My Pampering Week!

Every day last week (Monday to Friday, that is), I did something to pamper myself. Here’s what led up to that:

My husband and son were touring Washington, DC that week as part of a school trip. Since there are eight boys and four girls in my son’s class, more dads were needed as chaperones than moms. So, I eventually stepped back for my husband to take my chaperone spot; the trip was just way too expensive for both of us to go as chaperones.

While I knew it would be wonderful father/son time for my guys, my mommy-heart inwardly wrestled a bit with the thought that I wouldn’t be traveling, too. In any event, I decided that during the week they were off exploring the nation’s capital (and Gettysburg, PA), I was going to pamper myself, daily. “They’ll be having their time, and I’m going to have mine,” I thought. But, I didn’t just think it; I made it happen.

My schedule that week turned out to be:

Monday — hair appointment

Tuesday — dinner with a friend (whose husband and son were also on the trip)

Wednesday – did not leave home, totally chilled

Thursday afternoon — pedicure (It was so awesome that I thought I had booked a foot/leg massage.)

Thursday evening — Chakra Balancing Yoga with one of my favorite, favorite yoga instructors. (Turns out, she was filling in that evening for another instructor, and I didn’t know that until I showed up for class.)

Friday — facial

On Friday, when visiting a business close to home, I even stumbled upon a Sandal Wood body lotion — made locally and purely from nut and plant oils. (I am loving how it feels on my skin.)

By the time my guys returned home on Friday, I felt so deeply pampered, balanced and rooted, that I climbed a tree (above) and did a split, cartwheel, and backbend…….

…….and thanked God for my relaxing week of pampering and for the safe return of my guys — who were enriched by all they had experienced!

I can only imagine what I’ll do after I go foraging for edible plants next week! A round-off, triple back flip, perhaps!

With Gratitude and Pampering Love,

Penny

Health for Your Hip Pocket

I don’t know about you, but I gasp every time I look at the total cost of our weekly organic grocery shop. Yeah, it ain’t cheap. Yes, yes, I know there’s a reason for that, and I do want to support farmers who are going out on a limb (so to speak) to make the world a better place. And, naturally enough, I want us to eat the best-quality food possible. But, gee, it can really add up.

We currently grow our own sprouts, as well as potted herbs, strawberries and citrus trees (the tomatoes died), which helps offset a little of the cost. We’ll be moving house later this year, and will be looking for a house with a garden large enough for growing heaps of fruits and vegetables. So that will definitely cut down on the cost of our food, but until then, we have to spend the big bucks. Or do we?

I’ve tried looking for solutions, including joining a co-op – however, there isn’t one in our area, and at this point I don’t feel excited about starting one (apathetic, moi?). But a couple of years ago I happened across the website for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). You may have heard of it? It’s a non-profit organization that conducts research, lobbies for environmental change, and provides resources such as a fabulous free cosmetic safety database.

One of its other fantastic free resources is its “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce”, which ranks 45 common fruits and vegetables by their pesticide levels. The report estimates that by “avoiding the top 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated instead”, you can lower your pesticide exposure by up to 90%. Yowza!

I know we need to look at more than just pesticide levels (such as considering fertilizers, and the whole GM thing), but recently I’ve been using the list to divide my shopping between the organic store and the supermarket. I buy conventional fruits and vegetables that are lower on the pesticide ranking (such as avocados and pineapple), and organic for those that normally have high levels of pesticide in the conventional version (such as peaches and apples). If you’d like to see the list, simply go to www.ewg.org and follow your nose.

I’m still buying mostly organic, but, until our family’s garden of paradise becomes reality, this approach will help reduce my shock at the cost of organics, and surely, avoiding a weekly near-heart attack is a good thing.

CHILDHOOD is not preparation for life- IT IS LIFE

If there is ONE thing I wish all parents/teachers/doctors/adults understood, it is that childhood is not merely a preparation for living, it IS living. Children are not apprentices for adulthood, though they are usually treated as such. This is a huge mistake. Because what is actually a valid and complete period in life turns into a second-class affair, all about correcting and teaching based on a desired outcome in the future.

Childhood is fleeting, filled with hugs and giggles and smiles and is sooooooooo very precious. It is tragic to tarnish this graced era of life with our mental strain and futuristic endeavours.

Like little Buddhas, children are completely present, living from their heart. What we can learn from our children is vital and fresh and joyous…But, when we focus exclusively on ‘development’, ‘progress’ and other comparatives, we reduce these magical years to a burden filled with imaginary stresses and worry.

Oh how I worried when my firstborn didn’t talk until he was nearly 3…not at first- for a good long time I believed ‘you can’t push the river’ and that he would talk whenever he was ready…But, when everybody started suggesting maybe he was deaf, or autistic, and that I really should get him checked out (even though I knew his hearing was perfect because whenever I would go into my bathroom cabinet to get out a Q-tip he would come flying in wanting one- he loved Q-tips! Or if I would give him a directive “Go to your room, in your closet and get your blue shoes, not your red ones…” and he would do it, so I knew we were communicating fine…) but after 2 years of pressure to ‘not be in denial’, I DID start to really wonder WHY ISN’T HE TALKING ALREADY?

THAT was when I got stressed out!

Every child is uniquely special and although the school system would like to, we can’t ‘hot-house’ their learning, or their crawling, walking, talking, potty-training, etc. When we rush these ‘milestones’ we create frustration, pain, and drama.

As our children grow, we may wonder how they are developing…but instead of comparing our children to others, what is more productive is to KNOW your own, and know yourself. Do YOU feel comfortable with where things are? If so, your baby will feel that and be nourished. If something IS bothering you about your child’s growth or development, tune into your sense on an even deeper level and trust your insight when it comes, to check things out, or whatever it is. This ability to resist the temptation to compare and instead to tune into each other, will serve both you and your child long-term.

Even temper-tantrums may be appreciated for what they are- examples of your child’s will, which is wonderful! If you can respect their will and try to guide it constructively without crushing it, you will be transforming those difficult moments into gateways for self-esteem. It’s so much how we perceive things that determine how we will feel and even behave.

Here is the formula: T (THOUGHT) leads to F (FEELINGS) which = A (ACTIONS)

So if you want to change a mind, change a mood- yours or theirs! Watch carefully where your thoughts are taking you.

Instead of always worrying ‘what will happen IF he is still doing that by the time he is…’ ENJOY him, enjoy him doing IT- whatever it is, because it most likely won’t last!

But one thing is for sure- as soon as you have one thing figured out- another issue crops up in its place- only every time! It’s all a process, a journey. Your child is a living work of art, as are you. So what is the rush? What is the pressure all about? How can we enjoy our children, their childhood along with them? Just as I consider my time valuable, I realise my children’s time is also. They won’t be children forever, and I guard their time and what they are exposed to consciously. And mostly, I make the most of each day we have together. They won’t always ask me if I want to skip with them, or tuck them in, or wash their hair, or cut their apple, or play hide-and-seek, or draw dinosaurs or make them lemon chewies or tell them a story or make snow angels or sand-castles…and if I spend all my time with them TEACHING them how to do all that, then I am missing out on just BEING with them.

So, let us good moms relax and enjoy the moments, the tears and tantrums- especially the really good ones, and everything in between. We don’t have to prepare them for life so much as we get to live it with them, knowing full well that life is preparing them just fine! And the best part? We get to have another childhood of our own by sharing in theirs right along with them! IN-JOY!

5 Tips for A Pesticide-Free Lawn and Natural, Homemade Bug Spray!

In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart. When my husband and I along with our son Connor moved from New Jersey to Orlando Florida last May, I had no idea there was such a problem with having a healthy lawn and garden. I assumed that Connor would be able to play and run and really enjoy feeling the earth under his feet. To my surprise the company that the builder had contracted to care for our lawn while our house was being built, used herbicides and pesticides to treat the lawn, shrubs and trees. I was so disappointed to find out that this type of service was pretty common in Florida and the more I talked to people, the more I was shocked that there were people who just didn’t get it. I made it my mission to talk to as many people as I could about the health issues relating to herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides used to treat lawn care.

Contrary to what lawn “care” companies would like people to believe, herbicides and other pesticides are not “magic bullets”. They are broad spectrum biocides, and by their very nature can harm organisms other than targeted species. This includes homeowners and their families, neighbors, pets, and all other forms of life. The pesticide industry downplays this by claiming their chemicals are heavily diluted, but doesn’t mention the toxins are still extremely dangerous in small amounts. They also are unwilling to mention all of what is in their mixtures. Many components are classified as “inert”, which allows them to be kept hidden from the public and not listed on product labels. These are more than just fillers or solvents “Inert” does not mean “inactive” – some, such as benzene and xylene, are more toxic than chemicals listed.

Pesticides are poisons by definition, designed to affect vital biological processes that in most cases are not unique to the intended target pests. They harm beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises that are part for your lawn’s natural defenses. As well as plants, and microorganisms like the tiny creatures that break down organic matter and make it available to nourish your lawn.

Children have a special vulnerability to pesticides, they breathe the air closer to the ground level where pesticides are applied and are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes without washing their hands. Plus, their bodies and their defenses against toxins are still developing. If you have ever had your lawn treated and the company had warning signs saying “Don’t allow children or pets to walk on the lawn for 1 to 3 hours”, this is a sign that the products they are using are harmful to our children, pets and the environment.

Not only are children in danger when pesticides are sprayed on our lawn, but our pets are also in danger of pesticide contamination. Outdoor pets are highly exposed to lawn chemicals due to their behavior (licking contaminated paws and coat, breathing close to the ground, eating contaminated grass, soil and toys) and are highly vulnerable due to their small size.
Here are a few tips for a pesticide free lawn that will bring your family endless amounts of joy:

• Water Correctly – Water deeply and infrequently, ideally you want one inch of water delivered once a week. Daily and brief watering discourages deep root growth, one of the essentials of healthy turf grass. Pest fungus can thrive in the damp grass, so give your lawn a chance to dry before nightfall. Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation and safeguard against fungus problems.
• Mow Correctly – Tell your lawn care provider that you want to keep your lawn at least three inches high if you do your own mowing, this makes your task easier. Correct mowing will increase the strength of the root system and naturally shade out some weeds. Don’t mow your lawn every week out of habit. Mow with sharp blades. Sharp mower blades make a clean cut, while dull ones will rip the grass, weakening your lawn’s defenses.
• Fertilize Organically – Switch to an organic fertilizer. Most commercial fertilizer shave too much nitrogen for your lawn. Since the grass can’t use it fast enough, most gets washed away – polluting nearby water bodies. Organic fertilizer will allow the grass to take what it needs when it needs it. If you can’t find it at your local nursery, please ask the manager to stock it. The products are there if the customers show a demand, so you need to make your voice heard. In the meantime, organic fertilizers are available via mail order. If you live near a feed store, you’re in luck since they often carry a wide selection of useful products such as alfalfa meal and corn gluten.
• Reseed and Top Dress Annually – Fifty years ago, most lawn mix had clover in it but broadleaf weed herbicides were introduced and destroyed the clover in lawns. Clover is a great addition to any lawn. Reintroduce it because it is drought tolerant, immune to diseases, and greens up all summer. Bunnies love it, and hopefully will eat the clover instead of your other perennials. Reseed at least once a year with a mix of grass seed and compost. Water slightly each day for two weeks so the seed can get established. This will naturally replenish your lawn and keep your soil healthy.
• Banish Weeds Naturally – Consider using corn gluten an organic corn by-product that is a natural pre-emergent weed control to reduce weeds. Apply it early in the season before the soil reaches 55 degrees (usually when the forsythia bloom), and it will, over the course of a few growing seasons, make a big difference invest in a sturdy weeding tool and go after weeds for short periods on a regular basis, rather than all at once. Don’t be so focused on a perfect green lawn – instead realize that a healthy lawn can naturally resist disease and drought. Once you learn the basics of organic lawn care, it is really simple and will save you both time and money.

I am happy to say, now that we have contracted an organic lawn company, I can relax and know that when Connor plays in the yard, his body won’t be compromised by harmful chemicals.

In honor of Earth Day, let’s all make one small change in our lives that will honor Planet Earth for future generations to come.

Here is a recipe for an all natural bug repellant to use while working in your yard

Bug Repellant Recipe

4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil
2 teaspoons witch hazel
8 teaspoons distilled water

Combine all essential oils and distilled water in a dark colored spray bottle and shake well. Spray mixture directly on exposed skin. Be careful to not spray near the eyes or mouth.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Finding Balance

It amazes me how there are times that I seem to get a million things done in no time and feel like Supermom. At the same time, it disappoints me that there are times that I seem to get nothing done in a whole lot of time, and feel like a failure! Things have been a bit ‘off’ for me lately. I have let stuff around me get out of balance. I don’t need to be Supermom, but I do need to regroup and up the game a little.

I have been at a crossroad in several things and have felt a little stuck. Not knowing the right direction to take sometimes sends me into a panic. I am a planner and an organizer and I have this inner drive to always know my game plan. So, what do I do when I don’t know what to do? Well, this time, instead of taking charge and getting through my ‘stuff,’ I have procrastinated and avoided.

It has been long enough and somehow I don’t think it will all magically go away! What made me realize this is that I am at the end of a great novel. I love to read and when the book is really good, it is hard to put it down. Not only is it the end of a great book, but it is the last (as of yet) in a series of five! I have (once again) read through them consecutively. This last one in particular has gone by in a flash.

There is no better distraction from something you are putting off, than to get into a fantasy world and pretending your world doesn’t exist. Don’t get me wrong…I haven’t been reading night and day and forgetting all my responsibilities and such, but when I could be spending a few minutes looking for a new recipe to get me out of the food boredom rut, instead of just wishing I had some new ideas, it would be time better spent. I could definitely turn out the light and get more sleep instead of getting involved in the plot of a book and waking up tired, wondering why I didn’t go to bed earlier!

So, I have decided to take some action. I planned out all my “To-Do’s” on my list in order of priority and I am no longer going to procrastinate and avoid!! One by one, I will catch up and keep up and (try to) not let myself get overwhelmed with my never-ending tasks. Enough pressure to get the job done, but not so much to send me into a panic about not being able to do it!

Of course, this doesn’t mean an end to my reading! It just means that it will be my reward for a job well done instead of a way out. That way, I get to enjoy it instead of feeling guilty about it and thinking I should be doing something else. We moms work too hard not to get a little down time, too!