he's quiet by nature
easy on the eyes
and quick to smile and laugh
my little c impresses me every day
and i have a very low key child
and am so grateful
he may be cautious
take his time
but that suits me perfectly
and this beautiful little boy
is the one i was meant to have
taps me on the face
hugs
hugs
and more hugs
and dry kisses (they used to be sloppy but he's learning ;)
you are loved
i am blessed
and am finally realizing it
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
december flies
i haven't updated in nearly 2wks
with good reason
it's been one hell of a month
first a week and a half of stomach flu for little c
a few days worth for both dh and me
and then
my mother in law dies
so we are just back
it took some effort getting out there
delays
etc
winter weather
coming back was
early
but easier
and so now little c has the flu
his daddy had a cold
and round caca of this month continues
looking forward to 2009, because the end of 2008 is proving not so great
with good reason
it's been one hell of a month
first a week and a half of stomach flu for little c
a few days worth for both dh and me
and then
my mother in law dies
so we are just back
it took some effort getting out there
delays
etc
winter weather
coming back was
early
but easier
and so now little c has the flu
his daddy had a cold
and round caca of this month continues
looking forward to 2009, because the end of 2008 is proving not so great
Monday, December 08, 2008
wow - hit by sacred sound!
what a weekend!!
i took a weekend full of sacred sound workshops and wow.
from the silence came sound
does silence exist
what exists between the sound and silence
listen to the sound inside your body, pick one and go inside that sound - what do you feel?
ohm shanti!
ohm namaha shivaya!
the weekend started with a brief history of sound
the cornerstones of sound and healing
and learning how to listen
beyond words
into frequencies
vibrations
and what effects those would have
unblocked by noise pollution
on me
then toning and chanting and experience
full
rich
experience
and we all created a sacred, trusting, healing space
where we shared
where we learned from each other
a weekend full of learning
and connection!
namaste jeremy and all those who were in the workshops with me
sacredsound.ca
i'll share more later as i process all of the amazing things wedged into the weekend
i took a weekend full of sacred sound workshops and wow.
from the silence came sound
does silence exist
what exists between the sound and silence
listen to the sound inside your body, pick one and go inside that sound - what do you feel?
ohm shanti!
ohm namaha shivaya!
the weekend started with a brief history of sound
the cornerstones of sound and healing
and learning how to listen
beyond words
into frequencies
vibrations
and what effects those would have
unblocked by noise pollution
on me
then toning and chanting and experience
full
rich
experience
and we all created a sacred, trusting, healing space
where we shared
where we learned from each other
a weekend full of learning
and connection!
namaste jeremy and all those who were in the workshops with me
sacredsound.ca
i'll share more later as i process all of the amazing things wedged into the weekend
Friday, December 05, 2008
bridges and governments
the bridge close-by
connecting provinces
is crumbling
and this article about it today links the state of a federally-owned bridge and the government of today...
"Chaudière Bridge out indefinitely...
"Deterioration in the masonry arches of the 170-year-old Chaudière Bridge was noticed by a contractor two weeks ago, Mr. Vaillancourt said. It passed a full inspection in 2007, he said.
"The crumbling of the bridge is a symbol of what’s wrong with the federal Conservative government, area politicians said.
Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar, a New Democrat, said the closing of the bridge spoke to the need for an economic stimulus package that was at the heart of the political storm raging on Parliament Hill.
“Here we’ve got a government that says it has provided all the economic stimulus that’s necessary, and yet, in the shadow of Parliament Hill, in the heart of the city, we have a bridge owned by the federal government that is falling down,” Mr. Dewar said.
“This is a metaphor for what’s wrong with the government. To have this happen in the backyard of Parliament is exactly why we need a stimulus, and more money for infrastructure.”
"Councillor Diane Holmes, whose ward is served by the Chaudière Bridge, said having a federally-owned bridge in the capital begin to fall apart through neglect was intolerable. She said the bridge’s closing should shame the federal government into fixing Canada’s crumbling infrastructure.
“It is their own bridge, and one would expect at the very least that there would be regular inspections so it doesn’t get to a point where it is in imminent collapse,” Ms. Holmes said. “This suggests there are not inspections often enough to take care of their own roads and bridges. It shows the federal government doesn’t have a priority on infrastructure, and they should.”
connecting provinces
is crumbling
and this article about it today links the state of a federally-owned bridge and the government of today...
"Chaudière Bridge out indefinitely...
"Deterioration in the masonry arches of the 170-year-old Chaudière Bridge was noticed by a contractor two weeks ago, Mr. Vaillancourt said. It passed a full inspection in 2007, he said.
"The crumbling of the bridge is a symbol of what’s wrong with the federal Conservative government, area politicians said.
Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar, a New Democrat, said the closing of the bridge spoke to the need for an economic stimulus package that was at the heart of the political storm raging on Parliament Hill.
“Here we’ve got a government that says it has provided all the economic stimulus that’s necessary, and yet, in the shadow of Parliament Hill, in the heart of the city, we have a bridge owned by the federal government that is falling down,” Mr. Dewar said.
“This is a metaphor for what’s wrong with the government. To have this happen in the backyard of Parliament is exactly why we need a stimulus, and more money for infrastructure.”
"Councillor Diane Holmes, whose ward is served by the Chaudière Bridge, said having a federally-owned bridge in the capital begin to fall apart through neglect was intolerable. She said the bridge’s closing should shame the federal government into fixing Canada’s crumbling infrastructure.
“It is their own bridge, and one would expect at the very least that there would be regular inspections so it doesn’t get to a point where it is in imminent collapse,” Ms. Holmes said. “This suggests there are not inspections often enough to take care of their own roads and bridges. It shows the federal government doesn’t have a priority on infrastructure, and they should.”
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
formula can be dangerous to preemies
little c was a preemie
you might not know it now if i told you
when he was in the nicu, he had two full days that he was supplemented with formula
i was told it was necessary with his early arrival
that it was specific for preemies
i didn't even know the brand
thankfully, he was never supplemented again when my milk came in
and i hope i was able to undo any compromises that the artificial milk may have caused for his g.i. tract
in any case, it was with great interest that i read this article about preemies who have been diagnosed with meningitis may have actually gotten sick from powdered artificial milk, as it cannot be sterilized in the same manner as ready-made liquid can. another possible, and potentially more fatal infection can also occur - Enterobacter sakazakii, or E-sak.
"... powdered infant formulas are not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless directed and supervised by your baby's doctor."
"...investigation uncovered other cases in which powdered formula was blamed for causing brain damage or death in infants. There have been at least two Illinois cases and cases in at least 17 other states."
the article -
you might not know it now if i told you
when he was in the nicu, he had two full days that he was supplemented with formula
i was told it was necessary with his early arrival
that it was specific for preemies
i didn't even know the brand
thankfully, he was never supplemented again when my milk came in
and i hope i was able to undo any compromises that the artificial milk may have caused for his g.i. tract
in any case, it was with great interest that i read this article about preemies who have been diagnosed with meningitis may have actually gotten sick from powdered artificial milk, as it cannot be sterilized in the same manner as ready-made liquid can. another possible, and potentially more fatal infection can also occur - Enterobacter sakazakii, or E-sak.
"... powdered infant formulas are not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless directed and supervised by your baby's doctor."
"...investigation uncovered other cases in which powdered formula was blamed for causing brain damage or death in infants. There have been at least two Illinois cases and cases in at least 17 other states."
the article -
Risky formula
Powdered infant milk linked to deadly form of meningitis in preemies
Sunday, November 23, 2008
wow, big surprise, call babywearing mamas crazy - thanks, motrin
hmmmm
the only one who is crazy is the dimwit who approved of this ad. it has since been pulled, but really - how STUPID can a company be? my dh has bought motrin before, and guess what...never again. that people in that company thought it was fit to be an ad campaign shows how unbelievably out-of-touch they are. seriously makes me want to go their company headquarters, wear little c in the sling, take him out of the sling, remove cloth diaper and let him foul as much of the building as possible....would be preferable if it was the CEO's office, but since i wear c in a sling i'm already crazy in their eyes...blech
the original ad
the witty retort
the half-assed apology letter on their site. stupid company, don't piss off mamas.
the only one who is crazy is the dimwit who approved of this ad. it has since been pulled, but really - how STUPID can a company be? my dh has bought motrin before, and guess what...never again. that people in that company thought it was fit to be an ad campaign shows how unbelievably out-of-touch they are. seriously makes me want to go their company headquarters, wear little c in the sling, take him out of the sling, remove cloth diaper and let him foul as much of the building as possible....would be preferable if it was the CEO's office, but since i wear c in a sling i'm already crazy in their eyes...blech
the original ad
the witty retort
the half-assed apology letter on their site. stupid company, don't piss off mamas.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
pertussis vaccine and allergies
Dr Tenpenny is an amazing resource for questions about vaccine safety. I'd call her a crusader, against the grid, knowledgeable, and a great support for non-vaxers.
this blog entry is an interesting look at those who receive the pertussis vaccine and the link with allergies. i was vaccinated against pertussis and contracted it TWICE. i was riddled with childhood allergies which i have since outgrown, but it makes me wonder. especially knowing that i had very high fevers with every vaccination i received as an infant...
http://sayingnotovaccines.blogspot.com/2008/01/positive-association-between-pertussis.html
this blog entry is an interesting look at those who receive the pertussis vaccine and the link with allergies. i was vaccinated against pertussis and contracted it TWICE. i was riddled with childhood allergies which i have since outgrown, but it makes me wonder. especially knowing that i had very high fevers with every vaccination i received as an infant...
http://sayingnotovaccines.blogspot.com/2008/01/positive-association-between-pertussis.html
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
stripping cloth diapers
i am completely copying and pasting a post from a discussion board so that i don't forget this stripping process (am hoping it works better than what i do right now
Are your cloth diapers getting a little stinky? Your usual detergent isn't getting them as fresh as it used to? As soon as they're soiled the stink is unbearable?! You need to strip them! Cloth diapers need to be 'stripped' now and again to get rid of detergent residue. Follow these simple steps and you'll have fresh smelling dipes in no time:
Supplies: Large stockpots (1-2), Whisk, Baking Soda, Dishwashing Detergent, Lemon Juice, Laundry Detergent, Washing Machine.
1. Fill stockpot(s) with water. Bring to a boil. Remove from stove and slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of baking soda. Add 3 drops of dishwashing detergent. Whisk again.
2. Add the boiling water mixture into your top load washer (for front loaders, do this step in a bucket). Add, then immerse diapers. Let soak for 30 minutes.
3. Drain washer on spin cycle (for front loaders, empty the bucket). Squirt each diaper soaker area (pee/poo spot) with lemon juice.
4. Complete a full wash load on hot water. Use only 1.5-3tsp of detergent (depending on load size).
5. Re-wash one more time on hot. Rinse twice more on cold. Dry & voila! Fresh diapers!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
making lip balm
in this year's effort to curb cracked, dry lips i plan to make my own lip balm
must be november, makes me think of drying up, cracking up and trying to ward off infections
i found this recipe which i can't wait to try...but i think i will reduce the amount i make
180 g beeswax (about ¾ cup grated)
60 g cocoa butter (about ¼ cup grated)
250 mL almond oil (a whole small bottle)
20 vitamin E capsules
2 ½ tsp peppermint essential oil
1. Grate solids. This recipe used about 1 cup, or 240 grams solids. From what I’ve read, the proportion of wax to butter can change. What matters more is the proportion of solid to liquid (oil). I do have a scale for measuring, and I know most people don’t, but I found it quite helpful.
2. Put solids and almond oil in a double boiler to melt. My friend said not to use olive oil, but I don’t know why. I used the only kind of almond oil they had at the store, which came in a little 250 mL bottle.
3. Add vitamin E. I had originally calculated putting 2½ tsp in, but quickly realized it would take FOREVER to squeeze all that goo out of the little capsules. Since the capsule is just glycerin and gelatin, I hoped it wouldn’t hurt anything to just throw them in. I put in 20 and the outer part melted, so the vitamin E mixed in. I ended up with a glob of glycerin/gelatin on the bottom of the pan that I just scooped out. You need vit E to keep the lip balm from spoiling and it is also good for your skin.
4. Put a little bit of your mixture on a spoon, put it in the freezer until it’s hard, and decide if the consistency is they way you like it. Add more solids (to make it harder) or oil (to make it softer) if you want.
5. When the consistency is right (mine was on the first try—I like it pretty stiff), Add your flavoring, I like minty lip balm, so I used peppermint EO. You can do the freezer thing again to check the flavor.
6. Use an eyedropper to put it in containers. I used cheapo disposable ones, which was a good idea because I don't know how I would have gotten them clean! Actually, I’m not sure how I’m going to get the pan clean either. When I rinsed it with hot water it made a goopy mess and I haven’t finished the dishes yet from dinner, so I haven’t really tied to wash it yet. (ETA: It just took a lot of scrubbing, but wasn't too bad.)
must be november, makes me think of drying up, cracking up and trying to ward off infections
i found this recipe which i can't wait to try...but i think i will reduce the amount i make
180 g beeswax (about ¾ cup grated)
60 g cocoa butter (about ¼ cup grated)
250 mL almond oil (a whole small bottle)
20 vitamin E capsules
2 ½ tsp peppermint essential oil
1. Grate solids. This recipe used about 1 cup, or 240 grams solids. From what I’ve read, the proportion of wax to butter can change. What matters more is the proportion of solid to liquid (oil). I do have a scale for measuring, and I know most people don’t, but I found it quite helpful.
2. Put solids and almond oil in a double boiler to melt. My friend said not to use olive oil, but I don’t know why. I used the only kind of almond oil they had at the store, which came in a little 250 mL bottle.
3. Add vitamin E. I had originally calculated putting 2½ tsp in, but quickly realized it would take FOREVER to squeeze all that goo out of the little capsules. Since the capsule is just glycerin and gelatin, I hoped it wouldn’t hurt anything to just throw them in. I put in 20 and the outer part melted, so the vitamin E mixed in. I ended up with a glob of glycerin/gelatin on the bottom of the pan that I just scooped out. You need vit E to keep the lip balm from spoiling and it is also good for your skin.
4. Put a little bit of your mixture on a spoon, put it in the freezer until it’s hard, and decide if the consistency is they way you like it. Add more solids (to make it harder) or oil (to make it softer) if you want.
5. When the consistency is right (mine was on the first try—I like it pretty stiff), Add your flavoring, I like minty lip balm, so I used peppermint EO. You can do the freezer thing again to check the flavor.
6. Use an eyedropper to put it in containers. I used cheapo disposable ones, which was a good idea because I don't know how I would have gotten them clean! Actually, I’m not sure how I’m going to get the pan clean either. When I rinsed it with hot water it made a goopy mess and I haven’t finished the dishes yet from dinner, so I haven’t really tied to wash it yet. (ETA: It just took a lot of scrubbing, but wasn't too bad.)
Friday, November 14, 2008
party video
ok it's a month late today, but love this (thanks to one of my friends on fb)
and the link to it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auVGvM4_9XU
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
essential oils - eucalyptus
eucalyptus - it's that time of year to make sure i am stocked up on it...an essential during cold/flu season.
antiseptic
great when you are ill - steam inhalations - a few drops in a pot of boiling water (remove from stove)- close your eyes, toss a towel over you and the pot to seal it and breathe slowly
can blend it with a natural oil and use it as a chest/foot rub when congested
also can use it in a diffuser or a humidifier
antiseptic
great when you are ill - steam inhalations - a few drops in a pot of boiling water (remove from stove)- close your eyes, toss a towel over you and the pot to seal it and breathe slowly
can blend it with a natural oil and use it as a chest/foot rub when congested
also can use it in a diffuser or a humidifier
Monday, November 10, 2008
essential oils - lavender
i get a lot of use out of lavender
lavender
relaxation
antiseptic
good blend with citrus for a pick me up in the winter
helps with pain
safe during pregnancy
peppermint and lavender together - natural headache remedy
lavender
relaxation
antiseptic
good blend with citrus for a pick me up in the winter
helps with pain
safe during pregnancy
peppermint and lavender together - natural headache remedy
Sunday, November 09, 2008
essential oils - peppermint
just jotting down my thoughts on some of the essential oils i use most - in this post it's all about peppermint
aid in preventing nausea
sick during labor
smells great for cleaning supplies
peppermint and lavender together - natural headache remedy
aid in preventing nausea
sick during labor
smells great for cleaning supplies
peppermint and lavender together - natural headache remedy
Saturday, November 08, 2008
yet more about bs
it's another baking soda post
i have been trying to find no-poo recipes that would be easy to do
i had tried just using apple cider vinegar but it dried my hair out even more
but i think i have found another process i am ready to try...
baking soda - dilute 1tbsp in one glass of water
and then either
acv diluted
or
lemon juice diluted
i think i'll make a spray bottle up so i can add some essential oils
then i'll try something along the following routine:
1 wet hair
2 bs in cup with warm water
3 scrub scalp
4 rinse
5 use diluted acv or lj
6 rinse again
will see how it works
also, i managed to spill half a bottle of tea tree oil behind my washer - strong!
i have been trying to find no-poo recipes that would be easy to do
i had tried just using apple cider vinegar but it dried my hair out even more
but i think i have found another process i am ready to try...
baking soda - dilute 1tbsp in one glass of water
and then either
acv diluted
or
lemon juice diluted
i think i'll make a spray bottle up so i can add some essential oils
then i'll try something along the following routine:
1 wet hair
2 bs in cup with warm water
3 scrub scalp
4 rinse
5 use diluted acv or lj
6 rinse again
will see how it works
also, i managed to spill half a bottle of tea tree oil behind my washer - strong!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
more b.s.
i know i have extolled the virtues of baking soda before
and it is a staple in both cleaning supplies and cooking in our home
why does this odd obsession with b.s. continue?
well, the stuff is amazingly useful
as is white vinegar
they are sort of each other's yin and yang - cooking and cleaning, powder and liquid
and now
even MORE uses for baking soda
(a link with 61 uses, some of which i have discovered on my own, and some very new to me)
http://www.bellybytes.com/articles/bakingsoda.shtml
and it is a staple in both cleaning supplies and cooking in our home
why does this odd obsession with b.s. continue?
well, the stuff is amazingly useful
as is white vinegar
they are sort of each other's yin and yang - cooking and cleaning, powder and liquid
and now
even MORE uses for baking soda
(a link with 61 uses, some of which i have discovered on my own, and some very new to me)
http://www.bellybytes.com/articles/bakingsoda.shtml
Monday, November 03, 2008
another laundry option
i make a liquid laundry soap and this one
both work well in my high efficiency washer
this one is the recipe with the least ingredients
(and i use about 2tbsp per load)
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 grated bar of soap
both work well in my high efficiency washer
this one is the recipe with the least ingredients
(and i use about 2tbsp per load)
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 grated bar of soap
Sunday, November 02, 2008
another stoning in somalia
it's hard to believe sometimes
that this happens
a child claims rape
and is stoned to death
with hundreds of spectators witnessing it
what can we do to stop this?
13 yr old stoned to death
that this happens
a child claims rape
and is stoned to death
with hundreds of spectators witnessing it
what can we do to stop this?
13 yr old stoned to death
Friday, October 31, 2008
it just makes me sad
everything about having a baby should be in its own way joyful
i know in many ways i felt so far removed from it, i couldn't express joy
it's like i couldn't catch my breath
first i had a footling breech position for my baby
then gush - pprom
easy but quick labour
to end with an emergency c-section
i've learned that a 34 weeker in the rarest of breech positions just doesn't have a good shot at survival unless he is cut out
and i felt cut and damaged
and sometimes still do
behind tears
behind the sweetness
is the sadness
not so much about the nicu
my little c triumphed and got outta there more quickly than anticipated
but the c section
i have the ugly hypertrophic scar, adorned by now-white stretch marks to show for it
i don't think there is always some great reason behind things, i mean for me, the medical files state - reason for prematurity - medically unknown
and that is the sign
sometimes it just is
but the c section is more than just a physical scar
it is the loss of a dream
it is a mark that says life really isn't fair sometimes
it is a red and angry line that screams this is not how i wanted it to be, why why why did my body fail me?
and it is a lot of tears
not for the healing on the surface
but how tenuous, how irritable, how raw it is below.
a very dear friend has just had an emergency c-section
and in those tears of joy, past the time of shock, she may feel the gash of sadness
the medically-necessary inflicted wounds
that make healing the mind's heart a very difficult task
i wish her peace
i wish her joy in this odd way of initiation into motherhood
i wish her love and support
i know in many ways i felt so far removed from it, i couldn't express joy
it's like i couldn't catch my breath
first i had a footling breech position for my baby
then gush - pprom
easy but quick labour
to end with an emergency c-section
i've learned that a 34 weeker in the rarest of breech positions just doesn't have a good shot at survival unless he is cut out
and i felt cut and damaged
and sometimes still do
behind tears
behind the sweetness
is the sadness
not so much about the nicu
my little c triumphed and got outta there more quickly than anticipated
but the c section
i have the ugly hypertrophic scar, adorned by now-white stretch marks to show for it
i don't think there is always some great reason behind things, i mean for me, the medical files state - reason for prematurity - medically unknown
and that is the sign
sometimes it just is
but the c section is more than just a physical scar
it is the loss of a dream
it is a mark that says life really isn't fair sometimes
it is a red and angry line that screams this is not how i wanted it to be, why why why did my body fail me?
and it is a lot of tears
not for the healing on the surface
but how tenuous, how irritable, how raw it is below.
a very dear friend has just had an emergency c-section
and in those tears of joy, past the time of shock, she may feel the gash of sadness
the medically-necessary inflicted wounds
that make healing the mind's heart a very difficult task
i wish her peace
i wish her joy in this odd way of initiation into motherhood
i wish her love and support
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
another bit /bite from the us election front
sometimes politicians can make you vexed enough to just want to bite their heads off. mmm yummy - these might make it worth it to do so...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
ummm...i don't remember this cabbage patch doll...
Seems that some smarty-pants came up with the idea to create one-of-a-kind cabbage patch dolls of the pres and vp candidates in the us and will auction them off on e-bay. a money maker? maybe.
definitely, super-creepy. would you want your child in bed with a politician...even if it is in the form of a cabbage patch kid?!
http://images.ctv.ca/gallery/photo/election_oddities_081027/image10.jpg
definitely, super-creepy. would you want your child in bed with a politician...even if it is in the form of a cabbage patch kid?!
http://images.ctv.ca/gallery/photo/election_oddities_081027/image10.jpg
Saturday, October 25, 2008
neighbourhood gems
i really love living in a downtown neighbourhood
especially when it comes down to food
and being close to both chinatown and little italy make it a wealth of local restaurants at my doorstep.
in chinatown, it has taken a while to cull through the glut of restaurants to pick out faves but here they are -
(all of these restaurants are on somerset between bronson and preston streets
best chinese - jo moon ting (at rochester
really authentic hong kong style food - and a pure gem to find in ottawa
i am not a fan of congee, but their other soups are just delicious
this is THE place to get the best crispy beef
also, their thick noodle dishes are almost all universally good
almost all asian clientele, and no forks or knives anywhere in sight
ben ben restaurant (kind of like a more upscale jo moon ting - at cambridge
ben ben has these show-stopping sizzling plates - and they are just yum!
also, one of my fave dishes in the neighbourhood is made here - squid in black bean sauce
chu shing (also at cambridge
this is like the big family restaurants you see in hong kong
it's not fancy - well in parts it's even kitschy
but this is an affordable dim sum place with a largely asian clientele
and its a good way to try out new dishes
really like their shrimp shu mai here
new pho bo ga la (2 min walk from my doorstep
this is a great pho restaurant
if you are ever there our family favourite is s7
and they make really good vietnamese shakes - steve loves the avocado one, and i like the coconut one -mmmmmmm
vietnamese palace (slightly upscale - just after booth
unlike most asian restaurants, this one has a small patio. it also has an updated, lovely interior - partly because of the big fire at somerset and booth that destroyed housing and several restaurants on the block
it's lovely
the service is great
and at only a buck or two more a dish - this "splurge" is less expensive than most inexpensive restaurants in the city
northern han (between preston and rochester
now this restaurant reminds me of beijing!
classic dumplings, and bare decor
but really delicious
and you can buy dumplings frozen and ready to steam, boil or fry at home
seasons pizza (was at booth - soon to be at rochester
this was another casualty of the big fire, but during a walk steve and i saw a sign at rochester that seasons was coming back! i love this pizza joint - i am not a big pizza fan, but this place was always generous with toppings which made it nearly a meal on its own! steve spoke with the owner and it should be open this week! yay!
sushi 88 - this is a splurge, but it's the only decent sushi place within a 20min walk. it's always fresh and beautifully presented, even for takeout!
so that is, in essence, a round up of my fave restaurants within a 3-4 minute walk from home.
especially when it comes down to food
and being close to both chinatown and little italy make it a wealth of local restaurants at my doorstep.
in chinatown, it has taken a while to cull through the glut of restaurants to pick out faves but here they are -
(all of these restaurants are on somerset between bronson and preston streets
best chinese - jo moon ting (at rochester
really authentic hong kong style food - and a pure gem to find in ottawa
i am not a fan of congee, but their other soups are just delicious
this is THE place to get the best crispy beef
also, their thick noodle dishes are almost all universally good
almost all asian clientele, and no forks or knives anywhere in sight
ben ben restaurant (kind of like a more upscale jo moon ting - at cambridge
ben ben has these show-stopping sizzling plates - and they are just yum!
also, one of my fave dishes in the neighbourhood is made here - squid in black bean sauce
chu shing (also at cambridge
this is like the big family restaurants you see in hong kong
it's not fancy - well in parts it's even kitschy
but this is an affordable dim sum place with a largely asian clientele
and its a good way to try out new dishes
really like their shrimp shu mai here
new pho bo ga la (2 min walk from my doorstep
this is a great pho restaurant
if you are ever there our family favourite is s7
and they make really good vietnamese shakes - steve loves the avocado one, and i like the coconut one -mmmmmmm
vietnamese palace (slightly upscale - just after booth
unlike most asian restaurants, this one has a small patio. it also has an updated, lovely interior - partly because of the big fire at somerset and booth that destroyed housing and several restaurants on the block
it's lovely
the service is great
and at only a buck or two more a dish - this "splurge" is less expensive than most inexpensive restaurants in the city
northern han (between preston and rochester
now this restaurant reminds me of beijing!
classic dumplings, and bare decor
but really delicious
and you can buy dumplings frozen and ready to steam, boil or fry at home
seasons pizza (was at booth - soon to be at rochester
this was another casualty of the big fire, but during a walk steve and i saw a sign at rochester that seasons was coming back! i love this pizza joint - i am not a big pizza fan, but this place was always generous with toppings which made it nearly a meal on its own! steve spoke with the owner and it should be open this week! yay!
sushi 88 - this is a splurge, but it's the only decent sushi place within a 20min walk. it's always fresh and beautifully presented, even for takeout!
so that is, in essence, a round up of my fave restaurants within a 3-4 minute walk from home.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
making your own deodorant
i found this recipe on a discussion board at mothering.com and slightly modified it
it works really well, and i've nicknamed it my b.o. balm (so it sounds like b.o. bomb)
am sharing it...you mix it all in a small bowl and use a small glass jar with a lid to put it in (my last batch is just running out and i made it 5 months ago!
2 tbsp each of coconut oil
shea butter
baking soda
cornstarch
plus 6 drops of essential oil (i liked sweet orange for the last batch)
it works really well, and i've nicknamed it my b.o. balm (so it sounds like b.o. bomb)
am sharing it...you mix it all in a small bowl and use a small glass jar with a lid to put it in (my last batch is just running out and i made it 5 months ago!
2 tbsp each of coconut oil
shea butter
baking soda
cornstarch
plus 6 drops of essential oil (i liked sweet orange for the last batch)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
in love with my new siggy!
this was made by ashley at sweet graphic memories...and i love it!!!! ok it should be animated but blogger doesn't like that!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
the last days of indian summer
...a la gatineau park - where the shield meets the lowlands in fall colour splendour
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
voting for the environment
i can't say i agree with some of the choices, but this site is interesting as it endorses voting strategically for the environment. so in ridings where the conservatives are close, voters are asked to vote for a candidate based on defeating the conservative in the riding.
an interesting read...
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/
an interesting read...
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/
Monday, September 22, 2008
my little poster boy
...all about saving the greenspace. neighbourhood wanted our little c to represent so how could we not use it for saving the park. cropped the posters as they were a bit too big to see little c in.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Dr. Seuss for Nursing Moms
Dr. Seuss for Nursing Moms
Would you nurse her in the park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a Boppy?
And when your boobs are feeling floppy?
I would nurse him in the park,
I would nurse her in the dark.
I’d nurse with or without a Boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.
Can you nurse with your seat belt on?
Can you nurse from dusk till dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her `till she’s full!
Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy’s milk is the best start!
Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare complain?
I would nurse him at the game.
I would nurse her in the rain.
As for those who protest lactation,
I have the perfect explanation.
Mommy’s milk is tailor made
It’s the perfect food, you need no aid.
Some may scoff and some may wriggle,
Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude,
Remind them breast’s the perfect food!
I would never scoff or giggle,
Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would not be so crass or crude,
I KNOW that this milk’s the perfect food!
We make the amount we need
The perfect temp for every feed.
There’s no compare to milk from breast-
The perfect food, above the rest.
Those sweet nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy’s milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can’t be beat.
I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I’ll meet her needs, I’ll always try.
It’s not about what’s good for you,
It’s best for babies, through and through.
I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads and ma’am.
I will nurse her, Mom I am.
Share it if you like it!
Would you nurse her in the park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a Boppy?
And when your boobs are feeling floppy?
I would nurse him in the park,
I would nurse her in the dark.
I’d nurse with or without a Boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.
Can you nurse with your seat belt on?
Can you nurse from dusk till dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her `till she’s full!
Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy’s milk is the best start!
Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare complain?
I would nurse him at the game.
I would nurse her in the rain.
As for those who protest lactation,
I have the perfect explanation.
Mommy’s milk is tailor made
It’s the perfect food, you need no aid.
Some may scoff and some may wriggle,
Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude,
Remind them breast’s the perfect food!
I would never scoff or giggle,
Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would not be so crass or crude,
I KNOW that this milk’s the perfect food!
We make the amount we need
The perfect temp for every feed.
There’s no compare to milk from breast-
The perfect food, above the rest.
Those sweet nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy’s milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can’t be beat.
I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I’ll meet her needs, I’ll always try.
It’s not about what’s good for you,
It’s best for babies, through and through.
I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads and ma’am.
I will nurse her, Mom I am.
Share it if you like it!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
my favourite doctors
i've decided to feature some of the doctors i really admire. i am not a patient of theirs, and this will be an ongoing part of the blog as i get around to featuring them
what does form a common thread is these doctors all are so committed to their beliefs that they are willing to deviate from the "party line" of their medical associations, fellow colleagues, and naysayers.
i know it is never easy to push against the waves of the norm. to push on, regardless of being scrutinized and criticised...because they stand up for what they believe in. in my life, i have learned that you have to stand up for something, to not just accept the norm, because the norm isn't always the best thing.
thank you, brave doctors for standing your ground and giving those of us who also choose to go against the grain a bit of hope and inspiration in the constant criticism that comes from forging your own way and making unpopular choices.
my list of favourite doctors includes dr newman (thank god someone really cares enough about breastfeeding to research and educate - i thank you); dr mendelsohn, outspoken against vaccines - questioning their safety with the stats to make people at least think about it - i thank you; dr sears - making attachment parenting more and more accepted, that the natural is normal - i thank you; dr jay gordon, who listened to his patients and realized vaccines may not be the best choice, for advocating the normalcy of the family bed - i thank you. there are several others - i'll be thanking them too!
and to my own dentist - dr shodjaee, for incorporating the most natural remedies and options possible, and restoring health beyond just my teeth - i sincerely thank you.
what does form a common thread is these doctors all are so committed to their beliefs that they are willing to deviate from the "party line" of their medical associations, fellow colleagues, and naysayers.
i know it is never easy to push against the waves of the norm. to push on, regardless of being scrutinized and criticised...because they stand up for what they believe in. in my life, i have learned that you have to stand up for something, to not just accept the norm, because the norm isn't always the best thing.
thank you, brave doctors for standing your ground and giving those of us who also choose to go against the grain a bit of hope and inspiration in the constant criticism that comes from forging your own way and making unpopular choices.
my list of favourite doctors includes dr newman (thank god someone really cares enough about breastfeeding to research and educate - i thank you); dr mendelsohn, outspoken against vaccines - questioning their safety with the stats to make people at least think about it - i thank you; dr sears - making attachment parenting more and more accepted, that the natural is normal - i thank you; dr jay gordon, who listened to his patients and realized vaccines may not be the best choice, for advocating the normalcy of the family bed - i thank you. there are several others - i'll be thanking them too!
and to my own dentist - dr shodjaee, for incorporating the most natural remedies and options possible, and restoring health beyond just my teeth - i sincerely thank you.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Saturday, September 06, 2008
guinness is good for you
helped with the early days of nursing cal
and other benefits too...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3266819.stm
and other benefits too...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3266819.stm
Saturday, August 30, 2008
another take on flights and nursing
same great blogger compiled a list of nursing incidents where mamas were harassed, threatened, subjected to humiliation for feeding their children at the breast.
why why why does this still happen?!
http://phdinparenting.wordpress.com/2008/08/16/friendly-skies-not-always-for-breastfeeding-mothers/
why why why does this still happen?!
http://phdinparenting.wordpress.com/2008/08/16/friendly-skies-not-always-for-breastfeeding-mothers/
Friday, August 29, 2008
nursing and flights
really great article by a blogger who took the time to contact airlines to find out their breastfeeding policy.
Cover up! Airline breastfeeding policies…
Friday, August 22, 2008
breastmilk saves the world!
...okay maybe not exactly, but it is certainly is a less polluting way to feed an infant and toddler!
i loved the title of this ...mammaries for the planet which outlines some of the ways breastfeeding has a carbon neutral footprint!
...a few gems from the article...
"breastfeeding is the ultimate example of an ecologically sound food — it comes to us from the most local source available, is delivered to its consumer without any pollution, and is the first step in a baby’s understanding of nature’s interconnectedness."
"...In their first year, a baby on formula consumes an estimated average of 14,500 ounces of formula. That divides out to more than 60 canisters that are thrown away in a year..."
i loved the title of this ...mammaries for the planet which outlines some of the ways breastfeeding has a carbon neutral footprint!
...a few gems from the article...
"breastfeeding is the ultimate example of an ecologically sound food — it comes to us from the most local source available, is delivered to its consumer without any pollution, and is the first step in a baby’s understanding of nature’s interconnectedness."
"...In their first year, a baby on formula consumes an estimated average of 14,500 ounces of formula. That divides out to more than 60 canisters that are thrown away in a year..."
wonder how this happened?
http://www.hasbro.com/games/kid-games/monopoly/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsID=DB7DFA53-D56F-E112-458E61859535CD3D
3 canadian cities in the international edition of monopoly...go figure!
3 canadian cities in the international edition of monopoly...go figure!
Friday, August 15, 2008
damn cough
so i have tried just about everything
to no avail
this cough is getting the better of me
up each night with it
very broken sleep
almost 4wks now of cough cough cough
what i have tried
hot water with raw honey and lemon
nat mur
lots of liquids
sleeping seated
immune boosters - homeopathic
vit c and b
probiotics
eliminating dairy
onion and sugar - makes a syrup
water upon water
ibuprofen for the few times i got headaches from coughing
eucalyptus
steam inhalations
...i don't know what to do next...
to no avail
this cough is getting the better of me
up each night with it
very broken sleep
almost 4wks now of cough cough cough
what i have tried
hot water with raw honey and lemon
nat mur
lots of liquids
sleeping seated
immune boosters - homeopathic
vit c and b
probiotics
eliminating dairy
onion and sugar - makes a syrup
water upon water
ibuprofen for the few times i got headaches from coughing
eucalyptus
steam inhalations
...i don't know what to do next...
Saturday, August 09, 2008
house for free
it is the ultimate recycling project
a homeowner in ottawa - close to the downtown core is giving away the house she lives in
it doesn't come with land or location
you'll have to move it yourself
which will run about 40k
you have to live within 100km and prove you have land to put it on
but other than that, the house could be yours!
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080807/canada/ottawa_ot_freehome080807
a homeowner in ottawa - close to the downtown core is giving away the house she lives in
it doesn't come with land or location
you'll have to move it yourself
which will run about 40k
you have to live within 100km and prove you have land to put it on
but other than that, the house could be yours!
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080807/canada/ottawa_ot_freehome080807
Thursday, August 07, 2008
preventing pprom
preterm premature rupture of the membranes - argh
i had no clear understanding of it until it happened to me
6wks before cal's due date, and a woosh
and my water broke
and labour came quickly
unstoppable
...or could i have done something to stop it
that's what i have been looking into
i had a normal pregnancy and an abnormal birth experience and still try to make sense of it
i will be better versed on it all now
i stumbled across ways to prevent pprom, many of which i already did so can't learn from those for any potential future pregnancies
- take folic acid for at least a year - already did for years in combo with b12 sublingually
- no heavy lifting - duh!
but then i started finding more tips
pregnant after prom has a lot of suggestions like...
- "Ask your health care practitioner to do wet preps or cultures, not just a dipstick test...Bacterial vaginosis (BV) /gardnerella. Some studies show that treatment for BV substantially reduces the incidence of PROM...Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Usually your practitioner will only test for GBS once you reach 36 weeks, to prevent transmission to your baby via vaginal delivery. However, you may want to be tested routinely from the beginning of your pregnancy because it is not known what role GBS plays in PROM."
- "The fFN test measures the amount of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions (performed like a pap smear). A determination that the fFN "glue" is disintegrating may be a sign that a woman is at risk for preterm delivery, even if she is otherwise asymptomatic."
- and here is where a long list of suggestions begin...
"
and then even more!
"
i had no clear understanding of it until it happened to me
6wks before cal's due date, and a woosh
and my water broke
and labour came quickly
unstoppable
...or could i have done something to stop it
that's what i have been looking into
i had a normal pregnancy and an abnormal birth experience and still try to make sense of it
i will be better versed on it all now
i stumbled across ways to prevent pprom, many of which i already did so can't learn from those for any potential future pregnancies
- take folic acid for at least a year - already did for years in combo with b12 sublingually
- no heavy lifting - duh!
but then i started finding more tips
pregnant after prom has a lot of suggestions like...
- "Ask your health care practitioner to do wet preps or cultures, not just a dipstick test...Bacterial vaginosis (BV) /gardnerella. Some studies show that treatment for BV substantially reduces the incidence of PROM...Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Usually your practitioner will only test for GBS once you reach 36 weeks, to prevent transmission to your baby via vaginal delivery. However, you may want to be tested routinely from the beginning of your pregnancy because it is not known what role GBS plays in PROM."
- "The fFN test measures the amount of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions (performed like a pap smear). A determination that the fFN "glue" is disintegrating may be a sign that a woman is at risk for preterm delivery, even if she is otherwise asymptomatic."
- and here is where a long list of suggestions begin...
"
General guidelines - apply to entire pregnancy from positive home pregnancy test through delivery
Everyday Activity  | No lifting over 10 pounds. |
| | Minimal stairs. |
| | Limited standing and walking. |
| | No housework. |
| | No increase in altitude or long car trips. |
| | Get lots of rest. |
| | No bending. |
| | No baths. Sit down in the shower if you can (use a plastic lawn chair if you don't have a seat in your shower). |
| | Use unscented soap. |
| Avoid nipple stimulation, including letting hot water run on your breasts in the shower (it stimulates the uterus). | |
| | No sex or orgasm |
| | Use antibacterial wipes after you use the toilet to prevent chances of infection. |
| Diet & Supplements | |
| | Get adequate protein in your diet (minimum is 60 grams of protein daily). |
| | Minimize sugar intake; reduce intake of carbohydrates. |
| | Keep taking your prenatal and folic acid supplements. |
| | Take extra Zinc, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, on top of prenatals (ask your health care practitioner for dosage). |
| | Drink water (2 to 3 liters per day). |
| | Drink unsweetened or fruit-juice sweetened (not corn-syrup sweetened) cranberry juice, or take cranberry capsules to prevent urinary tract infections. |
| | Eat yogurt (including soy yogurt with live cultures) or take acidophilus supplements to help your body naturally fight off infection. |
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
the chemistry of parenting
so interesting. dh and i are definitely into attachment parenting as a way we live with our son.
i really enjoy the sears family and their approach to attachment parenting.
now they have posted an article about the chemistry - the hormones that are active as an attached parent...
THE BODY CHEMISTRY OF ATTACHMENT
"In reviewing attachment-chemistry studies , we conclude that a secure mother-infant attachment keeps the baby in hormonal balance"
i really enjoy the sears family and their approach to attachment parenting.
now they have posted an article about the chemistry - the hormones that are active as an attached parent...
THE BODY CHEMISTRY OF ATTACHMENT
"In reviewing attachment-chemistry studies , we conclude that a secure mother-infant attachment keeps the baby in hormonal balance"
Friday, August 01, 2008
laundry soap
so i finally am happy with the laundry soap i have been making. i was trying lots of combos and was using borax which i love to use but is hard on cloth diapers
so....
batches later and happy happy
4l bucket
2c washing soda
1c castile soap
1tsp ginger -mmm love the smell for laundry
1c baking soda
warm water
add all and stir
have to stir before each use
about 1/2 c per load
earth-gentle living...and then hang dry load...this part is definitely harder in the winter
so....
batches later and happy happy
4l bucket
2c washing soda
1c castile soap
1tsp ginger -mmm love the smell for laundry
1c baking soda
warm water
add all and stir
have to stir before each use
about 1/2 c per load
earth-gentle living...and then hang dry load...this part is definitely harder in the winter
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
natural weaning
so no animal milk for cal yet
am thinking of introducing a small amount starting at 16mths.
we'll see
i don't want him to wean early
came across an interesting bit of research on the age of natural weaning in humans
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
"In societies where children are allowed to nurse "as long as they want" they usually self-wean, with no arguments or emotional trauma, between 3 and 4 years of age."
am thinking of introducing a small amount starting at 16mths.
we'll see
i don't want him to wean early
came across an interesting bit of research on the age of natural weaning in humans
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
"In societies where children are allowed to nurse "as long as they want" they usually self-wean, with no arguments or emotional trauma, between 3 and 4 years of age."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
varicose veins and treatment
i have used horse chestnut in the past
both my parents have varicose veins and i was noticing the tell-tale bulge in the great saphenous vein, urging me towards my heredital fate!
thankfully, they haven't been yet realized and some of that i place in the success of using horse chestnut - a few drops in water for several months a few years ago (pre pregnancy)
now, finally it seems that studies are catching up and acknowledging its efficacy in treating several vascular conditions
cheap and non patent-able, this natural remedy is finally getting some more cred!
http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/treat_varicose_veins_naturally
"Researchers in Switzerland reviewed five clinical studies that used horse chestnut seed extract in people who had chronic venous insufficiency and found that the herb was effective in relieving symptoms of varicose veins and reducing lower leg edema, leg pain, heaviness, and itching."
both my parents have varicose veins and i was noticing the tell-tale bulge in the great saphenous vein, urging me towards my heredital fate!
thankfully, they haven't been yet realized and some of that i place in the success of using horse chestnut - a few drops in water for several months a few years ago (pre pregnancy)
now, finally it seems that studies are catching up and acknowledging its efficacy in treating several vascular conditions
cheap and non patent-able, this natural remedy is finally getting some more cred!
http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/treat_varicose_veins_naturally
"Researchers in Switzerland reviewed five clinical studies that used horse chestnut seed extract in people who had chronic venous insufficiency and found that the herb was effective in relieving symptoms of varicose veins and reducing lower leg edema, leg pain, heaviness, and itching."
Sunday, July 20, 2008
natural remedies
this post from mothering dot com has tonnes of natural remedies
love it!
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showpost.php?p=7116703&postcount=2
it includes many natural product ideas as well as recipes to make your own cough syrup and probiotic
love it!
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showpost.php?p=7116703&postcount=2
it includes many natural product ideas as well as recipes to make your own cough syrup and probiotic
Friday, July 18, 2008
i wasn't going to do it...
...but i am watching big brother again this summer
get back from ireland and there it is starting up, my fave summer fluff
i love this site for bb updates and chat - http://www.bbchatter.com/list.php?1
get back from ireland and there it is starting up, my fave summer fluff
i love this site for bb updates and chat - http://www.bbchatter.com/list.php?1
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Breastfeeding cuts arthritis risk
i like to post things that remind me that nursing callum not only benefits him, but my health too. 15 months of human milk and counting!
http://www.irishhealth.ie/index.html?level=4&id=13572&ss=breastfeeding
The study found that women who breastfed for longer had a smaller chance of developing RA. In fact, those who breastfed for up to 12 months were 25% less likely to develop it, while those who breastfed for 13 months or more were half as likely to develop it.
yea! didn't even know i was getting this benefit!
http://www.irishhealth.ie/index.html?level=4&id=13572&ss=breastfeeding
The study found that women who breastfed for longer had a smaller chance of developing RA. In fact, those who breastfed for up to 12 months were 25% less likely to develop it, while those who breastfed for 13 months or more were half as likely to develop it.
yea! didn't even know i was getting this benefit!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
ireland it is
so callum will at last meet his extended family
i will be in ireland in just over a week
it's been 3 years since my last trip over
and this will be the last for a while
my boy is becoming quite the international traveller
with parents like his, this is inevitable
so am looking forward to seeing/meeting cousins
the family is so large there are still dozens of second cousins i haven't ever met
and also --- mmm minstrels!
i will be in ireland in just over a week
it's been 3 years since my last trip over
and this will be the last for a while
my boy is becoming quite the international traveller
with parents like his, this is inevitable
so am looking forward to seeing/meeting cousins
the family is so large there are still dozens of second cousins i haven't ever met
and also --- mmm minstrels!
Monday, June 23, 2008
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR...
i love this article which talks about the benefits to you and baby if you nurse even for a few days, and through to the self weaning process.
http://www.normalfed.com/Why/wean.html
plus i like that it's called normalfed instead of breastfed
http://www.normalfed.com/Why/wean.html
plus i like that it's called normalfed instead of breastfed
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
the healing tones of sound
my latest obsession is sound therapy
it's all because of the healing fair but i can finally take my daily meditations to a deeper level
it's sweet when i do my ohm part of the meditation in different tones, callum tries to mimic me
blissed out boy!
anyhow, i've just ordered a bunch of tibetan singing bowls, and am looking forward to using them in my practice. so exciting.
i purchased ones with the chakras that i need the most help with - heart, throat, sacral and root. the others can wait. i suppose i need to learn how to do it before i venture out and complete the set. i'll do a bit on the chakras some other time in the blog but for now...time for some info on tibetan singing bowls...
(from wikipedia) "Singing bowls were traditionally used throughout Asia as part of Bön and Tantric Buddhist sadhana. Today they are employed worldwide both within and without these spiritual traditions, for meditation, relaxation, healthcare, personal well-being and religious practice."
"The use of singing bowls in Tibet is the subject of much debate and many stories. Some people say they were used for meditation while others say they were magical tools for transformation of self and of matter."
Friday, June 13, 2008
and still this speaks to me...
you should be grateful and tales of horror from the angry c front - so relate-able!
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/CSANDVBAC/shouldbegrateful.htm
"Then I began to realize how evil it is to tell a woman who's experienced a physically or emotionally traumatic birth that she should be grateful because when you say that, she hears that she isn't grateful enough for the precious baby she's been given. "
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/CSANDVBAC/shouldbegrateful.htm
"Then I began to realize how evil it is to tell a woman who's experienced a physically or emotionally traumatic birth that she should be grateful because when you say that, she hears that she isn't grateful enough for the precious baby she's been given. "
Sunday, June 08, 2008
the healing fair
went to the healing fair in the glebe and let me tell you it was sooooooo amazing. did a bit of networking there for my own massage work, but mostly there to learn!
it was only a few bucks to get in with several free classes and lectures and the option of 20min treatments for $10! so i did do a few treatments i've been wanting to try - rolfing, quantum touch and pranic healing. well, i had such a huge release! it was such an intense and amazing day.
rolfing is so amazing! it is deep and intense and i had been looking for someone who is a practitioner in ottawa. well she was there! and she is an rmt as well so we plan on doing an exchange - yay! her rolfing, me doing thai yoga massage and tibetan acupressure. she helped realign my diaphragm and hips which were most affected by my pregnancy and birth. i can't say enough about it!
plus a few of the free lectures and classes were just unbelievable! joyful yoga - which was simple yoga moves and laughing and singing. and the most amazing of all was the tibetan bowls and the tonal series (working on chakras through breathing and using your voice). i had a strong/negative reaction the first time i had an experience with the bowls (inexperienced therapist) but this time - omigod! the emotions just flowed out, and i felt the resonance through my heart and straight into my hands - my hands were like fiery tingly! the tonal class was just beautiful...all of these voices in different tones and ohms and hus and singing and moaning and gutteral sounds all blended - it was the deepest and most healing meditation i have had in years...i know i am going on and on but wow!
i don't know if he ever goes out of town to work, but jeremy sills is really gifted! sacred sound
it was only a few bucks to get in with several free classes and lectures and the option of 20min treatments for $10! so i did do a few treatments i've been wanting to try - rolfing, quantum touch and pranic healing. well, i had such a huge release! it was such an intense and amazing day.
rolfing is so amazing! it is deep and intense and i had been looking for someone who is a practitioner in ottawa. well she was there! and she is an rmt as well so we plan on doing an exchange - yay! her rolfing, me doing thai yoga massage and tibetan acupressure. she helped realign my diaphragm and hips which were most affected by my pregnancy and birth. i can't say enough about it!
plus a few of the free lectures and classes were just unbelievable! joyful yoga - which was simple yoga moves and laughing and singing. and the most amazing of all was the tibetan bowls and the tonal series (working on chakras through breathing and using your voice). i had a strong/negative reaction the first time i had an experience with the bowls (inexperienced therapist) but this time - omigod! the emotions just flowed out, and i felt the resonance through my heart and straight into my hands - my hands were like fiery tingly! the tonal class was just beautiful...all of these voices in different tones and ohms and hus and singing and moaning and gutteral sounds all blended - it was the deepest and most healing meditation i have had in years...i know i am going on and on but wow!
i don't know if he ever goes out of town to work, but jeremy sills is really gifted! sacred sound
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
salsa chili crockpot
the crockpot - again i laud this wonderful time saving kitchen appliance
here's a low fat recipe so that you can add your cheese guilt-free at the end!
Salsa Chili - Low Fat !
1 1/2 lb chicken breast
2.5 c of salsa (i used spicy - yep callum had no prob with it)
2 c water
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 can of peaches and cream corn
1 can of mexican red beans
- everything but the beans and corn in the crockpot
on low for 6hrs
about 4hrs in break up the chicken into shreds with a fork
add beans and corn
let it finish slow cooking
- low fat! you can add shredded cheese - dh and callum had it this way
- i warmed up some garlic naan to go with - delish!
here's a low fat recipe so that you can add your cheese guilt-free at the end!
Salsa Chili - Low Fat !
1 1/2 lb chicken breast
2.5 c of salsa (i used spicy - yep callum had no prob with it)
2 c water
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 can of peaches and cream corn
1 can of mexican red beans
- everything but the beans and corn in the crockpot
on low for 6hrs
about 4hrs in break up the chicken into shreds with a fork
add beans and corn
let it finish slow cooking
- low fat! you can add shredded cheese - dh and callum had it this way
- i warmed up some garlic naan to go with - delish!
Monday, June 02, 2008
monkeys, autism and what it has to do with vaccines
amazing read...crazy and mindblowing.
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/05/sick-monkeys-st.html
"The first research project to examine effects of the total vaccine load received by children in the 1990s has found autism-like signs and symptoms in infant monkeys vaccinated the same way."
people will of course argue the safety of vaccines, big pharma has lots of $ to defend its position while those who question the safety of vaccines risk it all to show that maybe injecting aluminum, formaldehyde, human tissue from aborted foetuses isn't the safest thing to do for the youngest in our society
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/05/sick-monkeys-st.html
"The first research project to examine effects of the total vaccine load received by children in the 1990s has found autism-like signs and symptoms in infant monkeys vaccinated the same way."
people will of course argue the safety of vaccines, big pharma has lots of $ to defend its position while those who question the safety of vaccines risk it all to show that maybe injecting aluminum, formaldehyde, human tissue from aborted foetuses isn't the safest thing to do for the youngest in our society
Sunday, June 01, 2008
a look at the mmr and autism
it's interesting that no matter how often big pharma tries to refute any link between vaccines and neurological disorders, there are respected publications and health professionals that are willing to stick their neck out, reputation, and livelihood to speak out against the way we currently vaccinate.
an interesting article in the london telegraph recently talks about the mmr, hannah poling, and dr andrew wakefield...
highlight from the article - "Dr Bernardine Healy, former head of the National Institutes of Health, America's medical research agency, told CBS News: "I think that the public health officials have been too quick to dismiss the [autism link to vaccination] hypothesis as irrational."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2008/05/26/hautism126.xml&page=1
an interesting article in the london telegraph recently talks about the mmr, hannah poling, and dr andrew wakefield...
highlight from the article - "Dr Bernardine Healy, former head of the National Institutes of Health, America's medical research agency, told CBS News: "I think that the public health officials have been too quick to dismiss the [autism link to vaccination] hypothesis as irrational."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2008/05/26/hautism126.xml&page=1
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
a boy and his daddy
guess i have been thinking about the great relationship my husband and son have
it's really sweet how he snuggles up to his daddy at night
or if he wakes in the wee hours, a walk on daddy's shoulder gets him back to sleep
it is a beautiful thing to see
daddy's little buddy!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
jetblue hits the toilet
i don't often get so many comments to articles i write, and i have with this one so thought i'd put it in my blog for posterity's sake:
JetBlue's Jet Blues - Buddy Pass Passenger Takes His Seat on the Toilet
The incident of a passenger who was allegedly forced to sit on a toilet for several hours on a cross-country JetBlue flight is an interesting one. It has had a lot of media play as the affected passenger has decided to sue the airline. What doesn't seem to get as much play is the fact that the passenger was traveling on a buddy pass - essentially, a standby pass.
Most airlines have pass privileges for employees, and some sort of allotment of passes for non-airline personnel. An airline employee is able to give a pass then to a friend or family member to fly at a very reduced rate, on a standby basis. These standby passes are not always easy to use as seats are only allotted after every revenue passenger is put on the flight, and then the vast majority of airlines start doling out the remaining seats on a seniority basis. The order is usually employee/partner/spouse, dependents, parents, and then buddy pass travel.
So it seems in this incident an employee agreed to take a jump seat so that someone with a much lower priority made it on the flight. It appears too, that if the employee hadn't taken the jump seat, the passenger suing JetBlue would not have made it on the flight at all.
So who is to blame? There are a lot of parties involved.
Should the employee who took the jump seat have been allowed to rescind that offer during the flight because the jump seat wasn't comfortable? Probably not, what isn't as clear is if any laws were broken, or whether it violated JetBlue policy for staff travel.
Is the crew of the flight to blame? I would say the jury is out. In the airline industry in general, the captain often has the last word in scenarios that involve their flights, particularly once it is taken off the bridge and is now in active status. Their plane is is their jurisdiction. This doesn't always mean they'll make the "right" decision, but they have to consider safety standards and make a choice. In this situation, it would be interesting to know whether the captain was clearly aware that said passenger would be relegated to the lavatory for a good portion of the flight.
Should the employee who gave the buddy pass be blamed? It is hard to know whether the employee clearly made the rules of standby travel known to the passenger who used a pass, but certainly an incident of sitting on a toilet for part of a flight was not a possibility that an airline employee would think was even possible.
Should the airline be blamed? If the toilet seating option is one that is not clearly banned by the airline regarding employee standby travel, then perhaps they will need to clarify contingent travel rules for their employees, and their respective buddies.
Should the passenger share in the blame? It's difficult to know exactly what happened. Whether a jump seat might have been offered, or whether a seat was secured for the essential take-off and landing periods.
I do think that suing for a huge amount of money is a bit off base when traveling on a buddy pass. I am not condoning the treatment of the passenger, but honestly when I travel on an employee pass I usually feel grateful to get a seat. I know that until the door of that aircraft closes, we've pushed from the gate, and are airborne, that my seat could be taken away for a revenue passenger, or someone with a higher staff travel priority than me.
Those on buddy passes don't often understand this part of pass travel - that your seat is not guaranteed, that you simply are not always afforded the same treatment of a paying passenger. Granted, it being a seat on the toilet is shocking, and the safety issue of it is what needs to be the focus.
I suppose I would feel the multimillion dollar suit would be justified if this was a regular, revenue passenger, but having used employee travel passes for well over a dozen years, I don't know if that kind of monetary compensation is warranted.
JetBlue's Jet Blues - Buddy Pass Passenger Takes His Seat on the Toilet
The incident of a passenger who was allegedly forced to sit on a toilet for several hours on a cross-country JetBlue flight is an interesting one. It has had a lot of media play as the affected passenger has decided to sue the airline. What doesn't seem to get as much play is the fact that the passenger was traveling on a buddy pass - essentially, a standby pass.
Most airlines have pass privileges for employees, and some sort of allotment of passes for non-airline personnel. An airline employee is able to give a pass then to a friend or family member to fly at a very reduced rate, on a standby basis. These standby passes are not always easy to use as seats are only allotted after every revenue passenger is put on the flight, and then the vast majority of airlines start doling out the remaining seats on a seniority basis. The order is usually employee/partner/spouse, dependents, parents, and then buddy pass travel.
So it seems in this incident an employee agreed to take a jump seat so that someone with a much lower priority made it on the flight. It appears too, that if the employee hadn't taken the jump seat, the passenger suing JetBlue would not have made it on the flight at all.
So who is to blame? There are a lot of parties involved.
Should the employee who took the jump seat have been allowed to rescind that offer during the flight because the jump seat wasn't comfortable? Probably not, what isn't as clear is if any laws were broken, or whether it violated JetBlue policy for staff travel.
Is the crew of the flight to blame? I would say the jury is out. In the airline industry in general, the captain often has the last word in scenarios that involve their flights, particularly once it is taken off the bridge and is now in active status. Their plane is is their jurisdiction. This doesn't always mean they'll make the "right" decision, but they have to consider safety standards and make a choice. In this situation, it would be interesting to know whether the captain was clearly aware that said passenger would be relegated to the lavatory for a good portion of the flight.
Should the employee who gave the buddy pass be blamed? It is hard to know whether the employee clearly made the rules of standby travel known to the passenger who used a pass, but certainly an incident of sitting on a toilet for part of a flight was not a possibility that an airline employee would think was even possible.
Should the airline be blamed? If the toilet seating option is one that is not clearly banned by the airline regarding employee standby travel, then perhaps they will need to clarify contingent travel rules for their employees, and their respective buddies.
Should the passenger share in the blame? It's difficult to know exactly what happened. Whether a jump seat might have been offered, or whether a seat was secured for the essential take-off and landing periods.
I do think that suing for a huge amount of money is a bit off base when traveling on a buddy pass. I am not condoning the treatment of the passenger, but honestly when I travel on an employee pass I usually feel grateful to get a seat. I know that until the door of that aircraft closes, we've pushed from the gate, and are airborne, that my seat could be taken away for a revenue passenger, or someone with a higher staff travel priority than me.
Those on buddy passes don't often understand this part of pass travel - that your seat is not guaranteed, that you simply are not always afforded the same treatment of a paying passenger. Granted, it being a seat on the toilet is shocking, and the safety issue of it is what needs to be the focus.
I suppose I would feel the multimillion dollar suit would be justified if this was a regular, revenue passenger, but having used employee travel passes for well over a dozen years, I don't know if that kind of monetary compensation is warranted.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
what the world eats - in pictures
i found this photo essay from time so interesting
it shows the foods and weekly expenditures for average families around the world. a human study in pictures...
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519_1373664,00.html
it shows the foods and weekly expenditures for average families around the world. a human study in pictures...
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519_1373664,00.html
Sunday, May 18, 2008
do not do this at home
well steve did slightly soft boiled eggs for cal
so we thought...hmm let's be lazy and finish cooking them in the mw oven
well we should have removed the shell maybe
because within a minute
smoke
pop
door flies open and an explosion of egg teemed out
don't try this at home
so we thought...hmm let's be lazy and finish cooking them in the mw oven
well we should have removed the shell maybe
because within a minute
smoke
pop
door flies open and an explosion of egg teemed out
don't try this at home
Friday, May 16, 2008
chronic fatigue
i'm always interested to read more about pain/stress pathologies. chronic fatigue is interesting because of how differently you have to treat a client. too long or too deep a massage and you could plunge them into a prolonged increased sense of fatigue.
interesting article on possible causes of chronic fatigue - http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/causes_of_chronic_fatigue
interesting too, as it doesn't mention the epstein barr virus which has been put forth as a possible cause in the past.
interesting article on possible causes of chronic fatigue - http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/causes_of_chronic_fatigue
interesting too, as it doesn't mention the epstein barr virus which has been put forth as a possible cause in the past.
Monday, May 12, 2008
ah sprouting
so my latest thing is learning how to do sprouting
i go through so much fenugreek that i thought i'd try sprouting it at home
and good old internet i found a wonderful link with tonnes of info about sprouting...
http://www.sproutpeople.net/
i go through so much fenugreek that i thought i'd try sprouting it at home
and good old internet i found a wonderful link with tonnes of info about sprouting...
http://www.sproutpeople.net/
Saturday, May 10, 2008
digital scrapbooking
so i am finding it a fun diversion, in between writing and blogging for work, to do some digital scrapbooking
not only is it a blast, but you can fix the mistakes without using up any supplies!
here is the first one i made to send to someone - my mom!
Friday, May 09, 2008
food and god's little clues...
interesting forward i received...
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm to swell to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Grapefruits, Oranges, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm to swell to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Grapefruits, Oranges, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
more good news about breastfeeding
http://www.thestar.com/article/421708
stories like this make the struggle to get breastfeeding established with callum oh so worthwhile
we've joined the small legion of extended breastfeeders having passed the year mark a little while ago.
a bit of the article...
"Children who are breast-fed are smarter than those who aren't. And children who nurse longer and more intensely are smarter still, according to the largest ever study on lactation and intelligence."
yay...now no more asking me when i am going to stop breastfeeding my child...
stories like this make the struggle to get breastfeeding established with callum oh so worthwhile
we've joined the small legion of extended breastfeeders having passed the year mark a little while ago.
a bit of the article...
"Children who are breast-fed are smarter than those who aren't. And children who nurse longer and more intensely are smarter still, according to the largest ever study on lactation and intelligence."
yay...now no more asking me when i am going to stop breastfeeding my child...
Monday, May 05, 2008
my laundry soap
this is my recipe...
in a 4 litre pail i add 1c borax, 1c baking soda, 1c castille soap 1/4 tsp tea tree oil and the rest is water. i use 1/2 c per wash and add a few tbsp of vinegar in the fabric softener compartment of my front loader.
i sometimes add a few drops of essential oils - usually grapefruit, sometimes sweet orange or lavender.
takes no time to make it and i give it a quick stir before each use - and obviously no extra stuff in it . oh not only is it gentle environmentally but it is inexpensive to make...
examples
2kg borax at natural food store = 7.99
green baking soda about 1.20 for 1kg
1l of castile soap = 5.29
60ml tea tree oil about 10$
if the clothes are badly stained i wet the stained spots and rub in baking soda before putting them in the wash
in a 4 litre pail i add 1c borax, 1c baking soda, 1c castille soap 1/4 tsp tea tree oil and the rest is water. i use 1/2 c per wash and add a few tbsp of vinegar in the fabric softener compartment of my front loader.
i sometimes add a few drops of essential oils - usually grapefruit, sometimes sweet orange or lavender.
takes no time to make it and i give it a quick stir before each use - and obviously no extra stuff in it . oh not only is it gentle environmentally but it is inexpensive to make...
examples
2kg borax at natural food store = 7.99
green baking soda about 1.20 for 1kg
1l of castile soap = 5.29
60ml tea tree oil about 10$
if the clothes are badly stained i wet the stained spots and rub in baking soda before putting them in the wash
Saturday, May 03, 2008
because he isn't featured enough...
looking at the past few months on this blog, i kinda realize that callum hasn't made it into too many posts. so i think it's time to get him in here more often...starting now!
i'll start posting some of the early pics of him first.
our failed early attempts on the breast...
still stuck with the gauvage tube in the nicu
i'll start posting some of the early pics of him first.
our failed early attempts on the breast...
still stuck with the gauvage tube in the nicu
Friday, May 02, 2008
buying organic
i can't say we are 100% organic with our food purchases but it definitely is a big percentage of our food budget
there is a really good article about organics - Organics: Are they worth it
in particular, it has a list of must buys, maybe buys and up to you buys in terms of organic produce
here's the lists -
"
there is a really good article about organics - Organics: Are they worth it
in particular, it has a list of must buys, maybe buys and up to you buys in terms of organic produce
here's the lists -
"
Preferably Organic—Most Commonly Contaminated
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Spinach
Nectarines
Celery
Pears
Cherries
Potatoes
Bell peppers
Raspberries
Grapes (imported)
If Budget Allows, Buy Organic
Carrots
Green beans
Hot peppers
Oranges
Apricots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Collard greens
Grapes (domestic)
Turnip greens
Honeydew melon
Lettuce
Kale
Mushrooms
Cantaloupe
Sweet potatoes
Grapefruit
Winter squash
Blueberries
Watermelon
Plums
Tangerines
Cabbage
It's Your Call—Least Commonly Contaminated
Papaya
Kiwi
Bananas
Broccoli
Onions
Asparagus
Peas
Mango
Cauliflower
Pineapple
Avocado
Corn"
and the link - http://food.yahoo.com/articles/eatingwell/20576/organics-are-they-worth-it
Thursday, May 01, 2008
my beautiful boy
a few recent pics from picnics and our front steps...1yrs old and counting
staring out at the water...
checking out the ducks and dirt
fun on the front steps
...more pics to come!
staring out at the water...
checking out the ducks and dirt
fun on the front steps
...more pics to come!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The benefit of chocolate during pregnancy
so it seems that the chemical compounds in dark chocolate may stave off pre-eclampsia in pregnancy
what's not to love when you read that yummy things are actually good for you. the joy of chocolate continues
here's a link to the good news - http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080428/hl_nm/chocolate_pregnancy_dc
mmmmm
what's not to love when you read that yummy things are actually good for you. the joy of chocolate continues
here's a link to the good news - http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080428/hl_nm/chocolate_pregnancy_dc
mmmmm
Monday, April 28, 2008
crockpot - the slow cooker so good
until recently, i had no idea of the sheer joy a crockpot could bring to one's life
yes, i would have said i was insane too if i didn't know how incredibly valuable they are
i had my husband pick one up a few weeks or so ago as a nice one was on sale for half price and i thought why not. in university people used to use them in the dorms to make mac and cheese so i knew it would at least be good for something
well what a revelation!
you just plop everything into one pot, set a timer and it's ready hours later. and you can add veggies for the last hour on high and all the meal is in one pot. omigosh couldn't be easier. we've had more roasts and whole chickens in one month than in the last 2 yrs.
SO GREAT!
there are 2 recipe collections i've gone to for ideas in crockpottering
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ - a year of crockpotting is quite inspirational - great ideas, written by a woman who has a passion for this cooking form. outside of the recipe ideas, the photos and reviews of each recipe...well makes you want to become a crockpot devotee!
http://allrecipes.com/Search/Collection.aspx?WithTerm=slow%20cooker- index of their slow cooking collections - i love allrecipes.com and have for years, and their slow cooker recipe collection is replete with many crockpot options - love!
yes, i would have said i was insane too if i didn't know how incredibly valuable they are
i had my husband pick one up a few weeks or so ago as a nice one was on sale for half price and i thought why not. in university people used to use them in the dorms to make mac and cheese so i knew it would at least be good for something
well what a revelation!
you just plop everything into one pot, set a timer and it's ready hours later. and you can add veggies for the last hour on high and all the meal is in one pot. omigosh couldn't be easier. we've had more roasts and whole chickens in one month than in the last 2 yrs.
SO GREAT!
there are 2 recipe collections i've gone to for ideas in crockpottering
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ - a year of crockpotting is quite inspirational - great ideas, written by a woman who has a passion for this cooking form. outside of the recipe ideas, the photos and reviews of each recipe...well makes you want to become a crockpot devotee!
http://allrecipes.com/Search/Collection.aspx?WithTerm=slow%20cooker- index of their slow cooking collections - i love allrecipes.com and have for years, and their slow cooker recipe collection is replete with many crockpot options - love!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Being RH-
i am rh-
i had no idea until i got pregnant
i thought i was o+
that's what my mom and sisters are
i don't know about my dad but he must be rh- since i had to have got this from him
so here i am with a rarer blood type
my husband is o+
and against medical advice i only had my rhogam shot (winrho) after cal's birth as i didn't want blood products preserved in chemicals exposed to my unborn baby unless it was absolutely necessary
my midwife was ok with it, but i was chided by an obstetrician - oh so you don't believe in diabetes or the flu?
...how insulting when receiving the shot during pregnancy means only a slight reduction in the risk of sensitization!
so here is the deal on being rh-
the problem during pregnancy is if a woman is rh- and carries an rh+ child - this is what ended up being the case for me as i learned post labour - when i received my first, and only winrho shot.
if fetal blood mixes with the mother's blood either before or during delivery the mother will produce antibodies that will essentially work to terminate any future pregnancies that have a + baby. you reduce your chances with the shot, but i just don't see how it is warranted during pregnancy unless you have bleeding. i had my blood tested every week from week 27 onwards to make sure i didn't develop a sensitivity - this was a risk i was comfortable with and am so glad i took now.
if you develop rh sensitivity any future baby will probably need an in utero blood transfusion and another one once they are born. yes - another thing i had to be concerned about during pregnancy...
i wanted to know more about rh- people once i discovered i was one of them, and came across this interesting list - am bolding the ones that so far seem to relate to me ;) (from http://groups.msn.com/StarChildren/rhnegativeblood.msnw)
"There are certain similairites that occur to those having rh negative blood - according to some who have it there are common patterns found, which include the following:
1. predominance of green or hazel eyes that change color like a chameleon, but also blue eyes
2. true red or reddish hair
3. low pulse rate
4. low blood pressure
5. keen sight or hearing
6. ESP
7. extra rib or vertabrae
8. UFO connections
9. love of space and science
10. a sense of not belonging to the human race
11. piercing eyes
12. para-normal occurrences
13. physic dreams
14. truth seekers
15. desire for higher wisdom
16. empathetic illnesses
17. deep compassion for fate of mankind
18. a sense of a 'mission' in life
19. physic abilities
20. unexplained scars on body
21. capability to disrupt electrical appliances
22. alien contacts"
- and a few in there are kind-ofs -- i can't disrupt electrical appliances but the weirdest thing is after wearing a watch for a few weeks they always break unless they are digital - have had 8 watches that happened with in the past 5yrs
i had no idea until i got pregnant
i thought i was o+
that's what my mom and sisters are
i don't know about my dad but he must be rh- since i had to have got this from him
so here i am with a rarer blood type
my husband is o+
and against medical advice i only had my rhogam shot (winrho) after cal's birth as i didn't want blood products preserved in chemicals exposed to my unborn baby unless it was absolutely necessary
my midwife was ok with it, but i was chided by an obstetrician - oh so you don't believe in diabetes or the flu?
...how insulting when receiving the shot during pregnancy means only a slight reduction in the risk of sensitization!
so here is the deal on being rh-
the problem during pregnancy is if a woman is rh- and carries an rh+ child - this is what ended up being the case for me as i learned post labour - when i received my first, and only winrho shot.
if fetal blood mixes with the mother's blood either before or during delivery the mother will produce antibodies that will essentially work to terminate any future pregnancies that have a + baby. you reduce your chances with the shot, but i just don't see how it is warranted during pregnancy unless you have bleeding. i had my blood tested every week from week 27 onwards to make sure i didn't develop a sensitivity - this was a risk i was comfortable with and am so glad i took now.
if you develop rh sensitivity any future baby will probably need an in utero blood transfusion and another one once they are born. yes - another thing i had to be concerned about during pregnancy...
i wanted to know more about rh- people once i discovered i was one of them, and came across this interesting list - am bolding the ones that so far seem to relate to me ;) (from http://groups.msn.com/StarChildren/rhnegativeblood.msnw)
"There are certain similairites that occur to those having rh negative blood - according to some who have it there are common patterns found, which include the following:
1. predominance of green or hazel eyes that change color like a chameleon, but also blue eyes
2. true red or reddish hair
3. low pulse rate
4. low blood pressure
5. keen sight or hearing
6. ESP
7. extra rib or vertabrae
8. UFO connections
9. love of space and science
10. a sense of not belonging to the human race
11. piercing eyes
12. para-normal occurrences
13. physic dreams
14. truth seekers
15. desire for higher wisdom
16. empathetic illnesses
17. deep compassion for fate of mankind
18. a sense of a 'mission' in life
19. physic abilities
20. unexplained scars on body
21. capability to disrupt electrical appliances
22. alien contacts"
- and a few in there are kind-ofs -- i can't disrupt electrical appliances but the weirdest thing is after wearing a watch for a few weeks they always break unless they are digital - have had 8 watches that happened with in the past 5yrs
Thursday, April 24, 2008
window cleaner - home recipe
my window cleaner is simple
in a spray bottle i use (approx
2c water
1tbsp castille soap
4tbsp vinegar
2-3 drops essential oil (i like citrus-y choices for cleaning)
voila! done and easy
in a spray bottle i use (approx
2c water
1tbsp castille soap
4tbsp vinegar
2-3 drops essential oil (i like citrus-y choices for cleaning)
voila! done and easy
window cleaner - home recipe
my window cleaner is simple
in a spray bottle i use (approx
2c water
1tbsp castille soap
4tbsp vinegar
2-3 drops essential oil (i like citrus-y choices for cleaning)
voila! done and easy
i put a label with the ingredients so that they can be refilled before they are totally empty and no screw ups!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
one more on the subject of earth day
i should of course point out the obvious - breastfeeding is earth-friendly!
here are two wonderful links that talk about it -
Breastmilk: the perfect renewable resource
and
from La Leche League
a few of the highlights - "The undermining of breastfeeding is the destruction of a natural resource and should therefore be seen in the same light as logging in the rainforests or overfishing our seas and rivers."
"If 50% of infants born in Canada (total births about 400,000 per year) are bottlefed for six months, then more than 15 million tin cans would be discarded."
here are two wonderful links that talk about it -
Breastmilk: the perfect renewable resource
and
from La Leche League
a few of the highlights - "The undermining of breastfeeding is the destruction of a natural resource and should therefore be seen in the same light as logging in the rainforests or overfishing our seas and rivers."
"If 50% of infants born in Canada (total births about 400,000 per year) are bottlefed for six months, then more than 15 million tin cans would be discarded."
earth day
so i went out on a long walk today - as usual with the boy in tow - and just saw the usual - lots of cars with one person in them. i don't know why i thought earth day would be different, and it isn't.
my earth day came when i got pregnant and decided to start making my own cleaners, body products, and buy more food with less packaging. we had already started using cork in our renos and energy star appliances. also enacted the if it is within 45min of walking time i walk - even in winter! having a child has made me realize that it one person can make a difference, and part of the reason i rejuvenated this blog was to start sharing ideas and recipes for making things at home. it is more effort, but it is less expensive in the end, and gentler on the part of the world around me. if i am to be a caretaker of the place around me for my son, then i am going to keep trying.
i celebrate the earth and what it means to me.
i celebrate the earth for my son
i promise to keep trying
Sunday, April 20, 2008
all purpose cleaner - home recipe
(the brown bottle is my all purpose cleaner)approximates
1 tbsp. borax
4 Tbsp. vinegar
2 tsp. castile soap
2 cups water
2 tbsp. lemon juice
4 drops essential oil - grapefruit this time around
- into reusable plastic squirt bottle
Saturday, April 19, 2008
prematurity, ppd and homeopathy
when callum was born 6 weeks early i didn't feel that wave of unconditional love wash over me. i had heard that the moment you meet your child, you'd fall in love and a part of your heart would now be outside your body. it didn't happen that way for me.
although i made the birthing experience as calm and complete as possible given the circumstances, i quickly realized i would be contending with deep feelings of anguish over the loss of a natural birth and a full term baby and having my baby home with me. seeing him in an isolette - gauvage tube, monitors and all - and the bruises on his little hands and feet from all the bloodwork and tests ruptured my dreams of feeling the instant connection and bond with this tiny little person.
and then the dark feelings came, and the horrible thoughts and the flashbacks. and i would re-traumatize myself over and over with them. i didn't want to take meds even though i fantasized about harming myself and my child. i would weep as i pumped breastmilk out of me, with a child that was unable to latch. when he finally did latch after exclusively pumping for nearly 3 months, the feelings were still there.
i did not want to risk our breastfeeding relationship so i refused prescription drugs. but i knew i needed help. i did research and came across natrum muriaticum, and it helped get me through the worst days to feeling like myself again.
natrum muriaticum, or nat. mur. is essentially cell salts. i like to think of it physiologically as helping bring my body to homeostasis - to balance. funny that not only is it considered potentially helpful for ppd, but also mucous-y conditions. in the past it has always been my sinuses and respiratory tract that have contributed to times when i felt unwell. it would be interesting to see if it all could be linked together - i believe it is in me.
ppd is rampant in women who have premature babies. when i think of the nicu, and abandoning the home birth plan and having the most unnatural of births in the end, i think ppd is really inevitable. i liken the nicu, and going home without my baby to the symptom picture of post traumatic stress syndrome - they are really quite similar. i was warned that it is very common for mothers of premature babies to have it - and i was no exception.
in many ways, breastfeeding has done as much for ppd as anything else could. after the struggle, it has saved me. as i continued to question myself and my body with no answers and no risk factors for a premature birth and ultimately and medically no reason for having a premature baby, breastfeeding helped me regain - piece by piece - the joy, the sanity, and the connection to my son.
i feel like nat. mur. helped create the bridge too - toward healing and connection. my son has taught me humility in the realest sense and has been my greatest teacher.
although i made the birthing experience as calm and complete as possible given the circumstances, i quickly realized i would be contending with deep feelings of anguish over the loss of a natural birth and a full term baby and having my baby home with me. seeing him in an isolette - gauvage tube, monitors and all - and the bruises on his little hands and feet from all the bloodwork and tests ruptured my dreams of feeling the instant connection and bond with this tiny little person.
and then the dark feelings came, and the horrible thoughts and the flashbacks. and i would re-traumatize myself over and over with them. i didn't want to take meds even though i fantasized about harming myself and my child. i would weep as i pumped breastmilk out of me, with a child that was unable to latch. when he finally did latch after exclusively pumping for nearly 3 months, the feelings were still there.
i did not want to risk our breastfeeding relationship so i refused prescription drugs. but i knew i needed help. i did research and came across natrum muriaticum, and it helped get me through the worst days to feeling like myself again.
natrum muriaticum, or nat. mur. is essentially cell salts. i like to think of it physiologically as helping bring my body to homeostasis - to balance. funny that not only is it considered potentially helpful for ppd, but also mucous-y conditions. in the past it has always been my sinuses and respiratory tract that have contributed to times when i felt unwell. it would be interesting to see if it all could be linked together - i believe it is in me.
ppd is rampant in women who have premature babies. when i think of the nicu, and abandoning the home birth plan and having the most unnatural of births in the end, i think ppd is really inevitable. i liken the nicu, and going home without my baby to the symptom picture of post traumatic stress syndrome - they are really quite similar. i was warned that it is very common for mothers of premature babies to have it - and i was no exception.
in many ways, breastfeeding has done as much for ppd as anything else could. after the struggle, it has saved me. as i continued to question myself and my body with no answers and no risk factors for a premature birth and ultimately and medically no reason for having a premature baby, breastfeeding helped me regain - piece by piece - the joy, the sanity, and the connection to my son.
i feel like nat. mur. helped create the bridge too - toward healing and connection. my son has taught me humility in the realest sense and has been my greatest teacher.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
how life brings your friends
it's funny sometimes the way life brings you friends. i have an unexpected friendship that arose from my short few weeks in thailand when i was studying thai yoga massage and reflexology.
a fellow canadian, who although she expresses herself in a different way, shares a similar world view. i suppose she would have been labelled a hippie in another era, but i just see her as genuine, giving, and open.
the universe is amazing at play - she and i ran into each other at ottawa airport a year later - a world away in more ways than one. i made the obvious comment, well it was to us, that the universe intends for us to be friends. and that short, distant (geographically) friendship has meant a great deal as she just emanates love and support.
if there is proof sought for the existence of past lives i think that we just simply knew each other before. she lives a beautiful life without pretenses and trappings of materialism and i am blessed to call her friend.
a fellow canadian, who although she expresses herself in a different way, shares a similar world view. i suppose she would have been labelled a hippie in another era, but i just see her as genuine, giving, and open.
the universe is amazing at play - she and i ran into each other at ottawa airport a year later - a world away in more ways than one. i made the obvious comment, well it was to us, that the universe intends for us to be friends. and that short, distant (geographically) friendship has meant a great deal as she just emanates love and support.
if there is proof sought for the existence of past lives i think that we just simply knew each other before. she lives a beautiful life without pretenses and trappings of materialism and i am blessed to call her friend.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
so, i am sitting inside...
...on this mild and sunny evening
why? well it just so happens that work is crazy - the monumental merge between delta airlines and northwest airlines looks like it's going to happen.
having been on the front line employee - participating end of a merged airline let me tell you - mergers are NOT fun!
my seniority bottomed out - i've been with the airline for over 13yrs and my seniority is still nowhere near where it was half a dozen or so years ago.
fist fights, protests, the gamut ran with the merger.
america west and us airways merging was no picnic but two huge airlines coming together should make for a messy time for employees and even messier for their seniority. i wish them a better outcome than i experienced!
why? well it just so happens that work is crazy - the monumental merge between delta airlines and northwest airlines looks like it's going to happen.
having been on the front line employee - participating end of a merged airline let me tell you - mergers are NOT fun!
my seniority bottomed out - i've been with the airline for over 13yrs and my seniority is still nowhere near where it was half a dozen or so years ago.
fist fights, protests, the gamut ran with the merger.
america west and us airways merging was no picnic but two huge airlines coming together should make for a messy time for employees and even messier for their seniority. i wish them a better outcome than i experienced!
Monday, April 14, 2008
supper celebration
well we had a nice supper gathering last night to celebrate callum
i don't know if he knew it was his birthday fest ;) , but he was certainly excited for the company
so i spent the better part of the day making
2 legs of roast lamb, carrots au gratin, peas with onions, roast potatoes, along with a host of dips for part of the munchies
we all had a lovely time and it was nice to cook for a bit of a crowd
plus - the best leftovers! mmmm lunch and supper today already...
i don't know if he knew it was his birthday fest ;) , but he was certainly excited for the company
so i spent the better part of the day making
2 legs of roast lamb, carrots au gratin, peas with onions, roast potatoes, along with a host of dips for part of the munchies
we all had a lovely time and it was nice to cook for a bit of a crowd
plus - the best leftovers! mmmm lunch and supper today already...
Sunday, April 13, 2008
breastfeeding is normal
love this article
http://ontheotherhandcolumn.blogspot.com/2008/04/northwest-georgia-breastfeeding.html
"the “breast is best” tagline is a disservice to women and babies. Such slogans suggest that formula-feeding is the norm and breastfeeding is something better than the norm."
""The truth is, breastfeeding is nothing more than normal. Artificial feeding, which is neither the same nor superior, is therefore deficient, incomplete, and inferior. These are difficult words, but they have an appropriate place in our vocabulary."How often are we reminded that breastfeeding is simply normal? Every mammal species on the planet uses mammary glands to nurture its offspring. This is one of the defining characteristics that classifies humans as mammals. By choosing not to feed our infants in the normal way, we expose them to many known and unknown risks."
http://ontheotherhandcolumn.blogspot.com/2008/04/northwest-georgia-breastfeeding.html
"the “breast is best” tagline is a disservice to women and babies. Such slogans suggest that formula-feeding is the norm and breastfeeding is something better than the norm."
""The truth is, breastfeeding is nothing more than normal. Artificial feeding, which is neither the same nor superior, is therefore deficient, incomplete, and inferior. These are difficult words, but they have an appropriate place in our vocabulary."How often are we reminded that breastfeeding is simply normal? Every mammal species on the planet uses mammary glands to nurture its offspring. This is one of the defining characteristics that classifies humans as mammals. By choosing not to feed our infants in the normal way, we expose them to many known and unknown risks."
Friday, April 11, 2008
kohlrabi - is that how you spell it
i have been wondering what you can do with this vegetable.
i have been experimenting with lots of different ones, but kohlrabi stumped me
...until i found a site with an explanation of what it is, and how you can make it a meal
Thursday, April 10, 2008
breastmilk contains stem cells
an ethically sound source for stem cells!
i always knew breastmilk is powerful - it is great for infections and scars. it helped my c-section scar to begin to lighten from its angry purple state. plus we've been using it to treat callum's eye infection, and did for his ear infection and when he had a stuffed up nose.
this should be more prominent news - and maybe if the pharmaceutical co.s find a way to make money off of breastmilk it will be deemed more newsworthy.
the link - Breast milk contains stem cells
some of the highlights of the article:
"...world-first discovery that human breast milk contains stem cells is confident that within five years scientists will be harvesting them to research treatment for conditions as far-reaching as spinal injuries, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. "
“The point is that many mothers see milks as identical – formula milk and breast milk look the same so they must be the same. But we know now that they are quite different and a lot of the effects of breast milk versus formula don’t become apparent for decades. Formula companies have focussed on matching breast milk’s nutritional qualities but formula can never provide the developmental guidance.”
"Further research on immune cells, which have also been found in breast milk and have already been shown to survive the baby’s digestive process, could provide a pathway to developing targets to beat certain viruses or bacteria."
ah - the human body is simply grand!
i always knew breastmilk is powerful - it is great for infections and scars. it helped my c-section scar to begin to lighten from its angry purple state. plus we've been using it to treat callum's eye infection, and did for his ear infection and when he had a stuffed up nose.
this should be more prominent news - and maybe if the pharmaceutical co.s find a way to make money off of breastmilk it will be deemed more newsworthy.
the link - Breast milk contains stem cells
some of the highlights of the article:
"...world-first discovery that human breast milk contains stem cells is confident that within five years scientists will be harvesting them to research treatment for conditions as far-reaching as spinal injuries, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. "
“The point is that many mothers see milks as identical – formula milk and breast milk look the same so they must be the same. But we know now that they are quite different and a lot of the effects of breast milk versus formula don’t become apparent for decades. Formula companies have focussed on matching breast milk’s nutritional qualities but formula can never provide the developmental guidance.”
"Further research on immune cells, which have also been found in breast milk and have already been shown to survive the baby’s digestive process, could provide a pathway to developing targets to beat certain viruses or bacteria."
ah - the human body is simply grand!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
making your own deodorant
ok, a real stinker of a subject.
i am trying to come up with a successful combo that will allow me to shed the use of heavy metals as applied from commercial deodorant to my armpits.
it's all in the experimental stages but given that the safety of deodorants is not firmly proven, i've finally decided to try and minimize any future exposure and limit health risks.
i plan on using some shea butter i picked up with baking soda and some essential oils, maybe some alcohol and see what happens.
here are a few recipes i came across for making your own deodorant - haven't tried them yet but likely will!
3 tbsp vodka
3 tbsp distilled water
2 drops tea tree oil
2 drops thyme oil
2 drops eucalyptus oil - put all in a spray bottle
1 cp baking soda
2 drops bois de rose oil
1 tbsp rosewood herb
we'll see...i mean smell...
i am trying to come up with a successful combo that will allow me to shed the use of heavy metals as applied from commercial deodorant to my armpits.
it's all in the experimental stages but given that the safety of deodorants is not firmly proven, i've finally decided to try and minimize any future exposure and limit health risks.
i plan on using some shea butter i picked up with baking soda and some essential oils, maybe some alcohol and see what happens.
here are a few recipes i came across for making your own deodorant - haven't tried them yet but likely will!
3 tbsp vodka
3 tbsp distilled water
2 drops tea tree oil
2 drops thyme oil
2 drops eucalyptus oil - put all in a spray bottle
1 cp baking soda
2 drops bois de rose oil
1 tbsp rosewood herb
we'll see...i mean smell...
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
CALLUM IS ONE!
we made it!
am including the message sent out to friends
it is hard to believe that our little boy is one.
callum started life by showing up 6 weeks early - before steve and i could adequately get through any new parenting books . thankfully, you get time to grow into the role of parent, to learn, and callum has taught us that waking us at all hours is a small price to pay for his infectious laugh, his unimaginably warm cuddles, his truly slobbery kisses, and reaching his little arms to be lifted up. i am so grateful that the first few days of constant tests and bruises, feeding tubes, and time in an isolette has made every single moment of holding him close so precious to me.
and so i have the signatures below as part of my way of celebrating my son, of celebrating my role as mother, celebrating life, and learning and growing with callum.
for those of you on facebook, the video i have made of one year with callum is of slightly better picture quality and is in the video section. for those who are not, i uploaded it to youtube, and am including the link -
a year with callum - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfjfPb3n1vE
we are blessed
am including the message sent out to friends
it is hard to believe that our little boy is one.
callum started life by showing up 6 weeks early - before steve and i could adequately get through any new parenting books . thankfully, you get time to grow into the role of parent, to learn, and callum has taught us that waking us at all hours is a small price to pay for his infectious laugh, his unimaginably warm cuddles, his truly slobbery kisses, and reaching his little arms to be lifted up. i am so grateful that the first few days of constant tests and bruises, feeding tubes, and time in an isolette has made every single moment of holding him close so precious to me.
and so i have the signatures below as part of my way of celebrating my son, of celebrating my role as mother, celebrating life, and learning and growing with callum.
for those of you on facebook, the video i have made of one year with callum is of slightly better picture quality and is in the video section. for those who are not, i uploaded it to youtube, and am including the link -
a year with callum - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfjfPb3n1vE
we are blessed
Monday, April 07, 2008
callum turns one - part one
i didn't think his birthday would happen in stages
but we've all been so unwell so i cancelled his original birthday celebration and have resched it for this weekend.
and sis was up for 2 performances so my mom and niece also came
so we had a dinner out thanks to my mom
and some cake and presents too
a pic or two is warranted...
but we've all been so unwell so i cancelled his original birthday celebration and have resched it for this weekend.
and sis was up for 2 performances so my mom and niece also came
so we had a dinner out thanks to my mom
and some cake and presents too
a pic or two is warranted...
callum and his cousin roisin
the lot of us - well andrew and mom aren't in the pic
auntie sinead gets some callum cuddles!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
the essentials for making home cleaning supplies
most of my cleaning supplies that i make at home use some combination of water, vinegar, castille soap, borax, baking soda, and essential oils
RECIPE
one of the easiest cleaners to make is dishwasher detergent - equal parts borax and baking soda, and adding vinegar during the rinse cycle. about 3tbsp of the borax/baking soda is all that's needed (i keep it in a sealed jar and shake before use)
so pics of the cleaning basics...
castile soap and baking soda
RECIPE
one of the easiest cleaners to make is dishwasher detergent - equal parts borax and baking soda, and adding vinegar during the rinse cycle. about 3tbsp of the borax/baking soda is all that's needed (i keep it in a sealed jar and shake before use)
so pics of the cleaning basics...
castile soap and baking soda
plain old white vinegar
borax - not always easy to find but a lot of natural food stores carry it
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