My high school economics teacher (who was also the state championship winning football coach) told our class that it takes 2 weeks to create a habit. He was telling us this on the first day of school when we all had our brand new agenda books, crisp notebooks and fresh pencils with which to take notes and organize our sophomore lives. He wanted to make clear that most of us would forget our daily planners the next day, and probably not come to class prepared at all by the end of the week. He encouraged us to thoughtfully and methodically do what we set out to do (in this case, write our homework in our agendas and take helpful notes with sharpened pencils) day by day, for 2 weeks and by the end, we wouldn’t have to be so intentional about it- it would become habit. I have thought about that lesson many times over the years and have sought to apply it in all areas of my life. I’ve found that most things that are worth doing don’t come easily, and require some effort on my part. This new year I encourage you to pick one thing- any thing you have been wanting to change (eating in front of the TV? feeding your kids nutrient-free but convenient junk food instead of taking time to prepare them health-giving meals and snacks?) or a new habit you have been hoping to employ (drinking more water? going to bed by 10PM? writing in your journal? “unplugging” from your blackberry and spending more focused playtime with your kids? going for a walk with your family after dinner?)- and do it consistently everyday for two weeks. You’ll be surprised how quickly your new actions become your healthier, happier lifestyle!
Pocket Guide for Reducing Pesticide Exposure
Go to The Organic Center for a free download to reduce your toxin exposure, nd for lots of great resources and other information and facts, such as:
“Organic fruits and vegetables are on average 25% higher in 11 key nutrients and 30% higher in antioxidants than their conventionally produced counterparts. Certified organic products are farmed without the use of toxic, synthetic pesticides and fertilizers or GMOs.”
Elle Macpherson Saves the Day
So I had mastitis more than once, and if you’ve had it, you know it is not fun. I treated it naturally all the times I had it, but by the 4th time I was really over it…not to mention my husband was working on the other coast and I was alone caring for my 8 week old. Since he had to fly home early he mentioned to one of the women on his job what was ailing me, and what she suggested really made a difference. She said, “I know it might sound weird, but I had mastitis all the time until I bought the Elle Macpherson nursing bra.” When my husband told me this, I quickly flashed back to the time I tried on an Elle Macpherson nursing bra at the Upper Breast Side (an amazing full service store for nursing mothers- check it out if you live in the New York City Area!). I didn’t buy it at the time because it looked and felt like a piece of sexy lingerie and I thought I needed soft stretchy boring cotton. Anyway, I quickly ran back out and bought that Elle Macpherson nursing bra
Even Softer Baby Skin!
We recently moved from our LEED gold certified “green building” to another green building, but we discovered there are different interpretations of what makes a building green. There’s always a bright side to everything and in this case I know there are many great things that can make your home a healthier place to live. One of the most important is removing the chlorine from your family’s bathwater. Excessive chlorine exposure is linked to asthma, eczema, dry skin, premature aging, and more serious diseases such as cancer. Considering the fact that you absorb about 8 ounces of water during a 15 minute shower, and even more while soaking in the bathtub, it’s important to dechlorinate your bathwater. In my experience, I couldn’t believe the difference in my skin after living in a building with double filtered water, to one that was heavily chlorinated. Talk about dry skin! and I definitely don’t want to be bathing my baby in this water. I was so relieved to find bath salts to add to bath water that inactivate the chlorine at Green Nest:
Mediterranean Blue – Dechlorinating Bath Salts
Seriously??? Embalmed Baby Clothes…
Have you ever wondered why some tags on clothes say, “wash before wearing?” Well I’m sure you already pre-wash all of the clothes you put on your baby, but I just want to make sure you know why it’s so important to continue…because they are most likely treated with formaldehyde. Yes, this is true. A known carcinogen is used on our baby’s (and kid’s and our) clothes as a mildew resistant, especially if they will be shipped long distances to the stores. Whoa. This makes me think twice about buying “cheap” clothes even though babies and kids outgrow them so fast. The best way to avoid this toxic substance which will be close to your baby’s skin and nasal passages is to buy organic clothing or clothing made in Europe, and accept hand-me-downs (the chemicals will have worn off a little by the time you get them). This is one more area where we can vote with our dollar- I’m sure if this information were on the clothing labels many people would not buy the clothes resulting in manufacturers having to change their practices, so let’s get the word out. Call companies, ask questions, write letters, buy organic and create change!
*Check out the post Holly’s Holiday Shopping List for a list of online retailers selling organic children’s clothes.