/20/2011 02:37:22 AM
<p>Dr. Tenpenny has a &quot;boycott pediatrician bullies&quot; campaign going on the website... encouraging people to share their stories. Thought you might be interested! http://drtenpenny.com/pediatrician_bullies.aspx</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rei Kahlo
EMAIL: rei.khalo@gmail.com
IP: 68.51.63.25
URL: http://rei-khalo.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/20/2011 02:44:21 AM
<p>My sister was dropped for non compliance a few years ago. She was 10 weeks preg and told she had miscarried and to have a D&amp;C , she refused. 4 weeks latter we discovered she was very much preg with TWINS. </p><p>Can you imagine what would have happened if she WERE compliant , or more stunning what wonderful things would NOT have happened if she had been compliant.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: miika49@hotmail.com
IP: 76.69.18.130
URL: 
DATE: 02/20/2011 03:20:30 AM
<p>I think I&#39;d rather be dropped by a doctor than bullied into doing something I didn&#39;t believe in. If I&#39;m looking for a doctor or other medical care provider, I want someone who is on the same page as me. I would not try to go to a mainstream doctor who ridicules non-vaccinators if I chose not to vaccinate my kids. That would be a very bad basis for a good patient-doctor relationship. I need to be able to discuss topics with my doctor and have the feeling that at least s/he listens to me and tries to see my point. Maybe the doctor considers a certain treatment important, but then I would want him/her to be open-minded enough to let me try a non-mainstream approach first if I chose to do that. If the doctor wouldn&#39;t want me to do that, then I might as well be dropped from his/her care, because clearly we do not mesh and what point is there in discussing treatment options if the doctor is not willing to keep an open mind?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/20/2011 03:02:59 PM
<p>Wow!  I am amazed at some of the things that have happened here!  My story is about a pediatrician who flipped out when I dared to ask him about the safety of vaccines and fluoride.  He was literally jumping up and down and spit was flying.  He said the internet was ruining people and making them crazy.  I backed down and gave my child the vaccine.  But I never went to him again.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan @ LifeWithTheAlbas
EMAIL: alba.megan@gmail.com
IP: 68.92.114.23
URL: http://lifewiththealbas.com
DATE: 02/20/2011 04:06:33 PM
<p>I have not been dropped, but I have left doctor due to much of what you described in your letter. And, as you mentioned, I&#39;m now without a primary medical care provider (although I consider my chiro my primary physician anyway.)</p><p>My previous doctor was far too meds-happy and rolled her eyes when I began inquiring into alternative options. She said chiropractors were quacks and, even when I began to show signs of improvement after visiting a chiropractor, she refused to work with her or even look at the x-rays my chiro sent to my next appointment. </p><p>She also refused to research / consider any vitamins or supplements I asked about. She put me on birth control and, when I gained weight and began to have questionable side effects, told me I just needed to watch my calories. </p><p>I almost wish she HAD asked me to leave for non-compliance. Instead, she allowed me to continue to come back to her and gladly took my money even though the relationship obviously was not working. The least she could have done was refer me to a doctor whose views and opinions were more similar to mine.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Molly
EMAIL: 
IP: 66.62.194.233
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2011 07:52:51 PM
<p>I recently told our pediatric dentist that I didn&#39;t want my 6 year old daughter to have xrays every 12 months.  I would prefer every 2 or 3 years at most.  The dentist told me that she could no longer treat my child because of my request.  Even though my daughter has never had a cavity or any other type of tooth problem or decay in her life (even though I have never given her flouride, but that&#39;s an entire subject on it&#39;s own).  I was pretty offended at the time.  But, I&#39;ve decided that I don&#39;t want to be in a relationship with a doctor who doesn&#39;t respect my request &amp; beliefs anyway.  So, I am on a quest to find another dentist for my children.  Unfortunately, we don&#39;t have a holistic dentist in our area.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/23/2011 02:28:49 AM
<p>Our doctor told me he won&#39;t do well-baby care for unvaccinated kids.  That was kind of okay with me, though, because they don&#39;t do much at well-baby visits besides vaccines, anyway.  The doctor was respectful and said he wasn&#39;t going to try to talk me out of my decision, but that they consider vaccines to be an integral part of well-baby care and they couldn&#39;t care for him without it.  They did agree to continue to see him when he&#39;s sick, though, which is all I wanted in the first place.  He was only there once, for roseola.</p><p>Still, it is annoying that doctors make these kind of stipulations.  Pediatricians can be awfully pushy, and not just about vaccines, either.  My mom is in the habit of lying to doctors about cosleeping and that sort of thing, because they always insist on a certain method of parenting -- even though they have no training in parenting, it&#39;s just each doctor&#39;s opinion.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Monday Health & Wellness: Curing Athlete's Foot (Anti-Fungal Cream Recipe!)
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/21/2011 01:00:09 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been entered in <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2011/02/monday-mania-2212011/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHealthyHomeEconomist+%28The+Healthy+Home+Economist%29">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://woodwifesjournal.blogspot.com/2011/02/herbal-medicine-chest-syrups-honeys.html">Herbal Medicine Chest at The Woodwife's Journal</a>!**</p>
<p>I think many of you will like the recipe I have for you today.&nbsp; Ben (my husband) has struggled with athlete's foot and other fungal infections for <em>years</em>.&nbsp; We tried everything to cure them, too.&nbsp; Before we discovered natural health, we bought every anti-fungal out there.&nbsp; He was even put on antibiotics for awhile.&nbsp; <em>Nothing</em> helped.&nbsp; It did turn out that eating coconut oil a lot and staying away from grains/dairy improved the situation, but still didn't cure it (though I'd recommend that in stubborn cases).&nbsp; It was important to work on it topically, too.</p>
<p>I created this cream and now, after about 4 or 5 weeks, the infection is almost <em>gone</em>.&nbsp; Yes, we've been on the GAPS diet and that's helped.&nbsp; But this cream was the last important factor that really helped it go away for good.&nbsp; It's simple to make, too, with only three ingredients.&nbsp; I chose these for their natural anti-fungal (and anti-viral, anti-bacterial!) properties.</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>7 tbsp. extra virgin organic coconut oil (<em>not</em> refined)</li>
<li>40 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. tea tree oil</li>
<li>4 oz. glass jar</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Directions:</strong></p>
<p>In a double boiler over low heat, melt the coconut oil.&nbsp; Add the GSE and TTO and stir together to combine.&nbsp; Pour the mixture into the glass jar and let it cool completely.&nbsp; Apply as needed to skin suffering from any type of fungal infection, including yeast infection (please don't apply directly to any internal parts; if you have yeast-like rashes on your arms or legs though, apply there!).</p>
<p>Simple!&nbsp; Could not be easier.&nbsp; This stuff is powerful, too.&nbsp; Like I said -- it's taken out a years-old infection in a matter of weeks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: WashingtonPharmGirl
EMAIL: bessieclements74@gmail.com
IP: 74.252.10.154
URL: http://pharmgirlfollies.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/21/2011 02:11:06 PM
<p>This will be a great recipe to keep handy.  I always have the coconut oil. I will have to order in some GS extract.  Sounds simple enough.  Thanks!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 02/21/2011 02:15:30 PM
<p>You are a wealth of information - thank you. I don&#39;t get athlete&#39;s foot but I do get yeast flare ups on my arms. Much appreciated!</p><p>Monique</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sharon
EMAIL: sharonwallace.61@gmail.com
IP: 98.219.200.209
URL: http://woodwifesjournal.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/21/2011 04:38:30 PM
<p>Don&#39;t you just love herbal remedies!?  Please consider joining me at The Woodwife&#39;s Journal for our Herbal Medicine Chest Blog Hop.  I&#39;d love to include your recipe.  Thanks for posting.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Manda
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.119.148.200
URL: 
DATE: 02/21/2011 06:26:35 PM
<p>Is there anything else you can substitute for the grapefruit seed extract? If not, do you think the other two ingredients might be somewhat effective on their own?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heidi
EMAIL: heidimeythaler@gmail.com
IP: 75.81.137.159
URL: 
DATE: 02/21/2011 06:50:50 PM
<p>Would this recipe be safe for my 8 month-old?  I believe he has ringworm.  We&#39;ve tried apple cidervinegar, but wonder if this recipe would work better!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 02/21/2011 06:58:09 PM
<p>As far as I can tell (google), since it&#39;s used in diaper rash creams it should be safe. Good luck!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julieanne
EMAIL: ejm@truevine.net
IP: 68.118.72.139
URL: http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com
DATE: 02/21/2011 07:56:18 PM
<p>This looks like a recipe that I&#39;ll need to try for myself.  I&#39;ve had athlete&#39;s foot for years and years, ever since I was a little tyke.  I know that you mentioned using it as needed.  Would you recommend once a day while needed, or twice a day?</p><p>Julieanne<br/>http://www.JoyInOurJourney.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tim Smith
EMAIL: info@mymiracleoflifenetwork.com
IP: 71.174.169.114
URL: http://www.mymiracleoflifenetwork.com
DATE: 02/21/2011 08:12:23 PM
<p>Interesting homemade remedy. Have you done anything to stop the fungal infection, first, so you don&#39;t need the cream?<br/>Just sounds like maybe that would be a better approach to explore see whats causing it in the first place.<br/>I will keep the information handy. and thank you for sharing</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/22/2011 01:13:34 AM
<p>Julieanne,</p><p>Probably twice a day, or more if you notice itching that is problematic.  As it heals you probably won&#39;t need it more than once a day, and then even less often.</p><p>Tim,</p><p>Yes, I agree that exploring what is causing the problem is important.  As I mention in the post, we&#39;re currently following the GAPS diet to treat the underlying problem, but are also attacking it topically with this.  A two-part approach has been most helpful for us so far.  And I would encourage others to do the same, in evaluating symptoms and choosing dietary changes that may prove helpful as well.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tim Smith
EMAIL: info@mymiracleoflifenetwork.com
IP: 71.174.169.114
URL: http://www.mymiracleoflifenetwork.com
DATE: 02/22/2011 08:19:38 AM
<p>Thank you for sharing. I agree that exploring diet is most important yet relief must also come first. A two part approach is probably the best way to &quot;attack&quot; until everything balances out. I love exploring the root cause and take it from there</p>
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--------

AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Pregnancy Symptoms on "Real Food"
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/24/2011 01:00:27 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><strong>Well, here I am, at almost 17 weeks!</strong>&nbsp; This is flying by.&nbsp; I am just so busy these days!&nbsp; I do feel the baby move sometimes now and I'm still feeling very comfortable.&nbsp; The baby doesn't move <em>too</em> much yet, and frankly, the older kids keep me so busy that I don't think I'll pay as much attention to this one until<em>&nbsp;</em>I <em>have </em>to.&nbsp; I sure hope s/he pops out both generally calm, but ready to demand attention when necessary!&nbsp; And definitely ready to fight the older ones for his/her share of the toys and games when it comes time for that!</p>
<p><strong>In my previous two pregnancies, especially my first (when I ate SAD) I had a lot of symptoms that I just don't this time.</strong>&nbsp; It's making me think that some of them are <em>not</em> just "par for the course" in pregnancy.&nbsp; I know that when you get pregnant, you hear all the horror stories about the crazy symptoms you'll experience and how "horrible" pregnancy (and labor!) can be.&nbsp; But I don't think it always has to be that way.&nbsp; I think an excellent diet can make a real difference!</p>
<p><strong>For example, I struggled a lot with dizziness in my second trimester if I didn't eat constantly.&nbsp; But I'm not this time.</strong>&nbsp; I still feel better if I eat all my meals, especially breakfast, but I don't feel like I have to "stuff" myself in order to ward off not feeling well.&nbsp; A few good, nourishing meals and a snack or two is plenty.&nbsp; Some days I don't even have the snacks and I still feel fine.&nbsp; I think my body was crying out for <em>nutrition</em>, not just calories, but I didn't understand that before.</p>
<p><strong>And although this is rather indelicate, I think it could possibly help, so I'll tell!&nbsp; In my first pregnancy, I really struggled with both diarrhea and constipation.</strong>&nbsp; And in my second, constipation.&nbsp; I'll be honest, my first time around I was definitely still fully in SAD-mode and didn't think twice about OTC drugs.&nbsp; When I saw women on TV who refused to take <em>anything</em> while pregnant I thought they were a little crazy (ha!).&nbsp; I relied heavily on Immodium to get me through.&nbsp; It happened to also help my nausea, which was nice.&nbsp; At the end of both pregnancies, and for awhile after, I had hemorroids.&nbsp; Fun, right?</p>
<p><strong>I haven't had any of that this time.</strong></p>
<p>Now, that's not to say things aren't, um, different.&nbsp; Let's just say that before, I was pretty regular, and now I'm a bit more "random."&nbsp; But when I do go, everything's just fine.&nbsp; I attribute this to the fact that <strong>digestion <em>does</em> slow down in pregnant women because your body attempts to grab every last nutrient from the food you eat.</strong>&nbsp; And that's happened.&nbsp; But I've eaten enough fat, nutrients, and stayed well-hydrated enough that <strong>I do not actually have <em>problems</em> with it.&nbsp; I just go less frequently</strong>.&nbsp; It is sooooo much better.&nbsp; I've also noted that I go even <em>less</em> frequently when I don't eat grains.&nbsp; It seems the other foods are just digested so well and so thoroughly that I don't need to.&nbsp; Interesting, hmm?</p>
<p>Now, just in case you think I'm sailing through smoothly here...I'll be honest about something else!&nbsp; I'm carrying this baby <em>very </em>low already.&nbsp; And that means that <strong>when I cough or sneeze, or just suddenly need to go to the bathroom <em>now</em>, it's, ah...kind of likely I'll pee my pants a little.</strong>&nbsp; Oops.&nbsp; I don't think there's too much I can do about that!&nbsp; My friends and I (many of us are currently pregnant for the second or third time) had a lovely discussion about how much we pee our pants recently.&nbsp; It also came up that some of us are potty training our toddlers, or did so recently, and the types of comments we get from them when we accidentally pee are pretty funny.&nbsp; Ha.</p>
<p>Now, as much as I'm sure we love to discuss&nbsp;bathroom issues&nbsp;and other less-than-fun pregnancy symptoms (ha), let's move on!</p>
<p><strong>About a week ago I found out about an exciting opportunity.</strong>&nbsp; A baby website called Babble was looking for a new pregnancy blogger to join their ranks.&nbsp; They'd read my blog here, and had asked me if I'd be interested!&nbsp; After a few emails back and forth to learn some more about the position, I said yes!&nbsp; <strong>Starting on April 1st, you'll be able to find me posting daily over at Babble</strong>.&nbsp; Monday through Friday, I'll be telling little anecdotes about babies and pregnancy and how things are going here.&nbsp; So if you like reading this pregnancy journal and wish there was more out there, now there will be!</p>
<p><strong>This week I also got to visit my midwives again!</strong>&nbsp; That is always so fun.&nbsp; We spent a lot of time talking about how the kids are doing with the pregnancy, and how I'm feeling about everything.&nbsp; I mentioned I've been stressed by the events of the last few months.&nbsp; I also haven't gained any weight (likely because I was sick).&nbsp; I mentioned I've had more headaches in the last few days, and we found trace protein in my urine.&nbsp; This is likely due to my blood volume increasing, and because I need more rest and fluids.&nbsp; You know, the usual. :)</p>
<p>In upcoming weeks, I'll be talking about bonding with a baby before birth, encouraging siblings to bond/get involved, choosing a pediatrician (or not), how long you should "stop your life" after baby is born, and lots of other baby and pregnancy issues!&nbsp; <strong>If you're curious about what we've chosen on any particular issue, feel free to ask and I'll write about it in the future!</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karolee Gregory
EMAIL: karoleeg@gmail.com
IP: 71.36.16.30
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 02:02:12 AM
<p>Hello!<br/>A word on the &quot;oops I peed a little&quot; scenario. I had that problem during and after my first FOUR pregnancies. But with number five, I started doing squats and kegels per my midwife&#39;s counsel, and I didn&#39;t struggle with it as much, and haven&#39;t at all since she was born. So maybe there IS something you can do. :) I think the squats (rather than bending over, I just squatted every time I had to pick something up, etc., which is a lot with 5 kids) helped the most.</p><p>Smiles!<br/>Karolee</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Crystal
EMAIL: trixiekiddo@yahoo.com
IP: 70.189.64.127
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 09:05:35 PM
<p>I&#39;m so excited to share this with you, because I&#39;ve discovered this works! And you have shared so much in my life- I&#39;ve been sprouting grains for the first time this week!<br/>Anyway, about the &quot;oops, I peed&quot;- I had that with my first 3 babies. But with baby #4 (things should be getting worse, right?) I did something different- I did pregnancy yoga which the dvd I used involved a lot of squatting (see the pose at the link below). Also throughout the day I squatted periodically (getting clothes out of the dryer, etc.) Google &quot;hunter gatherer squat&quot; and check out the links below. After I had my baby, I mean RIGHT AFTER there was absolutely no incontinence whatsoever. Awesome!!<br/>Kegels have done diddly squat for me, and I hated doing them, but I love doing this squat- it just feels good to me!<br/>http://mamasweat.blogspot.com/2010/05/pelvic-floor-party-kegels-are-not.html<br/>http://www.yogaflavoredlife.com/styles-poses/squat-pose-happy-hips.html</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Almond Flour Carrot Cake
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/24/2011 01:00:30 PM
-----
BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>**This post has been linked to <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2011/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-224.html#more-3875">Pennywise Platters Thursday at The Nourishing Gourmet</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2011/02/monday-mania-2282011/#more-2407">Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist</a>!**</p>
<p>I know this post is late.&nbsp; And I hope it was worth waiting for!&nbsp; It had been my intention to test this recipe yesterday, but life happened (midwives' appointment and so much more) and it just didn't get done.&nbsp; But now I have <em>this</em> for you, so I hope that makes up for it!&nbsp; These muffins are moist and delicious, and are grain- and dairy-free!</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>1.5 cups almond flour</li>
<li>2 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. cardamom</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. nutmeg</li>
<li>1 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>3/4 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li>2 tbsp. coconut oil</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1/4 c. honey</li>
<li>1 medium carrot, shredded (about 1/4 c.)</li>
<li>1/4 c. coconut milk (or raw milk)</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Add all the dry ingredients to a medium bowl and stir to combine.&nbsp; Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until smooth.&nbsp; Pour into a small, 7" baking pan, or makes about 7 cupcakes (that's what I did).&nbsp; Bake at 350 for 20 min.</p>
<p>Now, if you're a bit daring, I'm going to give you a second recipe to try out tonight. :)&nbsp; I haven't tried it on these cupcakes, honestly, but I have used it on other cakes before and it's delicious.</p>
<p>Frosting</p>
<ul>
<li>1/4 c. butter</li>
<li>1/4 c. cream cheese</li>
<li>2 - 3 tbsp. raw honey</li>
<li>1 tsp. vanilla</li>
</ul>
<p>Blend all ingredients with a hand mixer until smooth.&nbsp; Frost the cupcakes and enjoy!&nbsp; (No, this is <em>not</em> dairy-free and I haven't found a way to make it dairy-free yet.&nbsp; I am at a total loss for dairy-free, sugar-free frosting.&nbsp; If you like powdered sugar you could try mixing that with vanilla and coconut oil, I'm told that's tasty.&nbsp; But I prefer to skip all that refined sugar, personally.)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 02/24/2011 11:55:29 PM
<p>Yum. Stop it with the baked goods recipes!! I have a list longer than I can keep up with. :-P</p><p>I don&#39;t have cardamom...something I can leave out? I also have lots of carrot puree I want to get rid of so I was hoping you&#39;d call for that, lol. Maybe in place of some of the oil/milk??</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/25/2011 12:13:43 AM
<p>Lindsey,</p><p>Yes, you could leave out the cardamom.  You only really &quot;need&quot; the cinnamon to create the &#39;spice&#39; flavor.  I bet you could use carrot puree, and just don&#39;t add the milk.  Stir it together and then see if it is too thick, and add milk just a little at a time as needed.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Magda
EMAIL: velecky@bellsouth.net
IP: 12.45.148.102
URL: 
DATE: 02/25/2011 02:22:04 PM
<p>How about this for frosting?<br/>http://gnowfglins.com/2009/11/16/basic-vanilla-frosting/</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lori
EMAIL: 
IP: 118.90.62.99
URL: http://www.laurelofleaves.com
DATE: 03/05/2011 06:34:50 AM
<p>Oh boy-this looks delicious. I&#39;m a sucker for carrot cake and muffins. Nothing could be better than having them both together! ;)</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Fats: What, Why, and Where to Find Them
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/22/2011 01:00:27 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicafm/71922825/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/butter.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298324610675" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Jessicafm</span></span></p>
<p><strong>Let's talk <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/2/15/eating-fat-how-and-why.html">fat</a>!</strong></p>
<p>That is, eating fats.&nbsp; <strong>Which fats are <em>really</em> healthy?&nbsp; Which aren't?&nbsp; How do you find them?</strong>&nbsp; And all the other questions that will come up along the way as you're reading this post!</p>
<p>If you've been following this blog for awhile, and/or if you're familiar with Nourishing Traditions (NT), you probably already know the answer to "what are healthy fats and why should I eat them?"&nbsp; But <strong>if you're new here and new to traditional cooking, then you might be very confused about this issue.&nbsp;</strong> It's okay.&nbsp; A lot of people are, at first!</p>
<p>So let's dig in.</p>
<h3>Should I Eat Fat?</h3>
<p><strong>First the big question: is fat <em>good</em> or <em>bad</em>?</strong>&nbsp; The mainstream would have you believe that nearly all fats are bad, and that even the "good" ones (like olive oil) should be consumed only in tiny quantities.&nbsp; A low-fat or fat-free mantra is pushed everywhere.&nbsp; Foods like skim milk, low-fat cheese, butter substitutes, and processed low-fat foods are all the rage.&nbsp; <strong>Dieticians and doctors and, well, just about <em>everyone</em> say that you should avoid fat as much as possible.</strong></p>
<p><strong>It's all a lie.</strong></p>
<p>There, I said it.&nbsp; <strong>Fat is <em>good</em> for you.</strong>&nbsp; Those low-fat foods are <em>not</em> real foods and can be quite detrimental to your health (now -- foods that are <em>naturally</em> low in fat, like vegetables, are fine, though they should still eaten with added fat.&nbsp; We'll talk about why in a minute).&nbsp; Most low-fat packaged foods have a lot of soy, sugar, and "stabilizers" added to them to make them still taste good and "work" right.&nbsp; For a long time, trans fats were added to these products instead of naturally saturated fats!&nbsp; Of course, <strong>everyone is now well aware that trans fats aren't healthy</strong>, either, so manufacturers have begun to phase them out.</p>
<p>Don't be fooled, though -- <strong>some manufacturers have simply reduced serving sizes, because if a product contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat <em>per serving</em>, they don't have to list it on the label and can actually claim "0g of trans fats!" in big letters</strong>.&nbsp; Even though they know it's a lie.&nbsp; Other manufacturers are simply using intersified fats, which is a process very similar to trans fats and supposedly even <em>more</em> detrimental to your health.&nbsp; Many "buttery spread" type products are now made this way.&nbsp; Still others are using various combinations of liquid vegetable oils, most often soybean (then corn, cottonseed, etc.).&nbsp; These are GMO and extremely unhealthy as well.&nbsp; Beware <em>all</em> processed low-fat foods...or any other processed food, for that matter.</p>
<h3>Why Should I Eat Fat?&nbsp; Won't I Get Fat?</h3>
<p>I'm sure this is your next question.&nbsp; <strong>But the truth is, no, you won't get fat</strong>.&nbsp; Our bodies burn fat quickly and use it for energy.&nbsp; We don't store it.&nbsp; Carbs are broken down much more slowly and are stored as fat for energy "later" if we consume too many.&nbsp; Therefore, eating fat <em>can't</em> make you fat, since your body just does not store it!</p>
<p><strong>As for personal experience, we <em>lost</em> weight eating a high-fat diet.</strong>&nbsp; This is true for many others that I know as well.&nbsp; Keeping our weight at a healthy level has been effortless, also, for the first time!</p>
<p>Instead, <strong>fat does a lot of wonderful things for you.</strong>&nbsp; It provides energy, as I already mentioned.&nbsp; It also helps your body to use all of the fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.&nbsp; <strong>Without fat, you <em>cannot</em> break down or absorb any of these vitamins.</strong>&nbsp; So you can take all the supplements you want (which typically are oil-based because...those vitamins are found in fat!), but without adequate dietary fat you will not get much benefit.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>And if you are low in these vitamins, your immune system will not function well, your skin and hair will be dry, you'll lack energy...need I go on?</strong>&nbsp; Well, you may be depressed, you may lose your sex drive, you may have mood swings, anxiety, you may struggle with infertility, and generally be at risk for all types of infections.&nbsp; Yes, fat is <em>that</em> important.</p>
<p>Additionally, fat helps your body to actually regenerate.&nbsp; Your brain is largely made of saturated fat and cholesterol.&nbsp; <strong>Your hormones are regulated by fat.</strong>&nbsp; (So, if your hormones don't work right, you are at risk for PCOS, infertility, adrenal fatigue, thyroid problems, and so on.)</p>
<p><strong>This is why you should always eat your vegetables with fat -- they'll help you absorb all those wonderful nutrients!</strong>&nbsp; Some good salad dressing or butter on steamed vegetables will go a long way towards helping your body.</p>
<h3>So What Fat Should I Eat?</h3>
<p>Now you're probably convinced that there's something to this eating fat stuff.&nbsp; <strong>If fat helps <em>all those body systems</em>, that's a pretty good clue that you should eat it.</strong>&nbsp; But as we discussed a little bit above, not <em>all</em> fats are good for you.&nbsp; So how do you know which you should eat?</p>
<p><strong>First -- <em>no</em> trans fats.</strong>&nbsp; Ever.&nbsp; I don't think anyone will disagree with me on that point!&nbsp; <strong>Avoid intersified fats, too.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Second -- <em>no</em> GMO fats.</strong>&nbsp; Ever.&nbsp; That's a little more controversial, but the truth is we don't know the long-term effects of GMOs on our bodies.&nbsp; Early research with rats suggests that they become infertile and experience a lot of other health problems in a relatively short amount of time.&nbsp; GMO food is not something we want to be messing with, ever.&nbsp; Choose organic if you know the food is likely to be GMO, because organics cannot be.&nbsp; This includes corn, soy, alfalfa, rice, and sugar beet.&nbsp; More are entering the market soon, including cassava, castor beans, and papaya.</p>
<p>Now we're left with the non-GMO polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fats.&nbsp; What to do about those?</p>
<p><strong>In my opinion, you should avoid nearly all polyunsaturated fats.</strong>&nbsp; The fact that their bonds are so "open" (which is what makes them liquid at both room temperature and while refrigerated) makes them extremely unstable.&nbsp; <strong>These fats go rancid very quickly</strong>, especially when exposed to heat or light (such as...sitting on a grocery store shelf in a clear plastic bottle, which likely contains BPA; or being shipped on a hot truck).&nbsp; Please note that it is <em>heat </em>and <em>fat </em>which cause BPA to leach....&nbsp; <strong>Cooking with them is an absolute disaster, because they'll oxidize and form free radicals (which cause cancer) and trans fats (heart disease).</strong>&nbsp; These fats are also very high in omega-6 fatty acids, which the typical American eats <em>way</em> too much of.&nbsp; Some people do choose to use polyunsaturated fats in very small quantities.&nbsp; They buy them cold-pressed in dark glass bottles and keep them refrigerated.&nbsp; They are used only <em>unheated</em> (like in salad dressings), never for cooking.&nbsp; Polyunsaturated fats include fish oils, corn, soy, sunflower, and safflower oils.</p>
<p><strong>Monounsaturated fats are actually quite healthy for you -- a point most will agree on!</strong>&nbsp; These oils are usually liquid at room temperature, but solid when refrigerated.&nbsp; They're more stable than polyunsaturated fats because only one bond is "open."&nbsp; These are safe and actually beneficial to eat on a regular basis.&nbsp; <strong>One caveat: don't heat them.</strong>&nbsp; Since they are still unsaturated, they can go rancid easily.&nbsp; Olive oil heated over 350 degrees will form trans fats.&nbsp; It's also best to buy them in dark glass bottles and cold-pressed, and store them in a dark pantry to prevent rancidity.&nbsp; These are best eaten raw.&nbsp; Monounsaturated fats include walnut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, peanut oil, other nut oils, and canola oil.&nbsp; I would <em>not</em> recommend canola oil though (especially not for cooking) because it is highly processed and may be GMO.</p>
<p><strong>Now for saturated fats...my favorite!</strong>&nbsp; And the mainstream dietician's bane.&nbsp; <strong>Despite all of the&nbsp;misinformation surrounding them, saturated fats<em> do not</em> cause heart disease and obesity and all that other junk.</strong>&nbsp; In fact, the original research conducted on saturated fats did not distinguish between naturally saturated fats and <em>trans fats</em>, because on a molecular level they appear the same.&nbsp; All of those bad things that were attributed to saturated fats were really caused by the trans fats, <em>not</em> the naturally saturated fats.&nbsp; Dr. Mary Enig, author of Eat Fat, Lose Fat, discovered this critical mistake early in her career and was essentially "banished" from the mainstream community for pointing it out!</p>
<p>So why are saturated fats so good?&nbsp; They are extremely stable, both when refrigerated and at room temperature.&nbsp; <strong>They can be safely heated to 350 - 450 degrees</strong> (depending on the particular fat) without becoming rancid.&nbsp; This makes them very safe to cook with in almost any situation (though you don't ever want them to start smoking; that is an indication that they have gotten too hot and have oxidized).&nbsp; <strong>Saturated fats are largely responsible for our mood, hormones, healthy skin and hair, etc.&nbsp;</strong> Babies' bodies and brains (and kids) are largely made from saturated fat and cholesterol, so it's crucial to consume enough of it.&nbsp; Saturated fats include lard (actually that's monounsaturated; it's only 49% saturated fat!&nbsp; But it cooks and behaves like a saturated fat), beef tallow, bacon grease, cream (and other dairy products), coconut oil, and palm oil.&nbsp; All of these are <em>very</em> good for you and should be consumed often!</p>
<p><strong>One caveat: <em>please</em> choose animal fats from a healthy source.</strong>&nbsp; Do not buy lard at the grocery store, because it is not pure lard: it will have "partially hydrogenated lard" added to it, and preservatives like BHT.&nbsp; Fat also gathers up all the toxins and 'yuck' that animals consume, so buying these fats from conventionally-raised animals (fed lots of hormones and antibiotics and etc.) will contain all of that stuff in concentrated form.&nbsp; Instead, source your animal fats from pastured, preferably local animals.&nbsp; Visit <a href="http://www.eatwild.com">Eat Wild</a> to find a farm near you.</p>
<h3>Where Can I Buy These Fats?</h3>
<p>The best source is locally if at all possible.&nbsp; <strong>A good local farmer or butcher can help you find high-quality animal fats.</strong>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/4/24/call-to-action-raw-milk-debate.html">Raw milk</a> (which we'll talk about more soon) is a great "fatty" food that should always be sourced locally.&nbsp; Eggs, too, are best if pastured and local (those yolks are a great source of fat too!).&nbsp; But, that's not always available.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.chaffinfamilyorchards.com/"><strong>Chaffin Orchards</strong></a><strong> is a good place to source olive oil.</strong>&nbsp; I've never ordered from them, nor do I have any affiliation with them, but I know a lot of bloggers are really happy with them.&nbsp; Personally, I get mine from Trader Joe's.&nbsp; Is it top quality?&nbsp; Probably not...but it's good enough and it fits in my budget.</p>
<p><strong>Coconut oil can be purchased from </strong><a href="http://www.tropicaltraditions.com"><strong>Tropical Traditions</strong></a><strong>, or </strong><a href="http://nutiva.com/"><strong>Nutiva</strong></a> (I buy mine, Nutiva brand, through Amazon).&nbsp; There are other brands out there, too.&nbsp; Just make sure that it's extra-virgin, unrefined oil.&nbsp; There are refined versions available in stores.&nbsp; It's much, much cheaper to buy online than in stores, so keep that in mind (a 15 oz. jar might cost nearly $15 in the store; I can buy a 54-oz. jar for under $20 online).&nbsp; Palm oil is also available at Tropical Traditions.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.grasslandbeef.com/StoreFront.bok">U.S. Wellness Meats</a> offers beef tallow for sale, and sometimes lard too.&nbsp; These can be the hardest to find!</p>
<p><strong>Do you eat fat?&nbsp; What types do you use the most?&nbsp; Where do you source them from?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Magda
EMAIL: velecky@bellsouth.net
IP: 12.45.148.102
URL: 
DATE: 02/22/2011 03:50:29 PM
<p>I&#39;m moving closed to my March 1st deadline for going full GAPS so I&#39;ve been eating a lot more fat lately and will probably increase the amounts in the future. It&#39;s like my body has been starving for it!! My favorite? Butter, hands down. I&#39;ve been eating tons of it. I also use coconut oil and lard. Haven&#39;t tried tallow yet. I do have virgin olive oil for salads and peanut oil for stir fry. I also use a ligth olive oil for mayo. I use KerryGold butter (don&#39;t like raw). Coconut oil comes from Wilderness Family Naturals but lately I&#39;ve been buying it from a local market. Oh.. and ghee, too!! I love ghee for eggs. I get lard from a local farmer (where I get my pastured pork and chicken - awesome stuff). All other oils from a market or health food store.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Megan @ LifeWithTheAlbas
EMAIL: alba.megan@gmail.com
IP: 70.182.77.30
URL: http://lifewiththealbas.com
DATE: 02/22/2011 10:17:45 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been working more fats into our diet and have happily noticed an improvement in my skin and hair - and no weight gain! I&#39;m also feeling fuller after meals. Although I do need to cut back on carbs a little more, per your previous post on high-fat AND high-carb. <br/>Thanks for the online resources. I&#39;ve been paying $15/jar for my coconut oil. I also use it as lotion, and it can get expensive quickly. Great to know I can save money by purchasing online!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: How to Make Chicken Stock
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/15/2011 01:00:20 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>As I was looking back through my archives and working to make some changes to the site a few weeks ago, <strong>I realized I had <em>never</em> posted on how to make <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/11/6/bone-broth-and-detox-diets.html">chicken stock</a></strong>.&nbsp; I can't believe that!&nbsp; It's such a basic food, and a staple in any real food kitchen.&nbsp; I constantly have several ice cube trays and big bowls of it around.&nbsp; I have a pot on the stove right now!&nbsp; Yet, I've never posted on it.&nbsp; Seems weird.</p>
<p>Anyway, that's the reason for today's post!&nbsp; <strong>Homemade stock is amazing stuff</strong>.&nbsp; It's full of gelatin and calcium and lots of different nutrients.&nbsp; It actually soothes and heals the digestive system (which is why it's so key on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/gaps-and-grain-free/">GAPS</a>).&nbsp; It's not an old wives' tale that good stock can heal illnesses!&nbsp; If you have a cold, please do eat chicken soup!&nbsp; It's gotten to where I don't even want soup from anywhere but home, because I know it just doesn't have the same amazing properties (in fact, it's pretty much junk; it's a tiny bit of stock mixed with MSG and other yucky stuff).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Pay attention: unless you are lucky and have a farmer who makes it and sells it like I do (at the crazy expensive price of $3.50 a quart!), <strong>you cannot buy this (bouillon cubes are <em>junk</em>, do not buy them</strong>!&nbsp; Don't mess with store-bought "organic broth" either, it's not real)!&nbsp; And even if you can, do you want to pay those prices?&nbsp; We go through a gallon or more a week, so I don't.&nbsp; And I can make over a gallon of stock for less than that.&nbsp; <em>Free</em> if you want to consider that we eat the meat and I'm using just veggie scraps; parts most people just throw away anyway.&nbsp; Who can pass that up?!&nbsp; Excellent nutrition for <em>free</em>?&nbsp; And it's quite easy.&nbsp; <strong>It requires only a few minutes to start, lots of "ignore" time, and a few minutes to cool and put it away.</strong></p>
<p><strong>You will need</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>A whole chicken, roasted and picked clean; OR a stewing hen (raw)</li>
<li>2 - 3 lbs. of chicken feet (optional)</li>
<li>A 16-qt. stock pot</li>
<li>An onion, chopped in 2 - 3 pieces</li>
<li>A couple carrots, chopped in 2 - 3 pieces each</li>
<li>Some celery, chopped in 2 - 3 pieces each</li>
<li>OR use onion peels and ends, carrot peels, celery ends, and other "scraps" (cheaper!)</li>
<li>Water (cold)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A few notes</strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>This works <em>really</em> well with turkey bones, too.</strong>&nbsp; In fact, I kind of prefer it, but they're not available all the time.&nbsp; (You should have seen my freezer around Thanksgiving!!)</li>
<li><strong>Chicken feet add extra yummy gelatin but many people find them disgusting</strong>.&nbsp; I don't get it, personally.&nbsp; (Maybe that's because growing up I had a book about old-world cooking called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watch-Chicken-Feet-Your-Soup/dp/0671667459">Watch out for&nbsp;chicken feet in&nbsp;your soup</a>!" and a grandma was teaching a kid about how to cook up excellent traditional soup, so to me it seems normal and a good idea....)</li>
<li><strong>Most people use apple cider vinegar to draw the gelatin out of the bones.</strong>&nbsp; I tried it once and didn't really care for it, nor did I think it made a difference.&nbsp; I don't have trouble with min gelling nicely without it.&nbsp; And I don't <em>like</em> ACV anyway and never have it around.</li>
<li><strong>I also don't bother with sea salt, pepper, or other herbs or spices.</strong>&nbsp; I make my stock plain, then flavor it up how I want when I'm cooking with it later.</li>
</ol>
<p>Now.&nbsp; To make it.&nbsp; This could not be easier.</p>
<p>First, take your chicken carcass (after eating the yummy roast chicken and picking it mostly clean; I often leave some back meat on) and dump it in the pot.&nbsp; Or, your stewing hen.&nbsp; It can be frozen still, it doesn't matter.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010267.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297732450929" alt="" /></span></span>Now, add your <em>feet</em>!&nbsp; (I like them and always have them around.&nbsp; Maybe that's why my stock always gels so nicely.)</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010268.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297732550715" alt="" /></span></span>Then, add some onion and celery and carrots or scraps.&nbsp; I had half an onion left from cooking so I'm using that.&nbsp; I also had the remnants of a bunch of celery that was not good for much else.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010269.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297732640929" alt="" /></span></span>Now, fill up your pot with water.&nbsp; I use tap water (I know...<em>bad</em>!), filtered is better.&nbsp; Do what you have to.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010270.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297732751933" alt="" /></span></span><strong>Move it carefully to your stove.</strong>&nbsp; This is a good chore for a husband!&nbsp; I did it myself this time, but other times I might use my 8-cup blender and fill it with water several times and dump it into the pot already on the stove.&nbsp; A little more work, but then I don't have to lift it when it's full.</p>
<p><strong>Turn it on low-medium now.</strong>&nbsp; Know your stove -- I have one burner that basically doesn't cook unless it's on at least medium-high, so that gets turned...well, on medium-high.&nbsp; But generally you want it lower.&nbsp; The stock shouldn't boil, ever.&nbsp; It should just simmer very gently, and it needs to heat slowly.&nbsp; It will turn a funny white color and won't taste very nice if you boil it.</p>
<p>Walk away.&nbsp; <strong>Let it sit at least 12 hours, and 18 - 24 is even better</strong>.&nbsp; This is mine after about 18 hours.&nbsp; See how rich and golden it is, and all that fat floating on top?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010272.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297732853906" alt="" /></span></span>That's done!&nbsp; <strong>Let it cool a bit, then strain it into containers</strong>.&nbsp; Yes, glass would be ideal, but I don't have enough right now.&nbsp; If it's cool, plastic is okay.&nbsp; And <em>don't</em> skim off all that lovely fat, you want that in there!&nbsp; (But don't make the mistake I once did of drinking a whole glass of stock with tons of fat and sea salt, it <em>will</em> cause die-off and you <em>will</em> be miserable....)</p>
<p><strong>It's a good idea to have some nice large containers, 4 - 8 cups each</strong> (mine are around 6; this is perfect for one pot of soup for a week of lunches for Ben, or dinner for all of us).&nbsp; <strong>It's also a good idea to do some in ice cube trays</strong>, so that you can pop out just a few cubes at once to make a sauce or gravy, heat for a quick drink (<em>not</em> in the microwave, please!), thin baby food, or whatever.&nbsp; I usually do both.</p>
<p>And that's it!&nbsp; <strong>If you had a lot of bones, you can go ahead and fill the pot up again and use the same bones for a second batch.</strong>&nbsp; I often do this, occasionally adding a few extra feet.&nbsp; Your second batch won't be as rich and gelled as your first, but it will still make good soup.</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever made chicken stock, or do you make it on a regular basis?&nbsp; What is your method?&nbsp; What are your favorite uses?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: shannon
EMAIL: shannon@shannonwampler.com
IP: 71.98.84.98
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 01:58:39 PM
<p>I just love making chicken stock! It is so easy and makes the whole house smell good. I freeze it in quart jars for easy use.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: alan
EMAIL: roberts.ecofarm@gmail.com
IP: 72.69.91.43
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 02:51:53 PM
<p>We make stock about once a week.  We usually roast a chicken for dinner and use the bones and veggie scraps for stock.  At the end of dinner we pick the chicken clean and save the meat for sandwiches or salad.  Everything else goes into the stock pot.  We cover it and cook it over night.  We usually get about 5 quarts of good stock.  This gets frozen in either 1 quart or 1 pint containers.  We never seem to get ahead.  Over the holidays when we were cooking chickens and turkeys we made stock in our 24 quart pot.  We cooked it for 2 days and pressure canned the stock afterword.  We usually use what we have frozen, but it is nice to have extra when we need it.  We&#39;ve never used the feet.  Have to try that next time.  We also do beef stock when we have a large roast with the bone in, or right after we have a beef processed and have a large quantity of bones.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 70.43.85.242
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 02/15/2011 04:59:44 PM
<p>I make it with just the feet. Was a little leery at first but the taste of it will fix that problem real fast! Last week I made it with necks because my farmer didn&#39;t have feet, and it was good too - but I think I like feet better.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lauren
EMAIL: lauren.albritton@gmail.com
IP: 207.235.48.122
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 05:19:17 PM
<p>Kate,<br/>I&#39;m enjoying your blog SO much and am just beginning my journey into real food! Hooray! So I have a few questions about the chicken stock (some of which stemmed from the comments already posted as well):</p><p>- How long does the stock stay good and fresh if you don&#39;t freeze it or pressure can it (i.e. in the fridge)?<br/>- Also, are any of you freezing in glass jars? Does that ever cause problems like broken glass all over the freezer? If you aren&#39;t freezing large quantities in glass jars, what do you use?<br/>- Do you skim off any of the fat off later when you are cooking or making soup?</p><p>Thanks for sharing your life with us! Blessings!<br/>-Lauren</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 06:42:52 PM
<p>ok, Kate being i am also in columbus, where do you get chicken feet from? just curious, thank you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/15/2011 06:56:09 PM
<p>Lauren,</p><p>If I had the money I&#39;d buy big Pyrex glass containers and use those.  I&#39;ve frozen them before with stock and other stuff in them with no problems.  The mason jars are not as sturdy and I worry about them.  I have broken a couple in the freeze.  I never skim any of the fat off, either, not even when making soup!  I keep it all in. :)</p><p>Michelle,</p><p>The farm has them. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: miika
EMAIL: miika49@hotmail.com
IP: 76.69.18.130
URL: 
DATE: 02/15/2011 09:02:02 PM
<p>I&#39;ve been making stock with the bones from roast chicken for a long time, and love it. And freezing it in smaller quantities (I use a muffin pan for that) is a great idea, too. <br/>A tip I read once was to use the slow cooker for it. Basically, you roast your chicken for dinner, and then afterwards, pick it clean and put the bones etc. in the slow cooker, turn it on low over night and whenever you get around to it the next day, strain and freeze it. I usually keep some of the fat in but also skim some off to use for sauteeing veggies (yummy!).</p><p>Just one question, though. What&#39;s &quot;die-off&quot;? I&#39;ve never had any problems drinking/using the stock, so I&#39;m not quite sure what you&#39;re talking about there.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home
EMAIL: laryssa@heaveninthehome.com
IP: 69.139.119.4
URL: http://www.heaveninthehome.com
DATE: 02/16/2011 03:02:49 AM
<p>Where do you get your chicken feet?</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Fevers: Good or Bad?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/26/2011 01:00:43 PM
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BODY:
<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceeric/4142499634/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/sick%20child.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298410564911" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by Bruce Eric Anderson</span></span></p>
<p>Social media really lets you know what other people think, and what's going on in their homes.&nbsp;<strong> I've quickly gathered, mostly through the "magic" of Facebook, that many parents are <em>afraid</em> of fevers.</strong>&nbsp; They worry as soon as their child spikes one and they quickly rush to either call the doctor or give Tylenol or another fever-reducing medication.&nbsp; They obsessively take their child's temperature, worry&nbsp;that it is "really high" if it is over 101,&nbsp;and try to make the fever stay gone.&nbsp; Some even alternate a couple different fever reducers just to make <em>sure</em> that fever stays away.</p>
<p>But is this really the right way to handle a fever?</p>
<p>No.&nbsp; Parents who react this way do not understand what a fever really is, nor the proper way to treat it.&nbsp; <strong>A fever is <em>not</em> an illness.&nbsp; It is merely a symptom of an illness, a sign that the body is trying to fight off some type of "bug" that has gotten in.</strong></p>
<p>Think of it this way: when some bad bacteria or virus has invaded the body, it has done so because the body provided it hospitable conditions.&nbsp; <strong>The body instinctively knows that a higher temperature will create an inhospitable environment and kill the nasty, invading bug.</strong>&nbsp; So, it reacts by spiking a fever in order to create that condition.</p>
<p>What happens when you rush to lower the fever?&nbsp; <strong>Suddenly the bad bug can get a foothold again, because the temperature is no longer high enough to kill it!</strong>&nbsp; This prolongs the illness, not only by initially preventing the body from killing it, but also by allowing it to multiply and spread through the body even more.&nbsp; The body will bring the fever back just as soon as it can, often well before the medication has technically "worn off" and might spike it very high, very quickly to try to rapidly kill the bug before it can spread further.&nbsp; This can become a dangerous situation, especially if the parent reacts to lower the temperature again.</p>
<h3>What's the Harm?</h3>
<p>Some of you might say, <strong>"Okay, but my child is miserable and doesn't rest very well with a fever.&nbsp; Isn't it better to lower it and allow them to sleep?&nbsp; What's the real harm in lowering it a little?"</strong></p>
<p>Unfortunately, a <em>lot</em>.&nbsp; <strong>First of all, Tylenol and ibuprofen can be quite dangerous.&nbsp; They're the #1 and #2 causes of liver failure in this country</strong> (and other developed countries, including Canada and the UK).&nbsp; Tylenol depletes glutathione, which functions heavily in immune function.&nbsp; Also, since these medications <em>are</em> foreign substances, and therefore effectively small doses of poison, the body's resources are directed towards clearing the body of this "poison" before it can do any harm, instead of fighting the actual illness!</p>
<p>So <strong>you're risking liver damage</strong> (over time, or with an overdose; this becomes <em>much </em>more likely if you're following the outdated advice to switch back and forth between Tylenol and ibuprofen every few hours, or giving larger-than-average doses because the doctor said it was "safe"), depleting <strong>glutathione and the immune system's functioning</strong>, and <strong>diverting the body's resources to clearing the Tylenol from the system instead of the illness</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>That's why a child whose fever is treated really might be sick for days longer</strong>.&nbsp; Would you rather have an unhappy, uncomfortable child for 12 - 24 hours, or 3 - 4 days?&nbsp; That can be the real difference between treating or not treating the fever.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/2184416268/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/thermometer.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298411110277" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by sunshinecity</span></span></p>
<h3>So I'm Supposed to Do Nothing?</h3>
<p>Obviously it flies in the face of our instincts as parents to do <em>nothing</em>.&nbsp; <strong>When our child is hurting or sick or upset, we want to do <em>do something</em>.</strong>&nbsp; But the vast majority of illnesses are really over-treated because of anxious parents who just want to do something to help.</p>
<p>There <em>are</em> things we can do.&nbsp; Medicating isn't recommended.&nbsp; <strong>But there are other ways to help</strong>.</p>
<p>First, once you're sure your child has a fever (and you don't even need a thermometer to tell: <strong>a child who is hot but not sweaty has a fever</strong>.&nbsp; Hot and sweaty is normal and just "hot."&nbsp; The body inhibits sweating, the mechanism by which it cools itself, so that the fever can be maintained.&nbsp; That's why "dry heat" means fever), note the child's behavior.&nbsp; <strong>You do not need to know the exact temperature</strong>; it is not important.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Some may worry about brain damage, but this is extremely unlikely unless the temperature gets up towards the 105 - 107 range, but typically the body will not <em>naturally</em> allow the temperature to go high enough to actually cause itself damage</strong>.&nbsp; The fever is a way to help the body fight off illness, and it will not harm itself in the process.&nbsp; Extremely high fevers that can cause damage are often because the parents tried to artificially lower the fever, or caused by vaccines/medication.&nbsp; Normal, natural illnesses do not cause these damaging fevers.</p>
<p>Other parents worry about febrile seizures.&nbsp; These generally occur if the temperature spikes very high, very quickly.&nbsp; This, again, is usually in reaction to a vaccine, a parent's attempt to lower the temperature artificially, or some other "unnatural" toxin being introduced to the body.&nbsp; <strong>Natural illnesses usually do not spike fevers very quickly, they tend to rise slowly, and febrile seizures are extremely rare</strong>.&nbsp; Should they occur, though, they are not harmful.&nbsp; They are part of the body's attempt to regain homeostasis and they do not cause permanent damage.&nbsp; They are scary to watch, but they will not hurt your child.</p>
<p><strong>Instead, just note your child's symptoms and work according to those</strong>.</p>
<p>Is the child:</p>
<ul>
<li>Otherwise acting normal?</li>
<li>Seeming sleepy?</li>
<li>Nauseous or vomiting?</li>
<li>Fatigued but unable to sleep?</li>
<li>etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Children who are otherwise fine or who are sleepy need nothing.</strong>&nbsp; Either leave them alone or put them to bed.&nbsp; Their body will fight off the junk while they rest (or not).</p>
<p>If the child does have other symptoms, treat those first.&nbsp; <strong>Try to stop the vomiting by allowing the stomach total rest for at least 30 minutes, then introducing Gripe Water, breastmilk, or ginger/fennel tea</strong>.&nbsp; If the child cannot stop vomiting for 30 minutes, strong black tea with honey and/or activated charcoal can help to settle things down.&nbsp; Do <em>not</em> offer food until after the child has not vomited for at least a few hours and has slept.&nbsp; Digestion takes a lot of energy, and when sick, the child's energy is better used to fight off the illness than digest food.&nbsp; Homemade rehydration drinks, raw or lightly cooked(pastured!) egg yolks, or homemade stock can all be excellent, nourishing "foods" for someone who has just gotten over a bout of vomiting.&nbsp; (Note: my kids have NEVER vomited longer than 12 hours and Daniel never has at all...and this is what I've done.)</p>
<p><strong>If the child is merely restless, try a bath with epsom salts and/or lavender oil.</strong>&nbsp; Make sure the bath is warm.&nbsp; If it is too cool, the body will react by raising the fever higher to compensate.&nbsp; Climb in with your child and snuggle, breastfeed if you can.&nbsp; Then wrap your child in clean, warm clothes and put them to bed.&nbsp; Usually the epsom salts and/or lavender oil (essential oil only please) is calming enough to allow the child to sleep.</p>
<p><strong>Arnica (topically or orally) can help with body aches.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ginger tea can help clear stuffy noses and help sore throats.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Belladonna may reduce pain or slightly (naturally) reduce the fever</strong> -- this wouldn't be my first choice, but if the child just cannot sleep, you could try it.</p>
<p>The point is, you don't do <em>nothing</em>.&nbsp; You treat the other symptoms, not the fever, enough so that your child can rest.&nbsp; And of course, <strong>lots of cuddles are always good. :)&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>If your child can sleep, let him, as much as he wants</strong>.&nbsp; My daughter's early illnesses (11 months to about 18 months) typically resulted in her spending most of the day and night asleep, but then the next day she'd be fine.</p>
<p><strong>And of course, don't forget to pump up the immune system with raw garlic, coconut oil, fermented cod liver oil, elderberry, and all those other wonderful food-and-herb items that can make a big difference</strong>!</p>
<p>(<strong>I do think FCLO makes a huge difference.</strong>&nbsp; The flu we had a couple weeks ago is one that's been going around here.&nbsp; Most people who encountered it were sick 4 - 7 days, and many passed it back and forth between family members, ultimately being down for 2 or 3 weeks!&nbsp; It ran through our house in only about 5 days and never came back.&nbsp; We had all the same symptoms, but severity and duration was shorter.&nbsp; Ben, who was not consistently taking FCLO, was sick the longest, at about 4 days.&nbsp; Bekah was sick for about 12 hours, Daniel for maybe 8 -- and he only had the fever and lack of appetite, otherwise was playing and acting normal -- and I had it for a day.&nbsp; It was no big deal for us while most others struggled.)</p>
<p><strong>It's also interesting to note that I have <em>never</em> treated a fever.</strong>&nbsp; Not even when my daughter had a temp of 104 at 16 months (I think that was the last time I even bothered to check).&nbsp; She wanted to snuggle, then sleep after we took our bath.&nbsp; She did sleep part of the night in my bed because she was restless, but she <em>slept</em>, and when she woke in the morning her fever was gone.&nbsp; It did not come back.&nbsp; It ran its course in about 15 hours.&nbsp; <strong>I have <em>never</em> had a child with a fever longer than 24 hours, and I honestly don't remember ever having one longer than 18 hours.</strong>&nbsp; I don't think it is a coincidence at all that I don't treat fevers and they don't last long.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>So I Should Never Treat the Fever?</h3>
<p><strong>In general...no.</strong>&nbsp; There should never be a natural situation in which a fever could become dangerous.&nbsp; It could happen that your child is irritable and unable to rest or sleep at all.&nbsp; In this case, I'd try belladonna first (Daniel was teething along with his fever/flu and would not stop squirming in pain and screaming...a dose of belladonna and he was asleep 5 minutes later).&nbsp; Some parents who do not know alternative remedies or do not have them available may choose to treat a fever that is clearly making a child miserable and unable to rest after exhausting <em>all</em> other options.&nbsp; But this should be very <em>rare</em>, lowering the fever should not be your first goal.&nbsp; This has never happened to me.</p>
<p><strong>If a fever is caused by a non-natural cause, like a drug reaction, vaccine reaction, foreign poison/toxin introduced into the body -- seek medical help.</strong>&nbsp; This will probably require additional treatment that is beyond the scope of home care.&nbsp; When possible, avoid these situations.&nbsp; Of course, this is not always possible; there is always the chance that your child could get into something when you are not looking!&nbsp; (Good reason to keep poison locked up, but accidents do happen.)</p>
<p>Finally, yes, <strong>I do take a rather <em>extreme</em> approach to natural health and I am, in almost all cases, anti-drug.</strong>&nbsp; I believe that drugs are best saved for true emergencies and should not be used so casually.&nbsp; If it's life or death, take the drug!&nbsp; (Hopefully, in that cause, under a doctor's care!)&nbsp; If it's a minor, temporary annoyance, like ear infections, fevers, colds, flus, headaches, etc. -- just ride it out and use natural comfort measures.&nbsp; I'm of the opinion that our bodies <em>cannot</em> be 'deficient' in drugs, so we should not turn to them as a primary means of getting well.&nbsp; We <em>can</em> be deficient in vitamins, minerals, etc. and so we can support our bodies with natural means to correct any deficiencies and help our bodies fight for themselves.&nbsp; I haven't encountered, nor have I been able to think of any scenario in which I feel my family would ever <em>need</em> drugs.&nbsp; We don't keep any in the house at all, not for adults or children.&nbsp; This <strong>is <em>purely</em> my opinion here and I'm not asking anyone else to adopt it as their own.</strong>&nbsp; I'm putting it out there to explain my perspective and why I feel so strongly about some of these health issues.</p>
<p><strong>Do you treat fevers?&nbsp; Why or why not?&nbsp; How do you help your children when sick?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: monique
EMAIL: monique.burkes@gmail.com
IP: 99.185.72.68
URL: http://armsofasister.com
DATE: 02/26/2011 02:30:39 PM
<p>Like you I don&#39;t use Tylenol, etc to treat a fever. If the girls can still play, I actually don&#39;t treat it all all. If they&#39;re listless then I will use a homeopathic treatment for the fever, but generally not as often as the package says. appreciate the post.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: sara p-c
EMAIL: 
IP: 72.70.160.194
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 02:45:59 PM
<p>my dd is only 7 months, but the few times she&#39;s had a fever (usually up around 102.5 or so), we&#39;ve just kept her cuddled, and breastfed as much as she wanted, and the fever was gone in a day or less. she&#39;s fine as wine, and no worries about over-dosing on tylenol or advil/motrin.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: heidi
EMAIL: heidirosemichael@hotmail.com
IP: 74.179.115.234
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 03:14:52 PM
<p>what is FCLO?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/26/2011 03:16:34 PM
<p>Heidi,</p><p>FCLO = Fermented Cod Liver Oil.  We buy ours from Green Pastures. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: J.J.
EMAIL: jj-brad@cox.net
IP: 70.161.152.131
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 04:02:49 PM
<p>I strongly encourage parents be well educated about febrile seizures. When my son had one, he turned purple and became completely unresponsive. We truly thought he was dying. There is no time to learn what it is and what to do when you are in the middle of one. I had never even heard of febrile seizures before that eventful night. Be informed and prepared.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Gen
EMAIL: uniquelynormalmom@gmail.com
IP: 97.112.222.206
URL: http://www.uniquelynormalmom.com
DATE: 02/26/2011 04:31:04 PM
<p>I&#39;m a new mom, and the times when my 8 month old had shown signs of illness, i.e. fever, diarrhea, etc., I have just kept an eye on it, layed low, breastfed more often and prayed.  I&#39;m surrounded by people with fevers and flus and infections and more Dr.&#39;s appointments for coughs than trips to the supermarket.  I grew up just fighting things off, and I plan to do the same with my children, using wisdom, of course.<br/>www.uniquelynormalmom.com</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jlang
EMAIL: 
IP: 24.210.175.62
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 05:01:35 PM
<p>I&#39;d love to know where you got the info about Tylenol and Motrin being the top two causes of liver failure! I refused both when I was pregnant and most people thought I was nuts. It would be nice to be able to show them your source.<br/>Thanks so much!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Aimee
EMAIL: 
IP: 174.29.2.211
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 05:11:50 PM
<p>I haven&#39;t ever treated a fever with a fever reducer either.  I believe they are helpful in killing the bad bugs.  My friends often call me as they know I tend to be of a dictionary for medical issues (wanted to be a nurse for most of my life), and when they tell me they are giving them tylenol/motrin, whatever to reduce a fever, I tell them to stop. I explain the benefits of a fever, and most of them are hearing it for the first time.  Jameson has barely been sick, but when he has been sick, its been a very fast illness with a fever of about 102* then gone the next day.  Question with the Arnica, do you use cream and rub it on the body? I have heard lots of benefits of Arnica but don&#39;t have it in my first aid kit (yet).  I usually collect a bunch of new items when an illness comes on. </p><p>In November, when Jameson had croup so badly we had to go into the ER (after treating it for 36 hours) that is the only time he has ever been treated with antibiotics (1 dose) they were worried it was epiglotitis (hib or something). And he got lots of steroids, they had to intubate him, and he was in the hospital completely under for 36 hours.  Scariest time of my life, but i do feel I made the right decision.  I had used my arsenal and he kept getting worse, (stridor and caving in of his chest).  Unfortunately, during intubation (which took 45 minutes because his airway was so swollen and they used a newborn size tube on a 2.5 year old) he stopped breathing and his heart stopped beating.  They had to resuscitate him.  Again, scariest moment of my life.  The docs were convinced the croup was a secondary infection because he had had a fever of 102 four days prior.  They said, oh that was pretty high.  I said, it wasn&#39;t bad.  He slept with me, and it was gone by 5am.  He complained of his teeth hurting (had his last molar coming in).  They were even more bothered that he wasn&#39;t up-to-date with vaccines, I pick and choose which ones and at which times he receives them.  He has only had 4.  While my son was sedated one nurse felt it very necessary to talk to me about how they were going to get him up to date with his immunizations while he was in the hospital, and I absolutely said, NO.  His immune system is compromised right now, we WILL NOT be giving him vaccines.  She was very bothered by this, but I stood my ground.  After 12 hours he was already trying to breath over the tube, and one doctor would have taken him off the tube, but he went off duty, and a new conservative doc came in and added sedative/paralytics to his IV to keep him completely under.  Still after 24 hours the respiratory therapists said it was dumb to keep him intubated because he was breathing over the tube and it kept setting off the alarm.  The doctor finally agreed to lower the sedatives and bring him out of his sedation to remove the tube when the shift changed at 6am.   </p><p>All the doctors were completely shocked at how fast the swelling went down and how well he did.  They said that was the shortest amount of time they had ever had a croup case under.  They were expecting him in the PICU for five to seven days.  I am convinced it is because he had never had a round of antibiotics I nursed him for 27 months and allowed his body to naturally fight illness and fevers.  He asked to nurse when he came out of sedation, and even though I didn&#39;t have any milk, it still comforted him.  The lovely nurse that day was from South Africa and we got into some really great conversations of things the Americans do so poorly here (low nursing rates, circumcision, which she said she couldn&#39;t stand and wouldn&#39;t help at all with them).  I am glad I took him to the hospital, it was time, but also, it made me question some of my beliefs as the doctors treated him.  I am happy to say I am stronger in my beliefs now, than before, but I really hated being questioned and looked at like I was one of those &quot;crazy mothers&quot; they all read about in their papers.  Overall, the care was wonderful minus a few people.  Oh and even though they were convinced there was some other infection going on, my son just had croup.  No RSV, no influenza, no vaccine-treatable disease.  My instinct was right.  Mother&#39;s intuition.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.212.161.40
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 05:13:23 PM
<p>As the pp pointed out, febrile seizures are very scary.  It came on sudden and the little one stopped breathing.  The fever was sudden, the result of roseola.  I&#39;m just the grandma, with the little guy and his mommy living here.  I worked on getting to the back in the ER and found they were trying to force chest x-rays, cat scans and other invasive procedures and my daughter freaking out.  We did finally allow a urine test and still regret that.  The nurse pulled his foreskin back and told us his penis was nasty and disgusting and we should cut that skin off.  Yeah, thank goodness for nursing.  I told her, nurse him, she said, here?  Yup, keep him there for as long as he wants.  We did have some worry over not doing all those tests.  Then the pediatrician put him on antibiotics.  A few days later, he broke out in spots and we had to take him to an unknown dr. in another town.  It worked out great.  By then I recognized his illness (I raised 4) and the dr. did too and pulled him off the antibiotics.  He recovered nicely.<br/>By the way, the ped rechecked the little guys penis and proclaimed it fine and clean and not disgusting.  <br/>He hasn&#39;t been sick since, that was last fall and takes his probiotics and his whole food diet daily and loves it.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/26/2011 05:15:20 PM
<p>Jlang,</p><p>Here&#39;s one source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/Depression/2233.  Here&#39;s another: http://www.medicinenet.com/tylenol_liver_damage/page2.htm.  (Both are on Tylenol.)</p><p>I can&#39;t find the ibuprofen links right now, but it is definitely dangerous for many reasons (stomach bleeding, ulcers, etc.).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Courtnay
EMAIL: 
IP: 75.154.247.97
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 06:39:24 PM
<p>one of the best ways to bring down a fever is a very hot bath. as hot as they can stand it. (you will have to get in and hold them in the water and use cold clothes/packs on their head to protect their brain) my son had a fever of 104 for over a day and a really hot bath for 30 mins brought it down and he was better from his illness within 24 hours. i don&#39;t think it&#39;s ok to let your child be hotter then 103 ish for any period of time; plus you have to be careful cause children will potentially have a seizure once they reach 104. i know people its happened to. and yes it was a natural fever. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Manda
EMAIL: manduh7486@hotmail.com
IP: 76.119.148.200
URL: 
DATE: 02/26/2011 11:51:31 PM
<p>I found this post very informative and helpful... I feel like you put words and reason to something that I kind of knew in my gut and helped me feel reassured about what to do if my little lady gets a fever. Thanks! :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Stephanie @ Confessions of a Trophy Wife
EMAIL: Stefibeth@aol.com
IP: 24.192.64.204
URL: http://www.stefibeth.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/27/2011 01:52:27 AM
<p>Being the season that it is I&#39;ve been doing some reading about fevers and how to treat them.  Thankfully ::knocks wood:: we have not had to deal with any fevers yet, but I&#39;m sure it&#39;s in our future!  I disagree with the frequency with with parents seem to utilize OTC pain relievers for whatever reason.  I also agree that fevers are a good thing.  I think a lot of parents&#39; fear of fevers are caused by medical professionals and the way they react, which is a whole different post!  On the other hand, I&#39;m sure it&#39;s very hard to be the parent of a sick/hurting child so I understand why many parents want to give them a dropper-full of OTC (i.e. &quot;safe&quot;) meds to help them feel better or sleep.  Most times they&#39;re just doing what they feel is best.  I do wish our society wasn&#39;t so fearful of fevers and that they were able to more easily differentiate between low and high grade fevers.  </p><p>Oh!  And also, I was recently reading about how dosing your child before/after a vax with OTC pain medicine (as a lot of parents AND doctors recommend!) actually can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.  I was suprised to read about that because it&#39;s nothing I would have realized.  Makes me thankful that we aren&#39;t fans of OTC pain meds because dosing prior to vaxs has been recommended to me several times.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/27/2011 02:15:50 AM
<p>Stephanie,</p><p>I could write a whole BUNCH of posts on how our society is afraid of all things non-mainstream and how doctors contribute to that. :)</p><p>As for the OTC meds/vaccines, yes, they do reduce effectiveness.  But they also can make reactions more likely because Tylenol depletes glutathione, a primary component of immune function.  There&#39;s a whole host of issues there, really!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 02/27/2011 04:03:27 PM
<p>I keep hearing how lowering the fever doesn&#39;t reduce the fever-causing chemicals that help the body fight infection .... but my own experience says to leave the fever.  When I start getting chills (as I did last night, actually) I grab a hot water bottle and snuggle up under some blankets.  It NEVER lasts more than 24 hours.</p><p>A question about belladonna -- is that homeopathic belladonna (i.e. very dilute)?  I hope so because in its regular strength belladonna is a very powerful drug and hallucinogen.  I wouldn&#39;t give it to a child.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/27/2011 05:55:44 PM
<p>Sheila,</p><p>Yes, homeopathic belladonna. :)  And even so we are very careful about when/how we give it!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tiffany
EMAIL: tiffanyjonathan@gmail.com
IP: 24.30.75.248
URL: 
DATE: 02/27/2011 10:15:00 PM
<p>You raise some very interesting points and I would love to research this more for myself.  I think your post would be even more interesting/informative if you would include some source links or quotes so that the analytically-minded among us can research these points for ourselves.  I have no doubt that you have researched these things, but I am myself somewhat of a skeptic and like to research thoroughly before I make a big decision like deciding to quite using Tylenol or not to give my child vaccinations (a topic which I have researched and have found compelling enough that my 16-month-old hasn&#39;t had a single shot...)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica T.
EMAIL: sojournerstogether@gmail.com
IP: 64.118.103.79
URL: http://jessicatelian.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/27/2011 10:15:18 PM
<p>Great post! My little guy is about 14 months old and we haven&#39;t yet had to deal with fevers, but I already knew I would let them run their course so it was great to get some extra info on that. :)   </p><p>In regard to the stuff that you mentioned about Tylenol (acetaminophen), I have some questions... What are your thoughts on using acetaminophen for teething pain?  Maybe your kids haven&#39;t really had much teething pain, but for my son, the teething pain is VERY intense.  He usually handles pain pretty well, but teething is very, very hard on him.  We usually stick with natural remedies for it...homeopathic Chamomilla, highly diluted clove oil, whiskey...but a couple weeks ago, he was cutting one of his molars and none of those things seem to help at all.  He would wake up at night, just screaming in pain and though it was our last resort, infant acetaminophen was the only thing that seemed to help at all and allow him (and us) to get at least a couple hours of sleep.  So...any ideas?!  I really would love to not have to give him the acetaminophen, but I hate seeing him in such intense pain...plus not being able to sleep. :(  </p><p>Thanks so much for any help!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ModernAMama
DATE: 02/27/2011 11:28:51 PM
<p>Tiffany,</p><p>There&#39;s a link in the comments section on the Tylenol, and I posted to Facebook with a bunch of links on vaccine research. :)</p><p>Jessica,</p><p>Have you tried (homeopathic) belladonna?  Chamomilla didn&#39;t see to do much for my son, who, at times, is a screaming, inconsolable mess when teething.  But a dose of belladonna and he&#39;s out.  That has made the biggest difference for him.  I prefer not to use Tylenol (and don&#39;t have any), but I know people who have when absolutely nothing else helped.  Although I don&#39;t think it&#39;s the best solution, there can be a place for medicine when all options have failed.  That&#39;s the proper place, really -- not the first resort that most parents use it for!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jen
EMAIL: 
IP: 76.28.33.131
URL: 
DATE: 02/28/2011 02:29:40 AM
<p>this is all easy to say when your child has never had a febrile seizure.  i prefer to not pass judgement on those who haven&#39;t walked in my shoes.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: cherrie
EMAIL: cherie.1000@yahoo.com.au
IP: 203.51.104.27
URL: http://willy-wagtail.blogspot.com/
DATE: 02/28/2011 04:58:19 AM
<p>I have always been anti-medicine in normal situations and to me flus and cold come in that range. I had to fight my ex as regards medicating the children for fevers and coughs. I think most parents use these things to make themselves feel better and, sadly, more often so that they can get on with their lives. Even adults medicate themselves so that they can get on with living and working, not realising that they are still sick at work, are putting others at risk of infection and are stressing their own bodies including hearts. Looking after a sick child can be a bonding experience for a parent and in a non-rushed household you will find that other family members make way for such extreme times. One way to lower temps is to place iced faceclothes on the feet. Much better to draw the fever out through the feet than the traditional way of cold compresses on the head. Thanks for bringing this topic out. Cherrie</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.212.161.40
URL: 
DATE: 02/28/2011 08:40:39 PM
<p>Cherrie, I so agree.  People dope up on Nyquil and other types of things so they can act like nothing is wrong.  It drives me crazy.  I do know that in a lot of cases that if you miss a day at work you will be in trouble or lose your job so some people just have no choice.  <br/>Jan, I don&#39;t think anyone here is passing judgement, at least I hope not.  It&#39;s all so easy to do, and I force myself not to do that.  I think most everyone here is agreeable on taking the least interventions possible, and there are those who are learning.  It is very frightening when a child is sick.  I remember trying to imagine my child with a horrible illness and hoped and prayed it would never happen but knew that it could.  I really thought if it did I would lay down and die.  I didn&#39;t.  When my grandson stopped breathing, I let his mom &amp; police officer with the defibrillator handle it, I&#39;d only be in the way.  I took care of the phones, turning off the stove and waving down the paramedics.  I packed the diaper bag and got my daughter into the ambulance with her baby.  When I got the call of my own grown son paralyzed in a hospital I almost shut down, didn&#39;t want to dress, drive to the hospital, didn&#39;t want to admit it was really happening.  Again, I usually only cried in the waiting room or car, but I needed to try to keep everyone sane, taking their shifts at the hospital to keep track of all treatments.  <br/>    So, while it is hard for some to imagine it happening, the threat is all too real that at some point, small illness or large, we will be dealing with a profession that won&#39;t always understand our point of view.<br/>I had one nurse accuse me of causing my child pain and that I was a horrible Mom.  Just ask my daughter, I kept her off very heavy drugs, and I had to fight for her rights to get rid of IV&#39;s, catheters, pitocin etc.  We managed her pain quite well, mostly with rest and a very overly good menu.  <br/>Sorry again for being so long winded.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: NEW! Health & Wellness Mondays
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 01/31/2011 01:00:48 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Starting today, we have a <em>new</em> feature!&nbsp; Every Monday is going to be "Monday Health &amp; Wellness."&nbsp; This means I'll be posting on some health-related topic, like:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/9/4/adrenal-fatigue.html">Adrenal fatigue</a> and help</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/3/14/the-gaps-diet.html">Special diets</a></li>
<li>Tutorials on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/11/20/how-to-make-elderberry-syrup.html">homemade remedies</a></li>
<li>Current news or studies on health</li>
<li>Tips on getting over acute illnesses</li>
<li>WAP diet tips</li>
<li><a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2009/12/28/interview-on-hypothyroid-disease.html">Thyroid issues</a></li>
<li>Chronic conditions and treatments</li>
<li>...and more!</li>
</ul>
<p>Is there anything you'd especially like to see?&nbsp; I've intentionally left it open so I can cover anything health or wellness related!&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is part of my effort to <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/29/news-and-upcoming-topics.html">get back on track</a> with natural health, real food, and other topics that are of interest to my readers.&nbsp; Don't miss today's post on <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2011/1/31/monday-health-wellness-homemade-vapo-rub-recipe.html">Homemade Vapo-Rub</a>!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Soli
EMAIL: quantumbutterfly@gmail.com
IP: 64.252.199.112
URL: http://ibelieveinbutter.wordpress.com
DATE: 02/01/2011 01:51:53 AM
<p>I&#39;d like to see more about building up a stock of home remedies and what to generally have on hand.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/01/2011 01:00:10 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/flu%20shot.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298843994038" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Well, do they?</p>
<p>There has been <em>so</em> much confusion on this issue.&nbsp; First there was the famous Wakefield saga that began in 1998, where the media reported "Vaccine cause autism!"&nbsp; And of course since then, there have been retractions, accusations, and more.&nbsp; <strong>The media likes to confuse the issue, too, by claiming that the question has been resolved "once and for all," and refusing to acknowledge any alternate view points.</strong>&nbsp; No mention is ever made of other studies which may have been completed -- if any -- and what their conclusions were.&nbsp; The whole thing is so crazy to sort through that most parents simply pick a side and stick to it.&nbsp; This is usually dependent on where their biases lie (for example, most doctors say "absolutely not," and parents of children who've been clearly affected by autism often say "yes of course!").&nbsp; But it's just not that simple.</p>
<p>This is a crucial issue to address, because it is the reason most often blamed for parents refusing vaccines.&nbsp; And <strong>the media usually reports this as the <em>only</em> reason that parents refuse vaccines, says the paper was retracted, and uses the situation to stir up anger and fear towards those who don't vaccinate.</strong>&nbsp; This is <em>not</em> productive to the discussion and does nothing to reassure anyone.&nbsp; We need to look beyond this hot button issue to what is really going on.</p>
<p><strong>The truth is: <em>we don't know if vaccines cause autism</em>.</strong>&nbsp; We don't have the final answer.&nbsp; We don't fully know what causes autism at all!&nbsp; But, there's a lot of information we can sort through that will shed some light on this whole situation.</p>
<p>First, the Dr. Andrew Wakefield story.&nbsp; What <em>really</em> happened there?&nbsp;<strong> It's the most often-pointed to piece of "evidence" that vaccines do or don't cause autism.&nbsp;</strong> But what was that study really about?</p>
<h3>The Dr. Wakefield Saga</h3>
<p><strong>In 1997, Dr. Wakefield was a researcher in Britain who was looking at different types of bowel disease.</strong>&nbsp; That is his area of expertise and he was near the top of his field.&nbsp; Parents, knowing that this was his area, started to call him, saying, "Our children have bowel disease and autism.&nbsp; Would you please do a study about this?"</p>
<p><strong>Dr. Wakefield found this interesting enough to begin a study.</strong>&nbsp; He gathered a team of 12 researchers and 12 families.&nbsp; They began to gather data about these children.&nbsp; Dr. Wakefield, himself, never examined any of the children; he was an "overseer" of the project, responsible primarily for collaborating all the data.</p>
<p>The initial set of data they were looking at came from average hospital pathologists: whoever was on call the day the kids came into the hospital.&nbsp; Most of these had concluded that these children did not suffer from any sort of bowel disease.&nbsp; However, <strong>when Wakefield's team (comprised of doctors at the top of their fields) looked at the pathology slides, they diagnosed the children with colitis</strong>.</p>
<p>In the interest of accuracy, they passed all of the pathology slides onto another top-notch pathologist, without giving him any details about the children or their health history.&nbsp; He was asked to make a diagnosis <em>only</em> on the slides presented.&nbsp; He concurred that the children suffered from colitis.&nbsp; These three sets of data later confused Brian Deer (who was <em>not</em> on the staff at the Sunday Times, but was instead on the payroll of the pharmaceutical companies) and he accused Wakefield of "falsifying" the data in order to make it look like he was right.&nbsp; In fact, that's not what occurred; <strong>Wakefield's team asked an objective third party to verify their data.</strong></p>
<p>After noting that there <em>was</em> an apparent connection between autism and bowel disease (the entire point of the paper), <strong>Wakefield's team happened to note that in several (but not all) of the children, the measles strain used in the MMR vaccine was found in the bowel</strong>.&nbsp; Their parents self-reported to Wakefield that their children had "changed" after the vaccine, and said that they blamed the vaccine.</p>
<p>In Wakefield's conclusions, he noted the correlation between autism and bowel disease (not noting a <em>causative</em> relationship, only that they were related), and also reported finding the measles virus and the parents' opinions.&nbsp; His final thoughts on the matter?&nbsp; <strong>That there was no possible way to say if the MMR vaccine was <em>in any way</em> involved in autism; it was merely an interesting side note, one that bore further research.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Wakefield's paper DID NOT CONCLUDE THAT THE MMR, OR ANY VACCINE, CAUSED AUTISM.</strong></p>
<p>That is a <em>crucial</em> point to understand, because everything that followed is based on the assumption that his paper <em>did</em> conclude that vaccines caused autism.&nbsp; Dr. Wakefield, in fact, was appropriately cautious in noting that with the preliminary research, based primarily on parents self-reported information, that there was no way to draw a conclusion, and suggested further research.</p>
<p><strong>Unfortunately, the media, as it usually does, ran with it.</strong>&nbsp; And it reported: "MMR Causes Autism!"&nbsp; This was <em>extremely irresponsible</em>.&nbsp; It caused parents to panic and stop vaccinating their children without doing any research.&nbsp; I <em>do not</em> recommend this approach at all.&nbsp; <strong>Vaccinating is not a decision to be taken lightly, and a great deal of research is required.</strong></p>
<p>So, enter Brian Deer.&nbsp; He is a journalist who was on the payroll of the pharmaceutical companies.&nbsp; He made wild accusations against Dr. Wakefield and his entire team.&nbsp; <strong>Ultimately, it was demanded that Dr. Wakefield's team retract the statement that vaccines caused autism (can you imagine how bewildered they must have been by this, seeing as they never stated it in the first place?).</strong>&nbsp; They agreed to do so, and the matter was dropped.&nbsp; For awhile.</p>
<p><strong>In 2010, the matter again surfaced as <em>more</em> (false) accusations were brought against Dr. Wakefield, and they were forced to retract the entire paper.</strong>&nbsp; Which is blatantly ridiculous, seeing as the purpose of the paper was to show a correlation between autism and bowel disease, and had nothing at all to do with vaccines.&nbsp; The relationship between autism and bowel disease still exists.&nbsp; But, no one remembers -- or cares -- what the paper was initially about, anyway.</p>
<p>The entire thing is a huge media scare-tactic, first against vaccines, and now for them.&nbsp; But it's filled with misinformation and, in my opinion, should be dismissed outright as "evidence" for <em>or</em> against vaccines.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alvi2047/3483848619/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/vaccine.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298844207942" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 329px;">Image by alvi2047</span></span></p>
<h3>Are There Any Studies??</h3>
<p>Since this study&nbsp;was<em> not</em>&nbsp;what it was said to be, the next question most parents have is, have there been any studies done?&nbsp; And if so, what were their conclusions?</p>
<p><strong>We are reassured over and over that there is "no link" based on "many studies."</strong>&nbsp; At this point, most official media begins to belittle parents who don't vaccinate: "First they blamed the MMR, but that's not related.&nbsp; Then they blamed thimerosal, but it's been removed and autism rates and still rising.&nbsp; Now they're grasping at straws by trying to say that the vaccine schedule as a whole is causing it.&nbsp; Ridiculous."</p>
<p>This type of language does <em>nothing</em> to reassure parents, nor to respect the honest concerns they have about their child's health and safety.&nbsp; <strong>It is abhorrent that public officials are so non-responsive, and outright hostile, to parents that are asking important and intelligent questions</strong> (whatever their ultimate conclusions).</p>
<p><strong>There have, in fact, been <em>many</em> studies completed -- at least&nbsp;19 (frequently cites in the media) that I have found so far.</strong>&nbsp; You can read the details (the site's author's conclusions as well as the original published data) at <a href="http://www.fourteenstudies.org">Fourteen Studies</a>.&nbsp; It's interesting to note that several of the studies are reviews, do not ask relevant questions, and are written primarily by those with huge conflicts of interest (CDC employees, pharmaceutical employees in the vaccine division).&nbsp; For example, one study looks at differences between children who received all the same vaccines, but at different times.&nbsp; This does not adequately assess the effect of vaccines on childrens' immune systems.&nbsp; These studies are primarily used to "prove" that there is no association, but they really deserve a second look (some have been heavily criticized even by the scientific community).</p>
<p><strong>There are </strong><a href="http://fourteenstudies.org/ourstudies.html"><strong>34 published studies</strong></a><strong> (and one phone survey) that suggest there <em>may</em> be a link between autism and vaccines</strong> -- these are never mentioned (in the media).</p>
<p>Dr. Wakefield completed another study, which was blocked from publication.&nbsp; It looked at the Hep B series in monkeys, and noted that the monkeys receiving it were more likely to lose reflexes crucial to survival than those who didn't (part of this study <em>was</em> published, but the final results were blocked).</p>
<p>The point is -- there <em>are</em> a lot of studies that have been done, and the conclusions currently support <em>both</em> sides of the issue.&nbsp; <strong>There is absolutely no way anyone can claim "there are no studies that support a link" -- that is patently false (see link above).</strong>&nbsp; When anyone <em>does</em> discuss these studies, they usually say that the other side had conflicts of interest or used "bad science," and therefore those studies are invalid (I find it hard to believe that this is <em>always</em> true, though I'm sure it is some of the time).</p>
<p><strong>There is also no way that anyone can claim "The question is completely settled." -- It's not.</strong>&nbsp; There are plenty of questions that haven't been asked yet.&nbsp; There have been, to date, no published studies comparing completely unvaccinated children with vaccinated children.&nbsp; There are no studies that look at the safety of the vaccine schedule as a whole.&nbsp; There are no studies that look at individual vaccines beyond a 6-week period (and sometimes symptoms could be delayed, albeit hard to prove a link).&nbsp; There are no studies that compare vaccines to a true placebo (saline); only to previously manufactured vaccines.</p>
<p><strong>There are just too many questions yet to be asked, and very few are doing this research.</strong>&nbsp; This is because if anyone <em>does</em> try to ask honest questions, they are ridiculed and shut down.&nbsp; There is very little funding for those who want to ask unbiased questions that <em>may</em> turn up unfavorable results.&nbsp; The lack of answers is most definitely political.</p>
<h3>Do Vaccines Cause Autism?</h3>
<p>We cannot say for sure.</p>
<p><strong>Without answering several additional questions, and completing quite a bit of longitudinal, unbiased research, there is no way to say "yes" or "no" for sure.&nbsp;</strong> This leaves parents in a very difficult and precarious position, to try to make a decision about what is best for their children without all the information they need and nowhere to get it!</p>
<p><strong>The <em>likely</em> answer is, in <em>healthy</em> individuals, no, vaccines do not cause autism.</strong>&nbsp; It is illogical to assume that injecting an otherwise normal person with a simple vaccine is going to cause instant and permanent regression into a debilitating developmental disease.&nbsp; Vaccines have some serious ingredients in them, which I don't believe promote health, but they are <em>not</em> "strong" enough to actually force a healthy individual to regress into autism.</p>
<p>However.</p>
<p>Many people are <em>not </em>healthy these days.&nbsp; Many are born with abnormal gut flora from allergies and other disturbances in their parents' generation, repeated antibiotic use, and so on.&nbsp; Many are born via c-section and not breastfed.&nbsp; Many have asthma and allergies.&nbsp; These individuals are in fragile health.&nbsp; Their systems have not developed properly and are weak.&nbsp; <em>These</em> are the people who, if given a vaccine, <em>could</em> regress into autism.&nbsp; <strong>The vaccine did not really "cause" the autism, per se; but it was the "final straw" in triggering problems that were already partially there.</strong></p>
<p>Even the U.S. government, with the Hannah Poling case, admitted that this is a medical possibility.</p>
<p><strong>The unfortunate part is that we often don't know who these "sensitive" children are until it is too late.</strong>&nbsp; Allergies may not show up until 6 - 12 months.&nbsp; Asthma may not either.&nbsp; There is no reliable, common test for "abnormal gut flora" at this time (it <em>is</em> possible to get this tested; but try asking your doctor for it and see what kind of looks you get!).&nbsp; There is certainly no time to assess risk before giving a newborn a Hep B shot.</p>
<h3>What's the Bottom Line?</h3>
<p>Vaccines, autism, and health in general just do not have a simple answer or association.&nbsp; There is no way to say exactly how they are related, where problems may have started.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Health, or the lack thereof, is a cascading series of events.</strong>&nbsp; Eating food of poor nutritional quality, being exposed to pesticides and chemical fertilizers, poisons in the water supply, excessive use of pharmaceutical drugs, etc. all slowly chip away at your health, and this is magnified through the generations.&nbsp; We can't point our fingers at any <em>one</em> cause of poor health -- or autism.&nbsp; It is a truly cumulative effect.</p>
<p>So, I can't answer the question for you today.&nbsp; I don't think we'll <em>ever</em> be able to truly answer it.&nbsp; <strong>We may be able to note that vaccines are a "contributing factor" in autism (and I believe that is true).&nbsp;</strong> It's up to each parent, though, in their individual circumstances, to decide whether vaccines are worth it, based on a variety of factors.</p>
<p>In the upcoming weeks, we'll be looking at more aspects of the vaccine debate.</p>
<p><strong>Do you believe that vaccines cause autism?&nbsp; Why or why not?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sonya
EMAIL: sonyaandcharlie@cox.net
IP: 68.231.24.160
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 02:52:07 PM
<p>Nice post!  The debate goes on and on, and parents need to educate themselves on the issues.  I do think there is a relationship between vaccines and autism mostly because I am an occupational therapist in pediatrics and have heard over and over again parents who say &quot;He changed after his shots&quot; and not just the MMR, but when he got 5 shots, or 4 shots on the same day.  However, there is obviously also a genetic and health link for these children.  I worry less about autism and more about autoimmune diseases and the risks we are setting our children up for down the road.  All of the toxins that go into the body in the SAD PLUS the toxins just walking around, and then on top of all of that, doctors want you to give your newborn baby 5 shots at a time?  Not this little chicken, or any of her chicks.  Thanks for the well laid out information!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JJ
EMAIL: 
IP: 98.71.231.245
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 02:59:06 PM
<p>Just to share a friend&#39;s story! <br/>A wonderful family that we attend church with have 4 boys. Their oldest three have Autism. The oldest two have a more severe form of Autism. She had the oldest two fully vaccinated. The third son was selectively vaccinated and he has a milder form of Autism and he has made much progress. Her youngest son has never been vaccinated in his life and he is the only one who does not have Autism. Her and her husband FIRMLY believe that vaccines play a big role in the onset of Autism. Not for all children obvioulsy but for some.</p><p>When I was growing up we got a total of like 10 vaccine shots. Now kids are getting like 36-38. I still can&#39;t understand such a HUGE increase!! Craziness!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michele R
EMAIL: michele.reneau@gmail.com
IP: 99.93.242.185
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 04:08:04 PM
<p>I don&#39;t know if they do or not, but it&#39;s tough to ignore the thousands upon thousands of parents who note a the difference in their child after a vaccine. We personally chosen not to vaccinate for countless reasons. I abhor those who dismiss the link between vaccines and autism because a parent knows their child. Or those they say its ridiculous because all children would get autism if it was really the vaccines. First, each person&#39;s body and immune system is different for reasons you already stated. Second, that is like saying cigarettes don&#39;t really cause lung cancer because not everyone that smokes gets cancer so it must not be the cause.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alisha
EMAIL: alishacorley@gmail.com
IP: 67.212.105.237
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 05:26:46 PM
<p>My 3 yearl old started out with vaccines. He has severe food allergies that started showing its ugly head at 2 weeks of age even with breastfeeding. His pediatrician said she has only had 1 other case in her practice that has required neocate formula. At about 18 months of age he started showing signs of autism (i.e. not talking, playing only with a little wheel, not social and just seemed to revert backwards, and being in online support groups and the internet junkie I am, I was introduced to the notion that vaccines could potentially be a cause of autism. So at the 18 month and beyond checkups we refused the vaccinations but we would just delay them till he is older.</p><p>I am happy to say that he is NOWHERE near the autism spectrum. He does still suffer from food allergies that seem to affect every body system there is, but I believe it was critical to his physiology that we refused the vaccines.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: totallyserialblog@gmail.com
IP: 66.173.100.202
URL: http://www.totallyserial.com/blog
DATE: 03/04/2011 04:17:55 PM
<p>I know you probably didn&#39;t include further information due to the length of the post already, but I would be interested to know why Dr Wakefield&#39;s other study was blocked. If it was due to poor research practices or something else that could have skewed results I don&#39;t think it&#39;s a good idea to include it in the reasoning. There were some other things I would like more information about too, but I can research them on my own. </p><p>I think one thing people forget is that because of the nature of vaccines being given at certain ages, and the signs of autism showing up at certain ages, there could &quot;appear&quot; to be a connection without there actually being one. I&#39;m not saying there is or isn&#39;t; I&#39;m saying that just because &quot;many&quot; parents report that their child changed after being vaccinated doesn&#39;t mean that it was the vaccines that caused the autism. Especially because there are children who are not vaccinated who still develop autism. </p><p>Another thing that might be something to consider would be for parents to delay some of the vaccines if they are worried about this kind of thing. For instance, we didn&#39;t do the Hep B vaccine until our son was about 4 months old. It didn&#39;t seem necessary at birth, and this gave his system a chance to get up and running before introducing vaccines. This would also help if you were worried about babies who aren&#39;t breastfed (which, incidentally, is not just cesarean born babies. My son was born c-section and is still being breastfed at 1 year, and many babies born vaginally are not breastfed).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Danielle
EMAIL: we_haveitall@yahoo.com
IP: 99.40.185.82
URL: http://wedonthaveitalltogether.blogspot.com/
DATE: 03/05/2011 05:36:52 AM
<p>We don&#39;t vaccinate. Not because of mercury or autism, but because of ALL the ingredients in vaccines along with all of the adverse reactions. </p><p>For anyone interested, here is a link for info on ingredients, adverse effects and vaccine compensation stats and other links and resources: <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/blogs/daniiigrlinsidemymindbeware/recommended-immunizations-know-what-you-are-injecting" rel="nofollow">Mama&#39;s Freshly Brewed Chaos - Recommended Immunizations - Know What You Are Injecting</a></p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Grocery Money-Saving CHALLENGE!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/05/2011 01:00:09 PM
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<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alishav/4714766778/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/grocery%20cart.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1299291289064" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Image by AlishaV</span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>This month we're going to try something unique.</strong>&nbsp; This post was inspired really by two different things: 1) families who are looking for honest and interesting ways to decrease their grocery budgets, and 2) the "food stamp challenge."</p>
<p>Let's talk about point #2 first.&nbsp; Have you ever heard of it?&nbsp; It's basically a publicity stunt that a bunch of Congressmen dreamed up in 2007.&nbsp; They worked out the average food stamp benefit as being $3/day/person.&nbsp; Then they decided that for one week, several of them were going to stick to this.&nbsp; <strong>Big surprise -- they mostly ate boxes of crackers, Velveeta, bananas, peanut butter sandwiches, ramen, and other processed foods, largely grain-based.&nbsp;</strong> Then they claimed that it "can barely be done" and went on and on about the plight of the poor....</p>
<p>This was <em>not</em> a realistic trial.&nbsp; <strong>People on food stamps don't (shouldn't) live day-to-day and by individual people</strong> (unless they are single, of course).&nbsp; This number works out so that a family of 4 would receive about $360/month.&nbsp; Sounds a little more realistic, right?&nbsp; With a whole family to plan for and a month at a time, it's entirely possible to do, buying fruit/veggies in bulk, dry beans, whole grains (like rice), cheaper cuts of meat, plenty of eggs, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Of course, that doesn't mean it's <em>easy</em>.</strong>&nbsp; Many of us need or want to reduce our grocery budgets but just shake our heads, not sure where to begin.&nbsp; Some of us <em>have</em> to be on very restricted budgets, for a number of reasons.&nbsp; Currently, the general attitude is "You can't eat well if you're poor."&nbsp; I don't think that's true at all, though.&nbsp; I think the poor are not aware of the options that they have that could reduce their food bills <em>and</em> provide excellent nutrition.</p>
<p>Back in October 2009, <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/food-stamp-challenge-week-1/">Jenny at Nourished Kitchen took on this challenge</a>.&nbsp; Her <strong>approach was a bit different than mine will be, though, for a few reasons.</strong>&nbsp; She avoided all but conventional grocery stores (assuming that was what the poor would have access to), did not use anything from the pantry, and a few other things (you can click the link to read about her experience).</p>
<p>I'm not going to approach it quite that way, though.&nbsp; My goal isn't to prove that just people on food stamps can eat well, cheap.&nbsp; <strong>My goal is to prove that <em>anyone</em> on a limited budget can eat well.</strong>&nbsp; Also, things have changed in the last couple of years, and at least in my area, most health food stores and even farmer's markets <em>do</em> take food stamps now.&nbsp; So, I won't be eliminating those.</p>
<p>For the sake of this challenge, we, personally, are going to take on the following assumptions:</p>
<ul>
<li>The maximum benefits are $668, but we would probably not get that.&nbsp; I'll use the average of $3/day/person and <strong>call it $360</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>We can pull from the pantry</strong>, but must keep track of what is used and cost (primarily to get an estimate on what I'm spending overall, as well as to figure out what staples are netting me the most value)</li>
<li><strong>Same&nbsp;with the freezer</strong></li>
<li><strong>I can use any resource available to me to reduce my costs</strong> (again -- this is to prove that it can be done on<em> any</em> limited budget, not just food stamps; though most places<em> will</em> take food stamp cards)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>I've already done a few things to prepare.</strong>&nbsp; On Tuesday, I created a sourdough starter (it's the only grain that I eat, and I'm the only one who eats it.&nbsp; I have about once slice of traditionally fermented sourdough per day).&nbsp; I started a big pot of stock.&nbsp; I made some yogurt, which got partially turned into popsicles/frozen yogurt for my kids' snacks.&nbsp; All of these are really quite easy to do, and much cheaper than buying these things (yogurt is $1.25/qt instead of $3/qt).</p>
<p>I made up a very simple meal plan (will get posted later today) which is honestly likely to change.&nbsp; I ended up shopping for very basic foods -- good hotdogs, lots of frozen fruit/veggies, cheese, etc.&nbsp; <strong>I know that right now, in the position we're in, that we need things that are nourishing yet very <em>easy</em>.</strong>&nbsp; If I have to work hard to get a meal I might not eat, and I just can't do that.&nbsp; So we're looking at a lot of smoothies, cheese, fruit/veggies, soups, yogurt, etc.&nbsp; It just so happens that these are pretty frugal, too. :)</p>
<p><strong>On Tuesday I'll be posting details about my shopping trip (yesterday).</strong>&nbsp; But, I went to the ATM, withdrew my $180 (for two weeks of groceries) and went shopping.&nbsp; I set aside $40 immediately for our next farm order (which will buy us about 10 dozen eggs and 3 - 4 gallons of milk).&nbsp; Then I hit up some local stores, and came away with what we needed to realistically, and easily, feed our family for two weeks.&nbsp; And stayed under budget. :)&nbsp; (Ordinarily I'd pull out $250 so I'm doing pretty good here!)</p>
<p><strong>Want to take the challenge along with me?</strong>&nbsp; Here are the basic premises:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You get $90 per month <em>per person</em> in your family</strong> (that's how I came up with $360 for a family of 4)</li>
<li><strong>If you are <em>way</em> under or over this number, try to reduce your grocery bill by 10% this month</strong></li>
<li><strong>You must make some form of meal plan</strong>, even if it is only dinners and/or a rough sketch</li>
<li><strong>You must make a shopping list</strong> and stick to it as much as possible</li>
<li><strong>You must keep all your receipts <em>and</em> your shopping lists</strong> (so you can compare later)</li>
</ul>
<p>That's it!&nbsp; That's all you need to do to join in.&nbsp; Later this month (starting Tuesday, but we'll have regular Saturday posts on this.&nbsp; I just wanted to get my grocery list and first tips out quickly), <strong>we'll be talking about more ways to reduce our budgets, looking at where we went over </strong>(impulse buys, forgetting to write staples -- like spices -- on the lists, not knowing what average prices are, etc.), <strong>and so on</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>We <em>can</em> do this.</strong>&nbsp; I know it!&nbsp; I reduced my bill by really <em>more</em> than $70 in my first two-week period (because, ahem, recently I've been going over a lot).</p>
<p><strong>What do you say?&nbsp; Will you take the challenge?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jessica
EMAIL: jnjdecker@yahoo.com
IP: 75.117.179.214
URL: http://www.chocolatehugsandkisses.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/05/2011 10:28:34 PM
<p>I am going to take the challenge! I posted about it on my blog today.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Pogonia
EMAIL: sejotess@yahoo.com
IP: 24.113.111.175
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2011 12:24:14 AM
<p>I am not ready for this challenge but am subscribing to comments in order to learn from the more experienced in here. I find it a financial challenge just to make enough broths from good bones. There is very little backup food from the pantry or freezer. We are two old people trying to stretch our limited income to also accommodate two g/daughters. :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: michelle
EMAIL: ed-mich@hotmail.com
IP: 75.118.3.5
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2011 02:21:05 AM
<p>Kate i can tell you it easily can be done:) well, maybe not &#39;easily&#39; depending on how you view it, but we are a family of 4 and i have not yet spent much more than 300$ a month on groceries and we eat very well. but my husband also likes to eat out, so that is not included in groceries and we prob. eat out about 1/week. my top budget for the month is 300$ but i generally try to stick under that, closer to 250$. i have a 1 and 2 year old who both eat a LOT. i buy organic when feasible and not too expensive and dont buy stuff that is high in pesticides if not organic, but then we do eat grain(sourdough or soaked), not a LOT, but a good amount we are trying to do less....i hope it goes well for you!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ellen
EMAIL: ellenp1214@gmail.com
IP: 24.17.241.149
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2011 03:40:28 AM
<p>this comes at a good time. i realize that i spend about $90 per week, and i am just one person. BUT i eat essentially no grains or legumes, the cheapest raw milk is $13/gallon, eggs cost $7/dozen and i eat pretty much all organic when possible. free range/grass fed/pastured meat is pricey even if i get cheaper cuts. it is expensive eating this way. i look forward to your suggestions.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.212.161.40
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2011 04:27:57 AM
<p>Well, sorry to not be able to participate but will read with anticipation.  There are 7 in the house, and I have about 300 a month to spend.  Two of those are my grandkids ages 1 &amp; 2.  How do I eat grass fed beef?  Trade offs.  Make most of my own personal products, haven&#39;t bought paper towels/napkins in over 3 yrs., make laundry soap, hang it to dry.  coupons, clearance baskets get me a lot of my organic items.  When I do find a good deal I buy a lot and freeze.  I grow some of our food.  I don&#39;t buy much of anything that comes in a box or can.  Maybe Muir Glen tomatoes if I have a coupon, things like that.  Waffles, cereals etc. I soak and cook and freeze.  If anyone wants junk food, it&#39;s not on my dime.  It took awhile to build up the pantry and totally get my freezer with the &quot;instant&quot; homemade food.  I took it a step at a time. And don&#39;t forget beans, so many different kinds, ways to cook them and use them.  <br/>Good luck to those who do this, wish I could.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Becky
EMAIL: beckycade@hotmail.com
IP: 24.93.114.158
URL: 
DATE: 03/06/2011 02:09:55 PM
<p>I plan to join in this with you.  We have 7 people and I have been averaging around $700 per month and I was telling my husband I was finding it hard to stay in this budget, so I will use this as an opportunity to remember I can make it work on less!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Healthy Pregnancy Series: Signs of Labor
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/02/2011 01:00:51 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/pregnant%20woman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298910876220" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>First, if you're new, you might want to check out all the older posts in the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/natural-pregnancy/">Healthy Pregnancy Series</a>!&nbsp; It's been going on since last July, so there are quite a few. :)</p>
<p>Okay, we're getting serious here!&nbsp; Towards the end of pregnancy already!&nbsp; When you're waiting for labor (which we're going to talk about very soon), it can be very hard.&nbsp; <strong>You know it's almost time, you're as big as house (or so you think), you're exhausted, you have to pee again the second you finish....</strong></p>
<p><strong>But if it's your first baby, you may not quite know what to look for when that big moment comes!</strong>&nbsp; On TV they make it look so obvious.&nbsp; The woman just suddenly stops, says, "I think the baby's coming!" has a huge contraction out of nowhere (and regular, 2-minute-apart contractions from there on out) and her water often breaks in a huge gush, and the baby is born quickly after a mad dash to the hospital.&nbsp; There are no false alarms, slow starts, or "Well, I <em>think</em> this is it...."</p>
<p>Of course, real life is a tad bit different!&nbsp; If you've had a baby before you're probably laughing right now.&nbsp; Because, in fact, it's <em>very</em> different.&nbsp;<strong> In fact, every labor can be so different that even moms who have had a couple (or five) babies can be surprised and still wonder, "Is it...?"</strong></p>
<p>So, just to clear things up a <em>little</em>, let's talk about signs of labor!</p>
<h3>Signs of Labor</h3>
<p>Now...you should only see these when you are past 37 weeks.&nbsp; <strong>If you see any of these <em>before</em> 37 weeks, call your doctor immediately, and go to a hospital if you cannot reach him/her.</strong>&nbsp; It may be a false alarm, but you don't want to risk pre-term labor (next week's topic).&nbsp; If you note these <em>after</em> 37 weeks, it's okay to watch, wait, and see what happens, but don't hesitate to call if either 1) they asked you to, or 2) you feel uneasy waiting.</p>
<p>You may notice:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The baby "dropping"</strong> or settling lower in your pelvis (usually a few days to a few weeks before labor starts)</li>
<li><strong>A sudden "burst of energy,"</strong> often called nesting</li>
<li><strong>A feeling that labor is near</strong></li>
<li><strong>Loose bowels</strong></li>
<li><strong>Increase in cervical mucus</strong>, especially if tinged with blood (losing your mucus plug)</li>
<li><strong>Mild contractions that are regular, and growing stronger, longer and closer together.</strong>&nbsp; They do not go away if you move around, lie down, or change positions (if they do it's not real labor)</li>
<li><strong>A trickle or gush of fluid</strong> (your water breaking)</li>
<li><strong>Cramping and/or back pain</strong> that won't go away</li>
<li><strong>Feeling of intense pressure</strong> very low (baby's head pressing down)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>For the first 5, there is no reason to rush to call your doctor -- even if you are not quite at your due date yet.</strong>&nbsp; These are not signs that anything "is" happening, just that it might happen soon.&nbsp; It is normal, especially in first pregnancies, for the baby to drop by 32 - 34 weeks, but it does not mean you will deliver early (Bekah dropped at 34 weeks and was born just after 39 weeks).&nbsp; A feeling that labor is near, or a burst of energy can also happen a few weeks before labor, or multiple times, or just because you're plain sick of being pregnant!&nbsp; Again, no rush to call.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>As far as losing your mucus plug, you may lose it over the course of several days and not notice.</strong>&nbsp; You may lose a big glob at once.&nbsp; It is possible to lose days before labor, or when you are already in active labor.&nbsp; You may want to call if it is before your due date just to check in, so that you're not caught off guard if pre-term labor <em>does</em> start.&nbsp; But it's not an emergency.</p>
<p><strong>Contractions, your water breaking, intense back pain, and intense pressure low are all signs that the baby is coming soon, and that you are in real labor.</strong>&nbsp; Make sure that your contractions are real (though again, if pre-term, just call) before calling your doctor or going anywhere.&nbsp; If they're erratic, or go away when you change positions, they're just "practice," called Braxton-Hicks.&nbsp; A fun note: you'll experience these Braxton-Hicks earlier and earlier in each subsequent pregnancy.&nbsp; It's not uncommon to feel them at the beginning of the second trimester in third, fourth, or fifth pregnancies!&nbsp; (Just <em>extra fun!</em>)&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>There is no way to guess exactly how your labor will go based on how your contractions start.</strong>&nbsp; Some women do start with rather erratic, far apart contractions (that don't go away while changing positions!), like 5 min., 15 min., 8 min., etc.&nbsp; And yet, they settle into a regular pattern soon and have their babies in a few hours.&nbsp; A very rare few <em>never</em> settle into a regular pattern and still deliver quickly!</p>
<p>Others start labor with contractions two minutes apart and strong.&nbsp; But they might be in labor for 12 hours or more.&nbsp; (Yes...this happened to me!)</p>
<p><strong>Back pain can be a sign of back labor, and you may not feel "normal" contractions.&nbsp; But, you may still be dilating.</strong>&nbsp; Intense, low pressure can mean your water is about to break, or your baby is extra low because your are dilating (even if you don't feel the contractions, which happens very rarely).</p>
<h3>How Do I Know It's Real?</h3>
<p>Many women want to be <em>sure</em> this is the real thing.&nbsp; <strong>There are a few ways to tell</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your water breaks (and you're sure you didn't wet yourself!)</li>
<li>Contractions are strong and consistent, even if not very close together yet</li>
<li>You check yourself and note that your cervix is changing</li>
</ul>
<p>Those are the best ways to tell for <em>sure</em>.&nbsp; <strong>Several women wake up late in pregnancy, wet, thinking their water broke -- but did, unfortunately, just wet the bed!</strong>&nbsp; (Embarrassing?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; Sorry.&nbsp; It's a good idea to keep a waterproof pad on your bed late in pregnancy in case you wet the bed or your water really does break.)&nbsp; Some midwives will give you some little papers which check for amniotic fluid.&nbsp; If you dribble on them (so ladylike!) and they turn a certain color, it will prove your water has broken.</p>
<p><strong>Once you're in real labor, nothing will stop your contractions.</strong>&nbsp; You can lie down, walk around, sip water, change positions -- and they will not let up.&nbsp; They will get your attention and they will come regularly.&nbsp; Yes, that's real labor too!</p>
<p><strong>You can also learn to check yourself, to see if your cervix is dilating or effacing.</strong>&nbsp; Effacing is harder to tell.&nbsp; Basically -- wash your hands and sit on the toilet in a comfortable position.&nbsp; Reach up high until you find your cervix.&nbsp; If you've used natural family planning to avoid or conceive, you may already be familiar with this.&nbsp; When you reach your cervix you'll know, it will feel a bit harder than the rest of the tissue.&nbsp; You may also be able to feel something very hard -- your baby's head!</p>
<p>When you find your cervix, note how long it is.&nbsp; That is, how much you feel before your baby's head.&nbsp; It will get shorter and shorter as labor progresses until there's none left.&nbsp; You can also note how "open" it is.&nbsp; You'll feel a small hole in the center, that will get larger as labor progresses.&nbsp; You can estimate how many centimeters dilated you are from this.&nbsp; <strong>If you check late in pregnancy before going into labor, it is possible to be 3 - 5 cm dilated and <em>not</em> have your baby for weeks!</strong>&nbsp; But it is also possible to be completely closed and have your baby in a matter of hours, so unless you're in active labor, this is not a reliable sign of how soon your baby is coming.</p>
<h3>What Do I Do Now?</h3>
<p>We'll talk more about coping with pain and pain management options in labor later.&nbsp; But as for the immediate "what do I do," it depends.</p>
<p>If you are planning a hospital birth, and are fairly certain you're in labor, call your doctor to let him know.&nbsp; Some don't want to hear from you until you're on your way in, so note his policies before calling.</p>
<p><strong>Relax.&nbsp; If it's night time or you are tired, try to sleep.&nbsp; If you can't, at least rest.</strong>&nbsp; If you're not tired, go on about your normal activities as long as you are in early labor.&nbsp; Make lunch, fold some laundry, do other light chores.&nbsp; Watch a movie, call a friend, do some scrapbooking.</p>
<p>When you are unable to concentrate on all of this other "stuff," try walking around, rocking, or sitting on a birthing ball (again, we'll talk about coping mechanisms later).&nbsp; <strong>When you have to focus completely on labor, it's time to go to the hospital, if you're going (or call your midwives if you're not!).</strong></p>
<p>As long as you can, don't worry about labor!&nbsp; When it's serious, you will have no other choice!</p>
<p><strong>What signs of labor did you notice first?&nbsp; How quickly did you realize it was "the real thing?"</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Heather
EMAIL: jaysgirl_hiccups@yahoo.com
IP: 136.165.28.35
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2011 02:39:58 PM
<p>I was already 3 cm at my last dr. visit i was 36 1/2 weeks when i had my son. I actually didn&#39;t even realize I was in labor. I was talking to my mom on the phone telling her about my last dr. visit. I told her i was having a cramp. It felt like a period cramp. She started telling me I should have my husband stay home from work. I told her nah it&#39;s not labor. It would hurt a lot more. lol Well after realizing these cramps were coming at regular intervals I called the dr. I called my husband to come home from work. I got to the hospital about 6:30 pm. I was already dialated 8 cm. The dr. came in and broke my water (i think she just wanted to go home :-(  ) I pushed for about an hour and had my beautiful little son. We were blessed to have a quick and easy labor. We&#39;re hoping to have another child soon (no luck yet) but we&#39;re definitely looking at a midwife this time around. While the Dr. wasn&#39;t horrible she didn&#39;t really want to let the delivery progress at my pace and she kept offering me drugs eventhough it stated in my birthplan I didn&#39;t want to be offered any.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michelle G.
EMAIL: 
IP: 173.16.173.34
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2011 02:45:30 PM
<p>It felt like bad menstrual cramps-- which was weird, since I hadn&#39;t had cramps in about 10 months! I knew something was up. After a few hours, they were NOT going away and they were getting worse. After showering, walking, trying to lie down (haha, way too uncomfortable), they were continuing to intensify and I knew it would be soon. For a first timer, I had a pretty fast labor--about 11 hours total.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sunny
EMAIL: wasabijones@gmail.com
IP: 159.121.114.2
URL: http://freshandfeisty.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/02/2011 04:28:41 PM
<p>I woke up around 1 am and had to pee and then had a clean out session from both ends (sorry if tmi).  I tried to lay back down but just couldn&#39;t get comfortable.  I had low back pain like period cramps and the pains just kept getting harder and harder.  Eventually, I woke my husband up, we both showered and then went to the hospital around 6:30 am.  I ended up having Dylan in about 9 hours so like Michelle above, mine was pretty quick.  I definitely credit it to staying fairly active throughout the pregnancy.  I mean, geez, I was camping and kayaking the weekend before he was born and he was born Monday morning :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 03/03/2011 01:51:29 AM
<p>With my first, my water broke as I was trying to fall asleep that night. Within 5 minutes I&#39;d had bloody show/lost my plug, loose stools and started having mild contractions. He was born 10 or so hours later (active labor starting around midnight).</p><p>With my second, I was so excited/nervous to see how labor would start! I thought the weirdest would be to wake up in the middle of the night contracting and that&#39;s exactly what happened. Active labor was shorter (like 3.5-4 hours) and my water didn&#39;t break until I was pushing. So different!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lindsey
EMAIL: lindseymarsolo@gmail.com
IP: 99.11.197.50
URL: 
DATE: 03/03/2011 01:52:35 AM
<p>Oops, I forgot to say...I had loose stools with BOTH boys, and actually I was unsure I was even *really* in labor with my second until the pooping started. And continued. For a good two hours. :-P</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sheila
EMAIL: sheilathebard@yahoo.com
IP: 71.114.25.226
URL: http://agiftuniverse.blogspot.com
DATE: 03/04/2011 02:32:05 AM
<p>I had about a week of prodomal labor.  No one had ever told me about that!  I went to the hospital after four days and was sent home at 5 cm because I wasn&#39;t &quot;screaming.&quot;  Just as well, because the contractions continued, off and on, for three more days before the baby was finally born!  The only way I was really sure to go in to the hospital was that I went to my ob/gyn appointment and was dilated to a six!  He told me to go right on in, he&#39;d call ahead for us.  ;)  The baby was born about nine hours later.</p><p>Next time, I want to have a home birth.  One of the real advantages to that is that I don&#39;t have to worry about when to go in to the hospital.  Before, I didn&#39;t want to wait too late because I didn&#39;t want to feel rushed or hit transition in the car.  At home, I can call as late as I want.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Recipe Collection: Meatball Soup
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/03/2011 01:00:08 PM
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<p>This soup is a yummy, GAPS-friendly meal!&nbsp; And if you have people in your home who don't really care for soup (as we do), the meatballs themselves make a great meal too.&nbsp; If you're not on GAPS, feel free to add some beans to this too.</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 tbsp. olive oil</li>
<li>1 large onion, diced</li>
<li>3 - 4 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>3 stalks celery, chopped</li>
<li>6 medium carrots, peeled and chopped</li>
<li>1 large green pepper, seeded and chopped</li>
<li>1 c. broccoli florets, roughly chopped</li>
<li>2 medium zucchini, chopped</li>
<li>1 c. peas</li>
<li>8 c. chicken or beef stock</li>
<li>2 c. tomato puree</li>
<li>1 tsp. Italian seasoning</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. basil</li>
<li>1 tsp. sea salt (or to taste</li>
</ul>
<p>Meatballs:</p>
<ul>
<li>2 lbs. ground beef</li>
<li>3 eggs</li>
<li>1/4 c. coconut flour</li>
<li>1 tsp. Italian seasoning</li>
<li>1 zucchini, shredded</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. black pepper</li>
<li>1 tsp. onion powder</li>
<li>1 tsp. garlic powder</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 350.&nbsp; Mix all the ingredients for the meatballs together in a large glass bowl.&nbsp; Shape mini-meatballs (about 1/2" in diameter) and place in a baking pan.&nbsp; Bake for about 30 minutes.&nbsp; (You may not need quite all of them for the soup -- depending on how "meaty" you like it.&nbsp; You can do some as larger meatballs, too, especially if you have family members who don't like soup.)</p>
<p>Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large soup pot.&nbsp; Add the onion and garlic and sautee until soft.&nbsp; Add the rest of the veggies, stock, tomato puree, and spices.&nbsp; Cook for 1 - 2 hours, until veggies are all softened.&nbsp; Taste and add more salt as necessary.&nbsp; Add the meatballs immediately before serving.&nbsp; Serves 6 - 8 (we got about three meals out of it -- the adults).</p>
<p>Top with some cheese if desired, serve with a salad or smoothie.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Pregnancy Journal: Everything's So Different!!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/03/2011 01:00:10 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/P1010281.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1299157723386" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 500px;">Yes...it's just a belly shot. It was the end of a long day and I needed a shower, so...there you go.</span></span></p>
<p><em>**Psst...you can now find me over at </em><a href="http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/"><em>Babble as their newest pregnancy blogger</em></a><em>!**</em></p>
<p><strong>Almost week 18...and I do look pregnant now!</strong>&nbsp; There's a new picture above so you can see just how much. :)&nbsp; I sure do <em>feel</em> it too, in ways I never have before!</p>
<p>It's getting a little crazy at this point.&nbsp; <strong>I was sure that I knew how my body "did" pregnancy.</strong>&nbsp; After all, despite some very obvious differences between my first two pregnancies, they were largely the same.&nbsp; Okay, that sounds stupid....&nbsp; Let me explain.&nbsp; I was sicker with my first (girl and eating SAD) than my second, I carried much wider and higher, and my breasts were more sore early on.&nbsp; Those were my main symptoms it was a "girl pregnancy," and the lack thereof signaled, clearly, a "boy" pregnancy.&nbsp; But my symptoms appeared around the same time, morning sickness tapered off around the same time, I experienced the same second-trimester symptoms (dizziness if I didn't eat enough), I had the same energy levels, etc.&nbsp; A few minor, key differences -- but otherwise very similar.</p>
<p><strong>This time...whoa.&nbsp; It's just not the same at all.</strong></p>
<p><strong>It started out like a "girl" pregnancy.</strong>&nbsp; I was sick initially, and the morning sickness seemed to peak around 5.5 weeks.&nbsp; I felt like I was getting "wider" right away.&nbsp; I was <em>sure</em> it was a girl.</p>
<p>But then I started to carry low...and feel differently.&nbsp; It seemed more like a boy.</p>
<p><strong>Now I'm just confused.</strong>&nbsp; My morning sickness "went away" by 10 weeks, which is usual.&nbsp; But some form persists even now, which <em>never</em> happened either of the other two times.&nbsp; I still have weird cravings that I have to fulfill, and strange food aversions.&nbsp; I walked around Whole Foods over the weekend and <em>everything</em> on their hot bar looked disgusting.&nbsp; Even though I usually love eating there.</p>
<p>I'm in a precarious balance.&nbsp; <strong>I have to be very, very careful or I will just be exhausted and have a headache.</strong>&nbsp; I've had a headache more often than not for over a week!&nbsp; (Not a terrible one.)&nbsp; I've found if I eat enough, sleep enough, rest enough, exercise enough, eat and drink enough, and eat/drink the right things, I will not have a headache.&nbsp; But if I do not fulfill all of these things I will!&nbsp; I have to make <em>sure</em> that I drink my electrolyte drink, not water, that I have kombucha everyday (but not ginger), that I eat the proper amount of fruits and vegetables, and so on.</p>
<p><strong>Sometimes I feel like I <em>have</em> to get up and move around.</strong>&nbsp; But 10 minutes later I'm exhausted and I have to sit.&nbsp; 10 minutes after that I'm antsy again.&nbsp; I have <em>never</em> been this exhausted in the second trimester before.&nbsp; I'm also feeling sore now, too -- also never happened in the second trimester.</p>
<p><strong>I still have no interest in cooking or eating much.</strong>&nbsp; Oh, I'm starving all the time.&nbsp; But I want whatever is absolutely easiest.&nbsp; I will stick with taco salads, eggs, smoothies, celery and peanut butter -- whatever is fastest to make and eat.&nbsp; I have no interest in cooking fancy meals, not even things that require soaking or marinating in advance.&nbsp; And that is not like me <em>at all</em>, I usually love to cook and really enjoy my time in the kitchen.</p>
<p><strong>The first time we heard the baby's heartbeat, it was 160.</strong>&nbsp; I thought, "<em>Oh...a girl!</em>"&nbsp; Bekah's heartbeat was always faster, around 160.</p>
<p><strong>But the second time we heard the baby's heartbeat, it was only 140.</strong>&nbsp; And I thought, "<em>Umm...what?</em>" Now I don't know what to think.</p>
<p>I'm carrying ultra-low...but measuring right on.&nbsp; (When Daniel was ultra-low, he measured 3 weeks behind!&nbsp; I do tend to carry small.&nbsp; And I'm not.)</p>
<p><strong>We can't help but still wonder...twins?</strong>&nbsp; Boy-girl twins, to be exact.&nbsp; Maybe at the first appointment we heard the girl, and the second we heard the boy?&nbsp; Since we haven't had any ultrasounds we don't know for sure.</p>
<p><strong>And of course, we could be completely crazy.</strong>&nbsp; But long before I got pregnant this time, I had this idea that it <em>had</em> to be twins this time.&nbsp; Ben keeps thinking it must be.&nbsp; Our family keeps asking.&nbsp; Of course, I also had the idea that this entire situation (getting pregnant, the pregnancy, and eventually the baby!) will be completely different from my first two.&nbsp; Which it is.</p>
<p>Maybe that's <em>all</em> it is: different.&nbsp; Who knows!&nbsp; <strong>I guess in a few months we will find out!</strong>&nbsp; In the meantime I'll deal with the exhaustion and do what I need to do to keep myself balanced!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: LeaG
EMAIL: Lea.goin@gmail.com
IP: 205.201.96.250
URL: http://Www.andysp90x.com
DATE: 03/03/2011 05:16:00 PM
<p>I&#39;ll tell you what&#39;s different this time, you have 2 kids already!  Lol!  I&#39;m on my third pregnancy and so many things have been the same and so many have been different. I too have been more tired than either other one. I&#39;ve also been sick more. I&#39;ve vomited more with this pregnancy than I have in 10 years!  And it&#39;s just super sensitive. If I get too upset, tired, eat too much, the wrong thing, whatever, I&#39;ll puke. It&#39;s so weird. But I&#39;m also still caring for a 2 and 4 year old through out the day and night which i am sure is more of a contributed to my issues than anything else. I was convinced at first this one would be a girl since it was so different and i was so much sicker and tireder but alas it is a third boy!  Leading me to believe it is really more of the changes in my life that are making this pregnancy seem so different. </p><p>I&#39;m now due in 2 weeks and I&#39;m tnking it&#39;ll be sooner and way faster. I keep joking that he&#39;s just going to fall out when the time comes!  Kind of an advantage to the body having done this before. :)</p><p>Hope you feel better soon, but you will probably stay the same for the duration honestly. But that&#39;s ok!  Each pregnancy is special and starts the story of your Childs life!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: CJ
EMAIL: dontlicktheferrets@gmail.com
IP: 65.27.101.155
URL: http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com
DATE: 03/03/2011 06:03:22 PM
<p>Woo hoo! Almost half way!  And maybe twins?!?  How exciting!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Arsenic Poisoning: Our Story
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/01/2011 01:00:10 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/goosmurf/1187267069/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/well%20water.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1298850811940" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 375px;">Image by goosmurf</span></span></p>
<p>Many of you know that we are currently (for the most part) following the <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/gaps-and-grain-free/">GAPS diet</a>, primarily to help Ben (my husband) heal from years of yeast issues, fatigue, and food allergies.&nbsp; <strong>We've been on it for about 6 weeks now, and have had limited success.</strong>&nbsp; I've felt, for awhile, like something was missing, some crucial piece of information that would explain why he was making little progress and regressed so easily if we "cheated" at all.&nbsp; But nothing I read about quite fit.</p>
<p><strong>Then, last Friday, Ben went to see our accupuncturist, who did muscle testing, and determined that he has arsenic poisoning.</strong>&nbsp; Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element, which is often present in well water, especially in third-world countries, but also here.&nbsp; High-dose exposure kills people quickly.&nbsp; However, <strong>very low-dose, long-term exposure simply builds up in the body and causes health problems over time.</strong>&nbsp; Symptoms include soreness, fatigue, skin rashes, dry/itchy/thickened skin, fertility problems, hearing problems, digestive distress, poor nutrient absorption, and more.&nbsp; Eventually, it causes diabetes, cancer, and liver failure.</p>
<p><strong>In case you're wondering, Ben also had blood, hair, and urine tests completed in the past which corroborate this diagnosis.</strong>&nbsp; It also matches his symptoms well, and feels like we're finally getting to the bottom of things!</p>
<p>The biggest problem (besides the arsenic itself!) is that yeast traps arsenic.&nbsp;<strong> The yeast infection grew in his body -- and would not die -- because it is a method of protecting him.</strong>&nbsp; That's why we've been on a combination of WAP/GAPS for over a year, plus have done lots of anti-fungal treatments, with ultimately no change in the yeast.</p>
<p><strong>Ben was prescribed Parotid, a chelating supplement by Standard Process, to help his body release the arsenic.</strong>&nbsp; It's a very strong supplement (I was on it once for mercury and had to stop after just two days, because even one pill rendered me non-functional!).</p>
<p>Since learning this, I've done a lot of research!&nbsp; (Big surprise, right?)&nbsp; <strong>Fluoride in the water supply will make this problem <em>worse</em>.&nbsp; It is imperative to avoid fluoride at all costs.</strong>&nbsp; And no, your teeth will not rot.&nbsp; There is <a href="http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/19-evidence-of-fluoridation-danger-mounts-with-little-benefit-to-your-teeth/">no evidence that fluoride, especially consumed interally, does anything at all to help your teeth</a>.&nbsp; Applied topically, it will harden your teeth, but there is little evidence that this is helpful in the long-term (it's like any other drug: appearing to solve the problem, but not getting to the root cause).</p>
<p><strong>I've also found that a number of other supplements can help the body.</strong>&nbsp; First, glutathione, an amino acid, is important in immune function.&nbsp; It also helps the body to detox heavy metals (most children with autism are very low in glutathione; their bodies <em>should</em> produce it but don't very well).&nbsp; Selenium, a nutrient most of us are very deficient in anyway, binds with arsenic, rendering it non-toxic as it is excreted from the body.&nbsp; Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and boosts selenium's action.&nbsp; And, as it happens, selenium and vitamin E work together to increase glutathione production!&nbsp; For these reasons, Ben is now on both selenium and vitamin E.</p>
<p>Additionally, many people with arsenic poisoning are low in magnesium (which also binds with arsenic) and iodine.&nbsp;<strong> Kelp is a natural food source of both of these nutrients, as well as iron.</strong>&nbsp; Ben is taking this, too.</p>
<p><strong>We are also focusing heavily on soups and stock; Ben is drinking at least 16 oz. of kombucha per day (detoxifier and liver support); and we have doubled his FCLO</strong> (fermented cod liver oil) dose and are making sure he is consistent about taking it.&nbsp; Soon, we will start dandelion tea at night (a great detoxifier and liver support).</p>
<p><strong>Our goals are to boost his immune system so he can fight this off on his own, and to detox the arsenic in as non-toxic a way as possible.</strong></p>
<p>It's only been a few days so far, but how is he doing?&nbsp; <strong>There are times each day when he doesn't feel well</strong> -- when he feels sick, tired, often has diarrhea (usually first thing in the morning, and occasionally feels very tired an hour or so after taking his detox supplement).&nbsp;<strong> But then there are times when he feels noticeably better and more energetic, already.&nbsp;</strong> He's been more patient and even-tempered much of the time and has been doing a lot more around the house than he was previously (he <em>wanted</em> to, but he just didn't have any energy and he always felt sick).</p>
<p>As we learn more about arsenic poisoning, and as Ben heals, we'll continue to update.</p>
<p><strong>Have you ever struggled with arsenic or other heavy metal poisoning?&nbsp; How did you deal with it?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michele R
EMAIL: michele.reneau@gmail.com
IP: 99.93.242.185
URL: 
DATE: 03/01/2011 04:10:43 PM
<p>Also, have you checked into chlorella and spirulina for detoxing. They are great for detoxing heavy metals.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Michele R
EMAIL: michele.reneau@gmail.com
IP: 99.93.242.185
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2011 12:34:07 AM
<p>Ok, I have more time to elaborate. I went to a microscopist (sp?)--someone who studies blood. After she looked at some of my blood on slides, she told me several things. 1. I was dehydrated. 2. I didn&#39;t eat enough vegetables (Don&#39;t ask me how she knew that.) 3. I ate a lot of fish--i.e. heavy metals. At least she asked me if I ate a lot of fish b/c she could tell I had heavy metal build up in my blood.  Hence began my detox journey. She recommended a raw food detox along with colonics.  I wasn&#39;t crazy about the colonic idea so I started researching other avenues of detoxing. I like chlorella and spirulina because they were natural as well as they had other benefits. I never had my blood tested again to see the result of improvement, but I can tell you that I can feel it!!  I also limit my intake of seafood now which makes me sad because I love sushi.  And I started juicing vegetables.</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kelly
EMAIL: kellydawn913@hotmail.com
IP: 12.38.236.2
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2011 03:29:11 AM
<p>Our well water tests high for arsenic, so we buy our drinking/cooking water.  I&#39;ve been wondering lately though if we&#39;re (me especially) absorbing it thru skin when bathing or if there&#39;s enough residue to be an issue on dishes.  I read that onions and garlic will help remove the arsenic too.  I haven&#39;t been tested yet, but plan to.</p><p>My chiro wants to do the muscle testing/nutritional response stuff with me and it looks like voo-doo medicine to me.  How often has your husband used it?</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jill
EMAIL: jillshenhouse@yahoo.com
IP: 76.212.161.40
URL: 
DATE: 03/02/2011 05:36:48 AM
<p>Thank you so much for sharing your story.  I really think my husband has this.  He grew up using well water, was exposed to pesticides on farms.  Has the &quot;lazy&quot; symptom.  Our marriage counselor said he probably has ADD.  He has trouble focusing, and sometimes is just not very nice or easy to get along with.  He&#39;s gotten worse with age, since if he&#39;d been like this when I met him I&#39;d probably not of married him.  That was 35 yrs. ago.  So, where your husband sounds cooperative, mine is not.  Our life is not always easy, I use celtic or redmonds salt, he uses mortons white salt.  Hence, that is how he is about all foods.  If I cook it, bake it, buy it, he will eat it.  But he would never take a supplement or vitamin.  <br/>You&#39;ve given me so much to think about, and how to maybe get him to see that maybe this is what he has.  I remember thinking this before but then it got lost in the busy shuffle of life.<br/>I wish you the best on your family&#39;s journey with this issue.  I now have more of an idea on a starting point with this.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: News!  Please Read, Especially if You Subscribe via RSS!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 02/28/2011 01:00:13 PM
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<p><script type="text/javascript" src="/storage/js/header.js?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285462740551"></script></p>
<p>Readers: we have very important news.&nbsp; For many reasons, <strong>we have chosen to switch our subscribers lists from Feedburner over to Feedblitz.</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you are an email subscriber -- you don't have to do anything!</strong>&nbsp; Your email was automatically moved over to the new list, and you are already subscribed.&nbsp; A few of you never confirmed your email subscription, and if that's the case, you will receive an email asking you to confirm over at Feedblitz.&nbsp; (And some of you already have -- thank you!)</p>
<p><strong>If you are an RSS subscriber -- you will need to re-subscribe.</strong>&nbsp; The links at the top of this post have been switched over to the new feeds, so you can click there to subscribe!&nbsp; For&nbsp;a couple of weeks, we are leaving the Feedburner RSS feed live so that you won't miss a post, but we will eventually shut it down.&nbsp; Click the button today to make sure you don't miss out!</p>
<p><strong>And if you're new here...ever thought about subscribing?</strong>&nbsp; There's no time like the present!&nbsp; :)</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: diamondt75@yahoo.com
IP: 68.57.20.200
URL: http://culturedmama.com
DATE: 02/28/2011 02:26:55 PM
<p>Ah, my favorite kind of important news: the kind for which I need do nothing.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: Applegate Farms New Products!
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/02/2011 01:00:49 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/Applegate%20farms.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1299015419863" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Today I wanted to briefly let you know about 4 new products that Applegate Farms is releasing soon.&nbsp; They sent us some samples a few weeks ago, which we <em>so</em> appreciated!</p>
<p><strong>This spring, Applegate Farms is releasing two types of lunchmeat</strong>: pepperoni and chicken breast, and two types of pre-cooked sausage: pork and turkey (breakfast sausage).&nbsp; They sent us sample packs of each of these.</p>
<p>Honestly, they came at a wonderful time.&nbsp; This was a few weeks ago when we were all sick, and no one felt like cooking or doing anything.&nbsp; <strong>It was <em>so</em> nice to open a pack of lunch meat, some cheese, and grab some fruit and call it dinner!&nbsp; It was also nice not to have to worry about nasty ingredients.</strong>&nbsp; I even did this a second time when I was too sick to get up to make the kids lunch and Ben wasn't home.&nbsp; My 3-year-old was perfectly capable of getting it out of the fridge and eating it herself!</p>
<p><strong>The pepperoni was gone in about 2 days.&nbsp; We loved that!</strong>&nbsp; The chicken breast didn't last much longer.&nbsp; We do enjoy lunchmeat but rarely buy it, because most places it <em>is</em> full of junk, and when it isn't, it's expensive!</p>
<p><strong>The sausage, we didn't love as much.</strong>&nbsp; We cooked some up for breakfast and for snacks.&nbsp; But it seems that any pre-cooked meats that are frozen and re-heated (we tried both on the stove and in the oven) just don't taste the same as fresh.&nbsp; They have a bit of a weird texture and the kids wouldn't really eat them.&nbsp; The cats didn't, either (but those cats are spoiled and mostly just like chicken, darn cats).&nbsp; They <em>are</em> fast though, so it might be worth it to some of you for a quick breakfast.</p>
<p><strong>Do you buy Applegate Farms products?&nbsp; Are you looking forward to their new options?</strong></p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Brenda
EMAIL: brenda@wellfedhomestead.com
IP: 216.134.169.121
URL: http://www.wellfedhomestead.com
DATE: 03/02/2011 04:03:50 PM
<p>My family loves the Chicken Apple Sausages. I just bought a case at our local New Seasons store last night (12 packs-I get 10% off that way). We have 8 kids in our home and we go through 4 packs every Wednesday, along with homemade granola &amp; yogurt! We&#39;ve got big meat eaters! :) (We&#39;re also on GAPS and they have no added sugar, so we like that!).</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dawn
EMAIL: diamondt75@yahoo.com
IP: 68.57.20.200
URL: http://culturedmama.com
DATE: 03/02/2011 04:34:47 PM
<p>I love Applegate Farms.  Theirs are the only hot dogs or bacon we will eat!</p>
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Karen
EMAIL: 
IP: 71.233.36.60
URL: 
DATE: 03/03/2011 01:27:22 AM
<p>I&#39;ve had their sliced ham lunch meat and bacon. Both are very good.</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: NEW!  "The Everything Beans Book"
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/02/2011 02:32:02 PM
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<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/storage/beans%20book.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1299077918429" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I know this makes for a ton of posts today, but I just had to share this with you!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com">Katie at Kitchen Stewardship</a>, one of my favorite bloggers, has just launched a <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899946&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298">NEW ebook</a>!&nbsp; <strong>You may remember her </strong><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=689057&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298"><strong>Healthy Snacks to Go</strong></a><strong>, which is an excellent resource</strong> (I've made her power balls before and the kids loved them!).&nbsp; If you haven't heard of it before, you will definitely want to check it out.&nbsp; Snacks are <em>so hard</em> for many real foodies, because we don't tend to buy "snacky" foods very often (full of junk!).&nbsp; The few options out there are pretty expensive.&nbsp; <strong>Katie presents over 30 recipes and ideas for quick snacks that are healthy and can be packed in lunch boxes, taken to playgroups, and more.</strong>&nbsp; You have to try it!&nbsp; At only $6.95, it's a great deal.</p>
<p>And now, Katie's done it again.&nbsp; <strong>Yesterday was the official launch date for her newest book, </strong><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899946&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298"><strong>The Everything Beans Book</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp; It's just what it sounds like -- all about beans!</p>
<p>This new book is a whopping 95-pages long!&nbsp;<strong> It teaches all about types of beans, preparing dried beans successfully, and of course 30 unique recipes&nbsp;involving beans.</strong>&nbsp; She even has tips for those who just don't like beans (she actually doesn't, which you wouldn't&nbsp;know based&nbsp;on how often she talks about them and cooks with them!).</p>
<p><strong>This Saturday we're going to be issuing a new challenge: The Grocery Money-Saving Challenge!</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll find the details on Saturday, of course, but the idea is going to be to reduce your grocery budget in new and creative ways this month.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899946&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298"><strong>Katie's book</strong></a><strong> is full of nourishing and frugal recipes that could help you on your way with this challenge.</strong>&nbsp; Dried beans, especially, are<em> extremely</em> frugal.&nbsp; Some people really struggle with how to prepare them, though -- so <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899946&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298">Katie's book</a> is really perfect.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899946&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298">The Everything Beans Book</a> normally costs $9.95.&nbsp; But Katie's offering a few fun "launch specials!"</p>
<p><strong>Today (March 2nd) until midnight, use code BEANLAUNCH to get 35% off the </strong><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899946&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298"><strong>book</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp; That makes it only $6.47!&nbsp; That's a <em>great</em> deal!</p>
<p><strong>If you miss that, Katie's offering 25% off until Friday using code 25OFFBEANS, which makes the </strong><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899946&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=135742&amp;cl=114298"><strong>book</strong></a><strong> $7.46.</strong>&nbsp; Still a great deal.&nbsp; Get your copy by Friday for sure, both to take advantage of this great deal <em>and</em> so you're prepared when our challenge launches Saturday!</p>
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AUTHOR: ModernAMama
TITLE: RSS Subscribers: Please Re-Subscribe!  (Please?)
STATUS: Publish
ALLOW COMMENTS: 1
DATE: 03/03/2011 12:48:28 AM
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<p><strong>Remember, subscribers: we recently switched from Feedburner to Feedblitz.</strong>&nbsp; (Which I'm loving, how about you?)&nbsp; All you lucky email subscribers don't need to do a thing: you were automatically moved over to the new feed.&nbsp; I hope you're enjoying your new, prettier, better organized emails!</p>
<p>But.&nbsp; <strong>All of the </strong><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/modernamama" target="_blank"><strong>RSS&nbsp;</strong></a><strong> subscribers need to re-subscribe</strong>!&nbsp; (Click that link to do so.)&nbsp; On March 15th, just 12 days from now, we will be shutting off the Feedburner RSS feed.&nbsp; So if you do not re-subscribe, you will miss out!&nbsp; And we'd sure miss you, too!</p>
<p>So quick -- <strong>take a minute and re-subscribe via&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/modernamama" target="_blank"><strong>RSS </strong></a><strong>&nbsp;so you don't miss any posts</strong>!</p>
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