Greening your Family App, Review

I am sure your body is of great importance to you.  It is the only one you're given and you want it to last, right?  We try make good choices in eating and working out, but are we hurting our bodies with our cleaning products?

The amount of chemicals in our everyday cleaning products is alarming. Very similar to food labels, marketing on beauty and cleaning products can be very misleading.  I wanted to take this time to introduce you to a knew App called "Greening your Family".  

Description

Practical shopper’s guide to Greening Your Family

The Greening Your Family App is a road map for making safe product choices for you and your family. Do you wonder if you should buy organic or conventionally grown apples? Want to know which fish varieties have the least environmental contaminants? What about the safest brands of children’s shampoo or toothpaste to buy? This app answers all of these questions and more.

The app is designed to make it easy for you to minimize you and your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals found in many of the products that line the grocery store shelves. It is based on the award-winning book titled Greening Your Family, by Lindsey Carmichael, MPH. The Greening Your Family app is a distilled version of the book with advice and brand recommendations for everything from dishwasher soap to deodorant.

Features:
•Extensive information covering three broad categories: food, personal care and cleaning products

•Recommendations for safer brands of products in each category

•Information about ingredients to avoid in conventional products     

•Ability to create a ‘favorites’ list for quick access at the store

•Updates ensuring current information about the quickly changing green products landscape

•30+ recipes and tips for making your own non-toxic cleaning products

•Safe Guide to Plastics for foods

•Guide to House Plants That Purify the Air in your home

•Labeling information

•Table of the top 15 ingredients to avoid in personal care products

I was happy to see that most of the products I am using were included is the "safe green companies".  Although, some of the smaller or new companies I stared to use where not listed there.  Most that were listed are major green companies and you can find online or in most stores. I found it very beneficial when shopping.  What I wished it had, was a list of toxic chemicals in cleaning products.  A listing of stay away from these section.  It was nice to open up the app and check if a product was safe or not. The app does go into explain about what to look for on reading labels.  Through out the app I found a weather of knowledge and products that I feel a little better about trying now.  I do like to keep things simple and as natural as possible, but if I try a new product I will refer to their lists.  Over all a wonderful app to have. 

If you wanted to try a small version of the app for FREE go to this link.

For the full version the amount is only .99 cents!  I thought the buck was worth it for the convenience of having this info on my phone.  I am still learning about being a green mom, and enjoyed the assistance the app gave me. 

A few reviews:

"I use this at this at the grocery store and have found it to be helpful in my quest to minimize my family's exposure to harmful chemicals. The app covers a wide range of categories, briefly identifies ingredients to avoid in conventional products, and lists non-toxic brand alternatives- most of which can be found at your local grocery store. User interface is simple and well-designed. Worth every penny."

" This app is well organized and comprehensive. Anyone seeking a healthier life will benefit significantly."

Getting ready for Father's Day?

Upcoming Fabulous Finds For Father's Event

Winner Take All Fab Fathers Giveaway Event 

This event will run from May 31 - June 14. Event Giveaway Post with Rafflecopter are must be posted no earlier than 12:01am May 31 and not later than 11:59pm on May 31 or your entry will be taken off the Rafflecopter. 

Prizes: A Linksy Router (value $109) A Microsoft 2010 (value $119) An Eat Smart Retro Scale (value $40) A Cafe Press Gift Certificate (value $50) And More Prizes to come!

Wanting to signup for this event?  You can visit Fabulous Finds.

This will be a fun Father's Day event, so be sure to mark your calenders to stop back May 31- June 14, to wins some great prizes for Dad.

   

Nutrition New: GMO's and Michigan Pig Farm

GMO's are really starting to burn my buttons!!!
I viewed a video yesterday that really put what GMO's are into an easy light.  You will see how GMO will slowly take over crops, even those of small farmers, and in a away are ability to have natural choices.  The GMO crops are not contained and are slowly but diligently crossing into surrounding crops.

90% of GMO takes place in America's!  That is an alarming amount.  One reason I view GMO's as dangerous, is the chemicals used in making them more resistant to Pest and Weeds.  Keep in mind that studies have shown that GMO crops are no more resistance than Farmers that are non GMO.  Nature is strong and adapts so chemicals, and that is why they have to be increased to keep the pest and weeds at bay.  These toxic chemicals are getting into our soil and water.  Live beneficial organism are in soil that help make plants nutrient quality.  These natural organism are being destroyed through the use of GMO's.

A large percentage of GMO crops go to feeding livestock for consumption.  One thing to keep in mind is that science does not know what affect the GMO's will have on human and livestock down the road.

GMO's are not just used as crops environmental resistance but also in medicine.  You can see more on this in Nutritional News, GM in Kansas.

 Michigan authorities force farmers to massacre baby pigs cold blood - RT America
An Organic Hormone Free Pig Farm was told if they did not shot their own pigs, they would shut the farm down.   The state of Michigan  accused this farm of having FERAL pigs.  The definition of a feral pig is a running free outside of fences- wild pigs.  These pigs have a organic diet, are allowed to run around in the sun and fresh air.  This to me is a better life before slaughter.  At the end of the video you will see what is allowed by government for the housing and treatment of pigs that are used for OUR consumption.  (Granted this shot was in cleaner facility than I have previously seen.) 

I could not post the article because it was too graphic.  ALL the pigs in this video were killed.  If you would like to read the article you can go to Natural News

Wordless Wednesday

 Can't tell but he was big, from my elbow to fingertips. 

Keep a healthy Home

Most of us are becoming more aware of the chemicals in the everyday products we use around the house and on our bodies.  There are wonderful companies that are making greener cleaner products but some you can make right out of the pantry.

In the Kitchen and Bathroom
White Vinegar is a natural cleaner and deodorizer, it absorbs smells instead of covering them up.  You can clean your produce, counter tops, bathrooms, and floors.  Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle or jar.  I will also add some lemon juice for a nice citrus scent!  When the kids would miss the toilet in the bathroom, I used white vinegar removed the urine smell.  You can scrub white vinegar on the inside of the toilet to remove hard water and scum.
Use Baking soda and white vinegar together in sink to help unclog drains. 
I use salt on my cooking stoneware to clean the surface.  The abrasive works well with all stoneware getting into the pores. 

For the Laundry
Add 1 cup of white vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle to soften clothes.  I stopped using commercial softeners a few years ago when I saw they aggravated my sons eczema.  Using vinegar has been very helpful in softening without aggravating his sensitive skin. 
You can use 1 cup of Lemon juice in the wash to whiten clothes.  I love the natural fragrance of lemon! 

House, trash cans, and little box
Have you ever burnt dinner or forgot the cookies?  Yes we all have!  If there is a certain odor in the air you can deodorize the room by leaving 1 cup of white vinegar out.  You can sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the trash can to keep smells down.  I like to wash out the trash can, dry and sprinkle baking soda at the bottom.  This keeps the odors down.  I also use baking soda in my cats litter box.  Every week, I wash out the box, dry and sprinkle baking soda on the bottom.  You can sprinkle some over top of litter as you change and add. 

I love to learn more ways to clean and deodorize the home.  If you have a recipe or use to share please comment below!  Sharing is caring!

Envirosax Giveaway

I am 14+ days into my May Challenge to Drop the Plastic bags!  You can read my original post at 

My Conserving project for May. 

With the help of ConservingNow, I have not taken one single plastic bag this month.  There have been times, that if I had not been carrying my Envirosax Bags, I would have been in a tight spot.  It was so handy to be at the register and say "Oh ya, I use reusable bags only please", then pop them right out of my purse.  The Envirosax bags wrap up so easily they take up hardly no room at all in my purse.

There were times when I had my bags out and ready and the cashier would still put them in a plastic.  :-)  I would then place them in my bag and ask them to use for the next person without bags.  They were always very nice and I found that at some store you receive a discount for needing no plastic bags.  I thought that was very cool. 

We spent the weekend in Prescott for my husbands "Whiskey Row Half-Marathon".  We always support each member of our house activities even when we have to get up at 4am to get to a race, a football game, gymnastic, and MORE.  So today was Daddy's race day.  This was a weekend you don't think about, "do I have my reusable bag", but with my easy to carry 5-1 Envirosax bags I was prepared.  The race was going to take at least 2 hours and I wanted to be prepared.  After seeing Dad off, we walked down to the grocery store and picked up yogurt, bagels, and fruit.  We then went back to the square to have a fun picnic breakfast and color.  You can see in the bottom of the coloring photo my Envirosax bag.  I love the convenience of these bags! 

I really put these bags to the test.

• I used them for produce basket pickup.  
• Regular grocery shopping.
• Carrying food and gifts for the teacher appreciation luncheon.                    
• The assembly of out School Spring fling basket.  Boy where those bags put to the test and came out on top!
• Tons of errands around town.  I was never wishing I had grabbed a bag before I left and the car was not junked up with a bag full of bags in the back.  (Huge plus right there)
• Summer shopping for the family for clothes, shoes, and other items.              
• I was pleasantly reminded every time I left my car to grab my bag with my FREE static cling.  If you have not signed up to get yours you can go here.
• I picked up meat for our family dinner and I had no problem throwing that bag in the washer to make sure it was clean after use. 

I carried a lot of crafting supplies for our craft basket.

 Find out how you can help in your community and teach your children with Conserving Now.

I am using the Envirosax After Dark 5-in-1 Pouch for $34.99.  You can order yours and see what other designs they have at ConservingNow 5-1 Pouch. 

You can also order the 3-1 Pouches for $20.99

WIN a Single Envirosax Bag of your choice! US entries Only please

One thing I loved, was everywhere I use my bags cashier, teachers, and friends where saying how lovely the designs where.  I love the pattern I picked out, After Dark, and I am happy to say one lucky reader will pick out one of there own single Envirosax bag (Value $7.99).   


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 I am not paid for my reviews.  These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about. 

Wrinkles and Deit

Diet has a lot to do with if we are showing early signs or aging.  There is a ton of products that promise to reverse the signs of aging, but I say tackle it at the roots of the problem: our diet. 

I talk more about this on my Contributor post with Happy Mothering.  See what you can omit and what to add to reverse the wrinkles of early aging!

Copy-Kids Review

I had the opportunity to try a great new tool for Parents!  Lets me honest, sometimes it is a struggle to get your kids to eat healthy and I think the trick is to start them early.

Copy Kids is a wonderful company that understands kids like to watch other kids having fun, child lead.  They took other children who enjoyed healthy foods and put them on the TV for kids to see.  Think about it, today we are bombarded with kids eating junk foods, sugary cereals, and unhealthy drinks.  Our little ones see them smiling enjoying the food and they think "I want that!"  So lets give them a better example and help them develop healthy eating habits.

The Copy Kids DVD features 9-10 boys and girls having a blast eating healthy food, 12 chapters that are 7 minutes long.  When I put the movie on my 4 year old, she was laughing and giggling.  It took just a few moments for her to ask for some carrots too.  Granted she has always been a healthy eater and I wanted to see how she handled her trouble foods, raw broccoli and peppers.  After enjoying the carrots and bananas we flipped to the broccoli.  She had fun eating her broccoli right along with the kids.  I was so excited to see her enjoying this vegetable raw, because she normally would only eat it steamed.  We then went to the peppers and I found that whole she did not care for them but really enjoyed them sliced.  I had a blast watching her laugh and giggle with these fun little food stars. 

Pediatrician Dr Jay Gordon, MD recommends kids as young as 6 months start and enjoy into the toddler years.  I think this a wonderful stress free tool parents.  I find parents always saying "my kid only eats chicken nuggets, hotdogs, and chips".    I think a lot has to do with that they see kids eating these mainstream foods on TV and movies all the time.  Here is a small clip of the Copy Kids Trailer.  


The DVD features

• bell peppers
• carrots
• raspberries
• broccoli
• bananas
• strawberries
• tomato
• cucumbers oranges
• avocado
• apples
• blueberries
• oranges

 Copy-Kids is a media company producing video that encourages positive habits in young children, by watching and copying other kids. Copy-Kids unique content — DVD, online and TV — helps parents get their children hooked on healthy and positive habits.

I know many parents wish that teaching their kids to eat healthy was easier.  Copy-Kids is helping you provide enriching entertainment to help you get more beneficial food in their hands.  Even my 6 years old was giggling and smiling along wanting food that was in each chapter.  This DVD is $19.95.  If you are wanting to order your own copy of this kid loving tool visit Copy Kids website. 
You can also visit Copy-Kids on Facebook and see the many other parents using this awesome DVD.

5 Things to keep in mind to de-stress

This last week has been extremely busy and challenging for me.  While next week is packed to the hilt with events and responsibilities I need to keep myself relaxed.  With this in mind I wanted to share a few I use when times get tough.

• Find a quite place.  I am a mom of four active and wonderful kids and things get load and chaotic.  I have a ton of end of year events that I need to help with at the school and family obligations.  I love doing all these things but even things we love can cause undue stress on us.  To keep myself in balance I like to find a few minutes in a nice quite place and just breath deep.  No thoughts, No schedule, No noise, No meals, just breathing and relaxing.
• Make time to exercise.  This may seem like one more thing to schedule in, but it is a must for de-stressing.  This week I have put my exercise on hold and I am feeling the effects of being sluggish, tired, and even a little tense.  Exercise helps us burn pent-up tensions and increases a healthy lifestyle.  This is something we need to always make sure we get in the daily activities.  
• Get your Yoga On!  Yoga is so much more that a workout.  You get the breathing exercise, concentration, and balance that comes with a great workout.  It helps detoxify the body and mind.
• Give yourself healthy challenges.  It is important to learn new things in a relaxing manor.  Go for a hike, a new bike ride, try something new in cooking, exercise, reading about a subject that you are interested, and more.  We need to stay out of the stagnant waters of routine and rise to a challenge of improvement and variety. 
• Be a great example to your family.  They look up to you to be a corner stone of strength.  When we lose the balance of life then they lose a footing to their day as well.  I have had days where the kids or hubby have said, "OK, Mom is losing it".  That is my que to relax, re-prioritize, and let few things go until tomorrow, maybe even next week. :-)

This weekend we have a half marathon to attend and then we will kick back and enjoy Cinco de Mayo fun!  For those in Tucson here are a couple events to look into!  Enjoy your weekend!

Up coming EVENTS Tucson AZ

What:Cinco de mayo Festival!LIVE Mariachi MUSIC  Free kids crafts and more in addition to our farmers and artisans. We have local, pesticide-free and organic fruit and vegetables, hand crafted furniture, quilts, jewelry, handmade soaps and lotions, baked goods and much more. info. HERE

Where:Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market12500 E. Old Spanish Trail

When:8am-1pm

Cost:FREE

What:Weekend of Cinco de Mayo festivities presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance and Park Place Mall with music, dancing and more.

When:1pm - 3pm: A Son Y Sol Engel Indo Mariachias by Macy's 3pm - 5pm: Street Minstrels - Frank Ross - Latin Folk by Sears

where:Park Place Mall

cost:FREE

Nutritional News, GM Rice in Kansas

I recently read that Science is now Engineering and Modifying rice to make a Pharmaceutical.   The problem is they are modifying the rice with "human liver genes". 

With approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ventria has taken one of the most widely cultivated grain crops in the world today, and essentially turned it into a catalyst for producing new drugs.   Read at Natural News and  The Washington Post.

This project started in 2006 in doors in Maryland.  When the Company, Ventria Bioscience, wanted to move the project outdoors was then refused from the state of Maryland.  Ventria then moved the project to Junction City, Kansas where it is now grown outside on 3200 aces and risking cross contamination with other crops.  While this crop of GM Rice was not grown or approved for human consumption, cross contamination is a concern for many.  Crop contamination is actually pretty common, GM Contamination Registry. 


People are calling this rice "Frankenstein Food".  There is no way to know for sure that this GM rice will not end up in your rice, unless you are buying "Organic" and "Non GMO TESTED" foods.  This is actually sad because think of those that travel or when you want to eat out in a restaurant?  Are they using organic non GMO?  How will you know?  It is upsetting that we have to be this concerned and aware of our food sources. Just another reason to support local Framers and Farmers Markets! 

"This is not a product that everyone would want to consume," said Jane Rissler from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) to the Washington Post back in 2007. "It is unwise to produce drugs in plants outdoors." Natural News

While I understand this project was started to help a very real problem for children with sever diarrhea and digestive problems, it is something that needs to be contained.   I don't think the project was ever initially meant to be grown outside and risk the possibility of cross contamination.  Also, now I am reading this protein they are instrumenting might be added to yogurts and more.  If they stop killing the live cultures with additives and sugar, they would not need to add digestive proteins back in. 

What are your thoughts?  Are you concerned or alarmed?  Do you think that crops and food should be left as God and Nature intended?