It's that time. Can't you feel the almost new-ness in the air, begging you to set goals? Ok, maybe I am just in love with goals. So, here are the Bisnett Family Resolutions for 2012.
1. Pay off our evil credit card. It is for 'emergencies' but really it just lures me into 'good deals' that turn into high interest. Bleh you evil credit card! I am glad there is only one of you to be gone!
2. Contribute financially in a well rounded manner.
This year we have chosen: TARC and CASA through United Way for pay check deductions.
We also plan to be a due paying members of
La Leche League (ok just me here though if Matt could breastfeed...),
Sierra Club,
and Attachment Parenting International.
I am also setting aside to make once a year donations to Washburn. I am hoping specifically the psychology department and the LinC office. Still figuring out how to do that.
2. Contribute time wise. We want to make sure whatever we do we can do it as a family so Aurora can grow up in a caring environment. So, I think for contributing time we will:
gather food items and donate in the harvesters bin each grocery trip to Dillons,
make and deliver snacks to Ronald McDonald once a month,
volunteer in community gardens in the summer,
hopefully volunteer once a month at harvesters,
and crochet 6 projects for donation (this one is just me to, Matt will not be crocheting any time soon).
3. Be active members.
read a book with the API book club
attend Sierra club once a month
attend La Leche once a month
attend lovely Fiber Fridays at least twice a month
attend 4 Fast Forward events
attend 4 Parents as Teachers events outside of home visits
attend 1 playgroup a week
attend 6 story times
attend wellness center at least 4 times a week
4. Be a friendly friend. I will:
teach sewing to my sissy
take Matt on dates once a month.
have a girls night
teach anything I know to whoever asks
5. Continue education. I will:
attend one college level course or obtain a certification relevant to my field.
6. Learn more about finances:
attend finance series with Matt
7. We will become zero waste
we have been prepping for this and last weekend was our last regular grocery trip. We splurged on the junk food we will no longer be having. Along with this keep up with our ethical shopping standards.
8. We will be more involved in nature. We will:
bike to UUFT once a month in the nice weather
camp at least 4 times
go on a hike at least once
go to the lake at least 4 times
join a sports team outdoors
9. Maintain a minimalist household
We just cleaned out yet again. It is getting to be empty, finally! Feels good.
Unplug for electronics so much: read 4 fiction books, 2 non-fiction books, 12 diy projects
10. Create a timeline for home building
We want to begin building in 3 to 5 years.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Ethical Clothing Shopping
So, it has been a LONG time since I have gone clothing shopping for myself. Lately, I have been working to get down to my bare minimum wardrobe modeled off this: http://www.fabulouslybroke.com/2011/07/the-minimalist-wardrobe-30-pieces-would-be-my-barest-of-bare-minimums/ . I tweaked it to meet my lifestyle needs and added shoes and such. My thought is to only buy to replace a piece in the established wardrobe. Unfortunately, as I went through my clothes I noticed most all of them have snags, frays, holes, etc. So, it is definitely time to do some shopping. I have been researching my booty off to find the most ethical companies to purchase from that have the kind of clothes I need.
TIME OUT TO WHINE
Why oh why is all organic and hemp stuff just yoga and lounge wear? Surely there is a person in the business world who also wants to buy things that don't support slavery or harm the environment! We can't all just lay around doing yoga all day and meditating no matter how relaxing it sounds.
Ok, back to the blog. So, here are the places/brands I have found with A and B ratings on ethics and the environment that make business type clothes.
Patagonia
LL Bean
Autonomie
Maggie's Organics
Levi's
Timberland
Gap
Nordstrom
Cutter and Buck
Abercrombie and Fitch
Calvin Klein
Izod
SHOES
UGG
Earth Shoes
Birkenstock
Timberland
Reebok
Expensive crud I know! Who said minimalism was cheap? Oh well, it will last a long time, not use slaves, and you know will either be donated or upcycled in my household. I wish I could find if ColdWater Creek was good or bad. I am in love with them. Anyone know?
TIME OUT TO WHINE
Why oh why is all organic and hemp stuff just yoga and lounge wear? Surely there is a person in the business world who also wants to buy things that don't support slavery or harm the environment! We can't all just lay around doing yoga all day and meditating no matter how relaxing it sounds.
Ok, back to the blog. So, here are the places/brands I have found with A and B ratings on ethics and the environment that make business type clothes.
Patagonia
LL Bean
Autonomie
Maggie's Organics
Levi's
Timberland
Gap
Nordstrom
Cutter and Buck
Abercrombie and Fitch
Calvin Klein
Izod
SHOES
UGG
Earth Shoes
Birkenstock
Timberland
Reebok
Expensive crud I know! Who said minimalism was cheap? Oh well, it will last a long time, not use slaves, and you know will either be donated or upcycled in my household. I wish I could find if ColdWater Creek was good or bad. I am in love with them. Anyone know?
What is ACTUALLY Needed/Wanted When Having a Baby
As my little one closes in on the year mark I have been noticing all the things that were thought to be 'necessities' are in fact not. Instead not much is really needed and what is nice to have wasn't even mentioned pre-baby. So, here is my guide, from my experience, of what is good to have for a new baby.
1. A carseat. No, not a travel system. That was a waste. I only use my stroller as something to hold purchases, like produce at the farmer's market. All the while Aurora is in a wrap or on my hip. It is big, bulky and expensive. It came with the infant carrier carseat. Let me tell you, not only is it not convenient to carry it isn't the safest way to carry your baby. I was too short to use it on the grocery cart (which is a safety hazard anyways). The only good was when she was napping on the way home we could bring her in without waking her up. Instead, invest in a good carseat that has high refacing weight and height limits so they can stay in the 500% safer way to sit for longer (AAP recommends at least 2).
2. Diapers. Ok, unless you are going to do 100% complete elimination communication you are going to need some diapers. Sure you could use receiving blankies as flats and use old sweaters to make woolies, but I honestly wouldn't do that unless I could afford nothing else. We tried several different kinds of cloth and spoies before deciding on Sunbabies pocket diapers, which are awesome! They grow with her, are snaps so she can't take them off, are easy to use, and quick to dry. And drying on the line is the best, something I am so glad to have now that I have a litle one.
3. Amber Necklace. OMG Aurora is in such a better mode when she wears this. No real issues with teething so far with it. It is weird that it works, but it does.
4. Shower Chair. We have a lovely baby SPA for LO, but what's used most of the time? The shower chair. It sits in the shower and attaches to the side so it won't move and keeps her in place. So much quicker and easier and she loves it. She just showers with me when she needs washed.
5. Shirts, oneies, and baby legs. The fancy clothes are adorable yes, just keep in mind ease to play and ease to clean. At home LO is diaper only and baby legs if the floor is cold. We had sooo many swaddlers, guess what, they serve no purpose.
6. Toddler fork and spoon. Aurora loves her independence. A toddler fork and spoon let her learn on her own, at her own pace. I don't have to worry about her poking her eyes out and she doesn't have to worry about me trying to make her eat anything.
7. Wraps. When Aurora was a newborn a homemade Moby, AKA several yards of jersey fabric, was the only wrap I needed. It covered her and kept her warm. She slept in it, snuggled in it, nursed in it while I went about my life. Now that she is bigger a ring sling works great for short trips and a mai tei for longer walks. So much easier then any stroller and she feels so much lighter than just carrying around.
8. Diaper bookbag. Plan diaper bags are silly to me. A travel bag makes much more sense. It is easier to carry, less 'girly' and more functional. Who needs a giant awkward diaper bag? What the heck are you carrying around in that thing?
10. Books and some plush and wooden toys. No plastic needed. Wooden teethers worked great, wordorf dolls are wonderful or just rag dolls you make at home. No only do handmade goods have more meaning, they support local and independent businesses, ethical practices, and don't have harmful chemicals in them. They also last so much longer which makes them a bargain. Aurora's favorite toys are homemade or upcycled.
What you don't need:
1. Travel system. Bought this, collects dust. Who really uses these bulky things?
2. Baby meds. They all have food coloring, HCFS, and artificial flavoring in them. Hello, a baby does not know what cherry flavor is!
3. Johnson and Johnson. Chemicals bleh! Aurora is no poo and then has some safety first organic body wash and lotion. We are slowly working her over to Dr.Bronners.
4. Baby foods. Google baby led weaning. It is pretty much the best!
5. Swaddlers. I got like a million of these, never used. She hated them.
6. Exersaucer, jumper etc. Just let them play! They don't need to be cooped up.
7. Crib. So many dangers so we never used it. Bedsharing is pretty much awesome. She sleeps better, we sleep better. We don't even have to wake up to nurse.
8. Pack and Play. Again, just let them play! I mean watch them, but let them explore.
9. Plastic crap. It is just going to break, fad, and expose you to chemicals. It harms the environment, it is not local, many times has lead in it, and the workers have very poor conditions. Buy America, or at least not for China.
10. Tennis shoes. Aurora is just now wearing shoes at one and only because it is winter. Who wants shoes weighing them down. I for one like my toes free!
1. A carseat. No, not a travel system. That was a waste. I only use my stroller as something to hold purchases, like produce at the farmer's market. All the while Aurora is in a wrap or on my hip. It is big, bulky and expensive. It came with the infant carrier carseat. Let me tell you, not only is it not convenient to carry it isn't the safest way to carry your baby. I was too short to use it on the grocery cart (which is a safety hazard anyways). The only good was when she was napping on the way home we could bring her in without waking her up. Instead, invest in a good carseat that has high refacing weight and height limits so they can stay in the 500% safer way to sit for longer (AAP recommends at least 2).
2. Diapers. Ok, unless you are going to do 100% complete elimination communication you are going to need some diapers. Sure you could use receiving blankies as flats and use old sweaters to make woolies, but I honestly wouldn't do that unless I could afford nothing else. We tried several different kinds of cloth and spoies before deciding on Sunbabies pocket diapers, which are awesome! They grow with her, are snaps so she can't take them off, are easy to use, and quick to dry. And drying on the line is the best, something I am so glad to have now that I have a litle one.
3. Amber Necklace. OMG Aurora is in such a better mode when she wears this. No real issues with teething so far with it. It is weird that it works, but it does.
4. Shower Chair. We have a lovely baby SPA for LO, but what's used most of the time? The shower chair. It sits in the shower and attaches to the side so it won't move and keeps her in place. So much quicker and easier and she loves it. She just showers with me when she needs washed.
5. Shirts, oneies, and baby legs. The fancy clothes are adorable yes, just keep in mind ease to play and ease to clean. At home LO is diaper only and baby legs if the floor is cold. We had sooo many swaddlers, guess what, they serve no purpose.
6. Toddler fork and spoon. Aurora loves her independence. A toddler fork and spoon let her learn on her own, at her own pace. I don't have to worry about her poking her eyes out and she doesn't have to worry about me trying to make her eat anything.
7. Wraps. When Aurora was a newborn a homemade Moby, AKA several yards of jersey fabric, was the only wrap I needed. It covered her and kept her warm. She slept in it, snuggled in it, nursed in it while I went about my life. Now that she is bigger a ring sling works great for short trips and a mai tei for longer walks. So much easier then any stroller and she feels so much lighter than just carrying around.
8. Diaper bookbag. Plan diaper bags are silly to me. A travel bag makes much more sense. It is easier to carry, less 'girly' and more functional. Who needs a giant awkward diaper bag? What the heck are you carrying around in that thing?
10. Books and some plush and wooden toys. No plastic needed. Wooden teethers worked great, wordorf dolls are wonderful or just rag dolls you make at home. No only do handmade goods have more meaning, they support local and independent businesses, ethical practices, and don't have harmful chemicals in them. They also last so much longer which makes them a bargain. Aurora's favorite toys are homemade or upcycled.
What you don't need:
1. Travel system. Bought this, collects dust. Who really uses these bulky things?
2. Baby meds. They all have food coloring, HCFS, and artificial flavoring in them. Hello, a baby does not know what cherry flavor is!
3. Johnson and Johnson. Chemicals bleh! Aurora is no poo and then has some safety first organic body wash and lotion. We are slowly working her over to Dr.Bronners.
4. Baby foods. Google baby led weaning. It is pretty much the best!
5. Swaddlers. I got like a million of these, never used. She hated them.
6. Exersaucer, jumper etc. Just let them play! They don't need to be cooped up.
7. Crib. So many dangers so we never used it. Bedsharing is pretty much awesome. She sleeps better, we sleep better. We don't even have to wake up to nurse.
8. Pack and Play. Again, just let them play! I mean watch them, but let them explore.
9. Plastic crap. It is just going to break, fad, and expose you to chemicals. It harms the environment, it is not local, many times has lead in it, and the workers have very poor conditions. Buy America, or at least not for China.
10. Tennis shoes. Aurora is just now wearing shoes at one and only because it is winter. Who wants shoes weighing them down. I for one like my toes free!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Don't Believe in Climate Change? Why You Still Should Go Green.
I commonly get people who don't believe in climate change laugh at me for taking the time to 'be green'. Because of this I usually just ignore climate change as a reason to go green (although I still believe it is be a reason). Honestly, when I am say, buying flour at the store I don't think hmmm...I wonder if this product caused too much pollution in the atmosphere resulting in and imbalance to where global climate change would happen at a more rapid pace than it would naturally. Instead I think, is this product healthy? Healthy meaning no GMO, no bleaching, etc etc. Yes? Is this product ethical? Meaning did child slaves in a third world country grind this flour? Yes? Is this product local? Meaning I am making it so the future will have jobs in this area. Yes? Well then bag-o-flour, you have been deemed awesome and I will most definitely purchase you.
What I am trying to say is there are so many reasons to be eco-friendly. You don't need to believe in climate change to see that (we can just agree to disagree there). My reasons:
1. Healthier food-organic local eats mean a well rounded diet. Actually, they have found organic food really does have more vitamins that chemically grown food.
2. Better immune system-Exposing ourselves to health germs and staying away from chemicals means we are sick less.
3. Healthier air to breath-Everything you put in your home can be putting off chemicals that you are breathing in. The lung association said indoor air quality is so poor because of everything in our homes it should be a top concern!
4. Supporting local economy-local is a man factor in 'going green'. Buying local lets me know more about what I am buying, feel more welcomed and at home in the community, and supports the economy (which in the end supports me as a gov't worker :) )
5. Supporting American made-at least not made in china! Higher quality means it lasts longer, workers made a living wage, it didn't have to ship as far, and there are better standards against things like lead.
6. Saving money-by consuming minimally, conserving energy, gas and water I am saving money each month!
7. Healthier lives- I am not exposing my family to cheaply made products that have harmful chemicals or needless fragrances
8. The peace of mind knowing exactly what my money I am spending is funding and that it is in line with my ethical beliefs
9. Reducing waste-I hate clutter, by recycling and reducing consumption I know I am adding in creating a less cluttered, less commercialized, buy me type of America
10. Higher quality of life - when we are going 'green' activities they are active, group activities. They aren't just sitting in front of a tv all night. They are hanging clothes, gardening, cooking together, going for a walk, just enjoying the outdoors.
Of course we all slip up, we are not perfect. I bought pop-tarts last week for crying out loud! That doesn't mean I can't keep trying. I hear so many say they are overwhelmed by it so they just don't bother with any of it. Accept that we are human and can't be perfect, that doesn't mean we can't strive to be the best we can be! What are your reasons to 'go green' and why do you hesitate to try sometimes?
What I am trying to say is there are so many reasons to be eco-friendly. You don't need to believe in climate change to see that (we can just agree to disagree there). My reasons:
1. Healthier food-organic local eats mean a well rounded diet. Actually, they have found organic food really does have more vitamins that chemically grown food.
2. Better immune system-Exposing ourselves to health germs and staying away from chemicals means we are sick less.
3. Healthier air to breath-Everything you put in your home can be putting off chemicals that you are breathing in. The lung association said indoor air quality is so poor because of everything in our homes it should be a top concern!
4. Supporting local economy-local is a man factor in 'going green'. Buying local lets me know more about what I am buying, feel more welcomed and at home in the community, and supports the economy (which in the end supports me as a gov't worker :) )
5. Supporting American made-at least not made in china! Higher quality means it lasts longer, workers made a living wage, it didn't have to ship as far, and there are better standards against things like lead.
6. Saving money-by consuming minimally, conserving energy, gas and water I am saving money each month!
7. Healthier lives- I am not exposing my family to cheaply made products that have harmful chemicals or needless fragrances
8. The peace of mind knowing exactly what my money I am spending is funding and that it is in line with my ethical beliefs
9. Reducing waste-I hate clutter, by recycling and reducing consumption I know I am adding in creating a less cluttered, less commercialized, buy me type of America
10. Higher quality of life - when we are going 'green' activities they are active, group activities. They aren't just sitting in front of a tv all night. They are hanging clothes, gardening, cooking together, going for a walk, just enjoying the outdoors.
Of course we all slip up, we are not perfect. I bought pop-tarts last week for crying out loud! That doesn't mean I can't keep trying. I hear so many say they are overwhelmed by it so they just don't bother with any of it. Accept that we are human and can't be perfect, that doesn't mean we can't strive to be the best we can be! What are your reasons to 'go green' and why do you hesitate to try sometimes?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
No Poo Yes Seitan
Man, it has been a while since I have been able to post! I am sneaking this one while LO is on the road back from her grandparents and DH is not yet home from work. I've been no-poing for almost month now, in fact, my whole family has (yay us!). Of course, there was basically no change for LO, she hasn't been exposed to shampoo long anyways and it was natural shampoo that she got to use anyways. DH's hair has been doing great too. He is pretty much in love with it and now attempts to convert everyone to it on the daily. My hair was doing great to start. I held of about 3-4 days before I washed it. The first time with baking soda only and about a week later I did it with soda and apple cider vinegar. IT FELT AWESOME! All was going well until we decided to go to a pool. Somehow the chemicals in the pool water have thrown my hair for a loop and it is in a detox process again, yuk! Note to self: why be natural and then go swim in literally a pool of chemicals, choose lake next time. I hope that it clears up soon. In the mean time it is ponytails and french braids for me!
On another note, I made Seitan for the first time. YUM. I feel more comfortable with seitan than tofu because the whole estrogen controversy. Anyone know if the health concerns are just surrounding processed soy? I have been avoiding edamame too, maybe unnecessarily. Anyways, the seitan was chorizo sausage which I used in burritos and was delious. I found the recipe in Viva Vegan by Terry Hope Romero. I highly recommend this cookbook vegan or not it is wonderful. I slightly altered the recipe so here is what I did:
1 1/2 c chicken stock (I know, it is already not vegan or vegetarian really but it was organic which is my main concern)
4 T organic ketchup
3 T olive oil
3 t red wine vinegar
6 cloves crushed garlic
1 2/3 c vital wheat gluten (I found this at dillons cause Blue Planet bought the last of it at the Natural Food Co-op)
1/4 c chickpea flour (found at the co-op)
3 T nutritional yeast (co-op)
4 t paprika
3 t oregano
2 t cumin
1 1/2 t cayene
2 t chipotle pepper
1 1/2 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
1. preheat to 350.
2. mix stock, ketchup, oil, vinegar, and garlic
3. in another bowl mix all the rest together
4. pour in liquid and stir with a rubber spatula until dough leaves sides of bowl (looks kinda soupy but once it stands it thickens into a dough so don't add any flour or anything)
5. knead/mix for 3 minutes
6. let rise 10 minutes
7. separate out into six logs 6" long and 1 1/2 thick. Wrap each in foil, kinda tight, but not too tight.
8. bake 35 minutes (so says the recipe, mine needed longer)
9. Cool 40 minutes. The books says it takes best if you chill overnight and heat it the next day which is what I did. So good and made the house smell good too!!
So, now I am obsessed with Seitan. Does anyone else make it? Want to share your recipes??
On another note, I made Seitan for the first time. YUM. I feel more comfortable with seitan than tofu because the whole estrogen controversy. Anyone know if the health concerns are just surrounding processed soy? I have been avoiding edamame too, maybe unnecessarily. Anyways, the seitan was chorizo sausage which I used in burritos and was delious. I found the recipe in Viva Vegan by Terry Hope Romero. I highly recommend this cookbook vegan or not it is wonderful. I slightly altered the recipe so here is what I did:
1 1/2 c chicken stock (I know, it is already not vegan or vegetarian really but it was organic which is my main concern)
4 T organic ketchup
3 T olive oil
3 t red wine vinegar
6 cloves crushed garlic
1 2/3 c vital wheat gluten (I found this at dillons cause Blue Planet bought the last of it at the Natural Food Co-op)
1/4 c chickpea flour (found at the co-op)
3 T nutritional yeast (co-op)
4 t paprika
3 t oregano
2 t cumin
1 1/2 t cayene
2 t chipotle pepper
1 1/2 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
1. preheat to 350.
2. mix stock, ketchup, oil, vinegar, and garlic
3. in another bowl mix all the rest together
4. pour in liquid and stir with a rubber spatula until dough leaves sides of bowl (looks kinda soupy but once it stands it thickens into a dough so don't add any flour or anything)
5. knead/mix for 3 minutes
6. let rise 10 minutes
7. separate out into six logs 6" long and 1 1/2 thick. Wrap each in foil, kinda tight, but not too tight.
8. bake 35 minutes (so says the recipe, mine needed longer)
9. Cool 40 minutes. The books says it takes best if you chill overnight and heat it the next day which is what I did. So good and made the house smell good too!!
So, now I am obsessed with Seitan. Does anyone else make it? Want to share your recipes??
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
No Poo-ing Day One
Well, today is the day, the day I say good-bye to shampoo! I have been wanting to go no-poo since I first learned about it a few months ago at Natural Parenting Network. I held off partly because I didn't want to be wasteful and throw away my shampoo and partly because I didn't want my hair being nasty during the detox period at work. Finally, my shampoo is out and I am about to start a week long vacation. Those of you reading this who haven't heard of no-poo before might be thinking, 'what the heck!', 'yuck', or 'is she getting dreads now' lol! No dreads for me, my amigas, I am just working once again towards my goals. Going no-poo is frugal, sustainable, and safer for my baby and me. Yes, LO will be going no-poo with me.
What are the reasons to go no-poo?
1. Shampoo has many harmful chemicals in it. Why go through all the trouble to get chemical free foods and limit exposure with toys, cups, plates, etc just to scrub the stuff into your scalp?! What chemicals you ask? Well for one PHTHALATES! Yes, I said Phthalates. The very thing I had spent countless hours staring at toys on the internet and stores shelves to avoid I have been massaging into our hair. Phthalates are apparently in many cosmetic products including deodorant (my next homemade adventure). In case you aren't a phthalate stalker like me let me tell you, they are not good news. Among other things, they mess with LOs reproductive systems causing early puberty, fertility problems and cancer. They are used in PVC products like many toys to make them more flexy along with soaps, body sprays, D.O., and shampoo. Besides the phthalates the list of harmful chemicals go on-and-on which include sodium laureth sulfate which, get this, actually causes the issues you wash your hair for. SLS damages your hair and causes skin irritation.
2. It's cheap! While I am all about avoiding the chemicals I don't what to spend an arm and a leg on organic shampoo. It is definitely not the cheapest option. Besides, being minimalist I don't want to swap consuming one thing for consuming another when I can easily do without.
And thus, my no-poo adventure begins. The process is to try to wait out the detox without cleaning your hair with anything. Your hair is greasy because the chemicals cause it to be so. Eventually, through detox, your hair will get less greasy. This I believe as I know if you wash your hair more often your hair seems to start to need it more often and get yuck quicker. I assume this detox is just a more extreme version of that. For straight hair I have heard this only takes 2 weeks, but for curly hair it can take up to 6 weeks. After that, if you hair needs it, you can give it a conditioner of apple cider vinegar and if it needs it a scrub of baking soda. I know! Is there anything baking soda and vinegar can't do?!! It is only the first day of not washing, but I am excited. What are your thoughts on the subject? Anyone daring to join me on this part of my journey?
What are the reasons to go no-poo?
1. Shampoo has many harmful chemicals in it. Why go through all the trouble to get chemical free foods and limit exposure with toys, cups, plates, etc just to scrub the stuff into your scalp?! What chemicals you ask? Well for one PHTHALATES! Yes, I said Phthalates. The very thing I had spent countless hours staring at toys on the internet and stores shelves to avoid I have been massaging into our hair. Phthalates are apparently in many cosmetic products including deodorant (my next homemade adventure). In case you aren't a phthalate stalker like me let me tell you, they are not good news. Among other things, they mess with LOs reproductive systems causing early puberty, fertility problems and cancer. They are used in PVC products like many toys to make them more flexy along with soaps, body sprays, D.O., and shampoo. Besides the phthalates the list of harmful chemicals go on-and-on which include sodium laureth sulfate which, get this, actually causes the issues you wash your hair for. SLS damages your hair and causes skin irritation.
2. It's cheap! While I am all about avoiding the chemicals I don't what to spend an arm and a leg on organic shampoo. It is definitely not the cheapest option. Besides, being minimalist I don't want to swap consuming one thing for consuming another when I can easily do without.
And thus, my no-poo adventure begins. The process is to try to wait out the detox without cleaning your hair with anything. Your hair is greasy because the chemicals cause it to be so. Eventually, through detox, your hair will get less greasy. This I believe as I know if you wash your hair more often your hair seems to start to need it more often and get yuck quicker. I assume this detox is just a more extreme version of that. For straight hair I have heard this only takes 2 weeks, but for curly hair it can take up to 6 weeks. After that, if you hair needs it, you can give it a conditioner of apple cider vinegar and if it needs it a scrub of baking soda. I know! Is there anything baking soda and vinegar can't do?!! It is only the first day of not washing, but I am excited. What are your thoughts on the subject? Anyone daring to join me on this part of my journey?
Monday, June 27, 2011
My Blog - the Beginning
Those of you who know me (which at this point will be anyone reading) know that I am always researching and trying new things. I find with my new mother-ness I am now doing this even more so. As I learn new things I am always eager to share it with everyone I know and teach others the same thing. Hopefully, I am right when I say that many of you are genuinely interested in at least some of the things that I learn. And so, I have decided to share my journey through these things virtually with you all. My goal is that some of you find this helpful and are inspired to join me in parts that suit your needs, sit out of parts that do not, and provide commentary and suggestions to help me along my way. In my life, I try to be many things. I strive to be a environmentally conscious person, an informed consumer, a frugal wife, an ethical, valuable employee, and an attached, knowledgeable mother to a little one who will grow up in a free thinking, nurturing environment without the forcing of stereotypes or commercialism.The items I may blog about may vary greatly, from seasonal recipes and gardening, to couponing and safe toy purchasing; from cake decorating, to solstice celebrating, the list goes on and on, but at the heart of them all will be these overarching life goals. Posts will be as I journey through them so I invite you to discover with me, learn with me, and try new things with me as together we become more conscious of how our actions affect ourselves and others.
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