10 Tips for Green Spring Cleaning

by Allie Comeau on March 5, 2008

It’s that time of year again — time to get down and dirty with a thorough spring cleaning. Our homes have been shut up all winter and most are in need of some freshening.

This year, give your house a green spring cleaning by avoiding dangerous chemicals and harsh cleaners. There are healthier ways to do it — for you and the environment.

Did you know that indoor air pollution in our homes can be as much as 100 times worse than outdoor air pollution? Most of that pollution comes from the evaporation of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) or the “offgas” from cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and home decorating items like paint, wallpaper, and carpeting. While we think we’re cleaning and disinfecting our homes, we’re really loading the air with toxic chemicals.

10 Tips for Green Spring Cleaning

1. Open the windows. The best way to get dirty air moving out and fresh air moving in is to open the doors and windows. Feel the breeze.

2. Skip the air fresheners. Chemical fresheners can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Aerosol air fresheners are even worse — the tiny air-borne particles can damage nerves and lodge in your lungs. Buy fresh flowers in lieu of traditional air fresheners. An open box of baking soda, cedar blocks, and dried flowers also add natural fragrance to the room.

3. Use vegetable-based cleaning products instead of harsh chemical cleaners. Vegetable-based cleaners, like those made with coconut oil, are becoming more popular every day. Even the makers of Clorox have a vegetable-based cleaning line on the market. Choose vegetable-based dishwashing detergent, too. (I just learned that traditional dish detergent is made from petroleum. If every family replaced just one 28 oz. bottle of petroleum-based dish detergent with a vegetable-based product, we could save 82,000 barrels of oil.)

4. Vinegar, vinegar, and more vinegar. Nature’s cleaning miracle, vinegar can be used to clean just about anything. Use it straight to clean kitchen floors or wash windows, mix it with baking soda and essential oils to clean sinks, and even use it to remove stains in your carpet.

5. Get some baking soda, too. Multi-purpose baking soda can be used for everything from freshening the air, to freshening the carpet or furniture, to scrubbing the toilet and tub.

6. Don’t use bleach or any cleaners containing chlorine. The problems with chlorine bleach are numerous — it can burn skin and eyes and prove fatal if swallowed. When it goes down the drain, it becomes toxic to the natural world, too. A herbal-based sanitizer or one by Seventh Generation is a good alternative, as is just plain old hot water and soap. White vinegar also works wonders (see #4).

7. Skip the harsh chemical cleaners in the bathroom. Make that porcelain sparkle with non-chlorine bleach cleaners or white vinegar and a baking soda-water paste. (See #5)

8. Use natural fiber sponges and rags to do the cleaning. Avoid using paper towels and other one-time use tools.

9. Skip the antibacterial soap. It’s just not necessary. The widespread use of antibacterial soap is also leading to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

10. When you make the switch to natural cleaning products, be sure to safely dispose of any dangerous chemical products. Don’t pour them down the drain, into the ground, or into the trash. Read the labels or check with your waste management provider for options.

MOMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Working moms: How do you manage/balance your busy life? Any secrets on keeping it together? Organizational tips? Keeping up your energy tips?

Stay-at-home moms: How do you manage/balance your busy life? Any secrets on keeping the kids entertained? Any tips on being productive?

Winter Blues!

http://www.parenting.com/gear-gallery/Gear/Indoor-Energy-Burning-Toys?cid=cnncabin

From Kim

Important OTC Drug Recall

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled.

STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased
hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain)
among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication The FDA
recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extendtabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Relief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they
informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a
certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children

Orange3D Cold &Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold &Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so
they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue
you a refund.

Vitmain D

Vitamin D is VITAL for You -- and for Your Family's Health, Too*

Having too little vitamin D may not have any outwardly obvious signs. Yet vitamin D (specifically the vitamin D3 form) impacts an incredible array of support for systems and functions in your body...

• Heart health*
• Cell formation and cell longevity*
• Skin health*
• Pancreatic health*
• Aging process*
• Sleep patterns*
• Hearing*
• Reproductive health*
• Athletic performance*
• Eye health*
• Vascular system health*
• Respiratory health*
• Immune health*... Most people feel in better health during the summer sunshine months -- ever wonder why?
• Healthy mood and feelings of well-being*
• Weight management, including carbohydrate and fat metabolism*
• Hair and hair follicles*
• Strong and healthy bones, because vitamin D encourages calcium uptake*
• Muscles*
• Proper digestion and food absorption*

Since healthy levels of vitamin D protect and promote so many of your body's functions, a deficiency may mean your body lacks the tools it needs to keep you in optimal health*...

Making sufficient vitamin D a very important issue for you to address!

Because naturally, you want to be at your peak so you feel great, and accomplish so much each and every day.*

This year, I added a vitamin D supplement to my family's diet and it has done wonders. I decided not to give the flu shot to my family for personal reasons so I wanted to find ways to boost my children's immune system naturally. I discovered a few things I could do but I really believe the vitamin d has made the biggest difference.

Studies show that vitamin D could be more effective then the flu shot. Last year, by this time, we were on our fourth or fifth virus/flu. Other then some sniffles, not one person in my family has been sick. That goes for my extended family as well...they have also been taking the supplement. Maybe it is luck... Maybe we will get sick next week... I am not sure. All I know is that we are having a remarkably healthier winter. I also would like to add that my twin sons are in their first year of pre-school. I thought for sure we would be hit with a few bugs this winter, but so far so good.

Please talk with your doctor if you decide to take the supplement. Be sure to take D3 and not D2. If you have also seen success with this supplement, please comment and let us know.

Please share your immune boosting secrets in the comments section!! :)

Thank you,

Danielle

Looking Forward-

Here is what is coming up: (Schedule is subject to change)

*Date Night

*A workshop on learning to make invitations, holiday cards, recipe cards etc. with power point.

*A presentation on taking care of yourself from the inside out: A certified dietician will be speaking on improving your family's health. We will also have a brief presentation from Mrs. Michigan who has created her own organic skin care line--(A portion of the proceeds will go to our elected charity.)

*A workshop on getting back to the basics with our kids: "How to have fun with your kids in your own backyard!! Education and fun in nature.

*Girl's Night

Valentine's Day

Please share your gift ideas, crafts, hubby gifts,
school treats, etc. with us!

NMF KIDDIES!

These cuties belong to Maria, Holly, Nicole and Danielle!

NEW VACCINE UPDATE

(From Jeannette)

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/02/lancet.retraction.autism/index.html?hpt=T2

Does this give you comfort or do you still have reservations?

From Kelly

(Thank you Kelly for sharing this form!)

AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR'S MEDICAL TREATMENT

Children:

Full Legal Name:

Date of Birth:

Full Legal Name:

Date of Birth:

Health Information:
Doctor’s Name:

Doctor’s Address:
Doctor’s Office Phone:

Doctor’s Emergency Phone:

Medical Insurer/Health Plan:

Policy #

Allergies to Medications: None Known
Allergies (Other): None Known

Note any other significant medical information:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

Name:

Address:
Cell phone:

Work phone:
Email:

Alternate Contact (Maternal Grandparents):

Name:
Home phone:

AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT OF PARENT(S) OR LEGAL GUARDIAN(S)

I do hereby solemnly swear that I have legal custody of the aforementioned minor child(ren).

I grant my authorization and consent for _____________________________________________ (hereafter “Supervising Adult”) to administer general first aid treatment for any minor injuries or illnesses experienced by the minor. If the injury or illness is life threatening or in need of emergency treatment, I authorize the Supervising Adult to summon any and all professional emergency personnel to attend, transport, and treat the participant and to issue consent for any X-ray, anesthetic, blood transfusion, medication, or other medical diagnosis, treatment, or hospital care deemed advisable by, and to be rendered under the general supervision of, any licensed physician, surgeon, dentist, hospital, or other medical professional or institution duly licensed to practice in the state in which such treatment is to occur.

It is understood that this authorization is given in advance of any such medical treatment, but is given to provide authority and power on the part of the Supervising Adult in the exercise of his or her best judgment upon the advice of any such medical or emergency personnel.

This authorization is effective commencing on the ______day of ____________________, 20_____ and expiring on the ______day of ____________________, 20____.

Signed this ______day of____________________, 20 ____.

______________________________________
Parent #1’s Signature

______________________________________
Parent #2’s Signature

CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NOTARY PUBLIC

STATE OF __________________
COUNTY OF ________________

This document was acknowledged before me on ______________________ [date] by ________________________________________________ [name of principal].

[Notary Seal, if any]:

_______________________________
(Signature of Notary Officer)

Notary Public for the State of ______________

My commission expires: __________________

Valentine's Day

Do you have any special Valentine's Day traditions w/ your sweetie and/or children?

Welcome Alaina and Shane!

Kelly had her twins!

Alaina-3lbs. 15 oz.

Shane-4lbs. 13oz.

January 7th

:) Maria

Do you use the recipes from our exchange?

Question:

Do you use the recipes from our holiday exchange? If yes, what are your favorites?

The Girl Who Doesn't Age

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Health/story?id=7880954



A 16 year old that is the size of a 9 month old. A must see!!!!

Anyone interested?

I am going to organize a local mom-to-mom sale this spring or summer. Here is what I am thinking... I am going to open up my driveway/yard to all of my friends in the NMF group. NMF members (that are interested) can bring a card table or several and set up a booth for your stuff you'd like to sell. Then, I am going to advertise like crazy to everyone to come and BUY. So basically, NMF members can sell and buy. Anyone can come and buy. I am thinking about doing a two day event on a Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 each day.

Here are my questions:

1. Are you interested in setting up a table at the sale to SELL?
2. Are you interested in possibly buying at the sale?
3. What would be a good month/weekend to do such a thing?

Thank you very much for your feedback! My hubby and I are super excited to rid our house of baby stuff! :)
Danielle

PS) Please post comments/suggestions in the comment section of this post.

Help out a local business!

(From Jodi)


My friend Greg has started a business making vinyl stickers- it is cool because he can make those wall decals like you see in baby rooms- so I thought if people were looking for that kind of thing.

He can also be found on Facebook.
VinylGraphicsstore.com

Description:

Custom Graphics and stickers

Great for:
-Cars, Trucks, Trailers, Boats
-Windows
-Mirrors
-Paint Stencils
-Wall Quotes / Wall Words
-Signs and Banners
-Etched Glass
-School Sports Teams
-Clubs
-Charities

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

If you can take a 7 minute break from your multi-tasking to watch this, I promise you'll be glad you did. It's a nice reminder to stop and be thankful for the life you are living instead of always thinking about "someday"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0

Thanks Maria!

Love & Logic for Preschoolers

Love and Logic for Preschoolers class offered by Plymouth-Canton Community Education.  Feb 2.  $15 single or $25 for a couple. 

See http://www.pccs.k12.mi.us/communityed.asp for more info!

Foods To AVOID

Avoid These 7 Foods and You're Off To A Healthier New Year

Posted by: Dr. Mercola
December 29 2009 | 351,041 views

1. Canned Tomatoes

The expert: Fredrick vom Saal, PhD, an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studies bisphenol-A

The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Acidity -- a prominent characteristic of tomatoes -- causes BPA to leach into your food.

2. Corn-Fed Beef

The expert: Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farms and author of books on sustainable farming

Cattle were designed to eat grass, not grains. But farmers today feed their animals corn and soybeans, which fatten up the animals faster for slaughter. A recent comprehensive study found that compared with corn-fed beef, grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

3. Microwave Popcorn

The expert: Olga Naidenko, PhD, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group

Chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in the lining of the bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans. In animal testing, the chemicals cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize -- and migrate into your popcorn.

4. Nonorganic Potatoes

The expert: Jeffrey Moyer, chair of the National Organic Standards Board

Root vegetables absorb herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that wind up in soil. In the case of potatoes they're treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they're dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting.

5. Farmed Salmon

The expert: David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany

Nature didn't intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT.

6. Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones

The expert: Rick North, project director of the Campaign for Safe Food at the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST, as it is also known) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor in milk. In people, high levels of IGF-1 may contribute to breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

7. Conventional Apples

The expert: Mark Kastel, codirector of the Cornucopia Institute

If fall fruits held a "most doused in pesticides contest," apples would win. And increasing numbers of studies are starting to link a higher body burden of pesticides with Parkinson's disease.

Great Tips!

10 Tips for Not Supporting Picky Eating [Angelle]

Written by Angelle

Thursday, 18 September 2008 15:00

Tags: Cooking Class with Chef Jackie | Involving Kids | Parenting | Picky Eaters One concern that often comes up is dealing with Picky Eaters. I don't have picky eaters. They'll try anything...from alligiator to collard greens to kale to sushi to venison. While there may be a bit of 'luck' in the fact that they are not picky, there is more to it than that. I can look back and see points where they could have easily gone in the picky direction. I was very conscious of the fact that I wanted to create Adventurous Eaters and made decisions to support that goal. 10 Tips for Not Supporting Picky Eating that have worked for me are: 1. Having the expectation that your kids will try anything and everything and acting out that expectation daily. (Don't think or say aloud "She'll never eat that.") 2. Modeling being adventurous myself and not biasing them towards food. (except organic, dark chocolate of course - which they also love...) 3. Using language to support being an Adventurous Eater - "This is going to be really exciting to try something I've never tried before." or "Wow, you tried something new - good for you - you really are an adventurous eater!" 4. Avoiding language that supports picky eating - "Why are you being so picky?" or "She would never eat that." Language is extremely powerful and we help children create an identity by the way we talk about them, whether it is around eating, learning, sports, etc. 5. Offering the same foods over and over even when they get rejected. It can take 20 or more times for your child to enjoy a food. (Jacob and Lucas went for months and months, actually years, saying they didn't like sweet potatoes, but now they eat them no problem.) 6. Not categorizing food as 'kids' food vs. 'adult' food. Have kids order off the regular menu when eating out. 7. Not making or letting kids make an alternative to meals. If they don't like something, I ask, "How can you make it work for you?" In the beginning, often the answer was ketchup! If they know there is an 'out' then why would they ever eat what you have on the table? (Once kids are Adventurous Eaters, you can determine if they really don't like a food because they are sensitive to it or it just doesn't sit right in their tummies - that's a different situation.) 8. Enforcing a 2-Bite Rule - 2 Bites of each food have to make it to your tummy. 9. Keeping in mind the bigger picture. Unless a child has a severe sensory issue, which is a medical problem, they are not going to starve themselves. They may hold out to see how serious you are and they may not make it pleasant, but know that in the bigger picture helping create a healthy sense of adventure around eating is more important. 10. Involving them in shopping and preparing foods. It takes longer, but it is a great investment 0f time and energy. The subtle energy we bring to the situation really impacts how we deal with picky eaters. Shift your focus to what you want (creating an Adventurous Eater) and let go of focusing on what you don't want (a Picky Eater), even if you're just thinking it in your own head. And use language that supports what you want to create...

Recycle your Christmas trees!

What to do with that evergreen in your living room now that Christmas has passed? Oakland County Parks has an idea: recycle it at one of its 11 park locations.

"Recycling holiday trees is a great way to preserve and reuse natural resources, " stated Dan Stencil, executive officer. "Oakland County Parks processes the trees to make compost and wood chips, making this a gift that truly keeps on giving."

If you haven't pitched them yet, visit destinationoakland.com for more info.

Happy New Year!

Any good resolutions?