Baking Soda Scrub

Cleaning the bathtub can be a tough job. In the past, I would have to use harsh chemicals to break through that impenetrable layer of grime that resided on the surface of the tub. However, when I decided to make my own natural cleaners, I discovered an easy solution for making that tub sparkle.

The best part is, the ingredients couldn't be more simple and they didn't include harsh chemicals. Plus, this scrub can be used for almost any surface that needs a deep cleaning to remove layers of dirt and grime.

I love, love, love this cleaner. 

Baking Soda Scrub

2 tbsp baking soda
liquid castile soap
spray bottle of vinegar

1. Put baking soda in bowl and mix in liquid soap a bit at a time until it forms a nice foamy paste.

2. Work it onto the surface you want to clean using a rash or a sponge. Let it set 5 to 15 minutes depending on how heavy duty of a job it is. (I usually move on to cleaning another part of the bathroom while it sits.)

3. Spray with vinegar and scrub away.

4. Rinse away with water.

You might need to do this a couple times to get rid of residue left from previous cleaners. Note: Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so do a small test on surfaces that could potentially be damaged such as stainless steel appliances.

Make Your Own Cloth Wipes Solution

Since before my son was born nine months ago, I've been saying I was going to make and use cloth wipes. I was already planning on using cloth diapers, so using cloth wipes only made sense. I even had cloth wipes already. But it just never happened.

So, I finally made the goal to start using cloth wipes as soon as I ran out of my current box of disposable wipes.

When it comes to clothes wipes, there are two methods: the wet method and the dry method. With the wet method, you keep the wipes in a container and pour the cleaning solution on top of them so they are damp prior to use. With the dry method, you keep your wipes dry and apply the cleaning solution to the wipe or baby bum via a spray bottle.

I was interested in trying the dry method first because it seemed easier to tote along in the diaper bag and I had heard you can have problems with mold growing on yours wipes with the wet method.

So, now all I needed was a cleaning solution. You can buy a commercially made cleaning solution, but why buy one when you can make your own! Making your own is cheaper and you can normally find all the ingredients you need in you home!

There are tons of cloth wipe solution recipes on the internet. I opted for a basic solution with some specific ingredients in mind.

• Soap - to cleanse and remove urine and feces.
• Oil - to help the wipe glide across baby’s skin and keep it soft.
• Aloe - to sooth skin and protect skin.
• Essential Oil - to use for antibacterial properties.

Here's the recipe I used:

Cloth Wipes Solution

1/2 cup Hot Water
1 1/2 teaspoons mild soap (I used a baby mild castile soap)
1 1/2 teaspoons jojoba oil
1 1/2 teaspoons aloe juice
1 drop tea tree oil

Mix your ingredients and pour into spray bottle.

You can use this solution for the wet wipe method by increasing the amounts of the recipe.

So far, I've been enjoy the wipes a lot. I feel like the cleaning solution cleans and nourishes my baby's bum very well. I'm glad I made the switch and wonder what took me so long!

Are you using cloth wipes in your home? What cleaning solution do you use?

Recycling: Turning Waste into New Materials

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve challenged you to think about waste and ways to control the waste we produce through practicing the tenets of waste management: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

At the beginning of this series, I talked about the importance of first taking actions to reduce the waste in your life. After reducing waste, find ways to reuse potential waste. Finally after completing those actions, you can focus on recycling.

Recycling is similar to reusing. However, with recycling you break down an object in order to create a new object. This helps reduce the use of raw materials and waste produced by the disposal of potentially useful materials.

There are two main forms of recycling: Traditional Recycling and Composting

Traditional Recycling

This is what usually comes to mind when you think of recycling. With this method, you collect specific materials and drop them off at a recycling center. These materials are then processed and manufactured into new products.

One of the reasons why recycling is emphasized as the last of the actions to perform is because recycling is limited in which materials can be processed. These materials typically consist of glass, plastic, paper, metal, textiles and electronics. Plus, additional energy resources are required to turn the old product into a new one.

Composting

According to the EPA, yard trimmings and food waste make up 26 percent of U.S. solid waste. However, much of this so-called “waste” can be put to good use and turned into nutrient-rich compost. Composting is very easy and just takes food and yard waste, something to “fluff” and turn the compost pile, space and a little enthusiasm!

Compost is a key to organic gardening and has a host of benefits, such as being an economic way to improve the quality of your soil, preventing pests and disease and educing or eliminating the need for chemical fertilizer.

Are you currently recycling in our household? Tell us about it!

Guest Post: Reusing Clothes

A big thanks to Sara Parsons (my dear sister) for this guest post.

Ever since I was little, I’ve gotten an extraordinary amount of joy from creating something from something else. I made pianos, cars, guitars and numerous other intricate play things from cardboard boxes and other household “trash”.

This joy has followed me into adulthood. However, I‘ve moved on from cardboard boxes. Today, my favorite repurposing medium is clothes.

This dress was constructed from a long
sleeve tee, a short sleeve tee, a tank top
and an old slip.

In our culture, clothes are a big deal. They aren’t just for covering our bodies or keeping us warm. Clothes are an expression of who we are. The ornamental nature of clothes results in a huge industry and a lot of clothes - a lot of clothes in stores and a lot of clothes in our closets.

All these clothes amount to a lot of waste and can lead to a sad pocket book. And personally, I’m not willing to sink a lot of money for something so transient. Repurposing allows me to enjoy a varied and changing wardrobe without all the waste.

So, let’s talk about the various ways to reuse clothes.

Secondhand

The most basic form of repurposing would be acquiring used clothes through hand-me-downs or consignment. And let me tell you, hand-me-downs aren’t just for kids. Clothes swap parties are becoming quite popular. My group of girl friends always sends around clothes we are cleaning out. You never know what someone may be in the market for. So, don’t assume you don’t have anything someone else would want.

Don’t have friends who are into hand-me-downs? Donate unwanted clothes to charity. But never throw away clothes. Goodwill actually recycles old clothes they can’t sell in their store.

I turned a pull over, hooded sweater into a
hooded cardigan. I added lace detail on the
hood and an applique flower for interest.

Mending

Have that favorite shirt that’s seam has popped? Received a great pair of slacks that are too long? Don’t throw them out or give them away - fix them!

Don’t have a sewing machine? Find a mom, grandmother or friend that does. No friends or relatives with sewing machines? That’s okay! Most basic mending only requires a needle and thread.

If your confidence in sewing is shaky, maybe you could ask that mom, grandmother or friend for a couple of basic lessons or if they can do it for you. But take this from a seamstress - repay them for their time in some way. Chocolate is good, or favor them with a skill you have. But please, don’t take advantage of their skill. Additionally, there are great resources on-line for basic sewing.

The skirt was made out of two sweaters.
I used scrap fabric from other projects to
create the flower applique.

Altering

Sometimes there is a clothing item that you have a love/hate relationship with. Maybe the fabric pattern is to die for but the cut is lousy. Maybe that blouse is the perfect fit but kind of boring. Perhaps that over-sized men’s shirt is just begging to be made into a dress. Okay, maybe that last one is just me. The point is that clothes are full of potential.

My favorite repurposing project was my wedding
dress. I made it from an Edwardian style costume
I had sewn in highschool. It features antique
doilies and laces made by relatives.

Altering clothes can bring you into the exciting world of fashion design. Let’s face it, we all get the urge to get new clothes. But instead of going to the store, ponying up a lot of money and contributing to waste, why not try your hand at making your own clothes through reusing old clothes.

I admit, it takes a bit of creative eye, but it’s immensely fun and I highly recommend you give it a go. Pretty soon you will be seeing clothes like you’ve never seen them before. And it’s so rewarding to have new clothes that you made.

Having a sewing machine and some skill helps, but these things aren’t required. There are lots of no-sew alteration options you can do. The website New Dress A Day is a great resource for inspiration for taking clothes and making them into something else without a lot of fuss.

Sara Parsons loves most things artistic and crafty. And when she isn’t turning sheets into rugs and dresses, you will most likely find her trying out a natural. real food recipe, being a barista, or loving up her husband.

Reuse: Twine Wrapped Bottle Tutorial

One thing I particularly enjoy about reusing items is how you can turn something that would otherwise be thrown away into something that is really cool. I don't consider myself to be super crafty, but I do enjoy great DIY projects.

I admit, I’ve seen ideas for repurposing items that basically look like you’re using trash to decorate or organize your home. I like things to look nice and I prefer to reuse in a way that is in line with that philosophy. So, I’m always keeping an eye out for those unique and creative ways to reuse.

A couple years ago, I saw an idea in a Real Simple magazine that I just had to recreate myself. In the article, they had wrapped various bottles and jars in twine and used them as centerpieces. They looked so simple and elegant. Plus, the ways in which I could create and use these twine wrapped masterpieces were so varied!

And so I give you instructions on how to make your own twine wrapped gems.

What You Need:

• A clean, empty bottle or jar (I prefer glass because they look nicer.)
• Twine
• Craft glue
• Super glue
• Scissors

What You Do:

STEP 1: Apply a small, vertical line of super glue toward the top of the bottle. Place the twine on the line of super glue. This will hold the end of your twine in place and allow you to have a clean edge of twine at the top of your bottle. Allow the glue to set.

STEP 2: Apply a ribbon of craft glue along the top section of the bottle and begin to tightly wrap the twine around the bottle.

 
STEP 3: Continue to apply ribbon of glue as you make your way down the bottle. It’s okay if glue seeps through, as it will dry clear and help the twine stay in place. You can wrap the twine as close together or as far apart as you want. Irregularities are okay and add to the look.

STEP 4: Once you reach the bottom of the bottle, cut the twine, leaving a small piece sticking out. Apply super glue to the bottom of the wrapped twine and secure remaining edge of twine to the bottle.

 STEP 5: Use for flowers, decorative branches, as a candle holder and more!

 
Additionally, you can be as creative with these as you want. Use colored rope, add beads, stamp a design on the bottle, etc. to create the look you want!

Reuse: An Alternative to Throwing Away

Fork Coat Rack by JJ Evensen Art.

According to the EPA, Americans produced approximately 243 million tons of trash in 2009 (that equals the weight of about 665 Empire State Buildings). And if you break that down even further, that’s comes to around 4.3 pounds of waste per person per day. I know 4.3 pounds doesn’t sound like a big number, but in terms of trash, that's a lot.

So last week, I challenged you to take time to think about the waste you produce. I’m not asking anyone to do the impossible and completely eliminate waste from their lives. But I am asking you to take responsibility for what you throw away and question the waste habits you currently have. And we’re addressing the issue by talking about the tenets of waste management: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

After talking about the importance of reducing waste in our lives, let’s talk about the next step.

Reuse, the second tenet of waste management, challenges us find an alternative to an object that would otherwise be thrown away. This might be through conventional reuse where the item is used again for the same function or reusing an item for a new function.

Reusable Items

One of the best ways implement the action Reuse is through replacing disposable items in your life with reusable ones. This step alone can make a big difference in the amount of waste produced in your home.

Start thinking about the disposable items you use and their reusable alternatives. Paper napkins, paper towels, plastic water bottles, freezer bags, plastic wrap, plastic shopping bags, etc. are all items that are relatively easy to replace or reduce the use of through reusable items.

You might be surprised with just how many things you can replace with reusable! In addition to the commonly thought of reusable alternatives, a few other options to consider are reusable coffee filters, reusable produce bags, cloth diapers, cloth wipes, and reusable feminine products.

Reusable items might require an initial upfront cost, but in the end, you can save a lot of money through using them. And as I’ve said before, start with one thing, like a reusable water bottle and go from there.

Repurpose

Another aspect of reusing is to find an additional use for an item. What might have found the end to its useful life in one aspect, can have a purpose in another. The key to this alternative is to be creative and think outside the box.

The options for repurposing are truly ENDLESS. Those glass food jars can be used for storing food, art supplies and more. Wine and beer bottles can turn into candle holders. Egg cartons and toilet paper rolls can be used to start seeds in. And don’t even get me started on the craft options available to kids.

One Last Thought

As I bring this post to a close, there is one thing I’d like to clarify. While reusing it an important aspect of waste management, remember that reducing waste comes first. You can find great alternatives to throwing something out, but I am not an advocate of holding on to everything in hopes of finding an alternative use for it. I’m big on keeping chaos out of your home. Think creatively and have fun reusing items, but use wisdom.

So, join me this week as I share some ideas for reusing items in your life.

What are your favorite ways to reuse in your home?

Reducing Waste: Simplify Your Home

When I was a teen, I always had a hard time keeping my room clean. I know, I know, what teen doesn’t? But the thing is, I WANTED a clean room. I wanted an organized room. And so once a month, when I couldn’t stand it anymore, I would clean my room. And it would take me ALL DAY LONG.

It was kind of ridiculous.

I would often lament about my room to my younger sister. Her room was always so perfect and tidy and felt nice to be in. And so one day my thoughtful sister gave me a gift that really changed everything. That gift was Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley aka The FlyLady.

It was a sort of funny gift for a 16-year-old, but it was just what I needed.

I could write a whole post about the FlyLady and her practices, but one of the main things that book did to change my life was to teach me to get rid of stuff and simplify. She has an activity called the 27 Fling-Boogie, in which we would turn on crazy fast, peppy songs and run around our rooms for 15 minutes randomly grabbing 27 unneeded items and throwing them in a box to get rid of.

We would do this once a week. It’s crazy to think I had enough stuff to get rid of 27 items every week. (And we did this for several weeks.)

Slowly, but surely I started to reclaim my room and my stuff. And this was the first time in my life that I had really ever done it. I was learning to take responsibility for what I owned, figure out what was truly needed and what was purely unnecessary. And it felt really good.

That lesson stuck with me and shaped who I have become and how I view keeping my home. At 16, my eyes were opened to how awful I felt by having chaos in my life and how freeing it was to simplify the stuff in my room.

What does this have to do with reducing waste? Well, I learned that when you simplify the possessions in your life, you use what you have more efficiently and have a tendency to accumulate less unnecessary stuff and therefore produce less waste.

Here are some tips for simplifying your life to reduce waste:

Purge. The first step to simplifying your home is to purge those unnecessary possessions. Take a good hard look at what you have and start purging. For some this step is easier. Begin with one room and take it a bite at a time. Start with a particular drawer, cabinet or shelf. Look at everything in it or on it and decide if you really need it.

If You Don’t Use It, You Won’t Use It. Having a hard time deciding? Well, they say if you haven’t used something in a year, chances are you’ll never use it. And in general, I find this to be true. So, if you haven’t used it in a year, get rid of it. If there’s still stuff you’re not sure about, put a date on the item, stick it in a container and place it in the garage or a closet. If in a year, you haven’t missed something in the container, get rid of it. (However, I find through simply relegated an item to said container, within a month I have a clearer view of its necessity in my home.)

A Place For Everything and Everything in its Place. Once you’ve initiated the purging process, take time to go through each room and find a place for everything and make sure it resides where it’s supposed to go. This makes tidying your home so much easier. You don’t end up with that pile of stuff you don’t know what to do with that you just move from room to room.

Get Rid of It! After you’ve collected the items you don’t need, get rid of it! But do so RESPONSIBLY. You can sell the items or for simplicity’s sake, donate them to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Whatever you do, do it quickly.

Once you’ve simplified your home through purging, work hard to keep it simple. Before you allow something to enter your home, ask yourself if you really need it. I found that once I started purging my room of stuff, I had a better idea of what needed to be there. It’s a lesson I’m still learning today, but it is a lesson that becomes easier to learn through continual practice.

So, what are you doing to simplify your home?

Reducing Waste: Buy Used!

As I explained in my previous post, preventing waste is first priority when it comes to reducing waste. And one of my favorite ways to prevent waste is to buy used.

You can find pretty much anything you need used. Some examples of what we’ve bought used are: clothes, dishes, home decor, baby items, appliances, lawn mower, car, camera, camera lenses, bed frame and couch.

I know for some buying used isn’t as appealing, but you’d be surprised by you can find, especially with the resources available. And just because you buy used doesn’t mean you can’t get really nice quality or trendy stuff. Often times, you can find items that are practically new.

Plus, buying used has great benefits.

First, you prevent waste. Buying used helps prevent the waste that comes with purchasing a new item - either through production, transport or packaging. And you’re helping to ensure an item is used to it’s full potential.

Second, you save money. In fact, you can save A LOT of money. When we moved into our new home, we needed several appliances. Through buying used, we got a range, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer for the grand total of $125! (Two of those items were free!) And we got quality appliances that are in great working condition!

Even if you’re in a good financial place and don’t NEED to save money, we all like a good deal! There are a lot of things you can do with the money you save on a good deal. Put it toward retirement or give to charity!

Here are some tips for buying used:

Read the description. Sounds obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to skim. Carefully reading the description can answer a lot of questions before you move to the next step in the buying process. As you read, jot down thoughts or questions that come to mind so you know what questions you want to address if you contact the seller.

Ask questions. It’s good to make sure you have all the information you need to know you’re making a quality purchase, especially for bigger items. Ask things like: How old is it? Why are you selling it? Have you had any problems with it? Were you happy with it? What if I get it home and it has a problem?


Touch and feel the product. When you’re looking over an item, it can be easy to be quick in your assessment. Don’t be afraid to give something a thorough look over before agreeing to buy it. If you can, test it out.

Be patient. If you’re in the market for something, get a good idea of what you’re looking for, the price you want to pay and have the patience to wait for it. In our experience, once we start watching for something, the perfect item pops up within about two weeks.

Set up an alert. A lot of websites, like eBay or craigslist, have the option to set up alerts on your computer or phone to make the looking process easy. You can create a customized search for an item on the website or a phone app and be alerted every time an item that fits your shttp://www.oursimplynaturallife.com/2011/04/reducing-waste-in-your-life.htmlearch criteria is posted. It makes looking for an item a breeze.

Now that you have some helpful info about buying used, here are places to look for what you need:

eBay - Most people are familiar with eBay. Here you’ll find used clothes, used books, used electronics, used movies, etc., etc., etc. eBay is great because it is an international website, thus you have access to stuff all over the world. The downside can be the fact that you probably will pay shipping and you usually can’t touch and feel the product. However, one plus is that through using eBay and Paypal, you have some buyer protection.

craigslist - Craigslist is a free, on-line local classifieds forum. You can get just about anything on craigslist. Craigslist makes some people nervous because they’re concerned about the safety of meeting with strangers or getting ripped off. The important thing here is to use common sense. Meet in a public place when you can or don’t go alone to someone’s home. Remember to ask questions and check out the product your buying. Yes, criminals are out there, but the majority of interactions don’t have any problems.

Freecycle - Freecycle is an Internet-based community recycling project of reusing and sharing usable goods. All you have to do it join your community’s local group and ask for or watch for what you need. I’ve found my Freecycle network is pretty slow and not a viable option for getting stuff, but I have friends that have great Freecycle networks in their community and have landed some great finds.

On-line swapping sites - These are just another example of how people can utilize the internet in creative and helpful ways. There are countless websites for swapping books, movies, clothes, handbags, and more. Basically, if you do a search for any item and add the word ‘swap’, you’ll find a website for just that purpose. When it comes to these sites, it’s proper etiquette to give back and not just be a taker.

Consignment stores - Another great option is consignment stores. You can find furniture, clothes, accessories, toys, movies, household items and more. Find out when they have sales and you can get even better deals. Plus, if you shop at consignment stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, your money is going to a good cause.

Consignment events - many cities have community events that provide the opportunity for consigners to come together at one big consignment event. These are great opportunities to find a variety of items. Opening days are usually busy, as people want to be first in line for the best stuff.

Garage sales - Can’t leave these off the list. Garage sales can be a great way to find used items. And the beginning of spring is the most popular time of year for them.

Your social network - With all the social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, you have instant access to a lot of people. You’d be surprised what becomes available with a little shout-out to your friends. But remember, don’t spam your friends, it’s not nice and a little fairy dies every time you do.

So, what are your favorite tips or places to buy used?

Reducing Waste in Your Life

Waste.

Just take a moment to dwell on the word. What feelings or thoughts come to mind when you think of that it? In my mind, I associate the term ‘waste’ with misuse; if I've wasted something, I've not used it correctly or efficiently.

Waste is a byproduct of consuming goods. But the amount of waste produced can vary depending on the choices we make. And that’s where the Three R’s come in.

In my previous post, I explained that I’m going to spend the next few weeks focusing on the tenets of waste management: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It’s a simple little phrase with a powerful message.

But it’s more than just an eco-friendly, environmental campaign. It’s a mindset and way of living. It’s a motto I find helpful as our family strives to be good stewards of what we are given. And if we apply this philosophy to our lives, we will reap a multitude of benefits, such as saving money, simplifying our lives and caring for our world.

The actions of the Three R’s are in a specific order and for good reason. Recycling is great, but before we do that, we should be finding ways to reuse our waste. And before we reuse our waste, we should be focusing on reducing it.

The purpose of ‘Reduce’ is to prevent and minimize the amount of waste produced. Think about the difference we could make if we prevented waste from ever being made or decreased the amount of waste we create.

So, let’s explore how we can apply the action ‘Reduce’ to our lives.

Prevention

This is where we need to start. And in order to prevent waste in our lives, we have to reduce what we buy and consume.

When people talk about financial responsibility, an important point they hit on is understanding the difference between needs and wants. The principle applies here as well.

We live in a very material based society. There are a lot of things we can do, eat, wear, fill our homes with, etc. And to be perfectly honest, a good portion of the things in my life are things I don’t NEED. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about those little luxuries and comforts, but it’s important to think about their place in our priorities.

Before you bring something into your life, ask yourself if it is helping you maintain or achieve your priorities. Is producing unnecessary waste in your life?

Minimize

After preventing waste from being made, look at minimizing the waste you create. This is a huge challenge in a society with a disposable mindset. So many things are designed to be used and thrown away. And this is where we have to change our perspective. If you take responsibility for everything you throw away, you start to realize just how much you throw away.

I’ve begun to do this, and it’s made me see my waste in a whole new light. As I take responsibility for what I throw away, it causes me to question the necessity of something in my home or if it needs to be thrown away at all. Disposable items like paper napkins, paper towels, plastic bags, plastic wrap, plastic cups, paper plates, etc. are being used less or eliminated from our home altogether. And you know, it hasn’t made our life any more difficult. In fact, I find it freeing to know I’m producing less waste.

Another thing to think about is the waste a product will produce by how it’s made or packaged. For example, avoid products packaged in serving-size portions. They cost more and produce more waste than their conventionally packaged counterparts. Instead, buy the regular product and portion out the item as you need it in non-disposable containers.

So Let's Get Started...

Reducing waste in our lives is a big task. There are countless ways we can address this issue. And that's why I'll be posting ideas for reducing waste in your life for the rest of the week. I don’t plan on covering all aspects of the issue. I mainly want to get you thinking and present some of the things we do in our household.

Don’t try to do it all at once. In our home, we’re taking things one step at a time. This helps prevent us from getting overwhelmed and ensures we master the change we are implementing.

So I’m curious, in what ways do you try to reduce waste in your home?

Good Stewardship

As Christians, my husband and I feel we are called to be good stewards of what we have been given. We have a responsibility to care for what God has blessed us with and feel our choices should be in line with that task. One of these blessings is the world in which we live.

We live in a society of convenience and sometimes it’s easy to forget how our lifestyle impacts our world. We’re far removed from how our stuff is made and what happens to it after we’re done with it. Just think of how easy it is to get something or get rid of it. You want a new doodad? It’s yours. Don’t need that piece of junk? Throw it in the trash can.

I’ve been guilty of it and still am! But I’m working to change my perspective about my choices. I want to have a greater awareness of my stuff. I want to view it as more than just stuff, but as my responsibility. I want to be a good steward of what I bring into my home.

And with that said, for the next few weeks, I’d like to give a tip of the hat to Earth Day with a 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' series. Each week, I’ll focus on one of these tenets and share ways we apply these actions to our life!

So stay tuned!

Oooey Gooey Black Bean Bronwnies

We like to eat healthy, but I’ve not really ventured into baking without grains much. Lately, I’ve seen recipes for black bean brownies pop up a few times on blogs I read. Each time I saw the recipe, I thought “I’m not so sure about that.” But I was so curious. The pictures looked amazing and people REALLY liked these brownies.

I decided to take a stab at these black bean brownies and let me say, they weren’t lying when they said they are good. Our family loves them. And since I'm now a black bean brownie believer, I must pass a recipe on myself!

“But wait!,” you say. “Why would I make brownies out of black beans, when I can make normal brownies?” Very good question. The long answer would require another post. The short answer is that grains, especially refined grains like the flour we buy off the grocery store shelf, are difficult for our bodies to digest and are stripped of their nutrients in the refining process. And as you might have noticed, grains are a very prominent part of our diets in Western culture. I’m just trying to find alternatives to a grain heavy diet.

So, let’s get to the brownies!

Black Bean Brownies

2 c. black beans (canned or cooked)
3 eggs
1/3 c. butter, melted
1/8 c. coconut oil, melted
1/2 c. honey or sugar
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. crushed walnuts (optional)
1/4 c. shredded coconut (optional)
NOTE: If you use unsalted butter or cooked beans, add 1/8 tsp. salt to the recipe.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put all ingredients in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Grease 8x8 glass baking dish. Pour mixture into dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips, walnuts and shredded coconut on top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until brownies set in the middle. Remove from oven and enjoy!

We like to chill the brownies in the fridge before eating them, but warm is good too!

Thanks to Tammy's Recipes and 365 Days of Clean Eating for the inspiration!

Small Cool

I love looking at other people's living spaces. I especially enjoy seeing people utilize the space they have well. And in the case of small dwellings, managing the space you have efficiently can be a challenge. So, when I saw Apartment Therapy's Small Cool Contest, I was hooked.

Each year, Apartment Therapy invites readers to share their small spaces and give the inside scoop about living in under 1000 square feet in hopes of being named the Smallest Coolest Home. The homes are truly inspiring.

 

So, which one is your favorite?

Green Garbage

A recent blog post I read brought a matter to my attention, which I had not given much thought to before. In fact, I don't think I had EVER thought of it before. The issue? Trash bags.

For most of us, they are an integral part of our life. And according to calculations, they’ll be a big part of our life for a long time. That trash bag we put out last night will most likely be around for the next 500-1,000 years. That's got me thinking about our trash set-up.

Our family doesn’t produce tons of trash, but I’d say we fill up one, sometimes two, kitchen trash bags a week. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but when I think about the big picture and how much that starts to add up over time, it becomes a bit more disconcerting.

So, what alternatives are out there?

Biodegradable trash bags, which claim to take two years or less to decompose, are popping up on store shelves. These green bags come at a price and, according to many reviews, don’t hold up as well. Additionally, a key factor to the decomposition of these bags is exposure to sun and air. And I would guess the chances of my garbage bag being exposed to the necessary air and sun for two years isn’t that likely in a landfill. But at least that option is out there.

Then a thought hit me: Society hasn’t always used trash bags. In fact, we’ve only had the luxury of disposable garbage bags since their invention in 1950. So prior to 1950, what did everybody do?

Well, what better way to find out than to ask someone who was familiar with waste practices in the early 20th century. So, I e-mailed my grandpa. He had great information to share.

During the 30’s and 40’s, people would commonly burn their waste in vented oil drums. Additionally, private haulers would come and remove what didn’t burn. Food waste was composted. Brown paper bags and newspaper were used to wrap messy waste before putting it in the kitchen trash can.

In the 50’s, my grandpa bought his first garbage can - the large, metal kind. Around the same time, the city started their garbage pick-up service. They continued to compost and use newspaper or brown paper bags to wrap messy waste. Periodically, they would rinse the can and pour the water at the edge of their garden. During war years, recycling was big.

So after all my research, I’m really interested in going bagless.

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:

• Compost acceptable food waste. This limits what you throw out, is beneficial for your soil and reduces messy, smelly substances that come in contact with your trash can.

• Recycle what you can to reduce what is thrown out.

• Line the bottom of your trashcan with several layers of newspaper to absorb and liquids that do make it into your trash can. (Don’t subscribe to the paper? Check your local library to see what they do with old newspapers or ask some who does subscribe to save theirs for you.)

• Wrap non-compostable waste that is messy or smelly in newspaper or a brown paper bag before putting it in the trashcan.

What if your place of residence requires trash to be bagged and you want to be greener? Then the biodegradable bags might be your best option. Additionally, reducing your waste will help limit trash disposal greatly.

So, what tips do you have for going bagless? And what alternative methods to disposing of trash are you using?

You ≠ Failure

I was recently reading a thread on a community entitled “How Clean is Your Home…Really?” The author of the original post was explaining how she feels like she’s failing at keeping a clean home. She was curious what other homes were like. Countless women stepped up to reassure this mother that she was not alone.

I know many of you would reach out and give this woman the same reassurance. But how many of you give yourself the same grace when it comes to your own home?

I’m sure you can recall when you were a new bride. Your house was spotless. You vacuumed, swept and mopped every day. You cleaned the bathroom at least once a week. The dishes were always done. The laundry was always washed, dried, folded AND put away. And even if you weren’t quite as rigorous as that, you were at least on top of things.

And then your first bundle of joy arrives. Suddenly, you’re wondering what happened to that woman who could do it all. Did baby brain eat your cleaning skills? Why are such simple tasks like sweeping, dishes or laundry suddenly such mountains of challenge?? There must only be one answer: You are a failure.

Does that sound familiar?

I’m mean, I’m a pretty laid back person and even I question if I got the dumb about house cleaning. Sometimes, I sit down at the end of the day and wonder what exactly I did because my to-do list looks remarkably unchecked.

It's nice to have something tangible to see and experience in order to measure your daily success. I know I always got great satisfaction at the end of the day as I rattled off to David what I had accomplished and he could see my amazing work.

But now, my accomplishments are not so tangible. Or are they?

Take a look at your child/children and answer me one simple question: Are they alive? Well, pat yourself on the back. There is a really big, tangible clue that you are doing something right!

Yet we sigh and feel this sad little twinge in our gut and say, “I know...but…”

And that’s where you just need to stop that train of thought and refresh your perspective.

Your life will experience a range of phases. With each phase comes difference experiences, joys and challenges. We must give ourselves a break and remember that we are accomplishing a lot by caring for our young ones

Just think how vulnerable and helpless a young child is. They depend on you for everything. That’s a lot of work and it should be your focus. You are caring for and nurturing the soul of another human being. You get the honor and joy of loving and teaching these little ones. Don’t ever trivialize this job by thinking yourself a failure because other areas of your life don’t get as much attention. That’s how it should be!

Keeping striving to do what you can. But please don’t feel frustrated and dejected if your home is not pristine. It is a phase. It will pass soon enough. Just remember, your home will always be around to clean, but your children will grow up before your very eyes. Enjoy being their mom and the special role you get to play in their life.

Homemade Fruit and Vegetable Wash

Our local farmer’s market will be starting up this weekend and with it marks the beginning of my favorite time of year: fresh produce season! I am simply giddy with anticipation about all the wonderful in-season fruits and veggies that will be gracing our plates over the next several months.

We plan to primarily use local, organic or home grown produce, but just because it’s organic or grown in our garden, doesn’t mean it needs to be cleaned any less than commercially grown fruits and vegetables. Bugs, dirt and bacteria can be present on all produce.

So, since we’re gearing up for a bountiful harvest, I thought I’d share my recipe for a cheap and easy DIY produce wash made from ingredients that are probably in your kitchen righ now!

Homemade Fruit and Vegetable Wash

What You’ll Need

1 tablespoon real lemon juice (preferably fresh squeezed)

3 tablespoons white vinegar

1 cup water

Spray bottle

Directions

Pour lemon juice, vinegar and water into spray bottle and give it a good shake to mix the ingredients together. You can double or triple the recipe, but I usually just make one batch at a time to ensure freshness. And remember to label your bottle!

How to Use It

Hard-skinned Produce (apples, tomatoes, citrus, zucchini, etc): Thoroughly spray surface of produce, rub and rinse.

Soft-skinned Produce (peaches, berries, etc.): Thoroughly spray surface of produce. Due to the porous nature of these items, they can absorb the acidity of the lemon juice/vinegar, so you might want to rinse it off quickly.

Produce Soak: For more complicated produce such as lettuce, spinach, grapes, broccoli and cauliflower, make enough solution to fill a large mixing bowl. Place produce in bowl and cover with wash. Let it sit in the soak for 2-5 minutes, remove from soak and rinse well. Remember to pat dry leafy produce to prevent it from becoming soggy.

How it Works

Lemon juice and vinegar are natural disinfectants. Their acidity neutralizes bacteria. Additionally, their acidic properties help dissolve wax on produce such as apples and cucumbers.

A Few Side Notes

Do not use wash on mushrooms, as they are highly absorbent and will take on the flavor of the lemon juice and vinegar.

Remember to thoroughly scrub produce that has come from the ground, such as potatoes and carrots, to remove dirt.

Even if you plan to peel your produce, wash it well first! You don’t want to cross contaminate anything from the skin to what you eat.

Aspertame, MSG and DEET On EPA's Developmental Neurotoxin List

A few years ago, the EPA began an investigation of chemicals linked to developmental neurotoxicity (chemicals that cause damage to the developing nervous system and are linked to learning, behavioral and other developmental disorders). At the end of last year, a list of these chemicals was released.

Great care should be taken to limit our children's exposure to these chemicals as they are the ones at most risk of harm. Among the culprits are aspartame, MSG and DEET. Additionally, a good number of these chemicals are pesticides, insecticides and herbicides.

An article published by Politics Daily, gave an abridged list of the chemicals with substantial evidence of developmental neurotoxicity, along with a description of each. I've included their list and highlighted the chemicals of which particular note should be taken with an asterisk.

2-ethoxyethyl Acetate - a solvent, used as a coating for wood, metal and other materials; sometimes found in cosmetics.

Acibenzolar-S methyl - a fungicide.

Acrylamide - a chemical that is produced naturally in certain foods when they are cooked at high temperatures. It is also manufactured industrially for use in the production of polyacrylamide gels, which are used for various purposes, including the treatment of drinking water and wastewater; and found in cigarette smoke.

Aldicarb - a pesticide.

Allethrin - a pesticide.

*Aluminum (lactate) - used in lotions to treat very dry skin.

Aminopterin - chemical originally developed for use in cancer treatment.

Arsenic - a semi-metal element, which enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the Earth or from agricultural and industrial practices.

*Aspartame - an artificial sweetener. (MY NOTE: This is found in many sugar free foods and rinks.)

Benomyl - a fungicide.

*Benzene - a volatile organic chemical, formed through natural processes, such as volcanoes and forest fires. It is also formed from industrial processes, and is used to make plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. (MY NOTE: Benzene can be found in juice, soda and food dye.)

Bioallethrin (s-bioallethrin) - a pesticide.

Bis(tri-n-butyltin)oxide - a biocide.

*Bisphenol A - This chemical is the main ingredient in polycarbonate plastic, used to make water bottles, baby bottles and food storage and heating trays; and epoxy resin, which is used in the lining of most food and beverage cans.

*Butylated Hydroxy Anisole - a food additive, better known as BHA. (MY NOTE: Found in 285 products in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, including diaper rash ointment and baby sunscreen.)

*Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) - a toluene-based ingredient used as a preservative in food and personal care products. (MY NOTE: Found in 2,577 products in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, including baby sunscreen.)

Cadmium - a natural element in the Earth's crust. It is found in food, and people can be exposed from smoking cigarettes or breathing cigarette smoke or from water or industrial facilities which release it into the air.

Carbaryl - an insecticide.

Carbon monoxide - an odorless and colorless toxic gas.

Chlordecone - an insecticide.

*Chlorine dioxide - a chemical mostly used to disinfect water.

Chlorpyrifos - insecticide.

Cypermethrin - insecticide.

*DEET - a common ingredient in insect repellents.

Deltamethrin - insecticide.

Diazinon - a pesticide.

Dieldrin - an insecticide no longer produced in the U.S., but still found in the environment.

Ethanol - grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn, used as a fuel additive, solvent and for other purposes.

Ethylene thiourea - an industrial chemical mostly used to make rubber products, but also in the manufacture of fungicides and rodenticides.

Fluazinam - a fungicide.

Heptachlor - a non-agricultural insecticide, whose use is now very limited.

Hexachlorobenzene - can be formed as a byproduct during the manufacture of chemicals used as solvents, other chlorine-containing compounds, and pesticides. Small amounts of hexachlorobenzene can also be produced during combustion processes such as burning of city wastes. Currently, the substance is not used commercially in the United States.

Hexachlorophene - a disinfectant.

Lead - This heavy metal occurs naturally in the Earth's crust. It was formerly used as a gasoline additive and was also commonly added to paint. Lead pipes may also contaminate drinking water. Currently, coal-fired power plants and other industrial uses release lead particles into the air.

*Lindane - a chemical used to treat scabies and lice.

Maneb - a fungicide.

Methanol - also known as wood alcohol, an alternative fuel, and other uses.

Methylparathion - a pesticide.

*Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) - a flavor enhancer, used as a food additive. (MY NOTE: MSG can be hard to find on food labels, as it commonly is listed under different names.)

Nicotine - the addictive drug in tobacco.

Methoxyethanol, 2 - an organic compound used mainly as a solvent.

Methylmercury - a form of mercury found in contaminated fresh water and salt water fish. It gets into the air when coal, oil or wood are burned as fuel, or when mercury-contaminated wastes are incinerated.

Ozone - a gas that occurs both in the Earth's upper atmosphere and at ground level.

Paraquat - an herbicide.

Parathion (ethyl) - an insecticide.

*PBDEs - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, called PBDEs, are used as flame retardants, among other purposes. Some types of PBDEs have been banned, or phased out, but industry has developed others to replace them. (MY NOTE: Commonly found in furniture and children's pajamas.)

PCBs (generic) - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of chemicals that were used as insulation in electrical transformers, and for other industrial purposes. They are no longer manufactured, but have persisted in the environment.

Permethrin - an insecticide.

*Phthalate, di-(2-ethylhexyl) - This phthalate, commonly referred to as DEHP, is found in many plastic products. (MY NOTE: Also known as Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP.)

Tebuconazole - a fungicide.

*Toluene - a common solvent, found in many consumer goods, including floor polish, moisturizing cream, lubricating oils, paint thinners. (MY NOTE: Found in some nail polish.)

Tributyltin chloride - Manmade organic substances containing the metal tin. They are used as pesticides and biocides in marine antifouling paints and in wood preservatives.

Trichlorfon - an insecticide.

Trichloroethylene - used as a solvent to clean metal parts and for other industrial processes, often found as a water contaminant.

A Closer Look At Your Household Products

What if someone gave you a bottle that contained substances linked to immonotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cancer, organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption and allergies and told you to put it on your skin?

What if I told you the above description is of ingredients used in a popular brand name body lotion?

This is just one example of the many products in our homes that contain such ingredients.

At this point, you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal?” I mean, surely they wouldn’t be so prevalent or allowed in our homes if they posed such a threat. And that’s a valid point. But as we discussed in the previous post, there's a lot we don't know about the effect these ingredients have on our bodies and environment through our contact with them.

When it comes down to it, I don’t like the idea of known carcinogens, toxins and irritants being a part of my daily life. And this is why I have chosen to eliminate these ingredients from our home as much as possible.

In the last post, we ended with a couple of questions. So, let's talk about them.

How do you know which ingredients to avoid?

It all starts with reading labels. But what are you supposed to do if you can hardly pronounce the ingredients in products, let alone know what they are? Before you get too overwhelmed, I am happy to say there is an organization that is doing a lot to take the guess work out of knowing if an ingredient is safe or not. And they’ve even gone a step further and rate the safety of products themselves.

The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that is working to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. They have created Skin Deep, a database of ingredients, products and brands, to provide you with the information you need to make a decision about which products to use.

This database is invaluable to me. I use it frequently to assess the ingredients in products I’m interested in buying. And in the beginning of my transition to more natural products, I was able to educate myself about the products I was using. It was then that I realized just how many chemicals I was putting myself into contact with.

Additionally, they have a handy Shopper's Guide with the top ingredients to avoid, which you can print out and reference when selecting products.

I'll go into more detail about these ingredients in a future post.

Does the fact that a product says it’s “all natural” or “organic” mean it’s safe?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Popular brand Burt’s Bees is a good example of a company that advertises natural products, but many aren't very natural. Several of their products don’t rate well when you look them up on the Skin Deep database.

That’s why it is important to read the labels yourself. It can sound like a lot of work, but after a little practice, it’s very easy to glance at the back of a product and know ingredients to look out for, especially with the resources available.

Still feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry; I’ll be sharing some of my favorite products and even recipes you can use to make your own products at home!

So, here’s a question for you all: What resources do you use to research the products you use in your home?