Today I learned another benefit of using natural cleaning products and low-processed foods. It was time to get our septic system pumped. If you’ve never been part of this process, count yourself blessed. Gratefully, my husband is a professional in the wastewater business, so he gladly took responsibility for this chore. This time, the chore [...]
Have you heard the buzz? Statin drugs are a hot topic once again. This week the FDA has changed it’s labeling guidelines for statins. Research from last year indicated that use of statin drugs increased the likelihood of diabetes; I heard the buzz and blogged about it in May. After much deliberation, the FDA has [...]
You’ve heard it. I’ve heard it, too. You should eat something when you drink alcohol. But do you know why? It’s not just about date rape or drunk driving. It’s also about packing on calories. In the July/August 2011 issue of Women’s Health, Laura Bell described the effect of drinking a margarita on an empty [...]
Eating healthy takes a lot of work. Once you get used to it, though, it doesn’t take so much time or effort, even when you travel. To keep my body pain-free and full of energy, I try to avoid pesticides, synthetic additives, and anything highly processed. Here are some things I’ve learned to avoid on [...]
Why is heart disease killing so many people in our country? It’s a question that professionals in the worlds of medicine, science, and insurance are researching ad nauseum. Their “answers” seem to gravitate toward advice of this nature: “Take this pill, get this surgery, and avoid red meat and butter.” Obviously I’ve simplified things tremendously. [...]
If you care about the presence of pesticides on your food but don’t have vast wealth to buy organic everything, then consider choosing organic produce for the top twelve items that are notoriously high in pesticides. This list is called the Dirty Dozen, compiled by the Environmental Working Group. Click on the link to print [...]
The world has changed a lot in fifty years. Before 1906, consumers were careful about “quacks” who sold “snake oil” that would cure baldness and aid indigestion plus more. You could usually trust the grocer on the corner who you knew personally, though. Then the public learned to trust the FDA to protect US citizens [...]
Mason jars are more abundant in my kitchen this year. Plastic is going away. My fridge is looking better than back in January, don’cha think? (I told you about NOT posting my New Year’s resolutions, remember?) Here’s another way to use glass jars… and save time.. and have a healthy breakfast. Whip up a batch [...]
This proves to you I’m not a professional gardener. Not by any means. I don’t have a greenhouse or a potting shed or even a potting table. I spread an old sheet on the kitchen floor and fill the little pots I save every year from those basil plants that I haven’t figured out how [...]
Over a week ago, I decided to get my hair colored. It wasn’t an impulse decision, not in the slightest. The salon advertises “organic” hair color and I was assured over the phone that the colors are “vegan.” These statements didn’t persuade me, though. I did some research to learn how hair color works. Sigh. [...]
