Diary of an (environ) mental mama!

Natural Deodorants

2010-08-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am always on the hunt for a natural deodorant that not only smells great without heavy perfumes but is also strong enough for him too. My old standby has been T'eo by Lush which is a dry solid bar that you scrape to make a powder and rub on. It lasts for more than 24 hrs, keeps the pits dry and keeps odours at bay. The ingredients are as follows for T'eo

Sodium Bicarbonate,
Cream of Tartar (Tartaric acid),
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca),
BlueWax (Specerit Blue C),
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia),
Magnesium Carbonate,
Lemon Oil (Citrus limonum),
Juniperberry Oil (Juniperus communis),
Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogan flexuosus),
Fresh Grape Juice (Vitis vinifera),
Blue Cornflower Petals (Centaurea cyanus),
*Citral,
*Eugenol,
*Geraniol,
*Citronellol,
*Limonene,
*Linalool,
Perfume.

Pretty simple stuff that T'eo and smells great too!

I am always on the hunt for the perfect deodorant and through Twitter I began following @Weleda. Weleda assured me that their deodorants would indeed work for me and to give them a shot so I did. I purchased a bottle of Citrus Deodorant Spray by Weleda at Whole Foods for 14.99 cdn + tax and hoped that Weleda could live up to the hype. The ingredients are as follows,

Alcohol, water, fragrance, citrus medica limonum, peel oil, limonene, linelool, geraniol, citral, farnesol, synthetic additives including fragrance, color or preservatives and made without raw material derived from mineral oils.

The first time using it it caused my armpits to burn so much I was actually tearing up a bit and continued to burn despite washing it off for about an hour and a half. I attribute this to my extremely sensitive skin and it has since stopped burning when applied. The smell was amazing! It smelled like Gin and Tonic which in my books is a wonderful scent, although I can't drink them. The next day I did not get as extreme of a burning sensation just mild and it ended quickly so was tolerable. I did housework, walked in 40 degree humid temperatures to the farmer's market, did errands and it held up pretty well. I still smelled great! I have now been using it for 5 days and these are my guidelines for use. If you are going to be working up a sweat you may have to re-use during the day, if you will be sitting in a cool office you will be fine. It will not last you 24 hrs like the Lush deodorant and I don't find I stay dry feeling with the Weleda like I do with the Lush ( Lush' T'eo being a powder helps keep you dry feeling). It is a good deodorant for someone who is not particularly odouriferous and who does not sweat a lot. It is easy to re-apply if needed and comes in an attractive 'perfume bottle' dispenser so popping it in your purse or bag is an option unlike the powdery solid deodorant which breaks easily if dropped. I give Weleda's Citrus Deodorant the thumbs up! Now to try to the Rose!!!

Pursuit of Balance and Frugality

2010-05-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

I am always happy to find a bargain and even better find a little gem of a store or restaurant that one could make a habit of returning to again and again, making it your goto place. In honour of this I am going to attempt to blog about all the restaurants in the GTA that have a kids eat free night. There is a webpage that has a small list but I know there must be more out there so I am on the search to find options for large families to eat at on a tight budget. Who knows maybe I will review a few too and give it a yay or nay I we end up eating there. Now being the healthy eating nut that I am will be looking for healthier alternatives to the regular fried kid's fare so if you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know!

From my email inbox; MSG a slow poison

2010-03-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

This was sent to my email acct so I figured I would post it here. I have done zero editing just copy and pasted it.

MSG (a slow poison) - Very interesting

The food additive MSG (Mono-Sodium Glutamate) is a slow poison. MSG hides
behind 25 or more names, such as Natural Flavoring." MSG is even in your
favorite coffee from Tim Horton's and Starbucks coffee shops!

I wondered if there could be an actual chemical causing the massive obesity
epidemic, and so did a friend of mine, John Erb. He was a research assistant
at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and spent years working
for the government. He made an amazing discovery while going through
scientific journals for a book he was writing called The Slow Poisoning of
America .

In hundreds of studies around the world, scientists were creating obese mice
and rats to use in diet or diabetes test studies. No strain of rat or mice
is naturally obese, so scientists have to create them. They make these
creatures morb idly obese by injecting them with MSG when they are first
born.

The MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, causing rats(and
perhaps humans) to become obese. They even have a name for the fat rodents
they create: "MSG-Treated Rats."

When I heard this, I was shocked. I went into my kitchen and checked the
cupboards and the refrigerator. MSG was in everything -- the Campbell 's
soups, the Hostess Doritos, the Lays flavored potato chips, Top Ramen,Betty
Crocker H amburger Helper, Heinz canned gravy, Swanson frozen prepared
meals, and Kraft salad dressings, especially the "healthy low-fat"
ones.

The items that didn't have MSG marked on the product label had something
called "Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein," which is just another name for
Monosodium Glutamate.

It was shocking to see just how many of the foods we feed our children
everyday are filled with this stuff. MSG is hidden under many different
names in order to fool those who read the ingredient list, so that they
don't catch on. (Other names for MSG are "Accent, "Aginomoto," "Natural Meat
Tenderizer," etc.)

But it didn't stop there.

When our family went out to eat, we started asking at the restaurants what
menu items contained MSG. Many employees, even the managers, swore they
didn't use MSG. But when we ask for the ingredient list, which they
grudgingly provided, sure enough, MSG and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein were
everywhere.

Burger King, M cDonald's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, every restaurant -- even the
sit-down eateries like TGIF, Chili's, Applebee's, and Denny's -- use MSG in
abundance. Kentucky Fried Chicken seemed to be the WORST offender: MSG was
in every chicken dish, salad dressing. and gravy. No wonder I loved to eat
that coating on the skin -- their secret spice was MSG!

So why is MSG in so many of the foods we eat?
Is it a preservative, or a vitamin?

Not according to my friend John Erb. In his book The Slow P oisoning of
America , he said that MSG is added to food for the addictive effect it has
on the human body.

Even the propaganda website sponsored by the food manufacturers lobby group
supporting MSG explains that the reason they add it to food is to make
people eat more.

A study of the elderly showed that older people eat more of the foods that
it is added to. The Glutamate Association lobbying group says eating more is
a benefit to the elderly, but what does it do to the rest of us?

"Betcha can't eat [just] one," takes on a whole new meaning where MSG is
concerned! And we wonder why the nation is overweight!

MSG manufacturers themselves admit that it addicts people to their products.
It makes people choose their product over others, and makes people eat more
of it than they would if MSG wasn't added.

Not only is MSG scientifically proven to cause obesity, it is an addictive
substance. Since its introduction into the American food supply fifty years
ago,MSG has been added in larger and larger doses to the pre-packaged meals,
soups, snacks, and fast foods we are tempted to eat everyday.

The FDA has set no limits on how much of it can be added to food. They claim
it's safe to eat in any amount. But how can they claim it's safe when there
are hundreds of scientific studies with titles like
these:

"The monosodium glutamate (MSG) obese rat as a model for the study of
exercise in obesity." Gobatto CA, Mello MA, Souza CT , Ribeiro IA. Res
Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 2002.

"Adrenalectomy abolishes the food-induced hypothalamic serotonin release in
both normal and monosodium glutamate-obese rats." Guimaraes RB, Telles MM,
Coelho VB, Mori C, Nascimento CM, Ribeiro. Brain Res Bull. 2002 Aug.

'Obesity induced by neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment in spontaneously
hypertensive rats: An animal model of multiple risk factors."
Iwase M, Yamamoto M, Iino K, Ichikawa K, Shinohara N, Yoshinari Fuji shima.
Hypertens Res. 1998 Mar.

"Hypothalamic lesion induced by injection of monosodium glutamate in
suckling period and subsequent development of obesity." Tanaka K, Shimada M,
Nakao K Kusunoki. Exp Neurol. 1978 Oct.

No, the date of that last study was not a typo; it was published in 1978.
Both the "medical research community" and "food manufacturers" have known
about the side effects of MSG for decades.

Many more of the studies mentioned in John Erb's book link MSG todiabetes,
migraines and headaches, autism, ADHD, and even Alzheimer's.

So what can we do to stop the food manufactures from dumping this fattening
and addictive MSG into our food supply and causing the obesity epidemic we
now see?

Several months ago, John Erb took his book and his concerns to one of

the highest government health officials in Canada . While he was sitting in
the go vernment office, the official told him, "Sure, I know how bad MSG is.
I wouldn't touch the st uff." But this top-level government official refuses
to tell the public what he knows.

The big media doesn't want to tell the public either, fearing issues with
their advertisers. It seems that the fallout on the fast food industry may
hurt their profit margin. The food producers and restaurants have been
addicting us to their products for years, and now we are paying the price
for it.
Our children should not be cursed with obesity caused by an addictive food
additive.

But what can I do about it? I'm just one voice!
What can I do to stop the poisoning of our children, while our governments
are insuring financial protection for the industry that is poisoning us?

This message is going out to everyone I know in an attempt to tell you the
truth that the corporate-owned politicians and media won't tell you.

The best way you can help to save yourself and your children from this
drug-induced epidemic is to forward this article to everyone.　With any
luck, it will circle the globe before politicians can pass the legislation
protecting those who are poisoning us.

The food industry learned a lot from the tobacco industry. Imagine if big
tobacco had a bill like this in place before someone blew the whistle on
nicotine?

If you are one o f the few who can still believe that MSG is good for us and
you don't believe what John Erb has to say, see for yourself. Go to the
National Library of Medicine at　 HYPERLINK "http://www.pubmed.com/"
www.pubmed.com . Type in the words "MSG Obese" and read a few of the 115
medical studies that a ppear.

We the public do not want to be rats in one giant experiment, and we do not
approve of food that makes us into a nation of obese, lethargic,addicted
sheep, feeding the food industry's bottom line while waiting for the heart
transplant, the diabetic-induced amputation, blindness, or other
obesity-induced, life-threatening disorders.

With your help we can put an end to this poison.
Do your part in sending this message out by word of mouth, e-mail, or by
distribution of t his printout to your friends all over the world and stop
this "Slow Poisoning of Mankind" by the packaged food industry.

Blowing the whistle on MSG is our responsibility, so get the word out.

Creating your own cleaning products for pennies!

2010-03-16T21:14:00.001-07:00

Being creative in the kitchen is always fun for me but I have found a way to be even more creative by customizing my own cleaning products.

I am not a flowery scent lover and most cleaning products have too much perfume or chemical toxicity to them. Even ones that claim to be green or natural aren’t entirely that natural so to be safe I have begun making my own. In the end I choose the scent if I want scented and it ends up costing me a whole lot less than buying pre-made stuff.

The multi purposes for baking soda! There are any uses for baking soda and this is my favourite cleaning product by far. I create a large batch of baking soda and essential oils for use on my carpets for deodorizing, scrubbing my pots and pans and tubs and for adding to laundry to freshen and clean. I get a large container with a tight sealing lid and a whole lot of baking soda from Costco. I mix up about 3-4 boxes at a time of baking soda with lime, lemon and tea tree essential oil (about 15 drops of each) and shake well. Seal with lid and let sit for 24 hrs before using. For laundry add 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup with 1/2 a cup of vinegar along with laundry detergent ( I will teach you how to make that next) to your laundry load and run through. Clothes are softer, less static-y, cleaner and fresher! For pots and pans I simply sprinkle the pan with baking soda and add some dish soap and a tiny bit of water, using a scrub brush I am able to clean them spic and span getting all the stuck on food off with just a little elbow grease. I also do the same for a bath tub and it does get rid of soap grime!

For DIY homemade laundry detergent for PENNIES go to this site..There are 10 recipes for laundry detergent http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/ but keep in mind you need a very large bucket(at least 5 gallons) and a long handled mixing stick or spoon.

For fabric softener if you add vinegar to your wash load you won’t need fabric softener and you will be helping to keep your machine clean at the same time. If you like fragrance from your fabric softener add a few drops of essential oil to a scrap of damp cloth into your dryer load for fragrance.

Steam mops are a fantastic invention! I use mine to not only steam the floors but my shower stall, mattresses, pillows, my sofa and carpets. Mine comes with washable microfibre pads that I always add a few drops of essential oil to to freshen my home while I steam. For ultra clean change the pads with every room.I also suggest when buying a steam mop that you look for ones that don’t soak the pads from the get go as this makes drying time a lot longer. My mop is the Smart Living mop and I highly recommend this mop. I always steam mattresses and pillows etc during a bout of illness to help slow the spread of germs and most of the time thwart the spread altogether.

I also make my own cleaning spray with 1/2 cup of vinegar in an empty, clean spray bottle fill the rest with water and put 15 drops of lemon essential oil. Cleans everything nicely and the scent is fresh.

I hope you find these household cleaning product tips useful and money saving! I would love to hear yours!!

Breastfeeding, Bullies and Births

2010-03-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

I find that when it comes to the ongoing debate about breastfeeding that a woman can start to feel bullied by both sides. The pro-formula set tell you that their product is as good as breast milk or second to breast milk and the pro-breast feeders tell you only breast will do. Where I stand on the issue is a bit more complicated and has me feeling like both sides are the school yard bully.

When I was 15 I was pregnant with my first child, I was scared, naive but prepared to do the best I could and face the consequences of my actions. Out of fear I delayed letting people know of my pregnancy and did not get prenatal care until about 6 months along. Once the cat was out of the bag I sought proper care and thankfully everything was fine with my baby but I was another story. I have very severe asthma and at about 7 and a half months I had a very severe attack in which they were worried that my baby was not breathing. I was hospitalized and put on some heavy duty medication for the duration of my pregnancy. No one in the medical field could tell me that what they were giving me for my asthma was safe for my baby, no one would ease my mind. My entire late pregnancy I felt as if my doctors, the hospital where I gave birth (catholic hospital by the way) even when I delivered I felt as if they were punishing me for being so young and setting me up to fail. When I was hospitalized prior to the birth for my asthma attack they put me in a room with a man who was very sick and VERY contagious. He had some weird bowel/intestinal bug and frequently defecated in his bed and moaned constantly. Who puts a pregnant person in a room with someone who is contagious? During my labour they delayed and then 'accidentally' put the epidural in wrong so I had zero freezing, they left me alone in a room with a woman who was completely losing it during her labour to scare me while I was in early stages of labour. Once the baby was born they did not inform me of the state of my baby and made the assumption that I was giving my baby up for adoption and put me on a ward for heart patients without my child. When the 'mix up' was corrected they would not allow me to sleep with my baby, keep my baby in my room at night or even handle my child without supervision. They sent in countless chaplains to 'counsel' me, to pray with me and to try to talk me into doing the right thing. When it came time to feed my child because of the medication I was on they could not tell me how risky it would be for him to breastfeed so out of fear I opted to formula feed. I was 15, on social assistance, a single mom and formula feeding.

Fast forward to my pregnancy with my 5 year old, I was 32, educated, eating wholesome and organic foods with every intention of having a natural birth. I did everything right and found out that he was breech, I was adamant that I would have a natural birth! I went in to have the baby turned by the doctor...the pain was unbearable but I tolerated it with tears in my eyes and hand shaped bruises on my stomach to no success. I then had acupuncture done to turn the baby with some success but he turned back. Turns out he was breech because I had a uterine septum and he could not engage his head so I had a very unnatural C-Section. When it came time to nurse I tried so very hard, I went to the classes they held at the hospital, I went to outside breastfeeding counselling but that baby would NOT nurse. My doctor wanted me to prove to her that my child would not nurse so I proceeded to show her and she said she had never seen a baby fight so hard to NOT breastfeed in her entire career. So,for 8 months I pumped and supplemented with formula. I pumped so often I has blisters, I feel asleep many times with the pump attached only to wake up with sore nipples. I did WHATEVER I could do and still failed so now I was feeling the guilt and pressure of NOT being able to do what I wanted to do so badly. Something must be wrong with me right? When I would bottlefeed I would feel the judgmental eyes on me, I would see the looks passed and I would always get instruction or 'tips' on how to do it because after all that is what they are for and what is best for my baby. I would be a mess of tears and feelings of failure every single time I was given advice or told I must not be doing it right, that bottle feeding with formula was just horrible and why would anyone chose to formula feed.

Move on to my pregnancy with my 3 yr old. Everything did not go as planned but I was able to have a VBAC, I was able to enforce the no clamps or suction rule and I had a beautiful and eager to breastfeed baby boy. He seemed to be a natural, he also seemed insatiable and I was unable to master the left side latch...here we go again I thought. Once again I went to the classes, I went to the local LLL at the hospital, I talked to my doctor and finally after about 4 weeks got help from my friend. She came to my home and taught me how to handle the situation, to solve the very same problem many 'professionals' had failed to do. Yet again, the guilt from the inability to do it right hit me hard.

Many think because breastfeeding is natural that it just comes naturally but that is the furthest thing from the truth for many women. When women feel the need to sabotage someone else's self esteem because they cannot do something or do it as easily as they did it is destructive. It is destructive to be negative about formula feeding when sometimes it is just a necessity. It is destructive to tear at women who formula feeds especially when you have no idea of the circumstances. Yes breast milk IS best, yes it IS more budget friendly and yes it IS more convenient and if given the option I would have for every single baby but circumstances did not afford me that option every single time. Being a bully on either side is not productive it just adds further guilt and shame to an already volatile situation. Sometimes compassion goes a whole lot further, compassion can help relieve the guilt that a mother probably already feels when she is unable to do what is supposed to come naturally.

Now before we get into the advertising of formula or third world countries and formula I would like to stop it before it starts. I would also like to not get into hospitals pushing formula or any issues you may have with to formula companies, the freebies etc. This is solely about the pressures and guilt I felt with the whole situation.

Inspiration

2010-03-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

It is a word that can be tossed around so lightly or a feeling that eludes you especially during a cold, dull grey winter month such as February. Oh February, how you have uninspired me. You are a short month but probably the most painful psychologically and I am glad you are over!
I spent most of February firmly planted in my head, not wanting to deal with anything or anyone who caused me stress. February made my neck cease up so badly I spent the last two weeks dealing with daily headaches and soreness. Today is March the 2nd so I will be visiting my chiropractor to adjust the February right out of me! Good riddance February!

Hello March, month of my birth, month of the pisces and the month that spring is supposed to....well, spring! March is a month that inspires hope, creativity and happiness because by the end of the month we hope that this grey shadow cast over us by winter is long gone and the flowers, birds and people are all peaking out from their hiding places. I like March even though every March I get older. When daylight savings time is in effect it allows for those of us who wake up to dark and finish work after dark to see daylight! The warmth of spring and summer affords us more outdoor time, walks along the boardwalk, more playtime in the park and the very best things in the world...ROADTRIPS!!! I am starting to feel inspired to start planning roadtrips, getting ideas and researching locations....this is the ultimate in family fun.

I try to plan trips that cost next to no money, only gas and maybe parking. We have picked up and gone to various beaches, Niagara Falls and various small towns in Ontario and loved every trip. I like taking the boys places where they can just run around and be boys without the borders of fences or traffic. This year will be no exception and my inspiration is bubbling! Yay for inspiration!

So I ask you dear readers...what is your inspiration? Do you have roadtrip inspirations for me?

In Honour of Family Day.....

2010-02-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

I bring you the VERY BEST pancake recipe you will ever taste! You can vegan-i-fy it if you wish but it is mostly vegan!

1 1/4 cups soymilk unsweetened + 1 tbsp or lemon juice to create "buttermilk"
2 tbsp coconut milk powder to thicken butter milk
1/4 cup grapeseed oil ( light and has no really flavour to alter the taste of food but if pregnant do NOT use)
1 egg
1/4 cup of unbleached white spelt flour
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup raw agave nectar
1 heaping tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of baking soda
pinch of salt

combine soymilk and lemon juice in bowl but do not mix together let sit
beat egg in separate bowl along
add in oil to mixing bowl and then egg, agave and stir together. add in coconut milk powder
mix together in separate bowl all dry in gredients but coconut milk powder and then gradually mix into wet mixture

use grapeseed oil to grease your frying pan or griddle as it is light and has a high smoke point

I personally like to combine blueberries, agave and maple syrup as a topping but the sky is the limit!

my smoothie recipe

2010-02-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

this is what I drink every morning and I gave the reason for each ingredient. I mix it with an organic orange juice or soy milk but any juice will do. I also add a tsp of cinnamon and an inch sized piece of fresh ginger when ill or feeling rundown

a banana: potassium good for cardiovascular and bone health, aids in elimination, kidney health and eye health

1/3 to 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries (seasonal): high levels of antioxidants, cardiovascular protection, promotes gastrointestinal health

strawberries about 5 or 6 frozen or fresh (seasonal): again antioxidants, vitamin C rich, manganese, dietary fibre and iodine as well as a good source of potassium, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B5, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin K, magnesium, and copper.

I use a protein powder called Vega Smoothie Infusion because you need a protein to help break down the sugars in the fruits and to provide a strong energy source, it also has a fibre source and some added vitamins in a hemp protein powder. you can opt for a soy protein or a dairy protein as well but I like the fact that the Vega does not alter the flavour of the smoothie like some other products can.

1/2 tsp of maca root powder: helps keep your body strong by regulating the endocrine system (hormone production), supports the adrenal glans, anti-cancer, natural pain reliever

1 tsp of spirulina powder: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), nicotinamide (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, zinc, and large amounts of potassium. I also find that this aids in digestion and helps the body to eliminate regularily. There is also research into spirulina for decreasing allergic symptoms.

1 tsp acai powder; antioxidants, heart healthy fats, fibre

1 tsp pomegranate powder: antioxidants, reduces heart disease, reduces cholesterol, lowers systolic blood pressure, anti-cancer, prevents osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory

1/2 to 1 ounce of aloe juice: aloe is a natural healing plant for both inside and out, also helps flush your system and heal your body faster

1 tsp sea vegetables for omega fatty acids, an added veggie source, thyroid health and is a natural anti-inflammatory

I also sometimes add 1 tsp of raw cacao powder: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sulfur for strong hair, nails and beautiful skin, anti-aging

Distance, Health and Family.

2010-01-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

Over a year ago my husband's father (my father-in-law) and his partner moved to Ecuador to retire, they did live in Vancouver on a boat prior to this so obviously an adventurous couple who enjoy their own company in small spaces. Recently Billy's father had some health issues that required surgery and he is now recuperating at home with his partner. This is difficult for them I am sure not having family nearby for support and help, it is also difficult for us too. Feeling helpless and not able to check in on him, not being able to give Shelley a break or being able to just see for ourselves the improvements. I have never met the man but he is my father-in-law and therefore by default someone very important to myself and my husband, the children and also being a long time partner to Shelley. Surgery of any type makes me nervous, medical intervention in a foreign country even more so. My own father had this surgery a few years back without telling me! I have been spending much time thinking about our fathers and their mortality, unfortunately a side effect of knowing a family member is ill. Thankfully he got the all clear and is well on the mend so now I think I can sleep better knowing that all is looking a whole lot brighter in their end if the world.

We got a notice/information pamphlet in the mail from Toronto Hydro informing us of a new billing amount and format. They are now upping the peak time price between the hours of 7am and 11am and 5pm and 9pm in the winter months is peak season and 11am and 5 pm is mid peak so the busiest times in our household for both activity and work. The difference in price is 4.4 cents per kWh during off peak, 8 cents during mid peak, 9.3 cents during peak times...WOW!!! You can bet I will be doing laundry off peak! I will also be even more diligent about lights and appliances being turned off and/or unplugged and power bars being shut off! They also installed what they call a Smart Meter which allows Hydro to record your actual consumption rather than estimated and allows the consumer to view their usage online.

The constant grey of Toronto in the winter months always gets to me, little sunshine, little greenery make for a long winter season. I start dreaming of moving elsewhere, having a nice piece of land on a lake somewhere and this winter is no exception...fingers crossed for those lottery tickets being winners!

I had a good idea for some DIY work as we still have to carpet the third floor staircase, the second floor hallway and landing but really cannot afford to have someone do it for us. The third floor staircase is tricky because they curve around and each stair is a different size and shape, I figure I can just carpet the actual stair itself with a staple gun and runner rugs cut to match the stair and paint the riser in a complimentary colour. This will allow us to have them carpeted for safety ( they are doozeys) and still look professional or well done. The hall won't be an issue for me to carpet but the landing may get tricky because of its odd shape but I am sure I can brainstorm a solution. This leaves just the trim in the bathroom to do and painting the bathroom walls to complete the renos, this would make me very happy to finally have it all done.

Toxic Beauty, the Ugly Truth

2010-01-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I work in one of the most toxic industries and also the most loved industries by women. Women who will spend countless dollars and hours basking in...the beauty industry. I have a salon, in my home no less where my children, my husband and I are exposed to everything that I do there 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Every colour I use, every spray and gel I use the fumes are inhaled by myself, my clients and my family. So, why would I expose my family to these toxins? Well, I don't! Years ago I became aware of the toxicity in my environment and decided that for my own health and that of everyone around me I needed to make a change and I turned my salon into a green, eco-conscious, vegan salon. From the products I wash your hair with to the colour, to the washing of the towels, cleaning and electricity I use I am green! I am proud to be green! I am proud to be toxin free! I also feel better, look better and have better health than 5 years ago when I was using the regular hair salon products. I also changed my entire household to match from the food we eat to how we clean, medicate and put on our bodies we are cautious. I have become and obsessive label reader, an obsessive web searcher and completely reliant upon The Skin Deep Cosmetic database. I long ago memorized the list I am about to give you to keep these toxins out of your beauty care products. Here are the whats and whys to buying your beauty products...it is going to get ugly!

This is a list of the bad in beauty care.
Phthatale family or di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

Can result in: endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCS) and carcinogen linked to birth defects; premature breast developments; lowered sperm counts; testicular injury; damage to reproductive organs; lung, liver and kidney cancer

Why used: makes plastic soft and malleable.

Found in: nail polish, hair-straighteners and sprays, body lotions, and deodorants.

Banned in: Europe

Lauryl sulfate(SLS), Sodium laureth sulfate(SLES)

Can result in: suspected carcinogen linked kidney and liver damage; nervous system disruption; damage to eyes leading to cataracts; eczema and dermatitis, known to inflame skin layers.

Why used: foaming agent and emulsifier.

Found in: toothpaste, shampoo, bath salts, body and shower gels.

Banned in: Europe and Central America

Paraben preservatives or alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)

Can result in: hormone disrupter, estrogenic (mimics natural estrogens that leads to cancer); linked to breast cancer; skin rashes.

Why used: germicide and preservative.

Found in: conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, concealers, mascara, facial masks, skin creams, and deodorants, sunscreen, hair-colouring.

Banned in: Japan and Sweden. Under review in the UK.

Formaldehyde family or Diazolidinyl urea, 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin , Quaternium-15, Nitropropane-1, Formalin , Methanal , Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide, Morbicid acid, Oxymethylene

Can result in: carcinogen, causes allergic reactions and contact dermatitis; headaches; irritates mucous membranes; damaging to eyes; linked to joint and chest pain; depression; headaches; fatigue; dizziness and immune dysfunction.

Why used: disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, defoamer and preservative, cheap and mixes easily with water.

Found in: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, liquid antiseptic hand wash, skin lotions, bubble bath, hair care products, antiperspirants, nail polishes, talcs; mascara, mouthwash, make-up remover.

Banned in: Europe

Amine family Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), amonoethanolamine (MEA)

Can result in: hormone disrupter; carcinogen linked to liver and kidney cancer; irritant to hair and skin; corrosive to eyes; causes contact dermatitis; react with other chemicals to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Why used: emulsifier, pH adjuster, and preservative, foaming agent added to coconut oils.

Found in: shampoos, soaps, hairsprays, sunscreens, foundations, concealers, eyeliner, talc, face powders, shaving creams, hair colouring products (women and men), hair sprays.

Banned in: Currently under review in the USA, UK and Europe

Propylene / Butylene Glycol (PG)

Side Effect: linked to possible brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities respiratory and throat irritation, central nervous system depression, pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, skin rashes and dermatitis, neuro-toxin that weakens protein and cellular structure.

Why: cheap substitute for glycerine, humectant (retains moisture).

Found in: deodorants, body lotions, body washes, hair conditioner, hair gel, creams, hand-wipes, lipsticks.

Banned in: Europe

So you might ask well what can I use? Well I make my own body butter with essential oils for fragrance with coconut oil, which is antifungal, antibacterial naturally ( but that is another blog post) and Giovanni hair care both at home and in the salon as well as Green Beaver hair care and skin care. Green Beaver is also Canadian and makes awesome SLS free toothpaste! In my salon I also carry Rustic Rootz organic skincare, lovely hand made cupcake and cake shaped soaps with body butter on top for shaving, tub teas, bath bombs and body scrubs all made with organic ingredients, essential oils and completely vegan oh and I should mention made with a lot of love in Kincardine Ontario. I also highly suggest www.theoilcleansingmethod.com and before you tell me I am crazy because oil can't possibly clean your skin and not give you pimples...TRY IT!!!! It works amazingly well and is cheap. I also have another list here from a site which gives you a few more examples of the good but do your own research and READ LABELS!!!

Companies offering alternatives

Aubrey: hair, skin and body care products

Burt's Bees: chapsticks, skin care, makeup, hair care

BWC (Beauty without Cruelty): makeup and skin care

Dr. Hauschka: skin care products

Druide bath products and hair care

Ecco Bella: makeup, skin care and bath products

Erbaviva

Giovanni: bath, hair and skin products

Juara Skincare

Lavera: makeup and skin care products

Little Forest Baby

MOP (Modern Organic Products): hair care products

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Naddara Suki Naturals

Weleda: cosmetics

Upurea has one of the largest selections of enviro-friendly skincare products sold online.

Hormone Help Naturally!

2010-01-13T09:07:00.001-08:00

Maca is also known scientifically as Lepidiun meyenii and is it grown primarily for the healing wonders of its roots which are dried and kept in storage. This herb, which was considered sacred by the Incas, naturally grows in Peru’s Junin plateau.

Among the top health benefits of maca are:

Restoring strength and increasing the libido

The Incan warriors took the maca herb before they went to battle to keep their bodies strong and ready for rigorous physical activity. However, they realized that the herb also increased their libido so the warriors were forbidden from taking in maca after battle to protect the women folks from their sexual impulses. Word of maca’s power to restore strength and libido travelled to Europe, the United States and Japan leading to the planting of more maca and the popularity of maca supplements.

Regulate the Endocrine

Maca is a potent herb that can regulate the endocrine system which consists of glands that produce hormones necessary for essential body functions. The herb maca has been found effective in increasing a person’s energy levels, encourage growth and stimulate metabolic functions. The nutrients found in maca fuels the system and encourage hormone production.

Support adrenal glands

Maca is an adaptogen and as such helps in maintaining the overall health of the body. Its calcium, fatty acids and vitamins B1, B2, B12 content aids in the digestion process while its phosphorus as well as vitamins B12 and B1 works on the nervous system. On the other hand, the alkaloid content of maca helps the body assimilate all the nutrients required by the body.

Help in fighting cancer

The maca herb contains glucosinolate and fibers that help prevent some forms of cancer. The fatty acids content of the herb helps in improving the body’s immunity system. It also helps in lessening the chances of getting rickets, osteomalacia and other bone diseases.

Pain reliever

Maca contains terpenoids and saponins which gives it the power to relieve pain and act as expectorant, sedative and analgesic. Maca’s analgesic effect works not only to a specific body organ but generally.

Keeping Depression at Bay Naturally Part 2...5-HTP

2010-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

This is information taken from The Progressive Health Site about the risks and benefits if taking 5 HTP for depression and other health issues

5-HTP is a supplement used to help with many conditions, including depression, obesity, carbohydrate craving, bulimia, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, migraine, headaches, and fibromyalgia.

Although there are several conditions, which are helped by, taking 5-HTP there are also dangers when taking it with out know how to take it.

Benefits of Taking 5-HTP

5-HTP is an amino acid. The body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan (an essential amino acid) and converts it to an important brain chemical known as serotonin.

Tryptophan and 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.

Depression - Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression. Many drugs prescribed for depression increase serotonin levels. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression.

Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.
Fibromyalgia - 5-HTP has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression in individuals with fibromyalgia.
Insomnia - Medical research indicates that supplementation with tryptophan before bedtime can induce sleepiness and delay wake times. Studies also suggest that 5-HTP may be useful in treating insomnia associated with depression.
Headaches - Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in children and adults with various types of headaches including migraines.
Obesity - There is some evidence that low tryptophan levels may contribute to excess fat and carbohydrate intake.

When Not To Take 5-HTP

As with any supplement, 5-HTP can be abused. However, when used wisely, it has proven itself to be a safe and effective supplement.

While this supplement appears to be safe for most people, 5-HTP danger occurs when people mix 5-HTP with prescription medications and herbal supplements. Taking too much 5-HTP is also dangerous.

5-HTP should not be taken concurrently with anti- depressants except under the supervision of a physician, because 5-HTP increases the activity of these drugs. Mixing SSRI medications and 5-HTP may result in a rare but extremely serious condition called serotonin syndrome. People with serotonin syndrome exhibit a variety of symptoms including confusion, restlessness, hallucinations, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Coma and death follow swiftly after symptoms appear.
5-HTP should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with significant cardiovascular disease.
It is also contraindicated in those with carcinoid tumors.
Mixing 5 HTP with herbal supplements for depression such as St. John's Wort is also not recommended. Like SSRI medications, St. John's Wort alters the delicate balance of brain chemistry. 5 HTP can tip the balance into dangerous territory.

5-HTP Overdose

Individuals who take 5-HTP may expect it to act quickly, altering their mood overnight. Medications, supplements and herbs that act upon neurotransmitters usually need to be taken for several weeks before patients start to feel the effects.

Some people take more and more 5 HTP, hoping that taking more will increase the effectiveness more quickly. This can create a dangerous condition called, serotonin syndrome. Many alternate health practitioners recommend starting slowly with 5 HTP and taking it for only short periods of time to avoid dangerous overdoses.

5-HTP Side Effects

Reported side effects from taking 5-HTP include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Dangerous doses of 5-HTP can cause agitation, fast heart rate, a boost in blood pressure—and in rare cases, coma and even death.

Combining it with an antidepressant, any other drug that affects serotonin levels or herbal supplements like St. John's Wort can also cause such side effects. People who have heart disease, peptic ulcers, kidney disease, or clotting disorders should definitely not take this supplement.

Keeping Depression at Bay Naturally

2010-01-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

If you live in a climate that has very little sun and warmth during the winter months than this may be the time you find your moods sinking. It is very common to suffer from S.A.D ( seasonal affective disorder) when you live in colder, darker climates and there are a few tricks to combating the mood swings. One that is very important in not only elevating your mood but also your immune system is vitamin D, an adults daily required dose is 2000 iu and most foods do not contain it but here is a list of naturally occurring vitamin D food sources, Cod-liver oil, egg yolk, halibut-liver oil, herring, liver, mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna, vitamin D fortified milk. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous from the small intestine. It is essential for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth and can boost your immune system. People who get sufficient vitamin D are less likely to get colon cancer and research suggests it may help treat irritable bowel diseases.

Omega fatty acids are an essential part of dealing with depression or seasonal depression. It all has to do with your nerve endings, the signals they send and lack of omega fatty acids interferes with these signals. People hospitalized for test low for these. Check out this in depth site for the rest of the benefits of taking omega fatty acids including asthma, arthritis and many more common ailments http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

B vitamins give you boundless energy, perk you up more than coffee and are very important for many reasons but when it comes specifically to dealing with your mood/depressions the B-complex vitamins are essential to mental and emotional well-being. They cannot be stored in our bodies, so we depend entirely on our daily diet to supply them. B vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine, and caffeine so it is no surprise that many people may be deficient in these.

I am cutting and pasting this because the information is so vast about B vitamins....all great info!!!

Here's a rundown of recent finding about the relationship of B-complex vitamins to depression:

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): The brain uses this vitamin to help convert glucose, or blood sugar, into fuel, and without it the brain rapidly runs out of energy. This can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Deficiencies can also cause memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disorders. The consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as simple sugars, drains the body's B1 supply.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Pellagra-which produces psychosis and dementia, among other symptoms-was eventually found to be caused by niacin deficiency. Many commercial food products now contain niacin, and pellagra has virtually disappeared. However, subclinical deficiencies of vitamin B3 can produce agitation and anxiety, as well as mental and physical slowness.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Symptoms of deficiency are fatigue, chronic stress, and depression. Vitamin B5 is needed for hormone formation and the uptake of amino acids and the brain chemical acetylcholine, which combine to prevent certain types of depression.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin aids in the processing of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. It is needed in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Vitamin B6 deficiencies, although very rare, cause impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. A marginal deficiency sometimes occurs in alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives. MAOIs, ironically, may also lead to a shortage of this vitamin. Many nutritionally oriented doctors believe that most diets do not provide optimal amounts of this vitamin.
Vitamin B12: Because vitamin B12 is important to red blood cell formation, deficiency leads to an oxygen-transport problem known as pernicious anemia. This disorder can cause mood swings, paranoia, irritability, confusion, dementia, hallucinations, or mania, eventually followed by appetite loss, dizziness, weakness, shortage of breath, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and tingling sensations in the extremities. Deficiencies take a long time to develop, since the body stores a three- to five-year supply in the liver. When shortages do occur, they are often due to a lack of intrinsic factor, an enzyme that allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the intestinal tract. Since intrinsic factor diminishes with age, older people are more prone to B12 deficiencies.
Folic acid: This B vitamin is needed for DNA synthesis. It is also necessary for the production of SAM (S-adenosyl methionine). Poor dietary habits contribute to folic acid deficiencies, as do illness, alcoholism, and various drugs, including aspirin, birth control pills, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants. It is usually administered along with vitamin B12, since a B12 deficiency can mask a folic acid deficiency. Pregnant women are often advised to take this vitamin to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

Vitamin C is also necessary in helping your body fight off illness but also in helping the body produce and store other vitamins and minerals. Aspirin, tetracycline and birth control deplete the body's supply so make sure to take your supplements to ward off depression.

Magnesium deficiency can result in depressive symptoms, along with confusion, agitation, anxiety, and hallucinations, as well as a variety of physical problems. Most diets do not include enough magnesium, and stress also contributes to magnesium depletion

Calcium depletion affects the central nervous system. Low levels of calcium cause nervousness, apprehension, irritability, and numbness.

Zinc inadequacies result in apathy, lack of appetite, and lethargy. When zinc is low, copper in the body can increase to toxic levels, resulting in paranoia and fearfulness.

Depression is often a symptom of chronic iron deficiency. Other symptoms include general weakness, listlessness, exhaustion, lack of appetite, and headaches

Manganese, this metal is needed for proper use of the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Since it also plays a role in amino-acid formation, a deficiency may contribute to depression stemming from low levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Manganese also helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent hypoglycemic mood swings.

Potassium depletion is frequently associated with depression, tearfulness, weakness, and fatigue.

I hope this information is helpful to many of you because this is a serious issue for myself and I am sure anyone else who lives in a dull, grey, winter climate.

Adventures in Vegan Baking part 2

2010-01-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

So after a very good start with the red velvet vegan cupcakes from the babycakes cookbook ( aside from a less than stellar cream cheese (soy) cherry icing, too runny because I actually bought the vegan sour cream rather than the thicker cream cheese. Tasted really good but ran way too much), I decided to give the vanilla cupcakes a shot. The cupcakes themselves just came out of the oven a few minutes ago, I made 24 minis and 12 regular sized, tasted them sans icing and they are ok. Because all the oil is coconut oil in this baking everything has a coconut taste, to me this is ok because I like that flavour but it is distinct. I did not add the lemon zest it called for because we had no lemons so it was omitted but everything else was as called for. A more stable cake for sure than the red velvet, less crumbly and a little heartier. The icing has turned out to be a bit trickier because again it calls for coconut oil, as coconut oil cools it turns into a solid so in the mixer did not emulsify well but I noticed this quickly and changed it to the food processor and saved the icing. Unfortunately the icing takes 6 hrs to chill and get thick, I am hoping that by having it in the freezer and just mixing it around now and then I can cut that time so we can have the cupcakes for dessert. The recipe does make a lot of frosting so I am sure I can get more than one batch of cupcakes out of it. I did substitute the soy milk powder with coconut milk powder for a nicer flavour, although more expensive coconut milk powder is much tastier! I am really enjoying trying these recipes, they are almost all gluten free, all vegan, all bad fat free and processed sugar free which I LOVE! I am sure I will get the hang of things now that I have more confidence with this book, understanding what does what in the recipe and realizing that if the batter is runnier than a regular batter it is ok. I am sure the boys will love them!

baking vegan style

2010-01-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

I discovered a New York City secret some time ago that secret was Babycakes! Not living in New York makes it impossible to actually procure these vegan delights but they brought out a cookbook and this was gifted to me at Christmas. Today I decided to try my hand after stocking up at the grocery store on needed items over the last two weeks. Todays attempt was Red Velvet Cupcakes...the batter was interesting to make without egg, butter or milk, I was truly skeptical! After putting the batter in my new silicone cupcake pans (again another gift) I discovered it tasted delicious! I am now looking at the baked cupcakes and although the tops feel somewhat they look beautiful. I think I might forego the recipe book's frosting in favour of a soy cream cheese made up one as their vanilla frosting requires 6 hrs of cooling and these cupcakes are meant for tonight's dessert. I also opted not to use food colouring as i did not have a natural source readily but the natural raw cacoa I used did turn them a nice red tone. I am actually excited to have the boys try these as they have no processed products in them at all.

EDIT* i had one cupcake that had sunk too much to fix with frosting so I tried it out and the cake is super moist, a great cake texture, rich as all get out! Has a slight coconutty flavour because coconut oil is used instead of butter but the richness is amazing for something completely vegan! YUM!!!

2009 For Dummies

2009-12-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

This was a great year for self discovery...thus 2009 for Dummies is born.
I had many things to think about, suicide, accidental death,natural death...death being my least favourite subject! It was also a time of another kind of loss, many clients, friends and family lost jobs. Money became an issue even more and many people wondered how they would have enough to even cover their rent. 2009 brought about some family changes as well but for the most part all very welcome and positive. Hearts do soften and time does heal, that was a big lesson this past year. I have had a lot of growth, learning to understand myself more, my needs, my tolerances and my shortcomings. I have come to understand where I want to go and where I want to be. I understand why I love people and why I need to let others go...this is all about my growth. I have never been in a more positive place in my life, never had such a peaceful heart as I do at this moment. Although I could always use more money I have riches beyond measure in so many ways. Those moments in 2009 that brought tears and turmoil served as a reminder that life simply cannot be taken for granted. Enjoy what we have and appreciate it, don't lose sight of your goals but don't take for granted the good you have at THIS moment. 2010 welcome to my life!

on these days in 2006.....

2009-12-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

pop...
Dec. 29th, 2006 | 04:20 am
my water broke...I thought I peed myself

Home Sweet Home aka the Frankenvagina Returns
Dec. 31st, 2006 | 10:24 am
Let me start by saying waking up or rather being woken up at 4 am by feeling like you peed the bed is about as bad as it can get in the field of humiliation....thinking *wow I have to wake my husband to tell him I peed the bed so we can change the sheets, how nice for me*...

Surprise! Not urine but a very blatant I am on my way out sign from Rowan.

I am now home and will post a birth story later for all those dying to know the gory details but for now I say it is good to be home and to have slept in my own bed, I shall save the drama for you mamas later! Now I go rest my weary eyes and nether regions.

The Obligatory New Year's Eve Post.
Dec. 31st, 2006 | 04:19 pm
Not much to say but 2006 saw a great many things come about for me which have all been positive. Home salon is doing well, met the man I am married to who I adore, have a full family unit and the piece de resistance is that Rowan came just in time to ring in the New Year! Bring on 2007!!!! I have a lot of love in my heart and I hope you do too.

The Birth Story or How to Birth Baby Before 6 pm When your Doctor's Shift is Up!
Jan. 3rd, 2007 | 05:57 pm
4:12 am my water broke...rather trickled making me think I wet my bed in my sleep...when I stood up it was definitely my water breaking! I showered while Billy called my mom to let her know to get her sleepy butt here to watch the children. Apparently my mom was thinking she could come at a more reasonable time until I called her and told her that the children needed an adult even if they were still asleep...my mother must do crack sometimes but THAT is another story. I chalked her stupidity up to being woken up at 4:30 am and that is the story I am sticking to. Billy had to go pick up my mom because my stepfather refused to wake up so that took a bit of time, in the meantime I cleaned my bedroom (which if you have ever been in my room it is rarely tidy) but the power of nesting compelled me to at least bring new baby home to less clutter where he sleeps. Finally we get to the hospital, B drops me off at the doors I go up to triage alone while he finds suitable aka cheap as he can find parking and I get signed in to triage. We get our cubicle in triage, I get hooked up to a fetal heart monitor and a contraction monitor as well as my IV penicillin...yay GBS positive! Rowan is doing fine, contractions are coming but with no great consistency or strength, I doze in and out of sleep until the doctors come to see me, check to see how thin my cervix is and how far I am dilated and at that point I am about 50% effaced and 2-3 cm dilated so they leave me be for a couple of hours to see if we actually go into active labour. By 11 am I am admitted into a birthing room and the doc tells me due to my GBS positive state they need to move this labour along so they say Oxytocin and I cringe in fear and horror but I know at this stage it is for the best. He says first things first I need an epidural, I challenge this but he says we can keep it dry until such time as I need it if I like but he says that being a VBAC is a risk and if they need to operate it'll be immediate so there needs to be preparations made and having the epidural in will save valuable time and I agree reluctantly. I get the epidural...seriously I am not a fan of getting this done AT ALL! B almost passes out from either the smell of it or the actual action of the doc who knows but he has to go sit down and I laugh wholeheartedly with the nurse about how tough my man is. I am all needled up, got my IV flowing and now the Oxytocin in and the anesthesiologist says that he thinks it is best to get the epidural running now that the Oxytocin is in because he wants to make sure it is actually working in case I need to go to surgery. At this point I relent, nothing has gone my way so far anyway why start now. He runs it at minimal dose and we wait...

By 3 pm my contractions can be felt through the epidural and as tough as I am trying to stay I can't handle the pain anymore and need to up my dose of meds so I push the button and continue to do so every ten minutes until it is time to push which doesn't happen until about 5:15 so pain she is my mistress for several hours. Thank heavens for Billy and the amazing nurse I had and my awesome not too invasive doctor! When having a baby you can have no shame, you cannot be shy or weird about everyone having their head's, hands and what not in your genitals, you cannot be weird about bodily fluids and you most certainly cannot be squeamish about people touching your no-no places in ways no one has ever or will ever touch you again. By the time I was ready to push I felt like the doctor and I had been dating for years he was so familiar with my parts. The removed the external fetal heart monitor from my belly and actually attached one to Rowan's head which then sounded like a loud game of Pong and as I pushed I could hear his heart rate drop and then elevate but it was going so slowly and finally when I heard his heart rate drop under 61 and not return to normal I panicked and pushed myself to push harder, I unfortunately required an episiotomy and that helped get Rowan out a lot faster. He came out wrapped in his umbilical cord from head to toe and was quite blue but after they untangled him and B cut the cord he became a normal colour. He scored first an 8 on the Apgar and then a 9 and when I got to finally hold him I was stunned! I had a baby with hair!!! Not just a little hair but a fair bit of DARK hair!!! AND he was not pastey white! This could not be my child! At 5:55 pm on Friday December 29th Rowan William was born. Rowan weighed in at 7lbs 7.4 oz and over 19 cm in length...I was so relieved he was not much bigger!
My husband was amazing, he really was such a good coach and trooper, my team was amazing with exception of my resident, who when stitching me up was clumsy and SLOW and had me wanting to punch him. Overall, for a highly risky and medically intervened birth it was a great experience.
The only thing I am pissy about is once I got up on the ward my semi- private room was probably more noisy than bunking with the four gals I did last time. I was dead asleep at 11 pm and they moved this lady in who also had her WHOLE family with her and they were loud, her husband, their kids, the mother and mother in-law, the father and father-in-law the whole kitten caboodle! I did not get any sleep in the hospital and they kept the Oxytocin running until 6 am the next morning because my nurse forgot to remove it and even though I took the pain meds they gave the contraction pain was unbelievably horrid and it kept me awake the entire night and at 6 when I happened to look at the sticker on the bag and realize it was Oxytocin running through me I freaked out. I told them they needed to come right way or I was taking the IV out myself, I was literally contracting like I had been during birthing but with no epidural and no meds but tylenol.

Rowan took to nursing right away, I could not get the latch down, I have since figured it out on one side! I am still diligently working on the other side but in the meantime I pump and pump and pump every three hours...I am a trooper.

smilin' Rowan

sleepy Rowan

Hope for the Hopeless?

2009-11-11T08:55:00.001-08:00

Is there such a thing? Is it silly or a complete waste of time to have hope in something that you know for certain will never happen or is doomed to fail? I have romanticized things for far too long and placed hope in something that historically has shown me to never have hope in. How many times does one person need to learn the same lesson before they realize they have just been banging their head against a concrete wall? Apparently I am far too hopeful and I have put an end to that nonsense for good. I will place my hope and faith where it is deserved and where it will be rewarded. PHEW!!!!

So Chuffed!

2009-11-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

I am so completely chuffed right now for a few reasons, one is we got rid of the ghost we had it seems and hopefully all will be right in the electrical appliance world in our home from now on. Another reason is that Friday is Christine's wedding and she is going to have an adorable and sexy pin up style for her hair and I will be attending her wedding with my husband and cousin. The third reason is today my brother called and told us that my stepmother wants the boys to go to her staff Christmas party on December 6th and that is so completely amazing and wonderful!

Today marks 12 years of sobriety for my husband and that is quite the accomplishment for him! Life is not always easy to handle and it would be so easy to turn back to drugs and alcohol I am sure but he has not.

It is almost mid November and already the bookings for Christmas are rolling in, it is always a busy time and this year will be no exception. This year the boys are at such a great age for Christmas, they actually understand and have a lot of excitement about it. The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is this Sunday maybe we can catch it this year. It promises to be bigger and better this year but with our current economy I wonder. Speaking of Christmas, I find it very frustrating how retailers really play on guilt and money spent= amount of love you have. I really don't want our children to think that this is OK but when it is advertised to them daily multiple times a day how can they not get that idea. Maybe this year the family should volunteer at a shelter so they can understand how lucky they are and also help make someone else's holiday a little more special. I think I will look into this and see what we can do.

Jack continues to amaze his teacher at school with his knowledge and passion for learning. He makes me so proud. Aiden does well in school but does require more discipline when it comes to homework as he tries very hard to not do it or not complete it totally. I realize it is hard for him with what goes on at his mother's and the difference in rules between the two homes. Also, since the introduction of yet another new boyfriend he has started displaying some negtaive behaviours again. I really hope he can be kept out of his mother's relationships because it is not helping him to trust and form bonds. He is such an sweet kid and seeing the hurt in his eyes when these men are gone from his life is so hard for us. Rowan has become Chatty Cathy lately, he always had a great vocabulary and enunciation but lately he is really able to form the sounds properly and express himself. They are growing up so fast it makes me cry sometimes just how big they are getting.

I am still recovering from one doozey of a chest infection, not the best time of year for it but it seems to be the pattern. all in all though everyone is happy, healthy and doing well.

and they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth....

2009-11-03T10:41:00.001-08:00

2009-11-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today has been quite the adventure in patience, understanding and illness. It has been about a week since I got a cold that has now turned into a very bad chest infection and possibly pneumonia. I am upright and sort of mobile only because of the maximum dose of prednisone, which is most hated and foul but necessary at this point. If I end up having to go into the hospital it will be bad for us financially and because we have no one to help with the children. I need to stay out of a hospital and doctor's offices and lick this myself. To top it all off Rowan flushed something (s) down the salon toilet and we had to have a plumber come and fix it. He snaked it several times but finally had to pull the toilet up and found 3 large hair clips plus the plunger part that Billy lost down the toilet because he insisted on pluging it wrong. I swear I should not let that man touch a damn thing when it comes to fixing stuff because inevitably he always makes it worse than it needs to be. So in two days I had to mop up poopie water 2 times, scrub the entire bathroom 2 times and my salon floor, the stairs, the hall and the laundry room as well as the host of towels and steam mop pads that need to be washed along with our other laundry mountain. I am supposed to be resting damn it!

Serenity now

H1N1 facts, Vaccine Facts

2009-10-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE H1N1 VACCINE

This was sent from a Naturopath to her patients.

This week has started with a flood of emails and phone calls with questions regarding the H1N1 vaccine, so I have decided to address it with a newsletter. I will not make your decision about whether or not to get the shot, but instead attempt to provide some clear information so that you can make an informed decision.

Facts about the H1N1 flu:

* The estimated worldwide incidence of the H1N1 influenza is at 526,735 cases as of today. The reported number of deaths is 6,873.
* In Canada there have been 12,038 verified cases, and 91 reported deaths due to the H1N1 virus.
* These numbers may not be accurate, as currently (since June 2009), most people with flu-like symptoms are not tested for the H1N1 virus, and continue to recover at home.
* In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter flu season is now over. In spite of dire predictions, only 185 people died from the H1N1 virus in Australia - considerably fewer than the roughly 3,000 who die from the seasonal influenza each year. These numbers also reflect a completely unvaccinated population.
* The World Health Organization claims that 30-50% of people infected with influenza have mild or no symptoms at all.
* The incidence of this strain of influenza appears to be higher in younger adults than the seasonal flu.
* Pregnant women are not at increased risk of catching the H1N1 virus, but they are at higher risk of severe illness if contracted.
* People with underlying health issues, such as asthma and diabetes appear to have a higher risk of complications due to the H1N1 virus.

Facts about the H1N1 vaccine:

* Canada has chosen the GlaxoSmithKline vaccine "AREPANRIX" which has two components, the antigen and an adjuvant. The adjuvant portion is added to reduce the amount of vaccine needed per dose. This is why the vaccine has become available so quickly. Pregnant women will receive a different version of the vaccine without the adjuvant.
* The vaccine has not been put through extensive studies, and has not been tested on several age-groups at all. The vaccine has not been tested on children under 3 years, children 10-17 years old, or on pregnant women.
* It contains several know toxic ingredients: thimerosal (mercury) and formaldehyde in the antigen component, and squalene and polysorbate 80 in the adjuvant. There is concern around the safety of thimerosal in children related to brain development. Squalene has been questioned in possibly inducing autoimmune disease such as arthritis and other chronic inflammatory disease. Polysorbate 80 has been called a 'hidden inductor' of anaphylactoid reactions. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. These are all in very small amounts in the vaccine, but they are present.
* Studies show that even the best unadjuvanted flu vaccines only protect six out of 10 people who get the shot. Experts believe an adjuvanted flu vaccine could boost protection rates to as high as nine in 10.
* Vaccine side-effects (noted from the day of vaccination and for 6 more days only):

Day 0 to Day 6 Adverse Events
Adverse reaction

H1N1 vaccine with adjuvant - single dose

H1N1 unadjuvanted vaccine - single dose

Pain
89.9% 59.1%
Redness
31.7% 4.5%
Swelling
30.2% 1.5%
Fatigue
15.9% 10.6%
Headache
14.3% 7.6%
Arthralgia (joint pain)
14.3% 3.0%
Myalgia (muscle pain)
15.9% 4.5%
Shivering
3.2% 4.5%
Sweating
6.3% 4.5%
Fever
0.0% 0.0%

Analysis:

* Overall, if you choose to vaccinate, the non-adjuvant version of the vaccine appears to have less toxicity and fewer adverse reactions, but may be less effective. This is the one that is ordered for pregnant women, but may not be available to other individuals.
* At the present time, I would recommend weighing your personal risks and benefits for vaccination. Some people have a very low risk of exposure to the H1N1 flu, as well as less chance of complications, while others are at higher risk.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I would recommend that no matter what choice you make regarding the vaccine, that you book an appointment (in person or a phone consult) with your doctor or naturopath to discuss preventative and proactive strategies:

* If you are not getting the H1N1 vaccine, they will discuss ways of boosting your immune system, strategies for flu prevention, and what to do at first signs of illness if you do get sick.
* If you are getting the vaccine, they will discuss a protocol to reduce the risk of an adverse reaction to the shot, and recommendations to lower your chance of an autoimmune reaction from the vaccine.

References:

1. Health Canada: Product Information Leaflet Arepanrix™ H1N1 AS03-Adjuvanted H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Vaccine (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/legislation/interimorders-arretesurgence/prodinfo-vaccin-eng.php).
2. Swine Flu Count: http://www.flucount.org/.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada: Frequently Asked Questions - H1N1 Flu Virus (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/faq_rg_h1n1-eng.php#vac).

Oh the debate rages on...and on...and on

2009-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

The news is slapping you about the head with it, your friends are all in panic and uproar, you cannot even get a coffee without the widespread panic assaulting your ears daily. H1N1 is all over the news especially with the death of a 'seemingly healthy' 13 years old boy*. I truly feel for that boy's parents, family and friends and anyone else who may have to deal with a death in the family but the flu kills 40,000 plus people a year and we are panicking about a strain that has only killed 6,000 or less? The flu or influenza does suck if you get it, body aches, chills, suffering and misery but for most people you will recover. The risk of catching the flu is high no doubt but when the risks of a vaccine so quick to come on the market have not even been assessed I simply cannot trust in it enough to risk my children's well being. I am a severe asthmatic, I fall into the high risk category and yet I will not succumb to the terror the media would have me believe is waiting to infect my body and kill me. I am at risk with any sort of flu or infection but my body does need to build up these antibodies naturally. I just cannot put faith in something just because the governing body tells me it is safe. They assume it is safe, there are no studies to verify it and the vaccine has not been available long enough to truly know the longterm effects it will have on our bodies. Not a risk I am prepared to take.

*the seemingly healthy 13 yr old boy was revealed to have asthma and a pre-existing heart condition and the other deaths related to H1N1 all had at least one underlying health issue.

Oh What A Challenge Today Has Been...

2009-10-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Just as women suffer from PMS so do men, it is called psycho male syndrome and it happens about once a month from 5-25 days a month. Today Billy started his PMS cycle and what a treat he was! In case any of you are wondering, I let him live (barely).

Sadly the children's mutant germs have managed to find their way into my body through an advanced form of cuddling that they teach 2 years to infect us parents thoroughly and accutely. The 2 year old enters your bed in the night with a fever and sniffly nose 'needing' mama, said 2 year old proceeds to snuggle up to your face, wipe their snot on your face, cough in your face, keep you from sleeping or getting proper rest and voila the rest is simply a matter of time. A sophisticated form of virus renewal and advancement. Now keep in mind you are not safe from children of any age but they try to get you with the youngest because you are blinded by their cuteness and 'need' for you.

I shall take my alien, children germs elsewhere to sweat it out and hack and wheeze in peace. SAVE YOURSELVES!!!!

Rustic Rootz Digs Deep and Takes Hold of The Skin Care Industry

2009-10-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

I met a woman a very long time ago who always inspired me, she was artistic, intelligent and so creative it sparked jealousy at the things she could make happen. Last year through the wonders of Facebook I had the pleasure of reconnecting to this old friend and discovered that she is back at it...or rather never stopped being creative, with a new twist.

Paula has been creating organic, chemical free, hand made, vegan, cruelty-free body/hair care creations in her home under the name Rustic Rootz. Just looking at the beautifully presented products makes you hungry! There are soap cakes, cupcake bath bombs, tub teas, massage bars, body scrubs and the list goes on of food inspired body care creations made from the most scrumptious of essential oils and foods. Strawberry vanilla cupcake bath bombs with vanilla buttercream body butter just makes me drool thinking about them or the chai tea soap bar, heavenly! What about a blueberry or pomegranate body scrub? I am salivating just thinking about them all.

Thanks to Paula's ingenuity and care for her body and the earth she has created something so lovely and delectable I could not help but get these tasty little darlings in my salon! Finally a skincare line I can believe in and not a moment too soon with the holiday season fast approaching. I am so excited to try them all out myself and on my children and I hope you are too!

www.rusticrootz.com

I never meant to cause you trouble and I never meant to do you wrong

2009-10-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have a very dear friend who is being put thought the wringer emotionally and physically in her life and I really hope she can make it out of this stronger, wiser and better equipped to deal with life head on and with conviction. I do not envy her current struggles but I can give my ear to listen and my arms for a hug. It would seem life never gives you more than you can handle and with this in mind it helps you understand just what lesson life is trying to teach you.

I seem to be an expert on life lessons having learned a great many over my 37 years on this planet. I seem to be the one who learns the hard way, always taking the long and winding road rather than the direct and sensible route. What can I say, I like to drag things out. The one lesson I have emblazoned in my mind is that nothing is predictable, nothing is set in stone and thinking you have control is absolutely ridiculous because you don't. Sometimes I have to just let go and fly without a parachute, sometimes I just have to relinquish the reins and let life drive. Please life, drive me towards a home in the country....

of homes, family and living s simple life.

2009-10-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today we steamed the house with cinnamon and clove essential oils on the mop head and it smells like heaven in here, I usually use lemon but I opted for a warmer scent today. Billy cut back the grape vines and tidied up the back a bit and cleaned up the bags of garden waste to be put out so all our green waste is all gone. This is a sign...although we have had a break in the chilly weather with an almost summer temperature, ok a spring temperature. Today was market day, next week is the last market of the season which makes me sad. No buying straight from the farms for a while and no seeing the same faces every week. I noticed that the cheese lady was not there today which is too bad because the fresh cheese curds were always a nice treat.

Rowan began a career in film this week. He was chosen to play drums on pots and pans for a documentary on drummers featuring Corky Laing ( Mountain), Levon Helm(The Band), Jason Bonham (John Bonham's son) and many more. Our boy is going to be in the intro bashing away on the pots and pans! He was so great and we will get a copy of the footage.

I always seem to fall back on the same thoughts about blossoming, renewing and evolving your thoughts and the world around you and stagnating in the patterns you currently have in your life. I know for certain I have changed which is why I find it hard to communicate with the same people I once did when I was in a more fragile or negative state. To watch them repeatedly make the same judgement calls and then wonder why life is not so good to them is hard for me to sit and watch. I cannot say or do anything to help improve their lives because it is not my life to mess with, I can offer advice but i know it is either falling on deaf ears or simply a wasted breathe. Life is not always good for everyone, we all go through our troubled times but the lessons we learn from our difficulties is what helps make us stronger and more capable of facing future issues. Life is not always rosy in the Miles household but we are a team and have to stick together to make it through. I am very greatful that my co-captain is such a good team mate.

Kicking the Cold Habit

2009-10-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

I got some great essential oil advice and now I wish to pass it on to you. If you can order Thieves Essential Oil Blend online do so, if not you can make your own with 5 essentail oils mixed in equal parts with one another.

I have cut and pasted a site that is very generous in providing the recipe and here is what i have taken from that site

Here are two recipes for Thieves Oil. One from Karen another from Debbie.

Thieves Oil recipes:

Equal amounts of eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, clove and lemon. Mix with base of olive oil. I usually put a tablespoon of each in a 2 oz. bottle and then fill the rest with olive oil. you can make a larger batch in a quart jar following the same proportion method.
Same ingredients, but measured out in different strength's. Clove Bud Oil 200 drops, Lemon Oil 175 drops, Cinnamon Oil 100 drops, Eucalyptus Oil 75 drops, Rosemary 50 drops.

Thieves Oil Courtesy of Caroline Rogers founder of Nutrition Naturally and co-owner of The Tidewater Companion- A Holistic Health Directory and Resource Guide!

SUGGESTIONS FOR COLDS: According to the People's Desk Reference For Essential Oils, (The PDR) the following single oils are suggested: lavender, lemon, marjoram, frankincense, eucalyptus, melaleuca and rosemary. Young Living produces quality blends; recommended formulas include: Thieves, R.C., Di-Tone or Purification. Also suggested is a raindrop therapy treatment--see massage page for information.

THIEVES: Clove * Lemon * Cinnamon * Eucalyptus * Rosemary * An Essential Oil blend formulated by Gary Young, N.D.,owner of Young Living Essential Oils, Payson, Utah.

REMEMBER: The stimulating aroma of cinnamon or cloves, but if you touched your lips with it, it could cause irritation.... or the fresh aroma of lemon and sipping a hot fresh squeezed lemon drink with honey if you had a cold or sore throat... and Vick's Vapor Rub....the menthol aroma...your Mom would rub it on your chest to help you breathe easier at night in times of congestion....the pungent rosemary herb in cooking...

Aromas evoke memories, and memories lead to family recipes in times of healing for use in colds, flu., congestion, headaches, body aches etc. The Thieves blend is such a recipe, historically recorded in the era during the plague. History records that the perfumers seemed to have an immunity against the plague.

Here is one story: The Four Thieves Vinegar. Perfumers by day, robbers by night. Four men made a concoction of herbs and essential oils in a base of vinegar and would douse their body with this before they went our plundering! They had a pretty good track record of stealing riches until the King found out and captured them, forcing them to give up their secret weapon against the plague. The herbal ingredients were wormwood, meadowsweet, juniper berries, rosemary, camphor, sage, cinnamon and cloves in a base of white wine vinegar.

PRESENT DAY THIEVES: The essential oils contained within this formula have been noted for anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-catarrhyal properties while stimulating the immune system, circulation and the respiratory system. According to research at Weber State University, Thieves was found to have a 99% kill rate against airborne bacteria when diffused.

MY EXPERIENCE: Due to the cinnamon and clove contained, one must be cautious--it may cause irritation if improperly used. Fair skinned, blue-eyed individuals, redheads and those who tend to sunburn easily need to heed and dilute Thieves in a carrier oil (such as almond ) before applying to the skin. I have used 1-2 drops of Thieves on the bottom of my feet and also at the nape of the neck. Other places could be under the arms,and on the chest. I do not suggest using this in a bath or in a sauna! Diffuse for only short periods of time--20 minutes or less at work or at home. I used a lot of Thieves during January and February and felt the results were positive.

Specifically you want to use the following oils for these reasons,

Clove oil - the highest scoring single ingredient tested for it's antioxidant capacity on the ORAC scale.

Lemon Oil - a solvent and cleaners, also a power antioxidant.

Cinnamon Bark - very high in antioxidants and also known to support the digestive system.

Ecalyputs Radiata - Highly effective against bacterial in topical applications.

Rosemary oil - naturally energizing and beneficial for helping restore mental alertness.

I mixed my thieves in a carrier of coconut oil and use it as a chest, neck and back rub when the boys are sick. I also put drops on my steam mop pad and steamed the mattresses and diffused some in their bedroom for 30 mins.

You can make a spray using 25 drops of thieves oils blend in some water and vinegar for cleaning, it is highly anti-viral and antibacterial so you don't have to use harsh chemicals to clean. The smell is amazing and spicy as well...makes for a great smelling home!

Autumn, the time of physical change

2009-10-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

You can't change what was but you can change what is to come.

It is the time of year where big changes and preparations are made for the upcoming winter season in nature. Animals prepare to hibernate, trees shed their leaves in anticipation of the frozen slumber, plants die or fall into their winter sleep patterns and humans start to bundle up and spend more time indoors. The heat has been turned on now, warm coats, mitts, hats and boots are all purchased and getting some use and I look at the calendar and this is where I realize I am quickly approaching my very busy time. Though my head is still stuck at the cottage under the warm sun and thinking about the glint of diamonds on the water I really must snap out of it. Summer is over and this is the time to start planning for the next two months. My calendar is filling up with clients eager to look their very best for their holiday parties and Christmas with their loved ones and I am still longing for the summer. Still longing for the country, the lake and away from the city.

One day I hope to fufill that dream of country living, maybe in the not too distant future we can become country folk with a farmhouse and lots of space for the boys to run, play and learn how to grow their own vegetables and fruit. I dream big! In the meantime I am here in the city I once adored, doing a job I love most days and spending time with my very large family. I am blessed. I do not take these blessing for granted, we have a nice home, we have a very close family and I have a very nice, large studio space so until that country house is purchased I am content to enjoy what we have in the city.

I made a decision last year that I would no longer place any hope in my mother any more. I have kept to it, although she does call when she wants her hair done, gives a cockamamee half attempt at a desire to see the boys but then never calls on the day she says she wants to see them or comes over. I am very aware that the only thing she really wants from me is free haircuts and colours and sadly I think the boys have begun to realize it too. She called a few days before Thanksgiving to find out about dinner but I said we would be out of town and she then said she still wanted to see us that weekend and would probably be by on Saturday. Saturday came and went and no word from her and I am really not surprised. Maybe I should care a bit more for the boys sake but this is a woman who has rarely been a mother to me and seems to have no desire to be a grandmother other than to hang photos in her cubicle and boast about how cute her grandchildren are. This Christmas I will not wait until 3 days before Christmas eve to hear from her, this year we will not be having a dinner with her. This year I will reserve for the people who are in my life on a daily basis, who love my children and show them all the time. Who my children see weekly or more and who I respect and love. This year is about the true meaning of family not just a free meal and out the door. This year will be extra special because it will be about love and not because someone wants to pay a quarterly visit out of duty.

In other news, things are going well for Jack and Aiden in school. Rowan REALLY wants to go to school as well and everyone here is potty trained now so NO MORE DIAPERS!!! I cannot tell you how nice it is to NOT have to change a poopie diaper....almost 5 years straight of poopies diaper and now NO MORE!!!! Jack took almost 2.5 years to toilet train simply because he is stubborn and once he sets his mind to something he never gives in. "Why go potty mommy when you are just going to change me anyway?", with the looming threat of not be ing able to go to school he thankfully trained by summer but it was an uphill battle! Rowan trained in 1 week and now he has it! 2.5 years old and he is done with diapers and onto the Spiderman undies. His reward for training will be the new Transformers movie because I am sick of watching the first one 5 times plus a day, I also ordered him a special Wiggles t-shirt from Ebay and he has requested a BumbleBee toy ( Transformers character). Jack got a Nintendo DS when he trained so it is only fair.

Things continue to be tense with Aiden's mom and us although better than it has been. She really has no clue that I was her biggest advocate and she messed it up so I no longer go to bat for her with my husband. The biggest mistake women make is to think that another woman is automatically their enemy. Moms are very important in a child's life even if the mom is not doing her part. A child needs to have their parents around and I think perhaps she may have finally realized this. Time will tell but I keep my fingers crossed for Aiden's sake. Too many people in and out of his life he requires more stability than that. He is a great kid with a whole lot of love to give and he deserves it all right back in spades.

On a final note I am trying to help my husband realize that being hasty is not always the best way to be. That the past is the past and you cannot change what was but you can certainly change what might be. Keeping an open mind to what the future throws at is is the best way to get everything you want and need out of life and just maybe something you didn't expect either.

This is the day Your Life Will Surely Change

2009-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Some days these lyrics just ring true so I wanted to post them because some days it just serves as a reminder

Well... you didn't wake up this morning
Because you didn't go to bed
You were watching the whites of your eyes
Turn red
The calendar, on your wall, is ticking the days off
The calendar on your wall is ticking
the days off
You've been reading some old letters
You smile and think how much you've changed
All the money in the world
Couldn't bring back those days.
You pull back the curtains, and the sun burns into your eyes,
You watch a plane flying across a clear blue sky.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.
You could've done anything -- if you'd wanted
And all your friends and family think that you're lucky.
But the side of you they'll never see
Is when you're left alone with the memories
That hold your life together like
Glue

Pictures of the boys

2009-10-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

we took a trip to Pingle's Farm in Oshawa over the long Thanksgiving weekend and here are some of the memories. We also went to a Where The Wild Things Are Dance Party the weekend before and I captured a moment outside with Jack and Rowan. Rowan is a huge Wild Things fan from about 6 months of age and he cannot wait for the movie to come out.

The Boycott of Nestle

2009-10-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted a list of all the brands that Nestle owns and my reasoning was simply to remind everyone that there has been a boycott for almost 30 years on Nestle products and they still haven't changed their ways. For those not in the know, Nestle has promoted their product in third world countries where water is scarce and polluted, where people who were given formula samples for their babies simply could not afford to buy the formula so skimped on how much they used per bottle and babies died due to malnutrition. If the mother had simply kept breastfeeding rather than turn to formula lives could have been saved. There are other issues of using child labour for gathering the cocoa they use in their chocolate bars, not trading fairly and on and on... please google Nestle boycott and inform yourselves. It is easy to scoff it off and say well it is not happening to me but what if it were? Because a child is impoverished does not mean they deserve any less of a chance at a full life. Taking a stand against companies whose practices are unethical speaks volumes...in this day and age there is no excuse for ignorance.

Full of Thankfulness and Food...so FULL!

2009-10-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

It is the day after the Thanksgiving weekend and I am still not hungry. We spent Sunday evening with my step-family, my step-mother's brothers and sisters and all my cousins and my brother and sort-of sister-in-law in Binbrook at my Zio and Zia's house. The food was fabulous (gotta love the Italians!) and the company was fabulous. I did not feel so uncomfortable this time around and it felt good. The kids love their cousins so much and played piano, played guitar with my father, ran around and wrassled with my brothers. They passed out in the car and stayed that way once we got home. The absence of family has really been felt on our end and it is nice to get some family back. I am VERY thankful to be a part of pack so to speak and the tensions to be melting, the attempt at friendship between my step-mother and I and breaking down some serious walls that made life difficult at times for everyone. She is afterall the only real mother I have ever consistently had and the only one who ever taught me anything in life. She is pretty great, too bad it took me so long to figure out the lessons and understand the reasoning.

The sad part on the weekend was Billy missing his father all because of a Beatles CD in the car. It sucks for him but when someone doesn't want to be part of your life you cannot force them and he has been chasing down the ideal of the 'dream father' far too long. He has never had that and never will from his father all he can do is be the dream dad to his own children. He is such an amazing dad so he has surpassed his own expectations for fatherhood and those of his own father. Life goes on and we get past these sadnesses but the thoughts always remain.

Monday we spent with Cousin Cookie and Mars at Pingle's farm in Oshawa. It was a great day even if it was chilly...the perfect fall day to be on a farm eating raspberries off the bush, rolling a wheelbarrrow around looking for pumpkins, the children picking out their own pumpkins and attempting to carry them and buying fudge and pies at the bakery. We then headed to Cookie's house to have dinner and let the children play. It was a great day and makes me appreciate having Cookie in my life.

Today is one of those days that you just want to sleep some more...boy could I use some more sleep!

This weekend I made some lemon squares and some hello dollies, the hello dollies I have made before and love them but the lemon squares were a new recipe. Next time I will lesson the amount of demerara I put in them and increase the lemon just a bit. If you want the recipes let me know they are super easy and quick!

*Cousin Cookie is actually Lisa and Mars is Marlow

fall recipes that are guaranteed to get the children to eat vegetables

2009-10-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

for those who don't eat meat you can substitute your fave meat-free item or don't use any meat like addition at all.

quick chicken stew on rice
( all our ingredients are organic and low sodium)

Steam brown rice for time needed

in a large pan sautee the following in 1/2 cup vegetable broth with a tbsp of olive oil ( either homemade or box)
1 large bunch of heirloom carrots sliced in coins
4 pearl onions cut in fours
2 cloves of garlic minced
4 chicken breasts cut into medium sized chunks
1 large sweet potato cut into small chunks
1 heirloom pepper cut into small pieces
1/2 pint of heirloom cherry tomatoes cut into 2 or 4 pieces
1/2 a zucchini cut into small chunks

cook until golden and then add 3 cups of broth to simmer for 20 mins

once the meal is cooked you should have substancial broth left in the pan if not add more broth and let it get hot then add 2 tbsp of corn starch to thicken liquid to a gravy like consistency

serve over a bed of brown rice

Pasta of choice with a very rich tomato veggie sauce and turkey and beetballs

2 lbs of ground chicken or turkey ( I prefer turkey)
1 egg
1 large beet
2 cups multigrain bread crumbs
1 large bunch of carrots
minced garlic
2 minced shallots
1 large tin of crushed tomatoes
2 masons jars of sauce either homemade or store bought
1 head of broccoli
pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegan worchestershire sauce
1/4 cup raw agave nectar

in the food processor mince 2 shallots divide into two portions, one for the turkey beetballs and one for the sauce portion
finely shred the bunch of carrots and divide between the beetballs and the sauce
peel and finely shred the beet for the beetballs
puree the broccoli and use in the sauce

in a large pot put half the carrots, shallot, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil and broccoli and let it cook a little bit before adding sauce and let simmer. Add 1/4 cup of raw agave nectar

in a large mixing bowl combine the turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, shallot, beet, half the carrots, worchestershire sauce, garlic and mix together and form medium sized meatballs, makes about 25 meatballs then in a large pan sautee in olive oil until browned then put in a glass baking dish and cover with the tin of crushed tomatoes for 15 minutes.

Once the beetballs have been baked for 15 minutes add to the sauce and let simmer until your pasta of choice is cooked and serve!

it always helps to have the kids involved in the making of the dinner as well as they are more likely to eat what they have made just hide the fact that you are adding all the veggies to everything and they will gladly eat this up and ask for more!

the brands Nestle owns

2009-10-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Cereals

Cinnamon Grahams
Cheerios (outside US)
Cini Minis
Honey Nut Cheerios (outside US)
Oat Cheerios
Cookie Crisp
Fitnesse
Force Flakes
Chocapic
Golden Nuggets
Golden Grahams
Honey Stars
Koko Krunch
Milo Cereals
Nestlé Corn Flakes
Nesquik
Shreddies
Shredded Wheat
Clusters
Trix

[edit] Coffee

Bonka
Buondi (Portugal)^[1]
Christina (Portugal)^[2]
Dolca (Argentina)
Ecco (Peru, Chile)
El Chaná (Uruguay)
International Roast
Kirma (Peru)
Loumidis (Greece)
Nescafé
Nespresso
Partner's Blend
Ricoffy
Ricoré
Sical^[3]
Tofa^[4]
Taster's Choice
Zoégas

[edit] Water

[edit] Other drinks

Nestea
Milo
Carnation
Caro
Chocolate D'Onofrio (Peru)
Cocoa D'Onofrio (Peru)
Nesquik
Nescao (Argentina)
Nescau (Brazil)
Vascolet (Uruguay)
Libby’s
Growers Direct Organic Fruit Juices
Good Host

[edit] Shelf stable

Christie
Bear Brand
Carnation
Coffee-Mate
Gloria
Ideal (Peru)
Klim
La Lechera
Milkmaid
Moça (Brazil)
Molico (now Svelty)
Nespray
Nestlé
Nesvita
Nestlé Omega Plus
Nido
Ninho
Svelty
Emswiss

[edit] Chilled

Chamyto (Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Philippines)
Chiquitín (Mexico, Chile)
Club (Mexico)
La Laitière (France,Belgium)
La Lechera (Spain,Mexico)
Moça (Brazil)
Chandelle (Brazil, Chile)
LC1 (Switzerland)
Molico (Brazil now Svelty)
Nestlé
Ski
Sveltesse (France)
Svelty (Mexico)
Yoco
Munch Bunch (UK)
Le Viennois (France, Belgium, Switzerland)
Hirz (Switzerland)
Nesvita (Philippines, India)
Ninho (Brazil)

[edit] Ice cream

Åhusglass (Sweden)
Camy
Δέλτα (Greece)
Diplom-Is (Norway)
D'Onofrio (Peru)
Dreyer's
Edy's
Frigor (Argentina)
Frisco
Häagen-Dazs (North America)
Hemglass (Sweden)
Hjem-IS (Denmark & Norway)
Kotijäätelö (Finland)
Maxibon
Motta
Mövenpick (Switzerland)
Mivvi
Nestlé
Nestlé Drumstick - The Original Sundae Cone
Oreo (Canada)
Peters (Australia)
Push-Up
Savory (Chile)
Schöller
Underground is (Denmark)
Valiojäätelö (Finland)

[edit] Infant foods

Alete
Alfare
Beba
Bona (Finland)
Cérélac
Farinha Láctea (Brazil)
FM 85
Gerber
Good Start
Guigoz
Lactogen
Nan
NAN HA
NanSoy
Neslac
Nestlé
Nestogen
Nestum (Portugal)^[5]
Nido
Piltti (Finland)
PreNan

[edit] Performance nutrition

Musashi
Neston
Nesvita
PowerBar
Pria
Supligen

[edit] Healthcare nutrition

Boost
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Nutren
Peptamen
Glytrol
Crucial
Impact
Isosource
Fibersource
Diabetisource
Compleat
Optifast
Resource

[edit] Seasonings

Buitoni
Maggi
Thomy
Winiary

[edit] Frozen foods

Maggi (INDIA)
Stouffer’s
Lean Cuisine
Buitoni
Hot Pockets
Lean Pockets
Papa Guiseppi
Findus (Sweden)

[edit] Refrigerated products

Buitoni
Herta
Nestlé
Toll House

[edit] Chocolate, confectionery and baked goods

100 Grand Bar
Aero
After Eight
Allens
Animal Bar
Baby Ruth
Bertie Beetle (Australia)
Big Turk (Canada)
Black Magic
Blue Riband
Bono(Brazil)
Breakaway
Butterfinger
Butterfinger BB's
Butterfinger Crisp
Bon Pari (Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary)
Cailler
Capri (Chile)
Caramac
Carlos V
Charge (Brazil)
Chips Ahoy! (Canada)
Chocolate Surpresa (Brazil)
Chokito (Brazil)
Coffee Crisp (Canada)
Chunky
D'Onofrio (Peru)
Damak (Turkey)
Drifter
Frigor
Galak/Milkybar
Heaven
JOJO (Czech Republic and Poland)
Icebreakers
Kit Kat(INDIA)(except the United States where Hershey's makes it)
Lion
Matchmakers
Milky Bar
Minties (Australia)
Mirage
Joff
Munchies
Negrita (Chile)
Nestlé Alpine White
Nestlé with Almonds
Nestlé Crunch
Nestlé Crunch Crisp
Nestlé Crunch with Caramel
Nestlé Crunch with Peanuts (Limited Edition)
Nestlé Crunch Pieces
Nestlé Crunch White
Nestlé Milk Chocolate
Nestlé Princessa
Nestlé Wonder Ball
Nestlé Yes (Germany)
Nips
Nuts (Europe)
Oh Henry (except Canada)
Orion (chocolate) (Czech Republic)
Peppermint Crisp
Perugina Baci
Polo
Prestigio (Chile,Brazil)
Quality Street
Rolo (except the United States where Hershey makes it)
Sahne Nuss (Chile)
Sensação (Brazil)
Snowcaps
Smarties
Suflair (Brazil)
Super 8 (Chile)
Susy (Venezuela)
Texan Bar
Toffee Crisp
Toll House cookies
Trencito (Chile)
Turtles
Walnut Whip
Violet Crumble
Yorkie
Munch(only in India)

[edit] Wonka confectionery brands

[edit] Foodservice products

Chef-Mate
Davigel
Minor's
Santa Rica

[edit] Petcare

Alpo
Beneful
Dog Chow
Fancy Feast
Felix
Friskies
Go Cat
Butchers
Bakers
Winalot
Gourmet
Mighty Dog
Mon Petit
ONE
Pro Plan
Purina
Tidy Cats

In the absence of the blogger

2009-10-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

I really need to start using this blog more to be a bit more expressive on screen rather than secretly wanting to tear my hair out or eating my words with a chocolate ice cream chaser. Although to be fair the chocolate ice cream chaser is mighty fine especially if it is Organic Meadows ice cream...yum. I miss being able to blog, my livejournal I nixed because I just didn't feel I could totally say what I wanted when I wanted to. I don't like to have to censor myself in particular if it is something I feel strongly about like organics, homeopathics or chemical free living. My only vices are butter and sweets or butter with sweets any way you slice it it spells BAD!

I want to talk about this whole Roman Polanski debaucle. This should have been resolved over 30 years ago. This man never should have been a safe fugitive in a foreign land for so long. What he did was wrong no ifs ands or buts and anyone who believes he did not get a fair shake or should be released clearly is not a parent or sold their heart and common sense for cold hard cash. No 40 something year old man has any business having any sort of sexual relationship with a 13 years old girl...has any business having any type of sexual relationship with any girl who has teen at the end of her age. It is SICK!

and when asked what the poor should eat she respnded, "Let them eat geese!"

2009-03-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

Nancy Ruth seems to think that all the troublesome, messy geese at her cottage should be shot and fed to the poor. Well I have several issues with this statement and one is stop being such a self righteous shining example of political bitchdom! You poor thing having geese pollute YOUR waterways and YOUR beaches with their foul poop! The very same people you propose eat the geese cannot even afford one roof over their heads let alone a summer cottage you pompous asshole! You want the geese gone so badly you shoot 'em and cook 'em up for your family's meal! Hell why not put them on a spit and prepare them old west style over a campfire complete with a rousing rendition of Koombaya. God forbid NATURE should shit all over your summer parade right? Those geese have no business on your land and in your waterways, no business pooping where they want and sleeping where they want and breathing the very air your land occupies. Why not tax the poor buggers while you are at it, rent out space so nature can run it's course? Now after the geese get sorted, work on the mosquitoes, the black flies, the seagulls, the ducks and any fish that may possibly occupy your precious water as well because you simply cannot have nature ruining your precious summer retreat. Nature has no business being out in the wild us people where there first!

disability is for suckas!

2009-03-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

I have recently sustained a back injury that has left me immobile on the right side. A recent visit to my chiropractor has revealed that I have a series of pulled muscles due to an out of whack spine ( not her words but you get the jist!). I am currently sporting a very large X taped across my back to support the recent adjustments and try to keep them in place. I would really like to have my mobility back!

I recently took a look at a place that is in the works for us renting as soon as the legal business can be sorted ( the mother passed away and the son had to have title switched over to him). When I walked in the door I was not expecting to see all her possessions and I almost burst into tears right then and there in front of her son. She was such a sweet woman with a good sense of humour and I miss seeing her and having little chats. Her son told us she would be happy to have us in the home and that she REALLY appreciated all we did for her. I really think she was the one who did more for us being so welcoming and familiar. I am sad and will be sad not to see her every day in the summer on her front porch.

Not a whole lot of baking has been done and Billy has been on a raw food diet for the past week so not a whole lot of cooking going on. He diets more than any woman I have ever met!

I still have to post about the states visit. The bad; people really believe it is ok to eat as if you are eating for 3 whole people for every meal. They do not recycle at all in Buffalo and surrounding areas. They have no concept of being eco-friendly or conservation. Plastic bags are practically pushed on you and double bagging a package of toilet paper is sinful. They waste A LOT!

The good; Target's sales, DSW and IHOP's pancakes! oh so bad for you but so tasty! Cracker Barrel...that is all I will say!

I want to post some song lyrics that always remind me of my roadtripping days with Lisa

Self Help
Breathe in good, breathe out bad,
Remind yourself of the things you have, it's easy.
Pull a smile onto your face,
Understand that making friends is easy.

So tell yourself it will be ok,
Remind yourself that you're not just in it for the money.
The end, the end, the end, the end,
My friend, where's the end?
You're up, you're down,
You're in the ground in the end, my friend,
Where's the end?

I've found myself, deep down in the dirt,
Got to get myself to my feet yeah.
I tell myself it will be ok,
Remind myself that I'm not just in it for the money.
The end, the end, the end, the end
My friend, where's the end?

Blue Hour

Oh let the sun be done,
Let the air wash the city clean.
Oh let the blue hour come,
For everyone,
For everyone the sun,
We all need some.

Pace of this place slow down,
Suits throw your phones to the ground.
With the blue in your lungs begun,
For everyone,
For everyone the sun.
We all need some.

Time to go fishing,
Reels screaming.
For all weary souls,
The endless song.
For everyone,
For everyone this song.
We all need one.

the U.S vs. Canada

2009-03-17T20:42:00.001-07:00

I had a fabulous time shopping in Buffalo today with my cousin and I have made many observations about the Americans as a country collectively and as individuals. I will expand on this tomorrow or the next day when I have more time but for now I seek the comfort of my cushy bed and the arms of my husband! xo

In the Raw

2009-03-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

After doing much research and being really curious for some time I have decided to delve into the world of raw cacao nibs and powder and raw maca. The Navitas site has some great looking recipes and I am very interested in mastering the art of baking and cooking with cacao. This should be interesting so stay tuned!

I have not done much cooking or baking these last couple of days but today I need to bake some bread. Every time I bake bread I alter the recipe somewhat. Today who knows what will be up my sleeve.

Last evening we took the children to see Coraline. They all seemed to enjoy it and not be too 'horrified' so the reviews I had read that states small children may be bothered by it is probably true if they are squeamish about bugs and scare easily but my children loved it. Next movie to see with them is Monsters vs Aliens!

The snow flakes are huge today! Big, fluffy flakes that are sticking around but probably not for long. Where is spring when you need her most?

Tomorrow is the husband's birthday, he turns 41 which in my books is over the hill ;)

This week has been overwrought with laundry, organization and getting my stuff together both mentally and physically. New mindset, new start. We all need to cut out the negative emotional history, physical clutter and dead weight in our worlds so we can most certainly spring ahead. Clinging to old ideals and old ways is destructive if they are counterproductive, holding on to emotional baggage after you have made it heard is also bad news. If the person who has done the damage doesn't want or feel the need to make amends you cannot force them to. If they repeat the same mistakes you either remove the person from your life or forgive and move forward.

Karma is a big part of how I live my life, I really think about my actions now in terms of what will this do to me morally, what bad can it bring back to me and what is it I have to gain by doing this? If someone does good well there is no need to review these things but life has a funny way of bringing things full circle so I am trying very hard to limit the negative in my life.

Well, back to the laundry and the cleaning and the dishes and the bed making and the salon cleaning and the diaper changing and the bathroom cleaning and the....

new space, new mindset.

2009-03-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for a way to organize my life in a manner that allows me to be more efficient, more mindful of where my money goes and of course, more creative for my business. Life at home is nothing less than chaos on a daily basis and I have lived this way for a very long time. Our economic security in Canada is shaky and the way we waste as North Americans is shameful. We are the disposable nation! If it stops working well, buy a new one. If it is too small, buy a new one. If it is the wrong colour, buy a new one. I am now taking steps to STOP this vicious cycle of mass consumerism within my home.

One major step was to bake our breads, muffins and sweets from scratch, cutting down the cost and cutting out all the processed sugar and foods in our home. Another step is to write down every dollar I spend, where I spent it and on what to track my spending and hopefully see patterns that are wasteful. Yet another method to saving money, printing coupons from www.thehealthyshopper.ca for all our organic and supplement needs. I keep on searching for more ideas because frankly, I am tired of treading so harshly on our earth. Alright, for years I have not used chemicals for cleaning, have shopped organic, have walked instead of driven, have always carried reuseable canvas bags instead of getting plastic, have recycled, switched all my lightbulbs to compact flourescent, composted and separated my garbage painstakingly but is it enough? I took it one step further and changed my business plan to include organic eco-friendly products, cut down on the amount of chemical used for colouring hair, made organic hair colour available to clients, purchase Bullfrog Power for my electricity and recycle, re-use and reduce as much as possible. Yet still I realize that more can be done.

It is within this blog that I search, I soul search, I share and I compare. If you do not or cannot keep an open mind you can never learn, never move forward and never change the things that need to be changed. I will share recipes, I will talk about my family and the challenges we face as a large family living in downtown Toronto. I will talk about my life and everything it takes to make our lives fabulous and environmentally responsible.