I've Moved!

Hey Everyone! Thanks for visiting! I wanted to let you all know that I've moved over to:

http://makersdietmom.com/

Check me out over there, where I'm updating daily! Also check me out on my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Makers-Diet-Mom/147690398594768

Talk to you soon!

Coming Tomorrow: SURPRISE!

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great Father's Day weekend!

Just wanted to let you all know...be sure to check in tomorrow for an awesome surprise I have for you...something I am very excited about!!!

See you then!

Toxin Free Body: Sale on Organic Blueberries Tomorrow!

I got an email from Whole Foods last night announcing an awesome sale on Friday: organic blueberries for only $1.99 a pint! I will definitely be going to pick some up! Blueberries are currently in season, are loaded with antioxidants, and are also high in fiber!

And they are so easy to use! Use them in yogurt, smoothies, in baked goods, or just straight out of the box!

Enjoy the great price tomorrow on one of the world's healthiest foods!

The Perils of Shopping at Whole Foods...

Ok, my sister in law sent this video to my husband this morning, and I had to share. It is hilarious, and so accurate! (Especially in CA, where I'm from.)

If you want a good laugh, check it out. I have to warn you that they do use a couple of curse words, (the "s" word and "hell") so just be aware of that before you watch!

Enjoy!

Friday's Food for Thought: Never Feed Your Child Food From a Microwave Oven!

If you want your kids to grow up healthy, then ban a microwave oven from your home! Check out this Dr. Mercola article to find out why!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/10/now-they-want-you-to-microwave-your-toddlers-food-in-plastic-bowls.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Toxin Free Body: Best Ever Hot Dogs for Summer!

I don't know about you, but I have always loved hot dogs. Melt some cheese on top, add a whole bunch of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and some bread or hot dog buns- YUM!

But conventional hot dogs are filled with everything gross under the sun! Avoid them at all costs!

The good news is, there is a fabulous organic alternative that tastes GREAT!

I think these hot dogs are our family's favorite food.

They are organic, made from grass fed beef, and full of omega-3's. You have to try them for yourself- they are amazing on the grill, or even on the stove top.

Check out more info at their website:
http://www.applegatefarms.com/products/organic_hot_dog.aspx

Let me know if you get some, and what you think! I promise you'll love them as much as we do!

Aspartame: Avoid it Like the Plague!

In case you or anyone you love regularly drink beverages sweetened with toxic aspartame, check out this Dr. Mercola article describing how aspartame is linked to cancer:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/08/aspartame-toxic-sweetener.aspx

And avoid it like the plague! :)

Toxin Free Baby: Straw Sippy

For the last 6 months or so, I've been on a hunt for a sippy cup. Not just any sippy cup, mind you, but a toxin free model that meets my high standards, and also has a straw.

Talk about a lot of criteria! Some have a straw but are only BPA free, not phthalate free, and some are neither. I wanted all of the above, and so I am pleased to introduce the Zoli Bot straw sippy!

I had seen it online before, but hesitated to buy something I couldn't see in person. However, when my beautiful friend Rebekah of Mixbook.com (head over to their site for some memorable Father's Day presents!) said her daughter loved it, I decided to make the $14.95 plunge.

Seems expensive for a sippy, and it is. But we love it too! Micah (18 months) caught the hang of the straw in less than a day. He also loves the handles. Nathaniel loves the handles, too, so much so that he is always swiping Micah's sippy and running off with it! It also has a flip top cap which both of the boys love.

What I love:

It doesn't leak, it has a straw, it holds 6 oz, it's kid friendly and unbreakable, and most importantly, it's BPA & phthalate free. It also comes in orange and pink!

Check it out at their site: http://www.zolibaby.com/products/feeding/green-bot#

Toxin Free Home: Vinegar for the Laundry

If you need a helping hand with the cleaning, look no further than the $2 bottle of vinegar at your local drugstore or Walmart. You can get an enormous bottle of vinegar that will last a long time, and using it for everything from laundry to cleaning your drains!

I'd like to highlight the use of vinegar for the laundry today- I use it regularly as a toxin free fabric softener. I use 1 cup of vinegar, and you're just supposed to add it to the final rinse cycle! It's so easy (and cheap) and it really works!

It also works great for stripping ammonia from cloth diapers.

Hope that helps you save some money and some chemicals!

What are your other favorite uses for household white vinegar?

Friday's Food for Thought: Cell Phones & Brain Cancer

I saw this in the Weston A. Price Foundation newsletter online, and had to pass it on:

CELL PHONES AND BRAIN CANCER

"Does epidemiological evidence show an association between long-term cell phone usage and the risk of developing a brain tumor? Yes, it does.

A recently published meta-analysis indicates that use of a cell phone for ten years or more approximately doubles the risk of being diagnosed with a brain tumor on the same side of the head as that preferred for cell phone use.

For two types of cancer (glioma and acoustic neuroma) the data showed statistical significance (Surgical Neurology, 2009 Sept;72(3):205-14). What to do? Send text messages, use a land line and limit cell phone use to short emergency calls. Above all, eat plenty of good fats, especially choline-rich egg yolks, which will protect your brain."

Before you pass this off as health hodgepodge, know that my husband Mark saw an article saying this exact same thing on Google news about 3 days ago. I'll have to find it and pass it on!

One other solution not mentioned in this article, pick up a radiation reducing headset from Dr. Mercola. Note: traditional headsets actually INCREASE radiation from cell phones. Dr. Mercola's reduces it significantly and costs less than $30, with discounts for family packs. A small price to pay when brain cancer is a possibility!

Check it out here: http://products.mercola.com/blue-tube-headset/

Toxin Free Home: All Natural Room Freshener

We all love a home that smells wonderful, clean, and inviting, but when most room fresheners and candles are loaded with cancer- causing toxins like phthalates and petroleum byproducts, what are we to do?

I have discovered a wonderful room freshener spray by Aura Cacia. They use only 100% essential oils in their products, they smell lovely, and they work great! I bought the tangerine grapefruit one for the bathrooms, (the process of cloth diapers can be a little, ahem, smelly!) and we've been loving it.

They also sell electric air fresheners that you can plug in, and diffusers for your car!

So throw out those toxic room fresheners you have, and get some real essential oils to do the job!

Check out their site:

http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/acproducts/acaccessories.html

Food for Thought: Sleep, Beautiful Sleep

With a newborn in the house, ANY article talking about sleep grabs my attention these days!

Check out this article from Dr. Mercola talking about how loss of sleep can damage your brain! Uh oh!!! : )

Get a good night's rest tonight everyone!

Tip of the Day: Hardboil Some Eggs!

(Photo courtesy of Timothy Titus)

Hi Everyone! I was making my lunch today and thought I'd share with you a little tip that helps me a lot-

(I like anything that helps me a lot these days.)

When you get home from the grocery store each week, or however often you go, put a dozen eggs on the stove to hard boil.

After they're done, store them in a glass container or even a plastic bag, in their shells. Then you have a quick, easy, & nutritious snack ready to go all week! You can also use them in a salad for an easy meal- just toss in some raw cheese, avocados, and you're ready to go!

Hope this tip helps you!

Toxin Free Body: Top 7 Supermarket Foods to Avoid

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Here's a great article from Dr. Mercola explaining the top 7 foods you and your family should avoid, such as:

Conventional Canned Tomatoes
Conventional Beef
Farmed Salmon
Microwaved Popcorn
Conventional Milk
Conventional Apples...

and more!

Check out this article and make sure to scratch these items from your standard supermarket list! ;)

Happy Friday: A Few of My Favorite Things!

Today I had a rather harrowing experience with my three little ones at the grocery store. Why can grocery shopping with little people be so extremely difficult? Things didn't get better until both boys had 3 bananas.

And then I came home and saw my lovely hibiscus smiling at me.

And things felt a little bit better.

Here are some more favorite things from my organic garden:

Lavender in a pot. Beautifully green, graceful, and calming.

I absolutely love the mint that comes back year after year. Mint is wonderful served in a pitcher of ice cold water with some lemon wedges!

And the joy of my week- peonies cut from my neighbor's front yard. She says her husband is allergic to the smell and that I can have as many as I want!


I love plants & living things! What are a few of your favorite things?

Toxin Free Baby: The Soft Landing

Navigating the world of kid's toys and products can be a tricky one. For instance, there are certain brands that have "some" products which are toxin free, but the rest of their line is loaded with chemicals. (Does that make any sense to you? Not to me, either!)

Fortunately, I have something to tell you that will make your life a little easier.

Isn't that what we all need as busy parents?

The sister of my neighbor, Becky, runs a WONDERFUL website called The Soft Landing. All of their products are free of toxins like BPA, phthalates, PVC, melamine & flame retardants.

They have great prices, and a wide variety of products: everything from bath toys to sippy cups to bug spray and shampoo.

So check it out! Again, the site is: http://www.thesoftlanding.com/

Happy toxin free shopping!

Tornadoes & Thankfulness

Hey there everyone!

I wish I had an amazing post today about some fabulous toxin free something or other that would change your life, but I spent a good part of the morning camped out in our basement, praying a tornado wouldn't rip my house apart!

I am from California, and this is my first time sitting in the basement, listening to a tornado warning siren go off for over an hour.

Real weather is crazy. Really crazy.

The dead bugs and mice droppings in our unfinished basement are also crazy.

Especially when you have two very small boys. ;)

BUT, we are all safe! And that is truly something to be thankful for.

What do you have to be thankful for today?

Toxin Free Body: A Healthy Tanning Bed!

With summer coming up, we all love having a nice tan! Unfortunately most tanning beds promote cancer, rather than promoting health. That's unfortunate because Vitamin D, from the sun, is one of the healthiest nutrients around, and you can get a tan in the process!

Enter Dr. Mercola- who says that we all look better with a tan, and that we all need Vitamin D!

I couldn't agree more.

And someday, I will own one of his awesome, toxin free, tan promoting, and Vitamin D enhancing Tanning Beds:
I just will. And I will be tan, the toxin free way- all year round.

I am determined. Can you tell?!

Check these out, and please let me know if you ever get one! Hopefully I beat you to it! ;)

Friday's Food for Thought: Is Frankenfood In Your Cupboard?

Scary, scary, scary!

Check out this enlightening Dr. Mercola article to find out about the dangers of genetically modified foods, found in over 80% of foods on supermarket shelves!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/20/most-evil-company-on-planet-soon-allowed-to-police-itself.aspx

And have a great weekend everyone! :)

Toxin Free Baby: My Favorite SAHM Store for Cloth Diaper Accessories & More

Can a wet bag make you happy? Yes, it can, if my lovely friend Charlotte Lee, founder of an awesome new stay at home mom business, adorably named Monday's Child, makes it!

You all have got to check out Charlotte's awesome products. They are creative, durable, practical, and PRETTY!


For Christmas, she sent me four wet bags for my enormous cloth diaper collection- two large, and two small. The fabric is adorable, they hold up amazing in the wash, and they fit a ton of diapers inside! (Even the medium sized bags!) I love them and use them every day.

She also sells the cutest snack bags I've ever seen!

Check out her online store here, and support an awesome stay at home mom!

http://www.facebook.com/ShopMondaysChild?sk=app_135607783795

Toxin Free Body: Perfect Organics Review

"You are going to LOVE it. Everyone raves about it!" my sister said emphatically. "Really?" I thought. "Rave about a lip balm? Ok...." Thoughts of Carmex and Burt's Bees floated through my mind, and as beloved as the latter product is, I couldn't quite say I would RAVE about it.

But my sister assured me I would love this new lip balm intensely, so I promised to give it a try, and pass on my new love, or dislike, for it to you all!

And let me just say she was right. I still can't believe I feel so strongly about a lip balm, but I do. Meet my new love, everyone:It's shea butter lip balm, by an awesome company called Perfect Organics. Perfect, and organic, they really are- as they use absolutely no toxins and their products meet the absolute highest standards.

All the ingredients are organic, and there are no toxic preservatives, fragrances, dyes, etc. that are found in products everywhere, even on shelves in health food stores.

And my sister tells me this company is run by a lovely, sweet woman who (no doubt!) has fabulously glowing skin and is passionate about bringing the highest quality products to market.

She's doing a great job!

My sister also sent me some of their shea butter, which is equally as love-able as the lip balm.


It is SO creamy and luxurious. And I'm not going to lie, I have some stretch marks from my recent pregnancy. I put some of the shea butter on my recovering stomach, and forgot I had used it.

TWO days later, I noticed that my lovely stretch marks looked lighter. I thought it seemed odd, but then I remembered about the shea butter!

I might have to buy this stuff in bulk! ;)

To buy these awesome products, (and to check out the rest of their line!) head to:

http://shopposhboutique.com/

Sign up for a free membership for this site, and you can access the Perfect Organics products at the best price online! (My sister works for this company!) They sell couture clothes as well, so that's why you'll see a picture of a model on their home page. ;)

Enjoy these perfectly organic, and perfectly pleasing products everyone!

Keep Your Eyes Healthy!

So, I know I promised you a review of my new favorite skin care line, Perfect Organics, (and it's coming!) but in the meantime, you have got to check out this great article by Dr. Mercola about how to keep your eyes healthy!

This article stuck out to me because astaxanthin is one of the main ingredients in the Oceans 3 products by Garden of Life!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/14/astaxanthin-the-worlds-strongest-antioxidant.aspx

Toxin Free Body: My New Favorite OG Skin Care Line

My sister recently sent me two AMAZING new products, which I'll be talking about on Monday, made by an awesome company called Perfect Organics.

I will be doing a review of their fab, fab, fabulous Shea Butter Lip Balm and their Lavender Shea Butter.

They are so amazing, I can't wait to fill you in Monday!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Don't Forget: It's Not Too Late to Lock In Your Discount!

Ladies and gentlemen, it's not too late to lock in your spot as a Beyond Organic insider! Jordan Rubin, author of the Maker's Diet, is generously opening up his new company to allow you and your family to:

• Eat the world's healthiest foods for little cost
• Earn some extra money sharing the new products with others
• Enjoy other benefits of being an insider, such as a personal Health Account designed to keep you as healthy as possible, access to attend the Beyond Organic University, and the ability to help others around the world in need of food!

Today, Jordan Rubin appears on TBN and will be viewed by thousands, introducing his new company. Become an insider today to reserve your spot!

Just go to this website:
http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=1669

And tune back in tomorrow to hear about an amazing new skin care line that I was just introduced to last week!

Struggling to Feed Your Family the Best Foods? Here's Your Answer!

If you have been wondering how you can possibly afford to feed your family the world's healthiest foods- and live a true organic lifestyle- then I am beyond excited to share the answer with you today!

I have literally been praying for something like this- and Jordan Rubin has definitely done it again!

He's starting a new company called Beyond Organics, and their goal is to create the world's healthiest foods, holding themselves to standards that are unheard of on the market right now- even with the current USDA organic certification.

And what's even better is that he's giving everyone the chance to access these amazing foods- at an unbelievable price!

Why wouldn't you want to save money on the world's highest quality beef, dairy products, chocolate, spring water, and even probiotic infused flax seed oil? And this is just the beginning- there will be many more foods to come!

Additionally, you can even make some extra money by spreading the word about Beyond Organic's awesome new products! And it's FREE to become an insider, so you've got nothing to lose!

So if you say YES, I want the chance to buy the world's healthiest foods for an incredibly low cost, then go to this website:

http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=0000001669

Become an "insider" to reserve your spot, but hurry, because Jordan Rubin will be announcing this company on TBN tomorrow, and the floodgates will be opened! There will be thousands who choose to take part after viewing this program, so you better lock in your spot today!

I am so excited about this- what an answer to prayer to spread the message of healthy living and eating with the world, and make it possible for every family to have access to the amazing foods they need to thrive!

Again, just go to this website to become an insider, and reserve your spot!

http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=0000001669

Introducing the Beyond Organic Company!!!

Do you want to live life at your personal best, help those in need all around the world, have a ton of fun while doing it, and eat the world's healthiest foods at the most cost effective price possible???

If not, then don't bother reading the rest of this post.

But if you do, I have some extremely exciting news to share!!!!

Jordan Rubin, founder of Garden of Life, and author of the Maker's Diet, has recently announced the launching of a brand new food company- designed to do all the things I mentioned above- called Beyond Organic.

I couldn't be more excited about this company! It gives EVERYONE a chance to have access to the world's healthiest foods, and truly allows you and your loved ones to:

Change your diet, Change your life, and Change Your World!

Want more info? Check out their website to find out more!!! I'll also be talking more about it this week so be sure to stay tuned!

Food for Thought: Why Do Doctors Want To Take Down Mercola's Vaccine Ad?

The war over vaccines is a big one, fueled by a lot of money- and greed. Check out this startling article from Dr. Mercola discussing how the President of the American Academy of Pediatrics wants to take down a sign Dr. Mercola has in Times Square encouraging everyone to make informed vaccine choices.

Check out the details here:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/06/doctors-denying-vaccine-risks-an-american-tragedy.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Maker's Diet in Action: Supplements You'll (Almost!) Always Find in My Pantry

I am a huge supplement fan. For some reason, there is so much controversy about them, but I don't have any whatsoever- if you're taking really great ones, you'll notice an incredible difference in your quality of life.

If you're not taking really great ones, you're probably wasting your money, since your body can't utilize what you're trying to give it. That is why I am such a HUGE fan of Garden of Life products. I have tried other brands, and ended up with stomach aches and sub par results.

I have literally rebuilt my digestive system these last 5.5 years on the Maker's Diet by faithfully taking their Primal Defense probiotic every day. When I was really sick, I used to take 9 capsules a day. I truly credit the supplements as much with my health recovery as I do to following the diet to the "T."

So if you came to visit my house today, (or any day of the year!) you'd find the following Garden of Life products on my shelf:

Top Supplements You'll (Almost!) Always Find in My House:

(All by Garden of Life)

1. Primal Defense probiotic
2. Omega Zyme digestive enzymes
   
3. Old World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil
4. Raw Prenatal Multivitamin
   
5. Raw Men's Multivitamin
6. Living Calcium Bone Density Support formula
7. Raw Kid's multivitamin
8. Immune Balance Daily (Mark takes these daily)
   
9. Immune Balance Rapid Extra strength lozenges (We keep some on hand to use if Mark feels he's fighting something)
10. Beyond Organic Raw Protein Powder
11. Primal Defense Kids

The only Garden of Life supplement I'd like to add to our repertoire, in addition to these, is their Perfect Food or Perfect Berry green drink/capsules, which serve as the equivalent of 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables!

Maker's Diet in Action: 10 Foods You Will (Almost!) Always Find in My House

To give you a glimpse of what living the Maker's Diet out looks like practically, I wanted to share you the top ten foods you would find in my house if you came to visit today. These foods are some of our family's staples!

Top Ten Maker's Diet Foods You Will (Almost) Always Find in My House:

1. Organic, raw milk from an amazing organic and local farm.
2. Organic, raw cheese from Organic Valley
3. Local, pastured, free range eggs (We sometimes go through 5-6 dozen per week!)
4. Organic apples
5. Organic bananas
6. Organic Maranatha peanut butter
7. Organic extra virgin coconut oil
   
8. Organic butter (For cooking, I like Organic Valley's cultured version, but I love making my own from raw cream too!)
9. Organic grass fed beef in some form: ground beef, roasts, grass fed hot dogs
   
10. Free range chicken in some form: whole, thighs, drumsticks, etc...
    

Tomorrow I'll share with you some awesome supplements you will almost always find in my house!

Do You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Food?

The FDA says no, you don't. That's why they spent a year of their time, our taxpayer money, and effort on a Sting operation targeting an Amish raw milk dairy.

Give me a break.

In a country that is so emphatic about "rights", how come it seems the only ones who have rights are the ones who set the rules?

Move over, big government. I don't want you telling me how I can drink my milk, thank you very much.

I don't care if you disagree with me, this isn't about pasteurized vs. unpasteurized. This is about control. You're welcome to your opinion, even if it's different than mine. Just don't shut down hard working citizens who don't do anyone any harm, and produce excellent food products.

As the farmer says in the documentary, Food Inc, "Smells like money to me."

Check out this article from the Washington Post talking about the sting operation on this innocent Amish milk farmer:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/28/feds-sting-amish-farmer-selling-raw-milk-locally/

Monday's Menu: Roast for the Slow Cooker

I love good beef. It is my love language. Not really, but kind of! Add butter to beef and I'm even happier! That's the idea behind my super simple slow cooker roast.

Pop it in in the morning, let it simmer all day in its natural juices and some lovely organic butter, and you have a wonderful meal by 6 p.m. I know a roast seems like a fussy dinner, but it's really not!

And you can even make this work if you're dining for one or only two. Just have the meat man cut you a pound or so of roast! For our family of 5, (well, only 4 are eating) we love a solid 2.5-3 lb roast. Then we have plenty of leftovers for sandwiches!

Here's my recipe for a delicious slow cooker roast:

Ingredients:

1 organic, 100% grass fed organic chuck or arm roast (2-3 lbs)

1 stick organic butter, I like Organic Valley's unsalted version, for when it will be heated in cooking. I like raw butter for unheated things, like steamed veggies or spread on toast.

Sea Salt: I use Mercola's Himalayan salt or Real Salt, more info on these to come!

Organic Pepper: My favorite brand is Frontier Organic. 1 whole organic onion In the morning, put your roast in your slow cooker. Rub the meat all over with Himalayan/Celtic sea salt and pepper.

Directions:

Rub salt and pepper all over the top of the roast, and set the stick of butter on top.

Cut the onion into quarters, and separate the individual pieces (they are crescent shaped now) all over the roast and in the slow cooker.

Turn the slow cooker on to low, and cook all day. (I like to have it going by 9 or 10 a.m. and serve around 6) Cook until it is very fork tender.

You can also make a lovely gravy out of all the juices that accumulate!

Enjoy!

Friday's Food for Thought: Health Dangers of Vaccines

Did you know that the H1N1 flu vaccine can cause narcolepsy? And that's actually one of the more tame side effects!

We read a lot about the dangers of vaccines for children, which is extremely important, given their still developing neurological systems, but what about the dangers for adults?

Check out this great article by Dr. Mercola to find out why you should avoid all vaccines, even flu vaccines, like the plague!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/29/the-emergence-of-vaccine-induced-diseases.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Amazing Coconut Oil: How it Can Help You Lose Weight

Have you ever tried coconut oil? If not, you're in for a treat: this amazing oil can help you lose weight, regulate your thyroid, increase your energy levels and immune response, promote your heart health, and give you glowing skin!

Sound too good to be true? It's not. It's just the amazing coconut. I'll be sharing more in the days and weeks to come, but for now, check out these great articles by Dr. Mercola to whet your appetite. And keep tuning in to find out why I take 3-4 tablespoons per day of this amazing oil!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/22/coconut-oil-and-saturated-fats-can-make-you-healthy.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/12/29/eat-fat.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/01/26/coconut-oil-part-eight.aspx

Toxin Free Body: Dr. Bronner's Castille Bar Soaps- A Little Bit of Luxury

We all need a little bit of luxury in our lives, and what better way to indulge than when you're in the shower or bath tub, since you're (hopefully!) still showering daily no matter how crazy life gets!

A great way to get a little luxury in your routine is with Dr. Bronner's organic castille soap! I have only tried the lavender, but it is truly luxurious. Made with organic oils like coconut and olive oil, and essential oils for the fragrance, it leaves skin soft and smelling very clean.

I love it so much, it is something I look forward to every day! It's just a little bit of sanity, and it makes your bathroom smell lovely!

They also have scents of almond, peppermint, citrus, and eucalyptus! Enjoy!

Toxin Free Home: The Amazing Glass & Polishing E Cloth

I'll confess: with a three year old, 16 month old, and a 5 week old newborn, I don't have time to clean my house. My husband has been an amazing help with the children and with the laundry, but the bathrooms, the floors, the vacuuming, it all has to wait.

It's waiting for me to clone myself.

That's not going to happen, so I have to keep things as easy as possible! I was so fed up with the bathroom mirror the other day (hadn't been cleaned in over a month!) that I quickly grabbed my Glass & Polishing E-Cloth to see how quickly I could get the job done.

In less time than you can say, "My bathroom is insanely dirty," the mirror was sparkling!

In fact, I just bought another Glass & Polishing cloth today to keep handy, since half the task of cleaning seems to be finding your tools! I now own three .

If you want sparkling mirrors, sinks, and door knobs in the bat of an eye, just grab a spray bottle of water and an E-Cloth. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating about these results. It kind of makes cleaning fun!

Oh, and the best part- you can wash these cloths up to 300 times, and there's no chemicals involved! You can't ask for too much more than that.

Enjoy your toxin free, done in a snap cleaning experience everyone!

Tip of the Day: Always Check Your Receipt!

(Photo courtesy of Compro)

The other day I was at Whole Foods, and upon checking out the cashier asked me if I wanted my receipt. I think it should definitely be standard procedure to give a receipt, so I was surprised he asked, but I said yes.

When it was time to pay, the amount seemed higher than I was expecting, so I quickly glanced over my receipt to see where I had gone wrong. It was immediately clear- the cashier had charged me for 11 dozen eggs!

I actually had 6 dozen, so I am not sure where he got the number 11, but I was glad I caught it- it was an $18 mistake once tax was factored in!

I had to go get a refund, and the cashier was not very apologetic, but it reminded me that there really can be mistakes- always check your receipts!

Friday's Food for Thought: Top 20 Things that Are Toxic to Your Child's Health

My good friend Angela sent me this AWESOME article talking about the top 20 toxic things that put our children in danger, that many people are unaware of.

Check it out, and see why things like anti bacterial soap, hot dogs, and mercury fillings are toxic to your child's health! (And yours, too!) :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Check out the article here:

http://www.naturalnews.com/022014_heavy_metals_childrens_health.html

Anyone Have a Good Vegetable Dip Recipe?

Hi All- I am currently hunting for a good vegetable dip recipe, something that would be good with carrots, celery, etc...

Do any of you know one? If so, leave me a comment with the recipe! Thanks for your help everyone!

Tip of the Day: How to Reheat Leftovers Without a Microwave

If you'd like an easy way to reheat leftovers without using a toxic microwave, try a small crock pot! I bought a 4 quart crock pot (pictured above) from WalMart that I use to reheat leftovers from dinner for our lunch. It requires some planning ahead, but not much!

In the morning, (I like to do it as part of breakfast cleanup) just put your leftovers in the crockpot, and add a small amount of water in the bottom of the pot, depending on what the food is. Turn it on low or high, using discretion as to which temperature is right, and then enjoy for lunch!

I reheat everything in crock pots- from leftover chicken to taco meat! Enjoy!

Toxin Free Body: Our Favorite Sparkling Mineral Water

Here's a tip of the day: if you want a refreshing drink that's not soda, try mineral water!

It feels "carbonated" and makes other drinks, like juices, taste bubbly when you combine them.

I don't care for the taste of mineral water by itself, but my husband loves it. I do love it mixed in with some organic apple juice though!

Try it for yourself and let me know if you like it! Our favorite brand of sparkling mineral water is Gerolsteiner.

Tip of the Day: Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry

Last night as I was soaking cloth diapers in the washing machine with three 32 oz. bottles of hydrogen peroxide, I thought I'd share with you this super easy, super cheap remedy for a variety of laundry problems- from blood in fabric to awful smells.

Hospitals use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant and sanitizer, and you can too! It can also be used as a whitening agent- so use caution if you spot treat on laundry.

Here are a few uses for an 89 cent bottle of hydrogen peroxide:

• To strip cloth diapers, fill your washing machine and put the diapers in. Let them soak overnight in 3-4 large bottles (like 32 oz.) of hydrogen peroxide. The next morning, run a super wash on cold to rinse it out. Then wash them again with your normal soap on hot. This has worked wonderfully for our ammonia filled cloth diapers.

• To get blood stains out of fabric, spot treat with hydrogen peroxide and let soak overnight preferably. This is best if the stain is fresh, but it will work no matter when!

• You can also use hydrogen peroxide as a sanitizer in your kitchen and bathroom- it can even kill salmonella on cutting boards! Just spray on with a spray bottle. To use on counters just douse your cloth with it and wipe them down.

• Hydrogen peroxide used in your ears is also fabulous for too much ear wax, or for fending off colds and flu! See this article by Dr. Mercola for more info.
  

Do you know of any more uses for hydrogen peroxide? Please share if you do!!!

Friday's Food for Thought: Why You Should Think Twice About Buying Conventional Meat

My husband saw this article on Google news this morning and I had to pass it on- it's very disturbing!

Quoting from the L.A. Times:

"Nearly half of all meat and poultry sampled in a new study contained drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, the type of bacteria that most commonly causes staph infections."

Check out the original article here:

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-meat-bacteria-20110415,0,7997782.story

Have a great weekend everyone, and enjoy some safe, organic meat! ;)

Tip of the Day: An Easy Organic Breakfast! (Or Snack!)

If you need a quick organic breakfast, or snack, here's a great one- a favorite in our family:

Take a sprouted, organic whole grain bagel (we love Alvarado Street bagels) and top it with organic cream cheese. (Organic Valley makes a divine full fat version!) Then add several slices of smoked wild caught salmon for a bagel and lox.

The smoked salmon is a wonderful way to get some awesome brain & heart healthy Omega-3's, and this is actually quite a filling meal! Even our 16 month old Micah likes it! Well, the smoked salmon, that is. He doesn't get to have the bagel quite yet. ;)

Enjoy!

What's the Craziest Thing in Your Day Today?

So, I know this has nothing to do with health or the Maker's Diet, but let's just chalk up this post to pertaining to mental health!

Sometimes life is so crazy, especially with little people around- you just have to laugh!

Here's the craziest thing in my day so far:

This morning I went (with Nathaniel in tow and carrying Grace, our newborn) to get Micah, our 16 month old, up from his nap. When I got him up I discovered he had a dirty diaper, so I left to grab a clean one.

My mistake: leaving him wearing only his diaper. I should have known what would happen.

When I returned, there was poop everywhere. All over his sleep sack, his sheet, his blanket, his stuffed animals, his hands, his shirt, I mean, EVERYWHERE.

As I walked in to discover this disaster, he flashed me the biggest smile and was extremely pleased with himself. I, on the other hand, was anything but pleased, but at that point, what can you do?!!! There's nothing to do but clean it all up. Thank God for automatic washers and dryers!

What was the craziest thing to happen to you recently?

Food for Thought: Can Sleeplessness Make Kids (And Adults) Fat?

I saw this article from Dr. Mercola today, and since sleep is an important issue in my life right now, with a newborn, ;) I had to share!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/08/lack-of-sleep-linked-to-childhood-obesity.aspx

Baby Grace: My Favorite Toxin Free Pacifier

Pacifiers and babies seem to be made for each other, but toxins and babies are a bad match! That's why I love Natursutten's BPA, phthalate, and PVC free version of the classic paci.

They have an orthodontic version (pictured above) and a rounded version. (Below)

Check out their website for more info and look for these toxin free pacifiers at your local health food store, or on Amazon!

Baby Grace: My Favorite Toxin Free Shampoo & Body Wash

When it comes to babies, the term "sensitive skin" is often an understatement. Their soft sweet skin needs delicate care, and what better way to get little ones clean than with a toxin and chemical free soap?

Our family's favorite baby shampoo & body wash is made by Earth Mama Angel Baby. It cleans delicate skin gently but effectively, foams wonderfully, and smells just lovely, since it is scented with organic vanilla extract and organic calendula. (I think there is nothing sweeter than the smell of a baby's skin after a bath!)

Here are some chemicals that are NOT in this wonderful shampoo/body wash:

• No 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, or phthalates
• No sodium lauryl sulfate, cocomidopropyl betaine or other synthetic
  surfactants
• No artificial preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol, etc)

No chemicals, just sweetly scented cleaning suds! Check out Earth Mama's website to find out where you can buy some for your little angels!

Baby Grace: My Favorite Newborn Diaper Covers!

If you can't tell, I'm totally in love with our new little girl, Grace, 2 weeks old today! I thought I'd share with you my favorite cloth diaper covers for a newborn.

I have to admit- they're PUL, not a natural fabric. I'm not so thrilled with that, because I don't like synthetic things very much. But, as far as newborn cloth diapers go, there aren't many options.

My one size fits all Little Beetle wool covers are humongous on a newborn, so when Micah was born, I bought several white newborn size wraps, made by Real Nappies.(The ones I have are white, but I am showing you the pink one in honor of Grace!) :)

They contain messes AMAZINGLY well, (read: no blowouts) fit great, wash great, and look like little doll diapers! I highly recommend them. Check out their website: http://www.realnappiesusa.com

I use them with Bummi's organic cotton prefolds in the infant size.

For more on cloth diapering, check out my previous series:

http://makersdietmom.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-i-love-cloth-diapers.html

Baby Grace: My FAVORITE Organic Swaddling Blanket!

There's nothing as sweet as a swaddled newborn sleeping soundly! Pictured above is Grace, snuggled up in her organic Ultimate Receiving Blanket by Swaddle Designs.

This awesome, oversized swaddling blanket is made of soft organic cotton flannel, and survives the washer beautifully. It is also a great privacy blanket for nursing! My mother in law gave this to me when Nathaniel, our 3 year old, was born, and I adore it.

Now I just need the pink one for Lady Grace!Check out these awesome blankets at their website, Swaddle Designs.com.

Welcome Baby Grace!!!

I don't mean to have fallen off the face of the earth last week, but I've been a little preoccupied...having our baby! I am so excited to announce the arrival of our precious daughter, Grace Catherine, born on Monday, March 21st at 6:36 p.m. and weighing 8 lbs 2 oz!

I'll be sharing more about Grace this week (I can't help it, I'm in love!) and about the different products we are using for her, our third, organic, Maker's Diet baby! :)

Monday's Menu: Huevos Rancheros

(Photo courtesy of Opponent)

I make no claims to be an authentic Mexican cook, but we sure do love Mexican food in our home. One meal we love for a special breakfast (or as an 11 p.m. dinner when you are pregnant and starving!) is huevos rancheros, or over easy/fried eggs over corn tortillas. They are so simple and delightful!

Sprouted Corn Huevos Rancheros:

2 tbsp organic butter
Sprouted Corn Tortillas (2 per person)
2 eggs per person, cooked over easy in butter
Sea salt & pepper
Organic salsa
Organic sour cream
Organic grated raw cheese

In a cast iron or stainless steel skillet, melt the butter (divide the 2 tbsp for use in doing all the tortillas, don't use 2 tbsp per tortilla) and gently "fry" the tortillas until you achieve the consistency you want- leave them longer for a crispy finish, or shorter for softer tortillas.

Cover the tortillas and keep warm. Cook the eggs over easy in the remaining butter, and do not let the yolks harden. Spread the tortillas out flat and lay one egg per tortilla. Spoon some salsa, sour cream & cheese over the eggs, and serve!

The egg yolk will turn runny and make a wonderful sauce mixed with the salsa, eggs & sour cream. Yum! These are also delicious with beans.