Feminine Hygiene...ya I said it.

The subject may make you giggle but the scary chemicals and plastics you are putting in your body aren't really that funny...

See this article about Emerita Tampons:

http://newhope360.com/blog/emeritas-tampon-revolution

Homemade Granola

Granola is so easy to make and makes the whole house smell yuumm-mmmy!  Here is a simple recipe I follow loosely but feel free to experiment with sweetness, spices, etc.  I also like to double it because it tends to disappear pretty fast :)

On the stove in a pot on low mix (may have to add more or less depending on dry mixture):

• 1/3 canola oil
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup molases
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla

In a large mixing bowl combine:

• 6 cups of oats (any kind really, instant or slow cooking will both work)
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup slivered almonds or nuts of your choice
• 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• cinamon (I add a lot)
• nutmeg
• spices of your choice

Pour heated liquid mixture over combined dry mixture.  Mix to coat evenly.  You don't want too much liquid, just enough to evenly coat all of the oats.

Preheat oven to 350.  Cover 2 cookie sheets with wax paper.  Put mixture onto cookie sheets and spread so that there is a thin even layer of oat mixture on the cookie sheets.

Put both cookie sheets in the oven for 20 mins (may be less or more.  Watch carefully!  You want the granola to be light golden.)

Mid way through the cooking time pull out the cookie sheets and mix up the oats so they cook evenly.  Also switch the cookie sheet on the top rack and the bottom cookie sheet mid way through the cooking time.

Once the granola is cooked put in a bowl and add raisins and dried fruits of your choice.

Enjoy!

The New Food Pyramid

It sure doesn't look like the old one!

How to eliminate plastic waste in your life...

From the documentary "bag it"'s website...

We ALL use way too much plastic.  Here are some great ways to decrease your plastic footprint!

A LIFE LESS PLASTIC

TEN ALTERNATIVES

1. Carry reusable shopping bags

Whether you're shopping for groceries, clothes or electronics, be sure to bring along the reusable bag(s) of your choice. Keep them in your car so you don't forget to use them. We recommend the Chico Bag — small enough to fit in your pocket or purse!

2. Give up bottled water

By drinking your water from a glass jar or a reusable bottle, you can help reduce the environmental costs associated with producing bottled water and save money while you're at it. Unlike bottle water, the quality of your tap water is regularly monitored by your city. Click here to learn more about your local tap water supply.

3. Say no to plastic produce bags

Bagging your produce is generally unnecessary. If you do want a separate bag for produce, cloth options are available. Some alternatives are EcoBags, Acme produce bags, or making your own from old t-shirts.

4. Buy from bulk bins

You can find almost all dry foods, as well as some personal care products, from bulk bins. If you can't find bulk bins in your neighborhood, you can still buy non-perishable goods in large size packages, which will decrease the amount of plastic used.

5. Make your own seltzer

When it comes to carbonated drinks, you can avoid high intakes of high fructose corn syrup AND the need for purchasing disposable bottles by making your own seltzer. We recommend adding a splash of juice to your homemade soda to create a delicious bubbly drink. Kids love it!

6. Pack food in reusable containers

Bring reusable containers to restaurants to take home your leftovers. Ask the butcher or deli server at your grocery store to package your food in your reusable container. Use them to pack your lunch, and don't forget to carry along reusable utensils. We love these containers from LunchBots and Life Without Plastic.

7. Choose milk in returnable glass bottles

Many communities have local dairies that provide milk in returnable glass bottles rather than plastic or plastic-coated cardboard. All cardboard milk containers are coated inside and out with plastic, not wax. Check out local dairies in your area to see if this is offered, or ask them to start a co-op.

8. Use bar soap and shampoo

Make the change from liquid to bar!

9. Choose lotions and lip balms in plastic-free containers
Organic Essence is packaging its body lotions in compostable cardboard jars and its lip balms in ingenious cardboard tubes that squeeze from the end. There are also lotion bars and lip balms and glosses that come in glass or metal containers. Or you can even make your own products.

10. Make sure your personal care products are phthalate-free

Phthalates, which are plasticizers, have become standard as additives to scented products because they help fragrances last longer. But research has shown reasons to be concerned about the impact of phthalates on our health . Use this list to find phthalates-free products.