Baby Tigers aplenty!

     Everywhere I turn I am finding out someone I know is expecting sometime this year. So many little baby Tigers will be born and they will be Metal Tigers! The Metal element gives the Tiger sharpness and swiftness in their actions and fast mental abilities. They will stand out in a crowd with assertiveness. They are competitive and determined. They just can't pass up on a challenge. The Metal Tiger babies will learn quickly, but can be prone to temper tantrums. Watch them when they are 2 year olds! Tiger children act quickly and must be watched carefully by their parents. They tend to like to be self-reliant and somewhat stubborn. They do tend to land on their feet, though. They are absolutely courageous.
     Metal is represented by the color white. The White Tiger is rare and highly prized. The Metal element should be included in the Tiger baby nursery. Examples might be a metal lamp, wall decorations, a metal piggy bank, or silver or gold framed pictures. Lots of white bedding, curtains and pillows would suit the Metal Tiger baby in the nursery. Bright colors should be avoided, as the Tiger can construe them as a sign of aggression. Red should absolutely be avoided.
     Most of all, adore your Tiger baby and give them the attention they deserve!

Coming soon - The Year of the Tiger!

     The Chinese New Year begins on Feb. 14th! We will welcome in 2010 as the Year of the Yang Metal Tiger.  Energies will change as of that date, both positive and negative. It is very important that we are aware of these energies so we can multiply the good and minimize the bad. This year will have surprises that sneak up on us, much like a creeping tiger. If we are prepared and watchful, we can be ready!
On a large scale, 2010 will be a year of wars, conflicts and disagreements. Yang metal is represented by the sword.  The last time we had a Yang Metal Tiger Year was 1950 when the world was developing the atomic bomb.  But, the positive side of Yang Metal is leadership, justice and loyalty to family and friends.  We will be counting on our world leaders to strive for peace and restraint.
     The Tiger belongs to the wood element, and wood produces fire. Nuclear safety is a concern in 2010, as well as natural disasters such as forest fires and volcanic activity.  We can expect more disasters that effect the environment. It will be a dry year with drought occurring in many parts of the world. Metal is associated with the skin, respiratory system and lungs. Worsening air quality leads to illnesses related to the lungs, such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, the flu and pneumonia. Children are particularly at risk.
     The configuration of this year has serious clashes for people born in the years of the Tiger, Snake and the Monkey. They should carry an amulet of the Pig to minimize the negative influence on their sign. These people should be especially careful when traveling by car or any fast speed sports or machinery. They should not travel in the Northeast direction. Any relationships a Tiger has with a Monkey or Snake will be strained and not in harmony. Those Tiger sign people should be especially attentive to issues with their liver, heart and blood. It will be important for them to take more Omega-3 fish oil and anti-oxidants as a preventative measure. The Snake sign people will expect disharmonies, irritation, worries and frustrations.
     In 2010 the Metal element brings prosperity to high tech industries, banking, machinery and cars. A slow but steady improvement will be seen in the financial and real estate markets. Any “wood “ element industry, such as furniture, textiles, paper, media, newspapers, etc. will not do well.  But we will experience a steady improvement in the economy and perhaps some growth.
Stay tuned and watch for the next post  for more info on the Year of the Tiger!

Baby Feng Shui

The essence of adorable.

Feng Shui for babies is very important. Babies are also the most sensitive to energies, both good and bad. They are the best barometers of the energy in your home. Paying attention to those energies will help when planning  the baby nursery and the products used in it. To insure the new baby will have a healthy start in life, use as many organic, non-toxic products as possible. Think of organic cotton and other fibers that do not use bleach, dyes or other chemicals in their manufacturing. This includes the crib mattress, sheets, curtains, rugs or carpets, baby clothing and toys.  Crib bumpers, comforters and pillows should not be used in the baby's crib. Do not use air fresheners, scented candles or inhalants in the nursery. If a vaporizer is temporarily needed, a couple of drops of tea tree oil or other organic essential oils added to the water are all that is needed.  If possible, have an Electromagnetic reading done in the room before the baby arrives. Clear the room of too many electrical items. Too many electrical items, as well as overloaded outlets in the nursery will disturb the baby's sleep. Keep a baby monitor as far away from the crib as practical.

The nursery should not occupy a room over the garage or empty space in the house. The position of the crib is also extremely important. It should be placed against a solid wall and the baby's head should not point out a window. The crib should not be directly in line with the door.

If you want to paint the nursery, use no or low VOC paint. Do not use bright colors, as they may stimulate the baby too much and disrupt sleep. Muted colors are soothing. Lighting should also be muted, window shades should be used at sleep time. Bright overhead lights are very startling to baby.

Keep clutter to an absolute minimum in the nursery. Clutter bogs down energy. Keep all of the necessary items in a convenient place, where they are used the most. For example, keep a supply of diapers at the changing table or in a "changing" basket.

Babies born in 2009 will be born in the Year of the Ox. (The Chinese Year ends on Feb. 14th) Ox babies are steadfast, but strong-willed. They are patient, but do have their limits. When they are hungry - they need to be fed fast!

Babies born after Feb 14th in 2010 will be Tiger babies.

Tiger babies and children are cheerful, with a curious nature. They enjoy the competiveness and athleticism that sports offer. From an early age, Tiger children can't pass on a dare or a challenge. They are intelligent and friendly. They need stimulation, but must be allowed to rest when tired. Parents with a Tiger baby should take their cues from the baby, as to when they need attention and when they need to rest.

Hand Sanitizers

We are germiphobes. Seems everyone uses hand sanitizers. Moms carry them around in their purses, Dads keep one in the glove compartment, my doctor's office has a big pump bottle of it at the sign-in counter. They mostly contain toxic ingredients. They are harmful to our health and VERY dangerous for children. It is not good for anyone, but especially children, the elderly, or anyone with a lowered immune system.

The ingredient triclosan, contained in some products, has been banned in Europe. It is an antibacterial agent that has been linked to abnormalities in the endocrine system and weakens the immune system. It is a hormone disruptor. It is used in many products, such as Dial Liquid Soap and Softsoap products.

Recently, a recall has been issued by the FDA on skin sanitizing products made by Clarcon, due to bacteria found in the products.

Many hand sanitizers contain 60-90% alcohol. This is a stronger concentration than most hard liquor. Most parents would never allow their young children to drink a martini. Yet, if a child licks their hands after just using a hand sanitizer, or worse yet ingests the sanitizer directly, they could actually suffer alcohol poisoning! Lots of schools dole out a squirt of these hand sanitizers on a regular basis. Kids lick stuff. Especially if it is squirted out on their hands. The New England Journal of Medicine has published info on the dangers of ingesting hand sanitizers.

These alcohol-based sanitizers are also flammable. Don't use them and then light the grill!

Purell and Germ-X are two that contain isopropanol, which is poisonous. And they kill all of the bacteria on the skin, even good bacteria which help fight bad bacteria. Vicious circle.

Simply, plain old soap and warm water has been proved to do a better job of cleaning the hands. If it is absolutely necessary to clean your hands when away from home, all restaurants (including Mickey D's) have bathrooms with running water. Carry a little bottle of soap with you to use. Or make your own spray with organic essential oils with antiseptic properties such as tea tree, lavender, jasmine, tuberose, thyme or grapefruit seed extracts. Make sure you dilute it enough with water. You don't want a child to use too much or get it in their eyes.

READ LABELS!!!! These hand sanitizers usually have the warning: Keep out of reach of children. Doesn't that tell you something?

Furoshiki

A wonderful discovery this week. The furoshiki. If you just love fashion and refuse to use the plastic bag - this is for you! A simple triangle of fabric, many ways to tie it up and useful for so many things. Go to the link and watch the video! It is a Japanese item that is just clever and green!  http://nurturingwisdom.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/paper-plastic-or-furoshiki/

Feng Shui Tip: Everyone has a zodiac animal that they were born under. Similar to the star horoscope, but very accurate. You were also born under one of the five elements - water, wood, earth, fire or metal. Your personal element supports you, nurtures you. Use the color of the element, shape or the element itself. For the furoshiki, select one in the color or fabric design that reflects your personal element! To find out what element you are, contact me.

Magic and Old Wives Tales

OK, I am not a chemist. I actually failed Chemistry in college. But, a new trend is developing. I've watched Bill Nye the Science Guy's show on Planet Green called Stuff Happens. It is kind of interesting. Probably because I just don't understand those things. They are magic to me. Then I bought a book on how to clean everything with common household non-toxic ingredients. I tried a couple, they worked. I am in an experimental cleaning mode, so I tried a couple more. I ran out of brass polish, so I looked it up in the book. Mix equal parts of vinegar, salt and flour. Rub on the brass, leave for an hour, then rinse off. It truly works. My brass has never been shinier. It is blinding. Do other people know about this stuff? I know it is a silly thing to get excited about, but to me it is just a little bit of magic. And it is totally green magic. If you have magic recipes, please let me know!

Feng Shui is a little bit similar to Old Wives Tales, in the fact that it has been tried and found to work and then passed down to others. Chinese farmers and philosophers joined ideas (over 3,000 years ago) and found information that did prove to be effective. Just like the cleaning recipes. Magic!! 

Earth Day

Wednesday is Earth Day. It is a day to reflect. A day to celebrate. A day to connect to Mother Earth. I was blessed to have a Grandmother who understood the earth and nature. She taught me to be gentle with animals, how to grow plants and the glorious sight of a flower in bloom. It is the philosophies of the Indigenous People that she handed down to me. What we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves and our children. Do no harm. Humanity has done so much damage to the Earth, now is a time for healing and cleansing. Perhaps this is the spirit of Earth Day. Whether it is by picking up some roadside trash or planting a flower, do your own cleansing and healing! Be creative and celebrate our lovely Earth in your own way. And find a new way to do with less. Do no harm.  And if you would like to learn more about the Native Peoples' philosophies, there is much information about the efforts by a wonderful group - The 13 Grandmothers. I urge everyone to look them up and read about them. They are inspiring in their work. They say that the whole being is required when restoring nature's balance. The scientific side to help the Earth is needed, but so is the imaginative side. This includes music, art, dance, games and celebrations. 

Feng Shui practitioners and the Indigenous People share a common thread. Because of the intimacy with the land, it is understood that there is an energy associated with the Earth. It is especially strong in certain areas, where there are crossings of ley lines. It is similar to acupuncture points in the human body. These energy vortexes on the Earth are sacred to the Native People and well understood by the Feng Shui masters. If we pay enough attention to the connection we all have with the Earth, then we can begin to take great care with her. 

Green Living is not only picking less toxic products, it is a way of thinking. Do No Harm. And have a memorable Earth Day!

The White House Garden

For the first time since WWII, a garden is being planted at the White House. Michelle Obama and 26 5th graders helped start the preparations for  an 1,100 sq. ft. organic garden. The White House chefs put their ideas in for what will be grown, as well as the Obama's daughters. They are growing lettuces, vegetables, berries and will even have a beehive for their own honey. To take the idea from the First Lady, growing our own vegetables is a great way to go green, include Feng Shui in your yard and save a ton of money for fresh, healthy food.

I've been planning a really small garden in my back yard all winter. And my grandson is suggesting vegetables he wants too. Carrots are his favorite. And tomatoes for Grandpa Bob. Since most of our back yard is deck and pool, there is a real space issue. But, we are getting a little creative with container gardening including upside down hanging tomatoes. There are lots of veggies that can be grown in pots and window boxes. Herbs for cooking and drying for later are great.

For the price of organic vegetables, you can grow a lot of them by seed. Get some planted indoors to get a head start. The kids will help. Just be prepared with an area that gets lots of sunlight and is able to be cleaned easily. Sprouting vegetables is exciting for everyone. Me too.

Good and Green:  Healthy eating doesn't have to cost a fortune. Growing your own is an outdoor activity that is healthy and is a great family activity. If you have younger children, it is a good way to start teaching them organic gardening and eating. Older ones are a great help and can also learn a delicious meal doesn't come from a drive-through. With all of the nutrition problems of our next generation, we need to turn these habits around. The best way to decide what to plant is to think about what you and your family will actually eat. There is no sense planting bok choy if you just know they won't eat it.  I do recommend a cookbook written by Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry's wife) that has good recipes for hiding vegetable purees in everyday food like chicken fingers, brownies and mac 'n cheese. It is called Deceptively Delicious.  I'm trying it on Grandpa Bob. 

Feng Shui in the garden: There is a very easy Feng Shui map for the outside of your home and an even easier test. The test is: If it grows well, it is in the right Feng Shui spot! The map is called the Bagua. It has Eight areas, with the ninth being your house. Thus, it is called Eight Mansions Feng Shui. Depending on the compass direction, it will tell you what element rules that area of your yard. It will give you a way of knowing where to use stone planters, water features, trees, etc. (Water, Earth, Fire, Wood and Metal are the 5 Elements). If you are interested in more information on your yard's Bagua Map, just let me know. 

Thanks to our First Lady for starting us all on a great summer activity! Now, if summer will just get here.

 

Small Things

Sometimes it is the small things. Especially when they work - and work well. I found two things like that in one week. I know they seem insignificant, but when they make life a little easier, it is great! One thing I have found is microfiber cloths. They are surely a wonderful invention! They were fairly inexpensive, totally reusable (forever) and totally non-toxic. No cleaners necessary. I found them in the grocery store. These were made by Quickie. One is bright royal blue and cleans windows, my eyeglasses, my glass-front appliances and more. The other one is brown and is for dusting wood furniture. It works. No spray furniture polish (bad to breathe in) needed. Just the cloth. When they get dirty, just rinse them out and let them dry. Simple! 

The other thing seems like I should have been taught by my grandmother, or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. I have several clear glass vases that I use for lucky bamboo plants. They don't look very good, because they get hard water stuff at the water line. Mix some salt and vinegar to make a paste. Use an old toothbrush and put some of the paste on the glass, rub in a little. Wait 15 minutes and scrub a little more. Rinse well. The stuff comes right off!  I am going to try it next on the shower door with a sponge. If it works on that, it will be a miracle!

If you find a small thing you love, let me know!

Happy (Chinese) New Year!

The Chinese New Year began on Jan. 26. We welcomed in the Year of the Ox. Three days later (Jan. 29th) we welcomed our second grandson into the world! His Chinese Zodiac sign is an Earth Ox. Steadfast and true. Wonderful things await him. He is destined to achieve great things. He has good company - others born in a year of the Earth Ox are Barak Obama, Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo DaVinci, Donald Trump, Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freund. 

And what does the Ox Year hold for all of us? It will be a year of hard work. There will be no room for free rides or skating through. Hard workers will be rewarded. Laziness will not. This is the year to lay the foundation for the future. Get papers in order, your life back on track, make and follow a budget, plan your financial future. The stock market will continue to cool off, but will slowly gain more stability. Investors will be more cautious and practical. Frivolous or impractical items will not sell well, but useful and necessary items will.  It will be a year of more harmony and peace, healing and recovering from turbulent times. It is a time for rebuilding from damage brought by war and natural disasters. There will be hands across the table of different cultures, religious beliefs and beginning to care for one another. There will be some achievement in solving environmental issues. This is the year to care for our planet earth. It is a Yin Earth Year, representing a field or garden. There will be more attention paid to earth aspects of the world - housing, rebuilding, and agriculture. There will continue to be trouble in the airline industry and more airline accidents. The same could be associated with automobile industries and traffic accidents on the road. Industries that will perform well are fashion, textile, publications, furniture and environmental protection. 

The Five basic elements represent different parts of the body. Earth is associated with the stomach, pancreas, muscle and cells. Sicknesses caused by Earth element imbalance are obesity, diabetes and cancers. Stomach and heart problems will be more serious in 2009. It is more important to take extra anti-oxidants, omega 3 oils or Co-Enzyme Q10 as a preventative measure.  It is a time to rest, calm down to replenish our energies, reflect on the past and plan for our futures. Meditation will bring stability. Look before you leap. Think before you act. 

There are 12 Chinese Zodiac animals. Two are in direct conflict with the energies of the Year - those born in the Years of the Sheep and the Dog. Such conflict results in disharmony, irritation, worries (especially over financial issues) and frustrations, as well as health issues.   It is then necessary to carry the pendant of the Rat for protection and to minimize bad effects. It is vital to pay close attention to diet, nutrition and health. Those born under the signs of the Sheep and the Dog need to pay very close attention to traffic and road rules, as well as mountain climbing, skiing and traveling through tunnels. 

Clearly, 2009 will be a challenging Year of the Ox. However, hard work pays off in the end. Honesty has its own rewards. Nose to the grindstone and just wait until it all pays off!

We already got our reward - our baby grandson, Christopher!

Be smart in school

Here is an excerpt from a newsletter I get that is concerned with both environmental issues and the diet of our kids (and grandkids!) in schools.

Almost half of tested samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) 
contained mercury, which was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular 
brand-name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first- or 
second-highest labeled ingredient, according to two new U.S. studies.

 This is alarming that there is mercury in many foods and snacks that we give our kids, including yogurt, drinks, etc. These are also offered in the schools. While many local schools get good marks, others do not. I encourage you to find out how your local school rates. The best option is to make your child's lunch for school yourself. Then you can actually control most of what they are eating. (This does not take into account the "trading" that kids do in the lunchroom) As I always recommend, read the labels of everything you buy. Tip: You don't have to read any labels on fresh produce except for "organic" and maybe where it was grown. There ARE no other labels of ingredients! Best option? A fresh apple, banana or grapes instead of any snack that comes from a box or bag. 

Green Thoughts: We are all starting to think about what our food contains, especially in light of all the recalls in the last year. Spinach, now peanut butter products! We cannot anticipate all of the recalls yet to come. But, we as consumers can take a stand, speak out against factories that do not practice good hygiene and buy local, fresh food whenever possible. 

Feng Shui Tips: What is in our environment is usually the focus, but the balance of energies in our bodies are equally important. Be the best that you can be! Be mindful of what you put in your body, as well as what is in your home.

If you would like more information on news about food nutrition levels, go to

 http://www.nutrient-dense.info/docs/RFC_brochure.pdf

Fighting Nature

The animals are smart. They have the instinct for adaptation - hibernation. We humans just fight it. We try to deny it, fight it, ignore it, and we just complain about it. If you live in a climate like we do in Central New York, that is all the argument you need for hibernation. Snow. Frigid temperatures ( it is -4 right now). Most of us hate it. We want to be in a warm climate wearing flip flops instead of here. Our bodies are trying to tell us something. Living in the arctic is just not normal. We are sleepier than normal, just trying to stay awake past 8:30pm is a challenge lately. We don't have an abundance of energy and it takes twice as much effort to do the same tasks as normal. Boredom and lethargy have set in. We do this every year and then forget we were in the same state last winter. There are special lamps to substitute for sunlight, there are worries that we now have depression, and we suffer from more aches and pains than usual.  What is going on? Well, we hate winter and simply want to hibernate like the smart animals. Coping with a job, kids, money, the house, the snow-blowing and shoveling, cooking, and all of the rest of life going on is tough in the winter. 

We do make it harder on ourselves. We fight nature. Nature is pretty smart. If we would just listen. Actually, there is nothing wrong with turning inward for a few months. We don't have to sleep through the winter. (although maybe that would help me with my diet) It is a good time to learn to meditate, do yoga, read those books we have stacked up, learn a new craft or hobby. We can also prepare the cave. After all, bears prepare themselves to survive winter and then be ready for spring!  Contemplate. Really look at things inside your home. Are they really necessary? Do they add to the quality of life? An introspective view of our ourselves and our homes is helpful. It prepares us for the busier time of spring and summer. Get ready! It is coming, like in three months or so. 

Feng Shui Thoughts: Since we are often home bound in winter, it is a really good time to examine that closet we have been ignoring for a very long time. I took almost a week to go through a closet full of our file boxes and then shred so much paper that I thought the shredder would burn out. You can just put those things off so long they are like a mountain to get over. Start somewhere, anywhere. Pick a drawer, pick a closet, pick a room. Hoe it out. Take longer with the job than usual. Contemplate. Examine. Think about it. And then think about yourself. Where do you want your life to go this next year? What do you need to do to achieve it? 

Green Contemplations: When you go through things in your home, start to look at things environmentally. How much energy did it take to make the item, transport the item to a store near you, is it actually toxic? Then think how to get rid of it if you have decided to part with it. Can it be recycled? And most importantly, don't replace it with another one. Buy less, and then you have less to get rid of at some point. Begin to look at things this way. I stood in the grocery store the other day and looked at the aisles upon aisles of all of the stuff they sell that I really don't need. I concluded that 3/4 of all the items in the grocery store do not make me happy, healthy or wealthy. They hurt my health, cost alot of money and only make the company selling them happy. I passed. Then I came home and cleaned out the food cabinet. 

It's just a hunk of Metal

I tease my husband about his "baby".... his car. It is very pretty, bright red. But, it is a hunk of metal. That's how I have always viewed cars. They get me from Point A to Point B. Hopefully, it doesn't break down, have a flat tire or any other crisis. The chances of getting lost are greatly reduced with my GPS, but it is not perfect. It does save gas so I'm not driving around aimlessly trying to find where I am going. I try not to idle the car, wasting gas either. I consolidate my trips as much as possible too. But, let's face it- we all spend alot of time in our cars. Especially if you have kids. So, our car is just a little habitat like our homes are.  We should take care of our environment inside of our cars too. Air your car out. Same as your house- declutter your car. Empty trash, pick up water bottles (recycle) and coffee cups. Bring in that coat in the back seat since last winter. Then clean the seats.  Vacuum the carpet and the ceiling. If it is really dirty, you can clean your carpet or floor mats with a water/ vinegar solution. Add a little hydrogen peroxide on stains. Dust your dashboard with a soft cloth with some of the vinegar solution on it. Clean your windshield and mirrors. I promise just doing that will make you feel lighter and less stressed. Clutter in our cars is the same as in our house. It drags us down. Surround yourself with things that are pleasurable. Take good care of yourself!

Green Tip:

Do NOT use air fresheners, especially the cardboard ones, in your car. The fragrance is actually toxic. The sprays are even worse. The propellants are toxic, and are inhaled in the close quarters of the car even more. They can cause headaches. If you need to make your car smell better, put a couple of drops of real, natural essence of oil on your floor mat or on a piece of cloth that you can place under the seat. Refresh it as needed. Rosemary calms anger (if you are prone to road rage!) and promotes clear thinking. Geranium lifts depression and stabilizes the emotions. Experiment with the essence you really like!

Feng Shui for the Car:

As always, Feng Shui is all about good energy and the proper flow of energy. Make sure you maintain your car and keep it in good condition. The windows are the "eyes" of a car, so keeping them clean allows good energy to enter and keeps your vision great!  Hang a round faceted crystal on your rear view mirror. It represents the Water element and makes it easier to handle frustrations (traffic, other drivers, getting lost). The crystal also brings in very good energy. If you have gotten into minor accidents, had trouble with your car, you might consider space clearing it. Contact me to ask about it! Also, you can find out what color car is right for you if you are thinking of buying a new one!

Beauty is not just Skin Deep

We all use them, some more than others. Cosmetics. Beauty products. Lotions and potions. I wish I had the money I have spent on all of them. I have bought cheap ones, I have bought better ones. And why is it that when you get them home, they never make you look as good as in the store? Now that my smoking days are over, I noticed a slight improvement in my skin. So, I launched into a new quest for a whole new face. I had a "makeover", bought a bunch of products and after a couple of weeks, looked in the mirror and found the same face as before. Sigh. 

Then I started reading. Do you know what they put in cosmetics? No, of course you don't - because they have no obligation to tell you! They can put anything in them and get by with it. There are no government standards for safety and for testing of cosmetics. Toxic ingredients used in many cosmetics, even ones that are labeled "natural". The argument is that they only have minute quantities in them. Think about how much women use over their lifetimes. It is a huge amount. And they are absorbed through the skin. They accumulate in our systems. They are passed on to our unborn or nursing children. At a time when untested chemicals are on the rise, so is breast cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption, and neurological disorders. 

The worst toxic ingredients found in personal care products are:

Mercury - often listed as thimerosal 

Placenta and placental extracts - can be from animal sources

Lead Acetate

Petrochemicals

Phthalates

Hydroquinone 

Nanoparticles

Acrylamide

Ethylene Oxide

These are used in everything from lipstick, mascara, lotions, shampoo, shaving cream, hair remover, hair dyes, relaxants, cosmetic sponges, nail polish and remover, children's bath products, fragrance, ointments, hair sprays, sunscreens, soaps, mineral makeups, mousse, gels, and foundations.

I recommend checking all of your beauty products and the products your family uses at:

http://www.safecosmetics.org

and for information on products linked to breast cancer:

http://www.breastcancerfund.org

I know it is really time-consuming, to research all of the choices, or to stand in the store and read every label, but BEFORE YOU BUY IT - READ WHAT IT IS!! Most of the products in the big box stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Macy's, etc.) should just be avoided. Unfortunately, the more well-known the brand, the more likely they use toxic ingredients in them. 

There are a few products to be found in health-food stores, and in the "Natural Food" section of the grocery store, but they are really hard to find. You really have to pick and choose. Some of them use tricky ingredient labeling. Just because it lists "Natural Soy" as an ingredient (sounds nice, right?)doesn't mean it doesn't also have some of the highest rated toxic chemicals in them. There are websites you can order from. I may be forced to do that, but I like to smell, touch and test before I buy. So, as I find good products, I will let you know. If you find something you like, please check it on the safe cosmetics website and let me know!

Feng Shui Connection:

As I have said before- Clear the Clutter. Use less, buy less. This goes for faces as well as homes. Gentler, purer and safer products are better for us and for our "energies". The safer products may be a little more expensive, but you don't have to buy 20 kinds of shampoos. One gets the job done.  Your kids don't need fancy bubbles to keep them entertained in a tub of water. A couple of toys or even safe containers will do. And No More Clutter in the bathroom! Very good Feng Shui!

Green Stuff:

Pay attention to the packaging your beauty products come in too. Less is definitely more here. Packaging from 100% post consumer recycled products is best, plastic is worst. And bring your reusable bag shopping too! On this topic, if you want a really cute and fashionable bag to take to the mall, try out the bags from: www.thegreenloop.com. They have adorable ones for $8.50 each, or in 5-packs too. Somehow, I just don't want to  take my reusable grocery bags when I'm shopping for clothes, CD's or shoes! 

Happy Shopping!

What is lurking in your home?

Cleaning your home is supposed to get rid of all kinds of germies, dirt, dust, bacteria and mold. But, how many cleaners do you have to do these tasks? There are literally hundreds of cleaning supplies out there, and most are toxic. They stay on the surfaces you clean, get on you and your kids, your pets, the air in your home and even combine with other cleaners to produce who knows what. Some products contain possible carcinogens, others can cause asthma, bronchial and eye irritations. Spray disenfectants (and any type of sprays) are very bad for your respiratory system. Even hospitals are starting to recognize this, and have found that when patients are not subjected to toxic cleaning products their recovery time is shorter. Young children and those with immune deficiencies are the most susceptible. Kids crawl on the floor and touch surfaces that have been "cleaned" and then put their hands in their mouths. Most cleaning products are poisonous, and should simply not be in the house if you have children or pets. I know no one wants to have to make a call to Poison Control. Kids can get into anything, even a cabinet with a child-proof latch. When those cleaning products are washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet in the cleaning process, you are contaminating our water supply. That's the bad news. The good news is that there are alternatives that have low or no toxicity and they will save you so much money! What you save in cleaning products you can then spend on organic foods. You and your family will be so much healthier.

Feng Shui Facts:

Part of the practice of Feng Shui is Bau Biologie, or the study of the holistic relationship between buildings and human beings. Creating healthy places for us to live and work is the goal of Feng Shui. Chemicals used within the home are in almost every cleaning product. And, if you can smell it, it is in the air of your home. Household chemicals that contain toxic chemicals are aerosol sprays, ammonia, anything with bleach, carpet shampoos, drain and oven cleaners, glue, spot removers, laundry detergents, and pesticides. 

Green Solutions:

Many of the cleaners you have in your cabinet can be replaced with simple, inexpensive and non-toxic ingredients. The following list may help in getting you started. Just quit buying all of those commercial cleaners. Excessive phobias about germs are just that- phobic. We DO NOT need a sterile environment to live. Anything that is labeled germ-killing probably has triclosan in it, which is a pesticide. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor and really does not do any better job at removing germs than plain old soap and water. If you habitually clean with bleach, stop. Use products containing essential oils such as tea tree, thyme, eucalyptus, or grapefruit seed. 

Furniture polish 2 parts Olive oil mixed with 1 part lemon juice; or walnut oil

Window Cleaner/ 2 tsp white vinegar in 1 quart warm water

Floor Cleaner

General Cleaner & 1/2 cup borax in gallon of water

Disinfectant

Mold remover Hydrogen peroxide ( Also works on many laundry stains)

Scouring Powder Borax, baking soda or table salt on a damp sponge

If stains are difficult, try Bon Ami

Toilet Bowl cleaner/ Sprinkle baking soda and drizzle with vinegar

Deodorizer

Drain opener Pour 1/2 cup salt down the drain, followed with boiling water, flush with

hot tap water

Silver polish Soak silver in salt water in an aluminum container, wipe clean

Stainless steel cleaner Baking soda with vinegar

Liquid Soap Castile soap (It's made from vegetable products)

Send me ideas for your favorite green cleaners! If you just HAVE to buy products, at least buy

less toxic ones like those from Seventh Generation, Ecover, etc. Begley's Best can be ordered online.

Indoor Air

It is that time of the year here in Central NY.  Apple and pumpkin time. Leaf raking. Getting the house and yard ready for hibernation. We finally had to turn the heat on. Most people are now closing up the house for the winter. Since allergies are a big problem, we pretty much keep the windows closed all year round. So, the air quality is less than optimum in our house. Stale air. Old air. I use to buy air fresheners, scented candles, potpourri and plug in air fresheners. Until I found out all of the chemicals they put into the air. They include flammable propellants such as butane and propane, terpenes, benzene, other volatile  organic compounds, petroleum distillates such as napthalene and chemicals like phenol, cresol, and paradichlorobenzene, and phthalates. The airborne fumes of air fresheners linger in the air where they are inhaled, for a long time. Manufacturers are not required to list exactly what is in them and most hide their ingredients behind generic terms like "fragrance" and "scent agent".  So many chemicals in the air within our homes are toxic. They can come from paint, carpet, dry cleaning, household cleaners and yes, air fresheners. So, before you buy another air freshener, think again.

Feng Shui Fact:

Air quality reflects the health of our home. Spraying or plugging in air fresheners usually just masks the source of the problem. Potpourri should never be used in the home. Dried flowers or plant material has had its moisture removed and is considered "dead". Dead things of any kind are not good feng shui. 

Green Thing:

Better choices of helping out our home's air quality include cleaning the offensive odor causer: trash cans, diaper pails, refrigerators, cat litter pans, dog bedding,etc. Using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning helps, or vinegar is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. Baking soda removes acid odors. Natural mineral borax is a great odor eliminator. Lemon juice is a good deodorizer. If you really want a freshening spray, combine a few drops of an essential oil in a spray bottle with a couple cups of water. Put a drop of the essential oil of your choice on a warm light bulb or in a pan of water on the stove. You can also use orange or lemon rinds,or cinnamon sticks in water on the stove.  Choose soy or beeswax candles instead of petroleum-based paraffin wax. Use them sparingly. Use an air purifier that has a activated charcoal filter. Don't use devices that generate ozone, a hazardous pollutant. 

What other natural scents can you create? Let me know what ones are your favorites!

Clothes make the Man (or Woman!)

I ran into a neighbor the other day and he was so excited. He rarely buys clothes, but had just bought a ton of new things. Women experience the "new clothes shopping high", but not usually men. I had just bought a few new things at the mall that were on sale. I have been trying to buy a couple items at a time myself, since the weather has turned cool. So, I thought about how new clothes make me feel. Not as fat, not as old, a little better about myself. I have also become more aware of issues concerning clothes. I am now using biodegradable and non-toxic laundry detergent, looking for certified 100% organic cotton, and going through my closet with a vengence. The eco-friendly detergents are just as effective as the regular ones, and have none of the chemicals in them. Think about those chemicals in the fabric that is next to your skin, your kids' skin.  Not to mention the water supply. Dry cleaning your clothes is very bad. They actually submerge them in petroleum based liquid chemicals (PERC - a chlorinated hydrocarbon). The chemicals evaporate into the air. You should not breathe them or have them in your home. Look for clothes that can be washed.

The production of the materials that your clothes are made of may subject the environment and you to all kinds of nasty chemicals. Growing cotton conventionally uses the most pesticides on a farm product in the world. Those pesticides and the fertilizers used contain cancer-causing agents. Look for organic cotton or wool, silk, cashmere or alpaca. Hemp clothing is also available, but you have to really like it. I find it a little scratchy. Clothing made of bamboo is also available, but it is manufactured on the other side of the world and so much energy is needed to get it to us, I am not sure it is worth it. Look for natural materials, without dyes and not mixed with synthetics. Surprisingly, Wal-Mart and Target are reportedly offering organic cotton clothing. Levi's is now offering organic cotton jeans. The internet is just full of all kinds of choices - just Google organic cotton clothing. I'm looking for infant clothing and bedding now. (Second grandson will be here in January!)

Green Thing:

If you buy new clothes, clean out your closet. Get rid of the clothes in there that are gently used, but need to go. (No, you need to accept that you will never be that size again!) But, please, do NOT just throw them out! Donate your clothes to the Salvation Army, Jobs Plus, Dress for Success or the Cinderella Project ( in Syracuse). Donations can be made to disaster relief efforts, churches or women's shelters.  Also Men's Warehouse, 3444 Erie Blvd. East in Dewitt accepts donations of suits, sport coats, slacks, ties and belts. For each suit donated, they will donate a new dress shirt. You will get 10% off your next purchase, too. Great deal.

If you are having a garage sale, try to sell clothes. Sometimes you can get a little cash for them. Better Deal!

Feng Shui Thought:

Organizing your closet is just good Feng Shui. Did you know that the state of your closet mirrors your financial situation? Old, unorganized and just a mess? In today's economy , you definitely need organized, clean and reflecting a great image. Look at each item with a very discriminating eye. Have you worn it in the past 6 months? Do you have other items that can be worn with it? Does it fit well? Is it still in fashion? Vintage is great, weird-looking is not. Look at the fabric content. Does it still look new, or is it faded, pilled, or in disrepair? Wash it up, fix it, or get rid of it. 

Live Simply

Don't you hear a lot of people complain how complicated their lives are? 

Stress. Not enough time. The economy. Schedules. Lost items. Kids. 

Simple living. A nice goal. We all say we would like that, but how many of us really plan it, create it for ourselves and our families, and live simply? Now, I don't profess we should give away all of our worldly goods and live off the land. I like my creature comforts too. You know how I feel about coffee. But look around you right now. How many things in your room do you really, really need? Have they just been sitting in the same place for so long that you don't even notice them anymore? I spent the first 30 years of my marriage acquiring stuff. For the last 5 years, I've been trying to get rid of a lot of it. You start to trip over it, squeeze by it, then kick it. OK. Enough is enough.

Feng Shui Fact:

Clutter is the mortal enemy of Feng Shui. Because the flow of energy in your home is like the flow of blood in your veins, blockages are pretty harmful. When you have clutter in closets, drawers, on desks, and everywhere else you are dragging down the energy in your space, and therefore your energy.

Most people tell me they would like to get rid of their clutter, but it is just too overwhelming. Where do you start? Just start. Start small. Clean out just one drawer. Take 15 minutes. Set a timer. When you finish you will feel lighter, really good. I promise you will.

Green Thing:

I've started to really take a close look at items in my home. What is its purpose? Do I use it? Do I even really want it? What is it made of? But, before you de-clutter and go tossing everything in the garbage, think about recycling it. Magazines can be donated to doctor's offices, hospitals and senior citizen centers. Clothes can be dropped off at donation centers. Just abut anything can find a new home. Find non-profit groups in your area, and find out what they need. Household items may be accepted at a Women's Shelter (Vera House here in Syracuse). If you have an item that Aunt Tillie gave you, and you just don't love it, pass it on to the friend who once admired it. It just might be more their style. They might just love it. 

Now, before you buy ANYTHING ELSE, think about it. Do you absolutely need it? How was it made? What is it made of? What is it packaged in? Is there a greener alternative? If there is a choice between two items, pick the one with less plastic packaging (especially if it is the kind you need a saw to get open) or with less toxic ingredients. If you can't pronounce it, don't buy it. 

There ARE alternatives. Just because it is convenient and available doesn't mean it is the only option. Just because you have always used it doesn't mean it is safe. The more I look for options, the more I find that going green just means Living Simply.

Green Products:

Planet Laundry Detergent 

Twenty Mule Team Borax (add a little to the laundry detergent) 

Related websites:

www.ocrra.com  

(Onondaga County) Great lists of recyclables. Check out the Community Collection Center.

www.givetoothers.com

(They list items needed and the charity that needs them)

www.syracuserestore.org

(If you plan to remodel, check this out. It is a good way to recycle used, but good condition items)

  

Feng Shui - What is it and Why is it Green?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art and science that literally means wind and water, the seen and the unseen energies in our environment. Balancing these energies in your home or office can benefit your health, your relationships, your creativity and even your finances. Feng Shui uses energy positively and effectively. 

Like Feng Shui, environmentalism is about living consciously - being aware of what we use, what we eat, what we leave in our wake.  It is giving honor to ourselves, our families, other living beings and the earth.  

Feng Shui and Eco-Friendly Living have alot in common. I am learning just how much they are similar, and how to integrate them both into my home environment. Breaking old habits, looking at my home with different options and possibilities, thinking about the food I eat, the products I choose (or choose to pass up!), and in general the way I live life. It's a minefield out there! So, making choices is hard. 

This blog is designed to be a sharing-ground for Green choices. I will pass information to you, and I hope you pass on products and tips you have tried and are happy with. Please leave comments! When ideas are also good Feng Shui, I will let you know. There will be some Feng Shui information too. If you want more info on Feng Shui than is here, you can go to my website (linked at right), e-mail me or call me. 

Feng Shui Idea:

Three rules to get started-

   1. Never have anything in your home that you don't really use, need or have to have. Just don't buy it. And if you already did, get rid of it. Sell it (on eBay, at a garage sale, etc.), give it to someone who really wants it or donate it.

   2. Never have anything in your home that is broken. Fix it or throw it out!

   3. Only have items in your home that you truly love, treasure and that bring you happiness each time you look at it. 

Green Thing:

   I have a war on plastic. It is everywhere. I wonder- what did people do before it was invented? There are so many forms of it, some of it is recyclable, some not. The little numbers in the triangle on the bottom tells if it is. It is mostly not recycled by anyone. All of it is bad. Some leaches into our food and drinks. It is toxic. It is made of non-renewable resources (petroleum). I swear it breeds in the cabinet when I try to save it. I had some fabric I didn't want anymore, so I spent an afternoon sewing some shopping bags. But, if you don't sew, buy some reusable bags. Sturdy ones that won't fall apart. Chic ones if you are a fashion forward person. Keep them in your car or by the front door so you won't forget to use them. I was a little shy about using them at my grocery store at first, but then the clerk said you wouldn't believe how many people use them. (Really??? Great!)

Now it makes me think of how NOT to use plastic bags. Like I said, they are everywhere.  I do not love them, so they are NOT good Feng Shui.